16 32 1900 http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/63dfdf3cbcfccb94b6ca56e0e14901a9.PDF 63e3a545ea128a555416b21417c8bafb PDF Text Text Official Organ of the Atlantic and Gulf District, Seafarers International Union of North America x\ •T. , NEW YORK, N. Y.. FRIDAY. OCTOBER 4. 1946 Vol. VIII. Green Scores US Meddling in Disputes Nominations Still Open Preparations for the election of union officials who will serve during 1947 in the Atlantic and Gulf District began with nominations of candidides in all ports at the last membership meetings. Members who still wish to announce their candidacy have until Oct. IS, when nominations will be closed. Any qualified member may nominate himself for office by submitting, in writing, his intention to run for office. Necessary proof of qualifications must accompany the written 'ntention. and the particular office in which the member is in­ terested must be specified. This notification and data should be addressed to the Secretary-Treasurer and must be in his office not later than Oct. 15. 1948. Oualifications for office in the Atlantic and Gulf District, as provided for by the Constitution and By-laws, will be found on page 5. NOTE:—Inadverdently left out of last week's story on nom­ inations was the Port of Tampa. The only office open there is that of Port Agent. If you are interested in Ybor City cooking, don't forget to file. CHICAGO- Government wage dominaiion is outmoded and should be dropped, and the Wage Stabilization Board should be discontinued, AFL President Wil­ liam Green declared in a mili­ tant address before the Brother­ hood of Railway Carmen (AFL), in session here. "Employers and unions should be given full and complete op­ portunity to reach agreements through free and unfettered col­ lective bargaining," he told the delegates. The entire subject of the Gov­ ernment's wage policy is now under study, at the request of President Truman, by a commit­ tee of which Mr. Green is a mem­ ber. The convention, attended by close to 1,000 delegates, an alltime record, represented more than 131,000 members, an in­ few crease of more than 40,000 since the the last conclave in 1941. No. 40 AFL Maritime Unions Answer Bridges' Raiding NEW YORK—During the past few days, the AFL Maritime Trades Department has taken definite steps to stop further raiding attempts on the part of the commun­ ist-dominated Committee for Maritime Unity against AFL-contracted shipowners on the West Cx)ast. This ac- *tion took the form of a telegram sent to President Truman, all shipping associations, and the U. S. Maritime Commission no­ tifying them that in the future any new ship operators starting During the next week or so, in business on the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts mu.st negotiate sole- ^ Chicago will be the scene of ly with American Federation of great activity as the delegates of Labor Unions. all American Federation of La­ In the event that these pros­ bor affiliates meet in the Windy City for their annual convention. pective ship operators make any Starting on Monday, October agreements with either the Na­ tional Maritime Uniop or the NEW YORK—^The encouraging sessions of the past 7, when the convention will be American Communications Asso­ opened by AFL President Wil­ weeks between the SIU Negotiating Committee and liam Green, questions of policy ciation, both CIO affiliates, the companies almost came to an end on Monday, Sep- will be discussed, and jurisdic­ AFL Longshoremen have gone on record to support the AFL •.ember 30, when the operators tional matters which have arisen Maritime Trades Department by attempted to bring up for will be settled. refusing to work these ships. MARITIME COUNCIL further discussion a matter This is the kind of solidarity At the same time that the con­ which has characterized the AFL which had already been satis­ vention is being held, the AFL Maritime Trades Department factorily settled. This matter Maritime Trades Department since its inception. concerned the Transportation will also be meeting to draft a Rider, and had been cleared up NOTIFY PRESIDENT constitution and to discuss other NEW YORK—The long smold­ this union is striking for eco­ in the early days of the meetings. The current action was brought matters. Since the organization ering fight of the Masters, Mates, nomic and legitimate reasons. The Union Negotiating Com­ is young, permanent officers, to a head by the continued reand Pilots, AFL, for rotary ship­ Support to the MM&P, a mem­ mittee, consisting of John Hawk, have not yet been chosen and ^usal of Harry Bridges' redping and increased wages to of­ ber organization of the AFL Mar­ Paul Hall, J. P. Shuler, and Rob­ this is one of the tasks that will dominated CIO Longshoremen fset the higher costs of living itime Trades Department, went ert Matthews, had barely taken have to be done. to work ships wliich are manned came out in the open October 1, further than just the pledge to off their coats and sat down at Also to be decided are ques­ by AFL crews and under AFL when 12,000 members of the respect picketlines. Full finan­ the round table when the ship­ tions of futui-e affiliates to the contracts. Due to this condition, MM&P went on strike for Upion cial and physical support, in ac­ owners tried to reopen this ques­ Maritime Trades Department, af­ the American Pacific Steamship hiring and a 30 per cent wage in­ cordance with the needs of the tion, without honoring the fact filiation fees, and future course Company is being forced out of crease. that the subject had been ade­ and policy of this newest and business, and approximately 2500 strike, will also be given. quately discussed in the past, and most vigorous AFL Union group. jobs will be lost to the Sailors Also out on strike for the same COMMIES MOVE IN a mutual agreement had already general benefits are the 15,000 Delegates from the Seafarers Union of the Pacific and other The situation in the MEBA been arrived at. members of the Marine Engin­ International Union will include AFL maritime unions. In vain the Committee tried Paul Hall, cliairman of the New eers Beneficial Association, CIO, has, as usual, been used by the The text of the telegram folcommunists to try to gain con­ to reason with the operators, but York Council, John Hawk, Cal lows: After fruitless negotiations trol of the union, and to drive a to no avail. Finally, when it ap­ with the shipowners which cul­ Tanner and Earl Sheppard. (Continued on Page 4) wedge tnio th esolid ILA ranks peared that nothing more could minated in bargining sessions in on the East and Gulf Coasts. be gained by continued atten­ Washington under tlie watchful Comrade Romanoff, Assistant dance at this meting, the SIU eyes of the bureaucrats, the rep­ Business Manager of MEBA 33, representatives stood up and resentatives of the MM&P-found struck the first blow in an news­ prepared to walk out. that they were getting exactly paper interview in which he nowhere. BLUFF CALLED blasted the ILA leadership and When their contracts" ran out At this point the operators re­ asked for rank-and-file support. As a direct result of the SIU-| Now, with the completion ofon September 30, true to the tra­ alized that their disruptive at­ SUP general maritime strike, the negotiations carried on between His attempt to disrupt the tempts were not achieving the dition "No contract, no work," longshoremen exploded in his results they wanted, and so they Sailors Union of the Pacific haa^ Harry Lundeberg, representing the licensed deck officers walked gained the same wage and over- ^ the SUP, along with other cornoff their ships and established face when the AFL Maritime agreed, to go on to the unfinished time rates for the West Coast as mittee members, and J. B. Bryan picketlines at piers along all three Trades Department issued the business, with the understanding has been won by the SIU on the of the Pacific American Steamstatement pledging that • the that the discussion on the Trans­ coasts of the United States. ship Association these points East Coa.st. MM&P and the MEBA picket- portation Rider would not be re­ AFL SUPPORT After the SIU-SUP strike have been clarified, and the SUP lines would be honored. opened by them in the course of against the Wage Stabilization has gained an agreement guaran­ As soon as the strike of the This irresponsible name-call­ bargaining sessions. Board, the SUP members remain­ teeing the same wage and over­ MM&P started, the AFL Mari­ Other than this smoke screen ed out until September 26 due to time rates as the SIU, Atlantic ing, following so closely on the time Trades Department held a device, which only developed at the MCS—MFOWW beefs against and Gulf District, now enjoys on * meeting in New York, at which heels of the sellout of the Marine this meeting, the bargaining ses­ the ship operators, and also on ac­ the East Coast. time the Department's policy of Firemen, Oilers, Wipers, and Wasions are progressing very satis­ count of the need for further supporting all member unions tertenders, by the commie-con­ The agreement which the SUP factorily. The subjects still un­ clarification of a number of dis­ trolled Committee for Maritime was reaffirmed. At the same der discussion are the Manning puted points between the Union membership ratified incorporates Unity, has put both Romanoff and time, it was agred to respect the (Continued on Page J) and shipowners. picketlines of the MEBA since (Continued on Page 9) (Continued on Page 3) Operators Drop Stall; Talks Make Progress QQ||yg||0^ in Chicago Licensed Officers' Strike Ties Up Ali U. S. Shipping 4 SUP Action Wins Same Wage Scale As Seafarers On The East Coast �m !gvr~:^.^^v' • iV-j- -'^ * Page "Two TEE S E AF ARE RS LOG Friday, October 4, 1946 ZOG Published Weekly by the SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Gulf District • ;V ...'•'; V >' Affilia fed wth the American Federation of Labor At 51 Beaver Street, New York, 4, N. Y. HAnover 2-2784 t 4. *. t HARRY LUNDEBERG ------10 J Market Street, San Francisco, Calif. President JOHN HAWK - -- -- - - - Secy-Treas. P. O, Box 25, Station P., New York City Entered as second class matter June 15, 1945, at the Post Office in New York, N. Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912. 267 Waterfront Communists It is now a matter of record that the communists in the American labor movement constitute a threat to free labor, and their actions are never dictated by true trade union motives but by the communist party line—what­ ever it may be at the moment. We say that it is a matter of record because we have seen how the unions that are com­ munist-dominated have gone counter to the best interests of the American workers, whenever Russian foreign policy necessitated such actions. Their present actions follow out the same general pattern. In union after union they have infiltrated a small, though mouthy core, to disrupt the normal activities of c,the union and to make it easier for the red fascists to gain control. The unions which have already suffered this fate are too numerous to mention here. If you think a while, you can easily bring to mind at least a score that are now totally under ccMumunist influence. Hospital Patients Now, once again, these parasites on the labor move­ ment, are up to their old tricks. Once more they have sneaked a few of their number into honest trade unions such as the MEBA, the MFOWW, the MM&P, and the ILA, in an attempt to cause disruption and split the ranks of these workers. Once this has been accomplished, they feel that they can seize power. It is only when chaos reigns that these vultures are able to thrive. When entering the hospital notify the delegate by post­ card, giving your name and the number of your ward. Staten Island Hospital Men Now In The Marine Hospitals However, the easy road they traveled to power in the These are the Union Brothers currently in the marine hospitals, NMU, the ILWU, and the MCS, to name a few, has not been prepared for them in MEBA, MFOWW, MM&P, and as reported by the Port Agents. These Brothers find lime hanging ILA. Here they are being opposed by men who know the heavily on their hands. Do what you can to cheer them up by writ­ ing to them. dangers of being controlled by Joe Stalin's agents, and as STATEN ISLAND HOSPITAL SAN JUAN HOSPITAL a consequence they are facing a battle at every turn. In the ILA they took a beating which drove them permanently from the New York and East Coast water­ front. Their sellout of the MFOWW is bringing them the same reward in that union, and the MM&P has rejected them. Their only hope for expansion on the waterfront now lies in the MEBA. Here they have massed their forces; in this union they have poured their key people and have ex­ pended a lot of money in a try to wrest power from the anti-communist leaders and rank-and-file. Even in the MEBA strike for higher wages and im­ proved conditions, they are trying to make capital. If they had their way this legitimate action would be turned into a political rally, and the communists would be the only gainers. S i|i Only the vigilance of the honest members of the MEBA has stopped this from happening so far. And only the knowledge that the other honest trade unions along the waterfront are with them in this fight has given the mem­ bers of the MEBA the courage to go on with this campaign. To them and to ail other trade unionist who fight the anti-labor communists, we say that when you have won, you v/ill find that the battle was worth the reward. And to them we say that we will help to the limit in any fight to keep American labor free—free from Government con­ trol, and free from communist domination. j R. GAUTIER P. PAGAN B. DEL VALLE P. PEDROSA J. VANDESSPOOT.Tr ^ * C. G. SMITH PAUL DEADY L. A. CORNWALL W. B. MUIR R. G. MOSSELLER C. W. SMITH C. R. POTTER H. P. HARRIS H. P. HARRIS J. FAIRCLOTH J. DE ABREU L. L. MOODY T. WADSWORTH F. GEMBICKI W. G. H. BAUSE G. KITCHEN J. N. RAYMOND H. BELCHER J. FIGUEROA F. MARTENS S* S> w BALTIMORE HOSPITAL ERNEST TILLEY RALPH BINGHAM GEORGE WHITE HENRY WHILLETT CHARLES DUNN LEONARD MARSH PETER LOPEZ MOSES MORRIS ROY McCANNON ' * NEW ORLEANS HOSPITAL JOSEPH WALSH GLEN DOWELL F. V. VIGO GEORGE CONNOR ROBERT PEEL EDWARD CUSTER W. BROCE JR. W. OATIS LEROY CULBERTSON JOHN KROSCYNSKI R. M. NOLAN W. H. OSBORNE E. MAXWELL J. SEELEY JR. L. MELANSON THOMAS MORGAN ALVIN BALLARD OLAF JENSEN J. W.- DENNIS NORMAN PALLME JOE WAGNER A. P. MORGAN W. B. ADDISON JOHN GOOLDY PHILIP McCANN You can rnntact your Hos­ pital delegate at the Staten Island Hospital at the follow­ ing limes: Tuesday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on 5th and 8th floors) Thursday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on 3rd and 4th floors.) Saturday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on 1st and 2nd floors.) BOSTON HOSPITAL H. .STONF. P. KOGGY P. CASALINUOVO A. CHASE E. JOHNSTON T. DINEEN E. DORMADY E. DACEY K. HOOPER S. GILLIS X X NORFOLK HOSPITAL J. E. HARRISON J. W. ALLSTATT J. KELLER C. F. YANCEY E. L. McCOSKEY W. RAUT W. SMITH D. L ASSAID R. L. ANDERSON RAY COLE XXX GALVESTON HOSPITAL LONGCHAMPS IRELAND TILMAN HIKE RINGO DUPREE �Friday, Ociober 4, 1346 THESEAPAREKS LOG DEAD HARBOR Page Thra* Ship Officers Tie Up All Of U.S. Shipping .5 -Si (Continued from Page 1) his master, Harry Bridges, in a bad light with the members of the MEBA. . NO SHIPS MOVE By PAUL HALL Within a few hours after the'strike started, the entire Newf -: Many of us thought that we would never live to see the day Pictures about the strike action continue to flood the Log. York waterfront was closed. when licensed officers would hit the bricks, but the day has come Sometimes we can't print the picture the same week we receive Pickets moved briskly in the chill » and they are doing a damn good job. Their picketlines are just winds, and although there were it. but we intend to print all the good ones we get so as to give the same as any other with the exception of a liberal sprinkling not as many as there had been our readers an idea of how the strike went in other ports. This of uniforms and brass. Four-stripe Masters with scrambled eggs when the SIU-SUP successfully on the visors of their caps are walking side by side with young picture shows a picketline in Baltimore when Seafarers mili­ went on strike against the WSB thirds who have licenses -so new the ink hasn't dried on the tancy won for seamen the highest wages and finest conditions ruling last month, it was easily signatures. in maritime history. That ain't hay. Brother. seen that all shipping had been effectively tied up. Real Strike Committees The action taken by the MM&P The New York Hall of Local 88 of the Masters, Mates and Pilots is one unprecedented in the his­ is a scene of furious gctivities. Two and three-stripers are running tory of the American Merchant around doing everything from watching the door to sweeping the Marine. Never before have ships' deck. The Committees are all democratically elected rank and officers walked off the bridge to file committees with all ratings serving with equal authority. enforce their demands. This his­ About the only excuse that is accepted to avoid picketing is tory making move marks a new death, paralysis or two wooden legs and, at that, several one-legged milestone in the progress of ormembers are reported to be doing their turn on the line. Not many ganized labor. are trying to avoid any duty, however, and these few are about In Washington the talks con­ as popular as a thief in a foc'sle. tinued, and there was every rea­ Commies Not Wanted son to believe that the ship op­ erators would be unable to hold The few commies who have managed to acquire enough seatime By JOE VOLPIAN out any longer in the face of un­ to get a license and sneak into the MM&P started out right away to ion solidarity which has so com­ spread dissention and try to sell the strikers on the CMU-CIO ideas Almost every day of the week tion and it can't be introduced as pletely paralyzed the nation's The MM&P has tolerated these birds for a long time, regarding shipping. Every indication point­ them chiefly as screwballs and nuisances; but a strike is a serious your Special Services Depart­ evidence by the man himself. If the statement has been so ed to a victory by the two strik­ ment is visited by a Brother who thing, so the eornniies have had a brief, albeit disastrous, fling written that it can be used ing unions. They no sooner open their mouths than it is closed for them in tells us that he was hurst on the against the seaman they will use fact rumor has is that several mouths were closed so rapidly that SS Rustbucket on such and such it against him, because the court swelling set in. a date. He states that his injuries holds that the statement is an were severe and that he should admission that he himself made AFL Gives Full Support The AFL Maritime Trades Department was on hand with receive a large sum of money in and can properly be used in evi­ pledges of full and unqualified support even before the strike start­ repayment as it was the ship's dence. The Claim Agent can testify as ed. They made it plain that they did not intend to usurp or in­ fault that he was injured. to the supposed conversation and SARATOGA SPRINGS, N. Y. terfere with the MM&P management of the strike in anyway, but We ask him what, if anything, his testomony will be allowed, that they placed themselves, both individual members and unions, —Faced with sharply curtailed was done about it. He usually as he is supposed to be an unin-' ,• x, „ „ x- . i.at the full disposal of the strike committee for any job. X J X , , ... employment in the nations shiptells us that after he was dis­ terested party and has nothing •. xu • T , . charged from the hospital he to win or lose by the testimony, Industrial Union of Engineers Repufliate CMU The Engineers, members of the MEBA, are on the picketliries went down to the company Claim Tn other words it is heads he wins, ^^rine & Shipbuilding Workerstails you lose. Therefore, you CIO at its annual convention also, and they too are doing an excellent job. At the mass meeting Agent to look into the matter. The first thing he was told was should be cautious as to what here voted to tighten its organiheld the night before the strike, the CMU came out in full force backed by a few commies on the strike committee and a few more that before any money would be you sign or say to a Claim Agent, ^^^ion to give continued leaderpaid he would have to tell what in the membership. COME TO HALL ! ship to the nation's shipyard Laudatory speches were made by CMU representatives who happened to him and would he If you want to protect yourself workers. promised the MEBA the moon. The pay-off came when Comrade please make , out a statement against such pitfalls this is my Communist sympathizers in the Selly, president of the ACA-CIO, spoke and said he was bringing which he would be required to advice: union were soundly beaten on the meeting the greetings of Harry Bridges. These greetings re- sign. If he didn't want to make Before going up to see the several votes, including passage received another greeting from the assembled Engineers, who booed out the statement he could just Claim Agent consult your Union of an amendment to the union's tell the Claim Agent how it hap­ the name. , xi. ^ The Chairman of the strike committe then announced that the pened. This the seamen usually Agent, or if you are in New York constitution that "Communists discuss your case with your Spe- Nazis, Fascists, or members of MEBA was not, and never had been, a part of the CMU and that does. cial Services Department. We the Ku Klux Klan, or anyone their attendance at meetings had been in the nature of observers SMART COOKIES will try to advise you on the' adhering to these philosophies only. He further stated that the MEBA would run its own strike After the interview the seaman proper procedure to follow. j shall be barred from holding posiand man its own picketlines although they needed and would ac­ is told to come back in a few days If the case involves an illness, tions of responsibility or authorcept support from both the CIO and AFL. and as the seaman closes the not due to your own miscon-' ity in thi.s union or any of its door the Claim Agent sits down duct, it is all right to go up to subdivisions, and any person adAFL Supports Engineers and writes out his own version of the Claim Agent to collect the j vocating the overthrow of the The AFL then announced that they would support the En­ what he thinks the seaman told maintainance, cure, . wages and Constitution of the U. S. shall gineers, but would have nothing to do with Harry Bridges' unionhim. When the seaman returns he transportatioft due you. How- j be bai'red from office in this raiding CMU or the union-smashing communists. is usually told that the accident I "VcXj ever, if li it IL is lb more lIlUJTc? serious S6P10US think Xliinrv union." They further stated that the Seafarers^ and other AFL Unions was not the fault of the company before doing anything that had always supported legitimate strikes,"" and quoted many in­ and he can't get a nickel outside j,, HITS CP X„ kick back at you at is liable to stances where this support had been given to the tune of thousands of maintainance and cure. The amendment wa.s passed by some later date. of dollars and any other nupport that was needed, in addition to al­ a vnicp vote on the day following For proof they may show him a speech to delegates by CIO ways respecting the picket lines. It was pointed out that the Seafarers and the ILA were not the statement he signed or the Secretary-Treasurer James Carey quarreling with the CIO but the "organization within-an organiza­ Claim Agents version of what he in which he asserted "There are in this country a number of for­ tion," the communist controlled CMU which in the end had the had said. It is a clever stunt, and ces actuated by differing mo­ one aim to rule or ruin every union it came in contact with whether employed often. These Claim The Seafarers Log is your Agents are smart cookies who tives. For example, the Com-'" it was CIO or AFL. aren't kept around by the com­ Union paper. Every member These remarks and the pledge of support were received with munist Party has appointed itself panies just as ornaments. These has the right to have it mailed advance agent for a certain for­ cheers, and it was very evident that the communists in the MEBA birds know all the answers. mula for world government and are there on borrowed time, and will soon be back on Union to his house, where he and When the case comes to court the establishment of a certain Square where they belong. his family can read it at their he company really goes to work type of economy. It is vastly dif­ leisure. on the poor unsuspecting seaThe Strike Goes On ferent from the American tj'pe of economy. It is vastly different If you haven't already done In the meantime the strike goes on, with AFL Masters and nan. They know all the legali­ from the American type of econ­ Mates picketing the same docks as the CIO Engineers. The com­ ties of such cases and they do so. send your name and home omy which the CIO favors." munists stand by on the sidelines with watering mouths thoroughly not hesitate to employ them. Out address to the Log office, 51 discredited by both groups. The Seafarers are in there pitching with comes the statement he made and A proposal from the floor to Beaver Street, New York they start chopping away. congratulate former Commerce both and victory isn't far-away. City, and have yourself added If the statement the seaman From now on the Master, Mate, Engineer, Purser, Radio Officer Secretary Henry Walace on his to the mailing list. and unlicensed man will all sport picket cards, and work togethei made favors him he cannot use pro-Soviet stand on foreign pol­ closer than ever before to prove that a solid union merchant marine he statement, because the courts icy was not acted on by the con­ claim it is a self-serving declaravention, is the most efficient and best that has ever been known. Shipyard Union Bars Commies GET THE LOG �AFL Maritime Councii Answers Bridges - CMU Raiding Tactics I ' {Continued from Page 1) "Meeting in New York on September 28. the AFL Mari­ time Trades Department went on unanimous record to notify aill shipowners or prospective shipowners, the U. S. Maritime Commision, and the President 6f ihe United States that in the future when and if any new shipping companies start up on the Atlantic^ and Gulf Coasts thht they must negotiate with fhe AFL all the way through. "If any new shipping oper­ ators make labor agreements with the National Maritime Union or the American Com­ munications Association, then the AFL Longshoremen will refuse to work these ships. "This action was necessitat­ ed by the situation now exist­ ing on the Pacific Coast where the CIO communist-domin­ ated Longshoremen refused to work ships belonging to the American Pacific Steamship Company and which are not Only manned by AFL unlicen­ sed personnel but are under contract to AFL Unions. "In our opinion, this refusal is part of the CIO-CMU plan to force AFL seamen off these ships and substitute them with CIO-CMU seamen. It is an out­ right attempt by the CIO-CMU to force this company to do business solely with them, or drive the American Pacific Steamship Company out of budness. "We of the AFL Maritime Trades Department do not in­ tend to sit idly by while the CIO-CMU succeeds in their at­ tempt to abrogate an AFL con­ tract with this company, or force them into bankruptcy, thus losing many jobs for AFL members. We fully intend to protect all AFL Maritime contraicts with any and all means at our disposal, and this is fair warning to any individual or group of individuals that we mean business." (signed) John Owens, Executive Secy AFL Maritime Trades Dept. COOS BAY STORY This action by the AFL was the latest in the series of events which orginated back on June 30, and to which the SIU-SUP .refer to as the "Coos Bay Beef.!' On Sunday, June 30, SIU Presi­ dent Harry Lundeberg was no­ tified by the SUP Agent at Coos Bay (Marshfield), Oregon that Bridges' ILWU Longshoremen were refusing to work the SS Mello Fronco, which was chart­ ered to and operated by the Am­ erican Pacific Steamship Comipahy. This company was, and still is, under contract to the SUP as the sole bargaining agent for fhe unlicensed personnel in all three departments. On July 3, President Lunde­ berg dispatched a letter to HSrry Bridges, President of the ILWUCIO. In this letter. Bridges was challenger to submit any possible grievance he might fancifull3'have to President Murray of the C^IO and President William Green of the AFL. Bridges was also notified that both Murray and Green were being informed by wire of the SUP proposal. I'he Lundeberg letter was nevdr answered by Bridges. How­ Pridky, tbcAober 4.1^46 TVE SEA^A^ERSE^G Page Four ever, numerous authentic reports reach the SUP headquarters that Bridges had openly stated that the Coos Bay incident was mere­ ly the opening gun on all vessels operated by this company, no matter in what port they might try to load or discharge cargo. WORK DEMONSTRATION , Finally, on July 10 a joint SIUSUP Stop Work meeting took place in New York, and the day following the meeting pickets rnmmenced picketing piers where NMU-contracted ships were docked. Picketing took place on the Staten Island docks and the Chelsea docks on the North River extending from Pier 56 to 62. As a direct result of the SIUSUP action, Secretary of Labor Schwellenbach appointed a spe­ cial represenlalive to arbitrate all differences between the Bridges' outfit and the SIU-SUP. Despite the findings of this La­ bor Department representative, which were in favor of the Sail­ ors Union of the Pacific, the commy-controlled CIO L o n g shoremen continued their refusal to work the Mello Franco. Coos Bay Harbor was declared a closed port by the SUP, and the AFL State Federation of La­ bor concurred in the declaration. Members of the Masters, Mates and Pilots of America, an AFL affiliate belonging to the Mari­ time Trades Department, also respected the SUP declaration, and refused to sail any ships into Coos Bay. The combined action of 'the AFL Unions in closing this port caused much discontent among the local CIO longshoremen who PHILADELPHIA were fofced to go without pay on account Pf Harry Bridges' Whims. Locally, the AFL Lumber work­ ers refused to do any more ship­ ping of lumber to the docks in full support of fhe SUP. LOSE MANY JOBS Recently, STU President Lunde­ berg notified SUP New York Port Agent Morris Weisberger that the American Pacific Steam­ ship Company was being forced out of busine.ss due to the West Coast action Not heing a rich company, they were finding the high cost of idle ships too much for their nearly drained pocketbooks. With a desire to save this company from bankruptcy so that AFL seamen might keep the jobs, the entire problem was presented by Agent Weisberger to the AFL Maritime Trades De­ partment as one meriting their serious consideration. It was in answer to this prob­ lem that the AFL Maritime Trades Department decided to send the telegram to President Truman, the Maritime Commis­ sion and the various shipping as­ sociations, notifying them that the AFL was retaliating on the Atlantic and Gulf Coast for Bridges' commkmist-inspired move on the West Coast. T. Kiiski. $4.00; T, P. O'SulIivan. $2.00; J. Dixon, $4.00; M. Seged, $2.00; L. J. McLean. $2.00; D. J. Taylor, $2,00; E. Kelly, $2.00; J. C, Van Demark, $2.00; A. Garcia, $2.00; A. P. Power, $1.50; R. A. Duhrkopp, $1.00; R. F, Wilma, $4.00; A. Silea, $2.00; R. Edmondson, $l.t)0; Al StevenaOn, Vl.OO; C. Pecchiaro, $1.00; P. F. Hunzinger, $1.00. SS PORT CHARLOTTE J. W. Gibson, $1.00; J. W. CalhOune, $1.00; J. New, $1.00; J. B. Johnson, $1.00; C. O. Myers, $!.00; H. D. Nash, $1.00; D. A. Robinson, $1.00; W. T. Redmond, $1.00. SS WM. MC LENNAN \ SS HiBBiN VICTORY ] E. H. Cinnamon, $1.00; A. T. Kerr.; $3!D0; C. L. Jaccjues, $5!00; S. Miskow, $4.00; M. Dodge, $5.00; E. H. Cinnh-| mon, $2.00; P. L. Ames, $2,00; J, No-{ vak, $2.00; R. H. Guiberson, $1.00; K.| M. Johnson, $1.00; J. J. HiUier, $1.00;; P. J. Godfrey, $2:00; W. Wefet, $2.06;! T. R. Holt. '$LO«r; H. Bedkmah, $3.00;| A. Yance, $1.00; G, Brown, $1.00; A. Winnick, Jr., $1.00; R. G. Gold, '^$2.66; F. DeSmet, $2:00; R. Viscegalia, $2.00; T R. Bensoh, $3.00; S. Hbtckek, $2.00; S. Ross, $2.00; M. E. Flynn, $3.00; A. Otte, $2.00; C. L. Graham, $4.00; J. Hopkins, $2.00; P. W. Drawes, $1.00; H. S. Magney, $2.00; C. J. Hawley, $2.00; C. Fischer. $2.00. SS HILTON T. H. Geyer, $2.00; C. E. Dinger, James G. Walsh, $2.00; M. Evand- $2.00; W .R, Goodie, $3.00; C. J. sich, $1.00; Donald C. Smith, $1.00; G. Adams, $2.00; J, M. Soto, $2,00. W. Retd, Jr., $1.00; Jan Bail. $2:00; F. INDTVlbUAL DONATIONS J. Korngeind, $3.00; L. Linthicum, $2.00; H. Wykosky, $2.00; H. Lawson, H. E. 'Himkahip, $1.00; N. Creel, $2.00; I. Perez, $1,00; E. Molina, $1.00. $1.00; R. H. Bryan, $1.00; Boyd Noble, $2,00; D. Albright, $2,00; A. F. BradSS ALCOA PILOT ahaw, $2.00; R. D. Brewer. $2.00; E. I. C. Sofounias, $5.00; Crew of SS Al­ Cozier. $1.60; U. Ouamie, $1,60: F, coa Pilot, $20.00. Leadock, $'i:bb. SS LADREO VICTORY ITHIMK QUlESTlON'.—Now that you have seen the AFL Maritime Trades Department in action, what do you think about it? ALVIN STEBERG. FOW: I was out at sea during the strike, but I heard how "the De­ partment worked. From all re­ ports. it did a wonderful job and laid the groundwork for an even stronger Department. Even now. with the Council only in exis­ tence a short time, great gains have been made. Seamen every­ where are glad that the AFL set up such a Department so as to counteract the double-dealing of the commie Committee for Mari­ time Unity. We have a good start, and from here on we can grow bigger and stronger. JIMMY HIGHTOWER. Cook: This organization is lops and deserves the support of all men who are maritime workers. Only when labor bands together in un­ ions and when unions get to­ gether. as in this case, can the workingman ever get a decent break. In our strike, the AFL Maritime Trades Department showed how something like this can develop. The Government knew that they were not just dealing with the SIU and the SUP. but with over half a million waterfront Workers, and they al­ so knew that they could never break that kind of a strike. A further drastic follow-up is contemplated by the SIU-SUP in conjunction with the AFL Maritime Trades Department in the event that the Coos Bay Beef is not settled shortly. SIU-SUP members have never taken any raiding attempts or other forms of disruption lying down, and they fully intend to fight this beef out to a successful victory.^ Harry H, Green, $6.00; Thomas ApINDIVIDUAL DONATIONS plewite, |2'.00; M. 'J, Thssin, $1.00; R.! Crew of SS El Morro—$14.00. Davis, $2.00; R. S. Bright, $2,00; L. R. SS Madaket—$14.00. Guertin, $2.00; E. L. Schommer, $2.00;; R. DaFerno. $2.00; Joa. Fysella. $1.00; W. W. Westbrook, $2.00; Harry Gebbie,^ M. A. McBroom. $1.00; Mahoo, $6.00; $1.00; C. Smith, $2.00; H, Erickson,! E. Tabocjar, $1.00. $1.00; A. BailHrd, $1.00; R. Eisen^raeb-j er, $2.00; E. McBride, $LOO; W. Blanchard, $1.00; R. Croto, $5.00. NEW YORK SS R. CHOATE HERlKMfHi PETE YAMPIERI, FOW: It sure worked smoothly. I saw the way things were han­ dled. and I know that without the Department it would have been more difficult for us to win our strike. But the way things shaped up, with the ILA. the Teeunsters. and the licensed of­ ficers going all the way with us. we beat the WSB in short order. With the same amount of coo^ration and enthusiasm in the future, the AFL Maritime Trades Department will besoms the strongest group of unions along the waterfront. And that's good. ROBERT WALTHER. OS: The creation of the AFL Mari­ time Trades Department was a definite step toward waterfront unity, unity of the honest trade union type, and not the kind that leads toward political domina­ tion. We most likely could have _ won our beef by ourselves, bat this new organization made it a lot easier and Created a good feel­ ing of brotherhood and union soli­ darity. With sort of cooperation, we have set in motion machinery that will foe available for any future action. We can pull to­ gether for a common ctrase. �Friday, OctolMr 4^ 1:94^ Page Five* TBS SSAPAHERS Add More Threats To Freedom Of The Merchant Seamen: The MPs Summary Court of face of the most terrific attacks from the Nazi undersea wolves to TO: Masters of all Ships enter­ take lightly being sent to the stockade for having in his pos­ ing the Port. session a few packs of cigarettes. With this heading another gcsNeither can a man be expected tapo method of regimenting the to laugh when he is foned $5 for lives of free merchant seamen is riding on the steps of an over­ introduced to the readers of the crowded streetcar. Especially if Log who have not already run he is in a hurry to get back to afoul of the U. S. Military Police his ship. It is high lime that the various in the ports of Europe. To the military arms of the United seamen who have, there is not States Government stopped look­ much that can be added. ing upon merchant seamen as A report dated 16 August 1946, fair game to be put upon by all has recently been placed in the who want to exercise or abuse hands of the SIU by the crew the power given to them. members of the SS Iberville, Wa­ The Coast Guard has a long terman Steamship Company. This report, in black and. white, proves the truth of the many stories that have been brought back about the petty tyrannies being prac­ ticed by the American Military Police in occupied European countries. (Continued from Page 1) These dictatorial actions have been carried so far in some cases, the following provisions among that American merchant seamen others have sometimes had to stop and OVERTIME PAY ask themselves this question: The overtime pay shall be $1.00 "Are the MPs in Europe to police soldiers and keep order, or are per hour for all unlicensed per­ they here to pay the national sonnel receiving less than $200.00 debt of the United States by fin- per month, and $1.25 per hour for all unlicensed personnel re­ ceiving $200.00 per month or more, effective as of September 19. 1946. SUBJECT: Merchant Seamon. They go to the picketlines in style in Baltimore. This truck was used tp transport men to and from the picketlines, and may­ be it wasn't welcome at the end of a long day of marching, marching, marching. Everything Shaping Up Well For Seafarers In MiiHaiifl Vote By HENRY W. CHAPPELL The loss of prestige by the DULUTH—Things here in Duluth are beginning to shape up NMU was brought on by their in favor of the SIU, not only on leaders who, when they saw that the Midland ships which will be the majority of Great Lakes sea­ voted on Oct. 1, but on the Great men refused to act like trained dogs jumping through hoops, Lakes as a whole. started a campaign of slander, The slancierous campaign start­ calling our men finks, scabs, etc. ed by the NMU on Aug. 15 is be­ ginning to tell. In some instances as they did at Detroit, when Jack it has created a feeling of hatred Lawrenson and a few other com­ toward all unions, but with the mies went out to the Cadillac majority of Lake seamen who plant and tried to force the com­ are union-minded it has bene­ mie line down the throats of UAW-CIO local 174. fited the SIU. COMMIE-CONTROLLED The thinking seamen who weigh the merits of both, the SIU They cannot deny the fact that and the NMU realize that the the NMU is communist conti'olSIU is run on, a democratic basis led. When the Hitler-Stalin pact where the entire- membership was in effect before this country votes on vital issues, and does was in the war the NMU slogan not depend upon a few officials was, "The Yanks are not coming." to do their thinking for them. They did every thing in their When the Midland ships are power to hinder production and voted and the SIU has contracts transportation of lend-lease ma­ with the company, won in a fair terials. However, when the Hit­ and impartial election, we can ler-Stalin pact of 1939 was ended expect a verbal attack from the' and the Russians were at war, NMU. their slogan became, "We'll keep them sailing." ing U. S. merchant seamen as OLD TACTICS This sudden display of patriot­ much as possible?" The old commie tactics will ism and reversal of policy was come out into the open. We will not due to a change of heart by POWER ABUSED be called scabs and finks, apd be the NMU leaders, but because If this question seems outlan­ accused of accepting back door when any country agrees with dish, take the total fines collected and yellow dog contracts from Russia, the NMU will go along in a port which cannot be named, the company. I'm calling the 100 per cent with them. Thats for the period dating from July shots for the NMU in this instance the set-up in the NMU. 29, 1946, to August 16, 1946. Dur­ as I know their procedure and In the SIU the membership ing this period, $1870.00 was col­ can predict what the Pilot will dictates the policies of the Union lected in fines from merchant have to say when the returns are and the officials of the Union seamen for crimes ranging from in from the election, bringing in some extra candy carry these out. I imagine the NMU officials When vital issues are voted up­ bai's to possession of a few packs feel like a man who tried to run on it.is the majority that rules, of cigarettes over the limit. a bluff in a poker game and was and not a few officials, as with Here are some of the fines and caught. They thought it would the NMU. the reasons for them. It should be easy sailing to disguise their When the SIU fights for and be remembered that all these organizational drive as a strike, gets better conditipnp more cases come before a Summary tie up all Great Lakes and get the money etc., the NMU devotes a Court, where the accused has SIU to help them organize the complete page of the Pilot telling not the privilege of jury tidal; non-union ship.? for the benefit what great victories they have nor can he be defended by coun­ of the NMU. won on the Lakes. I wonder sel of his own choosing. They showed their true hand what they will tell the boys when 29 July 1946:—Merchant seaman when they established a picket- they see the Midland ships under of Andrew Furuseth. four packs line around .ships that were un­ the banner of the SIU. Thi.s fact of cigarettes fined—$75.00. der contract to the SIU at De­ will prove that threat^, name 7 August 1946:—Merchant seacalling and force will not work troit on August 15. mjui of Texarkana Victory. 11 when it comes to organizing, sea­ THEY WERE TOLD packs pf cigarettes fine—$75.00. men, Confined, lo hard labor until Tliey were told of the SIU As we gp ip pre^, wot4 fine paid. Was in stockade one stand in advance of their so-call­ cpm.es to, thgt yoJthg has day and fine was paid. ed strike. We told them we would commenced on the Midland not respect any picketlines ships, and thgt the NMU has 12 August 1946:—Merchant sea­ around unorganized ships as we withdrawn, man of Marine Robin with two the fap^ of alwere attempting to organize mpsl qertaip, candy bars fined—$10.00. ^Rh their theni into the SIU and we did not faygritp cry. of "cglhtsipn." 16 August 1946:—Merchant sea­ intend to stand idly by and watch man of Golden Eagle, riding on The fact that the ballot is them force these ships into the sepzel, and. under the supervis­ step of streetcar, fined—$5.00. NM,U. ion, of thp Natippal Laboi; Re­ NO LAUGHING MATTER Also we would not tolerate lations Bp^rd shppld effpctlveThis pattern is carried on their pickets around our contract ly gpswer that, charge. ships, but we would respect their As for the Midland sppmen. throughout the entire report. In lines around contract ships of the they, npw have a change, to get every paragraph there are more NMU. Their picketing of our u.ndgg tl^e protection ojt an hPn- and more instances of the misuse cpntgact ships wgs a declaration est. ipilitant meilitipje unipn. of military power against civil­ of war and we went on from We feel certain they won't ian workers. It is very hard for there. a man who sailed the seas in the muff- it. priving them of their papers for record of fining seamen and de- the most trivial offenses. And the Military Police are following right in the footsteps of the CG. SUP Action Wins Same Wage Scale As Seafarers On The East Coast There shall be no duplicating or pyramiding of overtime. HOURS OF WORK—IN PORT AND AT SEA In port the hours of work shall be 40 hours per week, and eight hours per day. between the hours of 8:00 a. m. and 5:00 p. m. Mon­ day through Friday, and all work performed after 5:00 p, m. and before 8:00 a. m. and on Satur­ days. Sundays and all holidays shall be paid for at the overtime rate, excegt as hereinafter other­ wise provided. All unlicensed personnel whose basic work week is 56 hours shall be paid overtime for hours work­ ed in excess of 48 hours per week for the purpose of this paragraph. All work performed on Sunday at sea shall be paid for at the overtime rate. The provisions of this agree­ ment. wth respect to hours at work at sea and in port shall bo retroactive as of June 15. 1946. MARCH OF PROGRESS Yes, the SIU-SUP successfully concluded maritime strike against the WSB was a definite indica­ tion of the march of progress at­ tained by both Unions. This gen­ eral strike not only defeated the arbitrary attempts of the Wage Stabilization Board to interfere in free collective bargaining be­ tween the Unions and the ship operators, but it also made it pos­ sible for all seamen's Unions to gain the same wages and over­ time rates which the SIU-SUP had already won. That's a record for any Union or group of Unions to shoot at. A good part of the credit for the SIU-SUP victory and gains is due to the solidarity and sup­ port of the AFL Maritime Trades Department. Since the inception of this powerful group of water­ front Unions into the Maritinap Trades Department and its comr ponent Port Councils, the entire country has become aware of thg fact that the commie-dominated Committee for Maritime Unity docs a lot of shouting, but thg AFL Maritime Trades Depart­ ment is the only maritime group which really acts. Qualifications For Office Qualifications for office in the Seafarers International Union, as provided for by the Consiiiulion and By-laws, are as follows: (a) That he be a citizen of the United States. (b) That he be a full member of the Seafarers International Union of North America. Atlantic and Gulf District, in continu­ ous good standing for a period of two (2) years immediately prior to date of nomination. (c) Any candidate for Agent or joint patrolman must have three years of sea service in any one of three departments. Any candidate for departmental patrolman must have three years sea service, as specified in this article, shall mean on merchant ves­ sels in unlicensed capacity. (d) That he has not misconducted himself previously while employed as an officer of the Union. (e) That he be an active and full book member and show four months discharges for the current year in an unlicensed rating, prior to date of nomination, this provision shall not ai^ ply. to officials and other office holders working for the Union during current year for period of four months or longer. Any member who can qualify may nominate himself for office by submitting, in writing, his intention to run for offic^, naming the particular office and submitting the necessary proof of qualification as listed above. The notice of intention addressed to the Secretary-Treasurer must be in his office not later than Oct. 15, 1946. when nomina­ tions will be closed. .-'I •'•111 �Page Six Friday, October 4, 1946 T H E S E A F A R ER S L O G New York Reconversion Model, But Members Ready For Anything By JOE ALGINA Port Savannah Had High Time In General Strike; All-Out Cooperation Made This Beef A Success By ARTHUR THOMPSON SAVANNAH—Now that it's all over and I've caught up a little on my sleep again and got the hall to functioning more or less normally, I can give you the story of how it went off in Sa­ vannah during the strike. We started off with two SIU ships and one SUP ship. The com­ panies agreed to pay off the crews although they were on foreign articles and on the SUP ship we got cooperation from the MFO"WW and from the MCS as well. We had less than a 100 men available at the start and needed help. The MFOWW asked us if they could join us on the picket meant any ship in the port of Savannah. Picketing this area was no cinch, but we managed. We had nine different places to cover and with only 25 men on watch at a time it wasn't exactly a cinch at the start. NO NEWS?? Silence this week from the Branch Agenls of the follow­ ing ports: NEW YORK—After the hectic days of the strike, it is a plea­ sure to see how fast the New York Hall reconverted to nor­ mal. If Mr. Truman wants les­ sons on how to reconvert, he should come up here and watch us. From an emergency appar­ atus, ready for anything that might take place on the strike front, within a few short days the apparatus has been changed Lakes AFL Wins In Barge Vote to suit the needs of seamen in ordinary situations. However, the fact that we are functioning smoothly does not mean that we are asleep at the switch. The apparatus that made us so powerful during the strike has been built on a solid founda­ tion, and that means that we are ready at any time to move into action, and fast action, if we have to fight for our rights. All the pots and pans, all the cots, all the picket signs have been put away where they can be got without losing a minute's time. And the men who made this the most successful action in the history of the United States maritime industry are also ready for hell or high weather. MORE REPORT SAN FRANCISCO As word of the strike spread HOUSTON around, however, our register be­ CHARLESTON GOOD COMMITTEES By HERBERT JANSEN gan to swell. Some of our mem­ NORFOLK It was a source of pleasure to bers were working on shore jobs, CHICAGO—This week an elec-1 men who were elected to PORT ARTHUR but they quit to hit the picket tion was held on the Mechling coordinate the strike apparatus PHILADELPHIA . lines. Every man who had a car Barge Line which operates here to hear the rank-and-file mem­ JACKSONVILLE turned it over for transportation around Chicago, and the results bers of the SIU were entirely BALTIMORE and for the first few days damn are indictive of the AFL strength pleased with the way things were MOBILE few of us got any sleep. being gained here. The NLRB handled. Lots of credit goes to TAMPA results were: The LTPA (Masters Getting enough places to sleep SAN JUAN and. Pilots), 17; NMU, O. was not too hard. We managed to get a place for everyone who The Engineers of LTPA pulled needed a place and the prices aboard there was the deck gang down 11, the MEBA, 4. This is a • • -A S&^W(P(2Wv' LA^ovr t were very reasonable. This town busy as a flock of woodpeckers. smashing victory over the NMU When the men were asked, "How is predominantly AFL anyway which has been bragging about and I believe most of the people come?" they said their Agent told their hold on this area. The agent in town were behind us. We them it was okay since they for the LTPA states that this i made a deal with one of the res­ weren't on strike. After a talk is just the beginning and the I taurants in town to feed the gang from our men they quit. men aboard these boats are since we had no facilities for One other incident gave us a waking up to the fact that the feeding in the hall. little trouble. The SS Liberty AFL is the best of the two. Brother Jack Creed worked Glo, another NMU ship was in In the port of Chicago, ship­ hard and long to make arrange­ dry dock. We asked the crew to ping is fair with not many men ments to get meals at a reason­ pay off under mutual consent if on the beach. Most of the boys able price, but after a day this possible. They agreed, but the off the passenger ships that are ii all , the men who laid the plans fell through because of a couple company ^ ^did not. ^The owner ,laid up for the winter are sail-1 set up the machinery that ^^^lon Possible. of guys who couldn't stay sober IS the American Foreign SS|helping to ! ^hose ships under the SIU! . line. They were accepted by the and who were causing the res­ Corporation. We approached the ' tically at a "Standstill due to the Strike Committee and they also taurant owner a good deal of Old Man and laid the matter be- \ banner ' Strike of the MM&P and the fore him. Being a member of the agi-eed to pay their c.vn way— ;rouble. As a consequence he On these ships sailing is very; MM&P himself he was very coclosed his doors on us and no which they did. good. The conditions arc not so cerned, we will definitely reWe had a little trouble convinc­ one ate very good that first Sun-: operative. He agreed to give his good, but they will be improved I ^beir picketlines, and so ing some of the NMU members day. However, we made a deal crew a leave of absence until the considerably when they are un-1 ^bere just won't be any shipping that' this was a strike for their with another place and warned'Strike was over, der a Union contract, so come on, i ^be demands of these two benefit as well as for ours, but everyone to conduct himself as a | This made everything fine for We put pickets in front of the! ; ""ions can be .satisfied. in the company of Ed Cetti, the Union man should and from then us. make the Lakes 100 per cent SIU. | shipping companies exAgent for the MM&P here in Sa- o" ^^e feeding was taken care of. shipyard. Immediately aU the AU of the passenger ships that pected the two licensed officers' Of course there was also the workers in the shipyard stopped. vannali, and one of our own com­ ply the Lakes out of Chicago are unions to go out on strike, and ; They are all AFL men and so mittee we visited every ship in! matter of bringing coffee and in their winter berths. They are so practically all possible ships port and gave the men the story, j sandwiches to the pickets, but we using the SS City of Grand Rap­ are already on the high seas. The men were all willing to pay managed that also without tooj ids as a hotel due to the room However, the ships that remain off if the operators would let; much trouble. The weather was: shortage. She is laying at the in New York Har'nor will stay them and all of the Captains,' also kind. Only a few light show-1 Michigan Avenue bridge, so if right here until the strike is 'Mates and Engineers coopera-1 crs occun-ed and nobody got wet. j any of you are traveling across over. ted 100 per cent. j The only inconveniences were BMf/ffiimigg the country you can be right at Even after everything settles All the foreign ships with the the scorching sun by day and home with a room aboard this down, it will be a long lime be­ possible exception of one of Joe' the .hungry m.osquitos by night. ship. fore all the runs are straightened Stalin's scows, the SS Davydov, In spite of this there was very out. Don't come to this port with A .strong AFL Maritime Council •were in accord with us and some little complaining and no vie-1 the idea that you will be able to has been set up, in Milwaukee, of of the foreign seamen in port lence of any kind. | pick your run. The way things aU waterfront Unions in this area. came to the hall offering their The police and the people of j A delegate will be sent from here look right now, it will be a quessendees and money. We thanked the city -were ail cooperative with there was no fooling. Bui ihis when the National Department lioii of taking the first thing on them, but told them we only the exception of a few who were the board, or -waiting for quite ' J was not exactly what we planned meets in Chicago, October 8. wanted their moral support and too big in their own estimation a while for som.ething that you on. We had a meeting with the At the present time, here in the their respect for our picket lines.' to regard a mere picket line. ? officials of the Unions involved Marine Hospital are Louis John­ really want, There %"vere. ho v. ever, a couple ILA BAuKINti and told them it was okay to go son, Pat "Wyne, Joe Smith and HANDLE WITH CARE ' of hitches. The SS Terry " E. The ILA was naturally with us J, ,. , back to work. We only wanted Pa-ol Kinstout. As of October I, the Draft Stepnenson is an NMU ship and i.j r™. all the w.v. Way. »«... These ILA boys in fxxA that one ship stopped. There Regulations changed, and now Savannah don't have to be told.'^f•vrere navy shios in the yard and men who have 18 months of sub­ others at the docks. We had al, , • . 7. As soon as we give the word a . , , , . wb had no beef against the navy, stantially continuous sea time . , xu * J-J X strike is going on they stop as> reaay oeen aboard ,to see the Aside from that we did not are eligible for discharge. But , crew and they agreed to respect x * xi. i xi. HIM THE / one man. this does not mean that you can ' our p'cket l"n , want any of the workers m the The set up could not have "been ! yard to be prevented from earn-' just leave the sea and forget all better in any jiort in the whole NMU SCABS ; Lng a living. Under- the circum- ^ about the committee of your country. j But one day one of our trans- stances we gave them passes to friends and neighbors—otherwise Ships were docked up and down portaiion committee, Donald enter the yards and they in turn known as the Draft Board. thq river from the ACL docks up Medlcck, was bringing coffee to agreed to work only on the navy If you do, you are liable to get to the Gjiis-um Company. The | the picketers in that area and he ! vessels there. Now here's the greetings from the President, and only tow boat company in Sa-: heard a very familiar sound. At Pt»y off. The port agent for the the next thing you know, you vannah is the Atlantic Towing first he hardly noticed it. but NMU in Savannah, James Mcwill be standing in line for chow Co. This company is now in the' suddenly it struck him with force.' Donald, started screaming about at some army camp. process of organization, but the He heard chipping hammers. It Liberty Glo being hung up When you get your discharge MM&P already have the deck of-1 couldn't 'oe so, but after all, what dock. Ke thought •we get in touch with your Draft fleers organized and while they|seamen wouldn't recognire that were going too far costing the Board and have them reclassify •woiiild bring ships in they refused sound. He reported to the hall company hundreds of dollars you. Then you are a free man, to take any ship out. They also, immediately and two men were every day while their ship was and you won't have to worry out of the water. He asked us if reftised to shift any ship that sent to investigate. every time the postman comes to was behind a picketline and that your door. Sure enough when they got (Ctmimaed <m 10) j �m Friday. October 4, 1946 TffE SEAPAUERS lOG Port Boston's Strike Committees Functioned In High Gear When General Strike Call Came By JOHN MOGAN BOSTON—At a special meet­ ing on September 4th, when it was considered a certainty that the SIU-SUP would have to strike in order to win their just by everybody ,including police details and reporters who drop­ ped around periodically, that the food couldn't be bettered any­ where. Speaking of police details, they had little work to do in connec­ tion with the strike, and express­ ed surprise at the exemplary conduct of our picketlines and the behavior of the hundreds of reserves in and near the build­ demands, Committees were elect­ ing. No SIU man was observed ed lo conduct the strike in the drunk or drinking on the line. Greater Boston and New Eng­ Truly, it was a marvelous ex­ land area. ample of unity in a just cause, To begin with, the Committees with members coming in from all were as follows: Strike, Food, Housing, and Transportation. It parts of the country to serve was understood that sub-com­ their Union — several coming mittees could be elected as the down from Nova Scotia and one need arose. from Wichita, Kansas, and apol­ ogizing because they couldn't get Immediately the committccG as elected began to function. The plane reservations to get here Strike Committee supervised the that much earlier! registration and detailing of New England ports were tied pickets: the Food Committee hustled the street floor of the up almost completely. It is nec­ Hall into shape as a kitchen, with essary to use the word "almost" rented equipment and utensils. only because a couple of colliers The Housing Committee pur­ got away the first couple of days. chased and installed on the .3rd But when they returned with and 4th floors, cots and blankets, their cargo they stayed here! laid in supplies and toilet facilit­ Otherwise nothing moved from ies to care for hundreds of mem­ Searsport, Maine, to Providence, bers, arranged to rent rooms for Rhode Island. any surplus that might develop, The complete co-operation of and otherwise lived up to its all Unions was extended in the name. And the Transportation area covered, with the usual ex­ Committee organized a fleet of ception — namely, Jason of the automobiles and drivers from New Bedford Teamsters who among the membership for the crossed a picketline of SIU and quick and efficient transporta­ ILA men at New Bedford and tion of pickets to their stations. called upon his truck drivers to follow him. To their everlasting credit they repudiated their lead­ er by refusing to follow him through. Except for this to-beexpected defection from the ranks, we had 100% support from all Teamsters locals, the ILA lo­ cals everywhere, the Hoisting Engineers .(who refused to dis­ GOOD FACILITIES charge the colliers behind a pick­ The purchase of the Boston etline) and every other outfit building was certainly justified with any business on the water­ during the strike. The peak reg­ front. istration was 843 pickets, and an FINKS STOPPED average of 600 members were fed Even the harbor police and three meals a day for 11 days, as the Goa.st Guard, refu.sed a.s.sistance to would-be finks. A group of seamen attached to an NMU ship in the stream, attempted to hitch a ride lo their ship from the harbor cops, and failing that, from the Coast Guard harbor pa­ trol. Both called to assure us that the food kitchen remained in op­ if these men were to get aboard eration for the weekend follow­ their ship it would be through use of the regular launch service, ing the ending of the strike. which ceased operations the An average of 100 members moment the pickets appeared. were housed nightly during this To sum up, this Branch owes period, and then the facilities of a debt of gratitude not only to its the Union were extended to the membership, who woi'ked long MFOWW for feeding and hous­ hours for the success of their ing until their beef was settled. beef, but alsb to the associate A high point of efficiency was members of the Maritime Trades reached and maintained after the' Council, who played an equal first day of the strike, with much part in seeing the strike through praise coming from all hands for to its logical, successful conthe kitchen staff and their chow. They served not only stew, but also roast beef dinners. New Eng­ land boiled dinners, frankfurters and beans (strictly a Boston dish for Saturday night), corn chow­ der, etc. And 24 hours a day, hot silex-made coffee was on tap, with heaping trays of sandwich­ elusion. Special thanks is due es of every description. the Longshoremen, who, without HEAL UNITY any fanfare, were our complete What a treat it would be to get partners in the strike from the just a half-pound of those cold moment the first picket appear­ cuts this week! It was conceded ed on Boston's waterfront. This was a very important committee in this port, as sever­ al picket stations were 15 and 18 miles away, not to mention that we covered areas such as Providence, New Bedford, and Fall River—in one instance 72 miles from the Boston Hall. Page Seven ^1; ===-==——--• ^1 BOSTON COULDN'T CENSOR THIS Attention Seafarers Word has come to this of­ fice that the Seafarer Log is not to be found in some of the seamen's Clubs in for­ eign ports. Whenever in a foreign port go to the seamen's Clubs and see if the Log is displayed. If you don't see it, ask for it. Find out why it is not put out, and leave some of your ship's copies of the Log there. Notify the Seafarers Log of all Clubs where you do not find the SIU paper. Boston is the town where all books and all plays are sub­ ject lo censorship if the blue noses don't like them. Even though these people didn't like the SIU-SUP strike there was little they could do about it. With picketlines such as the one cibove, the port of Boston was completely tied up until the strike ended. Everybody had a job to do. Some men picketed, others prepared and served the food. No one shirked. Here is part of the Boston Chow Committe with the noon meal. Hot meals were served at night. Marcus Hook Port Agent Has A Heavenly Date Blackie Cardullo, SIU Port Agent in Marcus Hook, Pa., is dating them up way the hell in advance. Not that Blackie be­ lieves in putting off for tomorrow what he can do today. It's just that some harrassed Skipper pre­ fers to meet our man in the here­ after. How Blackie happened to draw this long-term invite is worth teiling. Once while Brother Cardullo was in New York, the SS Tonto pulled into Marcus Hook. The skipper aboard this vessel is a guy whose actions are generally described in unprintable terms, so we'll just say that he's pretty picayune about things. Because of this, Blackie manages to give him a bad time every time the Tonto makes Marcus Hook. When the Skipper heard that Blackie was in New York, he told the Marcus Hook Patrolman, who boarded the ship that he was very sorry Mr. Cardullo couldn't make it, and that it was his very fond hope that Blackie would never again tote his imposing presence aboard the Tonto. Blackie returned to Marcus Hook, heard the story from the Patrolman. His eyes twinkled as he sat down with pen and paper, and penned the following note to the Tonto Terror: "Dear Captain, My sincere regrets that Union business held me in New York and that I was unable to be present aboard your tub. "After hearing of the sigh of regret you broached to the Patrolman on my not being there, I shall spare you the un­ • --- pleasantness of having to make this trip without first seeing me. "I shall be there at the earl­ iest convenience, before your ship leaves the Port of Marcus Hook. "Hoping this meets with your approval. 'Blackie' Cardullo." Promptly the Tonto Tantrum replied. His answer was short and sweet—and sour. Here it is: "Blackie, My Sweet, "Your regrets are more to my choice than your presence. "I hope Union business (as you call it) detains you in New York or anywhere else until your life span is out. "After that, I'd like to see you. Francis E. Wilson Master, SS Tonto "P. S. Blackie, I love you. FEW." We hope Blackie keeps him waiting good and long. But when the two finally keep their ren• ttfWWVW /nAKE IT dezvous, we wager that Skipper Wilson is in for one helluva— beg pardon—heaven of a bad time. Advice To The Jobiorn Seamen Special Services is being duct, but completion of articles swamped with inquiries regard­ does nut mean that you quit. ing unemployment insurance. For You do not have to be on the the benefit of those members who beach in any of the states paying found the full text as published into the fund to collect, but in­ in the Log too tedious to read! stead can file your application in we will try to boil the whole any State Unemployment Insur­ score down to a few sentences. ance Office and you will receive In order to collect at present your check from the state in you must have worked on a which you company pays. privately owned vessel during At present very few seamen the year of 1945. This does not are eligible inasmuch as there include WSA owned vessels. were only a handful of privately The home port of the vessel owned vessels in 1945. However, must have been in one of the more and more ships are now states that has been paying into moving into private operation the State Unemployment Insur­ and more seamen will be eligible ance Fund during 1945. to collect next year and by 1948 You must not have either quit everyone should be able to col­ your job or been fired for miscon-j lect. �THE SEAFARERS LOG EVERYBODY HELPS OUT frlday, October 4, 1946 New Orleans Collects Overtime For Crew Of Northern Wanderer By C. J. STEPHENS NEW ORLEANS—A settlement of several claims made by the re­ patriated crew of the SS North­ ern Wanderer has been effected in this port—the original place of engagement — with the Alcoa Steamship Company. Ji r;r; The company has agreed that the amount of transportation mpney allowed for the trip from Manila to Honolulu was insuffi­ cient and it will reimburse the men tu tlie exleiil decided upon by the main office in New York and the WSA. The only set rates for transportation allowance for crews to be repatriated are the following; Manila to San Fran­ cisco, $90; Shanghai to San Fran­ cisco, $82, and from Yokohama to San Francisco, $75. The man without the sign is C. C. Garber.of Bryan, Ohio, a man who is not a seaman, but who wanted to help us in our beef because his son is a merchant seaman. Incidentally, Mr. Garber wants to give these two Seafarers copies of this picture, so if they will write to the Log, copies of this picture will be sent to them. The Patrolmen Say... Standouts NEW YORK—The SS Quitman of the Waterman Steamship Com­ pany blew into port the other day after a three and one-half mPnth trip to the South Pacific. The Quitman was the cleanest ship we've seen in many a moon; she was so clean that one would think she had just left the ways. Ijj Disputed overtime was totally absent and the relationship among the whole crew was like one happy family, just as the Seafarers always teaches the men to get along with one another. The Bosun wants it to go on the record that the Stewards De­ partment was a class-A outfit and really was on the ball in the preparation of meals. He says that in all his sailing days this was one of the most exceptional crews he ever had the pleasure of being with. ^ The crew stated that, when they went aboard, the galley was in such poor condition that no one would even want to take a drink of water in the place, but thanks to those faithful bellyrobbers and their untiring efforts the galley was soon ship-shape. The crew, on the whole, claims that even though they had been far away from home, and had been gone a lung while, they . would stay right aboard her until she'falls apart, if they were sure she wasn't switching to another company and union. The Agent here joins the Pa' trolmen in thanking the crew for the fine manner in which they handled their jobs and for their fine union spirit. Wm. Hamilton Jim Purcell an obligation to live up to. All members arc, therefore, advised to do their part in abiding by the shipping rules. When you report to the ship, have your gear with you and be ready to turn to. You should not report simply to look over the vessel. The Dispatcher's board always states the type of ship, and that is sufficient. SUPPORT BEEFS Attention Members! Seafarers Sailing As Engineers All members—retired mem­ bers and former members— of the Seafarers Internation­ al Union who are now sailing as licensed Engineers: Please report as soon as possible to the Seafarers Hall at 51 Bea­ ver Street, New York City. Your presence is necessary in a matter of great importance. During the past four years, heads of the departments have taken a lot of abuse from many crewmembers who refuse to car­ ry out their duties. Peculiarly, they expect the Uninn to back them up when they raise a squawk. Your Union always has, and always will, support a mem­ ber when he has a good beef, but it cannot be expected to push MILWAUKEE — A MHwaukee a bum one. These high wage and maritime trades council composed working conditions must be of AFL unions which have mem­ maintained with the proper co­ bers employed along this city's operation aboard ship. waterfront—on ships, docks and And here's a tip to the Chief shoreside work—has been form­ Cooks aboard vessels. After ed here. breakfast, see that unused eggs Announcement of the forma­ and other perishable items are tion of the new maritime council taken back to the icebox. Mess- was made by Stanley T. Joers, man are asked to do likewise general organizer of the Feder­ with the fresh milk and other ated Trades Council of the AFL. perishables. Unions in Milwaukee which There are many other such du­ will be affiliated with the Mari­ ties Which could be mentioned, time Council include the SIU; but the list is long and space is Tugmen; Licensed Tugmen; valuable. It should be sufficient Grain Trimmers; Chemical Work­ to say that competent and effi­ ers; Mates and Pilots; Switch­ cient members of the Seafarers men; Operating Engineers, Local will carry out their assignments 139; Longshoremen; Teamsters, to the best of their ability, and Local 982; Coal Yard Drivers, Lo­ that they will be proud to hold cal 257; Truck Drivers, Local 200; an SIU book. Coal Yard Employes, Local 239; All Agents and Patrolmen will and the Carpenters District see to it that the companies carry Council. out their part of the bargain. The Milwaukee Maritime It* Claude Fisher Trades Council will be charted under the AFL Maritime Trades Department. The express pur­ NEW YORK — The Seafarers pose of this council will be iden­ has just gone through a very dif­ tical with that of the Trades ficult struggle to maintain the Department: That is, to coordin­ highest wages and overtime pay, ate efforts to raise economic and plus the best shipboard condi­ social standards, to protect un­ tions in the martime field. ions from raids by the CIO, the communist party .and "other hos­ The Union has signed contracts tile organizations" and to or­ with various companies, and, ganize the unorganized. consequently, all parties have| AFL Unions Form Councii In Milwaukee Unioii Obligations '"•'V Uiud/A - VitV' SUBSISTENCE The company has also agreed to pay 15 days' subsistence as soon as dates and the necessary proof are received from Castle and Cook in Honolulu. A one-month's difference in pay has. been approved and will be paid through the New York of­ fice. The bonus money will be paid as soon at the itinerary from various ships has been procured. With regard to overtime dis­ puted by the Oilers, it was an­ nounced that V-J day was not an official holiday, but overtime for the following men was squared away and is now collectible: Dix- N. 0. Thanks Voluntary Aid The N. O. Strike Commit­ tee extends thanks to the following for their voluntary contributions to the strike. It should be pointed out that the New Orleans branch did not ask for this kind of aid— and that these brothers and friends do so out of their union convictions. Corinne's Beer Parlor Honey Dew Inn Crew of thfe SS Richard Bassett Edward "Goon" Byrd • Brother Love Crew of the SS Alcee Fortier Crew of the SS Ethiopia Victory Spotlight Bar Crew of the SS Davidson Victory Crew of the SS William Patterson « Goodyear Launch Service "Frenchy" Michelet Crew of the SS Francis Walker Crew of the SS John Pillsbury Attorney Raymond Kierr H. H. Fletcher, Master of the SS Eleazer Wheelock J. Zachary, 2nd, asst., SS Eleazer Wheelock Philip Adelman, 3rd, Asst., SS Eleazer Wheelock Crew of the SS Eleazer Wheelock Leroy Clarka Chairman Strike Committee on, 155',^ hours; Gillespie, 47 hours, and Anderson, 3 hours. EXTRA MEALS Money for extra meals will be paid tu Cuuks and Messmeii as soon as checked by the Steward and approved by the Port Stew­ ard. Overtime due for these men, according to our calculations, are as follows: Chief Cook, and the Second Cook and Baker, 148V2 hours each; Saloon Messman, 9% hours, and the crew Messman 1.3.3% hours. From May 11 to June 18, the vessel was short a galley or util­ ity man. The division of wages will be paid to the Chief Cook and the Second Cook. . The raise in wages which the SIU has won was approved for payment and can be procured by writing to the Alcoa Steamship Company, attention of Mr. H. Garland, Pier 45, North River, New York City. The same applies to vacation pay. R. S. Burnett, OS, who claimed wages were due him for period from June 16, 1945 to June 22, 1945, should write to Mr. Gifford, Alcoa Steamship Company, New Orleans, furnishing him with full particulars so that he can check and make payment. 3862 Stood Picket Duty In New York NEW YORK—A- complete re­ port from Edward Bender, Chair­ man of the Sub-committee in charge of registration of pickets, shows that in the recent strike action that tied up all shipping in the United States, the port of New York had 3862 pickets from the Seafarers International Union alone. This does not include the many men who stood picket duty as members of the Sailors Union of the Pacific. It should be remembered that all these men did not only stand picket duty, but all of them were fed two hot meals and one sand­ wich meal per day, and that a large percentage of these picketers were bedded down in the Union Hall, or in rooms rented for them if they were stationed too far from the Union Hall to commute. In addition to the many loyal members of the SlU-SUP who stood their turn of duty, there were many staunch supporters of the trade rmion movement, not members of the SlU-SUP, who came up to the SIU Hall and vol­ unteered their services on the picketlines. Among these 212 volunteers were the young men who had been tricked into going to the Calmar finkherding camp near Belleville, N. J. This story, which is much to the discre'dit of the Calmar Steamship Company, and which proves that union-busting will not work in this day and age, appeared in an earlier issue of the Log. The same willingness to do duty,, only with a proportionate­ ly fewer number of men, was re­ ported by the strike committees of the other ports. And that is what makes the SIU strong, and that is what made us able ^ to win our strike. �^V-pjiliW THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, Oclobar 4, 1946 CAPE PILAR AT REST Page Nine Mobile Group Aided The Striking Seafarers Dear Edilor: ,v.*...-..v* The Cape Pilar. South Atlantic Lines, has figured in the news frequently because of the SIU crews who have been aboard her. The men who have shipped on this vessel have all been high caliber, and they have fought diligently in defense of seamen's rights. This picture of the big boat was taken by a crewmember and sent in to be printed in the Log as a reminder to the men who are no longer members of the crew. We bet there are many men who think back long­ ingly to the good battles they took part in on this ship. LOG DONOR THINKS PAPER IS WONDERFUL Dear Editor: Enclosed you will find a small donation for the Log. This is not my first donation and it will not be my last. I think the Log is doing a won­ derful job in keeping the Sea­ farers in the know. I would like tO' have this paper while I am on the beach, and as TTiy faTTiily enjoys it very much, please put me on the Log's mail­ ing list, for which I will thank you in advance, x Frank L. Vemer Ocean Springs. Miss. (Editor's note: We're thanking you, too, Frank for the nice sen­ timents and the donations. Your name has been placed on the mailing list.) PICKETLINES GIVE NEW MEN CHANCE TO MEET OLDTIMER Dear Editor: While picketing at Pier 14, North River, at about 1 p. m. Fri­ day, Sept. 6, those of us who had never heard of that real seamen, "Big Frost," had a chance to meet him. "Big Frost" weighs about 200 pounds, and Is about 40 to SO years old. It was certainly a Check it - But Good Check the slop chest be­ fore your boat sails. Make sure that the slop chest con­ tains an adequate supply of all the things you are liable to need. If it doesn't, call the Union Hall immediately. pleasure to meet him. He was standing in the doorway of a restaurant at the corner of West and Fulton streets facing Pier 14, when he saw our Union picket lines. He promptly made it his business to bring the boys a con­ tainer of beer and said: "I haven't sailed since the war because I am unable to pass the stiff physical examination, but I am glad to see you young, fellows carrying on the fight for better wages and living conditions for all seamen." And last of all he said, "Good­ bye and good luck." He asked me personally to give his re­ gards to those who know him and who have sailed with him. Ronald T. Burton EX-SWABIE FINDS SEAFARERS MADE CLEAN SWEEP Dear Editor: I am an ex-U. S. Navy man and am now sailing as an AB aboard an Isthmian ship. I am not a member of the SIU, but have been a member of Unions con­ nected with the Aircraft industry and realize what a Union means, so I have taken the liberty upon myself to canvass this ship and found out verbally from the crew members of the Engineers, Deck and Stewards Department that they are for the SIU 100 per cent. Some of these erewmcmbers are book members, some have trip cards, some pledge cards and some have nothing. Everyone aboard not connected with the SIU in some manner or other is anxious to become a member. This crew realizes that there is a very important meeting coming up between the SIU and the Isthmian Company in a very short time. I am requesting a big favor of you. Would you be kind to send me by air m.ail at my expense the disposition of this meeting and if possible send me about six agreement pam­ phlets so I can give them to the crew. Hoping my request is met with a favorable answer and that the SIU comes through with flying colors. William A. Jordan. SS Willima H. AUen 1 have been a member of the l^afarers International Union ;ince 1939, and in the course of my sailing I have stopped at luite a few of the so-called sea­ men's clubs, such as the Seamen's Church Institute, USS clubs, etc. I have found that most of the ;lubs, with the exception of a "ew, are out for the seamen's dough. The reason I am writing this letter is to let all the Brothers who rail at the Port of Mnhile know what the score is. When the SIU went on general strike, naturally, the problem of handling the men was a big one, e.specially in regard to the food for the Brothers on the picketlines. I can say this much, that I did not see the USS or any other outfit in the Port of Mobile, go all-out for the seamen when they thought we were going to be out on the bricks for awhile. In fact they were very cool about the whole thing. That is, with the exception of one outfit, and Brothers, this one went all-out, and gave great aid in the food situation until money from the strike chest was sent from New York to Brother Kim­ ball. I feel that the Catholic Mari­ time Club of Mobile, Ala., de­ serves the respect of every Sea­ farer. Its Port Chaplain, the Rev. Henry McGill, took his own stove out of his home, and brought it to the Union Hall so that the Brothers could cook. In addition to that, milk, bread, meat, and stew was brought down to the Hall. When we ran out of meat and could not get any around town because it was Sunday, the Cath­ olic club's director, Gerald Strang and Reverend McGill drove 75 miles out in the country to get 100 pounds of beef, and then pre­ sented it FREE to the Union. When there was a scarcity of beds, Mr. Strang told the men they could .sleep at the Catholic rluh, and he put up 100 beds in the club's building at Conti and Claiborne streets. When Brother Kimball wanted to pay for every­ thing, Strang refused any money, and said that he would do every­ thing he possibly could for the seamen while the strike was on, and that he wanted no payment for it. After seeing all that was done for us when we needed it, I de­ cided to give the place the once­ over. I found that the Catholic Maritime Club has been in Mo­ bile for about two years, and is out to help the seamen only. It has a 75-bed dormitory, clean as a hound's tooth, and a lounge with Cards, ping-pong, games and writing room. Also showers, a snack bar, and practically every­ thing else that goes with it, in­ cluding a friendly atmosphere. Brothers, after seeing for my­ self the wonderful job this outfit has performed in supporting us during our strike, I think that any Brother w^ho gets to Mobile should stop in there and see Father McGill and Mr. Strang and let them know we appreciate the backing they gave us. Also to spread the word around to all Brothers, to stop off at the place which backed us 100 per cent, instead of at some of the joints who have a big hello only when you have a big pay-off. I for one, and all the other Bro­ thers in Mobile, including Kim­ ball and Blackie, who took part in the strike there gave a vote of thanks to these people. All Sea­ farers, regardless of race or creed were given every consideration humanly possible. John F. Flynn Seafarers Drop A Gentle Hint: Shipowners Drop Stalling Tactics (Continued from Page 1) Scale and the Shoregang Clause, but these are going along rapid­ ly, and the members of the com­ mittee are confident that another few days will see an end to the negotiations, with the Seafarers International Union coming out with the very best contract ever won by any union of merchant seamen. the operators try any more de­ laying tactics, the contracts may be signed, sealed, and delivered before the end of another week. And this will mean another co­ lossal victory for the SIU! LEAD WATERFRONT On Aug. 16, after paying off a ship in The Port of Philadelphia, 1 filled out a card so as to have the Seafarers Log sent to my home. As yet I have not re­ ceived it. I am home now, but for how long I don't know. I would ap­ Already the .SIU enjuys the highest wages; wages which have been lately granted to other sea­ men's unions as a result of the resounding battle put up by the SIU through the year. With this contract, as it shapes up at pres­ ent, the SIU will also maintain its lead where conditions are concerned. LOG Applications Are Pouring In Dear Editor: As the meeting ended on Wed­ nesday, October 2, everything had been completely cleared up except -Jhe Manning Scale and preciate it if you would look into the Shoregang Clause. Already this matter for me. agreed to were the General Rules H. E. Murphy and the Departmental Working (Editor's note: With the rush Rules. of applications which have been Although the meetings with coming in for the Log. there has the shipowners were discon­ been a slight delay in bringing tinued during the course of the the mailing list up to date. Very SIU-SUP maritime tie-up, never­ likely a copy is now on the way theless matters are going along to you. However, we're checking at a fairly rapid clip, and unless on it.) H'.r' 1 /;-3| �... , I.P ' ' • Page Ten THE SEAFARERS LOG Port Savannah Had High Time in Generai Strike; Ali-Out Cooperation Made This Beef A Success back them up and I assured them we never have to be asked, we do it as a matter of principle. He had nothing to worry about on that score, but he kept our phone bu.sy asking advice on how (o conduct his strike. He had about five ships in port and if he didn't know at least his mem­ bers did and we told him nothing. Our strike was over and that was NOTHING MOVING that. When we got official word The workers in the yard re­ and we wanted to go back to the fused to touch the ship and the ships however, we were blocked Atlantic Towing Company also by an NMU picketline. refused. The NMU agent wept NOT LEGAL bitter tears for the company that This was altogether out of or­ owns this ship, but I guess they'll der. They had no right to picket give him credit for trying. our ships since their strike was Another incident which should against their operators and not be remembered was this. On the against ours. We naturally pro­ first Sunday a plainclothes flat- tested, but they couldn't see our foot threatened to run any pick­ side. They said they had to pick­ et in if he stopped or attempted et the entire area since the ships to stop any person or persons were docked at railroad property who wanted to cross our picket- and nothing could be done about line. Now we had already talked it. We offered to act for them with the Chief of Police and the and get them permission to go on the dock and picket their own All OF -TWr ships, but they wanted this in MAVOR writing and we couldn't get any­ BATH .. thing in writing from the rail­ roads. We read their telegram from Joe Curran stating that they were not to picket our ships and told them that no Union man in Savannah, regardless of his af­ filiation, would touch any NMU ship, but we might as well have talked to the bulkhead. Finally we got a few of their members Sergeant of Detectives, and we aside and explained the situation assured them we would molest to them. no one, but we would call their Without the hinderance of their attention to the fact that we were misleaders they saw the light. on strike. They said that the whole affair was being run in a very slipshod LABOR'S FRIEND We also assured them there manner, but that after we ex­ would be no violence or distur­ plained how it should be run bances. We were living up to and what they should do they our word and this dick who went back to their hall and held threatened our men was over­ a meeting to square things away. stepping his authority. We want­ They had a strike committee of ed to find out who this rugged 28 members and naturally they boy was and have him straight­ couldn't get anywhere. But after ened out so we started calling we told them the score and gave all over town to get in touch with them a little advice on how to the Chief of Police. It being Sun­ run a strike everything was day, most people were out fish­ squared away and our men could ing or down to the beach (It's: go back to work without having still hot down here). We couldn't: to cross a picket line. get any one else so we called the! One thing I learned during this Mayor. In case you never heard past strike was that the mem­ pf him his name is Peter Nugent bership of the NMU are pretty and he is a professed friend of much the same as any other sea­ men. Their whole trouble lies in labor. the fact that their leaders are not ' We asked him if he would get leaders. Some are politically am­ in touch with the Chief and get bitious and some are downright this flat-foot straightened out, imcompetent. Very few if any but he said he wouldn't be able are for their members. We owe to do it right away because he a debt of thanks to so many peo­ was getting ready to go to the ple it would be nearly impossible beach. This from a friend of la­ to name them all. Every one was bor. Not that it makes much dif­ either actively with us or pas­ ference, but the Mayor also own.s sively against Us. No one tried the Nugent Bakery where Peter to hinder us in any way except Pan bread is made. I wonder if our landlord. He is one of the any of oirr members trade with ancients who is holding back pro­ that bakery. Anyway we finally gress in Savannah and he is de­ discovered through one of our finitely anti-labor. He even took members and some of the police the trouble to tell me he was not force that the flat-foot in ques­ in sympathy with our strike. I'm tion was only a railroad dick and not on the city force. I only bring not at all surprised and could give reasons, only I think the space this out so our members will and time used would be more know that the city police treated than he's worth. us okay in every way. PORT NEWS When our strike was finally won we stood by waiting for an As for port activities we have official call from headquarters the following news. The SS Jef­ and meanwhile the NMU pulled ferson City picked up her cargo their two-bit affair. I don't know of horse-meat (in the can and why their strike was called at on the hoof( and is now on the all, which is not surprising, be­ way to Gdansk. The SS Muncie cause when the newspaper asked Victory is ready to sail and the NMU agent why they were should be gone by the time you on strike he said he didn't know. read this. She's also carrying Anyhow they asked us if we'd livestock. The SS Muhlenberg (Continued from Page 6) we wouldn't let them put the ship down and into another slip. I don't know why he blamed us for this, but that was the position he took. We told him he could move the ship as far as we were concerned and I guess he tried hard, but somehow he couldn't get any cooperation. Victory is repairing. She paid off here during the strike. The SS Virginian, SUP, is due to sail tomorrow, I believe. An­ other cattle wagon, the SS Joshua Hendy, came in after the strike was ended and for that I con­ sider myself lucky. She was one of the dirtiest ships to pay off in this port. The condition of the ship was a disgrace to fhe Union. There were some members who left the ship okay, but I'm sorry to say that the majority of the crew left the ship in as bad a condition as could be imagined. The fact that she was carrying cattle is no ex­ cuse because I have it on reliable authority that the cattle did not enter the men's quarters. There were quite a few beefs against the Old Man; Captain "Windy" Oliver, the boys call him. He threatened every crewmember and his brother with handcuffs, according to reports. I will say this for him though. One of the crew was logged over $200 bucks. One of the logs was imposed as a substitute for 60 days in the bucket in Europe. The man who was logged ad­ mitted he was guilty on all counts, but the Old Man cut the log in half and every one was ap­ parently satisfied. There were at least 15 tripcarders in the crew. Five of the full book members were stinko at the pay off. Any­ way the Hendy is due for a gen­ eral overhauling and may stay here two or three weeks. The Bull Line's SS Santa Clara Victory is here in transit. She's also taking four legged passen­ gers. The* Calmar Line's SS Thomas Reed just came in from Europe. She just tied up a few minutes ago and I haven't had a chance to board her yet. I don't remember exactly how many were shipped since we went back to work, but most of the old gang went back to their jobs. We have a fairly large shipping list, but nothing over normal. REAL BUCKO Here's an item that just hap­ pened which may give you a slant on Captain Oliver of the SS Joshua Hendy. The company called us for some replacements last Saturday. Among others we sent three messmen over. They reported aboard as soon as pos­ sible and I know for a fact that they were there because we paid her off Saturday afternoon and ITJIDNT see 1 ANVSOOV HfRF A^/'DI WAS I was there and saw them. They also reported for work Sunday. The ship wasn't feeding and I" don't know why they called for these men, but they did. Yesterday they were laid off. The ship is due for extensive re­ pairs and she'll be a standby job for awhile. When they went for their pay the Old Man refused to pay them for Saturday or Sun­ day. He claimed the men were not aboard. There were plenty of witnesses to the fact that the men reported on the day of assign­ ment and plenty of witnesses that ACTIVE STRIKERS In Marcus Hook there was no lack of active men to share the burden of work during the strike. These two men are rep­ resentative of the SIU-SUP men who did such a damn good job in forcing the Government to give us the wages we won fairly. Left is Brother A. Delevati, SUP 2305. and at the right is Brother G. Hughes. SUP 9192. Like all other SIU-SUP men. these Brothers did their job in a workmanlike manner, and car­ ried out their assignments as quickly and as efficiently as possible. "Blackie" Colucci "Blackie" Colucci is a young fellow, 19-years-old, and he has only been sailing for little over three years, but he is a typical Seafarer and he has done his part in keeping the SIU at the head of the maritime parade. When Blackie went for hi.s first, seagoing job, although he was big and strong he never expected to get the job. He did however, and within a period of a few months he was firmly convinced the sea was the place for him. "The same period of time was also enough to convince him that the SIU was the place for him. So firm was his conviction in this direction that he pawned his overcoat to pay the initiation dues. ber of things that were wrong with the ship, and on Isthmian Throughout the last years of the war, Colucci was one of the ships there is usually plenty Seafarers who kept the channels wrong. Blackie made the mistake to Europe open so that supplies of coming back late from his day could be sent to the fighting off. Immediately the company fronts. He had his share of close calls, but luckily came out of the saw a chance to rid themselves whole situation without being of a militant union member who wounded. was causing a lot of trouble. They "I had a damn close call once," fired him, and although the crew he remembers. "I was on the backed him up it had to stick SS Robert Treat, Eastern Steam­ rather than take the chance of ship Company, and we were chased for two days by a Ger­ having the rest of the pro-SIU man submarine. Sure thought I crew fired. This idea worked out was a goner then but the Skip­ well, and Colucci did a good job per was a smart guy and he kept before he was fired, because twisting and turning and the U- when the Mack voted in Galves­ Boat never did get a good shot at ton, the crew reported that a solid, 100 per cent SIU vote had us." been cast. VOLUNTEER YOUNG TIMER Since the war's end, Blackie Blackie is ton ynimg in the has been doing a good union job as a volunteer organizer in the Seafarers family to remember the Isthmian drive. He made one trip strikes and actions that brought on the Isthmian's Norman E. the SIU to the fore. But since Mack that he v/ill l&ng remem­ he has been a member of the Union he has been active in ber. After going to bat on a num- everything the SIU has under­ taken in the fight for seamen's rights. During this latest strike they were working aboard. How­ against WSB dictatorship, Co­ ever, the Skipper insi.sted they were not aboard or if they were lucci was one of the Masters-atArms. And in the Coos Bay Beef, they weren't working. One of he was in charge of a picket those beautiful set*ups where squad at Pier 59. only the Captain's word is good. Since there is only one Captain Oliver and some of the Company officials are fair minded people, the men were finally paid. This item is just to give you an idea of the kind of a guy Captain Oli­ ver is. I don't know him very well yet. There is another story on this gentleman coming soon. Although happily married, Blackie has the sea too deep in his blood to be satisfied with work ashore. He is now plan­ ning to ship out, and after this trip "there will be other ships and other trips, and I guess I'll go to sea until I die," as Blackie puts it. �•»^. . THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, October 4, 1948 Page Eleven <1 SmPS' MINUTES AND NEWS MEMNON BOSUN GETS THEM BY THE HORNS (AND FINS) Ladies Find Launching Biz A Gem By "STEAMBOAT" O'DOYLE I see the Senate Investigating Committee is at last looking into the ship-launching racket that flourished during the war. It was a laugh then how the relatives, society pals and chorus babes of ship contractors used to be pick­ ed to send government ships down the ways. Those hilarious bottle-smash­ ing parties held at various launchings were ridiculous in that the workers who built the ships were never represented except as bewildered observers of the minky dowagers who "sponsor­ ed" the products of their sweat and blood. Even more ridiculous would have been the idea of a seaman's widow sending one of these ships down to the sea. Now it comes out that hunclfeds of the ladies picked for this great honor were related to the gov- ABOVE; The Bosun disj^lays a flying fish which he caught in the South Atlantic. The youngster appearing so pleased with the whole thing was a passenger on the Memnon. s, X VjBilrVoHe, Ol'^GAl. Brother Murranka steps out of his role as friend to the ani­ mal kingdom to pose for the photo at the left. Pictured with him is his friend and fel­ low-member of the Memnon's Deck Department, Stanley Kocurek (right). X Perfectly as ease with Na­ ture's children is happy Sea­ farer Henry M. Murranka. of Brooklyn, N. Y. Brother Mur­ ranka was Bosun aboard the SS Memnon when these pic­ tures were taken during a re­ cent run to Santos and Buenos Aires .which he describes as a "very pleasant trip," XXX Also 3 passenger aboard the Memnon was the bull which Brother Murranka has by the herns in the photo above. He's not throwing it, either, says the Bosun. In fact, the parting in South America was sad. ernment officials who had the say as to how big the profits were to be. Small world isn't it? M •'Ai' PRESENTS GALORE "labor racketeers?" We now dis­ Diamond bracelets, gem-stud­ cover that Vickery's daughter ded watches, necklaces worth launched five ships, for which $2,000 were "presented" to the she received gifts totalling over wives, sisters, daughters and $4,700. But that ain't all. Gifts what have you of Maritime Com­ were also presented to the Ad­ mission bureaucrats. Naturally it miral's mother, wife, .sister and was just a coincidence that their daughter-in-law. The first juniper juice mill he Tom Baldrick, a Saloon Messhusbands happened to be award­ hit was the French Casino. Tom man, never wrote a letter to the REAL RACKETEER ing billion dollar contracts to the Log—that is, he never wrote one says. He felt like soaking his What price racketeering now, until this week, after a costly choppers in a cool brew. But guys who were decking their dames out in diamonds. Natur­ admiral? experience shattered his record something dazzling threw him off ally! Of cour.se Admiral Land was of reticence. his cour.se. The dazzler was a The shipbuilders mumble ex­ also in on this, but since he is We learned all about it when slick female form all decked out cuses about the gifts having already unable to account for Brother Baldrick penned us a "come out of the profits." Yeah? over 800 million bucks, why wor­ note a few hours before his ship, Who did the profits come out of? ry about a few diamonds? the SS Thomas S. Lee, sailed for You and me bub, of course. The report says virtually all foreign ports. Although Tommy Do they deny that these gifts the wives of Navy Cost Inspec­ had read in the Log of the joints were included in launching ex­ tors were selected to launch ships and rackets which creaked and penses? Or that another 10 per and collect presents. When I roared along on seamen's dough, cent was made on them via the worked in the shipyards a cost he never had run into any per­ old cost-plus racket? Or that inspector was just that—and if sonally to write home about^ All they were deducted from income the contractor gave him any that wgs changed last week down taxes as "construction costs?" "presents" the FBI would be in.New Orleans. Tommy had just been paid off. Remember that 20 per cent bite around pronto. But I guess peo­ His pockets were bulging with that o«me out of every payoff? ple can always be "reached." You probably thought you would All this merely proves again plenty of the folding green, and never see it again.® Wrong, pal. that the bureaucrats of the Mari­ he was feeling pretty good since -and we mean all decked out— Crash the next Shipbuilders Ball time Commission and WSA. are the green stuff is all the vitamin topped off with a kisser of the at the Waldorf. You'll find it controlled by the billionaires of he needs. He took a few deep kind that makes men reconsider twinkling on the slim finger of the shipping industry. Is it any breaths, stretched the sea out of their plans. This modern Eve knew her some shipbuilder's Judy. wonder that we have such things his legs, then set out to take a apples, too. She burnped her way dip into the Crescent City's as the Maritime Service and Remember how Admirals Land over to Tommy( who stood frozen swirling night life. Coast Guard? and Vickery used to scream about Tommy Drifts Helplessly in Taprooms As Dolls Toss Him For Financial Loss on a dime. Blinking her mascaraheavy eyes like n Tiine.s Square electric si^n, she coOingly asked our lad to buy her a drink. Brother Baldrick swallowed hard, tried to clear hi.s head. But no use. The dazzler had him in tow'. All he could do was nod his head in assent. (Foolish boy, says Tommy). So up to the bar goes Eve and Adam, er—ah. Tommy, we mean. "Beer," Tom calls to the barkeep. "Champagne," says the doll. "Ouch," says Tommy, and who wouldn't. The giggling gas thishep female tank had ordered was $2.25—per glass. LATER About $60 and 45 minutes later. Tommy says he decided that beer was a little high in this joint, even if the dame wasn't. So he shoved off. (Even we were get­ ting sore just reading about it.) (Continwd on Page 12) ^ '--i; �- -iffgpBSTZffJPrassMw® Ttidvr' October 4, 1946 TBE SEAFARERS LOG r« Digested Minutes Of SlU Ship Meetings ?ATTEB^ON, June 21 — Chairmcin Karl G. Oslling: Secretary Berlrand S. Hoffman. Motions carried: that all; crewmembers remove hats and caps whey entering messhall; that a record be sent to all other unions of any member that has been thrown out of ours; that someone obtain a game chest from the Merchants Seamens club; and thcit Deck Delegate inform Chief Mate that orders concerning work be given to the, men by the Bosun and not the Chief Mate. % X * WILLIAM PATTERSON. June 16 — Chairman Karl G. Qstling; Secretary Bertrand S. Hpffman. Motions carried: that fines be imposed for certain ganitary violations; that any crewmember not attending Union meetings aboard ship be l»ought on charges; that Ed Rogg be elected ship's delegate. A suggestion made that toilets and showers be taken care of by the Deck Engineer. In re­ sponse to request that more fresh fruit be served. Chief Steward said he would try to do so. t t X LUTHER HURD. July 12— Chairman F. Radzvilla; Secre­ tary J. Catmon. New icebox which Captain promised not yet received. Motion carried that unless new box was obtained crew would not sail. Other motions carried: that Patrolman be contacted in regard to fumi­ gation of ship—also painting; to replace glass pitchers with aluminum ones. Water cooler to be provided for engine room immediately. Porthole fans for crew messroom. Paint to be removed from portholes. Com­ plaints registered that hot water is flowing from cold water taps. XXX WEBB MILLER. Feb. 20 — Chairman Donald Ward; Sec­ retary P. Bergeron. Good and Welfare: Steward guaranteed enough meat for 120 days and already two men went without meat because not enough was taken out. Chief cook claims there is enough to go to Rio. Motion carried to have enough meat "broken out" from now on. THIMBLE EYE. Aug. 8 — Chairman R. J. Toler; Secre­ tary W. P. Roma. New Busi­ ness: Motion carried to have pa­ trolman see about getting fresh milk aboard at arrival in New York in sufficient quantities to last while in port. Motion car­ ried to have ironing board re­ paired. Good ayd Welfare: Suggestion was made that crew suggest ways to benefit the new crew members coming and also crew staying on. XXX thjst Deck, and( E^ii^e <^el|agates see first Assistant and Mate to have respective foc'sles paint­ ed; that crewmembers wear shirl in messhaU at: meal times; to be more, careful wbeb. ing toilets; to impose fines for the following violations: leav­ ing cups on messhall tables, throwing butts on deck, placing feet on messhall chairs. Fine to be 25c for each offense. Money to be donated to the Log or Marine hospital at end of trip. XXX JOHN P. PpE. May 22 — Chairman Brewer; Secretary Conlan. New Business: Motion, carried that delegates are to see Captain about drinking water as it is at present unfit to drink. Motion carried that delegates are to see Captain in regard to having crew fpc'sles. painted. Good and Welfare: Cooperation of thje cze.w ask<^ to koep laundry clean and not leave clothes soaking, in shov(ers." Hungry Crew Cooks Up Squab(ble) On Thomas After a big evening ashore the crew aboard the 88 Philip F. Thomas likes to return to the ship and tie on the feed bag. After one evening of festivities they returned with gargantuan appetites and proceeded to de­ vour everything in sight. When the watch was relieved and start­ ed looking around for the night lunch all they could dig up were a few old bones picked clean. To make matters worse on another night the second cook went ashore to take in the sights and forgot to put out a lunch. Up in arms immediately were the men off watch, and after getting a pledge from the cook that he would take care of the matter, peac.e was restored to the ship. At "the next shipboard meeting the crew voted to instruct the 8tewards department to put out sufficient night lunch to accom­ modate the crew and the men coming off watch. Everyone was happy with the assurance that their bellies would receive thek fill. MER MAR, June l^Chairman A. K. Patten; Secretary A. C. Smith. New Business: Dele­ gates reported everything okay. Motions carried: that delegates ^ee Captain and Chief Engineer to have starboard head opened to be used b^ sailors on condition that it be kept clean; XXX PETERSBURG, (date not given) — Chairman John Carolan; Secretary Jack CaniiorcU New Business: Motions carried: that a notice be posted pn any other SlU ship that, the Stew­ ard goes aboard to the effect that the crew must be well fed as he was very lax doing so on this ship; that no crewmem­ ber shall pay off until the spcalled cargo of culled lumber is discharged; that the deleg£des pick up and check all books, permits, and tripcards. Crew had to take the ship tp Balti­ more, because the company wanted the ship moved there. Crew to check with the Union hall to see if they can pay off because of final port of dis­ charge. XXX JOHN BARTRAM. July 7— Chairman J, Henry: Secretary R. Hicks. Now Business: Sug­ gestion was made thaJt crew members help keeg recreation room clean. Aitex^on was called to delegate tp. have them check on and m^e Ifefs of any equipment needed' aboard ship. Request was made to see Chief Engineer about grating on gene);a;tors pl^fbrms as they are slippery and there k g^eat dangei;. of son^e- ene foiling Jpackinery. Tommy Tossed For Loss By Taproom Drinking DoHs (Continued from Page 11) The next holdup hot-spot was a jpint called Kilroy's (yeah, we know, but it's not the same guy.) Again Tommy's purpose was just W. wet his tonsils. And again he was rim off his course. This time there were three breath-taking euties who set their sights on our ill-fated, 8eafarer, or, at least there appeared to be three. SAW HIM COMING "There's the man we've been waiting for," they chorused in Tommy's rapidly-learning ear. In the manner in which dames know how, they soon convinced friend Tommy that it would be just ducky if he'd buy drinks for the foursome. But these delicious little dolls were going to give Tom a break. By the glass champagne was more, expensive, so they allowed him to buy it by the bottle—at the very special price of $37.75, on account of Kilroy—that kibi­ tzer—only had a thousand cases left. Quicker than Tommy rniild say "one beer," these female finaglers were ready to start on the third bottle of champagne, and our boy wasn't feeling as good as when he started out. Very politely he tells them that his mother always told him to be in bed by 10:15, and he was aim­ ing to do just that. But the tricky trio of dolls had mothers who told them something else, Any= way. Tommy, who is known as "8exy'' to his shipmates, shipped off solo.^ That was enough for him for that night, but his letter says, "I could go on all night telling you about a lot of joints down here where they, clip seamen. He hasn't been entirely disillusioned, however, "for there are a lot of good gin mills down here, and if you want to find them just ask where the 81U men hang out." After some items about his ship and the good 81U crew aboard. Tommy winds up his first letter to the Log, with "TU drop you a line from Alexandria, Egypt." We'll be watching the mails for that letter, Tom. But for the luvva mike, beware of; them drinking dolls. CUT AND RUN By HANK Well, while Old Man Winter is starting to unload his cargo of wild winds and biting cold weather in NeW York, the Brothers are patiently waiting for their ships to come in. Meanwhile, to some Brothers either this new business called Unemployment In­ surance or that good old back pay might come soon—and which­ ever of the three cheerful things comes first, it will sure help . . . Well, Jimmy Brooks, an oldtimer of 26 years sailing, happily slipped us the news that George Bales, former agent in Mobile, just came into town from a trip as Bosun . . . Brother "Happy" Harper better watch out or his shipmate, Peg Leg Anderson, might shanghai him out for a fast trip to Baltimore or even Mobile . . . That Gulfer oldtimer, Charlie Bush, is in town now, all bundled up in some winter clothes. Down in New Orleans, Percy Beyer, was sure glad io see his shipmates turning to in painting his mansion. However, the odor of the sea was stronger than the stink of paint and the sight of many walls — so they escaped from their verbal articles. Nevertheless the job was finished, and Percy shipped out as Bosun aboard an Isthmian wagon—according to Joe Buns, the stamp collector . . . Our pal. "Rum and Coke "Willie West; A1 Kerr; George Brown, the oiler; Eddie Flynn, the cook and Brooklyn Rocky Benson just came in from a Robin Line voy­ age to South Africa. They had a little bit of action, too, peace­ time style. The ship went aground and some of the boys spent ten days in a boat . . . "Red" Dodge from New Orleans was also in the boat, we hear—and what's that we hear about a medal you own. Red? By the way. Rocky Benson says that The Man About Town (if you call Norfolk a twon) is in New York, too— siOne other than Ray White, indeed. We rediscovered a little item we had somehow miosed printing in previous columns. Franky Garcia, who held the former feather\yeight championship, is now boxing everything topside in the gold department ... Joe Ryan, the beliyrobber, is probably still aboard the Pigeon Point, trying to stop "8kippy" Eddie Guszczynsky from eating up the galley . . . Roddy 8mith sailing as Bosun on a ship loaded with tobacco for England . . . We're wondering if our shipmate. Earl Chatarb is still trying to get that good old long trip to India. Here are some of the oldlimers probably still down in New Orleans: J. Norfleel. J. McGuffy. E. R. Eklund. Domingo Marie, John Jacobs. Charles Giallanzai Ted Cummings Henry Mazuriewicz, Frances Peredne and Bernard Davte . . . And here's a few who might be shivering through the chilly winds of good old Philly: Peter Serby, Warren Fredeite, Ed Lynch. Adolph Pizzo. Carl Buscup, Glenn Emrick, John Nolde, Charles Lee, Adrianus Remijn, Raymond Long, Fred Douglas and Joseph Bbrden. | ; t | i �fVldaV>'Ode!]«)r 4, ItPi# TBIE SEATARERIS lOG Page Tlurtam THE MEMBEBSmP SPEAKS O RiOPEYARN DREAMS UP ANOTHER ODD CHARACTER Dear Ed: Well Ed, there sure has been a lot of spray gone over the bow since I last tested my literary talents in the columns of the Log. and from the looks of the success of our recent strike which put to shame a government bureau injecting itself into the business of saying how much cabbage our Union Brothers were to collect from the shipowners I think the space was well taken in giving the score about "circus hill," and the performing clowns of Wash ington bureaucracy. Ed, we had a very interesting character on the picket line. His name is Orson Farfufnick, and I am here to tell you Ed, this per­ son is a most amazing character. At an interview this morning I was honored to meet in person Log -A' Rhythms Outward-Bound By Jack (Aussie) Shrimpton O I'll be screaming 'Belly-robber/ and 'When do we get fed?*. And shooting off my mouth about the lousy bread. But its good to be aboard again and listen to the tread Of ten thousand tons o' steel run­ ning free. For the tug has got our tow rope an' is slewing us around. The river pilots on the bridge and we are outward-bound. And I have swapped the rot-gut and all the filth o' town. For the rollicking, rolling, rhythm of the sea. Dear Editor: We want to thank all the members of the creW who sailed on the SS Robert Fechner on voy­ age number 10 for their spendid cooperation. They had no squawks, no beefs and a clean pay­ off. The ship arrived the cleanest in the Port of Savannah. Throughout the trip the men kept the messrooms and quarters in sanitary condition and in good order. A. H. Nordon, Master J. T. Gardner. Chief Officer L. D. Grisham. Chief Steward F. B. Emmons. Chief Engineer Anti-Union Paper Serves Up Bunk, I*reaches Blind Faith In Bosses TOPEYE' PREFERS THE PICKETLINES FOR RECUPERATION Mr. Orson Farfufnick, who has Dear Editor: pit. Recently I challenged a min­ Dear Editor: established his headquarters on Just a line, old pal, to let you I have been taking it easy ister about unionism, because in •a bench in Battery Park. know that I am now out of the here in Chattanooga, Tennessee the Bible it says the buildings of Now Ed, I know you are going for the past few months as King Solomon's Temple was done Marine Hospital, and that I ar­ • to say that I am off the wagon wanted to get the lowdown as to by a Union and I believe that rived back here in New York . again and on another bender why the people in this neck of was the first trade union formed. Sunday. I was supposed to enter when I tell you that Mr. Farfuf­ the woods are so strongly op I asked him if he was familiar Gladstone for three weeks of re­ nick has declared himself a prob­ posed to the unions. with this part of the Bible or did cuperation after three operations able candidate for the presidency Every anti-union trick in the he doubt the truth of it. He re­ and 35 days of being hospitalized. of the United States of America, book is being pulled. One is the Instead of going for a rest, I plied that he was familiar with and has adopted a most amazing "Militant Truth" an anti-union went with the friends and Broth­ slogan, "I Am Not Labor's publication that has been wel the whole Bible, but only used ers to the picket lines on Mon­ the part that he thought was the .Friend." . circulated abound here. The best for his people, so I accused day. I am sure having as good Can you imagine anything like paper calls everyone in the labor a jpst as if I was in Gladstone. that Ed, a national candidate movement an agent of Russia anc him openly of catering to the I will return to Baltimore as coming right out in the open and they resort to the lowest form of mill owners as I know they don't my shipping card is dated Aug. 1 declaring that he is not labor's mud slinging to pit the people want a Union of any kind. from there. Everyone here asks me about friend, and furthermore Ed, Mr against all unions. The paper Regards to all the boys in the Oi-son Farfufnick had the affron- tells the people to just have faith the Union I belong to as the Log Staten Island and Baltfmore hos­ tery to ask me, Ropeyarn, to man­ in the mill bosses and everything makes the rounds here. Every­ pitals, and don't forget to scratch one borrows it to read and it is my name off the hospital list. age his campaigA with him mak­ will come out alright. passed from hand to hand. Some ing such un-political-like camHarry (Popeye) Cronin Also the sacred cloth kave done people have asked me if I have i)aign speeches arid slogans. their anti-union bit from the pul- come to organize the people into I don't believe Farfufriick is, STUDENT WANTS likely to get elected bn such ani play of the complete lack of the union, but I told them I was INFORMATION ON unorthodox political slogan, be­ knowledge of dogs than these tWo sorry to disappoint them. To show how much the mill THE SEAFARERS cause you rerrleiftber When yoU scoundrels—one of whom is on were my campaign manager the the official ballot asking for your owners are trying to counteract time I ran for "do^-gafcher," how vote to elect him to the august the present drive in the south I Dear Editor: we figured to get the labor vote position of official dog-catcher. learned that the local mill had' I am writing a graduate thesis You remember Ed, hoW that given a seven cent an hour raise; on maritime labor problems for by declaring that if I was elected our administration would gather feller went On in his speeches and to offset the organizing drive that my degree in Economics at the up ali» the loose pooches and see told how I wouldn't know the started here a few weeks ago. University of British Columbia. that their lives were made happy difference betvveen a good coon Them bosses can try all of their I would very much appreciate dog and just a plain mongrel, he tricks, but these people badly, any information you could send ever after. We sure did demonstrate Ed, sure did make me loOk foolish, need a union and they're going me on the history, present organ­ that our knowledge of politics but when he really put the run to get one.-^ ization, problems and aims of or­ was sure limited to zero, because on us was when he declared to Charles G. Martin ganized labor in the Seafaring that feller I run against didn't them ladies that we were going industry. only have a knowledge of all to catch them dogs and sell 'em Anything pertaining to your He's Still Loyal kinds of dogs, he sure knew the to the hospitals for the medical recent strike would be very use­ score about touching the heart of students to practice on. He called To The LOG ful including perhaps some re­ females. You remember Ed, just it "vivisection." Well Ed, you Dear Editor: cent issues of your organs. Sea­ before election day that feller got know the -rest, them women grab­ farers Log and the West Coast up and made just one speech that bed their brooms and mops and I have found that after quitting Sailor. set me and you to running as fast made yOu and I light a shuck for the sea I still lodk forward to It would also be helpful if you as our legs would carry us out of parts unknown. Of course, we reading the Log. But as 1 am at indicate any other sources of in­ town. And he're ivas what he don't heed tO mention that we present still quite a ways inland formation of this nature which woulu like to have the Log might come to mind. said, Ed: haven't been back to see if I got sent to me at home. "Ladies and Geiitlemen and elected.' Doug S. Leiterman How about it? Fellow Townsmen, I have never Ed, Candidate Orson Farfufnick . Vancouver, Canada seen in my 25 years as yOUr duly s going to give us his complete (Editor's note: Under separate Oscar S. Johnson elected "dog-catcher" for term program hekt week. cover we are forwarding material Ottawa, HI. after term, a more ignorant disavailable.) (Editbr's note: Okay.) Ropeyarn Yes. listen to the engine a-beoting out a tune. Its music to my hungry ears,— a sailors rigadoon. We're ploughin' steady eastward spittin' cinders at the moon. An' riding free an' easy in the swell. We'll chip an' paint an' sougee from the smoke-stack to the keel. The midnight breeze that brings you ease will be a thing to feel. As the mumbling grumbling helmsman tumbles out to take the wheel. And the Sheepshead Bay com­ mando strikes the bell. Sad Parting By VIC COMBS The wind is chill and lonely. And dull and grey the skies; The time has come when we must part Tho' tears be-dim my eyes. You're hot as fair and lovely now As When we two first met; We'vb had good limes together— "Times I can't forget. But now your paint is peeling. And you've lost your youthful glow; Your motor's wrecked, your tires' flat— For junk you'll have to go. Poets, Attention! Several poems recently submitted to the Log bear strong resemblance to works already published by other authors. The original poems are protected by copyright law and republication by the Log, especially under differ­ ent authorship, would make the Log liable for violation of ihe law. The Log, therefore, asks those Seafarers who submit poetry lo be sure their stuff is original and has not been published previously by any other person. Such caution will avoid any unnecessary complications. �y-" THE S E AF ARERS LO C Friday. October 4, 1948 SOLIDARITY IN MARCUS HOOK The men of the SS Meredith Victory were out on the high seas during the great general strike. When they tied up at Marcus Hook and were inform­ ed of the strike's effectiveness and the support given by the longshoremen, enthusiasm was high. Photo at left shows the Mere­ dith crew. Blackie Cardullo, Port Agent, who gave the men the score is leaning forward in the center of the group. Below are some of the crew and the Marcus Hook long­ shoremen whose aid was so ef­ fectived DONALD DELEGATES GIVE LOWDOWN ON THEIR DEPTS. DISCUSSION ON PRO-BOOK MEN BRINGS UP QUESTION OF RIGHTS At a recent shipboard meeting there was considerable dis­ cussion about pro-book men and their rights. Some of the men felt they had full rights in some matters and were restricted in others. After arguing the points for some time, I felt that I would take it upon myself to get the points clarified. Points in question are: 1—Does a pro-book man have the right to bring up a full book man on charges? 2—Is a pro-book man allowed to make motions and vote in shipboard meetings? 3—Can a pro-book man act as delegate? The answers to these questions will clear up a lot of mis­ understanding. Joe Grimes These questions were referred to Patrolmen. The answers follow: 1—Only a full book man can prefer charges against a full book member. 2—A pro-book man cannot make a motion or vote, but he can take part in the discussions at meetings. 3—A pro-book man is not supposed to serve as a delegate, but if the crew feels he is capable and has the necessary knowledge, he can serve in that capacity. Dear Editor? We. the delegates of the hotsnot ship SS John A. Donald have a few things to get off our collective chests. Nothing sensa­ tional or soul-shaking, just the reports of what occurred in our departments on a recent trip. This trip took us to Copenha­ gen with a cargo of coal and after discharging our cargo we took on sand ballast and proceeded to SAVANNAH NMUers SIU GONDITIONS Bremerhgven for a cargo of army GAVE LIP SERVICE CAME ONLY trucks an dhalf trucks. We were also to take on 90 dogs, soldier's AFTER HARD FIGHT DURING STRIKE pets to be transported to the Dear Editor: Dear Brothers: states. We got them home safe Here is an incident that hap­ and sound, but if you happen to Well, I got another brain storm run into a guy around the Hall and it on account of the ships of pened in Savannah in the last in New York and he barks at the Export Line sailing with sup­ part of the strike that should you, think nothing of it, he was plies for Tito. Well, as I said in be interesting to the membership. the same treatment at a local gin Dear Editor: a member of this crew. my last note, beware of the War On Friday, September 13, we, We took the Alcoa Voyager out mill. These phony customs guys Shipping Administration. Am I as members of the strike com­ In the Deck department things, all in all, weren't too bad. The of Baltimore on Aug. 1 on one never announce the amount of not right? Did they not squawk mittee went aboard the SS Terry voyage was a little expensive for of those temporary negotiated cigarettes you can take ashore, about our difference in wages for Stevenson, a NMU. contracted some of the crewmembers how­ truces. True, we found condi­ but as soon as you leave the ship our Unions and the commie-dom­ ship and found that things inated NMU and others? To get weren't all they should have ever as there was a bucko mate three or four stooges stop you. tions a trifle rugged because of back to those ships, if they were been. on the ship that really howled for Furthermore, if they don't like the laxity of former crews but SIU or SUP we would have taken the logs and the Skipper backed We found that after pledging him up. They had no qualms we believe we can sliaightun your looks they break out this direct action against sailing them. support to the SIU'SUP picket= stilleto on any provocation, ac­ They would not have a crew to about taking a workingman's pay them out. lines, NMU members were di­ tual or imagined. We should not, man them. and they grasped every oppor­ rectly working behind the lines, In the first place, the bucket is and cannot, tolerate this sort of But as "Comrat" Joe is crack­ When advised about this, the tunity presented. sailing under two sets of articles. thing. I went to the Skipper and ing the whip, all commie-domin­ members of the crew told us that This is a good ship for the first The first of these was concocted logged formal protest to be pre­ ated unions will sail them. - I they hadn't been informed by trippers and Sheepshead Bay in Mobile, Ala. Without rider 64, sented to the vice-consul in . boys, but for a man with any sea and of nine months duration, near-by Port LaCruz,' on the mean the NMU and the rest. their Agent not to work. What are they going to do down time, that likes an occasional they are as useful as you know We pointed out to them that grounds of discrimination against jn Washington? Let it go like the drink, she is a good ship to steer what. It holds ten men of the American seamen. the Memphis City, an unorgan­ sinking of the USS Panay? clear of, or you will probably pay unlicensed personnel — the rest ized ship docked right across I truly believe there are some I I should have gone a bit furoff in debt to the ship's log. from them was not working and evidently gave it up as a bad job. ther to include unauthorized ar- high commies and their sympaThe Engine department had a Now that was fine and dandy for was giving the SIU-SUP picketrest, as hardly any of these "of- thizers holding high positions in good bunch of men arid there Alcoa. The beef arose in the lines 100 per cent cooperation. You government offices. They should was no trouble, except for one first meeting aboai'd ship. Some­ ficials" carry credentials. They had no comment to make men who make this run regu-' do away with the UNRRA, the habit of the First Assistant. This one said ^ that the crew got the on this, except to say that it was boy was inclined to boil out the go ahead on these articles. A larly should take note if anything WSA and all the other grafting the fault of the NMU agent as of this nature occurs. Have your bureaus. Tito would not get anyfilter towels, from the hot well,' communication regarding this afhe had not info;-med them to re­ Skipper file a protest with this thing. Why send our surplus over in front of the main engine and fair was sent to Brother Hawk on spect our picketlines. vice-consul. Enough complaints to Tito and the rest of the Axis when he finished with them he Aug. 18. You can take this for what it his way may wise him up. It's and commie-countries when we dumped all the boiling water out is, but it looks very fishy that The other set of articles were quite obvious that Alcoa and this can use it over here? on the floor plates. This is a in order, and were signed by the consul have been so busy kissing Why the hell did wc stick our with a national maritime strike definite menace to the safety of remainder of the crew that board­ the Venezulians, that they don't necks out to be treated like a in progress for nine days they the oiler or any one else that has had not heard of their union's ed the vessel in Baltimore. find time to protect the seamen bunch of criminals after it was occasion to move around the en­ policy. We have our ideas of this An intere.sting thing occurred from the out and out rackets like over by the Coast Guard. They gine room. No one can walk and they are not flattering to the won't even give you a break and on the stuff as it is very easy to along the way. Bosun Red Hicks this one. NMU. they snoop around trying to get slip on the slick plates and pos­ and AB Harold Mace were ac­ As usual, there were a few something on a sailor. Charles Scofield costed on the docks at Guanto, sibly cause injury. phonies on the bridge. The Bosun NoIIie Towns Jn.st heard that the strike was Venezuela, by the local and I straightened out the 2nd on, over the radio. Well, here's •t The Steward's Department was tapo"—customs officers to you. alright, but again there was an and 3rd Mates who were attempt­ hoping I'm out of here soon, so The two men were searched, and ing sailors' work on deck. The I can go on the picket line, too. exception or two. The crew's told to board the ship. Hicks messman and pantryman were First Assistant wanted an Oiler Remember, young brothers, don't asked why, and for that had three The Log wants at once the. Somewhat eccentric characters. to pay his shipmates for watches let the WSA take you in, like feet of cold steel poked in front names and addresses of bars, stood below in his absence, ne­ the Shipping Board did in the - One was a first tripper and didn't of his middle. The Deck En­ clubs frequented by seamen, cessitated by an injured-foot. I last war. Get a contract and fight know whether he was coming or gineer, Chile DeDuisin, was given particularly in foreign ports, guess the guy would have to be for it. Show them you mean bus­ going, the other was just as so that they can be put on hopeless. It was through the as­ flat on his back before this char­ iness and no fooling! We didn't the Log mailing list. With acter would approve any over­ get these conditions on a silver sistance of the Steward that the the postal delivery to ships time. food was prepared and served. spoon. So it's up to you boys to snafued, this remains the only The Steward is 100 per cent un­ The Chief Mate, C. S. Mason, keep them and better them. practical way of getting the ion and a good Steward and saved the day and proved him­ Here's to the SUP and SIU on Union paper into the mem­ shipmate. He really is on the self a friend of Union condi­ both coasts, the Gulf, and the berships hands. ball and deserves a better ship. tions. An old SIU book man him­ Great Lakes. And here's to our So men don't rush. There are self, he has shown time and time Flag and our Country, which will So do it today—send us the plenty of jobs available on this again by his cooperation and never be dominated by the Com­ liames and correct addresses scow, but remember our words willingness to meet us half way munist Party. Best of luck in our of your favorite places all of warning before you rush in. that there can be a common meet­ struggle for "Our Rights," SUP over the world, with an esJustine L. Whidden, Deck Del. ing ground between the bridge and SIU. We will win because estimation of the number of Claude Davis, Eng. Del. and the men. we are not going to lose! Logs they can use. D. E. Sherwin, Slew. Del. Robert McAdoo "Greek" Belts, Delegate Highlights Of Trip On SS Alcoa Voyager Let Us Have 'Em l! : . jii-; '.M4 �^rh'r .•*• •.. - THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, October 4, 1946 Page Fifteen BULLETIN Torres, Julio Torres, Aeofilo Torres, Wilson Torrbella, N. N Torry, Cornelius Tort, John R Tortolano, Sid Frank Tottle, Kenneth B Totty, John Tourmoka, P Tournnier, J. M Tournier, J. T Towell, C. F Townsend, Stanley C Trager, Samuel C Tainer, Mike Traenple, W, , Trampas, Spiros Travaglin, Mario Travalis, John Travel's, James P Travino, Royino Treadway, Douglas E Trebucq, Wesley Treichel, Emil J Tremblay, Rene V Trenior, Francis C Trickey, William Trieslo, John Tripp, Geo. W Trilt, Euclid, J Trohalakis, Harry Trolson, Charles Trotman, Ernest F Trowbridge, Jack J Trudel, Jean Truett, Wm Trujillo, Thomas Trust, "Louis O Truxillo, Joseph M TrUxiilo, W Trzcinski, Manian I Tsermengas, Demitrios B.. Tsironis, Pandelis M. Tudor, Nicolae Tuberville, Sidney C Tully, Joseph S Tumulty, John J Tupper, Frederick A. ....... Turnbull, James A Turnbull, Richard W Turnbull, Robt Turck, Lauren Keith Turner, Lisle, M Turner, M. B Turner, Roy J Turr, Carl F Tusk, C. P Tuter, Chas. Tyler, Gerald Tyler, Grover .. Tyndle, E. W Tyo, Leslie G Tzortzis, Antonios . —Unclaimed Wages— Mississippi Shipping Company, Inc. 1.37 1.37 .71 NEW YORK 51 Beaver St. .01 HAnover 2^2784 2.25 BOSTON 276 State St. Bowdoin 4057 (Agent) 4.65 This list comprises unclaimed wages as of December 31, 1945, some Bowdoin 4055 (Dispatcher) 3.12 BALTIMORE 14 North Gay St. of which may have already been paid. If yon still have a claim, write to Calveti 4333 7.38 PHILADELPHIA 9 South 7th St. Mississippi Shipping Company, Hibernia Bank Bldg., 13th floor, New Or­ 3.96 Phone LOmbard 3-7651 NORFOLK 127-129 Bank Street 3.23 leans, La., enclosing your z-number, social security number, date and place 4-1083 . 63.37 CHARLESTON 68 Society St of birth and present address. Phone 3-3680 . 29.01 NEW ORLEANS 339 Chartres St. 2.23 Magnolia 6112-13 15.15 Valles, Benjamin 0 220 East Bay St. 1.63 Weber, M. E 39.59 SAVANNAH W 3-1728 3.44 Valles, F. 0 Webster, William P 74 2.97 Waalen, Edsel MOBILE 7 St. Michael St. ... 2.25 5.94 2-17S4 4.50 Valsvig, Roger M 1.37 Wade, Paul D 14.32 Weeker, Frank W SAN JUAN, P. R, , , , .45 Ponce de Leon 3.00 16.36 San Juan 2-5996 16.54 Wedge, Primus L 5.70 Wade, Willie J 6.30 Van, Assche, F. C Weickgennant, Albert 28.40 GALVESTON 305 (i 22nd St. 30.41 2.75 Vance, Elmo L 2-8448 ! 2.64 Wagner, C. W Weigand, J. 15.82 Wagner, Frank 9.01 TAMPA 1809-1811 N. Franklin St. 3.00 Vance, Robert 1.98 Wagner, Joseph Weigum, Richard W 16.52 M-1323 2.41 7.52 Van Coppenolle, R. E. .... 44.68 920 Main St. Weinberg, Sherman 45 JACKSONVILLE Wagner, Lewis M. 4.62 Phone 5-5919 1.37 11.47 PORT ARTHUR . .909 Fort Worth Ave. .32 Wahrhaftig, Morris . .59 Weinker, William J 2.23 Vandergrift, John J Phone: 2-8532 24.09 2.90 Waindle, Bernard K. .74 Weimer, Edward HOUSTON 1515 75th Street 4.00 Vanderhicder, M Weinreich, Frederick O. .. 11.84 Phone Wentworth 3-3809 9.90 Wakefield. D 10.78 3.22 Van Do Weghe, F Weise, George 6.75 RICHMOND, Calif 257 5th St. 1.65 Van Dick, George Walberg, Leonard C. 14.10 4.13 SAN FRANCISCO 59 Clay St. Weiss, Harold 1.42 1.30 Wald, Leon Y 17.72 Garfield 8225 5.07 Van Dyar, Jacobs Weiss, Sol 45 SEATTLE 86 Seneca St. 4.97 Van Hille, Herman A. • Walden, Payton 6.75 36.30 Main 0290 2.06 .69 Walker, Alton B 15.10 Welch, James DT PORTLAND Ill W. Burnside St. .55 Van Lew, Frank W 1.48 Van Lowe, James A. 1.98 Walker, Dolphus D. . 1.78 Welch, Joseph WILMINGTON 440 Avalon VIvd. .55 Welds, R. J 2.25 Terminal 4-3131 3.96 Vannais, Phil C Walker, Elmer R; 2.79 20.30 16 Merchant St. Wells, Joseph A 7.58 HONOLULU 2.29 Walker, G Van Panel, John 23.78 10 Exchange St. 2.13 74 BUFFALO Cleveland 7391 1.34 Walker, Gus .98 Welsh, Joseph 2.72 Vansavage, James J Wendel, George R 04 CHICAGO 24 W. Superior Ave. 4.50 Walker, H. T Van Sicklen, W 4.69 Superior 5175 2.75 26.67 1.48 Walker, John E, 1.42 Wendell, A CLEVELAND 1014 E. St. Clair St. 2.67 Vanzile, John 76 Main 0147 5.35 Wallace, Ray D 2.25 Wenks, Jos 35.12 Van Ryswyk, M DETROIT 1038 Third St. Wentland, Edward H 59 8.72 Walker, Jack E. 3.64 Cadillac 6857 .10 Vargas, 1 Weremcyk, Stanley 13.87 DULUTH 531 W. Michigan St. 5.64 Walker, James A Varnon, Robert E 90.88 39.46 Melrose 4110 7.34 .42 Walker, Thomas D. 3.96 Werhan, George J VICTORIA, B. C 602 Boughton St. 4.50 Varnon, Robert G 69 5.51 Wallace, Elmer 14.22 Werling, Francis J VANCOUVER 144 W. Hastings St. 66.43' Vasilchik, Stephen Wesiewski, J. J 01 MARCUS HOOK IV, W- 8th St, Vasqupz, Domingo . 7.69 Wallace. Harvey E 2.23 .06' Chester 5-3110 Wessels, L. E 21.16 4.82 Vasquez, Miguel A Walowitz, Harry 5.02 2.75 32.36 CORPUS CHRISTIE ..1824 Mesquile St 4.13 Walls, Edward 2.00 Weseltier, Richard 5.94 Vaughin, Hal G West, Lewis F. ... ... 2.96 2.31 Walsh, J 143.17 123.75 Veasy, H West, Norman ... ... 2.84 White, George A 8.26 Walsh, Stanley 1.34 5.69 8.21 Vegas, Abraham We.st, Wm. W. ... ... 4.01 6.68 Walsh, Wm. R Veider, Karl A 46.94 White, Herbert 98.75 .79 ... 9.72 White, John 2.23 Walters, E » 1.50 Westhoff, Robert 59 .79 Veilleux, Armand A Weston, B. A. ... ... 9.72 White, John E • • .79 Walters, J. L Velasco, Peter F 14.00 5.92 37.45 .89 White, Keith • .04 Walters, William F 2.80 Wetterhorn, Karl C. 2.25 17.87 Venegra, C. A Whalen, Arthur ... 3.75 7.43 Walton, Florence White, Lawrence R 45 Ventola, John 1.05 7.33 Wheaton, Alexander .74 White, Louis M .69 Wannall, W. E. Jr. 19.51 .71 Varecke, Arthur H .01 ... 4.50 White, Paul B 2.64 Ward, Admiral D 38.39 21.46 Wheeldow, F 27.73 Vergara, Joseph R Wheeler, Alten P. ... ... 1.98 White, Ralph R 5.08 5.10 Vertra, James T. Jr Ward, E. W 10.72 3.23 Wheeler, Fredris A 82.04 , White, Robert N 5.00 Ward, Henry M 15.05 Vesey, Vincent 4.13 3.12 2.23 viThited, Elmer W 5.72 3.46 Ward, J 12.75 Wheeler, George M 11.20 Vesik, Thomas Wheeler, George 5.65 whitehouse, J. F 89 .. 28.00 Ward, James L Vetrano, P. J 5.40 2.13 -59 "whiteside, G. H 15.04 2.23 Ward, Willis Viano, Halisario 4.32 Wheran, G 2.75 9.86 ^ -^hiteside, John R 12.19 4.29 Warden, Ralph E. 4.45 Whitaker, Lane E .74 Viau, Charles 1 White, Amos, L 13-40 , whitfm, chas. 4.00 .27 Warden, W. W 9.75 Vicker, M 4.50 White, Charles C 42.18 "Whitney, Chas. J. .01 Warhurst, Ernest W. 8.26 1.34 Vickers, Clarence J 2.23 White, F. J 1.201 7.24 Warkentin, J. A Vidal, Andrew 1.98 1.32 7.51 17.11 Warner, Robt. H 2.75" White, F. S 9.00 Viero, A 120.28 Weaver, Roy E 2.75 .89 Vierra, S. A 5.70 Webb, John R 4.27 Vierra, Albino 2.67 1.78 Webb, Mezohn L. Jr. 1.98 Vietro, Nicholas P 1 am trying to contact the fol­ U 10.79 Webb, Walter L Vilagu, Robert 32.95 lowing crew members from the GETHEROS. LUTHER WM. .33 Webbs, John R 1.63 8.91 Villar, Frank Uhler, Richard H tug A. H. Debardeleben who P7D3 8.63 Weber, Charles .99 Villas, J. M 2.68 I Umberger, Clarence W. ... Please contact 6th floor office were with me on said tug Janu­ S 96 Weber, Jehn f 2.54 2.85 Vinas, Carlo.? A Umphenour, Dale L ary 1, 1945. .14 Webber, Charles E. . 65.58 at New York headquarters in 8.80 Vinas, Charles I Underhill, Frederick Norman E. Brougher—Deckh'd reference to obtaining book. Be 2.44 43.07 Vinas, Jose Underhill, Robert Joseph C. Gandy—Deckhand sure to bring your permit and 2.00 24.09 Vincent, Edward Underwood, Irwin Clayton B. Magee—Deckhand receipts. 8.46 Vincent, Frank G 23.24 Unschweif, Gerard Edmond B. Finnegan—Deckh'd t X X 123.75 6.93 Vincent, John Urban, Chas Stannie Campbell—Cook 2.75 The names of members listed :.. GARLAND T. FLOYD 1.40 Vincent, Jos Urban, F Holly E. Brady—Asst. Engin'r 17.30 below hold Great Lakes receipts FLOYD McCELLAN .69 Vincent, Norman B I Urbikas, Anthony The above men are wanted for 5.00 20.68 Vindon, Jas Urchuck, Richard M You have money coming to listing their payments issued at statements as to the actual living 2.64 you and can pick it up at the Galveston, August 29, 1946. If 6.24 Vineyard, Robert P. Urda, George C and working conditions of the 7.63 Savannah Hall. they will forward these receipts Usher, Robert H 5.94 Vink, Arnold Coyle Lines. Any one knowing 5.10 to this Branch we will return .69 Vinsant, Wm. S I Uzonyi, Jos. H their pi'esent address please have S, S t 4.50 their records on A&G receipts. Vinson, Jas. W them write to Percy F. Hicks, 330 V SS ADA RERAN E. Jenkins, TC 12954; A. E. .20 Vitali, Frank Chartres St., New Orleans, La. C. Pengraze, $257.55; W. El- Robertson, TC 6423; C. Harvey, Vacino, Michael 2.67 Vlachos, P 5.01 XXX Vainikainen, Felix L 2.23 ledge, $203.85; W. Jonson, 235.62; TC 12931; R. B. Webb, 46306; E. 3.05 Voliva, Jessie B ARTHUR G. CHAMPAGNE Valantejus, Joseph .69 Vondreau, Robert E ; L. G. Mc2.7-5 N. Fifer, $226.03; G. Turner, V. Starling, TC Valchos, Peter 1.58 Von Hille, Herman 5.91 $206.92; L. Stutton, $256.16; T. Nair, 33095; J. A. Hughes, 39694; Your sister, Evelyn Payne Syl­ Valdes, Paul A J. W. Weeks, TC 11313; C. O. vester is trying to locate you. She .89 Nee. $125.70. .59 Von Holden, Claude The above restricted time Horton, TC 12797; V. E. Sawyer, asks that you get in touch with Valentine, Antonio T 19.16 Von Nordeck, E. L 4.74 Valette, Henry V 1.24 money is payable at the McCor- TC 12892; D. Bissett, 1234; H. her as soon as possible at the 4.80 Voorhies, Allen D IValino, J .59 mick Steamship Co., San Fran­ Lowman, P-3-262; R. L. Butler, following address: 8087 La Mesa 6.51 Vranich, Chas. M 6.40 cisco, Calif. I Valla, John 7.35 Vuisbee, Walter C i G 147. Blvd., La Mesa, California. NOTICE! MONEY DUE SlU HALLS PERSONALS �W ^'Paga Sixteen THE SEAFARERS LOG BOSTON HAILS THE VICTORY Friday, October 4, 1946 AFL Maritime Councii A Definite Success By EARL SHEPPARD With the entire waterfront once again tied-up, as a re'sult of the current strike called by the Masters, Mates and Pilots of America—AFL and the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association —CIO, it's time we SIU members paused for a look at the record. •I • if When the announcement came through that the Government had reversed the decision by the WSB that deprived SIU-SUP members of thnr rightful wages, there were not too many men present in the Boston Hall. Most of the men we -e out on the many picketlines thai completely locked up Boston's shipping. Others were attending to the duties which have to be done in order to run a successful strike action. Nevertheless, the men in the Hall at the lime really raised the roof when they heard the good news. Mul iply this picture about 20 times and you will have a good idea of what the celebration looked like when the men returned to the Hall. InjuredSeafarer Discharged From Hospital After Criticizing Slowness Of Treatment \ly In a letter to the LOG, dated September 20, T. B. H. Anderson, Medical Officer in Charge of the Staten Island Marine Hospital, defended what had transpired in Brother Lester Knickerbocker's case, reported in the LOG on Sep­ tember 13, and made the point that because of the conditions un­ der which the hospital was oper­ ating, it was impossible to fur­ nish the very best food and care which they would like to be able to furnish. Dr. Anderson goes on to say that Knickerbocker received the treatment indicated in his case, and that there was no undue holdup in either his admission, or in instituting the required care. Last week Brother Knicker­ bocker painfully made his way to the LOG office, and gave his ver­ sion of what really took place. He stated that everything he told to the delegation which visited him on September 8, and which was reported in the LOG on Sep­ tember 13, was absolutely true. He went on to state that be­ cause of his remarks he had been discharged from the hospital dur­ ing a driving rain, and before his leg had completely healed. Last week the LOG printed Dr. Ander­ son's letter. This week, in the in­ terests of truth, we print Brother Knickerbocker's tale. Here is what Lester Knickerbocker told a LOG staff member when he vis­ ited the office: ''0.: MADAGASCAR BETTER Pi- It may sound funny, but the following story is absolutely true. Lester Knickerbocker, Carpenter, received better treatment at a French Army hospital in Mada­ gascar than he received at the Staten Island Marine Hospital, right here in the United States! After an injury aboard his ship in Madagascar, Knickerbocker was rushed to the hospital in great pain. He was immediately x-rayed, and his injury was diag­ nosed as a broken kneecap. Treat­ ment was quickly started, and on August 26, six weeks after the time of the accident, he arrived in the port of New York. An am­ bulance met the ship at the dock, and that was the last decent treatment that he got. When they arrived at the hos­ pital, according to Knickerbocker, he was notified that he could not be treated or examined that day, and that he should return the fol­ lowing day. He had no crutches and no cane, and he was therefore no avail, he had to leave during forced to take a taxicab back to a drenching rain. The hospital's the ship. excuse is that he was being dis­ charged to the Hudson and Jay SAME STORY Clinic for outpatient treatment. The next day the story was re­ As far as Brother Knickerbock­ peated, with only one variation. er is concerned, he doesn't care This time he was x-rayed before what the hospital claims. All he being told to return the next day. knows is tliat he needs care and All told, it was five days after he rest, and that he can't get either returned to hi.s native land be­ one when he has to travel to a fore he was finally admitted to clinic a few limes each week for the Staten Island Marine Hos­ treatment. pital. He also knows that the only Each day, however, he was reason he is out of the Staten forced to go out to the hospital, Island Marine Hospital is because wait around for long periods of he had the guts enough to com­ time, and then return to the room plain about the poor treatment, he had to rent when the ship poor food, and wearying delay sailed. that -attondod his entrance and Even when, at long last, he was stay in the hospital. admitted to the hospital, his situ­ And Brother Knickerbocker, ation did not improve. For four and the other members of the days, over the Labor Day week­ end, he got absolutely no atten­ Seafarers International Union tion. This would not have been think that it is a dirty trick for so bad if it hadn't been for the an agency ofr the United States fact that he was in constant pain Government to take out its spite on a poor seaman who has a legit­ ail the time. imate complaint, instead of try­ STORY LEAKS ing to straighten things out so On Sunday, September 8, a that seamen won't have com­ delegation of SIU members vis­ plaints in the future. ited the Staten Island Marine Hospital to give the incapacitated Brother^ the lowdown on the strike, which was then in its third day. In making the rounds. Brother Knickerbocker was in­ terviewed and his story, about his long wait and subsequent bad NEW YORK—I have just re­ treatment, appeared in the Sep­ turned from viewing the opening tember 13 issue of the LOG. of the film "Two Years Before What happened after that has the Mast," and was very much all the eaimaiks of dictatorship. impressed with what I saw, The A few days after the story ap­ story coincided in all details with peared in the pages of the LOG, the book by Richard Henry Dana a couple of the physicians and of­ which I am sure most of us have ficials of the iiospitai came over read at one lime or another. to Brother Knickerbocker and There is no getting away from asked him whether he was the the fact, Richard Henry Dana Les Knickerbocker who had made knew and understood the sea­ the complaint to the visiting dele­ men of those. days and their problems. gation. Recently, the SIU-SUP struck the entire shipping industry in what turned out to be the great­ est geperal maritime strike in U. S. history. The results of that strike are past history. We won our beef just like the Seafarers always win their beefs. All SIU-SUP members helped in winning our victory. And our affiliates in. the AFL Maritime Trades Department gave us val­ uable assistance. In addition, several CIO and Independent Unions pledged their support to us. As a result, we won our beef; the WSB was defeated completely, and an entirely new wage pattern was set up for all maritime workers. ALL WIN INCREASES The total result of the SIUSUP victory was that the value of the AFL Maritime Trades De­ partment • was proven beyond BLOW FALLS The next day, a nurse came up to Brother Knickerbocker and told him that he should pack his clothes as he was being discharg­ ed that afternoon. That afternoon happened to be a very rainy day, and since Lester's pleas were of It was through the uproar raised by his book that the first laws to protect seamen on the high seas were enacfed by Con­ gress. Through these laws a real step forward w^s given to all American seamen. However, in spite of the laws enacted at this time seamen were still slaves and at the mercy of hard boiled shipp's masters and the bosses, the shipowners. It wasn't until the late 1880's when that great emancipator, Andrew Furuseth, took up the struggle for decent laws and or­ Since then the International Longshoremen's Association —• AFL has won a 15 cent hourly increase and a 22cent hourly overtime rise. The large majority of the AFL Longshoremen' voted to accept these gains, and no fur­ ther action by the AFL Maritime Trades Department was neces­ sary. But this powerful group of waterfront Unions stood ready to help the Longshoremen if necessarj-. Now, our affiliated brothers in the MM&P are out on strike to secure decent wages and Union security through a Union hiring hall. Although their strike has been technically called a lockout; a lockout rather than a strike, they have no contract, and tra­ ditional AFL policy is not to work without a contract. The shipowners refused to meet the MM&P's reasonable demands, and the strike was necessary. OFFICERS STRIKE Along with the MM&P, the MEBA-CIO also struck for high­ er wages and Union security. The AFL Maritime Trades Department and the SIU-SUP fully support both MM&P and MEBA strikes. They are legitimate strikes for legitimate demands, and we al­ ways support strikes of that kind. That's traditional SIU-SUP policy. Right from the start, certain communist elements in both the MM&P and MEBA tried to cause disruption and make political hay "wliilu the strike emergency was on. This was quickly brought to the attention of MM&P leaders, argument, and that the wage and they did a good job of elim­ gains of all unlicensed seamen inating these disrupters. were made possible. Look at MEBA DIFFERENT the increases gained by the Na­ In the MEBA we have a slight- ! tional Maritime Union—CIO, ly different picture. There we '! Marine Cooks and Stewards-CIO, have a fairly strong entrenched and the Marine Firemen, Oilers, commie minority, and as a result Wipers and Watertenders—Inde­ the MEBA is having a tough time pendent. Would they have se­ of it. The assistant Business cured those gains if the SIUAgent in New York, Romanoff, and the Local 33 publicity man. Coco, are both confirmed com­ mies. Proof of this lies in the fact that Romanoff openly issued statements that he would lend assistance to the small but ganization of seamen. That troublesome cbmmunist minority struggle is still being carried on in the ILA. However, this indi­ vidual was forced to retract these today. statements in the face of strong SKIPPER WAS GOD SIU-SUP protest. At the time that this story was We in the SIU-SUP have learn­ written, shanghaiing, capital ed the value of the AFL Mari­ punishment and various forms of time Trades Department. The | torture were the seamen's lot. sooner the Marine Firemen and The Masters in those days were Marine Engineers learn that they j the law and they could, invoke need strong support like the AFL any punishment they saw fit; in Maritime Trades Dept. to win top other words they were the Coast conditions and lick the commie Guard of those days. disrupters, the sooner they'll be- j At the present time, seamen come strong unions. organized into unions have elim­ inated all of the past ills except one, and that is the Coast Guard. seamen by the Coast Guard as This outfit which sets itself up that treatment is common knowl­ as the supreme ruler of the sea­ edge. These Coast Guard brass men has got to go. Laws have hats should see this picture, as been passed from time to time to it puts them in the same light as protect the seamen and now the bruital "Captain Thompson" there should be another law en­ of the story, and like this notori­ acted to eliminate this blot. The ous skipper they also will be merchant seamen and the brass eliminated from the Merchant hats in the Coast Guard have Marine picture. It may take some time but we will eventually nothing in common. We do hot need another Rich­ cast off the yoke of Coast Guard ard Dana to write a book show­ control. ing the ill-treatment given the Louis GoffinI "Two Years Before The Mast" Shows Pro-Union Seaman's Life Knickerbocker admitted as much, and then explained his stand, and the fact that he had been ill-attended and had had to wait for several days before being admitted to the hospital in the first place. The doctors listened attentively and then departed. SUP liadn't made it possible? You know they wouldn't! � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource October 4, 1946 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. VIII, No. 40 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Description An account of the resource Headlines: GREEN SCORES US MEDDLING IN DISPUTES NOMINATIONS STILL OPEN AFL MARITIME UNIONS ANSWER BRIDGES' RAIDING AFL CONVENES IN CHICAGO LICENSED OFFICERS' STRIKE TIES UP ALL U.S. SHIPPING SUP ACTION WINS SAME WAGE SCALE AS SEAFARERS ON THE EAST COAST WATERFRONT COMMUNISTS SHIPYARD UNION BARS COMMIES ADD MORE THREATS TO FREEDOM OF THE MERCHANT SEAMEN: THE MPS EVERYTHING SHAPING UP WELL FOR SEAFARERS IN MIDLAND VOTE PORT SAVANNAH HAD HIGH TIME IN GENERAL STRIKE; ALL-OUT COOPERATION MADE THIS BEEF A SUCCESS NEW YORK RECONVERSION MODEL, BUT MEMBERS READY FOR ANYTHING LAKES AFL WINS IN BARGE VOTE PORT BOSTON'S STRIKE COMMITTEES FUNCTIONED IN HIGH GEAR WHEN GENERAL STRIKE CALL CAME MARCUS HOOK PORT AGENT HAS HEAVENLY DATE ADVICE TO THE JOBLORN SEAMEN NEW ORLEANS COLLECTS OVERTIME FOR CREW OF NORTHERN WANDERER AFL UNIONS FORM COUNCIL IN MILWAUKEE N.O. THANKS VOLUNTARY AID 3862 STOOD PICKET DUTY IN NEW YORK MOBILE GROUP AIDED THE STRIKING SEAFARERS LADIES FIND LAUNCHING BIZ A GEM TOMMY DRIFTS HELPLESSLY IN TAPROOMS AS DOLLS TOSS HIM FOR FINANCIAL LOSS AFL MARITIME COUNCIL A DEFINITE SUCCESS INJURED SEAFARER DISCHARGED FROM HOSPITAL AFTER CRITICIZING SLOWNESS OF TREATMENT "TWO YEARS BEFORE THE MAST" SHOWS PRE-UNION SEAMAN'S LIFE Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 10/4/1946 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1946 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/962eec2121241547b88a4e911c7e4842.PDF 15df9d87efff2edf6d592f4d83ff0763 PDF Text Text ,f. ,'J,-: . ^ < -I'^,/. • . .'« Official Organ of the Atlantic and Gulf District, Seafarers International Union of North America NEW YORK. N. Y.. FRIDAY. OCTOBER 11. 1946 Vol. VIII. Waterfront Treachery Communist treachery hit a nev/ high last Friday when the so-called "rank-and-file" committee of the Masters, Mates and Pilots, reinforced with known scabs and sell-out artists who have found a spot for themselves in the water­ front section of the communist party, tried to sabotage a vital strike meeting of the MM&P. No. 41 AFL Maritime Council Gives All-Out Support To Striking Officers The "rank-and-filth" has long been a serious problem in the licensed officers union. Time and again these spokes­ men for the communist point of view have caused dissen­ NEW YORK, October 10—The solid tie-up of the American merchant marine sion and disruption. And now with the Union doing battle with the shipowners and the Government, they see a chance industry continued into the third week as company representatives persisted in their to spread their usual poison and kill off the honest elements stalling tactics in Washington. As the situation now stands, the East and Gulf Coast operators have agreed to the union security clause demanded by the Masters, Mates, of the MM&P. and Pilots, AFL, and the Marine Engineers Beneficial Association, CIO, but the West ^.Coast operators have obstinately In this way they hope to seize power and then to use refused to consent to this section the Union to further their own peculiar, fascist aims, With -every action they expose their objectives. No longer can they state that they are sincerely in sympathy with labor. No longer can they swear that they are true fighters in labor's cause. Their actions for the past 20 years gives the lie to any such statements. And on the waterfront their record is even worse than it is in any other part of the American Labor movement. There is no other alternative-—communists must be driven from the scene of American labor, or We will all sit by and see a free labor movement die. SlU.OperatorsNearing Accord On Contracts NEW YORK, October 10—With orrly small differences separating the negotiating committees rep' resenting the SIU and the com­ panies, it was the feeling of the Union Committee that the next few days might see the whole sit­ uation wind up with a total vic­ tory for the Union. The past week' saw the two groups come to a complete agreement on General and Work­ ing, Rules, and progress has also been made on the subject of the Manning Scale. This last remains as the only stumbling block, but there are indications that accep­ table terms tan be arrived at. The original terms proposed by the Union were imniediately turned down. The SIU Commit­ tee then met separately and pre­ sented a rock-bottom offer which the operators said they would take under advisement. Arrange­ ments were made to meet again later this week. HIGH WAGES When the interim contracts were signed on August 5, they established the highest wages ever seen in the maritime indus­ try. As the other provisions shape up so far, there is no doubt that they also will represent a long mile forward in the sea­ men's fight for decent conditions. 'These negotiations might have been completed a few weeks ago since the operators, except on one occasion, have shown them­ selves honest in their desire to bring things to a rapid conclu­ sion. However, the general strike of the maritime industry inter­ fered, and now the strike of the licensed officers has slowed up proceedings. The Union Committee which is negotiating with the operators consists of John Hawk, Paul Hall, J. P. Shuler, Robert Matthews, and Earl Sheppard. LAST CALL The deadline for members wishing fo announce Iheir candidacy for union offices in the Atlanlic and Gulf District for 1947 is Oct. 15. 1946. Any qualified candidate may nominate himself by submit­ ting. in writing, his intention to run for office. Proof of qual­ ification, plus mention of the office in which the applicant is interested must accompany the written intention. This data must be in the Secretary-Trea­ surer's office not later than Oct. IS, 1946, when nominations will close. -'•A:, Commies Try To Disrupt Strike Of Masters, Mates NEW YORK—Following their usual practice of scabbery and treachery, the waterfront section of the communist party tried to throw the strike of the Masters, Mates and Pilots, AFL, into tur­ moil by attempting to break up a strike meeting of the MM&P on Friday night, October 4. A few membeis of the Union, reinforced with the worst ele­ ments of the waterfront, held a separate meeting at the same time that the reguluar meeting was being held, and then as­ sembled in full force at the Palm I Gardens to attack the honest members meeting. when they left the of the proposed contract. Only this part of the negotia­ tions is keeping the two groups apart, and they are meeting reg­ ularly to see if something cannot bo done to force the West Coast' shipowners to come to terms. In­ sofar as wages are concerned, the Unions have come down slightly from their original de­ mands and this matter could easily be sealed if union secur­ ity is granted. BRING PRESSURE Pressure was brought to bear on the reactionai-y West Coast operators by the Maritime Com-" mission, but the Commission rap-, idly backed down when the ship­ owners threatened to turn all ships back to the War Shipping Administration if the Commis­ sion insisted in enforcing its de­ mands. Captain Martin, President of the MM&P, stated then that the Commission could do the job i£ they wanted to, but that since they had failed to follow through on this task, the Union would stay on strike until this demand was satisfied. DEAD HARBOR In every harbor of the United States, ships rode at anchor without steam and there Avas ho attempt to break this strike. Pledges of support and assist­ ance were immediately sent by the AFL Maritime Trades De­ partment, and the entire financial r A On pages 8 and 9 are pic­ tures of the MM&P Strike to date. As the strike goes on. the Log hopes to print all the news and many pictures about the struggle which our Broth­ er union is waging. The MM&P is an affiliate of theAFL Maritime Trades Depart­ ment, and as such we are in­ terested in making sure that they win their beef. This inner fight has been brewing for some time, because the sincere members of the MM&P have fought against be­ ing dominated by the communist party. During this strike the communists, who are few in number in the Union, have been conspicuous by their absence. Instead of pitching in to do their share anyhow, these men have withdrawn from honest prosecution of the fight, and have formed a so-called "rank-and- and physical resourses of the De­ partment were placed at the dis­ posal of the MM&P. The CMU also made the same promises, but through the com- (Continufd on Page 3) (Continuei on Page, 4) .. M •<A "I �Page Two Friday> October 11, 1946 THE SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS LOG 'Published Weekly by the SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Gidf Distrfct Affiliated Tvitb the Aincriam Federation of Labor At 51 Beaver Street, New York, 4, N. Y•HAnover 2-2784 I i. i i- HARRY LUNDEBERG ------- President lOy Market Street, San Francisco, Calif. JOHN HAWK Secy-Treas. p. O. Box 25, Sution P., New York City Entered as second class matter June 15, 1945, at the Post Office in New York, N. Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912. 267 Labor Stirs That part of the trade union movement in the United States which is still affiliated with the CIO has been having trouble lately. This commotion has not been caused by any outside influences such as battles with employers or restrictive anti-labor legislation passed by Congress. The inner troubles of the unions in question have been the result of the National CIO policy to look the other way when it was mentioned that many CIO unions had been captured by the communists, and that they had even work­ ed their way into high offices in the CIO organization itself. We don't want to sound as though we are happy about the whole thing. All sincere, honest trade unionists wish that the commies had never been able to get a foothold on free American labor. But now that the damage has been done, we think it a service to point out the facts so that other unions will not wake up to find that they have become transmission belts for a philosophy that breeds terror, restriction, and a form of existence that is not liked by free men. • -- v . R. G. MOSSELLER C. W. SMITH C. R. POTTER H. P. HARRIS H. P. HARRIS • J. FAIRCLOTH J. DE ABREU L. L. MOODY T. WADSWORTH F. GEMBICKI W. G. H. BAUSE G. KITCHEN J. N. RAYMOND H. BELCHER J. FIGUEROA F. MARTENS % % % BALTIMOIfE HOSPITAL ELLWOOD BARNES METHA MOORE MOSES MORRIS JAMES DAYTON PETER LOPEZ STATEMENT OF OWNERSHIP America. Atlantic & Gulf District. 51 Beaver St.. New York 4. N. Y. John Hawk. Secretary-Treasurer. 51 Beaver St.. New York 4. N. Y. J. P. Shuler. Assist. Secretary-Treasury. 51 Beaver York 4. N. Y. Nor are these two unions the only CIO affiliates which Office; New vork i. N. Y. for October St..3. New That the kriuvvn bondholders, mort­ gagees, and other sceurity holders own­ ing or holding 1 per cent of more of State of New York. total amount of bonds, mortgages, or County of New York, ss other securities are: (If there are none, Before me. a Notary Public in and for so state.) None. the State and county aforesaid, jier4. That the two paragraphs next soiially appeared George Novlck. who, above givini, the names of the owners, having been duly sworn according to stockholders, and security holders, if law. deposes and says that he is the any. contain not only the list of stock­ Editor of the SEAFARERS LOG and that holders and security holders as they the following is. to the best of his know,-,; appear upon the books of the company ledge and belief, a true statement of the but also, in cases where the stockholder ownership, management (and if a daily or security holder appears upon the paper, the circulation), etc.. of the afore­ books of the company as trustee or in said publication for the date shown in any other fiduciary relation, the name the above caption, required by the Act of the persdn or corporation for whom of August 24, 1912. as amended by the such trustee is acting, is given; also Act of March 3. 1933. embodied in sec­ that the said two paragraphs contain tion 5 ,3 7. Postal Laws and , - . Regulations.• statements embracing affiant's full printed on the reverse of this form, to; knowledge and belief as to the circumwit: stances and conditions under which I. That the names and addresses of stockholders and security holders who the publisher, editor, managing editor, do not appear upon the books of the and business managers are: Publisher company as trustees, hold stock and se­ Seafarers international Union of North curities in a capacity other than that of America, Atlantic & Gulf District. 51 a bona fide owner; and this affiant has Beaver St.. New York 4. N. Y. Editor. no reason to believe that any other George Beaver KI w- Novick. - • 5 Ir-T. '/ St.. .New York. person, assosiation. or corporation has N Y. Managing Editor (none) Business any interest direct or indirect in the said Managers (none). , stock, bonds, or other securities than 2. That the owner is: (If owned by a as so stated by him. corporation, its name and address must 5. That the average number of copies be stated and also immediately tliere- of each issue of this publication sold or under the names and addresses of stock­ distributed, through the mails or other holders owning or holding one per cent wise, to paid subscribers during the of more of total amount of stock. If not' twelve months precedTng'the date'lhown owned by a corportion. the names and above is 24.500. addresses of the individual owners must (Signed) GEORGE NOVICK. Editor J.. , 1 11 • -11 • Uc given. If owned by a firm, companv, flgilt .sfiall , continue until the communists eet out of the other address, unincorporated concern, its Sworn to and subscribed before me , , ° vx tiiv, as well as those.of this I .it dav of October, 1946. ROSE S. each individual member, must be given.) ELDRIGE. Notary Public. (My commis'Seafarers International Union of North sion expires March 30, 1948). STATEMENT OF THE OWNERSHIP. MANAGEMENT. CIRCULATION. ETC.! REQUIRED BY THE ACTS OF CON­ GRESS OF AUGUST 24, 1912. AND MARCH 3. 1933 of THE' SEAFARERS LOG published weekly at General Post have felt the sting of the red fascists. The entire water-.'front section of the CIO is dominated by them; the United Electrical Workers also fall into this category, and so do the office workers, the civil service employees, and the food and cannery workers. In every one of the above categories, there is an AFL union in the same field. These unions are being besieged :with requests from those people who can no longer stand the tactics of the communists. They realize that the AFL has flatly rejected any attempts by the followers of Stalin to make hay in this organization. In the AFL these traitors to Labor have tried to use the same tactics. They have attempted to worm their way into positions of authority so that they could use the Trade Union movement as a wagon on which to ride to power. But in the AFL they have received no aid or comfort. The fight against communists in the AFL has been carried on with the same courage and tenacity that has marked our struggle for higher wages and better conditions. And the . • American labor movement for good. . » Seafarers Members New In The Marine Hospitals Two national presidents of CIO unions have recently resigned. Both gave as reasons the fact that they were fed STATEN ISLAND HOSPITAL up with being mere figureheads while the active work was C. G. SMITH carried on by communist party hacks, put into office to PAUL DEADY L. A. CORNWALL carry out the dictates of the communist party line. W. B. MUIR Morris Muster, until recently head of the United Fur­ niture Workers, CIO, even named the persons who spied on him, sabotaged his activities, and finally made it so unbear­ able that he had to quit. But this did not end the commies influence in the union. As their new president, they elected the very man named by Muster as the party-liner who had been the commissar in the union. With Frank McGrath, President of the United Shoe Workers, CIO, the story had much the same ring. Sur­ rounded by communists who tolerated him as a front, he finally broke out and resigned his position. Now he is being called all sorts of names, and his union is even more under the influence of the commies than ever before. v „ LEONARD MARSH HENRY WILLETT CHARLES DUNN GEORGE WHITE JOE WRIGHT THEODORE KLOSS HAROLD LEE MAX FINGERHURT SAM COLE ft » » BRIGHTON MARINE HOSP. H. STONE E. MAY P. CASALINUOVO N. ROBBINS E. JOHNSTON T. DINEEN P. BERGERON J. CAREY L. WHITNEY ft ft ft NEW ORLEANS HOSPITAL JOSEPH WALSH GLEN DOWELL F. V. VIGO GEORGE CONNOR ROBERT PEEL EDWARD CUSTER W. BROCE JR. W. OATIS LEROY CULBERTSON JOHN KROSCYNSKI R. M. NOLAN W. H. OSBORNE E. MAXWELL 'J. SEELEY JR. L. MELANSON THOMAS MORGAN ALVIN BALLARD OLAF JENSEN J. W. DENNIS NORMAN PALLME JOE WAGNER A. P. MORGAN ~W. B. ADDISON JOHN GOOLDY PHILIP , McCANN �Friday, October 11, 1946 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page I'fane Brother Spikes Rumor Ore Ships Are Tuhs; Strictly Bunk, He Says By J. M. "WINDY" WALSH t^his ore ship is the best ship I is small but. Brothers, overtime h-ive ever sailed on. | was not put in the contract to Rumors are ugly things as a To debunk the rumor that these make us rich. On the contrary rule and can cause profound ills if not discredited. Around the ore ships are rustbuckets and it was inserted to protect us from Baltimore Hall I have discovered iousy I have the following to re­ work crazy companies and their work minded stooges aboard ship. an ugly rumor and I believe it is port: Aboard the ship there are large The law says we shall have an my duty to debunk it. Had I listened to this rumor I would not airy rooms, with bath, toilet and eight hour day, and overtime proBy PAUL HALL be writing this article for the washbasin in each. The mess-jtects us from violation of our Strikes are won on the picket lines and not in the negotiation Log, but I went out to investi­ rooms are large with spare seats rest. The value of our Saturday chambers. To insure victory, however, much preparatory work gate and what I found is most in­ and no one has to wait to eat. and Sunday rest far outweighs (Victory ships take notice.) The the paltry $12.00 (less tax) we teresting. and the thousand and one details must be painstakingly prepared crew's lounge has a writing desk can make by working the entire I was in the Baltimore Hall in advance. with two large tables capable of weekend. The same goes for waiting for a ship and I noticed handling a poker game on each. overtime off watch. On the surface a strike might seem to be merely the taking no one was taking an ore ship. There is a special coffee time of a strike vote, the presentation of demands, the establishment There were about 300 men wait­ messroom and a special night MORAL OF THE STORY ing around so I asked a couple of of picketlines and the setting up of a few committees such as food lunch refrigerator. The laun­ Now for the moral of the them what the matter was. dry setup is perfect with an iron story: These ships in the past and housing, publicity, etc. Actually these are just details. The They all replied, "She's an ore coordination of activities, the establishment of filing and registra­ ship." as if that was all that was that works and washing machines had a very unsavory reputation. tion systems, and the generally unseen and unheralded back-break­ necessary. All ore ships to them contracted for by the company. Today these conditions do not apply. These ships are as good ing work is that which determines the general effectiveness of are lousy and hungry and not as anything we have under con­ worth looking at. the strike as a whole. tract, but everytime they hit Bal­ ^ f " -timore they usually stay up on NOT SORRY Seafarers' strikes and job actions have functioned smoothly the board until some guy, dead because of the fact that these preparations were made and an Well, me being sort of naive, broke takes her out. and not believing things are as apparatus was ready to go into action on a moments notice. This business of letting these bad as they're painted I threw / ships rot up on the board is red The Maritime Trades Department my card in and got a job. The meat for Manuel the finkherder. other fellows standing around When SIU men won't man a ship We are approaching the time when a strong 'national policy looked at me with a look of pity the finks run to sign aboard. making organization will be an absolute must. We cannot afford and someone called, "You'll be These men get aboard our unionto depend entirely upon hap-hazard coordination between ports. sorry." contracted ship only because our If a strike in the future lasts for any length of time, cracks will For the information of he who good union brothers won't ride appear between the local port's policies, and this is just what was sure I was "going to be them. They would rather listen our enemies the shipowners and the anti-labor boys will be waiting sorry," I have only to say that I for. All .strikes will not be as easy as the one we recently success­ have sailed everything afloat and The Stewards Department is tops; to old maid's gossip about hum the cooks excellent. The Mess- chow, lousy conditions, bucko fully completed and then the true national strength of Maritime men are Messmen like old times, mates and Captain Blighs. I.abor will be put, to its severest test. We must be ready; we must and the food can't be beaten any­ Now, if these same 'good' union be united. When we have this unity on the national basis that is where even on our so-called men were good union men, they so necessary then we can truthfully say we are ready for anything. "good feeding" ships. would get aboard these ships. If The need of a strong coordinating apparatus of all AFL mari­ they found conditions as they are DECK EXCELLENT Seafarers Sailing time unions is apparent, and one of the first tasks of this great or­ rumored they could take care of ganization will be to establish such an appartus on a national scale. In the Deck Department con­ that in short by united action and As Engineers This is important because of the need of a firm national policy gov­ ditions are excellent. It takes union solidarity. If necessary All members—retired mem­ erning our actions in time of strike. only one hour to raise or secure they could take direct action and bers and farmer memhgrs— all the gear. The Quartermaster clear up these "supposed" condi­ In our recent strike the ports used a common picketcard, of the Seafarers Internation­ has a white collar job with the tions. clearance and registration system. The strike committees were al Union who are now sailing iron mike on 24 hours a day and But these rumored conditions as licensed Engineers: Please elected on a local basis and the New York Committee was accepted the hardest work is tying up and do not exist and action is not report as soon as possible to casting off. generally as the central or coordinating committee. Tf rr + 1 • . necessary. The point is to keen the Seafarers Hall at 51 Bea­ If you get drunk m port no one "non-union Joe" 2 The main weakness was that, although the various local coun­ ver Street, New York City. bothers you, in fact, they expect '"u P^^^e, on cils and broader general AFL groups were in" session as needed, Your presence is necessary in you to come back listing a little Manuel, the^ Hnkh^rdr there were problems of a National nature handled one way in one a matter of great importance. he belongs—in the pooi'house. port and another way in another. As for the black gang, there In closing, I would like to re- Attention Members! Local Autonomy Not Involved A national policy or national coordination of activities does not mean that ports are sacrificing their local prerogatives. There will continue to be the main problems of administration, etc., that have to be settled locally; but it is of great importance that such issues as the extent of the strike, the time to act either on going out or returning to work, the question of negotiations, etc., be handled in all ports in the same manner. Commies Try To Disrupt Vital Strike Meeting (Contimiei from Page 1) This is one of the great factors of a trades department organi­ file" committee, entirely domin­ zation. The affiliate unions then are not merely supporting bodies, ated by waterfront communists. but are direct participating members of the strike apparatus. Their efforts to rout the mem­ bers who attended the special The Ships Officers Strike meeting met with no success. The confusion that follows the failure to have a clear-cut After their initial surprise attack national policy in any strike is shown in the case of the MEBA in was repulsed, these disruptionists the present strike. At the beginning of the pre.sent strike the Sea­ were swept from the scene by farers received a wire from the MEBA National Preaident sotting the concerted action, of the arous­ a National policy which clearly stated that only contracted ships ed membership. - Few casualties were suffered, and these mostly would be picketed. by the goons who composed the The local strike committee in the meantime held a meeting and commie rank-and-file. decided to picket non-contract American flag ships as well. .Later, Most of the attention of the they rescinded their action, and then again, still later, they decided rioters was directed at C. T. to put the lines back again—thereby causing no end of confusion. Atkins, 2nd Vice-President of Lo­ A functioning national policy would have prevented this con­ cal 88, MM&P; Herman Straus, fusion from occurring. Chairman of the Strike Commit­ tee. Clear Cut Policy Insures Victory As a result of their failure to In this strike the AFL Maritime Trades Department met in strike terror into the hearts of New York and adopted a proposed National policy which was the decent MM&P members, the immediately sent out to all affiliated councils and SIU-SUP strength of the waterfront sec­ branches. As a result, despite the confusion caused by lack of tion of the communist party has ganizations; the longshoremen, teamsters, seamen and other AFL been estimated to be at an allganizations, the longshoremen, teamsters, seamen, and other AFL time low, and the fight to clear affilated supporters of the strike were clear and able to act in a them from the waterfront, and coordinated manner. This support is the main factor that is eventually from all American la­ winning the strike and will ^in all maritime strikes in the future. bor, has gained new momentum. .A.-;'."' have the same deal as the Quar- from" Ihe^HaP termasters, everything automatic, new " ^ ^ motto is in. order for the Of course, m a cut and dried Baltimore beachcombers- Ship run like this, Baltimore to Chile on ore ships and keep fhem and back, the overtime earnable Union! I Qualifications For Office Qualificalions for office in fhe Seafarers Infernalional Union as provided for by fhe Co»sfituiion and By-laws, are as follows: (a) That he be a citizen of the United States. (b) That he be a full member of the Seafarers International Union of North America. Atlantic and Gulf District, in continuous good standing for a period of two (2) years immediate)prior to date of nomination. (c) Any candidate for Agent or joint patrolman must have three years of sea service in any one of three departments. Any candidate for departmental patrolman must have three years sea service, as specified in this article, shall mean on merchant ves­ sels in unlicensed capacity. (d) That he has not misconducted himself previously while employed as an officer of the Union. (e) That he be an active and full book member and show four months discharges for the current year in an unlicensed rating, prior to date of nomination, this provision shall not ap­ ply to officials and other office holders working for the Union during current year for period of four months or longer. Any member who can qualify may nominate himself for office by submitting, in writing, his intention to run for office naming the particular office and submitting the necessary proof of qualification as listed above. The notice of intention addressed to the Secretary-Treasurer must be in his office not later than Oct. 15. 1946. when nominations will be closed. '4\ - -t I �•;. .-OVr • . .. i . iA ir •-.1a I h" r. Friday, October 11. 1946 T.KE S.E. AF A R E R S L O G \ Page Four ., Jim Rasmussen After 51 years of sailing, Jim Rasmussen, Carpenter, is still go­ ing strong. Jim is 71 years old and was born in Denmark in 1875 He started sailing in 1895 and has been at it ever <since. "I have been sailing Danish French, English, and American ships," Jim recalls, "but the best are the American ones. Of course it VvDsn't always this good, but since the Union came into the picture, seamen have been get­ ting s much better break." welcomed the excitement and Rasmussen believes in his action of the First World War. statements as he proved when he During World War I, he was joined the SIU on November 26, on the regular supply run to 1938. Previous to that he be­ Rottendam and Antwerp. Very longed to the old ISU, and twen­ little trouble was encountered, ty years ago he was a member but the end of the war did not of the Scow Captain's Union. make him feel sad. Jim's first American ship was ANOTHER WAR the old Indiana, a full rigged sailing ship which is today a In this last war Jim was on Hollywood screen "prop" for mo­ the Murmansk run continually tion pictures about those days. and was fortunate throughout. One of his trips was typical of Although the convoys he was those times. The ship sailed with were frequently attacked from New York to Yokahama by submarines and dive bombers, around the Horn, and the trip nevertheless, he came through took six months. During this en­ unscathed. tire time they were only within One wartime trip was even sight of land twice. pleasant. That was when he was aboard the Robin Gray on a voy­ OTHER TRIPS age to Buenos Aires. The ship Brother Rasmussen also work­ broke down on the way and had ed on sailing ships on the West to stay in BA for six months Coast, and for a while on the awaiting repairs. Rasmussen says whaler Andrew Hicks, a four that they had a wonderful time, masted Barkentine which work­ mostly because the Skipper was ed in the Japanese Sea, and in agood guy and he gave the men the Arctic Circle above the Ber­ plenty of freedom as long as they ing Straits, In this work, they performed their duties. were paid on a percentage basis. Brother Rasmussen remembers Those aboard ship worked when ABs were paid $16.00 per covered with grease and oil from month, and had to work like head to foot. Several times while slaves for even this sum. That is in a longboat going for a whale, why he says, "I welcomed the they were capsized into the icy Union, and the good conditions sea by a swish of the whale's tail. brought by the Union because I Later he decided to forsake this went through the rough days dangerous work, for a while at aboard sailing vessels and on least, and worked the famous- those old steamers. We have salmon traps along the Columbia gone forward but it is only be­ River in the State of Washington. cause we got together into a This did not suit him and so he Union and then made it strong." NMU Makes its Usual 'Mistake', Scabs On MM&P, MEBA Picketline BALTIMORE, October 5— Charges were leveled at the NMU today by WiUiam "Curly" Rentz, Baltimore Agent of the SIU and chairman of the AFL Baltimore Maritime Port Council, that they had intentionally gone through established picket lines of the Masters, Mates and Pilots—AFL and Marine Engineers Beneficial Association — CIO. Later, the NMU Baltimore Agent, Dunlavey, attempted to explain the NMU scabbing as being the re­ sult of a "mistake" on their part. According to Rentz, the NMU attended a,meeting of all mari­ time Unions in the Port of Balti­ more held in the MEBA Hall on October 2. They (the NMU) agreed to respect all picket lines of the MMP and MEBA. When a deadline was set for 5:00 P.M., October 2, by which time all at­ tending maritime Unions agreed to have their members off the ships, the NMU was in full ac­ cord. Less than one hour later NMUer Dunlavey stated that NMU members were going to go through the picket lines. Which they proceeded to do! The following day, October 3, the NMU representatives attend­ ed another meeting at the MEBA Hall. This time only representa­ tives from the NMU, MEBA, SIU and the AFL Maritime Port Council were present, and the NMUers attempted to clear the record by maintaining that it was all the result of a "mistake." They further promised that they were going to be good boys, and not scab any more. quoted below, they hollered about Maritime Unity—Is this Maritime Unity or orders com­ ing directly from the com­ munist party in Moscow, Rus­ sia? "The NMU on October 2, 1946, at a joint meeting, held by all muitime Unions in this city of Baltimore at the MEBA Hall, went on record stating they would respect all picket lines of the Masters, Mates and Pilots, and later reversed their position and came back telling the strike committee that they were going to go through the lines and put their men back on the ships. Which they did! OCT. 3 MEETING "On October 3, 1946, they call­ ed the MEBA to have a meeting at 2:00 p. m. The SIU strike com­ mittee was called in for this meeting, also the Chairman of the Maritime' Trades Council. All re­ quested were present. Before these three Unions and the cnairman of the Council the NMU stated their case and decided to change their polity. Quote: 'The NMU stated that due to a MIS­ TAKE on their part, and during the confusion of messages re­ ceived from New York, they re­ versed their decision on Oct. 2. " 'However, from word received since from New York they are in full accord with the proceed­ ings they agreed to an Oct. 2 and wish to work with us in full ac­ cord.' " It's easy to see that the NMUers didn't get their orders from New York straight. Either that, or the line was changed after they re­ RENT2' STATEMENT ceived their first instructions Following is the text of a state­ from the local Comintern. ment issued by A^L Port Council FIRST MEETING Chairman Rentz to the Baltimore Present at the first meeting on press: October ^ were C. Antis, and L. "The Maritime Council of C. Catea of the MFOWW; Reuben Baltimore, the Seafarers InterJ. Pulman and B. C. Williams of tional Union of North America the AC A; 1. Devrin from the and the Sailors Union of the MCS; Butler, Kii'k and Keenan Pacific would like to know of the MMP; Chesmore, Lom­ when the NMU once gives its pledge—Will it be lived up to? Can they be trusted? "At both metings, which will bard, Woodward, Patrick, G. Wren, Silverthorn and Andrews from the MEBA; NMUers Dun­ lavey, Sweyko, and Finn; and William Rentz representing both the SIU and the AFL Port Coun­ cil. The actions of the NMU in agreeing to the 5:00 p. m. dead­ line for all seamen to be off the ships is a matter of record in the minutes of this meeting. Their scabbery? Hundreds of MMP and MEBA pickets are witness to the NMU scabbing as they were on the picket lines which the NMU membei's, on orders from their leaders, were so brazen in walking through. It is also a matter of record that NMU Agent Dunlavey stated less than one hour after this meeting that the NMU would not pull their crews off the ships, and that they would not observe the MMP and MEBA picket lines. Approximately 3000 NMUers (their figure) went back and forth through the picket lines, until these phonies attempted to reverse their stand for the third time—going back to the original agreement of observing MMP and MEBA picket lines. OUTRIGHT SCABBERY At the October 3 meeting, the NMU representatives pleaded "mistake" as the reason for their scabbery. They vainly attempted to excuse their strikebreaking activities as being the result of confusion over messages received from New York. In addition, the NMU attempted to remove the record of their abortive action from the records. This, they fail­ ed in doing. Yos, the record is clear on thi.s most recent act of scabbery on the part of the commie-dominaied NMU. Let them try to deny that their members—on specific instructions of the port officials or other higher ups—openly scab­ bed not only on the MMP but on their supposed brother CIO members in the MEBA. Let the record speak! French Buy Mello Franco; AFL COUNCIL BACKS SHIPS' OFFICERS SBP Keeps Coos Bay Tied Up (Contintied from Page 1) munists who dominate this sec­ tion of the waterfront labor movement, they have tried tac­ tics designed to throw the strike into turmoil, and turn the .situ­ ation to their own advantage. Only the vigilance of the MM&P membership has prevented this, but no aid or support has yet ben received from the CMU. One meeting of the MM&P, held on October 4 at Palm Gar­ dens, was marked by violence. Communist goons attacked the officials of the MM&P and the Greater New York Maritime Trades Council in an effort to incapacitate them so that their leadership would not be avail- AFL Convention Opens In Chicago CHICAGO — The American Federation of Labor's 65th annual convention formally got under way Oct. 7, as President William Green, in his keynote address to the 650 delegates, aligned him­ self with anti-communist workers everywhere in the fight to oppose totalitarianism. The convention is the first in two years, the 1945 meeting hav­ ing been cancelled because of the government's restriction on post­ war travel. The assembled dele­ gates will deal with many issues vital to the labor movement, such as wage policy, price control, and action to defeat anti-labor legis­ lation in Congress and the State legislatures. High on the list in importance at the convention is the schedul­ ed meeting of the newly charter­ ed Maritime Trades Department, which will draft a constitution and discuss the questions of fu­ ture affiliates, affiliation fees, and future course and policy. Al­ though the youngest of the AFL groups, the Maritime Trades De­ partment already has demon­ strated its powerful role on the waterfront. able. This maneuver did not prove effective, and the strike has been prosecuted without in­ terruption. UNEXPECTED RESULT One result of this action, which was certainly not foreseen by the communists, is that now they have been branded as shipowner stooges, and the little support they have been able to gather has rapidly fallen- away. The morale of the striking deck officers has been growing steadily, and they are now at the point where they are determined to stay off the ships until they have been granted their mini­ mum demands—namely,, a substanfial wage increase and union security. Further developments on the strike situation are expected at any time since the negotiators have been holding regular .ses­ sions and there is question as to whether the shipowners on the West Coast can hold out much longer when so much money can be made in the maritime indus­ try today. As an aftermath of Harry Btidges' refusal to abide by the decision of the Arbitration Com­ mission set up by Secretary of Labor Schwellenbach to mediate in the case of the SS Mello Fran­ co, (American Pacific Steamship Company), the company was forced to turn this vessel back to. the Maritime Commission, and it was thereupon sold to the French Government. The Government fact-finding board ruled that the contract be­ tween the SUP and the company was a legitimate one and vio­ lated none of the established rules under the NLRB. In the. face of this verdict. Bridges has refused to allow his men to work . any ships of the company, and as a result the com­ pany has been forced to turn back to the Maritime Commis­ sion another ship, the SS Stephen Willard, and to threaten that they will go out of' business if they cannot have their vessels worked on the West Coast. In a regular membership meet­ ing, SUP Secretary Lundeberg disclosed that the Union had been requested to unfreeze the port of Coos Bay as soon as the Mello Franco was sold. He recommend­ ed that this request be disregard­ ed. in view of the fact that the CIO longshoremen were presisting in their refusal to load or un-* load any ships belonging to the American Pacific Steamship Cumpaiiy. SECRETARY REPORT Lundeberg's report to the membership contained the follow­ ing statement. "We have fought this beef now for a period of three months," he said, "and I do not think that at this time we should back down, because if we do we are only going to face it again with the steam schooners and the oil tankers, and it is a question of policy within the or­ ganization at this time. "We know that we are right; we had a bona fide agreement and we cannot allow the bunch calling themselves the CMU to drive off this coast any company with which we have agreements." (Continued on Page 6) �TrMay, October 11. 1946 T B E S E AVJiB E R S L O& Marcus Hook Hall Is A Haven For Striking MM&P And MEBA nVfc. ' umw nmm'm Strike Of The Licensed Officers Aiso Affects Aii The Seafarers giving us the best wages and con­ ditions on the waterfront we did not only win those increased wages for the future. 'I'hose in­ creases are retroactive to April 1, 1946, and the overtime pay of $1.00 per hour goes back to June 15. The overtime rate of $1.25 per hour is only retroactive to September 19, 1946. Some of the companies are ready to pay this money im­ mediately, and some are making preparations. Here is the way it lines up at this time: There is no question that they are doing a good job sealing up Robin Line Anytime the New York waterfront. Of American Range Anytime course, they lack the experience Smith and Johnson .... 45 days that we have had in the past, but Bull Line Now on company ships—75 days on WSA ships still their activities are becoming smoother evci-y day. Alcoa 45 days Waterman .... Will mail out in FULL SUPPORT 90 days Since the Masters, Mates, and South Atlantic .... Write to main office in Savannah, Ga. Pilots are members of the AFL Write to main Maritime Trades Department, we Eastern office in Boston. Mass. have been supporting them to the 75 days limit of our ability. We unli­ Newtex Calmar .... Pending negotiations censed seamen feel that the beef between Union and company of the officers is our beef, and that when they win a victory it As I learn more information will benefit the entire maritime about this back pay business I labor movement. will let you know. NEW YORK—The sight of li­ censed officers walking the picketlincs is svire a gnnd sight to those of us who still sail in the forecastle. Some of the Masters and Mates even pounded the bricks in full uniform, but this only happened for the first few days. After the laughs that went up the deck officers decided to walk the picketlines wearing civ­ ilian clothes. After our strike was over we did not dismantle our strike ap­ paratus and equipment. So now we are • in the position of being able to go ahead with our work without interruption. On Monday evening, October 7, the New York Hall started serv­ ing meals on a three meals a day basis, and arrangements were made for beds for men who need a flop. BACK WAGES Some of the officers are eating here with us since they have no kitchen at the MM&P Hall. Well, one good turn deserves another and we hope that these men will not forget us when they settle the strike and sailing begins again. When we signed the contracts Baltimore Continues ToRememberBrothers In Marine Hospital. By WILLIAM (CURLY) RENTZ Silence this week from the Branch Agents of the follow­ ing ports: SAN FRANCISCO HOUSTON CHARLEbTON NORFOLK FORT ARTHUR PHILADELPHIA JACKSONVILLE MOBILE TAMPA SAVANNAH GALVESTON MARCUS HOOK—We thought, that wi|h our strike over we could go back to routine branch and organizational work, but along came the MM&P • and MEBA strike. The SlU here al­ ways stands ready to help any non-commie non-political outfit tht has a legitimate beef and so both of these striking outfits have the use of our Hall as their strike headquarters. Captain Larson, the MM&P representative in Marcus Hook, really know the score, as he start­ ed going to sea when he was 12 years old on a sailing .ship and is still going strong. He is 66 years old and this is far from being his first beef. He appreciates the help we're giving to the MM&P and his own words sho\Y his feelings about the SIU backing: "I have Midland Voting Begins On Lakes; Seafarers Leads On First Ship By HERBERT JANSEN CHICAGO — The election on Midland Steamship Company ships has started with the SS Carmi Thompson being the first ship to vote. She voted at Indiana Harbor on September 30, and from all in­ dications the SIU carried the vote by two to one. She is the first ship out of seven voting to determine their bargaining agent Who, Why And How Is A Seaman, And What Makes The Man Tick and the other six will vote soon in Lake Erie ports. As we expected, the NMU has started a slur campaign against us. They withdrew from the election at the last minute, stat­ ing that a collusion existed be­ tween the Midland Company and the SIU. This is their usual tac­ tic and it fools no one. It only serves to give notice that they are beaten. SEEING THE LIGHT Applications lor membership have been on the upgrade dur­ ing the last two weeks with quite a few Lake Carrier seamen com­ ing in and taking out SIU books. By LOUIS GOFFIN All of these men have seen the phony setup in the NMU political Just what is a seaman, what Like any other civilian worker strike. does he do, what does he think he thinks of a home and family They are starting to realize of and why does he go to sea for with security for them; he thinks a living? Questions such as these of his slxipmates and his Union now that the SIU will, and al­ are asked from time to time of Being a hard working guy he ways has, fought for the seamen. almost all seamen. • Taking my thinks that seagoing is the great­ They realize too that the SIU is trusty pen in hand I'll try to an­ est life in the world and his run by the rank and file and not swer some of the mentionec shipmates are the greatest guys by a few higher-ups who are only out for their own political in the world. questions. ends. What is he made of? He is We know that cracks have made up of men from all over been made that a seaman is These newcomers are finding guy with his brains knocked out, the world. He comes from farms, out that the officials of the SIU that he builds and sails his ship cities, factories, and schools, from are bona fide seamen with many in front of a bar and makes love practically everywhere. He is years of sea service behind them to women all over the world. made up of guts that he showed who know the score and prob­ Howqver, ignoring the cracks during the war, when he was lems of seamen, having sailed and, taking up the questions one called a hero in dungarees. He under conditions far worse than by one, the answers do not coin­ showed the same guts during the pxist today, cide with the popular conception. last strike. He is all man. He SIU MILITANCY In answer to, "What does he works hard; fights for his rights, do?" I say a seaman does plenty. and cannot be bulldozed by gov­ After all the ballyhoo and high His work is endless. Starting ernment agencies, commies or talk about militancy thai has with the deck department; he is shipowners. In short, he is a been thrown at them by the a jack-of-all-trades, a quarter­ man! NMU, they realize now that it is master, a lookout, a sailmaker and a carpenter. In addition he is a painter, scaler and an all around work horse. In the Engine Department he is a machinist, toolmaker, plum­ ber, welder and general handy­ man. In the third Department, Stewards, he is a cook, baker and butcher; also a linen keeper, bed­ The hospitalized brothers ben­ room man, waiter and general efited to the amount of $4.20 each clean-up man. and those receiving the money -ALL WORK are: Michael J. Walsh, Max Fingerhurt, Peter Lopez, Leonard So regardless of his depart­ Marsh, Henry Willett, Charles W. ment he works continually from Dunn, Sensold White, Frank the day he joins the ship until Franks, Moses Morris and A. L. the day he pays off. Schwalunbery. ' Now, what does he think of? BALTIMORE — This week in Baltimore, Seafarers remembered their hospitalized shipmates by donating $42.00 for their inci­ dental expenses while they are recuperating. The ship's that contributed were: Thomas J. Reed, $10.00; John Lawson, $10.00 and the Cape Corwin $22.00. By BLACKIE CARDULLO NO NEWS?? By JOE ALGINA Page FIT# Why does he go to sea for a living? He goes to sea first, be­ cause his Union, of which he is a very important part, has se­ cured for him the best wages and working conditions in the history of the Maritime Industry. the SIU that has the real mil­ itancy. ' The fighting rank and file members of the SIU were the ones who fought for and won the conditions which seamen enjoy today and it was the loud and He has the wanderlust and his verbose NMU who rode the back craving is satisfied by visiting of the SIU in every fight for bet­ places that he had read and heard ter conditions and wages. about. He is a curious guy by Not much to report in the ship­ nature and believes that seeing ping department. There are a is believing. He likes the rou­ few jobs on the board and only a tine of a ship and the healthful landful of men around. Some of atmosphere that only the sea can the boys, who have had happy homes aboard six WSA vessels give. He knows there is nothing like tied up here are taking the ships on their last trip. the life of a seaman. seen many a strike and walked many a picketline. Some of the strikes we've won and some we have lost, due to the shipowner tactics of divide and conquer, but this is one time that the ship­ owners will be thrown for a loss. With the backing of the imlicensed personnel we can't lose." These sentiments were echoed by Harry G. Chaplin, the repre­ sentative for MEBA here, who said he really appreciated our loaning them the Hall for their strike headquarters. So, all in all, you can see that the port of Mar­ cus Hook is the biggest little port on the coast. BIGGEST LITTLE PORT We have started to look around for a larger Hall as the present set up is too cramped. We real­ ized this when we first moved in, but on short notice we had to take what we could get. We in­ tend to find a place that is big enough for the members to hang; around in comfort, if they must hang around. Sun Oil is trying to give us a hard time by firing any man that has the nerve to look at our or­ ganizers. Pity the poor Sun Oil men. It's like working in Mos­ cow. Anyone that has a grudge against another man can put the finger on him by accusing him of being a union sympathizer,' and down will fall the ax. The biggest joke of all is one that an SIU man heard in a local restaurant. They fired a couple of company men, because some­ body put the finger on them as signing pledge cards in the SIU. I don't think these men know what its all about yet. It did my heart a lot of good to hear this, because these men fired are the same men who wouldn't lis­ ten to us when we talked to them, about job security that would be theirs if they joined the SIU. If they are fortunate enough to get a job with one of the few re­ maining non-union eompanies, perhaps they will pay a little at­ tention to our men when we preach job security and unionism. WORD GETS AROUND It looks like the word that we have opened a Hall in Marcus Hook is really getting around, as out of the corn fields have come Brothers Tom Ryan and love-sick Mike Cirelli. If we didn't go looking through the corn fields we would never fill the jobs that are on the board. These guys take one look at the local girls fresh off the farm—and off they go. So, fellows, if you want a good port come down to Marcus Hook. Shipping is good and the cost of living is low. A good room can be had for four dollars a week, and if you are lonesome for com­ pany I can guarantee you plenty of earbending when I'm not "out settling a beef. �^ Six E SEAFAntnS LOG BRINGING HOME THE BACON GOOD ADVICE Now that Draft Regulations have been liberalized to allow men with 18 months of sub­ stantially continuous sea time to leave the sea, many men have takeii shoreside jobs. It is a good idea to retire your book if you decide to make a similar move. In that way you can insure yourself against having to pay a whopping amount of back dues if you ever want to ship out again. ifrv:- 1;., ' t.T h •- • tT'..-., You can retire your book in any SIU Hall. Within a short time after this picture was taken, the pig was reduced to pork chops, bacon, and large hams. One way to beat the meat shortage, and one way to make sure that the Philadelphia seamen had meat during the strike. NMU Backs Out Of Midland Vote, Spends Energy Slandering SlU .^ : • , By HnWRY W. CHAPPELL DULUTH — We predicted two been in SIU contracts since 1942. weeks ago, in the Log, that as The 40-hour week at sea was in soon as the Midland ships were the process of negotiations since to be voted the NMU would at­ June of this year, and the SIU tempt to throw a monkey wrench into the machinery; that there won these gains through arbitra­ would be name-calling of scabs, tion, without going to the expense finks, scab-herders, etc., by the of a strike and name-calling. NMU—which is the old, tried and When we first heard the NMU true policy of the communist was withdrawing its name from party in trade unions. And so it the ballot on the Midland elec­ has turned out. tion we knew it wasn't because If they can't win an election, they loved us. they'll make every effort to see We knew it was because they that no other union does. In this were beaten and wanted to de­ Midland election, the NMU saw vote more of their time and en­ the handwriting on the wall, re­ ergy to the communist political flecting the opinion of the ma­ interests. The communistic tac­ jority of the seamen involved, so tics have been exposed repeated­ they took their ball and glove ly, not only by the daily press, and went home mad. but by bona fide labor union The SIU told them in advance papers all over the country. of their so-called strike that we WHAT'S THEIR RECORD sa.w through the smoke screen and knew that it was an organi­ The NMU certainly deserves a zational campaign, and we stated great deal of praise from the very definitely our stand on the communist party for the work it matter. We would not stand idly has done for the party on the by or help them in their cam­ Coast and the Great Lakes. paign to drive lake seamen into But getting down to specific is­ the NMU. sues: just what has the NMU NO NAME-CALLING done for seamen who are good The NMU went to great ex­ union men at heart, and who pay pense printing leaflets describ­ their money into the NMU treas­ ing the great victories they have ury, outside of having their wages won for Great Lakes seamen. The brought up to par with the SIU? gains they have won have been Nothing! enjoj'^ed by the SIU members for "ME, TOO!" four years. The 40-hour week The same policy of the NMU during the fit-out and lay-up has riding the SIU bandwagon has just occurred in the coast strike. The CMU was satisfied to accept the meager pittance the bureau­ crats in Washington doled out to them, but after the SIU struck (Continrnd from Page 4) The membership thereupon all coasts and tied up all ship­ voted to continue the freeze of ping, making the WSB reverse its Coos Bay, and to fight this issue stand, the NMU put in its oars through to a complete victory. and demanded the same thing. Support of the SUP stand was When they were granted the given last week when the AFL gains won by the SIU, the Pilot Maritime Trades Department no­ proclaimed in a streaming head­ tified all shipowners, prospective line, "It's the greatest victory shipowners, the United States we ever won." Maritime Commission, and the Shipping has been fair in DuPresident of the United States, luth the past week, and as a re­ that in the future, new shipping sult we are short of rated men. companies, starting on the East Several new members have been or Gulf coasts must make agree­ signed up for the SIU, and new ments all the way lluough with men are coming into the Hall the AFL. Failure to do so will every day inquiring about our mean that the AFL longshore- Union. They all express the de­ men will refuse to work the ships sire to join up as soon as possible. of any company that does not Soon they will be swarming in comply with this statement of here to join up under the SIU policy. banner. Mello Franco Soid; : Coos Bay Tied-Up ' ' . Corpus Christi Busy Organizing The Unorganized ^ v' Friday. Oeiober 11, 1946 New SIU Increases Attract Land-Locked Seamen In San Juan SAN JUAN — Well, we're in business again with the Cape Mo­ hican, our first ship to arrive since the termination of the strike. The morning that it ar­ rived we had enough members and their brothers around here to equip six shoregangs, much less one. We have had quite a few cases in the past few days of guys com­ ing down here and asking for permit cards, yet these men have papers dated back to '40 and '41 with no discharges from the day the papers were issued. I wonder where these people have been all during the war? With the outlook for an early settlement of the strike, there will probably be a rush of busi­ ness, as there are a number of scheduled runs on this port. In­ asmuch as there are no ships in port and no men on the beach there is little to report. Our Agent, Brother Johnnie Williams has taken the lull in ac­ tivities in stride, as his wife is expected to present him with an heir any day now. We'll let you know what the addition to the Seafarers is as soon as Johnnie comes in with the cigars. As for the organizing drive, at present an extensive campaign is being waged on all inland boat­ men such an Intercoastal and Harbor Tugs and Dredges and the fink tanker outfits. On the latter we feel favorable progress is being made. Among these are Sun Oil and City Service. We had the City Service scow, Kathio, in port the other day and Brothers Hall and Kelly boarded her and found a strong NMU ele­ ment. After a few hours of show­ ing the boys what a militant pro­ gressive organization the Seafar­ ers is they left the ship with the majority of the men signing SIU pledge cards. We'll keep plug­ ging away and soon we'll have these tankers sewed up solid SIU. lb ser -ngi^i.icENSEs f m By DANIEL BUTTS CONTRACTS ATTRACTIVE I also wonder if our winning this last strike and new wage scale had anything to do with their coming out from under their rocks? Naturally I wouldn't lis­ By G. (TEX) SUIT ten to them; instead I referred CORPUS CHRISTI — At this them to the "comicals" who writing the port serving the fair might be only too happy to ac­ metropolis of Corpus Christi has slowed down to a walk due to the strike by the MM&P and MEBA. The only activity at present is the organizing work that goes on per usual. cept them in their alreadj'-overcrowded and under jobbed setup. We even received letters with checks enclosed from high authoritie.s here asking to ship the bearer, usually a relative, and se­ cure papers for him. When we return the checks we get indig- nant phone calls from the offi­ cials wanting to know why their money, name, and position is not recognized by our organization. The other day I received a phone call from the delegates on the Sidney M. Short, which was in St. Thomas, concerning a beef between the Captain and the crew. I advised them as to the proper procedure to follow, and was later notified by the Coast Guard here that the crew, and the delegates in particular, were to be commended in their sen­ sible handling of matters aboard the ship. n BROTHER. BEWARE Not so commending was a call I received yesterday from the lo­ cal authorities. They informed me that drastic action is to be taken against the gashounds that make skid-row their haven. It seems that now that the tourists are returning to San Juan the in­ decencies and drunken behavior of these characters will no longer be tolerated. So take warning those of you who are planning to go on the beach down here: BE­ HAVE YOURSELVES. On the other hand, if you come down here and live decently you are more than welcome. At the moment we have on the Island the Belgium Victory, Cor­ nelia, Helen, Coastal Stevadore, Cape Texas, Cape Mohican and Golden Fleece. The Cape Hattaras is due the latter part of the week. We are moving this week to the lower part of this same build­ ing. It is now being done up in Bristol Style for us and will be ready for occupancy next week. Remember that . . . Knowledge of your constitu­ tion and shipping rules; good shipmates; clean ships; knowing and doing your job ... all go into the making of a good union. Port Boston Tie Up Is Complete; Only Tankers And Colliers Move By JOHN MOGAN a difficult time to" get even cold cuts for sandwiches. There are few ships tied up here. With the exception of a couple of Waterman vessels, everything else is West Coast, with the latest arrival being the Pennsylvania (Weyerhauser). An effort is being made now to get this latest arrival paid off, so that the crew — mostly West Coast In the meantime we have had men—can hit the road for balm­ many requests to re-open the ier climes. There is a World Series to be soup kitchen from out-of-towners who are stranded here because played off in Boston in the next few days, but the weather would of the strike. After considering dim the enthusiasm of all but the requests and estimating the dyed-in-the-wool fans. And a number of members involved, it sailor from the Gulf or the Coast was decided to make arrange­ just doesn't like the idea of rid­ ments with the seaman's club for ing the cool breezes up this way meals and lodging for as many until the strike is over, and those men who need it for as long as of us who live here out of habit is necessary. don't blame them for wanting to The first night, only a handful get closer to the heat. of men took advantage of the The only payoffs lately were a set-ujJ; hence it appears that this couple of tankers in Boston and was the right decision, for a re­ one in Portland. The Citadel opening of the kitchen would Victory paid off, also, after being constitute an expense altogether caught in the strike. But the out­ out of proportion to the number look for the immediate future is of men to be fed. • very poor. For at least a couple BOSTON—The Port of Boston is still tied up, with nothing mov­ ing except tankers and colliers. Quite a number of members have piled up on the beach here as a result of the MEBA and MM&P strikes, and it will take a lot of shipping to clean out th'e regis­ ter. Then, too, with the meat sit­ of weeks after things get back to uation being what it is right now, normal, there won't be any sur­ the Food Committee would have plus of jobs in this port. . . . . 7-"®:. ^ oV. '1;:-:sv" I t �TBE SEAFARERS LOG Frida7> October 11, 1946 Spending At The Page Seven %^r^. A Day Court By JOE VOLPIAN Peacetime merchant ships ar^ ance enter the picture. Suffice it wanderers for use and profit. to say that if the Old Man's con­ They must be fitted, furnished sent cannot be gotten, the proBy Jack (Aussie) SHHIMPTON so by the paying off Patrolman, standing had all been straighten­ and manned. These notes will icedui-e gets very involved. the Court had no alternative but ed out, the Court started in on Briefly, a seaman's abandon­ try to shed some light on one Every big daily paper devotes to find him guilty as charged, the Reinstatement cases and at ment of his ship in order to con­ phase of the most important problem—desertion by those who stitute such desertion as will re­ much of its space to court cases and to enroll him in the famous once struck a reef in the first case of Terrence Kerrigan. sult in forfeiture of earnings and and I have always wondered why 99 year club. man the vessels. Brother Kerrigan is a real oldloss of gear, must be a voluntary The Log did not do likewise with The laws of nearly all mari­ TWO-BOOK JOE timer, gnarled and wrinkled, every time nations provide for secur­ act on his part and any element the many human interest stories Then came the case of the inch of his five foot one, a sea­ ing the personal attendance of which would make such aband­ that come before the various character who was such a good man, but by no flight of imagin­ the crew on board, and for pun­ onment involuntary on the part Trial Committees. Union man that he thought it ation could Brother Kerrigan be ishment for desertion during the of the absent seaman, is not de­ It was with this in mind that might be a wise idea to have two termed a spring chicken. life of the shipping articles. Un­ sertion. Keep in mind that if he He, himself, admitted( with a der the law of the U.S. the pen­ is unable to return to his ship I ran for and was elected to the Union books in two different alty for desertion is forfeiture of due to his own misconduct, the bench" at a recent general meet­ names—the thought being, I sup­ large disarming, all-Irish wink) all of the deserter's clothes or ef­ Courts would probably hold that ing, and on the following morn­ pose, that he considered himself to being 58, while his papers fects which he leaves on board his desertion grew out of circum­ ing duly found myself installed as good as any two Union mem­ showed him to be 65. It was the unanimous opinion of the Trial and all or any part of his earn stances which he himself could as an arbitrator of justice sitting bers put together. Committee that he must be 77 have avoided. with my lear^d Brothers, Alfred He, too, (or rather, both of ings up to the time of desertion. if he was a day—particularly An example of an involuntary Stewart, Paddy McCann, and him) had decided that it would We all have a pretty good idea when he started yarning about leaving of the ship would be Big George Whale. be best not to appear, and once of what desertion is, but as in "the gales of '66" and of rounding where a seaman ashore on liberty most other things there are tech­ The Court met on the 5th deck again the dread sentence of "99 the Horn in a wind-jammer! becomes ill and reports for med­ years" fell from the lips of Mr. nical definitions which have been ical treatment and is told to re­ of the Hall, and it was quite ob­ Justice Whale. made by the courts. It seems that vious that the calendar was go­ YOUNG FELLER main ashore for further treat­ Case No. 3 was that of a young desertion in the eyes of the law ing to be a heavy one. It con­ ment. Of course, as a practical When his story had been pieced courts is continued abandonment tained every known pecedillo guy who had loaned his book to matter, it is suggested that under together, it seemed highly prob­ a non-Union member to get into of the vessel during the existence against good Unionism, and ran these circumstances, the seaman able that. Terrence was a fugi­ the Hall with. As the evidence of the contract of service with the whole gamut from the se­ involved make every effort to get tive from Snug Harbor who disclosed that his strike record intention not to return, and with­ word to the proper authority rious felony of "Tale Bearing to was not at all what it should merely wished to "go down' to out sufficient cause. Keep in the Captain" to the humble pe­ aboard the, ship concerning his the sea in ships again," and by mind that earnings and gear are condition. He might also obtain tition for "Reinstatement." golly he had come to just the forfeited only when the abandon­ After several false starts the a clinical abstract or doctor's cer­ right place and this Committee ment is without good reason. tificate as proof of his being un­ Court finally got itself convened were just the boys to help him SOME EXCUSABLE der medical treatment and un­ and proceeded to dish out justice. do it. Certain things are recognized able to return to his ship for that First on the list was the case of . The fact that his book had been as justifying a seaman in leaving reason. an erstwhile bellyrobber who retired for four years and that ship without incurring the loss of seemed to have managed to get In conclusion, always bear in he was stone broke was aU hast­ earnings and gear. He doesn't himself charged with every crime mind that you have a Union ily glossed over, and the Trial have to continue on a voyage known to law and several that which is your shore-side repre­ Committee went into a huddle which is essentially different are not known. sentative and advisor. Use these and at once fined itself a buck from that set forth in the ship­ The evidence against him was facilities of the Uiiion by con­ apiece in order to give the yoimg ping articles; and he doesn't have duly heard and, ai he had made tacting either your Port Agent feller a start in life. to continue a voyage which he matters worse by not appearing or if in New York, your Special Your humble reporter was agreed to at a time when war after having been warned to do Services Department. elected by unanimous acclaim to was not contemplated if war pay out the 'fin,' he being one of breaks out and there is good rea­ have been, the Court decided that those frugal guys who are always son to fear loss of life or liberty. the Union could get along quite well without his membership, silly enough to be around the Again, where a seaman goes and promptly sentenced him to Union Hall with cabbage in their ashore with proper permi.ssion pokes. Terrence was given a Siberia for life. and, while there, is detained by note to the Dispatcher, explain­ civil authorities as a witness, ing the Trial Committees wishes, INNOCENT VICTIM during which time his vessel and tottered away quite happily. leaves, he is not guilty of de­ Next on the list was a young At this stage of the proceedings sertion. It appears questionable man with flaming red hair and a the possibilities of the situation that an unauthorized absence af­ contrite heai't. He was formally struck Brother Justice Stewart ter the end of the voyage in the charged with loaning his picket and he avowed that he was going home port, but before a seaman card to another guy, and as he right out and purchase a false is entitled to his discharge, con­ frankly admitted that it was a beard and white wig and come SS PIPE SPRING PHILADELPHIA stitutes desertion. T. P. Clark. $1.00; E. Padilla. $2.00. damn fool thing to have done, INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS The above circumstances are a and, as further, his strike record Crew of Coastal Defender—$20,00 • few of the instances where it has NORFOLK was absolutely 100%, he drew a SS Felipe De Bestrope--$ 14.00. been found that the searhen leav­ I'M Ot/4TA INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS "ten-spot" fine, which he chipped L. C. Heidgens, $2.00; G. H. Heier, Vct/A/S FELLA ing his vessel had sufficient $1.00. F. W. Edgett. $2.00; W. Hawkins, in at once like a good Union man, vVfM APv/E^^Ul5E I $10.00; E. D. Ankeney, $50.00; F. L. cause to do so. IN MV e>uxx>{ and then departed uncomplainDowdy. $10.00; J. A. Rainey. $11.00; BOSTON MISTAKES OCCUR ly on his vray. G. H. Haga. $11.00; G. Harris. $20.00; INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS Of course, it sometimes hap­ V. Copeland. $10.00; R. J. Ferguson. At this point the Court decided A. Atkison, $2.00; R. French. $1.00; $11.00; C. E. Silvef, $10.00; E. W. Ebpens that men are logged as de­ T. Tomisson, $2.00; R. Christenson, bert. $12.00; J. E. Liles. $10.00; J. to adjourn for lunch and when it serters through misinformation $!.nn; I.. Borri.on, $1.00; Q, rpasspmhled in the afternnon a Morgan. $11.00; J. Price. $10.00; J. and misunderstandings or be­ $1.00; T. Binder, $2.00; T. Doyle, $1.00; W. spirit of genicil convivality was Pruett. $10.00; L. W. Gray. $10.00. cause some would-be "sea dog" J. Paine. $2.00; J. Shea. $3.00; H. Van apparent. Brother Justice Mc­ R. F. Stockton. $10.00; M. E. Walker. decides to lower the boom for Vun. $2.00. $12.00; G. W. McLaawhorn. $50.00; Cann was all for holding the reasons of self-inflation. In any B. F. Rollins. $10.00; L. A. Peck. Jr.. rest of the trials at the local ginNEW YORK $10.00; R. D. Smith. $10.00; J. L. Wal­ event the seaman involved finds, mill, while Brother Justice Whale SS VON STUEBEN lace. $50.00; J. M. Linkous. $11.00; upon reporting for his earnings M, Shumate. $3.00. decided to give 99 years (or the R. S. Pittman. $10.00; D. Bissett. $8.00; and gear, that he's in the book SS IBERVILLE 1'. J. Collins. $11.00; G. L. Nance. chair) to anyone who came on back in again and get a buck as a deserter and the Shipping George Bales. $1.00; L. M. Yar- $11.00; T. Thomas. $13.00; W. M. through the door, just on a matter or two himself. Severaj, more Reinstatement Commissioner is imable to help borough. $2.00; F. P. Drozak. $4.00; Crimble. $11.00; E. Powell. $11.00; J. of principle. In fact Agent Paul him until the log entry has been James Stover. $2.00; H. L. Meyer. $1.00; D. Thomas. $1 1.00; J. D. Thornton. Hall stuck his noggin round the cases were heard and disposed of W. C. Nicholson. $1.00; Robert Weeks. $11.00; W. Gibbens. Jr.. $13.00; J. E. changed either by consent of the $3.00; C. W. Hempfleng. $2.00; H. W. Keller. $11.00; W. Groover. $13.00. door, just to say hello and with the utmost dispatch, but none of them came up to TerCaptain or by being ordered dis­ Roberts. $3.00; Paul Thomas. $1.00; D. Smith. $10.00; G. Schrurk. $11.00; promptly drew a life sentence regarded by a proper court. Nat­ Lanier Speed, $2.00; J. C. DeSham. R. Boyd. $10.00; M. Oliver. $11.00; E. from Brother Whale, who com­ rence's for color. Then as Paddy urally, the consent of the Cap­ $1.00; Harry Kusek. $2.00; Robert Neu- H. Larrimore. $11.00; L. Raker. $10.00; plained bitterly that he was a McCann kept muttering about renberg. $2.00; E. E. Durden, $1.00; W. Kaualski. $11.00; J. Brooks. $10.00; tain, if it can be obtained, is the Ed dead ringer for a bellyrobber that 'overtime,' the Court adjourned O. Moore. $1.00; M. D. Schjott. at 4.30 p. m. safe in the know­ easier method but very often the $1.00; O. R. KimbrelU $1,00; T. L. R. Scott. $10.00; H. White. $10.00; A. he had once s-silod with. Sartalastasi. $10.00; C. Yau, $10.00; ledge that it had done its good seaman finds that the skipper is Newton. $2.00; G. A. Urick, $1.00; W. C. Knight. $10.00; C. Neity. $10.00; When this little misunder­ deed for the day and that it had imwilling or unavailable for the C. Boyd. $3.00; W. D. Coff, $1.00. changing of the log entry which means so much to the seaman. Recourse then is to the Court where affidavits, petitions, orders and maybe also personal appear­ E. Harrell. $11.00; W. Groover. $1.00; W. Akins. $13.00; W. W. Barrett. SS H. GIBBON A. L. Steberg. $1.00; H. Pruszka. $11.00; A. Thanson. $11.00; A. Lealy. $1.00; James W. DlvoH; $2.00; a M. $11.00. Wodside. $3.00. A. Lealy. $2.00; J. Stepp. $13.00; SS CAPE BORDA J. Fulgher. $11.00; B, Lewis. $10.00; J. Lee, $2.00. L. Cooper. $10.00; W. O. Hart. $4.00. impartially administered justice for the members, to the members, by the members and still won­ dering what the hell had happen­ ed to Terrence. ^1 �THE SE'Al PILOTS Am MM&P Winning Beef Despite Co This should prove that there are no neutrals in the fight for higher wages and better work­ ing conditions. When the Masters. Mates, and Pilots. AFL. went on strike last week, Mrs. Floyd Lotker joined her husband on the picketline. She knows that it is impossible to get along on the present wage scale, and she wants to be sure thai her husband will get steady work. That s why she is in favor of rotary shipping. The above picture was taken at Pier 14. East River, and shows, left to right. Stanley Smith. George Neale. Mrs. Lotker. Floyd Lotker, and Joseph Beccu. For the second time in the period of one mo United States is being made. Last month is was chant marine trade was completely sewed up as. strike in U.S. maritime history, and this week I 'i strike of licensed oficers in the same length of ti ' On picketlines established along the three coAf\ ters, Mates, and Pilots, AFL, and the Marine E| tion, CIO, are marching together for gains which and union security. They deserve the support t any way with the waterfront, and, to a great e> As soon as the strike started, the AFL M pledged any aid necessary to make th's strike i most actions of this sort, the CMU promised aic providing any support whatsoever. This is noth ! CMU. • The communists along the waterfront and c hay from the waterfront situation, but they ha, and there prestige along the waterfront has sir All in all, the situation looks good, with indi a complete victory for the striking Unions. On highlights in the strike up to now. More picture; the pages of the Log as the action progresses. I In memory of Broihers lost at sea. and a pledge to keep up the fight that they took part in; a fight for better conditions for the men who go to sea in the merchant fleet. While negotiations cotinue in Washington, the while communists in and out of the Union tried to v/reck the strike, these men met at Palm Gardens on Friday evening, October 4. to plan further strategy and plans to fight the strike through no matter how long it might take. But. as is the case in all meeting of se^aring men. Ihis one eou»menccd v/iih one minute of respectful silence for the Brothers who are no longer able to join in the good fight. Left—J. Holland. "1 don't know whether we're on strike or whether we're locked out. From the looks of things, we are locked out. But in any case, we should fight this through to the end." Right—J. Lisi and J. Zelwak. "Let's get the East, West, and Gulf Coasts to sign together." said Lisi. "and then we would have good conditions for all members of our Union." Zelwak echoed this by stating. "If we can get all our jobs through the Union Hall, then we will all have plenty of work, and every man on board a ship will be a Union man." J ' ilulTt,. * Toiling day and night, to find an acceptable solutioj; ne-vTEsary. But managementj; against the reasonable demij, as negotiations got underwr Owens. Secretary. AFL Marji Harry Martin. President. Mhi ginbotham. Gulf Coast Repre|| re resenting AFL President AFL economist. �ERS loe Page Nia* i WINNING ^ ./ ^7X1/^ 'y^-r^, ••" //M, y - yy ^ ^ W . y-"'M :•^^;-^:-;•y.-:>;^i•.•.•,•/.•.; yi-v -; . :,.. ,.-r r-^;-V- !EEE iiillB mist Sabotage Left — Paul Hall. Chairman of the Greater New York Coun­ cil of the AFL Maritime Trades Deparlmeni, addressed the meeting of the MM&P at Palm Gardens rn October 4, Hall pledged the full support of the organization in the licensed of­ ficers fight to better their wages and conditions. "The entire re­ sources of the AFL Maritime Trades Department is behind you men," he stated, "and if that isn't enough to do the trick, the whole AFL will go down the line for you." laritime history of the when the nation's merm!t of the first general leing made by the first ?s, members of the Maslers Beneficial Associagive them living wages workers connected in they arc getting it. Trades Department fesful. Of course, as in [has failed miserably in jw in the history of the lere have tried to make en decisively defeated, i accordingly. s that it will end up in two pages we picture more news will be in ^ Also right is E. C. Mitchell, Chairman of the MM&P Food and Housing Committee. Mifchell has organized a squad of coffee and doughnut cars to transport food to the men on the picketlines. That this has gone over well with the mem­ bership is attested to by the applause which greeted his re­ ports at each of the member­ ship meetings which have ben called to report on the progress of the negotiations in Wash­ ington. A report is rendered at each meeting concerning negotia­ tions to date. Future plans are discussed, and every man gets a chance to blow His top if he wants to. That is the way AFL Unions operate, and that is what makes AFL Unions strong. The above picture was taken at Palm Gardens, and shows, from left to right. Captain C. T. Atkins, 2nd Vice-President, Local 88; and Captain Herman Straus, Chairman of the Strike Committee. ..-v. -y- ^ - f.4-1 'Y' - ' m -i'-' %5M SSSJslSfef «fy ^ ///v -—V-_ Ly-^r.'A. /A F ^ ^ - ' li\ ' V ~" • i&J- -'/Yt •i<A(i''4-'^' |taiives of Ihe MM&P fried 70uld make Ihe strike un­ to bargain and held out I the MM&P. Shown here. Washington, are, John R. rades Department; Captain |inding. Captain E. W. Hige, MM&P; Lewis E. Hines, Sreen; and Boris Shishkin, • - "i -'"•"> , ' ;<v .\v-; Vs* ••• •••y.':*^^•;V'^^•"^iiS^" •••f -Alw , ^ " 1/ ' ' ' '''') ^ ^ ™, -JTJ i . " • Z-/v-- ' A, 4 Plenty of jobs for everyone when you ship by rotary shipping. Not much for favoritism, either. That's what the MM&P wants right nowi Right—Captain Bohn. "We men have worked our way up from the forecastles. We will not let the shipowners beat us down, and we will not allow the communists to take over our Union. We were slaves before, but we won't be ever again." Left—H. B. Pederson and F. Semrau. Captain Pederson was emphatic when he stated, "The situation is very good, but we cannot allow disgraceful actions like what took place last Fri­ day night. Undemocratic forces like the communists have no place in our Union." Semrau confined his comments to the way the situation has shaped up. "The actions of the AFL Maritime Trades Department have made victory certain. Our own organi­ sation is being strengthened, and we will come out of this strong and united." ;Kjii jUgijT F. C. Flagler, Chairman of the Publicity Committee. • t-' �THE SE'Al " ""* / i MM&P Winning Beef Despite Co This should prove that there are no neutrals in the fight for higher wages and better work­ ing conditions. When the Masters, Mates, and Pilots, AFL. went on strike last week. Mrs. Floyd Lotker joined her husband on the picketline. She knows that it is impossible to get along on the present wage scale, and she wants to be sure that her husband will get steady work. That s why she is in favor of rotary shipping. The above picture was taken at Pier 14, East River, and shows, left to right, Stanley Smith, George Neale, Mrs, Lotker. Floyd Lotker, and Joseph Beccu. For the second time in the period of one mo United States is being made. I^^ast month is was chant marine trade was completely sewed up as strike in U.S. maritime history, and this week strike of licensed oficers in the same length of ti On picketlines established along the three coi ters, Mates, and Pilots, AFL, and the Marine E tion, CIO, are marching together for gains whicl and union security. They deserve the support (i any way with the waterfront, and, to a great e> As soon as the strike started, the AFL M; pledged any aid necessary to make th's strike ! most actions of this sort, the CMU promised ai( providing any support whatsoever. This is ncth CMU. The communists along the waterfront and e hay from the waterfront situation, bul they ha and there prestige along the waterfront has su All in all, the situation looks good, with indi a complete victory for the striking Unions. On highlights in the strike up to now. More picture; the pages of the Log as the action progresses. w: m.- iit.fi In memory of Brothers lost at sea, and a pledge to keep up the fight that they took part in; a fight for better conditions for the men who go to sea in the merchant fleet. While negotiations cotinue in Washington, the while communists in and out of the Union tried to v/reck the strike, these men met at Palm Gardens on Friday evening, October 4, to plan further strategy and make phans In fight the strike through no matter how long it might take. But, as is the case in all meeting of seafaring men, this one com­ menced with one minute of respectful silence for the Brothers who are no longer able to join in the good fight. Left—J. Holland. "I don't know whether we're on strike or whether we're locked out. From the looks of things, we are locked out. But in any case, we should fight this through to the end." Right—J. Lisi and J. Zelwak. "Let's get the East. West, and Gulf Coasts to sign together," said Lisi, "and then we would have good conditions for all members of our Union." Zelwak echoed this by stating, "If we can get all our jobs through the Union Hall, then we will all have plenty of work, and every man on board a ship will be a Union man." II I ' iinnwiTOiii I r Toiling day and night, t to find an acceptable solutio necessary. But management against the reasonable dem, as negotiations got underw Owens, Secretary, AFL Mar Harry Martin, President, Mh ginbotham. Gulf Coast Reprc re r:senting AFL President AFL economist. ;i �ERS tOG Page Nfa* wr-' - _ ' ^:.V^/A'.vAV.'.V,V.v«yA :;:;-,.i^::;;;px;. • WINNING IIPPKET mist Sabotage Left — Paul Hall. Chairman of the Greater New York Coun­ cil of the AFL Maritime Trades Department, addressed the meeting of the MM&P at Palm Gardens on October 4. Hall pledged the full support of the organization in the licensed of­ ficers fight to better their wages and conditions. "The entire re­ sources of the AFL Maritime Trades Department is behind you men," he stated, "and if that isn't enough to do the trick, the whole AFL will go down the line for you." laritime history of the when the nation's mernilt of the first general )eing made by the first "t js, members of the Mas|ers Beneficial Associagive them living wages workers connected in I they are getting it. Trades Department ksful. Of course, as in [has failed miserably in iw in the history of the |ere have tried to make kn decisively defeated, ' accordingly. [s that it will end up in two pages we picture more news will be in / A report is rendered at each meeting concerning negotia­ tions to date. Future plans are discussed, and every man gets a chance to blow His top if he wants to. That is the way AFL Unions operate, and that is what makes AFL Unions strong. The above picture was taken at Palm Gardens, and shows, from left to right. Captain C. T. Atkins, 2nd Vice-President, Local 88; and Captain Herman Straus, Chairman of the Strike Committee. / <• •^ jlatives of the MM&P fried irould make the strike un­ to bargain and held out I the MM&P. Shown here, /'ashington, are, John R. trades Department; Captain [nding. Captain E. W. HigMM&P; Lewis E. Hines, ireen; and Boris Shishkin, • -.'"u ' V- ' "'i ;7ti ^ ^ '' ' ;' -.v. •' ^ i / ,,hf J--s^ yO / " . "T- Also right is E. C, Mitchell, Chairman of the MM&P Food and Housing Committee. Mit­ chell has organized a squad of coffee and doughnut cars to transport food to the men on the picketlines. That this has gone over well with the mem­ bership is attested to by the applause which greeted his re­ ports at each of the member­ ship meetings which have ben called to report on the progress of the negotiations in Wash­ ington. ^4 " " /w{|' '' yu " - . ; v7i - , '' e<r - \ Plenty of jobs for everyone when you ship by rotary shipping. Not much for favoritism, either. That's what the MM&P wants right now! Right—Captain Bohn. "We men have worked our way up from the forecastles. We will not let the shipowners beat us down, and we will not allow the communists to take over our Union. We were slaves before, but we won't be ever again." * s Left—H. B. Pederson and F. Semrau. Captain Pederson was emphatic when he stated, "The situation is very good, but we cannot allow disgraceful actions like what took place last Fri­ day night. Undemocratic forces like the communists have no place in our Union." Semrau confined his comments to the way the situation has shaped up. "The actions of the AFL Maritime Trades Department have made victory certain. Our own organi­ zation is being strengthened, and we will come out of this strong and united." #• F. C. Flagler, Chairman of the Publicity Committee. �•-••"' - • ' ~ . • ^ - -v ., -•,- p«ae Tea THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, Oclobw 194S SHIPS' MINUTES AND NEWS SS Sea Carp Crew Eat Like Kings (For Day) SIU Member Dies In Auto Crash Dry Sauterne . . . Dry Port. . . Haig; and Haig Scotch whiskey . . . Old Bordeaux Cognac . . . Inventory of the King of England's wine and whiskey cellar? Don't be silly—just some of the liquid refreshment on the SS Sea Carp's menue. While the juice oozca from your chops, take a gander at the following: "Roasted Young Tom Turkey . . . Roasted Long Island Corn Fed Duckling in Wine . . . Virginia Baked Ham in Ma­ deira Wine: (10 years old) . . . Shrimp a L'Indienne . . . Broiled Flounder with Maitre D'Hotel Butter ..." Just a few of the more delectable dishes on that Carp's menu. An auto crash ended the life ; of Frank Kolar, 21-year-old SIU tripcarder, early the morning of Sept. 14 when the car in which he and three other youths were • riding went out of control and i crashed into a telephone pole on 'an Illinois highway, Route No. 16, four miles east of Mattoon, 111. Kolar died in a nearby hosDON'T GET EXCITED •pital shortly after the accident. But should you be entertain­ The other occupants suffered ing the idea of making a mad I severe injuries. dash for the Sea Carp, better set­ f- Kolar, who was to have been tle down and get the story I; inducted into the Army on Sept. straight. That menu is not a ;! 17, lived with his parents, Mr. hungry Bosun's dream; it's a real and Mrs. George Kolar at 12 live honesL-to-goodness actuality. North Third Street, Geneva, 111. The crew members of the Sea The four youths were driving Carp really sat down to feast on one of their party home, with these delectables and more. But --Leonard Baldridge, a friend of they don't do it every day. It Kolar's at the wheel when the was a very special luncheon, and .accident occurred. They were , proceeding west when the car here is how it came about: went out of control, and ran off the highway, the side of the ma­ police arrived from Matton with­ chine crashing into the telephone in a few minutes, and all four . pole. occupants of the wrecked car were taken to the Mattoon hos­ CAR DEMOLISHED pital. The crash completely demolish­ ed the car. Passing motorists sent Kolar, who held Tripcard No. a call for help to the police de- A-4584, suffered severe internal ' partment at Mattoon, four miles injuries in addition to a three away. The call was relayed to part fracture of his right leg. He the district state highway police died within a few hours after headquarters. Ambulances and being admitted to the hospital. Brother Dodge Jumps Home The Winner And New Champ • For the entire two and a half months Marshall Dodge was aboard the SS Hibbings Victory not a day passed that he didn't have to defend himself against the rugged jumping tactics of his shipmates. Every trick in the bag was employed to make him throw up his hands and holler quits. But Marshall Dodge has fought his way out of tight traps and boxed corners too many times to fall easy victim to the dupery of novices. At every turn he got the jump on his challengers. His su­ perior skill, knowledge and tim­ ing enabled hirri to beat his sweating adversaries into submis­ sion time and again. When the Hibbings' voyage wound up in New York, Dodge reigned supreme. All his ship­ mates acknowledged his championship caliber. They even had one of the ship's Firemen rig up a large medal, which they pinned on Brother Dodge's che.st, in recognition of his outstanding performances. On the makeshift medal was this stirring inscription: "SS Hibbings Victory—Check­ er Champion—1946." As Dodge modestly displayed the medal—a white enameled mayonaisse jar cover in the cen­ ter of which was painted a black and red checkerboard, and from which hung two red corduroy pennants, he related that he had a pretty ea.sy time of it all through the trip to South Africa and return. He was in danger only once. His closest competitor was an­ other whizz. Brother Smith who, like Dodge was a Jr. Engineer aboard the Hibbings. Dodge's crack defense of his checker title was matched by his defense of his modesty. Pleas to have him pose for the Log photographer went for naught. He scurried right out of the Log office at first sight of the camera, leaving his prize right on the desk. The champ's medal is being held for him, and until he shows up for it the Log is filing it un­ der "Memorable Events of 1946." Several weeks ago as the SS Sea Carp was lying in port at Beira, in Portugese East Africa, Arthur Lewis, the president of the Robin Line, owners of the vessel, unexpectedly came aboard. He stayed for lunch and was so impressed with the ex­ cellent condition of the ship, that he asked the Skipper, Thomas Frith, if the Stewards Depart­ ment could arrange for a banquet luncheon for himself and 14 guests on August 30. SWEET RESULT The Skipper called in the Chief Steward, James R. Porter, and the arrangements were made. What the Stewards department concocted was fit for a seaman. But let's have it in the words of Chief Steward Porter, who wrote the following letter to Sec­ retary-Treasurer John Hawk: SS Sea Carp Beira, E. A. Sept. 3, 1946 Dear Brother Hawk: As we were lying alongside in this port last week, we had an unexpected guest in the per­ son of Arthur Lewis, President of the Robin Line, who stajj^ed for lunch with us and was so impressed with the ship and its excellent condition that he asked the Master, Thomas Frith, Jr., if the Stewards De­ partment could arrange for a AT LAST — A MEAL FIT FOR SEAMEN While mouths watered in juicy anticipation, this is the regal repast which the Stewards Department prepared to serve re­ cently to crewmembexs ot the SS Sea Carp. SEAS SHIPPING COw Inc. ROBIN LINE SS SEA CARP August 30. 1946 LUNCHEON MENU Green Olives Stuffed with Pimento Mixed Sweel Pickles Chilled Hearts of California Celery Salted Nuts Chilled Lettuce emd Tomatoes with Mayonnaise Shrimp A L'Indienne Cream of Corn Soup Broiled Floimder with Maitre D'Hotel Butter French Green Peas with Drawn Butter Hash Brown Potatoes Fresh Leeks Braised in Butter Young Tom Roeisted Turkey with Sage Dressing Cape Cod Cranberries Sauce Mashed Potatoes with Drawn Butter Roasted Long Island Corn Fed Duckling in Wine with Thyme Dressing Boiled String Beans with Ham Flavor Southern Candida Yams Viriginia Baked Ham in Maderia Wine with atural Sauce Duchess Potatoes Candied Sweet Potatoes Southern Cooked Turnip Greens in Ham Sauce Hot Parker House Rolls Hot Biscuits Chocolate Cake Hot Mince Pie Ice Cream Oranges Pears Apples Bananas Choice of Chilled Wines Dry Sauterne Dry Sherry Bananas Hcdg & Haig Scotch Whiskey Old Bordeaux Cognac Coca Cola Canadian Ginger Ale Soda Cigars Soffee Hot Tea to Order Cigarettes J. R. Dixon—Chief Cook James R. Porter—Chief Steward ycar-old table wine. As it is our policy, every member of the crew had the same dinner as the company president. I would like to say a few words about the crew. In all my years as a Steward and Chief Cook, I have never had a better crew on any ship. They have given me the great­ est possible cooperation. The Engine, Deck and Stewards Delegates have all been above average in their efforts to be I was personally „ compli­ of service. mented by Mr. Lewis and his Our Agent at Norfolk, Bro­ wife for the excellent food, and ther Ray White, .should be my Second Cook and Baker, commended for his excellent Guy Craig, made a special cake judgment in sending such a which was properly decorated fine body of young Americans for the occasion. The turkeys, aboard our vessel. Enclosed wild ducks, and hams were for your information is a copy prepared by my Chief Cook, of the menu which was served. John R. Dixon, with 10 year old James R. Porter Madeira wine. Chief Steward We think it only fair to report Through the courtesy of the Master, every man aboard the at this point that on that day, ship was served the same din-* August 30, there were no beefs ner plus cigarettes, a pack to made about the grub on the SS each man, and a glass of 10- Sea Carp. banquet luncheon for Aug. 30, for himself and 14 guests. With the cooperation of the Master, the Stewards depart­ ment and I complied with his request and everything was carried out in the traditional policy of the Seafarers Interna­ tional Union, and the luncheon was highly successful. The Stewards department was highly- complimented for their excellent service. 4 Digested Minutes Of SIU Ship Meetings EDWARD L. LOGAN, May 9 —Chairman Tex; Secretary (not noted). New Business: Motions carried: that crew will not pay­ off until all disputes are taken care of; see Patrolman about penalty cargo for phosphate; consult Patrolman about trans­ portation to and from ship while in foreign ports; that tripcarders stay in one Depart­ ment and learn to do one job well. Good and Welfare; Crew asked to cooperate by turning in dirty linen. Discussion on why Purser hasn't Pliarmacist's ticket and his refusal to give penicillin shots to crewmembers who needed them. Find out who has charge of ad­ ministering first aid. Consult with Patrolman about several cases where crewmembers paid their own money to shoreside doctors for penicillin shots. t, X CHARLES H. LANHAM, May 26'—Chairman Thomas Gould; Secretary Kendall R. Tomkins. New Business Motione carried: to send letter to the hall on dispute over settixtg of sea watches when leaving port; to inform Union of Cap­ tain Jorgensen's abuse to men on sick list; to elect four man commmee to workr wRh Chief Steward to- set^ dispute over work in galley; to have chill box cleaned within a week; that wipers do a more saiisfactory job of sanitary work; that messboy make sure there is coffee in messhall for night watches; that messhall and ice­ box be kept clean at all times: keep dogs out of messhall; to conserve coffee, tea, and fresh water. i RICHARD BASSETT, May 12—Chairman PiclBur; Secre­ tary Helms. New Business Mo­ tion ttuide and passed that the Engine Department delegate see the Chief Engineer about the drinking fountain. Motion carried that each department take tinms for one week each m keeping the recreation room and leiuidr.y cleans Moiion- car(Continued on Page 11) ii il lit �Friday. Oclober 11, 1946 THE SEAFARERS to e Page Eleven s ' Digested Minutes Of SlU Ship Meetings soon as it is evident that the (Continued from Page 10) company attempts to comply ried that perculators for the with making repairs. Delegates crew's mess and engine room are to check lits of repairs and be obtained and that they be make report to crew, who will procured before paying off. in turn decide what action to be Motion carried that a temporary taken. delegate is to check stores as XXX soon as coming aboard before JOHN B ARTEAM, July 14— signing articles. Chairman J. Henry: Secretary » t 1 WILLIAM F. MacLENNAN. R. Hicks. Previous meeting's JOHN W. GATES. May 2— June IB—Chairman Green; Sec­ minutes read and accepted. Mo­ Chairman Shakkovick; Secre­ retary Ballard. New Business: tion carried to have lifeboats tary A. Harris. Discussion about Motions carried: to make less checked as soon as ship reach­ the quality of meats, also the noise in pasageways; relieve the es port because of missing gear. variety. The lack of fresh fruits watch on time or be fined one and vegetables in port. Bugs hour overtime; that we give the have been found in some of the mess man a little more coopera­ food and requested that those tion in messhall; that shelves foods be removed from daily be built back aft so library A vote of thanks given to the diets. Motions carried that the books can be stored. Good and 2nd Cook and Baker for the steward be instructed to make Welfare: Suggestion that broth­ unusually good work he has up a list of the foods needed for ers quit throwing cigarette butts done in handling both his and the ship and to obtain fresh in passageways. One minute the Chief Cook's job" during eggs, meats, fruits, and vege­ of silence for brothers who died the emergency that arose. tables; that the above list of in the war. XXX, demands be posted in the messJOHN P. POE, June 27 — room by the Steward and also Chirman Fritz: Secretary Conthat he post another list of the All's Well On Belle, land.'Minutes of previous meet­ food that has been okayed by Crewmembers Agree ing accepted as read. Motions the Captain; that a delegate The crewmembers of the SS carried: that Delegate see Chief have Chief Engineer clean rust Belle of the West stick together Engineer in regards to drink­ from coffee urn. closer than a shipowner's fist on ing water; ° that Steward see t S. 1 ELOY ALFARO, June IB- his pocketbook. Cooperation is about obtaining more knives; Chairman Halloway; Secretary the keynote of their relation­ that Steward purchase neces­ Palmer. New Business: Motions ships, and they don't hesitate to sary food stores to last from let it be known. Italy to States; to contact Pur­ Here's a note which was sent ser in regard to ordering Wi­ to the personnel manager of the pers below—request knowledge Seas Shipping Company, opera­ of his authority to do so. tors of the vessel, signed by the XXX carried: to close head across entire Deck and Engine Depart­ from messhall; that each de­ ments: Something Is Fishy partment take turns being re­ We. the crew of the SS Belle On The G. Washington sponsible for the care of recrea­ of the West, have come together In loud and lusCy tones, the tion room; that delegates check to sign this letter on behalf of lads of the SS George Washing­ to insure an ample supply of the Stewards Department. We ton cried, "Can it!" fresh and dry stores before leav­ have found our Steward com­ ing Frisco; that only six glasses Cause of the outburst, which, petent and are quite pleased and six cups be left out for by the way, was absolutely justi­ with him as well as the entire fiable, was the highly offensive the night watches and all hands Stewards Department. Our wash them after using; a repair condition of the sea food served. food was good and we found list was made and is to be pre­ In short, the fish stunk. no fault with it. We hope for sented to Captain upon arrival At the Sept. 25 membefship the benefit of the men that they in Frisco. meeting the crew recommended remain for the next voyage. We that the "rotten" fish be removed % X X also believe that if all the of­ from the menu and replaced with Crew Likes 'Eggs' ficers were as conscientious a good quality canned salmon. and cooperative aas the Chief With Sunny Side Up Steward, Frank Gardner, this Food was the major item under There were a couple of "good trip would have been completed discussion at the metting. There eggs" aboard the SS Laura Keene with a minimum of complaints. is an insufficient variety of fresh fruits at mealtimes, and the crew on its recent two-month trip to Attached to a copy of the ship's has not been getting a full quota France, reports Steward Delegate minutes, is a carbon copy of fare­ of fresh milk per day. A. J. Kuberski. They weren't well note to the crew from Chief Even the dry cereal was un­ fried and they weren't hard-, Steward Gardner, in which he satisfactory, it being more moul­ boiled, either. thanks the Deck and Engine rhen dy than dry. It was suggested In short, they were just plain for their cooperation. that it be disposed of. scrambled. More specifically. Anyway, this sea-going mutual A motion was carried to have Brother Kuberski was referring admiration society sounds like a a Patrolman investigate the pos­ to the Skipper, H. A. Hansen, and damned nice set-up. sibilities of having fire and boat the Chief Engineer, C. E. O'Kelly. XXX drill on week-day instead of on Why were they "good eggs?" ALCOA POINTER, June 4— Sunday. Well, over in France the crew Chairman Jimmy Prestwood; XXX had no trouble whatever getting Secretary Hiram Barron. New In New York a decent draw when it was need­ Business: Ships delegate to see ed, and throughout the voyage, First Assistant to have Oiler the delegates (H. Berger for the signed back on. Motions car­ Engine men, and O. Gonzales for ried: to get bulletin board for the Deck men) say that the two gunners and crew messhalls; to officers displayed a cooperative- have ham for crew at breakfast. ness that made the sailing pretty Good and Welfare: Suggested to pleasant. keep laundry cleaner; less noise Brother Kuberski's report sort in passageways; take linen of refutes the old adage that from cots and stow away; place there's a bad egg in every basket. soiled linen in pillow slips when changing; fumigate store X X ^ rooms because of weevils: cor­ JOHN B ARTEAM. June IBrect working conditions in En­ Chairman J. Henry; Secretary gine room; make bunks each R. Hicks. New Business: Momorning. lions carried: that icebox in crews mess be kept clean at XXX ELOY ALFARO, July 4 — all times; that WSA discon­ C^hairman Hershal Holloway; tinue shipping men without go­ Secretary J. Palmer. Minutes of ing through Union Hall; that all previous meeting read and ac­ beefs be taken to respective der cepted. Motion carried: to fur­ legates and not directed tr> the Jimmy Brooks, accord­ nish Union Hall with list of individual it concerns; that the ing to our own Hank, is in the repairs needed aboard ship and Union investigate ships being Big Town. For the latest on to obtain backing to procure sent to foreign ports that are Jimmy's doings and other in­ same. It was decided that not not properly stored; that the side buzz-buzz-buzz see the later than six days before ves­ rationing on foc'sle cards be renewed. Cut and Run column by Hank. sel is scheduled to saiL or as CUT AND RUN By HANK Well, while the "red rats" are desperately and foolishly trying to rule and ruin everything, we're chipping in another October Cut and Dry column of items . . . First about Luke Collins, one of the best oldtimers and bosuns afloat or ashore. Luke sa^'s that the crew of the Joshua Slbcum extended their vote of thanks for the bot­ tom of their stomachs to the Steward's Department for doing such. a swell job in everything especially by the Steward and the Second Cook. Next week you'll see a photo of Luke and also one of the big sharks they caught while their ship lay out in the ocean with­ out a propeller waiting for the Coast Guard to rescue iliem—which they did in a few days. By the way, Luke is planning a trip to Italy with some shipmates, too. X X X X Oldtimer Jimmy Brooks, is one of Luke Collins shipmates wailing for lhal Irip lo Italy, you see. Jimmy's picture is in this Log right now and we have a story about Jimmy too. Some­ thing happened to his leg on the other side and he was hos­ pitalized for some time. Then he came to New York in July. Right now he says he's in fine shape and can ship out. Atta boy, Jimmy, good luck to you and esnd usi a photo and post card from Italy, will you, oldtimer? . . . Accidentally we overheard Brother "Sunshine," the Mate, who is midtowning right now, saying that he's quitting this "sea business" for awhile and is looking for an apartment in Brooklyn. But we don't believe everything we hear—well, at least not no a permanent basis, anyway . . . And while we're mentioning that country across the river which is inflated with the greatest sadness in its hls^ry, we heard that Blackie Lloyd Gardner came up from Philly and went straight to Brooklyn to celebrate! Ted Thompson, the oldtimer is in New York right now. He used to be some classy lightweight champ, we've heard through our hever-eauliflowered ears. Well, we guess the only boxing Brother Thompson has been doing in his retired ring years has been shadowboxing with the pots and pans in many a ship's galley . . . Two weeks ago we heard that Pete De Petro was flying down to Cuba to get spliced. Congratulations, Pete, whenever it does happen . . . we've noticed several oldtimers in New York right now. For in­ stance, there's Earl DeAngelo, who's been out on the West Coast quite a bit . . . Then there's Stanley Greenridge, smoking a cigar as usual . . . and last but not least, we notice Raffaele SommelU present in this town, too. Up there in the Port of Beans but no rice there may be the following oldtimers waiting for the strike to finish: Arfin Oyhus; Martin Jensen; Resmo Gavoni; Evald Olson; Leonardo Ruggero; Benjamin Gordy and William Hardy . . . Well, until next Friday, we'll pert with this thought which should be knot­ ted into some heads: "the brand we smoke is not called Luck^ Strike. The shipowners, bureau-rats and the bleary-eyed finks got a whiff of our brand not so long ago. We hope some people don't foolishly forget our particular brand, indeed ... �'Msge T-wkVfv T B E IS E^r m0 G •Friaay.TDcidber 11. 184S THE MEMBERSHIP SPEiISS Ropeyam Hot On The Trail Of His New Pet Character Monroe, La., Sept. 24 cotton. I take it for granted that (SpeciaT to the Log) Orson didn't do so good, talking about high-low tariffs, as if that Dear Editor: would keep the sheriff from sell­ Well, this missive finds me ing the farmer's eye-teeth to sat­ down here in de land of cotton isfy the loan sharks. and taters, hot on the trail of our According to most reliable re­ friend and candidate for presi­ ports, Ed, Orson, in line with the dent, the Honorable Orson Farusual run of politicos, had kissed fufnick, who says he "not not an unusual number of babies and labah's friend." had ogled and grinned at their (Editor's note: Last week's mothers until he looked like a issue of the Log had a letter baboon who had just completed a from Ropeyarn telling of his feast in a coconut forest. meeting with Farfufnick, and HAS A PROGRAM promising us more on this Candidate Farfufnick, says a character. We think it's an­ Monroe news reporter, appeared other of Hopeyam's dream on the platform in a white tencharacters but we're going gallon hat, and made the high along with him on it). point of talk by presenting the I was discussing the possibili­ following program for the farm ties of candidate Farfufnick being Down in fhe isles of rum-and coke there is also romance belt: elected with an old-time Louisi­ for Seafarer Woody Lockwood, as this cozy photo will bear out. 1. Guarantees that he will ana politician who had just been The young lady standing close to Brother Lockwood's heart is released from the city hoosegow call on the gods of the weath­ unidentified, but the lad who brought the picture to the Log for stealing his grandma's false er to see that every day is farm -office said she is known :as '*Headhunler." teeth, and when he learned of day (meaning, of course, that this most un-orthodox political he will use atomic automatic slogan. "Not Lab's Friend," he weather control). SIU'S LABOR ROLE 2. Assure the farmers that said he wouldn't give two pieces STIRS STUDlEN'S of homemade terbacker for Or­ he will begin immediately a drive to invoke the powers of INTEREST IN UNION son's chance of being elected. mumbo-jumbo to cause the DEFEATED AS DOG-CATCHER boll-weevils to flee to Mexico Dear Editor: Several poems recently Well, Ed, though this sage and gobble up all of them Mex­ submitted to the Log bear In malyng a study of the mari­ Louisiana politician has been ican sombreros instead of these time workers, and the problems strong resemblance to works defeated several times for city Louisiana farmers' cotton. already published by other facing them, I have been par­ dog-catcher right here in Monroe, authors. The original poems ticularly interested in the part One farmer, after somber re­ I think it would be well for flection, was heard to remark the SIU is playing. are protected by copyright Candidate Farfufnick to bend an "what the hell has this to do with law and republication by the Information on the SIU" speci­ Log, especially under differ­ the cost of -a pound of hamburger fically, however, has been diffient authorship, would make meat, especially if a man can't cult to locate. It would be great­ the Log liable for violation buy any without being arrested ly appreciated if you could send of the law. for engaging in the black mark­ me what statistics and publica­ et." The Log, therefore, asks tions the SIU has gathered and They say that Mr. Orson was a printed concerning the Union: its those Seafarers who submit real showman on the platform, characteristics, personnel, poli­ poetry to be sure their stuff with one farmer commenting that cies arid channels of action, and is original and has not been the feller must have walked the problems confronting it. published previously by any through the cow lot with them other person. Such caution This constitutes a big order, I cow boots on, because they gave will avoid any unnecessary see, and I only hope you can help evidence of smell and color that complications. he had been in the vicinity of me out. The San Francisco office where cattle stand around a suggested that I write to you and mentioned the possibility that while. the Seafarers Log might be made NMU fTRIPCARDERS ear to the advice of this oldtime Next week Mr. Orson journeys performer of the political circus. to New Orleans to make his bid available. HEAR SOME Mary Fife Advice is cheap, eh, Ed? You for the seamen's vote. TALL TALES and I was always ready to take Ropeyarn Vassar College on anything that didn't cost us Dear Editor: nothing. In fact, Ed, by follow­ Thought I'd drop a few lines CHIEF MATE OF THE SS FAIRPORT ing this formula religiously the to give you some dope on the two of us have landed in the clink HAS CASE OF 'SHUT-OFF' FEVER NMU trip carders v/ho want to on several occasions, only it Dear Editor: 12-day run from Panama to Hon­ go SIU. wasn't advice we were taking. Here are some rules that were Here we are on one of the Wa- olulu. He also shut the ventila­ Ed, a politician is supposed to :put to them by their NMU broth­ tor motor off, and he doesn't termap C-2 scows, the SS Fairannounce to all that he is high ers: port, on a 'round-the-world trip. seem to want to get one of the gnd mighty, holy and unholy, that he is for everybody and engineers to install a steam pipe 1. They must get a release everything. He is supposed to be in the ship's laundry. This chief from the NMU because we don't the saviour of the wicked and the seems to have the "shut-off fev­ take anyone without a release. rewarder of the righteous. He er." He even cut down the pres­ 2. Any man with a log against -must tell everybody within hear­ sure on the showers. him cannot get in, either. ing of his voice, that it is in his We put these men straight on He claims that one day we used -power to make the rich richer, these phony statements, and we 56 tons of water, and therefore and the poor poorer. Maybe I received thanks and beers. This he had to shut off the water, al­ got the last part a little mixed up, isn't the only case I ran into on lowing it to be turned on only but a feller can't get technical in three times a day. I asked him this trip (nine months) but it is laying out these political pro­ how the men of the Stewards De­ the best. grams. We will be -back in about a partment and the men coming off HIGH-LOW TARIFFS .month and will have a full re­ watch were supposed to take a port of a rotten trip then. I wasn't able to get into the shf wer. I would like to have the Log meeting here to' hear candidate He replied that they had to sent to our home, where my Farfufnick proclaim the points of BROTHER KOROLIA take their showers before going family are all readers of it. his program that'.-l be incorpor­ T. Drzewicki ated into political planks, what­ We have a perfect crew aboard on watch. Outside of this guy we have a good gang. The Skipper this ship with very little disputed SS George E.. Hale ever that is. But an irritated is a real square-shooter; the Chief overtime. Shanghai, China farmer liked to knock me down? P. S. Enclosed is one dollar Only one licensed member on Mate, all the other mates and the while rushing from the meeting contribution to the Log for many muttering about too much rain here is NG—the Chief Engineer. Engineer are all okay. Spider ICordlia enjoyable hours of reading. and the boll weevils eating up his He started to ration water on a Log-A'Rhythms The Guy in the Glass By VIC COMBS When you come to the end of a struggle. And the world makes you king for a day. Then go to the mirror and look at yourself. And see what that guy has to say. It isn't your father or mother Who judgment upon you must pass. The fellow whose verdict means most in life Is the guy staring back from the glass. Poets, Attention! You may go down the pathway of years. And get pats on the back as you pass. But the final reward will be heartaches and tears If you've cheated that guy in the glass. Following the Sea By RAYMOND CONWAY There's a man who follows the sea. And I think, as he goes walking by. He helped win the war, for you and me. When the going was tough, he was ready to die. Many people think differently, though. Those who during the war made profit of loot. They think of him as naught but an ignorant Joe. For sure it is they who deserve the boot. Thsy never heard of Bari—or the Murmansk run. These profiteers who suck the best from the land. They claim a seaman's desires are but for drink and fun And never would they lend him a helping hand. One day they'll stand trial in the highest court. The evidence against them weighed with care. And surrounding Him in the heavenly scene. Are those who went down with the ships in the great war. Yes. they are the men of the Merchant Marine. Who. in the hour of need, gave their all—and more. ":... v'' �Fr^, Odebsc, 11. 184fr TH E S'HjtP AiR ERSp LO G Pags. TUftoaoc Coimnies' Sordid Waterfront Record Should Be Publicized, Says Seafarer scabs who sailed throughout the sue by strike- action. It waited for Dear Editor: the militant AFL seamen's unions Arriving back in port from a entire strike. to use direct action. They, should also be told how three-month trip the day before Joe Curran, regardless of what Joe Curran was the only union the completion of the NMU strike, he might bleat about the Marine leader who did not fight against the entire crew of ovir ship got Firemen, realized that this mili­ the Copeland fink books, when off here (Baltimore), and remain­ ed ashore imtil everything was the West Coast turned thumbs tant independent group would al­ cleared away and the strike call­ down and refused to carry this ways stick in solidarity to the SUP because the oldtimers with­ BROTHER NEARS INDUCTION, shipowners blackball. ed off. in its ranks have never forgotten WANTS INFO ON RETIRING BOOK Every seamen wants unity and What has me puzzled is the the terrible struggle of 1934 when solidarity, for both coasts but not boast of the NMU that complete According to work I have received from the Draft Board, it the old Marine Workers Indus­ at the price offered by the Na­ solidarity existed among all looks as though I will be going into the army soon. trial Union tried every means to seven vyiions in their CMU. We tional Maritime Union. "Beware In view of this change in my status, could you please advise destroy the P. C. Firemens Union. met quite a bunch of the old- of Greeks bearing false gifts." me if it is possible for me to retire my book without coming ILLEGITIMATE Tell the younger element, too, timers from the Pacific coast Ma­ into New York. I owe a few months dues, and I will be glad to To enlighten the younger ele­ how Joe Cutran fought against rine Firemen's Union who were straighten out this matter. So how about giving me this dope vvar bonuses on American ships ment of maritime labor further, still on strike when the NMU as soon as possible? Tony Gniewkowski the National Maritime Union is when we were carrying lendAvas going back to work. That Answer:—You can retire your book without making the trip the bastard child of the Marine lease cargo to the entire world. was sufficient for us SIU mem­ into New York. The files in the bookkeeping department show Workers Industrial Union, the QUICK CHANGE bers to respect the picketlines. that you owe $19 on your book. Simply mail a check or money Let them hear about this su­ waterfront branch of the com= Glad to know that V. J. Maorder for that amount, and enclose it, with your book and a per-patriot who shouted for iso­ munist party. lone, secretary-treasurer of that note that you wish to retire it, in an envelope addressed to the Yes, fellow workers, we wish union was in there fighting the lation, denouncing the President New York Hall. Mark it attention of Bookkeeping Department, of the United States as a tool of unity, but not of the can-shaking political element which has been 6th floor. capitalism while Hitler and Sta­ variety offered by Joe Curran, trying to sabotage the union. The book will be returned to you as soon as proper entries lin had their pact. Tell the broth­ who boasts of a two million dol­ The nldtimers in the P. C. Fire­ have been made. lar strike fund, yet was begging er members how Joe Curran's men's union should come out the public for donations the sec­ with the history of the "unity" so-caUed militant union changed ond day of the strike. from left to right withih a period drive attempted by the so-called Joe Buckley militant NMU, when it tried to of five minutes at the Cleveland convention in 1941 when Hitler sabotage that union in 1937-38. SIU CONDITIONS They should tell the younger ele­ invaded Russia. Tell the seamen the true story ment the purpose behind the MIRACLE-LIKE fight to keep the union free from of how the NMU first entered Dear Editor: knowledge. This lack of know­ the clutches of these political the maritime field in the guise TO OLDTIMERS ledgenaturally destroys confi­ of unionism. Being the Union delegate on Dear Editor; parasites. dence and is easily sensed by the Today, the NMU boasts of gains We have just completed a the SS Montezuma Castle during TIME FOR MILITANCY in the maritime field, yet if seven weeks voyage on the SS the past trip, and on other ships officers and places the delegate .This is the time when Malone just where they want him. Know­ studied squarely one can only see John Gibbon, sailing under our at various times, I thought I'equires that old line militancy where these people rode upon the new agreement. SIU officials would write you and call the at­ ledge is power and the lack of it that was shown when they fought backs of the militant seamen of well deserve thanks and con­ tention of the Union members to on the part of an enexperienced the commies up and down the the West coast, and the progres­ gratulations from the member­ some conditions that exist in the delegate sometimes works a hard­ coast to place him in office. The ship on the other members of the younger element should be told sive SIU on the East coast. The ship for their untiring and suc­ hope it will be of some benefit crew. NMU had its chance in June of cessful efforts in getting for us to all. why they destroyed most of the I am earnestly requesting that this year, but lacked the cour­ the best contract ever obtained Frequently I have noticed in picket and clearance cards from when the position of ship's dele­ age of leadership to force the is- in maritime history. my time at sea (I have been go­ the 1934-35-36-37 strikes that the gate is offered you, and you have, The new and younger mem­ ing to sea since 1934) that the commies on the East coast claim the necessary qualifications, they upheld with such solidarity. ANOTHER BROTHER bers possibly catmot appreciate crewmembers sometimes give proudly accept the honor of being;, the wonderful improvements be­ the delegate a hard time. This We all realize the commie-con­ SCORNS TACTICS your Union's representative forcause they never sailed in the happens a lot in the business of trolled. NMU denounced any it is a distinct honor and one that OF COMMIES sail days. Oldtimers like myself making overtime sheets tally. rank and filer in their so-called can afford you a lot of satisfac­ are now ready to believe in mir­ Most of the Union men go militant union when he flashed Dear Editor: acles. Through a hard grind and aboard 'a ship fully familiair tion and pride. Accept it not his strike record. Picket cards only with that aim in view, for it I happened to be sitting in the unity we attempted the thing with the terms of the agree­ were in direct opposition to their is an opportunity for you to lead Hall and I overheard a couple that couldn't be-done, and DID it. ment with the shipowner, but program of accepting all the in putting up a solid front for of Brothers talking about a po­ I am very happy to state that our Union. litical party, a party that is every member of the crew leaned TONY TAPS OUT We have just won a magnifi­ spreading the worst scuttlebutt over backwards- to live up to HIS OWN cent strike. Our leaders deserve that can be spread and I guess every clause of our agreement. OBITUARY all the praise and commendation that you know of what party I Each man knows that he is wellwe can give them. If we become speak. Naturally, it's Uncle Joe's paid, well-housed, well-fed and Dear Editor: careless and feel that now the Here is something for the Log. communist party. well-treated. The result: we fight is won and because victory For those brothers that do not brought this- old Liberty home An obituary for a Seafarer who is ours we can take our ease, we expects to be darn near dead in understand; the commies are a looking like Astor's Yatch. Every are not only fooling ourelves, but party that ia trying to change a one acted like he had a shot in the next couple of weeks. we are letting down those tire­ It's me. My friends and neigh­ democratic America into a com­ the arm, and was on the ball at less fighters we have ashore in munistic Russia. Which means bors must have read "Steamboat all times. There was no waste or the front lines who fight every O'Doyle" in the last week's Log that we won't have a President, pilfering of the ship's property. day earnestly and sincerely and took it to* heart, for they're but will have a Joe Stalin, and To sum up, we tried to do our knowing that if they slack off going to try to cut my good-time we won't have the four freedoms duty and help, convince cynical an instant the owners will soon days short and shove, my fanny that we all fought for. shipowners that we are not out take over and rob our sails of the In the Hall there happens to to skin them, and to show them into the Army. That will be full and fair breeze that is blow­ worse than belonging to the be certain groups that want you that if they play ball with us- it owing to the criticism that ac­ ing. Let's back them up by doing, to sign petitions sponsored by will be to their profit as well s-s crues to the job of Delegate al­ NMU, our bit on the ships by knowing most all book men will decline Two weeks ago I was in Bal­ the commies, but if you are a ours. our jobs and knowing the work timore to ship, but things were true Union man tell them to go Most employers think that the gob. Consequently some that has to be done and doing it pretty slow down that way then, take a jump in the lake. unions are a collection of gangn tripcarder takes over the posi­ right. Then when a question or When you are in a democratic sters and tramps. I claim that the tion. and so 1 went broke and had to a beef comes up lets not ride the To be an efficient delegate, country you can worship any re­ come home. Now, since we're on SIU code^ of honor and ethics is man who has become your Un­ ligion you please, but if you are one should be an A1 Union man. strike, I'm caught home with my just as high as any body of or­ ion's delegate. Let's help him by living in the Soviet Union you ganized men, and that includes The delegate is the Union's sole pants down. being prompt and correct in turn­ I went to see the darlings (the have to worship Uncle Joe. Congress and other legislative representative aboard ship and ing in our overtime and any Keep these commies out of the bodies. he must be filled with fire and Draft Board) and told them that, other matter that requires his at­ since I only have a few more Hall. These guys are the same If any member of our organi­ the desire to do a good job. A tention. If you will aU cooperate months before I am eligible for ones that put the NMU in the zation is guilty of mis-doing we complete knowledge of the Un­ discharge, they should give me position it's in. today. They can't appoint a committee to give him ion agreement and requirements in this matter I don't think the time fo get a ship. But, instead,' win a beef because their party a fair trial, but unlike the U. S. is necessary so as to be perfectly position of ship's delegate will what do they do but give me hell comes; first. When they go out Congress he must appear before satisfied that he is right in his have to be filled by a tripcarder. I am personally proud of my on strike it isn^t for the workers, that committee. He cannot plead stand when he is called before for belonging to the Union. They feel since we're on strike it is to test the strength of the some Constitutional privilege or the mast for an interview with Union and the only time I ever expect to cease being a 100 per its the Union's fault that I can't party, As you can see they aren't a phony heart attack. the Old Man. cent Union man is when my body A tripcarder, howeA'er sincere, ship. Personally, I'm only sorry very strong and we don't want In other words, we are just will be launched over the side I can't be in some port now with them to be strong. So, to every average human beings, and we does not have the background of draped with the flag of our be­ the rest of the boys on a picketline. Brother that has been asked to are going to be treated as such. Unionism necessary to properly loved country. So boys, hang the crepe out­ join the party; remember, it will In conclusion, let us all do our handle the situation. He not only Well, here's aloha. Continue to side and think of me spending die some day and so will all the bit as men'—it will be of great is unable to properly handle deli­ steer a straight course on the lub­ I my days in purgatory. My heart, rest of the comrades. Just like help in getting still better con­ cate questions, but he cannot ber line for the SIU-SUP. the Nazis and the Fascistsl properly inculcate the union dwells with the Union. ditions in the future. Duke Himler Blackie Colueci Tony Gniewkowskl Joseph J. Malone spirit into others through lack of Delegate Urges Membership Accept Ship's Union Duties �Page Fourteen THE -SE AF A RE RS LOG Friday. October 1!. 194S AFL Seamen Show New Orleans How Strike Should Be Run And It Proves That Ballyhoo Is No Substitute For Unity Left—The meeting that start­ ed the whole thing. Over 800 Seafarers met in one of the largest meeting halls in New Orleans to make plans for the largest mass general strike in the history of the American merchant marine. Right—After a few days of the strike the wharves and warehouses of New Orleans were crammed full of mer­ chandise!. Here are bags of wheat piled up waiting for the end of the strike so that food can start moving again. There is only one way to handle a strike so as to bring it to a quick, successful con­ clusion. And that way is to handle everything efficiently. This bulletin board was the center of all activities in New Orleans. On it were posted the picket assignments, the news of what was happening, and any other pertinent information. In this way all men knew what they had to do, and what was going on, not only in N.O., but in all the other ports. After reading the bulletin board, these men pictured reported to their assignments, and they, and men like them, were re­ sponsible for carrying things throuugh to a complete victory. ' , ~ : A • • iliil M All you had to do was give the Teamsters the lowdown and they would not attempt to go through an SIU-SUP picketline. In every port it was the same story. This truck driver came up to the line, was given a leaflet which told the story of our fight against WSB dictatorship, and he promptly turned his truck around and went away. • / WSM. ^mmm After walking the picketline all day there is nothing like a little rest to get you set for the next watch. These men have just come back from their trick on the line, and they are wait­ ing for a hot meal. After eating they will hit the sack, and get up the next day for the same grind. But it was worth it. Hot coffee, fresh twenty-four hours a day. Meals were serv­ ed also, but it was the coffee that pepped the men up. and kept them on the ball all the time. Besides having hot coffee ready in the Hall, the men on the picketline were supplied with coffee, doughnuts, and sand­ wiches. A truck, equipped with cans that retained heat, made the rounds each watch and the men were able to get all the "coffee and" that they wanted. It made the time pass faster. \ - - - ' i ' „' Men who can carry out an action like that which forced the Government to back down, really deserve a celebration. This is part of the party that made merry after the official word was received that the strike was over. Plenty of back-slapping, and lots of good fellowship, but underneath it all was the feeling that if the SIU-SUP ever has to fight for its rights again, the Unions will be ready for anything. Here are hundreds of picket signs piled up after the end of the strike was announced. The men called them signs of victory. And plenty 6f men said that if they needed picket signs again, they knew where they could be found. �Friday, October 11, 1946 THE SE AP AHERS LOG Page Fifteen BlIU^^ETIN -W- zi W /-_- —Unclaimed Wages— Mississippi Shipping Company, Inc. Welma, Raymond 1-4.82 Whitney, Ivan 8.40 Whittier, C .57 NEW YORK 51 Beaver St. HAnover 2-2784 Whittier, W. E 3.00 BOSTON 276 State St Bowdoin 4455 Whitting, C. H 13.03 This list comprises unclaimed wages as of December 31, 1945, some Bowdoin 4055 (Dispatimer) Whittington, Clyde W. Jr. .79 14 North Gay St. of which may have already been paid. If you still have a claim, write to BALTIMORE Whittly, Marvin E. .......... 12.87 Calvert 4539 9 South 7th St Whorley, J. R .01 Mississippi Shipping Company, Hibernia Bank Bldg., 13th floor, New Or­ PHILADELPHIAPhone Lombard 3-7651 Wicks, Carl E 12.43 NORFOLK 127-129 Bank Street leans, La., enclosing your z-number, social security number, date and place 4-1083 Wickstaud, E .99 CHARLESTON 68 Society St of birth and present address. Wiedmier, Elmer 6.75 Phone 3-3680 NEW ORLEANS 339 Chartres St. Wiegand, J. A 17.80 Magnolia 6112-13 Wierzbecki, Walter .74 Wilson, O. H 220 East Bay St. 10.00 Wright, Gordon L. 2.23 Zavrowski, H 8.89 SAVANNAH Wify, L 3-1728 1.65 Wilson, Robert C 7.11 Wright, John 26.14 Zeits, Harl F 45 MOBILE 7 St. Michael St. Wig, Alexander 2.25 Wilson, Theodore 2-1754 8.26 Wright, R. B .23 Zcller, Fred F 7.75 Wiggin.s, Gerald W 9.10 Wilson, Wm. Sparks 45 Ponce de Leon 9.90 Wright, Swayne ... 1.07 Zollers, Richard E 2.23 SAN JUAN, P. R San Juan 2-5996 Wiggins, Willie O 2.23 Winfield, Seymore 75 Wright, Wilbur G. . 48.55 Zeligs, Mendel 3.33 GALVESTON 305'/z 22nd St 2.67 Wing, L. S Wilaszak, Joseph 2-8448 , 145.49 Wright, Wilbur J. 3.57 Zickmeister, J 16.50 TAMPA 1809-1811 N. Franklin St. 6.67 Wilborn, C. J Wingert, Daniel 12.00 Wertz, W 2.80 Zeis, Kenneth 3.00 M-1323 Wilbur, Ruben C 33.24 Wipf, Max 920 Main St. 17.79 Wunsch, A. F .60 Zcman, Milan Paul 5.10 JACKSONVILLE Phone 5-5919 Wilce, H 3.00 Wise, Shelton L 22.62 Wylie, Robert P. ., 4.16 Zeroli, M. J 89 PORT ARTHUR ..909 Fort Worth Ave. Wilcox, R. W 22.52 Wisher, Russel Phone: 2-8532 3.00 Wynecoop, John .... .45 Zierio, J. A 82 Wilce, Horace D 1.98 Witt, Ernest K 1515 75th Street 3.28 Wynkoop, R. E 3.00 Zimmerman, John 0 1.42 HOUSTON Phone Wentworth 3-3809 5.69 Wilde, Guenton Witt, M 2.25 Zona, Richard 9.00 RICHMOND, Calif 257 5th St Wilding, Emil L 28.00 Wittkopf, Ernest 0 59 Clay St. 5.25 Zook, Donald M 1.07 SAN FRANCISCO Garfield 8225 Wiley, Kenneth L .59 Wittlesberger, W 23 Yadaya, Peter 9.75 Zorn, Robt. D 89 SEIATTLE as Seneca St, Wilkins, C. T 3.80 Witulski, Anthony Jr Main 0290 3.12 Yannuzzie, P. A 13.50 Zucca, John A 59 3.46 Wladkowski, A Wilkin, John Ill W. Burnside St. 2.25 Yantz, Jack 7.42 Zuidema, J. H 6.75 PORTLAND WILMINGTON 440 Avalon Vlvd. 8.26 Woakey, W. J Wilkinson, Norma nD 89 Yantz, Robert J .5.69 Zvnda, V. W * 2.38 Terminal 4-3131 114.59 Wilkerson, Walter J 16 Merchant St. 15.14 Zwicke, Stanley F Woehrle, Ca'rl G. Jr 1.48 Yarbrough," Harold A. 10.59 HONOLULU Wilkinson, Winton P, 13.97 Wolf, J 10 Exchange St 1.98 Yarborough, Henry ... 3.28 Zynda, Vincent W 1.87 BUFFALO Cleveland 7391 2.89 Will, John Wolf, John R 4.38 Yarick, James W 1.98 CHICAGO 24 W. Superior Ave. 15.84 Wolff, Justin T Willey, Virgil W Superior 5175 XXX 3.40 Yabarraa, Valente B. 6.20 CLEVELAND 1014 E. St. Clair St. 11.17 Wolfe, George Williams, Alfred C 4.50 Yenna, Lucas L .42 Main 0147 GUN CREW 5.94 Wolfe, John R Williams, Arthur L DETROIT 1038 Third St 46.34 35 Yeoman, S Cadillac 6857 2.88 Williams, Charles 1.78 Wolford, Woodrow 1.90 Yeskanich, Andrew ... bULUTH 531 W. Michigan St. 1.37 Williams, Chas. E. Jr Melrose 4110 14.00 Adams, Harry F 2.25 Wonner, Edward F 1.37 Yinglirig, Y 4.26 Williams, C 602 Boughton St 12.87 Agnen, R. F 5.40 VICTORIA, B. C Wood, Arthur R. Jr 5.51 Yokeley, Robert VANCOUVER 144 W. Hastings St 14.53 Wood, Donald W Williams, Clarence 1.48 Yario, Dominick 1.48 Ahrenholtz, G. F 11.25 MARCUS HOOK 1 Vi W. 8th St .99 William.s, CoUimbus, Jr-... Chester 5-3110 Wood, Geo. R 3.12 Young, Chas. A 30.00 5.40 Attoro, Carmine 4.50 Williams, D CORPUS CHRIST! . .1824 Mesquite St 16 Wood, Jacques L 7.50 Young, Chas. P 2.75 Akin, Olie M 6.88 Wood, Jesse A. Jr Williams, Daniel E 9.85 Alexander, L. C 4.50 1.84 Young, Emil .79 Williams, Edgar C 5.64 Allen, Doyle 14.00 Wood, Leland, L 36.89 Young, Harry M Bowers, Jos. M 2.25 .99 Williams, Emos E 2.40 Allman, Fred C 1.50 Braker, Medlowe Wood, P. E 5.69 Young, Herbert 6.00 2.08 Williams, George G Wood, P 2.75 Young, Francis C 2.25 Bronstern, H 2.25 5.13 Williams, Gerald R 8.56 Wood, William E 3.55 Young, Jas. M Budgett, L. L 4.50 3.96 Woodby, Dewey Williams, Herbert D 2.25 1.91 Badger, W. R 1.50 Young, Richard C 75 .50 Williams, J Bailey, C 2.25 Burbite, Kenneth .59 Woodall, George N 2.64 Young, R. S ! Burns, W. E 2.25 1.39 Williams, Jesse T 18.75 6.11 Baker, Robert Wood, Carl F 12.56 Youngberg, L. A 2.25 8.06 Williams, John L Balogh, James A 75 Bursing, Jos. S .99 Woodcock, Wm 2.75 Yuknis, Alton J 12.31 Woodill, Woodrow W Williams, John S 2.25 9.36 Baptista, J. A 2.67 Yuskis, John J 21.12 Woodly, Edward S Williams, Nicholas C Barbieri, Petsey .75 13.60 2.84 Woodlby, Edward Williams, O Barenholtz, L. J 27.00 6.75 3.57 Woods, Herbert Williams, Ralph L 2.25 14.25 Barrow, J. R 4.74 Zacbarski, Milton .. ANTHONY STILES 2.23 Woodie, Reeves A Williams, Richard K 2.25 17.77 •Becker, Itha D 2.25 Zaeicski, Mike 11.81 Williams, Thos. R 14.00 Bedia, Thomas 25.50 Anthony Gniewkowski wants Wods, Richard N 18.72 Zahari, Z Williams, Wilbert — 13.06 Woods, Richard 9.00 you to write to him at his home 1.22 Bell, Chas. F 2.00 Zaitz, George 1.33 Williams, William J 11.25 address, R. 702 Indiana Ave., 8.53 Benaszeski Woods, Thomas 11.85 Zalesky, Joseph 1.34 Williamson, Alonzo M 14.00 Glassport, Pa. 4.90 Bencze, Alex Woods, Wm. R 12.87 Zampar, Stephen L. 6.20 Williamson, Ralph J Billock, W 2.25 .04 Woodson, J 11.25 Zanco, John XXX Williamson, Samuel W..... 17.30 Woodward, Roger W Bioomiquest, D 8.25 7.50 Zanetto, Edw 39 WHEELER C. VANDERSOL. 12.47 Williamson, W. P. 9.00 24.15 Blunt, J. C Woolf, Max S 15.64 Zaniewski, Walter ... 4.90 Williamson, William Chief Cook or Steward 4.50 5.51 Bolduc, W. K Woollard, John R 4.22 Zapert, Walenty 10.32 Williford. J. E Will you please get in touch Bonham, Emory 20.00 1-78 Zarvis, J= Workman, Charles H 3.38 2.23 Williford, J. E with your daughter, Ruby, in Borra, Anthony P 1.50 .45 Zaso, Robert Worrock, Glyndon M 2.23 24.42 Wiilik, Mikail Mobile, Ala., at once. Bothing, M 4.00 .20 Zanrowski, Harry ... Worrel, Clarence T 18.18 5.94 Willis, George B Wnrth 3.16 XXX 2.13 Willis, Gordon L Worthington, C. L 1.78 ONICE TAUNER 9.36 Wray, Douglas H. Willis, Gordon N. L 94 Your wife wishes you to wire 14.17 Willis, J Wread, J. M. 2.23 or phone her immediately as your 3.13 Williston, Joseph V SS HIBBING VICTORY On January 14, 1946 at 10:30 Wright, Arthur 7.10 child is ill. Wire P.O. Box 133, 4.50 Willover, J. E Wright, A. Jr 69 p.m., William Bause was hit by a Earl H. Cinnamon, AB, $5.60; Wcstwego. Louisiana, or call 3.81 Wright, C. F Wilson, Arthur D 9.51 taxi on Columbia Street, Brook­ Peter W. Drewers, AB, $42.79; WA 3345-R. 2.82 Wilson, Benn E Wright, Geo. W 4.27 lyn, while walking toward his Stephen Misknw, AB, $.80; John XXX 6.05 Wright, Glen Dale Wilson, Bennie .36 ship docked at Erie Basin. Any­ Novak, OS, $22.40; Leslie Ames, .59 Wilson, Calvin J one who can give a statement Deck Maint. $10.40; Howard Lid- MRS. ANNIE MAE PADGETT .02 Wilson( Cyril Your husband wishes you to concerning this matter, immedi­ man, Oiler, $.80; Peter Gorfrey, .59 Wilson, Edward F ately contact Benjamin B. Sterl­ FWT, $3.59; John Halney, 2nd write him immediately as he 2.28 Whitting, Edwin J ing, 42 Broadway, New York, Cook, $8.68; Gorman Bloeman, cannot reach you by mail. Write 6.75 Wilson, E. F him c/o Seafarers International New York. SS CAPSTAN KNOT 3rd Cook, $8.68; Seymour Ross, 5.94 Wilson, Frank Union, 51 Beaver Street, New XXX Utility, $2.17; Harold Farrington, The following telegram 2.75 Wilson, Geo. D York 4, N.Y. KENNETH HENDERSON Mess, $10.40; Ralph Nisceglia, from a former crewmember .01 Wilson, H. G XXX HOWARD L. DUCK Me.sr.., $6:51 Alex. Kerr, AB, of the Capstan Knot has been 33.05 Wilson, H. J RUDY BONICH WILLIAM T. COOPER $7.31; Robt. Gold, Utility, $1.99; received by the Seafarers Log: 17.10 Wilson, Harry P It is important that you con­ There is money due you from Herbert S. Magney, OS, $14.40. "Have all hands of the last 61.62 Wilson, John B tact Charles Szakaco, 304 Lehigh The above money can be col­ the SS El Reno Victory waiting voyage of the Capstan Knot 2.11 Wilson, John H Avenue, Palmerton, Pa., before lected at the Robin Line Office for you at the offices of Lykes get a blood test. Old Joe has Wilson, John M 2.23 October 21. Your presence is at any time; 39 Cortlandt St., Brothers Steamship Company, turned up again." Wilson, John W 5.46 necessary as a witness. New York, N. Y. New Orleans, Louisiana. Wilson, Melvin 2.17 SlU HALLS PERSONALS NOTICE! Attention Crew! MONEY DUE �• :m, T-RW Page Sixieen THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, October 11, 1946 t /1 if ifim $IUBffF. =>' 'I • If* <^2 i^tHe 5UP i ,\ l^THC —1^-n# - !-V- ' -, :. • . m • •' � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource October 11, 1946 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. VIII, No. 41 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Description An account of the resource Headlines: WATERFRONT TREACHERY AFL MARITIME COUNCIL GIVES ALL-OUT SUPPORT TO STRIKING OFFICERS SIU, OPERATORS NEARING ACCORD ON CONTRACTS COMMIES TRY TO DISRUPT STRIKE OF MASTERS, MATES LABOR STIRS BROTHER SPIKES RUMOR ORE SHIPS ARE TUBS; STRICTLY BUNK, HE SAYS QUALIFICATIONS FOR OFFICE NMU MAKES ITS USUAL 'MISTAKE', SCABS ON MM&P, MEBA PICKETLINE FRENCH BUY MELLO FRANCO; SUP KEEPS COOS BAY TIED UP AFL CONVENTION OPENS IN CHICAGO MIDLAND VOTING BEGINS ON LAKES; SEAFARERS LEADS ON FIRST SHIP WHO, WHY AND HOW IS A SEAMAN AND WHAT MAKES THE MAN TICK BALTIMORE CONTINUES TO REMEMBER BROTHERS IN MARINE HOSPITAL CORPUS CHRISTI BUSY ORGANIZING THE UNORGANIZED NEW SIU INCREASES ATTRACT LAND-LOCKED SEAMEN IN SAN JUAN PORT BOSTON TIE UP IS COMPLETE; ONLY TANKERS AND COLLIERS MOVE SS SEA CARP CREW EAT LIKE KINGS (FOR DAY) SIU MEMBER DIES IN AUTO CRASH COMMIES' SORDID WATERFRONT RECORD SHOULD BE PUBLICIZED, SAYS SEAFARER DELEGATE URGES MEMBERSHIP ACCEPT SHIP'S UNION DUES AFL SEAMEN SHOW NEW ORLEANS HOW STRIKE SHOULD BE RUN AND IT PROVES THAT BALLYHOO IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR UNITY Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 10/11/1946 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1946 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/0561d7ca2abc765f8127afa80b65102e.PDF 6477c11529217bc3e13ee3b835168563 PDF Text Text iHI' 1 00^ ^ A Official Organ of the Atlantic and Gulf District, Seafarers International Union of North America Credentials Of '47 Candidates Are Checked No. 42 NEW YORK, N. Y., FRIDAY. OCTOBER 18. 1946 Vol. VIII. ACTION FOLLOWS REPORT NEW YORK, Oct. 15—Nomina­ tions for 1947 officers of the At­ lantic and Gulf District of the Seafarers International Union closed today with a record num­ ber of SIU Brothers throwing their hats into the ring. The qualifications of each candidate are now being checked by a sixman Credentials Committee, headed by W. J. Brady as chair­ man, which will make public the qualified list as soon as their work is completed. Voting will' commence Novem­ ber 1 and continue for two months through December 31, to insure the largest possible vote. As it did last year, the entire A jammed meeiing of the MM&P at Palm Gardens on Oc­ apparatus of the Union will he tober 14 heard a report on negotiations to date, and heard why geared to getting every full book the Union Committee walked out on the Washington negotia­ member into a voting booth. tions. After listening to all the reports, this meeting went on Posters, leaflets and periodic an­ record to ask for a general strike in the maritime industry if nouncements throughout the further bargaining sessions are not more successful. Halls will remind those who need reminders to take advantage of their rights and duties. Those of the membership whose hearing and sight are not up to par wil\ be button-holed by the doormen and given explicit directions. "Every full book member must vote," said one official. "The Union has made great strides in NEW YORK, October 18—Today—seven months the last year, and the next one from the starting date set for the Isthmian Fleet voting will be fully as important to the Seafarers. It is important that on March 18—the actual tabulating of the ballots cast by we get the best possible men the unlicensed Isthmian personnel begins at NLRB headelected, and that everyman have quarters, 120 Wall St. Now, we will shortly have availible the actual count of the bal-t a hand in the selection. as only a large unorganized "The victories we scored on :.ots cast and for what union. Estioutfit like Isthmian can do the the waterfront this year—getting nates of the various crews' vot­ job, still the SIU organizing went ing have been printed in the Log those record raises, beating the relentlessly on. WSB bureaucrats, and smacking .'rom time to time, but at last {^Continued on Page 14) down the WSA on their Compe­ .here can be official verification )f the SIU estimates by NLRB tence Card Test and the Medical Program—do not mean that we figures. have achieved full securitv. Next Altogether, during the voting year may even be more rugged period, 86 Isthmian ships were DETROIT. Dei. 17— Gar­ for the Seamen. But if every voted and only two — the Pere nering almost Iwo-lhirds of man fulfills his obligations, and Marquette and the Atlantic City the total votes cast, the Great voting for the officals who will —lost their right to vote through Lakes District of the Seafar­ represent him is one of the im­ not beating the deadline. Sev­ ers Inleritaliuilal Uiiloii today portant ones,' then the Seafarers eral other ships went to the bonewas declared the victor in the will,£ome out on top again." yard, but some of their crew­ collective bargaining election One oldtimer expressed pleas­ men were balloted on other ships. held in the Midland SB Com­ ant surprise at the large number A number of new additions to pany. which operates seven of candidates. the Isthmian Fleet were made ore boats on the Lakes. "•I'm glad to see these fellows during the election progress, but Of those eligible. 92 votes running for office. The more we under the rules only those Isth­ were cast. The SIU received have to choose from, the better our mian ships acquired* prior to 58 votes, or 64 per cent. 14 chances for getting first-raters. March 18 were eligible to vote. ballots were challenged, eight It was these few beefs that did it. MONEY AND EFFOHT went to the Lrkes Seamen's They involved the entire mem­ Thousands of dollars and thou­ Union and 12 votes went to bership in activity, and made sands of man hours in effort went "no union." them more union-conscious." into the Isthmian organizational The pre-election gear includ­ drive and its culminating elec­ The NMU did not even ap­ ing a complete listing of the tion. Despite the many obstacles pear on the ballot, having candidates and sample ballots tossed in the path of the SIU by withdrawn from the election will reach every port in advance both the Isthmian Company and a few weks ago. This lack of the balloting date. At stake the National Maritime Union, of interest in the conditions of will be the positions of Secre­ Isthmian seamen voted strongly the Midland seamen did not tary-Treasurer, Assistant Secre- for the SIU as the Union of their go unnoticed on the Lakes, tai'y-Treasurer, Agent . for 16 choice. and the influence of the NMU ports, and the total of 21 Pa­ Although many SIU volunteer has fallen to a new low. trolmen and Joint Patrolmen. organizers were fired and intimi- NLRB Begins Count In Isthmian Voting Victory On Lakes ' .'ferU.', MM&P Will Ask General Strike To Answer Stall NEW YORK, October 17—The seventeen day old strike of the Masters, Mates, and Pilots showed little sign of being settled in the near future when the operators once again turned down the Union's demands for Union Secur­ ity. As a concession, after Captain Martin, President of Soup's On Once again the good cooks of the SIU are getting a chance to provide food for Brother members. Hot meals are being served in the New York Hall for those Brothers who are on the beach due to the strike of the Masters, Mates and Pilots. The members of the MM&P are,also being fed at our Hall, if they want to be. so don't be surprised if the Skipper you sailed with last trip eats stew at the same table with you. l-tiie MM&P, had walked out on the Washington negotiations, the shipowners agreed in principle with the union security proposal but with the understanding that Masters would not be included. There was no objection to having Masters belong to the Union, they said, but they did not believe that membership in the MM&P should be a condi­ tion for employment. This coun­ ter proposal was made at a meet­ ing between the Union Negoti­ ating Committee and the com­ mittee representing the shipown­ ers in New York. Captain Martin said that his group would have to consider the new proposals, but that the answer would very definitely be "no." COIIVGIltlOn EAST AND GULF In the event that the operators finally do see the light, the pro­ VntOC Ajfl TH visions for Union Security will M ^ only be binding on East and Gu^ Coast shipping companies. Op­ erators on the West Coast are CHICAGO—Delegates to the continuing to hold out against American Federation of Labor the whole idea of Union Securplunged into their secend week itj', and the West Coast Local of of activitiy with the adoption of the MM&P has agreed to carry a program intended to step up on the strike in that area if the reconversion and to give labor a other districts of the licensed voice in the formulation of in­ deck officers settle on a piece­ meal basis. dustry techniques. At a meeting of the MM&P on The program urged the dis­ October 14, at which time Cap­ solution of the Wage Stabiliza­ tain Martin reported on the ne­ tion Board and called for a re­ gotiations in Washington, and turn to collective bargaining explained the reasons for walk­ based on the workers' cuutiibu- ing out of the bargaining ses­ tion to production and the ca­ sions, the membership went on pacity of the employer to pay. record to call on all organized The convention recognized the labor in general, and the AFL necessity for allowing workers Maritime Trades Department, in to play a more active role in their particular, to support the MM&P respective industries by inserting in the event that their further in the program recommendations bargaining does not meet with to develop union-management success. This support will take cooperation plans with joint re­ the form of a complete general, sponsibility for improving pro­ strike of the entire maritime in­ duction and reducing waste, and dustry of the United States. Such action will bring the na­ to expand union-management machinery through joint agree­ tion's shipping to a standstill, as ment upon management techni­ it did when the SIU-SUP tied up all shipping in protest against ques. the WSB wage decision. The program also stressed the SUPPORT PLEDGED need for retention of rent con­ The SIU-SUP guaranteed that trols. their entire resources would be at The Resolutions Committee the disposal of the striking deck presented a resolution it had re- j European Unions (Continued on Page 4) (Continued on Page S) �rp^ gT-.-=^'-= N. Friday, October 18, 1948 THE SE4;P SRHtrng^^OG Page Two SEAFARERS LOG Published Weekly by the SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic Gulf District Affiliated with the American Federation of Lahor At 51 Beaver Street, New York, 4, N. Y. HAnovet 2-2784 X X ^ i HARRY LUNDEBERG ------- President 105 Market Street, San Francisco, Calif. JOHN HAWK ' T- •-1 P - -- - - -- - Secy-Treas. p. O. Box 25, Siaiiuti P., New York City Entered as second class matter June 15, 1945, at the Post Office in New York, N. Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912. 267 A Firm Structure One of the most important events of the past year, especially insofar as working seamen is concerned, is the setting up of the AFL Maritime Trades Department. In a year that was marked by commie raiding and back-biting, the AFL maritime unions established an all time high in cooperation. This cooperation paid off. Harry Bridges' attempted raids on the SUP in Coos Bay, and on the SIU in New Orleans were stopped quickly by the united action of the Maritime Council affiliates. Close on the heels of this beef came the decision of the Wage Stabilization Board which robbed thousands of AFL seamen of the money won by them in free and fair nego­ tiations with the shipowners. Within a short time, through the combined efforts of all member organizations of the Department, the shipping of the United States came to an abrupt, complete end. Now the Masters, Mates, and Pilots are out on strike for Union Security. This is a provision that for a long time has been part of the contracts granted to other or­ ganized workers. The AFL Maritime Trades Department is supporting this strike, and its full resources have been pledged in the fight. The structure of the AFL Maritime group is a solid one. It has been formed of honest trade unions owing no allegiance to any foreign power. It has one aim, and that is to improve the living standards of the men who work along the waterfront, and who sail the nation's ships. For that reason, among others, the Maritime Trades Department must consolidate now, and the strength that is in the organization must be channelized so that in the These are Ihe Union Broihers currently in the marine hospitals, future we can battle the bosses, and all other anti-labor as reported by the Port Agents. These Brothers find time hanging forces, to a standstill. "^LIGHTING TH£ H/AV* Men Now In The Marine Hospitals Six Thousand Protests Little did you think, Mr. Hanson W. Baldwin, when^ you wrote your lying column against the U. S. Merchant Marine in the New York Times of October 9 that the voices of all American seamen, licensed and unlicensed, would be raised against your lying words. Your doubtful talents have been bought and paid for. How then would you know anything of decency 'and truth? Mr. Baldwin, even a prostituted journalist like your­ self probably belongs to a union. Although we don't im­ agine the Newspaper Guild brags about the fact. Do you want the maritime unions to be abolished, and have sea- j men return to the life of semi-slavery they lived prior to the improvements secured through the untiring efforts of Andrew Furuseth and Senator La Follette? The SIU believes, Mr. Baldwin, that the many thous­ ands of seamen who suffered torn and mained limbs and other injuries as a result of enemy action during the war gre a living protest and will drown your idle guff. We further believe that the 6000 odd seamen who died as a direct result of enemy action'in World War II will raise their voices from the graves in protest over your, in­ tentional slandering of the American Merchant Marine. However, Mr. Baldwin, your name is safe for posterity. Safe alongside the names of such as Westbrook Pegler and. others who prostituted their doubtful talents to slander American labor in its battle for liberty and freedom. heavily on their hands. Do what you can to cheer them up by writ­ ing to them. NEW ORLEANS HOSPITAL .TOSEPH WALSH ' NORMAN PALLME A. FERRARI JOHN A. SMITH VIRGIL CORKERN LEONARD MELANSON R. E. NEWTON R. E. NEWTON J. W. DENNIS W. BROCE JR. R. L. FRENCH CHARLES RAY L. MILLER K. PETTERSSEN ERNEST (BOOTY) ROBERTS THOMAS MORGAN GEORGE CONNOR R. F. NOLAN ALVIN BALLARD L. L. LEDINGHAM H. FANJOY WILLIAM LEWIS LEROY CULBERTSON A. P. MORGAN L. CAMPON EDWARD CUSTER » » STATEN ISLAND BOSP. T. WADSWORTH C. G. SMITH P. DEADY D. P. ELDEMIRE C. W. SMITH W. G. H. BAUSE W. B. MUIR L. A. CORNWALL J. FIGUEROA L. L. MOODY H. BELCIIER F. GEMBICKI S. MERKERSON A. ARMAND R. G. MOSSELLER C. KOLSTE S- i S. BALTIMORE HOSPITAL MOSES MORRIS JOHN MORRIS GEORGE WHITE CHARLES DUNN HENRY WILLETT SAM COLE PETER I^OPEZ JAMES DAYTON METHA MOORE THEODORE. KLOSS GLORIANO RODRIGUEZ GORDON FLETCHER SIROTH TALLEY Hospital Patients When entering the hospital notify the delegate by post­ card,. giving your name and the number of your ward. Staten Island Hospital You can contact your Hos­ pital delegate at the Staten Island Hospital at the follow­ ing limes: Tuesday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on 5th and 6th floors) Thursday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on 3rd and 4th floors.) Saturday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on 1st and 2nd floors.) NORFOLK HOSPITAL LOYD WARDEN JOHN ALSTAT COLON W. WARD H. R. SUMMERLIN JOHN E. HARRISON LARIE L. OWENS JOHN W. CALHOUN RICHARD P, MCHRIDE HUGH MCDOWELL i. i. iBRIGHTON MARINE HOSP. H. STONE E. MAY P. CASALINUOVO N. BOBBINS E. JOHNSTON T. DINEEN P. BERGERON J. CAREY L. WHITNEY 4. 4." S' GALVESTON HOSPITAL LONGCHAMPS IRELAND TTLMAN HIKE RINGO DBPHEE �Friday. October 18. 194ff THE SEAFARERS LOG Page 'I'hre# An Expanded Educational Program is Noodod To loach Union Duties By PHILIP M. REYES As we emerge from our recent struggle against the powers-thatbe to uphold and maintain our American prerogatives, we found what unity of purpose, determina­ tion, and spirit can do to attain a victorious result. There is no doubt now what the SIU with its honest and brilliant leadership and an enlightened and united rank-and-file can obtain through economic action. But we must not be content with the initial winning of our Union's greatest economic stuggle. Ominous signs point out that harder fights lie ahead of us if we are to keep what we have re­ cently won. The membership must not rest on the laurels of our recent victory nor can we be­ come unmindful of the tasks that confront our Union; the biggest of which is the education of our new members and non-members who sail SIU contract ships. It is only through education, either practical or ac.odemic, that they can be shown genuine trade prin­ ciples. While present Union policy does not permit an indiscriminate admittance of the vast number of permit men to membership in the Union, they should at least be given a thorough union education while sailing on our ships to pre­ pare them for entrance into the Union should future facilities warrant it. NOT ON DUTY After our recent strike was terminated, many trip card men and even probationary members reported to the union halls for the first time since the start of the strike. In most cases, they claimed ignorance as to what their duties and obligation are to the Union during a strike. They had the funny idea that during a strike, all they had to do was to stay off the waterfront by staying at home. As a member of the Mobile Trial Committee which tried many of these men, I was amazed at the number of men, both per­ mits and probationary who at­ tributed their failure to report for strike duty to ignorance of basic union activity. In many cases, where teen-age Isthmian Skipper Saves Dough By Eliminating Crew's Illness How would you like to sail under a Skipper who squawked continuously that too many crewmen were getting ill? Who asserted that the slopchest was his own personal property to do with as he liked? Who asked the passengers if they would like to paint the ship in order to while their time away? And who neg­ lected to have the crew given shots because they cost the com­ pany too much? You wouldn't like it, would you? Well, neither did Brother Herbert O. Daniell and the other crewmembers of the Isthmian ship Cape Meredith to whom it all actually happened during the course of their recently completed five months trip. Shortly after leaving New York, one crewmen by the name of Moyer was taken off the ship by Coast Guard plane. This oc­ curred about 200 miles from Jacksonville, Florida, when he was taken suddenly ill with an acute attack of appendicitis. Captain Sundenberg, tl^ oldfashioned Bligh-type Skipper to whom we referred actual](y thought that the slopchest was his own personal property. , One time, when approached by a crcwmcmbor regarding the slop^ chest, this high and mighty brasshatter shouted, "It's all mine, and I can do what I want with it!" And the Skipper was nothing, if not a man of his word. more than 40 odd days, during which time the entire crew was not given the required shots, the Cape Meredith left port. When no longer necessary, the crew was given their supposedly preventa­ tive shots by the stooge Purser. It was later explained by both the Old Man and Purser that it would have cost the company too much money if the shots had been given by tilie local medic. What about the cost of an epi­ demic, if it had occurred? And the possible deaths? On the return trip, passengers were picked up at Port Said. These were mostly oil workers re­ turning from the Far East. With the full intention of cutting down on some of the crew's overtime, the Captain approached the pas­ sengers, asking them if they'd "like to paint to pass the time away." Being smart cookies, the passengers told the old miser they'd paint the ship for a buck an hour, provided that the crewmembers said it was okay. . P. S. —The Captain only asked once. MEETINGS AT SEA During the trip, several meet­ ings were held by the crewmen. Among other matters discussed, the crew brought signed charges against Purser CalvTn J. Ander­ son, stating that he was . "incom­ petent, incapable, uncooperative, and negligent in the performance of his duties aboard this ship for the past five, months." It was decided to submit these charges $15—TOO MUCH to the Coast Guard, and recom­ In addition, the Beau Brummell mend that Anderson be barred Captain—he wore nice clean from ever becoming an SIU mem­ set of immaculate whites every ber. single day, or so it seemed—con­ Later, at the last meeting held tinuously complained that too aboard the ship on October 7, many of the crew were "getting the crew decided that "All beefs ill." While in Singapore, the con­ are to be settled before the payscientious Skipper complainea to ofr." In line with this, it was one of the boys that his infected also decided that all beefs be sub­ foot was in reality "costing the mitted to the departmental dele­ company $15, and that was too' gates. Truly a ship worthy of the SIU name (and it vyill be soon)— much!" After laying at Shanghai for the Cape Meredith. trip carders were involved, I could not help believing their statements of ignorance after giv­ ing full consideration to several extenuating circumstances such as family trade union history, residence, and length of contact with the labor movement. In such cases where the above circumstances were evident I ob­ jected to the summary lifting of their permits or pro books and Voted for fines instead. I believe we should continue to exercise some degree of con­ trol over those men who are cer­ tified seamen. To kick them out and allow them to roam the mari­ time industry uncontrolled, I be­ lieve, is not conducive to our fu­ ture welfare. They, as a group, may be used against us in future strikes, which no doubt we v/ill be forced to stage if we are to maintain our gains. EDUCATION NEEDED Our educational program should therefore be broadened and intensified. The vast number of men sailing as permits and trip cards, must, as a condition of their presence aboard SIU ships, be compelled to take up union education. Our Union education­ al departrnent should immediate­ ly form a program for them. I propose that they should be given some sort of union rules which they must memorize by heart. These rules should not on­ ly contain the Union's history and aim but also every phase of trade union activity ashore and afloat. When such time comes that THAT'S My BoY! By PAUL HALL The strike of the Masters, Mates and Pilots (AFL) is still on and, needless to say, all our support i^ being -thrown their way. From where we sit, it looks like the shipowners are playing a shifty game; one minute they agree to the demands of the MM&P and suddenly they change their minds in the next. Their game seems to be that of holding out, hoping that the officers will crack. And that is where they are wrong. ' Most of the operators are still living in the past, and think that seamen's unions can still be smashed. They keep looking for weak spots in the union set-up, for they know that if they can only cracj< one union, the others will be so much easier for them. No Retreat They tried the same stunt with the Seafarers and the Sailors Union in our last beef, but soon discovered that they were backing the wrong horse. Now they are trying the same thing with the MM&P. And they're a cinch to lose their money this time too: for the Seafarers and the Sailors are behind the I^M&P to the end. We are behind them all the way, and not a ship will sail until the licensed officers in the AFL get their demands. The Seafarers in the past year has made waterfront history. We beat the WSA on its finky Competence Card Test, and made those government rcdtape artists drop their Medical program. Moi*e recently, we successfully negotiated with our contracted operators the highest wages ever gotten by a deep sea mariner—and when the bureaucrats in the Wage Stabilization Board tried to take our negotiated wages away from us, we called a general strike and won that too! Win For All And what's more—we won these unheard of wages for the members of the National Maritime Union and the other deep-sea unions which had settled for ten dollars a month less than we got. It can be truthfully said that during this last year we have successfully established ourselves as the leading spokesmen for maritime workers throughout the country. And when the returns of the Isthmian voting come in—and the vote counting starts today, Friday, the 18th—our position will become even more secure. During the last few months—and this is not the least of our achievements—we were instrumental in starting the AFL Maritime Traders Department. What only a short time ago seemed like an idle wish, is now the most powerful • maritime grouping in the country: more powerful, more cohesive and more democratic than that commie bid for waterfront control, the CMU. Help Came Through they apply for membership, they should be given a thorough ex­ amination by an official or mem­ bership committee who must be conversant with 'the subject. Only when he passes such examination should he be honored with mem­ bership in the Union, and not. be­ fore. Should this educationa.1 pro­ gram be started, we will not have to put up with men who use ignorance to cloak their lack of unionism. Those who fail to answer a strike call and cannot present a reasonable and substantiated ex:use must then be summarily .hrown out and eliminated from .he Union. Judging from past ex­ perience, and from the prestige jf our Union, I am confident that chis would not be a major prob­ lem and that very few, if any, would present themselves at the union halls after absenting them­ selves from their union duties. The SIU has a tradition not only of militancy but also con­ sistency and fairness and to ac­ cord all the prospective members of this Union this tradition, a pro­ gram of education as suggested above should be immediately formulated and put into opera­ tion. We shall never forget the aid that the AFL Maritime Depart­ ment gave to the SIU and the SUP during our last beef. Cer­ tainly our Brother unions made our victory much more easy and probably cut our striking time in half—and we are not forgetting that now. Just as the other AFL unions pledged their support, so now the SIU, the SUP and the other unions that make up our Department are behind the Masters and Mates. • Our feeling in this matter is that the strike will soon be over. The operators have seen the handwriting on "the wall, and know that they cannot possibly win against our combined strength. A few more days of squirming and they will have to give in, or go out of business. • Hot Food Served Meanwhile, the Seafarers is feeding—hot meals, too, by the top SIU cooks—and bunking those Brothers who are unable to get along on their own. If any of you members can use this service, don't hesitate to come down to the nearest Hall and let us know. The MM&P wishes to let our membership know how much they appreciate the help that we, and the other AFL maritime unions, are giving them. This is the first time that licensed officers have, been out on a beef on their own. The tried and proved strike ap­ paratus and tactics of the Seafarei-s came in handy for them, as. did the help on the picketlines and the hot meals that they are. sharing with us. They will not forget this help—and neither will the shipowners!^ •'-II t.. 'Yt-i �TBE SEAFARERS IQG Page Four Hmmi 1THINK .EINAR HANSEN. Carpenter: I'll settle for South America, I don't want to go to any place in particular down there, but I like that continent, and I have always been able to have fun down there. That is one place that has everything; plenty of food. wine, and places to enjoy yourself. They don't know vhat scarcities are. and all during the war they had the best of every­ thing. I have been to Buenos Aires before, so I guess that would be a good port to start for. but any other port would do just as well. ELLIS CROOKS. Second Cook: I want to go some place in Eu­ rope, and if that is impossible, my next choice is Asia. When I was still in school. I became in­ terested in India, and my ambi­ tion was to visit there. Finally I was able to take a trip to Kara­ chi and I found it everything that I thought it would be. I was amazed to find that condi­ tions were not as bad as one would think from reading re­ ports. If I go back to Karachi it will give me a chance to look up some people I met last time. If I go to Europe. I hope to make new friends. Friday, October 18, is a redletter day on the SIU calendar. That's the day when the longawaited counting of the Isthmian alection ballots is begun by the National Labor Relations Board. It's a day to go down in Seafar­ ers' history because it represents the final step in the bringing of the Isthmian SS Company, for­ merly the largest unorganized dry cargo carrier in the world, into the ranks of SlU-contracted shipping companies. Many weary months of effort, the work of many shoreside and volunteer ships' organizeis, and the spending of a sizeable amount of SIU organizational funds went into the over all job of organiz­ ing Isthmian. In the past, we've gone into the many small details of the drive and given credit to the many un­ selfish Seafarers who contributed so greatly. Now, at last. Isthmian seamen are going to start reaping the benefits of being organized. At the conclusion of the ballot counting, which — according to NEW DEVICES our estimates — the Seafarers One other thing to look for on should win with a comfortable majority, there'll probably be the the part of the operators is a usual amount of red tape and de­ number of changes and the addi­ lay. Then will come official tion of new devices to the ships NLRB certification of the SIU. After that, once Isthmian real­ izes that they are finally an or­ ganized outfit, contract negotia­ tions should begin at the earliest possible time. MARITIME WEAKNESSES That's a tough question for me because I like all countries and all ports. It doesn't make any difference where 1 go because I make friends with the people I meet, and then everything goes along okay. If I have to make a choice. I guess the Mediterranean area would be as good as any other. It's sure beautiful coun­ try around there, so a trip to either Italy or North Africa would suit me fine. However, when the strike is over, I'll take anything that comes along. Since I've never been to South Africa. I am going to try for a ship that is going in that direc­ tion. I just got back from a trip to China and this time I want to see what South Africa is like. Some of my shipmates on this last trip told me that I won't like it down there, but I want to see for myself. It seems that the port you are going to is always Jbettcr than the one you just left, but that's what is good about be­ ing a seaman—^you always have another port to ship out for. of ways. One of these will be an attempt to buy surplus American ships and put them under for­ eign flags. This was done to quite an extent before the war, and will be done again. If you have eVer studied any of the records available about the interlocking directorates of foreign and American shipown­ ers, this foreign flag menace will be easier to understand. If these selfish shipping intere.sts can buy a number of American bottoms, sail llieiu under foreign flag-s with lower paid foreign crews, think of the competition that will be given to our own U. S. Mer­ chant Marine. Profits are the same to the shipowners whether earned un­ der the Panamanian flag or the U. S. flag.' They know no allegi­ ance to any country, and only bow before the might of King Profit. Only through building up our own AFL Maritime Trades Department and its affiliated Unions can we successfully meet this threat to our bread and but­ ter. And it is a serious threat! for the speedier handling of car­ go, and the consequent reduction in turnaround time. A number of new devices for handling car­ go a lot quicker have recently been invented. The only thing we have to watch is that the op­ erators don't try to eliminate" manpower as part of their econ­ omy. These and many other prob­ lems face us in the near future. After the MM&P and the MEBA strikes are settled, we should have a period of comparative in dustrial peace. This does not mean that we rest on our selfsatisfied posteriors, and take life easy. It only means that we work "that much harder to consolidate the gains we have already won, and move into other fields of organization. There are still a number of tanker companies unorganized, and the SIU does not intend to rest as long as one of these un­ organized outfits remains unor­ ganized. With the tankers, in­ land boats, tugs and barges, and Great Lakes ships which are still unorganized a big job lies ahead. And the SIU intends to do that job in the next few months if humanly possible. WE HAVE ONLY BEGUN TO FIGHT. AFL Convention Blasts Redtape, Votes Help To European Unions STERLING MAUSER. MM: RICHARD COMSTOCK.^ AB: IsthmiaR Hears SHI Contraet; Probrems Yet To Be Faced By EARL SHEPPARD QUESTION: When the MM&P strike is won, what port would you like to ship out for ? Friday, Oetobar 18. 1846 Recent gains which the mari­ time Unions have made, spear­ headed by the SIU-SUP strike which broke the WSB formula, have revealed certain weaknesses iin our, industry. The biggest sore spot of all is the waterfront communists who have infiltrated the MEBA, and to a lesser de­ gree, the MM&P. Only through the most vigilant efforts on the part of the MM&P Strike Com­ mittee have these disrupters been defeated and disposed of satis­ factorily. However, they're still active in the MEBA. It's true that the waterfront communists are a small numer­ ical fraction of comparatively lit­ tle importance. But these slimy individuals usually wait" until the Union to which they belong is in a life and death struggle before they start playing their usual shipowners' stooge tricks. For this reason, each one of them has to be hunted dpwn and re­ moved from all Unions just like any other company spy or paid disrupter. in direct contract to the weak­ nesses, the AFL Maritime Trades Department has stood out during the recent and current maritime strikes as a tower of strength. This organization, although only founded a few short months ago, has proven its worth many times over. And it should grow in­ creasingly stronger—proving its worth more and more — as the need for its support grows. FOREIGN FLAG MENACE Soon, we can look forward to a number of changes in the mari­ time industry. There is no doubt in my mind that the shipowners, after having been forced, to give us the highest wages and best conditions .ever,, are going to try and get around this in a number (Confinwed from Page 1) written dealing with the admis­ sion of displaced persons, point­ ing out that immigration quotas had not been filled during the war and that the AFL favors a policy permitting completion of the unfilled quotas of the war period. The resolution was adopt­ ed by the 650 delegates. Democratic trade unions in Europe whose free, unfettered ex­ istence is threatened by the long arm of Soviet dictatorship were •promised aid against those who would "communize our free trade union organizations." Resolutions were passed bit­ terly criticizing the World Feder­ ation of Trade Unions as having been "conceived by the Russian dictatorship." The WFTU was cited as being an agent of the Soviet's foreign expansionist policy. The assistance already being provided the European labor movements by the AFL was de; scribed by President William Green and Vice-President Mat­ thew Well, with the pledge that it would be increased. One pledge promised a special fund of $5,000 a month solely for food to aid trade-unionists of Germany and Austria. Green announced that an AFL Euro­ pean office would be set up in Paris by Irving Brown of the In­ ternational Association of Ma­ chinists, who addressed the con­ vention on the experiences of his 11-months stay in Europe. Calling France the key to the future of Europe in. the struggle between democracy and totali­ tarianism, Brown said that the French communist party had captured the French trade-union movement and thereby was in a position to prevent any. French igovernment from taking an "alliout stand, for democracy as against totalitarianism in for­ eign policy." Brown said that at the three European conventions he had at­ tended as AFL representative, WFTU speakers supported Rus­ sia's line. Asks SIU Aid Eight Beached Greek Seamen Inspired by the SIU's gener­ osity and reputation for lending needy seamen a helping hand, the proprietor of a bar in Piraeus, Greece, has appealed to Presi­ dent Harry Lundeberg for aid to several of his country's beached seamen in a letter just received. In his letter, the Greek tap­ room owner says his establish•ment-othe John Bull Bar, located at Aktc Miaculi 39 in Piraeus— caters to seamen from all over the world, and is a favorite haunt of Seafarers who visit the place regularly to obtain latest editions of the Seafarers Log. The appeal, which asks for some used clothing, directs at­ tention to the plight of "eight or ten Greek seagoing men who are on the beach here and who ai-ein dire need of clothes." The men, victims of the pres­ ent state of Greek shipping con­ ditions brought on by a shortage ' of vessels as a result of losses in­ curred in the war, "have asked me to convey to you that if you can possibly help them by send­ ing a few bundles of second-hand clothing they would appreciate it very much," the letter states. The lietter also points out that copies, of tiie Log are always, available to Seafarers at the John Bull Bar in the Port of Piraeus. �\' ", Vriday. iOctobdr 18. 1946 tnE SEA VAUERS LOG MM&P To Ask For General Strike If Shipowners Continue To Stall (Confirmed from Page 1) officers, in the 'event that such assistance becomes necessary. The strike apparatus of the SIU had already been offered to the MM&P, and many of the of­ ficers were already availing themselves of the meals which are being served in the New York Hall. Until the end of the strike, the kitchen will i-emain in operation, and members of the MM&P have been advised that they are welcome to eat with the SlU-SUP at any time. In his report to the member­ ship, Martin gave a day by day account of the stalling tactics that led up to the walkout by the MM&P Comrnittee. He stated that the operators went into the meetings with the intention of wearing down the Union, and if that failed, they wanted to play off the MM&P against the committee represent­ ing the MEBA, which was also present for the negotiating ses­ sions. "We had a mutual understand­ ing," Martin said, "and cooper­ ated 100 percent with each other." Just when it looked as though a contract might be concluded with the East and Gulf Coast op­ erators, they suddenly became foxy and went back on the stip­ ulations which had already been agreed to by the Union and the operators, and which included Skippers under the Union Se­ curity provision. It had by then become appar­ ent that nothing further could be gained by attendance at the meetings, and so the MM&P Committee withdrew from the negotiations in Washington. The attempt to revive the bar­ gaining in New York also came to an abrupt end when the oper­ ators came up with the same con­ tract which had already been turned down -in Washington. Further bargaining sessions have not been arranged for, and unless the operators show that they are ready and willing to agree to Union Security for all Licensed Deck officers, Saturday midnight, October 20, will see the start, of the second general strike in United States maritime history. Courtesy Is Something Yoii Won't Find At Hudson, Jay St. Hospital By JIM CORSA On Monday, October 14, I ap­ plied at the Hudson and Jay Hos­ pital for treatment of a cold. However, I was in effect refused treatment because an affidavit, which I had sworn to on Sept. 15 or 16 in order to obtain dental care, had "expired." The clerk in the Admitting Office said that the affidavit had been supplied to me as a courtesy and that no second affidavit could be rnade. He also stated that I could see the Executive Office about the matter if I was not sat­ isfied. What would you do after getting the run-around? Well, I became so disgusted that I went instead to the clinic at the "Dog­ house," and got the necessary treatment. days after last discharge is the period of eligibility. After talking to the SIU Spec­ ial Services Director and the Log Editor, I decided to return to Hudson and Jay, and get the mat­ ter cleared up. So, back I went on October 15, but didn't get past a fellow named A. K. Guilford, Administrative Assistant. This guy was not only sassy, but refused to take any action whatsoever about informing the staff that a seaman-is entitled to more than one affidavit, and can get treatment up to 90 days after last dischai'ge. Yes, the result of my return trip was nil, and the red tape still threatens to trip up any unwary seaman -who's un­ lucky enought to need treatment at a Marine Hospital. Guess before I go any further that I should explain this affida­ vit business. The affidavit was necessary in the first place be­ cause I had lost my last ship dis­ charge dated August 15,-and they PANAiMA, Oct. 5—Count the required some proof of my ser­ crew of the Cape Friendship, vice. So—the affidavit was pro­ Isthmian Lines, as militant from cured. the word go. Most of them are 90 DAYS. NOT 60 Isthmian seamen who have gone Furthermore, someone at the all out for the SIU. Public Health Service clinic—I We hope that by the time this don't recall the name now—^told me that I was no longer eligible hits the Log that the Isthmian for treatment as I had been agreement will be safely tucked ashore for 60 days. Why doesnff away and in the bag. Then, on the Public Health Service Direc­ to the complete organization of tor or someone else in authority the rest of the unorganized sea­ tell these clerks and otlier em­ men! ployees that under Section 2.314b A great deal of credit for mak­ of Subpart B, Part 2, Chapter 1 of ing this crew solidly SIU is due Title 42, dated July 1, 1944, 90 "Blackie" (The Rebel From Flor­ ida) Sanchez. His timely pep talks and untiring efforts in ex­ plaining the meaning of union­ ism—especially the SIU brand— in detail to the newer and young­ er seamen helped immeasurably to do the job. Much the same can be said for Frank Kaiser, Black Gang delegate, whose guiding hand made possible the smooth sailing below. T. W. Styron Young or old, the men who make up the Seafarers Interna­ tional Union are all a bunch of militant, hard working seamen who will not be satisfied until all seamen are organized into honest unions. Take this story of T. W. "Pop" Styron, Oiler. At an age when most men are thinking about sitting in front of a fireplace stroking a cat. Pop is still in there sailing on unorganized ships and telling the men all about the ad­ vantages of belonging to the SIU. He does a .swell job, too. men's rights at the same time.The His most outstanding piece of battle to give seamen better con­ work recently was aboard the Is­ ditions and higher wages has al­ thmian's Zane Grey. When this ways found him right up front. ship left the United States, with From the time he started on tug­ Pop aboard as a volunteer ships' boats in Norfolk, up through the organizer, it was a toss-up be­ years of sailing as a stoker on coal tween the SIU and the NMU. But fired boats, Brother Styron has when the ship returned, it was an always preached union. entirely' different story. There are many men today Of course, the vote is confiden­ who are staunch trade unionists tial, but reports from the men mainly because they met Pop who cast the votes indicate that on their first voyage, and they the Zane Grey went SIU by a never forgot what he told them. GOOD ADVICE three to one majority. The men "Dont think that the company gave Pop most of the credit for showing them the advantagies will watch out for you," he would that the SIU has over any other say. "The only way to make sure union in the maritime industry. that you get a living wage and decent conditions is to organize ON THE MOVE into a strong union. Then the Once the Zane Grey was voted. company has to come through, Brother Styron didn't waste his or they can't sail their ships. time. He volunteered for an­ That's the only kind of argu­ other ship and was assigned to ment shipowners can under­ the Steel Mariner, also Isthmian. stand." This vessel had already voted, Pop winds up his talk with but Pop felt that he could do a good advice to young fellows. job of keeping the men together "•When you go on a ship, do your so that when the results of the work," he says. "We are getting bargaining election are announ­ fair wages and conditions are im­ ced, the Isthmian Lines will have proving. Let's preserve what we to contend with the men who have, and be ready for even more want an SIU contract right away. by doing our_share and not shirk­ The Steel Mariner got stuck on ing on the job." a shuttle run in the Persian Gulf, It's hard to tell whether the and so Pop had no opportunity SIU makes men as staunch and to take part in the general strike hard-working as Pop is, or recently concluded. But, as he whether good men naturally says, "I was in the 1921, 1936, come to the SIU. In any case. and 1941 strikes, and although Pop is a credit to the Union and I'm 70-years-old, I could still he has done, and is doing his take my turn picketing." share in the fight to keep the Pop started sailing 40 years SIU the best Union on the water­ ago, and started fighting for sea­ front. Cape Friendship Behaves Like A Real SIU Ship Cnrmmers, By FRANK WEST gate, resigned when he took over the Bosun's job (the old Bosun having signed off in Honolulu). The Deck delegates' job was then assumed by Harry Corcoran, who carried on the fine work of Blackie. ELECT DELEGATES At our fii'st ship meeting, Frank Kaser was elected Black Gang delegate, Blackie Sanchez as Deck delegate, Frank Fuente for the Stewards Department, and Frank West as Ship's dele­ gate. All of oui- meetings were fully attended with everyone be­ ing enthusiastic about them. Isthmian seamen, many of whom have never belonged to unions, participated vigorously. All agreed that the meetings clarified a number of things which were not clear before. Isthmian seamen were shown the democratic manner in which the SIU oarries on its fnedtings and disot'ssions. All in «H, these Blackie, who was Deck Dele- meetings were the clincher which • -.v .'..r swung the Cape Friendship crew over to the SIU standard. Time off for a couple of bou­ quets. 1st Asst. Edward Morean extremely cooperative, as was Skipper R. T. Saxton. In addi­ tion, we .owe much to Bob Can­ tor who did a swell job of chair­ ing several meetings. Cape Friendship crewmembers dug into their pockets to make a Log donation to keep the log rolling, and want, to compliment the Log on being the greatest single source of information on Union activity on the waterfront. The crew also wishes to express their appreciation to Oi-ganizer Blackie Silva in Hoiiolulu for his cooperation and efforts extended on our behalf during our stay there. That's all from the Cape Friendship for now. (Editor's note: That's what you think. Pictures which accompanied this article came in too late to be pro­ cessed—so you'll see them next week.) ,.-y 3P|«e F1T» Portland YMCA Gives SIU Crew A Helping Hand •When the John J. Abel, Calmar Line pulled into Portland, Maine on September 11 and paid off, the crew found themselves victims of the housing shortage. As the strike was in progress, they piled off in quick order and after registering for picket dutystarted looking for a place to bunk for the duration of the strike. They weren't successful with their attempts, and were looking around for a tree or a park bench when the ship's delegate came along and told them he had everything fixed up. In his scouting around he had contacted the YMCA and told Mr. H. E. Frank, the Secretary, the score on the strike. 'Whea the secretary got the lowdov.ux he told the delegate to bring the crew over. Well, when the boys arrived they found the YMCA had fixed them up with a block of 24 beds for the use of the crew. The "Y" had no rooms, but the block of beds was a bit of heaven for the foot sore crew. WANTS LOG The staff of the YMCA bent over backward to help the sea­ men and gave them every con­ sideration. They checked their baggage free for the duration of their stay and many of the crew who had relatives in the neighborhood left their gear in the custody of the "Y." The fa­ cilities of the club were turned over to the crew, and they had the use of the recreation room. The crew stated that they no­ ticed that SIU men drop in there occasionally and the Secretarysaid he would be glad to receive Logs for the library. "V/hen the boys checked out they were pleasantly surprised to find that the sum total for stay­ ing there was only 50c per night, There may be a lot of thieving rooming houses and clip joints left along the ports, but now and then seamen run across real peo­ ple who are .out to give a sea­ man a hand without their palm outstretched. The crew of the John J. Abel is unanimous in its thanks to Mr. H. E. Frank and the YMCA in Portland, Maine who made their stay in Portland an enjoy­ able one. They wish to pass the word along m other Seafarers who stop off there that they will receive a straight deal when they stop at the YMCA. Attention Seafarers Word has come to this of­ fice that the Seafarer Log is not to be found in some of the seamen's Clubs in for­ eign ports. ^ Whenever in a foreign port go to the seamen's Clubs and ^ see if the Log is displayed. If you don't see it. ask for it. Find out -why it is not put out, and leave some of yottt r ship's copies of the Log there. Notify the Seafarers Log of all Clubs where you do not find the SIU paper. —4 �Page Six t HE SEAFARERS LOG A packed meeting in Houston heard the news that the Wage Stabilization Board had turn­ ed thumbs down on the wage raise that had been won by the Union Negotiating Committee. To a man they voted to hit the bricks, and to stay out until the money they had fought for would be given back to them. In all other ports of the United States it was the same story. And so, when September 5 rolled around, the members of the SIU-SUP were walking picketlines. and they stayed out until the greatest victory ever won by merchant seamen was under their belts. It marked a long stride forward for seamen every'^>here. Friday, October 18, 194$ It takes pickets to make a strike effective. No strike is ever won in the newspapers or through ballyhoo. Here are some members of the SIU-SUP making sure that their strike is won. The men in Houston, like the Seafarers in every other port, sewed up shipping so tightly that the Government finally had to reverse the Wage Stabilization Board. If that hadn't been done, the SIU and the SUP would still be out parading in front of dead piers. ' ?u"' •' I If you want to eat, you have to stand in line and wait your turn. Fiist come, first served, but plenty of food for all. �THE SEAVARERSLOG Friday, Ocidber 18, 1946 '3; Page Seven The Gold Coast Is Stone Cold As MM&P Strike Hits Stride '''f: '• -By W. H. SIMMONS Payoffs Keep Savannah Going During Successful MM&P Beef By ARTHUR THOMPSON SAVANNAH — The MM&PMEBA strike has tied up the port nf Savannah just as tightly as did our strike. We had a hurri­ cane warning here last week and the pickellines were called in temporarily so that we could shift ships to safer berths. The hurricane didn't amount to much and picketing was resumed after the danger had passed, We paid off the' SS Webb Mil­ ler of the American Liberty Line without any trouble. There was some discussion in the Stewards Department, but the members in­ volved were all bound for New York and decided to let the mat­ ter rest until they got there. The payoff itself went very smoothly with no man drunk, and everybody, especially the dele­ gates, were very hlepful. Paying off a ship under these circum­ stances is a pleasure and a credit to the crew members. NO ARGUMENT The SS Samuel Mclntrye, South Atlantic, came in with a load of gypsum and will payoff Monday. I already checked the overtime with Port Captain Van Wout and we didn't have to argue a single item. The Chief Engineer died on board a few days after they left the states. The SS Daniel Williard and the SS Bertram Goodhue, both South Atlantic, are due in next week. The deck engineer of the Good­ hue, W. J. Brantley, was left in Glasgow to go to the hospital. We hope he isn't very badly off. The local papers announce that the South Atlantic expects to make from 48 to 60 trips yearly from this area. That's about one every week. This should keep Savannah Branch fairly busy. We have quite a few men registered, but when this strike breaks I'm afraid we'll be short of rated men. BONEYARD BOUND We have a few ships in port destined for the boni^yard in Brunswick. Three of tlifm are SIU ships,, and reports have it that quite a few m.ore are also doomed. I wonder how the Mar­ itime Commission, intends to build the merchant marine they promised during the early part of the war. Harry Galphin left the hospital last week after a successful op­ eration and is coming along fine, but not yet ready to ship out. No one else in the hospital ex­ cept Dutch. Vincent San Juan's brother is back in the Coast Guard. Sorry to see him go. Both brothers are good seamen and we need them. We. have a ease coniing up in court next week. We lodged an unfair labor charge against the Atlantic Towing Company and it's finally coming to a head. I'll let you know more about it later. NO NEWS?? Silence this week from the Branch A^enis of the follow­ ing ports: CHARLESTON NORFOLK PORT ARTHUH PHILADELPHIA MOBILE TAMPA GALVESTON MARCUS HOOK SAN JUAN BOSTON SAN .FRANCISCO—At present the old Gold Coast is stone cold dead and is a mighty sorrowful sight these days with nothing moving, and the few ships that do arrive here are almost scuttled as soon as they are berthed 'cause the MM&P and MEBA men waste no time in piling off and hitting the picketlines. With Harry Bridges' longshore­ men out, too, we are looking to see what the CMU will get- for their men. The way it loks from here the CMU is fast withering away; about all one can see of the staff at present is Harry's long nose. Come on you MFOWW members, wake up before it is too late; don't get involved in the CMU muddle. At the present time, we have two East Coast ships in port, and Activities Of The Communists In Trade Unions Start Campaign By Pro-Democratic Labor Forces By HENRY W. CHAPPELL country will admit that America is not Utopia and there is plenty DULUTH—Things are pretty of room for improvement, but he quiet this week in Duluth with will resent a group of people only a few ships in port due to within our boundaries pledging the bad weather on the lakes and there is nothing to report on the Midland elections. We can't do anything about Old Man Winter, but by next week we should have the election results which we'll give in this column. the NMU is dominated by the party members who ascribe to the points listed above. Their place in the trade union move­ ment is not to better conditions for seamen, but to cause dissention and dislike for our govern­ ment so Uncle Joe's form of gov­ ernment can walk in and take over. DEMOCRATIC SEIT-UP There is a movement under Both the SIU and NMU are way in the country sponsored by starting an organizing drive on a number of anti-commie organ­ the Great Lakes this fall. In the izations, including AFL and CIO SIU the entire set up is run on unions to expose and curb the a democratic basis with the mem­ communists wherever they may bership voting on vital issues and infiltrating or working. The the union offcials job is to carry sooner this task is undertaken them out. All Lakes seamen will and successfully concluded the have their choice, the NMU allegiance to a foreign flag and better it wjll be for all American power, and attempting to trans­ which is commie-dominated or labor. plant this foreign ideology to his the SIU where issues are decided by a vote of the membership and country. METHOD EXPOSED To bring this whole issue closer majority rules. You unorganized AFL trade papers all over the to home, or closer to your ship Lakes seamen will be able to United States have repeatedly as I should say, everyone knows make your choice soon. exposed their methods of opera­ tion. These papers have shown time and 'time again how a few party members will join a union, infiltrate into position of respon­ sibility and throw their weight around far out of proportion to their numbers; usually in a man­ By J. H. HANNERS ner contrary to the wishes of the majority. JACKSONVILLE — Shipping I had three other ships to handle They will force their line on I collected all the beefs and over­ the membership until they're op­ had picked up in this port after time and told the delegates and posed. Then, if they see they are the SIU-SUP sH-ike and things crew that I would be back in an going to be licked, they will do were looking pretty good, so af­ hour. all in their power to smash the ter the MEBA and MM&P strike SHORT-CHANGED union. is settled we should have quite a William Z. Fo.ster, Chairman In about 45 minutes I was back few jobs to fill. for the communist party has to the Bennett and I found that I have managed to pay off all the crew has payed off under the stated publicly that a member of the party does not owe allegiance ship in this port under mutual old wage scale. Immediately they tp the flag of this country, but consent and the companies have started beefing about their con­ must follow 100 per cent the poli­ promised the same on any that tested overtime and why they cies of Soviet Russia without should come in while the strike didn't get it. criticism. He also stated that a Brother, you are the Union and person may believe in a religion is on. your officials can do nothing Once again I'd like to try to without your support, all we can when he joins the CP, but after he learns the principles of com­ impress upon the membership do is advise you. So, fellows, it's munism he will soon give up any the importance of notifying the really up to you. When you dock, Hall when coming into port and call your hall, and stay sober at belief in the church. standing by until we can get a the payoff so you can give your ABUSE FREEDOM representative down to the ship representative your full support. America is the only country in before the payoff. As an example Without it his hands are tied. of what usually happens when the world that allows such a this is not done I give you the group to thrive openly, advocat­ At the moment there are four ing the principle of revolution case of the SS Floyd Bennett. ships in port which is booming The other day, I skipped down against the government. By all business for Jacksonville, but we moial rights such people forfeit to the Bennett to pay her off and their rights as American citizens. there was no pay master or any­ are looking forward to even bet­ The average American of this one aboard to handle the job. As ter days in the near future. Paying Off Without Patrolmen May Leave You Holding The Bag I'm shaping them up for the pay­ off which will come off in a cou­ ple of days. The Hook Hitch, a Waterman, came in from a tenmonth trip without a single beef aboard. Some trip huh? That's the way I like to see them. There were three militant delegates aboard her who handled things very well. Good work boys! SUBSISTENCE PAY The Lyman Hall, South At­ lantic, came in the other day and had only a few minor beefs. They were due to the crew not knowing the new scale and hours at sea, but we soon cleared this up and she is ready for the pay­ off .which will come as soon as we get the okay from MEBA to move her to a navy base. In the meantime the men are drawing subsistence pay so things are "hunky dory with the crew. The crew of the Francis Marion, who paid off in Seattle, will be glad to hear that we have col­ lected the black gang disputed overtime. The men concerned should write to the General Agent Mr. Becker, William Dia­ mond SS Agent, 262 California Street, San Francisco, Calif. That's aU from the gold coast for this week, so steady as she goes. Corpus Christi Really Tied Up By G, (TEX) SUIT CORPUS CHRISTI — As an­ other week rolls around we find this fair Texas port tied up even tighter than last week. Now we have three strikes instead of the two of last week. Now, in addition to the MM&P and MEBA, the men who operate the draw bridge who are affili­ ated with the Operating Engi­ neers AFL are on strike. Because of this, the steamship operators are afraid to bring their ships to this port, and are diverting theih to ports. As far as the warehousemen's strike is concerned, there hasn't been much up to now, but it looks like things might improve as the newspapers here in Corpus Chris­ ti are out of pewsprint and the warehousemen have a load of paper which they refuse to re­ lease. Maybe some pressure will be brought to bear to get the strike over with. Due to the fact that the op­ erators are diverting ships to other ports, organizing has fal­ len off for the time being. With the harbor tugs already voted and the organizers having :^ed a petition for an election on die dredges and ferries we can oil sit tight until the strikes are ov«r. il m 'I .ij �-!<• ^Page Eight r THE SEAFARERS LOG r ftrticle By Anti-Labor Faker Stirs Up Hornets Nest in SiU By JOE ALGINA NEW YORK—As if we seamen don't have enough to contend with, what with bigshot opera tors, commie disrupters and dirty • ships, now along comes a chair borne sailor to take a few kicks at us when we're not looking. A guy named Hanson Baldwin who did his last sailing in the early twenties, and who sat out this past war from a dangerous spot in the New York Times Building, wrote in his column that he would be glad to see the good old seafaring days return By good old days, he meant the days before the Union, and the days when a seaman was nothing more than a slave. Bald­ win must have been bitten by the ghost of Captain Bligh, and so he is trying to take it out on us. If he had his way, a Master of a ship would have the right to smack a man around with a be­ laying pin every day instead of saying "good morning." CONVERSATION PIECE been made during the last 40 years. Someday we will have the honor of welcoming all the shipowners into the 20th century. CHOW LINE The strike apparatus which we have built up has really come in handy. It proves that when things are going along smoothly, it is smart to prepare for storms. That is what we did, and so we have an efficient set-up that can handle matters during the quiet times, but which is ready for any emergency. Right now our kitchen is in op­ eration and hundreds of men are being fed daily. No member of the SIU-SUP would violate an MM&P picketline, and so the men who are therefore on the beach are being fed in the Union Hall, Quite a few of the licensed men have- been coming over to sample our food, and they all say that It is better than you can get in a high-class restaurant. We don't go out looking for trouble, but when trouble comes,' we are ready and waiting. ' Lots of the men around here are plenty burned up about that column. Some of them, fellows who had been torpedoed once or twice, wanted to go up to see Mr. Baldwin and talk to him. But they were so mad that we thought it best not to let them go because the conversation By LOUIS GOFFIN might get out of hand, and Mr. Baldwin would probably wind up We have been deeply touched on the floor. by an article written by Hanson One explanation of Baldwin's W. Baldwin in the New York attitude is that he was an An­ Times of October 9th. Mr. Bald­ napolis man, and so he prob­ win is concerned with the de­ ably has gold braid and brass generation of the American mer­ Where his heart ought to be. chant marine at the hands of the Other than the excitement seamen's unions, and complains caused by Baldwin's anti-labor bitterly at the disappearance of article, things have been sort of quiet around here lately. By bucko mates and "skippers who quiet I don't mean real quiet, I can spit into the teeth of a gale." We note in his article that all just mean that a man gets a romance and adventure has dis­ chance to breath occasionally. We are still paying off every appeared from the sea and men ship that comes into this harbor, no longer go to sea for the love and we are still shipping a few of it. Mr. Baldwin is carried men to tankers and colliers. But away by the weight of his own if the operators don't get serious words as he goes on to say that and bargain honestly with the the gin mills have now become MM&P, we will soon stop even Union halls, the ships are covered with sea lawyers and radicals that little shipping. who give the orders, and the Mas­ UNYIELDING ters have deserted the bridge for the picket line. Here is a case where a few A PROBLEM, BUD? The life of the present day seaman is difficult and often very complicated. He is at the mercy of unscrupulous companies, government agen­ cies. brass hats and human sharks of various descrip­ tions. everyone trying to take advantage of him. If he hap­ pens to know some of his rights, he is sneeringly refer­ red to as a Sea Lawyer. A Special Services Dept. of the Union has been set up to consult with you on all your problems involving the Coast Guard. Shipping Commission­ ers. Unemployment Insur­ ance. personal injury claims, your statutory rights when you become ill aboard ship, Ixmmgration Laws^ and your dear, beloved iDrafl Board. If you happen to be in New York, contact us personally, or if you are out of town, write and you will receive a prompt reply. Address all mail to SPE­ CIAL SERVICES. 51 Beaver Street. New York 4. N. Y. Your Union is your shoreside contact. USE IT'S FACILI­ TIES. Lakes Cleveland Cliffs Company Sponsors Phony Company Union By HENRY W. CHAPPELL risive statements about the SIU. He claims the salt water repre­ Heading the list of phony at­ sentatives are not interested in tempts on the Great Lakes to sa­ Lake sailors. For his information botage a bona fide labor union is the salt water men do not run the action of the Cleveland Cliffs the SIU on the Great Lakes. We Company which is attempting to are a separate district but we do have districts on the East Coast sway the crews of Midland ships and the West coast. Nor do we from the SIU to the Lake Sea­ have to apologize for the record men's Union. of the salt water section of the In a form letter to the Midland SIU. It recently successfully ships they state the primary rea­ ended a strike on all coasts which son the SIU is anxious to or­ tied up all shipping and forced ganize lake seamen is to collect the Wage Stabilization Board to dues. Any man who belongs to reverse i t s decision thereby a union realizes dues, assessmentb granting the SIU wages wbn and initiation fees are what through negotiations with steam­ makes a union function. Mr. ship companies. Grady, the Cliffs Company But let's get down to business stooge, doesn't want to realize and examine this Lake Sailor's this as the Company Union treas­ Union. Do they have a constitu­ ury has an unlimited source of tion? If so, who drafted it? Who income from the Cleveland Cliffs are they affiliated with? In the Company. In fact this union event of a labor dispute who doesn't even have to rent its own could they rely upon' to give them hall; it has the use of the com­ aid? Who elected Mr. Grady to pany attorney's office paid for the Presidency? What are their by the Company. hospital and death benefits? and who financed this Lake Sailor's WHAT IS LSU Union when it was first started? In this form letter to the Mid­ The answers to all questions is land crews Mr. Grady makes dethe Cleveland Cliffs Company, of course! Swivel Chair Sailor Hitches His Pajama Pants And Yearns For "Good Old Days"—For Other Guys obstinate men are holding up the shipping of the whole country. If these guys were labor men, I bet the President and Congress would already be hollering for their scalps, but since they are bosses, nobody says anything aginst tWm, and nobody tries to put any pressure on them. The shipowners along the East and Gulf Coasts are willing to grant .the licensed deck officers Union security. On the West Coast, however, the operators win not give in on that point. They would rather have their ships tied up than give the Union men the security • they need so that they can do a good job with­ out worrying about licking some­ body's shoes for a job. Most.operators live in the 18th or 19th centuries, and they fight against any advances that have SWIVEL CHAIR SAILOR Strong words, Mr. Baldwin. We don't doubt your sincerity, but as you are the authority on the Merchant Marine we would like to know where you get your information? Have you ever sail­ ed in the forecastle or on the bridge? Do you know what con­ ditions the so-called ruddy-faced seamen worked and lived under in pre-union days? Do you think those seamen went to sea for the romance and adventure, or was it really be­ cause they were forced by crook­ ed boardinghouse masters and shanghai artists? The "good old days" to Mr. Baldwin mean large profits to the. shipowners and slavery for the crews. If your beliefs were held by the seamen a union would go hungry, but strangely enough' the seamen rushed to join the unions. Going to sea, Mr. Bald­ win isn't like they show it in the movies. Thank God for the unions that came along and lifted seamen out of their slavery and showed the world that seamen i,-'- Friday, October 18. 1946 TWO-JOB STIFF This Lake Sailors Union does­ n't need shoreside organizers to work for and represent it. Cleve­ land Cliffs sets the wages, condi­ were hard working tradesmen very low wages, no" overtime, tions, etc., and Mr. Grady agrees who were working for a living ' long hours, bad food, rotten and to their decisions or he would be damp foc'sles and unsafe work­ out of a job; or rather two jobs like anyone else. as, beside being president of the ing conditions. OFFICERS TOO It took the unions to correct phony union, he is also wheels­ The Mates and Skippers, like these evils, and if the old so- man on a ship that is owned by a the seamen, realized that only called romantic, adventurous, company that is notorious for its through organization could they sun-kissed seamen of the past anti-union attitude. unite as one to combat the were here today they would get These Lake operators have all natural enemy of all seamen, down on their knees and thank kinds of schemes for getting namely thfe shipowners. God for the unions and the good around the Unions. Among them They, too, are affected by the work they have done and are is the device whereby they wait greed of the shipowners just as still doing for the seamen. until union contracts are signed So Mr. Baldwin, write all the and then they come out with a articles that you wish, but first slightly higher wage. This they did last spring. After get the true story. We suggest 6boO C?(.0T>A\^ ' a short sea trip in the foc'sle to the SIU had signed contracts give you the necessary back­ with various companies, the Lake ground, and then any story ypu'd Carriers came out with a slightly write, we are sure wouldn't be higher scale. In June 1946 we printed by the New York Times. succeeded in reopening our con­ tracts bringing our wage.-- at this time to the highest level of any seamen in the world. Now, according to Mr. Grady, the Cleveland Cliffs Company comes out with a still higher rate. They are really scared of the much as the men in the foc'sle. Unions and at least their men are It will be a long time before The shipowners of today are no benefiting from our efforts in­ different from the shipowners of any male member of a Kansas directly as they surely would not the sailing days. They have one City union walks through a pick­ be getting these raises if it were etline set up by women members thought in ccwnmon—profits— up to the LSU. Their union of a union. and to hell with the men that would never think of opening its They remember with a shud­ make these profits possible. mouth. der what happened to Harvey The American merchant ma­ I5UES DISAPPEAR rine will not decline in spite of Warner, a union cab driver who Went through llie ladies' picketAs for the business of collect­ Mr. Baldwin and his ilk. From line at the Elko Photo Products ing dues; I recently ran into a the way we see it, he has ab­ solutely no knowledge whatso­ Co. to inquire about a roll of wheelsman in Toledo and he films he wanted developed. showed me a receipt for dues ever concerning the!modern of­ His license number was taken, paid to the Lake Sailor's Union. ficers and seamen and their and the next thing Harvey knew It was all stamped in the official unions. His knowledge of the sea he was called up before his lo­ manner so, the LSU, in spite of • is gleaned from reading roman­ cal's executive board to explain. the remarks they make about us tic sea adventures and serving a He couldn't, and the executive short hitch in the Navy. board ruled that he would either collecting dues is also interested have to pay a $50 fine or else in this. What I'd like,to know is, POLES APART walk on the picketline around the who are their authorized agents We agree with him on one plant. to collect these dues and where point only; that is concerning He chose the latter—but Har­ does the money go? Cadets. We of the old school vey failed to reckon with the still believe that merchant ma­ seriousness with which the wom­ I hope Mr. Grady and the selfrine officers should come up the en strik ers took their picketlines. appointed officials of the Great" hard way from the foc'sle, but we Harvey walked the picketline Lakes Sailors Union, alias the must remain poles apart on the for two eight-hour shifts—but the Cleveland Cliffs Company, see rest of his article, sign the lady unionists made him We have had the experience of carry read, in big black letters, this. It should be interesting sailing under so-called tin god "I AM A HEEL. I CROSSED A reading if they attempt to an­ skippers and bucko mates, for PICKETLINE." swer these questions. Just Learning The Hard Way �'t' • vo.Jr*;>^ THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, October 18, 1948 Page Nla* The Patrolmen Say— With SIU In Canada Against Act NEW YORK—The other day when I went aboard the SS Iber­ ville I. ran across a problem of interest to the entire member­ ship. It seems that all ships that sign on in the Port of Mobile, owned and operated by an Ala­ bama corporation, have Alabama State Unemployment taxes de­ ducted from their wages by the steamship company. This practice is contrary to the Seamen's Acts and has been fought and defeated in other states, California and Pennsyl­ vania to mention a couple. New York state does not take any tax for this and at present Alabama is the only state that is engag­ ing in this practice. I turned this matter over to the Secretary-Treasury and he is going to look into it. It takes time and money, with lawyers being brought in as it is mostly a legal fight. You men who take Alabama ships out of Mobile can rest assured that we will handle this in the traditional SIU manner and while work is being done to rectify this illegal bit of ham-stringing we will protest all deductions being made in the meantime. James Purcell VANCOUVER—We have just • renewed an agreement covering deck and engine room crews of the SS Prince Rupert and at the same time gained an increase of $20.80 per month for all classi­ fications. This renewal was signed with the understanding of both the Union and the Company that other conditions of work shall be negotiated after February 1, 1947. This new increase makes $33.28 per month gained since the first, of the year, as early in the year we won an increase of $12.48. At the time we won the $12.48 it was made retrocative to June, 1945, and the new increase is retroac­ tive to June 1 of this year. Not a bad year's bargaining. Pictured here is the elected Strike Committee which was in charge of the strike machinery in Baltimore when the SIU-SUP battled through to win the highest wages in maritime history. After a short period of inactivity followin^^ the successful termination of our strike, this same group is no doubt once more functioning—this time giving aid and support to the Masters, Mates and Pilots to insure the successful conclusion of their beef. Sorry that there were no names turned in with this picture, because these men deserve a lot of credit for the job they did and are now doing. ~ The SIU has finally wrangled' an agreement out of the Com' mercial Cable Company. This week the SS Restorer sailed from Victoria with the first agreement ever signed by this company covering this ship. Tuberculosis Contagious, Not Hereditary: Seme Facts Abeut A Curable Disease By JOE VOLPIAN nomic conditions, which means small wages, poor food, over­ crowded living quarters, over­ work, poor working conditions, anxiety, improper clothing and inability to get proper medical attention. Another cause for the lowering of resistance is poor working conditions such as overcrowding, dampness, lack of fresh air, dust, extremes of heat and cold and suddert changes in temperature. Another cause for the lowering of resistance is burning the candle at both ends. What the cure is for and pre­ vention of tuberculosis is the next question to be answered. The first thing is to get frequent medical examinations so that the disease can be caught as soon as possible. Once you are affected, go to an established doctor and place yourself entirely in his hands. There is only one known real cure for the disease and that is rest, good food, healthful living quarters and freedom from worry. Doctors hold that once a person has had tuberculosis, cer­ tain occupations are completely out. He cannot do work that re­ quires physical exertion, dusty trades er exposure to weather. The last occupation appears to include seamen. They caution against any hard work or the old way of life for at least three years after dis­ charge from the hospital. Any­ one who has had tuberculosis should remember that his lungs are permanently scarred and, like those who limp after a bro­ ken leg, have to take it easy so as not to stretch or break these scars. (Editor's Note: Due to shortage of space this article will be concluded next week). This is a victory for the SIU im Canada as this company has been-, one of the most stubborn that we have had to deal with and marksan opening in their lines which we will take advantage of short­ ly on their other ships. Part of the duties as head of Special Services is to go to the t S. S. hospital to visit the sick brothers Rains Will Come to keep them posted on the latest NEW YORK—A word to the news and to pay sick benefits. wise is sufficient, so goes the old We have come in contact with Not only was an agreement saw and the word I have in men suffering from all kind.s of gained, but it is the he.st ever illnesses and injuries. One of the mind is, saving. signed in Canada. It was signed most prevalent illnesses is tuber­ We have just come through by the Victoria Branch, SIU and culosis. Very few of the men some trying times. We've been embodies all conditions of wages, know anything about the disease, through strikes and beefs all of overtime, hours of work, and so we decided to scout around which were successful. We op­ and get opinions from wellliving conditions recently won by erated as a team and through our known authorities as to its cause the SIU-SUP in their national operations we won the biggest and cure, and what can be done strike in the U. S. A. . strike in Maritime history by about it. The SIU in Canada is deter­ showing a strong, united front Many people think that tuber­ mined to obtain these conditions with everyone on the ball doing culosis is hereditary and passed on all ships in Canada, and will his best. down from parents to children. keep fighting for the same con­ I don't believe it would harm This is not the fact. The closest ditions on all ships to gain for the us if we got to a very important any doctor will say about hereseamen in Canada the highest point and that is the feeling of {jj-jy jg that the children might standard of living in the indus­ security, the ability to feel secure inherit a weakness towards the try, just as the SIU-SUP enjoys and independent and free of all disease and therefore should be in the states. worry during a beef. very careful of their health. We know, without kidding our­ Almost everyone at one time selves, that it takes the old green- or another inhales and has lodged . backs to give us that feeling. in his lungs 'TB germs. If the Everyone has that feeling of se­ body resistance is good, the curity when they have the old germs become inactive and don't bankroll stowed away just in case bother you. This has been prov­ the old rainy day comes. ed by autopsies where, when the At the height of the SIU- he found the SIU to be the Broth­ lungs were examined, about 90% SUP strike, Newsweek magazine erhood of the Sea and joined up. SOCK IT AWAY We have just gone through one of the dead persons diecl from ran a front page picture of a For the same reason he vounof those rainy days, and the causes other than TB, and these SIU seaman standing before one teered for picket duty to aid his guy who had the cabbage was the persons never knew that they of the struck ships. The picture, striking brothers gain their just had even one germ in their body. along with the magazine, of demands. one with the greatest security. As a matter of fact, a very He said he found real brother­ All this leads up to what I have small percentage of the people course, was seen throughout the country. Figuring that there hood among the men who go been trying to get at. We know have the disease, even though might be a story we contacted down to sea and the strike reaf­ that the wages and overtime that most all of us have the germs in the seaman to get the story be­ firmed his faith in seamen. He we now have is the best we ever our body. Many doctors are of hind the picture. expects to take out a ship as had, not meaning of course that the opinion that these germs we Harry Herschkowitz is his soon as the MM&P beef is settled. we can't get more in the future, have in our lungs tend to im­ name, and he sailed as an OS so when we start working steady, HIS MAGAZINE munize us again.st the disease during the war. He is still a part of this dough should be and in most cases is enough to After talking to Brother member of the Union although saved for the rainy day that is prevent us from actually catch­ Herschkowitz for a while he he hasn't sailed in the last few bound to come sooner or later. HARRY HERSCHKOWITZ ing TB. months. When he heard we were loosened up and said he was This dough saved will buy LOW RESISTANCE out on strike he came down to working for his aims by editing dive bombers" related Brother. things we couldn't afford under the old wage scales, certain lux­ You might well ask, then, how the New York Hall and volun­ and publishing a magazine called Herschkowitz. He said everyone, uries that we now deserve as do we get the disease if these teered for picket duty. He was "Death." He went on to say that if any free, working men and this dough bugs protect us. Doctors says dispatched to pier 19 East River everywhere is thinking only in seaman wants .to contribute ar­ will come in handy when during that if the resistance of the body and there the cameraman found terms of atom bombs and de­ ticles to his magazine he will be struction and he believes that a beef we are on the bricks. is lowered then the germs be­ him on the line. glad to receive them. Address people do not want wars, but I am not working for any bank, come active, increase rapidly manuscripts to Death, Harry REAL BROTHERHOOD peace, so his magazine is trying nor do I wish to insult the intel­ and then we have tuberculosis. Born in Colorado, 30 years ago, to promote peace among all peo­ Herschkowitz, Editor; 503 East ligence of the Union Brothers. You can also get the disease by he came to New York to see the ples of the world. "Death," he 11th Street, New York, N. Y. All I wish to do is state that a being exposed to the germ from city and from there he was said, "really means life." word to the wise is sufficient. outside sources while the resist­ And so, we found that there naturally attracted to the sea as It's up to your fellows to do what ance is low. "Seamen are not only seamen, was more to the picture than met you wish with your cabbage, but Naturally, the next question is, a means to get world experience but they have interests outside the eye. Like many seamen he I think the idea of saving a few what causes the body to lose its and see the lands of the world. of taking a ship from one port to bucks now and then is a good resistance? One of the best auth­ H# says he in interested in another. They are interested in is vitally, interested in the wel­ one, why not try it and see how orities on the subject says that everything progressive and be­ world conditions and do not want fare of our country and he hopes it works. ^ among the conditions causing lieves in the brotherhood of man, to go through another period of to do something about it in his Louis Goffin loss of resistance is inferior eco­ so when he decided to go to sea being stalked by submarines and I own way. 'Newsweek' Seafarer Publishes Magazine To Promote Brotherhood �THE SE AF ARERS LOG Page Teh Friday* Oetobat li. 3r94S SHIPS'MIMUTES AMD MEWS ALL AT SEA Unanimous approval of two motions aimed at im­ proving conditions affecting the safety and welfare of the <:rew—in fact, of all personnel aboard—highlighted a recent SS Gape Nome membership meeting held at sea. The first of the two motions stemmed from the condition of the life belts.* The motion, whicdh drew sup­ crew's pantry shared in the criti­ Choate Crew Hits At The Slopchest The "Unworthy Shop Keeper" who supplied the slop chest on the SS Rufus Choate for a recent Wyage is going to be on the re­ ceiving end of a sizzling letter sent by an indignant crew. • At a membership meeting held at sea during voyage No. 10 the condition ^of the slopchest was rated the main beef. Climaxing a hot and heavy discussion, it was decided that a letter would ..be dictated to the culprit respon'^sible for the situation informing 'rhirn fully that the men were l:wise to his operations, and adl^yising him to pursue a more rea­ sonable course in future dealings. HONORS TO BOSUN Honors for dictation of the let­ ter- would probably go to the Bosun, the ship's minutes say, jvhicli probably implies that the blast will be a strong one. The missive is to be posted at the first mailing station. To begin with, the slopchest -was inadequately supplied. What was shipped aboard was "low grade material," and, say the minutes, was an apparent at­ tempt to dump the merchandise. iiliitjiir liiiiiiiiiiiii For two and <me-half days during a recent trip, the SS Joshua Slocum lay helpless at sea after she lost her propeller. Only break in the monotony of waiting for aid was provided by a school of sharks—200 of them, the crew reported — which swam hungrily around the vesseL One of the toothy fishes got a little too frisky, so the crew with the aid of some bait* nabbed him. The photo above shows the unfortunate man-eater, (aU 500 lbs. of him) hanging over the side. LEFT: Luke Collins, Bosun aboard the Slocum. is a lu^pygo4udky oldtimer depute that look of boredom. Even playing -wi& sharks for iwo and onehalf days gets monotonous for Luke. To round out the swindle, the prices were entirely unreason­ able. In the discussion on food at the meeting a recommendation was approved calling for greater variety in desserts. Oranges and apples, the crew members agreed, do not properly constitute des­ serts. They should be put out as eatables at all times. The Stew­ ard stated that, he would coop­ erate by providing a better meal. NEED BOOKS The reading material being in­ adequate and of a "non-substan­ tial" mature, the Purser agreed to do what he can to obtain books from a seamen's service in the next port. In the cleanup position on the order of business was the laun­ dry room. To keep it squared away in proper order, it was agreed that the Deck department would perform the cleaning task three days a week with the Stew­ ards department taking over for the next three days. The Engine department was not included in the agreement, "because they do not patronize this laundry," the minutes add. It wasn't revealed where they do up thir doo-dads. Safety, Welfare Measures Urg^ By Cape Nome Crew port from the crew, urged that "new life belts be obtained and that said life belts be mark­ ed with corresponding ship num­ bers." The motion further recom­ mended that "the company be advised to install racks to hold the belts in the various rooms." Tbe dangers resulting from the unbearable heat in the engine room gave rise to the second mo­ tion, made by M. Salcedo and seconded by J. Maldonado. The motion, as passed, stated "that due to the very high tempera­ ture in the engine room, the emergency blackout cover should be removed and replaced by an adequate removable cover so as to give relief to the men work­ ing in unbearable heat and on hot floor plates of approximately 12d degrees." It was further resolved by the Black Gang that they would not sign articles unless the unbear­ able condition was rectified. The resolution received the unani­ mous backing of the entire crew, the minutes say. The faulty refrigerator in the Digested Minutes Of SlU Ship Meetings NASHAU VICTORY, June 21—Chairman J. Blackburn; Secretary D. Saunders. New Business: List of beefs concern­ ing the following: bad eggs, spreads, butter, matches and soap, tools, and coffee. Motions to have the proper seating ca­ pacity for entire erew and re­ quisition was made for chairs for P. O. mess. Motions car­ ried: that liew crew is not to sign on until P. O. mess is re­ paired and put into service; that Purser check on slopchest items invoices; that delegates contact Chief Mate and find out if enough soap and matches are aboard. Steward to requi­ sition new iron. Each depart­ ment alternate cleaning laun­ dry. Suggesiion that "Sparks" leave radio turned on. X % POWELLTON SEAM. June 27 —Chairman Brune: Secretary Kerester. Department Dele­ gates reported everything okay. Treasurer reported balance of $6.50. New treasurer explain­ ed ^ip's fund to new crew. Re­ ported 75c collected as fines and one dollar collected from new members of Stewards de­ partment. The report accepted by. acclamation. Motion carried to have ship fumigated after every two round trips( coast'.vise). One minute of silence held for brother members lost at sea. XXX OTIS E. HALL, July 23 — Chairman. J. Barone; Secretary L. L, Elie. Motions carried: thai delegates ask Captain to have Steward leave icebox keys with Chief Cook while vessel is at sea; that any over­ time work topside quarters to be divided among the messmen and utilities, galleys and iceboxes to the cooks. Dele­ gates gave their reports. Good and Welfare: Crew warned against spitting in drin^pg fountain and throwing match sticks and butts in alleyways; men are to pick up cutlery and dishes after use, failure to do so to result in fines; screens for portholes to be placed on repair list; all beefs to be brought to respective delegates. XXX CLAYMONT VICTORY, July 27—Chairman Stanley Maggin; Secretary Leonard Pollock. Chief Steward objected to meet= ing being called against him. Motion carried to have messmen work their full required time so men on watch could get a full meal—Chief Steward promised his cooperation. Agreed that cooks and bakers be allowed to eat in their uni­ form hats; also men should ap­ pear in messhalls properly dressed. Patrolmen suggested more cooperation betwjeen crew and Chief Steward. XXX EDWARD L. LOGAN, (date not given) — Chairman Moss; Senetary Jillian. New Busi­ ness: Motion carried that one man from each department lie assign^ to clean laundry.Work {Continued on Page 11) cism of shipboard conditions, with the crew voting a recom­ mendation for Its rernoval and replacement with a new unit. The refrigerator has in an inoper­ able condition for five voyages, and has been proven beyond re­ pair. Stimulus was given to the crew's demand by the announ­ cement, that a shoreside refrigera­ tion mechanic, who had been called in to repair the defective unit, had condemned the pantry unit and claimed that it was be­ yond repair. Criticism was also leveled at the scuttlebutts now aboard. The refrigeration system in operation being either faulty or of insuffi­ cient capacity to be satisfactory on the tropical runs, a motion carried calling for new electric self-contained water cooling units to replace the scuttlebutts on the shelter and second decks. SCUPPERS STOPPED Next in the long list of motionswas one which hit at the conditibn of the laundry scuppers pre­ vailing for the past five trips. The motion stressed the sanitary im­ portance of cleaning the scup­ pers i.n order to stop the flooding of the laundry and the hospital when the room is in use. Among the other motions pass­ ed at the meeting were the fol­ lowing: that Delegates be in­ structed to have a three-man food committee come aboard check the Stewards stores and iceboxes, and to check the menus and make recommendations; that porthole fans be obtained for the crew's quarters; that the Stew­ ard dispose of weaveled flour, spoiled yeast and bread made thereof, - and that the fresh water shower system be repaired to in­ sure permanent and continued use. Two Vessels Ride Into Treuble The SS Charles Nqrdhofl, an Alcoa vessel, which ran aground off Moruga, Trinidad, and which was previously reported refloat­ ed, is Stil aground, according to a dispatch received by the New York Times from Port-Au-Spain. The Nordhoff was carrying a cargo of bauxite from British Guiana. A salvage vessel that left New '^ork for Trinidad is expected to reach Port-Au-Spain this week, the dispatch says. Attempts by two Army tugs to refloat the Nordhoff failed earlier in the week. Trouble was also reported off the Italian coast, where the SS Signal Hills, a 10-441-ton vessel operated by the Mississippi Ship­ ping Company, struck a mine. The ship, carrying UNRRA sup­ plies, was able to proceed under her own power to Naples for re­ pairs. �• Friday, October 18, 1946 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Eleyen Digested Minutes Of SfU Ship Meetings (Continued from Page 10) to be done during working hours. Motion carried that last stand by on each watch, clean mccshall. Carpenter willing to make two keys for each foc'sle upon request. To be asked at sea and not in port. Engine room delegate reports first As­ sistant painting in engine room. Wipers putting in for over­ time for this work. . , , . » 6 » MONROE JANE, June 30 — Chairman Schniederman; Sec­ retary R. "j. Ross. New Busi­ ness: Motions carried: that deck delegate see Mate regarding gangway watch; that linen be changed every Friday except when ship is at sea; thai Ordinary cleans a.'l crew rooms during morning work; that wiper make 10:00 a. m. coffee and ordinary make 3:00 p. m. coffee; that all crewmembers eeit within 45 minutes; that cups us^d after meals be cleaned by party using same. Discussion of standby on bridge be taken up with Patrolman on arrival in New York. i » » Look Your Best Will You, Fellas OREGON FIR. July 20 — Chairman B. Harrison; Secre­ tary D. E. Norris. List of equip­ ment and supplies necessary: Change water tanks, new pots and pans in galley, potato bin on deck, new mattresses for all bunks, new galley stove, file cabinet and settee for steward's room, and many others. Post notice on bulletin board telling crew to refrain from leaving towels in showers, throwing butts on inside decks, and big­ ger blackboard in mess hall. Investigate reason for not sup­ plying midnight launch for crew to return aboard ship in Belize, Br. Honduras. X i X There's Some Dirt Aboard The SS Wirt work straight through unlil noon as he has been doing. Mo­ tion carried that crewmem­ bers stay in their respective foc'sles. Suggestion to keep messhalls and pantry shipshape and messman to work until 10:00 a. m. as per agreement. Dishwasher refused to attend meeting. Complaint that there wasn't sufficient night lunch. One man short in Steward De­ partment. Steward Department members doing his work and to divide pay. Attempt to take man aboard in Naples, Italy. Ship's laundry reported beyond repair. Crew requests ham for hrepkfast and steak for sup­ per. Chief cook reported that there was enough ham for four meals and enough steak for two. Both were ordered, but not received. Request "that cattle­ men and crews loudspeakers be exchanged. XXX JULIAN POYDRAS, July 28 —Chairman J. Baron; Secretary P. Blair. New Business: Mo­ tion carried that anyone sell­ ing linen or food from the ship be reported to Union and the ship's master. Motion carried that^ no one would payoff until Patrolman comes aboard. List of fines posted on Bulletin Board. The three departments to take turns cleaning laundry room. All members to wear shirts in messhalls at mealtime. Ship's delegate to see Purser about slopchest prices. You HAVE BEEN OBL(GATED IN fORT, IT IS h/ar NECESSARY TO GO -THROUGH THE CEREMONY IN/ OTHER. FORTS, YOUR UNION GONSTITUTION DEFINES YOUR RIGHTS AND'DUTIES . YOUR CUNSTTUTION- KNOW \Ti CUT AND RUN The crew of the SS William Wirt have some doubts about the methods used to hire one of the The boys aboard the William firemen aboard. It seems that a H. Clagett weren't thinking of Fireman was not shipped through By HANK entering the Mr. America contest' the Mobile Union Hall, but came when they voted recently to get on in a pier-head jump. He Since we have a lot of items this week we've tried to make up one buck apiece to have their boarded the ship with a note from everything rather short but satisfactory . . . First of all, it's going pictures taken. They want to. the Coast Guard stating that he to be a sober but happy surprise to Brother Eddie Moody, the Sea­ look pretty for the birdie so the was to report for work on that faring bartender in New York's Midtown Cafe, who rushes faith­ Log can run their' picture as a date. He worked that day as a fully to read this bleeding dried-up column, hoping to read about 100 percent SIU crew. The boys Wiper and then did not work un­ some of the guys he knows . . . 'Well, there's Bosun Carl Lawson, also want copies to include til being signed on as a Fireman freshly arrived into town, we presume . . . Man, if you're sad and among their mementos of a good seven days later, just before sail­ thirsty for some belly-busting laughs, regardless of whether you're crew and solid Union Brothers. ing time. At the time he receiv­ from Texas or Thoid Avenoo, then bend your strike-beached ears to XXX We'll be looking for it—so watch ed four days' pay prior to signing that knot of oldtimers listening to happy-go-lucky Bob "Rebel" articles. da boidie! In Trieste Fouche, also known as Tex, painting their sad faces with beaming The crew called upon the Chief smiles . . . For instance, William Beng can't help himself from laugh­ X t % They Say "Si, Si" ing with the boys, too! ROBERT G. INGERSOLL, Engineer to explain the play. Is your appetite falling off? July 27—Chairman (not noted); His defense was that since the X X X X Secretary Helmuth Goering. man did not have a tripcard he Are you subject to hot and cold was sent to the Hall to get one. Harry "Happy" Harper was felling us in his black turfleflashes? "Y^eah—well, maybe it's New Business: Motion carried necked sweater, about seeing his pal, big Sam Drury, about a that shipping cards be picked At the Hall he was told that no romance you want. month ago—-and he should still be around, he thinks . . . There's up by next meeting. Suggested tripcards were being issued un­ If you do, if you're a lover or been plenty of busy guys in our town, indeed. A few of the are: that crew clear tables of cups less there were not enough book­ a lubber, then Brother, just make Johnny Weir, the financial wizard . . . and, of course, good old and wash same, eliminate noise men to fill all availabla jobs. So, sure that your next trip is to Michael Pappadakis, and his work with the belly-aching food in passageways at night; furn­ just before sailing, Mr. Blumer, Trieste, Italy, where Romance department. We wonder if he's still trying to get ice cream for ish extra pitchers in messhall; Alcoa Port Engineer, told the rides the range on all four. Engineer to hire him as the Hall the boys when Sunday comes around? . . . Jimmy Devito is have platform in deck depart­ In case you're scratching your could not furnish a man at the planning a splicy trip in November—and a landlubbing restful ment shower; place garbage head over the foregoing, we'd honeymoon to Mexico, too. Congratulations, Jimmy, and further aft; and extra plates of time of sailing. better tell you that it's not an mucho happiness! The crew is not satisfied with butter on mess tables. ad by a chamber of commerce, or his explaination and wants the XXX a local travel bureau. It's a X X X X RUFUS CHOATE, Sept. 14— Hall to see if a Wiper or^ Fire­ gentle hint dropped to the Bro­ Pete King, the cook, is still anchored in our town . . . Chet Pyc Chairman Ed Kelly; Secretary man was" ordered and whether thers by the crew of the SS Bien­ J. Van Demark. Good and or not the Hall was able to fur­ ville who say they ought to just come in from a trip—and it may have been another Isthmian one . . . Brother Arthur Cobb, of the Baltimore Strike Committee, Welfare: All delegates report nish a man at, the time. In ad­ know. writes and recommends that we give a good write-up about Alex that the portholes need repair­ dition, the crew would like to Hey you guys from the Bien­ Jonowski and his better half. Okay, Brother Cobb, we will^if Alex ing mattresses need replacing, know why the man was paid ville—ya sure there are no booby let's us know what to say, though ... It seems Mike Hughes, fire­ and the ship needs to be fu­ while the ship was in dry-dock. traps hooked up to this? man on the sand-boat. Steamer Rockwood, was such a true-hearted migated. This should be done i S- J. XXX baseball fan that when his choice team lusl ii upset his uverthne before next voyage. Suggested JOHN G. HIBBENS, July 7— RUFUS W. PECKHAM, July schedule badly . . . We're wishing all the luck in the world to that three keys be provided Chairman "Frenchy" Blan21—Chairman Hayes; Secrefary Rocky Benson who's dreaming of the North and to Bosun Luke Col­ for each foc'sle and keys should chard; Secrefary Ray Manno. H. Hunsiker. New Business: lins who's dreaming of the South. Open only individual fotfsle. New Business: Mblions carried: Motions carried: to accept all Steward Department has made that Steward be instructed to X X X X trip card men and recommend out a list of repairs for the gal­ have pantry and messrooms Meet Eddie Kelly: A fisherman at heart and a Navy veteran them for books; tht crew go ley which should be taken care painted immediately; that any­ of many years, this Seafarer told us about how he went fishing on record to have officials ob­ of before the next voyage. one leaving coffee cups, etc., on aboard a ship anchored off Gibraltar. Eddie and the Old Man. tain overtime for the segond Overtime beefs are being re­ tables or placing feet on messwho also loved the sport, went on the fan-tail for a few hours jcook and baker for baking corded to present to patrolman. hall chairs be fined $1.00. of doing the kill. There were no gamblers har.dging around their bread at night; that a list of re­ t 4 4 Money to be donated to the hooks so the Old Man got disgusted and hit his good old bunk. pairs be made up and turned HIBBING VICTORY, July 29 'Log; that ship's de'legate ask Eddie waited and landed a foot-long sucker. He woke the Old over to department heads; that —Chairman Rocky Benson; Captain to have Steward De­ Man up, showed him the prize, and the Old Man rushed down Charles Hunsiker not be allow­ Secretary A1 Kerr. New Busi­ partment toilet changed to star­ with his gear. The Old Man finally blew his cork when nothing ed to sail Deck department. ness: Motions carried: that each board side. It was agreed by showed up and screamed at Eddie:: "The next fish you catch After discussion it was men­ man do his job in the galley, so entire crew to keep all quar­ don't tell me about it," and rushed topside for some agonizing tioned that he is unable to per­ that no one man does more than ters clean for, the duration of sleep. form the duties required and if the other; that fresh stores be the voyage. he continues to sail on deck it brought aboard in each port; 4; XXX may be dangerous to his ship­ that the men in tSewards De­ Attention Brother Adam Karpowich: Your little pal, Benny mates. It was pointed out that CYRUS W. FIELD, June 23— partment work their full time Rabinowitz has left your paper.s. etc., in safekeeping on the Fourth the Deck Engineer, in direct Chairman H. Hicks; Secretary instead of screwing off; that Floor Baggage Room here in New York. Pick it up . . . Here's some violation of Union laws, signed Frank Teller. New Business: the crew give the Chief Stew­ oldtimers in various ports: in New Orleans—Louis Bollinger, An­ on before any of the crew. He Delegates reported everything ard full backing to run his de­ stated his mistake was purely dreas Swenson, C. Lowe, Carand Hansen, Thomas Pluunkett, Joseph shipshape. Deck delegate sug­ partment in anyway he sees fit unintentional. One minute of Pullen, Gregory Morejon, A. E. Zielinski, Harry Halbot and Joseph gested that Carpenter take cof­ to furnish more and better Ancona. silence for lost brothers. fee time ^ 10:00 a.' m. and not grub. cAt'Cir. .. . •• �r Jf« S1E A F A R EUS "LVt} "Va^ Twi^ Ttida^, OclolMy liB, 1946 B;EL,l^YKOBBER HAS HEADACHES AND IS LOSING HIS HAIR Dear Editor: I suppose it is q^ite a rare in­ cident getting a beef from a bellyrobber, but here is one that should have been aired some­ time ago. This is not an un­ usual occurence, since I have had this same beef before. Here is the set-up: The new crop of roast beef and brown gravy Chief Cooks we are gettiiig on our SIU ships those days seem to come aboard with one idea—"I am the chief cook and I give the orders in the gal­ ley." This is all well and good, because it would sure take a helluva lot of worry off this bellyrobber's mind if he could get a cook to run the galley as it should be run, and be able to cook as well. These youngsters are fairly passive for the few days in port, but as soon as the whebl starts turning, this is just about the score on what we poor despon­ dent souls are in for: "Steward, I don't want you fooling around in my galley, and don't stick your nose in my pots." He appoints the second cook •to take care of his cold meats, •the galley range and anything else that doesn't come under the heading of roasting meat, making gravy or soup. So much for what we have to contend with from •that angle. Now from another angle we have the rest of the crew breath­ ing down my neck simply be­ cause the last ship they were on the Steward had their laun­ dry and lava soap and washing powder. Well, on this tub, each department head has these ar­ ticles for his crew. You know it seems like some fellows hate to O0^S>! NDC0C?ttlES sees » WITH THS OAVA? wake up the First Assistant or the First Mate^ but don't mind knocking on your door at three am. to inform you the night lunch has run out. Why, no later than today I had one Brother interpret the paragraph pertain­ ing to the dinner hour as from 11:30 to 1 p.m., while he was reading the thing right at the time. Another wants cookies for coffee time, and I thought the 2nd Cook and Baker had too much work to do as it is. Such headaches. Well, Ed, in closing I would like to hope the Union will come through with an itemized list of each man's work in the Stewards department to be placed aboard each ship, and I do hope it will arrive in tune to save this scant supply of hair I do have left. , 1 wish to take this opportunity to thank all our Brothers for the wonderful way x>ur raise was, handled. Also wish to say hello to Brothers Stone, Fi^er, Hart and last but no ways least, to my A Seaman's Dream By MARVIN BOULDIN The Master is signing on a new crew. On a beautiful ship shiny and new; Galley in marble white and clean. Doors and ports of silver screen; Revolving ranges—cooks sit still. Self-balancing pots that never spill. ioo IA/0A)T1>D7WIS WHEN m GBX THE zAC/TtwlAT/C SELF- / Phoio at -upper left shows one of the ore carriers that ply the Great Lakes as she was en­ tering a coal dock at Detroit. Directly above is the SS Ala­ bama. a Lake's passenger steamer, coming through the "Soo" (Sault Ste. Marie) locks while out on a cruise. Picture at left was taken from starboard side of an ore carried as the spray came up on her portside. Herb Jansen sent them in. X Ropeyarn Paddling Bayous On Mad Mission For Orson New Orleans, La., September 30th (Special to the Log) Dear Editor: I know that you are going to accuse me of being one of these here 'Gumbo-Gallociker's' on ac­ count of me being situated all of these weeks right down here where gumbo is the national soup. The other day Ed, I was out in a small village of Orleans Parish doing a little politicking for our friend and candidate, Mr. Orson Farfufnick and I really learned how important it is to know your gumbo. They say Ed, that the people down here in this Parish don't really have any names, each family is known to the other by the kind of gumbo they make, 1 mean by that Ed, some are shrimpers, crayfishers, catfishers, tad-polers and etc. In other words a general dukes' mixture of everything that swims, crawls or creeps. Well Ed, 1 sure got banged-up on this gumbo tradition. 1 was trying to get Or.son in good with these Cajuns, and was telling good friends Freddie and Ber­ nard Stewart in the New York Hall. Hope to grab a tub coming your way soon. It's always good to drop in for a glad hand shake and a drink at the nearest gin mill. Yours for a bigger SIU and better meat burners. Harold Du Cloux SS Bienville (at sea) them how much he was going to do for everybody whdn he got down to Washington. Of course, Ed, I remembered not to mention that Orson 'wasn't labah's friend.' That smart remark didn't do much good Ed, for these folk's aren't interested in much work anyway. About the hardest work they do is paddling a pirogue (Bato-Boat) up some bayou look­ ing for whiskey or fish. One old Cajun got really in­ terested Ed, and he say to me. to Hep roCAM "is thees fellah Orason the Far­ fufnick, beeg mans. I said. Oh, shore feller, he is a very big man, he is nine foot tall. Well Ed, you orta heard the come-back on this one from that old man. "Ah thees mans the Or-a-sens the fur-neck, must be a strange creature, having the legs of the kangaroo, and the neck of the giraffe, I no vote for sucha one who has the looks so strange." Our friend and candidate the Honorable Orson Farfufnick has arrived down here in New Or­ leans Ed, but thus far hasn't X Thanks Brothers On Geo. Washington Dear Editor: I wish to express my apprecia­ tion to the Brothers on the SS George Washington. The help and concern which they demon­ strated during the accident I sustained in the Port of Bermuda brings home to me very clearly that we are Brothers indeed. My thanks to them all. BALAA/CWG POTS/ Crews mess of mahogany and cedar, too. Leather-backed chairs on swivel and screws; Fo'c'sles lined with easy chairs Portable bars in refreshing pairs; St. Peter is the Patrolman aboard With books stamped paid in the name of our Lord. The engine room is gold and green, Untarnishable bright work al­ ways clean; Golden bearings and other such. Refrigerated steam pipes you love to touch; Water lines filled with beer and - ale. With whiskey and soda by the pail; She's loaded with stores and slops so true. And everything is free for her able crew. Roberto Hannibal Her bridge and pilothouse is a grand affair scheduled any meetings and I You stand the watch sitting in a comfortable chair; think he must be figuring out one of them 2 x 4's to be nailed The Mate will bring you a fool stool, loo. in his platform for us seamen. I And play cribbage all watch shor hope old Orson don't do with you. like the average run of politicos in selecting timber for seamen. Friends and comrades we know You know most of them Ed, in­ so well. stead of nailing in a plank for a Taken from us by war's inhu­ .seamen'they just skip over the man hell; allotted space where the plank We've stood -our -watch, our bell orta go and leave a GREAT BIG has rung, CRACK BLANK*-' • . A berfh from the Master we have won. Ed, I suggested the other day On His celestial ship, the SS to Orson that a good piece of Seaman's Dream, timber to go into his platform Manned by the unsung heroes of might be a clean-up ca*ipaign on the Merchant Marine. the Marine Hospitals scattered throughout the Ports, and fix it so that a seaman could get in His Folks Like and get a bed before some WPA The Seafarers Log, Too worker kicked the bucket. I need say Ed, that Orson, accord­ Dear Editor: ing to the rule of most politicos, After having brought the Log said he would take it under con­ home from the Hall se-^eral sideration. Well, that i "some­ times, I found that my folks are thing anyway Ed, even if such is greatly interested in each issue. only considered it shows that Therefore, I would like to have the SIU membership is not going it sent to me at home. to give these aspiring politicians Hope that we may be sailing any rest until they get on the again soon. ball. Charles B. "Wallace Ropeyarn Cambridge, Mass. ' �r mm smAWArnvms Ffidayi OotabM*-18« IMft Seafarers Tops The Field In Gains Made For Seamen MATE REPLIES TO CHARGE MADE BY CREWMEMBERS Dear Editor: for their efforts. The crumbs In your October fourth issue of Dear Editor: The maritime world has seen were hurriedly gobbled up and the Seafarers Log I came across great things happen during the everything was once more hotsy- 'a very interesting article, "Don­ past few months. While many of totsy, as they say in the night ald delegates give lowdown on these are now a component of habitats along Broadway. It was their departments." I was Chief Mate of the John history, some promise to become the most deplorable, and certain­ legend wherever seamen may ly the most stupid bungling of A. Donald on the trip n.cntioned Curran's in the article and after the pres­ henceforth gather to swap yarns. the seamen's rights. Most important in the latter move, becomes much more odi­ ent strike is settled I expect to group, of course, is the maturity ous, when one remembers that it go back to the same ship, in the MEN AT SEA DURING BIG BEEF and prestige that has come to the was this same character who had same capacity. My comments have only to do WILL GET STRIKE CLEARANCE Seafarers through its absolute previously promising his follow­ with the paragraph concerning victory over the Wage Stabiliza­ ers a flat $200 per month. Perhaps you can clarify a matter that has been in the minds of the Deck department. There is tion Board. Most sickening of We now look this way— many men who wei-e out at sea during the General Strike, and the lot, and worthy of the choco­ Just about the time when the nothing personal in my remarks were, therefore, unable to perform picket duty and otherwise take late-coated marbles, was the unsuspecting, dopes from 17th against the Brother who served part in the prosecution of the strike. NMU's kowtowing to the Gov­ Street were sold down the river, as Deck Delegate, it's merely ernment last June, for the paltry we of Beaver Street were also on that I want to help straighten We would like to know what our status is in regard to strike total of $17.50. That sell-out sired the market for higher wages. For him out on a few points as he clearance. What provision has been made to consider those of us two results. Directly, it under­ a time, the NMU deal proved a still believes he was done in­ who unavoidably were out at sea at the time, although we were mined NMU chances for higher bitter pill to .swallow, but un­ justice. anxious to be right at the scene of the big beef? Will we get clear­ wages; indirectly, it forced the daunted, the SIU-SUP continued The Deck Delegate in his re­ ance? SIU-SUP hand, an action which bickering with the operators. port referred to me as a "Bucko —JOE GRIMES culminated in the vindication of Seafarer obstinacy finally won Mate". Well, now, that is really Answer: Those who were out at sea during the General all who earn their bread on ships. the long tug o' war but unfortun­ funny. With the exception of the Strike and who have discharge papers as evidence will be able But let's examine the case. ately the $17.50 that had attract­ Deck Delegate and two Ordinary Last June, the Corals were ed the NMU, barred the way to Seaman the whole deck depart­ to get strike clearance. When you pull into the States go to the hopping all over the reservation a final settlement. Because the ment wanted to make another Strike Clearance Committee in the port where you tie up, pre­ and threatening to go on the war­ WSB was of the opinion that trip and they would have made it sent your discharge papers, and you will be issued a Strike path if wage demands at that NMU "gains" be upheld as stand­ if the strike hadn't come along. clearance Card. time under progress, were turned ard for the entire industry, the Some of these men have made down. Victoi-y would have been SIU-SUP increases were twice three and four trips on the Don­ ald and ther must be something theirs had better blood coursed denied. vegetables and ice cream are also through their veins, but some­ they like about the Deck De­ SS EVELYN CREW abundant now. But the Government arbiters how, the operators closed in on partment or they wouldn't be re­ THANKS TILLEY were up against a different ^ang Well, the strike came along and top CIO officials in Washington. turning. FOR GOOD JOB this time. The seamen that now all of us piled off to do our share, The Deck Delegate mentioned Just what the marine magnates faced them, were a determined that this was no ship for an old- Dear Editor: but somehow we feel that Brother told the CIO bigwigs is a matter and fanatical bunch. No intimi­ Tilley did more than his share. of conjecture, but common infor­ timer. Bj» that he must have The crew of the Bull Line ship He was chosen picket dispatcher dation, no threats, no denials, in meant someone who growls mation has it, that they succeed­ fact, nothing that had succeeded everytime he is told to do some- SS Evelyn wishes to go on record in the port of Baltimore where ed in forcing the CIO high com­ in silencing the NMU could now please—work when you feel like in the Seafarers Log extending we were tied up. Tilley's work mand to back-water. The NMU, be used as an effective deterrent. it—consider all officers as "Cap­ our best wishes and thanks to was 20 hours a day from the time was in turn cued to fall in line The new dispute centered around tain Bligh's"—don't speak to of­ the strike started until it ended. and accept the $17.50 being of­ Brother Ernest Tilley. While he Even when his voice began troub­ gains that had been garnered over ficers, and consider it a crime to was aboard the Evelyn as Ships fered, lest all negotiations find a fair counter, and^ as far as the ling him he kept on plugging a resting place down a reluctant make more than one trip. Seafarers and the Sailor's Union Delegate, Brother Tilley helped away catching what sleep he So, to you seamen who read scupper. Once this advice was were concerned, it was either put could in the Hall. us in adjusting and ironing out this letter (if. it is printed), I'm heedetf, the Federals promptly up, or shut up. What happened all our beefs. The settlements Our lines in Baltimore were 100 not covering up for myself, I'm decreed the recalcitrants the has made history. The Interna­ were made to the satisfaction of per cent effective by having our only giving the facts of what meager amount already mention­ tional chose the strike weapon all concerned. men at all times around the en­ really happened, and incidental­ ed. and disgraced the WSB publicly. ly if you want to go through the tire port. The strike is over, and One of our main beefs was It was rank appeasement, but Today,, the waterfront is a we won. Thanks again Tilley, we trouble of verifying my letter ask fresh milk. We were given one despite the fact that it was only much cozier place to live in. To­ saw you work and we appreciate pint a day for three days; the crewof the SS John A. Don­ a drop in the bucket, and in­ through his action we now re­ it. tended solely to pacify an unruly day, the seaman, stands on the ald. Signed by 27 crewmembrs Henry Ziobro# Chief Mate ceive one quart and a half a day mob, Joe Curran and his hench­ threshold to better things. E. Cintmn SS- John A. Donald for all five days of our run. Fresh of Ihe SS Evelyn men thought it sufficient reward -<1 Retired SIU Seafarer Is Hankering Again For The Sea : -ial (L. to r.) Seafarers Davis. Reha and Frank,, who were aboard the Shickshinny with Brother Greenlee back in the rugged'days of 1942, Dear Editor: In going through some of the pictures I have here at home, I found some that you may like to use in the Log, Most of them are of the old SS. Shickshinny, a South Atlantic rustbucket, al­ though, she wasn't a rustbucket then. That was in early 1942. We had' a very good crew, and WB brought: her into New York, clean af ter six: months around In­ dia. The Shickshinny, as. you know, was-a Hog Islander. In my opinion, .the "Hogs" were-better than the Liberties are now, I have just retired my book as I am working ashore now driv­ ing a yellow cab. It is. a. union outfit being contracted to the Teamsters and Chauffeurs, AFL. I have been a piecard in the: SIU in New York, L also took, part in several strikes^—which we won. I am still for the SIU even though I" have retired my book, and I would do anything I could A view of the Shickshinny's deck from aft looking, forward. Also aboard Ihe vessel on a trip, to India were (1. to r.) Brothers Kelly, Priest, Campbell and three gunners. in the past five or six years will to help my seafaring friends and show. the Union. (Editor's note: John L. Lewis, This job won't, last forever, and during the strike, sent a tele­ Fli be sailing again one of these gram to the Union supporting days. You know the: old saying: its stand, and expressing his "Once a sailor, always, a sailor." belief in our ultimate vic­ Since when did John L. Lewis tory. He offered cash sup­ help us organize to fight the port, if needed. It was not WSB? I read this in an article in needed, howeven as the Union a paper about his helping us in was financially well able to the strike^ and- making: it. possible handle the situation on its own.) for us. to win against: the WSB. My wife, who is writing this We have some very citable for me, was also with the SIU, men in the SIU, as our progress working as a secretary in^ the-New Orleans branch for a whil|> in 1945. She, too, is a firm believer in the Union. Oh yes, how about send­ ing some Logs to the Teamsters and Chauffeurs, Local 505, Himtington. West Va, I would appre­ ciate it if you would take care of this matter, as a Union paper like the Log always has articles of interest to every union man. Best regards to all my old friends. Hope to be with them again soon. H. W. Greenlee �•- t~_". ''•'^^^* -'^ - THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Fourteen Friday. October 18. 1946 ^IILRB Begins Count In Isthmian Election (Continued from Page ]) Finally, the fateful day for the beginning of the voting by IsthmiSn crewmen rolled around— March 19—and what happened? When NLRB, SIU and NMU representatives attempted to board Isthmian ships, they were prevented from doing so by highbanjled company guards acting on orders from high-up Isthmian officials. For ten days. Isthmian successfully prevented any NLRB, SIU, or NMU representa­ tives from getting on board any of their ships. Then on March 29, as a result of the militant action and press­ ure of the SIU, Isthmian finally capitulated. Isthmian finally con­ ceded defeat in their attempt to prevent Isthmian seamen from selecting the union of their choice to i-epresent them in col1 e c t i ve bargaining proceedings with the company, and permit­ ted the posting and voting of • their ships in accordance with the NLRB directive. First ship to vote in the long string of 86 was the Mobile City. She was voted in New Orleans on March 29, and her crew hung up-a resounding 85 percent vote in favor of the Seafarers. This despite the fact that the NMU or­ ganized a regular parade down past the Mobile City with some crew members from an NMU ship docked near her, and with all of their usual razzle-dazzle and ballyhoo. Mobile City crewmembers lin­ ed the side of their ship, laugh­ ing at the NMUers parading by their ship in vain. Finally, one lone Isthmian seaman from the Mobile City joined the ballyhoo parade. The NMUers, with the one poor Isthrhian victim, lined up in front of the Mobile City and had their picture taken just as though they were Mobile crewmembers. In short order after the Mobile NORFOLK INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS D. Smith, $10.00; J. D, McDaniel. $50.00; B. M.' Danner, $10.00; C. T. Jones, $11.00; N. A. Wynn, $11.00; D. Visser. $11.00; H. L. Brady, $10.00; O. B. Wrenn. $10.00; O. B. Wrenn, $1.00; H. K. Barnes. $10.00; W. A. Yahl, $13.00; S. K. McFarland, $12.00; J. L. Siblex, $12.00; R. J. Paul. $50.00; J. McRae, $10.00. F. E. Cizewski, $10.00; J. B. Baker. $2.00; J. W. Lewis. $50.00; P. O. B. Hager. $10.00; W. L. Hammock. $10.00; J. C. Casey. $11.00; L. M. Beale. $50.00; O. T. Roue. $11.00; G. C. Hobbs. Jr.. $12.00; D. P. Meggs. $45.00; W. Winslow, $10.00; G. McGehee, $10.00; R. N. Mahone, $11.00; T. Foster. '$ 1 1.00; D. Perry. Jr.. 10.00; J. H. Gurganus. $10.00; M. W. Ambrose. $50.00; J. White, $100.00; S. Hinton. $10.00; W. LaChance, $15.00. W l|' If?' to. • NEW YORK City, the William N. Byers, Ni­ caragua Victory, Mandan Victory and the Thomas Cresap all voted. Aboard the Marine Fox, Isth­ mian's largest ship, the large crew followed the overwhelming SIU trend. During the ensuing months, ship after ship voted for the SIU. Although an occasional crew chose the NMU, the overall aver­ age was maintained at around 2 to 1 in favor of the Seafarers In­ ternational Union. SHIPS WHICH VOTED Following is a cuinplete list of the Isthmian ships, crews of which voted in the collective bar­ gaining election: Alamo Victory, Anson Jones, Argonaut, Anniston City, Baton Rouge Victory, Bea­ ver Victory, Cape Martin, Cape Orange, Cape Junction, Clyde L. Seavey, Carlton Victory, David D. Field, Eastpoint Victory, Ed­ mund Fanning, Ensley City, and Francisco Morazan. Sovereign of the Seas, Steel Engineer, Steel Mariner, Steel Ranger, Stephen Girard, Thomas Cresap, Thomas Kearns, William B. Ogden, William D. Hoard, Wil­ liam Eaton, William H. Allen, William N. Byers, William Glackens, William McCracken, Winthrop L. Marvin, William Whip­ ple, and the Zane Grey. With all of these ship's crews voted, only the Atlanta City and Pere Marquette were by-passed. Both of these vessels are still in the East, and although both are pro-SIU, their combined vote Yahl, $3.00; J. T. Watt, $1.00; C. Whitley, $1.00; G. C. Hobbs, Jr., $1.00; J. B. Thomassen. $2.00; A. R. Dupree, $1.00; H. Winston, $2.00; H. L. Horton, Jr., $1.00; S. B. Hinton, $2.00: R. K. Barbee. $1.00; L. W. Ahge, $1.00. SS HUTCHINSON Allan P. Todd, $2.00; Jos. H. Smith. $2.00; James. F. Lutes. $1.00; E. Cottes. $1.00; R. Bauer, $2.00; V, Fgrniashis, $2.00; H. E. Miller, $1.00. INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS W. Kenny, $2.00; M. McDonagh, $2.00; H. Small. $2.00; F. L. Verner. $1.00; C. DeMarco. $1.00; F. McGillicuddy. $2.00; Thomas Keating. $ 1.0&; L. Durham. $2.00; O. Price. $2.00. Tony Muscat. $1.00; Walter Swokla, $2.00; R. Miers. $2.00; T.. W. Styron. $2.00. PHILADELPHIA INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS Crew SS J. P. Mitchell—$ 15.00. C. Shroeder, $2.00. SS COLOBEE SAVANNAH T. D, Cannon, $2.00. SS WEBB MILLER SS AM MER MAR A. Colon, $1.00; C. Mautzakos, $2.00; J. Hillary, $2.00; J. Bergstrom, $1.00; 1. Gallndez. $1.00; R. Parady, $1.00; C. R. Bigley, $1.00; William Ptak, $2.00. A. Leuth. $2.00; O. Fleet, $1.00; L. ' SS G. PICKETT Franken, $2.00; J. Barker, $1.00; J. H. R. Welsh. $1.00; P. S. Alonzo. Rivera, $2.00; F. Miller, $2.00; S. Harf $1.00; R. C. Richardson, $2.00; C. W. $1.00; T. Dzeidzic, $1.00; R. Nylandr Wells, $2.00; J. E. Nelson, $4.00. $2.00; H. Vingen, $1.00; C. Suttles, ^ $1.00; C. Pye, $1.00; W. Riley, $2.00; SS SEA CARP L. G. Dixon, $2.00^^ H. Culbertson, G. Gunderson, $1.00; E. Ortiz. $1.00; $1.00; G. H. McGehee, $2.00; W. A. A. Goldsmith, $5.00. as the sole bargaining agent for Isthmian unlicensed seamen will be a mere time consuming for­ mality. After that, comes contract ne­ gotiations, and that's the time when Isthmian seamen will be­ gin to reap the harvest—a con­ tract bringing to all Isthmian sea­ men the same high wages, over­ time, working and living condi­ tions as what the average Sea­ farer now enjoys. Complete, de­ tailed figures will be printed in the pages of the Log as soon as they are released by the NLRB. . AND THESE ARE SOME OF THE BOYS THAT DID IT Francis Drake, Frank Wiggins, Golden West, Gabriel Franchere, George M. Bibb, George Reade, George Uhler, Grange Victory, Hawkins Fudske, Horace Mann, Horace Wells, Hubert Bancroft, J. Sterling Morton, James Ives, James McCosh, James L. Breck, Jeremiah S. Black, Joaquin Mil­ ler, John B. Payne, John Con­ stantino, John Mosby, John Wanamaker, Kathleen Holmes, Kelso Victory, Kenyon Victory, and Lynn Victory. Mandan Victory, Marine Fox, Mary A. Livermore, Memphis City, Michael Pupin, Monroe City, Montgomery City, Nicar­ agua Victory, Norman E. Mack, Ocean Telegraph, Peter V. Dan­ iels, Red Rover, Robert C. Grier, St. Augustine Victory, Samuel Mclntyre, Sea Hawk, Sea Hydra, Sea Lynx, Sea Phoenix, Sea Trit­ on, Sea Fiddler, Sea Flasher, Sea Scorpion, Sea Stallion, Steel Electrician and Steel Inventor. would have little effect on the election's outcome. As a result, even though the SIU would have welcomed their votes, it is now much more important to get the counting over so that Isthmian will be forced to sit down across the bargaining table with the SLU. Yes, the- big task is over. The" big task of organizing the largest dry cargo outfit in the U. S. is finally finished. Actual counting of the" ballots, which started to­ day, will take only a short time. Then, the certification of the SIU We wish we could print all the pictures: the organizers, shoreside and those who left Union conditions to ship under the finky Isthmian set-up; the crews who, given a chance to vote, chose the Seafarers as the union of their choice. And then again, after the vote has been announced and Isthmian is officially SIU, maybe we will. These men deserve all the honor we can give them. Here, however, we have three crews who v/ent Seafarers over­ whelmingly. On top are sea­ men of the Marine Fox; at the right is the crew of the Mobile City; while below are the men of the William N. Byers. liiliiii "- 1 �. "-•:; T"- Friday, Oclabax 18» 194& •• Page Rfieen TBE SEAFARERSLOG BULUSTDi -J- il GUN CREW Cadd, John Calzada, Ignacio Cantini, Pat. J. Carananica, E Calling, Frank N. Carter, James L. .... Carlson, Clifford E, Chapman, R. M Chase, Albert E. ... Chrismer, Bryon F Clar, Paul C Clements, W. E. ... Clinton, Griffin H. Cochran, C CochranP; D. • Collettc, A. Connoly, Wm Corps, Clifford R. . Courtney, C Cronen, Wm 13.50 75 2.25 12.00 75 75 75 .75 75 3.00 75 .75 3.00 4.50 4.00 18.75 8.10 .75 2.25 34.00 K- . —Unchiimed Wages— Mississippi Shipping Company, Inc. SiU HALLS NEW YORK 51 Beaver St. HAnover 2-2784 BOSTON 276 State. St. Bowdoie 4455 Bowdoin 4055 (Dispatmer) BALTIMORE ,.,14 North Car St. Calvert 4539 PHILADELPHIA 9 South 7 th St. Phone Lombard 3-7651 NORFOLK 127-129 Bank Street 4-108.3 CHARLESTON 68 Society St Phone 3-3680 NEW ORLEANS 339 Chartres St. Magnolia 6112-13 220 East Bay St. 2.25 SAVANNAH 3-1728 2.25 MOBILE 7 St. Michael St. 2-1754 6.75 45 Ponce de Leon 2.25 SAN JUAN, P. R San Juan 2-5996 13.50 GALVESTON 30Sli 22nd St 2-8448 8.25 TAMPA 1809-1811 N. Franklin St. 30.00 M-1323 920 Main St. 9.00 JACKSONVILLE Phone 5-5919 .75 PORT ARTHUR ..909 Fort Worth Ave. Phone: 2-6532 11.25 1515 75th Street 9.75 HOUSTON Phone Wentworth 3-3809 11.25 RICHMOND, Calif 257 5th St. SAN FRANCISCO 59 Clay St. Garfield 8225 SEATTLE 86 Seneca St. 1.75 Main 0290 Ill W. Burnside St. 13.25 PORTLAND 440 Avalon VIvd. 2.25 WILMINGTON Terminal 4-3131 42.50 HONOLULU 16 Merchant St. , 10 Exchange St. 4.50 BUFFALO Cleveland 7391 42.50 CHICAGO 24 W. Superior Ave. Superior 5175 2.25 1014 E. St. Clair St. 6.75 CLEVELAND Main 0147 2.25 DETROIT 1038 Third St. Cadillac 6857 18.75 I DULUTH 531 W. Michigan St. 4.50 Melrose 4110 602 Boughton St. 2.25 VICTORIA, B. C 144 W. Hastings St 3.00 VANCOUVER MARCUS HOOK 1 Vi W. 8th St. Chester 5-3110 This list comprises unclaimed wages as of December 31, 1945, some of which may have already been paid. If you still have a claim, write to Mississippi Shipping Company, Hibernia Bank Bldg., 13th floor, New Or­ leans, La., enclosing your z-number, social security number, date and place of birth and present address. Harvey, T. Jr Hauk, Vernal E Haulbrook, J. D Hedaiaoyeh, S Hendricks, J Hensman, Aruel Henson, Allen C Henson, H. W Herbert, R. L Herman, Phillip Hicks, Robert Hilgardner, M. A Hill, Kenneth E Hirak. George Hnatnik, Stephen Hogarity, John Holcomb, R. W Horning, R Hotchkiss, J. E Hoyt, Clyde Hughes, E. H Hughes, Thomas F Hughes, W. G Humphrey, James Hunt, Paul L. ^ Hunter, C. E Jacobs, W. E James, Robert F 4.50 2.25 6.75 13.50 3.00 .75 1.50 4.50 2.25 12.00 14.00 2.25 2.25 2.25 11.25 25.50 5.40 2.25 11.75 2.25 6.75 1.50 6.75 .75 9.00 1.50 2.25 2.25 McKenzie, James McKnoorhead, R. M. McNab, Geo McNelly, J. N. Jr. Mabe, Loff C Mackey, J. B Madison, Wm Maisey, G. H Majeski, Edward .... Majkrzak, Leo J Malcomb, Jesse V. , Maloney, D. J Manley, Edw Margon, F. E Martin, James Melvin, Ivan Miller, A. J Miller, Chas. F Miller, E. A Miller, Earl M. ...*. Mills, R Miskos, J. F Mock. P Mondo, Anthony Montgomery, D. F Montgomery, J, T. Jr Moore, Dean, M. Moore, H Morelli, A."J Morgan, B. P. .. Morris, B. J Moska, Louis Mull,sap, H. J Mulsey, A. J .. .. .. 4.50 4.50 2.25 9.00 1.50 42.50 ..... 2.75 6.75 25.50 75 2.25 13.50 2.25 6.75 25.50 2.25 11.25 4.50 12.00 2.25 8.25 3.00 2.25 2.25 75 2.25 75 6.75 1.50 4.50 2.25 6.75 10.75 4.50 Parker, R. F Payne, C. E Pescatelle, A Peterson, E. A Pettis, Buis Phillips. C Phillips, Horace : Phillips, M. C Piccione, J Pinault, Edmond A. Poletis, G. Jr Provino, J. C Dan, H de Fare, Basil :....^. de la Cruz, P. Jr Uemar, W. M ! Deoven, Amas, H. Jr Deresby, A. E Di Guglielmo, J. A Domlodovac, Frank Donovan, W. L. ... Dreher, R. B Drozdel, Wm. T. . Drzewiecki, E. C. Dukes, J. W .: Dunn, H. W Dunn, James Dunn, Wm. A 4.00 2.25 11.25 2.25 5.25 9.00 6.75 8.10 18.75 42.50 - 1.50 1.50 1.50 1.75 14.00 75 Easley, Jack T. ... Elder, Vernon O. Exley, F. L CORPUS CHRISTI . . 1824 Mesquite St .75 Sandoval, Louis H 18.00 .75 Saunderlin, R. E 9.00 2.25 2.25 Jenniss, Wm. J Sawyer, H. R 9.00 75 Johnson, Lucien B. Sayring, F. G 2.25 18.75 Johnson, W. A Schallick, J. H 8.50 2.25 Jones, Ben H 6.75 Schenberger, D 6.00 2.25 ABEL CREW DONATES 50 Joseph, Arthur A. Schulter, Hugo E 1.50 N 5.25 Jumison, Clarence . 2.25 The crew of the SS John Abel 6.00 .75 Scott, F. G 5.25 Neff, Denver M 42.50 Jones, Otis paid off in Portland, Maine on Sebest, John 2.25 ...... 6.00 Neidiger, Alfred CS. 4.50 30.00 Kapachus, H September 11, and donated $33. Shamblen, D. E 4.50 28.00 Nelson, R. W 2.25 6.00 Kasnat, Nicholas to the Seafarers in Staten Island Shoesmith, S 18.75 1.50 Newland, W 9.00 15.75 Kayrouz, Anthony M Marine Hospital. They wished to .75 2.25 Newmans, G. A 11.25 Keenz, H. C have this money divided among .75 ; 11.25 Nichols, Arthur 11-25 Kelley, Joseph M the men during the week of 2.25 2.25 Nichols, A. W 20.25 Kepinger, Roger October 7, 1946. 6.75 Nickle, M. D 2.25 13.50 Kew, Levy E t S. i Retirement cards being held in Kipp, H. W :. 2.25 2.25 Nigh, P. W 25.50 GEORGE HAASE. Jr. 2.25 Nipper, F. B 6.75 the Galveston Branch for the 75 Knight, Walter F , 14.00 Ohen, Hymon D 2.25 following: Call Harold Hoya Douglas and 4.50 Koenig, Irwin Card No. tell him v/here you are staying 6.75 Komitzsky, B 2.25 Oherholtzer, H. A 155 while in New York. 6.75 G. R. DeVane Krimer, Chas 5.25 dinger, R. S C. R. Johnston 25614 9.00 Olson, Carl W 1.50 9.00 Krise, J. M 4. i. 62 .75' R. D. Jones 9.00 Olthoff, Earl I 2.25 Kruell, C. W CHESTER SKSZKYNSKI 26763 2.25 Paul S. Foster 6.75 Orvin, D. L 6.75 Kuntze, L. J Your mother has not heard Chas. Witty ....: 26523 Kussick, J. J. 4.50 6.75 Owens, E. E 5.25 from you since you entered an Billy R. Palmer 38113 11.25 L P Olympia, Wash., hospital. Please Robt. E. Cruice 20963 5,25 3.00 Lancaster, C. L 2.25 Padclla, Frank .... get in touch with her as soon as Callen F. Bcebe 23063 • 2.25 6.00 Jas. E. Conwell 18.75 Palacez, Edward 21173 possible. 11.25 Leary, Richard 75 Palmer, I. R 6.75 Wm. H. Jones, Jr 23980 4. 4. 4. 9.75 Lecata, Dominic J Lee, James L. Sr 14.00 Parker, Luke W 42.50 DUKE HIMMLER Frank J. Devlin 430 2.25 2.25 Wm. J. Walker 32122 9.00 Lescallet, J SS Monlzuma Castle Lewis, E. M 50 Jack R. Little 30351 2.25 Please contact Second Cook 2.25 its. 2.25 Lewis, F Walter Blezer at 5225—14th Ave­ 2.25 \ P-A.UL GORDON GOODMAN 12.00 Lewis, J. E nue, Brooklyn 19, New York. 34.00 SS EDWARD RIPPLEY 6.75 Lewis, J. F Your draft registration card 44- 4. 2.25 2.25 Lipinski, F. V The two wipers who payed off has been found in the New York .2.25 last September in New York WHEELER C. VANDERSOL 75 Long, H. K 11.25 have money coming to them for Hall. You can pick it up by see­ Chief Cook or Steward 6.75 Long, Law L ing Freddie Stewart, 4th floor. 2.25 cleaning passageways. Wil you please get in touch 25.25 Longo, Leonard New York Hall. Lonhorn, Harry 10.50 with your daughter, Ruby, in t 3^ & 4" 4* S* Lorenz, Floyd 2.25 Mobile, Ala., at once. SS JOSEPH MCDONOUGH The following listed below who 3.00 Losee, Richard , 13.50 The following men have a missed the Bentz Fort, Beconhil 1.50 Lowe, M. B. 9.75 JOHN P. WILLIAMSON clothing allowance due them Tanker in Palestine have had 1.50 M from the SS Joseph McDonough, their gear left in .the Corpus Your discharges, lost in the 2.25 Overlakes Steamship Company. McCarthy, J. J. 11.25 Christi branch. South Atlantic office, have been 2.25 24.75 Saidor,. $227; McClintock, $300; Alfi-ed Daine, John Golfer, Ro­ turned in to the patrolmen on 2.25 McDermott, J. fi 75 McKee, Warren H., 11.25 and McCall, $260. Write to the bert Barth, Roy Mpnroe, Lyle the 5th floor of the New York V.Ik, Cauley, Phil Wildt, Glenn Brooks. Hall. , •21.25'; Cuiii^llSr or caO: at its office. 6rr7&, Fanchez, J Fergu.son, H. H Fitzpatrick, A. B Flagg, F. E Flora, Donald Fiveash, Julius Fogle, Chas. F Foland, L. M Foley, Ray P Fox, Leonard W Frandino, Joseph Frigon, Arthur Fucila, Ralph F Futsch, C. R : R Raskettor, J. M Reams, R. E Reynolds, R. W Rice, Leon Rightmire, G Roadheaver, M. L Roberts, J. D ....../. Rodgers, G. C. Rollins, G. E. . Rouleau, F. E Rowell, D. M Ruppert, W. L Russo, John PERSONALS NOTICE! G Galle, Alexander Gamble, Don Gastmon, Win Gibbs, John D Ginneman, W. E Glass, Robert Goick, J. A Golden, M. J Goldstein, Chas Gomblin, W. C Goodreau, J. F. Jr Grant, John H Griffeo, Wayne E Grigorie, Emory Grinberg, A. L Grindle, Richard C Groiber, August Grower, W. E Gueing, W. H MONEY DUE R Halefield, J Halpainy, Karl K ,—. Hampton, Jobie P Hare, Wilton .... Hai-man, Raymond;: ........... Harmonson, J. B, ................ . • �•:^'• ^ J'"" . P«Sa Sixteen •' /J " THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, October 18, 1948 ir.' 1 YOU (MTomsimim POWR i OF THE AFLMRITIMi TRADES DEPT.!!! I I 1 6I^OUPIN6 WATeRFROWT r • ta;..-- r t. I:: S-' I"fe^, r*,-: ? •^' ,•- ' ( � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource October 18, 1946 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. VIII, No. 42 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Description An account of the resource Headlines: CREDENTIALS OF '47 CANDIDATES ARE CHECKED MM&P WILL ASK GENERAL STRIKE TO ANSWER STALL NLRB BEGINS COUNT IN ISTHMIAN VOTING AFL CONVENTION VOTES AID TO EUROPEAN UNIONS A FIRM STRUCTURE SIX THOUSAND PROTESTS AN EXPANDED EDUCATION PROGRAM IS NEEDED TO TEACH UNION DUTIES ISTHMIAN SKIPPER SAVES DOUGH BY ELIMINATING CREW'S ILLNESS ISTHMIAN NEARS SIU CONTRACT; PROBLEMS YET TO BE FACED ASKS SIU AID EIGHT BEACHED GREEK SEAMEN PORTLAND YMCA GIVES SIU CREW A HELPING HAND COURTESY IS SOMETHING YOU WON'T FIND AT HUDSON, JAY ST. HOSPITAL CAPE FRIENDSHIP BEHAVES LIKE A REAL SIU SHIP HOUSTON SIU-SUP TIED-UP PORT PAYOFFS KEEP SAVANNAH GOING DURING SUCCESSFUL MM&P BEEF THE GOLD COAST IS STONE COLD AS MM&P STRIKE HITS STRIDE ACTIVITIES OF THE COMMUNISTS IN TRADE UNIONS START CAMPAIGN BY PRO-DEMOCRATIC LABOR FORCES PAYING OFF WITHOUT PATROLMEN MAY LEAVE YOU HOLDING THE BAG CORPUS CHRISTI REALLY TIED UP ARTICLE BY ANTI-LABOR FAKER STIRS UP HORNETS NEST IN SIU LAKES CLEVELAND CLIFFS COMPANY SPONSORS PHONY COMPANY UNION SWIVEL CHAIR SAILOR HITCHES HIS PAJAMA PANTS AND YEARNS FOR "GOOD OLD DAYS"--FOR OTHER GUYS JUST LEARNING THE HARD WAY TUBERCULOSIS CONTAGIOUS, NOT HEREDITARY: SOME FACTS ABOUT A CURABLE DISEASE 'NEWSWEEK' SEAFARER PUBLISHES MAGAZINE TO PROMOTE BROTHERHOOD CHOATE CREW HITS AT THE SLOPCHEST SAFETY, WELFARE MEASURES URGED BY CAPE NOME CREW TWO VESSELS RIDE INTO TROUBLE Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 10/18/1946 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1946 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/39fc986f98e0811c2d727692b6da6d41.PDF 2bd0009e51a7bffa19327efd1c453ade PDF Text Text Official Organ of the Atlantic and Gulf District, Seafarers International Union of North America Vol. viii. NEW YORK. N. Y., FRIDAY. OCTOBER 25. 1946 No. 43 SlU And Operators Come To Agreement On Contract; Called Best Ever For Seamen MM&P Asks Masters Be Covered By Pact New Contract Wins Seafarers Membership The Best Shipboard Working Conditions; Tribute To SIU Solidarity And Militancy NEW YORK, October 24—Pointing out that British Masters are members of 'unions, and that the principle had been in existence for many years in foreign merchant ser­ vices, the Negotiating Committee for the Masters, Mates, and Pilots have refused to sign a contract which would exclude Skippers from the Union Security clause. NEW YORK, October 24—The provisions for which the Seafarers Internation­ al Union have been holding out, and which will give the members the best conditions ever won by any union of merchant seamen, finally became a reality when nine oper­ ators signed an agreement late on Wednesday, October 23. The Union Negotiating Cofnmittee signed subject to ratification by the membership. The agreement w.as concluded between the SIU and the following operators: American Liberty Lines; A. H. Bull Steamship Company, Incorporated; Seas Shipping 4Company; Smith and Johnson.* Captain William Ash, who*South Atlantic Steamship Com-^^Q headed the Union's Negotiating pany; Baltimore Insular Lines;| O UMllllllla'LvO Committee, said that in asking Alcoa Steamship Company; East­ for Captains to be covered by ern Steamship Lines; and SeaUnion Security, the Union .was train Lines, Incorporated. not asking for a closed shop or Capitulation by the operators for union hiring hall terms for came after a long period of ne­ Masters. NEW YORK—A possibility that of the international body was gotiating, broken by the SIU He made it clear that only pledged at this time. A record total of 73 candidates Strike against the ruling of the preference in hiring would be the present struggle of the Mas­ In the event, however, that the WSB. have been certified as qualified given to the Union, and that the ters, Mates, and Pilots might take employer would still have the on international aspects, was ad­ AFL Maritime Trades Depart­ All terms of the agreement are to run for the 39 Union offices right to hire anyone as Skipper vanced recently at a meting be­ ment calls for a general strike of the best ever seen along the that will appear on the ballot, the maritime industry, in an ef­ waterfront, and in so far as Gen­ according to a report of the Cre-' as long as the vacancy was filled tween the International Trans­ fort to force the shipowners to eral Rules and Departmental dential Committee. 22 were dis­ by a member of the MM&P, in negotiate honestly with the strik­ Working Rules are concerned, the qualified, in the main because port workers Federation (ITF), good standing. ing deck officers, the ITF will Union Negotiating Committee not sufficient sea time was shown. and the AFL Maritime Trades As far as other conditions of also recommend a general strike. received practically everything Department. the contract are concerned, the Fourteen of the candidates are. At the meeting, where the ITF Committee would not state Such a strike would complete- that had been contained in the unopposed. Other offices will, whether or not there was a basis was represented by their Coor- ly paralyze shipping in all ports Union's original proposed agree- have as many as six men run-, dinating Committee, the support and countries where the Federa­ for settlement. Another victory for the Union ning for one position. They insisted that they would tion has affiliated maritime mem­ is in the fact that Standard, Voting wm commence on No­ hold out for inclusion of Cap-' bers. Since the ITF embraces all ment. vember .1 and continue through tains, and that there could be no European marine transport or­ December 31, 1946. The contract will be printed basis for settlement until this ganizations, there is no doubt that The candidates, as approved provision has been agreed to. a general strike would bring a in full in next week's edition by the Credentials Committed, The operators have already sig­ large percentage of the world's of the Log. follow: nified that lesser deck officers shipping to a standstill. CREDENTIAL COMMITTEE Transportation, Foreign Bauxite, CHICAGO, 111—Matthew Woll, 'would be included in the pref­ REPORT Present at the meeting were and Coastwise riders, have been second vice president of the erential hiring clause. inserted right into the body of representatives of the SIU and SECRETARY-TREASURER American Federation of Labor, PRESSURE WORKS JOHN HAWK—2212 has announced that a national the SUP, which organizations are the contract. This has never been The recent talks between the affilated with the ITF, and also done in the past. ASST. SECRETARY-TREAS. campaign among AFL affiliates MM&P and the shipowners have The bonus for crews on vessels Federation representatives from J. P. SHULER—101 been lield in the offices of Frank to raise funds to feed the officers Belgium, Denmark, Holland, and leaders of the "free trade un­ (Continued on Page 6) (Continued on Page 14) J. Taylor, in the American Mer­ France, Norway, Sweden, and the chant Marine Institute. This ions of Germany and Austria" National Union of Seamen of move from where talks were be­ has been launched recently. Great Britain. Food packages amounting to ing held in Washington was made Through the MM&P affiliation necessary when the Union Com­ $1 each were being sent each mittee walked out on the nego­ month to 500 European labor with the AFL Maritime Trades tiations when it became obvious leaders selected by the AFL, Mr. Department, the meeting was that the operators were stalling. Woll stated, and that the Execu­ made possible, and a direct af­ The Norweigian Government's when they gave up. their places That this tactic was successful tive Council of the AFL had filiation of the MM&P with the War Medal—symbol of heroism— in the lifeboats to the Norwegian • was proved when the operators appropriated $5,000 for the pur­ ITF is one of the most important refugees. frantically tried to bring the pose. Other donations of $5,000 subjects on the agenda of the was awarded this week to the The Bacon was part of a con? surviving Seafarers of the crew Union back to the bargaining each have come from the 'Inter­ National Convention voy that left Murmansk carrying sessions, and talks were resumed national Ladies Garment Work­ The action of the ITF in pledg­ of the SS Henry Bacon, sent to approximately 500 Norweigians • ers Union, the Brotherhood of ing support and cooperation at the bottom by an Nazi aerial tor­ at the AMMI a few days ago. fleeing the fascist invasion of Meanwhile, the MEBA has Railway Cilerks and the United this time, and with the promise pedo Feb. 23, 1945. their country, when a storm sep­ The decorations were made in completed negotiations and the Mine workers. that if necessary, they will set arated her from the other vessels. . recognition of the individual and contract is now subject to rati­ Mr. Woll pointed out that "We the wheels in motion for an The crew worked frantically to fication by the membership. De­ hope that every affiliate will international strike, has hearten­ collective performances of valor get the engines working so that displayed by the SIU men in tails of the provisions have not make a contribution and are so­ ed the striking licensed deck of­ she might catch up before dark. been released, but it was expect­ liciting the aid of'every state fed­ ficers no end, and proves again evacuating 19 Norweigians Just as the Black Gang had her ed that they would be made pub­ eration and central body to help the solidarity and unity of hon­ aboard the vessel before she ready to give the slow ahead, the lic at the time the result of the build up a free trade union move­ est maritime unions, not only in went down. Nine of the crew and (Continued on Page 14) MEBA balloting is announced. ment in Europe." U. S., but throughout the world." six officers sacrificed their lives ITF Pledges Aid To Mates In Fight Against Operators Are Certified For '47 Election Asks AFL Help Foreign Unions Norway Decorates The Surviving Bacon Seafarers For Rare Heroism m' J ..51 �"-Vi Page Two Friday, October 25,4946 TH^ S E4f 4Rl^n^ LOG SEAFARERS LOG Published Weekly ky the SEAFARERS INTERNATlONAf. UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Gqlf District Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor At 51 Beaver Street, New York, 4, N. Y. HAnover 2-2784 t It;' HARRY LUNDEBERG 4 4- » *• ------- President 105 Market Street, San Francisco, Calif. JOHN HAWK - -- - - -- - Secy-Treas. p. O. Box 25, Station P., New York CityEntered as second class matter June 15, 1945, at the Post Office in New York, N. Y., uiiuer the Act of August 24, 1912. 267 Out Of Proportion Having no aim in the labor movement other thaii to rule it with an iron hand or else disrupt it so that it will become ineffective, the small power groups in unions have a long history of dishonesty, disruption, and have always operated in such a manner as to do more harm than good. The noise these groups make is out of all proportion to their size of influence. American workers and Ameri­ can trade unions have generally been able to detect the false note in the siren songs with which these labor-fakers try to ensnare the workers. Some unions, have not been able to withstand the invasion, and these unions are the ones having all the trouble. In every union where the minority groups, following a line dictated by special interests, have gained control of a union, that union has seen the fight for higher wages and better working conditions dropped. This abandonment of labor's fight has always been followed by strict adherence to a "party line" which sprejids poison and kills off the honest elements iln the union. There is no objection to union members joining any political party they want to. It is when they attempt to subvert the purposes and ideals of the labor movement to their own dirty ends that it becomes a problem which af­ fects all labor. Therefore, it is obvious that trade union­ ists who follow the communits party line, or the line of any other narrow power-mad group, are a threat to free American labor. One instance will serve to point out this threat. When, during the war. President Roosevelt expressed a wish for a law to draft strikers, all labor immediately howled that this was an act leading to fascism. This, however, did not These are the Union Brothers currently in the marine hospitals, stop certain CIO union officials, charmed by the Moscow as reported by the Port Agents. These Brothers find time hanging line, from going to Washington and supporting the Presi­ heavily on their hands. Do what you can to cheer them up by writ­ dent's stand. ing to them. By no stretch of the imagination can such actions be NEW ORLEANS HOSPITAL CLIFFORD BORNE excused as beneficial to labor. The only possible reason PETER LOPEZ GEORGE FLETCHER these red fascists had was to keep the Soviet Union supplied' JOSEPH WALSH EDWARD CUSTER ROBERT HUMPHREY even at the expense of workers of the United States. | W. BROCE, Jr. MOSES MORRIS Other cases are much the same, and they bear out the LEONARD MELANSON ROBERT PROTHERO thought that there is no place in the labor movement for, LEX FANJOY CHARLES DUNN those who have a "special interest" axe to grind. I L. LEDINGHAM JAMES SCHRODER WAYNE TROLLE There is only one answer to give to those who would MAX SEJDET, L. FRENCH ALFRED PEREIRA use the American Labor Movement rather than serve it. • A. R. M. NOLAN iTell them that if they don't like it, they can get out. Labor ^ A. P. MORGAN & & 4. STATEN ISLAND HOSPITAL can grow strong and powerful without them, but with NORMAN PALLME them, the path leads only to domination by them, or else to A. FERRARI R. G. MOSSELLER E. J. BURKE eventual dissolution. C. W. SMITH Men Now In The Marine Hospitals Setting The Pace American seamen have the best wages and conditions in the world, and members of the Seafarers International Union have the highest wages and best conditions of all American seamen. This statement has always been true, and it is even more clearly brought out in the new contracts recently signed Between the SIU and nine shipping companies. The contracts represent a high water mark in the history of U. S. maritime unions. Only the solidarity and militancy of the SIU made such agreements possible. The future lies bright before the SIU—-the best is yet to come! E. C, BURTON, Jr. CHARLES TILLER J. W. DENNIS ERNEST ROBERTS R. E. NEWTON K. PETTERSSEN F. RADGOLIA % % % BALTIMORE HOSPITAL LESTER KNIKERBOCKEE GEORGE WHITE HENRY WILLETT ROY HAWES RALPH FREY SAM CQLE ROBERT MANGAN W. G. H. BAUSE L. A. CORNWALL W. B. MUIR T. WADSWORTH H. O. BELDE J. FIGUEROA L. L. MOODY H. BELCHER M. DODGE F. GEMBICKI C. L. JACQUES J. G. URSTADT P. GELPI W. F. PARWICZ G. F. WAI^LACE S. MERKERSON N. JEFFERSON Hospital Patients When entering the hospital notify ttie delegate by post­ card, giving your name and the number of your ward. Staten Island Hospital You can contact your Hos­ pital delegate at the Staten Island Hospital at the follow­ ing limes: Tuesday—1:30 to 3:30 p. xn. (on 5th and 6th floors) Thursday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on 3rd and 4th floors.) Saturday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m, (on 1st and 2nd floors.) G. D. C. P. J. P. C. C. PECCHIAR P. ELDEMIRE G. SMITH DEADY J. CRONAN CHEKLIN LARSON KOT.STE 4" 4" S* NORFOLK HOSPITAL LOYD WARDEN JOHN ALSTAT COLON W. WARD H. R. SUMMERLIN JOHN E. HARRISON LARIE L. OWENS JOHN W. CALHOUN RICHARD P. McBRIDE HUGH MCDOWELL % ^ % BRIGHTON MARINE HOSP. H. STONE .E. MAY P. CASALINUOVO N. BOBBINS E. JOHNSTON T. I3INEEN .P. iSERGERON J. CAREY L. WHITN^JY �' *; Friday, Oeiober 25, 184S THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Three '*V f ^>^1 Isthmian Skipper Handcuffs SIU Organizer, Cops Piedge Cards During the recent voyage of* the Cape John, Isthmian Lines, REWARD FOR MILITANCY? that bucko Skipper Ledford lived up to his previous reputation. This bucko individual handcuffed the SIU ships organizer, broke into his locker, took a number of Union pledge cards, and ,log­ By PAUL HALL ged the crewmembers for every imaginable wrong under the sun. If there is one vital lesson that we have learned from all Right from the start of the trip, the maritime strikes—past and present—it is the absolute necessity for the joint termination of the contracts of all waterfront unions. when the Cape John left New The strikes, occurring in a series as they have, have been very York on August 29, Captain Led­ costly to us all, regardless of our affilialiun. Measured in terms ford started in to ignore ordinary of money, energy, and effort the cost has been terrific. In addi­ safety precautions, ran improper tion, the membership of each waterfront union has been beached, fire drills, chiselled on all the and ivecessarily so, while each outfit struck for its demands overtime possible, and otherwise made life as miserable as pos­ .separately. sible for all of the crewmembers. The saving of our collective energy, money and effort is According to Ed Bolehala, AB, something for us to shoot for. If our contracts all terminated at the Cape John left New York one and the same time, we would not have to go through a whole without being properly secured series of strikes. If a beef arose, every union could throw its re­ Here are the handcuffs thaf Skipper Ledford, Ihe owner of for the sea, and the crew had a sources into the effort to win it as quickly as possible for the bene­ Ihe "biggest log book that ever left the Port of New York," put fit of the entire waterfront. Our striking power would be tre­ tough time lowering booms, se­ on Ed Bolehala, SIU volunteer organizer on board the Isthmian jumbo and covering mendous. Beefs would be short, quick, well-timed and well-aimed. curing Lines' SS Cape John. These cuffs were to have cost Ed $25.00, hatches, and trying to keep them­ There would be no overlapping of strikes. but SIU action had the log reduced, and also put the bucko selves upright in a very strong Skipper into plenty of hot wetter. Isthmian doesn't fare too well wind. Captain Ledford also ne­ The Lesson Learned in this deal, since the company has made it a practice to place glected to set sea watches until So we learned a lesson. What's to be done about it? inefficient, anti-union. Masters in charge of their ships. What the Cape John was six hours at The answer might be in a suggestion made by the AFL Mari­ happened to Bolehala is what has happened, in different ways, sea. time Trades Department. That suggestion is that the- Department to other men on Isthmian ships. That's why Isthmian men want NO OVERTIME call a conference of all its component unions—the ILA, Team­ SIU representation—now! This Skipper Ledford didn't be sters, the SIU and SUP, radio officers, the MM&P, and all the others—to agree on a simultaneous contract termination date. lieve in the word overtime. He lulu, the Captain had the men pumps, and had the 4-8 FireIf this suggestion could be put into actual operation it would mark had the 4-8 watch working after on the wheel washing down the men blowing tubes without the a powerful advance for the waterfront. It would mean a manifold 5:00 p. m., and from the minute bridge and boat deck, chipping payment of overtime. He also increase in the bargaining and fighting power for all concerned. it was daylight until 8 a. m. with­ the boat deck, and on some oc- had the Firemen chipping and Confusion, suffering, cost would be reduced to a minimum. Victory out any overtim.e. He even had casions sent the men back to the scraping floor plates in the firesome of the deck gang chipping for one would truly be victory for all. fan to secure rags and paint. As room while the ship was under and scraping the Deck Dept. for the wheelhouse, the Skipper way. shower between 4 a. m. and 6 Solid Structure painted that himself. Bolehala stated that with the a. m., until the crew beefed that On our own front, it has been fortunate for us that the struc­ they couldn't sleep with all of exception of a couple of anti­ ENGINES NEVER TESTED ture of the Seafarers it as solid as it is. What with the all-out the noise. union men, the entire crew of the Engines in the lifeboats were Cape John was a nice bunch of big beef of our own, and those of the other maritime unions, the Old Man Ledford delighted in never tested throughout the trip, advance preparations we made for such eventualities have served fellows, and that they would be having the men sweep the over­ and never during fire and boat us well. We were able to strike when our strategy called for it, a credit to the SIU after thecrowded decks during a driving drills. Passengers never report­ confident that our machinery was geared for smooth, rapid-fire Isthmian contract is signed and rain, and perform other tasks ed for drills with their life-jack­ everyone joins the SIU. functioning. that could easily have waited. ets, and as a matter of record sel­ While at Cristobal, C. Z. on the With victory in our hands, we emerged from the big beef What did he care. He was up dom even reported to their as­ return trip, the Skipper handcuf­ none the worse for wear. But we had a little more savvy—more there in his litle wheelhouse, signed stations during the fire fed Ed Bolehala to prevent him savvy that we'll use if we have to go after another payoff. The nice and dry while they were and boat drills. from jumping ship, as he stated strain and pressure put on our resources in our own, and the soaking wet. Nice guy! The Chief Engineer was also Later, after Bolehala had broken other waterfront beefs would have had many another outfit creak­ The Cape John had been taken a pretty good man at getting out of the hancuffs, and was hid­ ing at the joii:ts. Not so with us. Our position is solid and secure. over from the Grace Line, and work done without the payment ing on the ship, the Captain went the NMU certainly lived up to its of any overtime. He had the Fire­ in to Bolehala's locker. He went Profits Even Stronger The other day the government gave out figures showing how reputation of maintaining the men and Oilers painting while on through his personal effects, much the dollar has shrunk, the buck lost 20 cents between Jan­ filthiest ships afloat. The topping watch. Firemen going out of the claiming that he thought Bolehala lifts, runners, blocks, and deck fire-room to oil the feed-water uary «1941 and June 1946 and they haven't put out any figures as {Continued on Page 16) gear had never been greased or what happened to it in the last four months, probably because oiled since the ship left the ship­ the value of the dollar won't stand still long enough to be evaluated. yard. About 90 per cent of the While feeling the dollars shrink in your pockets it gripes blocks were frozen completely. guy to read the financial pages. There the big money boys are gloat­ BIGGEST LOG BOOK ing over how much money they are making. Here are a few ex­ On several occasions. Skipper amples taken from the New York Times. "Profits raised 259 per­ cent by National Airlines." "Oil concern shows increase in profit. Ledford openly bragged that he carried the largest log book that "Aluminum company declares extra dividend." Following is the text of a radiogram received by SIU Sec­ Here's a little example of what they really mean when they ever left the Port of New York retary-Treasurer John Hawk which should be self explanatory: say they are losing money: The Lion Oil Company sells stock at and that he planned to use it. $38 a share and they usually declare a dividend of "$2.25 a year. True to his word, he did a swell "Food shortage extremely acute in Puerto Rico and Virgin This year, however, business is so- bad that they can only declare job of logging everybody Islands. Have only four days of food commodities left. Request a dividend of $4.15 a share. Poor boys, only double, 100 percent throughout the trip. you clear Belgium Victory to sail with emergency food and Things go so bad that three higher than last year. medical supplies only. Ship berthed at Mobile. Nine thousand tons of food on dock and track at Mobile and New Orleans. How have the seamen done during the past year? You and crewmembers jumped ship in, the islands. Two others went to the Have clearance from Winstock, Chairman MEBA New York I know that seamen's wages haven't increased one small fraction of Strike Committee for MEBA and Master, Mates and Pilots. this amount and these fat boys cry that the workers are causing hospital, and one boy was locked Winstock will call you. Wire us your clearance immediately as the high prices by asking for more money. It's a hell of a bitter joke. up for attempting a little purloin­ situation is now desperate. ing on the deck. Several others Wages and Prices wanted to jump ship, but Bole­ Jesus T. Pinero, Governor of Puerto Rico The need for a sliding wage scale becomes more obvious every hala talked them out of it, and Daniel Butts, Agent Seafarers Int. Union of N.A. day. Even though the Seafai-ers have just won the highest wages persuaded them to remain on the Kenneth Washington, NMU Representative, San Juan, P.R." in maritime history the daily rising prices pose a dangerous threat. Cape John until she returned to In answer to this radiogram, the following cable was sent Our hard-won gains are rapidly wiped out by these skyrocketing New York. by Secretary-Treasurer John Hawk: prices. If our's and all labor's gains are to be maintained, wage One of the Mates preferred scales must be adjusted periodically to the cost of living. If you charges against Captain Ledford "Received your telegram regarding the Belgium Victory. don't think our conditions are being cut from beneath us, just in Honolulu, but after talking The Seafarers International Union is not presently on strike, walk into any grocery or butcher shop, an try to buy ordinary ne­ matters over with the Shipping and is not holding up the Belgium Victory. When the Engineers cessities of daily living. Find out how far your dollar will go. Commissioner there, decided to and Mates Organizations supply the Mates and Engineers for Yesterday's buck is today's fifty-cent piece. wait until back in this country this vessel and remove their picketlines, the Seafarers Interna­ tional Union stands ready to supply the unlicensed personnel, If the wild advance in prices continue it may be necessary before pressing the charges. The members of the crew in the Deck Department. Please convey for us to demand a review of our wage scales. The Seafarers didn't Commissioner promised to for­ contents of this message to Daniel Butts, Agent Seafarers. go into an all-out struggle for better wages just to see their victory ward a letter to New York for the Mate explaining the complete Seafarers International Union of North America." cancelled out by a pencil mark on the other side of the ledger. matter. John Hawk, Secretary-Treasurer, Somewhere in this dollar-mad dash of the shipowners and bosses there comes a slapping-down point. On the return trip from Hono- Texts Of Radiograms Between SIU And Islands Officials &'-VV :Vi •M - -?l ';'i| �:> '' " THE SEAFARERS LOG Bernard Roll "Would you men be interested in hearing how 1 was initiated into the old ISU in 1916, by An­ drew Furuseth in person?" With this statement, Bernard Boll, Bosun, and deep sea sailor for 51 years, introduced himself to the Log staff. After we had vrelcomed him, and got him seat­ ed in an easy chair, this is the story he told us about his life at sea: Brother Roll started sailing in 1895 when he was only 18-yearsold. First he was on Norwegian ships, but since 1902 he-has sail­ ed only on American ships. In the early days of his life, a union for seamen did not mean too much to him, but finally he met Furuseth and had a long talk •with him. The upshot of the con­ versation was that Roll joined the ISU in San Francisco, and was initiated by Andy Furuseth. His memories of Furuseth are • many and varied. He recalls how, after the failure of the 1921 strike, Furu.seth explained why the dis­ aster had come about, and then he told the waiting men, "We are beat, but we are not dead." "He was sure right," says Brother Roll. "We pioved that by building an even stronger un­ ion for seamen, and then .we were able to call a general strike, and win." later received the Mariners Me­ dal from Admiral Land. Another relic of the torpedoing was a crushed left shoulder. To convalesce. Roll went to Sweet Grass, Montana, where he could rest and take things easy. After two months of inactivity, "I started to get the jimmies," he said, "and I was glad to get a letter from the WSA asking me to report for duty." BACK IN ACTION So, at the age of 67, and after suffering an injury that might have permanently incapacitated an even younger man. Brother Roll went back to the war-torn seas. And right into the thick of things again. By this time the North At­ lantic had been pretty well clear­ ed of Nazi submarines, but the skies over the Mediterranean were still full of Nazi airplanes. This was the run that he took when he returned to duty. From then until the end of the war, ships he was on were under intermittent bombardment. In one action alone, his ship, the William G. Blaine, Eastern Steamship Company, shot down three fascist planes. STRIKE BROKEN But right after the 1921 Strike, conditions went from bad to worse. The shipowners, flushed with their own power, cut sala­ ries to the bone, and ABs were paid only $60.00 per month. A further cut was in the cards, and with three children. Roll felt that he had to make a change in order "to bring up his family de­ cently. Once he left the sea, he moved as far inland as posible, and final­ ly settled in the Rocky Mountain region. For a while, he was hap­ py, but the pull of the sea proved PLAIN TALK too much for him, and in 1930 he returned to his first love. Roll ended the interview with But by now things were dif­ advice for younger members of ferent. There was a growing the SIU. "Young fellows today movement for a seaman's union. should make up their minds Out of the old corrupt and inef­ whether or not they intend to fective organizations had come make sailing a career," he says. "Once they have done so, they some men who wanted to organ­ can really take an interest in ize seamen into honest unions, unions that would fight the bat- their work. We need good men to fight the battles that are fac­ •tle for merchant mariners. Roll wanted to be part of this ing seamen, and young fellows fight, and so when the SIU was have the stuff in them to do a formed, he joined immediately. good part of the fighting. The future of seamen, and the future WAR SERVICE of our Union, depends on the On December 7, 1941, he was younger people who are just com­ in Minneapolis to attend the bap­ ing up, now." tism of a grandchild. The report Brother Roll missed the Gen­ that Japan had attacked Pearl eral Strike because his ship was Harbor came as the gathering still at sea, but when the Wil­ was on its way to the church, liam B. Giles pulled into Bal­ and as soon as the ceremony was timore last week, he made tracks over. Roll headed directly back to New York so that he could to New York for a ship. help out in any way in licensed! Life during the war was dan­ officers' beef. gerous, and Roll was in the mid­ With spirit like that, the Union dle of things right along. Al­ can only go forward. Men like though the convoys he was with Bernard Roll provide an inspir­ were attacked constantly, his luck ation to the younger men of held out until the Waterman ship, thie Seafarers International Union. the SS Hastings, was torpedoed in the North Atlantic on Febru­ ary 23, 1943. The nine surviyors drifted in a lifeboat for days un­ til picked up by a Canadian cor­ vette. / For this, action, Brother EoH Friday, Ociobar 25, ),S.46 Isthmian Seamen Deeply Resent Postponement Of Election Count are not interested in prolonging pledge cards, the NMU never the balloting. They want a con­ could have appeared on the bal­ By this time, most of the SIU tract as soon as possible—a con­ lot. members have heard about the tract which will guarantee to Left take another look. The latest Isthmian' stall. How the them the same wages, overtime Seafarers Log over the past sev­ ballot counting was scheduled to rates, working and living con­ eral months has carried innumer­ take place last Friday, October ditions as what Seafarers now able stories about company guards j 18, and through the teamwork enjoy under SIU contracts with keeping Logs off the ships, about of the National Maritime Union the shipowners. That's what Isth­ Isthmian crews holding SIU style and the Isthmian Steamship mian seamen want! meetings against expressed com­ Company the election termina­ Throughout the Isthmian or­ pany wishes, and about the many tion date was postponed until ganizational drive and the elec­ militant battles put up by SIU November 18. tion, the NMU has constantly representatives and Isthmian de­ Both the NMU and Isthmian shown up in the sorry role of partmental delegates against Isth­ aparently have bad cases of company stooge. Isthmian sea­ mian tyranny. All of these things bleeding hearts for the two Isth­ men have seen this time and helped to sell the average Isth­ mian ships which have not as again, and have made pointed mian seaman on the advantages yet voted — the Pere Marquette reference to the NMU's stooge of being a Seafarer. and the Atlanta City—and will role on numerous occasions. It's well to remember that move heaven and earth to see This latest evidence of their Isthmian ships must still be kept that these poor guys have a right outright collaboration with the solid, and that those members to vote for the Union of their Isthmian Company in deliberately who have been doing such a swell choice, or no Union. stalling the election counting has job within the Isthmian Fleet The Seafarers International given Isthmian seamen more food should continue to work for the Union is interested in seeing that for discussion, and you can bet same ends. This month's delay every eligible Isthmian seaman your bottom dollar that these means that it will be at least has a chance to vote. But in the men blarqe the NMU much more another month before the SIU can case of these two vessels, one is than the Isthmian SS Company force the Isthmian SS Company stuck in the Far East with a low for the delay. to sit down across the bargaining priority cargo and has been lay­ table and negotiate an SIU con­ THE RECORD SPEAKS ing around for the past seven or Take a look at the record. In tract. eight months waiting to be un­ During this period of delay, the direct contrast to the NMU's rec­ loaded. The other ship is sched­ SIU must continue to do the job ord of company collaboration, uled to return to this country of making Isthmian an A No. I dozens of Seafarers have been sometime within the next three Union outfit. Until Isthmian signs fired by Isthmian for their or­ weeks. an SIU contract, there must be ganizational efforts in behalf of no letup in the efforts of the SIU. the Isthmian seamen. Were these MEANS NO CONTRACT men sorry? Did they stop their Delay in the termination date efforts at organizing Isthmian? of the election mean delay in the Hell, no! This only made the SIU start of SIU contract negotiations members fight that much harder, with the Isthmian SS Company. and certainly the results speak This the company wants, but not better than all the words that we the Isthmian seamen! The com­ can print. pany is interested in preventing Let's look at the record some Isthmian seamen from having more. Didn't the NMU fool an SIU contract for as long as around for five years or more By E. NORDAAS possible. The sooner the election trying to organize Isthmian? It DULUTH—Now that the SIU terminates, the sooner Isthmian took the SIU six months to se­ wil have to stop their viciously cure enough pledge cards to pe­ has won a resounding victory anti-labor practices, and treat tition for an election. Then, the over the Midland Company ves­ their seamen like human beings NMU butted into the picture to sels on the Great Lakes it proves —not slaves. appear on the ballot as intervener. that the seamen here on the Isthmian unlicensed personnel If the SIU hadn't secured the Lakes want a democratic union, free from political interference. They rejected the NMU (which withdrew) for that reason, and allied themselves with the only democratic union on the Great 1. Secure a postcard application from your Union Special Lakes. ^ Services Department, Maritime Commission office. Shipping Likewise they rejected the Commission office, USS clubs, or Seamen's Institutes. company sponsored Lakes Sea­ men's Unipn, as that organiza­ 2. Fill in every item on card, printing your name, name of tion is not even a union, but your ship ctnd operator, address to which ballot should be sent, only a front to keep real dem­ and then sign your full name under oath. ocratic unions from operating on 3. Mcul the postcard (airmail postage free in U. S. mails) the Lakes. to the Secretary of State at the capital of the State in which They chose the SIU because you have a voting residence. they know that it is for and by the membership and has none of 4. After receiving State absentee bkllot, fill it in in accor­ the political and company taints dance with instructions. Where permitted by Stsis la'W, as in­ found in the other two. dicated on ballot or instructions, the oath may be taken and at­ tested by Masters, First Officers, Chief Engineers, and Pursers STICK TO SHIPS of vessels documented under the laws of the United States. The Duluth branch of the SIU 5. If the State. ballot material is so firmly stuck together thanks each and every one of when received that it has to be opened forcibly, open it in the the men on the Midland ships for manner least injurious to the material. After completing the the cooperation given us in or­ ballot, seal the envelope in the most practicable way and write ganizing this fleet into the SIU. the following statement on the back of the envelope: "Envelope It is still important that you flap was stuck when received, requiring forced opening before brothers stick to your ships, hold voting." This statement should be signed by the voter and the meetings, discuss proposed work­ person administering the voter's o^h. ing rules, and job security. It is important also to explain to those 6. Mail the completed ballot (and oath if on separate paper) men not yet members of the SIU in the return envelope provided, free of U. SI. postage including the benefits of organization and airmail, to the addressee named on the envelope or in the the security gained by coming instructions. under the banner of the SIU. 7. An application for a State absentee ballot may also be You'men of the Midland fleet made by means of a personal letter mailed to the Secretary of do not only have the SIU to fight State in which the applicant has his voting residence, or in such: for you, but the AFL Maritime other manner as may be prescribed by. the law of such state. Trades Councils in the port cities Further information may be secured by any member of the are there to help you. The Mari­ Merchant Marine regarding registration, or his eligibility to vote, time Council in Duluth will get by writing to the Secretary of State in the State in which he under way about November 1 to has a voting residence. unite all maritime workers un­ der the AFL into one solid front. By EARL SHEPPARD Lakes Seamen Want Democratic Trade Unions How To Obtain Absentee Ballots �f Oetabtfr 25. 1^5 fUMSlEAPARERBt&O VV''''' Page Fi79 /, ITF -- What It is And What It Does For Lahor The American representative of the International Transportworkers Federation has his of­ fices in an old historic building at 5 Beekman Street, New York City. The main offices are in an­ other old historic building at 60 Eton Place, SW 1, London. But the locations of the offices arc the only things , old and stodgy about this organization that has weathered two m^jor world con­ flicts, and has come forth stronger than ever. To American seamen, especial­ ly those of the Seafarers Inter­ national Union, the ITF has been know 11 fur a long time as an or­ ganization of transporj. workers' unions which has constantly gone to bat for constituent members in particular, and the broader labor WILLY DORCHAIN movement in general. ITF U. S. Representative When the SIU General Strike against Wage Stabilization Board States. However, by 1898 Railobstinacy was in full swing, it waymen's Unions of various Eu­ came as no surprise to the Union ropean countries had also entered when the ITF isued a statement the ranks of the ITF, and by the of full support of the action, and turn of the century, memberehip the longshoremen of foreign had grown to over 200,000. countries, notably Great Britain, It must be remembered that stated that they would not work during the early days of the ITF, cargo loaded by scab labor in the trade unionism was everywhere United States. This was what still a new growth. Certain Eu­ trade unionists had come to ex­ ropean countries, namely Britain pect of the ITF and its affiliates. and Denmark had flourishingly la­ bor movements, and the unions HELP IN TIME in those countries gave invalu­ The passengers and crew of the able aid to the movements emerg­ French liner SS Athos II were ing in France, Belgium, Holland, in dire straits when their vessel Scandinavia, and Germany. reached the U. S. during the Shortly thereafter the shoe was same strike. But through the in­ on the other foot. When the transtervention of the SIU and the portworkers unions became firm­ ITF, the passengers were taken ly established in Germany, it was off the boat, and the crew was the German unions which did a provided with decent quarters great deal to promote the growth since they refused to sail the ship of the ITF both in Europe and until the SIU had settled its in other parts of the world. beef. The purposes of the ITF was And now with the Masters, in those days twofold. First, to Mates, and Pilots out on the pick- unite transport labor unions in a etlines, the ITF again has come common struggle to raise condi­ through with a pledge of full tions. This was undertaken at a support, including a general time when employers resorted to strike of all affiliates, if neces­ any means to crush workers' at­ sary. tempts to organize for better con­ What is the ITF? How did it ditions and higher wages. Sec­ start? What has it accomplished? ond, it was hoped that the ITF These answers are well known to would promote solidarity between the European labor movement, countries with firmly established where the ITF had its start, and Transport Workers' Unions and where it was confined for the countries where such unions were first formative years of its life. non-existent or were struggling But here in the United State.s, for life. where it is liable to play an im­ WAYS TO AN END portant part in the years to come, little is known about this or­ These objectives were worked ganization which is not only the out in a number of ways, and biggest, but the best organized the help took various forms. international trade union, and is There was an exchange of in­ recognized as having developed formation about labor conditions by far the greatest activity in which enabled unions to benefit trade unions and social problems. from one another in the framing .Since there was so much ques­ of their policies; granting of tion as to the make-up, history, financial aid to unions involved and function, of the ITF, one in struggles to organize; and day this week a Log reporter when needed, offering assistance visited Willy Dorchain, American of a moral and instructive na­ representative of the ITF, and ture where industrial disputes ^ found out the information which were taking place. is recounted in the following The demands for which unions paragraphs. It is a story well fought in those early days have worth telling, and one that proves in large measure already been that free labor can triumph over achieved. But it was the un­ any obstacle. Th story of the quenchable spirit of those early ITF i$ a milestone in labor's fight pioneers which helped bring it for a better world. about within the lifetime of most of the founders of the ITF. To BEGINNING them we owe the universal appli­ In an effort to bring about cation of the eight hour day; closer cooperation between the minimum wage standards in a transport workers of all countries large percentage of countries en­ of the world, the ITF was form­ joying a free labor movement; ed in London in 1896. The first provisions for security for aged unions to join were those in Eng­ and infirm; and compensation for land comprising Dock arid River­ workers injured on the job. As the ITF grew, various trade side Workers, Seamen, and then Carters, or Teamsters as they sections were set up to take in are known here in the United the classes of transport workers which had affiliated. To date, there are sections for Railwaymen; Road Transport Workers, including Street Car and Bus Workers; Longshoremen and Warehousemen; Inland Water­ way Workers; Merchant Seamen; and Deep Sea Fishermen. No section has yet been established for Air Transport Workers, but that is now only a question of time. And in this growth of the ITF the American Federation of La­ bor, then under the leadership of Samuel Gompers, played a not­ able part. Very few individual American TTninns joined, hut the AFL gave unstinted support to the international body. In 1904 the headquarters was moved to Germany, and up until the outbreak of the first World War, the organization experienced a steady growth, counting clo.se to 1,000,000 members. By this time it was already more active than the other international labor organizations, due to the fact that strikes in the transport industry until his death in 1942, was the usually have international reper­ cussions. The war . stopped further growth and completely paralyzed international trade union acti­ vity, but the ITF managed to maintain emergency contacts alive through the establishment of a temporary headquarters in neutral Holland. And in 1919, when the war was finally at an end, the ITF was the first inter­ national trade union organiza­ tion to resume operations. Amsterdam was the scene of this meeting, and there it was decided to continue the activi­ ties of the organization in Amster­ dam, and to' draft a new set of rules for the body. But the ITF that arose from the ruins of war was far different fropri the one that existed before. A le.sson had been learned which gave a new conception to the task of so im­ portant an organization as a trade union international. Edo Fimmen, who from 1919 brilliant General Secretary of the ITF, summed up the change in this way. "The ITF immediately upon its reconstruction broke with the view generally held be­ fore the war," he said many years later, "that the trade union move­ ment should confine itself to pro­ tecting and improving the canditions of its members within the framework of the capitalist so­ ciety, and should not therefore, concern itself with questions of a" "11 general political character. To its activities in connection with matters lying outside the sphere of trade union activities in the narrower sense, the ITF owes la considerable measure the posi­ tion it now occupies in the Inter­ national Labor Moyernent. Its propaganda and efforts against militarism and warmongering, against Fascism and reaction of all kinds, have given the ITF a reputation far beyond the ranks of organized transport workers." (CONCLUDED NEXT WEEK) RESCUE IN SIGHT Passengers of Ihe French Lines' SS Aihos II wailing to be taken off during SIU Strike ITF COORDINATORS • The Masters. Mates, and Pilots stepped into the limelight when their strike was discussed by the Coordinating Committee of the International Transportworkers Federation at a meeting held at the SIU Hall, 51 Beaver Street. Around the table, from left to right, are: Morris Weisbergetr, ITF-USA; Willy Dorchain, ITF-Belgium; John Hawk, ITF-USA; Harry Lundeberg, ITFUSA; N. Roherg, ITF-Sweden; E. Johansen, ITF-Norway: E. C. Mitchell and H, N. Flagler, MMSTP? Paul Hall, ITF-USA; J. Scott, ITF-Britain. and F. Clausen, ITF-Denmark. -T/ll �;Page Six Fziday, OcioboE 25. 1346 THE SEAFARERS LOG Shipowners Pet Magazine Spews Usuai Anti-Trade Union Poison By LOUIS COFFIN QUESTIONWhat do you think of the SIU Strike Kitchen? M F-. H. J. SWARTJES. AB; Having a strike kitchen of our own is a wonderful idea. Our kitchen is run well, and the pre­ paration and serving of food is very well organized. Of course, there is some waiting around, but that can't be helped when so many men are being fed at one lime. The thing that impresses me most is how clean everything is. Another point that I would like to bring out is that the meals are all well balanced, and there is plenty for all. My only sugges­ tion is to keep it ready for all emergencies. i- NEW YORK—I've just finish­ ed reading the editorial in the October issue of the Marine News in which his shipowner's yellow sheet goes all out for the curbing of labpr and labor unions. The editors give out the view­ point that strikes should be ta­ boo and that the President of the United States should be empow­ ered to call out the armed forces to break strikes. This isn't all they want, how­ ever, as they ask for the immedi­ ate repeal of the Wagner Act, There is no doubt who is put­ ting the words into the mouths of these prostituted journalists; their proposals are so ridiculous that they hardly rate an answer. However, I thought that I should express myself on these subjects. SLAVE LABOR Using the armed forces to smash strikes is nothing new, and was employed extensively in Germany, Italy and Russia. When the dictators came to pow­ er their first act was to smash the JOSEPH MALAZINSKY. OS: unions, thereby being assured of I haven't eaten in the strike slave labor. Without unions they kitchen because I can eat at home, knew that the workers would be and I don't think it would be fair easily controlled. to take food unless it *is abso­ Fascism in Europe rode to pow­ lutely necessary. There are many er over the broken ruins of trade mouths to feed, and one less helps unions and unorganized v^^orkers, out somewhat. I have seen the and the shipowners in their mag­ food, however, and it all looks azine Marine News propose the good and appetizing. The men same fate for you and me. They seem to like it. I can tell that come out and ask for these because I have heard no com­ things, well knowing that the re­ plaints. and they would gripe if sult will be Fascism. they had any reason to. One way of telling is by the coffee, and I Any Americans who propose can vouch that the coffee is swell. such a program are strictly Fas­ cists and 100 percent unAmerican. There are plenty of such people in this country and they are working overtime to break the labor movement by any > means that can be mustered. Af­ ter all, it was Huey Long, the JOHN MARTIN. OS: home-grown fascist, who once said, "Fascism, when it comes to The whole idea is swell, and it America will be wrapped in the makes a fellow feel good to know that he has a place to feed if his funds run low. Food is expen­ sive on the outside, and it can­ not compare in quality with what is being served in our own kit­ chen. Our kitchen is clean, and the dishes and glasses and cups are always spotless. Of course, we have the advantage of having the food prepared by SIU cooks, (Continued from Page 1) and they know their business. Our strike kitchen was another cariyiiig explosives has been reason we won our beef. jacked up to 10 percent of the base pay, and the pay for work­ ing explosives has been upped to $5.00 per hour. The same terms go for carrying and hand­ ling penalty cargoes such as EARL B. GOOSLEY. MM: bones, green hides, caustic soda, iililiiB I am fortunate that my home etc. is in New York so that I can eat . Representing the Union in the most of my meals with my fam­ , negotiations with the operators iiiBI ily. But the few times that I have were John Hawk, Secretary% eaten in the strike kitchen, I Treasurer; J. P. Shuler, Assistant found that the food was fine. In Secretary- Treasurer; Paul Hall, fact, one plate of stew I had there , New York Port Agent and Di­ was the best stew I have ever rector of Organization; and Rob­ eaten in my whole life. The ap­ ert Matthews, special delegate paratus functions very smoothly, for Engine Department problems. and the men who are running the food department deserve a great I No other union of merchant deal of credit. No other union 1 seamen has ever received the that I know of has the good set­ same gains in any one contract. up we have for feeding men who The militancy and solidarity of are on strike, or who are honor­ the Seafarers has paid off again, ing picketlines of striking unions. and this time with a contract that will give other unions a mark to shoot at for some time to com.e. Contract Wins Seafarers Best Conditions Ever t'tFv-v ¥• . r-. Flag and be called pure Ameri- paid for all this? No one but us workers. canism. WE PAID THEM These people want the Wagner Act repealed because it gives you and me, the average worker, a voice in relations with our em­ ployer. This is a sore spot to the big money boys who wish to run their business in their own way, even if it means trampling un­ derfoot any one who voices a protest These include the Ship­ owners, who at present are be­ ing investigated by Congress for the exorbitant profits chiseled out of the taxpayers during the war. These tremendous fortunes, amassed from the labor of sea­ men, were gained without the operators having to sacrifice their soft, comfortable offices. In ad­ dition, they did not have to in­ vest a nickel of their own money, as all these profits were handed to them on a silver platter. Who WISHFUL THINKING The fact that their bankrolls are swelled doesn't mean a thing to these leeches. The fact that the Wagner Act was passed for the benefit of .the majority does not matter either, as they believe the monied minority should rule. These people should be classed along with the commies and fas­ cists who have the same ideas. The Marine News is food for these home-grown fascists. They lap it iqp and dream wishful dreams of a broken American la­ bor movement. They will continue to remain dreams as far as the seamen are concerned, for the rights we en­ joy today have been too hardfought for to relinquish; and as long as the majority in this country is for democracy, we will not have to worry about these power-mad bosses running oveius. By JOE VOLPIAN For the benefit of those who did not have the opportunity of perusing the first note on tuber­ culosis which was published in the last issue of the Log. let me state briefly that tuberculosis is not inherited. Children may in­ herit a weakness toward the di­ sease and at times of Ipw resistence the germs become active, increasing rapidly, resulting in T.B. The body loses its resistence due to inferior economic condi­ tions; meaning small wages, poor food, overcrowded living quar­ ters, overwork, poor working conditions, anxiety, improper clothing and inability to get proper medical attention, damp­ ness, lack of fresh air, dust, ex­ tremes of heat and cold and sud­ den changes of temperature, also burning the candle at both ends. MANDATORY LAW In connection with clothing and working conditions as ex­ posing one to T.B., the law has made mandatory upon vessel owners or masters that they carry on any foreign voyage ex­ ceeding in length 14 days, at least one suit of woolen clothing for each seaman. Every vessel in the foreign or domestic trade must" also provide a safe and warm room for the use of seamen in cold weather. I A penalty is provided for non­ compliance with these require­ ments which incidentally do not apply to fishing or whaling ves­ sels or yachts. Furthermore, violation of the above provisions regarding a safe and warm room for use of sea­ men has beeh held to constitute negligence as a matter of law. On one occasion it was held that evidence that a seaman as fur­ nished with sleeping quarters in which air was so moist because of escaping steam that bunks be­ came damp, showed violation of this section requiring that the seamen be furnished with a warm and safe room. COMPANY RESPONSIBILITY The fact that a man passes a physical examination by the com­ pany doctor at the time he signs on articles is not conclusive proof of the company's negligence should he become tubercular on the voyage. On the other hand it is to be kept in mind that a shipowner is liable to a seaman for aggrava­ tion of a pre-existing TB condi­ tion, resulting from violation of the shipowners duty to abstain from negligently injuring a sick man; this is true even thought *the illness might not have re­ sulted but for pre-existing ten­ dencies of the seaman for TB. Bear in mind that it is a ques­ tion of fact at all times whether ; TB contracted by a seaman is the : result of sleeping in a fo'c'le in which air was dangerously moist because of shipowners negligence so that bunks became damp. SEE UNION In one extreme case, the Court held that the refusal by a Cap­ tain to furnish a warm room for the use of seamen in cold weath­ er as required by law after a complaint was properly made to him was such bi'each of the ship­ ping articles that the seamen were justified in leaving the ves­ sel before the expiration of their term of service. On the other hand where no complaint was made under sim­ ilar conditions, leaving the vessel was not condoned. In conclusion, if you happen to have been stricken with this particular illness, bem- in mind that your Union officials are qual­ ified to advise you concerning your claims and rights. Do not hesitate to contact your Special Service Department in New York or your local Union Officials. .• �Friday^ October 25, 1946 THE SEAFARERS LOC Page Seven Seafarers Win First Fieet From The Lakes Carriers Asso. By HERBERT JANSEN Seafarers, Mates Strikes Prove NO NEWS?? Great Education in Unionism By C. J. BUCK STEPHENS Silence this week from the Branch Aginls of the follow­ ing portit CHARLESTON PORT ARTHUR " PHILADELPHIA MOBILE ^ TAMPA MARCUS HOOK CHICAGO—It has happened on the Lakes. The first Heet to be organized from the i.,ake Car­ riers Association has gone SIU by five to one, gaining <0r us the first breach in the lines of that organization. This is the opening gun in our drive on the Great Lakes and we won't stop until all the ships plying the Lakes are under the SIU banner. I wonder what the commies are thinking now after all their dirt slinging and after the NLRB threw nut their beef of collusion. Collusion is something they're past masters of, but I never thought they would attempt to pin such charges on soineuiie else. Well, any way, it's a job done and there is plenty more work to be done by all staunch SIU men, so let's get going. MARITIME SOLIDARITY The strength of the Maritime Trades Council was "demonstrat­ ed here in Chicago last week when Fred Farnum, SecretaryTreasurer of the Great Lakes .District, and myself were at the went the Seatrain N.O. for & few weeks. The SIU was granted the riders and again the Seatrain, old but proud, again sailed out of N.O. on her regular run. But again it Fitzsimmons and Connell Dredge looked like fate would not have and Dock Company's office nego­ tiating for a new contract for The membership is taking it her mate over two trips, for on her their number 6 Dredge, which like veterans and there' is no return from the second trip she carries two men in the Stewards beefing whatsoever going on in was tied up by the SIU strike and remained there until the Department. the Hall. The men are being is­ strike was over. sued meal tickets and tickets for During the negotiations they The old gang went back, and beds, and this satisfies all hands. came out bluntly and stated that The younger members have prov­ all hands in N.O. and in Cuba they would under no circum­ By JOHN MOGAN felt that at least there would be en their mettle and have not let stances sign a contract as they one regular ship in and out every BOSTON—Things are slower by the enemy on February 23, felt that they would not require out any whimper, although they week. But again after one trip than last week—if such a state 1945. have not been through the mill any cooks aboard their dredge, this time she ran smack right in­ is possible—with no immediate as often as the older members and even went so far as to say The boys are quite naturallj' to the MM&P and MEBA strike, prospects of an early settlement that they would tear down the and so the SS Seatrain N.O. now of the strike. A lot of men are proud of this recognition, and it crew quarters. is difficult to refrain from mak­ rests down at Belle Chasse piling up on the beach here, many We immediately returning to amongst the willows along the of them in straitened circum­ the office and called on the Mari­ banks of the Mdddy Mississippi stances. time Council .for action, which river. The pros and cons of opening was given at once. OLDTIMERS GALORE the soup kitchen and the dormi­ Returning the next day for New Orleans is now witness­ tories were weighted carefully, another meeting the cards were ing more oldtimers on the beach with a list made of those who put on the table by the full Mai'than ever before. They are com­ would be forced to request as­ ine Council. When the company ing in from all ports to spend sistance. To date, the list does saw the full solidarity of the the winter or the sweating period not warrant the expense essen­ Council they bushwashed around between ships in the balmy cli­ tial to the reopening of the kit­ for a little while and came to mate that New Orleans is so chen; therefore, arrangements terms by signing the contract. famous for. have been made with the Sea­ Among the oldtimers here are: man's Club to feed and house REAL SUPPORT who in the hard days, sweated Frenchy Michelet who is looking our members on a mutually sat­ This is the kind of support the Hall anywheres from 3 to 6 for a ship so he can really get on isfactory basis. which will be given to any of the months looking for a ship. ing the observation that foreign the beam and start canning crabs unions involved in any differ­ Until the list of members re­ governments are less hesitant Our strike helped educate these in full swing, after he returns; ences with the bosses when they maintenance grows than our own to give credit to younger m.embers, so that there is Moon Kouns is sweating the quiring try to tear down any affiliate of no question in their minds as to bgach waiting for the strike to larger, the Club will be able to merchant sailors for their valor the Maritime Trades Council. the outcome or the ending of the end so he can go back to the handle the problem at a reason­ and service in war time. As the shipping here in Chica­ strike, except to back the strikers SS Dolcalle; Make-a-motion Gil- able cost. At this writing the World Ser­ go has slackened down some­ up 100% in their demands and lanzia is again smiling, now that The crew of the SS Henry Ba­ ies is over. St. Louis has copped see the strike ends victorious for he doesn't have to live in the con, largely fi'om the port of Bos­ the flag and the Boston Red Sox what. I am going to take a vaca­ the MM&P and MEBA. They lean-too that Joe Lecke rigged up ton, has been awarded individual have given us nothing to c^eer tion. Hope I can catch a few big feel that if the officers fail in fgj. j^jj^ while he was waiting for War Medals from the Norwegian about. So, until we have some­ ones. In my absence Henry their strike, then surely the day the people to move out of the Government in recognition of thing to get optimistic over—a re­ Chappell, who was up in Duluth will come when we, too, will fail house he had bought. their services in connection with turn to normal shipping, for ex­ doing some swell organizational without the 100% support of all Leroy Clarke is pinch hitting the evacuation of 19 Norwegians ample—we'll put the pen in stor­ work, will hold down the fort in hands. We are all in this to­ around the Hall while he is wait­ when the Bacon was destroyed age. my place. gether, Brothers. ing for a ship—where too? Frank 'Flat Top' Kendricks is also DOCKSIDE SHIP sweating the beach waiting for Among the ships tied up here the strike to end, as is Joe 'The in New Orleans is the now fa­ Brow' Martello, ex-piecard and mous 'Dockside Ship,' the SS running mate of Bill Higgs of Seatrain New Orleans. The Sea­ the MV Manrope Knot. And and with the SIU behind them visit. Prices are high in Shang­ By JOE ALGINA train N.O.- can surely boast of ;^arl River is well represented 100 percent in their beef, if any hai, but that is true about every having been alongside the dock by the Craddocks, Crawfords and NEW YORK—During the war, company tries to move ships with more than any ship we have un­ Ffierson's. place now. So far I have not the Coast Guard spent all its hnk officers on deck, the AFL been able to collect any informa­ der contract to us. She now looks One of the Brothers turned in time in disciplining merchant seamen will really give them a tion about the Chinese women, like a permanent fixture down at the following— seamen who may or may not hot time. Belle Chasse. but as soon as I do, this import­ The day is long. have stepped out of line. Now ant news will appear in the Log. There is no pay at ailIDEAS EXCHANGED I would like to mention her that shipping is at a standstill So you stay in the Hall Men who go to hospitals in past record briefly. Back in De­ Our strike kitchen is in oper­ and they have no seamen to bring Awaiting each call. cember, 1945, she was tied up before their karigarob courts, I ation, and is being used also by foreign ports are still creating over a longshore beef that lasted guess the boys in "blue arid the MM&P. Lots of times we get something of a problem when over 6 months. This beef was brass" are learning how to play the idea that Skippers and Mates they finally get back to the settled to the satisfaction of all are tough guys and not worth the States. gin rummy. hands and the ship proceeded on A few limes before we, have We feel sorry for those men powder to blow them apart. But her voyage to Havana, only to after eating with a few of them, warned men to get a record from because they have a lot of train­ be tied up there by the Cuban and talking to them, I found out the hospital so that they won't ing bfehind them in intimidating longshoremen who also wanted seamen; setting officers against that they donT like the "chicken" be logged for missing duty. This a raise. This beef was settled by still goes, and" you can say your­ the unlicensed personnel, and any more than we do. the granting of a subsidy to thd They feel that when they win self a lot of headaches if you just general spying and stooging. longshoremen to take care of the Now they can't do their work, Union Security thfey won't have take a little time to keep the men unemployed, and all hands and all that training is being to resort to bootlicking to get a records straight. felt that she could continue on wasted. When the strike is over, job, and then they will be able to Some SIU men are sailing on her weekly N.O. to Havana run; these gu.ys mdy have to go back treat the union men more square­ unorganized ships on which there Btit this was not in the cards. td school td learn all over again. lyis no organizational carripaign Aftfer two trips the crew was Several Waterrrian ships are in going on;—yet. Intorrriation about While- the CG takes it easy, the dissatisfied with the rider oh the members of the SIU have had to from China after a three rriorith these ships should be sent to the •Articles as wCre the crews btt do the saine thing. Very few trip. The rhdrt say that the New York Hall, care of Paul Hall, quite a few SIU ships at the ships are moving because of the Chiha voyage is a good run, and sb that action can be taken when, time) So alongside the dock again effectiveness of the .MM&P strike. that the Orient is a flhe place to: the; cbfrect time comes. NEW ORLEANS — Another week has come to and end; and the port still is , tied up as tight as a drum. There are 20 Sltl and 10 SUP ships tied up in the port of New Orleans because of the strike of the MMP and MEBA. Port Boston Takes Good Care Of Members Beached By Strike Striking Masters And Mates Close Port New York, So Seafarers On Beach Rest For Future Action ^11 �THE SEAFAREItS LOG Page Eighl Great Lakes Sec'y-Treas Reports By FRED J. FARNEN GOOD ADVICE DETROIT—On August 23, 1946, NMU officials know more about Now lhal Draft Regulations eight days after the NMU began creating dissention and foment­ have been liberalized to allow ing new ideas along political its Great Lakes shipping tie-up in men with 18 months of sub­ j lines than they know about true an organization campaign thinly I unionism. stantially continuous sea time disguised as a strike, the NMU Doesn't such a program as I've to leave the sea. many men president, Joe Curran, signed an mentioned above convince you have taken shoreside jobs. It agreement with the Bethlehem that someone 'was bought off, is a good idea to retire your , Transportation Company agree­ and the entire membership of the book if you decide to make a ing to end all picketing of the NMU in the Great Lakes District similar move. In that way you ' companies vessels and to cease was sold down the river? can insure yourself against any interference with the opera­ This agreement was agreed to tion, loading or unloading of their and signed by the so-called union having to pay a whopping vessels. officals who accuse the SIU lead­ amount of back dues if you At the time this agreement ership of collusion with lakes ever want to ship out again. was signed, the NMU picketlines steamship companies, and who You can retire your book in consisting of NMU members and labeled men as finks and scabs unorganized seamen were still when they did not walk off their any SIU Hall. picketing Lake Carrier ships and ships on August 15.. halls on the Great Lakes. When the unorganized seamen At this time the members of read this they can ask the NMU the Bethlehem ships were allow­ members who pounded the pave­ ed to go back to their ships, as if ments and the seamen who quit no strike was in progress, leav- their ships in sympathy with the ,ing the NMUers and the men who NMU just what the score is on walked off ships in sympathy this bit of ham-stringing. By RAY WHITE with this phony organization high GET THE SCORE and dry on the beach, pounding NORFOLK—Seafarers in this The SIU is inaugurating an or­ port are taking a lively interest ganizational campaign on the in the strike of the licensed offi­ REAU.V, Lakes this fall and o'ur program cers against the shipowners. SIR, AfJyCOMTRACT is under way now. Before you WIUL DO,"SIR./ unorganized seamen decide for Aside from the practical support SIR .'SIR.' or against joining a seamen's un­ they are giving the men from the ion, contact an SIU official at one bridge, these Seafarers realize of our Halls located at Buffalo, how closely bound their inter­ Chicago, Cleveland, Detroit and ests are with those of their strik­ Duluth. Talk it over and get ing brothers. the score. Norfolk Backs Strike To Hilt pavements for a cause that the officials of the NMU knew was already lost" and was phony to begin with. FORFEIT GAINS In addition to signing this agreement, the NMU agreed to forfeit all previous gains they had made with the company, and set a new all-time low in in­ stigating a voluntary checkoff of dues—something new in Mari­ time, Unions. By .this method of collecting dues, a crewmember, if he wishes may have the Captain deduct from his wages any specified amount of money he sees fit to pay towards the Union each quarter. They did manage, how­ ever, to include the point that this authorization may be re­ voked by the crewmember upon written notice to the Captain. The NMU also agreed with the company that, as long as they complied to a government agency in all matters pertaining to crow­ ing their ships, accommodations and equipment, everything would be agreeable. Also agreed to was, employees who lay up their ships for the winter shall be given preference in employment when the fit-out begins in the spring, regardless of whether or not they had decided to sign the blank allowing the company to deduct union dues the previous year. SOLD OUT Ifc,-- All of this is very interesting, • but what kind of protection does an agreement like this provide for a union crewmember? The Bethlehem crews were allowed to sail eight days after the NMU organizaional drive began on August 15. What kind of an outfit would allow one company to operate its ships, when other ships are being picketed at the same time? This proves beyond a doubt that the Friday/October 25. 1946 Savannah Harbor Packed Tight With Ships Tied Up By Strike By ARTHUR THOMPSON SAVANNAH — This past week know is what the crew told us was a heavy one for the Savan­ and that isn't much. We had a meeting here last nah Branch." On Monday we paid Wednesday to make some provi­ off, and that's all for awhile. sions for our members who are I don't know of any other ships in a bad way due to the current due in. In fact, I won't know strike. Hard times are on our whei-e in the hell they'll put them members, most of whom wei-e if they come in. There are 26 broke when our strike ended. frei^ters in port at this writing. We're hoping this one will end The port is not able to handle soon. When it does we'll be hard many more. As for the payoffs they went along okay. No holdups occurred, and the crew delegates were lOU per cent cooperative. There are a couple of beefs pending and Ihey will be taken care of in a few days. We had a hearing yesterday on the unfair labor practice charge, and we are awaiting a decision now. It looks good for our side, and I'll give you the score as soon as we get it. Ewoyid Van Vliet, bet­ ter known as "Dutch," was just relased from the hospital. After three months of confinement he's rarin' to gp, but it looks as though none of us will be going for awhile longer. Harry Galphin is in again, out again. He's still being worked on and we hope he'll be okay While the strike proceeds with soon. We are affiliated with the American Federation of Labor full effectiveness, the Norfolk W. J. Brantley, who was deck and we do not have the backing SIU Hall's "stew pot" is kept go­ engineer on the SS Bertram of any political party, as is the ing under steady steam. Satisfied Goodhue, was left in the hospital case with the NMU; or the Lake stomachs file off the chow lines in-Glasgow, but we haven't heard Seamen's Union which is fi­ daily. Arrangements were made anything from him yet. All we nanced and controlled by the for the feeding of the Masters, Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company. Mates and Pilots membership, Our Union is composed of sea­ too; so our chow hall is getting men and run by seamen. The en­ a pretty good play. Provisions The U. S. Patent Office an­ tire membership votes on vital have also been made for sleep­ ing facilities for the men who nounced last week that it had is­ issues pertaining to the welfare need quarters. sued Patent No. 2,406,779 for a of the Union, and the officials fabric, that can be used for men's TIED UP carry out the decisons of the suits, that is both fire-resistant membership. Such is democratic It was There is a growing number of and water-repellent. vessels tied up in the port by the quickly discovered that this was trade unionism. strike, with quite a few ships of no use to striking union sea­ coming in every day and laying men. What they were looking for was a suit that would keep then! up. from being stabbed in the back With shipping at a standstill by the Wage Stabilization Board recreation facilities figure more and at the same time being kick­ Seafarers Sailing prominently. This week, seafar­ ed in the teeth by the ship op­ ing billiard enthusiasts got a As Engineers erator.^. boost. XXX All members—retired mem­ Two vessels which had been bers and former members— out about eight months tied up The Natl. Association of Manu­ in Norfolk. The men off these facturers every so often takes of the Seafarers Internation­ ships being ardent cue artists be­ time out from sponsoring legis­ al Union who are now sailing moaned the fact that-we had but lation aimed at "protecting labor as licensed Engineers: Please one pool table. Promptly they from itself." Last week its chair­ report as soon as possible to decided to ease the strain on it. man, Ira Mosher, in an address at the Seafarers Hall at 51 Bea­ They took up a collection for the Columbus, Ohio, proved condAipurchase of another table for the sively that we don't know which ver Street, New York City. secuiicl floor recreation room. side our bread is buttered on. Your presence is necessary in The table for which they do­ Said Mosher: "CPA is not price a matter of great importance. nated should be on the floor control; it is profit control." Bat­ ready for operation very shortly. ters Up! Whad'ya Know Attention Members! No PLACE TO PESTMEwtARY ^OGGlhJ pressed for crews, but at least the boys will be back at work. That's about all we can give you for this week, and if some­ thing doesn't break soon we'll have less to report next time. The Patrolman Says: Clarification NEW YORK—In last week's is­ sue of the Log I pointed out the practice of corporations in Ala­ bama deducting State Unemploy­ ment taxes from the wages of seamen shipping out of Mobile. At that time I said that Alabama was the only state practicing this and that I would* see just what the score was in this matter. Well, I got together with our Special Service Department and we looked up the law covering unemployment insurance. We found that the states of Rhode Island, California and New Jer­ sey in addition to Alabama are deducting this tax at the rate of one-tenth of one percent from the wages of all seamen working ships belonging to companies in­ corporated in those states. The fact that the amount de­ ducted is so small makes it un­ necessary to carry a fight against it, as after all the purpose of the fund is for your benefit while unemployed. In the case of California and Rhode Island this money can also be used for sick benefits. We are not just dropping this beef be- Thanks Those Who Made Lakes Victory Possible By S. R. BOULANGER SAULT STE MARIE—To all the men who helped organize the Midland Company into the SIU on the Great Lakes I want to say, a good job well done. Brothers. It took, all of us working to­ gether to pull down Midland and a great deal of the credit goes to those men who went aboard Mid­ land ships and talked SIU to the crews. % The fact that we represent the best Union in the maritime in­ dustry doesn't mean a thing un­ less the word is passed along to all unorganized seamen every­ where, and that's what these men did so well. This victory on the Midland ships is only the beginning, as already we have several other lines to organize, and with the already proven ability of you or­ ganizers working ojn these ships they will soon be in the SIU. THANKS TO ALL I also wish to extend our thanks to the SUP for their sup-: port here on the lakes during our campaign; also a bouquet to the men from New Orleans and. New York who gave us support when we needed it. It gives one a fine feeling to know that sup­ port is in the offing when it ask­ ed for, and usually the support is forthcoming without even ask­ ing for it. That's real maritime solidarity! We were able to get the Logs aboard the ships as they passed through the Soo only through the aid given by the tugmen here. As every ship or barge, passed through the Canadian Locks, the tugmen were always there to put the Logs aboard, thereby passing the word of the SIU to the Lakes searden. Thanks to all of you from the SIU Great Lakes District. cause the sum deducted is so small, but because the advan­ tages of the fund far outweigh its disadvantages. I hope this will clarify the mat­ ter for those brothers who have been complaining about these de­ ductions. Maybe someday you will be in a position to take ad­ vantage of the small amount of money deducted today and it will come in handy then. James Purcell / �-:J- -v-^r,.•r,r^^j:rrpa.~r. ^ HE SEAFARERS LOG Friday. Oclober 25. 1946 Page Nine Ballad Of The Sea Buzzard, Or The New Flying Dutchman Now gaiher around, all you bug-ridden swabs, and I'll spin you a yarn of the sea. About a rusty old scow and a cudstricken crew like the yarn was un­ folded to nte. She was a rusty old scow, not fit for a sow, and she boasted as grizzly a crew As were ever shanghaiied after being supplied with mothballs, dropped in their brew. The gyro was sv/apped for a bottle of booze by the Third Mate (a hell of a guy). Who was known to all hands as "The Flying Scotsman," because he was always high. Tadpoles swam in the drinking casks and scorpions dwelt in the galley. The roaches were big and were fore and aft rigged, and oysters grew in the shaft alley. Now the grizzly skipper of this plaguetaken tub was a man who was fre­ quently plastered. And his nose was as red as the port running light and he was known to the crew as a bastard. Some barnacles grew on his wooden leg, he was mean and tattooed and disgusting; He was rough and plumb filthy from head to his foot and his bilges with . rotgut were rusting. The Bosun was as wild as a turpentined cat and his starboard eye was blind. He loved to hustle his lard-tailed crew with a starter of eight inch line. He wore a ring in his portside ear, and the scurvy his teeth it had taken. His back was scarred with the marks of the "cat," and he was a man god­ forsaken. The Skipper loved to come on deck, when the noon watch work was done To watch the crew keelhaul some guy (all in a spirit of fun). He slept in his boots and he stayed full of hootch and alwiys carried a rod. For well he knew that his jailbird crew would guzzle his booze, by God! The grizzly crev/ was fed each day what looked like raisin bread. But the raisins all of them had legs, and none of them was dead. The scullery hand he bayed at the moon and never came down from the crosstrees. He swore he was chased by a purple baboon for he had contracted the DTs. The Steward they hung from the main crosstrees; the first cook died of the itch. The Chief Mate they said was an old sea dog, so they called him a son of a bitch. The second Cook was an unwashed soak who smelled of stable manure. His cooking stunk, like the stern of a skunk; he looked like he'd crawled from a sewer. Chips was a goof who looked like a moose, and seldom a bath he took. He guzzled shellac from the Bosun's stores and lemon extract from the Cook, For the Deck Engineer had stole all his beer, and he was in a hell of a fix. Yes, Chips was a jerk who never would work, and he also had sporting ticks. ' Toj'i^ mo KOACH. QOT WHAZZI5? Now the starngest yarn of this grizzly ship is the way that she disappeared. She left Glasgow with her holds full of scotch and was lost with all hands it is feared. But the tales they come in from old sailor men of a ship they have seen in the night Which looms through the fog without signal or hail ad passes with never a light. She comes so close that collision is nigh and makes no move to avert it. But the midwatch can see the crew on the deck and this is the way that I heard it. Flying Dutchman-like she comes up like a ghost and with shudders the sailors tell Of a demon crev/ which dances over her decks and screaming like mad raise hell. The reports still come in, now and again, from the Grand Banks to the Horn, Of a phantom ship and a monster crew and many a lookout has sworn Tliai the smell of whiskey is born on the wind long before you can see her. The Sea Buzzard was loaded with a hold full of scotch—I wonder—could the Phantom Ship be her? ^ •YEGOZfS.; ^LOW\UG TLUtS E. L. (Fleetfoot) Deal Jn 1. 5- i. 5. i i. Salvation In the bug-bitten herd, which lurched 'round the deck, it seems that a pair of ABs Had died of frustration and some dis­ sipation and a touch of a social dis­ ease And the bedroom Steward drowned in the still which was run in number two hold By the dim-wit three on the twelve to four watch who didn't give a damn, I'm told. They steered by the sun in the daytime; they steered by the stars at night. For the compass juice had been drunk by the goof who broke the binnacle light. The Second Mate tried to navigate, but plotted a zig-zag course. He suffered with rungut and St. Vitus' Dance, and looked like the stern of a horse. The Chief Engineer had Been drunk for a year, and the First Assistant was dead— For failing to laugh at the Skipper's jokes the jerk he was knocked in the head. The Second and Third, very seldom were heard for in the bilges they loved to sport. Where they swam and played and went slowly insane 'til the crummy old scow made port. The Black Gang, one and all, were as lousy a bunch as ever mistreated a boiler. If the coal ran low and they needed more steam the Firemen would throw in an Oiler. The Wipers were punks and the Fire­ men were drunks and were usually found in their fleabags. They were nasty and snotty and hun­ gry and mean and kept dead rats in their seabags. By ERNEST KAPRALL They've preached salvation to your soul Since Adam was a pup. And all the time they've preached it They've held the victim up. They tell you you're a sinner And that is all that's wrong. Then they hand you. for your dinner— A prayer book and a song. They drive a mortal to the wall And wonder why he steals; They wonder why he's not a saint When run down at the heels. They spout about salvation To the tramp who steals or begs. When what the victim really needs Is good old ham and eggs. I figure that when food is plenty And grub adorns the shelves That salvation will be plenty And souls will save themselves And I don't give a tinker's damn. For creeds that claim to save But let a human freeze and starve Until he hits the grave. I The bye end bye may be ail right, I'm willing to allow But what we are interested in Is the right here and now. And it takes a blooming hypocrite To swipe your bread arid meat. While he tells you that in Kingdom Come You'll live on easy street. |j J �Page Ten THE SEAFARERS t^OG Friday* Octobwt 25, 1946 SHIPS' MINUTES AND NEWS Joliet Men Offer A Log delivery Plan A practicable method to insure regular and adequate delivery of the Seafarers Log to SIU crews aboard vessels plying up and down the South and East African coasts has been advanced by the crew members of the SS Joliet Victory. The plan was offered as an ..improvement over the present system of mailing the Log di» rectly to bars and places freI' quented by Seafarers, which, say I the crew, has its failings. f Delivery, says the recommen•' dation, would be made via the vessels making regularly sched­ uled runs to the ports in ques; tion. The suggested plan was . evolved after considerable dis•; cussion during the return voyage of the Joliet, and was prompted . by the crew's desire to remedy a situation wherein Seafarers on • the African runs were unable to . get their hands on the latest copies of the Log. GREAT POSSIBILITIES The recommended delivery plan was made in the form of a written statement, attached to a copy of the ship's minutes and signed by Eugene F. Howlett and Leo Stephenson, chairman and secretary, respectively acting for matters of direct interest to them the crew. It was submitted to in the maritime field. the Log where it was received The plan, discussion of which favorably as offering great pos­ was precipitated when the crews sibilities. of three vessels met the Joliet The Joliet men would have the men in Capetown, Durban, and Delegates on Robin line ships— Lourenco Marques and asked for one of which leaves New York copies of the SlU's publication, could also very well be applied to -THE LOGS all the world's ports visited by ARE / Seafarers, the Joliet crew be­ CoMlMC' lieves. Though the Log has repeatedly asked member to submit names and addresses of bars and hang­ outs in various foreign ports, and it has mailed copies to these places when furnished with this information, it recognizes the su­ perior worth of the Joliet crew's plan. Aside from reducing mail­ ing costs, it would hasten de­ weekly for the South and East livery and insure more regular African ports—carry sufficient distribution, factors of prime im­ bundles of Logs. The bundles portance. would be distributed at the var­ NEED DELEGATES' HELP ious bars and other spots fre­ It is hoped that Delegates of quented by Seafarers in several Robin line vessels making the of the larger African ports, after run to South and East Africa will receiving approval from the man­ realize the value of this im­ agers or owners of the places. proved method of Log distribu­ Ports mentioned as among the tion and will make every effort key ones in which to leave the to see that the plan is put into Logs were Capetown, Durbin efficient operation. Realization and Lourenco Marques. of their role in carrying out a plan devised to increase the SIU's KEEP THEM INFORMED efficiency and prestige should Then the boys sailing up and prove gratifying to these dele­ down the coast would be able to gates. stop in at these places both on the run down and on the way Meanwhile, to the men of the jback, and get the latest Logs— Joliet, for their heads-up Union , thus keeping informed of all up- thinking—a pat on the back from to-the minute developments on the Log, and a big, "thanks;" . ...}• W%««v i Perfect harmony reigned eboard the Grout making its rfecfent voyage to France a model trip. So shipshape were conditions that at the final meeting the Delegates were in­ structed to make special men­ tion of the fact. "On the high seas, aboard ship* in port and off duty in the towns of Franco the crew was a credit to the SIU." says the Delegates report. Every man was a "perfect shipmate." Early in the voyage a com­ mittee was appointed to draw up a list of rules and regula­ tions to govern the members . for this trip. The Delegates happily report "a clean sheet at the end of the voyage." The crew parted in Mobile hoping all would meet again. ABOVE: Democracy swings into action on the high seas as the men of the Grout hold their Union meeting. Everyone had his say, beefs were ironed out and all hands came away con­ scious of their personal stake in the SIU. Even Mamie the pup barks his approval. LEFT: Ellis Crooks, the Gout's 2nd Cook and Baker, Stops making dough to pose for this photo. RIGHT: Always getting into the act is Brooklyn, USA. It's easy to see that Brooklyn looks bigger to the Grout crew than most other places. Posing alongside this signpost at Le Havre's port of embarkation is a crewman and that pup, Mamie. Pictures are by Stewards Delegate Harold E. Kirton. Union Booklet Saves Day For Seafarer Stranded Abroad With Broken Shoulder A little booklet weighing less than three ounces which fits easily into any pocket should be part of a Seafarers gear when he ships out, if he wants to be on the ball. Chief Steward Thomas De Fazio, at least, will never be found without his copy of this important piece of literature— the.booklet containing the agree­ ment between the Seafarers In­ ternational Union and the vari­ ous shipping companies with which it has contracts. A series of tribulations experienced while he was beached recently in Ant­ werp as a result of a broken The Nordhoff Is Refloated The Alcoa steamship Charles Nordhoff was refloated early this week after being aground for a week off Trinidad. The vessel is now undergoing inspection in Port-Au, Spain. The floating operation was performed by the salvage vessel Killrig which was dispatched from New York after two at­ tempts by Army tugs had failed to float the Nordhoff. The Nordhoff ran aground while on a voyage from British Guiana to Canada with a cargo of bauxite. shoulder were successfully cli­ maxed only because De Fazio was able to produce evidence of his Union-gained rights in the form of the agreement book at the right moment. As he related his story to the Log, De Fazio urged all Seafarers to "make certain they carry the agreement book with them when leaving the States if they would avoid possible difficulties." BROKEN SHOULDER De Fazio's moral-producing ex­ perience began aboard the SS Bernard D. Redman when he sus­ tained a broken shoulder. The vessel's Skipper, F. S. McMurray, cognizant of De Fazio's need for hospitalization, stopped the Rod­ man at Flushing, Holland, in or­ der to debark the injured Chief Stewdrd. Surmising that the Dutch hospitals were short on coffee, sugar and soap. Captain McMurray foresightedly provided De Fazio with a small supply of each when he left the ship—a gesture greatly appreciated by the Seafarer. In the three weeks he spent at the hospital there was no sign, smell or taste of any of these essentials, De Fazio said. At the end of three weeks, De Fazio was discharged from the Flushing hospital. He went straight to Antwerp where he re­ ported immediately to the United States Line's agent. The agent sent him to a merchant marine THOMAS DE FAZIO center, telling him that he would receive food and shelter there. But when De Fazio reached the center, there were no beds. lilstead he found dormitories with bunks stacked one on top of the other. With a broken shoulder he Couldn't sleep in one of these bunks, much leSs cliihb into it. A complaint to the director Of the center brought results, howevfer. TO THE LONDRES He was sent to the Hotfel Londrfes where he was furnished a large bed, so that he could rest without impeding the healing of his shoulder. De Fazio felt fair(Continued on Page 11) �Friday, Qciober 25, 1946 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Eleven Digested Minutes Of SlU Ship Meetings OUACHITA VICTORY. July ' I—Chairman Cohon; Secretary Lerner. Minutes of previous minutes meeting read and ac­ cepted. It was suggested that in as much as the cow-hands aboard cattle-carrying vessels enjoy the same privileges as union members aboard, they should be given permit cards issued to them by the Seafarers International Union. % X X Draw One ! — Make It Hot The lukewarm water situation was warmed up considerably during a heated discussion at an SS Zachary Taylor shipboard meeting. Boiled down to its simplest terms, the water wasn't hot enough to brew a good cup of coffee, nor was it hot enough to properly wash and rinse the dishes, so the crew members passed a motion calling for the matter to be straightened out. • This dilemma on the Taylor sort of gives rise to the que.stion: Could the guys have been getting the dishwater in their coffee, and the coffee in their dishwater? Aw, beans. XXX HIBBING VICTORY. Sepl. 18—Chairman Rockey Benson; Secretary Henry B e c k m a n . New Business: Mglion carried to prefer charges against the Chief Steward. Charges read to the Steward. Charges signed by five book meinbers. All to stand-by until each department is ready to payoff. Three Dele­ gates to see Patrolman about two men who deserted the ship at last minute before sailing in Port of New York while offi­ cials of the Union were in ne­ gotiations. Repairs requested are: Glass in porthole instead of wartime steel, screen doors for all foc'sles, wind scoops, new double door lockers, a properly supplied medicine chest, repair drain in engine room shower, .repair radio, in­ stallation of speaker in P.O. mess, clock in P.O. mess, lock on vegetable box, new hot plate, percolaters and master toaster. One minute of silence for Brothers lost at sea. XXX tions carried: that Delegates inspect and check with Stew­ ard for stores and determine if they are sufficient for the voy­ age; that Delegates check over the medical supplies with Cap­ tain. Members were instructed to pick up their cups from messhall tables. One minute of silence observed for Brothers lost at sea. XXX Don't Get Caught In The Revolving Door stay in, and stay out. So say two motions passed at a recent membership meeting aboard the SS Cape Sandy; Confused? Well, just hold on to your soojie. It's all quite simple. The motions apply to the cook, and to all those Who are not cooks or a steward. In other words, one motion carried saying that There's A Hitch the cook is to stay in the galley Aboard The Hitch until meals have been served. Any day now the boys in the The second motion says that galley of the 'SS Diamond Hitch every one beside the cooks and expect to hear; "Cook, line those the steward should keep out of pots up at attention." the galley. It seems that the Chief Stew­ The Brothers on the Sandy ard has told the cooks that he is just don't want the chow ma­ an officer and wishes to be re­ chine to break down, so they are spected as one, both aboard and taking all precautions to keep it ashore, according to the ships running smoothly. Can ya blame minutes. them? This "officer" is not getting the XXX re.spect that he thinks is his due, the minutes say; in fact, the men HIBBINGS VICTORY, July n all three departments have 20—Chairman and secretary branded him as a company stiff not noted. Delegates reported and think he is overstepping his that crew has had lousy chow authority somewhat by pulling up to the present time. Motions such antics. carried: that Chief Steward Come on "Stew" take those make out menus instead of scrambled eggs off your hat and Chief Cook preparing meals on put them back on the griddle. his own; that cablegram be sent to Union Hall to learn outcome XXX of cutiiracl negoliaiiutis: thai DE SOTO, June 25—Secre­ Delegates call a special meet­ tary K. Morrell; Secretary R. ing whenever they think it nec­ Lipscomb. Minutes of previous meeting read as accepted. Mo- ' essary. Union Booklet Saves Day For Seafarer Beached In Europe With Broken Shoulder (Continued from Page 10) ly satisfied. The next day he re­ turned to the company agent and reported what had happened the previous night. The agent sputtered and fum­ ed, insisting that Do Fazio live at the merchant marine center. De Fazio fumed right back and was off in a cloud of smoke to the office of the American con­ sul. Just to make sure that De Fazio's claim of injui-y was a valid one, the consul sent him to an Army doctor. The doctor ex­ amined the shoulder, then ap­ proved of De Fazio's complaint. Back again to the company agent went iDe Fazio, who by this time, in addition to having a bum shoulder, was suffering from a slight case of dizziness induced by the mad merry-go-round. The agent, too, appeared slightly dizzy when he learned that the Army doctor recommended that De Fazio have a larger bed. However, in the face of this or­ der, he agreed to pay the Sea­ farer $3.50 a day and take car^ of the hotel bill. \ At this point in his story De Fazio paused to tell how ii, was next to impossible to sustain himself on , $3.50. Prices were sky-high and there was nothing to buy anyway. Continuing with the tale of his trials, De Fazio said that after two weeks of trying to keep him­ self alive on his allowance, he was sent by the agent to Rotter­ dam to catch a ship that was headed for the States. MORE TROUBLE "In Rotterdam, the agent's of­ fice was miserable, De Fazio said. "They refused to give me money DIDTOO I SIR? YeAH.Jttv'BS, PRAW ME A TOB! to support, myself until the ship came into port." He was sent to the Hotel Regina. The agent's office was to pay for his room and food until such time as he was able to leave. But a surprise was in store for the harassed Chief Steward when he got to the hotel and saw his "room." It couldn't have been more convenient. Hot and cold run­ ning water, mirror for shaving. All he had to do was put his hand out and everything needed for his toilet was in reach. In fact, the "room" was right in the washroom; set up there because the hotel people said there was no room available, though a va­ cancy was expected within a few days. "Well, 1 spent my nights in that 'room' until the ship dock­ ed," De Fazio said with a sigh. The daily menu was a beaut, too. "For breakfast 1 had two slices of bread and a cup of tea. That was my ration for the whole day," De Fazio said. "These conditions sent me back to the agent's office where 1 com­ plained again. 1 asked him for my subsistence money in cash, saying that 1 would take care of my food and hotel myself. " 'What do you think this is— a bank?', the agent hollered back at me." A LIFESAVER But here, De Fazio, whd" avails himself of the protection which his Union provides for him, was prepared. "Lucky for me," he said, "1 had a copy of my agree­ ment in my bag, and 1 showed it to the agent, pointing out where it stated that 1 must be provided first-cla.ss transportation and four dollars a day whenftravelling. "With that, 1 convinced "him he was wi'ong. The little book saved the day for me." The rest came easy enough for De Fazio. He caught the ship and got back to the States with no more trouble. But he strongly advised "all SlU members when leaving the United States not to forget to carry the copy of the agreement between the company and the Union." That little book, it appears, is an item to be respected. 5Q{JE SPECIAL SE«V/|CES DE.PARTWAS SBTUPTo-H'eiP VDO WHFAJ iKiTpajBUr. GoTA ?RdBlEM ?—IEJ3AL, f ASK Ti-iE SmC/ALW^OLAVlfs/ -F Youfee iM A/EW/ WRITE AMD iooU RECEIV/E A pRcMPTf^EBY. CUT AND RUN By HANK Well, it's better to have the Mates and Esgineers real Union men and thereby closer to us brothers, than have them remain the unhappy and complete slaves of the shipowners. That's why this big beef keeps our American ports frozen and safe for the sake of honestly militant and justified union labor—from topside to down below . . . Well, Johnny Meghrian is sure glad to be in New York after going broke on the West Coast from his three-month trip to Japan. Next trip, Johnny, will be different—but it never is . . . Buddy Gold, one of our Tampa Brothers, just came into town. How's New York's .strike chow in comparison? One of humorous shipmates. Tommy Taylor, who did a fine job organizing Isthmian ships, just came into town from his home town of Tampa. Brother Bill Higgs was glad to see him, too. Anyway, Tommy, we'll take your advice not to ride a bus to Tampa. Not a chance for a cold glass of beer all the way up. Well, Tommy, sailing those taxis every day down there must have got monotonous, anyway—so you're better off up here . . . We won't mention the names of the happily guilty brother who told us—but Bill Thomas has a nickname—and it's Windy. Well, Bill, good luck—if you hit Mobile ... In this town of tall buildings it's good to see that familiar black mustache and tall fram.e of "Tex" Morton, who wears coins in his ears and buys roses now and then when he's happy. Where were you, Tex? Meet Joe Tennent: It seems bad luck hit Joe again after he was beached in lhat hole called the Persian Gulf, due to a leg injury. When he came home he shipped out on a vessel which sailed with hardly any stores aboard—not enough meat, no razor blades, no cigarettes, etc. But little Joe, who may be old in years but is as livelj' as onyone, still keeps his sense of humor aboard in the galley or ashore in the crowd. Say, Joe, isn't Russell Saun­ ders, known as Chips the Boxer, lucky? Some bartender of a saloon where Rocky Graziano hangs out, felt sorry for Chips and his pugilis­ tic map—and gave him a ten spot. Gee, why ain't we got a punchy face and those ears. Look all the beers we could buy for our beachy brothers who look at us with those wishful faces. 5, J. s. i. Woody Lockwood was dreaming about the time he, John Lincoln and Red Morgan were dreaming about the Texas Bar while they were accidentally given a few days sentence. Woody -says he wishes Brother Merchant, a youngster who lives in Long Island and is a fine artist, could have drawn a picture .of them. An(/way, Woody tells us that Beachie Tom Murray lost his bartenders job and that Blackie Vince Kane should leave San Juan to taste some of this fine New York chow. Verrill Swearingen and Frank Devlin are in the Great Lakes right now. Fred Flash Fannin, Arthur Arvanites, Valentine Nnnez, Vincent Segesta, Andre Quinones, Charles Stokely and Ernest Raid are down in New Orleans. "Blackie" Daniel Boyce is in Phillj^ Henry Pruitt and William Jensen are in Norfolk. . •' �Page Twelve TttE S E AF AREnS to G Priday, Ocfober 2S. 7946 rOE MEMBEBSmP SPEAKS THE FOC'SLE FROLICS SS Montezuma Castle Crew Are Good Will Ambassadors i I know our crewmembers will be welcomed any place we have Just a line to let you know been. Among them are our Bo­ that sailing is back to standard sun, Jim Hammond, known up andr we don't see many of the and down and all over as a con­ 40-day wonders. This is the first genial, efficient Seafarer; our ship I have sailed since the war Black gang Delegate, Alvin A. wit](i so many full book members. VanDevonter, known as Vandy; We have six in the ^lack gang, Chief Cook Milton Theodore six in the Deck, and one in the (Teddy), an artist in the galley, Stewards department. and a Greek of the finest order. We have just completed a 70Then we have the Chief Stew­ day voyage that carried us from ard, a West coast man, John E. Baytown to Hull, England. We Hollywood hi-jinks? Could be, but it isn't. This scene is Cuthrell who has performed the shuttled from there to Trinidad, aboard the SS Cuba Victory. Goings-on were part of the Nep­ loaded for Antwerp and then almost impossible task of pleas­ tune party held as the vessel crossed the Equator. ing the crew as well as the of­ home. ^ ficers. Our Second Cook and When the ones who perform Stewards Delegate, Walter the labor are not properly com­ Blezer (sh, he's from Brooklyn), pensated and often exploited to has also done a fine job by pre­ furtlier gains and profits of the cept and example. privileged few it is time for ac­ We were very fortunate in We can't be naive enough to tion. Too frequently the daily Dnar Editor: having a First Mate who was a press, which, by the way is fre­ believe that a mere constitution I wonder how many of the will stop the stooges and pimps quently owned or at least con­ first class seaman. He seemed to sense the other side as well as boys caught Paul Hall's recent of the National Association of trolled by the privileged class, take care of his own job, but un­ column warning of the anti-labor Manufacturers, the Iron and plays up the loss to the public by the actions of the Unions in de­ fortunately he developed an eye legislation being cooked up for Steel Institute or any other of manding and fighting for their trouble that made it imperative introduction to Cdhgress when the big money coalitions from rights and blaming them for it. that he be left at Antwerp for they reconvene? His warning pushing one of these plans treatment. We all wish him a should not be glossed over, as through with the aid of their But the reverse is the case. speedy recovery. His name is any guy with half an eye can boys on Capitol Hill. It is not the Unions which are C. E. Daly of Los Angeles. see that the "stop strikes" chorus causing the public inconvenience Too fresh in our memories is is raising its voice again, and Duke Himler and annoyance, but the owners the action of the Missouri finkevery nut in the country has his who will not agree to grant us herder last May when he nearly own guaranteed, patented plan what is just. Sometimes the MOTHER ANXIOUS put such a bill through. Hopping to stop strikes and padlock labor. price to be paid seems hard, but up and down like Hitler with a Especially amusing are the dif­ the end justifies the means, and I OVER LOCATION case of DTs he called for the ferent plans put forth by various am .proud and glad wc cooper OF SEAFARER SON draft of workers into the Army professors of political science. Al­ ated and won. Yes, it has been where they could pull down 50 though none of these birds have Dear Editor: ever done a day's labor in their bucks per while doing their jobs Recently I had someone phone lives, they are all ready with with a bayonet at their throats. AI4,VES,THI0SE I you concerning the whereabouts ingenious schemes to curb labor Remember how the anti-labor of my son, Chester Skszyski, who unions. These professors of poli­ boys applauded his actions and is a member of your Union. We tical economy are ingenious in how the House of Representa­ were told to write to the hall. finding various theories that tives almost broke their necks The story is as follows; prove strikes are unconstitution­ My son sailed aboard an Isth­ al. mian ship on a trip which took IVORY TOWER HOT him to San Diego, San Francisco, One of these professors wrote Portland and Olympia. At Olym- a long letter to the New York pia he was to enter a hospital Times calling strikes "criminal with an injured knee. That was conspiracies" and demanded the the last time I heard from him. imprisonment of striking union Due to an illness, I have been leaders. I never thought an ivory a wonderful object lesson, loo, and we have used it fully to in­ confined to my home under doc­ tower could get so excited. This tor's orders. I worry very much bird's resentment can probably doctrinate our young friends. We have several hign type and about my son's whereabouts, and be traced to impatience for a new outstanding men in our crew worrying doesn't help my condi­ car. aboard the Montezuma Castle, tion any. The most famous labor-baiter, who by their advice and example I wish you'd be kind enough Donald Richberg, offers one of have set up a pretty high stand­ to tell how 1 can learn of the the most common plans. He hurrying to pass the thing? They ard. They have tried to incul­ whereabouts of my son, and also wants all labor disputes settled weren't thinking of constitution­ cate a high American attitude in please tell him to hurry home by the courts; evidently thinking al rights then. their relations with our foreign when he arrives in New York. all stril^s are crimes. The for­ V/E HAVE ANSWER neighbors, and from their advice Mrs. Caroline Skszynski mula is very simple; if you don't I've alwajys kind of wished agree with the judge; you can they had passed it. I'd have think it over in the pen. loved spitting in the General's ISTHMIAN MEN This is indicative of the new eye and breaking the Lieuten­ line being taken by the giant ant's jaw. Then what? A firing corporations. Having failed to squad for "insubordination?" Oh, crush labor with goon squads, yeah? tear gas,- and special police, they If they ever try one of these are now going to try "legal" plans, American labor can beat methods; s^ch as fines an.l im­ it overnight with an idea our prisonment. Strike committee came up with: RIGHT TO STRIKE A general strike of all organized Actually there is no way they labor in the U.S. with ships, fac­ can stop strikes by "legal" means. tories, mines, etc., all stopped The right to stop work when one cold until the phony law is re­ feels like it is undeniable. Any pealed. Victory would be in­ action to the contrary would stantaneous. constitute slavery and the con­ Like it or not, America has en­ stitution forbids involuntary tered the laUor age. These poli­ servitude. Any attempt to force tical stooges trying to hold down the coal miners or seamen to work against their will is plain a giant with their paper plans and simple slavery no matter are nuts. They can't do it. Let's A few of fhe crewmembers aboard the Isthmian line's how well they wrap the whole hope they don't have to learn it recently acquired SS Archer, which is on a run to the Near thing in the flag and call it pure the haird way. and Middle East areas. "Steamboat" O'Doyle Americanism. Deab Editor: America Enters Labor Age: 'Steamboat' Warns Big-Wigs I 1 Log'A'Rhythms • A Trip To Sea By VIC COMBS 'Twas the night we were sailing, the crew was all set To start for the islands, but the ship said not yet. It was Wednesday eve, they were raising the boom When the damn thing let loose with a screech and a zoom. It took three hours to make ready to make everything free To be ready to sail her on our way to the sea. We finally left port, we were on our way. And that was the end of our troubles that day. The first day was clear, the skies were so blue I sat around mooning, I had no­ thing to do. The second day brought trouble, the engines conked out. It look fifteen minutes to get back on our route. This trip spelled trouble, twice more on our way She stopped with a shudder, boy, what a day. We fixed her finally, did those engines hum. Stepped up to full speed, we made up mileage some. Well, we got in Monday, to San Juan at dawn, I woke up at six, I let out a yawn, I worked like hell for the rest of the day. So I could go ashore for a little play. I went to the King Bar, the Texas and Don Q To see all the women and how 1 would do, I met them all, the women of San Juan, Before I left them it was darn near dawn. This island is beautiful, the sun shines all day But man, give me Brooklyn, where the Dodgers play. Sailing's for me to travel e'er the world. But I'll take home, m.aybe I'm spoiled. For home is America, it's the place of my birth Where the girls are priceless, you can't figure their worth. % X The Old Man To The Mates By JAMES STEWART The times are hard, the low. We'll leave her mister, - her, I guess it's time for us to We'll leave her mister, her. wages leave go. leave I just now heard the crew all "We've fought our fight won the day, "Seafarers help us to get pay;" So - - - - het: mister, leave say, and our her. �Friday. October 25. 1S46 THE SEAFARERS LOG Bandwagon Begins To Roll; Orson F. Is Now In A Race Ropeyarn's Man Proposes Harem For Each Seaman with him on the voyage, for com­ fort and satisfaction." He said that "the company would be re­ quired to pay for the marriage li­ cense in case the seaman had to marry his voyage wife." Page Thirteen THE TANKER TONTO Farfy Opponent Emerges From Brew Session Well Ed you know them oldDear Editor: New York City timers like yourself they have a Oct. 21 1 see in the October 11, issue of wife in every port, and that "li­ Dear Editor: cense and marriage" business the Log that Ropeyarn is furth­ Our candidate and fellow citi­ didn't size-up very well with ering the campaign of one Orson zen, the Honorable Orson Farfuf- them, so they organized them­ Farfufnick for President. In this nick is still campaigning in the selves a committe to see our particular issue Farfufnick is South. From all of the latest re­ friend Orson Farfufnick. pictured on a street comer soap The Pacific Tankers' SS Tonto which tied up at Maftnis ports. our candidate is making box preaching his doctrine to a Hook, Pa., recently before receiving orders to proceed to Bal­ Ed, they proposed that llie fair progress. crowd of dogs. timore for repairs. Orson didn't go over so hot companies furnish each seaman 1 don't have anything personal Ed with the "Cajun's," but his with six wives and if there was against this Farfufnick character, cpccch to the seaman was gob- any divorcing required before ob­ but I hardly think he is the type, taining more, that the shipping bled-up faster than you and commissioners be authorized to seamen would back for the presi­ could down-the-hatch with some issue it • at the pay-off or sign- dency of the U. S. good Jamaica rum. The o^her night Brothers Larry on. This of course was to give He said, "Brothers if I am elect­ Woodward, Shorty Wtson, Slick them the chance to get rid of the ed I'll not only see that a seaman Davis, Red Lewis and myself will receive $5 an hour for over­ unwanted ones and 1 guess to went deep into this subject. We keep a good supply of nice young time whether he works it or not; all work at the same place trying fresh wives always on hand. The I will have a law passed requir­ would to make a few honest dollars, so ing the Captain to serve a drink shipping commissioner really be made the goat, as it when we had finished our days' to the watch before going on would be his job to herd all of work we were sitting around dis­ duty." cussing the merits of the local Ed, this really gave some of the the old undesirabli! wives off the brew when someone brought up oldtimers something to laugh ship. Damn Ed, ii feller's really the subject of politics. After wad­ about. They could just picture got to go some to figure out what ing through local politics and a COVERING SHIPS IN NEW YORK the 'old-man,' tripping down the a seaman is liable to think up case of beer we arrived at the next. pa.s.sageway with a tray filled stage where someone suggested A BIG JOB FOR PATROLMEN with glasses, knocking on the Well Ed, Orson Farfufnick digging up a good candidate for Before our ship, the SS Laredo Victory, left New York door and saying "eleven-thirty— didn't go much for this new presidenlj as we had unanimously hrior to the recent General Strike, we asked for a Patrolman to would you gentlemen care for "deck-board;^'.^>He is sorter relig­ agreed to oppose Ropeyarn's be sent down to the vessel. We waited patiently, but the Pa­ Rye or Bourbon?" That would ious anyway. And to cop it all choice, Mr. Farfufnick. trolman never showed \ip. Perhaps through the Log's Beef Box realty be the berries ... Eh Ed? off, Ed, his wife Melinda was Along about this time we were we can learn why a Patrolman was not dispatched to our ship His next proposal to be incor­ present when this Committee down to our last few cabbage after his presence was requested. porated in the deck-boards for presented their demands. Mrs. leaves and some of us were down Crew of the SS Laredo Victory seaman gave the boys something Farfufnick is a big worker in the on the floor. We were discussing to really get excited about. Ed Answer:—With the large number of ships entering and the possibilities of offering some­ it damned near caused a riot. leaving New York daily, it is a difficult job for the Patrolmen one of local talent our indorse Old Orson proposed "that each to get to all of them. In fact, it is sometimes impossible for them ment, when in walks this bird seaman when signing on be pre­ to cover all ships in one day. If there was a major beef aboard and sits down at our table. This sented with a wife to take along your ship that needed immediate attention, the wise thing character is not timid you can would have been to send a delegate to the Hall so that the guess by the fact that he bimsts FIGHT TO STAY matter could have been squared away then. into our nice sociable party loudly announcing that his name ON TOP is Filthy McNasty and just cal MUST GO ON ^CYCLE MISHAP Easy Life him "Dirty" for short. Dear Editor: Rusty gives me the eye, and Beckons Brother PUTS SEAFARER As 1 sit down at this typewrit­ we are getting ready to heave IN HOSPITAL er 1 find I haven't got the slight­ this character into ehe alley when Dear Editor: est notion as to what I am going he digs into his pocket and brings I expect to take some time off Dear Editor: to write about, and as I look up a load of kale that would from the sea and take things I've been following all the de­ church and Til bet she turned about me and listen I hear voices make the Statue of Liberty dance easy for awhile, so to keep in velopments and happenings of all sorts of colors when these fel­ and see men; they are talking to a jig, so naturally we begin to see touch with the Union and what the SIU in the Log and 1 was lers made known how they want­ one another while others are just a little logic in the guy, and after is happening I would like to have very glad to see the strike and ed this wife business settled. sitting and thinking. All have he pays for a few rounds of beer the Log sent to my home. 1 do negotiations carried out in typical Well, 1 was talking to Blackie his logic becomes plainer anc not intend to retire my book, be­ one thing on their minds—when SIU style. am I going to get a ship? Well, Hymes who was Chairman of this plainer. He says he can speak cause 1 know that 1 won't be able Tnx sorry 1 missed all the fun, He for one 1 would like to see this Committee on "wives." to stand this shore-side life too but I've been laid up for over five beef over in a hurry, because 1 grudgingly admitted that Mrs. long and one of these days Til be weeks with a fractured leg and know at the end of this dispute Farfufnick returned with reenback in the Hall looking for f internal injuries suffered dn a we are coming out of it with forcements later in the day and ;hip. In the meantime keep up motorcycle accident. It'll be an­ made a raid on the Committee. flying colors. :he good work, and steady as she other month before 1 get my feet It is a wonderful feeling to They .say them women was arm­ goes! back on deck again, but when 1 know that you have a friend; a ed with mops and brooms and C. R. Bourlanc' do walk out of here 1 know that friend who helps you when you when they went into action it Duquoin, I'L Til be as good as new. are down. Do you know the looked like the charge of the friend to whom I am referring? "heavy brigade." I'm in the Williamsport City About half way through this Siu-e you do! It's th^ SIU. This Hospital and conditions here are 1 think Blackie's wife was one bottle the local gendarmes de­ club of ours, and I will call it a of the ring leaders in convincing similar to those in the Marine cide to pay thir respects and of­ club because we are all for one the Committee that one wife was hospitals. The building was built fer us their hospitality. Not wish­ and one for all, is really going sufficient. Anyway, Blackie saya in 1889, and the heating and airplaces. I think we have the best he ain't interested any more and any language in Europe except ing to let it be known that we conditioning systems are very representation of any union in that the Committee on wives is Greek so 1 ask him to speak a are nominating a future president poor. There are seven other pa­ we make a h^asty exit out the the world. That means an awful now disolved. little French. He says French is back door. We didn't have time tients in the same room with me, lot to you and 1, and in the fu­ Greek to him, but I figure he is Ropeyarn to find out what platform Mr. but they're charging me for a ture when we go to work on ust a little tipsy and French is McNasty will run on, but we feel sem-private room The meals are whatever ship we decide we tard to pronounce when your average—some good and some sure it will be a good one with want, we will know that we Looks Forward tongue feels like a roll of sausage. bad—Some hot and some cold. plenty of campaign juice for pax'have really won. However, there To The Log A few more times around and The treatment is the best con­ is one thing to bear in mind; just le still pays so we ask him if ched throats. sidering the shortages of nurses, Dear Editor: 1 saw Brother Woodwai'd today but when a guy is discharged because we are as strong as we he would like to run for presi­ are, we cannot stay there imless 1 would like to have the Log dent against this guy Farfufnick. and he agreed to write the Log from here he knows he is cured. each and every one of us does sent to my home so 1 can keep He thinks it's a good idea and ac­ and present Mr. McNasty to the Well, it won't be too long be­ his part. Let's stick together up on the doings of our Union cepts the nomination by buying SlU so our friends like Ropefore Til be dropping in at the now, once and for all. We'll work when 1 get in from off-shore another round. We ask him who yarn will have time to withdraw New York Hall as good as new, hard and reach our Utopia. Then, trips. So please put me on the he knows in politics and he tells their support from Orson Farfuf­ so until that time 1 remain whole­ and only then will we be safe mailing list and I'll be looking us that he shook hands with Kil- nick and get on the McNasty heartedly SIU. from those who wish to destroy forward, to seeing thein there roy the. last time he was in Wash­ bandwagon. us. Ben Cardinan Edward Kahrs when 1 come in off a ship. ington. This clinches the deal Williamsport. Pa. Augusta. Georgia Harry Georgo and we call for a bottle of rye. "Short Circuiri �THE SEAFARERS LOG /Page Fourteen Friday, October 25, 1346 73 Candidates Are Certified Credentials Committee Report Three Changes As Qualified For '47 Elections Are Appreved By Referendum October 18. 184b .• {Continued from Page I) W: BOSTON (1 Agent, 1 Joint Patrolman) Agent THOMAS (Rocky) BENSON 7297 JOHN MOGAN—216 Joint Patrolman tHEO. GRIFFITHS—G-115 STEPHEN CARR—22217 S R. GREENRIDGE—1863 JAMES E. SWEENEY—1530 ' EDDIE A. PARR—96 NEW YORK "(1 Agent; 2 Each, Deck, Engine. Stewards and Joint Patrolmen) Agent PAUL HALL—190 Deck Patrolman JOE ALGINA—1320 E. (Skippy) GUSZCZYNSKY 3100 •JAMES SHEEHAN—306 , Engine Patrolman J. H. VOLPIAN—G-56 JAMES PURCELL—27124 Steward Patrolman R. E. GONZALES—G-174 HOWARD GUINIER—478 CHAS. L. STEVENS—7036 WILLIAM HAMILTON—3400 Joint Patrolman JOE UDILJAK—7163 JIM DRAWDY—28523 LOUIS GOFFIN—4526 ROBT. (Red) BUNCE—7165 Agent JOHN W. PRESCOTT—G-114 KEITH (Jim) ALSOP—7311 CAL TANNER—44 LUDIE (Luke) COLLINS—5 Joint Patrolman JEFFERSON MORRISON—34213 JAS. (Blackie) CARROLL—14 PAUL (Haywire) WARREN— G-114 ROBERT JORDAN—71 WM. C. (Bill) THOMAS—G-12 L. F. (Whitey) LEWIS—2029 SAN FRANCISCO (1 Agent) Agent W. H. SIMMONS—215 We, the undersigned committee on credentials, duly elected at the regular business meeting at the branch of New York on October 9. have examined the credentials of the candidates for th» election of the offices of the Seafarers International Union for the year of 1947, and submit the following report: We recommend that the men that are qualified for office be placed on the ballot in alphabetical form under the offices for which they run, and that the ballots be arranged with the Head­ quarters offices on top, and that the ports, beginning with Bos­ ton, be arranged on the ballot geographically as has been done in the past. The credentials of Robert Wilbutn and Frank Peralto were submitted to the credential committee but there was no letter accompanying the credentials stating for what office they were submitted, therefore, the papers are being returned without being examined. W. J. Brady, 6829; Wallace Perdue, 33349; F. Hunter, 20546; A. Marco, 20299; Marino^Gtirdils, 4630r"Thonfas Lockwooii,--£45S4r-- NEW ORLEANS (1 Agent; 1 Each, Deck,' Engine, Stewards, Patrolmen) Agent STEELY WHITE—56 Engine Patrolman C. J. (Buck) STEPHENS—76 LOUIS (Blackie) NEIRA—26393 Deck Patrolman JOHNNY JOHNSTON—G-53 CHARLES KIMBALL—G-52 FRANK (Sully) SULLIVAN— G-2 C. E. GIBBS—2341 Steward Patrolman R. W. BIRMINGHAM—G-390 C. E. TURNER—G-15 Members To Vote On increase in Benefits To Hospitalized NEW YORK, Oct. 23—A heavy, "Yes" vote was registered by the SIU membership in the referen­ dum balloting on three Constitutonal amendments pertaining to Union finances. Figures released yesterday by the Tally Committee, after tabu­ lation of returns from all Atlantic and Gulf branches, revealed Sea­ farers' approval of the first two amendments by a more than twoto-one percentage; while the propurliuii of "yes" to "iiu" votes ran higher than jhi;ge-to-one ^on the third proposed change. In the referendum, the mem­ bership approved of a Constitu­ tional change which would raise the monthly dues from $2.00 to $3.00 per month. They also voted to abolish the $2.00 annual hos- • pital assessment, and approved of an annual $5.00 assessment to en­ able the carrying on and expan­ sion of the Union's organizational activities. make it virtually impossible A resolution authorizing an in­ for patients in Marine Hospi­ crease in weekly benefits to hos­ tals to purchase necessary hos­ pitalized Seafarers will be placed pital supplies for $2.00 per before the membership when week, and voting in. the general election be­ PASSED BY BRANCHES gins Nov. 1. The resolution, WHEREAS: The income of the which would amend Article 25, Hospital, Burial and Shipwreck The referendum resulted from Section 1 of the Constitution, Fund far exceeds the expenses recommendations made by the will appear on the same ballot and Quarterly Finance and Investi­ containing the list of candidates gating Committee which were WHEREAS: This fund now for Union offices for 1947. overwhelmingly accepted and stands around $90,000 and Should the membership adopt concurred in by all branches the proposed increase, the hos­ WHEREAS: A small increase in holding meetings Aug. 23, 1946. HOUSTON the amount of Hospital Bene­ The committee was elected at the pital benefits will be increased PHILADELPHIA (I Agent, 1 Patrolman) fits would not reduce the prin­ New York branch meeting Aug. from $2.00 to $3.00 per week. (1 Agent, 1 Patrolman) Agent cipal amount now in the fund 14. The increase is recommended Agent and CHAS. (Cotton) HAYMOND—98 to offset the price spiraling which The Amendments, as they ap­ JAS. TRUESDALE—3517 the SIU feels is a Jiardship on Patrolman WHEREAS: Many unorganized peared on the ballot: E. S. (Eddie) HIGDON—182 Seafarers confined in hospitals. seamen are in Marine Hospitals W. R. BRIGHTWELL—7279 Patrolman 1. Are you in favor of amend­ The resolution points out that and opposing Unions seize up­ G. (Tex) SUIT—6951 CHAS. H. BUSH—G-127 ing the Constitution, Article because "the income of the Hos­ on this situation to influence XXI, Section 2 to read: "The pital, Burial and Shipwreck Fund GALVESTON these men, BALTIMORE initiation fee shall be $25.00 far exceeds the expenses," and (1 Agent, 1 Patrolman) (1 Agent; 1 Each, Deck, Engine, the Fund now totals approxim­ THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLV­ and shall accompany the appli­ Stewards Patrolmen) ED: That we amend Article cation for membership, and the Agent ately $90,000 "the increase would 25, Section 1, of the Constitu­ dues shall be Three Dollars Agent D. L. PARKER—160 not reduce the principal amount tion to increase the present ($3.00) per month, payable in : WM. McKAY-—8 now in the fund." Patrolman Hospital Benefits of $2.00 per advance." (Approved by more WM. REN TZ—26445 The text of the resolution, as JAS. J. DeVITO—G-185 week to $3.00 per week, and than two-to-one vote.) it will appear on the ballot, fol­ Deck Patrolman RAY W. SWEENEY—G-20 lows: REX E. DICKEY—652 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: LLOYD W. MacDONNELL—343 2. Are you in favor of amend­ That this amendment be plac­ ing the Constitution by abolish­ RESOLUTION Engine Patrolman PORT ARTHUR ed on the official ballot of the ing Section 3, Article XXV GLEN (Curly) MASTERSON— WHEREAS: The present rate of (1 Agent) Annual Elections, and 20297 which provides that: "An an­ $2.00 per week Hospital Bene­ E. (One Eyed Pete) DiPIETRO— Agent fits is the lowest amount now BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED: nual assessment of $2.00 shall 35 LEON (Blondie) JOHNSON— being paid by any Union of un­ That we begin payments of be levied to provide Hospital,G-108 licensed personnel, and Steward Patrolman $3.00 per week upon passage Shipwreck and Funeral Ben­ efit." (Approved by more than WHEREAS: Inflated prices now J. (Hoggie) HATGIMISIOS— of this Resolution. SAN JUAN two-to-one vote.) 23434 (1 Agent) 3. Are you in favor of as­ NORFOLK Agent sessing ourselves $5.00 annual­ (1 Agent, I Joint Patrolman) DAN BUTTS—190 ly to carry on organizational Agent SALVADOR COLLS—21085 activities and secure more jobs RAY WHITE—G-57 JOSEPH WAGNER—153 which are sorely needed by our PETER GAVILLO—21001 membership. (Approved by 15 men must sacrifice their lives {Continued from Page 1) The following did not qualify Joint Patrolman more than three-to-one vote.) so that the others might live. The because they did not submit suf­ alarm signaled the aproach of BEN REES—G-95 As passed, the amendments ficient sea time: Harold Gabaree, 23 Nazi bombers and torpedo 19 Norwegian women and chil­ G-29; Robert F. Kennedy, 6402; planes closing in for the kill. dren were given places in the will now become part of the CHARLESTON Union Constitution. , Johnny Marciano, 6282; Paul H. Bombs started raining all around boats first. (1 Agent) The skipper, Donald Haviland, Parsons, 27751; Efrain L. Molina, the lone vessel. Agent did not call for volunteers. "All 20456; Herbert (Lefty) Parks, 25; The Bacon men returned the ERNEST B. TILLEY—G-75 of the men cannot go—I don't A. C. Flynn, G-45 (also not in fire and the atmosphere screamed EARL (Snuffy) SMITH—20057 continuous good standing for two with misseles of death. Five fas­ want to go back without a full Not all judgea Issue anti-labor years); George A. Allen, G-114; cist planes were knocked from crew," he said. In seconds he SAVANNAH had his complement. injunctions. There was the case and Joseph Kerrigan, 32725. (1 Agent) the skies by the heroic defenders The men who gave up their in Houston, Tex., where a judge Others who were not qualified of the Bacon. But the law of Agent lives in order that their ship­ for not having been in continuous averages was against the valor­ refused to sign an injunction reCHARLES STARLING—6920 mates and the others might live good standing for two years are: ous band aboard the ill-fated WM. J. BRANTLEY—G-111 knew they wouldn't "go back"; etraining male workers at the Alex H. G. Anderson, 6567; Frank ship. One of the planes let got JAS. L. TUCKER—2209 they were consigning themselves American Gear Co. from whistl­ Fromm, 75; W. Siekman, 7086; with an aerial torpedo. It struck to the bottom in the finest tradi­ ing while they worked. The in­ JACKSONVILLE Joseph Torchik, G-3; Edward J. the Bacon squarely 'midships. tions of the sea. junction was sought by the own­ (1 Agent) Vorel, G-10; Benny Gonzales, Slowly, she began to sink. In April, 1945, Crown Prince er of a neighboring cleaning plant 125; Mariano Arroyo, 6200; and One lifeboat had been destroy­ O 1 a v, Commander-in-Chief of Agent who argued that his girl employ­ Ted Cummings, G-224; and Frank ed; there was not space on the the Norweigian forces, expressed JAS. H. HANNERS—256 ees were distracted from their (Flat Top) Kedrick, G-9. remaining boats for all. None his "appreciation and admiration work by the "wolf whistles" of TAMPA Jose Pacheco did not submit were injured in the action, but of the outstanding discipline and the gear workers. Denying the (1 Agent) sufficient credentials; while self-sacrifice displayed by the of­ injunction. Judge Roy Campbell Agent Thomas J. Clark submitted none ficers and crew of the Henry Ba­ told the gear men: "Whistle while CLAUDE (Sonny) SIMMONS— at all. Two members, Robert con, in fact with the finest tradi­ you work. That's legal." Then he 368 Wilburn and Frank Peralto sub­ tion of American sailors." pursed his lips and gave out with mitted their credentials but did This week, the Bacon's surviv­ a beautiful wolf whistle. "That," MOBILE not state the offices they were ing Seafarers proudly received said his honor, "you must not (1 Agent, 2 Joint Patrolmen) seeking, and so were disqualified. Norway's award for valor- • , do." Norway Decorates The Surviving Bacon Seafarers For Rare Heroism The Judge Is A Judge �Friday, Qctidm ^S, ifi46 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Fiifleen *<1 Unclaimed Wages ILLIffOIS-ATl-ANTIC CORP. The following men have retro­ active wages due them from the SS Colabee. These wages are .available" at the Paj^masters Office, 2.nd floor, AmericajvHa".watran Steamship C'o.',~90" "^oad Street, New York 4, N. Y. DECri* DEPARTMENT % Elner Blakstad, George R. Brown, Theodore D. Cannon, Ger. aid De Meo, John George Dreisch, Delaware P. Eldemiro, "William L, Enor, Helge Erikson, Primo F. Fernando, Wallace Gordon, Geo­ rge Haase, Thorleif Johannesseri, Kristian Korneluisen, Yrjo Koski, Kenneth H. Kristensen. Alfred P. Longo, John J. Mur­ phy, Robert J. Murray, "Vincent Morreales, Ismael M. Nezario, Roy C. Chester O'Neill, Hugo Palsson, John Petkae, Don Peurala, Joseph F. Rapaskay, Geno. Regni, Henry Sitkowski, Douglas E. Wandree, John R. Wentz, Edward Williams, Frank Wolinski. ENGINE DEPARTMENT Henry J. Adamski, Albin H. Anderson, Wiliam R. Cheuvront, Edward F, Gibbs, Joseph Goss, William Hauck, Jerry P, Hill, John Holtzhauer, Hymann Hornreich, Edward Franklin, Howell, Donald P. Huff, "Vincent A. Karnuth, Alvin J, Lawtoh. Francis Le Jan, William McAuslin, Paul Henry Parsley, Joe C., Rainwater Jr., Merrill H. Robb, Herman Schwartz, Harry R. Sherman, Eugene Sullivan, Thorgil Weber, Dwight E. Yentzer, Patrick Yetman. — Unclaimed Wages— Mississippi Shipping Ckmipany, Inc. This list comprises unclaimed wages as of December 31, 1945, some of which may have already been paid. If you still have a claim, write to Misgissiplit SMppmgnC^ipany, Hibarnia Dank Bldg.,l^h"floor, New'^Orleans. La., enclosing your z-number, social security number, date and place of biftbT and present address. Show, J. H Sims, Joseph Sinks, G Slughter, Arie Smith, Carl Smith, C. F Smith, Earl C Smith, L. E Snider, W Somerset, G. J Spraitz, W. C Starr, Ronald 'C. Stewart, G. T Stewai't, Owen S Stiffler, E. W Still, G. L Streckland, Harden Strickland, C Stuart, Wm, A Swarum, S, M T Tarbet, Roland D Titus, Geo. A Tripp, David U Urig, L, J W Walters, Elmer A Wann, Leonard, R. Warsaw, John W Wasmuth, H. C Webber, Carl F Wery, E, J West, Webb, E . , 2.25 2.25 2,25 2.25 9.00 2.25 4,50 13.50 4,50 2.25 18.75 1,50 2,25 11,25 .75 2.25 28.00 2.25 2.25 18.75 Whalen, J. R Whisker, R. A White, Wm. D, Wickwire, W Wilcock, J. H Williams, Ed. E Willover, John E Wolfish, Julius Wolford, E , 2.25 2.25 3.00 9.00 2.25 -75 30.00 4.50 6.75 Woods, J. J 2.25 Y Yadanza, P. A Young, Francis 0 Young, Morris S Young, Wrn. F Youngberg, V. D Z Zimmerman, E. A. 25.50 9.50 2.25 4.50 75 18.75 The Patrolmen Say... Good Officers NEW YORK —The other day we paid off the Pipe Spring, a Pacific Tanker. You could have knocked us over with a feather when out came a few of the crew to tell us that they have the per­ 11.25 6.75 fect combination. 2.25 We thought that they were talking about the Captain and 18.75 Chief Engineer. Not only did they praise these two, but also 1.50 had only the best to say about 11.25 12.00 the Purser. This was almost too 5.40 much to take and it took us a 15.75 minute or two to recover. Lately there has been a lot of 6.00 praise for the ship's licensed per­ 2.25 sonnel, and we believe that it stems from the recent coopera­ tion between all groups in win­ ning our beef against the WSB. We were told that the Chief En­ gineer is the Vice President of the MEBA and the Skipper is a member of the MM&P. If co­ operation could only continue between all shipboard unions on SIU ships we would really have something to shout about. We are not trying to praise ship's officers to the sky as there are plenty of bum eggs still floating around, but when the cooperation we so often call for and strive for is achieved, some mention should be made of it. Salvador GpUs Johnny Johnston MONEY DUE SS ALCOA PARTNER 1211 passenger meals now pay­ able to C. R. Haun, R, Woodward, E. Donald, W. C. Patterson and T. M. Wobolis, See ClaUde Fisher on 5th floor of the New York Hall. i. t t SS ALBION VICTORY SS BEN ROBERTSON Pay for the period from April 1, 1946 is now ready to be paid out. This money can be collect­ ed by writing to the Bull Liho, or by going in person to the Bull Line office, 115 Broad Street, New York City. 14 North Gay St. Calvert 4530 BOSTON ct.xte St Boudoin 4455 BUFFALO . 10_ Exctiange St. Cleveland 7301 St TlTone 3-ad80 CHICAGO 24 W. Superior Ave. . , Superior 5175 CLEVELAND . . 1014 E. St. Clair Ave. Main 0147 CORPUS CHRISTI . . 1824 Mesquite St Corpus Christi 3-1500 DETROIT 1038 Third St. Cadillac 6857 DULUTH 531 W. Michigan St. Melrose 4110 GALVESTON 305','= 22nd St 2-844S HONOLULU 16 Merchant St. HOUSTON 1515 75th Street Phone Wentworth 3-3800 JACKSONVILLE 920 Main St Phone 5-S910 MARCUS HOOK 1'A W. 8th St. Chester 5-3110 7 St. MichaeL St. 2-1754 NEW ORLEANS 339 Chartrea St Magnolia 6112-6113 NEW YORK 51 Beaver St HAnover 2-2734 NORFOLK 127-129 Bank Street 4-1083 PHILADELPHIA 9 South 7th St Phone LOmbard 3-7651 PORT ARTHUR 445 Austin Ave. Phone: 2-S532 PORTLAND Ill W. Burnside St. RICHMOND, Calif 257 5th St. SAN FRANCISCO 105 Market St. Douglas 5475 - .8363 SAN JUAN, P. R 45 Ponce de Leon San Juan 2-5006 SAVANNAH 220 East Bay St. 3-1728 SEATTLE 86 Seneca St. Main 0200 TAMPA 1800-1811 N. Franklin St. M-1323 WILMINGTON 440 Avalon VlvdTerminal 4-3131 VICTORIA. B. C 602 Boughton St. VANCOUVER 144 W. Hastings St PERSONALS O. W. ORR Please contact H. H. Black, Postal Inspector, Houston 1, Tex. X X LOUIS GALVANI Get in touch with Henry J. McArdle at 25 South Street, N. Y. C.. Frank T. Beard, Anthony Ben­ der, Alexander Berek, Merton Eel Deo Tiska, Richard E. E^onovan, Nels Engman, Joseph Ferran, Fr ank J. Hall, James Keen, Carl John Krebs, Jr., George Lazprisak, Bernard H. Levine, Harve D, Linton. Names are listed in the depart­ ment first voyage made on board. BALTIMORE MOBILE STEWARD DEPARTMENT Fred Paul, Donald M. Pearce, Thomas Pitti, Armand Rioux, Al­ fred Rogers, Nicolas Romano, Eleuterio Rosa, Donald R. Starr, Donald Stocken, Antonio Tavares, Terdoro V. Urbina, Andrew Vitale. Jack R. Wright. SIU HALLS NEW YORK SS WILLIAM MC CLAY Andrew White, Jr., $2.00; James Walker. $2.00; Grady Halty, $2.00; Bennie Cranford, $2.00; Joe M. Harris. $2.00; Alfred Dotson, $2.00; 'Paul Laumakis, $1.00; James VanSant, $3.00; Archie F. Carter, $I.QO; Aug Rodriques. $2.00; A. B. Cutterez, $1.00; C. G. Pedersen, $2.00; Albert Rinius, $1.00; J. Bieganowski, $2.00; A. Dans, $1.00; Charles Yoker, $2.00; M. O. Karlsson. $1.00; Alfredo Medina, $2.00; Charles W. Magee. $2.00; Anders S. Kjaer, $2.00. SS HAYWARP R. A. Thackwell, $5.00; J. V. McClantpc and Crew, $12.00; C. M. Ever­ ett, $1.00. SS FEPIX GRUPIDY H. R. Nurrai, $2.00; Janqes Lee, $2.00; A. Ferrie, $2.00; F. Ramlller. $2.00; Max Skqp, $2.00; John Welsh, 42.00; Fr^d Sha'ia, $2.00; E. C. Johnson, $1,00; M. F, Bryspn, $2,00; Pendzimaz, $2.00; R. A. Singer, $1.00; J. M. Pesler, 4'-^0: Wl)Uwani, $2,00: S. pentile, $1.00; J. L. Mahoney, $1.00. SS PIAMOND HITCH . R. A. Buckley, $3,00. SS FORT HOSKINS A1 A. Therrien, ,$2..00; Norman White. $2.00: Jesse D, Lopez, $2.00; C. L. Pearson, $2,00; R, Follett, $2,00; Char­ les F. Duncan, $2.00; Joseph Stanwood, $2.00; Everett Yates, $2.00; L. A. Rossi, $2.00; D. Keleman, $2.00; Robert Walk­ er, $6.00 M. F. White, $2.00; E. L. Poe, Jr., $1.00; G. A. Stanton, $1.00; R. V. Glove, $2.00; T. J. Moore, Jr., $2.00; A. F. Chysna, $2.00, O. Ommundsen, $1.00, SS JOLIET VICTORY C. Cladhill, $1.00; M. Woods, $1.00; M. Davis, $1.00; L. Harris, $1.00; J. Diana, $1,00; R. L. Martin, $1.00; J. G. Smith, $1.00; F. V. Nicoles, $1.00; J. Chiorra, $1.00; L. Osinski, $1.00; J. Foersler, $1.00; R. C. Ennis, $1.00; A. D. Bonrdman. $1.00; J. M. Prohownik, $1.00; E. R. Fitzgerald, $1.00; J. Nel­ son. $1.00; William Turner, $1.00; R. W. Marfin, $1.00. SS AECOA VOYAGpR Jose Lado, $1.00; Ramon Lado, $1.00; Billie Brewton, $2.00; F. A. Mandesa, $1.00; William Bfpwn, $2.Q0; B. E. Reitswitz, $2.00; R- Martinez, $|.00; V. Olivea, $3.00; C. H. Peixe, $2.00. 6S PEIiiPLETpN T. F. Shelton, $2.00; W, Mastine, $2.00; p. PeLppa, $2.00; P- Qt|», $2.00; E. White, $2.00. SS E. APFARO H. Spencer, $2.00; N. V. Erikson, $2,00; J. W, Gardner, $1.00; R. T. Har­ rison, $1.00; L. C. Bigley. $1.00; J. Hisko, $1.00; C. J. Hyrny, $2.00; J. A. Madden. $1.00; H. Halloway, $1,00: A. J. Coogan, $2.00; Max Graber. $2.00; J. R. Lee, $2.00; D. G. Kimble. $1.00. INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS J. Maximo, $1.00; B. Roll, $2.00; N. A. Fisher, $1.00; V, Valentino. $2.00; E. F. Maloney, $5.00; Richard Husman, $1.00; Samuel Rosenthal, $18.00; W. Hoerr, $2.00. HPUSTQN J. W. Rambo, $3.00; S. D. Salter. $5.00; F. W. Lavis, $1.00; D. M. Cavanagh, $2.00; V. L. Overall, $1.00; C. R. Denson, $2.00; Wm. Pelesline, $2.00; J. B. Irving, $2.00; R. C. Lumpkin. $2.00; S. L. Rasco, $2.00; C. M. Newaom, $5.00; G. H. Lauter. 2.00; R. M. Oliver, $2.00; J. A. Brashear, $2.00; J. K. Parsons, $5.00; A. T. Dorman, $2.00; N. H. tSewton, $2.00; A. L. Johnson, $2.00; J. S. Koziol, $2.00; L. F. Penland, $5.00. XXX KENNETH W. WOLFE A Veteran's Administration check for $57,50 is being held for you in New York in the office of the Secretary-Treasurer. You can obtain this check by apply­ ing in person, or by writing to the Hall, enclosing proper iden­ tification. XXX CECIL CASTILLE Your trunk from the SS Coast­ al Competitor is in New Orleaijs. Call Franklin 1076, XXX RICHARD LEIKAS Your mother is ill and would like very much for you to get in touch with her as soon as pos­ sible. i- S. 4. CREW OF LUCIUS Q. C. LAMAR QALVESTQN Crewmeinbers of the Lucius Q. R. S. Russak, $3.00. C. Lamar which sailed from New NOBFOLK York August 21, 1944 and dis­ R. L. Goer, $11.00; J. T. Morton, $10.00; H. L. Hprton, Jr., $$12,00; A. charged January 3, 1945 in Port­ R. Dupree, $12.00; G. C. Gillikin, $20.00; land, Maine, please write Pgijl H. S. Winston, $12.00; B. L. Winston,! Tansky, 922 W. Courtland Street, $12.00; D. Williams, $11.00; V. W.-! Philadelphia 40, Pa. This is in Kings, $10.00; B. Brown, $6.00; J. B. reference to the mgd-prder skip­ Gnukaert, $25.00; L. W. Bruce, $10.00; per. E. Owen, $10,00; J, Royal. $12,00. �Page £»ixiesn TBE SEAFARERS LOG Friday. October 2S, 1946 NMU-Isthmian Combine To Stall Count NEW YORK, October 24 SIU NMU know.s that the SIU has al­ failure to extend time as iii-mian Company in extending the Union contract with Isthmian, Isthmian Organizational Director ready won the Isthmian election. tervenor, but are willing to election tinie until November 18, and bringing the unlicensed per­ Earl Sheppard today charged proceed with ships already 1946. This was done in the face sonnel of this notoriously antiThey've conceded as much on that actions of both the Isthmian several occasions, but they still voted. of the fact that the NMU as in­ Union outfit under the benefits of Steamship Company and the Na- hope to in some way save their 5. If extension is granted fur­ tervenor in the matter of the a Union contract. tional Maritime Union, in - pre- face by using any possible delay­ ther applications can be Isthmian Steamship C o m p a n y By hook and crook, and any J venting the counting of Isthmian ing action to forestall the an­ made and thus extend elec­ and the Seafarers International other unsavory method, both ' election ballots in accordance nouncement of another SIU vic­ Union, Case No. 2-R-6030, did not Isthmian and the NMU are fight­ tion ad infinitum. i with the NLRB directive of April tory. That's why the NMU is send a copy of their application 6. If extension granted for SS ing to prevent the SIU from bar­ 18, 1946, give evidence of open fighting for further delay on the Atlanta City we want ex­ for an extension to the SJU, as gaining for the Isthmian seamen. i and outright collaboration to Isthmian election count. tension to vote remaining well as the other stated reasons. In the case of the NMU, it's pure­ p stall the determination of a ship. Unalterably opposed In the first place, during the Headed "Order further amend­ ly selfish. They lost the election, Iv Union bargaining agent for all past five years the NMU spent to application. ing direction of elections," the but don't want to admit it to Isthmian unlicensed personnel. many thousands of dollars in at text of the NLRB order follows: their membership, and thereby Earl Sheppard : Last Friday, October 18, 1946, tempting to organize Isthmian Director of "The Board having on March play the company stooge game in ; was the day scheduled for the But they were never able to gar Isthmian Organizing 19, 1946, issued an Order Direct­ order to prolong the day of : start of ballot counting In the ner enough . pledge cards to pe reckoning. Seafarers International ing Elections in the above-en­ Isthmian election However, as a liliun fui ail NLRB elecliuu. On Union of N.A." It's natural for Isthmian to re­ titled proceeding (66-NLRB-930), of simultaneous applica­ the otjier hand, the SIU had sist to the last against Union or­ and an amendment thereto on tions by both' the Isthmian SS enough pledge cards after only 6 ISTHMIAN'S REQUEST ganization of their men. This out­ April 18, 1946, and thereafter, Company and the National Mari­ months of organizing Isthmian fit has always been a high and Headed "Answer to interven­ having been advised by the Re­ time Union for the extension of to petition the NLRB. So, the mighty one with little or no re­ er's petition for amendments to gional Director that a longer time the election time to November NMU was forced to accept the gard for their employees. Now, the amended direction of elec­ in which to hold the election is 18, 1946, the NLRB granted an secondary position as intervenor that they see the shadow'of an tions dated April 18, 1946," and necessary, and the Board having extension of the election period rather than the petitioner. SIU contract hanging heavy over dated October 10, 1946, a copy of duly considered the matter, -until this date. This was suppos­ their head, they too, are resist­ the Isthmian Steamship Com­ SIU PROTEST edly in order to allow two Isth­ IT IS HEREBY ORDERED ing with all their might. pany's petition was forwarded to mian ships—the Atlanta City and When the SIU ^heard, a few the SIU. It reads as follows: , that the aforesaid Direction be This stalling is not hurting the Pere Marquette—to vote. further amended by striking days prior to the scheduled start­ SIU. It is hurting the Isthmian "The Isthmian Steamship therefrom the words 'but not la­ It's very evident that neither ing date for vote counting, Octo­ seamen who are being prevented Isthmian nor the NMU is inter­ ber 18, that the Company and the Company does not now, nor has ter than six (6) months from the from having the benefits which it ever, sought to deprive any date of this order amending' and' ested in the two Isthmian ships NMU were both requesting an SIU contract always gives of its employes from having a remaining unvoted. But the com­ month's delay to November 18, substituting therefor the words them, and they know it. The pany is interested in stalling off they immediately protested to voice in the selection of a collec­ 'but not later than November 18, longer Isthmian stalls, and the tive bargaining representative. the certification of the SIU as the the NLRB in Washington. The 1946,' to permit the balloting of NMU plays their company stooge Union bargaining agent for their following telegram Was dispatch­ The Company believes, and' so the two remaining- ships. role, the more determined Isth­ stated at the hearing held on seamen for as long a period as ed on October 15: Dated, Washington, D.C., this mian seamen become to win their January 18, 1946, that all unli­ possible. 17th day of October 1946. all out batle to become unionized censed seamen in the Deck, En­ "NLRB, Washington, D.C. Isthmian desires to remain an By direction of the Board: under an SIU contract. These Protest application of inter­ gine, and Stewards Departments unorganized outfit, even if their • John E. Lawyer, seamen fight to win, and just like who are the employes of the employees wish otherwise, and venor on following grounds: Chief, Order Section." the Seafarers, they win their 1. Not notified of application. Company should be permitted to they are using every method in fights! vote to determine what represen­ BATTLE NOT OVER • the bok to stall off the inevitable 2. The time for voting pre­ tative, if any, they desire to rep­ bargaining negotiations with the viously extended to October There, as clearly as possible, is resent them for the purposes of SIU. 18, 1946. the Isthmian picture today. The collective bargaining and the 3. 88 of 90 ships have voted Company's position as to eligib­ SIU by dint of hard work and NMU COMPANY'S STOOGE which is overwhelming ma­ ility is set forth in the aforesaid much time succeeded in cracking In the case of the NMU, this jority of employees and record commencing on page 146. the nut that had never before been cracked, the unorganized outfit is once again playing the should be enough to deter­ "If any employees of the Com­ company stooge in order to gain Isthmian SS Company. All of the (Continued from Page 3} mine bargaining agent. pany within the unit declared ships but one which has been had jumped ahip, and took ap­ its own ends. Naturally, the 4. SIU has as much to lose by appropriate for the purposes of stuck in the Far East with a" low proximately 30 SIU pledge cards. collective bargaining has not had priority cargo for several months When the Captain found out an opportunity to cast his ballot — the Pere Maquette — and one that Bolehala had broken out of A MILITANT ISTHMIAN SHIP or has ben deprived of the right which is scheduled to return to the handcuffs, he promptly log­ to cast his ballot, the Company the Atlantic Coast the second ged him $25 for the cost of the believes that the Board should week in November—the Atlanta handcuffs, and returned all of his take the necessary action to as­ City—have voted. personal belongings to him ex­ sure that each and every em­ The crews of these Isthmian cept the pledge cards which he ployee of the Company in the ships have overwhelmingly selec­ denied taking from the locker. appropriate collective bargaining ted the SIU as their choice for a CONTACT SIU unit has an opportunity to cast Union bargaining agent on the Immediately upon their return his secret ballot in the determin­ basis of unofficial estimates. And to New York, several Cape John ation of a collective bargaining it was felt that these men were creyvmeij contacted the SIU hall representative. much more interested in secur­ and requested a.ssistance in fight­ A. V. Cherbonnie ing a Union contract covering ing the numerous logs which Cap­ Labor Relations their wages, overtiine rates, tain Ledford had unjustly levied Counsel for Isthmian working and living conditions aginst them. An SIU representa­ Steamship Company"' rather than extending the time of tive appeared with some of the the election for two ships which crewmen before Commissioner Here's, the Deck Gang of the good old Cape Friendship. NLRB ORDER will not appreciably change the Rylandcr, and was instrumental Front (left to right); Bob Cantor. Jack Graelly, W. Khuns, F total ballots cast nor the result. in having several logs lifted, some Despite the protests of the SIU Boddem and ^Blackie" Sanchez. Back: Lew Bowen. Carl Pierce". the National Labor Relations R. N. Ham. 'Lefty" McNorton. E. H. Lang, and R. Thompson. That's why the SIU wants the cut, and assisting the crew in Board saw fit to grant the simil­ balloting over. To get down to their battle against the bucko Last week a story appeared in the Log concerning the Cape ar requests of the NMU and Isth- the business of negotiating a Skipper of the Cape John. Friendship's militant crew. However, the pictures arrived too -late to be processed. So. here we give you—after a week's de­ The log against Ed Bolehala lay—all three departments of the Cape Friendship. was reduced to $8.50 which was considered to be the rockbottom price for handcuffs. Another log was dropped. Captain Ledford refused to lift or reduce one log against Jordan, and as a result Jordan is instituting suit against the Isthmian SS Company. Com­ missioner Rylander at the insis­ tence of the SIU representative, Joe Volpian, agreed to send a let­ ter to the court. It came out in the Shipping Commissioner's office, that the Skipper who bragged of never lifting a log had lifted two logs against a couple of NMU men shortly before the Cape John docked. This Skipper expressed open preference for the NMU Part of the militant crew of Isthmian's Cape Friendship. time after time, bragging about This is the Black Gang of the Cape Friendship. Front row Kneeling (left to right); Clarence Reed, Michael McCarthy. Tom possessing "an NMU gold picket (left to right): H. Schwettman. M. ^cott, Frank West, and Frank Morgan and J. Stacey. Rear; Bob "Take Five" Pierce. Don card," and did his best to do a Strelow, R. L. Stucky. J. L, "Pop" Buckalew. Frank Fuente. Kaiser. Back row; L. Theriot, George Bishop, B. McNulty, F. job on any of the SIU men that and Jim DiSanto. Levene, and H. Lewis. . he could, Isthmian Skipper 'Cuffs SIU Man , ..'-.'rT-'.' > � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource October 25, 1946 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. VIII, No. 43 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Description An account of the resource Headlines: SIU AND OPERATORS COME TO AGREEMENT ON CONTRACT; CALLED BEST EVER FOR SEAMEN MM&P ASKS MASTERS BE COVERED BY PACT ITF PLEDGES AID TO MATES IN FIGHT AGAINST OPERATORS 73 CANDIDATES ARE CERTIFIED FOR '47 ELECTION ASKS AFL HELP FOREIGN UNIONS NORWAY DECORATES THE SURVIVING BACON SEAFARERS FOR RARE HEROISM OUT OF PROPORTION SETTING THE PACE ISTHMIAN SKIPPER HANDCUFFS SIU ORGANIZER, COPS PLEDGE CARDS TEXTS OF RADIOGRAMS BETWEEN SIU AND ISLANDS OFFICIALS ISTHMIAN SEAMEN DEEPLY RESENT POSTPONEMENT OF ELECTION COUNT LAKES SEAMEN WANT DEMOCRATIC TRADE UNIONS HOW TO OBTAIN ABSENTEE BALLOTS ITF--WHAT IT IS AND WHAT IT DOES FOR LABOR SHIPOWNERS PET MAGAZINE SPEWS USUAL ANTI-TRADE UNION POISON SEAFARERS, MATES, STRIKES PROVE GREAT EDUCATION IN UNIONISM SEAFARERS WIN FIRST FLEET FROM THE LAKES CARRIERS ASSO. PORT BOSTON TAKES GOOD CARE OF MEMBERS BEACHED BY STRIKE STRIKING MASTERS AND MATES CLOSE PORT NEW YORK, SO SEAFARERS ON BEACH REST FOR FUTURE ACTION NORFOLK BACKS STRIKE TO HILT SAVANNAH HARBOR PACKED TIGHT WITH SHIPS TIED UP BY STRIKE WHAD'YA KNOW THANKS THOSE WHO MADE LAKES VICTORY POSSIBLE BALLAD OF THE SEA BUZZARD, OR THE NEW FLYING DUTCHMAN JOLIET MEN OFFER A LOG DELIVERY PLAN UNION BOOKLET SAVES DAY FOR SEAFARER STRANDED ABOARD WITH BROKEN SHOULDER THE NORDHOFF IS REFLOATED NMU-ISTHMIAN COMBINE TO STALL COUNT Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 10/26/1946 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1946 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/ea2fa1936af530ecf00e88365cfe1726.PDF b2b0bfd1f52c98ee471d8865fc3c36e3 PDF Text Text V •' r Official Organ of the Atlantic and Gulf District, Seafarers International Union of North America NEW YORK. N.Y.. FRIDAY. NOVEMBER I. 1946 Vol. VIII. Deck Officers' Strike Settied; MM&P Wins Major Union Victory PRECEDENCE NEW YORK, October 30—The 2 8-day strike of the Masters, Mates, and Pilots came to an end on Monday when the Union voted overwhelmingly to accept the, terms won by their Negotl-^ting Committee. The results' of the balloting were 2646 in favor of ratification and 6911 against. This vote includes all* ports except Norfolk and Savan­ nah, but even if these two ports declare themselves against the new contract, it would not be enough to overpower the rest of the voting. "The vote was preponderantly in favor of accepting the agree­ ment," said Captain A. E. Oliver, co-Chairman of the Union's Ne­ gotiating Committee. "It aver­ aged 10 to 1 in New York, and 7 to 1 in most other ports." There was no question but that a major victory had been won by the deck officers. First of all they received a 15 per cent wage increase, but what is even more important from their point of view is that now, for the first time in maritime history, licensed officers will be hired through the Union Hiring Hall instead of hav­ ing to go hat in hand to the com­ pany office for a ship. OPERATORS OBSTINATE From the beginning of the ne­ gotiations the shipowners had agreed, in principle, to the idea of Union shipping for Mates, but on the question of the same prin­ ciple for Masters, a shag was hit. The MM&P refused to settle un­ less this basic principle was re­ solved in their favor, and an agreement was finally arrived late on Saturday, October 26, which granted preferential hir­ ing for Union Skippers. Thus, the issue which had pro­ longed the strike for quite some time was conceded to the Union, and within 36 hburs formal an­ nouncement was made of the end of the strike. Early sailings are expected, al­ though it was thought that it would take a little time before shipping returned to normal. In some quartei-s it was felt that it would take at least one month, but other estimates ranged from two to three weeks. Although this was the first strike action ever undertaken by the licensed deck officers, thehsolidarity and the support of the AFL Maritime Trades Depart­ ment made the result a foregone conclusion. Members of the Un­ ion have emphasized that the strike made the organization more solid, and able to build for the future. Eight pages of this issue have been devoted to the new Seafarers contract. Because of this many , of the regular features of the Seafarers Log have been omitted this week. They will all be with us next week, and meanwhile each member will have a copy of the contract to hold him until printed in regular booklet form. No. 44 Membership Group Hails SiU Contract As Best in industry NEW YORK—The recently signed contract, cover­ ing General and Working Rules, has been hailed by the Membership Committee elected to consider the agreement, and acceptance by the membership has been recommended. In their report the Committee recommends this action SMILES OF VICTORY Successfully ending the strike of licensed deck officers, these men have plenty to be smil­ ing about. Practically all of the MM&P's. demands were met. and the solidarity they displayed should make future negotiations easier. Negotiations started in Washington, but because of the stalling of the operators the Union Negotiating Committee walked out. When sessions were re­ sumed in New York, there was-more of an effort on the part of the shipowners to bargain hon­ estly. Left to right, standing. Captain Leon Cohen; Captain B. C. Swain; R. J. Swain, and Cap­ tain William Ash. negotiators for the MM&P; John Hawk. Secretary-Treasurer of the SIU; Morris Weisberger. New York Port Agent of the SUP; W. M. Costello and L. Schmidt. MM&P negotiators. Seated, left to right. Joseph P. Ryan. President of the ILA; Frank J. Taylor, head of the American Merchant Marine Institute; Fred R. Livingston, Federal Conciliator; and Captain A. E. Oliver. President of Local 88. MM&P. Brothers Hawk. Weisberger and Ryan represented the AFL Mari­ time Trade Department, which supported the MM&P in their beef. ibecause; 1. This contract shows great improvement over the previous ship contracts; and 2. This contract has the great ad­ vantage of being the first unified contract agreement to appear on SIU ships. The complete text of the agree­ ment, which appears on pages 5 to 12 inclusive, bears out this thought. Even the Seafarers In­ ternational Union, which has al­ ways enjoyed superiority insofar as wages and conditions are con­ cerned, never before had some of the advantages which they now have won. The^ excellent contract is the result of intensive work by the Union's Negotiating Committee, and climaxed months of bargain­ ing which was interrupted only by the SIU-SUF General Strike against Government bureaucraby. INTERIM AGREEMENT Negotiations on General and Working Rules began in ecumest after the companies had signed an interim agreement covering wages on August 5. The wage scale that went into effect at that time was the best ever achieved on the waterfront, and was far in advance of anything the NMU had been able to negotiate. However, after the SIU suc­ cessful action to overthrow the WSB ruling, the NMU wrangled the same'' wage rates from their contracted operators. There is no doubt that the NMU will also attempt to gain for its members Following is the text of the will have to use the machinery of the superior conditions which the National Labor Relations letter: are now part and parcel of Sea­ October 28. 1946 Board to force an election. farers contracts. Mr. C. Story. Vice-President Marine Division SEATRAIN AGREEMENT Cities Service Oil Company At the same time that the 70 Pine Street agreement was consummated be­ New York. N.Y. tween the Union and nine ship­ Now that the MM&P Strike Dear Mr. Story: ping companies, a separate agree­ has been settled, that doesn't Please be advised that we are ment was signed with Seatrain mean that the SIU Strike the authorized representatives of Lines, Incorporated, embodying Kitchen has been closed. On a sufficient number of the un­ all the gains of the other con­ the contrary, the Kitchen licensed personnel now employed tracts, but with special atten­ will remain open and serving on Cities Service Tankers to tion being paid to the particular three meals a day until ship­ qualify us as the Bargaining problems which arise in manning ping in the port of New York Agent for the unlicensed person­ ships for this line. has returned more nearly to nel in your company. The Union Negotiating Com­ normal. We therefore ask recognition mittee consisted of John Hawk, as Bargaining Agent. Please ad­ Secretary-Treasurer; J. P. Shuler,' The way it looks at present, vise us of your position at your Assistant Secretary - Treasurer; meals' will be served until about Wednesday. November earliest convenience. Paul Hall, New York Port Agent 6. Keep in fouch with the Very truly yours. and Director of Organization; Union Hall for more informa­ and Robert Matthews, Headquar­ Paul HalL Director tion on this matter. Cities Service Tankers ters Engine Department Repre­ Organizing Committee sentative. Seafarers Demands Recognition As Union Bargaining Agent For Cities Service NEW YORK—In a letter to Mr. C. Story, Vice-President of the Marine Division, Cities Ser­ vice Oil Company, Paul Hall, SIU Director of Organization, a.sked that the Seafarers International Union be recognized as the sole bargaining agent for the men employed on the company's tanker.s. This request was made on the basis of the fact that a sub­ stantial majority of the tankermen of that company have signed pledge cards authorizing the SIU to represent them. This move climaxes an organi­ zing drive of three months dur­ ation, and is another step in carrying out the Seafarers' pledge to organize all imorganized seamen. If Cities Service consents to a voluntary election, it can be held immediately. ShouW the com­ pany refuse, however, the Union Feeding Goes On •^il �f>age Two THE S EA^AR^R^S^ LOG Fnday, Kovember I, 134S SEAFARERS Published Weeki^ by the ' f SEAFARERS mTERNOTIQNAE UNION OF NORTHS ^ERIGA Atlantic and Gulf District ill •ri.-^ns AfiHiated udtb the American Federafnm- of'Labon^ • ."v* niiiiiiiiir At 51 Beaver Street, New York, 4^ N* Yi HAiioyccr 2-2784 i % ir X HARRY LUNDEBERG President 105 Market Street, Saai Francisco, Calif. JOHN HAWK Secy-Trea,. P. O. Bos. 25; Station P., New York City EAtered a; second class matter Jnne U. 1945, at in New York, N. Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912. 1 • 'J • • 267 Out In Front For a long time it has been widely known that the Seafarers International Union leads the way so far as the fight for higher wages and better conditions for seamen are concerned. But this leadership was never as clear as it is since the signing of the r^w contracts. In every category, the wages we negotiated were higher than those paid to corresponding rating in other unions. Although this differential has been wiped out by the NMU's "me too" tactics, nevertheless it was the SIU which blazed the trail. And now, with the agreement settled on General and .Working Rules, SIU members enjoy conditions far better than those enjoyed by the members of other seam'en's unions, and even better tlian what they had previous to the signing of the new contracts. This is an achievement which will go down in mari­ Hospital Patients time history. When entering the hospital notify the delegate by post­ card, giving your name and the number of your ward. Although the lot of working seamen still leaves plenty to be desired, still and all it can be said that the Seafarers has made great strides forward. It is also obvious that any other advances for the future will have to be made by the Seafarers. No other union of merchant seamen can do the job now. Staten Island Hospital Wages and working conditions are the life blood of labor unions. It is in these two directions that the SIU has waged a militant fight, and it is these fields that we have These are the Union Brothers currently in the marine hospitals, won our most outstanding victories. as reported by the Port Agents. These Brothers find time hanging These new contracts are not the end of the road. On heavily on their hands. Do what you can to cheer them up by writ­ ing to them. the contrary, since from this base we can go forward to NEW ORLEANS HOSPITAL STATEN ISLAND HOSPITAL even higher wages and improved conditions. JOHN A. .FREDENSKY JOSEPH WALSH As Andy Furuseth said, "Tomorrow is also a day," H. PALMQUIST A. FERRARI and for the SIU the day is dawning bright and clear. C. G. SMITH LEX FANJOY P. DEADY MAX SEIDEL ' T. WADSWORTH JOHN B. HANE E. F. SPEAR J. W. DENNIS D. P. ELDEMIRE W. BROCE, Jr. J. GRANGAARD JOSEPH BUCKLEY, Jr. R. G. MOSSELLER A. L. FRENCH Now that the SIU-SUP General Strike against the C. W. SMITH E. C. BURTON, Jr. iWSB is a matter of history, and now that the MM&P J. HALL LEONARD MELANSON W. G. H. BAUSE strike is over, it is well for us to remember that the fight EDDIE MAHL L. A. CORNWALL L. H. HARRIS ik against Coast Guard control of merchant seamen must go W. B. MUIR EDWARD CUSTER 1; on. N. JEFFERSON A. P. MORGAN J; e C. LARSON ERNEST ROBERTS ? The Coast Guard is determined to dominate American L. L. MOOEJY NORMAN PALLME H. BELCHER I merchant seamen. They will attempt to do this by pitting JOHN BERGERON C. L. JACQUES F. RADGOILA I iworker against worker: unlicensed against licensed. We F; MURPHY CHARLES TILLER I—must not let these militarists provoke us into playing their W. L. CARROLL K. PETTERSSEN game. G. DE JESUS R. M. NOLAN R. S. FREEMAN PATRICK FOX The actions of the past two months have proved that M. DODGE R. E. NEWTON cue licensed and unlicensed seamen can cooperate in a C. KOLSTE joint cause. This cooperation will stand us in good stead BRIGHTON HOSPITAL »• r » -in the future. E. MAY BALTIMORE HOSPITAL G. FOLEY Our unions united against the Wage Stabilization J. CAREY; RICHARD PINCKNEY Board and against the shipowners. Now let us do the same J. O'BRIEN. WAYNE TROLLE thing against the Coast Guard. E. JOHNSTON HARLAN VEASEY I Men .Now In The United We Win Hospitals You can contact your Hos­ pital delegate at the Staten Island Hospital at the follow­ ing times: Tubsday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on 5th and 6th floors) Thursday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on 3rd and 4th floors.) Saturday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on 1st and 2nd floors.) ROBERT PROTHERO ROBERT HUMPHREY MOSES MORRIS ALFRED PEREIRA GEORGE FLETCHER BILLY BOATLER PETER LOPEZ KARL LARSON RALPH FREY LESTER KNICKERBOCKER WILLIAM GILLEPIE JOSEPH KING WALTER PETERSON DONALD DENNIS CHARLES WALTER CHARLES DUNN WILLIAM SULLIVAN DAL KRUSE t. S. & NORFOLK HOSPITAL LOYD WARDEN JOHNALSTAT COLON W. WARD H. R. SUMMERLIN JOHN E. HARRISON LARIE L. OWENS JOHN W. CALHOUN RICHARD P. McBRIDE HUGH MCDOWELL �' :t 1 Friflay.- November 1, 1846 THE SEAFARERS LOG P#ge ?hr«e Isthmian Seamen Are Awaiting SiU Contract To Correct Abuses BY BEN TAFLEWITZ Approximately 12 months ago, this writer left New York City aboard an Isthmian ship. Now, after a' full year spent on three different Isthmian ships, the last one being the new "Belle of the Seas," it is really something to get back to one's home port after the great SIU-SUP nationwide tieup of September 5 to 12 had culminated in a smashing victory. The wonderful labor solidaritj' that was engendered by the rank and file of all unions was very heartening, but while the mo­ mentous struggle of the Union was being fought in those first two critical weeks of September, the final skirmishes against the open shop were taking place on Isthmian line vessels. Here is an example of what took place on the Belle of the Seas, an Isthmian C-2. This happened in the small port of Saiin on lower Luzon in the Philippines, August 19, 1946. In this port, where we were load­ ing copra, several men became ill with fever. The Captain refused to heed the plea of the crewmembers to have a doctor brought aboard to investigate the illnesses. HIGH-HANDED SKIPPER The Captain acted in a high­ handed manner previously, in re­ spect to shore leave, loggings, ir­ regular draws, and launch service to Manila. However, the crew had held back their feelings and had done an exemplary job in turning to every day, bell to bell and working hard under the hot tropical sun. This, plus a finky First Mate and poor chow to boot. Our attitude had been to do the work, suffer the non-union wages and conditions, because the elec­ tion would soon be over and we would not give the company any excuses to come back at us for not performing our shipboard tasks. HIGH FEVERS At the port of Saiin, union ac­ tion was required and applied. In spite of the fact that technically the Philippines is a foreign country. Here is the score: Besides a few crewmen having fevers ranging from 101 to 102, one Stewards Utility was laid low with a fever that hit 104.7. Now even though this chap was a rather healthy fellow, we knew if his fever climbed m.uch higher he would be through. Since the Belle of the Seas was on a bare boat charter to the Isth­ mian Company for a .strictly com­ mercial run, we could not ask for Army or Navy doctcs as we could on a WSA vessel. This would have been easy as there are plenty of military medical officers still around. Under the ship's existing status the proper procedure was for the company to hire a private doctor ashore and bring him to the ship with the company paying his ex­ penses. This is what must be done by a privately-run Ameri­ can vessel ill a foreign port. This is what both we and the Captain knew' and that is wl^y the Cap­ tain at first refused our request since it meant the outlay of pos­ sibly 25 or 50 dollars for the doctor. After an emergency meeting, we sent the three department flitl: MMWM ifiiiifli; ai?: BEN TAFLEWITZ delegates to see the Captain, but he was adamant. His attitude was, "oh they'll all get well, it's only a cold." None of us were sure what it was, and certainly a $25 visit from the local doctor was neces­ sary precaution, and then there was the brother in the ship's hos­ pital simmering with a 104 fever. bur next move was to get tough and show them what union action could do. Several of us stopped work and delegated the ship's chairman to see the Cap­ tain and the First Mate immed­ iately. The delegates went topside and roundly told the Captain off. We threatened to have the First Mate's license lifted as soon as we hit Frisco, and promised them both full wrath of the SIU-SUP, if we did not get a doctor aboard as soon as possible. DIAGNOSED AS FLU Shortly thereafter, the doctor for that area of the Philippines came aboard. He diagnosed the illness as the flu, and stated that anyone catching -the disease would have to remain in the ship's hospital until his fever was iiuiina), as flu is contagious. With the proper medical attention brother Gonzales pulled through all right after five days in bed. The Doctor pointed out to us that although it was only the flu, it might have become a more serious contagious disease. It is a good thing that he was called, because the Captain had seriously contemplated raising anchor and shoving off for home without the doctor's visit. We left the Philippines August 24 and wound up our hectic jour­ ney in San Pedro, September 18 with a valuable cargo of copra for much needed soap chips—plus a full cargo of copra bugs to plague us all the way. Should any of the old crewmembers read this article, let it be said their sacrifice on these non-union ships were not in vain. With a union contract as a weap­ on we can end one of the most notorious chapters of open shop conditions when Isthmian goes SIU on November 18, 1946. Strikes Can't Halt Corpus Christ! From Organizing The Unorganized By PAUL HALL The MM&P and MEBA strikes are over. These outfits, although they did not gain for themselves the original demands that they struck for, managed to improve their conditions and wages consideidbly. We are very glad to see these people win their beefs, particularly as union men v/e are glad to see them gain that part pertaining to union hiring. We feel that a union Skipper or Mate is a damned sight better to sail with than a non-union Skipper or Mate. This victory by the MM&P and MEBA means that we, as brother union men, can elim­ inate the chiseling and bootlicking done previously by certain com­ pany minded Mates, Skippers and Engineers. A Job To Be Done The Masters, Mates and Pilots, as well as the Engineers, have expressed their appreciation of the support given to them not only by the SIU, but by all maritime workers. They say they would like to do something to reciprocate their appreciation by some'^ort of concrete action. We believe that they are sincere in this expression and for that reason the Seafarers have something to ask of both of these unions— the MM&P as well as the MEBA. We are asking the cooperation of all licensed personal of aU unions to join with the unlicensed seamen of all unions in the fight against military control. It doesn't matter whether a man is licensed or unlicensed, the enemy is the same and the control of seamen by a military agency curbs the democratic rights of all men regardless of his position aboard ship. This means, specificaUy, joint action to rid the American merchant marine of the policing by the United States Coast Guard. There is a definite job that the licensed seamen can do to de­ stroy this agency and insure themselves that the Coast Guard will not, at some date in the future, turn on them as they have upon the unlicensed seamen. The Seafarers feels that if the licensed officers would refuse to cooperate with the Coast Guard, and refuse to act as witnesses against unlicensed seamen at CG hearing units there would be a me, things look very encourag­ strong possibility of eliminating the Coast Guard entirely from the ing, as we seem to be making good American merchant marine scene. progress. The workers in these industries have had a real op­ Beat Them To The Punch portunity to see our strike ap­ paratus in operation and that This we feel is very important. You men of the MM&P and alone should convince them that MEBA, who have so recently fought for the preservation of your the SIU goes out and wins its unions while pounding the bricks, have proved that you want your beefs. union free of Government regimentation; but at the present time, there is no doubt that the Government, very shortly, through some of its fink bureaus, such as the Maritime Commission, is going to make another attempt to smash the organized seamen and thehv unions. By J. S. WILLIAMS CORPUS CHRISTI—We're be­ ginning to take a few names off the strike list down here and things are beginning to look fa­ vorable for a change. This week, in addition to the MM&P settling, and the MEBA already settled, the Operating En­ gineers on the drawbride signed a contract gaining all the wage increase they were asking for. With those three organizations crossed off the strike list, there only remains on the strike side of the ledger the CIO warehouse­ men who are still negotiating the settlement of their dispute. FULL SUPPORT The Operating Engineers (AFL) on the drawbridge brought their strike to a successful con­ clusion with the full support of the SIU, ILA and the oil dock workers. We were all behind them 100 per cent and they had little trouble bringing the opera­ tors to terms. As for port activity, there naturally is very little. A few tankers come in now and then, but that is all. We have the Coastal Archer, Newtex Line, tied up in Port Brownsville with her full SIU crew on the beach waiting for the strike picture to clear up. SIU NOT SLEEPING While everything is tied up we haven't been sitting on our hands by any means. We've been busy working on the unorganized tankers, tugs, ferries, dredges, and fishermen in this area. From what the organizers tell The Patrolmen Say— Carry Receipts NEW YORK — The Pacific Tankers' SS Victory Loan wound up a five months trip to Europe and the Orient when it pulled in­ to New York this week for payoff. The ship came in very clean. There was, however, a slight mixup on some' of the assessments, which one member claimed to have paid before. However, the matter was straightened out, with all hands going off satisfied. But the situation produced a moral, and that is to carry all your receipts with you at all times. If this is done, any ques­ tion that might arise as to wheth­ er or not payments are due can be settled very quickly. During the last few beefs, we have come in contact with a great many members. Outstand­ ing was the fine spirit of milit­ ancy and solidarity which the men displayed. Salvador Colls Ray Gonzales We feel that the Coast Guard is going to be the spearhead in this attempt. Therefore, it's necessary for us to recognize this problem for what it is and lay the groundwork for beating them to the punch. There is no doubt that we can beat this phony agency if we all pull together. We've done big things in the past when the government thought they had us to the wall. The Wage Stabiliza­ tion Board was a government agency that thought it could dictate to us and the Coast Guard isn't any more formidable. It can be beaten and we have the means to do it if we, the unlicensed and licensed seamen pull together. Cooperation Of Membership The Port of New York is very busy now as far as the SIU is concerned in getting the membership back onto the ships they walked off of to participate in the recent strike action. It has been a tremendous job. There were a htindred little details to be worked out, and at the same time see that every man went back onto the job that he left. It has been an especially diffipult task for the shipping Dis­ patchers of the SIU. It is to the members' credit as union men that they cooperated all the way with the Dispatchers in this very tough job. This is possibly one of our greatest assets in a beef—the SIU membership's willingness to cooperate with both, their officials and other members as well. We have had some damn big struggles in the past 12 months and this, one big thing, the memberships' interest and cooperation, has meant the difference in winning or losing several of these beefs. We won them all—Let's keep it thai way! �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Foiuf End Of Strike Brings Many Jobs To N.Y. Members—And Patrolmen By JOE ALGINA •.J: \m "A lit, I ; \i I hf" I !f Some Good Advice For Draft Bajt Now that Draft Regulations have been liberalized to allow men with 18 months of sub­ stantially continuous sea time to leave the sea. many men have taken shoreside jobs. It is a good idea to retire your book if you decide to make a similar move^ In that way you can insure yourself against having to pay a whopping amount of bade dues if you ever want to ship out again. You can retire your book in any SIU Hall. Friday, Norember 1, 1946 Knowledge Of Contracts And Heliis Agent To Win In Payoffs By W. H. SIMMONS SAN FRANCISCO — That Ihey are quitting under mutual ^7EW YORK —The word most and Pilots arc good union men mighty fine set of law books that con'senl. said by Patrolmen on the fifth as they proved in this beef. From I have in the office, and the ex­ * deck since the strike ended has now on there should be extreme This looked bad to me. I fig­ cooperation and in that way both cellent clauses that are contained been "phew." And that goes for ured that the crew had fulfilled in our contracts, got me out of a cuss words, too. I have never Unions will be strengthened. its agreement to the company, tough spot last week. And if the seen as much activity before, and Right now the big issue is the ship, and articles, since they had South Atlantic Lines hadn't tried as far as I am concerned, I will Coast Guard. Masters and Mates signed articles in New York and to chisel a bit, I wouldn't have be satisfied if I never see it have a stake in the fight against been in that tough spot at all. had made a long trip out to the again. the brass hat hooligans just as Pacific Islands and then return­ Here's what happened. . The first thing we did, after the seamen do. Let's help the CO ed to this port with a load of The SS Lyman Hall came into Army gear. the strike ended, was to reassign to go back to patrolling the seas this port after the MM&P and men to the ships they left when in search of icebergs. That is a DEMANDS SET MEBA strike started. The agent the MM&P walked out. This took good job for them, and we won't After five days of stalling, I for the company got in touch a few days, and then we started interfere with them in the pur­ was all set to demand that the suit of their duty. In return we with his main office and they to clear the board on our old company paj'off in full, so I wont don't want them to bother Us. wired him thusly: -rotary shipping method. It was to work on them. Using the That's a fair deal. hot and heavy for a little while, If unlicensed personnel leave agreements and the law books, but matters have cooled down CABBAGE READY ship due to strike, they are not I studied out a way to beat the a little by now, and shipping is entitled to transportation as company and the 'War Shipping Here are some more companies assuming a more normal course. which are ready to pay retroac­ Administration. Then I got in Of course, the Patrolman was tive wages due as a result of touch with the San Francisco caught right in the center of the new contracts. Chief Shipping Commissioners everything. During the strike, and explained the situation to Robin Lines, at once. Amer­ there were thousands of ques­ him. ican Range, at once. Smith and tions to be answered, and hun­ Johnson, one week. Americcin He agreed with me thut these dreds of beefs to square away. It Hawcuian, at once. Bull Lines, By JOHN MOGAN men were entitled to their trans­ seemed that every ship that laid company ships at once: WSA portation, and so with the ruling up in this port had questions and Boston — Everything remains which necessitates' using trip I called on the legal advisor of ships being paid alphabetically beefs—enough to keep the pie—now up to "C". Alcoa, in quiet on the Boston waterfront. card membens.' the WSA here. We discussed this cards on the run pretty con­ Of course, in such an instance, for a litle while, but he finally two weeks. Mississippi, in two This morning, however, the word stantly. weeks. South Atlantic, mailing is out that normal operations will there is no time left to ^et a call had to admit that we were right. MORE WORK checks out now. Overlakes, in be resumed today with the ex­ through to another port for book The Commissioner had ruled in Ending the strike just gave -three weeks. Waterman, in one ception of West Coast ships men. our favor, and therefore, he, the them additional work. Now they month. Calmar, still negotiat­ which are still considered hot. MORE ORGANIZING legal eagle, <jould not do any­ have to sign on the crews, make ing. At any rate, there is a flock of It will be a good deal for every­ sure that all problems are settled In order to collect this money, ships to be chewed up—and a body when these ships start mov­ you must either write to the large number of men available ing again. In addition to the sea­ OliSTA I company, or go up to the of­ to take care of them. And yet, men, the longshoremen fiave had fice. In the case of the Mis­ strangely enough, if there is a a long session on the bricks and ayy? sissippi Steamship Company, a tanker in on a quick tm-nout, the landlords' collective breath visit to the New Orleans office with six or seven hours to get it must be right on theii" necks. will do the trick. It's your dough, crewed up, the book men will But as far as our members are pass it up at the last minute. concerned, it will be up to the fellows, go and get it. organizers to produce as many new agreements as possible, and also up to the membership to give the organizers every assistance possible. Isthmian must work under an thing but instruct the company By C. J. (BUCK) STEPHENS SIU agreement; now that "we to pay the transportation. So, NEW ORLEANS — Another the whole damn works then the have won on the ballot we can­ the following morning the com­ before the vessel moves out, and week is coming to an end and shipping companies will see the not relax, or allow Isthmian ships pany paid off, and everybody was to be marined by other than SIU happy, except the WSA. do all the other things that have light and come across. we are still on the bricks in sup­ crews. Four ships are presently to be done. Well, being a Pa­ This whole situation is a STILL COMING in Boston; we trust they will port of the MM&P who are still trolman is a good \Yay to get mighty good percedent to be used We have around 1500 men on leave here with 100% book mem­ on strike. Qute a few of the ulcers. in the future, as the WSA al­ the beach in N. O., and more com­ bers aboard. ways demands that cargo be dis- . The Dispatchers did not have Brothers were worried as to how ing in by the hour. Why all the At this writing, there is still an easy time, either. Some of J;he the younger members would take men headed this way is beyond nothing definite from the local charged before the crew can be boys gava them a hard time, but a long strike and now it is proven MM&P or MEBA, consequently paid off. The Lyman Hall is still on the whole, everybody seemed that all hands have stood up un­ there is no move toward getting tied up alongside the dock, fully to cooperate. Nobody envied the der pressure very well. the crews back aboard their ves­ loaded, and the crew has been AtMWVS DIP Dispatchers, and I want to go on We can certainly be proud of FIRST j sels. But indications are favor­ paid off with full transportation. record right now as saying that our older members, and definite­ iM THE J able that today will see every­ NO REST they did a mighty fine job. MORHINS ' ly be proud of the younger ele­ thing settled for all unions, and But one thing always follows next week's article should have the other. Sitting here minding We are keeping the strike ment for the way they are stand­ an account of payoffs and sign- my own business after settling kitchen in operation until the ing up so well on a beef that is ons in this port. beach is pretty well cleared, and not wholly SIU. All hands feels that matter of the Lyman Hall, there is no further necessity for that although this is not an SIU the whole crew of the SS Wil­ UNION MEN it. As a warning to the ship­ strike, it is as much our fight liam Nott came in to give me a At the last regular meeting the owners, I would like to make this as the MM&P because if their bad time. They had been out.fl4 matter of renting the first floor point. The strike kitchen will be conditions are lowered then sure­ months, leaving their ship in came in for considerable discus­ stored right where we can get ly the unlicensed personnel will China, and they had been sent sion. It was felt by some of the to it easily. If we need it again, be next. back on the SS Mooring Knot. membership that we should not we • can set it. up in a "matter of ONE MORE let an American Legion post oc­ I immediately claimed the Re­ hours. patriation Bonus for these boys, Since writing last week, we me, because N. O. is not what it cupy the building. SWELL JOB . have added another ship to our used to be. The weather here is But it was explained at length but the Bull Steamship Company The cooperation that develop­ list of ships tied up in this port. no different from any other port that this particular post will have threw it right into the lap of the ed between the licensed and un­ The SS Del Mundo of the Missis­ and the town is shut down as as members only longshoremen WSA out here. They in turn licensed personnel made a deep sippi Shipping Company has light as It can be. and waterfront workers, and all passed the buck to the WSA in impression even on the old sea di'opped the hook, and is now The new Mayor has cut out will be union men. Their policy Washington and that was exact­ dogs. Lots of the old timers came strikebound with a full load of "bee" drinkers, ladies of the eve- will be to combat anti-labor ag­ ly what I wanted. I was confi­ up to me and asked how come coffee. That makes three of Mis­ ing, racehorse books, gambling itators within the Legion, and dent that Washington would pay we could work together at this sissippi's privately owned ships and every thing that went to thus far have proved their worth off, and so I went on board the time when thte MM&P is in trou­ tied up here, and the other two make N. O. a port to hit. No by howling down, at the annual ship and had the men payoff. ble, but as soon as the trouble is that they have are due in here in "bee" dinnkers and ladies at the state convention, a typical oldCAN COLLECT over, the Skippers and Mates the first week of November. bar sure don't jibe with a sea­ guard Legion man who was Thqt jiight they caught a plane would probably start the same speaking against the bonus and for their home area. Today I re­ man after a long trip at sea. Many more coffee boats being old stuff. tied up will make the price of New Orleans just ain't New GI bill of rights for merchant sea­ ceived a call from the company. We don't think so. We believe "coffe-and" hang high. We have Orleans without girls, gambling, men. Fellows, you can collect your $90 that in the future the licensed again rigged up for an all-out etc., to go with a sailor's beer. •When this, and other facts, Repatriation Bonus by writing to and unlicensed personnel will be strike support of the MM&P if So I close until we get back what were bought to the attention of Mr. R. H. Becker, c/o William able to settle their own differ­ the strike is not over pretty damn we had taken away here, and the membership, it was voted Diamond Steamship Company/, ences without calling on the quick. All hands are ready to go hope that nickel beers with free overwhelmingly to lease the 262 California Street, San Fran­ Coast Guard. The-Meters, Mates as they believe that if we tied up I eats come back. cisco, Calif. store to the union men. Here's A Flock Of Ships And Men Just Waiting To Go Back To Work Both Oldtlmers And Newcomers Acquit Selves Wiell In Strike; fel �- Y'yj. y •'•yi m \\ '^. T-ity AGREEMENT Between Seafarers Internatienal Unien Of North America And % Alcoa Steamship Co., Inc. A. H. Bull Steamship Co. Baltimore Insular Line, Inc. / \ American LIherty Steamship Corp. Arnold Bernstein Steamship Corp. Arnold Bernstein Shipping Company, Inc Eastern Steamship Lines, Inc. Seas Shipping Company, Inc. Smith & Johnson i -'•y �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Six Friday, Novembox 1.. 1S46 Section 12. Riders on Ships Articles and Paying Off Privileges. AGREEMENT ARTICLE II — between — General Rules SEAFARERS' INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA ~ I'--.' P and ALCOA STEAMSHIP CO.. INC. A. H. BULL STEAMSHIP CO. BALTIMORE INSULAR LINE. INC. AMERICAN LIBERTY STEAMSHIP CORP. ARNOLD BERNSTEIN STEAMSHIP CORP. ARNOLD BERNSTEIN SHIPPING COMPANY. INC. EASTERN STEAMSHIP LINES. INC. SEAS SHIPPING COMPANY, INC. SMITH & JOHNSON SOUTH ATLANTIC STEAMSHIP LINE This Agrfeement is entered into this 23rd day of Oct­ ober, 1946, by and between the Seafarers' International Union of North America, affiliated with the American Federation of Labor hereinafter referred to as the Union and the Steamship Companies herein named above and any of their subsidiary companies which may be formed to operate ships in the offshore, coastwise, or inter-coastal trade, hereinafter referred to as the Com­ pany and remains in effect until September 30, 1947. Provided, however, that this agreement shall be re­ newed from year to year thereafter, by the respective parties hereto, unless either party hereto shall give written notice to the other of its desire to amend or terminate same. Any such notice shall be given at least sixty (60) days prior to the date of expiration. If such notice shall not be given the agreement shall be re­ newed for the succeeding year, and from year to year thereafter. Application by either party to open nego­ tiations for changes in the wage scale at any time dur­ ing the life of this agreement shall not be deemed cause for termination of this agreetnenl. ARTICLE I Section 1. Employment. The Company agrees that only members of the Union shall be employed in all unlicensed personnel ratings on their freight vessels or American Flag Freight vessels taken ove^ on bareboat charter with the exception of the following: Cadets, Super-cargo, Purser. Section 2. Selection of Personnel. On freight vessels the Company agrees to secure its unlicensed personnel through the offices of the Union with the exception of ratings listed in Article I, Section 1. The Union agrees to furnish capable, competent and physically fit employ­ ees and in the event that Union men are not furnished with sufficient promptness to avoid delay in any sched­ uled sailing, the Company is at liberty to hire men without regard to Union affiliation. Section 3. Rejection of Personnel. The Union agrees that the company shall have the right of rejection of personnel they consider unsuitable with the understand­ ing that if the Union considers the cause of rejection unjust, the Company agrees to endeavor to reach a satisfactory settlement with the parties involved, the business agent of the Union and the member or mem­ bers in question. If an amicable settlement cannot be reached by this method, the Union agrees to furnish prompt replacements, and the matter is to be immedi­ ately referred to a port committee for final settlement. In the event the port committee rules that the member or members in question have been unjustly rejected the Company agrees to pay the member or members in question thirty (30) days' wages at their regular month­ ly rate of pay for the 'position they were originally dispatched to the ship to fill. In the event any decision of the Company physician is challenged by the Union, as to the physical fitness of a Union member, said member shall be reexamined by a Public Health Physician and his decision shall be binding. Section 4. Passes, "'he Company agrees to issue passes to the Union representatives for the purpose of contacting its members aboard vessels of the Company covered by this agreement. Representatives of the Union shall be allowed on board at any time but shall not interfere with men at work unless said men are properly relieved (the relief gets no extra compensation). Section 5. Port Committee. For the adjustment of any grievances arising in connection with performance of this agreement which cannot be satisfactorily adjust­ ed on board the vessel there shall be established a Port Cbihmittee at the port where articles are terminated. The Port Committee shall consist of three (3) represen­ tatives from the Union and three (3) representatives from the company, and it shall be the duty of the Port Committee to meet within twenty-four (24) hours, Sat­ urdays, Sundays, and Holidays excluded. In the event that the Committee cannot agree, then the Director of Conciliation of the United States Department of Labor shall be requested to appoint an impartial refereS whose decision shall be final and binding. Section 1. Discrimination. The Company agrees not to discriminate against any man for legitimate union activity. Section 2. Stoppage of Work. There shall be no sti'ikes, lockouts or stoppage of work while the provis­ ions of this agreement are in effect. Section 3. Emergency Duties and Drills. Any work necessary for the safety of the vessel, passengers, crew or cargo, or for the saving of other vessels in jeopardy and the lives thereon, shall be performed at any time and such work shall not be considered overtime. Whenever practicable, lifeboat-and other emergency drills shall be held nn week days between the Honrs of 8 A.M. and 4:30 P.M. and on Saturdays between the hours of 8 A.M. and 12 Noon. Preparation for drills, such as stretching fire hose and hoisting and swinging out boats, shall not be done prior to signal for such drills, and after drill is over, all hands shall secure boat and gear. In no event shall overtime be paid for work performed with such drills. Section 4. Ships Chartered by Company. This agree­ ment is binding with respect to American Flag Freight ships chartered by the Company (if charterer furnishes crew). Section 5. Safe Working Conditions. The employer shall furnish safe working gear and equipment, when in any harbor, roadstead or port. No man shall be required to work under unsafe conditions. Ordinary hazards of the sea shall not be considered unsafe conditions in applying this section. Section 6. Securing Vessel for Sea.. All vessels of the Company must be safely seci^red before leaving the harbor limits for any voyage. Vessels sailing in the daytime must be safely secured before leaving the harbor limits. In the event the vessel is not safely secured before reaching the harbor limits the vessel shall proceed to a safe anchorage and be secured before proceeding to sea. Vessels sailing after dark shall be safely secured before leaving the dock or may proceed to a safe anchorage to secure vessel before proceeding to sea. When lights can be maintained on the after deck, gear and hatches may be secured on this deck enroute to anchorage. Section 7. Sailing Board Time, (a) The sailing time shall be posted at the gang-way on arrival when the vessel's stay in port is twelve (12) hours or less. When the stay exceeds twelve (12) hours the sailing time shall be posted eight (8) hours prior to scheduled sailing, if before midnight. If scheduled between midnight and 8 A.M. sailing time shall be posted not later than 5:30 P.M. (b) All members of the unlicensed personnel shall be aboard the vessel in a sober condition and ready for sea at least one (1) hour before the scheduled sailing time. In the event any member of the unlicensed per­ sonnel fails to comply with this provision, the Company shall call the Union and the Union shall furnish a re­ placement. If the original member reports after the Company has called for a replacement the man sent by the Union as such replacement shall receive two (2) days pay, which two (2) days pay^all be paid by the member who was late in reporting for duty in a sober condition. (c) If the vessel's departure is delayed and the delay is due to the loading or discharging of cargo, the new time of departure shall be immediately be posted on the board and if such delay exceeds two (2) hours the watch below may be dismissed and shall receive two (2) hours overtime for such reporting. (d) In the event, after cargo is aboard or discharged and ship is ready to proceed, the full complement of unlicensed personnel is not on board, no overtime shall be paid. (e) The overtime prescribed above shall not apply when sailing is delayed on account of weather, such as rain, fog, or any other condition beyond the vessel's control. Section 8. Ships Delegate. One man in each depart­ ment on each vessel shall act as delegate for such department. Such delegates are privileged to present to their superior officers, on behalf of the members in their department, facts and opinions concerning any matter wherein adjustment or improvement is thought proper. Any matter so presented which is not adjusted satisfactorily to all concerned shall be referred to the Union officials and Company officials upon vessel's arrival in the first U.S.A. port where the Union and the Company have officials for adjustment as provided under Article I, Section 5, of this agreement. Section 9. Authority of Master and Obedience of Crew. Nothing in this agreement is intended to, and shall not be construed to limit in any way the authority of the Master or other officers, or lessen the obedience of any member of the crew to any lawful order. Section 10. In Case Vessel Runs Aground. In the event the vessel runs aground this agreement shall be lived up to regardless of whether the Company or the Insurance Company is paying the wages and overtime. Section 11. Medical Relief. Full medical attention as required by law shall be given to all unlicensed personnel. Except where such is assumed by the U.S. Consul or the U.S. Public Health Service, medical at­ tention shall be furnished by the Company at the ex­ pense of the Company. '.'I;?.;-. (a) On vessels in the Bauxite trade or a foreign voy­ age (except as provided for in sub-section (b) of this section) the following rider .shall be placed on ships articles. It is agreed between the Master and seaman, or mariners, of the of which is at present Master, or whoever shall go for Master,' now bound from the port of to and then to such other ports or places in any part of the world, as the Master may direct, or as may be ordered or directed by the United States Government or Department, Commission, or Agency thereof, and back to a final port of discharge in the Continental United States, for one voyage only, for a term of time not exceeding nine calendar months. RIDER It is also agreed that these articles shall terminate at the final port of discharge in the Continental United States of Arherica. If the final port of discharge is locat­ ed in an area other than the area in the Continental United Rt.ate.s in which i.s 1oc.^tpr^ fhe port of engage­ ment, first class transportation shall be provided plus wages and subsistance to port of engagement in Con­ tinental United States, or at the seaman's option, cash equivalent of the actual cost of first class rail trans­ portation shall be paid. For the purpose of this rider, the Continental United States shall be divided into four areas — The Pacific Coast area, the Atlantic Coast area north of Cape Hatteras, the Atlantic Coast area, south of Cape Hatteras, and the Gulf Coast area. It is further agreed that in event the ship .returns light or in ballast to the Continental United States articles shall terminate at first port of arrival in ac­ cordance with voyage description set forth herein, except that when the arrival at the first port is for purpose of securing additional bunkers, stores, or making emergency repairs of not more than seven days duration, articles shall continue until the vessel can proceed to another Continental United States port. It is further agreed that if within thirty days of signing clear of these articles a seaman who accepted first class railroad tran.sportation in cash, presents him­ self in the Company's or Agent's office at the port of engagement, he shall be paid an amount equal to wages and subsistance for the number of days ordinarily re­ quired to travel from port of signing off back to the port of engagement, provided that no wages or sub­ sistence shall be payable to a seaman reporting back to the port of engagement within thirty,days, if. such seaman has returned as regular crew member of this vessel. (b) On vessels making a voyage or voyages to Ber­ muda,. Mexico, West Indies, including Cuba, Canada, Newfoundland and/or Coastwise the following rider shall be placed on ships articles. It is agreed between the Master and seaman, or mari­ ners, of the of which is at present Master, or whoever shall go for Master, now bound from the port of to and then to one or more ports in the West Indies and/or Canada, Newfoundland, Bermuda, Mexico and U.S. Atlantic or Gulf Coast in any order either direct or via ports, at the Master's option and return to a port on the Atlantic or Gulf Coast of the United States and thence for one or more similar continuous voyages on the above described route or any part thereof and back to a final port of discharge on the Atlantic or Gulf Coast of Continental United States for a term of time not exceeding six (6) calendar months. RIDER If the port where these articles are finally terminated is located in an area other than the area iri the Contin­ ental United States in which is located the port of en­ gagement, first class transportation shall be provided plus wages and subsistance to port of engagement in Continental United States, or at the seaman's option, cash equivalent of the actual cost of first class rail trans­ portation shall be paid. For the purpose of this rider, the Continental United States shall be divided into four areas — The Pacific Coast area, the Atlantic Coast area north of Cape Hat­ teras, the Atlantic Coast area south of Cape Hatteras and the Gulf Coast area. It is further agreed that if within thirty days of signing clear of these articles, a seaman who accepted first class railroad transportation in cash, presents him­ self in the Company's or Agent's office at the port of engagement, he §hall be paid an amount equal to wages and subsistence for the number of days ordinarily required to travel from port of signing off back to the port of engagement, provided that no wages or sub­ sistence shall be payable to a seaman reporting back to the port of engagement within thirty days, if such seaman has returned as regular crew member of this vessel. It is also agreed that the transportation provisions contained herein shall not apply until the articles are finally terminated. Any member of the unlicensed personnel will be allowed to pay off the vessel in any port in Continental United States or Puerto Rico, upon twenty-four (24) hours notice to the Master, prior to the scheduled sailing of the vessel; in like manner, the Master shall be allowed to discharge any member of the unlicensed personnel upon twenty-four (24) hou notice. If the seaman exercises his right to be paid off, as provided for in this paragraph, transportation provisions shall not be applicable; if the Master exercises his right to dis­ charge a seaman, as provided for in this paragraph, transportation provisions shall be applicable. (c) On G.A.A. vessels when a seaman accepts the cash equivalent of first class railroad transportation, the �THE SEAFARERS LOG Fiiday, Noredi^r 3, 1146 railroad -tax shall not be included. Operations regula­ tions 55 and 72 of the WSA shall apply. undergoing repairs; taking on fuel, water or stores; fumigation; lay-up; awaiting orders or berth. Seciion 13. Return to Port of Signing Articles. In the event a ship of the Company is sold, interned, lost or laid up, the crew shall be given transportation back to the port of signing articles with subsistence, room and wages, as per Article II, Section 14 of this agreement. When room and subsistance is not furnished aboard the vessel room and meal allowance will be paid as pre­ scribed in Article II, Section 36 until crew is furnished repatriation by train, plane or vessel. (b) From the time the vessel is properly moored or anchored for the purpose of: loading and/or discharg­ ing cargo, ballast, passengers or mail; undergoing repairs; taking on fuel, water or stores; fumigation; lay-up; awaiting orders or berth. In the event a ship of the Company is lost the crew shall be recompensed for the loss of clothing, not to exceed three hundred dollars ($300.00) and to be repat­ riated to the port of signing articles with subsistence, room and wages as per section 14 of this agreement. Section 14. Traveling. Members of the Union when transported by the Company during the course of their employment shall be provided with first class transpor­ tation by rail; when travel at night is involved a lower berth shall be provided or the cash equivalent thereof and with subsistance at the rate of $4.00 per day in addition to their regular monthly wages. When travel­ ing by ship is involved men shall be provided with second class transportation or the cash equivalent thereof. (d) Port time shall not commence until the vessel has shifted from quarantine anchorage to a berth or other anchorage for the purposes as provided for in sub-sections (a) and (b) of this Section. Section 15. War Zone. In case any vessel of the Company traverses waters adjacent to or in the prox­ imity of a declared or undeclared war or state of hos­ tilities, it is hereby agreed that a petition on the part of the Union for the opening of negotiations for added remuneration, bonuses, and/or insurance, shall in no way be deemed cause for the termination of this agreement. Section 16. Customary Duties. Members of all de­ partments shall perform the necessary and customary duties of that department. Each member of all depart­ ments shall perform only the recognized and customary duties of his particular rating. Section 17. Explosives. On vessels carrying explosi­ ves in fifty (50) ton lots or over, as permitted by law, the Company agrees to pay each crew member of the unlicensed personnel in addition to their regular month­ ly wage, 10% per month of such wages while such cargo is on board the vessel or is being loaded or discharged. When the unlicensed personnel is required to work explosives, at any time,, they shall be paid for such work in addition to their regular monthly wages, at the rate of $5.00 per hour. For the purpose of this agreement, explosives shall consist of the following items: Nitro Glycerine T. N. T. Poison Gases Loaded shells of one pound or over, but not small arms ammunition Gasoline Black Powder Blasting Caps Detonating Caps Loaded Bombs Dynamite Seciion 18. Penalty Cargoes. When members of the unlicensed personnel are required to clean holds in which penalty cargo has been carried they shall be paid for such work in addition to their regular wages, at the rate of straight overtime for the watch on deck and overtime and one-half for the watch below. IN BULK Bones Green Hides Manure Caustic Soda Soda Ash Creosoted Lumber IN BAGS OR BULK; Bone Meal Chloride of Lime Lampblack or Carbonblack Sulphur Copra Greave Cakec Coal, Coke Saltcake Super Phosphate Cyanide Cement On vessels carrying penalty cargo in bulk in lots of one thousand tons or over the Compimy agrees to pay the members of the unlicensed personnel in addition to the regular monthly wages 10% of such wages from the time the loading of the penalty cargo is started until penalty cargo is completely discharged. When members of the unlicensed personnel are re­ quired to clear holds where lead concentrates have been carried, the watch on deck shall be paid at the regular overtime rate and the watch below shall be paid at the rate of overtime and one half. Section 19. Holidays. The Company agrees to recog­ nize the following as holidays: New Yeai-'s Day Washington's Birthday Memorial Day Independence Day Armistice Day Labor Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day Lincoln's Birthday In the event y.E. or V.J. Day are observed .as National Holidays they shall be included in this list. Saturday afternoons, Sundays and Holidays while at sea shall be considered holidays for the unlicensed personnel not on watch. Men on watch shall perform only the routine duties necessary for the safe navi­ gation of the vessel on these days. In the event any of the above named holidays fall on Sunday the Monday following shall be observed as such holiday. Any day that is a recognized holiday for the longshoremen in Continental U. S. Ports shaU also be a recognized holiday for the crew while in that particular port. • Seciion 20. Port Time. For the purpose of applying port overtime provisions of this Agreement, "Port Time" or the words 'Tn Port" shall be defined to mean the following: ^ Commencement of Port Time: (a) From the time a vessel is properly secured to a dock, buoy or dolphins for the purpose of: Loading and/or discharging cargo, ballast,. passengers or mail; (c) Port overtime provisions shall not apply to vessels entering a port and anchoring for the sole purpose of avoiding inclement weather. (e) Vessels lying at the same anchorage after obtain­ ing quarantine clearance shall be considered awaiting berth and port overtime provisions shall apply except in cases where vessels cannot move due to thick weather. (f) Port overtime provisions shall not apply to vessels mooring or anchoring for sole purposes of awaiting transit of canals such as the Panama Canal. However, a vessel taking on fresh fruits, vegetables or milk whije transiting the canal shall not be consid­ ered to be in port under sub-section (b) of this section. .• Page Seven (c) When men standing sea watches are promoted for the purpose of replacing men who are injured or sick, they shall receive the differential in pay only. (d) But in no event shall any member of the Unli­ censed Personnel work more than eight (8) houis ia any one day without the payment of overtime. Section 26. Overtime Rale. The overtime rate for unlicensed personnel receiving less than $200.00 per month shall be $1.00 per hour. All ratings receiving $200.00 or more per month, the overtime rate shall be $1.25 per hour. Section 27. Computation of Overtime.. When over­ time worked is less than one (1) hour, overtime for one (1) full hour shall be paid. When overtime worked exceeds one (1) hour, the overtime work performed shall be paid for in one-half (Vz) hour periods, and fractional part of such period shall count as one-half (%)hour. . . Section 28. Commencement of Overtime. Overtime shall commence at the time any employee shall be call­ ed to report for work outside of his regular schedule provided such member reports for duty within fifteen minutes. Otherwise overtime shall commence at the actual time such employee reports for rlnty and sueh overtime .shall continue until the employee is released. Termination of Port Time: (g) Port time shall terminate when the first ahead or astern bell is rung the day the vessel leaves the harbor limits, however, this paragraph shall not apply in cases where the vessel is being shifted as provided for in Article II Section 21. Section 29. Checking Overtime. After overtime has been worked, the senior officer of the department on board will present to each employee who has worked overtime a slip stating hours of overtime and nature of v/ork performed. An overtime book will be kept to conform with individual slips for settlement of over­ time. Officers and men shall keep a record of all dis­ puted overtime. Section 21. Shifting Ship. After the vessel arrives in port as outlined in Article II, Section 20, any sub­ sequent move in inland waters, bays, rivers and sounds sliall be regarded as shifting ship and overtime paid for men on duty while such moves are performed on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays and after 5 P.M. until 8 A.M. week daj's with the following exceptions: Section 30. Continuous Overtime. When working overtime and crew is knocked off for two hours or less, the overtime shall be paid straight through. Time hjlowed for meals shall not be considered as overtime in this clause. Port Alfred to Montreal or vice versa. Port Alfred to Quebec or vice versa. Montreal to Quebec or vice versa. All moves from American ports to British Columbia ports or vice versa. Norfolk to Baltimore or vice versa. Montevideo to Buenos Aires to Rosario or points above or vice versa. Boston to New York or vice versa. Moves from Baltimore through the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal to Wilmington, Camden or Philadel­ phia or vice versa, shall be considered a move of the ship and such work after 5 P.M. and before 8 A.M. or Saturdays, Sundays or Holidays shall be paid for at the overtime rate. Section 22. Standby Work. When men are hired by the Company for standby work in port by the day and board and lodging are not furnished to them on the ship, they shall be paid at the rate of $1.45 per hour. Their regular hours of work shall be from 8 A.M. to Noon and from 1 P.M. to 5 P.M. Monday thru Friday. Any work performed by them outside their regular hours of work shall be paid for at the rate of $2.17y2 per hour. Men hired to perform standby work shall perform any work that shall be assigned to them by their superior officers, and they shall not be subject to any working rules set forth in this Agreement unless they shall be required to keep steam in the boilers or oil winches. When standby work in any particular de­ partment is to be pei-formed, an effort shall be made to obtain men with ratings in such department if they are available and are competent to perform such work. Any man so hired for standby work that reports when ordered shall be guaranteed not less than four hours work and shall be paid in accordance with the rates of pay outlined in this section. Seciion'23. Longshore Work by Crew. In those ports where there are no longshoremen available, members of the crew may be required to do longshore work or drive winches for the purpose of handling cargo. For such work performed, they shall be paid in addition to their regular monthly wages, one dollar and fifty cents ($1.50) per hour for their watch on deck and two dollars and twenty-five cents ($2.25) per hour for the watch below. After 5 P.M. and before 8 A.M. and on Saturdays, Sundays or Holidays the rate shall be $3.00 per hour for all hands so engaged. This section shall not be so construed as to be ap­ plicable to any work where longshoremen are not available due to labor trouble. Seciion 24. Working Ballast. Whenever members of the crew may be i-equired to discharge ballast out of holds or handle or discharge ballast on deck, the watch on deck shall receive their straight overtime rate for such work. The watch below shall receive time and one-half their overtime rate for such work. Day pien shall i-eceive their straight overtime rate between the hours of 8 A.M. and 12 Noon and 1 P.M. and 5 P.M. After 5 P.M. and before 8 A.M. day men shall receive time and one half their overtime rate. If watches are broken, day men's scale applies to the en­ tire crew. Sand Ballast shall be washed off decks with hose during regular-working hours without the pay­ ment of overtime. Seciion 25. Division of Wages of Absent Members. (a) When members of the unlicensed personnel are re­ quired to do extra work because the vessel sailed with­ out the full complement as required by vessel's certi­ ficate, under circuhistances where the law permits such sailing, the wages of the absent members shall be di­ vided among the men who perform their work, but no overtime shall be included in such payments. (b) At sea, when day men are switched to sea watches and promoted for the -purpose of replacing men who ai'e injured or sick they shall receive the differential in pay and overtime for watches stood on the, 1st Satur­ day afternoon 6f standing sea watches. Section 31. Payment of Overtime. All money due for crew overtime shall be paid at the signing off. In the event payment of overtime is delayed by the Company beyond twenty-four (24) hours after signing off articles, additional compensation shall be paid at the rate of $10.00 a day for each calendar day or fraction thereof aforesaid payment of overtime wages is delayed. This shall not include disputed overtime being settled be­ tween the Union Representatives and the Company. Section 32. Rest Periods. When members of the Un­ licensed Deck and Engine Personnel are required to turn to on overtime between midnight and 8 A.M. they shall be entitled to a rest period of one hour for each hour worked between midnight and 8 A.M., such rest periods to start at 8 A.M. the same day if ship is under port working rules and sea watches have not been set. Such rest periods shall be in addition to cash overtime allowed for such work. If rest period is not given, men shall be entitled to additional overtime at the regular overtime rate, in lieu thereof. This section shall not apply to men turning to on overtime at 6 A.M. or after. Section 33. Work Performed by Other than Members of the Unlicensed Personnel. Any work performed by cadets, workaways, passengers, prisoners of war, staff officers or any member of the crew other than the un­ licensed personnel, that is routine work of the un­ licensed personnel, shall be paid for at the regular over­ time rate. Such payment to be divided among the un­ licensed personnel ordinarily required to perform such work. • Section 34. Carrying of Cadets, Etc. in Lieu of Crew. No Cadets, workaways or passengers shall be carried in lieu of the Crew. S^tion 35. Launch Service. When a ship is anchored or tied up to a buoy for eight hours, or over, for the pmposes outlined in Article II, Section 20, the unlicensed personnel off duty shall be allowed one round trip to shore at the Company's expense, every 24 hours. Section 36. Room and Meal Allowance. When board is not furnished unlicensed members of ,the crew, they shall receive a meal allowance of $1.00 for breakfast, $1.00 for dinner and $1.00 for supper. When men are required to sleep ashore, they shall be allowed $3.00 per night. Application by the Union to open negotia­ tions for increased meal and lodging allowance due to increased living costs at any period during the life of this agreement, such applications shall not be deemed cause for termination of this agreement. Section 37. Meal Hours—Relieving for Meals. The meal hours for the Unlicensed Personnel employed in the Deck and Engine Departments shall be as follows: Breakfast, 7:30 A.M. to 8:30 A.M. Dinner 11:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M. Supper 5:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. (a) At {!ea the 4 to 8 watch shall relieve itself for sup­ per. (b) Tiie 12 to 4 watch on sailing day is to be knocked off at 11 A.M. in order to eat at 11:30 A.M. and to be ready to go on watch at 12 Noon. (c) These hours may be varied, but such variation shall not exceed one hour either way, provided that one unbroken hour shall be allowed at all times for dinner and suppi^r when vessel is in port. When watches are broken, if one unbroken hom- is not given, the man involved shall receive one (1) hour's overtime in lieu thereof. This penalty hour shall be in addition to the actual overtime worked during the meal hour. (d) When crew is called to work overtime before breakfast and work continues after 7:30 A.M., a full hour shall be allowed for breakfast and if breakfSst is not served by 8 A.M. overtime shall continue straight through until breakfast is served. (e) If one imbroken hour is not given, the men in­ volved shall receive one hour's overtime in lieu thereof. (f) When the watch below or men off duty are working on overtime at sea or in port, they shall be al­ lowed one unbroken meal hour, if one unbroken meal hotu- is not given the men ihvolved shall receive one �-rnjj^; • Page Eight 14- hour's overtime in lieu thereof. This penalty hour shall be in addition to the actual overtime worked during the meal hour. The provisioi^ in this section shall be ap­ plicable at all times at sea or in port to men on day work. Section 38. Fresh Provisions. Adequate Supply of Fruit juices shall be provided for the imlicensed per­ sonnel. Fresh milk, fruit and vegetables will be fur­ nished at every port touched, where available, and if supply is possible a sufficient amount to last until the next port or to last until the food would ordinarily, with good care, spoil. Shore bread shall be furnished at all U. S. ports when available. Section 39. Midnight Lunch. If crew works continuous overtime until midnight, men shall be provided with a hot lunch at midnight, one hour to be allowed for such meal, if the work continues. If this full hour is not allowed, an additional hour overtime shall be paid. If the crew works as late as 9 P.M., coffee and lunch shall be provided. Fifteen minutes shall be allowed and be included in overtime if work continues. If crew works as late as 3 A.M. coffee and lunch shall be pro­ vided. If crew works as late as 6 A.M. coffee shall be provided. Fifteen minutes shall be allowed and be in­ cluded in overtime if work continues. When crew is called to work overtime, coffee shall be made and be ready at time of calling by the watch or watchman, and allowed during fifteen minutes of readiness period. T H E S E ATF ARERS LOG with a sufficient number of shower baths which shall be-adequately equipped with hot and cold fresh water. Section 48. Lockers. A sufficient number of lockers shall be provided so that each employee shall have one locker of full length whenever space permits, with suf­ ficient space to stow a reasonable amount of gear and personal effects. Section 49. Copies of Agreements to be Furnished. Copies of this agreement shall be furnished to the Mas­ ter, Chief Engineer and Chief Steward who in turn shall supply each departmental delegate with a copy at the commencement of each voyage. $ Section 50. Jury Toilets. When and wherever neces­ sary for sanitary reasons, jury toilets shall be rigged on the poop deck. Section 51. Money Draws in Foreign Ports. Monies tendered for draws in foreign ports shall be in U. S. Currency, where it does not conflict with existing laws. Section 52. Calendar Day. For the purpose of this agreement the calendar day shall be from midnight to midnight. ARTICLE III Section 40. Coffee Time. All hands shall be allowed fifteen minutes for coffee at 10 A.M. and 3 P.M. or at convenient time near these hours. Deck Department Section 41. Crew Equipment. The following items shall be supplied the unlicensed personnel employed on board the vessels of the Company: 1. A suitable number of blankets. 2. Bedding consisting of two white sheets, one spread, one white pillow slip, which shall be changed weekly except that in the tropics, pillow slips shall be changed twice weekly. 3. One face towel and one bath towel which shall be changed twice weekly. 4. One cake of Lux, Lifebuoy or Palmolive soap with each towel change. 5. One box of matches each day. 6. Suitable mattresses and pillows shall be furnished, but hair, straw or excelsior shall not be suitable. 7. All dishes provided for the use of the unlicensed personnel shall be of crockery. 8. One cake of laundry soap, one cake of lava soap, one box of washing powder weekly. 9. Sanitubes shall be available for the unlicensed per­ sonnel at all times. 10. Cots shall be supplied to the crew while in the tropics, except on the new type passenger vessels. Any member wilfully damaging or destroying linen shall be held accountable for same. When linen is not issued, men shall receive $2.00 each week for washing their own linen. Crew shall turn in soiled linen before receiving new issue of linen. WAGES Section 42. Uniforms. In the event a man is required to wear a uniform other than provided for in Article V, Section 21, he shall furnish his own uniform and he shall be paid an additional $12.50 per month for same. Section 43. Mess Room. Each vessel shall be fui-nished with a messroom for the accommodation of the crew, such messroom or messrooms to be in each case so constructed as to afford sitting room for all and to be so situated as to afford full protection from the weather and from heat and odors arising from the ves­ sel's engine room, fireroom and hold and toilet. Section 44. Electric Refrigerator. An electric re­ frigerator shall be furnished for the use of unlicensed crew on each vessel. The location of this refrigerator shall be as may be determined by the Company. Should the refrigerator break down or go out of commission it is understood and agreed that the Company will not be expected to make repairs until the vessel arrives in a port where the manufacturer has a service representa­ tive available. Section 45. Crew's Quarters. All quarters assigned for the use of the unlicensed personnel are to be kept free from vermin insofar as possible. This is to be ac­ complished through the use of exterminating facilities provided by the Company, or fumigating the quarters every six months with gas. Room allowance as provided in Section 36 shall be allowed when vessel is in port and: 1. Heat is not furnished in cold weather. 2. When hot water is not available in crew's washroom.° for a period of twelve (12) or more consecutive hours. 3. When crew's quarters have bt i painted and paint is not absolutely dry and other suitable quarters are not furnished aboard. 4. At all times when vessel is on dry dock overnight. 5. When linen is not issued upon man's request prior to 6 P.M. on the day the seaman joins the vessel 6. When vessel is being fumigated. Section 46. Ventilation. All quarters assigned to the unlicensed personnel and all messrooms provided for their use shall be adequately screened and ventilated and a sufficient number of fans to secure ventilation shall be provided. Section 47. Washrooms. Adequate washrooms and lavatories shall be made available for the unlicensed personnel of each division, washrooms to be equipped Section 1. Wages. The monthly rates of pay of Un­ licensed Personnel in the Deck Department when the respective ratings are carried shall be as follows: Rating Monthly Rate of Pay Boatswain $205.00 Boatswain's Mate—Day Work 192.50 Boatswain's Mate—Watch 180.00 *Carpenter 205.00 Storekeeper 197.50 AB Maintenance 187.50 Quartermaster 172.50 Able Seaman 172.50 Watchman 172.50 Ordinary Seaman 150.00 *When the Carpenter is required to furnish his owrt tools, he shall be paid $7.50 per month in addition to his basic wage per month. Section 2. Setting Watches. Sea watches shall be set not later than noon on sailing day. When the vessel sails before noon watches shall be set when all lines are on board and vessel is all clear of the dock. Section 3. Breaking Watches and Work in Port, (a) In all ports watches shall be broken except in those ports where stay of vessel will not exceed twenty-foiu (24) hours, then watches shall run consecutively. Any work performed on watch below shall be overtime. Any part of a watch from midnight until 8:00 A.M. on day of arrival shall constitute a complete watch. This shall not apply to men required for gangway watch. When such arrival occurs on Sunday overtime shall only be paid for hours actually worked on such watch. (b) In port when sea watches are broken the hours of labor shall be 8 A.M. to 12 Noon and 1 P.M. to 5 P.M. Monday through Friday. Any work outside of these hours or on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays shall be paid for at the regular overtime rate for the respective ratings. (c) In all ports when watches are broken a gangway watch shall be maintained at all times. A sailor shall be assigned to maintain this watch and eight (8) hours shall con.stitute a watch. No overtime shall be paid for these watches on week days between the hours of 5:00 P.M. and 8 A.M. Overtime shall be paid for watches stood from midnight to midnight on Saturdays, Sun­ days and Holidays. Sailors standing gangway watches shall not be re­ quired to care for cargo lights without payment of over­ time. Sailors standing gangway watches shall not be required to do any other work except raise or lower gangway, tend gangway lights and manropes. (d) In port all work on Saturday, Sundays and Holi­ days shall be paid for at the regular overtime rate. Seclion 4. Work at Sea, Men Standing Sea Watches. (a) Men standing sea watches shall be paid overtime for Sunday watches and for all work in excess of eight (8) hours between midnight and midnight each day. No work except for the safe navigation of the vessel is to be done after 5 P.M. and before 8 A.M. and on Sat­ urday afternoons, Sundays and Holidays. (b) Sanitary work shall be done on week days be­ tween 6 A.M. and 8 A.M. without the payment of over­ time. Sanitary work in this section shall mean clean­ ing the wheelhouse, chart room, cleaning windows and mopping out wheelhouse. (c) If a man standing regular watch at sea on Sun­ day, for which he receives overtime, is required to do work other than routine work for the safe navigation of the vessel, cleaning quarters as outlined in Article III, Section 17, and docking or undocking, as outlined in Article III, Section 16, he shall be paid overtime in ad­ dition to the overtime that he receives for standing the regular sea watch on Sunday. (d) If a man standing sea watches on Sunday is required to do .Longshore Work, Tank Cleaning or Handling Explosives during his watch he shall not re­ ceive the Sunday overtime, but shall be paid the over­ time rate as specified in this Agreement for that type of work in lieu of the regular overtime rate. Seclion 5. Division of Watches, (a) Tlie sailors, while at sea, shall be divided into three watches which shall Friday, November 1, 1946 be kept on duty successively for the performance of ordinary work incident to the sailing and maintenance of the vessel. (b) Not less than three seamen shall constitute a com­ plete sea watch at all times. When any of these three ratings are missing and the watch is not complete, wages equivalent to the rating that is missing from the watch shall be paid tp the other member or members making up the remainder of the watch. (c) When the watch below is called out to work they shall be paid overtime for work performed during their watch below, except for such work as defined in Article II, Section 3. Seclion 6. Day Workers, (a) The following rating's shall be classified as day workers: Boatswain, Carpen­ ter, Storekeeper, AB Maintenance. (b) The working hours at sea for all men classified as day workers shall be from 8 A.M. to 12 Noon and 1 P.M. to 5 P.M. Monday through Friday and 8 A.M. to 12 Noon Saturday. Any work performed by day men out­ side of these hours shall be paid for at their regular overtime rate, except for such work as defined in Article II, Section 3. (c) Working hours in port for all men classified as day workers shall be from 0 A.M. to 12 Noon and 1 P.M. to 5 P.M. Monday through Friday. Any work out­ side these hours or on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays to be paid for at their regular overtime rate. Seclion 7. Relieving Helmsman. No Mate shall re­ lieve the Helmsman except in an emergency. Sougeeing chipping, painting, etc., shall not be considered an em­ ergency. Seclion 8. Unsafe Working Condilions. Working in holds into which cargo is being loaded or discharged shall be considered unsafe working conditions. (Men vvorking or watching cargo shall not be included in this clause.) Seclion 9. Securing Cargo, (a) If cargo is not prop­ erly secured before going to sea and the watch below IS required to secure such cargo, they shall be paid at the rate of overtime and one-half for such work per­ formed. If the watch on deck is required to perform 3uch Work they shall be paid at the overtime rate. (b) Routine tightening up of cargo lashings and relashing of cargo which has come adrift shall not con­ stitute overtime. Seclion 10. Call Back for Shifling Ship. When vessel IS in port and watches are broken and men are called back to work after 6 P.M. and before 8 A.M. or on Saturdays, Sundays or Holidays for the purpose of shifting ship in inland waters, a minimum of two (2) hours overtime shall be paid for each call, except when men are knocked off for a period of one (1) hour or less in which case-time shall be continuous. ' Seclion 11. Using Painl Spray Guns. When members of the crew are required to use paint spray guns they shall be paid at the regular overtime rate during straight time hours and at the rate of time and one-half the over­ time rate during overtime hours. Seclion 12. Division of Overlime. All overtime shall be divided as equally as possible among the members of the deck crew. In any event the Boatswain shall be allowed to make as many hours overtime as the high man's overtime hours in the Deck Department. If the Boatswain is required to work with and su­ pervise the watch on deck on Sunday at sea for which the watch on deck receive additional overtime he shall receive the same amount of overtime per hour as paid to a member of the watch on deck, in lieu of his regular overtime rate. When the Boatswain is working alone or with men on watch below only on Sunday, he shall receive the regular overtime rate prescribed. Seclion 13. Cleaning Bilges and Deck, (a) When mem­ bers of the Deck Department are required to clean bilges, or clean roseboxes wherein the residue of grain or organic fertilizer is present, the watch on deck shall be paid at the regular overtime rate, and the watch below shall be paid at the rate of overtime and onehalf. This is also to apply to bilges and decks that have been flooded with fuel oil. (b) When members of the crew are required to enter bilges that have contained animal, vegetable, petroleum oil or creosotes including bunkers or molasses, for the purpose of cleaning or making repairs therein, the watch on deck during straight time hours shall be paid at the rate of $1.50 per hour. Section 14. Additional Work, (a) In all ports, mem­ bers of the Deck Department may be required to chip sougee, scale, prime and paint the vessel over sides.' (b) Overtime shall be paid when sailors are required either in port or at sea, to chip, sougee, scale, prime or paint galley, panh y, saloon, living quarters, forecastles lavatories and wash rooms which are not used by the Unlicensed Deck Department. This shall afeo apply to all enclosed passageways with doors or bulkheads at both ends. Section 15. Going Ashore to Take Lines. The practice of putting sailors ashore on dock to handle lines when docking or undocking is to be avoided as far as pos­ sible. If, however, no other means for handling lines is available and sailors are put on the dock to catch the lines, or to let them go, the sailors actually going on the dock are to receive $1.00 each in each case. This is to be in addition to overtime, if they are working on over­ time at that particular moment. Section 16. Docking and Undocking. The watch on deck shall receive overtime for breaking out or stowing away mooring lines, docking or undocki.ng after 5 f-M. and befOTe 8 A.M. and on Saturday afternoons and Holidays. All hands, when available, shall be used to perform this work. Section 17. Cleaning Quarters. One Ordinary Sea­ man on duty shall be assigned to clean the quarters and toilets of the unlicensed personnel of the Deck De­ partment. Two (2) hours shall be allowed for this work i: �Friday, November 1, 194G between the hours of 8 A.M. and 12 Noon daily. He shall be allowed two (2) hours for this work on Holidays and shall receive two (2) hours overtime. Section 18. Handling Hatches, (a) When the sailors are used to remove hatches, strong backs, and tank lops for the purpose of loading or unloading cargo, or to cover up hatches when cargo is in the vessels, they shall receive overtime as per Article H, Section 23, of the General Rules of this agreement. (b) No overtime to be paid to day men and watch on deck between the hours of 8 A.M. and 5 P.M. for covering up when no cargo is in the ship or taking off hatches for any purpose other than actual cargo op­ erations. (c) This section shall not be interpreted to mean that the Deck Department shall do this work, where it con­ flicts with the Longshoremen and the Longshoremen have contracts that they shall do this. Section 19. Cleaning Steering Engine. When sailors are required to clean steering engine or steering en­ gine bed, they shall be paid overtime for such work performed. However, sailors may be required to clean steering engine room and grease tiller chains in their watch on deck during straight time hours without the payment of overtime. Section 20. Ship's Stores, (a) Sailors may be required to liandle deck stores both on the dock and on board ship during their regular hours without payment of overtime. Regular hours are defined to mean 8 A.M. to 12 Noon and from 1 P.M. to 5 P.M. Monday through Friday. (b) When sailors are required to handle Stewards' or Engine Room stores, both on dock and aboard ship, they shall be paid overtime at the regular overtime rates during straight time hours and at the rate of time and one-half the overtime rate during overtime hours. (c) Daily supplies or fresh provisions, such as milk, bread and vegetables shall be brought aboard by sailors when required to do so without payment of overtime. (d) Ship's officers shall determine the number of sail­ ors to be used in handling ship's stores. (e) The Company reserves the right at any time to use shore gangs to handle ship's stoi-es. Section 21. Topping or Lowering Booms. All hands, when available, except the helmsman, shall be used to raise or lower booms. (a) The watch on deck may stretch guys, topping lifts and generally make ready cargo gear for topping booms. *"(b) When booms are lowered and properly secured, the watch on deck may clear the deck and secure guys. (c) The watch on deck shall perform this work'with­ out the payment of overtime during straight time hours. (d) All hands shall be used for docking and undocking the vessel at all times. Section 22. Handling Mail or Baggage. Wlren sailors are required to handle mail or baggage they shall re­ ceive the overtime rate provided in Article H, Section 23 of this agreement. Section 23. Boatswain or Carpenter Standing Watch. (a) If the Boatswain or Carpenter are required to stand watch due to shortage of men, such watches .stood be­ tween the hours of 5 P.M. and 8 A.M. and all watches stood between the hours of 12 Noon Saturday and 8 A.M. Monday shall be paid for at the regular ovei-time rate. However, all watches stood shall be in addition to their regular duties as boatswain or carpenter. In such cases there shall be no division of wages. (b) AB Maintenance may be required to replace any unlicensed member of the Deck Department when said member is sick or missing without payment of over­ time except on first Saturday afternoon of standing sea watch. Section 24. Carpenter's Work, (a) Carpenters shall paint, chip, or clean the windlass and take soundings, shore-up cargo and do customary carpenter's work aboard the vessel. (b) Carpenters shall be required to stand by the windlass when mooring or immooring or anchoring. (c) The Boatswain shall stand by the windlass when no carpenter is carried. (d) When carpenters are required to take soundings after 5 P.M. and before 8 A.M. Saturday afternoons, Sundays, and Holidays, they shall be paid overtime forsuch work performed. (e) Only members of the unlicensed deck personnel shall be required to sound bilges, except in an emer­ gency. When this work is done after 5 P.M. and before 8 A.M. and on Saturday afternoons, Sqndays, or Holi­ days, they shall be paid at the regular overtime rate. (f) When members of the Deck Department are re­ quired to do carpenter work they shall be paid at the rate of $1.00 per hour for watch on deck and ^l.OO per hour for watch below. On vessels where no carpenter is carried only boatswain shall handle ground tackle. Driving wedges shall not be considered carpenter work on ships that do not carry a ship's carpenter. Section 25. Cleanliness of Quarters. The unlicensed personnel of the Deck Department shall keep their re­ spective living quarters clean and tidy at all times, however, this shall not be construed to mean the daily cleaning by the ordinary seaman each morning. Section 26. Dumping Garbage. When members of the Deck Department are required to handle garbage by hand or shovel, the watch on deck shall be paid at the regular overtime rate and the watch below shall be paid at the rate of overtime and one-half. Section 27. Sea Watches in Port. When sea watches have been set or have not been broken, all members of each respective watch shall be on duty and shall be paid ovrtime on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays. THE SEAFARERS LOG Section 28. Chain Locker. Able Seamen, only, shall be sent into the Chain Locker to .stow chain. In the event the Chain Locker is located lower than one deck below the windlass, "a suitable signaling system must be installed. System to consist of two way bell or buzzer or voire ttihe. This shall only apply when men are sent in the Chain Locker for the purpose of stowing chain. Section 29. Removing Soot from Smoke Slack. When members of the Deck Department are required to re­ move soot accumulated inside of the smoke stack, they shall receive overtime during regular working hours and time and one-half during overtime hours. Section 30. Tank Cleaning (a) When members of the crew are required to enter any tank in which water is regularly carried for the purpose of cleaning or mak­ ing repairs therein they shall be paid straight overtime for straight time hours for such work; for such work between the hours of 5 P.M. and 8 A.M. or on Satur­ days, Sundays or Holidays overtime and one-half shall be paid. • !>,' Page Nine and at the rate of time and one-half the overtime rate during overtime hours. ' Section 5. Tank Cleaning, (a) When members of tlMf crew are required to enter any tank in which water is " regularly earned for the purpo.se of cleaning or making repairs therein, they shall be paid straight overtime for .straight time hours for such work; for such work be­ tween the hours of 5 P.M. and 8 A.M. or on Saturdays, . Sundays or Holidays overtime and one-half shall be ' paid. (b) When members of the crew are required to enter tanks, or bilges that have contained animal, vegetable, petroleum oil or creosotes including bunkers or mo­ lasses, including use of Butterworth Svstem for the pur­ pose of cleaning or making repairs therein, the watch on duty during straight time hours shall be paid at the rate of $1.50 per hour. (c) On Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays or between the hours of 5 P.M. and 8 A.M., the rate for such work .=:hail be $3.00 per hour. Three hours overtime at the rate of $1.50 per hour shall be paid for this work in addition to the overtime actually worked, however, this three hours overtime shall be paid only once when tanks are being cleaned on consecutive working days. (b) When members of the crew are required to enter tanks that have contained animal, vegetable, petro­ leum oil or creosotes including bunkers or molasses, in­ cluding use of Butterworth System for the purpose of cleaning or making repairs therein, the watch on deck Section B. Work Out of Engine Spaces. No mem­ during straight time hours shall be paid at the rate of $1.50 per hour. On Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays ber of the Engine Department personnel other than the or between the hours of 5 P.M. and 8 A.M. the rate Deck Engineer, Engine Utility, Storekeeper, Unlicensed for such work shall be $3.00 per hour. Three hours Jr. Engineers, Electrician, Wipers, Plumbers and Ma­ overtime at the rate of $1.50 per hour shall be paid for chinists, shall be required to work outside of engine this work in addition to the overtime actually worked, spaces without the payment of overtime. Engine .spaces however, this three hours overtime shall be paid only to consist of fireroom, engineroom and ice machine once when tanks are being cleaned on consecutive ' room. For the purpose of routine watch duties the engine spaces shall consist of fireroom, engine room, working days. ice machine room, steering engine room, and shaft alley, Section 31. Laying Dunnage for Cargo. When the Seclion 7. Supper Relief, (a.) sea the four to eight' crew are required to actually lay dunnage in prepara­ •; tion for cargo, they shall be paid at the regular overtime watch shall relieve itself for supper. rate for the ^vatch on deck and overtime and one-half (bi In port the man detailed to oil winches shall re­ for the watch below. This does not mean handling of dunnage in order to clean holds or stacking dunnage lieve the fireroom watch for supper when cargo is be­ or removing dunnage from holds, but only refers to ac­ ing worked, except when two or more men are stand­ fire room and,'or engine room donkev watches to­ tual flooring off with dunnage for cargo. When crew is ing gether. " required to install grain fittings or otherwise prepare holds for grain cargo, except as outlined above, they Section 8. Work On Sundays while at Sea. (a) If a ^ shall be paid at the overtime rate for such work per­ man standing regular watch at sea on Sundays, for formed. which he receives overtime, is required to do work other Section 32. Tending Livestock. When livestock is than routine work for the safe navigation of the vessel, carried, the sailors may be required to feed and clean he shall be paid fur such work at the regular overtime rate in addition to the overtime received for stand­ up and otherwi-se tend the live.stock. During straight ing Sunday watch. time hours they shall receive the regular overtime rate and overtime and one-half during overtime hours. (b) If a man standing sea watches on Sunday is ac­ tually required to do Longshore Work, Tank Clean­ ing or Handling Explosives during his watch he shall not receive the Sunday overtime, but shall be paid the overtime rates as specified in this Agreement for that type of work in lieu of the regular overtime rate. ARTICLE IV Engine Department Wages Wages. The monthly rates of pay of Unlicensed Per­ sonnel in the Engine Department when respective rat­ ings are carried shall be as follows: Rating Monthly Rate of Pay Chief Electrician Assistant Electrician Unlicensed Jr. Engineer—Day Work Unlicensed Jr. Engineer—Watch Plumber Machinist Deck Engineer Chief Refrigerating Engineer 1st Refrigerating Engineer 2nd Refrigerating Engineer Engine Storekeeper Engine Utility Evaporator Maintenance Oiler-Diesel Oiler-Steam Watertender Fireman Watertender Fireman Wiper $294.50 227.50 230.00 205.00 237.00 205.00 269.50 237.50 218.50 197.50 205.00 190.00 195.25 177.50 177.50 177.50 167.50 175.00 Section 1. Arrivals and Departures—Saturdays and Holidays. Upon vessel's arrival in port, as defined in port time clause Article II, Section 20, overtime shall begin when "finished with engines" bell is rung. Upon vessel's departure for sea, overtime shall be paid up un­ til "first ahead" or "astern" bell is rung. Section 2. Setting Watches. Sea watches shall be set not later than noon on the day of departure, except when vessel sails before noon, in which event sea watch­ es shall be set not later than one hour before scheduled departure. Sea watches for men standing "donkey watches" shall be set at midnight prior to scheduled sailing time. Section 3. Breaking Watches. When a vessel is in port as defined in port time clause Article H, Section 20, and is scheduled to remain in port 24 hours or longer, sea watches shall be broken. When scheduled stay of vessel is less than 24 hours, sea watches shall be main­ tained. If sea watches are to be broken, they shall be broken when "Finished with engine" bell is rung. Sea watches for men who are to stand "donkey watches" shall be broken at midniglit on day of arrival where stay of vessel is to exceed 24 hours. Any part of a watch from midnight until 8 A.M. on day of arrival shall constitute a complete watch; this shall not apply to men who are to stand donkey watch. When such arrival occurs on Sunday overtime shall only be paid for hours actually worked on such watch. Section 4. Using Spray Guns. When members of the crew are required to use spray guns they shall be paid at the straight overtime rate during straight time hours Secfion 9. Equalization of Overtime, Overtime for men of same ratings shall be equalized as near as pos­ sible. This to be governed by departmental head and departmental delegate. Section 10. Refrigerating Engineers, (a) While reIrigerating plant is being operated at sea, refrigerating engineers .shall be assigned to watches of four hours on and eight hours off. (b) When refrigerating plant is required to be op­ erated continuously in ports, refrigerating engineer may be required to stand donkey watch of eight hours on and 16 hours off without overtime, except on Satur­ days, Sundays and Holidays. (c) When refrigerating plant is not being operated and no refrigeration cargo is on board, they shall be assigned to day's work and their hours shall be from 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon and 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. Mon­ day through Friday. When on day's work they shall be paid overtime for all work performed Saturday, Sun­ days and Holidays and for work performed after 5:00 P.M., before 8:00 A.M. fd) Refrigerating engineers may be required to su­ pervise the stowing of reefer cargo. In any event while reefer cargo is being worked between the hours of 5:00 P.M. and 8:00 A.M. or on Saturdaj's, Sundaj's or Holi­ days, they shall be paid overtime. - A1 (e) At sea while on watches, no overhauling work, breaking calcium, shifting or moving C02 bottles shall be done between the hours of 5:00 P.M. and 8:00 AM. or on Saturday afternoons, Sundays or Holidays, with­ out the payment of overtime. In case of emergency, such as excessive gas leakage or loss of brine, the re­ frigerating engineer on watch shall correct this condi­ tion as part of his regular duties without payrncnt of overtime. (f) While on watch duty, refrigerating engineer shall be required to leave safe workirig conditions,'keeping the spaces around the ice machines and their aux­ iliaries clean of oil, water, and refuse accumulated dur­ ing his watch, but he shall not be required to do any painting, cleaning paint, chipping, scaling, or shining bright work. (g) When on Day's work, refrigerating engineers shall work under the direction of the Chief Engineer or li­ censed engineer in charge of ^-cfrigerating plant. Their duties shall consist of overhauling and repair work necessary in connection with the upkeep and main­ tenance of refrigerating machinery, its auxiliaries, and equipment. They shall not be required to paint, sougee, chip, scale, shine bright work or do cleaning work un­ less oi-ertime is allowed for such work. •|] ;;s1 (h) Recognizing that there may be extended ^periods when no refrigerating cargo will be oTi board the vessel and the refrigerating plant will be shut down, the fol­ lowing is provided: When the refrigerating machinerv has been shut down and secured, the refrigerating en­ gineers, at the discretion of the Chief Engineer, may be assigned to day's work in the engine room in accordance with the working rules for :i oilers on day work. ,- i(i) At nb time shall they puU or shift ice. •.-•p'' ' 3 �Px^aTsn .Section 11. Electricians, (a) The Chief Electrician shall be responsible to and take orders from the Chief ^gineer, or, in the absence of the Chief Engineer, iie ;:hall take orders from the Senior Engineer aboard; all Assistant Electricians to be directly responsible to the Chief Electrician. In the absence of the Chief Elec­ trician, the Assistant Electrician to take orders from the Senior Engineer aboard. In the case of Watch Elec­ tricians, Assistant Electricians to be responsible to the Senior Watch Engineer. (b) They shall do no work other than electrical work and shall not be required to work on steam or diesel end of any machinery. (c) When cargo is being worked with electrical winches after 5 P.M. and before 8 A.M., or on Satui-days, Sundays and Holidays, overtime shall be paid to electricians on duty, and they shall be required to do any work necessary to keep electrical cargo handling machinery in operation. (d) When Electricians are required to install any new or additional equipment, it shall be classified as over­ time work and shall be paid for at the overtime rate. This shall not apply, however, to renewals or replace­ ments or repairs to worn-out equipment. (e) They may be required to do any and all running or breakdown repairs to electrical equipment only. (f) Refusal to do Electrical work which would sub­ ject h.m to electrocution will not be considered refusal of duty. (g) On ships where less than three electricians are carried, the electricians shall be classified as day work­ ers at sea and in port. (h) He will not be required to reline brakes on elec­ tric winches or anchor windlasses or capstan. (i) It shall be the responsibility of the Chief Elec­ tricians to keep an inventory of all supplies and equip­ ment on hand and he shall make requisitions for all needed electrical supplies and tools. Taking voyage in­ ventories, however, shall be confined to straight time hours. (j) When three electricians are carried, they shall be put on regular- sea watch, at sea, of four hours on and eight hours off for the performance of their duties. In port, the electricians shall be classified as day workers. Section 12. Plumber - Machinist, (a) All PlumberMachinists shall be directly responsible to the Chief En­ gineer or First Assistant Engineer, or in their absence to the Engineer in charge. (b) The regular hours of work at sea shall be from 8 A.M. to 12 Noon and 1 P.M. to 5 P.M. weekdays and 8 A;M. to 12 Noon Saturdays. Work performed outside of these hours shall be paid at the regular overtime rate. In port 8 A.M. to 12 Noon, 1 P.M. to 5 P.M., Mon­ day through Friday. (c) All Plumber-Machinists shall be required to do repair work on fresh and salt water lines and small steam lines connected with the domestic department of the vessel, bathroom wastes and fixtures, radiators, gal­ ley fuel oil lines, steam ccokers and coffee urns and shall do general machine shop work. They shall be required to take on water between 8 A.M. and 5 P.M. weekdays without payment of overtime. (d) They shall not be required to do any ehipping, scaling, painting or sougeeing, cleaning or polishing work at any time. Seciion 13. Unlicensed Junior Engineers, (a) On ves­ sels carrying only three unlicensed Junior Engineers, they shall, while at sea, be put on regular sea watch of four hours on and eight hours off for the perform­ ance of their duties. In port, they shall be put on don­ key watch of eight hours on and sixteen hours off for the performance of their work. (b) Duties at Sea: They shall assist in the operation of the plant as directed by the Watch Engineer. They .shall be required to do maintenance and repair work as directed by the Watch Engineer between the hours of 8 A.M. and 12 Noon, 1 P.M. and 5 P.M. Monday through Friday and between the hours of 8 A.M. to 12 Noon on Saturdays, without the payment of overtime. Such maintenance and repair work shall be confined to en­ gine room, fireroom, machine shop, storeroom in or adjacent to engine room, shaft alley and ice macliine TOom. They shall not be required to do general clean­ ing, painting, cleaning paint, polishing work, wire brushing, chipping or scaling without the payment of overtime. (c) Duties in Port: In port. Junior Engineers-shall be put on donkey watches of eight hours on and sixteen hours off- for the performance of their duties. They shall assist in the operation of the plant as directpd by the Watch Engineer. They shall be required to do maintenance and repair work as directed by the Watch Engineer between the hours of 8 A.M. and 12 Noun 1 P.M. and 5 P.M., Monday through Friday. Such maintenance and repair work shall be confined to engine room, fireroom, machine shop, storeroom in or adjacent to engine room, shaft alley and ice machine room and steering Engine room. They shall receive oveitime for all watches on Saturdays, Sundays and Hobdays. If required to replace another member of the unlicensed personnel, they shall receive overtime in accordance with the provisions of the working rules covering that particular rating. (d) On vessels earring day Unlicensed Junior En­ gineers in addition to Watch Unlicensed Junior En­ gineers, their duties shall be as follows: At sea and in port, they shall be required to do • - maintenance and repair work as outlined in ' . sub-section (c) abo 'e under the direction of the Engineer in charge. They may assist in taking ; on Engine Department stores including water ''- ' and fuel. Their working hours shall be the • ^ame as specified for Day Workers. Section 14. Evaporalor Mainienance Men. (a) All THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday. rNovember' 1, 1946 Evaporator Maintenance Men shall be directly respon­ sible to the Chief Engineer or First Assistant Engineer or in their absence to the Engineer in charge. their relief, provided such work shall not be done when' Wipers are on duty. 4. In port they may be required to assist in tak­ ing on water, fuel oil, and engine department stores. 5. At sea when they are on day work and are reassigned to evaporator watches, they shall be paid overtime for watches stood on the first Saturday afternoon. Thereafter they shall not receive any overtime for Saturday afternoon watches when evaporator watches arc main­ tained until arrival at next port. (e) When such equipment is placed in operation, oilers may be required to check the equipment at regu­ lar intei-vals, make necessary adjustmerits to insure proper and even flow of condensate and salt watei*, oil and tend any pump or pumps operated in connection with such equipment, without payment of overtime. (c) Duties of Diesel Oilers in Port. In port. Oilers (b) They shall stand two watches of four hours each shall maintain a regular donkey watch. They shall oil per day while evaporators are in use at sea. When auxiliaries, tend small donkey boiler and look after evaporators -are used in port, watches shall be changed entire plant. Between the hours of 5 P.M. and 8 A.M. to eight hours on, sixteen hours off. -Monday through Friday, this work shall be done with­ out the payment of overtime except when cargo is being (c) When evaporators are in use, their work shall be worked. When cargo is being worked after 5 P.M. to tend evaporators and other auxiliaries in the evapor­ arid before 8 A.M., the Oiler on watch shall be paid at ator spaces. the regular overtime rate. On Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays, the Oilers on watch shall receive the regular (d) When evaporators are not in use, their working overtime rate. rules and hours shall be as follows: (d) Oilers shall not be required to do any painting, 1. At sea working hours shall be from 8 A.M. to cleaning paint, wirebrushing, chipping, scaling or pol­ Noon, and 1 P.M. to 5 P.M. weekdays, and 8 ishing work without the payment of overtime. A.M. to Noon Saturdays. In port, hours shall be 8 A.M. to 12 Noon, 1 P.M. to 5 P.M., Monday Seciion 18. Dulles of Oilers on Sea Witlches—Sleam. through Friday. (a) Shall perform routine duties, oil main engine (if 2. While on day work in port, they shall be re­ reciprocating), wavch tempei*ature and oil circulation quired to perform general maintenance and re­ (if turbine), oil auxiliaries, steering engine and ice ma­ pair work that is under the jurisdiction of the chine. They shall pump bilges and tend water where engine department, but shall not' be required gauges and checks are in the engine room and no to clean boilers, tanks or tank tops, or do any watertenders are carried. cleaning, sougeeing, scaling or painti ig. They may be required, however, to do miner sougee­ (b) Oilcro shall do no cleaning or station work but ing pr spotting up in the evaporator uoha. they shall be required to leave safe working conditions for their reliefs, keeping the spaces around main en­ 3. At sea when they are on day work they may gine and auxiliai-ies clean of any excess oil. be required to do maintenance or repair work as outlined in Paragraph 2 above or they may (c) On vessels with small cargo refrigeration plants, be required to replace oilers, watertenders, or oilers shall oil plant, but shall not be required to take fireman, who are sick, injured or missing. When temperatures. On vessels carrying watch freezers, oil­ they are assigned watch duty as oilers, waterers shall not handle refrigeration plant. tenders, or firemen, they shall be paid overtime for watches stood the first Saturday after 12 (d) Starting and blowing down evaporator equipment Noon. Thereafter, they shall not receive any on freighters or vessels that do not carry special evap­ overtime for Saturday afternoon watches while orator men, shall not be a part of the oilex's' recognized serving continuously as oilers, watertenders or duties. firemen. Seciion 15. Deck Engineer's Duties, (a) It shall be the duty of the Deck Engineer to oil and maintain winches and do maintenance and repair work to deck machinery and deck piping and when electrician is not carried he may be required to care for lights, fuses and overhaul electric fans. (b) The Deck Engineer shall not be required to do any cleaning or repair work in the engine-room, fire­ room, or shaft alley, without the payment of overtime. (c) The Deck Engineer shall not be required to do any additional work while oiling deck machinery, ex­ cept for running or breakdown repairs. (d) Deck Engineer shall oil and maintain winches until midnight on days of arrival and departure. An oiler or engine utility shall be assigned to those duties on all other days after 5 P.M. and before 8 A.M.; how­ ever, the oiler (or engine utility) assigned to oil winches from 5 P.M. until midnight shaU be knocked off from 4 P.M. to 5 P.M. for supper. (e) It shall be the duty of the Deck Engineer to turn steam on and off deck machinery and warm up same when deck machinery is needed to handle ship's lines, work cargo, etc. (f) In freezing weather, if deck machinery is being turned over to keep from freezing, the Deck Engineer or another competent member of the unlicensed personnel shall stand by on overtime hours to turn winches or capstans over to keep from freezing. For such work, he shall receive the applicable overtime rate of pay. (f) When oilers are required to start or blow down evaporator equipment, they shall be allowed one hour for each operation at the regular overtime rate. (g) On turbine propelled vessels which are certificated as passenger vessels and are carrying passengers, the oiler on the 12 midnight to 4 A.M. watch may be re- ' quired to assist in blowing tubes, where automatic soot blowers are in use. (h) Oilers shall not be required to do any painting cleaning paint, wirebrushing, chipping, scaling or pol­ ishing work without the payment of overtime. Section 19. Duties of Oilers on Day Work—Steam. Shall assist the engineers in maintenance" and i-epair work in engine room, machine shop, shaft alley and storeroom when located in or adjacent to engine room, provided, however, he shall not be required to do any cleaning of boilers, painting, cleaning paint, polishing work, wirebrushing, chipping, or scaling. Their work shall be confined to maintenance and repair work only. Section 20. Ships carrying Both Watertenders and Firemen. In port, as defined in port time clause, Ai'ticle II, Section 20, and sea watches are broken, watertenders shall stand ^1 donkey watches and firemen shall be put on day work. When sea watches are set or have not been broken the watertender only shall receive over­ time for woi-king cargo after 5 P.M. and before 8 A.M. Section 21. Duties of Watertenders on Sea Watches. (a) Watertenders shall perform routine duties, tend water and boiler auxiliaries, oil temperatures, stack draft and supervise firing. He shall handle any valves in connection with the operation of the boilers as directed by the engineers. (g) Deck Engineers shall not be required to do any general painting, cleaning paint, wirebrushing, chip­ ping, scaling or polishing work without the payment of overtime. (b) Watertenders shall not be required to crack any main or auxiliary steam stop valves. When stops have been cracked, however, they may be opened wide by watertenders. , Section 16. Duties of Utility Man—Engine Depart­ ment. (a) The working hours of the Utility Men shall be the same as working hours for day workers. (c) Watertenders shall not be required to do any painting, cleaning paint, wirebrushing, chipping, scal­ ing or polishing work without the payment of oveifime. (b) They shaU be required to assist engineers or deck engineers, etc., in all engine department work. Section 22. Duties of Watertenders in Port, (a) In port, watertenders shall maintain a regular donkey watch between the hours of 5 P.M. and 8 A.M. without the payment of overtime except when cargo is being worked. When cargo is being woi-ked after 5 P.M. and before 8 A.M. the watertender on donkey watch shall be paid at the regular overtime rate. On Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays, they shall receive the regular overtime rate; donkey watches shall be maintained for the purpose of keeping steam for the auxiliaries, winches and the safety of the ship. (c) Utility men shall be required to have qualifica­ tions as oilers, watertenders and firemen. (d) They may be required to replace any unlicensed member of the Engine Department when said member IS sick, injured or missing, without the payment of overtime except for the first Saturday afternoon of standing sea watches. (e) The Utility Men shall not be used to replace any member of the unlicensed personnel except when such member is missing or unable to perform his regular duties due to illness or injury. (f) All work classed as overtime for wipex'S during their regular working hours, with the exception of repair work, shall also be classed as overtime for the utility men when performing the same type of work. Section 17. Diesel Vessels. (a) Duties of Diesel Oilers on Sea Watch. They shall make regular rounds on main engines and auxiliaries,, pump bilges, clean strainers, watch oil temperatures and pressures. If required, they shall drain oil from pi.ston oil tanks every hour and shall pump up water for gravity. They shall bq required To tend small don­ key boiler for heating purposes without payment of overtime. However, when boiler is being used for heat­ ing cargo oil, an overtime allowance of two (2) hours per watch shall be allowed the Oilers. (b) They shall do no cleaning or station work but shall be required to leave safe working'conditions for (b) If the ship arrives in port after 5 P.M. and before midnight on such day of arrival the watertender shall continue on sea watches until midnight and shall, in addition to maintaining steam, tend auxiliaries and water and ice machines and be paid for such work at the regular overtime rate until midnight. (c) Overtime shall not apply as provided in paragraph (b) of this section in cases when the oilers remain on sea watches until midnight on day of arrival. (d.) Watertenders shall not be required to do any painting, cleaning paint, wirebrushing, chipping, scaling or polishing work without the payment of overtime. Section 23. Working Cargo, (a) The watertender, Fireman-Watertender, or Firetube Fireman detailed to look after the plant, shall receive overtime while cargo is being worked with ship's winches at all times be­ tween the hours of 5 P.M. and before 8 A.M. and on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays. (b) When cranes or other shore equipment is em> �Friday. Noversjber 1, 194S ploj'ed exclusively in the handling of cargo and if the ship's gear and deck machinery is not being used, no overtime will be paid to men on watch except on Sat­ urdays, Sundays and Holidays. (c) When cranes or other shore equipment is cmployed for the handling of cargo and the ship's gear and deck machinery is used to trim cargo, conveyors, etc., and ship's steam furnishes the power for such opera­ tions, the Watertender or Fireman-Watertender or Firetube Fireman on watch will receive overtime after 5 P.M. and before 8 A.M. and on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays. Section 24. Combination Firemen - Watertender's Duties, (a) They shall be required to watch and tend water, clean burners, strainers, drip pans, punch carbon, keep steam, watch. water, watch fuel oil pressure and temperatures and oil fuel oil pumps located in the fireroom only. (b) On all watches they shall clean up excess oil occasioned by changing burners and strainers and shall leave the fireroom in a safe condition when re­ lieved. (c) Fireman-Watertender on watch shall be paid overtime when cargo is being worked with ship's winches after 5 P.M. and before 8 A.M. Monday through Friday, and on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays. (d) Firemen-Watertenders shall not be required to do any painting, cleaning paint, wirebrushing, chipping, scaling or polishing work without the payment of over­ time. (e) When on donkey watch, Firemen-Watertenders shall be required to keep steam, tend auxiliaries and take care of entire plant, without payment of overtime, e.xcept as provided in (c) above (f) If the ship arrives in port after 5 P.M. and before midnight, on such day of arrival the firemen-watertender shall continue on sea watches until midnight and shall, in addition to maintaining steam, tend aux­ iliaries and water and ice machines and be paid for such work at the regular overtime rate until midnight. (g) Overtime shall not apply as provided in para­ graph (f) of this section in cases when the oilers remain on sea watches until midnight on day of arrival. Section 25. Duties of Firemen—On Sea Watches (Water Tube Jobs.) (a) Shall be required to do routine duties of the watch such as keeping burners clean, clean strainers, drip pans, punch carbon. He shall not be required to leave the confines of the fireroom at any time to do any work outside of the fireroom. (b) Firemen on watch shall be required to keep their respective stations cleaned and painted between the lowest grating and the floor plates. On vessels with irregular gratings, 10 feet from the floor plates shall be considered the firemen's station limit. (c) Cleaning work for firemen on watch shall be con­ fined to the hours between 8 A.M. and 5 P.M. weekdays and between 8 A.M. and 12 Noon on Saturdays. Any cleaning work performed outside these hours shall be overtime. However, on all watches. Firemen shall clean up any excess oil occasioned by changing burners and strainers without payment of overtime and not leave it to his relief to clean up. (d) The practices of fanning tubes, and the use of XZIT and similar preparations shall be classified as general cleaning work and shall be confined to regular cleaning hours. (e) Blowing tubes shall not be a part of the Firemen's recognized sea duties on ships where tubes are blown by hand. However, the fireman on watch may be re­ quired to afesist to the extent of helping to open and close breaching doors, and turning steam off and on. Where automatic soot blowers are used, Firemen will handle valves connecting with same. Section 26. Dudes of Firemen on Day Work (Water Tube Jobs), (a) In port, firemen on day work shall be required to do general cleaning, polishing and painting work in the fireroom, sponging and blowing tubes and assist the engineers in making repairs to boiler mount­ ings, etc. (b) They may also be required to wash down steam drums of water tube boilers. (c) When required to do any cleaning of boilers and fire boxes other than the above,' they shall be paid overtime. . Section 27. Duties of Firemen on Sea Watches (Fire Tube Jobs) (a) On sea watches, firemen shall perform routine duties, clean burners, clean strainers, clean drip pans, punch carbon; keep steam, watch fuel oil pressure and temperature. (b) On all watches he shall clean up excess oil oc­ casioned by changing burners and strainers without payment of overtime and shall leave the fireroom at the end of the watch in a safe condition. (c) Firemen shall not be required to do any painting, cleaning paint, wirebrushing, chipping, scaling or polish­ ing work without the payment of overtime. (d) If the ship arrives in port after 5 P.M. and before midnight, on such day of arrival the Firemen shall continue on sea watches until midnight and shall, in addition to maintaining steam, tend auxiliaries and water and ice inachines and be paid for such work at the regular overtime rate until midnight. (e) Overtime shall not apply as provided in para­ graph (d) of this section in cases when the oilers re­ main on sea watches until midnight on day of arrival. Section 28. Duties of Firemen on Donkey Watches (Fire Tube Jobs), (a) Shall keep burners, strainers and drip pans clean on all watches. They shall also clean up excess oil occasioned by changing buiners and strain­ ers without payment of overtime and not leave it to his relief. They shall do no boiler work. Their job THE SEAFARERS LOC shall be to keep steam for the auxiliaries and safety of the ship and take care of the entire plant. When cargo is being worked with the ship's winches he shall receive overtime after 5 P.M. and before 8 A.M., and on Satur­ days, Sundays and Holidays. (b) Firemen shall not be required to do any painting, cleaning paint, wirebrushing, chipping, scaling or pol­ ishing work without the payment of overtime. Section 29. When Plant is Shut Down. When vessel is in port and the entire plant is shut down, the Watertender, Fire-Watertender or Firetube Fireman may be placed on day work. His work shall then consist of repair and maintenance work on all boiler mounts and boiler auxiliafies which are located in the fireroom. Section 30. Wiper's Duties, (a) Wipers working hours shall be the same as working rules for day work. (b) Wipers shall do general cleaning, scaling, sougeeing, painting and polishing work in the Engine Depart­ ment and take on stores including standing by on water and fuel oil lines. (c) Wipers shall not be required to paint, chip, sougee, or shine bright work in fireroom fidley except in port. (d) One wiper shall be assigned to clean quarters and toilets of the unlicensed personnel of the Engine De­ partment daily. Two (2) hours shall be allowed for this work between the hours of 8 A.M. and 12 Noon daily. He shall be allowed two (2) hours for this work on Sundays and Holidays and shall receive two (2) hours overtime. (e) Wiper may be required to paint crew's quarters upon payment of overtime. (f) Wipers shall be paid overtime for cleaning fire­ sides aild steam drums of boilers. He may be required to wa.sh nnt steam drums with hose without payment of overtime. (g) Wipers shall be paid overtime when required to clean tank tops or bilges by hand or when required to paint in bilges. However, cleaning bilge strainers, clean­ ing away slicks or rags shall be considered part of a wiper's duties and shall be done without payment of overtime. (h) It shall be the duty of the wiper to assist the engineers in blowing tubes. The wiper shall also assist the engineer in putting XZIT and similar preparations and boiler compounds in the boiler. (i) Wiper may be required to assist in repair work but he shall not be assigned to a repair job by himself without the payment of overtime. This is not to include dismantling equipment in connection with cleaning, such as grease extractors, bilge strainers and evapor­ ators, etc. (j) Wiper shall be required to pump up galley fuel tank during straight time hours without the payment of overtime. (k) While vessels are transiting the Panama or Suez Canal one wiper shall be assigned to trim ventilators to insure breeze for men below regardless of whether it is outside of their regular working hours or not. When the wiper performs this work outside his regular work­ ing hours, overtime wiU be allowed. Section 31. Storekeepers, (a) Shall be classified as day workers. (b) When carried, the storekeeper shall supervise work of the wipers under instruction from the First Assistant Engineer and have charge of storeroom and stores. Pag© E]©i^©n Second Cook 3rd Cook Messman Utilitj'man 185.00 175.00 150.00 150.00 MANNING SCALE On Hog Island types. Liberties, Lakers and other types not specified in this agreement' there shall be carried; 1 Steward 1 Third Cook 1 Chief Cook 1 Steward's Utility 1 Night Cook & Baker 3 Messmen On Hog Islands and old type vessels when more than three pa.ssengers are carried $2.50 per passenger per day for each passenger in excess of three passeng­ ers shall be paid to members of the Stewards Depart­ ment serving meals and making up rooms. On Liberties and MAV-l's when passengers are carried $2.50 per passenger per day shall be paid or a steward's utility shall be added at the option of the Company. On C-1-2-3 and Victory type ships there shall be carried: 1 Steward 1 Chief Cook 1 Night Cook & Baker 1 Third Cook 4 Messmen 1 Stewards Utilityman 1 Galley Utilityman On all C-1-2-3 and Victory type ships carrying up to and including 12 passengers, there shall be carried: 1 Steward <1 Galley Utilityman 1 Chief Cook 4 Messmen 1 Night Cook & Baker 1 Passenger Utility 1 Second Cook 1 Steward Utilityman On Victory-C-1-2-3 type vessels carrying extra men up to 12 that are served as crew, such as stock tenders, etc., there shall be carried: 1 Steward l Galley Utility 1 Chief Cook .5 Messmen 1 Night Cook & Baker 1 Steward Utility 1 Second Cook On Victory C-1-2-3 type vessels carrying from 13 to 20 inclusive served as crew such as stock tenders, etc., there shall be carried: 1 Steward 1 Chief Cook 1 Night Cook & Baker 1 Second Cook l Galley Utility 5 Messmen 2 Steward Utility •* 1 11 On Victories C-1-2-3 Vessels that carry over twenty men such as stock tenders, etc., there shall be carried: 1 Steward l Third Cook 1 Chief Cook 4 Messmen 1 Night Cook & Baker 4 Steward Utilities 1 Second Cook On Liberty and other type cargo ships that are not specified in this agreement that carry extra men up to twelve that are served as crew such as stock tenders, etc., there shall be carried: 1 Steward 1 Chief Cook 1 Night Cook & Baker l Third Cook 2 Steward Utilities 3 Messmen On Liberty and other type cargo ships that are not specified in this agreement that carry extra men from 13 to 20 inclusive that are served as crew such as stock tenders, etc., there shall be carried: 1 Steward 1 Second Cook 1 Chief Cook 4 Messmen 1 Night Cook & Baker 2 Steward Utility (c) Storekeepers shall not be required to do any painting, cleaning paint, wirebrushing, chipping, scaling or polishing work without the payment of overtime. Section 32. Hours of Work for Day Workers. On Liberty and other type cargo vessels that are not (a) Working hours in port for all men classified as day workers shall be from 8 A.M. to 12 Noon and 1 P.M. specified in this agreement that carry over twentv men to 5 P.M. Monday through Friday. Any work outside such as stock tenders, etc., there shall be carried:' these hours or on Saturdays, Sundays or Holidays to be 1 Steward 1 Third Cook paid for at the applicable overtime rate, except as 1 Chief Cook 4 Messmen provided in Article II, Section 3. • 1 Night Cook & Baker 2 Steward Utilities 1 Second Cook (b) Working hours at sea for all men classified as day workers shall be 8 A.M. to 12 Noon and 1 P.M. to 5 P.M. Monday through Friday and 8 A.M. to 12 Noon Sat­ urday. Any work performed outside these hours to be paid for at the applicable overtime i-ate, except as provided in Article II, Section 3. Section 33. New Equipment Not Carried at Present. In the event., the Company secures a type vessel dif­ ferent from those now operated and covered by this agreement or if the Company should install new or different equipment, than that presently in use and covered by this agreement, the Company and Union shall meet immediately to consider working rules to cover such vessel or equipment. Working Hours Section 34. Fire Room - Engine Room Boundaries. Steward—eight hours between the hours of 6:30 A.M. On vessels having no bulkhead separating engine room Chief Cook—8 A.M. to 1 P.M.—3 P.M.—6 P.M. and fireroom, an imaginary line is to be drawn at after . Night Cook & Baker—2 A.M. to 10 A.M. or forward end of boilers, depending on location of Second Cook—7 A.M. to 1 P.M.—4 P.M.—6 P.M. boilers, for the purpose of defining engineroom and Third Cook—7 A.M. to 1 P.M.—4 P.M.—6 P.M. fireroom boundaries. This imaginary line shall not ex­ Messmen—6:30 A.M. to 10 A.M.—11 A.M. to 1 P.M.— clude from the duties of the fireman, fireman-watertender, watertender, and oilers any work as outlined in their 4 P.M. to 6:30 P.M. respective working rules; Steward Utilityman—7 A.M. to 1 P.M.—4 P.M. to 4 P.M. Stewards Department Working Rules CARGO VESSELS ARTICLE V Wage And Manning Scales For Stewards Department WAGE SCALE Steward Chief Cook Night Cook and Baker $220.00 '205.00 205.00 Section 1. Routine Work, (a) The regular routine laid out below shall be carried out within the scheduled working hours as specified above and it shall be the duty of the Stewards Department to organize their work so that it is accomplished within their eight (8> hours per day as scheduled in this agreement. Routine Duties of the Stewards Department shall be to prepare and serve the meals, cleaning and maintaining of the licensed personnel quarters, including the Radio Of­ ficer, Purser and Passengers, all dining rooms, messrooms, washrooms, galley and pantry, unless otherwise specified in this agreement, no overtime applies to the above routine work. (b) Routine duty for the Stewards Utility shall in­ clude work in storerooms, linen lockers, toilets, and .'^1 �Paffa^^wMve T W m ^ E H F ii RER S L O G Friday, November 1, 1946 ntr Stewai^s Department passageways and do general the Stewards Department is required to make ice cleaning within his eight (8) hours as directed by the cream he shall be paid at the regular overtime rate for Steward. the time required to make the ice cream. Section 2. Number of Hours. No member of the Section 13. Chipping, Scaling and Painting. Mem­ Steward Department shall be required to work over bers of the Stewards Department shall not be required eight (8) hours in any one day without payment of over­ to chip, scale or paint. time. All work performed at sea on Sundays and Holi­ Section 14. Sougeeing. When members of the Stew­ days arid in port on Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays shall be paid for at the regular overtime rate, except ards Department are required to Sougee, overtime shall be paid for the actual number of hours worked. as-provided in Article II, Section 3. Section 15. Midnight Meals and Night Lunches. Section 3. Handling Stores. Members of the Stew­ ards Department shall not be required to carry any Members of the Stewards Department actually engaged stores or linen to or from the dock. But when stores in serving hot lunches at 9:00 P.M. or midnight or or linen are delivered at the store room doors, meat or 3:00 A.M. are to be allowed three (3) hours overtime for chill box doors, Stewards Department shall place same prepai'ing and serving same. in their respective places and overtime shall be paid to Section 16. Shifting Ship. When a ship is making a all men required to handle linen or stores. However, shift as prescribed in this agreement, Article II, Sec­ daily provision such as fresh vegetables, fruit, milk or tion 21, it shall be considered "in port" and overtime bread shall be stored by messmen and/or utilitymen shall be paid for all work performed by members of the when placed on board, without the payment of overtime Steward Department on Saturdays, Sundays and Holi­ provided such work is done within their prescribed days. eight (8) hours. Section 17. Tlxtra Work due to Absent Members, (a) Section 4. Serving Meals Outside of Messrooms. When When members of the Stewards^ Departhient are re­ any member of the Stewards Department is required quired to do extra work because^a vessel sailed with­ to Korve anyone outside of their respective messrooms out the full complement required bjr this agreement or for any reason he shall be paid at the regular overtime because of illness or injury, the wages of the missing rate for time required. However, meals may be served or disabled men shall be divided among the members on the bridge to the Master and/or Pilot without the of the Stewards Department who perform his work. payment of overtime whenever it is necessary for the But no overtime shall be included in such wages. Master and/or Pilot to be on the bridge for the safety of the ship. The Captain's office or Stateroom shall not (b) In port, members of the Stewards Department be classified as the bridge of the ship. This section shall be paid overtime for work in excess of eight (8) shall not be construed to apply to passengers or un­ hours caused by shortage in the Department but there licensed personnel served durftig regular working hoiurs shall be no division of wages because of such shortage. on account of illness. Section 18. Minimum Overtime. When any member Section 5. Late Meals, When members of the Stew­ of the Stewards Department is called out tp work be­ ards Department are required to serve late meals due tween the hours of 7:30 P.M. and 5:30 A.M., a minimum to the failure of officers eating within the prescribed of two (2) hours overtime shall be paid. time, the members of the Stewards Department actually Section 19. Full-Complement, (a) A full comple­ required to stand-by to prepare and serve the late ment of tlie Stewards Department-shall be maintained meals shall be paid at the regular overtime rate. when the vessel is feeding. This shall not apply when Seclion 8. Shifting Meals. When meal hours are ex­ skeleton crew is aboard. tended for any reason and all of the unlicensed per­ (b) When shortage is caused by termination of Ar­ sonnel are unable to eat within the regular prescribed time, all members of the Stewards Department required ticles or men leaving the vessel, overtime shall be paid to stand-by to prepare and serve the meals shall be paid as provided in Article V, Section 17, paragraph (b). at the regular overtime rate for the time meal is exSection 20. Galley Gear. The Company shall furnish ttyided. all tools for the galley including knives for the cooks. Section 7. Extra Meals, (a) When meals are served Section 21. Aprons and Uniforms. White caps, aprons to other than regular members of the crew, passengers and coats worn by the Stewards Department shall be and/or Pilot, fifty cents per meal shall be paid. This furnished and laundered by the Company and white is to be divided among the members of the Stewards De­ trousers worn partment actually engaged in preparing and serving the Company. by the galley force shall be laundered by meals. 22. Entering Engine or Fireroom. Members (b) When food is prepared for persons who do not re­ of Section the Stewards shall not be required to quire the service of messroom, two (2) hours overtime enter the Engine Department or Fireroom, except as may be re­ per meal shal be paid for the first group of six (6) per­ quired By Article II, Section 3. sons or fraction thereof and one hour overtime for each four additional persons or fraction thereof. This money Section 23. Sundays and Holidays at Sea. All memis to he equally divided among the galley force. - ber.s of the Stewards Department shall receive overtime work performed at sea on Sundays and Holidays (c) No extra meals are to be served without the au­ for regardless of the number of hours worked per week. thority of the Master or officer in charge of the vessel. 24. Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays in Port. Seclion 8. Extra Persons Sleeping Aboard. When two AllSection members the Stewards Department shall receive or more persons other than regular crew members and overtime for of work performed on Saturdays, Sundays passengers sleep aboard, the member of the Steward's and Holidays in port, regardless of the number of hours Department who takes care of the room shall be paid worked per week. This applies only to members of one Jiours' overtime per day. This does not apply when the Stewards Department who are actually on board a ship carries the required complement to accommo­ and work. date passengers and the nufnber of extra persons aboard do riot exceed the full complement of passengers al­ Section 25. Toilets and Bath. When Stewards Utility lowed. is aboard, no member of the Stewards Department who Section 9. Cleaning Meat and Chill Boxes. Members is required to handle food shall be required to clean of the Stewards Department shall be assigned by the toilets or bathrooms. Steward to clean meat and chUl bpxes and shall be paid Seclion 26. Receiving Stores. The Steward shall be at the regular overtime rate for time the work is per­ required to go on dock to check stores or linen without formed. payment of overtime. Section 10. Shore Bread, (a) The Company shall Section 27. Dumping Garbage. No member of the furnish bread from ashore in all Continental U. S. Ports. Stewards Department shall be required to go on dock When bread is not furnished in Continental U. S. Ports for the purpose of dumping garbage. within twenty-four (24) hours, the Night Cook and Ba­ Section 28. Work not Specified. Any work performed ker shall be required to make the bread and will be paid by the Stewards Department that is not specifically de­ three hours overtime for each batch of bread baked. fined in this agreement shall be . paid at the regular (b) When a new Baker is employed he may be re­ overtime rate. quired to bake a batch of bread, during regular work­ Section 29. Day Work, (a) When the ship is not ing hours, without the payment of overtime. feeding and members of the Stewards Department are Section 11. Gil Stoves. Members of the Stewards on day work, the hours shall he 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 Department shall not be required to pump oil for the noon and 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. galley range. (b) When members of the Stewards Department are Section 12. Making Ice Cream. When a member of on day work, they may be required to work in store­ rooms, linen Tockers, toilets, passengers and officers quarters, messrooms, galley. Steward Department pas­ sageways, handle stores and linen placed aboard ship, and do general cleaning without the payment of over­ time. (c) When members of the Stewards Department are on day work, all hands shall be allowed fifteen.(15) min­ utes for coffee at 10:00 A.M. and 3:00 P.M., or at a con­ venient time near these hours. (d) When the Stewards Department is on day work, they shall receive one full hour from 12:00 A.M. until 1:0() P.M. for lunch. This hour may be varied but such variation shall not exceed one hour either way, pro­ vided that one unbroken hour shall be allowed at all times for dinner or supper when men are on day'work. If one unbroken hour is not given, the men involved shall receive one hour's overtime in lieu thereof. (e) In American ports, the Night Cook and Baker shall work on a schedule between 6:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. set forth by the Steward, except on days of arrival. •This agreement is being signed subject to the ratifi­ cation of the membership of the Union, and in case no notice is given the Company within sixty (60) dav.-? from Oclober 23, 1946, it shall be deemed ratified by the Union and binding on both parties hereto. This agreement shall automatically go into effect on October 23, ri946 for all ships owned and/or bare boat chartered by the Company, in cases where the crew is not signed on articles. Where the crews are signed on articles the agreement will automatically go into effect on day following ter­ mination of the present articles after October 23, 1946. Dated October 23, 1946. V Signed by SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA JOHN HAWK, Secretary-Treasurer J. P. SHULER, Ass't Secretary-Treas. •ROBERT A. MATTHEWS, Hdqrs. Engine Department Representative PAUL HALL, New York Agent ALCOA STEAMSHIP COMPANY, INC. (Signed) R. P. SCHILLING A. H. BULL STEAMSHIP CO. BALTIMORE INSULAR LINE, INC. (Signed) W. A. KIGGINS, Jr. AMERICAN LIBERTY STEAMSHIP CORPORATION (Signed) A. D. RISSMILLER ' ARNOLD BERNSTEIN STEAMSHIP CORPORATION ARNOLD BERNSTEIN SHIPPING COMPANY, INC, (Signed) HENRY G. CORY^T EASTERN STEAMSHIP LINES, INC. (Signed) W. K. IRVING SEAS SHIPPING COMPANY, INC. (Signed) JOSEPH J. CONDON SMITH & JOHNSON (Signed) J. E. FASICK SOUTH ATLANTIC STEAMSHIP LINE (Signed) E. S. TROSDAL, Jr. I.ir: V '1^- �THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, November 1, 1946 Page Thirteen SHIPS'MINUTES AMD NEWS The Castle Men Act To Aid Next Crew The SIU crew of the SS Mon­ tezuma Castle follows closely the Union rule that all crews leave then- vessels in shipshape condition for the men who take over on the next trip. We Also Gave, Says Female Ship Sponsor That flourishing war-time rack­ et of ship-launching, recently ex­ posed in the nation's press under screaming, though somewhat be­ lated headlines, made quite a splash. The ranks of Ihe Order of Neptune were swelled recently The ladies — wives, relatives, when several of the SS Felix Grundy crewmembers, pictured and you-know-whats of shipyard above, participated in the time-honored sea ritual as the vessel owners, government officials, etc. crossed. the Equedor. In the rear row, at the extreme right, —were higt^y indignant. But so was everyone who read of how standing next to the King himself is Davy Jones (in real life. these patriotic females cracked a Fred Shaia. Chief Steward and recording secretary abocurd the champagne bottle across a ves­ Grundy.) sel's bow, then received a dia­ mond necklace, a sparkling wristwatch or some other dazzling trinket tagged for several grand. It wasn't pay, just a gestui-e of appreciation for the two-minute effort, Besides, nobody would quinine, The old adage, "an ounce of ficient quantity of mind too much since the trinket's Brother Shaia said. cost was split up among some prevention is worth a pound of Despite the preventive mea­ cure," was amply illustrated on 130,000,000 Americans. sures, five cases of malaria broke They did mind, however, but Voyage No. 14 of the SS Felix out among the crew when the like all investigations embarrass­ Grundy; recently returned to the Grundy did get to Douala. But, ing to persons in high places, it States, according to the vessel's Shia said. Captain Bagley dis­ was soon forgotten. tributed the quinine freely, and Chief Steward, Fred Shaia. FAIR DEFENDER While in Buenos Aires, just as the outbreak did not assume any This week a member of the the crewmembers were making greater proportions. fair sex jumped to the defense ready to leave for Douala, their At the final shipboard meet­ of the female who got the better next port of call, word came to ing on the Grundy, the crew of the fat bargain.' She wrote a the Grundy that the West Afri­ passed a motion thanking Cap­ letter to Time magazine, giving can port was malaria infested. tain Bagley "for the kindness and a whole new angle to the matter. It was reported that a number of thoughtfulness, he has shown on We thought it might be interest­ Seamen had died there from the this four-month trip." He has ing to the men who sail the ships, "proven himself worthy of com­ effects of malaria. so we're reprinting it herewith; With an eye to averting pos­ pliment beyond mere words," the Sirs: sible infection aboard the Grundy, motion stated, adding that all the Because of the recent public­ the Skipper, Captain Bagley, men were fully aware of the ity given the gifts of the spon­ went through a great deal of amount of trouble the skipper sors of wartime ships, it seems trouble to acquire adequate ma­ encountered in his efforts to pro­ only fair that someone should laria preventives for his crew. cure the protective devices and Not without considerable diffi­ of the "many more good deeds culty, he finally succeeded in get­ he performed" in the crew's be­ ting mosquito netting and a suf­ half. Skipper's Foresight Whips Malaria Threat On Grundy Rating major attention at a recent membership meeting were several suggested steps to bene­ fit the next crew of Seafarers to man the vessel. All were accept­ ed. The suggestions, proposed by Black Gang Delegate Alvin Vandeventer, who asked the crew to aid in carrying them out, were: 1. A list be made of all need­ ed repairs, replacements, acces­ sories, etc. 2. Fo'csles be left in clean con­ dition. 3. That the Steward turn over to the Patrolman a duplicate of the order for stores and supplies. 4. That an effort be made to have the gunners' quarters aft on the boat deck converted into a ,recreation room for the crew members. 5. That Delegates take up all trip cards and book numbers for presentation to the Patrolman. 6. That the men repay all small debts, and money borrowed from other shipmates. Brother Vandeventer also urg­ ed the men to remain sober and conduct themselves as Seafarerd at the payoff. seats in crew messhaU, repairs of all lockers in poor condition, ac­ quisition of a Efficient supply of face towels for a 90-day voyageand repair of the ventilation system in the Stewards depart­ ment heads. The oppressive tactics of the Coast Guard, and the ^recently rumored plan to form a maritime reserve organization were ob­ jects of scathing attacks by sev­ eral crew members at the meet­ ing. Brother Blazer attacked the proposed maritime reserve as a potential strike-breaking agency. He urged every member of the crew to write to his Congress­ man protesting formation of such a reserve. Similar action was recommended to apprise Con­ gress of the Coast Guai-d's bully­ ing measures against merchant seamen. Blazer's recommendations for action were supported by Broth­ ers Himler and Vandeventer. GALLEY MEN PRAISED A resolution in praise of the Steward department's "splendid cooperation" was presented by Brother Himler, Deck Delegate, and was unanimously adopted. The resolution pointed up "the good service" rendered by the galley men. Special mention was made of the efforts of the Chief URGENT REPAIRS Of the repairs cited as neces­ sary, the following were submit­ ted as requiring urgent attention: fumigation of the ship, complete overhaul or replacing of the gal­ ley ranges, replacement or retining of all cooking utensils in gal­ ley, renovation of all mattresses with replacement where neces­ sary, fixing of the hole in Wiper's fo'csle, repair or replacement of Cook, 2nd Cook, messmen and utility men. Chief Stewai'd John Cuthrell, for "his untiring efforts to keep peace and harmony, not, only in his own department, but meeting the crew brightly thump­ board to portside. Repairs in the other departments as ed away on this state of things. needed: painting of rooms, new well," was cited as a good Union A motion carried to inform the perculators, porthole fans, new man and "true shipmate." He Ch. Engineer that all lights in mattresses for Junior En­ was accorded a vote of thanks by passageways and at ladders must gineers rooms, anti-roach pow­ all hands. be kept bui-ning all night. If not der to be obtained. Following the customary min­ the responsible parties will be 4- i iute of silence in memory of de­ brought on charges before the Bottoms Up parted Brothers, the meeting was local inspectors. adjourned. J. A. Hammond serv­ On Monroe Agenda ed as chairman, and Walter Bla­ We were almost bowled over zer was recording secretary. by an item as we went through a recent .^set of ship's minutes. We were all for it, however. It sort everyone who uses Ihe wash of signals the approach of a style- room will clean it and be sure conscious on the part of seamen. thai the steam and water are The item, from the minutes of turned off. The matter of the the SS Monroe, reads: Recreation Hall came up and CAPE HATTERAS, Sepl. 2— "Motion carried: that new type it was decided that each de­ Chairman Luciano: Secretary Eraco. All crewmembers in toilet bowls and seats be placed partment would clean it by good standing. Motions car­ in all seamen's toilets aboard turn of one week each. The crew also agreed to put their ried: to enlarge porthole in gal­ ship." That motion sets well with us, coffee cups back after using ley and open porthole outside; to have* ventilation system too. But how about the Sears them. The Crew Messman ask­ ed that the crewmembers re­ throughout ship repaired; to and Roebucks catalog? i i, 4. frain from putting orange peel­ have locks changed in doors of ings in the cups and on the FELIP DE BASTROP. Aug. aU unlicensed personnels as one 11—Chairman Calvin Nickeltables. The crew is to keep its ^ key opens all; to have Deck De­ son; Secretary. Gordon Howe. quarters clean as ihe Captain is partment toilets repaired; to New Business: Suggestion that going to make daily inflections. change oilers rooms from, star­ Digested Minutes Of SIU Ship Meetings niention that the giving was not entirely one-sided. Many of these women . . . gave to these ships such things as athletic equipment, ship's libraries, silver pitchers and trays, deck chairs, radios, victrolas, etc., and we hope they are still giving pleasure to the men on board the ships today. Georgina Hicks Mage Pasadena That kind of changes matters a great deal. We were unaware that seamen were the recipients of such items listed in the fore­ going letter. By the way, do you fellows enjoy your shipboard gym; how do you find the deck chairs? Do you keep the victrolas and the records in the ship's li­ braries? And the silver pitchers and ,trays . . . oh, well. Anyway the lady believes in giving, tit . for tat.. WEBB MILLER. Aug. 9— Chairman Galindy; Secretary Parady. New Business: Dele­ gates reported everything okay. Motions carried to let OS and Wipers decide how to clean' alleyways; that meeting be held every other Sunday; that crewmembers clean laundry room after using; that crew­ members be required to wear shirts in messhall. Delegates to hand^in list of repairs. In meeting of Aug. 6, Brother I. Galindy elected as Delegate. » 5. i ^ Lights Out— All's Not Well The guys on the SS Helen just can't see the light. It's not faulty vision, either, because the men recognize a beef when they see one. The point is the Helen men ob­ ject to being kept on'the dark. Unlighted passageways and lad­ ders on the ship are fraught with dangers to life and limb, and at a recent shipboard membership $1 • m �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Fourteen Friday, November 1, 1946 THE MEMBERSHIP SPEAKS What Bone-Breakers Did Shouldn't Happen To A Dog Dear Editor; The Maritime Service has an­ nounced that, it wants to put all eeamen through a special train­ ing program "to increase their efficiency." After the examples of maritime training" we saw dur the war, God help the merchant marine if they put this one over. Typical of their training are the bonebreakers and gut-robbers they turned out as "pharmacist's mates." These band-aid artists generally couldn't tell Jergens lotion from Cupid's itch. I can speak of these orphan-makers from personal exeprience. I got hurt in a blow one time and the boys carried me -up to this death-promoter collecting extra dough for being a phar­ macist's mate. He turned white as a sheet and told me he was afraid of blood. I sat there dy­ ing while he explained his course hadn't included that vype of inJury. Finally, I reached over for the iodine and did the job myself. MADE HIM RUN Another one liad a medical theory that all illnesses of the human body are caused by constiptation. He prescribed Ex-lax GEE) I STILL HAVfMVl ToCiTHACMe! I FOOT STia HURTS! walks up to me and says: "Aren't modern ships mechanical! The Captain just turns that little handle and the ship goes' halfspeed or backwards, or any­ thing!" And I had just changed 18 dirty burners. Blackout. These sea-finks are the direct heirs and executors of the old Shipping Board of the last war which had its own maritime ser­ vice, pretty uniforms and all. They used it to break the sea­ men's unions 'in the '21 strike. You can't talk fast enough to make me believe the Shipping Board a la 1946 wouldn't do the same. WHAT WAS MEANT? In 1944, Admiral Land told a bunch of shipowners: "The U.S. Maritime Service is the founda­ tion on which the future of the Merchant Marine is built." I don't know what he meant by this if he didn't mean substitut­ ing this disciplined, uniformed "service" for independent, union seamen. These sit-down sailors have bgen wearing those Portugese imiforms and calling each other "Admiral" and "Commodore" so long they are beginning to think they are the real thing. They dream at night of commanding great fleets of ships manned by the Maritime Service. I advise these guys to start sleeping with their hands outside the covers. SPECIAL SPOT I' for all complaints no matter what the symptoms were. How­ ever, this did work on one guy with an infected foot, cause it certainly had him running. As for the other trainees, one experience will illustrate. We had just moved out of port with one of their ABs on the wheel. Whein he got off he BROTHER REQUESTS MAIL FROM SEAFARERS Dear Editor: August Sperry told me to write to you and that you would be sure to send me the Log regularly. I am a TB patient in a Florida State Hospital and I would like to hear from some of my buddies. They say here that I won't be able to go to sea again, but I would like to keep in touch with things anyway. So, if you will send me the Log, and mention in the paper that I'd be glad to receive mail from the boys, I would appreciate - it very much. William E. Holby Ward B Dade County Hospital Kendall. Fla (Editor's note: Your name has been placed on the mailing list. The Log should be coming along soon). There are powerful people in this country who would like to see the ships manned by this semi - military organization in true Navy style, with such things as overtime and hiring halls un­ heard of. Maybe these guys don't know that the SIU keeps a private graveyard, where there are many tombstones inscribed "WSA Medical," ".Competency Cards," "WSB," etc. I would like to see us start digging a plot for the Maritime Service. I don't think the ocean is big enough for them and us, too. We'd do v/ell to study some plan for giving them the deep six. •''Steamboat' O'Doyle GET LOG ROLLING, SAYS EAGER READER Dear Editor: On August 16, 1946, I applied through the Patrolman in Phila­ delphia for the Seafarers Log to be sent to my home. Since then I've written to the New York Hall regarding this request, and as yet I haven't received any reply. I would appreciate it if you would look into this matter foi- ine. H. E. Murphy Lakewood, O. (Editor's note: Due to the large number of requests for the Log there is usually a delay of a few weeks until the Log reaches you. We have looked into the matter and you should receive the Log very shortly.) STRIKE-BOUND WEST COASTER Log - A' Rhythms Thy True Self By Vic Combs Like the break of the waters. Like the turn of the tides. In spiritual being. Thy true self bides. Among the vessels lied up at Marcus Hook, Pa., during the SIU's recent general strike was a West coast visitor, the SS W. R. Grace. Seafarer Red Fisher took this shot of the idle ship. SHIRKERS BURDEN BROTHERS, HURT UNION'S PRESTIGE GETTING UP STEAM ON THE WILLARD IS A NOISY JOB Dear Editor: Dear Editor: Being a young member of this organization, and being a jour­ neyman member of the Interna­ tional Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, I was very much sur­ prised at the actions and attitude of some of the members who are sailing. Needless to say, it is well known that the inaptitude of sjme, though they are in the minority, brings an added bur­ den on others without being paid for said added work, unless, of course, the men involved are log­ ged for the non-performance of duty. Being logged for such a thing reflects back on the mem­ bership. Therefore, members must control aU such actions— because they are members of the SIU. • The crew of the SS Daniel Willard would like this letter to appear in the Log as a memory of our trip which took us to Antwept, back to'' a place called Dingwall, Nova Scotia, then re­ turn to the .States, where we were to stop at Savannah. We left Philly August 29 with a Black Gang thqt were all full book members with the excep­ tion of one man. When we left, the cranks in the engine room were hammering like the devil, and the crossheads were even hotter than hell. Steam was leak­ ing all over the engine room, and the first four watches were like a nightmare for the Oilers. The First Assistant swore up and down that when we arrived in Antwerp we were going to give her hell and fix the engine up. RECONVERSION Reconversion to peacetime status is now in full swing; there­ fore, members who are not in­ clined to work, unless driven, must understand that the effici­ ency and ability of the SIU to furnish fully qualified men will be jeopardized. The trend of ac­ tion in these cases must be that men so shirking duty or showing inaptitude for their respective jobs should, if tripcard men, he expelled, and if book men be brought on charges before the membership. It is well to realize that the war is over. Peacetime brings on the call for men of the highest qualifications. If this condition is not met, all that has beep gain­ ed by our able board of strate­ gists will be lost and those hav­ ing contracts with us will lose faith in our ability to fulfill our obligations. The above may sound provok­ ing, but it is the plain fact from the observations I have made in the few months I have been privileged to be a member of this splendid organization. Norfolk, Va. W. LaChance In struggles and strife, . That change the course Of thy bearings in secrecy. And in mutual source. Tis not thy soul that is lost. Nor thy mind. But rather thy heart that Thou cannot find. Tis life and retribution That guideth the way. Thus forming a wall— A barrier of clay. Tis darkness that dims thine eyes To true light. Through the lingering hours. Thou fearest the night. Tis because of experience Thou art like the sea. And yield to the tempest In which bitterness flee. But neath the depth of thyself. Where human pauses exist. Thou needest conscious feeling Thru the fog and the mist. Tis not that you are Nor thy soul that But rather thy heart, That thy true self doomed reveals. my friend. reveals. 3-FAMILY HOUSE FOR SALE BY SIU MEMB^IR ROUNDUP Well, when we arrived in port the boys topside got a smell of Dear Editor: something and forgot all about the engine. We were to leave For the information of any there on a Monday noon but the Seafarers who may be interested, company agent got the sailing or who knows of anyone interest­ ed, in buying a house, I have a good buy available. It is a three-family house, with the latest in bathroom fixtures, plus the facilities for good living conditions. The building is heat­ ed by a new, modern oil burning central heating plant. Price for the three-family house is $11,000. Parties who are interested may inquire at 772 Jackson Ave., (cor­ ner 158th St.) Bronx,'New York or may see Ernesto V. Erazo, member of the Strike Clearance and Records Bureau, 3rd floor, orders all fouled up and had to SIU Hall, 51 Beaver St., New go from gin mill to gin mill and York City. from scratch house to scratch Ernesto V. Erazo house to round ns all up like sheep to the slaughter. some cigarettes, but the crew We left" with the engines in the knows he was framed by those same'condition to be fixed at the phony jerks. So if you guys ever next port, where we are now. We go to Antwerp, watch out for have no tools to work with, but those bums. as our Deck Engineer, Brother Last but not least is our Skip­ Maricano would say, "do the best per, who is, as the crew will say, you can with the tools you got" one of the best Captains they By I. H. Pepper —which include one sledge ham­ have sailed with in a long time. If my atlempls at Poetry mer, two screw drivers, one pipe He is Capt. T. Hostetter. Seem utterly tpo bad to ^thee— wrench. We are to leave here for Sa­ Have the heart to pity me. vannah in a couple of days. No­ , The deck gang are all okay and And I'll give you my sympathy. thing more can happen than what you can't find better leading than has already happened, so we pro­ that of the Steward, C. Gordano, who is a good head, and our Chief ceed. Thanks for listening. Tony Zarraga Cook, Ted Rosenberg. The Bosun Engine Delegate got involved with th« customs on A Would-Bte 'Xima , �Friday, Novaaabae 1, 1946 T' H B SB AF ARB JkS LOG Pag9 Fiilecn BULLET^ >-• -- MONEY DUE SS WILLIAM NOTT Crew repatriated on SS Moor­ ing Knot can collect repatriation bonus by writing to Mr. H. H. Becker, c/o William Diamond SS Co., 362 California St., San Fran­ cisco, California. XXX SS ELDRIDGE GERRY The entire Deck Department of this vessel which paid off in Bos­ ton on Oct. 25, 1946 can collect the 36 hours overtime due them by writing to the Paymaster, c/o Coastwise Pacific Far East Co., 222 Sansome St., San Francisco 11, Calif. The members who were pres­ ent at the United Btates Line agent's office the following morn­ ing have already collected this money. XXX The following companies are about ready to pay the retroac­ tive wages as a result of the new contracts: Robin Lines, at once; American Range, at once; Smith and John­ son, one week; American Hawiian, at once; Bull Lines, com­ pany ships at once; WSA, ships being paid alphabeticaly — now up to 'C'.; Alcoa, in two weeks; Mississippi, in two weeks; South Atlantic, mailing checks out now. Overtakes, in three weeks; Wa­ terman, in one month; Calmar, still negotiating. To collect the money, you must either write to the company or go up to the office. In the case of Mississippi, a visit to the New Orleans office will do the trick. PERSOHALS DUKE HIMLER Please get in touch immediate­ ly with Second Cook Walter Blazer, 5225 14th Ave., Brook­ lyn 19, N. Y. XXX DENNIS PATENAUDE Your father is very ill and wants you to contact your family. XXX WALTER S. BLAZER Your letter was turned over to New York Branch for action. XXX BUD RAY Please get in touch with head­ quarters in New York. XXX PEDRO CRUZ Get in touch' with attorney Richard M. Cantor, 51 Chambers Street, New York CitJ-. XXX JAMES GIVIN TREASE Z-486441 A billfold containing money and papers, and bearing your name, the address 2811 West. Chestnut Ave., Altoona, Pa., has been found. You may recover it by writing to S/Sgt. Joseph J. Weinert, Dept. E-3113, Signal Service Co., Camp Phillip. Morris; Le Havre, France. What Has Happened To Famous Seagoing Characters, He Asks By LOUIS GOFFIN The Skipper finally caught wind of it, and so Andy's little In all the years of sailing, with racket was broken up. Poor Andy various guys and on all types of was forced to wear a shirt. This ships, I have met many charac­ was to much for him, and so he ters who made the seagoing lif? announced that he would only interesting, and at some times sail freighters, where a man unbelievable. doesn't have to wear a shirt if he It isi possible to go on for hours doesn't want to. relating some of the tales, but Andy got his nickname from here are two of the best. the way he always used to carry Take for instance the Pipestone rope yarns from all parts of his County and the Bosun, Rope body. They hung from his belt, Yarn Andy. Now the Pipestone peeked out from under his hat, County had reputation among all seamen, and was well known to and stuck out of all of his pockets. the shady women from Le Havre Anything that needed lashing was lashed by one of Andy's to Singapore. But Andy was the yarns, and when he quit the ship, most outstanding of all the men he took all the yarns with him. who ever sailed her. The boat almost feel apart until He was tattooed from head to all the rope yarns were replaced. foot, with everything from birds ONE MORE to battleships. His sideline was In the early 1920s I sailed on to make a little extra cabbage by posing for the passengers, strip­ a Tanker with a fellow named ped to the waist. They got a Whitcy Nelson. In my humble opinion, this bird is the best sail­ ( SOCH A 6A(?<3AIN I) or I ever sailed with. He was a STYVI—/ quitet guy, and so when he would break loose, it made it all the more funny. Somedays, in Havana, he would get all gassed up on straight al­ cohol, then he would go for the nearest porthole, and jam his head through it. How the hell he managed it, we never could find out, but he did ^it more than once. Each time we had to burn the plate off so that we could re­ lease him. "When he was finally released, he would come up on deck and challenge everyone of us to a swim. Then over the side he'd go, and right into the sharks and other dangers of Havana waters. We had no time to lower a boat, so a few iiien jumped in after him. They had quite a battle to subdue him, but finally they would get him on board. After he sobered up, he denied that he pulled such a perfor­ mance, and for the rest of the trip he would go around saying that the crew had it in for him, or else why would they cir­ culate such stories about him? Even showing him the burned plate didn't convince him. Such characters at sea made life worth living—certainly the pay and conditions did not. How about you other Brothers writing your experiences with characters and sending them on to the Log? I'm sure the Log will find space to print all the interesting ones. (Editor's note; You bet we will. Send in the stories about men you sailed with, and what they did to make the trip seem shorter, or else write in about the men you remember best because of their screwball per­ sonalities.) SlU HALLS BALTIMORE 14 North Cay St. Calvert 4S39 BOSTON .5?7« State St. Boudoia 44S5 BUFFALO 10 Exchange St. CieveUnd 7391 CHARLESTON 68 Society St Phone 3-3680 CHICAGO 24 W. Superior Ave. Superior 5175 CLEVELAND . . 1014 E. St. Clair Ave. Main 0147 CORPUS CHRIST! . . 1824 Mesquite St Corpus Christi 3-1509' DETROIT 1038 Third St. Cadillac 6857 DULUTII 531 W. Michigan St. Melroee 4110 GALVESTON 30514 22nd St 2-8448 HONOLULU 16 Merchant St. HOUSTON 1515 75th Street Phone Wentworth 3-3809 JACKSONVILLE 920 Main St. Phone 5-5919 MARCUS HOOK I'A W. 8th St. Chester 5-3110 MOBILE 7 St. Michael St. 2-1754 NEW ORLEANS 339 Chartrei St. Magnolia 6112-6113 NEW YORK 51 Beaver St ' HAnover 2-2784 NORFOLK 127-129 Bank Street 4-1083 PHILADELPHIA 9 South 7th St.' Phone Lombard 3-7651 PORT ARTHUR 445 Austin Ave. Phone: 2-8532 PORTLAND Ill W. Burnside St. RICHMOND, Calif 257 5th St. SAN FRANCISCO 105 Market St, Douglas 5475 > 8363 SAN JUAN, P. R 45 Ponce de Leon San Juan 2-5996 SAVANNAH 220 East Bay St. 3-1728 SEATTLE 86 Seneca St. Main 0290 TAMPA 1809-1811 N. liranklin St. M-132.3 WILMINGTON 440 Avalon VIvd. Terminal 4-3131 VICTORIA, B. C 602 Boughton St. VANCOUVER 144 W. Hastings St. thrill out of photographing a real live seaman, and Andy made himself a smart piece of change, and just by standing still. A PROBLEM, BUD? The life of the present day seaman is difficult and often very complicated. He is at the mercy of unscrupulous companies, government agen­ cies, brass hats and human sharks of various descrip­ tions, everyone trying to take advantage of him. If hs hap­ pens to know some of his rights, he is sneeringly refer,red to as a Sea Lawyer. A Special Services Dept. of the Union has been set up to consult with you on all your problems involving the Coast Guard, Shipping Commission­ ers, Unemployment Insur­ ance, personal injury claims, your statutory rights when you become ill aboard ship. Immigration Laws, and your dear, beloved Draft Board. If you happen to be in New York, contact us personally, or if you are out of town, write and you will receive a prompt reply. .Address all mail to SPE­ CIAL SERVICES, 51 Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y. Your Union is ypur.shoreside. contacts USE.^ IT'S FACILITIES. PHILADELPHIA INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS SS Coastal Stevedore—$17.00. T. Laiama, $2.00. NEW YORK The boys in ihe New Or­ leans hospilal wanf to thank the crewmembers of the SS Capstan Knot and the SS Del Mundo for their generous contributions,. The crew of Ihe Del Mundo also contrib­ uted to the Brothers at Fort Stanton Hospital. SS MARIN HILL J. C. Hundahl, $2.00: A. J. Carlson, $5.00; P. Tolbert, $5.00; E. T. Mikesh, $1.00; J. D. Womack, $1.00; J. Rogert, $1.00; B. E. Harris. $1.00; W. Young, $3.00; R. E. Sutton, $1.00; C. P. Neugent, $1.00; J. Hayes, $1,00; W. F. Waldrop, $1.00; H. A. Vaughan, $1.00; J. O. Crice, $2.00; H. A. Menhardt, $1.00. Jr.. $1.00; W. Jefeaat, $1.00: J. A. Strickland, $2.00; J. P. Roussel, $1.00; SS ALCOA PARTNER J. Compton, $6:00. A. Pedro, $2.00; T. Wabolis, $2.00; SS CAPE TEXAS W. Patterson, $2.00; Jules C. Hensley, R. Lawrence, $1.00. $2.00; Roger Woodward, $2.00; C. SS ROBIN LOXLEY Pugh, $2.00, Julius M. Bang. $1.00. SS WARRIOR W. T. Harderman, $2.00; J. L. Wolfe. $2,00; H. M. Fischer. $4.00; J. T. Tay­ lor, $3.00; H. L. Suddreth, $3.00; R. M. Gentry, $2.00; J. L, Webb, $2.00- G. Johnson, $20.00; J. Jlmmei, $2.00; P. S. Payne. $1.00; O. R. Richardson, $3.00. SS TOPA TOPA E. L. Ferren., $12.00; R. A. Howard, $5,00; J„ Rv Trawioki $2.00: J. WT. McNelloge, $1.00; P. L-. Borthioune, $1.00; D. C. Hiltnni $r.flOt. Wi Pl'Pnltnar,. $2.00; T. R. Danzy, $1.00; H. H. Patterson, INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS A. Anderson, $2.00; M. Lorenzo, $1.00. T. Drzewicki, $1.00; B. Taflewitz, $2.00; J, T. Morton, $5.00; P. V. McGilberry, $1.00; E. D. Scroggins, $4.00; G. Craig, $1.00; E. E. Smet, $1.00. NORFOLK INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS El R. Chappel, $11.00; Ei Rl' Wilkersoni . $11.00; K. F. aausenr $2.00; S. Green. $10.00; E. J. Miller, $11.00; J. D. Wise, $13.00; B. W. Biggs. $11.00; H. W. Knight. $ii.Ou; Book No. 71/8. $13.00; W. Fishbeck, $11.00; R. Boyett. $11.00; B. Boatler, $10.00; A. Sepp, $11.00; K. Rose, $13.00; J. L. Poole. $1 1.00. O. P. Smith. $10.00; H. Dean,'$ I I.OO; J. McMahone, $11.00; W. Bellaus, $11.00; 1. A. Thomas, $11.00; J. Kap­ lan. $11.00; J. W. Short. $10.00; A. F. Carter. $11.00; B. E. Baker. $10.00; J. Wichartz. $13.00; C. M. Kellogg, $11.00; E. W. Ackiss, $11.00; F. Palume, $11.00; J. F. Boyce, $12.00; L. L. Owens. $12.00; L. Bruno. $13.00; L. .Applegate, $50.00; D. E. Treabway, $10.00; J. Anderson. $13.00; J. E. Vieres. $13.00. E. Balboa, $11.00; J. S. Melita, $11.00; E. Oppel. $13.00; H. Broun. $11.00; J. Saiad, $11.00; T. Dicarlo. $12.00; C. Kenshaw. $11.00; J. Walker, $11.00: J. Niemiera. $11.00; C. Stalsworth, $ 11.00; G. Pettus. $10.00; E. Ward. $11.00; J. D. Hazen, $10.00; F. Newcomer, $11.00; S. Gang. $10.00; C. Zinn, $11.00; A. Sauick, $10.00; R. H. Balck, $11.00; A. Henkins. $10.00; B. Mada, $10.00. ' J. Miller. $9.00; W. Conlson, $11.00^, Pi Mamas. $11.00: B: BHckman. $11.00; A. Dickensoni $10.00; M. Applegreen, $10.00; J.; Mybne, $11.00; E. Ledda, $10.00; S. Griffith. $11.0$; P. Chattey. $13.00. �•••• •• Friday, November 1, 1946 THE SEAFARERS LOG .Pmgo Sixteen Study This Ballot — You'll Be Voting It \ pi •' ' T' SECRETARY-TREASURER Vole lor Uae • JOHN HAWK, No. 22U M a • • Seafarer's International Union of North America ATLANTIC & GULF DISTRICT 1846 ELECTION OF OFRCEHS FOR 1947 VOTING PERIOD NOVEMBER 1st THROUGH DECEMBER 31. 1946 INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTERS — la^rder to vote ior a candidate, mark a cross (X) in voting square to ibe l3ft oi name. If you vote for more candidates for office than specified herein your vote ior such office wiU be invalid. YOU MAY WRITE THE NAME OF ANY MEMBER WHOSE NAME DOES NOT APPEAR ON THE BALLOT IN THE BLANK SPACE PROVIDED FOR THAT PURPOSE UNDER EACH OFHCE. Do not use a lead pencil in moridng the ballot. Ballots marked with lead pencil will not be counted. MARK YOUR BALLOT WITH PEN AND INK OR INDELIBLE PENCIL. PHILADELPHIA AGENT Vote lor One E. S. (EDDIE) HIGDON, No. 182 • JAS. TRUESDALE, No. 5317 MOBILE AGENT Vole lor On» Vote for One J. P. SHULER, No. 101 • PHUADELPHIA PATROLMAN THOMAS (ROCKY) BENSON, No. 72?7 JOHN MOGAN, No. 216 • • Vole for One MOBILE JOINT PATROLMAN STEPHEN CARR, No. 22217 STANLEY R. GREENlUDGE, No. 1863 u I 1 BALTIMORE DECK PATROLMAN Vote for One JAMES E. SWEENEY. No. 1530 • • BALTIMOHE ENGINE PATROLMAN • JOE ALGINA, No. 1320 • • NEW YORE ENGINE PATROLMAN Vole lor Two • • • • • Vole lor Ono JOHN (HOGGIE) HATGIMISIOS, No. 23454 • NORFOLK AGENT • • • • • • WILLIAM HAMILTON, No. 3400 CHAS. L. STEVENS, No. 7036 Vote for Two O. •• ROBERT (RED) BUNCE, No. 7163 • • • LOUIS COFFIN, No. 4526 JOE UDILJAK, No. 7163 • PORT ARTHUR AGENT • LEON (BLONDIB) JOHNSON, No. 108 B SAN JUAN AGENT Vote ior Ono • • • DANIEL BU ITS, No. 190 SALVADOR COLLS, No. 21083 JOSEPH WAGNER, No. 133 B SAN FHANCISCO AGENT Volo for Ono • W. H. SIMMONS, No. 213 B STEELY WHITE, No. 36 LOUIS (BLACKIE) NEIRA, No. 2639J C. J. (BUCK) STEPHENS, No. 76 NEW ORLEANS DECK PATROLMAN Vote for One RAY WHITE, No. 37 NORFOLK JOINT PATROLMAN Vol# ior Ono BEN REES, No. 95 CHARLESTON AGENT Vote for Ono EARL (SNUFFY) SMITH, No. 20O37 ERNEST B. TILLEY, No. 75 • • • • JOHNNY JOHNSTON. No. » CHARLES KIMBALL, No. 32 FRANK (SULLY) SULLIVAN, No. 2 ' Vote ior One • «,. W. BIRMINGHAM, No. J?n • • CHARLES E. TURNER, No, 1} HOUSTON AGENT Vote lot One Vole lor One WM. J. BRANTLEY, No. Ill C. E. GIBBS, No. 2541 NEW ORLEANS STEWARD PATROLMAN SAVANNAH AGENT • CHARLES (COTTON) HAVMOND, No. 9S CHARLES STARLING. No. 6920 JAS. L. TUCKER, No. 2209 HOUSTON PATROLMAN Vote for One B JIM D.RAWDY, No. 28523 B •FOREWORD JACKSONVILLE AGENT Vole for Ono '' At a regular business meeting bold in NewYork on October 9, 1946 the iollowing resolu­ tion was submitted to the membership for action up and down the coast and it was passed that this resolution should appear on the next referendum ballots to be voted on at the same time as the voting on elections oi officials. RESOLUTION PETER GAVILLO, No. 21001 HOWARD GUINIER, No. 478 NEW YORK JOINT PATROLMAN • • • • • • RAY W. SWEENEY, No. 20 PAUL (HAYWIRE) WARREN, No. 114 NEW ORLEANS ENGINE PATROLMAN Vote lor One NEW YORK STEWARD PATROLMAN RAMON E. GONZALES. No. 174 LLOYD W. MtcDONNELL, No. 343 Vol# lor Ono J. H. VOLPIAN, No. 56 Vole lot Two WaLIE C. (BaL) THOMAS, No. 12 NEW ORLEANS'AGENT Vote lor One G. (CURLY) MASTERSON, No. 20297 Vote io^Two JAMES PURCELL, No. 27124 JEFFERSON MORRISON. No. J42U E. (ONE-EYED PETE) DiPIETRO No. 33 NEW YORK DECK PATROLMAN JAMES SHEEHAN, No. 306 L. F. (WHITHY) LEWIS, No. 202? BALTIMORE STEWARD PATROLMAN PAUL HALL, No. 190 E. (.SKIPPY) GUSZCZYNSKY, No. 3100 I ROBERT JORDAN, No. 71 Vole lot One Vote lor One • •" • JAS. (BLACKIE) CARROLL, No. 14 • • { NEW YORK AGENT • I REX E. DICKEY. No. 632 THEO.(RED GRIFF) GRIFFITHS, No. 115 EDDIE A. PARR. No. 96 JAS. J. DeVITO, No. 183 Vote lor Two WM. McKAY, No. 8 Vols Ior One • • • • • CAL TANNER. No. 44 BALTIMORE AGENT BOSTON JOINT PATROLMAN • • • Vol# lor One • WM. RENTZ, No. 26445 '' Vote lor Ono JOHN W. PRESCOTT, No. 114 CHARLES H. BUSH, No. 127 Vote Ior On* • • LUDIE (LUKE) COLLINS. No. 5 Vote for One BOSTON AGENT , V/ CLAUDE (SONN-Y) SIMMONS, No. i6a ASSISTANT SECRETARY-TREASURER • GALVESTON PATROLMAN TAMPA AGENT Vote for One • W. R. BRIGHTWELL, No. 7279 • G. (TEX) SUIT, No. 6?31 WHEREAS: The present rate of $2.00 per week Hospitol Benefits is the lowest amount now being paid by any Union of unlicensed personnel and WHEREAS: Inflated prices now make it virtu­ ally impossible for patients in Marine Hos­ pitals to purchase necessary hospital sup­ plies for $2.00 per week, and WHEREAS: The income oi the HospitoL Burial and Shipwreck Fund far exceeds the ex­ penses, and WHEREAS: TIus fund now stands at oround $90,000, and WHEREAS: A small increase in the amount of Hospital Benefits would not reduce the principal amount now in the fund, and WHEREAS: Many unorganized seamen are in Marine HdBpitals end opposing Utuons seize upon this situation to influence these mom THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That we amend Article 25, S^on 1. of the Con­ stitution to Increase the present Hospital Benefits of $2100 per week to $3.00 per week, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That this amend­ ment be ploced on th^ official boliot of the Annual Elections emd BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED: That we begin payments of $3J)0 per week upon passage of this Resolution,' JAMES H. HANNERS, No. 236 ABE YOU IN FAVOR OF ABOVE RESOLUTION B GALVESTON AGaiT Vote for One • D. L. PARKEfe, No. 160 YES • NO • Official Ballot For Election Of 1947 Offloersj � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource November 1, 1946 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. VIII, No. 44 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Description An account of the resource Headlines: DECK OFFICERS' STRIKE SETTLED; MM&P WINS MAJOR UNION VICTORY MEMBERSHIP GROUP HAILS SIU CONTRACT AS BEST IN INDUSTRY SEAFARERS DEMANDS RECOGNITION AS UNION BARGAINING AGENT FOR CITIES SERVICE OUT IN FRONT UNITED WE WIN ISTHMIAN SEAMEN ARE AWAITING SIU CONTRACT TO CORRECT ABUSES STRIKES CAN'T HALT CORPUS CHRISTI FROM ORGANIZING THE UNORGANIZED THE PATROLMEN SAY END OF STRIKE BRINGS MANY JOBS TO N.Y. MEMBERS--AND PATROLMEN SOME GOOD ADVICE FOR DRAFT BAIT KNOWLEDGE OF CONTRACTS AND LAW HELPS AGENT TO WIN IN PAYOFFS HERE'S A FLOCK OF SHIPS AND MEN JUST WAITING TO GO BACK TO WORK BOTH OLDTIMERS AND NEWCOMERS ACQUIT SELVES WELL IN STRIKE SKIPPER'S FORESIGHT WHIPS MALARIA THREAT ON GRUNDY THE CASTLE MEN ACT TO AID NEXT CREW SKIPPER'S FORESIGHT WHIPS MALARIA THREAT ON GRUNDY Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 11/01/1946 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1946 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/3bd92310564943b4a81fea08c89ebf24.PDF 6f05e8a57ea4e16357980a38a62bf072 PDF Text Text Official Organ of the Atlantic and Gulf District, Seafarers International Union of North America NEW YORK. N. Y.. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8. 1946 Vol. VIII. HAVE YOU VOTED YET? ShippingSlow But Pick Up Is Expected No. 45 All Branches Begin Voting, Show Turnout NEW YORK — Balloting to se­ lect the officials who will lead the Union during the year 1947 started this week in all ports of the Atlantic and Gulf District and will continue until Decem­ ber 31. There are 72 candidates for th« 38 open positions including the posts of Secretary-Treasurer, As­ sistant Secretary-Treasurer, 16 this condition rests with the ship­ Agents, four each Deck, Engine owners, who with their outmoded and Steward Patrolmen, and eight business methods and refusal to Joint Patrolmen. plan further than the next day, This is the greatest number of have not even yet planned any officials to be elected since the operations. Within 24 hours fol­ SIU has been in operation, and lowing the end of the action, the is an indication of the growing SIU was ready to crew up any strength and power of the Union. ships that needed manning. But It also shows that wherever SIU with the companies it was, and is, seamen may be, they will find a different story. adequate and responsible repre­ Here chaos reigns, and it will sentation available. This picfure was taken on the third day of voting in New York, The Balloting Committee be at least two to three weeks Voting started on November 1, reports that the voting is heavy and this picture bears out the statement. Word from the outports more before these big-business and all reports from the outports indicates that this election will see plenty of votes cast as Seafarers exercise their democratic masterminds have made the indicated that this election would necessary arrangements to stock right to elect the ofifcials of their choice. The SIU is controlled by the members. see the heaviest vote ever re­ ships with supplies. After this corded in the history of the SIU. happens, it will probably take Officials of the Union, recogniz­ them some time to set up the ing that the year that lies ahead extremely profitable deals they may prove to be one of stress, desire before they allow their called on all members to cast ships to sail. their votes, and to make sure that BALTIMORE LEADS other Union members exercise their democratic right to vote At the present time Baltimore for candidates of their own when the Texas tanker men fell ing of the now existing contract. is enjoying the best shipping of By EARL SHEPPARD choice. Now, fresh off this smelly deal for some phony NMU hoax and any port on the Atlantic and Gulf We Seafarers are practical sea­ hit the bricks in Port Arthur, on the Texas Tankers, the NMU Coasts. New Orleans is a close REFERENDUM second, but all the other ports re­ men. We know that the NMU's Texas, they found out that they is attempting the same phony Also on the ballot, to be ap­ port that they expect shipping to recent job action to get a con­ had to join the NMU to remain maneuver with the Cities Ser­ proved or disapproved by the tract on Texas Oil Co. tankers is vice tankers. on their jobs. They set up their boom soon. In fact, they are membership, is the resolution a rank farce, especially after they They have tied up one ship in own picketline which the NMU keeping their fingers crossed un­ brought up at the regular busi­ were certified as bargaining promptly crashed, after these Texas City, Texas, with their til that happens. ness meeting, held in the port of The Port of New York started agents by the NLRB over six men had respected the NMU (Continued on Page 4) New York on October 9, 1946. off strong, but slackened off con­ years ago. This maneuver points picketline. This resolution called for an in­ The NMU picketline was mere­ siderably after the first few days. to deliberate collusion between crease in hospital benefits from ly a camouflage to obtain a back­ This was because the initial rush the company and the NMU. $2.00 per week to $3.00 per week. Anyone with a knowledge of door contract. Being outnumber­ was caused by men who wanted Since the $2.00 weekly benefit is to return to the ships they came the situation knows that, in a ed, these Texas Tanker men were a part of the Union Constitution, six-year period, the vast majority forced to withdraw. from when the strike started. this amendment is now on the On the whole, while the pres­ of any company's unlicensed per­ ballot for a referendum vote of TURN TO SEAFARERS ent condition of shipping is de­ sonnel turns over completely. the membership. These men are now applying to cidedly slow, nevertheless, it is This fact is doubly true in the Ihe Seafarers in large numbers, STUDY BALLOT possible that a few days or weeks case of the Texas tankers. With the sweeping change in It is borne out by the fact that having already signed SIU I at the most will see a change for A copy of the ballot appears pledges and petftions, and mak­ the political set up in the House the better. of Representatives, Washington on the back page of this issue ing out affidavits by the score. Seafarers, however, are not political observers this week pre­ of the Seafarers Log. Before This proves beyond a doubt that missing meals during this period. dicted a series of Republican-led voting it would be advisable for there was company and NMU Feeding is continuing, and the investigations of Administration members to study the sample bal­ collusion, as the NMU did not meals are up to the well known lot so that they can become represent a majority of the un­ policies. SIU standard. There's no chance familiar with the names of those High on the list when the new licensed personnel. The Texas that SIU Cooks and Stewards running for office. House convenes in January is an men are demanding that the will get out of practice when they expected probe of Democratic By JOHN HAWK NLRB set aside this phony con­ The foundation of the Seafar­ prepare and serve three meals a tract, and hold an election to -give policies in the transportation ers International Union is in its day during strike action, and in MOBILE. Nov. 7 —Water­ the unlicensed personnel an op­ field, notably the shipping and democratic principles of free elec­ this case, for a while afterward. man Steamship Corporation portunity to vote for the union shipbuilding activities under ad­ tions and membership control of and Mississippi Shipping The feeding will not end until ministration of the Maritime the organization. This can only of their choice. Company today agreed to most of the men who are now on Commission and its wartime be maintained by voting on all All indications are that these counterpart, the War Shipping sign basically the same the beach have been shipped. If questions and at all elections. It men would have chosen the Sea­ agreement signed on Octo­ shipowners planned as well as Administration. is a Union duty to vote, and it is farers by an overwhelming ma­ ber 23. 194S. by the other this Union does, the situation Faces on Capitol Hill should be not the practice of the Seafarers jority if the eligibility date was SlU-contracted operators. would not have become snafued to shirk their duty. much redder this winter. set for one day prior to the sign­ in the first place. After the first flurry that fol­ lowed the end of the MM&P Strike, shipping all over the country went into a lull. That this lull is only temporary is readily admitted, but at the pres­ ent time many seamen are on the beach. • A great deal of the blame for Tankermen ComeTo SIU To Escape NMU-Operator "Representation" WSA Due For An Investigation By New Congress Waterman SS Corp., Mississippi Agree To SIU Contract �• • • • •Kj' Page Two T ^E SE AW AM EMS EO G Friday, November 8, 1946 A FIBM POONMriQiC SEAFARERS LOG Published Weekly by the \ SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Gulf District Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor At 51 Beaver Street, New York, 4, N. Y. HAnover 2-2784 111. r li: i, S, ^ ^ HARRY LUNDEBERG - - President 10 5 Market Street, San Francisco, Calif. JOHN HAWK - -- -- -- - Hi Secy-Treas. P. O. Box 2 5, Sution P., New York City Entered as second class matter June 15, 1945, at the Post Office in New York, N. Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912. It's Your Union •• Members of the Seafarers International Union are real believers in democratic control of the Union. In no other union are the members more active in the day to day affairs of the organization, and in no other union are the elected officials more responsible to the membership. That is why it is so important for every member to vote in the present election. SIU officials are not elected for life, nor are they put in office for a pericJ of years. Each year the men who head the Union, the men who carry out the functions as Port Agents and Patrolmen, are elected in secret ballot. That means membership control and makes for a solid Union. No union can be any stronger than the men who be­ long to it. They are the organization, they form its policies and carry the word of unionism wherever they go. It is only in unions where the members lose interest that it can be captured by either the commies or the gangsters. That could never happen in the SIU. Members of the Seafarers take a proprietary interest in their Union. They know that the organization belongs to them, is responsible to them, and only does what they want it to do. The affairs of the Union require that competent men be elected to every office. Otherwise the burden is thrown on the men who can do the job, and therefore lowers the efficiency of the whole set-up. Each man who is elected to office has a certain job to do. Elect the man who can carry out his function in the best and most efficient man­ ner. These pre the Union Brothers currently in the marine hospitals, When a Patrolman comes down to your ship for a as reported by the Port Agents. These Brothers find itme hanging pay-off or a sign on, you want to be sure that he knows heavily on their hands. Do what you can to cheer them up by writ­ his business. When you bring a beef to a Port Agent, you ing to them. E. F. SPEAR want to be confident that he will take care of it, and follow NEW ORLEA'NS HOSPITAL A. JANIVARIS through until you gain satisfaction. The only way to assure A. T.. FRENCH S. G. LOPEZ yourselves of this is by voting only for the men you are J. W. DENNIS A. GOLDSMIT LEONARD MELANSON sure can do the job. R. G. MOSSELLER Men Now In The Marine Hospitals Union elections are not popularity contests. The fact that some one who is running for office is a swell drinking partner does not necessarily mean that he would be a good man in whose hands to place the affairs of the Union. On the other hand, the man you drink with and ship with may be the right man for the job he is running for. Look around you and carefully select the men who ~ are qualified to lead you. Make sure that the man you vote for is honest, militant, and is not just out for a slice of pie.' The SIU is going to maintain its leadership along the water- ] front, and this can only be done by electing men who are willing to pitch in and go to town for the membership. Out of the muck of the dishonest and corrupt ISU j the Seafarers International Union has built an organization that is first in the fight for seamen's rights. This fight can' only be carried on by a militant membership led by militant and honest officials. ' Have your say as to who will represent you for the next year. Examine all the candidates carefully, and then VOTE. Remember, it's your llnion—keep it that way! K. PETTERSSEN CHARLES TILLER PATRICK FOX EDWARD EICAK HOMER HOFF EDWARD CUSTER W. BROCE JR. NORMAN PALLME F. RADGOILA. EDWARD MAHL J. F. BUCKLEY JR. E. WESTPHAL ROBERT OGLETREE R. M. NOLAND A. P. MORGAN A. FERRARI MAX SEIDEL L. H. HARRIS H. G. DARNELL CENTRAL MASON R. C. BETTERS 4" 4 4 STATEN ISLAND HOSPITAL C. G. SMITH P. DEODY T. WADSWORTH C, W. SMITH J. H. HARE W.'G. H. BAUSE W. B. MUIR L. A. CORNWALL J. A. FREDENSKY M. A. DODGE L. L. MOODY H. BELCHER C. M. LARSEN C. L. JACQUES F. MURPHY L.. KAY R. J. BLAKE J. B. PORTER J. H. DANIEL S. INTEGRA V. RODRIGUEZ 4 4 4 BALTIMORE HOSPITAL ROBERT PROTHERO CEDRIC FRANCIS MOSES MORRIS LEONARD PHILLIPS MAX FINftERHUT JULIUS TAYLOR Hospital Patients When entering the hospital notify the delegate by post­ card, giving your name and the number of your ward. Staten Island Hospital You can contact your Hos­ pital delegate at the Staten Island Hospital at the follow­ ing times: Tuesday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on 5th and 6th floors) Thursday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on 3rd and 4th floors.) Saturday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on 1st and 2nd floors.) LEONARD MARSH CHARLES DUNN KARL LARSON RALPH FREY PETER LOPEZ WAYNE TROLLE WM. SULLIVAN RONALD ROMA DALE KRUSE 4 4 4 NEPONSIT HOSPITAL H. BURKE J. S. COMPBELL B. BRYDER B. LUFLIN E. VON TESMAR G. F. McCOMB E., FERRER R. BLAKE J. R. BENCHES'' J. FIGUEROA 4 4 4 BRIGHTON HOSPITAL E. MAY G. FOLEY J. CAREY J. O'BRIEN E. JOHNSTON �Friday. November S. 1346 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Three Marine Hospital Red Tape GET THE LOG Leaves Seaman Minus Foot Back in 1937 Joseph Vargo lost his right foot as a result of a rail­ road accident. You know how those things happen. So he was fitted with an artifical foot and started to make his living in an­ other way. As soon as he had mastered getting around on his new foot, he began shipping out as a Utility Messman, and from all indica­ tions he did an excellent job. He asked for no favors, and when the war started he continued sail­ ing instead of going ashore where he could make more money with less danger to himself. Everything went along fine until the William Rockefeller, larg­ est American Tanker, owned by Standard Oil of New Jersey, was sunk in 1942. In jumping from the ship to the life raft, Vargo damaged the artifical foot,and by to six monthe. Finally he recei­ ved a letted, mailed to the wrong address, and which he received purely by accident, asking him to come in for another interview. Back to the hospital again for some more buck-passing and rigamarole, but this time something new was added. The doctor who was conduct­ ing the interview went off the deep end and told Vargo that he had "a hell of a nerve to even ask for a new foot as merchant seamen made lots of money dur­ ing the war, and could therefore pay for such things themselves." When he had cooled down. however he told Vargo to go home and wait for -rmother short while, and that this time some­ thing would be done one way or another. Last Word The Seafarers Log is your Union paper. Every member has the right to have it mailed to his house, where he and his family can read it at their leisure. If you haven't already done so. send your name and home address to the Log office, 51 Beaver Street. New York City, and have yourself added to the mailing list. AFL Convention Votes To Raise Per Capita Tax By PAUL HALL For a long time we have realized that the.war time shipping boom was coming to an end, and that sooner or later there would be more men than there are jobs. That situation is rapidly coming true right now. Up and down the coast we see seamen on th6 beach, and we know that some of them will wait quite some time CHICAGO—An increase in the before they get a ship out. per capita tax paid by affiliated Of course, with rotary shipping, all members will get a chance unions to the American Federa­ at what shipping there is, but this will lead to men working only tion of Labor was approved here a few months each year, and trying to make both ends meet on a by the" federation's 65th annual very small sum of money each year. convention. The change in the tax was recommended by the fed­ Shipowners Not Suffering eration's executive council. The shipowners will not suffer in this. Day after day they Action on the tax brought the are laying up their ships—ships that did not cost them very much only prolonged deliate of the and from which they made piles of money-and continuing opera' convention. The committee on ion with only as many ships as they can cram full of cargo each law, headed by David Dubin- trip. ° sky, urged approval of the ex­ The only way to solve the problem is to heat up our organizing ecutive'council's proposal which, drive so that there will be more jobs available for our members it was said, would add $320,000 We have an organizing campaign which goes on day in and day out. to the AFL treasury annually. This program works very well, but now it has to be stepped up to Unions have been paying IV2 take care of the emergency that is facing us. cents per member per month to the AFL on the first 300,000 mem­ In the Isthmian Line we have done a damn good job, and nart bers and 1 cent per month in of our trollies will be solved right there. But that is not the whole excess of 300,900. solution. The rest of the unorganized lines are many times the The constitutional change final­ strength of Isthmian and it is these lines that we have to crack. ly adopted provides a tax of 2 Drive Cannot Stop cents per member per month up to 200,000 members and 1% cents Just by winning the largest freight line in the United States per member per month in excess does not mean that now we have all the jobs we need for ou^ of 200,000. membership. To a large extent, it will help out, but if we stop there Spokesmen for some of the we can kiss all our gains goodbye. smaller unions protested that the The only way to really solve this problem, and solve it so we proposed change would favor the large unions. Heads of the large don t have to won-y about it every day, is to extend our organizing unions Replied that some of the woi k There is still plenty of work that can be done in those fields, smaller unions have been assist­ but,It cannot be done only by organizers sent out by the main office. ed financially by the AFL above 'The best work that was done on the Isthmian Line, and othei and beyond their dues payments"; Lines which showed a preference for the Seafarers, was done by Two alternative proposals t le men who went aboard the ships as volunteer organizers. What sponsored by the smaller unions these men did in the past can be done again. It has to be done it we expect our program to succeed. were defeated. That was the last word he heard from them. Since that time Brother Vargo has been forced to buy one aluminum and one steel foot, each costing $200, although he could not afford this expense and had to borrow the money each time, he felt that it was better to do it that way. "It's sort of like a game out there," says Vargo. "They feed you so much malarky, and give you the runaround so often, that yon give up and take care of things yourself. That's what they the time he arrived back in New want, and in that way they can York City the foot had split wide have a free hand without having open. So Vargo purchased a new to care for merchant seamen. We sure got a fine deal out of manfoot for $200.00. ning the ships in this war." First Experience If this was the first article The first experience Vargo had about the inefficiency and poor with the way the Marine Hos­ attitude of the Staten Island pitals operate was in January, Marine Hospital, it would be easy 1943, when he went to the Staten to write it. off as just a mistake Island Marine Hospital to secure that could happen anywhere, a new foot as the one he had anytime. But from the informa­ bought did not fit properly and tion that reaches the LOG, and was too heavy. The first doctors from the poor excuses that are who examined him agreed on furnished by hospital spokesmen. his need for a new foot, but when the Coast Guard Commandant Wiliam Green was reelected heard about their decision he SO^ I'M THE DOC-BtlT president after having been nom­ THIS IS MV-my OFF- , blew his top. inated by John O'Leary, vice SO ^O^J<S : president of the United Mine Although Vargo had broken a Workers of America. He has well fitting foot in an accident been president since 1924. In connected with his sea duty, thanking the delegates he pre­ nevertheless, the CG Comman­ dicted that by 1948 the AFL dant said that Vargo had a nerve would have a membership of 10,for requesting a new leg since the 000,000 as against 7,100,000 at the original injury was not service present time. connected. And so the case was to be referred to the Surgeon Secretary-Treasurer George General in Washington for ap­ Meany was also reelected, as were proval, and Brother Vargo was the 13 vice presidents. San Fran­ told that he would be notified cisco was chosen as the conven­ within two or three weeks. when they bother to reply at all, tion city for 1947. For six long weeks he waited. it seems that all the charges made Finally he took matters into his in the pages of the Seafarers Log own hands and went back to the have merit. hospital. To his suprise, he was Time To Change told that they had never heard of him, and did not want to' be The situation in the Marine bothered with him. The doctor Hospitals must be cleared up. who interviewed him said, "This Just as veterans of the Army, Steel workers and miners who is my day off and I can't be both­ Navy, and Marine Corps have have been worried about con­ ered with you." the right to decent treatment, so tinuation of the wage freeze de­ Buck Passing do the men who kept the supply spite soaring prices were given By this time the ill-fitting font lines open for the fight against reason last week to know that had caused an infection, so Vargo fascist terror. Merchant seamen the government is on their side. went to his own physician to are not second class citizens, and Announcement came from the have the pus drained off. Two Federal Trade Commission that weeks later he returned to the the Marine Hospitals must stop "Soul of Flowers" and other per­ hospital, and this time he was treating them as such. fumes represented as coming shunted to the Welfare Office. The case of Joseph Vargo is from "the famous gardens of MiaHere the buck passing started in only one of many. How long hati in Hawai, where the vari­ earnest. must this type of shortsighted­ colored hibiscus and jasmine He was told to go home and mingle with honey-suckle and or­ wait and something would hap­ ness and brutality go on before ange blossoms in riotous fra­ pen very shortly. So home he the Marine Hospitals will clean grance" were actually manufac­ went to wait patiently for close their own house? tured in New York. If You Cannot Eat, At Loast Yon Will ^ure Smell Sweet Every Man An Organizer Every SIU man should carry the good word to all unorganized seamen. Most of ttese guys are hungry for the information and help we can give them. And by helping them, we help ourselves m the long run. The SIU program and policies are good ones. It is the duty of all Seafarers to pass these points along—not only to unorgan­ ized seamen but to NMUers also. Only SIU In Fight Only the SIU can do the job of protecting and advancing the gams made by working seamen. And we intend to keep on fighting. When seamen, organized or unorganized, come to us and tell us that their working conditions are poor and their wages aie low then we have the right to step in and see what we can do to help' them. The seaman who sails an American flag ship deserves the best representation he can get. The record of the SIU proves that we are able to give that kind of service. The record of the NMU shows that they can't, or don't want to bother. In any case it leaves the working stiff in the hole. Our Record Known United States seamen know what the SIU has done to better the wages and conditions of seamen. When you talk to an unor­ ganized seaman, he is ready to listen to you. The success of the Union's organizing plan depends, to a large extent, on how manj men each SIU member talks to and convinces. One evidence of this is clearly seen in the situation in Marcus Hook. Within a few days after our Hall was established there, many unorganized tankermen came in to find out the score. Now the Hall is too small for the number of men who come around to talk over their problems, obtain literature and the Log. and meet other seamen. That is real organizing. Needless to say, the Seafarers International Union is not going to stop until all the unorganized lines are organized. There is no reason why these companies should not come into the SIU fold. If every man does his job, that is exactly what will happen. ••I % �Page Four THE SEAFARERS LOG Tankermen CoineTo SIU Te Escape NMU-Operator "Representation" HERE^MfHl ITHIRTK tf;- FHdar, Norember *8, 1946 QUESTION:—What do you think of the terms of the new agreement? (Coutiuiwd from Page I) usual amount of noise in order to create the false impression that they have a hold on themen. This is so far from the true score that it is almost funny. But this action on the part of the NMU will not be tolerated by the Seafarers. ting no representation, and to their requests that the Seafarers organize them, the SIU went out to get this outfit in line. With the ready and willing as­ sistance of these tanker men, and NMU members who were dissat- FORGOTTEN MEN BLACKIE HOFFSTEIN, AB; One of my i>et beefs has been lhat we seamen don'l get time off like other workers do. Now with this new contract we get Saturday and Sunday off in port, and Saturiday afternoon and Sun­ day off at sea. This will add years to a seaman's life, and has eliminated the most brutal way fhat shipowners still had to ex­ ploit us. Everything in the con­ tract is fine, and as far as I am concerned there is no way that it could be improved at this time. • ' 'C'. RUPERT D. DANIELS. Room Steward: We now have a better contract than we ever had before: In the SIU we always aim for higher wages and better working condi­ tions, and in this contract we have achieved something never seen before in the history of the maritime industry. Of course we should not let up on our fight for the four watch system, but like everything else that we have set our minds to, that will also come in time. Our gains are solid, and we make them because we have a strong Union. f wmm j FRED "ABNER" BARTHES, Electrician; You can fell ihe whole mem­ bership of the SIU fhat the new agreemenl is 100 per cent okay with me. I have been going to sea for a long time, but this is the best contract I have ever heard about or ever seen. The life of a seaman is a rugged one. One con­ tract does not change his life into a bed of roses, but every little bit helps, and our victory today leads lo anulher vieioty tomorrow. I bhink thai the SIU Negotiating Commiiiee deserves a damn good vote of thanks. ill True, the NMU did sign their tanker form openshop contract with Cities Service Tankers, but this was during the first paid of the war when they were heeding the call from Moscow not to interfer with the carrying and de­ livery of oil products. Since Stalin was getting the biggest share of these oil deliv­ eries, the NMU wouldn't do any­ thing to interfere with his pipe­ line, especially on orders. So they did nothing to represent the tank­ er men, whose interests and wellbeing they promptly and con­ veniently forgot. After listening to numerous crews of the Cities Service tank­ ers complain that they were get­ A PROBLEM, BUD? The life of the present day seaman is difficult and often very complicated. He is at the mercy of unscrupulous companies, government agen­ cies, brass hats and human sharks of various descrip­ tions, everyone trying lo take advantage of him. If he hap­ pens to know some of his rights, he is sneeringly refer­ red to as a Sea Lawyer. A Special Services Dept. of the Union has been set up to consult with you on all your ^problems involving the Coast Guard, Shipping Commission­ ers, Unemployment Insur­ ance, personal injury claims, your statutory rights when you become ill aboard :ship, Inunigration Laws, and your dear, beloved Draft Board. If you happen to be in New York, contact us personally, or if you are out of town, write and you will receive a prompt reply. Address all mail to SPE­ CIAL SERVICES, 51 Beaver Street. New York 4, N. Y. Your Union is your shoreside contact. USE ITS FACH.!TIES. sified with the way they were Doing pushed around, the Seafarjrs has succeeded in lining up his company for an election to ktermine a cGCllective bai-gaining igent to represent the men. The SIU does not intend to see shese men saddled again with this Company - NMU - Moscow combination, and is, therefore, making every effort to secure an immediate election in the Cities Service tankers through the of­ fices of. the NLRB. If I had been on the Negotiat­ ing Committee myself I don'l think that I could have suggested a better contract. It is all very good, and exactly what I want. From what I have heard, this is also the attitude of most of the members of the SIU. A contract like this one proves concretely that our Union really leads the way as far as seamen's rights are concerned. Ws let the other un­ ions do the ballyhooing and politicldng. We stay right on the ball, fighting for seamen every inch of the way, and we win the vic­ tories. The Isthmian election will be over, and the ballots tallied on Nov. 18. This wind-up comes af­ ter eight months of voting. The election was originally to have terminated after a six-months voting period if 75 per cent of the fieet had voted. This quota was well filled. The fact of the matter is that over 90 percent of the fleet had voted, but the NMU and the com­ pany appear to have collaborated •by filing briefs, in the same week, saying that a longer time was needed. Both claimed that two more ships would probably vote if 30 days more for voting were grant­ ed. These claims were conceded by the NLRB over the violent protests of the Seafarers. It was plainly an NMU stall and a clear attempt by Isthmian to sabotage the results. They puUed this stunt once. Just watch the ships stay in if they try it again. By JIMMY (RED) TRUESDALE PHILADELPHIA--More than a week has now passed since the termination of the MM&P and the MEBA strikes and things have slowed down _here in the City of Brotherly Love(?). We have now about 120 ships in the Port but, to date, none seem to be getting assignments. At the pi-esent time we're a bit ovei*crowded with men and would like to pass the word along for the Brothers to by-pass us till things start to pick up—which we're hoping will be soon. The way things are shaping up now with the Longshoremen, we may be confronted with another tie-up here, and as always Phila­ delphia will be closed 100 per cent should the ILA find it ne­ cessary to take that kind of ac­ tion. It appeals that the Cuiiipeasation Board awarded the mem- By CHARLES RIMBALL MOBILE—With the end of the Masters, Mates and Pilots and the Engineers strike, shipping shot up to a pretty good level last week, here in the Port of Mobile. We have had several sign-ons since the day of the settlement, and the in-and-out activity * of the port is increasing daily, with vessels of the Waterman and Al­ coa fines arriving here every day. All this sudden activity has made human buzz-saws of the Patrolmen who have been busy zooming from one .ehj^ to an­ other. Everything has to get go­ ing at one time, and these men ISTHMIAN WIND-UP By-pass PhBly For Time Being Is Late^ Word Fram The Port BoBfiluBifMt Of The BiM&P Strike Brings Good Sbyping To lAoblle GEORGE MEANEY, Bosun: If this request for action is not met promptly, other methods will have the very capable co­ operation and support of the Cities Service tanker men. hers of the ILA their unemploy­ ment compensation due to the fact they were out during the MEBA and MM&P beefs, now the stevedore companies here are trying to get out from under the payment of this legitimate com­ pensation, the boys in the long-, shoremens outfit are plenty sore about the whole thing and mean to do something about it. 'TAIN'T NICE During the MM&P and MEBA beef we had a few fast ones pulled on us by the MEBA. The said Brothers (????) had two pickets at the Launch Pier here, and before they would permit the Companies to send fresh stores to the vessels in the stream they shook the Companies down for $6.00 per picket. We reminded them of the time when, dmung our own strike, we permitted fresh daily stores to go out in the stream without any payment at all. Due to the fact that the Companies were refus­ ing to send stores out because of the action of the MEBA, a meet­ ing of the Marine Council was called here and the above situa­ tion was placed before the Coun­ cil and a stop was put to this phony action of the Engineers. Right now a lot of the oldtimers ai-e here on the beach: Blackie (The Moose) Gardner, "Old M a n" Red Healy, and otfiers too numerous to mention. Incidently the boys around here are wondering why, after an ab­ sence of five years or more. Brother Bernstein is now hang­ ing around (question Brother Bei-nie.) ai'e extending themselves to get things squared away in a hurry. They are really kept hopping trying to/- get the ships out that have signed on articles. Several Seafarers visitors came down to this Gulf port last week. We were' glad to have Brothers John Hawk, J. P. Shuler and Robert Matthews. Brother Schulei' has returned to New but Brothers Hawk and Mat­ thews are still here turning to on the contract negotiations. After this week we hope lo Patrolman R o b,e r t Jordan. is the father — very proud, of have nevws of a more pleasant course— of a lovely little girl nature from your Port of Philaborn here on Octdber 18. •| dblphia. So till then, carry on. 1:1 �Frld^. Wovember 8, 1946 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Five Shipping Resumes With Bang In N. 0. Registering for a shipping card is the first step in. getting back to work. As soon as the MM&P Strike was settled, these men jammed the New Orleans Hall. They really want to ship because the SIU, on the strength of the new contract, has at­ tained the highest wages and best conditions of any union along the waterfront. A sailor's life is not the best in the world, but in the SIU, it's the best in maritime. After twenty-eight days of inactivity due to the MM&P Strike, these Seafarers scan the board to see what ships are going where. Plenty of good trips on the board, and with rotary ship­ ping everybody gets a chance to ship out in tu n. That's the democratic way of doing things, and that's the SIU way. These are the men who kept our Army and the other fighters against fascism supplied during the war, and these sa ne men will sail the ships to supply sugar, coffee, and other things to the people of the United States. The Dispatcher calls out the jobs and the fun begins. Some vessels have more takers than there are jobs, and other ships have a hard time being crewed up. Of course, it's good to ship out with a buddy, or someone that you've been shipmates with before, but sometimes it can't be arranged. If that happens, it's off to sea anyway, and here's hoping that it will be dif­ ferent next tim^ Getting up steam is a man's sized job, and these men look like they can do the job. This is on board the Haiti Victory, Waterman Lines, and left to right, T. Covelski, Wiper; D. Vrocher, Electrician; and C. O. Gates, Chief Engineer. By the way. Gates is a former SIU member. ' -I \I X • . f X- .^1 It's either painting, or chipping, or scugeeing all day long. A seaman's work is never done. Fatil Warren shows how to hold a brush for painting. Allred watches the dials and soon the Haiti Victory will be heading out on another trip. New Orleans was tied up tight due to the MM&P Strike, but that's over now. and shipping is on the upgrade. This passageway will be spic and span after B. Langley (front), and V. C. Diaz get through with it. All SIU ships are kept in good con-, dition. �Page Six TBE SEAFARERS LOG Fridaj. November 8, 1946 r ITF Led World Fight For Seamen in countries such as China, Ja­ 1946. This meeting was called While those times might not be cific. Other AFL Unions con­ (Continued From Last Week) The first installment of the pan, India, and several colonial to discuss the demands of the repeated, it is a great victory to nected with the transportation story of the International Trans­ territories, where the activities International Seafarers' Charter be able to set a floor on seamens' have indicated an interest in the port Workers' Federation <3ealt of the International were for a and to embody them in the In- earnings, and from this base, go organization. with the origin of the organiza­ long time viewed with suspicion, ternational Conventions and forward to standardize wages in In world affairs the ITF has not tion and with its early struggles. It was regarded as a body de­ Recommendations. At this con- all countries. been silent since the end of the We have seen h*ow the ITF suc­ signed to further European in­ ference, the Seafarers InternaTrade unionists do not have to war. In organizations already in cessfully overcame the apathy of terests, and as an instrument of tional Union ^was represented by|be reminded that high wages in existence, such as the ILO, in the trade union movement to any the imperialist aims of some Morris Weisberger, one of the one country are a pressure to which the ITF and its officials sort of international affiliation, countries. Vice-Presidents. bring about the same high stan- have always played a consider­ and how the ITF built up a The most outstanding decision' dards in others. Full employ- able role, the" ITF proposed that Only by its work and readiness strong movement that circled_the at all times to give all the help to come out of the meeting was ^ ment, which is our aim on an Industrial Committees be set up • world. it possibly could to the transport that fixing an international min­ international level, means high to tackle all problems, industry imum wage of $64.00 per month production, and high production by industry. The work of these Even the first World War could for ABs. By present American can only be maintained for a committees will have to be care­ not stop the inevitable growth of standards $64.00 is not even a long time if there is a rise in liv­ fully planned and studied, but it the body. While the onward modest wage, but an interna- ing standards to absorb it. Thus will obviouslj' be an organ on the surge was retarded for a time, tonal view of the situation gives it is felt that the decent wages for workers' side for performing nevertheless, the end of the war one a different perspective. American seamen will be a force groundwork and for rallying un­ found the ITF prepared for new FIRM BASE that will bring about decent ions to the tasks which confront strides forward in the field of in­ In many countries this amount wages for the seamen of other them. ternational organization. The of money for Able Seaman rep­ countries. years from 1919 to 1932 were the "When the Economic and Social resents a very great step forward. most productive in the history The only American trade un­ Council of the United Nations It is perhaps not too irrelevent ions which are affiliated to the of the ITF, and only the neces­ Organization comes to the con­ to recall that during the great ITF are the Seafarers Interna­ sity for going underground to sideration of transport problems, depression, the wages for Amer­ tional Union of North America avoid the fascists prevented the as it will soon, the ITF will be ican ABs fell to $35.00 per month. and the Sailors Union of the Paorganization from becoming even among the first to seek repre­ more firmly established in the sentation on the agencies set up international labor movement. workers' unions emerging in Asia for the purpose. This week's installment dis­ and Africa, was the ITF able to And last but not least, at the cusses the activities of the body conquer the prejudices of these International Transportworkers in the period between the two countries. Congress, held in Zurich in May, wars, the role played by the ITF 1946—the first since 1938—it was POLITICAL FRONT during World War II, and in par­ recommended to keep the head­ Political developments of the ticular it outlines the ITF pro­ quarters of the organization per­ grams and actions in regard to inter-war period undid much of manently in London, and to the good work that had been done. seamen. maintain the American office. In some countries the trade union In another year George ThornDANGERS RECOGNIZED This office, under the direction of It is to the everlasting credit movement was either wiped out hill will round out thirty years Willy Dorchain, was started as a altogether or else forbidden to of going to sea, but, if you ask of the ITF that it recognized maintain international relations, him about it, he will tell you that early the potential dangers of reactionary movements which In spite of the darkness of the it seems just like yesterday when eventually made an attempt to times which made international he first went on board a ship. And enslave the world. These ten­ trade union action increasingly in the almost thirty years, he has dencies and movements reared difficult, the ITF did not relax its worked his way up from. Room their heads as far back as the efforts. And on the eve of the Steward, qualified to sail in that early 1920s. The ITF called for second World War the headquar­ capacity on any ship. The first ship he set sail on was action even where succe.ss did ters of the organization was not seem a possibility. It did not transferred from Amsterdam to the Canadian vessel, the SS Chigshrink from organizing a boycott London, realizing that the Nazis necto. It was not until 1925 that against Hungary in 1920, or in would h5ve no compunction in he started sailing on United stopping shipment of munitions trampling small neutral countries States boats, but the opportun­ when the capitalist powers tried underfoot in their drive for world ities were so much better on^U.S. ships that he decided to stay with to use Poland for waging war on domination. the then socialist Soviet Union. The activities of the ITF adapt­ them from then on. wartime project to loo^ after the Although Brother Thornhill Against war and fascism the ed themselves to war-time condi­ many European seamen whom ITF took the initiative also. It tions, and through the assistance can sail as Chief Steward on the the war brought to these shores, spearheaded an attempt to form of the British labor movement, finest floating palaces for pas­ and also with a view of tighten­ Since joining the SIU in 1940, a committee against War and was able to continue in opera­ sengers, he prefers to sail on ing relations with the American Fascism, and" when the Nazis tion. The participation by the, freighters because there emphasis Brother Thornhill has been a vig­ Labor Movement. is on food for the crew. This gives came to power, the ITF at once ITF in the war cannot be fully orous worker for the cause of CONVENTION CHANGES resorted to the underground covered here. Suffice it to say him a chance to make sure that trade unionism. In his own Changes in the constitution of struggle. The Austrian and Span­ that it kept alive the contacts his Union Brothers are being words, "A union is the finest ish workers know that the ITF between its member unions and fed well. machinery for obtaining benefits the ITF were also recommended stood by them in thir hour of played an active and useful role FOOD FOR CREW for workers. If a man doesn't at the convention, and the offi­ darkest need, and then continued in the war effort. "When I started in 1917, I was take advantage of it, he is a fool. cial strength of the international in the fight that almost overcame paid $45.00 per month," he re­ In the SIU, we know that in or­ was officially estimated at well When the struggle for libera­ the world. calls, "and that was supposed to ganization there is strength, so over 2,000,000. Even this figure tion had finally freed the'work­ be a good wage. Now we seamen we have formed a strong union was said to be low du^ to the Membership in the ITF during ers of North Africa and Europe, are paid quite a bit better. Our that fights the between war period went up the battle for the fact that certain European Unions they were able to reconstitute had not yet the finances to pay advances are due entirely to the members, and for all seamen." by leaps and bounds, r The num­ themselves with the aid of the their full per capita, but that this ber of affiliated countries rose to ITF. Union. That's why I like to sail The lure of the sea still fascin­ would right itself in the future. more than 40, and individual on freighters where I can serve Of more importance to us as good food to the crew, and in ates him, and as the MM&P The present President of the memberships totaled more than Strike had just ended when he ITF is John Benstead, head of the 2,500,000. At one stage all Eur- seamen is the part played by the that way make their job a little was being interviewed, he spoke British National Uhion of RailITF in seamens' affairs. One of easier." about the prospects of shipping the projects which took shape •Of course. Brother Thornhill out soon. Thornhill has visited waymen, and the new General during the war period was the doesn't really mind sailing on quite a few foreign shores in his Secretary is Jacobus Oldenbroek. International Seafarers' Charter, passanger vessels. Every now thirty years as a seaman, but he As always, the Executive Coun­ which exemplifies how the or­ and then, he ships out on a pleas­ still looks forward to a new port cil, and the Management Com­ ganization conceives its task for mittee plus all the posts on these ure boat because,' as he puts it, in a strange country. the future. This charter has committees, and the jobs of Pres­ "It gives me a chance to study been adopted by the Seafarers' ident and General Secretary, are "It beats the education that other people." unions affiliated with the JTF as elective. you can get in any school or col­ Thornhill's war record is on a their common program for the With regard to the work done, par with those of other Union lege," he says. post war world. and the high costs of holding in­ members. He sailed aU through During the 1946 SIU General SEAMEN'S PROGRAM the war, and although his ships Strike, Brother Thornhill .stood ternational meetings and prose­ It covers all aspects of what were never torpedoed, neverthe­ picket duty in Philadelphia, and cuting rnatters on a world-wide the merchant seamen want in less, he saw a good portion of then came on to New York for basis, the per capita tax which is life: working hours; manning the action. On several occasions paid to the ITF can hardly be the last days of the action. opean countries were affiliated, scales; crew accommodations; hol­ the convoys were attacked and called extravagant. All affiliated Thornhill has been going to sea with tlie exception of Soviet Rus­ idays with pay; entry into the in­ only split second cooperation unions have willingly paid, and for a long time and he knows the sia. Other countries such as dustry, training and promotion; among all members of the crew are still paying, this fee which advantages of belonging to the United States, Canada, Argentina, social insurance; and also point­ .spelled the difference between a amounts to $42.50 per thousand SIU. He helped build the Union, , Australia, New Zealand, India, ed up the question of an interna­ miss and a hit. members per year. This fee has and the- Union serves him and the Japan, and China were also af­ tional minimum wage. In Naples they were not so rest of the members. It is in the been characterized by prominent filiated. At the request of the ITF, the lucky, and for four straight days •field of honest trade unionism labor leaders as a "sound invest­ ••A significant achievement dur­ International Labor Office con­ and nights they were under con­ that the Union is outstanding, ment, since it insures affiliated ing this period was the winning vened a special Maritime Labor stant bombing attacks from Nazi and that is a record that cannot unions a say in world affairs, ei the confidence of the workers Conference at Seattle in June of planes. be beat. (Continwd on Page 8) George Thornhill �•1 Friday. November 8, 1946 THE SEAFARERS LOG Pa^e Sevea Strikes Don't Stop Organizing; Port Chicago Gets Its Contracts By HENRY W. CHAPPELL CHICAGO — Herbert Jensen, the regular Port Agent here in Chicago is away on a well de­ served vacation and I'm pinch hitting for him while he is away. Herb, after a strenuous season with the passenger ships, sand boats. Midland ships, and tang­ ling with the NMU was begin­ ning to see shipowners and com­ mies in his dreams, so after the Midland election he packed his gear and headed away from the Lakes into the hinterland, but he'll be back on the job fully rest­ ed in a couple of weeks. As was mentioned last week in the Chicago port report the soli- darity and strength of the AFL Maritime Trades Council was proven when we signed a con­ tract with the Fitzsimmons and Connell Dredge Company after showing the dredgeowners our solidarity. The company didn't think we'd get tough over a contract cover­ Silence llw week from tl» ing two men, but we showed By JOE ALGINA Branch Agaols of the follewthem that it didn't matter whether ing ports: NEW YORK —Now that the jority of men who are on the it was two or two thousand men CHARLESTON MM&P Strike is over, I think it beach have been shipped. This we still meant business. PORT ARTHUR is about time for us to take up a may take approximately three Fred Farnum pointed out to the TAMPA gripe that has evisteH for a long weeks more, but if it does you company if these men were al­ HOUSTON can be sure that good food will time. lowed to work without a contract, GALVESTON In the past, a man who missed be on tap for any member who other companies would demand NORFOLK a ship in a foreign port, no mat­ needs it. the same privilege, and- this ter what the reason might be, would endanged the entire struc­ was always charged with "deser­ ture of the union, and the SIU tion." His missing the ship might didn't intend to allow the com­ have been caused by anything panies to driVe a wedge in our from oversleeping to too much armor. liquor, or to illness or accident. After seeing that we weren't It didn't make any difference. By C. J. 'BUCK' STEPHENS finks, but if it had been the Seamen'5 Town House will be fooling, but meant business they Coast Guard I wouldn't have erected on St. Charles Avenue got down to business and signed That is wrong, and it does the NEW ORLEANS — With the man and the Skipper no good to ending of the MM&P and MEBA been surprised in the least, as to replace the scratch house they on the dotted line. continue this state of affairs. The strike, shipping in this port "has they are always tryiirig to take now have on Decauter Street. GIVES LOWDOWN unlicensed seamen cooperated taken on some of the aspects of over someone's job, as they have It will accommodate three This winter the SIU is going to very well with the licensed deck normality with the shipping of done in the Merchant Marine. times the number that the put a membership drive on the officers during their striked It about 550 members in the first Surely the Coast Guard would present one will hold and it is Great Lakes in order to get men would be proper for Masters and two days after the conclusion of not let a little thing like some supposed to surpass anything of for the ships we now have under Mates to reciprocate by interpret­ the strike. All hands are glad to old garbage or some stubborn its kind anyplace in the world. contract and the new lines we ing the law on "desertion" in see peace return once more to the "seagoing hay burners" stop Construction on the new building are concentrating our strength such a way that intent is also waterfront and look - forward to will begin in two or three weeks. upon. taken into consideration. steady shipping for a while. Anything that is built will cer­ We now have in circulation miYUNf^RTD If a man fails to join a ship tainly be better than what they around the Lakes a phamphlet BAKERY STRIKES that does not mean that he has VitsWooujSsT now have, because the present entitled SIU Men Gei The Best Aside from the maritime tieCOL(.£CT)»4flP deserted. It is only when the scratch house is a disgrace, and In The Field. If none has reached up, New Orleans has seen quite man fails to come aboard, with not fit for seamen to live in. your ship you can get one at any a few strikes in the past week. the intention to desert the ship First the bakers went on strike SIU Hall. This phamplet ex­ COMMIE MEETING that the charge of "desertion", plains why unions are necessary and we had to purchase out of There was an interesting item should be placed. and compares the political NMU town bread which cost 41 cents in a local paper here showing a with the true seamens union, the ENTIRELY DIFFERENT a loaf. I've seen them pull a bot­ picture taken while a commie SIU. "Failure to join" is entirely dif­ tle from under the counter-, but meeting was taking place. The Some of you Lakes seamen ferent from "desertion". In the I never expected to see the day photo shows some of the well probably wonder how we elect past. Skippers have overlooked one would be buying bootleg Icnown commies connected with our officials. The procedure for this and it has led to having men bread in this town. the various waterfront organiza­ becoming an official in the SIU charged with a serious crime Just as the bakers won their which they had no intention of demands, the Bakery Drivers them from coming to the rescue tions that oppose the SIU. One is far different from that in the committing. Many men have lost went out on strike so the people and dive into collecting garbage. of the men in the picture was NMU. ashamed to have his picture In the NMU it is strictly polit­ pay and gear because of this. that wanted New Orleans bread NEW SCRATCH HOUSE taken so he hid his face with a ical and a candidate must first be From now on, maybe these things had to go to the bakeries them­ Good news for all of you sea­ leaflet. The leaflet read, "The approved from his political stand­ can be straightened out without selves as all deliveries were stop­ men who have occasion to stop need for unity in the Maritime point. If he is acceptable to the throwing the book at a man be­ ped. At this writing the demands off here in N. O. now and then, Industry." I wonder what unity communist cheque in power he cause of a simple misstep. of the drivers have been met and is the announcement that a new they refer to? can run for office. will resume deliveries Shipping has slowed down they In the SIU,-if a man desires to from the pace set during the past shortly. run for office he need only meet ten days, but it is still lively Then as the bread situation certain qualifications that are enough to keep the Dispatchers eased up, every one was astonstandard for the whole union and hopping. The main holdup, as i.shed to hear that the garbage the qualifications deal only with far as we can see, is that ships collectors had gone out. Their his ability as a seaman. are having plenty of trouble in strike was the cause of some real CHICAGO — Following is the disability of a wage control board QUALIFICATIONS getting enough stores on board fireworks as they were told they for any kind of a voyage. were fired because civil service formal report adopted by the which limits their attempt to obFirst he must be a citizen of the US or Canada, second he There are plenty of unrated employees cannot strike against AFL convention demanding swift lief from ever-rising prices. the government. (I thought must be a paid up member of the termination of the activities of men around the Hall—too many everyone knew about the SIUUnion for a period of six months tt'In summary, therefore, your the Wage Stabilization Board in for this port. My advice to any SUP sti-ike against the Wage Sta­ prior to the date of nomination, committee unanimously recom­ of the American the interest naan who wants to ship out is to bilization Board.) he mu.st. have .at least 18 months mends to the delegates to this worker: stay in the port you're in now Immediately the city put ads in service in any one of three de­ convention that the American and ship from there. You will "The National Wage Stabiliza­ have a much better chance that the papers for garbage collec­ tion Board was created to ad­ Federation of Labor take im­ partments, Deck, Engine, or Stew­ tors offering the following; mediate and positive steps to­ ards, and he must not be guilty ' way. minister the wage control pro­ ward terminating the National of misconduct previously while Refuse Collectors and gram of the Federal Government FREELOADERS employed as a union official. Wage Stabilization Board." Truck Drivers in its effort to avoid inflation by Since the SIU ha.s won alll its You will notice that race, creed fights to better the wages and Salary: $6.15 per day for drivers regulating wages and prices. Its or political beliefs are not men­ existence, therefore, was predi­ $5.40 per day for collectors conditions of working seamen, a tioned. We maintain that a man cated upon an elective anti-inlot of men are trying to be rein­ They really had guts to come who is an American reserves the stated in the Union. Our strug­ out and offer these terras; no. flation program. right to his opinion as to political Seafarers Sailing "To day there is no such pro­ gles have forced our pay and wonder the men went out on beliefs and religion. However the gram. The steady, persistent working conditions up to where sti-ike.SIU maintains that a man should .4s Engineers emasculation of price control by they are now, the best in the not attempt to use his political NAVY FINKS All members—retired mem­ the Federal Govei-nment has re­ industry. beliefs to influence the policy of The good fathers of the city duced the need for a Wage Stabi­ the Union. bers and former members— On the other hand, shipping is could not see the garbage pile up, lization Board to zero. The time The benefits of belonging to the of the Seafarers Internation­ falling off, and it seems to me so the Mayor and around 150 has come when the organized and SIU are many as you will see on that now is not the time to take others volunteered to pick up the al Union who are now sailing the unorganized workingmen of reading the SIU constitution and back men in1;p the Union—men garbage. This did not ease the as licensed Engineers: Please America must be freed from our phamplet being circulated on who stayed on the sidelines and situation any too much, so they report as soon as ^:ssible to the Lakes now. wage controls which have become allowed others to do the fighting called upon the Navy to come to During the lay-up this fall one the Seafarers Hall at 51 Bea­ for them, and who are now try­ their aid. Lo, and behold! The an added burden upon their ef­ forts to obtain food, clothes and of the SIU organizers will contact ver Street, New York City. ing to come back so as to sop up Navy volunteered to pick up the shelter. For working people the your ship; talk it over with him, some of the gravy. Your presence is necessary in garbage. fight against inflation is at best or better yet, come down to the This Hall will continue to feed I never expected to see the a losing battle and they should a matter of great importance. SIU Hall in your port and get three meals a day until the ma­ Navy volunteer to fink on the not be made to bear the added the facts. Masters Asked To Differ Between Desertion And Failure To Report NO NEWS?? New Orleans Mayor Calls Out Navy "Volunteers" To Break Strike Of City Garbage Collectors 1 AFL Convention Report Fulls No Punches In Hitting The WSB Attention Members! �'WOT THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Eight Friday. November 8. 194S OftS A HELPING HAND So Come Down To Marcus Hook— There is Never A Dull Moment By BLACKIE CARDULLO MARCUS HOOK — Now that the MM&P and MEBA strikes are ovei", we can sit back and re•all just what went on while the larbor was tied up here in good lid Marcus Hook. I think this trikc set a record for the larg:-st number of ships tied up here. I counted 26 swinging on the rook. Just for the record I took r picture of the harbor, so if in future beefs we start arguing rbout the. number of ships tied up I can drag out the photograph qnd win a beer Here the striking members of the MM&P and MEBA. reinforced by some SIU men, have their picture taken before going down to take picket stations. The full facilities of the Marcus Hook Hall were extended to the men. At the far left is Blackie Cardullo, Marcus Hook Agent. In the background is the Hall, which is even now, after only a few months of operation, loo small for number of men who want to use it. The SIU is sure growing. We've had a lot of activity both on the ships and on the beach during the strike. One interest­ ing point of activity was Beuhla's Rooming House, which is located along the waterfront. During the strike she ran a Both Parties Must Live Up To Contract Terms One beef that was settled to the satisfaction of all was the liquor situation. With many a dry throat and an empty pocketbook, our boy Bob fixed everything up by providing a case of beer every night for the boys, for as you know, nothing keeps the morale higher than a case of 24 cOol ones. SIU TO THE RESCUE Another incident worth report­ ing concerns one of the local gals, who was giving one of the local guys the eye, when his wife no­ ticed the intrigued developing be­ fore here eyes. She got up on her hind legs and belted the little gal one right in the glimmer, closing it, but quick. The Belted Belle, in true spartan style, decided she was in disgrace and to end it all by jumping in the river. Well, she jumped, and a couple of SIU men who happened to be ambling by the river heard her screams and ran down to the By ARTHUR THOMPSON SAVANNAH—We paid off the SS Irvin S. Cobb this week and have two more South Atlanticships to 'pay off, but they are being held up. Quite a few ships have pulled in here with a load of gypsum, and the plant can only unload one ship at a time. Since there was about three ships held up during the strike, awaiting berth at the gypsum plant, they have to be unloaded before the ones that just came in. The SS Zachary Taylor and the SS Frank Spencer, consequently, will have to wait for sometime before they can unload. stewpot for the boys, and our esteemed patrolman, dispatcher, window washer, office boy, parttime organizer and lover. Bob Pohle, was kept busy settling beefs at Beuhla's. , JOIN /M,Sri^NSE(?-ITS lA FftfE The harbor in Marcus Hook looked deader than a flat beer while the MM&P and MEBA Strike was on. These ships stayed tied up until the strike was over, and no power could move them until then. Voting For Union Officials And State Politicos Occupy Boston Seafarers; Shipping Hears Normal The Cobb was a good payoff. All hands were sober; there were By JOHN MOGAN no beefs, and only one overtime item was disputed. Taking tem­ BOSTON—At long last ship­ peratures of the holds when the ping and business is approaching ship is carrying coal can't be a somewhat normal plane in this classed as overtime. Coal can burn because of spontaneous com­ port. Scheduled arrivals are bet­ bustion and, if necessary precau­ ter than average, and the fifst tions are not taken, there could vessel to arrive for a payoff since be hell to pay. the ending of the MM&P strike MATE KILLED ! on this coast proved to be the On the Spencer there was a tragedy which happened in Duig- good old Emilia. waU, N. S. The Mate had a fatal Brother Hart was the Steward accident. His body was brought on her and bought the ship in back on the ship. I haven't all I looking shipshape. It was a clean the details yet, but will give ^ payoff, without a single dispifte them to you in my next report. that couldn't be ironed out on the The SS Joshua Slocum was in spot. port for signing on, but was de­ The Branch is still taking care layed for some necessary repairs. of the West Coast sailors who When these were completed and are still tied up by the strike. the stores and slop chest were Some of these ships, on articles, checked the crew signed on un­ were scheduled to pay-off last der the new agreement. This new week; but the fly in the ointment agreement incidently is a hum­ proved to be that the operators dinger, and every member should had no intention of paying the realize that if we are to keep transportation back to the coast. . such wages and working condi­ The members, therefore, feel that tions they'll have to do their part. they can hang on just so long as is necessary to get paid off these IT'S A CONTRACT There have been quite a few ships in the proper manner. complaints about crews stopping Voting Starts work the minute the ship hits the The voting is off to a fair start final port. This is all wrong in this Branch. The balloting for When a man signs articles he Joint Patrolman should prove signs a contract, and he's bound troublesome for the average voter, to that contract until he signs with five (count 'em) candidates off. If a man wants to quit he is for the job. bound by the agreement to give 24 hours notice. These are beefs Your correspondent is also op­ which the company throws .back posed on the ballot, which goes at us, and we have to admit the to show that Boston can't be such beef is a just one. a bad town after all; otherwise so many of the boys wouldn't be so eager to do their piecarding up this way. The State election is also caus­ ing considerable concern to or­ ganized labor in Massachusetts. Not only has all labor turned out to support the Democratic Pai'ty, but also to oppose a referendum on the ballot which would re­ quire all labor organizations to ITF Led Fight (Continued from Page 6) makes important irifurrnation available to them, and at the same time makes it possible for unions to discharge their duty to­ wards the transport workers in other countries who are in need of support to raise their stand­ ards." The International Transport workers Federation exists to spread the realization that every country's welfare is ultimately dependent on that of others. The transport workers of all lands must be united for the immed­ iate object of raising their stand­ ards, and for the ultimate goal of building a world that will satisfy the highest ideals of man. Only positive action will ac­ complish these things, and only through organization, both local and international, can positive action be assured. river prepared to save this young maiden from self-destruction. When they saw her they stop­ ped pulling off their shirts and file complete returns of income shoes, for there she was up to her and expenditures (itemized) hips in rnud. It seems that she under penality of fines and im­ had miscalculated and jumped prisonment. when the river was at low tide. Such penalities could be im­ They extracted her from the posed, for example, for failure to ooze and the last anyone saw of report each item in the following her she was seen walking off manner; with a character called "rabbit" Blank Stationary Co. 1 box who was escorting her to the paper clips 10^ nearest bath. "Rabbit" must be one of those guys who believes in The referendum, sponsored by •the old saying "you can't tell a the Republican Attorney-General, book by its cover." is recognized very clearly as a KEPT EYE PEELED labor-baiting measure, designed On the strike side of the picto hamstring the local unions and tux-e we'd like to thank the office disclose to management their fi­ girl at Hueber's launch service, who reported all ship movements nancial resources. and let us know if any of the Labor Out scows were getting up steam. Incidentally, the origin of this So much for this week from referendum was in the form of a the biggest little port, on the legislative bill, which was over­ coast. Come on down boys as whelmingly defeated in both the there is never a full moment. House and Senate. The fact that There is always something to en­ this reverse did not stop the reftertain you such as weddings, 'erendum's proponents illustrates funerals, ball games, fist fights, how far they will go and how and attempted suicides. hard they will fight to destroy The best part of it all is that labor in this commonwealth—and in every other state, if it should you can get into any one of these go over here. Hence, labor will social functions free of charge. be on the line at the pollss, No­ Marcus Hook is not only prov­ vember 5. ing itself as far as the organizing There should be a few pay-offs is concerned, but it is paying its in the coming week, and the op­ own way while doing a bang-up portunity to get most of the job. As for further proof of the members back to work. This way Marcus Hook operates, the kind of activity will also provide cost per man during the recent your scribe with some badly beefs was among the very lowest needed material for his weekly of all ports—only New Orleans beat us in t.his department. article. 1 • I 'M.' 1^ -vik'Trt- U!. �11.1 THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, November 8, 1946 More About Seagoing Characters By A Man Who Knows Them All By LOUIS GOFFIN Thinking about seagoing char acters started me off on the ar­ ticle that appeared in the Log last week, and after I wrote that one I thought that I had those characters out of my system, but good. I find, however, that it is not so. More and more I am remem­ bering the quys who sailed with me in the past, and some of the things they did that made a sail­ or's life a poorly paid, but merry one. During the old Shipping Board days I was on stand-by at Jones' Point. There were three men who shared the same fo'csle with me. There entire conversation was booze; how much each one could hold, how much they con­ sumed in their time, and how they would like a drink right now. All this talk made them very thirsty, so a tarpaulin muster was SHhW! Itrs'KiSflBT AAJD MAv'Bfw/f'/.l.GFr A C1SACKA^r^^AT d=bf2MALDFHVpg.' started and one guy was elected to go ashore with the dough. He returned a short time later with fifty or sixty small bottles of after shave lotion, and al­ though one of the men said that he didn't like to drink these "sis­ sy" drinks, the entire lot was quickly consumed. This merely whetted their thirst so they went prowlin for more to drink. Dead Drunk They tortured the dead ships looking for alcohol, shellac, or anything else that they could im­ bibe. About two in the morning, the night watchman came around on his rounds and in the fo'csle of one of the ships he found thi'ee stiff forms. He let out a yell that could be clearly heard in Marcus Hook. We all woke up fast and head­ ed for the source of the noise. We found the watchman slsaking like a leaf. "There's Ihiee stiffs down in the fo'csle," he yelled. Sure enough, there they were stretched out on the deck. The Skipper examined them' and declared them dead, and very reverently we covered them with sheets. One man was dispatched for the police. As he started to leave the ship, the dead three returned to life, and you never saw sailors leave a fo'csle as fast in your life. In one second the only people left in the fo'csle were the three supposedly dead drunks. The next day the Skipper fired the three sots, but they put up a beef, complaining that getting drunk was part of a sailor's life. The Old Man agreed with them but said scaring the life out of the crew was another thing. So the three must-get-theirs left the ship, muttering that now they could really go out and get gas­ sed. As if anyone could ever get drunker than those birds got. Pulling Rank Another interesting guy I met was one well known to the stiffs who worked the old coal burning George Washington. The occur­ ence I want to talk about happen­ ed in Bremerhaven, Germany. It was the last night we were there and all of us were broke, so we were sitting around in the fo'csle shooting the breeze, when in came an AB who called himself Captain Otto. He was half gassed, but he had a handbag full of bot­ tles. SWEET TOOTH Page Nine Proposes Plan To Take Place Of Marine Hospital By JOHN JELLETTE In the past year many justi­ fied complaints of merchant sea­ men concerning the red tape and preferences shown to Coast Guard and civil service personnel at the various Public Health clinics and Marine Hospitals from coast to coast have appeared in the Log. Complaints against this practice have been filed by the Seafarers, but excuses and eva­ sions have been the only answer.' HAS PLAN Do we have to stand for this just because the treatment given He had a top bunk, and in is free? After all, these insti­ order for him to mount to his tutions are supported by us as bunk he got on the rail of the tax-payers, and we are not ac­ bottom bunk. The strain proved cepting charity by going there. too much for his belt, which part­ I think we should do something ed, and his trousers fell to half about this condition, as soo.i as mast. possible, by authorizing our Un­ ion officials and a committee Some of the boys rushed to Two reasons to be thankful. One is that the MM&P Strike ' from the membership to investi­ help him, both to hold his pants gate the possibility of securing has been settled with the union winning a major victory. The up, and also to throw his bag up ' a plan of health and hospital other reason is that now the longshoremen are back at work into his bunk. So he .struggled treatment for our members and and unloading the sugar and coffee that is needed. This picture with them, all the while arguing, all maritime workers who might was taken ihe day after the action ended, and already the sugar "Buy your own liquor, I ain't a desire to take part. is on the move. gin mill for common sailors. I have sailed as the Master of ships, Such a plan should be formu­ lated to cover the continental so I don't furnish liquor for com­ United States, and a man or mon sailors." woman engaged in the maritime All this conversation while he industry, upon presentation of a was still doing his darndest to get hospital plan card at any hos­ into his bunk. When we had pital or clinic of his or her choice laughed ourselves out, we dump­ would receive prompt treatment ed him into bed. covering medicine, operations, The next day we were sitting and a bed in a ward. in the fo'csle and I walked over Should convalescence be and asked him if it was okay for recommended after an operation a common sailor to sit next to a or prolonged illness, the patient By JOE VOLPIAN man who had sailed as Master on should be sent to a suitable rest ships. His face got as red as the Until April 1943 when the Sup­ ship's business. Incidentally, home at no extra cost. Such a reme Court of the United States wages must also be paid the sea­ program, to my mind, would ben­ decided the cases of Aguilan vs. man until the end of the voyage efit a seamen in more ways than one. CA?'/Vl OT'TOl Standard Oil and Jones vs. Water­ if ha is under articles and receiv­ PROPER REPORT man, maintenance and cure was es his injury on or near the dock. Under the present set-up a man always denied seamen unless his WILL BE BROADENED in this industry who suffers an injury or illness was caused on I believe that this interpreta­ accident during the course of his the vessel on which he was em­ tion of the law protecting seamen work goes to a Marine hospital ployed, or unless he was injured will someday be broadened so and asks for a fair abstract. Does ashore while performing some that it will cover seamen injured he get it? I'm not so sure that specific duty for the ship. a considerable distance from the he always does. In the plan I This was the common practice ship. suggest he could be reasonably on the part of the shipowners al­ I say this because I believe that be sure of a proper report from though there was no direct pro­ a seaman is in the "service of the the hospital or clinic of his choice. vision of the law to back up this ship" when he goes ashore on Of course, I understand there policy. The law has always been liberty, and there is no reason commie flag, and he didn't get would have to be a small month­ drunk or say much for the i-est that the shipowner is liable to pay why this should be confined to ly or yearly charge to each one maintenance and cure if the in­ the immediate vicinity of the'ship. of the voyage. of us for this service since it jury occurs while the seaman is would be in the form of a health In this view I am backed up by Captain Otto and the three "in the service of the ship". But policy, but I for one would be some very sound reasoning on drinkers were only some of the the catch was: What does the more than glad to take advantage the part of Mr. Justice Rutledge men who sailed the seven seas in phrase "in the service of the of it should a suitable arrange­ of the U.S. Supreme Court when search of adventure and because ship" mean? ment be made by the Union he said in deciding these cases: they refused to act and live like Shipowners contended that "in committee. "To relieve the shipowner of other more commonplace indi­ the service of the ship" meant Thus, any town or city in the his obligation in the case of in­ viduals. that if the seaman was ashore juries incurred on shore leave U. S. A. under such a plan, If you have any stories about his injury must be caused while would cast upon the seamen haz­ could give a man proper hos­ people like those, send them into he is on some duty; or at work, ards encouraged only by reason pital care upon presentation of the Log. where they can be pub­ doing some task connected with of the voyage. The assumption credentials, whether he was lished for the enjoyment of all the ship's business. is hardly sound that the normal ashore one day or one year. As MORE LEEWAY who read the Log. uses and purposes of shore leave long as he is a member of the The seamen's contention was are exclusively personal and have plan he would be admitted that as long as he was under no relation to the vessel's busi­ promptly and not told he was on articles he was in the "service of ness. Men can not live for long the beach too long and nothing the ship" even though he happen­ cooped up aboard ship without could be- done. ed to get hurt ashore on liberty, substantial impairment of their NOT ALONE ^ unless his injury was caused efficiency, if not also serious dan­ When your ship docks, if I'm not alone in this idea as^I through his own misconduct. ger to discipline. Relaxation be­ have, talked with many of our is a good idea lo have a list Now the law seems to be settl­ yond the confines of the ship Brothers and they, like myself, of necessary repairs io give ed that "in the service of the is necessary if the work is to go would be glad to get away from to the Patrolman. This will ship" covers a seaman injured on on, more so that it may move the Marine hospitals and the help in letting the comp'any the dock or other premises which smoothly. No Master would take government red tape. know exactly what has lo be must be traversed in going from a crew to sea if he could not I strongly urge all who read done to get the ship in tip­ the vessel to the street or return­ grant shore leave, and no crew this and who would like to have top condition. ing from the street to the vessel. would be taken if it could not the Union look into such a plan In other words, the courts are obtain it. In short, shore leave for the membership to write to Seafarers don't have to sail getting away from the hard and is an elemental necessity in the the Log, and if there are enough beat-up ships. Do your part fast rule that injury must occur sailing of ships, a part of the busi­ letters I'm sure some plan will to make every ship a clean, on the ship, or that seamen going ness as old as the art, not merely be devised and put before us to well kept vessel. ashore must only be goin^ on a personal diversion." consider. Attention Members! All Departments :^l �•w THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Ten • - '•> , • '^^-snir -.3^^ v PxidaF' November 8, 1946 SHIPS' MIMUTES AMD MEWS I. U^'i- Message Tossed Overboard Is Found On French Coast Joliet Crew Suggest Spots For Log Pick-Up a . Success has finally capped the bottle-throwing efforts of Seafarer Albin Carlson. For the first time in the year he has been throwing bottles containing messages over the side into the deep blue seas, Carlson was rewarded last week with an answer. It came from a M. Martineau, a Frenc'i- iiiaii who lives in Vauvillc, u® _^ • '" "^ Following up their recent rec­ small coastal town near Cher­ The letter, as translated from the ommendation of a plan to dis­ bourg. M. Martineau had picked French, said: "I am returning the paper tribute the Seafarers Log to men up one of Albin's tosses on the sailing up and down the South beach near his home. In the bot­ which I found in a bottle. It is and East African coasts, the crew tle he found yoimg Carlson's of­ enclosed herewith. "I found it at Vauville (near of the SS Joliet Victory has cho­ fer of a reward if the finder re­ sen four of "the bright spots turned the message to him at his Cherbourg) on Aug. 13, after two along the coast" as likely points home address in Los Angeles, days of a heavy wind which had come up from the southwest. of distribution. The places cho­ Calif. "With cordial greetings to you, sen came after discussions at the QUICK REPLY "M. Martineau Oct. 5 shipboard meeting. M. Martineau, probably with Vauville, France'.' The suggested distribution juicy visions of American choco­ points, which the Joliet men say late bars and cigarettes, appai-TOSSED OVER JULY 11 "seamen arc sure to hit," are: ently lost time in replying to As Brother Carlson displayed The Boston Cafe in Capetown, Carlson. A very neat note ad­ the letter in the Log office, he The Trocadero in Durban, Swan's dressed to Albin arrived Oct. 21 recalled that the bottle found by Tavern in Beira and the Palace at the New York SIU Hall via M. Martineau had been tossed Cafe in Lourenco Marques. the Los Angeles address. Sketch­ overboard somewhere off the Carlson (right) points out to Log man spot on map where The Joliet plan, previously ed in M. Martineau's letter was a coast of England on July 11, as his note was found. published in the Log, suggested small map showing the location his ship, the SS James Gunn, that Delegates of Robin line ves­ of the Frenchman's discovery. was on the way to Antwerp from has produced any results," Carl­ tic and Pacific oceans. On every sels, leaving weekly from New Philadelphia. Despite the lack of success, son, a Second Cook, commented trip he has made he managed to York on the South and East throw at least a few into the. Africa run, carry bundles of the ed be made distribution points, it Carlson doggedly exploits his sadly. water, he said. 400 BOTTLES latest Logs and leave them at is-suggested that members of the hobby. On the Gunn, he tossed Getting back to the successful In fact, he said, it was the only spots visited by Seafarers plying Joliets crew furnish the Log with about 30 bottles—at the rate of those coasts. The Joliet crew the complete addresses of these one a day—into the drink on the one that brought a response in bottle, Carlson said that as soon says that there is "nothing a sea­ four spots. way over and back. The bottles the year he has been pursuing his as he is financially able he will men would rather get than a Log Meanwhile, Delegates on Rob­ were empty catsup containers, hobby. He estimated that since have Martineau's reward in the full of news." in ships should take Logs to the and Carlson put notes promising strating it, he has tossed about mails. Meanwhile, he intends to con­ In line with crew's proposal four ports recommended by the rewards in each. 400 bottles overboard vessels he that the cafes and bars mention- Joliet men. "Of the 30, only Martineau's had sailed on both in the Atlan­ tinue his hobby. 'BANANAS' SLIPS THE KIDS A SEA STORY John A. (Bananas) Ziereis, Bosun on the SS Tristram Dalton, which recently delivered a full cargo of grain to Finland, is the proud possessor of a mo­ del of the Parma acquired on the trip. In a grain ship race in 1932, the Parma led a fleet of square-riggers through the raging gales and irksome calms 16,000 miles from Australia to England, Jack says. Above, as he displays the rig­ ger, he is telling admiring towheaded kids of Manhattan how the Parma picked up a golden cargo of more than 5,000 tons of wheal ripened on Australian farms, and then, blown entire­ ly by strong winds did 256 miles one day. Beset by a hur­ ricane and broached to, the in­ domitable sail-ship shook off the clutch of doom as she rounded Cape Horn and finally reached Falmouth, 103 days af­ ter the starting gun. Black Gang Hails Plattshwrg Galley Crew The dietary delectables whack­ ed up by the able Stewards De­ partment on board the SS Plattsburg bring the Black Gang boys "a little closer to home." And for that the bunch below are grate­ ful to the galley crew. In a statement attached to the Oct. 20 ship's minutes, the En­ gine Department men say the Steward's men have their grati­ tude. They are a "swell bunch of men," Engine men say. Being away from home, the statement continues, gets pretty monotonous. "But when you sit down to a well-cooked meal it seems to bring a fellow just a little closer to the thing he loves most—home." Special plaudits go to Chief Cook J. L. Osbourn, who, the statement says, "can really dish out the southern fried chicken and candied yams." It also plugs Steward A. A. Gowder, crediting him with this commendable theory: "There is nothing too good for my boys. Give them anything they want." If anyone should doubt that Gowder doesn't carry his preach­ ings into practice, "just ask Agent Blackie Cardullo in Marcus Hook," says the statement. The entire Black Gang signed the commendation. ' r ii^i-1•• Boots, Boots, - - There's None On The Ouachita Victory WANTED: One crew of midgets. Normal-sized men better not apply. That's the way they ought to sign them up for the SS Ouachita Victory, according to the ship's minutes of Voyage No. 5. The second shipboard meeting was the scene of hot and heavy discussion on that ever-present sore-spot—the slop-® chest, which appears to have were available in the average been much more notable for what sizes, and that shirts and under­ it didn't have than for what it wear in the odd sizes specialty shop were too large. did have in stock. In other words, if you're an Brother Suska, the assistant electrician, whose underpinnings average guy with average dimen­ require substantial foundations sions one trip to the SS Ouachi­ found that he might have to do ta's emporium and you'll come away looking like a sack of some­ thing tied*in the middle. Attempting to get everything back to normal. Seafarer T. M. Griffith made a motion "that a committee be formed to check the quantity as well as the va-> riety of stores "in the slopchest before .signing on for the next" trip, so that there will be no re^^^ currence of. this matter." . In the period devoted to good and welfare, the stores situation ca.ught more hell. This time itwas the soap which the crew was as George Washington's men did receiving. It had a very high at Valley Forge—wrap his feet in sounding label, "Sierra Pine rags. The thought didn't set well Face Soap," but its quality was so he raised a well-heard com­ nothing you'd shout about from plaint- at the. meeting scoring the the mountain tops. The only slopchest for only having shoes element of accuracy in the name of the "soap" was that the needles in size eight or smaller. Someone thought they heard were still in it when it was Suska say, "What do they think brought aboard. Brother Gerner, we are, pygmies?"" FWT, stated that the Steward But shoes were not the only should refuse to accept any fur­ shortcoming of the Ouachita's ther shipments of the Sierra slopchest. Chief Electrician Ray stuff. The Steward said that was Carlson charged that no pants already understood. ' • -f- ' �THE SEAFARERS LOC Page Eleven THE MEMBERSHIP SPEAKS COOL AS A CUCUMBER . •= sc-v •* •y / V 4 . ^^ ' • ' ^ ^ ' 'J > ' i » y» ' •• • •"' ^ ^ S ' Displaying scalps fresh and clean from the razor's edge, these crew members of the SS Webb Miller brave the sun's rays long enough for the camera to record their self-imposed baldness. Kneeling is one of the Webb's Wipers; standing, left to right, Manuelo. 3rd Cook, Solomon Harb, Chief Cook, and John, 2nd Cook. Reason for the skin-heads, said Brother Harb, was the excessive heat during a recent Mediterranean trip. 'Duchess Of South Street Is Dead Rich Woman Was Friend Of Seamen Dear Editor: Last week in New York one of the best loved old ladies of the merchant seamen, Mrs. W. B Scaife, passed away. To all the seamen who knew her she was known as "The Dutchess of South Street," and there wasn't a finer woman on the waterfront. What makes the whole thing so un­ usual is that she came from New LITTERING DECKS CREATES HAZARDS, SEAFARER SAYS Dear Editor: I should like to address this letter to all Seafarers. I would like to see the Union take a poll — to find out how many of our men were brought up in a clean home. Being on temporary duty in the N. Y. Hall as a porter, what I have wit­ nessed sometimes makes me doubt if there are many. All of us, including tffe writer, have at various times thrown butts, newspapers, etc., on the deck. This isn't a nice habit, but my chief complaint is ihat many of us have also dropped an "oyster" either right where we are standing at the moment, or in some corner. Besides this being a health haz­ ard, it is a potenl^al danger other­ wise. Have you ever slipped or fallen because of that "oyster?" If you haven't you're lucky. And when leaving the head, why not take your newspaper along with you instead of leav­ ing it on the deck? After all, it is just as much your home away from home, as it is mine. Henry Beckmann York's upper crust. She lived in the Park Avenue neighborhood, but in her relations with us sea­ men she was down to earth and didn't ,^put on any airs. During the war she worked at the An­ drew Furuseth Club for seamen and she was likjs an aunt to many seamen, in fact lots of us used .to write her letters from all over the world. When we heard that "The Duchess" was dead we went up to Campbell's Funeral Home on Madison Avenue in the heart of the silk stocking district to pay our last respects. She was ad­ mired by many seamen and New York notables as well, for there among us were many of the up­ per crust paying their respects as well. While she was alive she took great interest in seamen and their affairs, one of her main in­ terests was the Seamen's branch of Alcoholic Anonomous in which she played an important part. We are sorry to hear that "The Duchess" has left us; we feel that she was really one of us. So we say: Steady as she goes. Duchess! Friends of the Duchess LOG Rates High As Union Paper Dear Editor: I would like very much to re­ ceive the Log at my home. What few copies that I have taken home with me have received the highest acclaim as a Union or­ gan. I think that is quite a boost for our newspaper after reading some of the local unon papers. Thanking you in advance A. Lavoie Swansea, Mass. I Walsh Cites Bosun's Case In Comparing Rates Of Pay Dear Editor: With the signing and putting into effect of the new wage scale and working conditions won in recent strike and JOS' actions, we begin to enjoy the highest wages ever paid in the indiii^try, coming within close range of the total monthly payments made during the war period, when the bonuses augmented the monthly wages of our brothers who helped win the war against Agression. During that period the Bosun was lucky to pay off with as much as a 4 to 8 AB, and just a little more than the average entry rating (OS, Wipers, Messmen). In view of the fact that all agreements were frozen during the War Emergency Period, no­ thing could be done to alter the differences in pay, with the end in mind of adequately compen­ sating the Boatswain for the heavy responsibility placed upon him by vi^ue of his being in charge of such valuable gear and stores as are aboard all contract­ ed ships. GRATEFUL While I am grateful for the fact that my actual take home pay as Boatswain has been raised, the fact still remains that I (as Bos'n) will still be in the same pay grade as the 4 to 8 AB's, due to the fact that they are being paid for the Sundays at sea while the Bos'n was raised a larger to­ tal increase in Lieu of Sunday overtime. What I am trying to get at is that I am still no better off than I was before in regards to ade­ quate compensation for the re­ sponsibility placed upon my shoulders. I would like to im­ press it on our Brothers that what is fair is fair. If your job called for extra effort, either physical or mental, YOU would want to be paid in ratio to the added bur­ den. I feel that I am entitled to extra compensation for my job as Bos'n, and want to plug for next year's agreement negotia­ tion to stick out for the Bosun's right to get a lot more money than he is at present. If you have Log -A' Rhythms College Knowledge By ERNEST KAPRALL u )'.1 I'm a man of the World, And I know a good deal Of Philosophy, Science and Art. And when I'm asked to discuss sex appeal, I can certainly do my part. BUT When it comes to the knowledge. That you get from going to col­ lege. Or t.alking of engine proficiency, I'm most surely stumped. Whenever I'm pumped About volumetric efficiency. II. any thing to suggest in this line of endeavor how about putting it in black and white and letting the rest of our Brothers hear about it. It takes time to prepare re­ quests for changes in agreements and serious requests such as this should have piles of statistics to back such claims. We must be prepared and there is an old saw that really covers this: "IN TIME OF PEACE, PREPARE FOR WAR." "Windy" Walsh THE SAILOR'S DREAM OF HELL By "STEAMBOAT" O'DOYLE On a summer's night, by the moon's half-light, I lay me down on the lee. My mind to roam and dream of home, and a girl who waits for me. But a vision came, all smoke and flame of a hell down under the sea. Where forever burn and twist and squirm. Those who won't let the sailor be free. With flames all red and the screams of the dead, a horrible thing to see. Where the flesh did roast and singe and toast, 'mid screams of misery. I looked around and quickly found, faces I knew I'd see. The Maritime blue and the Coast Guard too, and the mate of the Nancy Lee, On some red hot coal est the poor lost souL of First Assistant McGee, Of the Baltimore Line, scratch­ ing -overtime, and laugh­ ing wickedly. There was Admiral Land with with his butt suntanned, and bureaucrats piled by three. But 'twas Curran I sought, so I stopped for naught, past McAuley and Cherbonn-ye@. To Hell's last brim, and there saw him, the master of treachery. In a crowd of finks, and reds and pinks, all laughing fiendishly. While Blackie and Jack, and Bridges and Slack, danced 'round with horrible glee. And the music of Hell, like a terrible knell, echoed fearfully. Then miy arm was shook, and I woke to look, at my buddy. Tommy Lee, "Old paly, you're screaming, you must be dreaming. Tell me, what did you see?" Then I told him too, what I've told to you, and he looked at me wonderingly. And we looked at the sky, and the Skipper on high, and we prayed for poor McGee. With Socrates and Plato I'm at ease quite comparative. And I'm at home with Kant's categoric Imperative. I'm acquainted with Spengler's "Decline of the West," Spencer and Nietzsche I quote with some zest. BUT Give me a quiz with the Ohm, watt, and volt. And to figure percentages gives me a jolt. When of boilers and turbines 1 try to think. Reciprocating engines give my brain a kink. CONCLUSION But all that I've learned was a waste of time For the knowledge I have could­ n't earn me a dime. I find myself now in a good situ­ ation Where I can advance myself. And at the same time serve the nation. So I'll trade all I know of Philosophy, Science and Art, For that 70 per cent and a chance to do my part. And I hope to be a credit To my country and the war ma­ chine— With the good old U.S. MerchcUit Marine. —Written in 1942. Ft. Trumbull, Conn. 4- i i Nothing Is Gratis By VIC COMBS We pay for love with pain. For mistakes with regret. For knowledge with fear. For intellect with criticism. For concern with ingratitude. For prosperity with protest. For opinion with opposition For security with poverty,' For modesty with corruption. For confidence with conaeiiDnation. For comprehension with doubt. For friends with tolerance. For experience with refribuliOD, And for Life with Death. �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Twelve Digested Minutes Of Sill Ship Meetings PREEPORT SEAM. July 4— Chairman Thomas Bowers; ^ezeiaxy Bob Jones. Chairm^ read a copy of leiler to be senl to Baltimore. New York and Tampa agents in regard to oar ventilation system. Crew insists it is for cooling as well as healing, with Chief Engin­ eer contending otherwise. Let­ ter also refers to condition of burner in galley stove. Agreed unanimously that letter should be forwarded as read. Motion carried to have the three dele­ gates and Steward pass on all foods coming aboard. iSc b b b RUFUS CHOATE. Sept. 14— -Chairman Ed. Kelly; Secretary J. VanDemark. Delegates re­ ported that portholes need re­ pairing; mattresses need repair­ ing and the ship needs to be fumigated. It was suggested that three keys for each foc'slc be provided. Steward depart­ ment has prepared a fist of re­ pairs for the galley and should be taken care of before next voyag|3. Overtime beefs are recorded and to be given to Patrolman. As a whole trip was a commendable one with a fine crew aboard. 4- 3^ 3^ Foreign Exchange Rates Motion The guys on the SS Marin Hills want their money back. In case you don't think their request is justifiable, go into some store in the States, ask for a pack­ age of cigarettes and try to pay for it with liras, pesos, shillings, francs, milreis or what have you. To prevent international com­ plications, and to relieve them­ selves from carrying so much deadweight, a motion was car­ ried by the crew members to have the delegates see the Pur­ ser about changing the crew's surplus foreign currency back to American money after leaving overseas ports. y, X & " OUCHITA VICTORY, June 24—Chairman Cohen; Secretary Lerner. New Business: Minutes of June 10th read and accept­ ed. Motion carried that Chief Mate jHid Engineer be request­ ed tO' hve the extra scutlebuli installed back aft before ship sails on next voyage. Motion carried that Patrolman c|ive "^Chief Mate a fist of repairs. XXX EDWARD S. HOUGH. Sept. S—Chairman Frank Christner; Secretary H. B. Noonan. New "Rainess: Deck Delegate re­ ported 10 hours of disputed overtime. Engine Delegate re­ ported many hours of disputed overtime. Disputed overtime was tabled for action when pa­ trolman comes aboard. Bosun wants hole in concrete in his foc'sle repaired. All crew quarters badly need painting and dusting with roach powder. Screens needed for ports. Black Gang wants ventilator over the escape ladder at end of shaft alley. Fire escape panel needed in'deck 4-8 foc'sle. All milk and coffee was condemned by crew ' and is to be put ashore. Reqtiest that Chief Engineer be barred from all SIU ships. A vole of thanks was given the Steward Department. be installed; that ice cream freezer be placed aboard; that delegates list all repairs necesasry and turn them over to de­ partment Heads. SAMUEL GRIFFIN, Aug. 4 —Chairman Joe Sortini; Sec­ retary Lloyd Fitch. Strike in­ structions were read by the chair. Suggestion that Patty McCann inform tbe Captain that the crew wished a payoff by 12:00 Aug. 5. Suggested by the Chairman that all foc'sles be cleaned and left neat and clean in SIU style. Electricians Ease Out of Tight Spot To boar some people talk you'd think the New York subways were the only places you can't find a seat these days. That theory was knocked into a cock­ ed hat with the receipt of the SS Selma Victory's latest set of ship's minutes. '•Things got a little crowded in the- crew's messroom, according to the minutes. In fact, when someone sat down at the center of the table, the two guys at the end of the table were pushed out of their seats. No matter how the order of things was juggled around, there were always two seats short. To remedy the situa­ tion, the ship's delegate o.ffered a suggestion at a membership meeting. Have the Electricians eat in the officer's mess, suggest­ ed the delegate. The two Electricians, hearing the proposal, blared forth a un­ animous "No." You might shove us off our seats at the table but you can't shove us out of the messroom, were their sentiments. Besides, they didn't want scrambled eggs with every meal. XXX MONROE. Aug. 18—Chair­ man R. J. Rose; Secretary B. J. Power. Motions carried: to ob­ tain two water coolers; that more than one order of two eggs should be had at break­ fast; that crews- messroom should carry messman and utility; that cooks wear coats and aprons while working in the galley; that one gallon cof­ fee urn be obtained for erew mess; that piping in crews quarters be repaired or replaced; that larger variety of fruit juices be carried on next voy­ age; that new style toilet seats tfou CAWTteUOW weARTH€'BM)se/ Friday, November 8, 1946 SEAFARER SAM SAYS 3;- S. 3;. CAPE SANDY, Aug. 25 — Chairman L. Foskey; Secretary E. Giza. Motions carried: with consent of Steward allow last stsmdby of each watch access to the chill box; that Engine and Deck Delegates see heads of their respective departments to have man make coffee; that all men ei^ring messhall wear shirts at mealtime; to request larger lockers for the proper stowage of crc-w's personal cf fects; fiiat all non-members file their intentions with their re­ spective department delegates. One minute of silence observed for brothers lost at sea. XXX LAREDO VICTORY, Sept. 15 —Chairman Whoski; Secretary Smith, New Business: Motions carried: that each crewmember be issued a strike clearance card at the ball for the recent strike; thai delegates check all foc'sles and see that they are shipshape for the d^w. Stew­ ard Department complimented on their fine cooking. XXX Maybe It's Nothing But a Smokescreen The crew of the SS Falmouth decided at a recent shipboard meeting to show their apprecia­ tion to the men who pounded the bricks during the recent strike, while the Falmouth was at sea. They decided that each man donate one carton of cigar­ ettes apiece for the SIU men who were on the beach. '' No fellas, we wont tell you where the SS Falmouth is going to tie-up. It's a secret the crew hasn't let us in on yet, but we'll be there when she ties up. Puff. Puff—LS-MFT. XXX FAIRPORT, Aug. fr—Chair­ man A. R. Hindntan; Secretary John Cobb. Motions carried; to have delegates see Ch. Engineer about installing a steam fine in laimdry; that fines be imposed on men dirtying up mess, and leaving soiled laundry in pas­ sageways; to hold meetings once a month on Sunday after­ noons; that Steward orpen slopchest as he sees fit, date and hour to be posted on messhall bulletin board, and that dele­ gates check all books before the next meeting. XXX FELTORE, Sept. 15—Chair­ man George Meaney; Secretary Riverly Brown. New Business: Motion carried to admit WSA crewmembers to the meeting. All delegates reported every­ thing okay except for some dis­ puted overtime,^ Motion carried to bring disputed overtime to the attention of Patrolman up­ on arrival and refuse to payoff articles until such overtime is paid off. Motion carried to recommend Deck and Engine WSA men for membership. One minute of silence observed for members lost at sea. Brother J. Colpe delegated to interpret and inform Spanish speaking crewmembers in regards to maritime strike situation. \ CUT and RUN By HANK Well, the best contracts on any waterfront,, and other big and important things crowded us out last week but we're back again this week—^running for another "gassy" column, of gossip . . . Sam l.uttrpll says that it looks like he and his wife will have to sail out of their apartment—so that One Eye Pete DiPietro can keep on stowing his cargo of peppers. Sam also has a suspicion that his wife is tired from stringing those peppers up on the walls. Well, Sam, there's only one way out—tell Claude Gautreaux to shanghai Pete to some country full of peppers—unless Cuba has them growing just special like for Pete . . . Last week, Brother Willie West, who is anxiously waiting to renew his career as a Robin Line stiff, introduc­ ed us to his shipmate, William Murphy. Brother Murphy sure look­ ed full of youthful pep under that gray fedora, after going to sea for about fifty years—and happily celebrating his seventy-first birthday last November on a trip to the Pacific. Well, all we can say, afte^WQ shake the thin coat of salt off ourselves is: Many more trips and birthdays to you. Brother Murphy, and may your anchor never get too much rust and mud, indeed. Leo fhe Lush Mannaugh doesn't mind being nicknamed'in such style. He always gets along—and so have his palsv During the strike he had the lUckiest luck of all the guys on the bricks. Leo had an apartment—and a few of his pals, including William Blakely sure were glad Leo was alive in such a manner .... Dutch Bokc was laughing and shaking hie head last week, re­ membering how he and Pete McCosfcey, the Irish Polack, left each other bow-legged from some celebraling down in Mobile not long ago, Dutch sure would roar with joy if Pete sailed into New Yorie right now! Joe Filipek and Marv Selsvik are anxiously waiting for some ship going to China. Ah,, fellas, don't be so stubborn . . , We don't know if Omar Ames is still in town but his shipmate, Rocky Benson, one of the best Isthmian organizers, just finished painting some First Assistant's rooms, in between washing dishes, too . . . Scotty Borland, just went back on the SS Colabee, after enjoying his vaca-tion and seeing his sister Betty from Scotland, after 25 years . . . Brother John Bigley keeps on laughing at the idea that Fred Ski Sweder is going aboard son'ie South Atlantic ship soon and feed those rubber winches with steam. It's an art, John, that's all! Well, here's a list of oldtimers in a%w ports: In MobileRobert Cale, John Elliot, G. Lawrence. T. Lehay, George Ro­ mano, J. Stringfellow, Joseph Fawcelt, J, G. Avery, Alfred Layne, Edward Blackman, D. M, Saxon, and D. F. MacGregor; New Orleans—James Biehl, Jmi Engelhardt, Frank Findley, Frank Rodriguez, Fretz Raymer, J. A. Scava, P. Swing, Ralph Subat, John Gersey. Ramon Viloria, F. Kendricks and; Jose Vilar. Philly—Herbert Maekey, Thomas Smifh, John Sarrfos, Sylvester Furtado, and Karl Krislensen. New York—^Harry Singleton, Joseph Hoslen, William Jenkins, James Murphy, Alton Clement, George Mitchell, Henry Bonilto, R. J. Masedale, Benjanvin Bail­ ey, and Adolphus Watson. �Friday, Novem2>er 9, 1946 THE SEAEARERS LOG Fage TbMtem ^Beachcomtere' Hold Fortli Hell-Raising Should Be Confined At New Orleans Round Table To Shore Spots, Says Shrintpton part of the game to get to the their beef, and now is the time, it along to our brother members Dear Editor: first gin-mill, smell the bar­ as never before, to really build in other ports who may perhaps It is not often that you hear be waiting for the bare necessit­ from me in a serious vein,, but maids apron, and then come back Union Brotherhood with them, ies of life which our system has after listening to Capt. Nash of to the ship and play the 'tough and it can only be done by both thus far so abimdantly provided. The Master Mates & Pilots at the boy', and some of their antics of us having, and earning, each The only discordant note so far last general meeting I feel that are anything but funny. Quite others mutual respect as men and encountered was occasioned by a word in season may possibly do recently I shipped aboard a Wa­ •seamen. terman C-3, and during the ten Fern one day demanding a buck some good. If you find that you have a months I was aboard her we had confirmed gas-hound aboard your of the take to buy butter, pota­ This is the first time in mari­ one murder, two knifings, and a toes, and milk which she coolly time history that the licensed of­ suicide, and all of them the di­ ship, give him every chance to trotted topside and converted in­ ficers have ever held out the rect result of booze. This is not settle down but if he insists on to mashed potatoes. However, sincere hand of Union friendship a pretty picture fellers, and I for causing, trouble in port, deal with an investigation by an indignant to lis, and if they mean what they one do not want any part of it, him yourselves at the ships meet­ committee disclosed the fact that say, namely, that-they will help and I don't think any real sea­ ing, and if he still plays up, then she had just had six teeth ex­ bung the - character on Union us to break the power of those man does either. tracted and so we have all char­ charges and make them stick—^its phony bunch of brass-bound, itably concluded that it was a NO CRUSADE the only way. chair-born commandos, the Coast case of medical necessity rather Go ashore and get tight by all I am the last man in the world than any naturally depraved means, its your priviledge to do (and the least qualified) to preach oooOOH!^ taste that prompted this deplor­ so, but if you feel the urge to go a 'pussyfoot' crusade, but I do IT'S THAT S." able waste of community funds. looking for Ole Man Trouble, just maintain that if we are going to SKiPFBR WOT Brother "Red" Carolyn made hunt him ashore. Remember have a new deal with the Offi­ OON6 THIS the mistake of dropping into the cers, and wish them to respect Bernard Shaw's advice to the bar after paying off the scow us and our Union, then we have drunk: that repatriated him from San­ got to cut out this hell raising "Its much better to keep your tos, where he spent a pleasant aboard ship. We are now on a mouth closed and be thought a sojourn beachcombing until the new footing with the MM&P. We fool than to open it and remove consul caught up with him and have proved our solidarity right all possible doubt." bundled him off for home. Be­ down the line in our support of I Jack 'Aussie' Shrimplon ing fat as a .goose, he was, con.seguently, easily led into spring­ ing for sir many beers that we finally were compelled to grope 'Guard, then I think it's up to us our w.ay to o.ux' respective rooms to meet them half-way. In other FARFY SUPPORTER with a rather confused idea of words, if we want them to stop HIS BIG MOUTH our own names. But a good time reporting us to the Gestapo lets GETS McNASTY HITS OPPONENT IN was had by all for Brother Caro­ give them less to report about. 30 DAYS ON FARM THE POCKETBOOK lyn not only provided the beer, DEMON RUM but he further enlivened the pro­ Dear Editor: Dear Editor: It is an undoubted fact that (Whether the fact that Brother ceeding by trying to explain how Well, I haven't seen our can­ After having read that awful Huff is always elected treasurer he happened to ship out as an most of the trouble aboard ship didate for president, Mr. Mcbilge written about our good is caused by too close an acquain­ is to be interpreted as a tribute electrician and returned as a pot Nasty, since the night we cele­ friend Farfufnick I felt that I tance with 'Old John Barlycorn,' to his honesty, or to the fact washer. brated his nomination. should come to the front for him. that he invariably occupies the He reports that Santos is rapid­ ,and I for one think that the time Larry WooGwarQ ana I went has come for those -of us who are Who is this character "Dirty?" center table where all can con­ ly becoming the sailor's paradise around to the bar thinking we xeal Union men to show a lead to Just the name hung on him would veniently keep an eye on him is of old, what with "Cockeyed would find him there, and though something we do not feel called Helen" holding forth in her old the irresponsible gas-hounds in we did not find Mr. McNasty, we indicate that he is not the type upon to decide.) It is then usually spot in the American Star. "Mus­ our ranks who come aboard a did meet one of his friends. This of person we should have for found that the muster has pro­ solini" is reported getting a fresh ship with a chip on their should­ guy said that Mr. McNasty was President. Even attempting to duced enough for a round and so start and Martha "is cuffing beers ers and then raise hell, while un­ working for the city now; thirty run him against Farfufnick—a person with such sterling char­ a round is noisily called for. again in that hoity-toity empor­ der the wind, at the first port days up on the farm. they touch. acter—is sort of ridiculous. AU Meanwhile Brother Huff has ium, the Mickey Mouse. From the way this guy told the this "Dirty" seems to have is a Now, the right to go ashore and story I gather Mr. McNasty is cleverly baited the table with So the gang has decided to bunch of "green" for his cam­ get good and drunk, and to visit some twenty cents or so and he amble down Rio come peace to paign, whereas our friend Far­ with the ladies of the night pa­ devotes his time fo alternately the waterfront again. No use fufnick has a definite platform trol, has always been the im­ sipping his beer and supervising hui-rying to get there though fel­ WE C36?TrA GLEAN ' and his entire platform is for the memorial right of a seaman, and the dispatching of Fern, Babe, lows, Red says the bloom is gone UP WM Tourcl^^ betterment of the Laboring Stiff's and Jean to tap the "live" ones from the peach, the dew from •nothing is ever going to stop it; —• No MOftt floRSFas they happen along. ANP-SUGGN'DAysi ^ Wages and Conditions. the rose—seems Kilroy's been but the right of a guy to come aboard the ship and start fight­ Not meaning to be nosey but This set-up is so successful there and gone. where does he get his gelt. Is it that we feel called upon to pass The Beachcombers ing and playing up generally, never has existed and never will possible that there might be a •exist, and it a matter of small wonder that some Skippers get tough about such- incidents, and feel that the only way to handle their crews is via the Log Book and the Coast Guard. It is an unfortunate fact that a bunch of men is always judged by the rot­ really getting up steam for his ten apples in the barrel, and campaign. It seems that Mr. Mc­ Brothers, some of our rotten ap­ Nasty was in one bf the local pool halls hoisting a few beers ples really stink.. and giving the boys the lowPRE-WAR MEN KNOW down on local politics, He also Those of us who are pre-war told the boys of some of the iseamen know this, and if you changes he would make if he take the trouble to watch a real held political office. He told of hint of "Red" to his "Gi^een?" I OVERTIM IN DEPARTMENTS old-timer coming up the gang­ how he would pave streets, raise can see nothing in his campaign plank stewed to the gills, you SHOULD BE DIVIDED old age pensions, and last of all that might be used for a plank, will also notice that he at once In the minutes of Sepleiubei 29, aboard the SS Diamond Ilitc-h •steers a zig-zag course straight to how he would give the racket­ unless you can call rabble-rous­ fault with the it w|s mentioned that the pantryman aboard felt that the Steward Ihis sack and hits the hay im­ eers now in office a long stretch ing and finding other guy fit for planks. Neither on the farm. One of the men lis­ was discriminating against him in giving out overtime work. At mediately. He doesn't go gunthe beginning "nf the trip the Steward ordered the Pantryman to uing for the Old Man or the tening to Mr. McNasty just hap­ does he give an answer to Farclean the pantry under the Steward's direction. The Pantryman did Bellyrobber or any of his ship­ pened to hold a political job and fufnick's proposals nor does he the work and put in seven hours overtime. When the man handed mates that happen to cross his shortly after his speech Mr. Mc­ submit any plan to help the in the seven hours overtime, the Steward disputed it and threatened bows, he just turns in, and if Nasty was arrested on about working stiff. Brothers, please remember to cut him off without any more overtime work. Since that time some of you guys would just re­ eight different counts; di'unk, dis­ the Pantryman has done very little overtime work and is far behind member that, I'm damn sure we orderly conduct, resisting arrest, these things and don't listen to the rest of the department. would have less trouble aboard thi-eatening public officials and any rabble-rousing propaganda disturbing the peace were a few against the peoples' cherce. ANSWER: and would find it easier to pull of them. On to the Presidency on FarIn the opinion of the Steward Patrolman contacted here, with, and be respected by, the When the case came to trial fufnick's bandwagon. the Pantryman has a just beef. Although there is nothing in 'midships crowd. Young mem­ Johnny Weir black and while calling for the equal division of overtime work bers, who have learned by bad Mr. McNasty pleaded not guilty. The judge couldn't see eye to in the Stewards Department articles as there is in the Deck 'example, now think tbat its aU eye with him and gave him 30 emporium. There is N^nothing Department agreement, it has been the custom and practice to days to prove that "time changes quite so enlightening as a pqUdivide as equally as possible all work in the three departments. everything." The judge may be tieal meeting in a beer parlor. Aside from the fact fhat this is the democratic method of divid­ right, hut we hope that Mi\ Mc­ Don't you agree Ed? • ing the work, it also leads to a more harmonious relationship Nasty returns shortly so we can Edward R. Kafars between all members of the have a few more meetings at the Augusta, Ga. Q«ar Editor: As everyone is necessarily beachcombing these days the gang here in New Orleans feel duty-bound to compare notes with other ports with a view to assisting our brother members set up a system comparable to ttie one which is so abundantly providing the local boys with the necessities of life. The gang drifts into the hall bright and early every morning to get the latest strike dope, then they promptly drift out again in their respective directions which fey somp quirk peculiar to the nautical mind leads to the Mar­ ine Bar. Once gathered around the tab­ les, the regular morning tarpaul­ in muster is made and the pro­ ceeds turned over to Brother Huff who acts as treasurer. The Mud'Slinging Continues Nl �THE SEAFARERS LOG P«ge Fourteen •' '.v •;s- N.Y. Clarifies Ruies On Unempioyed Pay .I'Y,' f Jr Cv / Friday. November 8, 194G NEW YORK—The subject of unemployment benefits for mar­ itime v/orkers has been a subject of speculation for quite some time, and it was with this thought in mind that the Special Service Department of the Union held conferences with the New York State Department of Labor. These conferences were very fruitful, and the following article is a brief guide for seamen who may be eligible for Unemploy­ ment Insurance. If, after reading the article, there are any questions that still remain, the Special Services De­ partment of the Union will make every effort to find out the lack­ ing information or clear up the questions. Following is the official state­ ment, as released by the Division of Placement and Unemployment Insurance of the New York De­ partment of Labor: Unemployment Insurance has If the wages paid in the calendar quarter in 1945 ill which your wages were highest amounted to been paid by the State of New York for ten years. It is only within recent months, however, that maritime workers in foreign and coastal commerce have been brought under the coverage of this protection. The Division of Placement and Unemployment Insurance which , administers the Unemployment Insurance Law in New York State has assembled the following information for these newly covered seamen for their guidance if it becomes necessary to file a claim for Un­ employment Insurance Benefits. A maritime employee who worked during 1945 for employ­ ers who paid taxes on their wages to the State may qualify for Un­ employment Insurance Benefits provided the wages are sufficient to meet the eligibility require­ ments of the Law. The eligibility requirements of the Law, insofar as wages ai-e concerned, are given in the following table: AND You earned the corresponding amount shown in this column during the whole year 1945 $100241— 263.99 264— 286.99 310333- 355.99 356- 378.99 379— 401.99 402— 424.99 .425— 447.99 . 448— 470.99 . 471 and over You would be eligible to re­ ceive the corresponding weekly benefit amount shown below, for 26 weeks, be­ tween the period June 3, 1946 and June 2, 1947' $10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 $300 330 360 390 420 450 480 510 540 570 600 630 'Subject to a one week waiting per­ iod which is not compensable. Employment for the Govern­ ment isn't covered by Unemploy­ ment Insurance. As a conse­ quence, a seaman employed by any of the agencies of the Fed­ eral Government, such as the War Shipping Administration, could not have wages paid by the WSA used as a basis for paying Unemployment Insurance Bene­ fits. The Social Security Act Amendments of 1946 passed by both Houses of Congress on the last day of the session, provided that as of July 1, 1946, the serv­ ices of officers and crewmembers on American vessels on nav­ igable waters will be covered by the Federal Unemployment Tax Act. The Act was also amended to provide that the State iq which is maintained an operating office controlling a vessel may require the employer to pay Unemploy­ ment Insurance Taxes. Thus, the employer must pay taxes to the Federal Government if he does not pay them to the State. Another amendment made pro­ vision for payment of benefits on the basis of wages earned by employees of the War Shipping Administration, the benefits to be paid under the terms of State Laws, by the States, under agree­ ment with the Federal Security ft.dministrator. Such benefits are not payable, Aowever, for weeks of unemploy­ ment occurring prior to the time when Congress makes funds available for payment. While it is expected that Congress will do so during its next session, those funds are not now available, so WSA employment cannot result in benefits at this" time. trhtil Congress does make funds available, no claiatB for benefits based on service with the ... . • •' War Shipping should be filed. Administration State which receives the taxes as regards each vessel, it is apparent that a maritime employer tnay pay his taxes to several States. Accordingly, his employees will be eligible for Unemployment Insurance Benefits in different States, dependent upon the loca­ tion of the office which directs the operation of the several ves­ sels. The individual seaman should file his claim against the State in which the office is located which operated and controlled the vessels on which he was em­ ployed when he earned his qual­ ifying wages. following States, then wages charged upon the termination of earned in the base period could a voyage will not be considered result in the payment of Unem- ^ to have left employment volun­ ployment Insurance Benefits: tarily because they fail to sign articles for the vessel's next voyCoverage of States Seamen Started age. Benefits are suspended for Alabama July 1, 1946 seven weeks if claimants lose California Sept. 16, 1945 their employment because of mis­ Nebraska July 1, 1946 conduct, strike, lockout or other New Jersey Jan. 1, 1946 industrial controversy. New York Jan. 1, 1945 A severe penalty is imposed Pennsylvania .... Jan. 1, 1945 for wilfully misrepresenting facts Texas Sept. 1, 1945 about employment or unemploy­ Virginia July 1, 1946 ment. Washington July 1, 1946 When filing a claim the sea­ There are other important man sliould have with, him his points on the subject of Unem­ latc.it discharge and his Social ployment Insurace Benefits that Security Account Number Card. seamen should understand. NOT ALL STATES Seamen who are unemployed STRIKE PENALTY and who are ready, willing, and Not all States cover seamen The New York State Unem­ able to work may file a claim for employed in foreign commerce. Those which do pay benefits have ployment Insurance Law pro­ Unemployment Insurance Bene­ entered int-o reciprocal arrange­ vides that claimants are disquali­ fits at the nearest insurance of­ ments with respect to each other fied from receiving benefits if fice of the New York State Di­ State to which a maritime em­ they leave their employment vol­ vision of Placement and Unem­ ployer will pay taxes on wages untarily without good cause, or ployment Insurance. Most tele­ earned by seamen on each ves­ refuse to accept an offer of suit­ phone directories, list these offi­ sel. If the vessel is operated by able emploj'ment without good ces under the heading, "Unem­ an office located in one of the' cause. In general, seamen dis- ployment Insurance." ATTENTION! If you don't find linen when you go aboard your ship, notify the Hall at once. A telegram from Le Havre ox Singapore won't do you any good. It's your bed and you have to lie in it. Commie Attempt To Capture N.O. Port Is Expected TOTAL UNEMPLOYMENT New Orleans, one of the coun­ Benefits are paid for weeks of try's great seaports, is at present unemployment during which the "the number one organizational seaman is ready, willing, and able objective of the Communist party to work, has filed a claim for in this nation, with the water­ Unemployment Insurance, and front unions the immediate tar­ has reported to the insurance of­ get of operations." This disclo­ fice of the Division of Placement sure was made by The Item, New and Unemployment Insurance of Orleans afternoon daily, after an the State of New York as in­ extensive four weeks investiga­ tion of the "ruin or rule" acti­ structed. Total unemployment is defined vities of the communists in the in the New York Unemployment waterfront city. It was disclosed that the com­ Insurance Law as "the total lack of employment on any da^ munists are consolidating their caused by the inability of a claim­ forces in the Crescent City as ant who is capable of and avail­ they are in other principal ports able for work to engage in his of the Harry Bridges-sponsored usual employment or in any Committee for Maritime Unity. other for which he is reasonable Their "rule or ruin" efforts to get fitted by training or experience a death-grip of this economically . . ." The statutory week for strategic port ^ touching off measuring days of unemploy­ open warfare on the New Or­ ment runs from Monday through leans waterfront between bonaSunday. fide. trade unionists and the op­ Cooperative arrangements have portunistic followers of the party been made between states, includ­ line disguised as working class ing Hav/aii, Alaska and Canada, leaders. whereby one state will act as the Some of the principal leaders agent for another state in the of CIO waterfront unions have taking of claims for benefits. If attended, and are attending the a claimant receives his discharge party's meetings at its headquar­ in a New York port, for instance, ters in the Godchaux building. and was employed in 1945 by an "Two union officials who joined employer who pays taxes to Cali­ the communist party to get first­ fornia, that seaman may file his hand information on the set-up claim in a New York insurance to undermine their unions, were office. _ informed that they should com­ A maritime employer pays bat any opposition to the com­ taxes to the State where his of­ munist party within their union fice is located which directs, con­ membership by labeling it as anti­ trols and supervises the opera­ union or "labor baiting." tions of a particular vessel. That Many CIO officials in New Or­ State is not necessarily the one leans aided the investigation. in which the vessel is registered, Fred Pieper, regional director of nor the one where the employer's the CIO, personally ordered an main office is situated. investigation of his own water­ Inasmuch as the location of the front local on the basis of the indirecting office determines the' formation released by The Item. i.'- Old Ropeyarn Charlie Ties Up Once More Again In Snug Harbor Carel Christian Rappold, bet­ ter known among Seafarers as "Ropeyarn Charlie," is retiring his book and tying up at Snug Harbor after one of the most colorful seagoing careers that could come to a seaman. Old "Ropeyarn Charlie" will take with him to Snug Harbor tales of the sea that go back 60 years to the days when he first started sailing full rigged ships out of Holland. KNEW FURUSETH Bofh in 1873 in Holland he started sailing ships when he was 14 and after several voyages from European ports came to the United States when he was 22years-old. One of his fondest recollections is the time he went up for his AB ticket. For it was Andrew Furuseth, himself, who was in Phila­ delphia at the time,, who went with Charlie while he got fixed up. Since those early days he has sailed on every stretch of water in the world and has been on ships flying flags of every nation on earth. "Ropeyarn Charlie" got his name from the hobby he de­ veloped in his early days of sail­ ing. He made a practibe of col­ lecting ropeyarns and weaving them into mats and other fancy pieces of work. He developed a skill at this work that was soon recognized and he used to pick up a few dollars on the side by selling them around the ports. Whenever "Ropeyarn" had a few minutes to him.seilf he was al­ ways to be found busily engaged in turning out his latest creation, and even after 60 years of sail­ ing and rhaking ropeyarn objects he still is interested in the work. CAREL C. RAPPOLD Every once in a while he comes up with a new idea and takes out his ropeyarns to weave them into a new pattern. LAST TIE-UP "Ropeyarn's" last trip was on the SS Kyska as Bosun, and after the payoff two months ago, he started toying with the idea of retiring from the sea to take a berth in Snug Harbor. Snug Harbor is not unknown to "Ropeyarn" as. he has been there off and on for six years, but during the war the call of the sea was too much, for him so he came back to make many trips when he felt his services were needed. Now that the big job is ^one he feels that his is the time to tie up at Snug Harbor for good. So after 60 year's spent sailing the seas "Ropeyarn Charlie" has retired his book and taken a berth at Snug Harbor. ATTENTION, MEMBERS! SEAFARERS SAILING AS ENGINEERS All members—retired members and former members—of the Seafarers International Union who are now sailing as licensed Engineers: Please report as soon as possible to the Seafarers Hall at 51 Beaver Street, New York City. Your presence is neces­ sary in a matter of great importance. �-'"• •= Friday, November 8, IMS THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Fixi'eeti • . -i ii BULLETIN Notice! PERSONALS SlU HALLS The following books now be­ : J. Kirk Book 35917 JOHN FOLLIS ing held at Norfolk Branch F. Kodelja SUP Pro. 2364 Please get in touch with your These books will be held in Nor­ J. W. Lassiter Book 36705 wife. folk for ninety days, and if they J. J. Landaishe, Jr BALTIMORE 14 North Gay St. Book 37519 Calvert 4539 t X X are not picked up during that Jacob Lauer Book 1457 BOSTON .............. .276 State St. NEW YORK time they will be forwarded back E. C. Lewis Boudoin 4455 Book 41712 PAUL PALMER SS VICTORY LOAN 10 Exchange St. to Headquarters. A. M. Leach Book 34066 Please contact Mrs. Hensley, BUFFALO Cleveland 7391 Jones. $5.00; W. Pardue, $5.00: H. J. Acosta Book 37770 G. Levkulich Pro. Book 40614 B. J.B.E.Fuller, 68 Society St $5.00; B. S. Rapier. $2.00; 1190 Pine Street, San Francisco, CHARLESTON Phone 3-3080 B. J. Akers Pro. Book 49145 A. J. Lebel Pro. Book 43121 J. G. LeVasseur, $5.00; J. Vestal, $5.00; Calif. CHICAGO 24 W. Superior Ave. C. C. Acuin Pro. Book 100195 A. F. Lingle ,... Book 33092 Wm. B. Stokes, $1.00; R. Soohn, $5.00; Superior 5175 XXX CLEVELAND . . 1014 E. St. Clair Ave. P. Allgeier Pro. Book 47440 E. Manning Retiring Card J. D. McCann, $2.00; G. Salmor, $1.00; Main 0147 D. W. Lamberson, $1.00; H. L. Lowe, P. M. Onderson, Jr Book 35310 H. F. Martin L. M. MILLER Pro. Book 36488 $1.00; CORPUS CHRISTI . .1824 Mesquite St W. Shelton, $2.00; R. E. Parker, R. L. Auman Book 48806 H. F. Martin Corpus Christi 3-1509 Book 36488 $2.00; D. Shuler, $3.00; Tom Allen, Your book is held for you on DETROIT 1038 Third St. S. A. Ballance Book 2719 A. B. Mason .... Seaman's Papers $2.00; J. P. Davis. $5.00, J. J. Lynch, Gth floor of New York Hall. Cadillac 6857 $1.00; R. L. Slataper, $1.00; D. Klose, S. M. Barbe SUP Book 5077 H. 'E. McDonald .... Pro. Bk. 39Q30 DULUTH 531 W. Michigan St. XXX Melrose 4110 N. A. Barbour Book 41620 C. W. McCambridge Bk. 36070 $5.00. GALVESTON 30514 22nd St SS C. F. PECK JAMES C. FLANAGAN R. B. Beale Book Pacific 435 W. D. McMillan Book 42984 2-8448 F. Caney, $2.0n0; j. E. McCormack, Book 4S126 HONOLULU 16 Merchant St F. S. Bell Book 33103 C. McGuirt Book 33776 $2.00. 1515 75th Street A. Bellavance Book 6117 W, L. McLellan .... Pro. Bk. 47414 Contact C. Fisher, Patrolman, HOUSTON SS VAKA Phone Wentworth 3-3809 T. Belmore Book 1965 E. M. Medford Retiring Card R Smith. $1.00; W. Roz.nlski, $1,00; at the New York Hall on the JACKSONVILLE 920 Main St Phone 5-5919 L. H. Blizzard Book 36251 H. Mobley Pro. Bk. 100264 L. Bugajewaki, $4.00; P. R. Stacofffe, fifth floor. There has been an er­ MARCUS HOOK 1'/, W. 8th St $1.00; R. Beach, $2.00; L. Grossman, M. T. Blizzard Trjp Card B. F. Moore Book 100263 ror concerning receipt number Chester 5-3110 $1.00; E. Howell. $1.00. C. B. Blue, Jr Retiring Card J. T. Morton Book 27732 35012. MOBILE 7 St. Michael St. SS J. GALLUP 2-1754 J. W. Boutchard Book 44058 J. Morton Book 41641 Ed Norris, $1.00; W. B. Saylors, NEW ORLEANS 339 Chartres St. D.. C. Breashears Book 23334 R. Morris Retiring Card" $1.00; B. M. Siadc, $5.00; R. A. Blune, MagnetU 6112-6113 NEW YORK 51 Beaver St. M. M. Brickey Book 28549 W. E. Morris Retiring Card $2.00; A. Wasstrom, $1.00; G. W. Baker, HAnover 2-2784 J. Broermann .... Pro. Book 41511 H. A. Murray Permit P3 3392 $1.00; P. Howard, $2.00; E. B. YoungNORFOLK 127-129 Bank Street blood. $1.00. David Bright Pro. 36398 L. L. Murphy 4-1083 Retiring Card HAROLD PETERSON INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS PHILADELPHIA 9 South 7th St. G. L. Brown Trip Card C. A. Newman Book 20981 M. A. Gonzales, $2.00; N. G. Johnson, Phone LOmfaard 3-7651 THOMAS F. DUNPHY H. W. Brown Book 5820 W. Nedelkoff Book 30905 $1.00; D. E. Sherwin, $1.00; Peter GonPORT ARTHUR 445 Austin Ave. Phone: 2-8532 Each has $2.30 due for reim­ A. Q. Brown Retiring Card J, Olwemeru F*ro. Bk. 49456 zalis, $1.00; V. Pueraro, $1.00; W. FunPORTLAND Ill W. Burnside St. derburk, $1.00; L. A. Walton, $1.00; bursement of launch fee. Write J. B. Callis Book 23047 E. W. Olsen Book 36543 RICHMOND, CaUf. ; 257 5th St. P. Scarpitto, $1.00; E. Giza. $1.00; D. Cincore ..., Pro. Book 46309 J. Owens Book 35151 B. H. Lcvine. $1.00; Paul R. Smith, to American-Hawaiian SS Co., SAN FRANCISCO 105 Market St. Douglas 5475 - 8363 90 Broad St., New York. A. J. Carmen .... Pro. Book 36734 M. Owens Receipts $1,00; T. Wypior, $1.00. SAN JUAN, P. R 45 Ponce de Leon W. L. Carraway Book 36596 L. G. Pack Book 33762 San Juan 2-5996 % % t NORFOLK SAVANNAH 220 East Bay St. Philip E. Carter Book 29531 F. Pepito Pro. Bk. 100191 3-1728 SS PANAMA CITY B. O. Cartwright Book 30279 A. B. Peterson INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS Book 21328 SEATTLE 86 Seneca St. F. M. Shiperdek, Alf Johnson, Main 0290 L. J. Colombo Trip Cd. A8242 R. Pierce G. Bell, $20.00; E. Stone, $50.00; T. Receipt 1809-1811 N. Rranklin St. R. C. Coons '. Book 28167 W. R. Pollay Book 43512 Johnson, $10.00; N. Ward, $10.00; J. John M. Gibbons, A. T. Bernard, TAMPA M-132.'; W. Metcalf, $50.00; G. Wilhidorp, J. V. Ferraro, S. A. Esposito, F. WILMINGTON 440 Avalon VIvd. C. R. Cottle Trip Cd. A10016 J. S. Pomianek Book 27108 $10.00; H. Walsh, $4.00; J. Edgerton, Terminal 4-3131 W. C. Craven, Jr T. C. A10051 J. Poggioli T.C. A10435 $11.00; W. Brown, $11.00; H. W. Davis, J. Promwaski, C. B. Thurnur, H. VICTORIA, B. C 602 Houghton St. R. Creef Book 4244 J. W. Prescott Book 114G $10.00; T. M. Griffith, $5.00; J. Nor- C. Winter, C. H. French, W. J. VANCOUVER ....144 W. Hasting. St. Lumas, C. W. Murrell. R. F. Davis, Jr Book 30198 F. F. Randolph .... Pro. Bk. 36609 garard, $1.00; H. S. Rose, $2.00. a C.. M. Day Book 3290 L. Ramirez Book 31582 P. G. Daugherty Book 43233 W. H. Riley, Jr Pro. Bk. 45306 G. Daniels Permit P3 4754 C. E. Riddle Book 29982 W. R. DeVanc .... Pro. Book 46964 R. Rice Retiring Card Kirby O. Digman .... T.C. A11392 B. F. Rollins Book41732 H. S. Dean Book 24829 C. A. Roberts Book 1838 J. L. Easton Trip Cd. A5663 M. T. Rogers Book 31669 M. W. Eayers .... Trip Cd. A11338 B. J. Robertson Book 39539 1936-37 maritime strike. (For the ated CMU encouraged the MEBA R. H. Eagle Permit P3 4661 J. M. Rule Bk. Pacific 230 Dear Edilor: record, the SUP remained on on the East Coast to accept what F. Edgett SUP Permit 7916 J. H. Russell Book 29590 I have just been reading the strike five days longer than the the U. S. Maritime Commission W. A. Eby Book 31345 , F. B. Rosenbaum Ret. Card Oct. 25, 1946 issue of the People's D. M. Ellington Pro. Bk 36558 I L. Ross Blue application World, the Communist Party other maritime unions on the offered them in the way of an west coast in 1936-37.) To read agreement, the Masters, Mates J. H. Ferguson Book G66 j M. R. Salvador .... Pro. Bk. 100190 mouthpiece. this, one would think it was and Pilots on the East Coast were R. J. Flynn Pro. Book 100247 L. D. See .\ Ret. Card In the "Picket Line Patter" wrong to sign an agreement. also forced to accept this offer or J. Freeman Book 2600 B. T. Shaw Book 34545 column I read of the SUP being However, let us look at the leave themselves open for a raid P. J .Frango Book 23871 P. Simpson Book 24055 condemned for playing the .ship­ on the bridge jobs by the CMU. maritime strike today on the West O. P. Gentry Book 40902 J. K. Skrzypowski Bk. 36838 owners' game, and being first to Coast. Prior to the strike, we Out here on the West Coast we R. W. George Book 36330 G. G. Smith Pro. Bk. 46397 sign an agreement during the saw the CMU propaganda ma­ find the Engineers and Mates F. A. Garcia Retiring Card J. L. Smith Pro. Bk. 45164 chine at work daily on the Em- battling it out with the shipown­ Joshua V. Gibbs T.C. A11369 L. E. Smith •.... T. C. 12827 barcadero. ers—a complete split in organi­ W. Gibson Pro. Book 36265 D. Smith zation. The workers were being as­ T. R. Glenn Permit P3 3904 L. Spitzer Book 32060 sured by the CMU speakers that Where is that CMU unity now? T. O. Ginn Book 32790 J. Staniec SUP Bk. 6237 at last there was unity in the As "has happened to evei-y other J. J. Goodin Book 29766 D. Stickerod The Pan Atlantic Steam­ Book 33240 maritime field, that the East and maritime move the commies have R. M. Godwin Book 36385 Ed. Sturgis ship Company is ready to Book 28888 West Coast maritime workers had their fingers in, so goes this pay retroactive wages and L, W, Gray Book 23218 T. J. Stone Book 45179 had at last joined hands and were move. Rule or ruin is their pol­ H. C. Gulliksen Book 25721 J. P. Thrasher overtime on the following Ret. Card out to fight the shipowner. Sink icy, Brothers. W. C. Griffin Book 6693 L. Tottentor ships: Pro. Bk. 49459 or swim, there would be no East W. E. Hayes Pro. Book 46610 J. Tuteviler Pro. Bk. 42274 Keep the SIU as it is, a good SS ANTINOUS and W»st Coast agreement. H. E. Hacker , Book 27765 H. Vincent Pro. Bk. 39741 clean Union for the membership. SS TOPA TOPA In short, there would be an Don't give these rats a chance P. Heon Book 36554 E. Vlahos Book 23679 SS DE SOTO agreement to cover the both to rip it apart by sneaking and J. F. Hill Book 39022 R. D. Vick Book 6151 SS IBERVILLE coasts. That is the way the com­ boring from within. T. E. Hyatt Book 44025 J. R. Voliva Book 28345 Crew' members due retro­ munist party works. Build the H. W. Hunt Book 31998 R. J. Watts Pro. Bk. 100235 active wages and overtime T. F. M. workers up for a big let-down. W. G. Hughes Retiring Card E. E. Walker Pro. Bk. 44994 can collect same at the Pan Create dissension to gain their J. Ireland Trip Card A9338 R. B. Ward Book 26342 Atlantic Steamship Com(the CP's) own selfish motives. J. Jackson Book 33124 G. B. Warren Book 39696 pemy's office. 352 Govern­ S. C. James Retiring Card C. E. Waters Book 45168 How do things stand with the ment Street, Mobile, Ala. B. C. Jumper .... Pro. Book 1002714 J. Wells ... Book 6843 Gear for Leroy McK. Titus, strike today? Well, the com­ E. Johnson Pro. Book 41658 O. E. Weekly Book 36061 munist party has succeeded in Deck Engineer; Howard M. Kem­ D. Johnson Pro. Book 45601 H. C. White Pro. Bk. 49575 creating dissension again. Once Book 6607 W. Wills per, and James T. Nolan, Bosun, A. Johnson Book 33077 W. M. Whitbee Pro. Bk. 36586 again the West Coast Engineers Book 6001 T. A. Williams W. E. Jones Retiring Card S. H. Williamson Book 39704 are condemning the East Coast left aboard the Benjamin Fisher, Book 33300 A. Wroton W. L. Kenley Pro. Book 48394 H. A. Williamson Book 39532 Engineers for leaving them to can be picked up at the Mobile Book 3520 N. E. Wroton Pro. Bk. 100205 hold the sack. H. E. Kelly Book 43802 S. J. Wright Pro. Bk. 41667 W. L. Zeeb Hall, 7 St. Michael Street, Mobile, E. L. Knowles ! Book 27523 J. D. Wise When the communist-domin­ Alabama. Pro. Bk. 45304 F. A. Yarborough ........ Bk. 37999 MONEY DUE Commiesf Are Still Up To Their Old Game Of Splitting Labor For Their Political Ends NOTICE! NOTICE! / -'i| �•• • • Official Baiiot For Election Of 1947 Officers Seafarer's International Union of North Amerira ATLANTIC A GULF DISTRICT 1846 ELECTION OF OFnCEHS FOR 1947 VOTING PERIOD NOVEMBER Jst THROUGH DECEMBER 31. 1946 INSTRUCTIONS TO VOTERS — In order to Tote for a candidate, mark a croes (X) in voting squoro to the left of name. If you vote for more candidates for office than specified herein your vote for such office vrill be invalid. YOU MAY WHITE THE NAME OF ANY MEMBER WHOSE NAME DOES NOT APPEAR ON THE BALLOT IN THE BLANK SPACE PROVIDED FOR THAT PURPOSE UNDER EACH OFHCE. Do not use a lead pencil in marldng the boUoL Ballots marked with lead pencQ will not be counted. MARK YOUR BALLOT WITH PEN AND INK OB DimiBLE PENCO. SECRETARY-TREASURER Voto for Ono • JOHN HAWK, No. 2212 ASSISTANT SECRETARY-TREASURER u Vote for Ono n E. S. (EDDIE) HIGDON, No. 182 • JAS. TRUESDALE, No. 3517 WM. McKAY, No. 8 r~| JAS. (BLACKIE) CARROLL, No. 14 • ROBERT JORDAN, No. 71 WM. RENTZ, No. 26445 L. F. (WHITEY) LEWIS, No. 2029 Vole for One U STANLEY R. GREENPJDGE, No. 1863 n JEFFERSON MORRISON, No. 34213 I WILLIE C. (BILL) THOMAS, No. 12 REX E. DICKEY, No. 652 • • E. (ONE-EYED PEI'E) DiPIETRO No. 35 • • Vole lor Two NEW ORLEANS ENGINE PAIROIMAN Vota for Onn JOHN (HOGGIE) HATGIMISIOS, No. 23434 i fl NORFOLK AGENT JOE ALGINA, No. 1320 PORT ARTHUR AGENT Vote lor One LEON (BLONDIE) JOHNSON, No. 108 S^ JUAN AGENT ' Vote lor One DANIEL BUTTS, No. 190 SALVADOR COLLS, No. 21085 JOSEPH WAGNER. No. 153 a SAN ERANCTSCO AGENT Voto lor Ono I • W. H. SIMMONS, No. 215 LOUIS (BLACKIE) NEIRA, No. 26393 C. J. (BUCK) STEPHENS, No. 7« 'FOREWORD E. (SKIPPY) GUS7CZYNSKY, No. 3100 JAMES SHEEHAN, No. 306 • • NORFOLK JOINT PATROIMAN J. H. VOLPIAN, No. 56 n NEW ORLEANS DECK PATROLMAN Vote lor One RAY WHITE, No. 57 B Vote lor Two JAMES PURCELL, No. 27124 PETER GAVILLO, No. 21001 Vote lor One BEN REES, No. 95 B • • • • CHARLESTON AGENT Vote lor Two R.AMON E. GONZALES, No. 174 HOWARD GUINIER, No. 478 • • EARL (SNUFFY) SMITH, No. 20057 ERNEST B. TILLEY, No. 75 • • SAVANNAH AGENT B NEW YORK JOINT PATROLMAN Vote lor Two ROBERT (RED) BUNCE, No. 7165 • • • JOE UDILJAK, No. 7163 ' WM. J. BRANTLEY, No. Ill I I R. W. BIRMINGHAM, No. 390 CHARLES E. TURNER, No. 13 JAS. L. TUCKER, No. 2209 HOUSTON PATROLMAN Vol* lor Ono BRIGHTWEIX, No. 7279 JACKSONVn.T.K AGENT n CHARLES (COTTON) HAYMOND, No. 98 CHARLES STARLING. No. 6920 fl JIM DRAWDY, No. 28523 LOUIS GOFFIN, No. 4526 FRANK (SULLY) SULLIVAN, N<v 2 HOUSTON AGENT Vote tor One Vote lor One CHAS. L. STEVENS, No. 7036 CHARLES KIMBALL, No. 32 B WILLIAM HAMILTON, No. 3400 Vote ior One • G. (TEX) SUIT, No. 4931 HESOLirnON WHEREAS: The present rate of $2.00 per we^ Hospital Benefits is the lowest amount now being paid by cmy Union of unlicensed personneL and WHEREAS: Iniiated prices now make it virtu­ ally impossible for patients in Marine Hos­ pitals to purchase necessary hospital sup­ plies for $2.00 per week, ond JOHNNY JOHNSTON, No. 33 NEW ORLEANS STEWARD PATROLMAN Vote lor One Voto lor Ono NEW YORK STCWARD PATROIMAN C. E. GIBBS, No. 2341 ^ At a regular business meeting held in New York on October 9. 1946 the following resolu­ tion was submitted to tho membership for action up and down tho coast icmd it was passed that this resolution should appear on the next referendum ballots to be voted on at the some time as the voting on elections of officials. Vole for One NEW YORK ENGINE PATROLMAN B RAY W. SWEENEY, No. 20 STEELY WHITE, No. 54 BALTIMORE STEWARD PATROLMAN Vote lor One NEW YORK DECK PATROLMAN LLOYD W. MicDONNELL, No. i43 B NEW ORLEANS'AGENT Veto lor One G. (CURLY) MASTERSON, No. 20297 B PAUL HALL, No. 190 m • • • • • • • • Vole lor One JAMES E. SWEENEY, No. 1530 JAS. J. Devrro, No. 185 PAUL (HAYWIRE) WARREN, No. 114 BALTIMORE ENGINE PATROLMAN EDDIE A. PARR, No. 96 Vote lor One • • • • I ^ B 115 NEW YORK AGQiT • • • MOBILE JOINT PATROLMAN Voto lor Two BALTIMORE DECX! PATROLMAN STEPHEN CARR, No. 22217 B • • • CAL TANNER, No. 44 Vole lor One B Volo lor Ono Vote lor One LLfDIE (Lt.lKE) COLLINS, No. 3 BALTIMORE AGENT • • • • • GALVESTON PATROLMAN JOHN W. PRESCOTT, No. 114 • THOMAS (ROCKY) BENSON, No. 7297 BOSTON jomr PATROLMAN • I CHART F.S H. BUSH, No. 127 B JOHN MOG.AN, No. 216 CLAUDE (SONNY) SIMMONS. No. 348 MOBILE ACXNT Veto lor Ono Vote lor One Vote lor One THEO.(RED GRIFF) GRIFFITHS. • PHILADELPHIA PATROLMAN J. P. SHULER, No. 101 BOSTON AGENT • • • • • TAMPA AGENT Volo lor Ono B • • • PHILADELPHIA AGOTT Veto lot Ono WHEREAS: The income of the HospitoL Burial and Shipwreck Fund far exceeds the ex­ penses. and WHEREAS: This fund now stands at around $90,000. and WHEREAS: A small increase in the omount of Hospital Benefits would not reduce the pnndpsi mnount now in the fond.- end WHEREAS: Many unorganized seamen are in Marine Hospitals and opposing Unions seize upon tlus situation to inlluence these men; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That we oitieiid Article 25. Sectioir 1. of the Con­ stitution to increase the present Hospital Benefits of $2100 per week to $3.00 per week, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That this amend­ ment be placed on the official ballot of the Annual Electiona. and BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED: That we begin payments of $3.fM) per week upon passage of this Resolution. JAMES H. MANNERS, No. 256 B Keep this page with you, so that you can study the candidates and make your ARE YOU IN FAVOR OF ABOVE RESOLUTION GALVESTON AGENT Vole lor Ono D, L, PARKER, No. 140 selections before you go to cast your vote. It is important that every member votes YES • NO • —^but more important that you vote after; you have made an unhurried choice. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource November 8, 1946 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. VIII, No. 45 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Description An account of the resource Headline: SHIPPING SLOW BUT PICK UP IS EXPECTED ALL BRANCHES BEGIN VOTING, SHOW TURNOUT TANKERMEN COME TO SIU TO ESCAPE NMU-OPERATOR "REPRESENTATION" WSA DUE FOR AN INVESTIGATION BY NEW CONGRESS WATERMAN SS CORP., MISSISSIPPI AGREE TO SIU CONTRACT IT'S YOUR UNION MARINE HOSPITAL RED TAPE LEAVES SEAMAN MINUS FOOT AFL CONVENTION VOTES TO RAISE PER CAPITA TAX IF YOU CANNOT EAT, AT LEAST YOU WILL SURE SMELL SWEET BY-PASS PHILLY FOR TIME BEING IS LATEST WORD FROM THE PORT CONCLUSION OF THE MM&P STRIKE BRINGS GOOD SHOPPING TO MOBILE SHIPPING RESUMES WITH BANG IN N.O, ITF LED WORLD FIGHT FOR SEAMEN MASTERS ASKED TO DIFFER BETWEEN DESERTION AND FAILURE TO REPORT STRIKES DON'T STOP ORGANIZING; PORT CHICAGO GETS ITS CONTRACTS NEW ORLEANS MAYOR CALLS OUT NAVY "VOLUNTEERS" TO BREAK STRIKE OF CITY GARBAGE COLLECTORS AFL CONVENTION REPORT PULLS NO PUNCHES IN HITTING THE WSB SO COME DOWN TO MARCUS HOOK--THERE IS NEVER A DULL MOMENT BOTH PARTIES MUST LIVE UP TO CONTRACT TERMS VOTING FOR UNION OFFICIALS AND STATE POLITICOS OCCUPY BOSTON SEAFARERS; SHIPPING NEARS NORMAL MORE ABOUT SEAGOING CHARACTERS BY A MAN WHO KNOWS THEM ALL JOLIET CREW SUGGEST SPOTS FOR LOG PICK-UP MESSAGE TOSSED OVERBOARD IS FOUND ON FRENCH COAST BOOTS, BOOTS -- THERE'S NONE ON THE OUACHITA VICTORY BLACK GANG HAILS PLATTSBURG GALLEY CREW N.Y. CLARIFIES RULES ON UNEMPLOYED PAY OLD ROPEYARN CHARLIE TIES UP ONCE MORE AGAIN IN SNUG HARBOR COMMIE ATTEMPT TO CAPTURE N.O. PORT IS EXPECTED Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 11/08/1946 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1946 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/0aef7b3773a715a09f31530e888f1976.PDF 846de1419b9e2263fcd79b907be74818 PDF Text Text >r-T._^• •-- •;-,,-.>-.*tt'v-i'' - V; -'a"^''Tv'-*- ' •••r '^^1. '' '- >• iS OffUial Organ of the Atlantic and Gulf District, Seafarers International Union of North America Vol. VIII. NEW YORK. N. Y., FRIDAY. NOVEMBER 15. 1946 N. O. BALLOTING COMMITTEE No. 46 NMU Delays EleGtion In Cities Service As Tankermen Faver SIU By EARL SHEPPARD Once again the National Maritime Union, CIO, is playing the company stooge role by trying to delay an NLRB election aboard Cities Service tankers. In this instance, shortly after the Seafarers petitioned the National Labor Relations Board for an electioh to S determine which union, if any, shall bargain for Cities Service tankermen, the NMU filed timedelaying charges of unfair labor practices against the Cities Ser­ vice Company. We in the Seafarers don't give a damn about what the NMU does, as long as it doesn't affact either our membership or our or­ The special privileges enjoyed ganizational plans. But here's a m China by American nationals case where the SIU is demanding and nationals of other countries an election so that Cities Service are now a thing of the past. Due to the principle of extra-territor- seamen can have the union rep­ ality, if an American was arrest­ resentation which they have so ed and charged with a crime-, he badly needed for such a long would be taken to the American time. What happens? Instead of let­ Consul to be dealt with by him. ting the election proceed, the All this is now changed. All NMU presses charges against the nationals, of whatever country, company to prevent the holding are now subject to Chinese laws of an election. and courts when in that country. Why is the NMU afraid to have Offenders are being dealt with in an election among Cities Service Chinese courts and in the process tankermen at this time? Are they of cleaning up the black mai'ket afraid that the Seafarers has a which rages in Shanghai, the majority of the seamen in this penalties have been very severe. fleet already organized? Or has As the situation now stands, someone received a piece-off to every United States merchant stall off the election while they seaman who comes into any Chi­ try to fix up another phony NMU nese port is warned that he is tanker-form open shop contract? subject to Chinese law while COMPANY UNION ashore, and that offenses will You can expect to have outfits result in prosecution. like Cities Service, Esso, Isth­ Seamen and others must there­ mian, and numerous others fight fore be on their guard, for if to the limit to prevent SIU Union found guilty and sent to jail they representation for their em­ will find that Chinese jails are ployees. But when an outfit like far worse then the worst Ameri­ the NMU, which is supposedly can penal institutions. a bonafide union, injects phony issues into the picture, that only NOT LIKE HOME From authorative soui'ces in confirms our previous statements China a report has been received that they are playing the com­ pany stooge role again. Their ac­ which bears this out. tions smell strongly like those of "Keeping in mind the lowest any company union. prison standards in America," the Today, despite any NMU re­ report says, "it is fair to say that ports to the contrary, the Cities jail conditions in China are worse Service fleet is completely un­ than America's worst. The jail organized. I visited is a series of 9x6 cells, Early in the war the NMU filthy and badly ventilated, each signed their tanker form open accomodating approximately five shop contract with Cities Service. occupants. Since that time. Cities Service "The diet consists of dry bread seamen have had no union repre­ and watery soup. The conditions sentation on their beefs.-have are unsanitary, consistent with open shop hiring, and working • the absence of any sanitary stan­ and living conditions aboard dards in China. their ships which are as bad as "Those who have actuually had those on any unorganized vessel. After having seen the condi- ; the experience of eating the tions, wages, and many other food v.ill tell you that it is so un(Continued on V*ge i) (Continued on Page 4) U.9. Seamen ft MBM M M Are Now Subject To Chinese Laws In every port Balloting Cumniitlees are elected by the membership. These committees will serve until the last votes are counted in the election of officers for the 1947. This is the New Orleans Committee. Left to right. Henry Gerdes, Walter Newberg. Ralph Tindell. Louis Fuselier. and John Bragg. Seafarer Seen Finds Out Why Tankermen Need SlU By PETER DAVIES Feeding Gees On Feeding still continues in the New York Hall of the Seafarers International Un­ ion. Although the strike of the MM&P has been settled on the East and Gulf Coasts, nevertheless the West Coast still has not signed and that means that there are 1500 Sailors Union of the Pacific Brothers still on the beach in this port. Add to this a few hundred MM&P members, and the problem becomes one that can best be handled by allowing these two groups to use the facilities of the SIU Strike Kitchen. The expense for continuing our kitchen in operation will be defrayed by the SUP and the MM&P when they have returned to work. This Cities Service tanker I'm shave. In the Deck Department on is a good example why tanker- washroom there is only one tap men need the SIU to aid them in that works on each of the basins their fight for better conditions provided. None of the foc'sles aboard their ships. has a washstand, but the Deck This ship is a riveted job built Department is privileged, for the during the last war, and I sus­ other departments have only one pect that half of the rivets are toilet and one washstand apiece missing. The wooden decks are FOR THE BIRDS so sodden with moisture that they The stuff called grub is strictly continually drip through to the for the birds. We bought a lot o decks below. good stuff aboard, but we never Just to give you a clear picture see it. of conditions aboard I'll start We did get ice cream for des­ with the foc'sle and work up sert this Sunday; but then, of from there.^ course, the Officers got pie a la Two watches and the two deck mode. The Officers get orange maintenance men are crowded in­ juice every morning; we get water to one foc'sle. Each man has one with a tinge of juice every three small broken locker, and until days or so. ten days after I joined the ship we They were only sitting two had no fan for the foc'sle—and as small tables for the crew at first, the ship's side is all that is be­ but I got ahold of the Steward tween the outboard bunks and and this has been changed. The the sea and sky, the plating be­ food is thrown at the crew on comes a frying pan from the gulf NEW YORK—The net earnings greasy tables and the coffee pot stream sun, and like a refrigera­ of 350 industrial corporations for i.s empty more often than full. tor when we are in the North the third quarter "this year jump­ The second day in port, when Atlantic. ed 70 per cent over the figures we were supposed to pay off, for the same period in 1945, the DIRTY LINEN three NMU shore Patrolmen National City Bank of New York There are only half as many came down to the ship. They reported here last week. cots aboard as men, and the linen claimed that they had a contract The cancellation of excess prof­ is dirty and stained. It is not with Cities Service, and they its taxes was one reason for the changed weekly, but at the will were aboard to take care of any arge increase, coupled with "un­ ^d whim of the Utility Man. beefs. precedented peacetime sales vol­ Also soap is something that I They asked the fellows as they umes, higher prices and the lull haven't seen given out since I ate whether they had any beefs, in industrial disputes," the re­ have been aboard. and so I tore into them when | port said. Taxes which took 59 year In addition to this we have to they asked if we were getting tb.e per cent of net earnings now claim only 35 per cent. heat our own water to wash or (Omtk^md on Pogt 4) Times May Be Tengh But 360 Firms Gained 70 Percent In Profits :^.tftj �THE SEA-FA Page Two .LOG Friday, November 15, ^1946 SEAFARERS LOG Published Weekly by the SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Gulf District Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor At 51 Beaver Street, New York, 4, N. Y. HAnover 2-2784 » » » » HARRY LUNDEBERG ------- President 105 Market Street, San Francisco, Calif. JOHN HAWK - Secy-Treas. p. O. Boi 25, Staticin PM New York City Entered as second class matter June 15, 1945, at the Post Office in New York, N, Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912. 267 The Job To Be Done The past hundred years have seen great strides made by the merchant seamen. From virtual slavery, combined .with low wages and very poor working and living condi­ tions, now American seamen have advanced to where their standards are the highest in the world. None of these changes came about through the good nature of the shipowners. Every time the seamen took one step forward, they had to fight a combination that con­ sisted of the shipowners, the Government, and all other groups that wanted to hold down the w^orkers. And now, today, with most of the deep sea mariners already organized, and with great strides being made in the tanker field and along the Great Lakes, the job still is a long way from being finished. A halt to organization now might prove the death knell to all that seamen have gained through years of struggle and unity. it I As long as one deep sea sailor, one tankerman, one Lakes seaman, or one inland waterways worker remains unorganized, the whole structure of waterfront unionism is not safe. Unorganized seamen are the weak link in the .. strong chain that has bettered the. lot of the workers in the .maritime industry. Hospital Patients When enlering Ihe hospital notify the delegate by jpostcard, ^giving your name and the number of your ward. The only way to eliminate the threat is to organize all unorganized seamen. And the only way to organize is to get out an,d do the job. Organization on a broad scale cannot be carried on by the handful of paid organizers who are primarily employed to direct the various parts of the campaign. The best •organizers are the volunteers who sail on unorganized . ships so as to pass the word. They are the men who carry .with them the truth about unions, and how membership in a union is the first step towards higher pay, better • conditions, and decent treatment. The volunteer organizers of the Seafarers Internartional Union have always done an outstanding job. Under the direction of the Director of Organization and his as­ sistants, they have shipped out on rotten tubs, old rustf'buckets, and with wages far lower than they could have .,a*eceived on SlU-contracted ships. Their efforts have been uniformly successful—wit­ ness the way Isthmian seamen flocked to the Seafarers as .• soon as the drive to organize this line began. There are close to 200 companies contracted to the SIU, and most of -these companies were brought into the fold by the work • of volunteers. Right now the pressure is on tanker companies where ..uiiorganized seamen are working for coolie wages and with '-conditions that are a throwback to the years before the SIU. These men want representation by the Seafarers. Wherever and whenever they have been approached, they have quick­ ly signed pledge cards and have started to act like militant •iXJnion men. Staten Island Hospital ^ ^ . MI M • U • MCll NOW III TIlB MBrtflC HOSPltSlS These are the Union Brothers currently in the marine hospitals, as reported by the Port Agents. These Brothers find itme hanging heavily on their hands. Do what you can to cheer them up by writ­ ing to them. STATEN ISLAND HOSPITAL C. G. SMITH P. DEODY T. WADSWORTH E. F. SPEAR A. JANIVARIS S. G. LOPEZ A. GOLDSMIT R. G. MOSSELLER C. W. SMITH J. H. HARE W. G. H. BAUSE W. B. MUIR L. A. CORNWALL J. A. FHEDENSKY M. A. DODGE ' L. L. MOODY H. BELCHER C. M. LARSEN C. L. JACQUES F. MURPHY L. KAY R. J. BLAKE J. B. PORTER J. H. DANIEL S. INTEGRA V. RODRIGUEZ This must not stop. There are still many seamen who ,;avant the benefits of SIU representation. They must not t % % vbe denied the rights which organized seamen enjoy, and the way to tell them the score is by continuing the good BALTIMORE HOSPITAL work—both by volunters and paid organizers. j KARL LARSON . LEONARD MARSH RALPH FREY PETER LOPEZ MAX FINGERHUT WAYNE TROLLE ROBERT PROTHERO CHARLES DUNN CEDRIC FRANCIS MOSES MORRIS LENWOOD PHILLIPS JULIUS TAYI.OR DONALD DENNIS HARRY SIMMONS LEON CURRY S, % % NEW ORLEANS HOSPITAL NORMAN PALLME E. WESTPHAL • LEONARD MELANSON L. H. HARRIS CHARLES TILLER J. W. DENNIS R. M. NOLAN M. W. LOMBARD H. C. MERTSCH JOE BUSH H. G. DARNELL JAMES A. ATKINS ROBERT OGLETREE J. :?F. .BUCKLEY /JR. You can contact your Hos­ pital delegate at the Staten Island Hospital at the follow­ ing times: Tuesday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on Sth and 6th floors) Thursday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on 3rd and 4th floors.) Saturday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on 1st and 2nd floors.) EDDIE MAHL CENTRAL MASON EDWARD BROCE JR. JAMES CANARD W. QUARLES R. C. BETTERS MAX SEIDEL A. FERRARI HOMER HOFF KARL PETTERSSON EDWARD CUSTER ALEX JOKI DONALD BELL AUBERT BOUDREAUX "SCOTTY" ATKINS % X X NEPONSIT HOSPITAL H. BURKE J. S, COMPBELL B. BRYDER B. LUFLIN E. VON TESMAR G. F. MCCOMB E.FERRER R. BLAKE J. R. HENCHEY . J. FIGUEROA �Friday, November 15, 1946 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page ?hre« NMU Man Gets Lesson In Labor Democracy—The Communist Kind The Seafarers International Union, and the LOG. has always maintained that the membership of the National Maritime Union is basically sound, and that only the leadership is interested in following the changing patterns of the communist party line. We are even* more sure of this because of an interview we re­ cently had with Edward E. Berndt formerly NMU Book No. 108523. Berndt was framed and thrown out of the NMU because, as he puts it, "I'm-^a good trade uniuu man, but I don't go for that com­ mie stuff." Berndt joined the NMU in Aug­ ust, 1943, and really did his best to do a good trade union job. He accepted responsibilities, and was elected either Deck or Ship Dele­ gate on his last three trips. He also served as a Delegate on other previous trips. All this tim.e, however, he was building up a reputation as an anti-communist, and this finally reached the ears of the commies who have a stranglehold on the NMU. What happened after that may be a coincidence, but here is the story, and you are welcome U.S. Seamen Are Now Subject To Chinese Laws (Continued from Page 1) appetizing in appearance and in flavor that they are repulsed, and as a result most of them are un­ able to eat anything. "Probably the most dangerous of jail conditions is the prevailence of dreadful diseases, such as cholera, typhus, plague, scab­ ies, and other strange, undiag­ nosed diseases of the skin and gastro-intestinal tract. "Immunity of foreigner's to these prevailing diseases is not partial. Health is further threat­ ened by generally lowered body resistance due to sub-subsistence diet." KEEP CLEAN And according toi court records, there have been ten American seamen jailed in the past few months. As before, the legal problems of American nationals arrested and jailed in foreign ports will remain the same. American Con­ sular officials are obligated to visit the jail, offer assistance in providing defense counsel, and to appear at the trial as interested representatives of the govern­ ment of the United States. Chinese ports now present a hazard which has not been pres­ ent in the past. The best way to avoid tangling with the law, and finding out about the jail con­ ditions first-hand, is to stay out of trouble when ashore in any Chinese port. with the stooge on the floor, beat­ en and bloody. Ed Berndt was arrested for this, i and charged with aggravated bat­ tery. At the trial, the NMU did not send him representation, and only the SIU took enough interest in him to send a lawyer. When Ed came out of jail on August 31, he headed right for the New Orleans NMU Hall. Here he got a cold reception, and the bad news that he had been thrown out of the union. Berndt had received no notifi­ cation, had not been given a copy of the charges, and now was told that . he had no appeal. The charge was "fighting with a dan­ gerous weapon aboard ship" and members of the crew told Ed personally that they had not EDWARD E. BERNDT wanted to press charges, but that one of the New Orleans Patrol­ to draw your own conclusion. When the Eugene Lykes left men had told them that if they for the Far East, Berndt was did not bring him up on charges. elected Deck Delegate, but from the first day he had ti'ouble—not with the officers, but with an­ other crew member who contin­ ually heckled him and tried to show him up. Berndt controlled himself, but it became obvious that this dis­ rupter had been assigned to the Eugene Lykes only to do a job on Berndt. Other members of the crew noticed this, and to a man they sided with Berndt and against the Patrolman would press the commie stooge. The situation finally came to a charges against the whole crew Berndt was warned about what head in the port of Shanghai. Here Berndt.made arrangements might happen when his story was with the Bosun to take three published. He was told about days off without the permission Henry Boslooper, a former NMU of the Mate. Although this was Patrolman, who was thrown out not "strictly legal, nevertheless, it of the NMU for questioning the commies. Boslooper was set upon is done. a few times by NMU goons, the While Berndt was away, the stooge went to the Mate and re­ last time in Boston a few months ported what had happened, and ago, and each time he was almost when Berndt came back, he was killed. met by a welcoming committee. Berndt said to this, "I'll have to "The Mate was pretty nice take my chances. If I can wake about it," said Ed. "He realized up some of the members of the that this guy was doing a job on NMU to what is going on in the me, but he had to do his duty. He Union, then I'm willing to risk a went light though, and only log­ beating." That's why we think that the ged me three days pay." membership of the NMU is sin­ SILENT TREATMENT From that time on the crew cere, but that the leadership is had nothing to do \^ith the stool- dominated by the communists pigeon. Berfidt was also prevail­ party line. Berndt now has an SIU triped upon to do nothing, although he vowed that he would square card, and he is happy to be sail­ matters as soon as the ship came ing in a Union where trade union principles never have to take a back to the States. Finally the ship docked in New back seat to the political manOrleans, and Berndt went for the euverings of the communist frac­ squealer to have it out with him. tion in the American labor move­ It was a rousing fight, and ended ment. DOING HIS DUTY By PAUL HALL Some of the political bigwigs of the Republican Party didn't lose a hell of a lot of time after the past election to come out with their threats against organized labor. Joseph Ball, so-called liberal Senator from Minnesota, has said several times that the immediate objective of the Republican Party will be to pass a law forbidding closed shops. This, in simple language, means that if the bill is passed, the Union Hiring Hall would no longer exist and seamen would be forced to go to the company offices to beg and plead for a job, just as they did many years before the unions developed to the point that they have. Ball is not just talking to hear himself, either. From all indica­ tion, he and the Republican Party certainly intend to take such anti-labor action as the outlawing of the closed shop. When this happens, organized labor will be put squarely up against the greatest problem it has ever faced. Then we will have to decide to what extent organized labor will go to stop such legislation. There is no doubt about it, but we Union Seamen cannot afford to see such a thing happen, because it means the ultimate crushing of the Union. Therefore, our only course to combat such a move would be simple—the use of eco­ nomic action—a strike. Seamen, more than anyone else, realize the value and necessity of Union Hiring Halls because of the many years we spent poimding on the shipowners' doors or making jobs off the pierhead. No Back Sliding Those were damn tough days and the~ shipowner took advan­ tage of them, playing one man against the other, and reducing wages until they got as low as $25.00 and $30.00 a month for ABs. This was under the so-called open shop type of hiring. This is what Senator Ball and his Republican cohorts would like to see once again. The answer for us is simple. When that day comes, we will fight it with every ounce of strength we are able to muster. Whether or not other unions, particularly shoreside unions, agree we cannot say. The average shoreside imion doesn't operate the same as the average Seamen's Union, such as rotary hiring, etc. Nevertheless, if all Unions were to hold our opinion—that is the use of economic action to prevent such legislation—then there would be a definite hope of stopping such action on the part of the new set of reactionary fakers now going into Washington. It is a serious question even at its best, and we must begin to prepare for the answer to this problem, in the event we are put to the test. We should make known to each imion worker, re­ gardless of what union he is in or whether he is a shoreside worker, or a maritime worker, the facts of what will happen once such a law is created. Commie Fakerism Speaking of one type of political faker, the Republicans, brings to mind another type of political faker even more determined to the cause of labor than the Republican. That, hard as it is to believe, is the Communist Party. It is to the previous actions of this particular group that many of the present day troubles of organized labor can be attributed. These fellows blow hot one day to cold the next. They are the super militants of today calling for the world revolution—all be­ cause that's Joe Stalin's immediate line, and tomorrow they switch completely over to the bosses' side and even go so far as Bridges did during 'the "win the war at any price" phase, to calling for a no strike clause in wartime and peacetime. Next came the so-called education school in the NMU, teaching "reading, writing, and no striking." They have went to such ridiculous extremes as putting a picket line around a ship for political reasons, such as boycotting a ship to Franco and then allow some of their own ships to sail under scab­ bier conditions than even any unorganized ships has ever sailed under. These are the antics that have confused so many seasen com­ ing under any particular union's banner in which they have control. Confusion Experts This member of Ihe Seafarers is doing hb Union dufy by voting. Have you voted yet? . . This has resulted in confusion not only to the men involved but to the whole organized workers group in the country. Because of this political fakerism displayed by the Communist Party—^which makes militants today and 100 per cent scabs tomorrow, all organized labor in the maritime industry has suffered. This political question must be answered on the waterfront by the removal of the Com­ munist Party from any position or power that they may have in martime. " The truth must be told about these people on all the piers and the ships—that they are not "good vmion men" as they would like the average working stiff to believe, but on the other hand are the worst type of fink in the world—political finks following a finky political line. The Union is now in the middle of its annual balloting for the election of officers. This year's ballot is heavier than any one of the past several" years, eyen after several men who had submitted (Conihtued on Page 4) �' IfR:?"* FrtdaiTr Noras^iw IS. 184S THE SE AW AStEUS LOG Pas« Four Soon Why Tankemion Mood Seafarers QUESTION:—VfXudLi help did you get from oldtimers when you first started as a seaman? DUFFIN MITCHUM—AB; I first shipp^ in 1943, on the Golden Fleece, Bull Lines. The Bosun was 3 real oldtimpr and he showed me how to splice, how to handle myself, and how to get along with the other men. He was a great help to me, and I don't think I will ever forget the help he gave me when I recdly needed it. Other old salts took time to teach me the names for^ various objects on board the ship, and they took me ashore with them in foreign ports to make sure that I would not be cheated. Nobody tried any gags; everyone seemed interested in making me into a good seaman. (Continued from Page i) new tanker agreement. We weren't, so they read their phony agreement to us at breakneck speed. • PHONY AGREEMENT I asked them why they had never acted on the contract gain­ ed five years ago, and why they continued to break down their agreement. Here they were, all of a sudden, representing the fel­ lows and they didn't even have the agreement aboard with them. It was interesting to note that there were several NMU mem­ bers aboard but not one of them wanted an NMU patrolman to represent him on a beef. The sea­ men told me that the Patrolmen never do anything when they pre­ sent them with a legitimate beef, so what's the use. They told me that on the last trip there was no Bosun or Deck Maintenance, so the Mate col­ lected all the 90 hours overtime for himself. As there were no takers the NMU Patrolmen left without representing a. single man. and as we made Isthmian seamen welcome, we must make the un­ organized, tankermen likewise welcome. The seamen aboai'd these ships are not rummies or a different breed of men. They will make fine Union brothers, and at pres­ ent are just victims of circum­ stances. The seamen on tankers need our Union. Let's work 100 per­ cent with them and break the p e n n y-pinching, hamstringing companies' grip on these seamen. Tankermen everywhere want the SIU. It is our job to go aboard these unorganized tankers and give it to them. NMU DelaysTanker Election When Men Favor Seafarers can Merchant Marine Staff Of­ (Continued from Page 1) gains which the SIU has won for ficers Association (Pursers); Sea­ its members. Cities Service tank­ farers International Union; and ermen have been fiocking into the International Brotherhood our halls in increasing numbers. of Teamsters on an area basis, These men are tired of being the Maritime Trades Department unorganized and putting up with can go into any beef with the the lousy open shop conditions assurance that when they do that of the Cities Service fleet. That's they can tie up the entire water­ why the Seafarers International front until their beef is won. Union is the Union of their Powerful as it is, the AFL choice. That's why they want an Maritime Trades Department has election immediately so that they the solid backing and support of can have SIU conditions and the entire American Federation representation. of Labor behind it. This means SIU RECORD LOOKED SILLY that when you are a member of Among the many comments by the SIU not only do you have The Patrolmen managed to EMMANUEL LOID—MM: Cities Service tankermen when the backing of the AFL Maritime make themselves look like fools they comfe into SIU halls to talk Trades Department, but that Now I am a Messman, but I when they argued that the NMU over their problems and beefs, 7,150,000 AFL members are solid­ started as a Fireman on British was delaying the Isthmian count ships. One oldtimer showed me for the sake of the two crews they highly praise the record of ly behind you in your beefs. That's another strong reason why the ropes, and taught me how to that had not voted, and on the the SIU in the past years. Tankermen are all interested Cities Service tankermen are fire in such a way that I wouldn't other hand they were telling in the beefs which have been turning to the SIU for represen­ get hurt, and would be able to do these men that they are going to won by the SIU-SUP, especially tation. the job without too much strain. make a new strong agreement Within two weeks I was firing by Not only does the AFL have with Cities Service, including the through the cooperation of the myself, and ready to leach some hiring clause without allowing an AFL Maritime Trades Depart­ 7,150,000 dues paying members other green fellow. When I join­ election to be held on the ships. ment. They are well aware that as reported at the recent con­ the SIU alone was responsible ed the SIU, I became a Messman. This looked so hypocritical to for the raising of all seamen's vention field in dhicago, but It seems that I picked up the the crew that they laughed in the wages to the same high level as daily new thousands are being tricks pretty easy because I am added as a result of the AFL's faces of the Patrolmen. that of SIU members. always eager to learn to do things successful attempts to organize Several of the oldtimers aboard The Seafarers clearly demon­ the South. '. the right way. I alvrays take good who were in the '36 strike have strated to the tankermen as well advice. This is in direct contrast lb the thrown their NMU books in, and as to all other maritime worker's, CIO which is torn wide open as are disgusted with that phony organized and unorganized^ that a result of- the internal battles gooutfit. One MFOWW man I a real militant, democratically; ing on in that organization be­ spoke to is likewise all for an run union like the SIU can win tween the commies and the antielection, and for the SIU as the any beef from the operators or VIBERT BLENMAN—MM: commies. In fact, thousands of bargaining agent. government bureaus. Furniture Workers and others We proved to the world, by I had worked in hotels before These fellows are really burned have renounced their CIO affili­ 1 started going to sea four years up at the NMU. They have seen putting on the greatest show of ation to affiliate with non-com­ ago, and so I thought I knew how the NMU has completely strength ever seen in the mari­ munist AFL Unions. everything that had to be known double-crossed them after win­ time industry during our strike WHAT YOU GET about the job. But it was slight­ ning an election five years ago, in September and during the You as a member of the SIU ly different and I sure welcomed and since then not doing a thing strike of our affiliates, that the are entitled to the best wages, SIU is the outstanding Union in overtime pay, working and liv­ the helping hand that the old- for the tanker men. timers gave me. The crew knew The next day, after the NMU the maritime world. ing conditions, union representa­ Backed by the strength and tion and contracts in the indus­ that I was a green man and so men had been aboard, I got four they took it easy on me. The SIU men to come aboard and ex­ numbers of the AFL Maritime try . In addition, the support and work didn't come hard to me, and plain the phony claims of the Trades Department, the Seafar­ backing of the AFL Maritime I picked it up fast. I guess I ad­ NMU. Afterwards one fellow ers International Union today is Trades Department and the en­ justed myself to the job as fast came up to me and said he want­ the most potent force on the tire AFL organization, makes it as anyone. If it hadn't been for' ed the SIU because he liked the waterfront. With the Masters, certain that you can win any beef the oldtimers, though, it would way the SIU Patrolmen had said Mates, and Pilots; International against the shipowners because have taken longer. that any seaman was welcome at Longshoremen's Association; Ra­ you have the strength to beat dio Officers Union (CTU); Sail­ him at his own game. the SIU Halls. This, I think, is very important! ors Union of the Pacific; Ameri- These are the reasons why Cit­ ies Service tankermen are going SIU in^a big way. And these arfe the reasons why the SIU will DAVID PESSIN—Oiler: win any bargaining . election (Continued from Page 3) The best help I ever got from within the Cities Service fleet, iISscredentials for office were disqualified on constitutional grounds by the oldtimers was information just as we have won on the Isth­ the Committee on Credentials. The increased number of candidates about the Union and what it did mian ballot—a fact which will on the current ballot is a very good thing, inasmuch as it will allow for its members. Up until that be confirmed next week when the membership a wider choice in selecting their officials for the time I didn't know too much the NLRB begins to count the BiSife • coming 12 months. about unions, but they answered Isthmian votes. The year 1947 is going to be a very rugged one—more so than idl my questions. They also told liM-' the past few years have been. It is extremely advisable that all One other thing to remember. me how to get along on a ship; members keep this in- mind when marking their ballots. Whatever Not only are the Cities Service the most efficient way to do the officials the membership elects wUl find themselves confronted tankermen going SIU in a big job; and they also taught me how with a tough task in the 12 months ahead. It will be a year of con­ way; But many other tankermen tO' improve on the job. For a solidation for the Organization, and it will be a time for the drafting from the other unorganized com­ while I thought that I might have panies like Atlantic Refining, of a program to further enlarge the Union. trouble getting along with of­ Sun Oil, Esso, Socony, Texaco, It all adds up to this: Whoever is going to be at the wheel m ficers, but I took the advice of Sabine Towing are also SIUthe approaching 12 months should know what he is doing, and should the oldtimers, and I haven't bad minded. They want the best have the confidence of the membership behind him in order to do a any trouble. union in maritime, and that's the successful job. For this reason, members going to the booth to SIU. "Tto should bear these points in mind. Plfc. JSls • Clearing The Deck �Friday* November 15, 194S THJE SEAFARERS LOG Page Fie* Point For Organizing - Left'—The iocal point of the organixing drive pn the Great Lakes. The Detroit Hall oc­ cupies the entire second floor of the building and there are fetcilities for holding meetings, shipping, and carrying on the routine business of the port. Incideidally. the Masters, Males and Pilots and the ILA also occupy offices in the seune building. Right — Here's the correct way to talk over a beef. Herb Miller, Stewards Patrolman, lis­ tens to a gripe and gels ready to go into action to straighten it out. That is the Seafarers way, whether on the Atlantic, Pacific, or Gulf Coasts, or along the Great Lakes. llif: \ Port business in Detroit is carried on efficiently and quickly, just as it is in all other SIU ports. Records are checked, and dues payments entered by these two girls who compose the of­ fice staff. Besides doing their work well, they help to brighten up the office, and that's all to the good. This week the SIU Great Lakes District opened another new hall at 615 Summit St., Toledo, in order to better ser­ vice both Seafarers members and the unorganized men sail­ ing on the Great Lakes. Henry Chappell, shown above, has been placed in charge of this latest addition to the numerous SIU halls now dotting U.S. Ports. No need to go to a ginmill when you're in Detroit. The Uxiion Hall has a well equipped recreation room and you can relax here without worry or cost. Plenty of newspapers, including the Seafarers Log, and organizing literature for the asking. Unorganized seamen are also wel­ come. Besides playing cards, there are facilities for writing letters, listening to the radio, and just plain resting. What is even more important is that here you can meet the real Lakes oldtimers. The men above are relaxing by playing cards. Looks like a hot game, but they obey the rtraditional Seafarers rule of "No Gambling on the Premises." Works out fine, and everybody's happy. The SIU and the ILA work together in all ports. Here in Detroit they even share the same building. Left to right, Wil­ liam "Red" Rouse, Detroit JBusiness Agent of the ILA, and Fred Farnen, SIU Great Lakes Secretary-Treasurer, discuss matters pertaining to the two Unions. Detroit has a functioning AFL Maritime Trades Council, and as usual the SIU and ILA are in the- forefront of any organization that will raise wages and bet­ ter conditions in the maritime industry. These men are scanning the shipping board very closely, for it is here that ships are listed and the positions open on them. Seafarers along the Great Lakes like the democratic SIU method of rotary shipping, and they like the other points about the SIU that sets it apart from undemocratic, commiedominated unions. That's why they are for the Seafarers Inter­ ^ national Union. The NMU found this out to their embarrass­ ment When they tried to pull strikes in the area without having any support. They made a lot of noise, but the SIU has the members along the Great Lakes. ^ ~ 1 �i •---•??>}• v-y*-; Page Six TBE S E AF ARE AS LOG High Food Prices Make Recent Labor Gains Worth Just Nothing A PROBLEM. BUD? Tho life of the present day seaman is difficult and often very complicated. He is at the mercy of unscrupulous companies, government agen­ cies, brass hats and human sharks of various descrip­ tions, everyone trying to take advantage of him. If he hap­ pens to know some of his rights, he is sneeringly refer­ red to as a Sea Lawyer. The newspapers are once again ' only approximately 25 percent, trying to whip up public opinion j and 11 percent of this wage raise against the strikes which will has come since the end of the certainly be coming, by citing war. that labor has very recently won It is significant to note that wage increases ranging from 13V2 since V-J Day the cost of living cents to 22 cents per hour. This has gone up 21 percent. A Special Services Dept. of is only part of the truth, and the Union has been set up to In the face of such exorbitant conceals the fact that huge price consult with you on all your price increases, the pressure by rises nullified all the gains. problems involving the Coast big business is for less control of Guard, Shipping Commission­ What the newspapers cunveni- commodity prices, but with ers, Unemployment Insur­ ently forget to publish is the wages being controlled at the ance. personal injury claims, news that, while big business present level. Labor and unions your stzdutory rights when was crying that labor's gains cannot afford to stand idly by you become ill aboard ship. would put them out of business, while prices zoom far out of Immigration Laws, and your corporation profits have increas­ sight. dear, beloved Draft Board. ed approximately 500 percent in NEW STRIKES If you happen to be in New the past twelve months. Thus we stand on the threshYork, contact us personally, Weekly earnings averaged a hold of new strikes which will or if you are out of town, boost of little more than $4.00 make the recent strike cycle, set write and you will receive a per week, amounting to about off by the action of the United prompt reply. 13% cents per hour, but at the Automobile Workers, and ended Address all mail to SPE­ same time food and other prices when the Seafarers International CIAL SERVICES. 51 Beaver continued an upward trend with Union won its General Strike, Street. New York 4. N. Y. little attempt to check them. If look like mighty small potatoes. Your Union is your shoreside rents are decontrolled, as is an­ Labor will not be satisfied with contact. USE IT'S FACILI­ ticipated, another huge jump a Presidential 18% cent formula TIES. will be added to the cost of liv­ when big business is allowed to ing. rake in the money without re­ gard to wage scales. PATTERN SET The largest part of a worker's The past seven years started the pattern of workers wages be-, salary is now being spent for Probably the first instance in ing increased slightly, while food. Other things, such as cloth­ prices were raised so high as to ing and furniture, are very im­ U. S. laTjor history in which a offset the wage boost and make portant. During the war, work­ union was formed to protect its the wage earner dig into his own ers were told that the postwar members against wolves was re­ pocket to meet, the rising costs. era would be full of new radios, corded in Philadelphia recently. Take these comparisons for in­ refrigerators, and automobiles. A group of attractive models The bad planning and do-noth­ formed their own organization stance: ing attitude of big business has when they decided they were fed In June, 1939, you could buy a resulted in little production of up with being pawned off as din­ rib roast of beef for 25 cents per these items, but even if. they ner dates and convention hos­ pound. Today the price, if you were available, the average tesses. Although completely in­ can get it is 69 cents. In June worker would not be able to pur­ experienced in unionism, the 1939, pork roast was 11 cents a chase them. girls quickly saw the advantages pound. Today it is 63 cents per How can he when he has to of a closed shop when the wolves pound. These prices arc not isolated spend most of his pay for food? came pounding at their door. Call Out The ASPCA instances of the huge and almost unbelievable climb in the cost of: living in the United States during; the past six years. Any ideas! like that are immediately dis-1 counted by the recent statistics made public by the AFL "Weekly By JACK GREENHAW News Service. "WEST MONROE, La. — After Here are some more impressive cost increases for food and other listening to some of the remarks mde by representatives of small commodities: business concerning strikes and Ham—from 25 cents to 49 cents labor unions in particular, ye rov­ per pound. ing reporter became a bit curious Eggs—from 20 cents to 75 cents as to their sentiments in regard per dozen. to the present strike situation, Coffee—from 20 cents to 60 and decided to personally inter­ cents per pound. Toilet tissue—from 4 rolls for view several small business men. Some of their ideas and sen­ 15 cents to 10 cents each timents seem to be good as you AU this has had a far reaching will no doubt discover, and some effect on the standard of living. of it, of course, is what is some­ As the price of food products times called "snafu.'-' goes up, the largest part of the So here goes: workers' budget is allocated for The first place of call was the food. Even so, many have liad to j office of H. A. Gentry, owner cut their consumption of food. and operator of a furniture com­ LESS FOOD EATEN pany and operator of cotton plan­ This has already happened as tations. BACKS SIU is shown by statistics which prove Mr. Gentry said he had read of that more than 72 percent of the families are buying less milk, the Seafarers International Union nearly 90 percent are purchasing and its recent strike against the less butter and oleomargarine, governmental agency, the WSB. and more than 70 percent are Queried as to his opinion of a Union that would be so brazen as buying fewer eggs. to challenge a bureau of a power­ If this situation continues ful government, Mr. Gentry said, much longer, it will have far"I think your Union and its mem­ reaching affects on the future bers are to be applauded for tak­ health of the American people. ing such a stand, and if other Since 1939 food prices have in­ Americans would do likewise our creased an average of from 400'country would be a lot better to 800 percent. During the same off." period of time, wages increased He said he was in favor of la- Friday, November IS. 1948 Omar 'Les' Ames On the fifth floor of the New York Hall there hangs a bloody Seafarers white cap. This cap is now famous, and it dates back to the attempt by the communists to take over the New York water­ front during the ILA beef in 1945. The cap belongs to Omar "Les" Ames, Bosun. Les is a real SIU militant, but the bloody head that went with the cap was received while he was helping a Union Brother, and while he minding his own busi­ ness. Here's how it happened. Harry Bridges was making one of his periodic (losing) raiding at­ tempts, this time trying to take over the AFI, longsho7-emcn in New York. The Seafarers, as al­ ways, came to the aid of their Brother AFL unionists and hit the streets in a mass demonstra­ tion to warn 'Airy and the com­ mies to keep off. wound. Now the bloody cap is kept in the Hall as one memento of the time the commies were beaten—but bad. Les has been sailing for about eight years. His first ship was a Cities Service Tanker, and as he puts it, "they were so phony that I couldn't get into the Union fast enough." However the SIU books were closed at that time, and it was in 1939, after he had made another trip on a Cities Service Ames bent over to pick up the Tanker, that he was able to join. kicked man and as he did so a During the war Les sailed ships cop broke a billy-club over his into many danger areas. He was head. Dazed as he was, it was torpedoed twice, but in each case only after he and another man he escaped injury. had picked up the fallen Sea­ TWO DOWN farer that he noticed the blood The first torpedoing took place streaming from the cut on his when he was on the Lillington, head. right after leaving Gibraltar for FIRST AID the States. Although the ship was He was given first aid at the equipped with anti-torpedo gear, SIU Hall and then taken to the it did. not help them. The tin Hud.son and Jay Clinic where it fish found its mark anyway. took six stitches to close the Next dunking was when he was on, the Noonday, coming into Le Havre. No casualties this time, and he is glad that he did not have to try his luck a third time. The streets were full of La Guardia's police called out by the hysterical commies who had de­ manded "protection." The police tried to hem the Seafarers in, and one of Les' buddies was kicked by a cop's horse, and went down. Roving Seafarer Takes Sampling Of Small Businessmen's Opinions Of Trade Unions With the war over Les satisfied his love of adventure by sailing bor's right to organize and bar- |though efficient and informed in as a volunteer organizer on the gai" collectively, but that he was his own work, had a false outlook Isthmian Lines' George M. Bibbs. opposed to the closed shop and I on problems of labor organizaFrom the story told by the crew to Union participation in juris­ members, this vessel cast a 2 to 1 dictional disputes. His opposi­ UNIONS,SlB, vote in favor of the SIU. tion to the closed shop is a result AR::- BENEATH of his belief that a man couldn't m DISNITY, NO LUCK REALLY > be made a good Union member When talking about the 1941 against his will. Bonus Strike and the 1946 Gen­ eral Strike, Les shakes his head and says, "I wasn't around for either one of those beefs. It seems as though strikes are al­ ways pulled when I'm out at sea." Mr. Gentry believes in the maintenance of rent controls, and says that the OPA failed because of the unscrupulous business men whom it favors. It hasn't been enforced because big business, which is against price ceilings, controls the government. Interviewed next was George Temple, a former accountant for the State of Louisiana and presently owner and operator of the Monroe Sales "Company, a dry goods concern. HARRIED BY LONG Did Mr. Temple see a need for a labor union while he was em­ ployed by the State? He an­ swered that he did, that he had discussed the matter with his co­ workers at the time, but Huey Long was entrenched and he op­ posed unionization of the state's employees. Consequently, at­ tempts to organize would have resulted in firings. The task was difficult too, be­ cause the white collar worker, tion, said Mr. Temple. He added that they erroneously believed a union was beneath their dignity. From talks with farmers and laborers who come into his store, Mr. Temple has gathered that they are not well-informed, do not read the papers, formulate opinions on the basis of preju­ dice and feel that Unions are do­ ing the country a great injustice. Before taking leave of Mr. Temple, we learned that he, too, was against price controls. Ames comes by his union spirit naturally. His cousin, Harry Singleton, is an Oiler who belong­ ed to the old ISU. When the SIU was formed. Singleton joined immediately and has been a mem­ ber ever since. Les Ames does not confine his Union activity to sailing on un­ organized ships or doing his share when a beef comes up. He ac­ cepts his responsibilities as a good Union member and he has therefore served as Deck Delegate or Ships' Delegate on many trips. He really believes in taking an active part in the affairs of the Union, BACKWOODS FARMER The next visit took ye roving And so hats off—and we don't scribe to the backwoods to inter­ necessarily mean bloody ones— view a real dirt farmer, a Mr. to Les Ames and the other men Jones who rented land and had who have made the -SIU the strong Union that it is today. {Continued on Page IJ) �TE-E SEAFARERS LOG Friday. November 15. 1941 Page Sevea Victory Over Fasciisni Abroad Does Not End Labor's Hard Fight By HENRY CHAPPELL DETROIT—The United States has waged a successful war against the fascism of Italy and the nazism of Germany, but now. in our midst, we are facing an­ other form of dictatorship—that of communism, as it is practiced in Russia. Unlike our system of directly elected representation, the Rus­ sian system does not permit the election of government officials by a majority vote. Russian of­ ficials assume office through force and fear as did Hitler in Germany, Mussolini in Jtaly, and as Huey Long attempted in this country. Long fortunatey was checked before he could do any harm to our structure of national government. Labor union members and prospective members should know who the communists are, how they operate, and what is their ultimate goal. My state­ ments are based on personal ob-servations and intensive study of all available material. Members of the communist party operate within labor unions Silonc* this wMk from th* as a clique. They use parlia­ Braxich Agonts of tho follow­ By D. L. PARKER mentary technicalities, disrup­ ing perls: J. Brach, MFOWW; G. H. CasGALVESTON — The stories in tive tactics, and in general cre­ CHARLESTON ate nuisances to block passage of the Seafarers Log about the con­ tagner, CSU; J. Colofer;, NMU; PORT ARTHUR H. N. Vagen, NMU; M. E. Lewis, any measure unfavorabe to the TAMPA ditions in certain of the Marine NMU; D. McLaren, NMU; J. clique trying to gain control of HOUSTON Hospitals are not isolated in­ Cremins, NMU; E. L. Williams, the union. Young members are NORFOLK stances. Some people may feel NMU; J. P. Henry, NMU; W. schooled under order of higherJACKSONVILLE that if things are bad in a hos­ Adams, NMU; J. P. Pritchard, ups, to make bids for the union BOSTON leadership. pital it is the fault of the ad­ NMU; L. T. Cloileden, NMU; J. PHILADELPHIA C. Stewart, NMU. In national politics, their tac­ SAVANNAH ministration of that particular in­ E. R. Werd, NMU; Z. G. Hentz, tics are pretty much the same. BALTIMORE stitution; but v/hen the same con­ NMU; H. A. McHenry, NMU; E. Operating through political ac­ ditions are repeated in other hos­ J. Levilotte, NMU; S. James, tion committees, they pick can­ pitals then it starts to look like it NMU; L. Antoine, NMU; W. G. didates who will jump at the is general policy to make the McClure, NMU; D. L. Dawson, crack of their whip. Hitler and situation intolerable in all of NMU; J. J. Lawless, NMU; W. Mu.ssolini liquidated their oppo­ them. A. Ball, NMU; J. E. Ashley, Jr.; sition. Although the communists For quite a while we have been NMU; G. W. Rood, NMU; R. are not yet strong enough to do' receiving complaints about the Green, NMU; A. King, NMU; F. likewise, they wouldn't hesitate By DAN BUTTS United States Marine Hospital W. Giles, NMU; J. E. Steel, NMU; to do so should they assume J. B. Watson, NMU; W. E. Easter, here in Galveston. The letters SAN JUAN — The Columbia daily service, and be sure that power. and statements have been signed Veteran; R. L. Rohden, Veteran. Victory was the first ship to ar­ the launch in use contains the DUG IN N. Inglet, Veteran; D. H. Van rive here since the termination proper lifesaving equipment. by members of the SIU, NMU, Communist party members are and by licensed Deck and Engine Ness, Army; J. F. Wiley, Veteran; of the strike- The people down SHOREGANG WORK already well established within unjon men. Add to this the many C. Hargrove, Veteran; D. F. Mil­ here lined the waterfront waiting We are on the verge of signing the AFL and CIO, controlling complaints which have been made ler, Veteran; M. Gardner, Vet­ to cheer the first food-laden ship, by the unorganized seamen, eran; G. Lewis, Veteran; A. L. which would alleviate the ex­ a shoregang contract with Wa­ some of the unions, of which the terman. The only thing that NMU is an outstanding example. Army, Navy, Coast Guard, and Champ, Veteran; J. D. Daugharty, treme food shortage. holds us back is the fact that Capitalizing on the rank and file veteran patients, and it swells to USCG; D. W. Blansett, Govt. Much to their surprise and dis­ Bull Line is not satisfied with defection in the old seamen's Worker; L. A. Roff, Seaman; O. quite a protest. appointment, however, the ship the present shoregang work. They unions, the NMU originated in A. Tannehill, Boatman; J. Davis, POOR FOODJr., Seaman; H. L. Johnson, Sea­ was loaded with fertilizer. Add­ have good cause for dissatisfac­ 1936 as a plan of communist Most of the griping is about man; D. Jones, Seaman; R. Con- ing insult to injury, three days tion, too. party. A careful reading of the the food, although other points ley, Seaman. later the Luther Hurd arrived In the past, some of our full Pilot will reveal the real purpose also come in for comment. The » I know that Headquarters of also laden with fertilizer, instead book men, supposedly good Un­ of the NMU. men complain that the food is the SIU will get right to work of the so badly needed food. ion men, have gone down to The true colors of the NMU's poor, inadequate, and what there on this beef, and I hope they We now have quite a few citi­ these ships as scalers. They have unionism came to light this year is of it is badly prepared. Diets take it up immediately with the zens wondering how fertilizer done everything but the work when it started an organizational are not adhered to, and many United States Surgeon General tastes with ketchup. But, seri­ they were sent to do. Some have campaign disguised as a strike in Washington. ously, the food situation is ac- gone so far as to send ashore on the Great Lakes. Every dirty AlEk\/PATIEMT? But while those bureaucrats cute. The Belgium Victory was for a bottle of rum, then hide in trick in the book was thrown at Lake seamen, with a few new are passing the buck, these men due here with foodstuffs, but T ones added. Picketing of SlU-conand men in other Marine Hos­ had engine trouble 24 hours out CAM'T I tracted ships, calling men finks THE CHOW TD I pitals are having a hell of a time. of New Orleans, and was towed and scabs who did not quit their That left Complaints don't seem to do much all the way back. ships Aug. 15 were among the good, and we may be forced to quite a few restaurants and pri­ more noteworthy. vate homes in very bad straits. take further action to bring our case before the proper authori­ Then on Aug. 23, the NMU, NEW HALL ties. which had already violated its We have finally moved to our contracts, signed an agreement Right now it is up to the Sur­ new Hall. It's in the same build­ with the Bethlehem Transporta­ geon General. Let's hope he does ing, but on the lower level. We tion Co., thereby letting these something before it is too late to held our first meeting there last ships sail unhindered by picket remedy the situation. Wednesday and those members lines or shoreside interference. men have been discharged from who hadn't seen our new place Other members and sympathizers the hospital weaker than they as yet were really surprised and were left in a lurch, picketing on were when they were admitted. pleased with our new location the fantail and completelj' forget the beach while they wondered that they were sent to work and equipment. This situation, coupled with in­ why the agreement was signed. and not to throw foc'sle parties different treatment, and lax So don't forget, when you arc and get gassed up. MADE CLEAR medical standards, has made the in San Juan, drop around and But all of that is a thing of stay of most of the men a night­ The SIU stand on this strike have a look for yourself; you are By J. S. WILLIAMS the past. I have given the Bosun, was made crystal clear to NMU mare. always welcome. The baggage who is sent down in charge of the officials. In the press and by CORPUS CHRISTI — Business room and sanitary facilities I know that all of the beefs are shoregang, the permission to circular, we stated WE DID NOT justified since I was a patient of and shipping are about to come haven't been completed as yet. come down to the Hall wiih any INTEND TO VIOLATE CON­ back to normal here in Corpus since materials ai-e difficult to this hospital at one time. man who stalls in his obligations, TRACTS. We said we would re­ Christi, now that the ILA Ware­ obtain, but they will soon be so that I may personally tell the spect picket lines ai'ound ships Something must be done to housemen and the MM&P have ready for the use of the mem­ Brother in question what the they had under contract, but that correct the entire situation. Sea­ settled their beefs. Those of our bership. score is before I pull him, off that we would not tolerate lines men deserve better treatment, members who came off ships In the past when one of our scow and send someone down who around ships we were trying to and if they can't get it under when the strike calls came are ships was in one of the Island needs and appreciates the work. bring into the SIU. the present set-up, then it is now back on their old jobs. ports, at anchor, and transporta­ time to change to another sys­ Now that returns are in from The Bull Line is coming back tion was to be furnished to and tem or administration that will the Midland elections, which the on their run again, and we even from the ship, it was as a rule work. SIU won by an overwhelming have a foreign payoff due for of the crudest type. FOR THE RECORD majority, the SIU intends to put 9 next week—which is certainly a We have had several cases of on an organizational drive to For the record, here are the rare occasion in this area. small sailboats or rowboats over­ bring under our banner other names of those patients in the For this port it is like getting non-union lines operating on the Galveston Hospital who are com­ money from back home, since turning and men being lost, while All members—retired mem­ Lakes. This will eventually plaining about the state of af­ practically all of the ships that going ashore in these small craft. bers and former members— bring the entire great Lakes dis­ fairs: I am now making a survey of of the Seafarers Internation­ make Corpus Chri.sti, Browns­ trict under the SIU banner. al Union who are now sailing J. B. Aderhold, SIU; B. B. ville and Harbor Island are on a all the Island ports and making SIU halls are established in as licensed Engineers: Please Fuller, SIU; S. Daniels, SIU; F. coastwise run, and always pay­ arrangements with both the Bull Buffalo, Chicago, Cleveland, De­ report as soon as possible to and Waterman Steamship Com­ O. Seemsen, SIU; T. H. Morse, off on the other end. troit and Duluth. They are there the Seafarers Hall at 51 Bea­ SIU; H. Trahan, SIU; E. O. OrchThis is a small port and there panies to supply motor launches for your convenience. Use them. ver Street, New York City. wind, SUP; J. Thompson, SIU; is not much news these days; but with proper lifesaving equip­ We will open a hall in Toledo Your presence is necessary in D. Robinson, MM&P; J. S. whenever things start humming, ment aboard. some time this winter. Watch a matter of great importance. So remember, when you get to Peoples, MEBA; R. E. Perdue, we'll let you know soon enough, for the date and the address. MEBA; P. F. Murphy, MEBA. so keep tuned in to this station. an Island port, insist upon twice Galveston's Marine Hospital HO NEWS?? Is As Bad As The Rest Of Them New Launch Service Arranged For Seafarers In Puerto Rico Corpus Christi Back At Work Attention Members! Seafarers Sailing Engineers 'diwlvk*.- 4INI �THE SEAFARERS LOG pBc re Eiglii LOOK CLOSELY Eastern And Alcoa Make Plans To Expand Into Passenger Trade NEW YORK — There is quite a bit to report out of New York this week, as shipping is definit­ ely on the up-grade with men going out to ships daily. There are still a number of men on the beach, however, and it will be a few weeks before shipping will be what one can call normal. At the present there are a num­ ber of ships waiting orders and when these ships are crewed up, the surplus of men around the Hall will slack off. As long as there is an unusual­ ly large number of men on the beach the kitchen will continue serving meals, and from all re­ ports the quality of the food has not depreciated in the least with the SIU cooks still serving the best meals in this section of town. PASSENGER SHIPS I've just got the dope from Eastern and Alcoa Steamship Companies that they intend to go into the passenger business in the near future. Eastern intends to operate passenger ships between Boston and Halifax while Alcoa expects to run passenger vessels down to the islands. This should be good news for all Seafarers who enjoy working aboai'd pas­ senger ships. For the seamen who don't care too much about passenger ships, I'm sure they will be interested to hear that A. H. Bull Steamship Company is going to stick their old Hog Islanders in the boneyard and replace them with new Q. type vessels. No doubt there will be tears galore shed when the news gets around that the Hog Islanders are heading for the boneyard. Well, finally, the Isthmian count is going to come off, on November 18, this time there is no doubt about it as the Company and the NMU have run out their string of delaying tactics and now they'll have to face the music. The above money will only be paid between the hoiir.s of 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. For Mississippi Shipping Com­ pany: Am Mer Mar, George W. Alther, Abraham Baldwin, Mur­ ray M. Blum, Tarleton Brown, Del Aires, Del Mundo, Del San­ tos, Del Valle, Rufus E. Foster, George Gale, Clarence King, Meteor, Charles McDonnell, Rich­ mond M. Pearson, John S. Sar­ gent, Francis M. Smith, Alexan­ der H. Stephens, Ida Straus, Tailsman, Typhoon, Bluefield Victory, Brazil Victory, Cuba Victory, Dashing Wave. This money is in the company office in New Orleans. Men in New York see Captain Lala, Room 133, 17 Battery Place, New York. The following retroactive pay for the Tugs of the Moran Tow­ ing and Transportation Company can be collected at the Moran office, 17 Battery Place, New York: Fallhead, Farallon, Pidgeon Point, Blackrock, Fire Island, Burnt Island, Montawk Point. This tattooing came off the arm of an unidentified man who was found dead in New York. If you recognize the tat­ too marks, get in touch with the New York City Missing Persons Bureau, or with the New York SIU Hall. This is important as there is no other way to identify this man. Seafarers Making Good Progress With Tankermen In Marcus Hook By BLACKIE CARDULLO MARCUS HOOK — Shipping has slowed down some what here in Marcus Hook, but we have kept ourselves busy on the or­ ganizing drive. It is progressing very well with Sun Oil seamen coming to us in greater numbers every day to ask us questions about the Union and it contracts. Every tanker man who comes in is shown the new agreem^ent and they are 100 percent for it. To thern it looks good to see the highest working conditions on the waterfront down on paper in black and white. Due to the fact that many cargo ships are tied up here, there are many men on the beach, and our only outlet right now is to make a drive on the unorganized seamen in this port. This the SIU is doing with full force. While some of the SIU men have been waiting for ships around here, they have given us a hand in the organizing and have done a bang-up job, so any of you boys who are coming down here to ship can look for­ ward to a bit of interesting work helping us organize while wait­ ing for a ship. Below is listed some of the ships that,have retroactive pay coming to them. As more retro­ TANKER NEWS active lists come in I'll put them Last week the SIU Tanker in my column. News made its debut along the Here's a tip to men who have waterfront of Marcus Hook. It's money coming them from Mis­ a mimeographed sheet we ran sissippi Steamship Company, If off, giving the unorganized sea­ you intend to take a trip to New men the score of the campaign. Orleans, wait until you get there It was so well received that we and go to the company office. intend to make it a regular They'll pay you the money there weekly affair. immediately; whereas, if you When the first issue was passed write to the company it may take out to the unorganized tankera week or two to collect. men it was hungarily grabbed up. They are quite pleased with The following is the retroactive I it and have made many com­ pay that can be collected at ments on it to SIU men around Smith and Johnson Steamship ' the Hook. Company, 60 Beaver Street, New York: E. K. Collins, E. T. Mere­ j The other day we were very dith, W. M. Tiyler, M. Brady, ' successful in crewing up a new Williams Victory, P. Lee, Ralph Standard Oil of California ship, A, Cran, J. Lee, N. G, Cochran. I the SS Bryant. With this parti­ The Patrolmen Say,.. Mis-Mate By JOE ALGINA cular outfit the Union has a con­ tract in the Deck and Engine De­ partments and we are now going after the Stewai'ds Department. On this ship we were very suc­ cessful and signed up the entire Stewards Department. CONDITIONS TOPS The conditions aboard this ship are well worth mentioning, for in the past ships have been built to carry cargo and to hell with the crew, but this one is dif­ ferent. It has hot and cold water in each foc'sle, rug.s on the deck, and mattresses six inches thick in all bunks. There is more than enough clo.set space for all gear, also a large chest of drawers and a desk, with the foc'sles big enough to hold a jitterbug contest. The set-up is two men to a foc'sle, with the Bosun and Pumpman rating a foc'sle of his own. The Deck hands sleep W I , / TMlSAl.-^'TTVIE7 J WAV IT USED amidship with the Black Gang sleeping aft. Each one of these foc'sles looks like a stateroom on a passenger ship, and to top it all off they have a crew's lounge, which is next to the crew's messroom. The crew's messroom looks like the saloon on a C-2. If this sounds appealing to you, I'll let you in on something. There'll be another new ship like this in here around December 1, so hold onto your cards. Ffiday. Nov«mb«r 15, 1948 chance to introduce myself I was asked what the hell I wanted. I NEW YORK—I wonder where told him that I was the Union the shipping companies send Patrolman and I would like to their talent scouts to find the talk to him about the overtime in material that some of them have the deck department. He started on their ships and call officers. to bellow and yell, and made two I had the SS Von Stueban of the or three attempts to get up off his Robin Line to pay off recently bunk. It was then that I saw he and ran into a so called Mate. was stupid drunk. The Carpenter had some over­ He started telling me what a time that he thought should not bum crew he had and that the have been disputed, so I went up Union had to do something about to talk to the Mate, and see if he it. Well, you can't talk to a drunk was the third party at the time so I left him there looking for his tlie contract was negotiated and bottle, and had the overtime signed. squared away with the company I tapped lightly with the toe agent. of my shoe on the door marked: INTERRUPTIONS Mate. I was told to cuine in, and While talking to the crew, and the minute that I opened the door I thought I had made a mistake. checking books in the . crew's I took another look at the name messroom we were interrupted plate over the door to see if it by the Mate who wanted to know said Crew Toilet, but I had read what right I had to keep the right the first time; holding my crew from working, and I should breath I entered the vulture's send them up on the boat deck to paint the stack. I told him I nest. wasn't the bosun, and if he want­ PRIDE OF SHIP ed the crew to turn to the bosun There stretched out in the bunk was the pride of the Von Stue­ was the man to see and not me. ban. He had his feet propped up Well, I thought we would have against the bulkhead and it did to call Bellevue for a straight jacket: he raved, pulled his hair and even cried a little. He final­ ly left the messroom muttering HfRE-I'D something about, when he was in SWEAR / the NMU they did not treat Mates -th-iwA-r I in such a fashion and the SIU was a bunch of die-hards; if you picked on one you picked on the whole bunch. I really didn't think the old boy had it in him and told him he was talking real Union unity. SKIPPER GOOD EGG .After the .short tu.ssle with the not seem to bother him that he Mate; the Captain called me into had forgotten to take his shoes the saloon and told me the Com­ off. After all, the bedroom waiter missioner would be a little late. was responsible for the care of He said if it was all right with this pig's room, so cigarette butts the crew and I, he would pay off were thrown around or stepped all overtime, transportation and on wherever they happened to retroactive pay so the crew be finished. Before I had a wouldn't be held up any more than could be helped. He realized that the men had made train, and plane reservations that they would miss if the payoff didn't come off in short order. About this time the seagoing version of a lost weekend came By HERBERT JANSEN strolling into the saloon and CHICAGO — Shipping is still thought the Captain was having pretty fair here, and there are an ai'gument with me and wanted to lend a hand. He rushed up to quite a few jobs on the board. the table and said, "Captain, this The Buckeye State paid us a man has been giving me a hard visit during the past week. She time ever since he came aboard; will carry a load of grain from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Buf­ I want him put off the ship." falo, New York. When she hit The Captain is an old timer and here she was in pretty fair shape, has a good name with SIU crews. and had only a few minor beefs, We came across a clipping from a Chicago paper which told of WHAT how some non-commie seamen broke up a commie meeting in 7^ New Orleans when the speaker praised Russia as the only coun­ try in the world that was worth living in. The non-commies blew their top at this and showed their feelings very plainly. The boys here in the Chicago Branch were pretty burned up themselves at He sat there and didn't raise his these commies and what they voice at all, but in a quiet way stand for, and don't care who told the Mate, "Mister, you have knows it. been drinking and you are hold­ We are back on the job again ing up the payoff. Please leave after trying to catch that big the saloon." one for two weeks. A Mississippi SAD SACK catfish was the only thing we Well the lamb, or should I say can brag about, but we did have pig, turned and slowly walked fun. The following members are out. Sorry Captain that you have now in the Chicago Marine Hos­ such a sad sack for a first. I. hope pital: Paul Kinstout, Pat Wyne, the next trip will be different. James O'Donell, Louis Johnson, Four days later I had the du­ and Robert Maupin. Those of bious honor of seeing the First you who can make it might drop again. While on picket duty wdth in and say hello. {Conthmed <m Page 14) Chi Shipping Is Still Fair �mm Friday. November 15, 1946 THE SEAPABERS LOG THEY KNOW THE SCORE Page Nine Isthmian Keeds Speedy Changes, Say Twin Falls Victory Crewmen Some of the many reasons We are the guys that wil suffer means. In the coui'se of a five thf Isthmian men are so anxious;those phonies play games." month trip, the average over­ '^'he others, Elton Painter, time for the men came to 130 for SIU representation •vi-ere Ma.son Seals, hours each—and one half of that given to the Log this week when Messman, and Chief Electrician, concurred in is being fought by the company. Warren Wyman, Bosun, stepped this last statement. Seals is a On SIU ships, for the same type into the office with three ship­ member of the International and length of trip, the OT would mates from the Twin Falls Vic- Brotherhood of Electricians, and be around 500 hours. When Wyman spoke to the tor.y. Warren is the famous knot- he realizes the need for organi­ Skipper about overtime for Sat­ tying specialist of the Seafaiers zation. and he served as volunteer or­ "1 never knew that conditions urday afternoons, Weary Willie ganizer on the Isthmian vessel. could be so bad," he said. "You raised the roof. He contended One of the thiee men who ac­ know this was my first trip, and that his company does not recog­ companied him, Ronald Hendry, bfcfuj'e this 1 never beli(^ved that nize such newfangled idea.s, and Messman, had sailed on five a .sailor's life was as bad as it is that when Isthmian goes SIU he •Straight Isthmian scows, and his pictui-ed. But on Lsthrnian ships. will throw down the ladder any Patrolman who comes aboard his words also spoke for the others 1 guess it's even wor.se. ship. with him. ISTHMIAN LUCKY Besides being a very good volunteer organizer. Warren SOME DECENT "Every trip on an Isthmian Luckily for the Isthmian Lines, Wyman. left, has a reputation as a knot-tying specialist. Here rustbucket," says Hendry, "is a the Twin Falls Victory did not The only decent officers on he is with his latest board of knots. Helping him hold it up is 1 ugged trip. Now that we are vote in the election. This vessel board were the Second Mate/the Organizer Johnny Arabasz. Warren came off the Isthmian's getting close to SIU representa­ was taken over by the company Second Engineer, and the Pur­ Twin Falls Victory with the crew lined up 100 percent for the tion you can see why we resented on June 8, and was therefoie ser. All the others were rankSeafarers. With his knot-tying and his organizing. Wyman is a the NMU holding up the count. ineligible. According to Wyman, happy, and knew less about their valuable man to have around. if the ship had been permitted to jobs that the newe.st OS or Wiper. vote, it would have turned in at In the matter of food, the crew least a three to one majority for fai'ed worse that the crew of any the SIU. foreign flag ship. What little food "The men on board trusted the there was could not be eaten, SIU," is the way Wairen explains and that was not the fault of the it. "In fact, I was elected Ships' Cooks or the Steward, all of Delegate and other known SIU whom tried to do their jobs but men were elected to other offices. were stymied by the poor qual­ Practically everybody on board ity of the stoi'es. came back to the States ready Flour with weevils, spaghetti and willing to join the Union." with bugs, green meat, smelly All of the troubles on the ves­ fish, and rotten fruits and vege­ sel were not caused by the poor tables were the daily order of living conditions.' The policy of chow. the company to employ only of­ Of course, the Captain's table ficers who arc known to be anti­ did not suffer. All lite milk and union means that only the poor­ sugar went there, and the good est ones are available to the com­ food was confiscated right away pany. This complement of offi- so that the officers might dine cei's was no exception. in style. So, after a five months trip REAL BUCKO that took them from New Or­ "Our Skipper," explained Paint­ leans to Alexand;:ia, Port Said, er and Seals, "was a man who Karachi, Bombay, Cochin, Mad­ had been called Willie the Whip ras, Calcutta, and other ports of when he was a Mate. Now they call, the crew of the Twin Falls call him Weaiy Willie. He is the Victory is back in the United When the Twin Falls Victory. Isthmian Lines, came back to the States after a long and rug­ type of man who rings arrival States, wishing mightly for SIU ged trip, the crew went SIU in a hurry. From now on they want to sail organized, and they when the .ship is still 40 miles out." want to be organized in the SIU. Left to right, Ellon Painter. Messman; Ronald Hendry. Messman TbiS BUM CHOW GOTTA STOP! I f and veteran of five Isthmian ships; and Mason Seals. Chief Electrician. The crew of the Twin Falls Victory now know what being I — covered by an SIU contract Vets' Group Charges U.S. Communists With Exploiting GIs' Needs For Party Line Scoring "the current efforts of the Communist Party to exploit the hardships of the veteran in order to further the party's sel­ fish political ends," the Ameri­ can Vetei-ans Committee (AVC) recently went on record as op­ posing the infiltration of com­ munists into veteran organiza­ tions. The statement was made public at a dinner in honor of General Omar Bradley, Veterans Admin­ istrator, in behalf of the 24-man National Planning Committee of AVC, holding its quarterly meet­ ing in New York City. The resolution, which was the subject of hot debate, was pro­ posed by Arnold Rivkin, ViceChairman of the New England Region of AVC, and was second­ ed by Michael Straight, editor of the New Republic Magazine. The resolution is as follows: "We oppose the entrance into our rgnks of the Communist Party and we shall strive to pre­ vent them, when and if, by sub­ terfuge and deceit, they gain .• • ,'r': such entrance, from attempting so through dishonesty, and the to use AVC as a sounding board statement concludes with the folfor their own perverse philo­ ' lowing; sophy." "We spurn the insincere coop­ eration of a minority group unDISHONEST METHODS In a statement which accom­ qucstioningly obeying leaders panied the general release of the whose objectives, including a to­ resolution, the AVC that all of talitarian dictatorship of the ex­ its members must subscribe to treme left, are irreconcilable with the preamble to the AVC Con­ our own." The AVC is the largest and stitution which obliges them to agree to "preserve the Constitu­ most progressive of the Veterans tion of the United States," and to Organization which have come "maintain full production and out of World II and admits mer­ full employment under a system chant seamen to membership. From tlie lime it was first or­ of private enterprise." ganized, it has been the object of The release pointed out that heavy Communist infiltration, therefore the Party members who against which the non-commun­ have joined the AVC have done ist majority in the organization found itself helpless. New forces, however, was add­ ed to the fight against C. P. dom­ ination when the Veterans Lea­ gue of America amalgamated with the AVC. Since then the tide has slowly turned, and it seems entirely possible that the communists will be forced out of the AVC by the time the next convention rolls around. Protect Yourself Once agiiin we remind you about the need for protect­ ing your rights in regard to compensation for injuries and medical attention. Whenever the case war­ rants it. active seamen should check into a Marine Hospital for medical care. When in doubt about your rights un­ der the law, check with your SIU officials. Seamen should see to it that any injury or health im­ pairment is recorded by the ship's Master, or your de­ partment head, regardless of how small the case may seem to be at the time. Failure to follow such a procedure often results in financial loss and inferior medical attention if the case develops into something more serious. Protect your rights! Anyone who takes ilL or in any other way is unable to sail after taking a ship should notify the dispatcher at the Union hall as soon as possible so that another man can replace him. to be officially designated as the bargaining agent for them men of the Isthmian Line. CLAIM TO FAME Besides being a damn good or­ ganizer, Warrc.n Wynhan has an­ other claim to fame. He is an ex­ pert at tying knots, and his repu­ tation is well known to all men of the SIU. Warren has been going to sea since 1935. He has been tying knots for the same length of time. "I don't know how I picked it up," he said in answer to a ques­ tion. "I watched some other guys doing it, and then I was tying knots all by myself." Warren is also waiting for the day when Isthmian will have to bargain with the Seafarers Inter­ national Union. He has sailed on SIU contracted ships and he knows the difference. Soon all Isthmian men will know the difference between con­ ditions as they are now, and as they will be! ! ' iI �;«fssw^ Pae» Tm TH E 'Wipi-i E A P A R B R §: L O Frtd«qr,. NovemlMx -IS, 1946 SHIPS'MmUTES AND N£WS ALL HANDS CUTTING UP A memorandum citing the First Assistant Engineer for dis­ criminatory treatment of engine department men conducting leg­ itimate union activities, and for generally acting in a manner contrary to the provisions of the company-union agreement, was drawn up by the Black Gang of the SS Alcoa Pioneer at a ship­ board meeting held at sea Sept. 25. The charges point up the fact that despite the increasingly fa­ vorable amicable working rela­ tions between the licensed and unlicensed personnel, occasion­ ally individuals still crop up to SIU Tripcarder Drowns Off Trinidad Shore Henry Cox, a Seafarer holding an SIU tripcard, was drownec recently off Trinidad, it is report­ ed in the shipboard minutes of the MV Capstan Knot. The body was brought to New Orleans aboard the Knot. Cox was a crew member of another Alcoa vessel, the name of which was not given in the minutes. The membership files in the New York hall show a Henry Cox residing at Deb Street, Tonowanda. New York, the home of his parents. He is listed as a Wiper. The members of the Knot crew took up a cpllection for flowers to be sent to the deceased's resi­ dence upon the body's arrival in New York. Brothers Labrosse and Flynn were designated to select the floral piece. Lyman Hall Men Laud SIU Fight Crew members of the SS Ly­ man Hall, at a shipboard meeting held at sea Sept. 15, unanimously approved a telegram voicing their satisfaction with the "suc­ cessful and persistent fight for better living conditions and high­ er wages," conducted by the Seafarers. The message was sent to SIU headquarters in New York. Text of the telegram follows: "Union members of the SIU aboard extend congratulations and appreciation to all Union officials for their successful and persistent fight for better living conditions and higher wage.s." Chairman of the meeting was Carl Lawson, Bosun, and serving as secretary was Fidel Lukban, Steward. Black Gang Charges First With Agreement Violation The victim whose cranium is the center of activity for all hands in the top photo, is a crewmember known as "Tito." The shell-backs aboard the SS Sea Dolphin initiated Brother "Tito" into the ranks of the "Order of Neptunus Rex" as the vessel crossed the Equator during a summer run to South Africa. After the lads finished giving •••'Tito" his haircut, they hauled out the buckets and brushes and proceeded to paint his epidermis with fresh red lead, as revealed in the scene at the right. Seafarer Ralph Swillinger, OS. caught these shots with his never-failing candid cam­ era. The Dolphin, now of the Robin line, was operated by the Waterman outfit when the pic­ tures were taken. Messmen Flee Fury Of Hilton's Hell throw a monkey wrench into the works. UNION-HATER Referring to the First Assist­ ant's discriminatory tactics, the memorandum, signed by the mcmbcra of the Pionccr'a engine department, charged the engin­ eering officer with acting against those men who were pronounc­ edly pro-Union. The men cited this as a violation of Article 2, Sectiori" 1 of the agreement. He also threatened to have Oilers logged for turning in legitimate overtime, the statement con­ tinues, with regard to the break­ ing and setting of watches as set forth in Article 4, Sections 1, 2, and 3. The crew members also aver that the First refused to accept other overtime. "We consider the ignoring of overtime a serious charge, and believe this act to'be for the benefit of his reputation with the company," their mem­ orandum states. In an effort to cut down his requisition of engine room stores, the First Assistant Engineer has resorted to unconventional means of acquiring supplies by drawing on other departments, the state­ ment continues. HOLDS BACK SUPPLIES "While having plentiful sup­ plies of soap powder, mops and other cleaning gear, this man has failed to issue sufficient amounts of this equipment to Wipers for sanitary work," the statement goes on, "and he has also ordered the Wipers to use the equipment of other departments whenever possible. "This practice puts a black mark on the Union's longstand­ ing motto, 'SIU means a clean ship.' He has also failed to issue Hell hath no fury like the messman's quarters on thei^^i^Puerto Rico, driving ., , ,j rains swept across the decks, but SS Hilton. The quarters assigned to the messmen aboard ^t^e heat-fleeing; messmen rethe ship were a veritable inferno for practically the entire mained in their open air quarters, period of the vessel's "rum and coke" run, according to a Preferring the cool wet to the A GREAT LAKES 'CLIPPER' The excursion steamer Milwaukee Clipper, Wisconsin and Michigan Steamship Company, as she enters the harbor at Muskegon, Mich., after the run from Milwaukee. The photo was sent in by a female hand aboard, who calls herself "The Clipper Wren." "The Wren," in an accompanying nofe, warbles that wed­ ding bells "will ring out" this month for Mae," who has been on the Clipper for the past six years, and some other items of gossip. "The Wren" sends greetings to all Seafarers, and wishes all "smoother and better sailing."' a recent set of minutes which ex-' searing dry atmosphere of their posed this and several other inside room. Not until the Hilton was with­ damnable conditions existent on in three days of New York on the the Bull line scow. Conditions return trip did the men dare ven­ in the mess quarters were des­ ture back. cribed as "terrible." CHANGE NEEDED There was no immediate sign of what was to develop when The ship's minutes assert that the messmen and the utility oc­ a "change will have to be made," cupied their quarters as the Hil­ and that suitable quarters for the ton left New York in late sum­ men will have to be found. mer bound for Puerto Rico and Similarly condemned was the St. Thomas. The quarters were condition of the food stuffs stock­ located directly over the engine ed aboard for the crew's con­ room with "not a chance of any sumption. The cook reported that ventilation," the minutes say. the flour was unfit for baking purposes. No oranges, grape­ HELL BREAKS LOOSE fruits, apples or like varieties of Whatever hope the occupants fruits were provided for the re­ may have held out were soon turn trip. In fact, it was revealed dissipated. On the third day out, that while in San Juan, the the room became like the inside Steward had received orders from of an overworked oven. "It was the Bull Line not to buy any like a burning hell," the minutes fruits in San Juan. state, and it was impossible for TOUGH BIRDS the men to sleep in the blistering heat. The minutes say further, that The Hiltort's steward rushed to the chicken served was tough, their rescue. He furnished cots the porkchops fatty. The night SO' the men could seek relief on lunches were termed monotonous, the outside^ The refugees from the minutes pointing out that the the roasting room set up their same menu prevailed throughout eot* and alept on the after fan- the voyage. %mi X/ ^ ^. soap powder as per Article 2, Section 21 of the agreement since this ship's departure from the States." WAS PARTIAL In laying the charge of favor­ itism on the First Assistant En­ gineer, the statement points out that he demonstrated his partial­ ity by "okaying overtime on some sheets and disputing identical overtime on others." The engine men say further that they are of the belief that overtime should be divided equally within the department whenever it is pos­ sible. The meeting at which. the memorandum was drawn up also dealt with matters pertaining to improvement of the launch ser­ vice, fumigation of the ship, etc. Brothers Johnson and Smith' were chairman' and secretary of the meeting, respectively. �7'-. '-•r<,i.'--jmy -••ii Fridar. November 15. 1946 THE SEAFARERS LO€ Digested Minutes Of SlU Ship Meetings AIKEN VICTOEY.. Aug. 15— Chairman Mayhorn; Secretary Poslenreider. Motions carried: to see Captain in regards to putting number one off limits; to see Captain about having something done to eliminate so much soot coming from stacks? that anyone caught selling food to the troops be brought up be­ fore the Union; to have the water cooler back aft brought midship. It was suggested to the Stcv/ard that better night lunches be put out. It was brought out that the messhalls were in a dirty condition and the fines should be stronger. It Was slaled thai the money col­ lected from fines was to go to a good cause. A minute of Sil^ ence was observed in respect to our Union Brothers lost at sea. t X * FORT HOSKINS, Oct. 6— Chairman Kinney; Secretary Hanna. Motion carried that all departments stick together and no one is to pay off until all disputes are settled. Motion carried to find out if the com­ pany allows money for person­ al mail to be sent by the crew. Suggested that delegates col­ lect all books and tripcards from mem.bers for the patrol­ man. XXX Cooperative Crew Considers Galley Men The majority of the crew aboard the SS Eloy Alfaro de­ cided at a shipboard meeting to have a cold meal served Sunday nights while in a hot weather zone. Realizing that a hot galley is not the most enjoyable place on a hot evening, the crew voted to forsake the usual hot meal for a cold lunch, thus giving the Steward Department a break. Cooperation is the keynote aboard SIU ships and this is an­ other example of the men being concerned with the welfare of the whole crew and not with themselves alone. XXX ELOY ALFARO. Sepf. 22— Chairman Hershell Holloway; Secretary Jerry Palmer. Dele­ gates reported all good and disputed overtime is in order for the Patrolman on arrival. Repair lists to be turned over to the ship's delegate and he in turn will see that the Captain and the HalL receive copies. Several men were voted to keep recreation room clean. XXX CHILTEN SEAM, (no date given) — Chairman LaFraze; Secretary C. R. Rowland. All delegates reported everything shipshape. A list of repairs and replacements was made by the Deck Delegate and read for ap­ proval. Discussion on the cleanliness of the messhall. Captain was asked for awning for the poopdeck. XXX SEATRAIN N. O., Aug. 30— Chairman C. Giallanzia; Secre­ tary C. Breaux. Motion carried that this crew go on record not to ratify the agreement unless all departments get overtime on Holidays at sea. and also that a copy be sent to the office of Company, and Log to be published. Page El£Te» i* SEAFARER SAM SAYS: WILLIAM F. MACLENNAN. Aug. 3 — Chairman H. Green; Secretary G. Benfley. Dele­ gates reported everything in or­ der. Motions carr^d: that the cooks be more careful about the food; that all members wear shirts and pants in messhall; that the galleyboys wear shirts while working. One min­ ute of silence observed for Brothers lost cit sea. XXX ALCOA VOYAGER. Aug. 12 — Chairman F. Betts: Secre­ tary (not given) Delegates re­ ported all members in good standing. Motion carried: to write letter to headquarters in reference to the old articles; to elect five men to further in­ vestigate the two wipers that shipped through the company office; to have all library books returned when finished with them. XXX And Twice As Much . For A Nickel, Too The crew aboard the Grover C. Hutchinson has found their own way to fight inflation and profiteers. The ship's minutes of Sept. 1 report that the Purser has been making 1.50 percent profit on Coca Cola. "Coke'' may be the pause that refreshes, but at the price asked it's the pause XXX JOHN W. CATES. July 30— that refreshes only the Purser's Chairman E. Shaw; Secretay S. purse. The crew decided unanimously Shatkovnick. Special Meeting. that a buyers strike is the only Motion carried to bring the answer to this bucko, and there­ Chief Steward up on charges fore they slapped a boycott on for refusing to carry out the buying Coca Cola from the Pur­ motions accepted by the crew ser. Pepsi Cola hits the spot boys. in the special meeting of May 2. Motion carried for the delegates XXX and the Steward to see the MARIN HILLS. Sepf. 1 — Captain and to obtain fresh Chairman Rogers; Secretary fruits, vegetables, etc.. in this Wade. Reports of delegates port and if Captain refused to includes several beefs. Mo­ do so. that the crew go on re­ tions carried: that delegates cord to send a representative to see Purser about having for­ the American Consul to see eign money changed back to about paying off the crew. Mo­ American currency; that Chief tion carried for the delegates to Steward and cooks be sum­ see Captain about having med­ moned to meeting; that small ical supplies replenished, also fine be levied on anyone not slop chest. attending meetings; theil dele­ gates prepare written report, to be presented to Patrolman in States, on Ch. Stewards re­ fusal to attend meeting after deelgates had sent for him. Other motions were carried to XXX improve messhall conditions. JOSHUA HENDY. Sept. IS. — Chairman A. H. Anderson; XXX Secretary N. T. Wade. Motion RICHARD BASSETT, Aug. 1 carried that a question be plac­ —Chairman Pickur; Secretary ed on this ship until the foc'sles Helms. Motions carried: that be changed and slop chest be any member missing union relocated as well as foc'sle to meeting, unless for a legitimate be pciinted. Suggestion was reason, be turned over to Union made that the Captain and the Patrolman; to see Patrolman Mate be straightened out when about securing inner spring the ship arrives in port. mattresses for crew before leav­ XXX ing New York on next trip; JULIEN POYDRAS. Sept. 10. that all foc'sles be painted be­ — Chairman H. Fauntaia; Sec­ fore next crew comes aboard; retary P. Blair. Delegate to to see Captain about getting ci­ make list of repairs needed. garettes in Poland; that next Ship to be left clean. List of crew make certain they have a proper amount of stores in the fines checked. No one to pay­ off until all disputes are settled. slopchest before sailing; that Captain be invited to meeting Anyone leaving ship must have so he can understand motions permission to cross picket line. -carried rather than have him XXX get it second-hand. Look Out, Below, The Sky Is Falling XXX ALCOA PILGRIM. Aug. 25 Going to sea is beset with dan­ —Chirman Charles O. Lee; Sec­ ger. Incautious seamen never retary L. W. Highsmith. Mo­ know when or where some foul tions carried: That crew ice box deed will befall them. In support be repaired, if possible; that of this contention, wff offer an delegates and Ch. Steward item from a set of minutes sent make sure fresh coffee is made in from the SS Fort Hoskins. for every meal; that a collection of money and cigarettes be The item read: taken for hospital case trip"It was also brought up that carder—money to be given to the mess boys should stop throw­ him on arrival in Trinidad; that ing stuff out of the portholes, as holes be drilled in a knife, fork, someone might be passing and and spoon and they be hung get hurt." in crew pantry ^nd a fine of Especially if it was a hunk of $25.00 levied on aiiyone remov­ ing same. last night's cake. iF YOU HAVE A BEEF SEE YOUR. PATROLMAN . DON'T WAIT FOR HIM TO LOOK YOU UP. IT'S YOUR SPEAK UP! CUT and RUN By HANK So help us, what's happening to New York anyway? Where are all the ships that come here steady? The Brothers on the second floor sure would like to see them come in all of a sudden and take them all off the beach . . . After all, waiting for retroactive pay or unemployment insurance doesn't help the empty pockets and the restless feet . . . Say, if any of you guys want to read a swell article about Merchant Seamen—then invest that last fifty cents for a copy of the November issue of Esquire magazine—and read about a woman thinks of us guys, and she sure praises us like nobody has ever done before, indeed. 4. 4. t i One of our swell shipmates. Bosun. Hera Smyley, just blew in with one of his shipmates, Marion "Whitey" Kirtley. after a not so good Isthmian trip of four months duration to Khcrhamshahr, the world's most overheated fly heaven, in the Per­ sian Gulf. In addition, they had no shore leave for several weeks in the port of Ras Tanura, Arabia, also in the Gulf, which is the emptiest hole of port in the world. The Old Man's goldbraided angels had plenty of this something called shore leave, which is the sailor's only happiness in his life. Well, we hope things change for the best from now on, for the guys in the fo'c'sle. 4, 4. 4, t Say, Brother Edgar Kurz, who do you think is in New York right now with you? Good old "Blackie" Daniel Boyce, your Stew­ ard's Department buddy, famous all trip for those famous but true words—"One hand for the company, and one hand for me!"' . . . "Big Woody" Roland, the Cook, and his shipmate, "Little Woody," are in town now. Woody got spliced several months ago and is planning to open his own bellyrobbing- landlubbing restaurant in the near future. Name it the Seafarer's Cafe, Woody, and you'll never get a beef on your hands . . . According to a cigar-smoking pal named Johnny, we are informed of the happy and important fact that "Blackie" Cardullo will be splicing into the old sea of , matrimonj' soon. Congratulations, lots of happiness and we hope wc at least snrell some of that cigar smoke from ?.Iarcu£ Hook, Blackie! 444. 4. Jibi Matheson has just confessed his plans of staying on a steady North Atlantic run to either Polish or other European ports . . . Say. isn't that Brother P. J. McCann in New York right now? . . . And where's little Jimmy Crescitelli right now —and his mustache and humorous talk? . . . Mickey Healey just shipped to Bermuda for a few weeks and Southern exposnro . . . "Chips" Einar Hansen just shipped for Buenos Aires. This lime don't lose your box of tools. Chips . . . Benny the dispatch­ er says one of the best of his pals and who really can use his "dukes" if he has to. named Ah Rodriguez, is in town right now. 4> 4, 44> We apologize to Rocky Benson for last week's remarks. The printer who sets up these words must have twitchy eyes or some­ thing because it was his mistake, Rocky . . . Here are a few oldtimers who may still be anchored down in Norfolk waiting to sail: Gustaf Anderson, John Price, W. W. Barrett and Fritz Krane . . . We don't know if Mike Gison, the biggest beachcomber residing in Now York right now on a temporary basis, is still anchored rather heavily in this port—unless he threw his weight around and sailed luckily out of this brotherly overcrowded and slow shipping port . . . Well, don't forget Brothers, if you want to read about how swell we are to a woman, get the November issue of that magazine mentioned earlier, before you sail and you'll hit your bunk for many nights of smiling sleep, indeed. J �" ~- -. --'IM'iTr'i' • CkMar* NerembMr IS, ISM TBS SSAF ARE RS iCoffe 7i*idve THE SAILORS' SNUG HARBOR G€t Up, Grab Your Garlic: Hank To Frank (Who Is Hi) (Open Letter to Frank Radzvila) Dear Frank: Well, I never heard of any cook getting sick from anything, including his own experiments or even some other cook's pot luck —and so I'm naturally surprised to hear from Joe Algina and Joe Volpian, that you're anchored in some land-shaped ship called the Marine Hospital down there in New Orleans, which is going through a lot of horrible and sad changes, so I hear. After all, being sick and missing those good old pots and pans and coal smoke is a double crime, indeed, to all food-loving shipmates. Although it wasn't Friday I was further in­ toxicated by smelling something fishy in the fact that you're in something called Ward 2. Now even though I'm one of these half-way dumb Polacks, I still says to myself, kinda smart­ like, I says, since when do the cooks have their quarters called wards now? Well, maybe our companies, blushing with pride and smaller money-bags, have some new ships built—with whiz­ zing elevators from the quarters to the galley—and musical pots to keep the cooks whistling with their greasy work? Or maybe this funny kind of a ship is all full of cooks—with no black gang and deck apes screaming for more toothpicks, colored napkins and coffee a la mode for coffee times? But then I figure there wouldn't be any more good trips without those two departments and the cooks would sure go crazy from just staring at the beef in the galley every day. Now you know yourself, Frank, that you never heard of any cook being anchored in any port too long—no matter how sick he was or how good the cooking was there or how healthy the air was. Especially if he thinks anything of his health and his art of cook­ ing—even if he's a fine doctor and artist with bread puddings and old beans and rice. But a cook like you, Frank, who is in Smooth Cruise, No Blues Dear Editor: Enclosed are the minutes of the shipboard meetings of the SS Julian Poydras. We have quite a few oldtimers on here, and they all seem to be planning on taking in the sights of Rome after we hit port in Civi­ tavecchia, in the sunny lands of Italy. So far we have pleasure-cruis­ ing weather and, hope to continue having it. H. Fountain Ship's Delegate the upper crust of cooks, and the way you throw that garlic aroimd in those meals—well, you can't stay in port long enough so that the pots get rusty on the ships. The day I heard the news that you were drydockcd in some hos­ pital I was eating some sloppy meal for a half a dollar and I looked at the darn stuff and I say: Why wasn't I born a cook? Garlic or no garlic, but just a cook, like the guy called Frank who was on the Delaires a few years ago. Now you gotta know one thing, Frank. THEY'RE WAITING Some of your shipmates—even if they aren't cooks who inherited the art of self-defense (technical­ ly called cooking or filling the empty sack) from their bearded grandfathers sailing the May­ flower—well, these guys are go­ ing to get mighty sick of this business about you laying rustylike and dream-like — losing weight and your health and have your shipmates practically starv­ ing in their loneliness — while waiting for you to get better aw­ ful fast. One of your shipmates, in fact, Joe Prestigiacomo, was in New York, dying for a whiff of gar­ lic on some of your dishes—and now Michael Gison, who never lost any of his weight while fishoiling decks and training a ship­ mate of a monkey from India to "Sir" him on Number One. hatch, indeed—he's in New York now, screaming for some fancy cook­ ing a la your style. So how about it, Frank, grab your nurse—I mean, grab your bag of garlic and your sharp tools and leave some of your weight to some" little guy in the corner looking at you so sadly. Put some fire in the stove and let Charlie Noble smoke his black old head off! Your shipmate Cut and Run "Hank" Wanted: Tips Ships are again on the roll, plying the seas to the four corners of the earth. You Seafcurers who man these vessels will be popping into ports of call in Africa.- Asia, Australia. You'll be hitting the Near East, Middle East and the Orient, and you'll be making the high spots and the low in the islands, and down South America way. Your experiences in these places, the characters you meet both ashore and aboard ship as you wend your way, make interesting stories. Surely, you'll run into strange gals and guys, clip-joints, dives, and points of historical interest. Maybe you'll have a beef on the v/ay, or a tip to pass along to your Broth­ ers that might save them some trouble. We want to hear about any and all of these. Just jot them down and mail them to the Seafarers Log, 51 Beaver Siseet. New York 4. N. Y. Enclose pictures if you have any, we'll return them. Log-A' Rhythms Gambler's Dream By Vic Combs 'Twas the night after payday, 1 was off on the morrow, 1 went to the races, which was much to my sorrow. There was a horse in the first race who really could run. View from a passing ship of the spot where some oldtimers spend their retirement days. Last week, after 60 years of sailing the world's waters. Seafarer Carel Rappold announced that he was snugging down here. The locatid!i commands an excellent view of the bustling activity in New York harbor. On him I bet money, but he was out only for fun; The second, the third race I thought 1 picked swell. But both felt bad, and they went straight to—well. Plan To Improve Conditions Suggested By Bosun Norton My luck was all bad for the fiftk was a sprint. And the nag 1 bet on didn't even get a glint; side shall be kept clean and touch­ On the fifth and sixth races 1 got I have been fuming over in ed up, or whole areas painted lips from the stable. to maintain the original liome at my mind several ideas by which sea atmosphere. But neither horse ran fast—1 SIU seamen could assure them­ ONE PAYOFF guess they weren't able. selves of better working condi­ The payoff shall come only at tions, and at the same time make The seventh race came up, the the end of the year, however, their voyage enjoyable. horses were all set. money shal be drawn any time, Usually when a crew goes ashore or at sea, and liberty in The filly 1 backed was really aboard a ship that needs much port shal be dispensed to those worth a bet. repair work done they have to capable of sensibly using it, with­ The race was started, 12 horses suffer the inconveniences and out any restrictions as to num­ were away— poor conditions until the ships ber of men or time that can be All but mine who declined to run spent ashore. gets back into port. that day. PROVIDE THE BEST When the ship ties up, the re­ 1 swore on an oath; no more pair list is handed in and most The company will provide for gambling for me, of the crew piles off; thus never the crew the best supplies and enjoying the repairs that are tools obtainable and in return I'm through with betting for life. made. a good boy I'll be. each man wil do his work to the best of his ability. But now that the meeting has NORTON PLAN When the year is completed started again. After giving the matter much and the crew is being payed off, The old urge is back, 1 feel a yen thought I scrapped up the follow­ the ship will be inspected to in­ ing plan. When a ship is in for sure that it is left clean and To pick just one winner, to see its annual inspection, a new crew sanitary. him run. should be signed on with the So. I'll go on the morrow—Gee. At the same time a bonus shall provision that they are to re­ won't it be fun. main with the ship for a year. be paid each member of the crew who has completed the full year They will be able to transfer if —Dedicated to JayVee with a clean slate (meaning that Jie has remained aboard for the % % % full year and has not been log­ ged). Thus the ship and the crew will part with a clean slate and By M. Jabo Sams no debts or regrets shall be in­ curred. 1 put my name upon the ballot to Well, that's about all there is be elected in this year, to the plan. True it's a rough 1 wanted to be a piecard, and I draft, but the idea of signing on didn't care just where. for one year, and thus being sure of having everything ship-shape 1 went up and down the hall try­ ing to solicit a vote. they way a crew likes it, it an idea worth giving some serious But all 1 did to the guys was real­ thought in your spare moments. ly get their goi t. Any comments or suggestions? 1 pinned down many a guy and they wish, but only if it is for Bosun Norton really bent his ear. the betterment of the crew and So alas! I've decided to give it the vessel. up and try again next year. At the time of the sign on, the Dear Editor: Piecard Blues ship will have been overhauled, scaled and painted inside and out. The rigging and gear shall have been overhauled by the shore workers. The crew signing on shall then accept her in first class condition. From this time on until the year is completed there will be no painting outside beyond scaling, leading and touching upT The in­ SANTOS SPOT TO HAVE LOGS FOR SEAFARERS Dear Editor: Enclosed you will find the card Of the proprietor of a bar in San­ tos, Brazil. This bar's patronage is over­ whelmingly SIU apd SUP, and Lop^, dhe owner, is an ex-sea­ man. He told me that he would be very glad to receive bundles of the Log to place in his bar for incoming Seafarers. Edwin Westphal New Orleans (Editor's note: Thanks, Brother, for keeping your eyes open for Logi distribution spots. Seafar­ ers calling at Santos should soon find the Log at the Lopez place.) �FHday^ WimmiBn 15; 1948 9m^ruUUm rUE SEAPARERS hOG VIEWS OP THE RUTGERS VICTORTS DAMAGE Pholo at upper left shows portside stove in when the Rut­ gers Victory was hit by the SS Nashbulk Sept. 27. Above, two SIU crew mem­ bers, J. Mele (standing) and A. Melino, look over the damages incurred by their vessel. Left. Brother Melino stands over damaged area. Side was stove in about 10 feet. The crew of the Rutgers Vic­ tory worked feverishly all night after the collision. The Skipper and the Coast Guard complimented the men for their work in stretching a life chain, and preventing further damage, reports Blackie Cardullo. Agent at Marcus Hook. 'Ropeyam' Uses His HeadI But (t) So Does BUlygoat Dear Ed; Well, Ed, I know that you are really going to be shocked when you find out that the writer is someone else other than"Ropeyarn-the genuine" but Ropeyarn is a bit under the weather, so here goes at my worst. Now Ed, don't think that old "second-hand-guy" rope, has kicked the bucket. Nothing like that Ed. You know his old hide is too tough for that, he has just met with a slight accident and am sure that he will be back pretty soon. It seems according to Rope's own story that he some how got the idea that the strike was over and that it was time to cele­ brate. Now Ed you know how Rope celebrates. He don't drink nice red soda water, or adam's apple; Rope drinks the old hard liquor with no chaser. Now Ed, Rope tells me that he run into a lamp post, but I heard several other versions of the stofy and according to them it wasn't no lamp post at all. One feller told me that Old Rope was wandering around in a gin-mill where some of those JUSTAMlMUIB. CfDDI-ES! 1 FEELASHtKER COMING ON! Brother Bause Asserts It Was A Lucky Day He Came To The Seafarers For A Tripcard Dear Editor: once Ship's Delegate, and I know tains an office on the fifth floor It has been a long time since that all difficulties on any ship of this hospital They are very I last wrote a letter to the Log. can be handled by the delegates active in giving men something but now I feel that a letter con­ on board, for they were elected to do, and Brothers, the things cerning the activities here at the because they carried the confi­ they donate for the benefit of dis­ Staten Island Marine hospital is dence of the members of their de­ abled seamen are not of the dime store variety of two other well necessary. This letter speaks for partments. It is the duty of any SIU Bro­ known organizations you and I several SIU men laid up here and we all wish to thank our ther to accept the job as delegate donated many a dollar to. The brothers for the increase of Hos­ on board a ship. Some says it's DAR doesn't collect money from trouble, but it isn't. It is merely any one. In behalf of three SIU pital benefits. the fulfillment of your pledge men confined on the fifth floor in As usual the SIU leads again. v/hen you were obligated. As a this hospital I gratefully join To you Brothers who are sailing matter of fact it is an honor to them in saying "Thank you DAR; now, you may not think that a represent the SIU. You have it is so nice to be remembered.' dollar is important, but in here, tremendous power behind you, all William Bause after many months of confine­ you are asked to do is to repre­ ment, it is just the difference of Marine Hospital "to be or not to be" and there­ sent your organization honestly Staten Island fore we, the SIU men of B-5 ward and intelligently. (Editor's Note: Brother Bause of this institution wish to thank THANKS is a bit premature in his thanks the SIU, the Log, and Brother I would like to ask you to Joe Volpian for their untiring ef­ print a word of thanks to the for increased Hospital Benefits. forts to make our stay a little DAR. This organization main- Members are presently voting on the Resolution. Results will be easier, and letting us know that announced as soon as possible we have not joined the ranks of REYES TIPS after voting ends. Dec. 31.) the forgotten men. I One can find forgotten men HIS HAT here, plenty of them, men that TO THE SIU DECK GANG PAYS belong to no union, men with problems but no one to help Deu Editor: them. Some of these men didn't "We did it again, so it is with 'FEARLESS' BOSUN know about unions, while others pleasure that I extend my con­ speak of union dues as nonsense. gratulations to all the members Dear Edilor: "Why pay for the privilege to and officials of our great Union, In behalf of the former Deck work," they say. These men are for the wonderful job done dur­ Department of the SS Ranier, we known as freeloaders, and indeed ing the 1946 General Strike. wish to express our thanks to they are, for they are only inter­ one of the best Bosuns we ever I understand that none of our ested in the benefits' of the union. sailed with. He is A1 "Shorty" members suffered for anything. "When a man accepts any benefits, "Van Dyke of Philadelphia. he who accepts an obligation as They had lots of food, and they We are" turning this scow over a good union man is aware of it had a place to sleep, in fact those to another outfit. We have left on the food committee were paid and fulfills his obligations. for their services. I hope that everything in good condition and LUCKY DAY everyone was satisfied and is clean, but before we scatter to It was indeed a lucky day for ready to fight against the ship­ the four corners of the Stqtes we me when I decided to turn my owners or Washington bureau­ wish to say that we hope we may MCS book in for an SIU tripcard crats if the day comes again. sail again with a man who isn't in the Philly Hall. Since then I Everytime we strike and win afraid of phony mates—that man have sailed good ships with good means better conditions and more is "Shorty." crows and believe it or not no dough in our pockets, so hats off Former Deck Gang beefs and no disputes. I have to the SIU and a job well done. SS Ranier beetr Department Delegate and Juan Rayes Beaumont. Texas young fellers who are graduates of a famous school for training seaman, and while in his cups made a few impolite remarks about the value of their old col­ lege. Well, Ed, from the best I can find out some feller sorter took exceptions to Old Rope and closed one of his eyes. Anyway Ed, Rope's got a black eye and I don't believe from the looks of it that he run into any lamp post. However, there is an­ other version which sounds somewhat plausible. Another feller has it that old Rope was seen stepping around with a dame who owned a billy goat, and this dame also has a husband who is a. wee bit jealous. Well, this was a little bit puz­ zling to me at first, as to how a dame with a billy goat and a jealous husband had anything to do with old Rope getting skinned up. But after hearing the story, Ed, I soon seen how they both fitted in. It seems that according to this version that after Rope and this dame had several rounds of drinks, they decided to retire to the lady's apartment for a night cap. Well Ed, you know old Rope he always was great on these night caps, especially if there was a good looking lady to "nightcap-with." Rumor has it, Ed, that this lady had brought out her pet bil­ ly goat for old Rope to admire. SOME SHOWOFF Old Rope wanting to show his prowness to the lady, and pretty drunk too, decided to butt heads with the biUy goat, and of course, Ed, after looking at old Rope you can easil>- see that the billy goat won. Damned if Old Rope can't think of some dumb things to do. So here is another version Ed, and it sounds like it might be pretty much the truth. Friend husband decided to re­ turn from sea right suddenly and visit friend wife, and see how her and friend billy goat was pro­ gressing and just happened to walk in on old Rope, friend wife and friend billy goat. GET HEADS TOGETHER Well Ed, from what I can learn, friend husband and friend billy goat both decided to show old Rope how to really butt and friend husband and friend billy goat proceeded to give him a two­ fold demonstration. Old Rope pleads not guilty to the goat version, Ed, and still sticks to the lamp story, so I guess that since he is the victim we'll have to take his word. I asked old Rope if he cared to do a little night-capping with one of them Arkansas kicking mules the other day. Just to pass the time away. Well Ed, old Rope said it was a damned lot safer to night-cap with a kicking mule than with a drunken damsel and a billy goat plus a jealous hus­ band. "AL" TRIBUTE TO • '• /I' 'NAMES OF MEN IN MARINE HOSPITALS' PUZZLES LAKES BROTHER I am now in the marine hospital and I will be leaving soon for home. I just finished reading the Seafarers Log and I saw your notice about having the Log sent to a home address. WiH you please see that I get one each week? By the way, how is it you don't put in the Log the names of seamen who are "in the hospital here in Chicago? Joseph Hutches Answer:—Your name has been placed on the mailing list. Brother Hutches. With regards to your question, the answer lies in the fact that the Seafarers Log is the official organ of the Atlantic and Gulf District, and lists of the men hospitalized are forwarded to the Log by those Port Agents. However, whenever we re­ ceive names of men in Lakes district hospitals we gladly publish them. �THE SEAFARERS LOG Pags Fsariesn Friday, Norember IS, 194S Amateur Spies OrganlzeAgalnst Trade Unions Steamboat Came Across A Few Characters In His SeafaringCareer, And How! By "STEAMBOAT" O'DOYLE Louis Goffin is dead right when he says the characters one meets are what makes a seaman's life worthwhile. Somehow one meets funnier, crazier, happier guys on ships than one can any­ where else. "PAINT POT" McGEE Who remembers "Paint Pot" McGee, Chief Engineer of the old Arion? This guy used to have the whole Black Gang painting the engine room at once, and him going faster than any of them. He was never satisfied with the effect achieved, and as soon as one coat was finished he would start everybody off with another color. He averaged nine coats a trip. Nothing could have sunk that ship, the paint was too thick. "Paint Pot" used to paint over everything in the way. Everytime the Deck Engineer laid his toolbox down he picked it up a diffrent color. Finally it got so heavy he couldn't lift it. After a while the price of paint went up and the company had to let old "Paint Pot" go. CAPTAIN STARDUST West Coast sailors will remem­ ber Captain Stardust, so called because he allegedly navigated the ship by astrology. Before the Hiring Hall put a crimp in his zodiac, he would ask the date of jmur birth, get out his charts and crystal ball, and God help you if you were born under the wrong sign. Once he refused to take a ship into port because the stars weren't favorable. Another time Venus must have been exerting an undue influence because in­ stead of Italy, he landed in Trini­ dad. CAPTAIN BOW-WOW The famous Captain Bow-Wow should not be forgotten either. This character was a dog fancier and his mutts won prizes at all kennel shows. That was okay, but he used to take his kennels DOESN'T tain Bow-Wow pay it all out of his own pocket. Finally a desperate crew let all liis dogs overboard one night. At least that's what Captain BowWow said. Of course the crew in­ dignantly denied it. Anyway, the dogs were gone. Maybe the cook knew something about it. SHIPBOARD SEANCE Peisonally, I will never forget a spiritualist I once shared a foc'sle with. I don't mind if he believed in communicating with the dead, but when he started holding his seances in my foc'sle I got nervous. He used to lean SAOREBLEU! THIS ISA VOGS out the porthole at night talking to some imaginary character named "Kelly," whom he thought was following the ship. Pretty soon "Kelly" was being blamed for everything that went wrong. One night the Mate tried to take the ship up a mountain and even the Captain blamed the troubles on this nautical gremlin. Finally the spooks got so bad the lookouts were afraid to go up on the bow at night. The cook had a silver spoon hanging on his door to keep out the ghosts, and the whole ship had the jitters. One night an Oiler put on one of the old rubber zoot-suits, with strips of luminous tape pasted on it for bone.s. In the dark he glowed and lit up like the orig­ inal walking skeleton. He sneak­ ed onto the boat deck with it and sent the whole watch running out of the wheelhouse screaming gibberish. 'What a trip that was! When we got back we were all ready for Bellevue overcoats. Then there was the Skipper who played the piccolo—but the Log wouldn't print that one. Call me up sometime and I'll tell it to you on the phone. Where Do You Fit In This Picture? Have you ever wondered to sea with him. Every ship he where you fit into the national rode the carpenter had to spend wealth picture? If so, you can all trip building doghouses on quit worrying right now, for here the poopdeck. These seagoing are the latest figures: dogs couldn't tell the difference 1,114 are multimillionaires between a ventilator and a fire 12,085 are millionaires hydrant, so after a while the 22,735 are worth $500,000 or deck was rich enough to grow over ten foot of corn. 49,405 are worth $250,000 or The arguments Captain Bow- over Wow had with guys who couldn't 117,549 are worth $100,000 or sleep when his menagerie began over baying at the moon became fa­ 505,230 are worth $50,000 or mous. Once on a long trip, some over of his pups had pups, then the 717,932 are worth $25,000 or pups had pups. We had an AB over walking them two hours a day 1,308,275 are worth $5,000 or on the afterdeck. Of course the over guy put in for overtime which Looks as though we are deamounted to several hundred finitely the majority—^the rest of bucks. The company made Cap-us. By JOE VOLPIAN only suggestion the writer can make in their case is to continue sailing in wder to build up five years sea time. Recent attempts to legalize the entry of alien sea­ men in certain cases died in com­ mittee in Congress. 2. Seamen who have made a legal entry, that is, who have a ifaident visa, may build up their fuieigii flag Veasels. These men who have been our five year period by a combina­ shipmates through the bitter hos­ tion of sailing time and residence tilities of the late war ai'e now on the beach in the United States. 3. Men who did not make a le­ faced with the stringest peace­ time regulations governing imrhi- gal entry into the country have gration and naturalization, and in many cases married women their war heroism seems to be who are United States citizens. These men are privileged to ap­ completely forgotten. As early as 1906, Congress en­ ply at any office of the Depart­ acted legislation with special ment of Immigration for pre-exconsideration for seafaring men. arhination, that is, the same ex­ It was recognized that their oc^ amination that would be given cupation, in all justice, required in a foreign country when ap­ that they be considered in a plying for a visa and their en­ class different from their lubber­ try can be legalized. 4. Men who made a legal en­ ly brothers as far as residence try and who have married Amer­ is concerned. ican citizens. Such aliens after a NO DECLARATION two year period, may apply for The law provides that a per­ their final papei's. son who has served honorably or The question uppermost in the with good conduct for an aggre­ minds of aliens sems to be "Can gate period of at least five years I ship out on a coastwise ship?" on board of any vessel of the The answer is that coastwise and United States Government (other intercoastal ships require 50 per than in the United States Navy, cent citizens or more and may Marine Corps or Coast Guard), carry up to 50 per cent aliens or on board vessels of more than who made legal entry into the 20 tons burden which are not United States. foreign vessels, and whose home If, however, the vessel is sche­ port is in the United States, may duled to touch a foreign port first, be naturalized without having such as Havana, she may carry resided in the United States for up to 50 per cent aliens without at least five years and in the legal entry. 'Vessels under for­ State in which the petition for eign articles require 50 per cent naturalization is filed, for at least or more citizens and up to 50 per six months. However, the peti­ cent aliens, legal or illegal. tion must be filed while the alien The past couple of months have is in the service on a reinlistment, been a trying period for Alien reappointment or reshipment or seamen who are only allowed 29 within six months after an hon­ days stay on the beach in the orable discharge or separation United States. Strikes, and lock­ therefrom. Service with good outs have prevented them from conduct on the vessels described complying with the letter of the above may be proved by certi­ Immigration Laws. 'We have ficates from the Masters of such been informed by various Immi­ vessels. No declaration of intention or gration officials that no attempt certificate of arrival or residence is being made to enforce the 29 within the jurisdiction of the dej/ period as they recognize court is required. At least two that these men could not go to citizens of the United States are sea. However, these men are required as verifying wtnesses. warned to ship out as early as The petitioner shall continually possible. It is the opinion of the writer reside in the United States for qj that taken all in all, the Immigra­ least five years and in the State tion Authorities will give favor­ in which the petition is filed for able consideration to bona fide at least six months immediately preceding the filing of the peti­ seamen insofar as the law per­ tion, if his service terminated mits. Prospects of passage of legisla­ more than six months before the tion to legalize the enry of for­ date of filing the petition for na­ eign seaman who began sailing turalization, but any service time American ships after the period shall be considered as residence of hostility began on Sept. 1, within the United States or the 1939, is extremely dim. State. Periods of service shall be These men are advised to make proved by authenticated copies every effort to obtain a visa from of records of the,departments hav­ the American Consul in foreign ing custody of the records of ports in order to legalize their such service. entry. Briefly, the meat in the above paragraphs is that an alien sea­ man, after the five year aggrogate period required, may apply immediately for his "second pa­ If you don't find linen pers." He skips the filing of when you go aboard your "first papers," the term common­ ship< notify the Hall at once. ly applied to the Declaration of A telegram from Le Havre or Intention. Singapore won't do you any Four major classes come to good. It's your bed and you mind: have to lie in it. 1. Aliens who have not made legal entry into the country. The Another problem arising out of the late war was in one involving immigration and naturalization of seamen. It arose due to the fact that, in the early days of the war, critical shortage of rated men necessitated issuance of American seaman's papers to men who had been sailing on AnENTION! .. ski The United States will soon have a star-spangled unofficial version of Russia's infamous NKVD, and Hitlerite GJermany's Gestapo, if a one-time army col­ onel, Sidney Morgan of Washing­ ton, has his snooping way. Morgan heads up the recently formed Military Intelligence As­ sociation, a nation-wide organi­ zation of ex-Army intelligence men, whose operations are to serve as a link in the Army's ex­ panding spy and counter-spy network. Thus far, this fascist-modeled agency is said to be unofficial in character, but it is reported that Major Gen. S. J. Chamberlain, War Department director of in­ telligence and chief of the Army's intelligence service is studying the setup with a view of granting it official reqpgnition and sup­ port. The American Gestapo, which already has several hundred members attached to chapters in 12 cities, lists among its longrange objectives: "Better prepa­ ration for service; a better in­ formed citizenry; a stronger, wiser nation." The real threat of the organi­ zation lies in the announced plan of its leaders, who have pointed out plainly that the spy associa­ tion is determined to keep the War Department informed on persons and organizations who might betray the nation in time of war. Thus is revealed the real pur­ pose of the outfit, for their plan includes labor unions, and lead­ ers thereof; in fact, any group which might disagree with offi­ cial government policy. The operations of the reaction­ ary spies will not be confied to war, however, and have an air of definite immediacy. The MIA is already di-awing up a series of bulletins describ­ ing in full the organizations which it considers to be "ene­ mies." In this category will fall all bona-fide activities, such as la­ bor unions, etc., which do not meet with the approval of the reactionaries. Should the Administration in Washington fail to stamp out this incipient fascist threat quickly and cleanly, the future for lib­ erty and freedom-loving Ameri­ cans will be dark and stormy. The Patrolmen Say— (Conthmed from Pa^c 8) the Masters, Mates and Pilots we had to go aboard and tell the old rum pot that the MM&P were on strike and he would have to get off or be thrown off. He belly ached a little and said .that | he didn't know that there was a strike being called. That is the hell of being along side of a dock in New York. You are cut off from all civilization. The pride of | the 'Von Stueban only gets his j communiques from the bottle's j mouth so how was he to know. Well, he got off and the last j I saw of him he was reeling, along South Street and he wasn't looking for the Staten Island | Ferry. Johxmi* Johnston I �Friday,-HoTember 15,: 1946 T H E S E A 'E.4 R ERS LOG ~Page Fiflesa BULLETIN Roving Seafarer Takes Sampling Of Small Businessmen's Opinions Of Trade Unions NEW ORLEANS INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS Black Gang SS Del Santos—$6.00. Clarence Umberger, $1.00; Ignace Decarau*. $1.00; Frank E. Shimelfinig, $1.00; Louis Tuckfield, $1.00; Allen Voorhees, $1.00; Victor Kocurek, $1..00; Fastino, Torres. $1.00; Chris Edmonds, $1.00; James Crone, $1.00; Louis Arena, $1.00; Thomas Cook.sey. $1.00; W. J. Legen. $1.00. NEW YORK SS CAPE HATTERAS V. Diperi, $1.00; L. Mulero, $1.00; C. K. Yates, $1.00; F. Piccolo, $1.00; O. P. Oakley, $1.00. SS E. SCRIPPS A. P. Stearns, $1.00; F. J. Gruffis, $1.00; F. Jenkins, $1.00; W. D. Sawyer, $1.00; C. A. Mosley, $2.00; R. R. Lee. $1.00; E. Parkman, $1.00. SS LAREDO VICTORY H. Wykosky, $1.00; E. J. Butkowzki. $5.00; R. 1.. Robertson, $I 00; S Man gold. $1.00. SS A. G. BELL L. O'Neal, $5.00; E. Mislosky. $2.00; J. F. Boyle, $2.00; B. Agol, $2.00; Orual Burks. $2.00; J. Buhia, Jr.. $2.00; E. J. Sakon, $2.00; E. L. Merril, $2.00; J. R. Nolette, $2.00; S. Williamson, $2.00; M. Messina, $5.00; J. M. Palozzolo. $5.00; W. A. Meyer, $5.00; N. A. St, ,\ubin. $5.00; J. E. Gaghe, $5 00; C. L. Rittcr, $5.00; R. D. Peterson, $5.00; W. A. Gunther, $3.00; L. D. Yoder, $2.00; H. D. Dell'Orfano, $10.00; George Gentry, $5.00; William C. Salie, $5.00. INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS J. M. Sadler, $4.00; E. F. Howell, $1.00; D. Blonstein, $1.00; P. J. Dattalo. $1.00; A. J. LaSala, $1.00; E. W. Weiss. $1.00; D. Karasek, $2.00. MONEY DUE CHARLES GLOVER Charles Glover, Second Cook on Tanker Hart Erie, there is money due you being held at the SIU Baltimore Hall. 4 i, SS THOMAS GREGORY . (Voyage No.' 7) Money due the followihg has been mailed out to the addresses listed on the ship's articles. B. W. Talley, 25 hrs.; R. Verdeflor, 4 hrs.; G. A. Nott, $1.00; A. Seidl, $1.00; J. Higgins, $1.00; F. White, $1.00; G. Perry, $1.00; O. Johnson, $1.00, 5 hrs,; C. E. Larson, $1,00; F. Jennell, $1.00; R, Bradley, $1,00; N. Dodash, $1.00. PERSONALSFRED BARRETT Fred Barrett, Steward from Ore Steamship Company, con­ tact Engine Patrolman Masterson at Baltimore in reference to rebate of money. 45 ft JOHNNY BALIDAY Get in touch with Spider Korolia, c/o New Orleans Hall. He wishes to locate his sea bag left in your foc'sle on the SS Robert G. Ingersoll. i 4" • FRANK MANUEL NILLAR Get in touch with Spider Korqlia, c/o New Orleans Hall. He wishes to write you. I;' ^" (Continued from Page 6) been farming for 25 years in this state. Two of the mangiest looking hounds I have ever seen were watching him mend a fence, when I asked him what he thought about labor unions. He replied that he had a son, Ed, who had joined a union shortly after the war started be­ cause he couldn't have worked unless he belonged. But the union benefited farmer Jones and his neighbors. The wages his son received enabled him to give money home, and Mr. Jones pur­ chased needed tools, equipment and horses that he couldn't have gotten otherwise. NO TIME "My boy got good wages, sumpin us folks hain't used to down in these parts," he said. What about all these strikes going on? Mr. Jones didn't know there were any strikes at the moment, so we told him about the waterfront strikes. He re­ plied that farmers had so many of their own crucial problems in trying to eke out a living they didn't have time to think about anything else. Questioned about the benefits of government aid to farmers, Mr. Jones answered they have helped some, but "by the time a feller filled out all his forms and got the money from Washington, the crabgrass done tuck his crop." Labor unions are okay because "they help a fellow that gonna work fer wages," said farmer Jones. So we asked him what he thought of a union for farmers. "I'll tell ya suthin'," he said, "a farmer aint a body that works fer wages, he's a sorta two by four business man and now and Notice! Retroactive pay for the follow­ ing ships have been completed and can be collected at the com­ pany offices. MORAN TOWING AND TRANS. CO. 17 Battery Place, New York The Fallhead Blackrock Burnt Island Farallon Fire Island Montawk Point Pidgeon Point SS SS SS SS SS SS SS SS Reinhold Richler • Robin Wentley Mary Bickerdyke Robin Sherwood Charles W. Stiles Francis Marion Joseph Emery Koloa Victory then hasta hire nuther feller fer wages, and this being the case it mightint work out so good. HUNGRY HOUNDS "Though I wouldn' be opposed ifen I thought it would do any good," he added as we wound up the interview. Dark was falling at this point and ye roving scribe had memor­ ies of several other bad-looking hounds that he passed on his way out here, and not having any extra change to have a piece of flesh grated back on my leg in case I met with these leg-chewing mongrels, I decided to light a shuck back to the bright lights uf tlie city of West Monroe. Tycoon Flays Big BusinessAnd He Knows CHICAGO (LPA) — The ivory soap that Charles Luckman^ pres­ ident of Lever Bros. Co., manu­ factures may be 99 44/1007P pure but as far as the Natl. Associa­ tion of Manufacturere is concern­ ed Luckman is a stinker. The overtime payroll has not To the acute dismay of dele­ yet been set up, but is expected to be ready for payment in the gates to the annual convention of the Super Market Institute near future. here, Luckman gave industry as ft 4. ft a whole the worst tongue-lashing EASTERN SS LINES it has received in years from an % ft ft SS Calvin Austin executive in its own ranks. Rep­ SS Josiah Bartlett resenting a firm with an annual AMERICAN LIBERTY STEAM SS WilUam Beyan SHIP CORPORATION sales volume of $200,000,000, SS James G. Blaine 75 West Street, New York Luckman blasted industry's re­ SS John Henry SS Albert S. Burleson actionary role as no one has in SS Samuel Johnston SS Cecil N. Bean SS Herman Melville recent years outside of organized SS George G. Crawford SS Eugene E. O'Donnell labor. SS Halton R. Carey SS William Phips SS Stephen W. Gambrill Reviewing industry's record, SS Walter E. Ranger SS Otis E. Hall Lever charged, "We declared war SS Claymont Victory SS Webb Miller on collective bargaining. We op­ SS Francis Amasa Walker SS Walter Kidde posed increased taxes for educa­ SS Jesse H. Metcalf SS John La Farge tion. We fought health and safe­ SS Smith Victory SS Charles H. Lanham ty ordinances. We battled child SS Stephen G. Porter SS Thomas W. Gregory labor legislation. We yipped SS Joseph N. Dinand SS Joseph I. Kemp against minimum wage laws. We SS Lincoln Victory SS Robert S. Lovett struggled against unemployment SS Augustus P. Loring insurance. We decried social se­ SS Robert Treed ft ft ft curity and currently we are kick­ SS Speurtanburg Victory ROBIN LINE ing the stuffing out of proposals SS Gaien L. Stone 39 Cortlandt St.. New York to provide universal sickness and SS Edward L. Logan accident insurance. SS Robin Doncaster ^ SS Lou Gehrig SS Clovis Victory "We did all these things," con­ Payment commences Novem­ SS Louis Joliet tinued Luckman as delegates ber .25. Collect at Boston office, SS James Harlan 40 Central Avenue, or New York squirmed in their seats, "without SS Flagstaff Victory making one single constructive office. Pier 25, North River. SS Antonin Dvorak suggestion which would assure SS Oscar Underwood the American people of our de­ SS Oriental sire to achieve the same I'esults San Juan Hall SS Finley Peter Dunne for them qn a basis which would SS George H. Dern be more businesslike and less po­ The address of the Puerto SS Nicholas Biddle litical. We did all these things Rico Branch has been changed SS Charles M. Conrad and today we wonder why peo­ from 45 to 252 Ponce de SS Francis N. Blanche! ple don't like big business and Leon Avenue, Stop 5, Pta. de SS Charles Paddock why it is necessary to start cam­ Tierra, San Juan, P. R. SS Cooper Union Victory paigns to save free enterprise SS Ira Nelson Morris from the damnation v-wows." SIU HALLS BALTIMORE 14 North Cay St. Calvert 4539 BOSTON 276 State St, Boudoin 4458 BUFFALO 10 Exchange St. Cleveland 7391 CHARLESTON 68 Society St Phone 3-36S0 CHICAGO 24 W. Superior Ave. Superior 5175 CLEVELAND . . 1014 E. St. Clair Ave. Main 0147 CORPUS CHRIST! ..1824 Mesquite St. Corpus Christ! 3-1509 DETROIT 1038 Third St. Cadillac 6857 DULUTH 531 W. Michigan St. Melrose 4110 GALVESTON 30554 22nd St. 2-8448 HONOLULU 16 Merchant St. HOUSTON 1515 75th Street Phone Wentworth 3-3809 JACKSONVILLE 920 Main St. Phone 5-5919 MARCUS HOOK 1'/, W. 8th St. Chester 5-3110 MOBILE 7 St. Michael St. 2-1754 NEW ORLEANS 330 Churtrcs St. Magnolia 6112-6113 NEW YORK 51 Beaver St. HAnover 2-2784 NORFOLK 127-129 Bank Street 4-1083 PHILADELPHIA 9 South 7th St. Phone LOmbard 3-7651 PORT ARTHUR 445 Austin Ave. Phone: 2-8532 PORTLAND Ill W. Burnside St. RICHMOND, Calif 257 5th St. SAN FRANCISCO 105 Market St, Douglas 54/5-8363 SAN JUAN, P. R. . . 252 Ponce dc Loon San Juan 2-5996 SAVANNAH 220 East Bay St. 3-1728 SEATTLE 86 Seneca St. Main 0290 TAMPA 1809-1811 N. Franklin St. M-132.3 TOLEDO 615 Summit St. WILMINGTON 440 Avalon Vlvd. Terminal 4-3131 VICTORIA. B. C 602 Boughtan St. VANCOUVER 144 W. Hastings St. CHIEF STEWARD WISHES SUCCESS TO MARCUS HOOK Dear Editor: Enclosed you will find minutes of a meeting held aboard the SS Plattsburg. If you find them worthy to give us a little space in the Log we will all be very ap­ preciative. The old saying is that we are just one big happy family, well that just about covers it as we are getting along just swell and having a very pleasant trip and hope that we get back by Xmas. My main reason for writing this letter is that I want to say a few things about our hall in Marcus Hook. I have been run­ ning in and out of Marcus Hook and Philadelphia for a yeai- and a half now on tankers and as you know we keep on the go and need men in a hurry sometimes. The Marcus Hook HaU has not failed us since it was setup. Through the Log. let me again wish Blackie and the Marcus Hook Hall every success in the coming years, and may they conr tinue to prosper. A. 'W. Gowder. Chief Steward �Page Sixleea THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, November 15, 1946 r Mf''--:- WIN fOft yOURStl}f($ THE HIGH WA6C$ AND 5HIP6CAKD CONDITION; "WATTHE INtceNAHONAl UNION WON FORIHE DRTCARSO ^MEN i I; 1; tP' mr j''\ SEETHE TANKER OR6ANIZING COMMITTEES IN: • PORT ARTHUR* HOUSTON • • <5AIVESION*N^OR1£ANS •/MARCUS HOOK* NEW TORK • |;i'. - If .. , - '''• , -I" � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource November 15, 1946 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. VIII, No. 46 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Description An account of the resource Headlines: NMU DELAYS ELECTION IN CITIES SERVICE AS TANKERMEN FAVOR SIU U.S. SEAMEN ARE NOW SUBJECT TO CHINESE LAWS SEAFARER SOON FINDS OUT WHY TANKERMEN NEED SIU FEEDING GOES ON TIMES MAY BE TOUGH BUT 360 FIRMS GAINED 70 PERCENT IN PROFITS THE JOB TO BE DONE NMU MAN GETS LESSON IN LABOR DEMOCRACY--THE COMMUNIST KIND DETROIT HALL IS THE FOCAL POINT FOR ORGANIZING HIGH FOOD PRICES MAKE RECENT LABOR GAINS WORTH JUST NOTHING ROVING SEAFARER TAKES SAMPLING OF SMALL BUSINESSMEN'S OPINIONS OF TRADE UNIONS GALVESTON'S MARINE HOSPITAL IS AS BAD AS THE REST OF THEM VICTORY OVER FASCISM ABROAD DOES NOT END LABOR'S HARD FIGHT NEW LAUNCH SERVICE ARRANGED FOR SEAFARERS IN PUERTO RICO CORPUS CHRISTI BACK AT WORK EASTERN AND ALCOA MAKE PLANS TO EXPAND INTO PASSENGER TRADE SEAFARERS MAKING GOOD PROGRESS WITH TANKERMEN IN MARCUS HOOK CHI SHIPPING IS STILL FAIR ISTHMIAN NEEDS SPEEDY CHANGES, SAY TWIN FALLS VICTORY CREWMEN VETS' GROUP CHARGES U.S. COMMUNISTS WITH EXPLOITING GIS' NEEDS FOR PARTY LINE BLACK GANG CHARGES FIRST WITH AGREEMENT VIOLATION SIU TRIPCARDER DROWNS OFF TRINIDAD SHORE LYMAN HALL MEN LAUD SIU FIGHT MESSMEN FLEE FURY OF HILTON'S HELL STEAMBOAT CAME ACROSS A FEW CHARACTERS IN HIS SEAFARING CAREER AND HOW! AMATEUR SPIES ORGANIZE AGAINST TRADE UNIONS WHERE DO YOU FIT IN THIS PICTURE? Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 11/15/1946 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1946 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/8ef8a7c8d3a658cc6645485cb91baa43.PDF f861b5f1fb59a8a2101d6fae54aae8b7 PDF Text Text ?P?r'. P-^WJW -• •- ., ,-i. ' i'.in^ •-i. ^ •-V5-5j ''• v! :5i mm,,:... 3j -"^••'^1 ^1 "ISi' o\. , bii^Mmagm OfficUd Organ of the Atlantic and Gulf District, Seafarers International Union of North America NEW YORK. N. Y« FRIDAY. NOVEMBER 22. 1946 Vol. VIII. No. 47 Seafarers Gets 957 Votes^ 55 Per Cent Of Tallies; NMU Shut Out On 8 Ships NMU Challenges 12 Known Pro-SIU Ships In Desperate Move To Forestall Defeat story On Page Z , -4 •^. v\l. ''i^-ii,' -J?'." f rr '' :• ';-5 '5 \-3 :: --!i| �THE SEAFARERS Page Two Friday. November 22, 1946 LOG SEAFARERS LOG Vuhlished Weekly by the SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Gulf District Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor At 51 Beaver Street, New York, 4, N. Y. HAnover 2-2784 % t X t HARRY LUNDEBERG ------- President 105 Market Street, San Francisco, Calif. JOHN HAWK - -- -- -- - Secy-Treas. P. O Box 25, Station P., New York City Entered as second class matter June 15, 1945, at the Post Office in New York, N. Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912. 267 A Clear Mandate Frothing at the mouth over the Seafarers clear ma­ jority in the Isthmian election to determine a union bar­ gaining agency, the National Maritime Union this week sank to a new low in their already notoriously finky career. Out of 1745 valid ballots counted by the National Labor Relations Board the SIU garnered 9 57; the NMU secured 724; while only 64 company stiffs voted for no union. This gave the Seafarers an approximate majority of 5 5 per cent of all the valid ballots counted. However, the NMU challenged 502 other ballots on various grounds. These 502 votes were from a group of 12 Isthmian ships, which strangely enough were acknowledged by the crews themselves predominantly pro-SIU! This, of course, had nothing to do with the NMU's challenging of these votes. No, not much! The mandate of the Isthmian seamen was plainly re­ vealed by the election results. It was very clear to every­ one, including the NMU, that Isthmian men want the Sea­ farers to represent them in collective bargaining with the company. They want the SIU to represent Isthmian sea­ men in the negotiation of a decent union contract with their notoriously anti-union employer. Their vote is proof of this. But, does the NMU bow gracefully to the demands of Isthmian's unlicensed men? Does the NMU, which always brags about democracy but practices dictatorship, believe in the will of the majority of Isthmian seamen? Do they withdraw with a statement that, "We were beaten in a fair battle, boys. Go ahead and let the SIU ne­ gotiate a contract with Isthmian so that you can have union conditions and union representation." No, that isn't the policy or method of the communist-controlled NMU. Knowing even before the actual counting of the bal­ lots began that they were soundly beaten by the Seafarers, the NMU representatives made damn sure that every ship which they challenged was a strongly pro-SIU ship. They .thought that then they might be able to throw the election into a run-off. These wise boys of the NMU didn't realize that even without these ships that the SIU would take a substantial majority. That's where their strategy back-fired. That's where they miscalculated. Right from the start of the organizing campaign, the NMU tried every trick in the book to prevent that election from being held. First, they held up the NLRB hearings with the phony excuse that they wanted the pursers includ­ ed, because they wanted more time to retrieve a lost cause. Then both the Isthmian Company and the NMU protested the October 18 date for the counting of those ballots. So, the vote count was postponed until November 18. There it is in black and white-^the finky record of stalling, duplicity, and sell-outs on the part of the NMU "leaders." They dare not challenge those facts because every single one of them is true. The NMU cannot evade responsibility for the Isth­ mian seamen's lack of a union contract today. But for those who know the score, one more lie or group of lies -from the NMU won't change their minds. Their minds are already made up, and they want only one union—the Sea­ farers International Union and before long they will have it! Hospital Patients When entering the hospital notify the delegate by post­ card, giving your name and the number of your ward. Staten Island Hospital Men Now In The Marine Hospitals These are ihe Union Brothers currently in the marine hospitals, as reported by the Pert Agents, These Brothers find itme hanging heavily on their hands. Do what you can to cheer them up by writ­ ing to them. STATEN ISLAND HOSPITAL C. G. SMITH T. WADSWORTH S. G. LOPEZ R. G. MOSSELLER C. W. SMITH J. 11. HARE W. G. H. BAUSE W. B.- MUIR L. A. CORNWALL L. L. MOODY H. BELCHER C. M. LARSEN C. L. JACQUES' L. KAY R. J. BLAKE J. B. PORTER J. H. DANIEL S. INTEGRA V. RODRIGUEZ S. RIVERA C. R. POTTER J. HALL J. M. FORD B. F. TROTTIE . W. R. WELCOME P. DOMICA t t i BALTIMORE HOSPITAL RICHARD CROMWELL ROBERT CAVENDER RALPH FREY •. . - v.- j THEODORE KLOSS PETER LOPEZ MAX FINGERHUT WAYNE TROLLE CHARLES DUNN CEDRIC FRANCIS MOSES MORRIS LEON CURRY RUY JUSTICE RAYMOND VAN DREELE You can contact your Hos­ pital delegate at the Staten Island Hospital at the follow­ ing times: Tuesday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on 5th and 6th floors) Thursday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on 3rd and 4th floors.) Saturday—1:30 to 3:36 p. m. (on 1st and 2nd floors.) MAX SEIDEL A. FERRARI HOMER HOFF KARL PETTERSSON EDWARD CUSTER ALEX JOKI DONALD BELL AUBERT BOUDREAUX "SCOTTY" ATKINS NEW ORLEANS HOSPITAL NORMAN PALLME E. WESTPHAL LEONARD MELANSON L. H. HARRIS CHARLES TILLER J. W. DENNIS R. M. NOLAN M. W. LOMBARD H. C. MERTSCH JOE BUSH H. G. DARNELL JAMES A. ATKINS ROBERT OGLETREE J, F. BUCKLEY JR. EDDIE MAHL CENTRAL MASON EDWARD BROCE JR. JAMES CANARD W. QUARLES R. C. BETTERS X X % NEPONSIT HOSPITAL H. BURKE J. S. COMPBELL B. BRYDER B. LUFLIN E. VON TESMAR G. F. McCOMB E. FERRER R. BLAKE J. R. HENCHEY J. FIGUEROA % i, % BRIGHTON MARINE HOSPITAL E. H. V. E. JOHNSTON SWIM TOCCO MAY �THE SE AF ARERS LOG Friday. Hoveniber t% 1946 Seafarers Ahead In isthmian Vote Count NEW YORK—It's all over but the shouting in the election to determine a bargaining agent for the men who sail the ships of the Isthmian Steamship Company. With 1745 votes already counted as valid, the Seafarers Interna­ tional Union leads the NMU by 233 votes. The balloting, as it stands at the present time, is 957 for the SIU, 724 for the NMU, 64 for representation by no union, and 502 votes challenged by the NMU. T%e challenged votes are the full eligible total on 12 ships, ships which have been alleged to be pro-SIU for quite some time and which reported voting over­ whelmingly for the SIU. Of this 502, only 167 need be counted in favor of the SIU to give the Union a clear majority and therefore jurisdiciton ot bargain for the Isthmian seamen. There is no doubt that most of the votes will go to the SIUThe results of the election have never been in doubt. Even Joe Curran called the US, TOO The paper shorlage which has New York City in its grip, and which has caused many daily newspapers to drop advertising for days at a time, has at last hit the Seafarers Log. For this rea­ son, the Log this week has only 12 pages, and • conse­ quently certain features have been left out. By next week we hope to have enough paper for a normal size issue. score on his own union, when, in?— his report of a few months ago, he said that the organizers and officials of the NMU were so busy following the communist party line that they had fallen down on the job of organizing the Isth­ mian men. POOR SHOWING BY NMU What is even more astounding than the poor showing made by the NMU in the total voting is the fact that on eight ships, or 9 percent of all ships involved in the election, the NMU garnered not one single vote. On no ship was the SIU shut out. When the votes on the chal­ lenged ships are counted, tlie percentage may be even higher since all the challenged ships are believed to have voted SIU by large majorities. On OTily a few ships did the National Maritime Union receive a clear cut majority. As ship af­ ter ship was recorded in the SIU column, the NMU resorted to challenging ships which they had reason to believe had cast a pre­ ponderance of votes for the SIU. This tactic only confuses the is­ sues, and denies union represen­ tation to the Isthmian seamen for a longer period of time. This maneuver can only be characterized as a delaying tac­ tic when it is remembered that the twelve ships challenged have a total of 502 votes, or enough to hold up the designation of a bai-gaining agent for a little while longer. Those Isthmian seamen, and other waterfront workers who believe that the NMU is in­ terested in bettering the lot of seamen received a rude shock as a result of this strategy. That these men are in need of, and desirous of, union represen­ tation is borne out by the fact that out of 1745 valid votes so far, only 64 were cast for no union. In the pages of the Log. over a long period of time, stories have appeared which gave the true picture of conditions on Isthmian vesselW The men of this line took the course that is guar­ anteed to better these conditions by voting so solidly for the Sea­ farers. CREDIT TO VOLUNTEERS The credit for the success of the organizing drive in the Isth­ mian Line goes almost entirely to the volunteer organizei-s who gave unstintingly of their time and effort in the campaign to make Isthmian SIU. These men, under the direction of the SIU Organizing Staff, sailed the ships of the largest unorganized freight line-in the world and carried the word about the advantages and benefits of membership in the SIU. From the beginning, when men' of the Isthmian company started coming up to the Union Halls in all ports, the issue was never in AFL Asks Cut In Taxes For Lower Incomes . • ii "i WASHINGTON—Tax relief for workers with incomes less than $3000 should be emphasized in any tax program considered by the new Congress, the AFL Com­ mittee on Taxation said last week. The committee asked for adoption of exemptions of $1500 for single pei suns, $2500 for mar­ ried couples and $500 for each dependent. "Elimination of wartime con­ trols of prices and wages reemphasizes," declared Chairman Matthew Woll, "the need for tax. relief for the many thousands of Americans who are paying heavy taxes out of below-subsistence incomes.'' The committee emphasized the need for eliminating war-created agencies, bureaus and unneces-r sary personnel It pointed out, however, that while all unnecessary expendi­ tures should be curtailed, it was essential that revenue to support all legitimate governmental ac­ tivities and necessary federal as­ sistance for federal health, wel­ fare and educational programs should Ije provided. Rhode Island Votes War BonusTo Seamen The strategy that went a long way in bringing the Isthmian Lines into the SIU fold was planned in just such conferences as this one. Above are Paul Hall, New York Port Agent and Direc­ tor of Organization, and Earl Sheppard, in charge of the Isthmian Organizing Drive, as they dis­ cussed plans to carry the word to Isthmian men dming the early days of the campaign. In addition to their other duties. Hall and Sheppard were charged by the membarship with establishing a strike apparatus that could be used in case of strike or lockout. As heads of the Strike Preparations Committee, they, assisted by other officials and rank-and-file committees, directed the strategy that helped in the winning of our major and minor beefs. doubt. Even the NMU trick of giving away rnemberships in that union for practically nothing did not stem the tide that flowed steadily in favor of the SIU. But the NMU was not the only factor that stood in the way of SIU representation of these men. The Isthmian Steamship Com­ pany carried on a vicious anti­ union campaign, designed to stall any efforts to organize the men and to terrorize the shoreside and volunteer organizei-s. In thi§ they were .abetted by the NMU goons who beat down pro-SIU men at every opportunity. MORE TRICKS None of these tricks worked. Ship after ship came back to U.S. poi-ts secure in the knowledge that when the chips were down, they were going to vote SIU. This information struck terror into the hearts of the Isthmian owners,, and when the time came to post notices of the election on Isth­ mian ships they stood firmly in the way. Only action by the Govern-' ment forced them to allow the' lawful posting to go on without' further interference. As the ships voted, in ports on every coast of the United States, reports started to flow back to the New York, Hall from the men who did the fContiniied on Page 4) While new congressmen werebeing elected and others defeated^ and while some slates approved laws outlawing the closed shop, Rhode Island voters came through with a bit of good news when they approved of a $200 bonus for veterans of the armed forces and men of the merchant marine. No particulars ai'e available as to the qualifications for receiving this bonus at the present time; however, they will be printed when received. Lundeberg Blasts MC Training Schools, Calls For End Of Scab Building Program Roundly denouncing the Mari­ time Commission's Ti-aining Schools and Program as "waste of the taxpayer's money" and of "no benefit to the American Mer­ chant Marine," SIU President Harry Lundeberg has called upon the Federal Bureau of the Bud­ get to cease allocating funds to this "useless" project. Lundebcrg's denunciation was made in the form of a letter to William J. Mountin, a field rep­ resentative for the budget bu­ reau in which he stressed sev­ eral important facts in support of his contention that the Com­ mission's program should be abolished. The SIU president pointed out that prior to the WSA's estab­ lishment of the "Training Schools" program, men wishing to sail in unrated classifications merely'^had to present themselves to the U. S. Steamboat Inspectign Service, and prove them­ selves physically fit. No experience being necessary for these jobs, "there has mever been any training period re­ quired," he said. "The men have not for the benefit of the Amer-been getting their experience by ican Merchant Marine. A man. who gets this type of training learning on the job." will be useless aboard ship. He Pointing up that the Commis­ does not learn the practical points sion's training program is glut­ of sailing, which can only be ac­ ting the already adequate supply quired by sailing in the loc'sle of men to sail the nation's ships, as a seaman." Lundeberg said that with the lay­ Lashing out at those behind the ing up of millions of tons of ship­ program, Lundeberg charged th^ ping, and the consequent reduc­ the commission heads were main­ tion in jobs, the maritime indus­ try would be faced with a severe ly interested in establishing a unemployment problem when permanent bureau to the end that things return to normal. By turn­ they could "perpetuate them­ ing out men in face of this fac­ selves" in jobs. tor, the Commission is greatly : He cited particulaidy the case increasing the severity of the ! of the present head of the ComI mission's training schools pro- problem. The SIU official said that- "the I gram, a Mr. Knight, who calls , same conditions prevail for Of­ 1 himself "Admiral," "a man who ficers' Training." The Cadet never did go to sea for a living." Training program, he said, was Clo.sing his letter with a plea an attempt to create a caste sys­ for consideration of the taxpay­ tem within the merchant ma­ ers' hard-earned money, Lunderrine structure, similar to that berg said: ^ fostered by the academies at "We request that the Merchant West Point and Annapolis. Marine Training Schools be Touching on the effect of this abolished as they are useless and program on the merchant marine, a waste of the taxpayers' money, Lundeberg added, "this type of and they do not benefit the Amer­ man, and this type of training is ican merchant marine." • -II m • '-ti �TffE SE AE ARERS LOC Paga Four Friday, No?smb#r 22, 1946 Seafarers' Program For Future: Fight To Preserve Labor's Rights By EARL SHEPPARD ' Right now the Seafarers, is vitally concerned witlr- the Isth­ mian election count, among other important matters. However, .. complete details concerning this situation appear in another sec­ tion of the Log. It's sufficient to say that even though the SIU secured 55 per­ cent of the valid counted ballots, the NMU has held up NLRB cer­ tification of the SIU as sole bar­ gaining agent for the Isthmian seamen by challenging 502 votes frorr> 12 Isthmian ships which are counted by us as strongly proSIU. Organizing on the Cities Ser­ vice tankers and other unorgan­ ized tanker fleets is still progress­ ing. As noted in previous articles, the SIU has petitioned for an election among Cities Service tankermen, and we should have further to report on this outfit in the near future. We can say at this time that the Seafarers strong organizational efforts are securing the support of the ma­ jority of Cities Service unlicen­ sed men. Certain other matters have re­ cently come to our attention, and indicate the possible trend which the shipowners will take in their future dealings with the water­ front unions. It's significant to note that Frank Taylor, President of the powerful and labor-hating American Merchant Marine In­ stitute, has recently attacked the principles of union hiring halls and union rotary shipping. UNION FOUNDATION supporting Brother Lewis and the mineworkers all the way in their just demands. We are al.so soundly condemning the govern­ ment for using court action in an attempt to break the miners plan­ ned strike. Whenever the govern­ ment or its officials start using court action to force labor to comply with their rulings, its a return to the old days of injunc» tions, etc., which the unions fought so hard to defeat. If we in the SIU want any kind uf a free labor muvejiieiit, llien we have to battle against these conditions just as hard as when we battled the shipowners for a contract or when we battled the WSA to defeat their attempted regimentation of the seamen. If the worst comes to worst in the miners' case, and they toss Bypass Tampa Chandlers; They Passed Pickets By SONNY SIMMONS m TAMPA—Prospects for a busy winter here appear bright, with the announcement that the SS Florida will start operating Dec. 15, Alcoa ships making the Island run are now beginning to put in at this port. In port at the moment is the ,S,S William Wirt; al.so, the West Coast scow. Hall Kelly. We hope that by the time this appears in print the West Coaster will be crewed up. We are still getting several ships in port, but they are not calling for replacements. Conse­ quently, things have slowed up considerably. Ships touching this port should never order any stores that in­ volve dealing with the shipchandlers here. These phonies are all in the same boat. All dur­ ing our strike they violated our picketlines with police protec­ tion. Lewis or any other officials into jail, we must join all organized labor in ' whatever action is necessary to defeat these laborbaiting tactics. CLOSED SHOP In the recent elections, three more states joined the two which had already passed laws restrict­ ing labor unions from signing closed shop contracts. This is also another attack being launched against labor's gains. . Whenever a iminn, through col­ lective bargaining with the com­ panies, secures a closed shop agreement then that union is fully entitled to enforce the provisions of that contract. Now, in this latest anti-labor stunt certain states are saying by means of their laws that we can't sign a closed shop contract. That it's illegal. Illegal, hell! We fought for the closed shop to pre­ vent the open shop conditions of a few years ago, when there was no such thing as rotary shipping or the union hiring hall. Now, they're telling us that it's illegal! These present day conditions which our union has to fight against are more reason than ever that we should keep our Union strong. We must keep our Union streamlined for any eventuality. We were prepared for our strike when it became necessary to win our demands. And we'll be pre­ pared for the shipowners and their lawmaking stooges when­ ever they attempt to take away any of labor's gains which labor fought for and spilled its blood win. That's the Seafaters pro­ gram for tomorrow. These two things—union hir­ ing halls and rotary shipping— are so important to the structure of the union that it would mean a serious loss if either of them were ever taken away from us. For that reason, any attempts on the part of Taylor, or other ship­ (Con finned from Page 3) owners, to take away from us actual voting. The John S. Mosthose conditions for which we by reported almost all votes for fought so hard will meet with the .SIU; when the ballots were same kind of battle that the SIU counted the SIU garnered 28 always puts up in its beefs. votes to none for the NMU. • However, there is no doubt in The William Whipple- claimed the minds of other Seafarers with' BUY ELSEWHERE an overwhelming vote in favor of whom I have spoken lately that Their reply to us when we ask­ the SIU; the actual count show­ the ship operators will attempt to ed them to respect our lines was ed 27 for SIU and nothing for the take away or whittle down our | "We are in this business to make NMU. From the Claremont Vic­ conditions of rotary hiring and money and we are going to sell tory came the estimate that the union hiring halls. stores to'the ships if we have to entire crew had yoted for the It is also extremely interesting to have police protection to do SIU; this proved to be correct and to note what a tremendous battle it." the total .was 14 SIU to 0 for the the shipowners put up to pre­ NMU. And, Brothers, that is just what vent either the licensed deck of­ they did. They'd load up a truck This was the story on almost ficers or engineers from gaining full of stores and get a hundred all ships of the Isthmian fleet. union seeurity. i gendarmes to see it through. So True, some ships landed in the In the case of both the MM&P and the MEBA, neither organiza­ all Stewards should pick up their NMU victory column, but these proved to be few in number and tion gained real union security stores elsewhere. Voting, at the moment, is go­ never by the same majority as from their seven-week long strikes. It's true that the MM&P, ing along very slowly. The few shipg voting for the SIU. Victory in the bargaining elec­ gained a slightly better prefer- \ men who are on the beach have ential hiring clause than the all voted. In fact, we won't even tion, when it is announced by the MEBA on the East Coast. But, be able to hold a meeting tomor­ National Labor Relations Board, it's also true that neither outfit row night, as we have very few will not mean the end of. the books on the beach. Some old- j story. True to the pattern which gained a closed shop contract. timers are around—Nevin Ellis, the NMU has set during this en­ LOOK AT MINERS George Cain, Manuel Villar, to, tire campaign, it is reasonable to believe that they will endeavor to Take a look at the United Mine mention a few. stall the accrediting of the Sea­ Seafarers A1 Driver lost his kid Workers of America, and the farers International Union as the brother a few days ago. Young | pressure which the Truman ad-1 official bargaining agent for the Driver, who had recently started ministration is putting on their ^ men who sail Isthmian. going to sea, and the girl to president, John L. Lewis, to force whom he was engaged were kill­ Their action, however,' cannot him to backwater on the union's' outcome, and demands for increased wages to ed instantly when the car in change the final meet the ever-increasing cost of which they were riding got out within a short period of time the SIU will be prepared to negoti­ living. The entire might of the of control and crashed. The family requested SIU men ate for Isthmian seamen the same U. S. Government is being exert­ ed in this case to force the miners to serve as pallbearers. Our con­ high wages and excellent condi­ dolences to Brother Driver and tions enjoyed by all others who to remain on their jobs. are members of the SIU. Needless to say, the SIU is I his family. Seafarers Leads Isthmian Vote By PAUL HALL The vote that has been tabulated so far in the Isthmian election is a tribute to the hard work of the members of the Seafarers In­ ternational Union. Although the NMU is continuing its stalling methods, nevertheless, we know that the unorganized men of the Tstbmian T.jno have expressed a preference for the SIU and that it is only a matter of time before we will be sitting down at a bai-gaining table to talk turkey to the anti-union bosses of the largest freight line in the United States. Our members who acted as volunteer ships organizers did so of thir own free will. They received no pay as did the men who represented the NMU on these ships. You all know that SIU volunteers who went to sea sailing Isthmian ships took a financial licking because they did not collect the same high pay that other Seafarers did on SlU-contract ships. They did not have the strong Union backing that the SIU is able to give men on ships contracted to the Union; and this is a big factor with seamen. Worst of all, they sailed on non-union tubs, with conditions that were a throwback to conditions of a good 10 years ago. They did this because they believe in the SIU and they are prepared to go to any lengths to carry the good word about the Union. Many Points Proved If this organizing campaign proves nothing else, it docs definite­ ly show that the men of the SIU are willing to fight the hard way to organize the unorganized. But it proves many other points as well. First of all it shows us that any company, no matter how large or powerful it may be, can be organized by a strong, democratic union. When we went into the drive to bring Isthmian into the SIU fold, we did so with the knowledge that the company had a long anti-union record; that they Were strong and had many com­ pany stiffs working for them; and that they had the moneybags of the United States Steel Company behind them. Don't think that these factors did not have a bearing on the arrogant manner that the Isthmian officials adopted when they talked to the Union. Hard Times Faced Second, we learned that the entire apparatus of the Union must be geared tq^ normal action, strike action, and organizational action at the same time. During the course of the Isthmian drive, the SIU faced many hard times. We were raided by the communist-dominated water­ front unions, had to fight for the entire labor movement against the redtape of the Wage Stabilization Board, and supported the Masters, Mates, and Pilots and others in their legitimate beefs, as well as taking part in many other large scale beefs. If we had not been strong and well organized, sooner or later we would have failed in one or more of the big jobs we set out to do. LOG Important Last, and by no means the most important, is the lesson we learned in reference to the Seafarers Log. Through the use of this paper, we were able to carry on organizing, strike action propaganda, and support of other unions at the same time. We definitely need a larger paper, and through this medium we can do even more work in all fields. ' While we are pointing out the good job done by our volunteerorganizers and members, and the important part played by the Log. we know too that the Isthmian seamen themselves did a big job in making Isthmian another SIU company. They have proven that they are good union-minded men, and we should feel very proud over the fact that they thought enough of the SIU to vote for us as overwhelmingly as they 'have. For our part, we should be damned glad to have these militant men as our Union Brothers in the SIU. They had a choice between two unions—they picked the SIU in preference- to the NMU and no union at all. Job Is Important The whole situation around the Isthmian Drive proved that not only should the membership go all out in our beefs, but offi­ cials of the SIU must take an intensive part in any future organi­ zational work. The record in this last campaign shows that -prac­ tically all did their parts in this job just recently and successfully concluded. But there are some weak spots. These weak spots in the Union structure and apparatus have been noted and of course, they will be corrected immediately. Weak links in the chain must and will be weeded out! The membership of the Seafarers International Union is aware of these things and they will take steps to clear up these union problems in the traditional democratic, SIU manner. • r'"''I'-', , .• crC..- .'r' ^ �* •' 1^^- THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday. November 22.'1946 Page.. Fivet^ Shipping Picks Up In Philly; Oldtimers Back To Favorite Port By J. TRUESDALE Seafarers In Port Marcus Hook NO NEWS?? Are Now Part Of Community Life Silence Ibis week from the Branch Agenls of ihe follow­ ing ports: By BLACKIE CARDULLO MARCUS HOOK —The SIU is one step further along in its cam­ paign to let Marcus Hook know that we are around. In fact they can't help but notice us, for the dispatcher and myself are now full-fledged members of the Mar­ cus Hook volunteer fire depart­ ment. Soon a familiar sight to the populace will be the white caps of the SIU astride the fire truck as it rushes through the streets on its rescue mission. We'll han­ dle anything hot that comes along now, and no cracks about "hot ships" from you kibitzers. As was reported last week the SIU Tanker News is being disliibuled around the flook to all unorganized tankermen. The of the Strike Committee here dur­ ing the big strike. ^ Another of the boys that just drifted in is Howard Conaid, a ship's Purser, who came in here during the SIU-SUF strike and volunteered to handle all of our office work. He was promptly put to work helping on our organiz­ ing drive. CHARLESTON PORT ARTHUR HOUSTON NORFOLK JACKSONVILLE CORPUS CHRISTI SAVANNAH BALTIMORE ALMOST NORMAL Things are just about back to normal after almost three months of inactivity, and Philadelphia will soon be getting it's share of shipping as it has in the past. Men Who Refuse Ships Create Future Competition For Selves By JOE ALGINA NEW YORK — When the MM&P went out on strike, the SS Coastal Archer, Overtakes, was caught in Brownsville, Texas. The copies are being grabbed up like Skipper of the ship did not want hot cakes by -the tanker seamen. to lose his good crew, so he told the men they could sleep and eat Sun Oil men have made con­ aboard, maintain the ship, and siderable qpmment on this first they would be paid for the entire edition, and from their response time. it looks like they are slowly but That sounded okay to the crew surely coming under the SIU ban­ and so that was done. After about ned. ten days, however, some of the crewmembers got a little restless, HOPPING AROUND so they asked to be paid off. They Since we lost our organizer, collected their money without Johnny Arabaz, both the dis­ any trouble. patcher and myself have been A few days later, kept busy hopping around set^ a ^ couple • -..umore tling beefs, paying off ships, and "»en went to the Captain with the organizing. We sure want to same story, but this ime the thank the members on the beach, Sk^PP^^ff^sed^o^paj^ them off. for their help in organizing while He explained that he had re­ ceived a telegram from the War they were waiting for a ship. Shipping Administration which At the moment we are looking prohibited him from giving any forward to the arrival of the SS, j^^iore draws, or making any more Tonto this week, with our dear payoffs. friend Captain "Rowboat" Wil­ NOT GOOD son on the bridge. The reason we call him "Rowboat" is because This did not sit so well with that is his rightful place, in a the men, and a few of them left rowboat all by himself where he the ship without being paid. The can play "Captain Bligh" to his Old Man immediately charged heart's content. the missing men with desertion. As soon as thd strike was over, TOUCHE the ship headed for New York, We have received instructions and the crew came right up to from "Rabbit" to refrain from the Hall with the story. We got picking on his local belle. It to work on it immediately, and seems that he didn't like what although the companj' tried to was printed concerning the light of his life a few weeks ago. Ah, yes, some men are touchy about certain things. Check It - But Good I just received a wire from Pat­ rick Forquer, stating that he is on his way in. Pat was a menrher At the present time we have five SUP ships lying in the har­ bor waiting for the MM&P and MEBA strike on the west coast to end. As soon as the strike is settled out there we'll crew these ships up, thereby taking quite a few men off the beach. HOOK CHICKS Both of the above mentioned boys claim they just came down here for a visit and to .ship out, but our opinion is: Don't under­ By STEELY WHITE estimate the power of the chicks NEW ORLEANS—Shipping is ships could sail with a complete of Marcus Hook. The motto of these guys is like picking up a little more every crew. This is not as it .should be. The Frank Buck's: "We bring them day, but we still have a great more permits we issue, the more back from anywhere." many men on the beach. In some men every member will have to As for the "alive" part of it cases we are having trouble buck in the future for a job, and you'll have to ask the chicks. crowing up ships that men are men on the beach without jobs And that's about all for this is not a healthy sign. we"rfrom\he"bigges"t"litUe p"ort refusing. In these cases we have We cannot allow our man­ on the coast. I had to issue permits so that the power ratio to get out of pro­ Coastal Archer Crew Collects Back Pay Withheld Illegally I guess the glowing accounts I have described concerning life in Marcus Hook have gotten around, for several of the boys are on their way down here. PHILADELPHIA — Shipping seems to be picking up in the port of Philly. This past week we signed on seven ships and paid off four, two of them. SUP ships. Check the slop chest be­ fore your boat sails. Make sure that the slop chest con­ tains an adequate supply of all the things you are liable to need. If it doesn't, call the Union Hall immediately. give us a hard time, we succeeded in winning our point.' First we pounded away on the charge of desertion placed against those men in Brownsville. The company hemmed and hawed, but they saw that we had no in­ tention of giving in, so they drop­ ped the charges and those men will be paid for the period they remained on the ship after the strike started. ALREADY PAID Next we picked up the dispute about paying the rest of thg men, and by this time we had things going pretty much our way. The company agreed to pay the men up to and including October 12, and that ended our last beef. Next week we hope to be in a position where we will have to send to New York for men. We're beginning to see a lot of the old faces around here. Men who did picket duty in other ports during the strike. Little Smokey is back from Baltimore hospital and Lincoln Nordly is in St. Agnes' hospital. It's rumored around that BeUyrobber Bernstein just got off the Harper due to the fact that she is going to the boneyard and Brother Bernie just don't like the "yard run." Believe it or not, "The Moose" Blackie Gardner is working again, and Kid Red Healy is on the verge of taking a job. We also hear that "Happy" is once more in love and doing all right for himself. It seems strangely different around Sonia's now that old man Mitch has passed away. He will portion—so let's protect ourselves by taking these ships when they come up on the board. Copies of the new agreement be sorely missed by all seamen have been received here at the who knew him as he was one Hall and they are available to all. swell guy. It is a good idea to give it a real CREDIT TO 511 look over as many changes have We would like to give credit been made for the better. to 511 for the use of their kitchen At the present time we are ne­ during the strike. It was a great gotiating in Mobile with the Wa­ help in the conduct of the strike, terman and Mississippi com­ and without it we would not have panies. We are also shaping up been able to feed in the fine something new to cover the new i manner that we did. Our thanks passenger ships of the Mississip­ may be a little late, but we want pi Company. to extend our thanks to all who One of these new passenger aided the Seafarers win the re­ ships is ready to take a crew cent strike. within a few days for her maiden Also thanks are due the crew voyage to Buenos Aires. Also of the SS Cornelia who during one of the P&O ships will be the MM&P and MEBA strike doback in action before long, and nated cigarettes to the boys who it will be necessary to send some were tied up on the beach. Their men from here to fullj' man the thoughtfulness was appreciated ship. by all men in the port of Phila­ delphia. VOTE NOW Voting in the elections for 1947 officials is going along at a good clip and every man in the port of New Orleans is strongly urged Bone Cracker to vote immediately if he hasn't NEW YORK —The crack SIU already done so. Mississippi Steamship Com­ crew of the SS Belle of the West pany has the retroactive pay should have good sailing on its made up tlirough the July 19 and South African run. The lads of any man who has anything com­ this Robin line vessel displayed ing to him should .contact Mr*. signs of good unionism as they Chandler at the New Orleans of­ signed on. Unusual harmony pre­ fice of the company. This is your vailed among the crew members, a pretty good indication that dough so go get it! there should be a minimum of beefs when the Belle finally re­ turns. The Belle's Bosun is a guy Word has come to this of­ with an interesting twist. He is fice that the Seafarer Log is a master of the art of ju-jitsu. not to be found in some of Prior to the war, the Japanese the seamen's Clubs in for­ government awarded him the eign ports. "Black Belt" for his excellence ia Whenever in a foreign port the boiie-breiiking technique. go to the seamen's Clubs and We hope the Bosun doesn't get see if the Log is displayed. If hurt, although we hear he heaves you don't see it. ask for it. a mean human-being. However, Find out why it is not put there appears to be little reason out, and leavo some of your to expect any excitement on the ship's copies of the Log there. Belle after seeing the clean-cut Notify the Seafarers Log of gang that signed on. all Clubs where you do not At any rate, congratulations find the SIU paper. are in order to the crew of this ^ip. Ray Gonzales The Patrolman Says: A 66EF. . AMD- AMD YOOK ! The men have already been paid, so all's well that ends well. Shipping and business are both picking up in this port. There are a few more jobs on the board, but still not enough to cause a rush from the outports to this port. If you want to ship, stay where you are, the chances are better. Feeding in this port ends on Monday, November 25. Not too many of our men are left on the beach, aird it seems that the time has come to pack away the kitchen. But it is ready for any emergency, and we can put it to­ gether in a very short time if we have to. Attention Seafarers �i^^!6r*:r>Xi:W'.^i^r*^'WW-ieS^ THE SEJFARB R§ I 00 Page Six " """ Friday. Wovambor 22. 1S4E Time Has Come To Change Tax Law For Seamen SlU Opens New Hall In Toledo, Takes Lead With Lakes Seamen By HENRY CHAPPELL TOLEDO, O. — The SIU has made another step forward in its prograrri of expansion on the Great Lakes by opening a new hall at Toledo, Ohio — at 615 Summit St. : :• ' leave our ships alone. They fully expected the SIU would stand idly by and give them our ships. After this move of theirs was re­ pelled, they then yelled mistake. You bet it was a mistake! Their biggest mistake was made on August 23 when they signed an agreement with Beth­ lehem Steel, and their phony strike was only eight days old. , Even the LSU would have been ashamed of that agreement whereby they agreed not to pic­ ket or interfere with Bethlehem By LOUIS COFFIN NEW YORK — From time to time I have written articles for By JOE VOLPIAN the Log concerning income taxes as they apply to seamen. I wrote Almost every man going to iiig or taking out-patient treat­ Eventually the Seafarers will several articles, but nothing much sea has at one time or another ment, he is entitled to main­ has been done about it as yet. have halls in all the principal heard about "Maintenance and tenance. ports on the Great Lakes. How­ Now, by reading the papers, I There is no fixed rate of main­ Cure" but, as a matter of fact, ever, this will be our long range notice that the next Congress tenance to be received by a sea­ there is a great deal of confusion program, as the SIU depends en­ on the subject. man but it is supposed to be has intentions of slashing income tirely upon funds received from Every once in a while, a man enough for him to live on. At the taxes by twenty percent, so I the seamen in the form of dues will come into our office and present time, the courts allow think this would be a good time and assessments. ask us if he is entitled to "coni" about $3.50 a day fur unliceiised to bring up my favorite subject, We do not get any financial aid pensation" or "subsistence" be­ personnel. This amount is not —elimination of seamen's income or assistance from any political cause he was injured or taken fixed by law, and varies accord­ taxes, if the seamen is out of the or foreign party as is the case ing to the place you live and the country in excess of six months. ill on the ship. with the NMU. Nor does any There is no such thing as com­ particular time which you were Regardless of the raise in company give us financial sup­ pensation for a seaman. Com­ injured or taken ill. wages and overtime which we port such as the phony Lakes Prior to the war, companies recently won, we still find that pensation, as it is commonly used, Seamens Union receives from the means that when a man is hurt paid anywheres from $1.50 to the average seamen is employed Cleveland Cliffs Iron Company. on a job, he is usually allowed $2.50 a day. If the cost of living 2/3rds of his salary while totally goes still higher, the Courts This phony company union is disabled, but in no event would might allow more than $3.50. composed of one of the Cleve­ he get more than about $25.00 In addition to the maintenance, land Cliff's attorneys and a few a week—depending under which the seaman is also allowed to sue employees sailing the company's law he comes. That is all a shore- the company for the injuries he vessels. They call themselves a side worker is entitled to under sustained, if the accident was Lake sailors union run by Lake Compensation. caused by the negligence of the sailors, and by their form letters The term "subsistence" as it is ship, its officers or fellow em­ they advertise how cheap it is to join their outfit The LSU is not ships, allowing them to sail with known, is payment to the seaman ployees. The law as to Maintenance and affiliated with either the AFL or NMU crews while their brother for the value of his room and CIO, and would never have any union members were picketing board while he is employed on a Cure is so old that, as the law­ outside support in the event of a other ships, docks, and non-union ship upon which there is no feed­ yers say, "the memory of man ing and sleeping, and has nothing runneth not to the contrary." It labor dispute. halls. at all to do with illnesses or in­ Officials of the LSU were not The entire membership of the juries suffered while working on goes back to the old English Ad­ miralty Law, and there are cases not more than eight months per elected, and they have no con­ NMU on the Lakes was sold a ship. on record that go back hundreds year. And since his earnings for stitution or democratic form of down the river by this agreement, The seaman, in oyr opinion, is and hundreds of years, allowing few months have to take care of operating their union. Of course and they know it. protected by the law much more seamen maintenance and cure. they will never have any disputes himself and his family for the If an SIU organizer is unable than any other worker that we The theory upon which a sea­ entire year, the elimination of the as to wages, working conditions, to contact you aboard the ship know of. If he is hurt or in­ man receive his maintenance is etc. as Cleveland Cliffs will fix you lay up this fall, come to one jured on a ship, or in the im­ that the shipowner, if the man withholding tax would increase these things, and LSU officials of the SIU halls located at mediate proximity thei-eof, not were hurt in his employ, was ob­ his take home pay, and ease the will agree or be out of their jobs. Buffalo, Cleveland, Toledo, De­ due to his own willful miscon­ ligated to see him through his situation during the time • he is Every Lake sailor knows this out­ troit, Chicago, and Duluth and duct, regardless of whether the difficulty as in those days sea­ out of work. fit is phony, even its own mem­ join the SIU-AFL.... a union of injury or illness is his own fault men were supposed to be wan­ EIGHT MONTH YEAR bers. sailors run by and for sailors, or not, then he is entitled to his derers on the face of the earth, Many people who are not ac­ NMU FAILED whose membership sails on the j "cure," which he receives at the irresponsible, with no knowledge quainted with seamen's problems Due to the commimistic tactics Great Lakes, and on the East, Marine Hospitals and where he of how to take care of themselves. have been under the impression employed by the NMU on the West and Gulf Coasts. is not required to pay for such Of course, nowadays, it is en­ that seamen work all year around Lakes in their vain attempt to Where would one of the mem- services. tirely different, because our men like the shore workers. Unfor­ comp'si all Lakes seamen to join ' bers from these Lakes seamens After he is discharged from are well represented. Under the tunately such is not the case. their outfit, this outfit knocked unions ship from in the event the hospital and he cannot go to present set-up for seamen, a man With ships laying up, being themselves out of the picture. | they ever wanted to go deep sea work because of the illness or in- becoming ill or injured during Their phony strike on the Lakes for a change? jury, so long as he is convalesc- a( voyage not due to his own mis­ sold, reallocated, and various only served to create resentment conduct, recovers wages until the other reasons, very few, if any, and hatred toward themselves. end of the voyage or until he is seamen work a straight year. Former members of the NMU are fit for duty, whichver happens Even when, a seamen works trying to turn in their books to first, plus Maintenance and Cure eight months he has. had a good the SIU in increasing numbers. at the rate of $3.50 per day. year, also, the public should re­ Contrast this with what he member that the seamen do not Some of them are not wanted would recover under Compensa­ receive any remuneration when By JOHN MOGAN as we don't intend to have the tion. Under Maintenance and they ai-e out of work. communist party take over the BOSTON —With the West was voted by the electorate by a Cure the man will receive apSIU like they have the NMU. In /-.fief From all this we can easily see e+T-ib-e. oil Kiif ,1^ t ^ Coast strike all but settled (ac-1 two-to-one margin, proximately $24.50 per week plus that by eliminating withholding Joe Curran's own words, he has stated publicly that the commun­ cording to the current newspaper, This has a curious angle for the his full wages, plus the opportun­ taxes, if a seamen has been out ists have taken over the NMU reports) the Port of Boston is still SIU, in that we are not sure yet ity in a proper case, to recover of the U.S. over six months, the as quiet as a day-old corpse. that this branch will be required damages in addition. and its treasury. difference of 17 or 18 percent of to file. Not that it makes a great There are signs of some tanker One major difference to be his actual earnings will aid him When some of these former NMUers apply for SIU member­ activity in the offing. Three are deal of difference to the SIU, as kept in mind is that under Com.- duiiijg the few months that he is affairs are now an pensation, there is an overall ship they are turned down as expected in here within the next its financial actually employed. open book to the membership limit of $7,500 payable to the in­ SIU officials are not to be taken few days. However, all three are REVERT TO OLD LAW in by their slick talk. Whenever coming from the Gulf and there and have been since the incep­ jured worker. While in the case of seamen, $25,000 or $30,000 judg­ some of these guys pat us on the shouldn't be. much of a turnover. tion of the Union. Before the war such was the However, the Unions feel—and ments are quite common. back or try to, we constantly It is plenty discouraging for the law, and I believe we should re­ It is the opinion of the writer vert to that law. We must re­ watch to see where the knife is members on the beach to be with good reason—that this is a concealed. showing around every day for a discriminating law, in that unions that the present law governing member that up to now the sea­ The apparent lack of interest job, with nothing on the board are required to list financial trans­ seamen is more equitable than men were not eligible for unem­ shown by the NMU towards their and nothing expected. The much actions for the State, not as busi­ that governing shore workers. ployment insurance. Lakes branches at the present heralded boom in shipping just nesses and corporations do (a The fact that the law has been time does not fool us either. This didn't develop as yet, and the mysterious statement of liabili­ passed giving us unemployment is an old prize fighter trick to harbor is virtually as dead as ties and assets), but in minute insurance does not mean much detail. It remains to be seen how feint his opponent out of posi­ during the strike. yet, for the law hasn't aided the The Seafarers Log is your tion, and then pull a fast one. No, There must be a reason or reas­ it will work out. seamen due to all the red tape Well, to paraphrase an old Union paper. Every member the SIU fully expects any trick ons for this condition; and some­ involved. has the right to have it mailed in the book from the NMU, and is where in the hidden corridors of World War Motto, our members When Congress I'econvenes they to his house, where he and consequently prepared at all times the Maritime Commission there here are hoping to "be out of the should immediately take some doldrums by Christmas." But his family can read it at their to take care of them. must be some little guy who action on this income tax busi­ something should break before leisure. knows what it is all about. SIU ALERTNESS ness and give the seamen what then, if only the reappearance of If you haven't already done FINKY BILL was theirs before the war. : SIU alertness on the Great those almost forgotten paragraphs so. send your name and home Ijakes was proven beyond doubt The labor bill requiring labor of the various Port articles which address to the Log office. 51 this fall during the phony NMU unions to file all receipts and used to read something like this: Beaver Street. New York "Lakes strike when they put a itemized expenditures with the " ... so come to this port, you City, and have yourself added picket line around SlU-contract- State, a bill fought bitterly by or­ fellows who want to ship out in to the mailing lisL ed ships after being warned to ganized labor in Massachusetts, a hurry." Boston Battles Doldrums And Anti-Labor Bill At Same Time GET THE LOG �••• "-| : ''y^*:4 Friday. SNovembiBr 22, 1346 T B E S E AP A R KR S LOG Page Saves aOIlPS' MINUTES AND NEWS Food Snarls Harass Waltham Victory Men Bauxite Tieup Nears End PORT OF SPAIN, TrinidadProspects appeared bright for the early resumption of regular schedules by Alcoa vessels on the bauxite run. An announcement early this week said the 10-day old strike of the 2,000 dock wor k­ ers had been virtually settled, although picketing continues. While the issues are being ar bit­ rated, loading and unloading was to begin this week. Previously, the Alcoa Company had suspended bauxite opera­ tions in this port as a result of the strike. It was disclosed last week that six Alcoa ships were being diverted from the island. At present, one Alcoa ship is in port with about 1800 tons of food­ stuffs aboard. According to the new development, she will now be unloaded. Just prior to the announcement of the strike's end, one vessel sailed with .550 Ions of rice that was to have been unloaded for the colony. MONKEYING AROUND Dogged by foul food conditions that persisted from the day of the sign-on, the SS Waltham Victory returned early this week to New York, original port of engagement, winding up a four-month run notable for the trials which beset the crew. When the food-* ——— —_ stuffs weren't bad they were; to use part of the old stock. By short in supply, 'it was revealed the time Capetown was I'eached the butler had gone from bad to when the vessel docked. rancid, and the crew complained, Twice in the voyage from New asking that it be replaced. This York to Madagascar the crew ob­ reque.st was refused. jected to sailing because of the Spokesmen for the crew then food difficulties. On both occa­ approached the United States sions the crew's militant stand won improvement in conditions., consul for permission to hold up The first food tie-up came in the .ship in Capetown until the New York, as the Waltham Vic­ condition was corrected. A mem­ tory was preparing to pull out. ber of the consulate was sent A final check up of food supplies aboard the ship, and the butter disclosed a shortage of meat. The wa.s subject to laboratory ex­ ship was held up for 24 hours un­ amination. The test corroborated til additional supplies were the crew's contention, the results showing the butter to be bad. It brought aboard. was discarded and a fresh supply BAD BUTTER obtained. The second snarl ocurred when SUP men pointed out that the the snafued ship hit Capetown. At that point it was the butter butter in question had been that caused the hitch. Only 180 placed aboard the Waltham Vic­ pounds of fresh butter was load- tory before the vessel left the ed in New York; 420 pounds of,^^^^ months earl­ bad butter had been left aboard ier. In addition to the fresh butmaking it necessary for the crew ter, other fresh stores urgently needed, with the exception of items rationed, were taken on "in Capetown. Crew Votes Stiff Penalties For Un-Unionlike Conduct Raising a ruckus, or otherwise violently acting up is taboo aboard the SS Alcoa Pilgrim, Acting on a motion proposed by Eddie Patterson and Charles Lee at a recent membership meeting held at sea, the crew voted to lay a fine oft— $25.00 on anyone guilty of conThe meeting next concerned duct unbecoming, a Union man. itself with several motions aimed The motion defined as miscon­ at alleviating conditions trace­ duct actions wherein a crew able to faulty water piping member, who, on returning to aboard the vessel. the ship, "raised any kind of fuss, DANGER or started a fight, or was ob­ noxiously drunk." The heavy The meeting condemned the danger presented by leakage from overhead hot water and steam f IT CEtJrAiNL-V ^ nj PA^ToeeA pipes in the crew's fo'csle. Sever­ A GcoV BoV ! al men reported having been bS<.awakened in their bunks by drops of hot water coming from ^ the pipes. In addition to a motion calling for repair of this condition, one was passed urging the" installation of "some sort of cooling system" in the crew's showers. The water coming from both the hot and cold water taps, the crew said, "was too hot to bathe in." penalty was decided upon as Motions also were presented to punishment fit for any action correct the ventilation system. that would reflect unfavorably The crew wants the blowers in­ I on the prestige of the Seafarers. creased, and a fan installed in PUT TEETH IN IT the laundry. The crew's determination to Another motion by Charles Lee I wipe out irresponsibility and in- recommended that all departI difference to the Union's general' ments keep the laundry clean, I welfare was further evidenced by'arid that the Chief Steward start Ian amendment passed to put v/ith his department on a rotatjmore teeth into the motion. The ing system. Each department to I amendment stated "that such'serve for one week. An amend[parties be brought before the ment to this motion required that [membership and recommended all men on sanitary work use the [for the '99 year club' at a regular spray gun on roaches and other jshoreside meeting in the States." vermin in the laundry and Joseph Bryant, who offered whe^-ever else needed. I the amendment, urged the BroThe meeting, first on the regu­ Ithers "to. keep respectable," and lar schedule, was. chaired by [to keep out of the-hands of the Brother Lee. L. W. IHighsmith ICoast Guard. was recordinig secretary. iiffiiil '•M STAY EXTENDED Prior to sailing time in New York, the vessel was provisioned for 90 daj's—the estimated dura­ tion of the round trip to Mada­ gascar. But the ship was held up in Tamatave (Madagascar) for six weeks, owing to bad discharge and loading facilities there. Con­ sequently, supplied ran short. At­ tempts to obtain foodstuffs to make up for the quantities con­ sumed during the unscheduled stay in tiie Madagascar port met with questionable success. Meat and vegetables obtained there were described as "inferior." • At Lourenco Marques, the next port of call, the crew ran into further complications when they were told in that South African port that supplies were short, and that they had better replenish the stores at Durban. Apparently free from wordly cares, "Mr. Monlfr' one of the most popular passengers aboard the SS Sea Dolphin, cuts capers on deck for his own. and the crew's amusement. In top photo, "Monk" is investigating the makeup of an orange. Directly above, he peers curiously at his reflection in a mirror, which he borrowed from an obliging crew member. "Looks like someone made a monkey out of me," says our long-tailed friend. ler allowed only two cases of but- gates then announced their intei", and a quantity of eggs suf- tention of visiting the consul to ficient only to provide each man seek his intervention with the with three per week for the 30- Controller, day return voj'age. Milk, too. CLEAN AT PAYOFF was short, as were other re­ quired foodstuffs. Only half the The minutes do not reveal the amount requisitioned was avail-1 details of the interview with the But at Durban, the Control- able. The three department Dele- consul, but it is safe to assume they met with some measure of success. The Log inquired of the DIGGING IN THE DEEP Patrolmen, who paid off the Wal­ tham in New York, as to the na­ ture of the payoff. They said the ship came in clean, and that there were no major beefs hanging over. No emphasis was laid on the food quality or supplj-. The crew did, however', point out, in the minutes of the Nov. 3 meeting, held at sea as the ves­ sel neared New York, that the Union should be notified of the serious food shortages existing in South African ports, which makes the acquisition of supplies an improbability. At the meeting, the Steward suggested that in the future Patrolmen be asked to ascertain the length of the" Voyage, and then check the amount of stores in relation to This shot was taken aboard a Hog Islander just as she was the duration of the trip. digging into a huge swell off Cape Hatter as. Seconds later the Seafarers P. Taurasi and Ray­ choppy sea came smashing across her bow. The camera-wise mond Brookes were chairman Se^arers, who recorded the scene for his files, prefers to remain and secretary, respectively, of the anonymous. shipboard meetings. m - : j| �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Eighl f:-. •1 ,r Digested Minutes Of SlU Ship Meetings iSEAFARER SAM SAYS: <"} FORT HOSKINS, Sept. 28 — Chairman Phillips; Secretary Hannan. Previous meeting's minutes read and accepted. Mo­ tions carried: that Patrolman and new crew check slopchesl prices before ship sails; to have a repair list ready for approval of next mcet-ng. It was sug­ gested that g vl men have their bunks stripped down and fo*csles clean for next crew. All disputed overtime must be turn­ ed in before ship hits port. •fr' t t H' ALCOA PILGRIM, Sept. 1— Chairman Eddie A. Patterson; Secretary A. Nottage. Motions carried: that none but author­ ized persons open, set, or wind clock; that 40 flat port screens be obtained for use in messhalls and fo'csles; that ships dele­ gate see Captain about repair­ ing of crew's icebox in Trinidad. General discussion in regard to feeding of watches, keeping juices chilled, etc. Watches to have table and to be fed first. » t «• CAPE PILLAR, Sept. 6 — Chairman Rumbal; Secretary Johnrton. All hands present at meeting, except those on watch. Motions carried: that delegates see Captain about restoring har­ mony aboard; that fine against Brother be lifted. General dis­ cussion on beefs in various de­ partments, and open discussion on matters concerning crew welfare. » 1 1 Hook Artists Plague Men On The Maclay In the Good and Welfare dis­ cussion at a shipboard meeting aboard the William Maclay the crew requested windchutes equipped with screens, along with other suggested improve­ ments. What seemed like a very ordin­ ary request had a very unusual reason for it. It seems that the ship is headed for the Islands and the crew has on previous trips caught Island natives stealing things from quarters by using a wire hook through the open port­ holes. Gad, what next will plague the life of a seaman. liV:' 'Q-: Friday. November 22, 1946 X % ALCOA VOYAGER, Aug. 12 — Chairman Beits; Secretary Hudson. Delegates gave their reports; all in order. Motions carried: to send communication to headquarters regarding two sets of articles in force on this ship; that Delegates see Cap­ tain in regard to crew's mess situation. Books to be returned to library. Messhalls and decks to be kept clean of rubbish. Men called for better set-up on mess table at all times. tit FELTORE, Sept. 19 — Chair­ man George Meany; Secretary Riversly Brown. Delegates re­ ported everything okay. Mo­ tions carried: that anyone leav­ ing dirty cups, cigarette butts, putting) feet on benches, in messhall or recreation rooms, •Dx littering these rooms, or leav­ ing laundry room dirty, be fined 50 cents, money to be turned over to Log. It was suggested that anyone having books in their rooms return same to the Lounge. i X X AIKEN VICTORY, Aug. 26— Chairman Mayhorn; Secretary Posleuieidar. Motions sarried; that all departments stick to­ gether and not payoff until re­ pairs completed; that men not attending meetings be fined $5.00, unless they offer satis­ factory excuse; that Deck re­ pair list be compared with Steward's list and discrepancies rectified; committee appointed to try member failing to attend meeting. XXX Misplaced Dogs Aid Hospitalized Violators of messroom rules aboard the SS Brazil Victory might be consoled with the knowledge that the proceeds of the fines they paid for their in­ fractions wound up in a good cause. Headed up "If you don't keep your feet under the table—you pay," a note from the New Or­ leans Branch says "the boys on the Brazil Victory found this out on their last trip. "For parking their dogs on the chairs in the messroom," the note continues, "the guilty lads paid a goodly sum in fines. The money was turned over to the boys in the Marine Hospital here in New Orleans. "In all, $25.75 was realized. This donation looks like a for­ tune to the less fortunate Broth­ ers," the note concludes. XXX POWELLTON SEAM. Aug. 15 — Chairman John Orman; Secrelary T. McLane. Deck and Engine deparfmenf Delegates reported all okay; Stewards Delegate slated all okay but for some disputed overtinme. Motions carried: that Log in­ form crew as to what consti­ tutes sufficient supply of milk to be kept aboard; that any member caught taking ship's stores be bought up on charges and recommended for "99 year club"; that anyone leaving wat­ er run in scuttlebutt be fined 50 cents; that anyone using ice cubes and not refilling trays be find 25 cnts, and for taking trays to thir room, 50 cents. Vote of thanks given Brother Tilley for his help in settling all beefs and making this a real union ship. One minute of silence for departed brothers. XXX Bull Line Acquires Title To 3 Ships L. S. WESTCOAST (Lakes steamer), Oct. 26 — Chairman Jim Kelsick; Secretary William Zinkel. Minutes of previous meeting read and accepted. Pol­ icy of appointing imrated man to rated man's position with­ out calling Union Hall for new man to be discontinued. Motion carried recommending that if man does not give four hours notice before quitting, Re shall be reported to Union headquar­ ters. All minutes are to be sent direct to Union Hall. Notice was given to Union Agent in Detroit requesting order of sil­ verware, linen, coffee urn and toaster for Steward's depcrtment, but not yet delivered. XXX JOHN G. HIBBENS, Aug. 10 — Chairman L. (Frenchy) Blanchard; Secretary Joe P. Julian. Minutes of previous meeting ac­ cepted as read. Motions car­ ried; discussion on man in Stewards department, that he be given another chance to prove himself by sailing in an­ other department; that each Delegate see that rooms in their departments are cleaned and soiled linen returned to Steward before payoff; that repair list be made by each delegate for presentation to Patrolman on arrival in port; that each crew member by suggesting things that would benefit his relief; Ship's Delegate spoke on union­ ism to T. C. men. It X, X Big-Time Operators Just Plain Seafarers We hear a lot, now and then, about Smith and Johnson, a couple of guys who operate ships contracted with the SIU. But last week, when we picked up a copy of the Sept. 25 minutes of the SS Alcoa Pilgrim, our eye­ brows arched. Plain as day, the minutes said Smith and Johnson were secretary and chairman, respectively, of the meeting. Could be these guys are a couple of Jekyll and Hydes, we figured. Checking feverishly, our fears were soon dispelled. Smith and Johnson were just a couple of hardworking, good Union Sea­ farers. No connection \yith the shipping firm of the same name. Besides, they were sailing on an Alcoa ship. XXX DIAMOND HITCH, Sepf. 27 —Chairman Lee Goldinger; Sec­ relary J. DuBose. New Busi­ ness; Deck Delegate made com­ plaint against Chief Mate be­ cause of Mate's refusal to coop­ erate with the crew; complaint was made against the First As­ sistant concerning the logging of Paul Kent. Complaint was brought against the Steward. It was suggested that the Pur­ ser's records concerning the rate of exchange for foreign money be investigated. 11$ M. B. LAMAR, Aug. 26 — Chairman Gilmore; Secretary Fred Hicks. Motions carried: that all showers and heads be The A. H. Bull Steamship Com­ painted; that screens be obtain­ pany has acquired title on three ed for all portholes; electrical vessels by purchase under terms appliances be checked and re­ of the Merchant Marine Sales^. placed if necessary; that springs Act of 1946, it has been announ­ on all bunks be checked, new ced by the Maritime Commission. mattresses obtained, if neces­ The war-built vessels, which the sary; new icebox to be obtained line had operated previously for for crew's mess; thai Patrolman the government, are: Chilton check all iceboxes, stores, etc., Seam, Powellton Seam and the before ship clears for next yoyFreeport Seam. age; slopchest to be checked. A Ma^ e>krt^'brip count I •Cfk..o THOSE sHipecAi2D AIEETJ/SJGS AMD WIND up eACH MFETirsiG WiTH AM EDOCATioNAU DiSCUSSio/sl LED BT Otje OF THe QUALlflBO A LOT CJFji^NOW-HoWiM EACH CREW . .. IT 9 CUT and RUN By HANK We're informed that tomorrow afternoon over there in the country of Brooklyn, Brother "Hank" Piekutowski will be happily splicing himself into a long voyage upon the sea of matrimony to a swell girl named Ann Tropanotto. Brother "Hank" sincerely thanks all those swell people who have wished him luck and happiness and helped him, along, from the bottom of his happy heart . . . Well, we sure wish that "Rusty" Ralph Swillinger gets that ship going to Capetown, South Africa so that he can bring his wife back home with him. Furthermore, "Rusty" might get so happy that he'll try and bring back the Boston Cafe with him, too . . . Oldtimer Andy Thevik came into town about two weeks ago from a short trip . . . Brother A. Rappaport was idly wishing for an electrician's job last week. Where to, the West Coast, for business? X X X X Our good paL "Blackie" Rodriguez just came up from Philly where he had a swell time with his three pals and a big blow­ out. after he paid off the SS John Howland. "Blackie" says he came up to see his wife, who is happily recovering from her ill­ ness—and he also says the boys down there are getting along swell . . . Robert McQueen is in town right now, waiting to ship out . . . John Henry Wymond, the Cook, says theit he could and would like to write a book beginning from the Mexican border up to the Canadian border. Steward Joe Daugherty should help you. Brother Wymond . . . A1 Gordon wants to say hullo to his sister Ruth in Fort Wayne—easy does it . . . And if Joe Buns wants to trade something real good for Al's ring, says Al, it could be a deal. Anything but stamps, eh Al? Here's a short and slightly humorous story about one of our | charter members, "Red" Carlon. "Red," who sails Chief Electrician, promised the boys aboard the SS Walter Christensen some cigarettes when they hit Santos. However, when they arrived they found him on the corner with a monkey, apd "Tiger Lil"—waiting and hoping . . . Brother Mike Hook, one af the many good Isthmian organizers, just came in, mustache and all, off the- Walter Christensen, laughing [ about something real funny! Brother Gotlschalk is anxiously wailing for a bellyrobbing job and some retroactive pay too . .. Blonde, curly-haired Kenny Marslon just came in off a trip, talking with a smile about the Midtown . . . "Blackie" Lloyd Gardner just dropped in up here from Philly to collect the few dollars retroactive pay. Meanwhile his pal, Robert Rutledge, just left New York after wishing us good luck . . . Well, well, look who's in town. Our pal, Pete Bush, who was down in the Gulf for awhile. See Harold Nelson and his mustache anywheres down there? Brother Levy just met one of his pals this week who just came from Mexico City or thereabouts. His pal says that down there! you can buy a pair of those long Texas longhorns for one hundred American skins. But another guy says that for a half-way decent shirt you can get it down in one of the islands. WeU, whatever way! you get them you can have them—we don't want them . . . We have I a suspicious idea that Rum and Coke Willie West received a nice! bright company flag from Robin Line so he can wave it on the bowl when his ship sails—and that they also gave him a life-time pencil! to write with. But fun or no fun, Brother West don't mind, as long! as he takes those annual South African tours. �-jri" "" '"•/.^^''••y.^'?'^ "^/iT ^'-TT'^ Friday, Kcvembar 22, 1948 Wi TH^ SEAFARERS LOe Page Nine THE MEMBERSHIP SPEAKS SEAFARER RIPS WRITER'S PLEA FOR SLAVE-SHIP DAYS Sweatin' Out The Strike In Pedro Dear Editor: •V , In contrast, the competent writer and the fool in journalism are worlds apart. The former writes for intelligent readers, se­ lects subjects he thoroughly com­ prehends, and his words arc nec­ tar to the minds. Tiie fools, how­ ever, cater to a gullible public, are disgustingly ridiculous, and create trash which would best serve as amusement for morons. We have no quarrel with the able. We thought the newspaper field was by now overcrowded with fools, but wonders never ceasing, a new one has managed to creep into that elite fraternity. We have here a man, who, through constant perusal of antiquated sea romances, reinforced by per­ sonal, but distorted opinions on the subject, has become the lead­ ing authority on American mari­ time affairs. His knowledge is so extensive and extraordinary, we smell it all the way down here in Beaver Street. We refer to the great maritime brain that walks, talks, eats and calls itself Hanson This pencil sketch is the handiwork of Seafarers F, J. Curls W. Baldwin, and most amazing of all, gets paid by the New York Times, for garbage that rightfully and if good food, clean fore­ castles, humane treatment and belongs in the incinerator. high morale are not improve­ GENIUS? ments, then Hanson should have On October 9, Baldwin brought his nut examined. his warped genius into play and Dear Editor: ployer at the bargaining tables CREW WELFARE penned a column which turned next year. To gain such economic At the recent American Feder­ out to be a stupid indictment of The unions do NOT interfere power, we, the rank and file, must all maritime unions. Beyond a with the operations of ships ex­ ation of Labor Convention Presi­ unite into one big union of all dent William Green advocated doubt, Hanson's writing stamps cept where the welfare of its workers under an industrial dem­ him as an anti-labor dilettante, crew is concerned. The merchant that we must drive the com­ ocracy, and all the power must the foe of seamen, and a highly marine is NOT disintegrating. munist political party from the remain in the hands of the mem­ trade unions. misinformed upstart. America, today, has a fieet of bership not in a few top-officials Let us be careful this does not Hanson does not believe in over, 60 million deadweight tons who would try to lay down the unions. To hear him tell it, unions —a fleet larger than the combin­ become a "heresy hunt," where­ policy in a federated convention. are a thorn in the side of the ed maritime strengths of Britain, by officials in power can use this Let us be honest with ourselves program as a means to destroy Japan, Norway and Germany. as free-thinking Americans and any and all militant opposition Captains ARE masters of their realize the one big union cannot that would oppose their leader­ vessels, but the authority to beat be a success in either the AFL or ship. The expulsion of commun­ and cripple is no longer theirs. the CIO because by such advoca­ istic or any political activity of a The current seaman is not a sort should be controlled by the tion there would no longer be a weakling. He is a younger man, rank and file, not from the lop William Green or Phillip Murray cleaner and more intelligent than officialdom for after all we are to live upon the backs of the Hanson's heroes. The bucko the union and the officials only workers. If they were to remain mates, shanghai artists, slave are paid employees. within our ranks they would be traders, privateers and drunken We must also keep in mind that forced to return to the point of maniacs have all gone on the in the maritime industry are paid production, and we all know they path of evolution. There is no employees of the employer look­ have made the federations of these place in the present merchant ing for a weapon to destroy us unions into a corporation bene­ marine for the type. Hanson under the cloak of destroying ficial to the chosen few. wants them back? If some of his political activity. bucko mates and blood-thirsty The union is the property of merchant marine, interfere with, skippei-s took Hanson out to sea the membership not the officials and prevent the proper handling and beat his brains out, he would and the rank and file should be of ships. Furthermore, the unions certainly change his tune. Han­ the final voice-in union policies are causing the slow but sure dis­ son is still sailing with Columbus. and practices. The Seafarers integration of the industry. Han­ Union was built at the point of WHO ARE PATRIOTS son also claims that captains are production on the job by "directno longer masters of their ves­ Finally, Hanson can not call a action"; let us keep it that way sels. man who braved the dangers of for the future. Hanson does riot believe in the the sea, the submarine, torpedoes LABOR PROBLEMS emancipation of the seaman. and the airplane bombs, a draft There are more important prob­ He prefers the old slave days dodger. How about the millions lems facing labor to-day than with its filth, depravity, hunger who worked ashore and went spending all our time "witchand brutality. home each night to a comfort­ hunting" as advocated by the con­ Individually, under capitalism able studio-couch and a parasitic vention. Problems such as how the wage worker is weaponless. Hanson believes the seamen of today are a race of weaklings. wife? What do you call THEM, to prevent the coming depression; If he has a job, he can quit. If he The disappearance of bucko Hanson? Are they patriots? And how to prevent another war; how hasn't got a job, he can crawl into mates et al, greatly puzzles him. that money you "seem to envy, to get enough to "eat, and clothes an alley and die of starvation. Hanson also states that we who Hanson. That money was not to wear. Labor's standard of liv­ Also, he is free to drink himself carried the ammunition to the earned in a boon-doggling assem­ ing is lower than any time in the to death, or take poison, or end war theatres are nothing short of bly line. THE SEAMEN EARN­ past quarter of a century. it all with a bullet, thus doing di-aft dodgers, and got big salar­ ED IT AT THe RISK OF THEIR 1 am in full accord with Paul the master class a favor. ies and bonuses while- playing VERY LIVES. Hall and his challenge to all Mari­ Back in the days of 1934, when hide-and-seek with Uncle Sam. Next time, Hanson,' write about time labor on the necessity of a seaman did try to throw off the For Hanson's information, the Little Bo-peep, the three little unions to sign contracts on the yoke of slavery he was condemn­ unions have been instrumental in pigs, or, copy from Aesop. same-, day giving us strong eco­ ed by the high officialdom of the cleaning up the merchant marine E. Ciniron nomic power to defeat the em­ federation, then expelled for his Complex Problems Of Today Challenge Labor: Buckley Log -A - Rhythms Song of the Open Sea By Thurston J, Lewis Lei me hear ihe white caps swishing And the roar of open sea. Where my troubles and vain wishing Are forever drowned for me. Let me hear the weird wind whistling Through the halyards and the stays. And our seaman's whiskers - bristling With the breath of winter days. You may have your weary shore jobs With your class and everything. Let me go with other gobs 'Tis of them I sing. We will follow south the sun. Where the Southern Cross is hung. Where the natives dance the tango. And they speak a different tongue. Let us plow the open sea With the foam abaft the screws. It's the seaman's life for met That's the way of life I choose! defiance . Later he was received back into the fold when the cof­ fers of his money exchange were filled for the high priest in the "Temple of Labor," where the gi-eat God mammon is worshiped. Labors problem to-day is not a craft but an industrial problem. A labor union at the present time, to be an effectual instru­ ment of offense and defense, must conform to the structure of mod­ ern industry. It must be an in­ dustrial rather than a craft union in form. The craft unions have not kept pace with the needs of a changing world. They have largely remained just where they were in the beginning. Far from being the helpful fighting instru­ ments they were in the old days, they have merely become a furth­ er means of effecting the enslave­ ment of the class whose interest they are supposed to serve. A General Strike of craft unions is an unthinkable impos­ sibility. Being organized for the sole purpose of enabling a few groups of wmrkers to "get by" under capitalism they lack both the form and spirit necessary to make possible united action for a common objective against a common foe. The modern industrial struggle demands modern industrial weap­ ons. And in this regards the craft union is as obsolete as a dodo. For Paul Hall to conceive a .un­ ified contract for all workers at a set date he must look elsewhere for an organized form more suit­ able for this purpose. Joseph S. Buckley (Edilor's Note: You're en­ titled to your personal opin­ ions, Brother Buckley, al­ though we think you're some­ what off the base. But, then, that's what makes for democ­ racy.) •.jy 1 �' >^»rr-=r^'«?.c Page Ten The Patrolinen Say— THREE OF A KIND Goodbye, Skipper ir w H # NEW YOEK — The George Washington of the Mcoa Steam­ ship Company came into port from Bermuda last week, and set a reccud for the smallest number of sign, offs in that ship's history. There were no .sign offs in the Deck or Engine Departments and only three in the Stewards De­ partment. The crew numbers 116 men with 75 of them in the Stewards Department. With a replacement )©f only three men in the Stew­ ards Department that is really something to get excited about. SHIP MEETING During its run to and from Bermuda, the crew had two joint meetings—one on the run down and one on the way back, which were attended by all available members of the crew. At the meetings various subjects were 'discussed and ironed out in the usual SIU manner. The ship, on the whole, was very clean, not because she is on the passenger run, but because the crew takes great pride in keeping their respective quarters in order. They pride themselves on the cleanliness of the ship, and are always ready for inspection if any of the compauv ufficials •should come aboard. I'm sure the officials would have no fault to find with her as she is tops in cleanliness. CAPTAIN SIGNS OFF This trip also saw the depar­ ture of the Skipper, Captain Parks, who has been master of •the Washington for a number of years. The crew regretted to see him leave as they all liked him very much. They said he was a very strict Captain in all re­ jects, for he was not only strict with the crew, but just as strict toward the "passengers. He did mot allow his crew to be dic­ tated to by anyone other than the heads of the departments, which is the way they like it. The crew is hoping that he will become master of some other ship in the near future, as some would like to join him and sail tmder his command. The crew is hoping that Captain Park's successor will read this article nnd follow in his footsteps. The Skipper's attitude means everything to a crewmember, and when a good egg comes along they aU hate to lose him. A good indication of the recep­ tion given the new skipper will be shown when the ship gets back to New York after the next trip, for if there is a large sign ioff .there will be no doubt as to what the crew thinks of the new skipper. William Hamilton SS Albert Burleson Brightens Belli Coast With Glean Payoff By W. H. SIMMONS They had trouble with the Chief Mate oa the SS Lyman Hall, but the other officers were good joes so the trip was not all bad. Left to right. Fidel Lukban, Steward; Carl Lawson. Bosim; and Joe Costello, AB, They were part of a fine crew—all SIU members. Ex-Navy Bucfce Chief Mate Spoils Ship Cooperation On Lyman Halt the cleanest ship he had ever been on. The ship was not the only clean thing about the voyage. 'When it came to payoff, after a trip of four months duration, the 8000 hours of overtime were not dis­ puted ,and the ci'ew collected the transportation back to New York, the port of signing on. But it was not in the cards, and before the voyage was many "We would like to thank Red days old, aft.er'leaving New York Simmons, the Frisco Agent, and on June 10, the Chief Mate start­ Teague, the Patrolman, for com­ ed to throw his weight around. ing down to the ship and straight­ Finally, on September 15, con­ ening out the few things that ditions became so unbearable were still being discussed," the that it was decided to hold a three crewmen said before they shipboard meeting to discuss left, "and remember to blast that ways and means of combatting Mate. He is an ex-Navy man, and he thinks that merchant sea­ this dictator. men have to jump when he cracks Out of the meeting came a the whip." recommendation that the SIU get Only the Chief Mate of the SS Lyman Hall, South Atlantic Steamship Company, tried to make the last trip of that vessel a tough one. If it had not been for that character, the trip would have gone down in everyone's memory as a voyage that was smooth and orderly. in touch with Captain Harry Mar­ tin of the Masters, Mates and Pilots and tell him that since this Mate, Harold H. Patterson, has publicly stated that he would rather sail with NMU crews as they are easier to handle, that his activities be confined to such crews in the future. ANTI-SIU Mate Patterson was also scored for making derogatory remarks about the SIU and its activities, and it was noted in the record of the meeting that he had al­ ready been warned once before in Portland, Oregon. The crew members were unani­ mous in their praise of the other, officers, especially the Skipper, Captain W. H. Lewis. "He was always looking out for the crew," said Carl Lawson,' Fidel Lukban, and Joe Costello, three members of the crew who came up to the Log office with the story. "He checked the stores i i 1 personally and made sure that there was plenty of good food be­ We are receiving plenty of fore he would let the ship sail." beefs about the shower on Bull SHIP SPOTLESS Line ships recently. While the All the officers on board were -^ips are in the tropics, crewmembers find it impossible to get union members and, according to any cold water, and they are un­ the crew, they worked in com­ able to take any showers. This plete harmony. Everything went situation is occurring on Cape- along so well, that when the Pilot came aboard to guide the type ships only. Lyman Hall into the harbor in San Now these beefs can be taken Francisco, he looked about in sur­ care of very easily with a little cooperation from the crewmem- prise, and remarked that it was feers of the offending ships. Re­ pair lists should be made out, Line has several of these beefs. with the Captain receiving one However, they are taking care of copy, and another copy going to them as soon as one of these ships the Patrolman who pays off the put into port. ship. .Salvador Colls At the present time, the Bull Jim Drawdy Wet Beef Fdda^, Noyeir.ber 22, 1946 THE S EAF ABERS LOG Well, men, here's hoping that this article does the trick, and that Mr. Patterson gets his wish —and sails only on NMU vessels from now on. SAN FRANCISCO jfioomy .tdottd that has b^n hanging over the old Gold Coast has begun to brighten up a little bit this week after five or six weeks of inactivity. I understand the MEBA will soon settle their strike and ac­ cording to all indications the MM&P win follow soon after by settling their dispute with' the shipowners. So, if the dope I have is correct, the future will soon look brightei' out here for Seafarers than it has for some time. BIG ARRIVAL Last Friday the SS Albert Bur­ leson, an American Liberty Line ship, pulled in here direct from Germany. Her arrival was some­ thing to ^out about in these days of dead hai-bors and idle ships. She pulled alongside the Army Arsenal dock in Benecia and when I went aboard her who should I find but a solid crew from dear old Mobile. In this crew I found some mighty fine Union men, some of whom were permit and trip card men, but the fact that they did not hold fuU books was no bar­ rier to them. They are fast be­ coming the Union-minded men who will be needed to strengthen and keep this Union the finest maritime organization on the waleifronl. BUM STEWS As is known to every Seafarer, in every crew there are always some men who do not rate sail­ ing under the SIU banner. On the SS Albert Burleson, I am sorry to say, were a couple of cooks who by no means did the organization any good. When 1 boarded the ship 1 found these two men drunk and knocked out in their bunks while the food in the galley was going to ruin. The crew inforftied me that the situation was the same in Seafarers Pressure Brings Needed Change To Neponsit The pressure bought to bear by the complaints of seamen, the publicity given through the Sea­ farers Log, and the untiring ef­ forts of SIU representatives paid off this week when the Neponsit Marine Hospital on Long Island installed a new $100,000 cooking and baking unit, assuring the serving of hot food to the pat­ ients and correcting a long stand­ ing sore spot at that hospital. For some time complaints of the methods employed by that hospital in preparing and serv­ ing food have been made to the hospital authorities by the sea­ men, and much publicity has been given the conditions there through articles in the Log. For some time union representatives have been working on the com­ plaints and this week a real vic­ tory for the hospitalized seamen was chalked up. • HOT FOOD NOW The food experts of this marine hospital have been shaken from their indifferent attitude by the light shed on the conditions, and now the $100,000 cooking and baking unit has been installed to correct the faults that have ex­ isted. Prior to the installation of this unit, food was usually served cold and in an unappetizing man­ ner. With the new unit in use electrical equipment has been installed which assures the serv­ ing of hot eggs in the morning and hot food at the other meals, also patients are now to receive hot rolls and biscuits as part of the menu. It was pointed out to the hos­ pital authorities that because the patients in the hospital are sufferring from tuberculosis, it is vi­ tally important that they be built up, and that can be accomplished only by serving food which is ap­ pealing to them as well as health­ ful and which will not be reject­ ed. BETTER HOSPITALS The instaRation of the new cooking and) baking unit has been accomplii^ed through the work done by the Seafarers Interna­ tional Union as a result of the complaints of Hie seamen in that hospital. Again the Seafarers has gone to bat for its membership on a legitimate beef and gained for them better conditions in one more marine hospital, and as usual, the SIU will continue to wage its fight against bad con­ ditions in marine hospitals every­ where. every port and that I should pull their peraaaits. However, due to the fact that they were both at­ tending a CJoast (Giuard hearing I wasnt able to get a hold of them right away. When they return to the ship I was out wrangling some beefs, and the Patrolman, not knowing the circumstances, wrote up their dues and assessments. PULL PERMITS We cannot tolerate the action of .seamen such as these two in the SIU, and I am going to instruct the Mobile Agent to pick up the permits of these men, which should have been done here but due to the misunder­ standing was not accomplished. The SS Jose Marti, a Bull Line ship, is in from Germany. She signed on in Philadelphia, and is discharging part of her cargo here; then she will proceed on to Japan. The WSA tried to pull a fast one on the crew, as they were all set to continue sailing with the original set of articles. If a man wanted to get off, he had to payoff under mutual consent. But, as usual, the old SIU was right on the ball. After the smoke cleared away the WSA ordered the company to pay off with transportation. It was a clean cut victory for the SIU and she paid off No­ vember 16 with everyone happy, I'll give a complete report of her fofiusi ^?7777r after the gang is all squared away. IRONCLAD RIDERS We have the finest rider on these ship's articles in the mari­ time industry. So, fellows, • let's all cooperate and keep it that way. These riders are iron clad. No agency or company can touch them. If it weren't for the ex­ cellent riders on these last two ships in port, we would have lost transportation. So, upon arrival in any port, call your Agent and give him the description and nature of yourvoyage before taking things into your own hands. This is what you have a representative ashore for. Nevea- pack that bag until you talk things over with him. Give ham a detailed report ,of activi­ ties since you signed on the ves­ sel, and by doing so it may mean money in your pocket. Well, the Isthmian organizing cU'ive and election is over with— another major victory for the SIU. This is a victory for ail unorganized seamen everywhere, for once more unorganized sea­ men have voted for the Union that wiR fight for them and raise their conditions and wages to the high Seafarers' level, thus showing all non-union seamen everywhere what it means to tie up with a real maritime union. • !| ^ [| j �Friday, November 22, 1946 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Eleven BULLETIN PERSONALS SIU HALLS DAVID K. NUNN Please get in touch with your parents. NORFOLK INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS P. Beck, $50.00; C. Danels. $50.00; L. Daniels. $50.00; J. W. Bradshaw, $1.00; C. McDonald. $12.00; H. Meyer. $10.00; J. Griffin. Jr.. 11.00. W. Compton. $10.00; B. V. Kingree. $10.00; M. J. Jones. $50.00; C. A. Herlens. $5.00; B. !•:. Thomas. $50.00; A. W. White. $20.00; R. Sturgis. $11.00; J. T. F. Sigmon. $10.00. F. T. Campbell. $10.00; W. E. Good­ win, $50.00; D. Davis. $11.00; W. Satchfield. $10.00; J. L. Cobb. $11.00; W. Land. $15.00; D. Cappock. $11.00; J. Canndway. $11.00; E. Hildebrand. $10.00; H. Parsons. $11.00; F. Rapalaia. $11.00; R. Ortega. $11.00; C. Hahn, 11.00; A. Hindman. $13.00; C. McCulloch. $11.00; E. Niessen. $11.00; A. Ilinilar. $11.00; R. Deal. $11.00; R. Jensten. $11.00; A. Dutrene. $11.00. J, Cascino. $11.00; A. Wunsch. $1100; R McDonald. $11.00; R. Pas­ chal. $10.00; A. Scranazza, $10.00; B. Gannett. $11.00; R. Payett. $10.00; A. Boath. $10.00; D. Kanalia. $10.00; 11. Treylcn. $13.00; A. Ciana. $10.00; T. Ryan. $13.00; B. Huszan. $13.00; L. Dane. $10.00; J. L. Cobb. $1.00; A. F. Wunoch. $5.00; E. Hildrebrand. $1.00; Paschal, $2.00. PHILADELPHIA INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS Crew of Crew of Bienville—$12.00. Walter Ranger. $15.00. NEW YORK SS LOOP KNOT A. Smurda. $1.00; FI. S. Kochanski. $9.00. SS CAPE FRIENDSHIP M. E. Sanchez and Crew of SS Cape Friendship—$44.00. SS ANTINOUS M. Trocha. $2.00; J. Bove. $1,00; J. Bodine. $2.00; James Harris. $1.00; Joe B. Lewis, $1.00; W. M. Addison. $1.00; George H., Noles. $5.00; L. O. Lord. $2.00; Ed Polise. $2.00; D. S. Friedman. $1.00; Pedro D. Morris. $1.00; E. J. Laskowski. $1.00. SS MUNCIE VICTORY H. Kohn. $1.00; O. Kaelet. $1.00;. J. J. Kotcha. $1.00; R. McKoin. $1.00. - SS WALTHAM VICTORY Pat Taurasi. $2.00; L. C. Potts. $2,00; Clifton V. Berg. $2.00; W. Grabber. .$2.00; Aug Jensen. $2.00; Gerard Maher, $2.00; Earl A. Bishop. $2.00; Ray J. Weidner. $4.00; Y. Dallal. $5.00; John Maloney. $1.00; J. F. McGonnell. $5.00; Peter P. Dott. $2.00; Tom P. Cahagan. $2.00; Fred H. Kubli, $2.00; John J. Tobin. $2.00; r. W. Kenfield, $2.00; Albert Jones. $2.00; Lester N. Larkin. $7.00; Sol Weiss. $2.00; M. Myers, $7.00; Robert T. McCarthy, $2.00; B. Hubbard. $5.00; E. Mattsson. $10.00; A. McDonald, $5.00; W. W. Lasek. $5.00; J. Fidalgo. $5.00; H. Lichtensten. $5.00; E. R. Cioper, $2.00; B. O. Svenblad. $5.00; L. M. Oty. $5.00. SS PLATTSBURG J. Robertson, $2.00; E. L. Simpson. $1.00; V. S. Coursey. $2.00; R. R. Hill. $2.00; L. H. Miller. $1.00; J. L. Osburn. $2.00; J. B. Vinis, $2.00; W. Craven. $2.00; T. H. Ryan. $2.00; G. W. Hatchett. $2.00; P. Porter. $5.00; J. Bird. $2.00; D. Cotton. $2.00; E. E. Dixon. $2.00. INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS J. Jellette. $1.00; Uric S. Johnson. $1.00; Barry Robinion. $1.00; A1 Jackr son. $1.00; A1 Somerville. $1.00; Paul Wilkinson. $1.00; Jack Stewart, $1.00. San Juan' Hall The address of the Puerto Rico Branch has been changed from 45 to 252 Ponce de Leon Avenue, Slop 5, Pta. de Tierra, San Juan, P. R. 1 » ft FRANK P. CHADBOURNE Please write to J. A. Barton, P. O. Box 516, North Bend, Ore. BALTIMORE ;. BOSTON : John Schupstik The Seafarers International Union is a cross-section of Amer­ ft 1 1 ica. It is made up of men from ALBERT A. MUSTAKOFF all lands, of all religions and Get in touch with your mother races. The only requirement is at 3772 Jordin Ave., Houston 5, that the members be whole­ Texas, phone Madison 2-7169. heartedly in accord with the trade union principles that is 1 1 i part and parcel of SIU thinking. M. A. CARAWAY Money has been collected for John Schupstik, AB, called you by Patrolman Claude Fisher Chopstick by his many friends in from crewmembers on the SS the SIU. fits right Into that cate­ Antinous in the following gory. Born in Latvia in 1905, he amounts:* Lester O. Lord, $5; was brought to this country James Harris, $5; J. Knoles, $20. while still a young lad and has The money has been sent to your lived since then in the United home. States. As soon as possible he became a naturalized citizen, ft ft ft and his actions and patriotism re­ EDDIE POLICIE fute the statements made by Your jacket is at the New York many fascist-minded people that Hall. foreigners cannot become good ft ft ft Americans. CARAWAY. KRATZER Chopstick has been sailing for Your gear was left on the other close to 24 years, all on the deep side by the Skipper. Check with water. When he was but 17 years special services in New York of age, he got his first ship from Hall for pay due you. New York, and the sea has been his life since that time. 14 North Gay St. Calvert 4339 276 State St. Boudoin 4463 BUFFALO 10 Exchange St. Cleveland 7391 CHARLESTON ..,..,...68 Society St Phone 3-3680 CHICAGO 24 W. Superior Ave. Superior 5175 CLEVELAND . . 1014 E. St. Clair Ave. Main 0147 CORPUS CHRISTI . . 1824 Mesquite St. Corpus Christi 3.1S09 DETROIT 1038 Third St. Cadillac 6857 DULUTH 531 W. Michigan St. Melrose 4110 GALVESTON 30534 22nd St. 2-844S HONOLULU 16 Merchant St. HOUSTON 1515 75th Street Phone Wentworth 3-3809 JACKSONVILLE 920 Main St. Phone 5-5919 MARCUS HOOK 1 Vj VV. 8th St. Chester 5-3110 MOBILE 7 St. Michael St. 2-1754 NEW ORLEANS 339 Chartres St. Magnolia 6112-6113 NEW YORK 51 Beaver St. HAnover 2-2784 NORFOLK f27-129 Bank Street I 4-1083 PHILADELPHIA 9 South 7th St. Phone LOmhard 3-7661 PORT ARTHUR 445 Austin Ave. I Phone: 2-8532 I PORTLAND Ill W. Burnside St. RICHMOND. Calif 257 5th St. SAN FRANCISCO 105 Market St. Douglas 5475-8363 SAN JUAN, P. R. . . 252 Ponce de Leon San Juan 2-5996 SAVANNAH 220 East Bay St. 3-1728 SEATTLE 80 Seneca St. Main 0290 TAMPA 1809-1811 N. Franklin St. M-132Z TOLEDO 615 Summit St. WILMINGTON 440 Avalon Vlvd. Terminal 4-3131 VICTORIA, B. C 602 Boughton St. VANCOUVER 144 W. Hastings St. Ana he is sorry that he was not ashore so that he could help out. John has many times sailed on unorganized ships in an effort to pass the Union word along. The most recent time was on the Steel Ranger, Isthmian, and he did an excellent job since the ves­ "What else could a man do in sel came in with the crew over­ those days?" he recalls. "Men whelmingly in favor of the SIU. EASTERN SS LINES were out of work, after the war, So this only goes to prove that SS CALVIN AUSTIN so I became a sailor and I think it doesn't make any difference SS JOSEPH BARTLETT I got the best of the deal. a where a man comes from. It is SS WILLIAM BEVAN his sincerity that counts, and IN UNION EARLY SS JAMES G. BLAINE John Schupstik, born many miles SS JOHN HENRY The following men have over­ John was not content merely to away from his adopted land, is a SS SAMUEL JOHNSTON go to sea. He wanted to better sincere American and an honest, time checks from the T. H. SS HERMAN MELVILLE the conditions under which sea­ militant trade unionist. Browning Steamship Company SS EUGENE E. O'DONNELL and can secure same by writing men were forced to work, and SS WILLIAM PHIPS to the offices at 650 W. Jeffer­ so he joined the ISU and was a SS WALTER E. RANGER son Avenue, Trenton, Michigan. militant fighter within that oi"SS CLAYMONT VICTORY STMR. SULTANA ganization. He fought for sea­ SS FRANCIS AMASA Martin W. Nolan, 8 hrs.; E. men's rights, but at the same WALKER Kreitlow, 8 hrs. time he fought the reactionary, SS JESSE H. METCALF STMR. MALONEY crooked leadership of the union. SS SMITH VICTORY Leon Higgins, 4 hrs.; Archie When the Marine Workers In­ While the nation watched con­ McCormick, 12 hrs.; Charles McSS STEPHEN G. PORTER dustrial Union (MWIU) was gress switch from the Democrats Ilwrath, 1712 hrs.; A. Polin, 3 SS JOSEPH N. DINAND formed, Chopstick joined that to the Republicans, the eyes of hrs.; Walter Quick, 8 hrs.; Leo SS LINCOLN VICTORY group. Soon, however, it became America's 15 million union mem­ Roach, 5^2 hrs.; James Hill, 8 SS AUGUSTUS P. LORING apparent to him that the organi­ bers were on the three states vot­ hrs.; Clarence Hackett, 8 hrs.; SS ROBERT TREAT zation was being used for politi­ ing on constitutional amendments Frank Kelly, 16 hrs.; Herbert SoSS SPARTANBURG VICTORY cal ends, in the interest of the to ban the closed shop. SS GALEN L. STONE derlund, 4 hrs.; Jacob Wolf, 8 hrs. communist party, and so he drop­ SS EDWARD L. LOGAN In Nebraska, with three-fourths STMR, SONORA ped out. SS LOU GEHRIG of the precincts accounted for the Walter Qiuck, 8 hrs.; J. SchaSoon after the formation of the Payment commences Novem-. vote was 173,029 for and 120,734 kow, 25 hrs. Seafarers International Union, ber 25. Collect at Boston office, against. STMR. L. S. WESCOAT 40 Central Avenue or New York Chopstick joined up. James Corbett, John Sizler, South Dakota voted for the office. Pier 25, North River, INTO DANGERS amendment by better than two Walter Malimonski, Daniel Manft ft ft to one, while Arizona's anti-clos­ ley, Wm, Zinkel, George JenCame the war, and, like all A. H. BULL & CO. ed shop vote was 36,337 for and nigs. Retroactive pay for the follow­ other merchant seamen, John 27,663 against. ft ft ft ing ships have been completed, found himself in the thick of T. J. BROWNING SS CO. Though the action of these and can be collected at the com­ things. He sailed continually, states is not indicative of a trend C. L. Diemer, Peter Holland, right into the teeth of Nazi sub­ pany. offices. in the country to ban the closed Joseph A. Martin, Glen E. Fuller, marine wolfpacks, but his good SS CORNELIA shop as they are primarily agri­ James W. Fairbairn, George luck never failed him. Although SS CLIFFORD ASHBY cultural states, it is intei-esting to Woods, John Falconer, Richard convoys he was in were attacked SS CAPE CORWIN note that Massachusetts, a strong Tolbert, Robert Green, Albert many times, his ships were never SS B. A. FOLLANSBEE industrial state, voted approval Swanson, George Drouillard (2), hit. SS ALCEE FORTIER of a proposal to require unions to N. A. Brabant. '^he men started to look on make public their financial re­ SS CAPE HENLOPEN Checks for these men are being me as a good luck charm," he ports. SS CAPE MOHICAN held in the Detroit Hall and can says, "and they were sure that if SS CAPE NOME This is a wedge toward ban­ be had by writing to the office, I was on board they would come ning the closed shop, in that state, SS CAPE POGE ft ft ft through okay." SS BEN ROBERTSON SS GOLDEN FLEECE as unions are now required to file SS ABEL STEARNS During the 1941 Bonus Strike, accounts of receipts and expendi­ A. Pel toman, 126 hrs. For SS CAPE ST. ELIAS Schupstik was on the picketline tures every year, thus exposing standing sea watches in port. SS CAPE ST. GEORGE in Mobile for the entire action, their financial strength or weak­ Money can be collected at the SS CAPE TEXAS but when the 1946 General Strike ness and revealing their bargain­ Bull Line office, 115 Broad SS ALBION VICTORY came about, he was out at sea. ing and strike powers. Street, New York. NOTICE! MONEY DUE Vote To Ban Closed Shop �TEESEAF ARERS LOG Page- Twahrk THday, RoVambar 22. 1946 Seafarers Wins In Coos Bay Beef WOMT HE EVER lEARM ? " Marine Firemen Condemns CMU For Unanthorized Use Of Name Recent coastwise meetings of the Marine Firemen, Oilers, Watenders and Wipers Association (Independent) condemned by re­ solution the continued unauthor­ ized use of their name in connction with the Committee for Maritime Unity. Presented by the Portland Branch, the resolution .stated that until the results of the ballot on CMU .affilation were known that the CMU be iiistiucled to refrain from using the name of the MFOWW on their press releases, literature, etc., as an affiliate. Results of the vote were over­ whelmingly in favor of the reso­ lution to the tune of 770 for and 131 against. • In only one port. New York, did the negative vote beat the affirmative. This was due mainly to the fairly strong : communist infiltration in the ' New York Branch. All other ports were strong for the resolu­ tion. In its text, the resolution out­ lined the fact that voting was at present going on to determine •whether the MFOWW would af­ filiate with the CMU or not, and •that this voting would not be over until December 31. It further related a series of instances in which the CMU had used the name of the Marine Firemen and their officials "in Efforts to mislead the public, and have them believe that the Ma­ rine Firemen's Union is at present affiliated with the CMU." NOTIFY CMU Contained in the resolution was the resolve, "That the Pres­ ident of our union stand imstructed to immediately write an offi­ cial letter to the CMU, informing them, that, since we are not af­ filiated with the CMU, the use of our name on their letterheads, literature, press releases, etc., will not be tolerated, and that we request that they discontinue this practice immediately." A further resolve concluded the resolution, "That if our re­ quest goes unheeded, that the MFOWW take immediate and proper action to insure that the CMU ceases to use our name without proper authorization." / ' ' ' • I• VOTED YET? From all, indications so far. it appears that more votes will be cast in this election for officials than were ever cast in the SIU before. This is a good sign and shows that the members of our Union are interested in electing only the best men to lead the or­ ganization. Now is the time to vote. Have you voted yet? I Immediately after the vote tabulation, letters were sent by President V. J. Malone to both Harry Bridges and Joseph Curran, co-chairmen of the CMU, notifying them of the MFOWW's action, and requesting that the resolution be complied with by the removal of the MFOWW name from all CMU letterheads, publicity and literature. ANOTHER DEFEAT This action by the MFOWW chalks up another defeat for the waterfront communists who have taken it on the chin in rapid suc­ cession diuring the SIU-SUP strike, and through the militant actions of the MM&P in their beef against the operators. It's another healthy expression from the waterJront unions that they want no part of the phony Mos­ cow line. It is to be sincerely hoped that the va.st majority of rank and file MFOWW members repudiate once and for all any affiliation with an outfit like the CMU which has plainly revealed its purpose during the MEBA and ILWU contract negotiations on the West Coast. That purpose is to swallow whole any indepen­ dent or small maritime union which is foolhardy enough to af­ filiate with the CMU. With the complete settlement this week of the MEBAj and ILWU strikes on the West Coast, the Sailors Union of the Pacific won a smashing vjctofy through their insistence that the Coos. Bay . beef be settled, before SUP members would agree to again sail the ships. The Port of Coos Bay ha.s been tied up .since June 30 asXa result of the CMU's attempted froze the Port of Coos Bay until such time as the CIO Lorigshqreraid on the SUP membership. The SUP firmly insisted that men i-ecognized the right of free the Coos Bay dispute had to be American seamen to belong to settled or the SUP would not the union of their choice—in this man the ships in spite of any case, the Sailors Union of the agreement reached with the Pacific. MEBA and ILWU. As a result, FACT FINDING BOARD Harry Bridges, commic-linc^ presi­ Special Labor Department rep­ dent of the West Coast Long­ shoremen, was forced to agi-ee in resentative Nathan Feinsinger ar­ writing to cea.se discriminating rived in San Francisco on July against the ships of the American 12 with special powers to inves­ tigate the dispute and make Pacific Steamship Company. recommendations. His recommen­ As part of the agreement. dation to Secretary of Labor Bridges was required to write a Schwellenbach was that a special letter to the West Coast ship op­ public Fact Finding Board of erators agreeing to work all ships three men be appointed to fur­ owned and operated by the Amer­ ther investigate and make recom­ ican Pacific Steamship Company. mendations. Then, and then only, SUP Secre­ Commencing on July 29, the tary-Treasurer Harry Lundeberg Board held extensive public hear­ wrote a letter to the shipovmers ings with all interested parties agreeing to unfreeze the lumber invited to attend. Then, on Aug­ port of Coos Bay, Oregon. ust 22, this Board issued their re­ HERE'S THE RECORD port which upheld the SUP as the rightful bargaining agent for Here's a brief resume of the the unlicensed seamen of the Coos Bay Beef. Early in 1943, American Pacific Steamship Com­ the SUP signed a contract for all pany. three departments in the Los Those unions which had de­ Angeles Tanker Company, Inc. clared this company hot — the after other West Coast unions had ILWU (longshoremen), the MC&S refused to assist the SUP in or­ (cooks), the MEBA (engineers), ganizing thait outfit. all CIO affiliates, and the In May, 1946, the Los Angeles MFOWW (firemen), Independent, Tanker Company changed its were advised to seek redress of name to the American Pacific their fancied wrongs" through the Steamship Company and took NLRB, if they thought that they over the operation of dry cargo had legitimate grievances. ships as well as tankers. THEIR BUM BEEF As a result of having an agree­ Knowing that they had a bum ments and collective bargaining beef, these unions did not take rights covering the unlicensed the matter any further. But they seamen of the Los Angeles Tank­ did continue their boycott of the er Company, the SUP was en­ American Pacific ships. This titled to represent them in the CMU boycott, the CIO Longshore­ American Pacific Steamship men's refusal to handle their car­ Company as it was the same go, and the refusal-of MEBA men company with a larger fleet and to sail these ships with SUP a changed name. crews, caused the company great So, on June 1, 1946, the SUP loss, forcing them to lay up their signed a new agreement with the ships on the West Coast. American Pacific Steamship They further indicated that Company covering their tankers they would go out of business and diy cargo vessels. These unless a reasonable guarantee ships operated out of Pacific would be furnished that their Coast ports from May 14 until ships could sail in and out of June 30 without any trouble, and West Coast ports without moles­ were loaded and unloaded by tation. CIO Longshoremen. On November 12, the SUP went on record to notify the ship­ CMU ATTEMPTS RAID owners, waterfront employers, On -June 30, when the Mello the Maritime Commission, DeFranco—belonging to the Amor parliiient of Labor, and all others ican Pacific Steamship Company concerned that the SUP members —arrived at Coos Bay, Oregon to would not go back to work on any load lumber, the CIO Longshore­ ship on the West Coast unless the men refused to work her. CIO Longshoremen's discrimina­ These men were acting on di­ tion against American Pacific rect instructions from Harry Steamship Company ships was Bridges in his capacity as co- stopped, once and for all. This chairman of the so-called Com­ action by the SUP membership mittee for Maritime Unity, a forced the hand of Bridges and commie front outfit organized to his CMU stooges. gobble up small maritime unions Once again it has been clearly like the Marine Firemen and demonstrated to the commieothers. dominated waterfront unions that Bridges declared that all Amer­ the SIU-SUP will not stand for ican Pacific Steamship Company any monkey business. ships were hot, and stated that Time and again, the SIU-SUP none of these ships would be have stated that the waterfront handled as long as they were is not big enough for the decent, manned by SUP-AFL crews, democratic trade unionism of the Bridges further demanded that SIU-SUP and the com.munistthe company cancel its SUP dominated maritime unions. By agreement, and sign an agree­ now they should realize that thq ment with the CMU unions. SIU-SUP will not stop the fight Never a Union to take raiding until communist influence is attempts from the commies lay­ finals cleared from the watering down, the SUP immediately frgjg<ifbr all time. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource November 22, 1946 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. VIII, No. 47 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Description An account of the resource Headlines: SIU LEADS IN ISTHMIAN VOTE COUNT A CLEAR MANDATE SEAFARERS AHEAD IN ISTHMIAN VOTE COUNT AFL ASKS CUT IN TAXES FOR LOWER INCOMES LUNDEBERG BLASTS MC TRAINING SCHOOLS, CALLS FOR END OF SCAB BUILDING PROGRAM SEAFARERS' PROGRAM FOR FUTURE: FIGHT TO PRESERVE LABOR'S RIGHTS BYPASS TAMPA CHANDLERS; THEY PASSED PICKETS SEAFARERS IN PORT MARCUS HOOK ARE NOW PART OF COMMUNITY LIFE SHIPPING PICKS UP IN PHILLY; OLDTIMERS BACK TO FAVORITE PORT MEN WHO REFUSE SHIPS CREATE FUTURE COMPETITION FOR SELVES COASTAL ARCHER CREW COLLECTS BACK PAY WITHHELD ILLEGALLY SIU OPENS NEW HALL IN TOLEDO, TAKES LEAD WITH LAKE SEAMEN TIME HAS COME TO CHANGE TAX LAW FOR SEAMEN BOSTON BATTLES DOLDRUMS AND ANTI-LABOR BILL AT SAME TIME BAUXITE TIEUP NEARS END FOOD SNARLS HARASS WALTHAM VICTORY MEN CREW VOTES STIFF PENALTIES FOR UN-UNIONLIKE CONDUCT BULL LINE ACQUIRES TITLE TO 3 SHIPS SEAFARERS PRESSURE BRINGS NEEDED CHANGE TO NEPONSIT VOTE TO BAN CLOSED SHOP SEAFARERS WIN IN COOS BAY BEEF MARINE FIREMEN CONDEMNS CMU FOR UNAUTHORIZED USE OF NAME Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 11/22/1946 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1946 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/3aa025b2594b52c57536be4deadfd064.PDF 6dca79e6dcb2ebeff2d1b8e59527317b PDF Text Text Official Organ of the Atlantic and Gulf District» Seafarers International Union of North America NEW YORK, N. Y.. FRIDAY. NOVEMBER 29. 1946 Vol. VIII. NMU's Phony Protest Keeps Isthmian Men In FInky Conditions With nothing else to recommend its case except the willingness to deprive Isthmian seamen of union represen­ tation, the NMU continues delay and final accounting of votes in the election to determine a bargaining agent for Isthmian men. Basing their action on wild charges of con­ spiracy, collusion, and unfair labor practices^ the NMU has protested the entire election and is making every effort to have the whole election set aside. While there is little Next Week, We Hope The shortage of newsprint still has us down, but we are no worse off than the other newspapers. By next week, however, we hope that the situation will have eased off somewhat and that we will *be able to come out with the usual IS page edition of the Seafarers Log. None of the regular fea­ tures have been omitted this week, and our coverage of major stories, interesting to seamen, is as complete as possible, under the circum­ stances. • No. 48 Four More Companies Sign SIU Contracts Covering Conditions NEW YORK — Contracts covering working condi­ tions on freight ships have been recently signed with the few companies not partie,^ to the agreement signed on October 23. The most recent additions to the operators^ who will institute the new SIU working conditions on their ships are the Overlakes Freight Corporation and the NewTex Steamship Company, both signed on November 25. These followed close on the heels of the contracts signed chance that this move will sue-* ceed, nevertheless, it proves that the NMU will stoop to any depth to either rule or ruin. SIU Calls Upon U.S. Public Health Service To Rectify Poor Conditions In Galveston 4'between the Union and the Miss­ issippi Steamship Company and the Waterman Steamship Companj', both of whom came into the fold on November 7. All four companies involved signed the identical agreement. SIU AHEAD Of the 1745 votes which have already been counted, the SIU NEW YORK, Nov. 20 — The $100,000 cooking and baking unit cern the food, although other Only Working Rules and Gen­ garncrcci 957 while the NMU points also come in for comment. eral Rules for freighters are cov­ installed in the Neponsit Marine Seafarers International Union to­ picked up only 724. This means The men complain that the food ered bj' these contracts. Wage^ that only 167 of the 502 votes day, in a letter to Dr. Thomas Hospital, Long Island, the letter is poor, inadequate, and what had already been settled in Aug-; expressed the appreciation of the Parran, Surgeon General, United which the NMU contests must be there is of it is badly prepared. ust—the same wages that were Union for those corrections so far States Public Health Service"; decided in favor of the SIU to Diets are not adhered to and turned down by the Wage Stabil­ give this Union a majority, and called upon him to rectify com­ made in some Marine Hospitals; many men have been discharged ization Board and which lead to but asked that the Surgeon Gen­ power to bargain for the men plaints of poor food, and lax from the hospital weaker than a General Strike that tied up the eral take steps to alleviate the medical attention in the Galves­ who sail Isthmian. ton Marine Hospital. This action poor conditions that now exist in they were when admitted. This entire shipping of the United The NMU hopes that the elec­ follows complaints of 63 seamen the Galveston Marine Hospital. situation, coupled with indiffer­ States. tion will be set aside, and that and veteran patients in that hos­ The letter sent by the SIU Spe­ ent treatment, and lax medical Passenger ship agreements for the whole procedure will be gone pital transmitted to the SIU by cial Services Department is as standards has made the stay of the Mississippi Steamship Com­ throuigh again. The SIU can most of the men a nightmare. D. L. Parker, Galveston Agent. follows: pany were also signed on Novem­ easily weather any such eventu­ We are now in receipt of a let­ ber 7, and these add up to the Following on the heels of the Dr. Thomas Parran ality, but the Isthmian seamen, ter from 63 men confined in that best passenger ship contracts in forced to continue,sailing under SIU success in having a new Surgeon General the field. U. S. Public Health Service poor conditions and with lower (ContinueJ on Page 11) All of the above contracts were Washington, D. C. pay", are the real sufferers. negotiated and signed, for the. The arguments put forward by Sir: Union, by John Hawk, Secretary- • The Seafarers International the NMU in its official paper, the Treasurer; J. P. Shuler, Assistant Union has for some time been re­ Pilot, are that the SIU is guilty Secretary-Treasui-er; Paul Hall, ceiving complaints from its mem­ of collusion with the company in Director of Organization; and bers in the various marine hos­ placing SIU crews aboard their Robert Matthews, Headquarters* pitals around the country con­ ships while NMU crews were re Engine Dept. representative. cerning the* treatment adminis­ fused employment. Another passenger company tered, the food served, and var­ This argument falls of its own An overtime dispute involving ious other conditions existing in still to be negotiated with is the weight because all waterfront NEW YORK, Nov. 27— With 850 hours of work pei"formed by those institutions. P&O Steamship Company. workers know of the difficulty the nation's soft coal strike en­ the Deck and Engine departments Bargaining sessions will start • We believe that your office has encountered by SIU volunteers tering its eighth day John L. the week of December 2, and ; aboard the SS J. B. Hamilton was at heart the welfare of the men in getting on Isthmian ships. transformed into cash for Sea­ confined to these hnspitals as you Lewis, United Mine Workers lead­ there is little doubt that negotia- ' " NMU FORGETS farers at the vessel's payoff in have corrected certain faults that er, goes to court to face charges tions will move along smoothly. , The alleged bias which the New York early this week. Provisions for passenger veshave existed in some of these in­ of contempt for violation of the Isthmian officials expressed tow­ The Hamilton, an American stitutions. federal injunction filed against sels belonging to the Eastern : ard NMU men is only an expres­ Pacific lines ship, had made its Steamship Company and Alcoa We realize^ that you recently him and his 400,000 miners. sion of the bias which this com­ first trip manned by an SIU crew, had installed at the Neponsit MaIn his fight against the injunc­ also are on the agenda and this • pany has against any attempt to after having been turned over by i-ine Hospital a $100,000 cooking tion leveled against his union by will be done in the very near fu- 1" organize its employees into the NMU. The dispute arose when and baking unit which will as­ the government, Lewis goes to ture. Union which can fight for its the Skipper refused payment, sure the patients of receiving hot Last but not least. Isthmian • court with the full backing of own rights. arguing that under the terms of food. Also we appreciate the co­ AFL and CIO unions. Lines' contract lies ahead. Once During the war years, the the NMU agreement no overtime operation given our representa­ In this battle against the "gat- the NMU's stalling tactics have yeai's in which the NMU follow­ would be paid for the work im tives who have visited these hos­ been overcome. Isthmian will be ling gun on paper," as it has been ing the communist pai'ty line, volved. another company that will be pitals in correcting minor griev­ called since its first use in 1894, collaborated with the shipown­ The payment was made when ances and making certain changes Lewis is fighting a battle against forced to institute SIU wages . ers, they forgot how to face the Skipper recognized that the in the menus, all of which make what may be a precedent where­ and conditions on the many ships the opposition of companies vessel was now operating with for a more enjoyable stay and a in that fleet. by labor unions can be sued and which' will not play ball with an SIU agreement. ' The signing of these contracts , quicker cure and discharge for their leaders imprisoned for call­ unions—for their own ends. winds up many months of inten­ The Patrolmen also succeeded the seamen concerned. ing a strike. The NMU has definitely lost n cancelling most of the logs sive negotiating on the part of all However, we feel that we must The NoiTis-LaGuardia Act of top of'icials of the Union. Inter­ the seamen who sail Isthmian made against crew members. They call upon you and request that 1932 clearly forbids private em­ rupted as they were by the strike" • ships. Victory for the SIU is only said that the Hamilton men were steps be taken to remedy the ployers to obtain Federal Court action taken by the SIU, the bar- a matter of time, and the NMU "darned good crew." situation that exists at the Gal­ injunctiojis against unions. Also gaining sessions went along as is winning the undying hatred SIU Patrolmen handling the veston, Texas Marine Hospital. court decisions have held that it well as could be expected, with of hundreds of Isthmian seamen payoff were Jimmie Drawdy, Bill For some time we have been re­ forbids the government to obtain the shipowners having the knowl­ who sees in that organization a Hamilton and Lou Goffin. They ceiving complaints from that hos­ injunctions against unions involv- edge that the Union, held the balbar against their realizing union were assisted by Brother Armr pital. ance of power. wages and conditions—right now. strong of the SUP. Most of the complaints con­ (Continued OH Page 4) Seafarers Wins 850 Hours For Hamilton Crew All Labor Backs Lewis Against Govt. Injunction �SOLIDARITY ON BCflH StOES Published Weekly by the SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Gulf District Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor At 51 Beaver Street, New York, 4, N. Y. HAnover 2.27«4 X ^ t- HARRY LUNDEBERG ------- President 105 Market Street, San Francisco, Calif. JOHN HAWK - -- -- -- - Secy-Treas. V. O. Bos 25, Station P., New York C-ify Entered as second class matter June 15, 1945, at the Post Office in New York, N. Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912. 267 A Dangerous Weapon All over the United States soft coal miners are refusing to work under the terms of the so-called Lewis-Krug agree­ ment signed on May 29. Their reasons for abstaining from work are simple, and are included in the terms of that agreement. In plain and simple words, that agreement gives both parties the right to ask for changes in terms. • during the life of the contract, and if negotiations failed to result in satisfactory changes, either party could declare the entire agreement void. In the face of rising prices, the wage gains made by the miners have been entirely wiped out. As a result, the miners asked that the agreement be reopened so that wages in the mining industry could be increased to a living level. This request was flatly turned down by the government, and that left the miners no alternative other than to con­ sider the contract terminated. But the Government is used to having all the marbles, and this case is no exception. In contradiction to a law of the land — the Norris-La Guardia Act, passed in 1932 —• which prohibits the use of injunctions against unions, the Government has asked for an injunction and has requested that Lewis be held in contempt of court because he refused to compel his union members to stay on the job. Hospital Patients When entering the hospital notify the delegate by post­ card, giving your name and the number of your ward. Staten Island Hospital The miners are therefore in the position of obeying the law, while the Government is in the position of chang­ ing the rules of the game after play has already started. That sort of action may fool some of the people who don't work with their hands for a living, but the mass of Amer­ These are the Union Brothers currently in the marine hospitals, ican w^orkers are behind the United Mine Workers in this as reported by the Port Agents. These Brothers find lime hanging fight for justice. heavily on their hands. Do what you can to cheer them up by writ­ Men Now In The Marine Hospitals ing to them. The use of injunctions against a labor union in its fight for an equitable share of the wealth they help to produce STATEN ISLAND HOSPITAL is a dirty tactic that smacks of fascism. Workers have the C. G. SMITH right to refuse to labor under conditions that enslave them T. WADSWORTH and for pay that keeps them on a poor economic level. S. G. LOPEZ Their labor is the only thing they have to sell -and they can R. G. MOSSELLER W. SMITH abstrain from putting it on the market unless the price is •C. J. H. HARE reasonable and just. W. G. H. BAUSE W. B. MUTR Government injunction against strikes forces the L. A. CORNWALL workers back into the slavery they are trying to escape. It L. L. MOODY ' is a dangerous weapon because it can be used to coerce men H. BELCHER C. M. LARSEN into doing anything that they honestly oppose. Totalitarianism comes disguised in just such a harmless sounding move. Now the pressure is for the mining of coal to continue and some people are mistakenly in accord with the Government's move to use the courts as a coercive force. If we allow this to happen, in the near future we can look forward to injunctions as a rule rather than as an ex­ ception. As always, the labor movement is in the forefront of the defense of our liberties. The man who works for a livelihood is quick to recognize the tactics of those who > would make him a slave. In this case we see the well-known I' symptoms, and that is why labor is united in the defense of ' the miners right to strike, and in the battle against the use of injunctions in labor^disputes. is v.jt' C. L. JACQUES L. KAY R. J. BLAKE J. B. PORTER J. H. DANIEL S. INTEGRA V. RODRIGUEZ ' S. RIVERA C. R. POTTER J. HALL J. M. FORD B. F. TROTTIE W. R. WELCOME P. DOMICA % % % GALVESTON HOSPITAL LONGKEMPT PAURGASON—SUP ALDERHOLDS KING MITCHELL DOWELL DEETRECH SWENSON CASTAGNERE—B.C. MULKE 4* S" 4* BALTIMORE HOSPITAL RAYMOND VAN DREELE PETER LOPEZ WAYNE TROLLE MAX FINGERHUT RALPH FREY BUCK SHERWIN MOSES MORRIS MANUEL ROMERO FRANCES O'BRIAN X X % NEW ORLEANS HOSPITAL JOE TAYLOR M. W. LOMBARD MAX SEIDEL LEONARD' MELANSON EDDIE MAHL CENTRAL MASON E. BROCE JR. P. HAWKINS J. SNELL H. G. DARNELL You can contact your Hos­ pital delegate at the Staten Island Hospital at the follow­ ing times: Tuesday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on 5th and 6th floors) Thursday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on 3rd and 4th floors.) Saturday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on 1st and 2nd floors.) JAMES CANARD ALBERT BOUDREAUX W. QUARLES CHARLES TILLER J. W. DENNIS R. M. NOLAN FRED GANDARA JR. H. C. MERTSCH NORMAN PALLME DONALD BELL J. SCOTTY) ATKINS . FRANK GARRETSON KARL PETTERSSON EDWARD CUSTER F, J. SOSS R. E. FRINK ROBERT OGLETREE XXX NEPONSIT HOSPITAL H. BURKE J. S. COMPBELL B. BRYDER B. LUFLIN E. VON TESMAR G. P. McCOMB : . : E. FERRER R. BLAKE J. R. HENCHEY ' , J. PIQUEROA �Fridsy. November 20. -1946 THE SE AFAR ESS 1. O (i Page Three Seafarers' Organizing Campaign Must Be Intensified In Future By STEELY WHITE At the same time we must give them a constructive pro­ gram to follow that will teach them true trade unionism. In addition to this we must get to the rank and file within the un­ ions which the commies control from the top, and make the membership in these unions aware of the activities of their leaders. arises. We will need the aid of all members in the Gulf to assure the success of this drive. We will have plerity of literature avail­ able and the patrolmen will be around to the ships at the signon to distribute the literature to the ship's delegates. NEW ORLEANS—In the past few weeks events have taken place that will go down in Mari­ time history. Things have taken place that are going to be instru­ mental in determining the future of our union. Also events are in the making Make use of it by giving it out that are going to influence our fu­ in every port you hit to all nonture as to whether we, the SIU, The hot spot for all the beefs SIU ships and in the places fre­ are going to remain in the field with the oil companies is going quented by seamen. This will as a strong economic trade union to be the Gulf district and we not entail any great labor and or whether we aie going to be bottled up, and our potentiali­ must be ready for anything that will pay dividends in the end. ties as a trade union neutralized to the point that we will be a tool in the hands of a political faction, or a combination of a political faction and shipowner collaboration. Further evidence of rank and and file in the NMU: If you want STRUGGLE FOR POWER file dissatisfaction with com- to read the news pertaining to the At the present time within the niunist control of the National welfare of seamen, you've got to maritime industry we are caught in a whirlpool of ideologies that Maritime Union came to light look in the SIU's Log. SIU WATERFRONT can very easily lead to our de­ this week, with the receipt of a letter to the Log pointing out I, and the greater part of the struction as a legitimate trade that NMUers are looking hope­ NMU, would like to see the water­ imion and place us under the in­ fully toward the SIU for water­ front 100 per cent under the lead­ fluence of powers seeking poli­ front leadership. ership of the SIU. tical domination. The letter, from a member of At our meetings at Manhattan Once these groups seeking the NMU, gives support to the Center, only the commies get the power gain control they will sac­ deck. When a non-commie does Seafarers' contention that the rifice trade union principles and gains to advance their own poli­ majority of NMUers are nut com- get the deck, the commies boo tical programs and ambitions. 1 mics, and that the policies of the him down. I have a lot of friends in the don't have to tell you what hap­ NMU leadership do not express the will of the membership. SIU and every time they see me pened to the NMU, MEBA, ILWU The writer of the letter, who they say, "When are you going and the MC&S. for obvious reasons prefers to to get wise to yourself, and come COMMIE DRIVE remain anonymous, sounds off on over to a real union?" The commies are at present the widening breach between the It's ti-ue enough that the SIU driving hard on the MM&P and rank and file and the commies is a good union, and I would like ILA; and the Seafarers Interna­ points out that democratic rights to be over there, pronto. tional Union cannot ignore these aj-e denied all those who remain COMMIE SHEET campaigns, by sitting back idly outside the communist party's I hope that in the future you while this commie faction takes ranks. Criticism is taboo, even will continue to send the Log to conti'ol of the waterfi'ont unions. at closed membership meetings. the Y M C A Seamen's House. If we do they will turn on our When you see an NMU man THEY READ LOG Union next and they will be in a reading the Pilot at the Seamen's The NMUer adds that members House, he is only looking "at the position to squeeze us off the waterfront by their control of of his union are reading the Personals column, and the list of the other unions. This manuever Seafarers Log in order to get back pay due. When finished is shown very plainly by their news pertaining to the welfare of with that, he throws it down in actions fostering the Coos Bay all seamen, and that they would disgust. All • they print in the beef, the Steam-schooner beef, prefer a waterfront solidly united Pilot is the usual run of commie the Gulf Oil Tug beef, the Texaco under the banner of the SIU. propaganda.. The letter follows: Tanker beef, and now their at­ Again I thank you for telling tempts in, the Cities Service fleet. Dear Brother: the membership in the SIU that We must combat these forays I am an NMU member and I we are all not commies in the on the rank and file seamen with wish to thank you very much for NMU. I will be looking for this a program of action, and to do telling the membership in your article in the Log. it successfully we must contact union that we all are not com-, Please do not print my name as all imorganized seamen and ex­ mies within the NMU. there is such a thing as being too pose to them the phony programs I, like many, mapy others, read brave. that the commies ai-e attempting the Seafarers Log. It is a common Very sincerely yours, to sell them. A Real Union Seamen saying now with the real rank NMU Seamea Resent Communism Of Leaders, Read Log For News THANKS A MILLION By PAUL HALL The Seafarers International Union cannot be accused of not learning from what has happened before. In the organizational jobs which have gone before, we have learned many valuable lesspns, les.sons which will come in handy in the times which lie ahead of First and foremost, the Union must establish itself on a firm financial basis. Not that we are crying poor mouth now, but wp should be prepared for the fact that we will have to retrench, fin- rj ancially and otherwise. Strikes, and job actions, take money. We have had our share of both and it is now our duty to put the SIU in a good, sound con­ dition so that it can weather any storms that might lie ahead. j From now on, we must be ready for the slow shipping, scarcity of jobs, and months on the beach that go with peacetime operation. War Babies It seems a shame that the only time merchant seamen are at a premium and fully employed is when the nation is at war and sup­ plies are needed in foreign lands. During peacetime we could all starve to death and the Government and the people would not give one single damn for us! The lessons we have learned from our recent beefs must be put to good use. We know now that we are a match for any raiding by the communist dominated unions, that we can hold our own against: the Washington redtape artists, and that we have the strength to battle the shipowners for the finest contracts that ever protected the merchant seamen of any country. From now on we have the duty to consolidate all the gains we have made during the last year or so, and besides that we must keep our apparatus strong .so that we can be on the lookout for any attempts to weaken us—whether it comes from the operators or their stooges, the commie controlled waterfront unions. Union Solidarity All of us remember that when the Seafarers International Union and the Sailors Union of the Pacific went on strike against the dictatorial ruling of the Wage Stabilization Board that robbed us of gains we had made in fair negotiations with shipowners, the United Mine Workers and John L. Lewis were among the first to offer us aid. At the very start of our beef, Lewis wired Harry Lundeberg that the AFL seamen could have any or all of the UMW funds, if needed. That is real union solidarity. Now the Government and the operators are out after Lewis and the members of his union. They are ti-ying to whip up public senti­ ment against him, and they are threatening him with jail, and everything else up to and including hanging from his toes. Lewis only represents the miners who elected him to lead them. If the Government want.s to be consistent, then they should bring court action against all UMW members who support Lewis in this attempt to get more wages for them in this period when all prices are going sky-high. We Are Ready If John L. and the miner's ask us for support, we will go aH out to help them. They were ready and willing to come to our aid; W'e in tui-n ar'e ready to stand by and assist them. The miners are fighting the fight for all of us. In the face of Governraent intimidation, such as we faced in our own strike against the bureaucrats, the UMW men are holding steadfast to their time honored formula, "no coijtract—no work." With just reason, they believe that their contract is no longer | in effect since the prices which were in effect at the time it was signed have been increased by leaps and bounds. Therefore they have asked for a new contract. A contract that will enable them to earn enough money to keep body and soul together in these trying times. NMU StoQging A group of ILA men being thanked by Philadelphia Agent Red Truesdale for their 190 per­ cent cooperation during the SIU strike. Looks like quite a party. Isthmian Steamship Company is in the limelight, but this time it's not because of anything the company has done. If the company was paying the NMU a flat salary, the NMU could not serve tke operators better. The Isthmian seamen are crying for union representation, and •the NMU is playing right into the company's hands by contesting an election which they know was fairly and squarely won by the SIU. One thing you can be sure of, and that is that the Isthmian sea­ men don't go for the NMU way of trying to hold up elections when they see that the coimt is going against them. Seamen fight fair, and they don't cotton to the NMU dirty fighting. We'll win this one, as we have all the other fights we have participated in. But the NMU is losing more than the Isthmian election. They are losing what little respect they still retained along the waterfront. �THE SEAFARERS LOG Pagt Four ITHMTK QUESTION:—A New York Patrolman says that the characters he has met have made his years at sea enjoyable. What characters have you met that stick in your mind? GUY WHITEHURST. Elect: Well. I'm pretty much of a character myself. Bui I won't talk about me. I've been going to sea for 20 years and I sure have met some peculiar guys. One Bosun was a fellow they called Cyclone because he always hol­ lered. He could be standing right next to you and he would yell at the top of his voice. Before the trip was over the whole crew was wearing cotton in their ears. An­ other character was a Skipper they called Two for One. What­ ever happened, he would log a man two for one. Yelled it in his sleep all night. R. A. STUART, Oiler: The screwiest character I ever met was a Wiper on the SS Ven­ tura Hills. He was lazy and care­ less. but he was such a happy-golucky kind of guy that nobody really could stay angry with him. I remember one day he was down below painting, and they told him to throw some trash overboard. He had his paint brush in one hand and the trash in the other. Soon he returned with the trash, but his brush had been thrown over the side. He did the same thing another time when he threw slops, can and all. over­ board. i:-, MARCEL MITCHELL. Ch. Cook: I sailed with one Skipper that I sure thought was whacky. He had five dogs in his stateroom, and almost drove the Bedroom Steward wild on that trip to South America. Even in the middle of the night the Captain would go to the galley to get food for those pooches. The crew was well on the way to going nuts, especially the Stewards Depart­ ment. We complained, but the Old Man only told us that he knew what he was doing. Acted very mysterious. Well, he was sane and we were nuts because he sold those dogs at a nice profit la S. A.. '• 'A It;;'.:- If FREDERICK NEELY. Steward: A couple of trips ago we had on board an AB who had once been in vaudeville. He was the funniest man I ever sailed with, and he had a way of telling a story that those of us who were on that trip will never forget. But he had one screwy habit. When he was on the wheel, he wouldn't allow anyone of the unlicensed men to come near him. He even wanted the Mate on watch to stay away from the wheel. He was as bad as the OS who used to wake up everybody each night because he couldn't remember who his relief was. Friday, November 29, 1946 Challenges Will Not Help NMU, Isthmian Seamen Want Seafarers government. The newest addi­ when the government'rcpre.senttion is the Sea Phoenix which has ativo refused to reopen the wage There is nothing new to report been renamed the Steel Artisan, question. So, the miners have no on Isthmian because the NLRB and is now loading for Red Sea contract, and they never work hearing to decide what to do with and Indian ports. without a contract. the 502 ballots challenged by the ANTI-LABOR LAWS NMU APOLOGIES NMU has not yet been held. How­ We can expect a wave of antiIn order to alibi their company ever, the SIU is trying its utmost stooge tactics to the Isthmian labor laws soon after the new to bring about an immediate de­ seamen and their own rank-and Congress meets. Big business cision in this outfit without any file members, the NMU Pilot of loudspeakers in Congress have more delays. Neither the NMU last week screamed frantically been sounding off lately about nor the Isthmian Company is go­ that the NMU was only challeng­ the big bad boys from the unions ing to succeed much longer in ing the 502 valid ballots because having too much power. Now, denying Isthmian men the SIU they charged the SIU and the they intend to clip the wings of representation that they so well Isthmian Company with collusion, the entirpi labor movement. There deserve and need. conspiracy and unfair labor prac­ is no doubt that we will have to As revealed in last week's Log. tices. They also wildly accused fight harder in the next few the Seafarers garnered approx­ the SIU of making backdoor months to preserve labor's hardimately 55 percent of the 1745 "deals" with the Company. v^on gains than we have in a long time. valid votes counted. This was These wild charges are not even 233 votes over what the NMU dignified by the SIU with a denial Not only will our Union and secured.' We also expect to take because they are so fantastic. Re­ our AFL affiliates tave to fight a large majority of the challenged member these charges come from against government regimenta­ votes when they are finally the commy-dominated NMU„ an tion, but we will have to battle counted. outfit which only recently tried the hate-labor shipowners and the This means that the final results to make a deal with the Texaco sell-out artists of the communist can give the SIU a vote of from Company while the SIU was in party as well. As long as we keep 55 to 60 percent of the total bal­ the process of organizing it. They our Union as strong as it is today lots cast. Only the, NLRB cert- didn't get away with the attempt­ and build it even stronger, we are ifiication and the NMU's stalling ed Texaco grab, and they won't not afraid of these bogey-men tactics prevent the SIU from im­ get away with their desperate at­ and their threating chains. We Seafarers, and many before mediately starting contract nego­ tempts to nullify the Isthmian us, have fought to gain the hiring election. tiations with the Isthmian Com­ hall, rotary shipping, and many Isthmian seamen and SIU mem­ pany. bers know only too well how other advantages we have won Recent reports regarding Isth­ many SIU volunteer organizers over the years. Now, we're not mian state that they are going to were fired by Isthmian. They going to let any Johnny-Cometake over some 24 surplus ships also know how SIU ships' organ­ Lately's, or anyone else, take from the Maritime Commission izers were intimidated and ham­ away by means of laws or in­ for the rebuilding of the Isth­ strung at every turn by Isthmian junctions our Union conditions. mian postwar fleet. At present, stiffs and NMUers working hand We fought to gain these condi­ Isthmian owns 9 vessels, accord­ in hand. The NMU's Isthmian tions, and we'll fight till hell ing to the repol't, and operates recoi'd is one of all-out duplicity, freezes over to keep them. 64 others under charter from the lying, cheating, and goon squad terrorism. In spite of their con­ niving, Isthmian men chose the Seafarers. It's plain to see which union they want to represent them. MINERS' STRIKE The entire U.S. labor move­ ment is watching the struggle One of the striking differences going on between the Washing­ of the advantages of SIU mem­ ton bureaucrats and the United (Continued from Page 1) Mine Workers. More than 400,000 bership as compared to NMU ed in bona fide disputes with soft coal miners are out and some membership was revealed Wed­ private employers. 60-70,000 hard coal miners are nesday, when the recently real­ The government maintains, in out in sympathy. It all resulted located SS Am-Mer-Mar signed this case, that the government is from the miners attempts to open on an NMU crew. the employer and the strike is up their wage agreement at the The NMU crew boarded the against the people. The point present time and the govern­ vessel between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. not mentioned by the Attorney- ment's denial of their right to ask Nov. 26. They signed articles at General's office is that while the for a raise. 1:30 p.m. But the articles were government may be technically Washington wise guys pulled dated Nov. 27, which means that the employer, the profits and an old trifck out of the bag by the NMU crew will not be paid gains from these mines have never threatening John L. Lewis, presi­ for Nov. 26, a loss of a day's pay been held by the government, dent of the mipers, and all of the to all hands. but have and still remain with men who stayed away from the Under terms of SIU agreements the private operators. mines, with injunction procedure. with all contracted companies, Lewis is basing his demands AFL president Green has pledged pay starts accruing to Seafarers for a reduction of the 54 hour the entire resources of the AFL from the moment articles are week while keeping the same behind the miners in their battle signed. It was reported by SIU men on take-home pay, upon the provi­ against the government's getstandby as the ves.sel was turned tough-with-labor policy. Many sion of the old contract, which over that the NMU crew was dis­ other AFL unions including the "Was carried over, stipulating that satisfied with the procedure. A SIU have also pledged their sup­ either party could ask for changes day's pay is a day's pay, no matter port to the miners, and it looks in terms during the life of the what union you belong to, they like a tough battle. Labor is unit­ contract, and if negotitations fail­ said. ed though, with even the CIO ed to result in satisfactory changes, could declare the' whole backing Lewis. Organized labor is forced to contract void. battle against rule by injunction All of organized labor in Amer­ once again. In the early days, ica is. watching the battle lines this was a favorite company trick shaping up inr Washington, and against the unions. However, it in this struggle the house of was outlawed by the Norris-Lalabor is united in opposition to G u a r d i a Anti-Injunction Act. the government's attempts to Now, government bureaucrats in­ TORONTO—For the first time, squash the miners. sist that they are above the act, workers in Canada's pulpwood In the light of the far reaching and that they are within their will be covered by a union con­ effects of the government's action, legal rights to force the miners tract following a 3-week stop­ American labor, both AFL and back to work through the use of page by 12,000 members of the Lumber and Sawmill Workers CIO, have forgotten their quar­ the injunction weapon. In analyzing the entire mine Union (AFL). ' In addition to rels, and are backing Lewis and his miners to the limit in their situation, the miners were cer­ their main objective, union recog­ fight against the stifling of labor's tainly within their rights in deny­ nition, the workers were granted right to strike by an injunction ing that any contract between a $5 daily minimum wage and them and the-government existed improved working conditions. writing government. By EARL SHEPPARD SIU Crewmen See Difference in Contracts All Labor Backs Lewis Against Govt, injunction Canadian Lumbermen Get First Contract After Work Stoppage ' '1- �y ^ Pas* n<v» TBE SEAFARERS LOG Piiday, Iffoyember 29, 1946 ^ ^ ^ A*' / * ^ Vyy ^ / '^i '' '^/ Marcus Hook Seafarers After The Many Unorganized Tankermen By BLACKIE CARDULLO New Gag Would Put Convalescents NO NEWS?? Right Behind The Eight Ball Silence this week from the Branch Agents of the follow­ ing potts: By JOE ALGINA NEW YORK — Shipowners and the United Seamens Service never out some Stop, trying to figure way to complicate the life of a working seaman. This time they have come up with a daisy that Will top all the other dodges they have tried. Here's the way it works. If a man is hurt aboard ship, he is entitled to $3.50 per day after he leaves the hospital. This pay­ ment is supposed to continue until such time as he is able to go back to work. Now the Ship­ owners, the USS, and their fellow conspirators, the insurance com­ panies, have a new plan that will eliminate this payment. They want to establish conval­ escent camps for men to stay in until they aro able to ship out. None of the men I have spoken to are in favor of this scheme. They see it for what it is — a chiseling proposition that will save the company money at the expense of the comfort of the man v/ho actually was injured. Not only that, but they realize that acceptance of such treatment would hurt their cases if they were going to sue the company for any injuries sustained while aboard ship. ON OUR TOES The three groups who are try­ ing to put this over must have low opinion of seamen's mental­ ity. We have no intention of • letting them get away with this trick. We're damned if we want to see merchant seamen sent away to camps, away from home and family, for a long time just so that some fat boy can naake a little extra money each year. Even though the entire strike picture, as far as it concerns sea­ men, is cleared up now, never­ theless we still have plenty of men on the beach in this port. We hope that shipping will pick up soon, but right now it is only fair. That isn't good enough to take VOTED YET? . From all indications so far. it appears that more votes will be cast in this election for officials than were ever cast in the SIU before. This is a good sign and shows thai the members of our Union are interested in electing only the best men to lead the or­ ganization. Now is the time to vote. Have you voted yet? care of all the men who want to ship. Feeding ended on Monday, November' 25. It Was a very help­ ful thing while it lasted, and there are some men who miss it even now. We hope that it won't be necessary to use our strike kitchen agaiii, but it has been put away carefully and can be set up in short order. CHARLESTON PORT ARTHUR HOUSTON NORFOLK JACKSONVILLE BALTIMORE GALVESTON TAMPA MOBILE Seafarers Must Take Time Out To Take Stock For The Future By ARTHUR THOMPSON SAVANNAH—We are getting back to normal. Now we can catch a breath and write a few lines to the Log. Believe me, we had our hands full at the end of the last strike. Eighteen ships in port at one time, and everyone wanting at­ tention is not. easy with the staff we have. We somehow managed to get by though, and at this writing we have only one ship in port with the exception of a few bound for the boneyard. The SS James Swan just paid off, and is undergoing repairs which should be completed in about a week. The Swan came in as clean as a private yacht. There were no beefs at the payoff and the ship was unique in that the crew liked that officers and the officers liked the crew. Chief Mate Hyers has a retire­ ment card in the SIU and that accounts for part of it; one of the engineer's is a graduate of ours and that also means something. Captain Hubbard had no logs and no bad reports. Half of the crew is staying on for another trip, and some of these had al­ ready made two or three trips be­ fore. If every ship was like this we wouldn't need any pie-cards. SOME MONEY DUE We'll probably get most of the ships back in port just before Christmas, and then we'll have the same trouble getting crews. Most people want to be home for Chirstimas and jobs are usually plentiful around that time. We have vouchers in the Sa­ vannah Branch for Raymond J. Wells, Charles Kimbrough, Rob­ ert H. Robbins, Garland T. Floy and Flody McCleUan. We had a beef pending for the Deck Engineer of the SS Daniel Williard, John Marciano. He can collect by writing to the South Atlantic SS Co. We voted the last Isthmian .ship last Sunday. By the time this is out the entire results of the election should be known. TIME TO ACT It's up to us now to take stock of ourselves and prepare forwhat may happen next year. With the new government set-up pre­ dominantly anti-labor, we can ex­ pect to have some tough fights on our hands. Every member should make it his business to keep informed and also to inforjn others in the industry that only by solid unity can we keep the gains we've alreadj'^ made. Our last fight was no eaSy one, although we came out on top. What we have in store for us will be tougher and we'll have to fight harder. We should start preparing now. One way of preparing is to keep the public informed of develop­ ments from our point of view to counteract the unfavorable publicity we can expect from most other sources. Every time a strike is called industry is up in arms about it. The strikers are always in the wrong, according to them, and a good deal of the public be­ lieves them because they never get a clear picture of the causes of strikes, and they can't get all the facts. MARCUS HOOK—During the past week shipping has been slow around here—almost at a stand­ still, in fact. I guess it is the same story up and down the coast right now with no port en­ joying a boom and having to call for men. The fact that .shipping is so slow is point enough to show the need for driving in on the un­ organized tankers. As fast as the Liberties are tied up, the laidup tankers come out. During the lull in shipping, we have been doing a lot of organi­ zational work in this port. In the last week we had eight unor­ ganized tankers in port. All in all, it keeps up right on the ball. The second edition of the SIU Tanker News is now out on the waterfront and is going over 100 percent with all the seamen in this port. worked under open shop condi­ tions back in the days preceding the formation of the SIU and here is the way it worked: A seaman came into port, and after receiving the few dollars he had earned, he went up to the local shipping crimp. He paid him two weeks room and board, drank the rot-gut whiskey he sold, and if the seaman had any money left the charming hags that the crimp had hanging around would soon relieve him of that. COULDN'T SQUAWKAll in all, if the seaman spent al his money there and was a good boy, and didn't squawk about getting robbed, he was given a ship within a week with no refund on the remaining week's room and board. If this method was not appeal­ ing, another way of getting a job was to get a newspaper and lo­ ATTACKS ON UNIONS cate the pier of an incoming ship. Now that the miners are out Then the seaman would stand on strike, the newspapers are around at the pier until some making the most of it by attack­ company stooge came out and ing John L. Lewis and unions in picked the men he wanted from general. his friends and relatives. One of the blasters is, of course, The abuses and inequalities of' our friend "Pegleg"' Pegler who this method are apparent; some states that the working man punk would come along and hand should have the right to choose the company stooge a letter from or reject a union as he sees fit, Joe Blow and get the job while and should not be compelled to j the real seamen would be turn­ join a union under the closed ed down. .shop .set-up: knowing full well Of course the men chosen were in his twisted mind that the wel­ alwaVs company .stooges who fare of the worker is his least would never squawk about the concern and the desire to see or­ slop they were given to eat, or ganized labor smashed through the open shop his primary aim. -mAfsTue^^ For the information of Mr. WAV IT SH0\)lO Pegler (though it would never, BE.' * penetrate his labor-hating brain), y quite a few of us seamen have Corpus Christi Has Good Week By J. S. WILLIAMS CORPUS CHRISTI — Business has impi-oved to such a degree COMPANIES OKAY this past week in Corpus Christi Not so long ago, when the that we have very few men on the UAW went on strike, they had beach at present waiting for ships,a legitimate reason. Their of­ ficials saw how prices were in fact; there are no AB's, FOW's,' or Cooks. steadily rising and controls were During the past week we had being removed, largely through the Midway Hills, American Pac­ the machinations of the very ific Steamship Company, tied up same people who were keeping here at Harbor Island with a good wages down. SlU-SUP crew aboard her. The only alternative for the poor working stiff is to strike. If- She was the best looking ship he fights any other way he goes that has hit this area in quite to jail. If he takes it without a some time, with everything clean struggle he and his dependents and painted, and no beefs hang­ go hungry. In this case the ing fire. workers went out. Another ship that was clean in the beef department was the Wolf Now let's look at the effects of Creek that paid off here the other this strike. The workers as usual day. It was a quick payoff with took a hell of a beating before they got any gains. After the everything running off smoothly. strike was ended they were still A good crew and good delegates the losers, since their increased had everything in order when I wages were eaten up by high went aboard. prices and their hours were cut Right now the Cape Corwin, down. Bull Line, is in port with all quiet Now, how about the companies?. in regards to beefs so that we During the war the companies can't report any beefs being set­ paid an excess profits tax. This tled or disputed. was the government's way of While everything is quiet on keeping the cost of the War down the SIU ships, we have been busy a bit. Any profits over a certain chasing down the unorganized amount , were turned back to tankers and towboats as they hit Uncle Sam. the port, and there is alwaysNow there is no more such tax, plenty of activity in that depart­ but there ie a way for the com- ment to keep us from getting^ rusty. (Continued on Page 11) the conditions they were forced to work under. The shipping laws that were on the books then are the same as we have today, but they were never enforced. Those were the conditions we seamen had under the open shop, Mr. .Pegler. Is that what you would want us to go back to? Oh yes, it Would make wonder­ ful material for a movie, but as a means of livelihood it stimk! It seems that people the world over think of merchant seamen as human derelicts and drunks, but as soon as they fight to get decent living and working con­ ditions, and bring themselves out of the conditions forced upon them, they are immediately criti­ cized from all directions. However, the SIU in the past has weathered all storms of this kind, and we are well able to weather them in the future. ATTENTION! If you don't find linen when you go aboard your ehip, notify -the Hall at oneOb A telegram from Le Havre or Singapore > won't do you any good. It's your bed and yutt iiavd to lie ba It. > �THE SEAFARERS LO€ Six Labor's Strength Is In Itself, And Not With Phony Politicians By LOUIS GOFFIN Every election year the profes­ sional politicians hit the deck with their phony promises and ballyhoo, calling upon organized labor to put them in office whei-e they will promote the best in­ terests of labor and labor unions. And just as regularly after the campaign has ended and the tal­ lies counted, Congressman Doakes rushes off to dream up his own special plan for the destruction of the labor movement. I believe that the workers should vote in spite of all the 1?aloney and false promises thrown at him, but I wouldn't be so naive as to expect anything constructive to come of it. While our boy Doakes in Wash­ ington is doing nothing con- have never seen such high morale and such close cooperation among the maritime unions as was ex­ hibited in the last beef. The determination on the part of all maritime workers to see it through to a successful conclu­ sion was the finest display of teamwork I have ever seen. It was teamwork that won the strike in short order and it is teamwork that will maintain la­ bor's hard won gains. We did it during the strike; lets keep it that way for the greater beefs ahead. Lakes Organizes Through Winter By STANLEY WARES structive, and plenty destructive, the worker will as usual be mak­ ing. all his gains through his union. ONLY THROUGH UNION It is through his union that he benefits the most in better wages and living standards. The high living standard and wages of the American worker gained through collective bargaining were not ac­ complished by political promises, but by the strong united efforts of the unions. The first thing on Congressman Doakes' agenda is anti-labor leg­ islation. He is hiding nothing, as he and his friends are coming out with proposals to amend the Wagner Act and ban the closed shop. These "friends of labor," work­ ing overtime for the employer's interests, are going to do every­ thing in their power to disor­ ganize labor and try to revert to the "good old days" of low wages, long hours, and working conditions. These jokers must be fought, and as we cannot-do an effective job at the ballot box we must turn to our unions. During the recent strike we had the greatest backing of any union involved in a dispute. Our AFL affiliates went down the line 100 percent for us, just as we went down the line for the AFL unions who needed our as­ sistance. UNITED AS ONE Our agreements and wage scales are the best this industry has ever known. We have com­ plete cooperation from all the AFL maritime unions. Today we are as one; united and determined to stay that way. Yet we must be ever on the alert. We must keep a weather eye on those that would do any­ thing in their power to try, not only to destroy us, but all labor tuiions. In all my past experience in seamen's strikes since 1921, I Bill Brady "I started out by working at most anything," says Bill Brady, AB, "and I ended up by decid­ ing to go to sea where I would be happy, and where I could do a job I was fit for." Bill knows what he is talking about. He was born in Philadel­ phia, the well-known city of Brotherly Love, but Philly has no love or brotherhood to offer to an orphan. Until he was 13years-old he lived ia an orphan­ age, but in 1017 he ran away and has been on his own ever since. "I found that men who work for a living have more brother­ hood in their hearts than the peo­ ple who are supposed to do good professionally," he says with a wry grin. Friday, Novenaber 29, 1949 Seafarers Leads Among Seamen On Great Lakes By HENRY CHAPPELL • TOLEDO — With the exception of the Lake Seamen's Union, a company sponsored and control­ led set up mailing literature to Great Lakes ships, there has bedh no competition for the SIU in the Great Lakes District. The NMU remains strangely silent since the results of their untimely strike has begun to show its affects, and the true facts of this strike, as the SIU bought to the attention of Lake Seamen, has come to light. The SIU officials and commit­ tee members are now busy in drawing up new amendments to our 1947 contracts. These SIU contracts are already the best of any on the Great Lakes and our purpose is to improve them with "I'm just a lucky Irishman," is any amendments and re-wording the way he explains it. "I sailed the membership desires. And all in all war areas, but I was never of our contracts are negotiated in torpedoed." an amicable manner with the companies whenever possible. NEAR MISSES TURNING POINT CLEVELAND — The cool breezes blowing in off Lake Erie In 1926 Bill tried the life of a at present signal to all us Lakes seaman for a period of close to Seamen that the close of navi­ a year. As a coalpasser on the gation on the Great Lakes is SS Johansen, he visited foreign Threats of force are never used That doesn't mean that he was drawing near. countries, and at that time, even unless it is a necessity. And when It has been an eventful season if he didn't realize ii then, the not close to danger many times. the SIU does have to use labor's here this year after a late stai't sea got into his blood. Shipping When the Robin Linos' Grey only weapon, the strike and picket due to the coal strike last spring. was pretty bad however, and in Lock went down, the ship Brady line, then the entire membership" Things started to go along well order to eat he had to work. was on was right next to her in votes on this issue. until the commies tried to force So the next 15 years of his life In our constitution the officials the convoy. Rules prohibited the unorganized seamen into their he spent working at any job he stopping to pick up survivors, so of the union do not assume the way of thinking by pulling off a could get, any place in the coun­ the men of the Grey Lock had role of a dictator and call strikes try. He worked as a harvest strike on the Lakes. to wait for the Navy destroyers at their own personal fancies or hand, longshoreman, construction MAGNIFICENT FLOP whims, as did the NMU in their to pick them up. laborer, and at any other job that As we all know the attempt was Great Lakes smoke screen of a On this trip, 25 ships out of a magnificent flop, because it came along. While distributing strike this year. the 55 that started were sent to didn't take the seamen long to telephone books for the Reuben the bottom as a result of enemy COMPANY CONTRACTS get wise to what they were really H. Donnelly Company, in New action. York in 1937, he was a member trying to do. If the commies The LSU has its contracts hand­ In 1944 Brady made a trip to ed to them on a silver platter by didn't know then, they sure found of the rank-and-file committee out that seamen aren't as dumb that negotiated terms with the Russia, landing at Odessa, and the Cleveland Cliffs Company, company after a strike had been was in port there for 24 days, as they would like them to be. and the only gains they can pos­ won. waiting for return orders. What sibly win are the gains and con­ With the coming of the winter The years of the depression, he saw theie was enough to turn ditions that the SIU fights for, season and the end of navigation, the SIU on the Lakes does not in- were bad ones, but Brady did not him against the communist way and wins — then Cleveland Cliffs tend to just sit and wait for the waste the opportunities that pre- of life. comes through with the same spring and renewed shipping to | sented themselves. In Chicago "I could see that the workers thing. roll around. No — we intend to there was in existence a Hobo were police-ridden," he says. "It But any thinking person can see intensify our organizing activities College, founded and operated by seems that the individual doesn't their purpose, which is to keep a ' right on through the winter until Hoboes. Here men who could not count. The only ones who do real union out of their company. all the unorganized fleets on the afford schooling were taught. As count are members of the NKVD, A company as big as Cleveland Lakes are flying the SIU banner. Brady puts' it, "I learned every­ the secret police, or big shot bu­ Cliffs can always find stooges on thing from calculus to Dante's reaucrats. They are a law unto ALL YEAR JOB Inferno before I got out of there." themselves. Workers who un­ their ships to act as officials when Our men will be out there con­ they want to start one of these loaded our cargo labored 12 hours company unions. FIRST LOVE tacting the seamen in all the His return to the sea was the per day, without union condi­ ports, but the only way the imBut think these questions over result of two things. First and tions or the right to protest. They organized seamen can find out — who elects the LSU officials? how the SIU operates is to drop foremost, he had a "natural in­ were treated like cattle, not men." In the vent of a labor dispute into any of our halls for a look clination that stemmed from the STRONG FOR SIU who can they appeal to for aid? around, meet the Union repre­ year at sea in 1926." Second, the Why is a lawyer necessary to run For the short period of time sentatives and get the answers to prospect of the United States get­ union affairs? ting into the war in 1941 was on that Brady has been a member all their questions. / The only inducement I've read So, to you imorganized seamen everybody's mind, and Brady of the SIU, he has ben an active in Grady's form letters to Great participant in Union affairs. Dur­ realized that if it happened, a who wish to learn the make-up, Lakes men in appealing to them ing the Longshore Beef he was a sli'ong merchant marine would be and operation of the one demo­ to join the LSU is the cheapness member of the strategy commit­ cratically run union on the Lakes a necessity. of dues, initiation fees, etc. tee. In the General Strike, Brady I extend an invitation to drop into So, in April, 1941, he presented was an area commander along Well, you only get what you our Halls and get acquainted. himself at the SIU Hall, then at the East River. Just recently he pay for in this world. And when 2 Stone Street, and after joining You will find that the Union served as a member of the Cre­ you pay anything into the LSU, Officials speak the same language the Union, he resumed shipping, dentials Committee for candi­ you still don't belong to a union, you do, as they are all seamen after a lapse of 15 years. dates in the election of 1947 of­ but an agency designed and con­ like yourselves. Just drop in and Sailing during the war was not ficers. trolled by a company. So re­ say hello, so we can get acquaint­ a picnic. Every voyage was full At seq as well as ashore Broth­ member, when you pay even 50 ed. of dangerous incidents, and the er Brady does not shun hard jobs. cents into the LSU, you are not Murmansk run was the hardest He has served as Delegate for his joining a union but are paying of the lot. This was the run that Department or for the entire money to an already wealthy Brother Brady was on for most of crew on many occasions. The shipowner to finance the cost of the war, and in spite of the sub­ men know that in him they have fighting a real sailor's union, the In Louisville, Ky., the presi­ marine menace, the dive bombers, a representative who will fight SIU. dent of an asphalt company mis­ the mines, and aU other weapons for them aginst any odds. takenly gave one of his^employes of war, Brady was never wreck­ The SIU maintains separate a $10,000 bill which he was tak­ ed *or injured. Brady, like others in the SIU, districts on the Gulf and Atlantic ing home to show his wife. A is a credit to the Union and to coasfs and on the West Coast. We frantic search for the high-digit the entire labor movement. The are operating as separate groups green stuff was unsuccessful. The labor movement made him the but in the event of disputes or next morning it was returned by militant fighter that he is, and financial difficulties, we are as the employee who explained that he, and others like him, have one body and we have the full he had figured up his overtime made the trade union movement support of the American Federa­ for that week and it just didn't a strong, vital force in our way of tion of Labor whose membership amount to that much. is 7,500,000 Vorkers. life. NOT QUITE THAT �Friday. Kovember 29. 1946 THESEAFARERSL0G Page Seye» SHIPS' MINUTES AND NEWS MONUMENT TO HITLER 3 Alcoa Ships To Make Trial Runs With trial runs scheduled for the middle of next month, three new passenger-freight vessels for the Alcoa Steamship Company are nearing completion at the Oregon Shipbuilding Corpora­ tion's yards on the Willamette River in Portland. These are the scenes that greet you as you walk through the streets of Germany's port city of Bremerhaven. The photo is one of many taken by Seafarer Harvey Hill on a recent voyage . to the war-torn continent. The three ships will operate on regular runs to Caribbean ports starting in early February. The Alcoa Clipper and the Alcoa Cor­ sair will sail out of New Orleans, while the Alcoa Cavalier will have New York for its home port. The Cavalier is tentatively scheduled to make 17 cruises The crew of the SS Cape Fal-1 from New York to Trinidad, with con, which just wound up its seven ports of call in the Lee­ last run for the Waterman outfit, ward and Windward Islands. The is somewhat dejected these days. cruises will be of 17 days dura­ The Falcon's transfer to another tion each. company means she'll no longer Displacing 14,870 tons, the new be crewed by Seafarers, and the ships will have a normal cruising lads vigorously proclaim the speed of 17 knots. They are 455 whole thing is a blow aimed at feet in length, with a 62-foot their well-rounded waistlines. beam. Their justificable dejection Accommodations have been stems from the fact that they are provided for 98 crew members being separated from the Fal­ on the ships, which will carry an con's Chief Steward, Pedro O. equal number of passengers. Peralta. In the several months Each ship will have a cargo the Falcon men have sailed with capacity of 8,500 deadweight tons, Brother Peralta, they have de­ with a cubic capacity of 418,900 veloped a genuine admiration for feet, a sacrifice of less than 25 him. The satisfying Steward had per cent of the potential carrying carved" a permanent spot for him­ capacity of a freight ship the self in the crew's hearts — and same size. stomachs. All's Well On The Frazer Despite Skimping Skipper Chalk up a noteworthy trip for the SS Alexander PVazer. The vessel's recent run was tops in smooth sailing, according to a report issued by John Schilling, Steward Department. Delegatp. Brother Schilling's report stresses the remarkable amity which existed among the crew, with absolutely no evidence of "discrimination or dissension of any kind among the crew mem­ bers for the whole p«n of the trip. "Food was of high quality and each department carried out its work effectively and efficiently," the report, attached to the ship's minutes, says. Good Feeding Chief Steward Wins Hearts And Stomachs Of Shipmates On SS Falcon War Dangers Stalk Seafarers Seafarers sailing in European waters are still exposed to war­ time hazards. This fact received corrobora­ tion this week in the bulletin issu­ ed to shipmasters by the Hydrograph Office of the Nav5^ The bulletin warns of mine fields and other war-created dangei's which have not been swept from the Atlantic and adjacent waters. The office has published a series of pamphlets and charts which it advises masters to obtain before leaving for Europe. The warn­ ing bulletin emphasizes that ships should not enter the Mediterran­ ean unless they are in possession of the latest data on that area. There have been "numerous instances," the bulletin says, of ships leaving for Europe without having acquired late information. In the past several months, there have been cases where ships carrying Seafarer crews have been struck by floating mines, particularly in Italian waters. "The officers were a sweU bunch, with the exception of the Old Man," Brother Schilling con­ tinues. The rest of his report points up the reasons for the crew's altitude toward the Old Man. TELLS ALL Here it is in Schilling's own words: When two cases of cigarettes were found by the Holland customs men, the owners could not be located, the company had to foot the fine. A few days later the old man generously offered to let the crew pay the fine, so there would be "no trouble." (For himself, of course, though he forgot to add that). When the crew refused, he steamed. After that he was always snooping around, look­ ing for something to gripe about, which wasn't much, and that made him all the madder. Speaking for the entire crew, Milton said that Peralta was tops. He unfailingly pleased the men, going to bat for them on innum­ erable occasions. The payoff came when the Brother Peralta apparently sub­ ship reached Bermuda and new scribes to the theory that "the .stores were ordered from the waj' to a man's heart is through agent who came aboard. Then his stomach." Delegate Milton the Captain really blew his said that when it came to feeding cork, but it didn't do any good of the crew, Peralta didn't have because the Steward, S. J. to take a back seat for nobody. Luper, had already given the agent the order. "Peralta was a good feeder, Milton said. "And his whole de­ The Old Man then went partment cooperated to the ful­ ashore and came back with the lest. Everyone of the crew is report that no stores were * mighty sorry we had to be separ­ available. The crew put up a ated from Peralta— a good Stew­ kick because we were pulling ard and a good Union man." out the next day for New Or­ Though our sympathies are leans. The Delegates went up with the crew of the Falcon, we're to see the Old Man, and he told PEDRO O. PERALTA consoled by the fact that their Not wishing to keep their sen­ ed an all-out plug for the Stew­ loss will be another SIU crew's I eSTCHA foo GoiS I gain. timents secret, the crew designat- ard Seafarer. WOUUO JUST Digested Minutes Of SIU Ship Meetings DANIEL WILLARD, July 7 — Chairman C. C. Comeit; Secretary T. M. Jones. Discus­ sion on tripcard dishwasher, who later promised to do better job. A vote of thanks extend­ ed to Steward and his depart­ ment for the- good and wellprepared food. Motions car­ ried: to be as quiet as possible in the passageways while watch below is sleeping; that each department take turns keeping recreation hall clean; that all hands vreai at least a Tee shirt while in the messhall. XXX FOLLANSBEE. Aug. - 24 — Chairman Ronald Chalecraft; Secretary George Shaughnessy. Delegates reported everything okay in their respective de­ partments. M o t i o ns carried: that Delegates obtain informa­ tion on negotiations under way and report to crew at next meeting; to obtain library for crew; that new percolator and pitcher be obtained for crew's mess; that last standby of each watch is to clean tables for messmen. All hands gave an unanimous vote of thanks to Capt. M. J. Powell, and E. N. Lynch for their cooperation in making days aboard pleasant. XXX New Luxury Ship In Crescent City A highlight of the city of New Orleans' observance of Interna­ tional "Week, which wound up early this week, was the arrival in port of the SS Del Norte, the new 17,000-ton luxury vessel of the Mississippi Shipping Com­ pany's Delta Line. The streamlined Del Norte re­ cently completed her trial run in the Gulf of Mexico after the fin­ ishing touches in her construction were made at Pascagoula, Miss. The vessel will shortly begin pa.s,senger and freight service to the east coast of South America. FALMOUTH. Sept. 8—Chair­ man Joseph Wilkinson; (Secre­ tary not noted). Delegates gave their reports—all departments operating okay. Motions car­ ried: that each crew member donate one carton of cigarettes to men standing picket duty; that we condemn WSA and any other agency attempting to tear down living and working conditions of American sea­ men. One minute of silence observed for departed Broth­ ers. XXX FAIRPORT, Sept. 1—Chair­ man H. Parsons.- Secretary W. N. Satchfield. New Business: Motions carried: that shore gang install steam line in laun­ dry at first port of discharge; that quarters be investigated. Bosun and Deck Engineer quar­ ters too small; that ceiling fan be installed in crew's recreation room; that all departments have overtime sheets in order for delegates; that hospital be (Continued on Page 8) kove To FAV L-. TKATT/We... us if we wanted food to go ashore and biij' it ourselves. HE LOSES Then it was our turn to blow off. Words flew thick and fast for the next half-hour, and it wound up with the Captain promising to get stores the next day. It's too bad we sailed. I would have liked to see the guy's face when hp signed the bill of sale. The purser was his number one side-kick. He really was a first-class company stiff. When the overtime was turned in he nearly had convulsions. Imagine, 400 hours for a little over five weeks. It almost broke his heart. Winding up his report. Brother Schilling says that Seafarers coming "across a strong smell like bilge water" will probably find these two characters close by. ':A �. "•= : _•» '•-.e. — TBE SEAFARERS LOG rags £ighl I-'-' Friday. NiSyeinber 29, 1316 Digested Minutes Of SlU Ship Meetings ((Jimtimtcd from Page 7) moved from aft to midship and that it Jbe turned over to the Bosun and Deck Engineer; that All crew members remove caps during mealtime; thcit more ventilation be installed in messmen's quarters; that wedches make coffee in um instead of ailex; that anyone leaving cof­ fee bag in urn after making coffee be fined 50 cents, money collected to be donated to Log. 1 a OREGON FIR. Aug. 11— Chairman Billy Harrison; Sec­ retary Kenneth Persons. All books checked and foimd in good standing. Motions car­ ried: that Patrolman see Chief and First Assistant about work­ ing rules for Oilers and Elec­ tricians; Patrolman see Capteun about catwalk when deckload is carried; to have ship's radio repaired; Patrolman to see Captain about getting ship to shore launch service on time, when anchored out; and Patrolman to see Mate about a more equal distribution of overtime. , , have new and larger icebox in­ stalled when ship reaches States; to have a new clock in messhall: to have Quarter­ master strike bells; to install condiment shelves in messhall; to send a telegram to New York Hall letting them know we back them up 100 per cent in strike. t X X TOPA TOPA. Oct. 13—Chair­ man P. Bethiaume; Secretary Scott Thomatra. Delegates re­ ported everything okay. Mo­ tions carried: that department delegates turn in repair lists to Secretary for submission to Patrolman upon arrival; that deck hands who lost clothing in oil spill in Honolulu submit report to Ship's Delegate so it can be turned over to Patrol­ man; that each crew member clean his quarters before leav­ ing ship. It was agreed that Chief Steward had served crew best of his ability. XXX i X t ZACHARY TAYLOR. Aug. 18 (Chairman and Secretary not listed). Motions carried: for the three delegates to write letter asking why this ship was al­ lowed to sail from the States with conditions aboard as they are; that delegates see Chief Engineer about having steam in laundry room; to disconnect coffee urn and install electric per­ colators; that delegates notify the Master for the ship to be fumigated; to put meat in sink and to keep sink clean; that the second cook be brought up on charges because of poor cook­ ing; amendment: If proper foodstuff is brought aboard in Fernandina the second cook will have a chance prove himself as a cook and baker from Fer/ andina to Savannah. If he does so charges will be dropped. i Crew wants a complete payoff in the first port of call. f I \ \ GEORGE E. PICKETT. Aug. 19—Chairman Joseph Malazinsky; Secretary H. R. Welsh. Steward department Delegate reported that since there are some supplies needed for cook­ ing. the Steward will make out a requisition to give to Cap­ tain before reaching next port of call. Agreed that all depart­ ments cooperate in keeping messhall clean and those not aiding to be subject to charges. Motion carried to make a list of repairs in all departments. CAPE PILLAR, Aug. 20— Chairman E. Paul; Secretary W. Fagan. Minutes of previous meeting read emd accepted. Delegates reported smooth sail­ ing in their departments. A motion carried that all fines be brought before the membership for approval. It was suggested that all hands turn to and rig tarpaulin over No. 5 hatch as messhall is too hot. Also that Electricians install light and radio speaker at No. 5 hatch. One minute of silence observed for Brothers lost at sea. i X i VENORE, Sept. 21—Chair­ man Taylor; (Secretary not noted). Minutes of 'previous meeting read and accepted. Delegates gave departmental reports—all okay. Motion car­ ried to turn into Patrolman hours worked on deck by Mate, who was doing sailor's work from 8. m. to 12 noon daily. Water fountain has been out of order for two trips without being repaired. Repairs needed on the following: wind chutes, wash boards, and ringer. Mem­ bers urge a better variety of food. One minute's silence ob­ served for departed Brothers. i XXX GEORGE E. PICKETT. Sept. 29 — Chairman James Shelnut: Secretary Joseph Malazinsky. New Business: Deck dele­ gate reported that the deck gang had no brown soap all trip while the Chief Mate slates that it came aboard but someone stole it. The next crew is to be informed that they should check on the deck Supplies before signing on. Good and Welfare: Chief cook reminded the three delegates that they inform the next crew to check all Steward's supplies because although the Steward had ordered the supplies they never came aboard, making it necessary for him to use sub­ stitutes for coking. One min­ ute of silence for our fellow brothers lost at sea. XXX MEREDITH VICTORY, Sept. 8 — Chairman Maurice Bumstein; Secretary W. Lachance. Good and Welfare: It was agreed that all beefs be settled aboard and all disputed over­ time be kept on separate sheets by the delegates to be turned over to the patrolman on ar­ rival. The question of missing keys to be bought to the atten­ tion of the company because there have been articles mis­ sing from some rooms. The question of the drinking water being dirty and bad tasting to be teJcen up with the Chief En­ gineer. It was agreed by the book members to have the younger members accept nom­ inations for Chairmaui and Sec­ retary with help from the book members so that these men and win familiarize themselves with proper union meetings, etc. Portrait < ALCOA PILGRIM. Sept. 9 —Chairman Charles Lee; Sec­ retary L. W. Highsmith. Stew­ ard Delegcite requested crew not to be hard on crew messman. Crew also requested to allow men going on watch to eat first. Brother Pattefson gave Brothers a little talk on unionism. Motions carried: to station between the Azores and Bermuda after refueling at Ar­ gentia, was ordered to proceed to aistressed vessel. The Peckham, a Bull line freighter, was only 40 miles from the scene, however, and immedi­ ately set out for the position given by the Parker. She cover­ ed the distance rapidly, plowing through heavy seas in extremely bad weather, but it was impos sible to take the disabled ship in tow. It was reported by the Parker's master that his ship was in no immediate danger. IvERV SHOULO tCMoW 'APLiAMeNTARY PROCEOURe AMO •How T& SPEAK OA) His FEET- UJiLiZP iHe SHIPBOARD MEETING^PTHESP fURpoSES. "^oTATF -fHE Ct^AlR/^Af^<SMiP SO THAT EACH MA^/ CA^/GFT iHf EXPERiEf^CE -AKJD ABoi/EALL HiTiHe'DeoKAAJO SAY YoJR PIECE/ CUT and RUN By HANK With happy wedding bells still ringing in our ears we are still turning to on another Friday column of gossip about this and tliat.^ little items which we are glad to pass along, hoping it gives some­ body that good old tickle in the laugh muscles. Well, a big, swell guy named Fred Barthes, nicknamed Lil Abner i ' who sails as Electxacian, just went into the voyage of matrimony like a sucker— sorry, we heard ourselves called that so many linies—we mean, Lil Abner went like a sailor. With a smile and a shake of the handswe wished him luck and happiness—before he went up to the state of Maine—where they grow some kind of good stuff—to get spliced. One more thing about Lil Abner which is rather humorous. He asked us if he had any chance of collecting unemployment insurance—and we assured him he probably had a darn good chance now—since he was getting married—and that he could get the details from Joe Volpian's Special Service Department . . . Rusty Swillinger, rusting away while he's waiting for that good old South African trip tells us most confidentially that his pal. Nick Calzia. is engaged to a gal in Port Elizabeth down in South Africa . . . Brother Vic Milazzo. who sails as Steward, is anchored here in the big town, mustache and all? What are you waiting for. Vic—anything special? Brother Edwin Edginton, who is another juice doctor, meaning of course, that he's a Electrician (and one of the best), celebrated bis birthday last week with Patrolman. Johnnie Johnston, who also had a birthday. Then they began remembering the days of Nicaragua, etc. Brother Edginton, who has a dog named Midnight, also carries a mustache of about the same color with him . . . One of the best I Stewards, little Fidel Lukban, a good militant oldtimer, is in town right now all dressed up—^i-eady to ship out, we presume . . . Little Joe Ryan, that happy go lucky Steward, is ready to ship out after | several trips on a tug. • One of the best stamp collectors we've heard about is Frank Gardner, who is either a Steward or Chief Electrician and who is supposed to be on the SS Belle of the West right now. Well, we collect stamps, too, but since they are sugar stamps, we never have any luck . . . WelL here's a letter to us from our pal. Tommio Murray, the beachcomber of the islands: Choppy Seas Thwart Rescue Despite the vigorous efforts of the SS Rufus W. Peckham's SIU crew, an attempt to rescue the disabled Liberty ship Theodore Parker early this week met with no success. Heavy seas prevented the Peckham men from putting a towline aboard the stricken ship 340 miles southeast of Argentia, Newfoundland. The Parker, en route to Port­ land, Me., from Bremerhaven, Germany, ran into difficulties, when boiler trouble cut her en­ gines. She sent out distress sig­ nals. The Coast Guard Cutter Campbell, bound for a Weather LEARN WHIL-E YOU This excellent study .of Sea­ farer Milton WilliamSf Bosun aboard the MV Coastal Defen­ der. was "shot" by a shipmate, Richard Pinckney, OS, with a candid camera. No special lighting was used for the in­ door picture, taken in a thvem at Seven Islands, Ontario. Brother Williams, by the way, no longer sports the beard. "Well, I guess by this time you figured I'd lost my hand. So here goes that letter I promised Jast June. Things were pretty good on the Island but why the heck I left I'll never know. Bob Belevedu and myself canxe in off the Davidson Victory and naturally got to drinking when we found ourselves in a bet that we wouldn't hitch hike to Frisco. (You'll do most anything for a Cuba Libre when you're used to them.) Well, here we are in Wilmington. California. We didn't get to Frisco because- of the strike and lack of cold weather gear. We expect to get but as soon as the strike breaks. So! I guess we'll be seeing you around New York because from New York is the only way of getting down to the Island and my C&ledonia. 1 sit over here on the coast and wonder who's kissing her now. Ah, for the land of light rUm and dark senoritas." �;; ;vr^i-.-- T BIB SB AP ARERS LO€ Friday, November 29, 1946 Page Nlse THE MEMBERSHIP SPEAKS Brother Bids Hospitalized Men Act To Uphold Union Prestige Dear Edilgr: All these good men, and the good men of the membership, however, have had to suffer a certain amount of defeat through no fault of their own, by having to represent the few bad ele- All men holding books in the SIU, and other unions as well, know that the Marine Hospitals have at times been pretty rough and negligent in caring for the seafaring man. We also know that there have been places that have treated our men in the SIU with good care. The men of the Special Serv­ ices Department, the Agents and the Patrolmen of the SIU have been spearheading the drive to­ ward improvement in care and food in these hospitals. They have been leaving no stone un­ turned to bring about treatment ashore after the 90-day period, ments in this union. They have as well as before. had to take the blame for things that never .should be blamed on WAGE INCREASES the SIU. HAVE BIG-WIGS What I mean by the bad ele­ ments are those that do not act CRYING IN BEER as gentlemen and good seamen Dear Editor: should act in hospitals. I don't Now that the SIU and the think the members as a whole MM&P have won their strikes propose to protect bedroom the boys over at the Merchant wolves, habitual drunks and per­ Marine Institute have figured out petual grouches, and I hardly right down to the nickel just what think we have many of these in the increase in pay will cost them. our midst. However, it is far According to their figures, the easier to progress whenever all liberty ships will now cost them concerned in the hospitals do not $11,850 per month in wages yell, curse or make passes at the whereas they got by before on nurses. $8,888; roughly a $3,000 a month increase in wages. Also they shipowners are casting loving have figured out that overtime, glances at Panama arid other which used to average about countries. The only answer to the $1,650 per month will now cost whole mess is to start woi-king for an international scale of them $3,300 per month. ' They are really crying in their wages for all seamen or if the beer about how much it is cost­ ship is owned by a United States ing them to run their ships and corporation the foreign crew , you can take it from me that they must be paid the same scale of don't like it and are looking for wages as the Americans. Joe Grimes something to do about it. When they released the figures on their increased operating costs Phony Raps Beat they showed their dislike to pay By Patrolmen higher wages by sticking in the operating costs of foreign flag Dear Editor: ships for comparison. No doubt We would like to say a few this was done to get sympathy words about how we were taken for the poor bleeding shipowners. care of in Baltimore when we According to their figures a had a few logs against us. Johnny British ship of the same tonnage and Ray, the Patrolmen were and complement costs about right in there pulling for us un­ $2,735 per month, a Dutch ship til we got clear. Believe us, we $3,417, and a Greek ship $2,150. had a long string of phony raps According to these figures if against us and the Patrolmen every man on a British ship from really did themselves out in fix­ the Captain down divided the ing things up. If you are in Bal­ wages equally they would each timore look them up if you need receive $72.00 per month each. aid in getting out of a phony log. These low wages of foreign sea­ John J. Gala men have come in for a lot of Buddy Howard discussion lately now that our SB Alex S. Clay THE LADY WATCHES Seafarer Ralph Swillinger, OS, caught this'serene shot of two idle vessels being watched over by the 'Lady' of Liberty, as his ship, the Sea Dolphin, was steaming out to sea, bound for South African ports. Please remember, Brothers, that whenever we enter a hos­ pital we do so for medical care and rest. So let your special serv­ ices department and officials take care of anything that is be­ yond your cohtrol without wav­ ing your arms arid yelling, which only makes matters worse. You and I know that the mem­ bership stands 100 per cent be­ hind the sick members of this union, but we also know that more can be accomplished through gentlemanly conduct and level tempers than by blowing your top all over the place, and saying things that are later re­ gretted. P. H. Parsons TAMPA BRANCH RATES HIGH WITH MEMBER Dear Editor: OUW?"-" Here goes congratulations to our Tampa branch for the way they handled the payoffs and beefs coming in and paying off The World 'Saviours' during the MM&P and MEBA strike and for the way they got By TOP N'LIFT the men off the ships and down to the hall lu legisler. Log - A - Rhythms At all times, our agent and pa­ trolman were in touch with the strike committee getting infor­ mation for our brothers. Sleep­ ing facilities were provided and subsistence given to the men off the ships. I think we have one of the finest halls in the or­ ganization. So Brothers, drop in down this way sometime and keep her on the course. John M. Lopez Farfufnick Breaks Pledge; Log Withdraws Its Support After this week, space in the Seafarers Log will be closed to, and no further mention made of, Orson Farfufnick, discredited candidate for President of the United States, or his opponent. Filthy McNasty. An apology is due our readers for having espou.sed the cause of a man who beti-ayed the trust put in him. Farfulnick, when he first came into the Log office, based his candidacj"^ upon the fact that he l-oNG, 1 was not "Labor's friend," and it was as such that we gave him our backing. Labor, we felt, had too long supported their self-avowed "friends" who, when elected, pro­ ceeded to enact laws thoroughly detrimental to Labor's interest. CHANGE NEEDED The time had come, we felt, when Labor should no longer~be fooled by every politician that came along. If we could not elect one of ourselves, one whom we could unconditionally trust, then the next best thing was to have an avowed enemy in office —one whose prorriises were not lies and whose actions were not completly unpleasant surprises. From the beginning, Farfuf­ nick filled this requirement. He gave out no cigars and bought no drinks. The sight of the New York Hall and the smoothly func­ tioning Union apparatus made him intensely sick. Only the presence of the Masters at Arms prevented him from desecrating the building. We hailed him with joy: Here was the perfect man for Presi­ dent, a candidate who was so much a non-politician that he made no bones about being antilabor. We pledged him our sup­ port on the understanding that •• - Here's to the NMU fakers. The Party Line handshakers. The Slogans and their makers. Who plague the seamen's name— With Causes never ending. With mystic-eyed pretending. Their spurious Contending ! There's millions in the game. Here's to the Union wreckers. Their Union Square muckraker^ Professional can shakers. All in the Seamen's name. Here's to their screaming presses^ Their headline-twisted stressec. Which cover up their messes. Their sellout and the frame. he maintain his position. And to Here's to the crops of Visions, this he agreed. Seen thru their cockeyed prisma But no sooner did Farfufnick With ever changing "isms" get out into the world, than he In their Unholy fame. began to welch on his word, and made at first sly and then quite Here's to the Bosses' favor. open advances to organized labor, Where Profits add their flavor as has been reported by the Log Their Commie line don't waves In the secret backdoor game. correspondent, Ropej'arn. Though alarmed, we made no comment, hoping that Furfufnick LE ENVOI: wbuld come to his senses. But May Truth and Right destroy now it is quite obvious: Farfuf­ you. nick had become a politician! The May Human Wrath pursue yov^ White House pie had become so May Hell engulf and claim yoi^r alluring that ho was willing to There you may stake yoire lie to get it! claim. Because of that, the Log is withdrawing its support from this man, who has turned out to Call of the Sea be just another politician, and who contrary to his pledge has By Duke Himler proclaimed himself to be "La­ bor's friend." The sea is enchanted, it calls The Log believes that Labor is from home. tired of being raped by its The music I hear is the song oS friends, and with no further word the foam. is withdrawing its support from And when out there with on^ Farfufnick and closing its pages water to see. to him. The beauty of nature seems closev As for McNasty, he is a vile to me; creature, who has never once With only the lapping of wavq^ bought us a drink, no matter to hear. what his press agent says, and It makes me feel that God Is out he goes, too; The Editors ' near. FILTHY McNASTY'S END "With such a comrade, such a friend, I fain would walk to journey's end," The father was happy and wanted to shout. The dog looked around, wondering what it was about. The neighbors dropped in and stayed up 'til dawn On the night that Filthy McNasty was born. Little Filthy grew up and started to school. He learned also how to plow with a mule. At cutting his classes he became quite adept While mom took in washing, and pop loafed and slept. When Filthy was older he tired of this strife. And came to Augusta to try city life. Though he tried several times, no work could find. And though his rent went unpaid, he just didn't mind. I'm telling you this, to show you the man We're running for president of this fair land. When you vote at the polls in the presidential race. Put Filthy McNasty in McNasty's right place. —EpWARD R. KAHRS, Augusta, Ga. "Ill �•,V THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Ten Friday. Nsrember 29, 1846 ANOTHER PRESENT Shipping Ruies Come Up On Deck For Discussion in Port Boston By JOHN MOGAN 1 BOSTON—After reporting last would like to pass on to the compli­ week that the port was in the membership some fine ments I've received with refer­ doldrums, it is gratifying to be ence to their behavior. able to report now that there are A representative of the local definite signs that we are snap­ business men appeared at the of­ ping out of it. fice recently to state in behalf of Three tankers and a couple of our neighbors on State Street coastwise Victorys pulled in with­ that they had viewed our coming in 48 hours. Ordinarily these to our new Hall with fear and vessels would have provided jobs misgivings; that they had waited for about a hundred men; but it patiently for the fireworks to seems that one of the tankers startC especially during the strike, and one of the Victorys are des­ when 800-odd men were registtined for roallocation and, as a ezxd for picket duty); and that result, did not pay off or crew up finally they realized, with appre­ here. ciation, that our membership con­ •However, the Bents Fort (De- sisted of orderly, respectable conhil tanker) took practically a workingmen. One more knot bocud is presented to the SIU by Chuck Allen, center, who enjoys a repu­ full crew, with a few jobs on the tation as an outstanding specialist in tying knots. Accepting the board for the SIU are Paul HaB. THEY LIKE US Fort eiatsop (L.A. tanker). left. N. Y. Port Agent, and Harold Banks, in charge of organization for the SIU on the West Coast. They felt it was only fair that On the way in, at this writing, are the Grange Victory and the we should know they were now Midway Hills, but the outlook for pleased to have us as neighbors. jobs on both of these vessels is This sort of feeling doesn't do poor, inasmuch as both are coast­ our organization a bit of harm, Voting for officials for the for good will is an invaluable as­ wise. Atlantic and Gulf District. Waterman's Berea Victory is set, the effect of which is to Seafarers International Un­ being turned over to the Mari­ spread and multiply; and in our ion, will continue until the time Commission for reallocation. case it has spread the length of end of December. But don't The Samuel Parker (Am. Mail), State Street to the shipping com­ put off voting until the last tied up here during the strike, panies and agents. minute. Something might with most of its SUP deck crew happen that will prevent Some of these latter, not en­ standing by for the end of the joying contractual agreements your exercising your right. By JOE VOLPIAN strike, now goes to the boneyard. with the SIU, have repeatedly " and your vote will then be The crew members who waited stated that they wished they did. lost. It is your duty, the duty The only reason why ships are poses or might help save a hu-| in vain now must start looking So, once again the membership of all Seafarers, to vote for built and sail is for the purpose man life. for a new berth. of the SIU can take a bow for the officials of your own of transporting cargo and pas­ It has now reached the poiiitl choice. being standouts in the maritime SHIPPING RULES sengers from one place to an­ where three or four times a week! labor field. other. To prove the point, one men come into our office andl When shipping is poor it is a industry that made England such ask to be defended for broachingj foregone conclusion that the ship­ a world power and made us as cargo. ping rules will come in for some strong as we are, is the fact that criticism. We had a session of it SMALL MINORITY both of us are Maritime Nations. at our last regulai- business meet­ The peculiar part of the wholel This was proved in the last war. ing, with it being argued that a thing is that the small minoi-ityj If it weren't for the ships and member slrould be entitled to of men who do broach the cargol By J. (RED) TRUESDALE the men who sailed them, trans­ register for any job in his partic­ are not really vicious, they arel « porting cargo of all types all ular department. PHILADELPHIA — With the ship meeting the attendance was: over the world, we might still be •not looking to make money; it isl Of course, this argument met way the shipowners and other rather gratifying, with quite a just, a laik or endeavor to get a| fighting the war. with plenty of opposition for the few full book members at the couple of free drinks. However,! bosses are stepping all over the When a seaman signs articles, reason that long ago the mem­ meeting. That's the way we like the consequences that might re-j he takes an oath that he will working stiff today, when you bership of this port had voted suit are too severe for just a| to see it. safeguard the ship, the cargo, that a member must register for hear the word "rat" mentioned, Philly is still a soctai point, the passengers and his fellow little fun. you immediately think of one of a particular job. although little by little, the regu­ When you see or hear of pnyl those birds. For a ghange, here's lars are leaving for other ports shipmates. one who is about to broach caigoj It was pointed out that Permit In all the years men have oeen beef about four-legged rats. stop tliem because if that hap-| of call. Book members would never get a going down to the sea in ships, The Robin Wentley came in job if full book rated men were Brother Ecro Bentley shipped there have been many instances pens, the entire crew is blapiec last week and paid off here. As on the Little Smokey Marsh, and for the acts or one or two iiTegoing to sail in lesser ratings. far as collecting pay and over­ Blackie Gardner is rapidly reach­ where men. have sacrificed their sponsible crew members. MenJ Nothing was accomplished by time, there was no trouble, but ing the shipping point. There are lives for the above ideals. It is don't forget the duty you pwc this discussion except to give a the men had a few complaints a few others who will be gone not unusual for our boys to stick your Union, besides saving your-| public airing to some widely dif­ to make about the condition of by the time the next report is to the ship until the decks are self a lot of headaches. ferent opinions held by the mem­ awash. All of this leads us to a the ship. The irresponsible performancesl sent from this port. bers. However, if the same sub­ very touchy proposition and one of the few work untold hardshipl First of all, they claimed that ject should be argued at all which I do not like to bring up in on the large mass of honest trade! Branches at coming meetings, it the rats outnumbered the crew this column. unionists who carry on the fighll will be a sure sign that our of­ two to one, with the rats mul­ to make "going to sea" a goocf PETTY THIEVERY tiplying day after day. We took ficial shipping rules still require job. this up immediately, and told the some study. During the war we had oc­ casion to appear before the Coast "Voting is going pretty fair at company that no SIU crew would OUR RESPONSIBILITY NEW YORK CITY—State and the Branch. The fact that the sign on until the matter was city leaders of the American Fed­ Guard, literally hundreds of Contracts must be bilateijal ir number of votes cast this year taken care of. They saw that we eration of Labor strongly regis­ times, when complaints were order to be valid. Unilateral eon so far already equals the 60-day meant business, so a fumigation tered their opposition to the Tool made against seamen for stealing tracts are void. The master of ; ship's supples and for broaching total for last year can be attri­ squad set to work. Owners Union hfere, describing cargo. ship signs a contract with you ii buted to poor .shipping also. COMPLETE WIN the new group as "a labor unionWe were told that in one year which he agrees to pay you : It seems that none of the old Then we discussed the other busting organization." alone over five million dollars specified sura of money for worl crowd is missing at the present work that was necessary before The attack by the AFL officials, worth of articles were stolen performed. time, whereas last year there the ship could be considered fit which embraced a request for The steamship company signs : from American ships. These in­ were plenty of occasions when for habitation. We won on this investigation by the Federal Bu­ clude bed linens, blankets, medi- contract with the Union in whicl we could not dig dp five full book point, also, so it looks the next reau of Investigation regarding •cines and did not include cargo it agrees to pay extra money fo members for a special meeting. crew of the Robin Wentley is the new vmion's source of funds, that was broached. When a case extra work performed. Whej With all the strikes cleared going to have a decent ship to was made at a hearing before the of this type came up, it was al­ they fail to pay as agreed, wi| away, we can start winding up sail out on. State Board of Standards and most impossible to beat the case call them chiselers and tie up thei our affairs, and among these will The militant crew of this ves­ Appeals on whether the T.G.U. and to put in a proper defense. ships. have to be closing out our ac­ sel typifies the true spirit of the should be granted a charter to You, also, sign a contract witl The above figures do not in­ count at the seaman's club. Oxdy SIU, aiid we would like to see operate in New York State, for clude cargo that was broken into, the mastei' of the vessel and witl a handful of members are still more men like these. which it had applied. as there was no check made of the company through your Uniorj on the food and lodging account, Now that the West Coast strike William C. CoUms, AFL region­ what was taken. The boys might It is inherent in the contract tha and these are the men affected is over, we will have plenty of al director, told the board legal think it is funny to break into a you will perform your-work, obe; by the Licensed officers' strike. jobs. Members need not by pass "vei'oiage" in the T.O.U.'s appli­ cargo of beer and liquor, think ­ the law, and protect the lives ani Perhaps it will be a hardship on Philly any longer. Even in the cation for a charter "covers its ing that one or two cases cargo aboard. j some on account of the poor past few weeks things have starte- real purpose, which is to acquire wouldn't hurt anybody, but make In order to have your Unioi shipping situation; therefore each ed to pick up, and plenty of old- gifts., of money from corporate them feel good. As a matter .of gain the best possible .wages an case will have to be treated in- timers have made their way to sources, to propagandize and fact, .one doesn't know if the working conditions for you, it • dividually. this port lately. press a campaign of anti-un- liquor that was broken into is go­ essential that you live up to you ing to be used for medicinal pur- end of the contract. Before ending this article," I At the last regular member­ lomspa. VOTING CONTINUES Philadelphia Branch Makes Sure Rohin Wently Is Fit To Sail Federation Assails Tool Owners Union \ •" . . �Friday. November 29. 1946 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Eleven :Vf BIJIJJ]TIN js > T I -k .. Seafarers Must Take Time Out To Take Stock For The Future NORFOLK INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS C. P. Wingfield, 50.00; C. G. Spar­ row. $2.00; E. D. Mannzen, $12.00; L. Thomas, $12.00; J. J. Coogan, $10.00; J. E. Towsend, $6.00; B. Turk, $12.00; R. E. Smith. $12.00; E. C. Hyatt, $3.00; I. L. Alrgood, $8.00; H. C. Green, $12.00; D. Pool, $10.00; R. Dethlefs, $10.00; E. Johnson, $12.00. H. O. Carney, $2.00; J. P. Johnson, $12.00; H. L. Harris, $2.0; J. B. John­ son, $10.00; E. Blevins. $50.00; J. J. Kempt, $2.00; I. H. Benke, $11.00; E. Jacobs, $13.00; R. Haymer, $11.00; J. Cnlton, $11.00; L. E. Wagner, $11.00; K. Anderson. $13.00; J. Sutoni. $13.00; H. Bnand, $10.00; R. Murray, $13.00; M. A. Bray, $1 1.00; H. A. Thorpe, $10.00; O. W. Emig, $154)0. PHILADELPHIA INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS L.. Coates, $1.00; C. S. White, $1.00. 33 Carlsbad—$19.00. NEW YORK SS COASTAL ARCHER' T. B. Smith. $2.00; F. B. Huston, $2.00; S. Walker, $1.00; F. J. Lilly, $1.00; T. H. Woods, $1.00; L. R. Ed­ wards, $1.00; D. P. Gelinas, $1.00; R. Neisler, $1.00; M. Santa, $1.00. SS w. MCVEIGH William Torres, $1.00; G. L. Paroubeck, $1.00; R. M. Kraljevic, $1.00; G. Forwood, $1.00; T. Martinez, $1.00; A. L. Buckworth, $1.00; M. A. Kennedy, $1.00; R. R. Majer, $1.00. R. $1.00. SS CAPE FALCON Sasseville, $2.00; Clyde L. (Continued from Page f) panies to yet this luuiiKy back again. During the strike the com­ panies claimed they lost 74 V2 million dollars. But they fail to make known the fact that the government paid them some 88 or 89 million in tax rebates. So for nine months while the working man was pulling his beit in the companies made a clear profit of 14 million bucks. WAGES DOWN Today that strike is past his­ tory, and the general public thinks everything is rosy until some radical union leaders get together and decide to pull an­ other strike. They don't, won't or can't realize that today Ihings are happening, beyond the workers' control, which will bring ^bout more strikes and unrest. We all know how prices arc going up. No one would attempt to deny it. Not the wages, how­ ever. This is one cause of strikes. Another cause is that the com- ypuRA/ioAigy. 6/ACIC- WITH/ iNlBReSr/l Still, SS WALTHAM VICTORY J. Kulakowski, $1.00; R. Belloty, $1.00; P. Hendersen, $1.00; J. W. El­ liott, $1.00; B. F. Chapman. $2.00; R. B.' Dougherty, $1.00; F. L. Verner, $1.00; H. Holloway, $1.00; C. Merritt, $1.00; G. R. Rood, $1.00; D. Walker, $1.00; R. W. Elkins, $1.00; J. R. John­ son. $1.00; A. S. Melson, $1.00; J. Blanchard, $1.00; L. Stone. $1.00; E. C. Craddock. $1.00; R. J. Council, $1.00; J. N. Atchison, $1.00; J. S. Holley, $1.00; G. E. Taylor, $1.00; B. C. Jor­ dan. $1.00; E. H: Belz, $1.00. INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS H. E. Jenkin. $2.00; Clint Robinson. $1.00; James Flanagan, $10.00; Wil­ liam Guenther, $1.00; Donald Lewis, $1.00; Charles Henard, $1.00; Donald Martin, $1.00; Robert L. Kennedy, $1.00; B. C. Blair, $1.00. NOTICE! Anyone having infoi'mation as to the whereabouts of Daniei Hunt's seamen's papers which were sent to the Philadelphia Hall, notify him at 477 Medilian Stret, East Boston, Mass. Let Us Have 'Em The Log wants at once the names and addresses of bars, clubs frequented by seamen, particularly in foreign ports, 80 that they can be put on the Log mailing list. With the postal delivery to ships snafued, this remains the only practical way of getting the Union paper into the membershipe hands. So do it today—«end us the namei and correct addresses of your favorite places all over the world, with an esestimation of the number of Logs they can use. Seafarers Demands Changes Be Made In Galveston Hospital stayed at home and drew unem­ ployment compen.sation. LET'S TELL *EM False impressions and lack of knowledge such as this is what puts us behind the eight ball. We should nlake known to as many people as possible what our cir­ cumstances are. We have just been given pretty good wage increases but how far ahead are we than a year ago? Or should I ask how far behind? The average seaman works about nine or ten months in the year. With ships being sold to foreign countries, or sent to the boneyard, we'll probably work less this year. And the ever increas­ ing prices are sucking us dry. I believe that we should take a survey of our own members and make make known how hard it is for them to get along. The Seafarers Log could use their in­ quiring reporter to check on members at random. Only by bringing such matters to our own attention can we spread the information around. This is only a suggestion and I'll leave it up to the editor to take it from there. (Editor's Note: Very good idea —will do!) (Continued from Page 1) hospital, which has been con­ firmed by our Agent in Galves­ ton who himself has been a pa­ tient there, complaining of the above conditions. These men are members of the Seafarers International Union; the National Maritime Union; the Masters, Mates, and Pilots; the Marine Engineers Beneficial As­ sociation; the Marine Firemen, Oilers, Watertenders, and Wipers; and the Canadian Seamens Union. Also among the signators are un­ organized seamen, Army, Coast Guard, and veteran patients. We believe that sorqething should be done to correct the situation existing there to bring about better treatment and food for the seamen, servicemen, and veteran patients in that hospital. We hope you will concern your­ self with the conditions in the Galveston Marine Hospital and take the steps necessary to remedy the situation which now exists. Respectfuly yours, JOSEPH VOLPIAN Special" Service Representative Seafarers International Union Pass Lakes Seamen The SlU Word, They Need Seafarers Conditions By HERBERT JANSEN panies don't have" to keep their workers on fuil time. The auto industry can break even without producing a single ear. They not only can, they did. The tax rebate takes care of them —your money and mine. The poor sucker who only makes 20 bucks a week has to help fill the already bursting coffei-s of the big industrialists. - The September issue of Am­ munition (UAW) discloses fhat a survey was taken covering 150 governmeni; officials, reporters and editors. They were asked what they believed was the aver­ age tal^e-home wage of the auto workers for the third week of August. One official guessed $85.00. We assume he really believed this. The average guess was $50.10. At the $1.33 per hour rate the full time workers couldn't have made over $48.00. Most of the workers only worked three days in that week, however, so the average pay was less than they would have made if they had CHICAGO — With the season almost at an end, the ships plying the Great Lakes will soon be looking for their winter berths in the various ports where they will tie-up until the flowers bloom in the spring, and Lakes shipping comes to life once more. Reports coming in from SIU men sailing the unorganized Lakes vessels sound very favor­ able, with excellent response to­ ward the SIU from almost all ships being worked upon. The Lakes seamen are seeing the light and finding out that tho SIU is a rank and file union not overlorded by a few, selfish, po­ litical minded individuals. They are beginning to see that the ma­ jority rules on every proWem that arises including the accep­ tance or rejection or new con­ tracts. NEW SEAFARERS All of you seamen who recent­ ly joined the SIU have demon­ strated your preference for the best Union on the Lakes and by your joining you have shown that you want other Lakes seamen to do likewise; therefore you have a job to do in talking to your shipmates who do not know the score, and who are still under the impression that the Lake Car­ riers Association will take care of them by giving them better wages and conditions. If you new Seafarers sailed in the thirties, tell them about the conditions you worked under, and impress upon them the fact that whatever improvement in conditions they have I'eceived was fought for, and won by, the rank and file members of the SIU. Show the still unorganized sea­ men that the Lake Carriers Asso­ ciation is working overtime and spending huge sums of money to keep the Union off their ships, because they are expecting to get men dirt cheap by playing them off against one another when jobs get scarce. LCA RECORD Have them look back at the rec­ ords and they will see that every time a wage increase was won by the SIU, the Lakes Carriers ships came up to the same level. Their slogan was, "You don't have to belong to a Union to re­ ceive an increase in pay," but they never mention of course, that they would have never granted an increase if the Union hadn't won it elsewhere. To insure the high wages and conditions won for seamen, it is necessai'y that all seamen be under the SIU baner. Come into the SIU hall and join up in the fight for the maintenance of the high labor standards and at the same time fight for an election on your ship. SIU HALLS BALTIMORE 14 North Gay St. Calvert 453» BOSTON .; 276 State St. Boudoin 4455 BUFFALO 10 Exchange Cleveland 739$ CHARLESTON 68 Society 91 Phone 3-3€W« CHICAGO 24 W. Superior Ave. Superior S17S CLEVELAND . . 1014 E. St. Clair Ave. Main 0147 CORPUS CHRIST! . .1824 Mesquite Sfc Corpus Christi 3-1509 DETROIT 1038 Third St. Cadillac 68S7 DULUTH 531 W. Michigan St. Melrose 4110 GALVESTON 305Vz 22nd Si. 2-8443 HONOLULU 16 Merchant St. HOUSTON 1515 75th Street Phone Wentworth 3-3809 JACKSONVILLE 920 Main St. Phone S-S919 MARCUS HOOK iVz W. 8th SE Chester 5-31IQ MOBILE 7 St. Michael St. 2-1754 NEW ORLEANS 339 Chartres St. Magnolia 6112-6113 NEW YORK 51 Beaver St. HAnover 2-2784 NORFOLK 127.129 Bank Street 4-1083 PHILADELPHIA 9 South 7th St. Phone Lombard 3-76Bt PORT ARTHUR 445 Austin Ave, Phone: 2-8532 PORTLAND Ill W. Bumsido St. RICHIVIOND, Calif. 257 Sth St. SAN FRANCISCO 105 Market St. Douglas 5475 . 8363 SAN JUAN, P. R. . . 252 Ponce de Leon San Juan 2-5999 SAVANNAH 220 East Bay St. 3-1723 SEATTl-E 86 Seneca St. Main 0293 TAMPA 1809-1811 N. Franklin St. M-1323 TOLEDO WILMINGTON VICTORIA, B. C VANCOUVER 615 Summit St. 440 Avalon VIvd. Terminal 4-313$ 602 Boughton St. 144 W. Hastings St. MONEY DUE Vouchers are being held in the Savannah Branch Hall for the following men: Raymond J. "Wells, Charles Kimbrough, Robert H. Robbins, Garland T. Floyd and Floyd Mc Clellan. X X % SS DANIEL WILLARD John Marciano, Deck Engineer, who had a beef pending aboard this vessel, can collect by writ­ ing to the South Atlantic Steam­ ship Company. -PERSONALSFRANCISCO MARTENS Your clothes off the Richard S. Ewell are being sent to tha New York Hall collect. Please come down and arrange for them, XXX OTTO CHKADE HENRY M. CONNELL Contact the Marcus Hook Hall at once. XXX BLACKIE B. HOFFSTEIN Get in touch with your sister, Marion, who is ill. She has some mail for you. XXX FRANK RAKAS. Jr. Get in touch with your mother. W. W. ROBERTS Get in touch with your mother, XXX JOHN WILLIAM JUSTICE Contact your mother, or Robert J. Moore, Giuck Bldg., Niagara Falls, N. Y. It is very impor­ tant. •si. �THE SEAFARERS hOG Friday, November 29, 1946 Mississippi's Del Norte Crews Up in N.O. The Iwo Jr. Engineers on ihe Del Norte are a brother act, and we don't mean Union Brother. Gletm, right, and Allen Young, are twin brothers who like to sail together. Even on a fine ship there is work lo be done. Here the Deck Gang is hard at work remov­ ing the hatches. But it is an SIU crew and so they know their stuff. Below decks, and in the Stewards Department, the story is very much the same. These men are sailing under a new contract, signed on November 7, which gives them the best wages and conditions in the passen­ ger field. On freight and passenger ships, the SIU continues to lead the way. Above, Robert Johnston', As­ sistant Electrician, watches the dials as the ship heads out on a shape up trip. l.eft, some of the Black Gang pause for a pic­ ture before going back to work. Left to right, D. E. McHam, Oiler; P. M. Lylell, Fireman; and O. Madere, Oiler. All are set for a fine trip, and we join in wishing happy sailing to thic newest addition to the fleet. ji-'' ^ The most popular spot on shipboard, and staffed by com­ petent SIU members. Hugh McKenzie behind the bar is an excellent mixologist (bartender to you) and Ed Shaffer is the Steward. / . - � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource November 29, 1946 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. VIII, No. 48 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Description An account of the resource Headlines: NMU'S PHONY PROTEST KEEPS ISTHMIAN MEN IN FINKY CONDITIONS FOUR MORE COMPANIES SIGN SIU CONTRACTS COVERING CONDITIONS SIU CALLS UPON U.S. PUBLIC HEALTH SERVICE TO RECTIFY POOR CONDITIONS IN GALVESTON SEAFARERS WINS 850 HOURS FOR HAMILTON CREW ALL LABOR BACKS LEWIS AGAINST GOVT. INJUNCTION A DANGEROUS WEAPON SEAFARERS' ORGANIZING CAMPAIGN MUST BE INTENSIFIED IN FUTURE NMU SEAMEN RESENT COMMUNISM OF LEADERS, READ LOG FOR NEWS CHALLENGES WILL NOT HELP NMU, ISTHMIAN SEAMEN WANT SEAFARERS SIU CREWMEN SEE DIFFERENCE IN CONTRACTS CANADIAN LUMBERMEN GET FIRST CONTRACT AFTER WORK STOPPAGE MARCUS HOOK SEAFARERS AFTER THE MANY UNORGANIZED TANKERMEN NEW GAG WOULD PUT CONVALESCENTS RIGHT BEHIND THE EIGHT BALL SEAFARERS MUST TAKE TIME OUT TO TAKE STOCK FOR THE FUTURE CORPUS CHRISTI HAS GOOD WEEK LABOR'S STRENGTH IS IN ITSELF, AND NOT WITH PHONY POLITICIANS LAKES ORGANIZES THROUGH WINTER 3 ALCOA SHIPS TO MAKE TRIAL RUNS ALL'S WELL ON THE FRAZER DESPITE SKIMPING SKIPPER GOOD FEEDING CHIEF STEWARD WINS HEARTS AND STOMACHS OF SHIPMATES ON SS FALCON WAR DANGERS STALK SEAFARERS CHOPPY SEAS THWART RESCUE SHIPPING RULES COME UP ON DECK FOR DISCUSSION IN PORT BOSTON PHILADELPHIA BRANCH MAKES SURE ROBIN WENTLY IS FIT TO SAIL FEDERATION ASSAILS TOOL OWNERS UNION PASS LAKES SEAMEN THE SIU WORD, THEY NEED SEAFARERS CONDITIONS MISSISSIPPI'S DEL NORTE CREWS UP IN N.O. Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 11/29/1946 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1946 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/e0b887f19705b56a671c7469b5085d8a.PDF f61ddbd2974729fecdf85af1e17f0fb5 PDF Text Text Official Organ of the Atlantic and Gulf District, Seafarers International Union of North America NEW YORK. N. Y.. FRIDAY. DECEMBER 6. 1946 Vol. VIII. General Strike Called By AFL In Oakland WALKING OFF THE JOB No. 49 Mine Case Decision is Seen As Periling Labor's Basic Rights OAKLAND, Calif., Dec. 4—The American Fec^eration of Labor yesterday roared a militant ans­ wer to the use of police interfer­ WASHINGTON—In a far-reaching decision which, ence for imported strike-break­ ers by calling a general strike if left on the books, may limit labor's future rights, Jus­ which completly tied up this city tice Goldsborough found John L. Lewis and the members of 1,000,000 population. of the United Mine Workers, AFL, guilty of contempt, More than 130,000 members of the AFL unions answered the and fined the union $3,500,000. Mr. Lewis was personally strike call protesting the police fined $10,000. Joseph Padway and Welly K. Hopkins,' escort provided ofi •'Sunday for 12 attorneys for Mr. Lewis and the UMW, immediately made trucks carrying merchandise to two department stores through plans to appeal the decision, and execution of both parts picket lines established a month of the judgment were suspended ago by the stores' clerks. The until the appeal has been heard trucks, operated by an outfit call­ and action taken on it. ing itself the "Veterans Trucking Company," came from nearby The action of the court was not The phony reasons that the Los Angeles. unexpected. When both the State NMU is using to further de­ Following the strike call, thous­ and the Defense rested their lay the final accounting of ands of pickets massed around the cases on Tuesday, December 3, the 502 challenged votes in two stores whose owners refused Justice Goldsborough foimd Mr. to grant an election to determine the Isthmian election will be Lewis and the mine workers a collective bargaining aglent, brought to the attention of guilty of civil and criminal con­ after the AFL Retail Clerks tempt of court for refusing to the NLRB today. Union had signed up a majority These miners are calling it quits at a mine at West Frank­ work in accordance with the An informal conference at of the employees. fort. Illinois. The same story was repeated by over 400,000 union's traditional practice of "no the New York Regional of­ Although the two stores reminers, all members of the United Mine Workers, AFL. Al­ contract, no work." fice of the NLRB will de­ mainec^ open, very few persons though an injunction was taken out by the Government to re­ termine v/hether or not crossed the picket lines. All other REAFFIRMATION strain this action, the men. nevertheless, walked off the job. speedy disposition can be enterprise in the city was at a As soon as the decision was made of the NMU's unques­ standstill with restaurants, bars, read on Tuesday, and after His tionably false claims that food stores and theaters closed. Honor had set 10 a. m. Wednes­ have so far held up certifica­ Buses, street cars and taxi-cabs day for passing sentence, Mr. tion of the SIU as the bar­ stopped running. The four local Lewis was permitted to address gaining agent. newspapers were not published. the court. Elevator operators did not report The delaying tactics of +''0 His speech was full of mean­ at hotels and office buildings, and NMU are cheating the Isth­ Acting swiftly on complaints Snug Harbor were bought to the ing for workers everywhere and there was no work at several mian men out of representa­ that the old, retired seamen who attention of this Union by one of shows that he was prepared to shipyards. tion, and out of the wages and take his place with other labor CIO unions respected the AFL live at the Sailors Snug Harbor our members who lives in the conditions that are enjoyed leaders who have courted jail in on Staten Island are not receiv­ vicinity of the institution. He picketlines. by other SIU members on the Debs-Gompers tradition. by Last night, an AFL spokesman ing the high type of attention gained his knowledge by conver­ SlU-contracted ships. said that the "protest walkout" that the original endowfnent sations with some of the men who (Continued on Page 11) would continue tomorrow with provides for, the Seafarers Inter­ are at present residents. national Union this week sent a more workers being called out. From what he has heard, and AFL attorney James F. Galliano letter of protest to the director of passed along to us, it appears said the employers and city of­ the institution. that conditions at Snug Harbor Stating that "the Sailors .Snug are far below the conditions en­ ficials would have to take two steps before the strike would be Harbor is close to the hearts of joyed by seamen aboard ships of United States merchant seamen the American merchant fleet. If called off: 1. The strike-breakers who car­ who see in it a home for their old this is true, it is patently unfair fj ried the merchandise through the age," the letter, recounted" the to these men who have served DETROIT—Fred Farnen, Secre­ ILSU and the NMU, the Regional tary-Treasurer of the Great Lakes NLRB Board recommended that complaints that have been re­ picketlines must return to Los loyally over a long period of time ceived, and asked action to cor­ to reward them in such a poor Division of the Seafarers Inter­ the SIU be certified by the Na­ Angeles. national Union, last week i-e- tional Board as the collective bar­ 2. There must be "assurance by rect the existing, sub-par condi­ manner. ported that the Regional Board gaining agent for the Midlandresponsible city officials and civic tions. of the National Labor Relations Company. Their decision was COMPLAINTS OUTLINED The complaints specifically leaders that the City Council, un­ Board, located at Cleveland, forwarded to the Washington der pressure of influential em­ dealt with the poor quality and Specifically, here are the com­ Ohio, had handed down a de­ headquarters, and a report should ployer groups, will not use the preparation of the food, and with plaints. Poor food, heads the list, cision favorable to the SIU in be forthcoming in the near fu- ^| police department as the tool of the fact that residents are not but this is quickly followed by the case of the Midland Steam­ ture from the National Board. permitted to accept part time these groups." the protest against denying the ship Company. employment outside the grounds Since the recommendation has men the right to seek outside, In the Midland election held been sent to Washington, the. of the institution. part time employment. These last October, covering the seven Following is the complete text men maintain that they are ex­ ships operated by that company, LSU has filed another objection. of the letter, signed by Joseph However, Secretary - Treasurer There is. still a little lime H. Volpian, SIU Special Service pected to work in the handicraft the SIU was the victor, receiving Farnen says he is confident that to vote for officers of the At­ section of the institution where 64 per cent of the total ballots Representative: lantic and Gulf Districts for their earnings are limited to $10 cast. The phony Lakes Seamen's the Regional Board's decision will Mr. Howard A. Flynn, Governor 1947. Voting' cloCds on' De­ per month, when they could be Union—Independent, which chal­ be upheld, and that the SIU -will Sailors Snug Harbor cember 31. 1946. You can vote gainfully employed on the out­ lenged the results on some flimsy be certified as the bargaining New Brighton. in any SIU Hall, in whatever side for far more than that sum. excuses, received only 8 valid agent.- Then negotiations leading Staten Island. New York. to a contract can begin immedi­ port there is one established. They need the extra earnings in votes. Dear Mr. Flynn; ately, and Midland men will get It is your duty to vote, so do order to buy the many items and After throwing out the objec­ the SIU representation which it now. Very recently, the conditions tions of both the company union they voted overwhelmingly for, ' (Continued on 4) that exist at this lime at Sailors li "L -I isthmlaii Hearing SlU Takes Lead To Improve Conditions In Snug Harbor Regional NLRB Becision Upholds Seafarers In Midland Election Do It Now • ; i : I.. �Page Two THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, December 6, 1946 SEAFARERS LOG ^Published Weekly by the SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Gulf District Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor At 51 Beaver Street, New York, 4, N. Y. HAnover 2-2784 ft ft Ift *. • HARRY LUNDEBERG ------- President 105 Market Street, San Francisco, Calif. JOHN HAWK - Secy-Treas. p. O. Box 2 5, Station P., New York City Entered as second class matter June 15, 1'945, at the Post Office in New York, N. Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912. 267 Promoting Unemployment Hardly a day goes by that one of the ponderous spokes­ men for the shipping industry doesn't gravely announce that the Maritime Industry of the United States is going to hell in a hand basket. They claim that our foreign • trade is decreasing, that foreign bottoms are well able to take care of the European and Far Eastern trade, and that American maritime trade will stabilize at about 20 per­ cent of the high peak hit during the war. All this would lead one to believe that the shipowners and the Goveimment would give earnest thought to what to do to decrease unemployment in the ranks of the seamen. But that is not so; what they are actually doing at this time is to go ahead with plans to train more and more embryo seamen, and in that way to flood the al­ ready overpopulated market. Announcement was made last week by the Maritime Commission that three of the largest training stations and two large training vessels will be kept in operation for the purpose of training unlicensed and licensed seamen. Thous­ ands of seamen were trained at these stations to man the .wartime cargo fleet, but with the greatly reduced status 'of shipping today, it is obvious that there is no further need for such schools. Of course, it can be clearly seen why the Govern­ ment and the shipowners are in favor of continuing such .a program. For them it represents a chance to train men, away from a union atmosphere, and to establish them as a source of anti-union infection in the union body. Second, it will create a vast pool of seamen, eager to ship out in the coming days of reduced shipping, who will fight like dogs for the few available jobs. When that hap­ pens the shipowner usually benefits. When there is a surplus of men for only a limited number of jobs, the employer cuts wages and standards with the certain knowledge that circumstances will force .men into taking any kind of job that comes along. It has been wisely said that the only way to train for .the sea is by sailing in the foc'sle as a seaman. No amount of training in landlocked stations and on supervised train­ ing voyages can take the place of actual experience as a working seaman. The Government has not set up any schools to train carpenters, shoe salesmen, or clerks. There is no reason why the seamen should have been singled out for particu• lar attention. In the merchant fleet of the United States, •there will be enough opportunity to completely train all the new people who could be absorbed into the industry. Any attempt to speed up this process is done for the :purpose of creating vast unemployment among seamen, and to have a ready source of scabs in the event that sea­ men find it necessary to go on strike to defend their jobs and living standards. Hospital Patients When entering the hospital notify the delegate by post­ card, giving your name and the number of your ward. Staten Island Hospital Men Mew bi lie Marine Hospitals These are Ihe Union Brothers currently in the marine hospitals, as reported by the Port Agents. These Brothers find time hanging heavily on their hands. Do what you can to cheer them up by writ­ ing to them. STATEN ISLAND HOSPITAL C. G. SMITH T. WADSWORTH S. G. LOPEZ R. G. M0SSELLER C. W. SMITH J. H. HARE W. G. H. BAUSE W. B. MUIR L. A. CORNWALL L. L. MOODY K. BELCHER C. M. LARSEN C. L. JACQUES L. KAY R. J. BLAKE J. B. PORTER . rS. H. DANIEL S. INTEGRA V. RODRIGUEZ S. RIVERA C. R. POTTER J. HALL J. M. FORD B. F. TROTTIE W. R. WELCOME P. DOMICA ft ft ft • GALVESTON HOSPITAL LONGKEMPT PAURGASON—SUP ALDERHOLDS KING MITCHELL DOWELL DEETRECH SWENSON CASTAGNERE—B.C. MULKE ft ft ft , BALTIMORE HOSPITAL RAYMOND VAN DREELE RALPH FREY ROBERT CAVENDER CARL SCHULTZ PETER LOPEZ VAYNE TROLLE FRANCIS O'BRIEN MOSES MORRIS MAX FINGERHUT MANUEL ROMERO MAAREUR ABDELKANDER PHILPJEFFERS ft ft ft NEW ORLEANS HOSPITAL NORMAN PALLME H. G. DARNELL JACINTO NAVARRO DALE BARNES CHARLES TILLER rK4RL PBTTERSSEN You can contact your Hos­ pital delegate at the Staten Island Hospital at the follow­ ing times: Tuesday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on 5th and 8th floors) Thursday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on 3rd and 4th floors.) Saturday—-1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on 1st and 2nd floors.) J. W. DENNIS JAMES CANARD F. J. SOSS EMIL PAPIO MAX SEIDEL F. GARRETSON WILLIAM C. BARGONE EDWARD CUSTER EDWARD BROCE JR. DONALD BELL P. HAWKINS J. W. ATKINS W. QUARLES RALPH FRINK CENTRAL. MASON R. M. NOLAN ft ft ft NEPONSIT HOSPITAL H. BURKE J. S. COMPBELL B. BRYDER •B. LUFLIN E. VON TESMAR G.^F.McCOMB 'E. "FERRER R. BLAKE , J. R: HENCHEY J. FIGUEROA I ' -• , ^: j �Friday, DeevnilMsy $, 1946 THE SEAFARERS LOG Trade Unions Must Prepare Selves For The Coming Anti-Labor Drive By EARL SHEPPARD The Seafarers International Union is fully aware that in the days just ahead organized labor must be stronger than ever in order to stand off attacks against us from all sides. Strikes like the Miners and the AFL General Strike in Oakland, California are a tip-off as to the way injunctions and police-protected scabs will be used to weaken us. * It's easy to see the anti-labor trend in the hysterical newspaper editorials and radio broadcasts denouncing the "unlawful" power of the unions. Today, our labor movement is much stronger than after World War I. Then, indus­ try, government and other re­ actionary forces united in a com­ mon fight against labor and for the open shop. Today, the same forces are lining up for the same battle—to end the closed shop, and weaken labor's strength. This time the picture is a lot different. Organized labor — fif­ teen million strong in the AFL, CIO and Independent unions — will stand as one against any at­ tack upon their rights. Too many of our bj'others have lost their lives and too many of our heads have been bashed in fighting the cause of labor for us to let them down without staging the battle of our lives to protect labor's rights. TRUMAN'S DILEMMA Our bungling president, Harry Truman, has recently told friends and associates that he favors sweeping revision of the Wagner Labor Act. This is supposed to provide for the less preferential treatment of labor unions in their beefs with the"^ bosses. The confused Mr. Truman doesn't know which way to turn. Should he continue to pose as "labor's friend" giving us a stab in the back occasionally or should he become an open enemy of labor trying to win reactionary support? Another big business outfit, the U, S. Chamber of Commerce has recently come forward with their proposed leglislative program which would really put chains on organized labor. They are in favor of federal laws to outlaw the closed shop and otherwise hog-tie the labor unions so that the bosses will be able to have a big edge when bargaining with the unions. Not one of these outfits or in­ dividuals realizes that organized labor is here to stay. We are not some fly-by-night outfits ready to fall down at the first strong gust of wind. When are these guys going to learn that if they ever succeed in breaking the labor unions that they are going to bring the entire system of socalled. free enterprise tumbling about their, heads? FUTURE DEMOCRACY We don't pretend to be an ex­ pert economist or a specialist in politics, but we do know that the on^ chance for our democracy to grow and develop is for cap­ ital and industry to learn that they must bargain in good faith with labor. There would be no need for' paralyzing strikes like the miners, which the SIU fully supports, if government and industry would negotiate fairly with the unions. Unless they do bargain fairly, there will continue to be such un­ rest that such a thing as indus­ trial peace can never exist. There will be continuous warfare. If these " hate labor" men would stop for a moment to re­ alize that the labor movement is the largest section of the public, then they wouldn't be in such a hurry to cry about labor's .actions hurting the general public. Be­ cause organized labor has a voice and speaks out against all react­ ion, some individuals think that labor is separate from, rather than a part of, the public. One thing is certain, although we have built up an enviable record in the maritime field, and continue to do a good job in or­ Page tluee THERE IT IS ganizing the unorg',mized, the SIU must continue to grow and develop. We can't afford to stand still. However, the NMU is not miss­ ing a trick to try to hold up the certification of the Seafarers as bargaining agent for the Isth­ mian Fleet. Even though we have won this election, we can't neg­ otiate a contract until we are able to cut through the accumulated red tape. So, it might still be necessary to try a little job action in order to hurry things up. In line with the SIU's full speed ahead in organizing, a brand new Organizers Handbook will be out next week to spark the Seafarer's organizing efforts (Continued on Page 4) Sam Patterson For a man who has been going to sea for twenty-seven years, Samuel T. Patterson, .Steward, looks suprisingly young. Of course part of this can be explained by the fact that he made his first trip as a youth of 13, mut still and all, his many years at sea have left few marks on him. Brother Patterson was born in Jacksonville, Florida, where hfs father was a brick mason. Young Sam was supposed to follow in his father's footsteps, but early in life he decided that he would be unhappy if he did. So he ran away from home, and took his first job as messboy on the SS Apache, a passenger liner. "I have never actually regret­ ted this action," he says, "but being a brick mason would be a great that all the doors of the good trade to have at my finger­ Walker were broken loose from tips. I have been happy as a sea­ the hinges. man, and I take pride in my Besides this incident, Sam was work." on ships that were bombed "in every port of Europe," as he puts MAKES OWN WAY it. Livei-pool, Naples, Sicily, and Patterson really has worked his Bizerte, were a few of the places way up. From Messboy he ad­ where they were subjected to vanced through the other ratings bombing. until he was qualified to sail as "We were sure lucky," he re­ Chef. During the war he made calls. "Ships all around us were many trips as Chief Steward, but sunk, but we came through every­ he is looking forward to the time thing okay. I kept my fingers when he can again sail as Chef. crossed all the time, and 1 guess One of the memories he has of it worked." his early days will always stick UNION MAN with him. This was when the Brother Patterson has been a Apache rammed the SS Spring­ field off Eastport, Florida. Both good union man since the days of ships sank quickly; but happily, the •old ISU. When the Seafarers International Union was formed, there were no casualties. Having once made up his mind he joined and has been an active that he wanted to be a merchant member. During the SIU 1946 seaman, Patterson has never de­ General Strike he was in a hospi­ viated from that thought. Except tal, but he made it his business for short periods of time which to report to the Union Hall when­ he had to spend ashore as a re­ ever possible so that he could sult of ill health, he has sailed help out. Patterson is married and has steadily since his first taste of a two children. The eldest one, a seaman's life. The war years were boy, shows signs already of a no exception. preference for the sea. NEAR MISS "It's all right with me," says His worst experience during Sam, "but he has to finish his the war came on Septemlper 26, schooling first, and then he can 1943. He was aboai'd the SS Fran­ start to ship out. The sea has cis A. Walker, Eastern Steamship been kind to me, so it will be Company, when a torpedo missed okay for my son to make the mer­ the ship but hit the next one in chant marine his trade also." line in the convoy. Both ships Brother Patterson is a proud were loaded with high-octane gas­ man; proud of his family, proud oline, and the struck ship went of his job, and proud of his Union down immediately, with all and the job it is doing to improve hands. The concussion was so the lot of working seamen. •- -ass®' . «" Johnny Capps (right) and Jack Craig comment on letter that the bucko Fairland Skipper ivrote to the West Coast Sailor. Brother Capps gels his innings in story below. ( Fairland Skipper Really Threw His Weight Around "Everybody knows that a sea­ man's life is not peaches and cream," says Johnny Capps, AB, but very few people realize what we have to go through if the Skipper is a tough guy, or if the ship is a tub. And it was a lot worse before the Union got strong enough to fight for us." What brought on this tirade from Johnny were the happen­ ings on board the SS Fairland, Waterman Steamship Company, on the trip from Mobile to China. Capps made the ship at Pensacola on July 8, and right after that he was elected Ship's Dele­ gate. One of his first duties was to check the stores and slopchest. The stores were okay, but it was an entirely different story with the slopchest. In order to pro­ vide for the men's comfort on such a long trip, Capps recom­ mended to the Skipper that razor blades, cigarettes, and some ar­ ticles of clothing were needed. As it was, the slopchest contained only a few pairs of extra size pants. CHANGE OF HEART At first the Captain refused to put on the supplies, but as the ship put out to sea he promised that the slopchest would be re­ plenished when the ship came into San Pedro. However, once through the Canal Zone, he changed his mind. The ship made port at San Pedro on July 21, and when'the time came to throw off the lines to continue the voyage, the Cap­ tain started some more trouble. "I hate to say this about the Skipper," said Capps, "but he was drunk. I, wouldn't bring it up except that he wrote a letter to the West Coast Sailor in which he accused the members of the crew of being drunk. As far as I could see, the crew was feeling happy, but the Captain should have been the last one to talk." Drunk or sober, what the Mas­ ter did then was inekcusable. He first sent a Wiper and an OS to steer the vessel out of the har­ bor. When they refused to go, and when the crewmembers backed them up, he hit an AB„ and a Fireman, and then picked up the Chief Mate and threw him halfway across the deck. Seeing this, none of the crew wanted to sail with Ryan, so to a man they left the ship and sent to San Francisco for a Pa­ trolman. Capps went to tell the Skipper of the crew's decision, and in reply the Captain pulled a gun and ordered Capps off the ship. The morning the Patrolman showed up, immediately the Captain changed his attitude. He " promised that he would forget the whole matter if the crew would, that no charges would be brought against any member of the crew, and that he would not continue his harsh methods in the future. This was agreed to and the ship left San Pedro. LULL BEFORE STORM But the calmness was short-r lived. As soon as the ship was underway, the Skipper stated that evei'y man who had walked off the ship would be logged two days pay, plus the expense of holding up the ship. Capps kept his head about him, and as a con­ sequence none of the men signed the log. From then on it became even worse, if possible. The Skipper, who is a big fellow, threw his weight around and insisted that since he was the Master of the ship, everything would have to be done his way. "When we showed him the agreement," recalls Capps, "he threw it to the deck and said he didn't give a damn about the Union, the agreement, or any­ thing else. He used to like to bait the crew by making dirty cracks about the Union. But we kept our mouths closed, and that burn­ ed him up worst of all." In Shanghai they had a hear­ ing before the Coast Guard. After listening to all the evidence, and (Continued on Page 11) �Pag* Four THE SE AP ARERS LOG Attention Members! HlRE$Mfli ITHIMK All Departments When your ship docks, it is a good idea to have a list of necessary repairs to give to the Patrolman. This wiU help in letting the company know exactly what has to be done to get the ship in tip­ top condition. Seafarers don't have to sail beat-up ships. Do your part to make every ship a clean, well kept vessel. QUESTION:—Royf has the high cost of living affected you? RICHARD PINCKNEY. OS: As far as I am concerned, ris­ ing prices are going to make a homeless man out of me. When I am on the beach I usually stay at a hotel. Well, rooms at this hotel used to be $1.00 per night, and now they charge $2.00 to $3410 for rooms in the same place. X can't afford to pay those prices and still eat. And any food worth eating has gone way out of sight where price is concerned. The rich people can buy what they want because they have the dough, but we working stiffs have to do without. iiiiiil Seafarers Asks Improvements In Snug Harbor THOMAS WILLIAMS, Steward: The dollar is not worth a dol­ lar any more. It has become very difficult for a seaman to make both ends meet, especially when shipping is slow. For a while meat prices came down a little, but now they are climbing again and will probably go higher than they were. I recently bought a suit for $75.00. I used to spend only $25.00 for suits, and I give you my word that those suits were much better than the one I just bought. The same condi­ tion applies to shoes and other articles of clothing. RAY STANGLE, MM: The only thing that a man needs to live on that hasn't gone up in price is water. Everything else is so high that most people can't afford to eat decently, or to dress decently. Take me, for in­ stance. When I'm on the beach I like to go to a movie at night. Now movies are $1.25; so it's either pay that much or sit around with nothing to do. Food is also high, and most of it is not as good as you could buy for less money just a few months ago. No seamem can ship enough to make enough money to live on. GEORGE VAGO, Wiper: I'm still a single man so it isn't too bad for me. But even single men have to watch out. Cigaret­ tes used to be 15 cents per pack and now they are 20 cents. Shoes are twice as expensive as they used to be and they are not near­ ly as good. Food has gone so high that a man has to be a millionaire to get a square meal in most res­ taurants. My last trip was to Arabia, and when I returned I was surprised at how much prices had advanced in the short time I was away. (Continued from Page 1) articles that aid to their pleasure and their comfort. On the subject of food, they maintain that it is usually so poorly prepared and served, that it is unappetizing if not outright revolting. No attempt is being made to follow a sensible diet, and this added to the poor qual­ ity, has made mealtime a hard­ ship rather than a pleasure. In view of the fact that the Sailors Snug Harbor is one of the most richly endowed institutions in the world, and since this money is only being used at pres­ ent for the care and maintenance of 400 individuals, we believe that more attention should be paid to the quality and preparation of the food. Friday, Decambet 6. 1946 Now Is Time To initiate Four Watches On SlU Ships By JOSEPH S. BUCKLEY Some of the previous issues of the Seafarers Log have carried references by Paul Hall, in his column "Clearing the Deck," to the four watch system. We oldtime seamen realize that when all the ships go back into the hands of the private operators we shall have a great many Broth­ ers out of work due to the lack of jobs. put up a stink about lack of quarters and such bull, but we can easily pvercome these ob­ jections by pulling job actions at the point of production. That is the only language that the bully Shipowner understands. . Aboard a ship, in ^he engine room, a worker is in reality a slave. He is obedient to the clock and to the mechanical monster The four watch system is not who never seems to get enough an impossibility. It can become oil in the four hours it must be a reality if we endorse such a fed, if lie is on a four hour watch. program when we send our of­ END EXPLOITATION ficial representatives to negoti­ To meet the progress of science ate with the Isthmian Steamship we must reduce the hours of la­ Company when the time comes. bor so as to increase the manning The four watch system will power that the machine has taken lead to the creation of more jobs from us. The fewer men who are and less working hours for our employed, and the harder they membership. Cutting down the are worked, the greater profit for^ hours-of labor is the only method the shipowner and the rest of the seaman has to beat the un­ the thieves who represent the employment situation that will profit system of exploitation. face us withirf the near future. It is the duty of every indi­ By this means we will have vidual member of the Seafarers nine hours of leisure instead of International Union to back up the eight we now get; we will the drive of the Union officials have four oilers and four fire­ in this program to increase the men, and day men wil work six manning power aboard all SIUhours instead of the usual eight. contract ships. SAW IT WORK Bring the subject up in your Two years ago I fired coal on shipboard meetings, and in the the Great Lakes upder the four regular meetings ashore. Let us watch system. This was on an make that the prime object for SIU contracted ship out of South this coming year. Chicago. It worked out swell, Sincere, conscientious union and meal hours worked out okay, men can do anything if they are too. interested in fighting to create " Of course, Mr._ Shipowner will a "Brotherhood of the Sea." POOR ATTITUDE The well-being of the old men is tied up closely with the treat­ ment accorded them. Certainly anything that makes their every day life trying, such as poor food and denial of personal rights, tends to make them unhappy and ill. This institution was endowed for a specific purpose. On the basis of the complaints which we have received, we believe that the spirit and the letter of the endowment are not being carried out. We trust that you will look into this situation with an eye toward raising your standards to a parity with living conditions aboard SlU-contracted ships. If this mat­ ter must be taken up first with your Board of Trustees, we hope that that can be done without too much delay. The Sailors Snug Harbor is close to the hearts of the United States merchant seamen who see in it a secure home for their old age. For this reason, we hope that you will be able to dispel any doubts they may have regard­ ing the treatment they can expect in the future. Hoping that you will give this matter your prompt attention, and that we may hear from you in the near future, I remain. Very Truly Yours, Joseph H. Volpisn Special Services Representative Seafarers International Union, AFL. r ~ FROM THE LAKES The crew of the SS Rockwood, operating out of Chi­ cago, turned over $26.50 for the hospitalized seamen at Fort Stanton, New Mexico. \ Antl-Petrlllo Law Is Declared Unconstitutional By U.S. Court CHICAGO—The first test of the Lea Act, commonly called the anti-Petrillo law, resulted in the law being ruled unconstitu­ tional, and the criminal proceed­ ings against James C. Petrjllo, President of the American Feder­ ation of Musicians, AFL, being dismissed. The charges against Mr. Petrillo, filed last June 13 by United States Attorney J. Albert Woll, alleged that he used force and coercion to require radio station WAAF to employ more persons than it needed to conduct its business. This, it was charged, was a violation of the Lea Act. In an eight page opinion, hand­ ed down by Federal Judge Wal­ ter J. La Buy, it was held that the Act violates the fifth Amend­ ment because of the indefiniteness and uncertainty in the definition of a criminal offense; is in con­ tradiction to the first Amend­ ment which guarantees fi-eedom of speech; and violates the fifth and thirteenth Amendments by the restriction upon employment of labor. says that you can't discriminate, which is what this law called for." Boiled down to the simplest facts, the ruling upheld the right of peaceful picketing; the right of employes to leave their place of employment collectively as a means of ' enforcing their de­ mands; and the freedom of work­ ers to leave thir jobs at will or for no reason at all. The motion to 'dismiss the suit on the grounds of unconstitu­ tionality was made by Joseph A. Padwayi counsel for Mr. Pcfrillo and for the AFL. Labor Must Prepare For Coming Reaction (Continued from Page 3) U. S. TO APPEAL in the tanker and other fields. In addition, a couple of other organ­ izing leaflets are now being fin­ ished and should be ready for publication within the next two or three weeks. The organizing program of the SIU is not dor­ mant. It's jufet taking on more fuel for the big job that lies ahead. The United States Attorney said that the case would be im­ mediately appealed to the Su­ preme Court under provisions permitting questions on the con­ stitutionality of a specific act to be taken straight to the highest court in the land. At his headquarters, Mr. Petrillo issued a statement praising the court's action, and commented, "The Federal Court preaches and practices. free spech, democ­ racy, and Americanism when it Until every unorganized work­ er on the deep water, inland rivers, harbors, and Great Lakes is organized, there is still a job for the SIU to accomplish. We can't afford to rest until that job is finished, and its up to you as loyal Seafarers to help this pro­ gram to the utmost. It's your Union, Brothers, and it's your job as well as ours to see that everyunorganized seaman and water­ front worker becomes a member of the SIU. �THE SEAFARERS EOQ •Ftiday, December 6; 1946 Page Fire -- -i-- Traito Itoiomst^ In New GFleans Resent Commie WTaterfront Drive By BUCK STEPHENS Slow Shipping And Golil WeMhnr In Boston — Organizing Goes (to BOSTON—Winter has arrived in New England and made its advent with a pretty fair-sized blizzax'd, leaving a thin mantle of snow covering icy streets and sidewalks. The new Hall provides a;comfortable haven against this weather, and this morning's first call found between 150 and 200 members in the Hall, virtually all of them interested in about twenty jobs on the board. Two out of every three ships hitting here are foreign, and ap­ parently this trend is on the in­ crease. But if this sounds gloomy, it does not necessarily mean that we are without hope for a come­ back pretty soon. The Kyska paid off here on a Sunday. She came in here under the control of the Maritime Com­ mission and is going out today as a privately owned Waterman. She signs her foreign articles here, and it is rumored that more Waterman ships on the North Europe run will sign and payoff in Boston. If this should prove true, it will give the Branch a much-needed lift. successful in making valuable contacts. In this connection we have jtist received a most grat­ ifying letter from the SUP organ­ izer, Johhny Hansen, commend­ ing us for our work on a Stan­ dard tanker. PLAIN TO SEE The unorganized tanker com­ panies must be able to read the writing on the wall. They are going to be organized eventually, and may as well consent to elect­ ions and get it .over. -with.. Every Cities Service tanker contacted here is in good SIU shape; un­ questionably this outfit also will go the way of Isthmian. Well, the outlook for the com­ ing week is a little bit brighter. Waterman is putting the Niantic Victory in operation this week and will put on the crew within a few days. Whterman is also taking over the Abe Clark, formerly NMU, and will be crewing her up short­ ly. It is also expected that this company will operate the Sim­ mons Victory after this week. Silence, this week from the Branch Agents of - the follow­ ing. ports: CHARLESTON PORT ARTHUR HOUSTON NORFOLK JACKSONVILLE TAMPAx MOBILE CORPUS CHRISTI SAVANNAH Ditliith Last Sbipiiii^ Flurry As Close Of Lakes Season Nears By EINER NORDAAS DULUTH —We are getting the last rush of business here in Duluth before the season ends and everjdhing is coming at us at once. The weather has been quite bad and has held many of the ships out on the lakes until now, so they are all coming into port at once. Most of the ships that pull out of this port are on their final journey of the season with quite a few taking cargoes of grain. Today, ^wo Midland ships leave for Buffalo with three more leav­ ing in a couple of days, and then the port will be pretty barren for the rest of the winter. With a couple of Wesf Coast tankers scheduled for this week, DELAYS FREQUENT too, quite a few members should As far as the Eastern ships are be able to duck the cold weather concerned, delays have been fre­ mentioned ir, the opening para­ quent. Now it appears unlikely graph. that the first ship will be in com­ mission before January 15 — which means that 50 or 60 mem­ bers will be out of work that much longer. Of course, with Eastern oper­ ating regular service, a certain By JOE ALGINA amount of shipping business is guai'anteed. Then, too, the interDon't think that this story is NEW YORK — The beach has coastals have by no means re­ certainly cleared up here the last an isolated instance. I'll bet that turned to normal- since the West few days, and it is about time. there are quite a few seamen Coast strike ended. These have For a long period of time we around today who cannot afford always provided some additional were unable to ship due to our to buy the food and clothing that work for the port. own strike and the strike of our they need. And if thei'e are a In the meantime,, while the Brothers in the Masters, Mafgp, slump has been at its worst, there and Pilots. Now that all the has, strangely enough, been strikes have been settled on all plenty of work for all hands , in three coasts, shipping is picking the office. We still have to cover up, and the board has been list­ the ships, take care of beefs aris­ ing quite a few good jobs. ing on same, plus the ones that Of course, there is little chance come over the counter. And that shipping will hit the same these are legion when so many peak that it did in the heyday of members are on the beach for the war; but any improvement any length of time, a§ most of over what it has been in the them have been. past few months is all to the good.• Also, there is the organizing The people, shipowners, who work which is always going on, and in which this port has been begrudge us the salary increase we just gained, should take into considei-ation the fact that a sea­ couple of children, it makes the man usually works only nine or situation that much worse. ten months each year. Not that When the shipowners agreed he wouldn't like to work more; Pursuant to a recent de­ to our wage demands, price con­ it's just that there are not enough cision made by the member­ trol was still in effect. Our in­ jobs to keep all seamen employ­ ship, news from all the Lakes creases meant something then. ed-for any longer period of time. Port Agents appear on these But the way things are going pages. Although the Seafar­ HARD TIMES now, we didn't gain a damn ers Log is the official organ thing. of the Atlantic and Gulf Dis­ This situation, coupled with the The bosses think it is funny to trict only, it welcomes these rising prices, means that seamen reports and will publish are having a tough time making give a man a raise and then hike them whenever received. ends meet. I was speaking to one up prices even beyond the pid­ If any port in the Atlantic AB, a guy with two kids, and he dling raise. They don't lose any­ and Gulf- District does not fold me that his wife can't'afford thing, but the working stiff does. appear in the port pages, it is to serve meat more than twice Now the picture looks black, because the Log has not re­ each week. He says that his kids and only a decrease in prices, or ceived' any news from that don't get the milk they need, and an increase in wages with prices jporti. that keeping them in clothes remaining where they are, will and'shoes is an impossible job. answer the problem. Beach Clearing Rapidly In N.Y. With End Of Maritime Strikes LAKES NEWS •:•••• iJL NEW ORLEANS — The commies in this port are crying to high heaven about unity. Re­ cently they issued a pamphlet, endorsed by the Seamen's Club, Port of New Orleans Communist Party. This club is supposed to be composed of both AFL and CIO seamen. Only half of this statement is true, because while CIO seamen are members of the club and the communist party, no AFL sea­ man in this port, or in any other port that I know of, is a mem­ ber of^ the cdmmunist party or any of its clubs. In this leaflet the CMU is mentioned many times, and each time with a lot of flowery phrases There is very little need to re­ peat that shipping is slow, be­ cause in a matter of a few weeks there will be no shipping at all and we will have to sweat out the long cold winter with the Lakes frozen over, eagerly awaiting the ice break-up in the spring. Many SIU men are still around the port visiting the Midland ships before they leave to talk to the Midland seamen and take the Logs onto the ships, but most of the men have taken to the highways and points south. Some of the SIU men who have done excellent jobs on these Midland ships are Brothers Storval, Jen­ nings and Thompson, and they'll be back in the spring to renew organizational activity on the ships as they hit Duluth. The Duluth Hall will be kept open all winter and we invite you all to come around. Meetings will be held the first and third Monday of each month, at 7:30 P.M. I would like to take this op­ portunity to thank all members for the splendid cooperation given at all times during the 1946 season. I hope that you will all be back at the start of the 1947 season, so that we can continue our job of organizing the unor­ ganized into the Seafarers Inter­ national Union. about the unity and leadership of." the group. 'iV'e all know what a. part the CMU played in the last, maritime strikes, and-there is no question about what a disrupt tive force they were. LIE AFTER LIE The same pamphlet mentions ' the fact that shipowners, the Item (a local newspaper), and certain-; AFL officials are working to­ gether "to split the maritime^ unions" and that the climax of this action was a "fascist, stormtrooper attack upon a public meeting of the communist party." This is another complete lie be­ cause the names of all those tak^" ing part in the battle were pub- • lished in the local papers and all are local boys and good trade unionists. The meeting referred to was the 29th Anniversary of the Bol­ shevik Revolution. This was supposed to be a mass meeting for speeches and organization. Chief among the speakers were the incoming and outgoing chair­ men of the communist party in Lbuisiana. • Also present were some topnotch officials of the National Maritime Union; the Marine Cooks and Stewards; the Interr national Longshore Workers Union, as well as officials and members of other CIO unions. In the middle of the principle speech some seventy-odd people took objection to the un-Ameri­ can remarks of the speaker and started action to force him to keep quiet. Soon there was a small sized riot going on, and approximately 125 people were hauled off to the hoosegow. UNION OPPOSITION Those pleading guilty to dis­ turbing the peace were fined $2.50 The SIU men pleaded not guilty, and were able to get out on bond. Later in court, the case against them was dismissed. Seventeen of the comrades were fined $20.00 or ten days in jail, so that is proof that the re­ marks of the speaker were the main factors in causing the riot. All honest trade unionists in New Orleans are against commie infiltration in our trade unions. It is high time that we register our opposition to the communists and get to work clearing them out of the labor movement. The Patrolmen Say ... Hot and Cold Taking showers with cold water in the North Atlantic and in hot water in the tropics was the lot of the men of the Cape Mohegan until very recently. I went aboard this ship for a partial pay­ off and that beef was the first one handed me by the crew. They said that due to poor con­ struction of the vessel, the only way to take a cool bath in the hot climates is to go back to the old days and use a pail. •We talked with the Port En­ gineer and 'he said that nothing could be done about it since it had'already been taken up with the 'WSA and they had not done anything about it. I soon saw that I wasn't get­ ting anyplace, so a shipboard meeting was held and the men decided not to sign on until the necessary repairs had been made. "When I told, this to the Skipper, he called the Chief Engineer and with the blueprints in front of us, we traced the lines. Soon it became apparent what the trouble was. The tank that fed the showers was filled each time before the ship left for Puerto Rico, and was not filled until it returned because taking on water in Puerto Rico is il­ legal. That meant that the water stayed in a tank, open to the ele­ ments and was therefore hot in hot climates and cold when the ship got into northern weather. We decided to try an experi­ ment. From now on water will be pumped from the domestic . tank in small quantities so that it will have a chance to cool off in the tropics, and to heat up in the north. We hope that the plan will work.Claude Fishe» II �• T H B S E AF A R E RS LOG Page Six Baltimore Is Still Hotspot For Seafarers Organizing Drive BALTIMORE—While shipping from the Hall in Baltimore at present is going on at a lessened pace and a large numhor of men as still on the beach, the organi­ zers in Baltimore are being kept t'!; on the hop with quite a few unorp ganized vessels tying up at this port. Isthmian alone expects six of her ships in at any time, and or­ ganizer Max Beck is consider­ ing the hiring of a helicopter to get around to all the ships. Be­ THE RIGHT WAY !he important part the port of Baltimore played in the drive The magnitude of the Isthmian drive in itself is a hard thing to p-asp, and an amazing item in he campaign is the fact that durng the past six months 80 Isthnian ships touched this port n other words practically every hip in the Isthmian fleet at one ime or another during the past six months tied up in Baltimore. Each of these ships had to be met and the crews spoken to. It was fast and furious work while it lasted and there was little time to think of the tre­ mendous job being done. Time passed quickly and it wasn't un­ til the end of the campaign that the organizers were able to realize the magnificent job ac­ complished. Friday, Decembnr 6, 194e> V Engineer Has Very Dad Case Of Sour Grapes By RAY SWEENEY Joseph Santos studies the ballot before he enters the polling booth to make his choice of officers for 1947. Alert Crew Helps In Collecting 1500 Hours Disputed Overtime GALVESTON—Some guys just can't stand to see anyone make advances unless they make the same steps forward. What is even worse is that this time the guy who is trying to beat us down is an Engineer, a member of the MEBA, and we all know that if it hadn't been for our Union the MEBA would have lost its strike, sure as shooting. Ilcro is what happened. When our new agreements were signed we aU thought that there would be no further need for disputes since all work and overtime is pretty clearly explained. But that's not the way some guys figure, especially that Engineer. By BLACKIE CARDULLO Now that it is all over and the The SS Helen, Bull Lines, came MARCUS HOOK — We had conditions that we ourselves official announcement of the into port after the strike was set­ NLRB is awaited, Baltimore in quite a bit of activity in the port once worked under. tled. The new agreement was al­ Many of the boys we talk to taking stock finds itself high on this week, and shipping, haj^pickready in force, and the Skipper the list of factors that contributed ed up to a point where the die- are surprised when we tell them cause of this increased organiza­ to the resounding victory of the hard beachcombers are taking of the wages and conditions that and the Chief Engineer agreed to pay all the overtime that was in tional activity Mike Hook has SIU in its campaign to win the ships in self defense. have been achieved by the SIU. dispute at that time. So the Helen .been, added to the staff for the Isthmian fleet. The SS Council Crest paid off Once we get a chance to talk to sailed, and paid off in Baltimore time being. last week after a five month voy­ these boys, they are with us 100 without any trouble. Despite consistently unsuccess­ age, and as you can imagine, per cent. ful attempts in the past, Calmar HARD TIMES there was plenty of disputed ROMANCE. ROMANCE and Ore outfits are trying to overtime to be .settled. Luckily, Practically the whole crew ship finks aboard their vessels. We hope that this story will the crew was an exceptionally signed on again, but this time it . This finky maneuver requires, alert bunch of men who had prove to be the last chapter.in was different. As soon as the and is getting, the greatest of figured that something like this the history of one of our local ship sailed, one of the Engineers attention from the Union, and might happen, so they had been belles. She has been leading an started getting "snorty." He Baltimore is devoting quite a bit keeping any disputed overtime SIU member around by the nose, forced the Oiler and the FWT of its time to this problem. and every time she two-timed on separate sheets. By HENRY W. CHAPPELL to stand up all watch. He re­ Although shipping is at a re­ All this made it easy for us him, she said that she had been fused to blow tubes on Sunday. duced rate, the local office has out with one of her brothers, TOLEDO—Activity in this port been kept busy handling several is practically nil due to the im­ to settle the overtime to the com­ cousins, lincles, or what have you. In fact he did everything he could to cut overtime and to beefs, and at the same time Agent pending freeze over of the lakes, plete satisfaction of all concerned. This guy says that he didn't make the trip miserable. 'Curly -Rentz has been making and so all of our energies are be­ Everybody was paid in fuU, and get suspicious until she intro­ numerous changes in the Hall, ing expended in making contact in time to take off for home for It's not our fault that we were duced him to a Norwegian father, streamlining it with a view to with ships as they lay up, and Thanksgiving Dinner. With $1500 able to negotiate a better con­ one Spanish and one Irish broth­ reducing expenditures, and to in­ talking SIU to the non-union they must have been able to tract than they did. After all, er, and two uncles who spoke a rustle up a good time. sure a smoother running machine crews. we didn't force them to allow language that no one could iden­ to handle the many activities of ORGANIZING SUN OIL Harry Bridges to do their talk­ tify. In the short time that the To­ i that port. ing for them. It all goes to prove ledo Hall has been open we have It seems that this girl had all Organizing on the Sun Oil Personal friends of Johnny that if you get something good been particularly gratified at the Company is going full blast and I male relations and everyone a' Hatgimisios, Walter Haas and the and the other fellow doesn't, he turn-out of unorganized seamen hope that within a short time we seaman. Our advice to this guy other SIU men involved in a beef will go out of his way to deal you who have dropped in to give the is that a long whaling expedi­ • ihave contributed close to $1,'000 all the misery he can. Hall the look over. tion, say about three years long to give the boys a helping hand The Maiden Creek is in now, i.s tlie way to mend a broxen They find it a welcome relief in their fight to straighten mat­ and even with Morgan Hyle as heart. to be able to come in and sit ters out. In this way he can meet some Skipper all hands are happy as down in a Union Hall and be left FACTS ON ISTHMIAN nice mermaids who have no rela­ one big family. They had a swell to themselves without someone tives, and who won't double-cross feed on Thanksgiving, so that Now that the Isthmian cam^hem the political lowhim. I was enough to be thankful for. .paign has come to a close, and a In^eprialism m successful close for the SIU and American Imperialism Isthmian seamen, some interest­ in China. They're glad to visit a Hall ing facts come to light to show where the guys they meet are interested in the betterment of conditions for the seamen, and are concentrating all of their By STANLEY WARES energies in that direction instead will be able to say, "The SIU CLEVELAND—^Like most ports have of keeping up to date as to of shouting slogans of condem- Does It Again." on the Great Lakes at this time what each port is doing or plans This whole campaign is one By WILLIAM (CURLY) RENTZ of year, shipping is at a stand­ to do. BALTIMORE - Recent SIU activities in foreign coun- of the most unorthodox organiz­ still, and we expect it to remain Personally I must confess that tries. ing jobs ever undertaken by the ships which tied up here in Bal­ that way until next Spring. I am not a columnist, but when SIU. timore donated a total of $78.00 FOR SEAMEN In the meantime, with the cold the membership speaks I'll ful­ Whenever any of us go on the to Seafarers hospitalized in the By coming to the SIU Hall at waterfront to give out the SIU weather setting in, the fellows fill that request to the best of my .Marine Hospital helping them to •defray personal expenses while Summit Street in Toledo you Tanker News or to talk Union to who are not heading for the coast ability. So you can rest assured •they are recuperating. | of getting the facts any of the Sun Oil employes, we are hanging around the Hall un­ that I'll report whatever takes John Taurin of the Hospital story on the Great Lakes have to be careful that we are raveling their yarns of incidents place this winter in the port of they experienced during the past Cleveland. in an unadulterated form. Committee r e p o r.t s that the not seeh. If any of the company season. During the coming winter the The SIU has no axe to grind stooges see a man talking to us, anoney was received from crewIt's going to be hard to tell who Marine Council in this port ex­ anembers of the SS Claggett, politically, nor has it any em­ that man is fired the very next deserves that well-known medal, pects to meet to discuss ways '$50.00; SS George Gershwin, ployer to serve; the SIU is first day. because they sure are telling and means of being ready for any $23.00; and the SS Andrew Jack- and foremost a seamen's union It has gotten to the point where sbrhe dandies. emergency that may come up, made up of rank and file mem­ • soh, $5.00, and divided equally it is a game of hide and seek. At a regular meeting in Detroit We've seen how effective, it has among (;he following men giving bers who decide who their lead­ But with all their spotters and :each man $5.58. Francis R. ers will be, and what course of stooges, they haven't been able recently, the membership passed operated on the coasts, and yoM O'Brien, W. L. Gillespie, M. J. action the imion will follow. to stop us yet. We are continu­ a motion requesting the Agents can bet that we intend to make, Welsh/ Moses Morris, and H. W. Every seamen wants better ing to organize these Brothers in each port on the Lakes to sub­ it just as effective here on'the / ;Sherwin. conditions and higher wages and who are working under crimp mit an article each week to the Lakes. Seafarers Log. Also receiving the aid of their it is through a democratic Union More and more seamen on the Jhbughful Brothers were: Ralph like the SIU that the officials With the end of the season at Lakes and on the coast are find­ Prey, Max Fingerhut, Wayne wiU be urged to go out and fight hand I can hardly blame them ing put that the SIU is Uie only TroUe, Peter Lopez, Roy Justice, for better contracts for its mem­ for making that request, because Union in the field that is jn there •Carl Schultz, Raymond Von bership. That's the way a demo­ they will all be heading for parts fighting for them,- instead • .of Dreele, Albert D. Whitehouse, cratic union works, and that is imknown, and- those columns in wasting its time building, up the -wand Manuel Romero. the SIU. • the Log are the only way they political ambitions of party-liners: . * Unorganized Visit SiU Haii in Toiedo Crews Donate To Hospitalized Cleveland AFL Maritime Council To Hold Meeting During Winter �• Priday< December. 6, 1948. ' •••' '"r^'-v ;• • '•» TEE SEAPAR ER S LOG - " •• ' \ '"' • '"v: .:, r Page S4TMI V SHIPS' MINUTES AND NEWS:| Pilgrim Crewman's Injuries Laid To Unsafe Conditions CG Hangs Up WhenCOGoes To Lunch A charge that "unsafe working conditions" were re* sponsible for the injuries sustained bby Marion McClintoc aboard the SS Alcoa Pilgrim was made at a recent ship* board meeting held at sea. McClintov fell from a 15 foot boom he was working on during a heavy fog. The boon* Seafarer Fred Reppine long ago marked the Coast Guard as phony. He w^s convinced that it only had time for the prosecu­ tion of merchant seamen. Last week his convictions re­ ceived corroboration when he spotted. a newspaper item in which the Coast Guard figured prominently by its absence. Brother Reppine told of the amus­ ing incident in a letter. It seems that three East St. Louis, 111., policemen talked for an hour and a half to dissuade a war veteran from jumping from the Eads bridge over the Mis­ sissippi river while a desk ser­ geant tried to get a Coast Guard rescue boat to the scene. The veteran was finally drag­ ged back to safety, but the boat uhviiff "ffie Ovx;^I^V)^^, You U.|5 In a piexx, of C<vnvaS Sent in by the Baltimore branch, this poster is part of the campaign there for accident prevention. Knife Attack On 4 SIUMen Brings Consular Protest The American vice-consul in Santos, Brazil, has of­ ficially requested a complete report of the police investi­ gation of the attack made on four Seafarers by a band of armed hoodlums late last October 13. The men were re­ turning to their ship, the SS Walter Christensen, and were never showed up. The police ser­ geant said that when he phoned the Coast Guard station he was told: "Sorry, but the commanding officer is out eating. I'll tell him about it as soon as he gets back." Commenting on the Coast Guard's cessation of operations while the CO was out to chow. Brother Reppine says: I'll bet if it was a sailor who was going to jump off the bridge he would have lost his papers for about a year or more. "Next time the Coast Guard has my number, I think IH call them up and tell them I'm going to jump from a bridge. Perhaps in that way I can beat the rap." What would you do. Brother Reppine, if the Coast Guard told you it was going to jump off a bridge? just inside the dock's gate, when^ TEXT OF LETTER the gang set upon them with Mr. Arthur Parsloe knives. American Consul The attackers, after being Santos, Brazil driven off, escaped in the dark­ ness. None of the victims was Dear Sir: At about 11 p. m. on Oct. 13, injured. 1946, an unprovoked attack, in The consul's action, in which which knives were used, was he also urged the local police made on four members of the chief to adopt measures "to pre­ vent repetition of similar inci­ crew of this vessel just inside dents," followed an appeal to his the gate at the dock at the foot office by the Christensen's three of Rua General Camera. Ihese four men were return­ department delegates, after sev­ eral attempts to stir local au­ ing to the ship from a motion thorities into action were unsuc­ picture and were completely sober. We have endeavored to cessful. have this affair investigated by UNPROVOKED ATTACK the civil authorities, and at The attack on the four SIU every turn we have received crew men was entirely unpro­ very little cooperation. voked. The men, whose identity We feel that, as American was not disclosed, had left a citizens coming to this coun­ downtown Santos motion picture try as seamen, we have a right theatre. They headed directly for to representation from you in the vessel. The note to the con­ this matter-. .If you sirould not sul stressed that the men were take action satisfactory to us, completely sober. with the aim of suppressing . At 11 p. m. the Seafarers reach­ these attacks by unknown per­ ed the dock gate at the foot of sons, we intend to consult the Rua General Camera, where the State Dept. by cablegram. Christensen was tied up. They We feel sur-e, however, that were inside the gate, not far from you will give this matter your the ship, when the - attackers, immediate attention. knives in hand, sprang out of the RespectfuUy yours, darkness. Robert High, Deck DeL The noise of the ensuing Mike Hook, Engine DeL scuffle brought aid from the L. Glanville, Stew. Del. Christensen, and the hoodlums The consul took immediate.ac­ were routed; tion, informing the Christensen The civil authorities were noti­ crew members by Utter of his fied of the incident but the men official communication with . the received little cpopei'ation, they Santos police chief, requesting said. his report on the case, and the measirres to ' It was then that the following recorrrmendation letter was sent to the vice-consul: "prevent" recurrences. was rigged at a 10 degree angle.T The incident was reported to dunnage." They charged that he drove some of the crew to work., the meeting by Deck Delegate as much as 30 hours' handling: James Foster. Foster stated that and .stacking dunnage from oneon the day of the accident the pile to another. The men said, Bosun knocked the men off at they felt the Mate's methods con-<^ 9:30 a.m. due to the wet, slick tributed to accidents. condition of the decks and booms, Several other conditions aboard and the thick fog which shrouded the Pilgrim stirred the crew t<» the vessel. The Bosun judged action. It was moved and passedthese conditions as unsafe. that a communication be sent to "At 10:30 a.m.," Foster continu­ the New York Hall revealing two ed, "the Chief Mate came storm­ shortcomings on board. ing down and turned the men to The communication was to again." At about 11:30 a.m. Bro­ point out that, the ship had sailed ther Marion McClinicc, who is an from the United States and froirs excellent seamen, fell from the Trinidad, going north, withoutboom. winter gear. In Trinidad the- men. PUT "TO BED had asked the Captain for winter"The Bo.sun reported the ac­ wear. He told the Purser to give cident to the Chief Mate and the the men what they needed; Pui'ser right away. They confin­ though apparently the stock was^ ed the injured man to bed," Fost­ inadequate. The men said "we er said. understand that the law govern­ Continuing his report, Foster ing slopchests on board ships, stated that "the Chief Mate had reads that winter gear should be the other officers sign statements available at all times." saying that the booms were not SOAP SHORTAGES wet. Added to the comrnunieaiion Foster said that he immediately was the Black Gang Delegate's asked some 15 or 20 men to in­ report on shortages of soap and spect the booms. All found that soap powder. On board two the booms were wet. months, the men had made sev­ Foster pointed out that the eral requests of the First Assist­ Bosun who had ordered the men ant for soap, soap powder and to knock off was an oldtimer, lava soap, but were refused each, "who I'eally knew his business." time. The Delegate then went to The deck gang asailed the Chief the Chief Engineer, who was wiUMate's method of "marathoning ing to issue the soap and said he would order some in the next , port. Meanw-hiie, the First Assistantadmitted he had soap powder. He used it himself, but still refused. to issue it. Nils Gronberg served as chair­ man of the meeting, and L. W.The horse flesh enthusiasts at Highsmith was recording secre­ the Kingston, Jamaica, race track tarywaited patiently for the day's feature event. Last minute bet­ Had Tough Trip tors hurriedly sought out the book makers for a final fling. The start­ er was making feverish efforts to line up the nervous nags. Suddenly a deafening roar broke from the standi. To a man the spectators jumped to their feet. "They're off!" The amazing sight unfolding on the track had seasoned veterans proclaiming that never before had they witnessed such a spectacle of speed and reckless racing. His­ tory was being made at the Ja­ maica track. It couldn't even be called competition. CROWD WILD The crowd cheered crazily as the lead mount streaked the course. The nearest bit of horse hide to him was still stomping at the starting line. The shouts of Brother E. Maltson, the SS encouragement made a drunken Waltham Victory's Chief Stew­ din. ard on a recent South African "Get a horse," hoarsed the nag run had a hectic time trying wags. straighten out the food snari*Still the leader came, loaded resulting from short suppHea, with fire and fury. Mattson had a series .of scrapes Splitting the tense atmosphere at every, turn as he fought to (Continved on Page 8) get sufficient food for the men. Wiper Takes Handicap At Jamaica, BWI f- • -isi • •A • • "--J �r flr £ S E A P A R E R S L O G P99» EighS: Friday. December 6. 1946' DJgested RlUnutes^ Of SlU Sbi^ Meetings ,_AihoA- PILGRIM, OcL 3^ Chairman Nils Gronberg; Secret^r L. W. Highsmilh. New Bu«ixess7 nmtion-made to have hn written statement in regards to tbe treatment of the Deck Gah0 and present it to the American Consul. Motion made . that the overtime be signed as it is. written or be disputed as it is written.by,-the Chief Mate. I |Ood and Welfare: Chairman ronberg, gave-the members a ng talk on unionism and how i|ey should all stick together SI everything. A list of charges |as written and read to be pre|ntsd to the American Consul. RUTGERS VICTORY. Aug. 25—Chairman Albert Plaits; Secretary George L. Sawyer. Motions carried! to put out;bet­ ter night lunches; larger, quan^ titles and more variety; to ob­ tain an electric percolator; to obtain washing machine. Dis­ cussion of Officers receiving better food than crew. Beef about not having enough fresh fruit and vegetables. One min­ ute of silence observed for our lost brothers. t a,, i t LABEDO VICTORY. Oct. 27 i^Chairman Samuel Howard; Secretary Milburn Tuttle. DeleS^es reported everything okay. Motions carried: that upon ar;>val in port. Patrolman be re­ ferred to beef on Germans dumping garbage in pori; to see patrplman in regards to ship ijot , maintaining continuous gangway watch in port; that ;;Ipp- chest be checked and stored suitable to crew. Sug­ gested that a donation be made the Merchant Marine Library Association. This to be done at ^me of payoff in a spirit of good will and no one to be under obligation to contirbute. One minute of silence was ob.served in respect to lost rbothers. ^ t % Wiper Takes 'Jamaica 'Cap . (Continued from Page 7) like a peal of thunder, a voice boomed over the loud speaker: "Git thaht mahn off the cawse!" Like one big voice, the excite­ ment-hungry mob retorted: "Keep going." ;• HERE HE COMES For coming up the straightaway, a gofd two furlongs in the lead, ridiiig like a bat out of hell, came the "winnah". It was the SS Seaton's Wiper, mounted on a broken-down bicy­ cle, shirt-tails flying in the wind. t S. t M. V. SNAKEHEAD. Nov. 6 — Chairman. J. Lynch; Secre­ tary J. Reed. Motion carried to have Steward contact Captain in regards to weevils found in the crackers. Motion carried to have Agent in Trinidad make arrangements for exchange of food supplies of other ships go­ ing back to the states. Motion carried for the three delegates and the Steward to see Captain and check over the supply list of what is on hand. Discussion of cleanliness of quarters. All hands pledged their full support on the subject. X X t STR. WESCOAT. Nov. 18 — Chairman Henry Hanratty; Sec­ retary N. McLeod. New Busi­ ness: Motion carried to conta.-'t the Mate on supplying laundry soap to the deck crew. Motion carried to prepare final resol­ utions for future improvements and to have them ready for the final meeting with shore repre­ sentatives. Good and Welfare Motion carried to have a solid platform at ladder so men can get up and down without the fear of falling and causing ac­ cidents. X X % BELLE OF THE WEST. Sept. 10 — Chairman W. Dunham; Secretary F. Gardner. New Business: Motion carried to claim overtime for the man at the wheel who was ordered to leave the wheelhouse while the Captain set the iron mike on and to go on deck to work. Motion was carried to have no one pay off until ihe patrolman settles the disputed-overtime in the engine department. Motion made to check the slop chest, by. the patrolman since there wereinsufficent stores and also high prices charged. Motion carried to have the fans checked aft. Motion carried to have another utilityman for the pantry due to the fact that the proper work cannot be done without an­ other man. •vSirith a bottle of good old "Jamai­ ca" in one pocket and a bunch of bananas in the other. Old hands, at the track swore that the track's record was brok­ en that day in the face of a terri­ fic handicap. One leporter, who verefied this, said it was a handi­ cap indeed, for the bicycle's front tire was as. flat as an old hag's honeymoon. Wiper, by the way, was off the SS- William Seaton, out' of Nor­ folk, Va., and. sired by the Sea­ farers. He paid through the nose. 1 UNION'S GAWPAKS/J!) AND PROGRAMS ARE 8AS® ON YOUR BKfB.VoOR AlEHOS, /ANDYOIR DEMANDS IT IS "to YocJR Apy4Wp,GP TNAT THP OMm! KA/OWS •How YoUTPEL oN com}i[ ISSUES. A\AK6YOU/<ISELF XXX MV SNAKESHEAD. Nov. IB •—^Chairman Jack Lynch; Sce^ retary Gordon Marbury. Dis­ cussion of food shortages and the necessity of the ship being fumigated. Discussion of - Deck department overtime. Agreed to see Chief Engineer about sougeeing and painting En­ gineer's quarters and passage­ ways. Agreed.to wire N. Y; Hall for copies of new agreement. Motion. carried to see Purser about stores that were short. •HEARD ! J CUT and RUN X X X WALTER M. CHRISTIAN­ SEN. Aug. 7.*—Chairman. Ralph Garrett; Secretary Bob High. Motions carried: that the three delegates check the needed supplies and: slop chest with the cooperation of the Patrol­ man; that the three delegates draw up a list of offenses and fines to be lived up to by the crew, amendment that the money collected by turned over to the Baltimore Marine Hos­ pital. Motion carried that a reg­ ular meeting to be held every Wedhesday night. One minute of silence was observed for brothers lost at sea. XXX F. H. KING. Nov. 13—Chair­ man G. R. Rood; Secretary G. E. Taylor. Motions carried: to have the Second Mate investi­ gated by the SIU; that the First Mate be kept off of all SIU ships as he is not qualified to sail as Chief Mate. Motions car­ ried: that the Chief Mate also be investigated by the SIU; that two delegates from the crew contact the shore Patrolman up­ on arrival in the states and that all hands be sober at time of payoff. SIU Men Injured In Rescue Of Motor Ship Off Azores Working in high winds, the Janeway crew succeeded in tos­ sing a line aboard the disabled Portugese motorship Alger at 2:30 p. m. Nov. 21. Several Sea­ farers were injured during the operation when a large sea crashed over the stern of the Janev/ay. Adverse conditions had prevented a rescue attempt the previous afternoon. The Janeway arrived along­ side the Alger in response to an SOS picked up the morning of Nov. 20. The stricken vessel was drifting helplessly, after her en­ gine failed completely. She was bound for the Azores from New­ foundland. With darkness falling over the heavy seas, the Jane­ way waited until morning to ef­ fect the. rescue. ... AT MEmWSS — BY''W/RE;MAIL,-OR E\/EM CARRIER PfSBOrJ- While the Janeway was getting in position to shoot a line aboard the Portugese ship, a large sea cascaded over her stern injuring several Seafarers. The rescue attemps continued, the line was thrown aboard the Alger and she was taken in tow. By HANK Well, Old Man Winter finally blew into town with full force this week and; it seems he's going to stay for awhile—while the membership is waiting for retroactive pay, stretching those remain­ ing rubber nickels and keeping their eyes on the board for those ships . . . We saw Brother Tannehill, one of our best organizers, drop into our town for a short visit from home country down in the Gulf. And with a big happy smile. Brother Tannehill said he was going back—also revealing the fact that Moon Koons shipped out as AB for hotter country . . . One of our shipmates, Weaver Manning, the Deck Engineer, looked at us through his glasses this week and instead of saying that we looked like we were losing weight (due to one week of husbandry or For Whom The Dollars Toll Now) he said, with an easy flip of the lip, that our column was getting short­ er—of fresh news, he meant, of course. Well. To Each His Own and may the rip-roaring Repub­ licans cut those 20 per cent taxes off our necks, we still get hot flashes of good news. For example, from upper circles we are informed of the very happy fact that Brother Warren Callahan, former organizer, kite-flyer, and now a Brooklyn shipyard stiff, just became the proud and joyful father of a baby. Congratula­ tions. Pop, good health to all concerned, and even if you don't mail us a cigar—we'll still say. Congratulations! Well, while Pete. Bush went down to Baltimore to see how his brother is getting along. Pete's shipmate. Bosun Bera Smyley up here in New- York, had a little celebration of his birthday this past Tuesday with his girl, Helen. Steve DiGirolmo and his mustache just shipped out this week for European ports—^hoping the ship hits Copenhagen, especially . . . We've just remembered it—so we'll mention the fact that Broth'er Guy Whitehurst, the electrician, who always keeps laughing and smiling, was the Preaching Parson of the Murmansk run with Paul the Dispatcher, who probably has just finished dispatching a little bit of an illness by now . . . Vic Combs, full of electricity and poetry, is at present full of whispers. He can't talk because he has a cold—and he has a cold because he's over-weight. Say, Vic, we'll tak'e your weight and your coTd, too. We' can't stand it staying so healthy and underweight, you know. X X: X X One brother on the second floor showed a copy of. Life magazine which had designs and explanations of some darn : The two vessels arrived in Ponta Delgada. five days later machinery, for ships which will do away with Oilers. Someone after weathering the effects of naturally answered that bit of atomic news with the words: the tail end of: a hurricane. "Don't worry. son. you'II be old and gray before you'll see- it in It was reported that all hands all ships. .You see. kid, you shouldn't read these crazy magaaboard the Janeway performed ' zinesi anyway. It spoils your appetite for the sea'.'—or does it; ably in getting the line to the ' indeed? . . . Jinuny McCuIIough. poker; champ, gigolo - and' Alger and keeping her in tow. Brooklyn's first citizen, hasn't eaten a decent meal; since, he The Janeway was en route to left, the Moran tug* the Pointer. Anyway. Jimmy send^ his re-, the States from Antwerp, Bel­ gards to "Red" Morris and wonders why "Red" didn't run gium, when she answered the Alger's call for help. this election. We don't know, so tell him. "Red." �Curran Has Program To Rid Union Of Commies—^He Says Dear Editor: In the November issue of the Readers Digest I came across an article by William Hard and Fred­ rick J. O. Blachly, titled "Com­ munists Invited Out." This article refers lu the various CIO Unions who are claiming to have rid themselves of commie influence. Among these labor leaders is a comment by Joe Curran giving isix different methods as to how commies can be removed from the NMU. His sixth lesson says the union member must not put politics before union policies. Coming from Joe Curran that calls for a laugh. During this past strike when Paul Hall, chairman of the AFL Maritime Trades Department was assisting the Masters, Mates and Pilots to keep their ranks free of commie influence, it was the same Joe Curran who blasted Paul Hall as a "Johnny-come-latcly," also setting upon Hall and other union members with a commie goon squad from the NMU hall. If Joe Curran is sincere in his talk on the subject of ridding com- personal belief, is the best in the Maritime Indu.stry and will be a pleasure to work with on the job. The prayer of the Communist Party today is: Father Lenin teach me to be a better liar, a better cheat. Teach me the hest. method to gain power, do not let me be weak as I obey your com­ mandments of your Moscow re­ ligion. Give me a Strong Mind that I can sing "Hosanna" to your glory and you will reward me for my party loyalty. For a worker to trust any com­ munist, no matter how close the friendship, is to insult that man by presuming that he is or will be false to the cardinal precepts of his religion of stool-pigeonry. The workers in the marine indus­ try who have not grasped the facts should study the marine history of the party for the past fifteen years. We, who have been fighting these contemptible political rats these many years, hope some day all American workers will open their eyes to the filthy philosophy these people have been preaching under the guise of unionism. Joe Buckley Baltimore Log -A-Rhythms The amiable chums above, Henry Wykosky (left) and John Hassin are old buddies as you can see. They posed for this shot aboard the SS Laredo yictory while on a recent trip. Both Seafarers have been ship­ ping out of Baltimore for al­ most five years and during that time they have managed to be aboard the same ship. Here's hoping they have many more happy days of sailing as a tecim. Coal Strike Crucible Test For All Organized Labor Dear Editor: munists from the NMU, why does he back the PAC which any sens­ ible worker knows is commie con­ trolled? CP CORRUPTS CHARACTER The members of the Commu­ nist Party are not rats by reason of their character, but are rats by reason of their religion. For a party member to be a stool-pigeon on his fellow-workers on the job, on his fellow-workers in the party, on his relatives — these things aae expected of him and the fact that he sees not the per­ gonal shame and degradation in these actions is proof positive of the extent to which his disease of rattery has corrupted his mind. Because the policy of the Sea­ farers International Union has always been for "Direct-Action," leaving politics in the street upon entering the union hall where the worker is only concerned in bat­ tling for wages and collective bargaining; because our elected union officials use the method of direct-action to put across good rank-and-file unionism they are called ship-owners' stooges by such as Joe Curran, who since his election, has done nothing but tell his members to rely upon politicians to better their condi­ tions. PROUD SEAFARERS The members of the Seafarers can be proud that we have union officials able to put across the present contract, which, in my I predict a nation-wide work stoppage by the AFL, in support of John L. Lewis and his United Mine Workers. No matter what your private opinion of John L. may be, don't forget history is in the making, and he'll be making it. Let's hope the strike will be short-lived, but it appears the battle will be long and drawn out. Truman, who no longer rates the title of President, has chosen to back one of his henchmen, who thinks he should dictate the coal industry in a manner that the boldest of coal operators never dreamed of being able to do. WITHIN HIS RIGHTS Let us examine the facts. The government signed a contract with John L. a few months ago. John L. then legally declared the contract null and void. A federal judge ordered him to rescind his order and keep the miners at work. Even if John L. had a mind to, he could not tell the miners what to do. Things have changed in the past decade. Few people in this country now can't read or write English. And most of them think a little. They can read the daily press and see through its deceptions. The precedent that may be set in this controversy will affect labor very seriously in the future. It must be settled in labor's favor, or the result will be a terrible blow from which we might never rally. The final goal must be reached if it requires a general strike, or even revolution. The upper class are certainly asking for revolution. The Re­ publicans now in control of Con­ gress have avowed their inten­ •» Just a few lines to extend my thanks for the bundle of Logs that were sent to us, the crewSouth African Blues members of the SS William Brewster Alcoa Steamship Com­ By RAY LICHON pany, in Port Alfrerk Canada.' The Logs were enjoyed very We sailed out of Capetown., one much by all the crew. bright July day. The new agreement printed in With the Sea Dolphin's bov/ head­ the Nov. 1 issue interested us ed down the bay. very much as we could not see We drifted along on a tide;: the light without it. We will We were shoreless on every sidew Beyond the gray, lazy seas have to start working on a pay Of summer's utmost boundaries. difference for the Bosun as they Beyond the sands. Beyond the did not get a raise to meet the seas, ^ responsibility they have. Any Beyond the range of eyes Ukii^ these, way, here is a cheer for the newThere lies a land, long lost agreement. and for the boys that, me— '' hit the bricks to make it stick. A land of liberty. I believe that a few brothers would be interested to hear that "Top n' lift" Fowler was on this bucket of bolts, but got off last month in Halifax. How he does it, I don't know. We thought we were on a six week bauxite run, but old Alcoa has us shuttling between S. A. and Canada and now they want to send us to Fi-ance after we have been on this tub three months already. Please send the latest Logs to Hotel DeParis, Port of Spain, tion of curbing labor, which Trinidad. All sailors hang the would mean slavery. But_ these hook there. men and those that hire them "Chiseler" Walsh are not interested in humanity, but rather their pocketboboks. Dazed men sing their melody; "O, such a land, with such a sei' Kissing its shores eternally.' A land where music ever fills air • With choruses of singing birds: 2 A land of love and dream^ thoughts. And shining fields with shaded spots 2 Embossed with wild-forget-menots Swinging between the blue of sea and sky. Watching clouds passing by." So we drop our dreamy eyes'So where our reflection lies Steeped in the sea, and in £.4 endless fit Of languor, we smile on it. SUPPORT LEWIS Support Lewis to the hilt, if you desire any semblance of freedom. In the next election, organize a labor party and elect its candi­ dates. But don't be misled by the Hillihans and Joe Currans, who would have you believe they are for the working class. They are merely the tools of another type of dictatorship worse than the one now threating the nation. Despite the stories in the press, it would be hard to prove that Lewis' actions are not to the lik­ BROTHER OBJECTS TO FINES ing of the majority of the miners. There have been great strides IMPOSED ABOARD VESSELS made in the last few years to In a recent issue of the Log there were several reports in ship'a eliminate the type of labor leader minutes of action taken aboard to fine members of the crew • fo^ the press would have you believe various offenses, such as leaving cups in the messhall, comin|f Lewis is. aboard drunk, leaving dirt in the recreation room, etc. , SIU TO HIS LIKING I would like to know if a ship's crew has the right to le'vy these Our organization is the type I fines. I believe the proper procedure is to bring major offenders u^ go for. It is strictly democratic. on charges when the ship arrives in port. Then the men can bq^ I have never been able to find tried on charges by a trial committee, without personal grudgeV any reason to believe otherwise. affecting the decision. Keep it that way fellows. At the What are some of the members trying to do—set up a new^ same time it is necessary to sup­ Constitution? Do not act like babies. Brothers. Most of the charge^ji. port any labor organization fight­ mentioned can be easily settled aboard ship, and if there are ing for labor's fundamental treme cases the offending Brothers can be brought before a fai^., rights. trial board. Congratulations on the recent No courts, please. victory over some of the other Ed Kelly would-be dictators. Continue the ft -iS fight against the Coast Guard. Answer: Whaf fhe Brothers have done is a purely volunStraighten out the marine hospi­ alry measure, agreed to by all hands, to make living aboard tal beef; clean them up. ship bearable and clean. It is the means the crew members have -^1 I Say hello to Harry, Whitey, decided upon to handle minor offenses. Which are not serious Paul and all the boys I know enough to bring a man up on charges. However, there is noth­ personally, and thanks for the ing in the Constitution which says that a man can be brought Log each week. up on charges for failure to pay such a fine—an offender does Ml so voluntarily. Ira E. Bishop Alton. 111. ='i �Chicago Ships Begin Tying Up As Winter Halts Lakes Shipping By HERBERT JANSEN CHICAGO—Shipping has de- I but arc approved at regular ••finitely bogged down here in the meetings held as the constitution Windy City, with almost all ships specifies. Every member has his tying up to their winter berths. fright to vote yes or no for any . However, the sand boats are still , point brought up for a vote at going full swing and will oper- ' that time. f. ate until the ice stops them. All this bickering over provi­ 'I- From all reports that have sions that are not in the con^Gome in, the only passenger ship I tract, or the ignoring of clauses "^hat^will operate during the win- that are stipulated therein, only rtter will be the Milwaukee Clip- I makes for hardships for the ^'jper.' She'll continue the milk run Union enforcement apparatus. across Lake Michigan between Let's all live up to the contracts; •^'Muskegon, Michigan and Mil- for if the shipowners don't live Vwaukee, Wisconsin. up to them we make it a point Now that most of the ships ai"e .-lying up, preparations are being ^irnade to draw up new conti'acts tfpr 1947. These'contracts will be ' presented to the shipowners in fhe next two months, and all "of Ihe clauses in the contracts have "been approved by the member­ ship at meetings held at SIU •Halls in all Great Lakes ports. TIME FOR VOICE I mention this approval of the 'clauses by the membership for a purpose, as many times in the middle of the season some guy "will bring up a beef that he thinlts should have been covered in the contract. Usually the beef is a bum one, and I try to explain that he had his opportunity to express him­ self when the clauses were voted upon by the membership, and he will have to wait until the next contracts are drawn up. Also I try to impress upon him that these contracts are not made in a saloon, or changed every time some individual gets an idea in the middle of the season, to jump on them, and we are put in an undesirable position when the shipownei's point out that the union members are not bothering to live up to their half of the agreement. To insure having complete knowledge of the contracts and all of the provisions set forth within them, I urge all members to attend as many union meet­ ings as possible, and if an un­ satisfactory situation exists in a contract, let your Brother mem­ bers know about it at the meet­ ings, for you are the fellows who know what the score is aboard your ships. DEPARTED BROTHER I am sorry to report that Broth­ er Leo Sharon, better known as "Peg Leg" was killed in an auto­ mobile accident in, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. "Peg Leg" had many friends on the Lakes and will be missed by all Seafarers on the Lakes. The services and interment of Brother Sharon will be taken care of by the Union. Recapitulation Shows Seafarers Wpn Big Gains On Great Lakes By WILLIAM STEVENSON DETROIT—Now that the 1946 season on the Great Lakes is al­ most at an end it is a good time to pause and reflect upon what we have accomplished during the past year. On the asset side of- the ledger, and everything was on that side this year, we have increased the wages for seamen on the Lakes, gained overtime for Saturday af­ ternoon in port, and Sunday at all times. Great Lakes District receipts when paying their money. These receipts should be kept handy, for we have had numer­ ous cases where members have brought in their membership books and showed us where they were in good standing while our records held that they were in arrears for six, eight and in some instances ten months. This is due to the fact that the records have not been forward­ ed to this district. So I want to caution all Great Lakes men to check your records when in De­ troit and keep receipts of all money paid on the coast so we can write and have them for­ This was a big year for the SIU warded to Detroit. on the Lakes and we are not go­ One of the many oldtimers who ing to allow ourselves to rest on our laurels. During the winter are daily showing their faces jponths we will be planning around the Hall is Brother Dan strategy for the new organizing "far Down" Gallagher, whom I ^ork to be done next year, and haven't seen since I was last in although it is early for New Duluth. Years resolutions there is one Brother Gallagher is looking that we can make already, and that is to carry the name of the fine after his so-called "vacation" • SIU to all unorganized seamen on with Uncle Sam. Too bad Uncle the Great Lakes and sell them Sam didn't board him for these on the best union in the maritime cold winter months and let him loose to run around the lakes in field. A word to the Great Lakes the far off springtime. We have increased the mem­ bership of the SIU on the Lakes, improved our Hall here in De­ troit and opened new ones, and we have put our finances in a more stable position to carry out our campaigns next spring. i^.r' FiidBkT' DaoMnber 6, 1846 TBE SEAFARERS LOG Page Ta* District men who have been working on the coast. Any SIU members who are working on the coast and paying dues, as­ sessments, etc., should ask for We'll keep him in cold storage, however, until the drive begins in the spring and then we'll turn him loose on the unorganized ships. Voted Yet? Don't feel bad when voting has ended because you failed to vote. Once each year SIU members elect the officers who will lead them for the ensuing year. This is your chance, so make the most of it. From the way reports have been coming in it is ap­ parent that all SIU men are interested in having their say. That is why more votes are being cast in this election than were ever cast before. Have you voted yet? NMU Leadership Flouts Choice Of Isthmian Men By LOUIS QOFFIN NEW YORK — Reqently the votes cast in the Isthmian elec­ tion showed that the majority of the Isthmian seamen had chosen the SIU as their representative in collective bargaining with the Isthmian Steamship Company.The total vote counted showed that the SIU had garnered a ma­ jority of the votes. Nevertheless, the so-called leaders of the NMU challenged a number of votes knowing full well that the chal­ lenged votes, if counted, would increase the SIU majority. Through their challenge they are depriving the Isthmian sea­ men of the immediate negotia­ tions between the SIU and the company, so they can gain the same high .standards as the SIU seamen are' enjoying. I have had a few conversations with various rank and file sea­ men of the NMU, and they read­ ily admit that the SIU has won the election. They are very dis­ appointed in their leaders' actions in refusing admittance that the SIU has won the election. Though these seamen are good union men, and in the majority, it is unfortunate that they are too well controlled by their commie leaders to be able to express their sentiments. PLAYING THE GAME So now we see the majority of the NMU in favor of giving the seamen of the Isthmian line the right to choose the SIU as their collective bargaining agents which was won, and the minority of the NMU continuing to play the shipowners' game by stalling through their phony challenges and accusations. In the meantime the men who are suffering from this phony action are the seamen and not the NMU's sidekicks, the ship­ owners. Someday we hope to see the rank and file" of the NMU rouse themselves, and throw out their I commie leaders, and elect true seamen like themselves as their leaders. Until that day, we can only say that the minority will continue to lead the majority around by the nose. By JOE VOLPIAN You all know that after a long and tough trip, some of us are bound to blow our tops, but before you do, stop and think what your reaction would be if one of your Brothers acted the way you're going to act. In order to make the boys think twice about what they do or don't do, certain offenses have been frowned upon by the Gov­ ernment. and have been ma^e punishable by either loss of your papers or by logging. We will try to give you a brief resume of what these offenses consist of and their punishment. 1. For deserting a ship, the loss of all the seaman's gear he leaves aboard and further loss of all or any part of his earned wages, and other emoluments arising there­ from: bonuses, overtime, etc. 2. For neglecting or refusing without a reason to join the ship or to proceed to sea, or for ab­ sence without leave within _ 24 hours of the ship's sailing from any port; or for absence at any time without leave and permis­ sion from the ship and from his duty, not amounting to desertion, the penalty shall be forfeiture of not more than two days pay or enough to pay the expen,ses of hiring a substitute. 3. For quitting the ship with- Buffalo Reports SIU Enjoyed Record Shipping By ALEX McLEAN BUFFALO — The biggest con­ centration of grain ships to hit this port, in two years is at pres­ ent tied up here in Buffalo with 32 -grain laden ships soon to ar­ rive for unloading, and follow­ ing them 16 ships are on their way in with grain for winter storage. This tremendously large num­ ber of ships running in out of here is keeping all of us on our toes as we are trying to contact them all with the limited num­ ber of men who are still around. Time is short,- and we don't have much time to devote to each ship as they are all trying to beat old man winter who is wasting no time in tying up the Lakes. Already snow and free2ing temperatures are upon us and no doubt some of the ships will be caught in the freeze , as happens every yegr, and there will be the usual pictures of ships caught out in the ice. Checks are being held here at the Hall from the Erie Sand Steamship Company's vessel SS Scobell for H. F. Fitzsimmons, Chester Madrak, Walter Quick, R. Tucci, M. A. Bouchry and R. L. Bosshart. Also a check for Stephen Kelly from the McCar­ thy Steamship Lines. In the Marine Hospital here in Buffalo the following Brothers are laid up: Francis Campbell, William Lindbloom, Allan Ott, and Roy Murray. Recently Bro­ ther John Crombie, a good Sea­ farer and in good standing, died at the Marine Hospital and his burial was handled by the Union. out leave after her arrival at the final port of destination, and be­ fore she is secured, by forfeiting not more than one month's pay. 4. For wilful- disobedience to any lawful command at sea, by being placed in irons yntil the seaman obeys, and upon arrival in port, by forfeiture of not more than four days pay or at the dis­ cretion of the court, by imprison­ ment for not more than one month. 5. For continued wilful dis­ obedience to a lawful command or continued wilful neglect at sea, by being placed in irons on bread and water with full rations every fifth day until such diso­ bedience shall stop; and upon arrival in port, by forfeiture for every twenty-four hours contin­ uance of such disobedience or neglect, of not more than twelve days pay or by imprisonment for three months. 6. For assaulting any Master, Mate, Pilot, Engineer or Staff Of­ ficer, by imprisonment of not more than two years. 7. For Wilfully damaging the ship or embezzling, or wilfully damaging any of the stores or cargo, by forfeiture out of his wages of a sum equal to the lo.ss sustained by the ship and also by imprisonment for not more than one year. 8. For smuggling, whereby loss or damage is caused to the Master or owner, the seaman shall be liable to pay such Master or own­ er for such loss or damage, and all his wages may be retained in satisfaction or on account of such loss and he shall also be liable to imprisonment for not more than one year. These, are pretty stiff penalties; but very often they are justified, because once in awhile you get a performer aboard a ship who makes it bad not only for himself, but for the crew and the Union. Always remember that you are a Union man, and anything that you do will be - held not only against you but against the en­ tire Union. The Patrolmen Say— Follow Rules NEW YORK—Article 32 of the Shipping Rules is being broken by men who either do no un­ derstand it, or who are breaking it deliberately in order to keep their job and also have time offl It is the duty of every member to make sure that any man who gets time off calls for a standby man. If a man quits a ship, he should have the Ships Delegate call in for a replacement. Members should remember Ar­ ticle 32, which read: "In the event an employed member wants time off, he .shall have the Ships Delegate call the Union Hall and secure a relief, and shall pay the relief himself at the regular overtime rate as per the agreement, and no re­ liefs will be furnished for less than four hour periods. Three days shall be the limit such re­ liefs are furnished. This shall not apply when replacements are not necessary." Johxmy Johnston �..,- . - • ; Friday, December 6, 1946 THE SEAFARERS LOG .Page Eleven 1 :'.5 3 NOTICE! (Continued from Page I) refusing to obey the court's de­ cree. "The history of the labor in­ junction prior to 1932 is a sordid one," he began. "Congress in 1914 recognized that by passing the* Clayton Act, andagain in 1932 by enacting the Norris-La Guardia Act." I.ater in his speech he niftlined the historic AFL position regard­ ing the use of injunctions in labor disputed by reading the report unanimously adopted by the " 'American Federation of Labor at its 1919 Convention. "The fate of the sovereignty of the American people again hangs in the balance," he said. "It is inconceivable that such an autocratic, despotic and tyran­ nical power can long remain in a democracy. One or the other must ultimately give way and your committee believes that this convention should declare that, as wage earners, citizens of a free and democratic republic, we shall stand firmly and con­ scientiously on our rights as free men and treat all injunctive de­ crees that invade our personal liberties as unwarranted in fact, unjustified in law, and illegal as being in violation of our Con­ stitutional safeguards, and ac­ cept whatever consequences may follow." LIKE SIU Lewis' Sfand in regards to the Government's position is very reminiscent of the SIU General Strike against the WSB. In both cases the unions concerned were tangling directly with Govern­ ment agencies which had been set-up to dominate each respec­ tive industry. The morale of > the miners re­ mains high, and there is no in­ dication that the decision and the sentence will break their solid front until a settlement has been made. It is with that thought in mind that the mine owners have tried to initiate new talks with the UMW officials so that the terms of a new contract could be agreed upon. Blast Against Hiring Hall First Step To Smash Union Marking the latest in a long list of shipowner attacks against union gains won over a period of years, Frank Taylor, head of the "American Merchant Marine In­ stitute, last week stated that union rotat'y hiring prevented the shipowners from establishing a closer relationship with their employees— the seamen. According to Taylor, in shore industries employees are fairly permanent and over a period of time a sense of loyalty and un­ derstanding of the problems of both management and labor are firmly developed. Taylor stated that with the union rotary system in effect, "The union not only controls the employment of its members but is in a position to see to it that they do not remain too long with any one company." MM&P-MEBA SITUATION This open declaration of war on the union rotary hiring system by the top man of the viciously anti-labor AMMl fits into the picture of the operators strenuous resistance to Union Security de­ mands of the MM&P and the MEBA. It is plainly apparent that the operators intend to be­ gin an all out battle against the hard-won conditions achieved over a period of years by mari­ time unions. • The entire MM&P-MEBA strike could have been over in a few days, probably need never have occurred, if the unions had been willing to give up their demands for union security. Hovyever, it was stretched out over seven weeks on the West Goast • due'to the strong resistance to . the union preference clause put up by the Pacific American Ship' owners Association. • Throughout their strike against the operators, it was made plain ito botli the MM&P and MEBA -that the companies would grant -their wage demands very easily if they would give up the Union Seciu'ity clause. This entire trend of operator resistance to any form of union preference, includ­ ing the union rotary hiring sys­ tem, now becomes very plain to everyone in view of the Taylor statement. PAST HISTORY Past maritime history reveals what has occurred in every in­ stance where government or shipowners took over the hiring halls. During 1919 Sea Service Halls, (Fink Halls) which had been established by the U. S. Shipping Board late in the war, each maintained a black list con­ taining the names of all militant seamen. When the 1921 lockout oc­ curred, after the operators de­ clared that they no longer recog­ nized the ISU, all shipowners were agreed that an open shop would replace the Union Hiring Halls, and that all seamen must be dispatched through the com­ pany personnel department or the Sea Service Fink Bureau. In addition, a drastic 17^/2 per cent wage cut was decreed. There was no such thing as any form of rotary shipping or preference for the man who had been on the -beach the longest. Fink Halls, operating as Sea Serv­ ice Bureaus, were under complete control of the ship "operators, and each shipping master had a "de­ ferred list" compiled from the Washington records. On the Great Lakes and West Coast, a continuous discharge Fink Book was also in general use. Seamen were forced to put up with these conditions for a long period during the early days of maritime organization, but they are determined that never again will they submit to the oppressioh, dictatorship, and com­ pany stooge preference of gov­ ernment or shipowner "Fink Halls." Blanco T. Williams would like to get in touch with the Deck Department of the SS John H. B. Latrobe, who signed on in New­ port News, Va., February, 1946. Brother Williams address is 2926 Somme Ave., Norfolk, Va. XXX Crew of SS Belle Of The Seas (Voyage No. 1. May-Sepl.. 1946) James W. "Scotty" Atkins writes from the U. S. Marine Hospital, 110 State Street, New Orleans, that he is ill with amoebic dysentery, presum­ ably from the contaminated water on the Belle of the Seas. He warns the other eight men who had the same symptoms as he to go to the nearest ma­ rine hospital for an immediate examination. XXX RETROACTIVE PAY All retroactive pay vouchers of the Smith and Johnson Steam­ ship Company will be in the mail by December 7. The Company requests that no inquiries be made at the office concerning this as it only interferes with the dispatching of the vouchers and all men .should be in receipt of their retroactive pay in a few days. MONEY DUE The Union Sulphur Company is paying back pay. Money can be collected at company office at 33 Rector Street, New York City. NOTICE! Anyone having information as to the whereabouts of Daniel Hunt's seamen's papers which were sent to the Philadelphia Hall, notify him at 477 Medilian Street, East Boston, Mass. Fairland Skipper Pulled His Rank (Continued from Page 3) to both- sides. of the story, the Hearing Officer told Capps that there was no doubt about it, the Captain was 100 per cent wrong. "And so," said Capps wonderipgly, "the next day he pulled the papers of all the guys who had walked off the ship in San Pedro. Can you figure that one out?" The Skipper tried to put Capps off the ship in Shanghai, but the C. G. commanded him to carry all the crewmembers back to the United States. So the Old Man waited until the ship got to Saigon, and there he .forced Capps to leave the ship. Johnny stayed on the beach for better than a month before he was able to catch a ship for home. He landed in Baltimore on No­ vember 30, and came immediate­ ly to the New York Hall to tell his story. "The Captain tried to get us all in trouble by writing that let­ ter to the Sailor," said Capps. "Well, if. he can hand it out, he ought to be able to take it. The time is past when a Skipper could act like a dictator on a ship. And being ruled with' a gun is something else that SIU men don't go for." SIU HALLS BALTIMORE GALVESTON SS El Morro—$1.00. PHILADELPHIA INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS H. D. Lewis, $20.00; Lynn Gilmore, $1.00; F. Brieger, $1.00. BOSTON SS BENTS FORT For LOG—$4.40. ForBrighton Marine Hospital—$8.70 SS MIDWAY HILLS Crew—$13.00. NORFOLK 14 North Gay St. Calvert 4S39 BOSTON 276 State St. Boudoin 445S BUFFALO 10 Exchange St. Cleveland 7391 CHARLESTON 68 Society St Phone 3-3680 CHICAGO 24 W. Superior Ave. Superior 5178 CLEVELAND ., 1014 E. St. Clair Ave. Main 0147 CORPUS CHRISTI . . 1824 Mesquite -St Corpus Christi 3-1509 DETROIT 1038 Third St. Cadillac 6857 DULUTH 531 W. Michigan St. Melrose '4110 GALVESTON 3053i 22nd St. 2-8448 HONOLULU 16 Merchant St. HOUSTON ;1S1S 75th Street Phone Weatworth 3-3809 JACKSONVILLE 920 Main St. Phone 5-5919 MARCUS HOOK 1'/» W. 8th St. Chester 5-3110 INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS C. R. Lane, $2.00; J. L. Waters, $1.00; F. Knox, $10.00; C. Whitley, $11.00; L. W. Ange, $11.00; R. Smith, $35.00; R. L. Stephenson, $1.00; F. Kraul, MOBILE $11.00. NEW YORK SS W. M. CHRISTIANSEN G. A. Mettler, $1.00; S. Woodruff, $2.00; Mike Hook, $2.00; J. Yonick, $3.00; J. Stuntebeck, $2.00; J. Jiles, $1.00; V. Zurvaleo, $2.00; P. Brady, $1.00; L. Granville, $3.00; Wm. C. York, $2.00; J. L. Marrero, $2.00; J. Baush, $2.00; L. E. Brow, $2.00; E. Pagazzi, $2.00; J. Marinez, $2.00; J. G. Till, $1.00; -E. J. Day, $1.00; R. H. High, $1.00; R. D. Garrett, $2.00; J. Testani, $2.00. SS COASTAL MARINER C. L. Barb, $1.00: W. Jackowicz, $1.00; J. Lunn, $1.00; O. Fielding, $1.00; H. S. Wihson, $2.00. SS CAPE HORN C. L. Graham, $2.00; C. E. Chandler, $1.00; I.. I. Born, $1.00. SS J. B. HAMILTON J. Risbeck, $2.00; P. Hunt, $5.00; J. Golebieski, $2.00; L. E. Wentz, $3.00; C. W. Emanuel, $3.00; W. D. Sherar, $5.00; G. H. Rowland, $5.00; V. R. Kern, $25.00; W. Koyalevich, $25.00; Hernant Mathisen, $4.00; W. Kenney, $5.00; L. A. Tano, $2.00. SS FORT CHRISTINA Cecil T. Terry, $3.00; Buford J. Wat­ son, $2.00; Elbert A. Meeks, $2.00. SS GEORGE WASHINGTON J. Keesley, $1.00. SS HAWSER EYE W. S. Watkins, $2.00; J. W. Justice, $2.00; W. J. Wilkins, $2.00; H. Zeppenfelt, $1.00; J. L. White, Jr., $2.00; E. M. Yaeger, $1.00; C. Ralkiewicz, $2.00; E. A. Burch, $2.00; A. Mayhew, $1.00; E. Peterson, $1.0; R. Wiseman, $1.00. INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS Wh. Charles Salie, $1.00; B. Willaefova, $1.00; Ira E. Bishop, $10.00. NOTICE! The following men may pick up the items specified by report­ ing to Jimmy Stewart on the 3rd floor in the New York Hall: Claude Robert Stephens, TC A-735—a wallet and tripcard, P. Gracels, A-4412—A wallet, Melvin Hoj^—Seaman's papers and a wallet. Robert Hoyt, Book No. 32254— Seaman's papers and a wallet. 7 St. Michael St. 2-1754 NEW ORLEANS 339 Chartres St. Magnolia 6112-6113 NEW YORK 51 Beaver St. HAnover 2-2784 NORFOLK 127-129 Bank Street 4-1083 PHILADELPHIA 9 South 7th St. Phone LOmbard 3-7651 PORT ARTHUR 445 Austin Ave. Phone: 2-S5;32 PORTLAND Ill W. Burnside St. RICHMOND, Calif 257 ^th St. SAN FRANCISCO 105 Market St. Douglas 5475 - 8363 SAN JUAN, P. R. . . 252 Ponce de Leon San Juan 2-5996 SAVAIVNAH 220 East Bay St. 3-1728 SEATTLE 86 Seneca St. Main 0290 TAMPA 1809-1811 N. Franklin St. M-1323 TOLEDO 615 Summit St. WILMINGTON 440 Avalon VIvd. Terminal 4-3131 VICTORIA, B. C 602 Boughton St. VANCOUVER 144 W. Hastings St. PERSONALS fK The following Brothers ar.e re­ quested to contact Joe Votpian, Special Services representative, as soon as possible, at the iNew York Hall on the fifth floor: Abraham Baizman, Maurice Ro­ senthal, Ralph Swillinger, and Richard J. Delaney. This pertains to the death of Max Kurtz aboard the SS Sea Dolphin, Waterman Line, in May 1946. Any bther witnesses are also requested to contact Joe Volpian. XXX FRANCIS W. KENNEFIC WILLIAM ELLIOTT STANLEY BROWN Will these men, who witnessed the accident incurred by Gustaf Von Thillo on the SS Alcoa Part­ ner, please get in touch with the latter's attorney, B. B. Sterling, 42 Broadway, N. Y. » » » STEVE PETERSON Drop a line to Art at the Bal­ timore Hall, 14 North Gay St. Federation Asks Prosecution : Of Georgia Anti-Labor Mobsters ATLANTA, Ga.—Charges that one of its organizers was beaten almost to death November I were made here by the American Fed­ eration of Labor, which declared the assault was committed by members of a mob at Thomaston, Ga. Immediate demand upon the Department of Justice and State and local law enforcement agen­ cies for "vigorous prosecution" of those responsible for the beating was made by George L. Googe, director of the Southern AFL campaign to enroll 1,000,000 new members. Googe charged that the vio­ lence was instigated "at the best of- the cotton mill owner^ in Upson County." The AFIi is seeking to organize workers in some of the textile mills of the county. Googe said the labor organizer, identified as Robert Walk, was taken to a Thomaston hospital where 47 stitches were taken in his head as a result of- a beating about the face with a blackjack. .,i i. �•^v. •(^. ' '• : •]^ge Twelre T R E SE4F4nERSL O C, Hardworking Seafarers Did Job NMU Money Ceuid Net Buy Friday, December 6, 1946 VOLUNTEER =1: When the votes were counted • in the election to pick a bargain­ ing agent for the men of tlie Isth­ mian Lines, it was noticeable that on quite a few ships the NMU received not one vote. One such •.£hip was the John Mosby, which A'oted 28 to 0 in favor of the SIU. It was more than a coincidence that the volunteer organizer aboai-d the Mosby at, the time it voted was Charles "Whitey" •^annehill, who had plenty of exf)erience sailing on unorganized ahips during Organizing Drives. The Mosby was not the first Isth­ mian ship he was on, either. By the time he shipped out on the ^osby, he already had four trips on the Joaquin Miller and one trip'on the Peter V. Daniel under "his belt. ' Even nou", with the voting over, Tannehill continues to sail Isth­ mian, so that when the SIU is officially proclaimed the vvinner, Isthmian will be forced to bargain ,with the union. GOOD JOB l!:- Not only did Whitey do a good job on the Mosby, but when the Petei V. Daniel voted, 24 votes lyere recorded for the SIU, while the NMU collected a big 1. And it would have been the same on the Joaquin Miller if company stalling hadn't forced •most of the men off the vessel before the voting started. Out of all the men eligible, only eight voted and these were main­ ly company stiffs. So the com­ pany chalked up seven and the SIU got only one. Whitey Tannehill was in the Log office this week, and we took '.the opportunity to have a long ' talk with him. After all, he has ' been in the Isthmian Organizing Campaign since it started, and as well as anyone else, he knows . the inside story on why the NMU •took such a terrific licking on the .voting. "On the face of it," he said in -reply to the question, "it looks "like the NMU should have won a shoo in. They had more organ­ izers, they spent money like • .water, took prospects on boat rjdes, but it didn't do a bit of good. When the chips were down, the. men wanted the SIU to rep* resent them." CP INTERFERED ship is the work that counts when for a trip to the Far East. Most of the crew are members the voting begins, I ought to know, because I have worked at of the SIU, and they are going both jobs." to stay aboard so that Isthmian will have to institute SIU wages CHANGED ATTITUDE and conditions in all the vessels Whitey saw the change that of their fleet. As Whitey Tannehill left the took place among the Isthmian men. When he first went aboard office, Paul Hall, Director of org­ in the days when the drive was anization and New York Port still young,-very few of the men Agent, came in. He looked over the notes for the story, and he even wanted to talk to him. commented, "Whitey Tannehill They contended that Isthmian is a good example of the type of could never be organized, and spirit that gained an overwhelm­ they did not want to get into any ing majiority for us in the Isth­ trouble by talking to a Union or­ mian election. He is a rugged ganizer. SIU member who is willing to Little by little that attitude sail on an unorganized ship so changed to one of anxiety to join that he can pass the word," the SIU and to make Isthmian another company contracted to the Seafarers Internatimial Union, % "They became very receptive to our talk," Tannehill recalls, "Once they saw that we mean|, business, and that we were not going to leave them in a lurch, they sign­ The pressure- that the Sea­ ed pledge cards, and became farers International Union is put­ staunch in their support of the Union, Very few men wanted to ting on the United States Public stay unorganized." Heiilth Service to rectify poor The Seafarers Log came in for conditions in the Marine Hospi­ plenty of praises. According to tals is having its effect. Whitey, the Log and the SIU con­ Conditions have already been tracts were the best pieces of organizational material he had. bettered at the Staten Island Hos­ pital, and as a result of a story LOG IMPORTANT in the Seafarers Log about the "Thej' read the Log from front cold food at the Neponsit Hospi­ to back," he says, "and they be­ tal, a new unit was installed lieved every word. The Log which will make it possible for printed only the truth, and those all patients to be served with hot men realized it. Then when we compared the NMU contracts food. with the SIU agreements — well The latest hospital conditions that usually was enough to make to be brought to light in the up their minds. I always carried pages of the Log ai'e those at the copies of two agreements with Galveston institution. Complaints me whenever I went on board an about the poor food, and lax Isthmian ship." medical treatment led to the dis­ Tannehill is Ships' Delegate patching of a letter to Dr. Thomas aboard the Steel Artisan. With Parran, Surgeon General, United him when he came to the Log States Public Health Service, office was the Deck Delegate, pointing out conditions as they exist and calling on him to take William Grabenauer. steps to rectify them. The ship is functioning like a regular SIU vessel, and besides •A reply has been received from Ships' and Deck Delegates, Bro­ the PHS Which, if lived up to, ther Barlizo has been elected will go a long way to make things Stewards Delegate and Brother more comfortable for the men at Mitchell has been selected to rep­ the Galveston Marine Hospital, and which will ensure. them of resent the Blaclc Gang. satisfactory service in the fuMeetings arc scheduled to be tui-e held every two weeks unless It is the sincerest hope of the something special comes up. members of the SIU that the The Steel Artisan crewed up in pledges made in the letter will be Houston. From there she visited carried out, and that conditions Galveston, New Orleans, and she in all Marine Hospitals will be is now in New York preparing rectified so that all patients will With three Isthmian ships behind him, Whitey Tannehill is ready for more organizing work. SIU Letter Brings Promise Of Galveston investigation One of the factors that did a J lot toward bringing Isthmian in­ to the SIU fold was the fact that •many NMU organizers were so busy with work for the commun. ist party that they had little • time to do any work for their tinion. "Communism was an issue that "helped beat the N M U," said Whitey. "This was especially true The Coast Guard's vice-like I on the Gulf where many of their grip on the merchant seamen's spaid men were active CP mem^rbers and were always busy doing existence is even tighter when it vparty work. When the Isthmian is applied in European ports. -Trnen learned the score, they voted Evidence in support of this ; against being represented by a contention was sharply pointed •communist-dominated union." up this week when several crewAnother point that Tannehill members of the Los Angeles •4 wanted to bring out was that the Tanker Grande Ronde told of -.'•eagerness of the SIU oldtimers personal experiences with the >^to ship Isthmian helped in the Coast Guard's application of jus­ drive; These oldtimers really re­ tice. sponded to the call for volunteer The men just returned to the organizers, and it was those men States on their own after their ^who did the job, papers had been suspended, by a ' - "Shoreside organizers are all Coast Guard Commander in Port V right," Tannehill said, grinning, Du Bouc, 30 miles from Marsailf'but the work that is done aboard, les, France, One more threat to the free American method of collective bargaining has been eliminated now that the Division of Re­ cruitment and Manning, formerly •the RMO-WSA, will cease its re­ cruiting and dispatching service effective December 31, 1946. A great deal of the ci-edk for this action is duo to the pressure of the SIU and the SUP, Both or­ ganizations have devoted a great deal of time and effort to knock out this Government setup which has, since its inception, consti­ tuted a threat to free labor and was a constant source of scab la­ bor. Besides being a resei'voir of scabs, the RMO has wasted mil­ lions of dollars needlessly. Func­ tioning as a bureaucratic agency, it was unable to accomplish any of the tasks set for it without the expenditure of vast sums of the taxpayers money. The abolish­ ment of this department is a vic­ tory for the taxpayers and for the Seafarers International Union. be assured of the best medical service. The letter from the U. S. PHS follows: November 26, 1946 TO: ALL STEAMSHIP OPER­ ATORS, AGENTS, and Mr, J. H. Volpian MARITIME UNIONS Special Service Representative Seafarers International Union FROM: HOWARD A. PELLON, of North America Regional Representative Atlantic & Gulf District SUBJECT: ELIMINATION OF New York 4. N. Y. MANNING SERVICE Dear Mr. J. H. Volpian: As part of the U.S. Maritime Receipt ic acknowledged of Commission's policy to reduce your letter of November 20, in scope or eliminate programs 1946 transmitting complaints of as rapidly as conditions permit, the food and treatment admin­ the Division of Recruitment istered to members of your and Manning (formerly RMOunion hospitalized in the U. S. WSA) will discontinue its em­ Marine Hospital, Galveston, ergency manning service effec­ Texas. tive December 31, 1946. After You may be assured that the that date, our Division will U. S. Public Health Service has neither -recruit, register, nor the welfare of these men at have seamen available for dis­ heart and every effdrt will be patch to ships under delay or made to correct unsatisfactory threatened with delay. service. We should like to take this A copy of your letter is being opportunity of expressing our transmitted to the Medical Ofsincere appreciation of your iicer in Charge of that station cooperation throughout the war with a request that he investi­ and during the fifteen months gate conditions mentioned in since hostilities ceased. • your letter, and if possible lake Following I'oceipt of this let­ the necessary steps to rectify ter, another notification was re­ them. The Public Health Service ceived which clarified the orig­ has no other wish than to give inal notice. This letter was all their beneficiaries the best signed by R, V, Mullany, Atlan­ of medical service. To thai end tic Coast Regional Representa­ your letter will receive prompt tive of the Division of Recruit­ ment and Manning, The letter attention. follows: Sincerely yours. Otis L. Anderson, Seafarers International Union Medical Director 51 Beaver Street, Chief, Hospital Division New York, New York. Seamen Put Under Double Jeopardy, Pay Twice, Once To Civil Authorities, Then To Coast Guard In all, 13 Grande Ronde crewmembers had,their papers lifted for periods of -four, to six months for minor offenses which they had previously settled with French authorities, James C, Oliver, acting AB, spokesmen for the group, told how he had paid a fine in a French court, only to be hauled before the Coast Guard there for the same thing. In a decision having all the earmarks of double jeopardy^ a Coast Guard, Commandant slap­ ped a six month suspension on Oliver, The other suspensions followed the same pattern. RMO is Out; Long Fight Of SiU Pays Off In addition to depriving the men of their only means of live­ lihood, the Coast Guard imposed severe hardship on the men by having them removed from their ship immediately, and forcing them to return to the otates on their own, A striking example of the Coast Guard's inability to deal fairly and squarely with merchant sea­ men, these cases are an even more glaring example of injus­ tice because the men had already squared accounts for thd infrac­ tions,- which were entirely with­ in civil jurisdiction, and in no way bore any relation to their conduct aboard ship. Gentlemen: Effective December 31, 1346, the Division of Recruitment and Manning will cease re­ cruiting and manning for all vessels. The offices of the Division of Recruitment and Manning will remain open under a reduced staff at the ports of Boston, New York, and Baltimore in the Atlantic Coast District for the processing of Public Law 87. Public Law 87 is the Act which provides that seamen can obtain a Certificate of Substantially Continuous Service upon the completion of their wartime ser­ vice, This Certificate can be used to confirm wartime service, and can also be used to secure re-em­ ployment rights granted to sea­ men under the same law, • � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. 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Title A name given to the resource December 6, 1946 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. VIII, No. 49 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Description An account of the resource Headlines: GENERAL STRIKE CALLED BY AFL IN OAKLAND MINE CASE DECISION IS SEEN AS PERILING LABOR'S BASIC RIGHTS SIU TAKES LEAD TO IMPROVE CONDITIONS IN SNUG HARBOR REGIONAL NLRB DECISION UPHOLDS SEAFARERS IN MIDLAND ELECTION PROMOTING UNEMPLOYMENT TRADE UNIONS MUST PREPARE SELVES FOR THE COMING ANTI-LABOR DRIVE FAIRLAND SKIPPER REALLY THREW HIS WEIGHT AROUND NOW IS THE TIME TO INITIATE FOUR WATCHES ON SIU SHIPS ANTI-PETRILLO LAW IS DECLARED UNCONSTITUTIONAL BY U.S. COURT DULUTH HAS LAST SHIPPING FLURRY AS CLOSE OF LAKES SEASON NEARS BEACH CLEARING RAPIDLY IN N.Y. WITH END OF MARITIME STRIKES PORT BALTIMORE IS STILL HOTSPOT FOR SEAFARERS ORGANIZING DRIVE ALERT CREW HELPS IN COLLECTING 1500 HOURS DISPUTED OVERTIME ENGINEER HAS VERY BAD CASE OF SOUR GRAPES UNORGANIZED VISIT SIU HALL IN TOLEDO CG HANGS UP WHEN CO GOES TO LUNCH PILGRIM CREWMAN'S INJURIES LAID TO UNSAFE CONDITIONS WIPER TAKES HANDICAP AT JAMAICA, BWI SIU MEN INJURED IN RESCUE OF MOTOR SHIP OFF AZORES CHICAGO SHIPS BEGIN TYING UP AS WINTER HALTS LAKE SHIPPING NMU LEADERSHIP FLOUTS CHOICE OF ISTHMIAN MEN BUFFALO REPORTS SIU ENJOYED RECORD SHIPPING RECAPITULATION SHOWS SEAFARERS WON BIG GAINS ON GREAT LAKES BLAST AGAINST HIRING HALL FIRST STEP TO SMASH UNION FEDERATION ASKS PROSECUTION OF GEORGIA ANTI-LABOR MOBSTERS HARDWORKING SEAFARERS DID JOB THAT NMU MONEY COULD NOT BUY RMO IS OUT; LONG FIGHT OF SIU PAYS OFF SIU LETTER BRINGS PROMISE OF GALVESTON INVESTIGATION SEAMEN PUT UNDER DOUBLE JEOPARDY, PAY TWICE, ONCE TO CIVIL AUTHORITIES, THEN TO COAST GUARD Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 12/06/1946 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1946 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/9c6f4e4f39352d584d9bf38ecdc0e39a.PDF 43c1c5ed8e653e90bca4e2b4e68875d9 PDF Text Text f^'AK;'f:,'-"^-" •'-:fe?SiS?f>BWR?^.-::7" •"-"V;'5;»^ ; • • ' ••^'.'.•.•5*^-'.. ••*•-••-•'' wr •.iTy-aS.-'' • •'- _i 'K'i>"i TS .. Official Organ of the Atlantic and Gulf District, Seafarers International Union of North America NEW YORK. N. Y., FRIDAY. DECEMBER 13. 1948 Vol. VIII. AFLTugboatmen Will Ballot On Strike Action BACK TO NORMAL, AGAIN! For the first lime in quite a few weeks the LOG is back to its normal sise of sixteen pages. We won't attempt to blast the big-shots who bought up all the paper, but we know that many other labor papers suffered and few daily papers which accepted advertising suffered in the slightest degree. It's too early to crow, but we can hope that the newsprint shortage is over for good, and we will be able to continue our sixteen pages for the future. During the entire course of the shortage, the coverage of news important to seamen was not short-changed. Some features were not carried regularly, but all the hot waterfront news ap­ peared in great detail in the pages of the LOG. This week we celebrate our return to normalcy with a special four-page supplement -devoted to a condensation of the Organizing Director's report of the Isthmian campaign. This report covers finances, publicity, number of Isthmian men who joined the SIU. and many other subjects. It has been printed on the middle section so that it can be lifted out and kept for future reference. The article starts on page seven. No. 50 SIU Moves Closer To Isthmian Victory In NLRB Vote Count NEW YORK, Dec. 13—AFL tugboat workers will begin bal­ loting next week on the strike referendum authorized at last Isthmian seamen came one step closer to representation Sunday's meeting of Local 333, as the result of the hearing held on Friday, December 6, in United Marine Division of the In­ ternational Longshoremen's As­ the New York offices of the National Labor Relations sociation. Board. At this hearing three of the votes challenged by Ballots will be sent out through the NMU were thrown out by mutual consent, and the the mails, and length of the vot­ ing period will be about 10 days, remaining 499 votes are being investigated by the Field it was stated at Union headquar­ Examiner. ters. Appearing for the SIU at the informal hearing were Negotiations between represenPaul Hall, Director of Organiza-t— atives of the union and the tug­ tion; Morris Wei.sberger, SUP boat operators broke off on Mon­ New York Port Agent; Earl Shep-, day, when the union rejected the pard, in charge of the Isthmian' operators latest offer—a meager Campaign; Harold Banks, in 8 percent wage increase—which charge of SIU Organizing on the was upped from the original of­ West Coast; and Ben Sterling, fer of a 4 per cent raise. attorney for the SIU. Capt. William V. Bradley, president of the local, and head The principal charge being OAKLAND, Calif., Dec. 5—• of the union negotiating commit­ made by the NMU, as a basis for With dramatic suddenness, from walking out of the mines. Gaining a decisive victory against tee, told the Log that his organi­ The miners quit work five days challenging the votes which rep­ John L. Lewis ordered the 400,000 zation was standing fast in its soft coal miners back to the pits after Lewis' notice of cancella­ resent the entire votes of twelve the use of professional strike­ demand for i-eduction- of the last Saturday, ending the 17-day tion. It was then that the Federal ships, is collusion. This charge breakers and interference by the present 48-hour work week to 40 strike which resulted in contempt Judge imposed the heavy pen­ has no foundation in fact and is i police of Oakland, California, the hours, a dollar-a-day increase in an attempt by the NMU to cover I fines of $3,500,000 imposed on the alty. wages, time and a half for Satur­ up its own failure to organize leaders of 142 AFL locals called United Mine Workers and $10, Under terms of the agreement off a general strike which had day and double time for Sunday. the Isthmian seamen. 000 on Lewis personally. carried over when the govern­ AFL COUNCIL paralyzed all activity in that city The only thing that the delay­ Meanwhile, the Supreme Court ment seized the mines last spring, Captain Bradley said also that either side could give five days ing tactics of the NMU is accom­ for two days. he and Joseph Ryan, ILA Presi­ has agreed to hear an appeal of plishing is to deprive the Isth­ Reaching an agreement with notice of cancellation. dent, planned to call a meeting the case on Jan. 14. mian men of strong Union repre­ John F. Hassler, Oakland's City In calling off the strike, the . Organized labor immediately of the local AFL Maritime Trades sentation for a while longer. Manager, the strike steering com­ Department to discuss strategy Mine Workers' president said announced support of the mine mittee in ending the two day At the completion of the in­ that the union's agreement with workers' stand, with denuncia­ in the present situation. walkout, announced that the City tions of the anti-labor verdict vestigation being made by Mr. Meanwhile, conciliators of the the government, which is operat­ administration had agreed not Sidney Levy, the Field Examin­ Federal Department of Labor, ing the mines under seizure,, coming from all sections of the to use police to escort strike­ confronted with a strike possibil­ would run to midnight March 31. AFL, CIO and Railroad Brother­ er, a report will be submitted to breakers through picketlines, and hoods. Mr. Howard LeBarron, Regional Lewis and the union were cited ity when the present contract ex­ that they would refrain from Chief defense attorney Welly Director of the NLRB in this area. in contempt by Federal District pires on Dec. 31, worked fever­ taking sides in all disputes be­ He in turn will issue findings and ishly to effect a peaceful settle­ Court Justice Goldsborough on Hopkins summed up labor's view tween labor and management. Nov. 18, following Lewis' notice of the court order with his dec­ recommendations to all interest­ ment. ed parties. PICKETLINES SMASHED Captain Bradley said that of cancellation of the agreement laration that the Justice Depart­ In the event that any of the union representatives would meet' '''Sned by Secretary of the Inter- ment's recommendations for the The general strike, which ef­ with the operators at 10 o'clock^rug and Lewis. The miners' fines were designed "to break the parties, SIU, NMU, or Company, fectively shut down that city of defendants politically, morally object to any part of the findings, 1,000,000 people for two days, this morning in a conference without any word from their and financially." {Contimied on Page 11) was precipitated when a scab called by the government concili­ chief, quit work under their policy of "no contract, no work." ators. outfit called "The Veterans Justice Goldsborough i-espondTrucking Company," escorted by Last spring. Local 333's mem­ ed to a motion of Justice depart­ armed city police, carried six bership of 3,000 staged 9 crip­ pling 10-day strike when they ment attorneys and issued an in­ t r u c k 1 o a d s of merchandise through picketlines set up by em­ walked off some 350 craft oper­ junction restraining the miners ployees of Kahn's Department ating in New York harbor. While the buying power of the For the 11 months of 1946 they Store. Refusal by the operators to of­ fer an acceptable wage rise to the worker's dollar continues to skid have already received greater Harry Lundeberg, SIU presi­ tugboat workers, who are feeling down, corporation profits are dividends than were handed out dent was a member of the com­ the pinch of zooming prices, for all of 1945. And in December, mittee which planned the gen­ Don't feel bad when voting skyrocketing to unprecedented corporations will set oc a land­ eral strike, and pledged 100 per­ might mean repetition of the has ended because you failed peaks. For 1946, the , first full slide of "extra" dividends. strike earlier in the year. At that cent support of the SIU in the to vote. Once each year SIU year of postwar business, the time,. New York was virtually walkout. "When the strike took Against this background of members elect the officers profit figure will be at least 12 isolated from all supplies. zooming profits the nation's place SIU seamen in Oakland who will lead them for the billion dollars. The ILA is a member of the workers are struggling to make knocked off their ships and join­ ensuing year. This is your This is almost 25 percent moi-e ends meet. A Department of La­ ed the demonstration against the AFL Maritime Trades Depart­ chance, so make the most of than the nine and a half billion bor estimate shows that the real union-smashing tactics of the city ment and any aid that the tugit. From the way reports dollars a year average profits weekly wages of industrial work­ administration. boatmen need in fighting their have been coming in it is ap­ during the lush war yeai-s, and ers have dropped 17 per cent be­ case will be given to them by the parent that all SIU men are With the announcement of the more than 200 per cent better low the wartime level as of other unions which hold mem­ interested in having their say. settlement of the walkout, union than the average profits for the March 1945. In other words, with bership in the Department. At That is why more voles are leaders said the next step would pre-war years of 1936-39. the time of the SIU General being cast in this election profits still soaring, buying pow­ be the arbitration of the dispute Strike, the tugboatmen tied up Stockholders are juicily anti­ er of the dollar is dropping. The between AFL Department Store than were ever cast before. their vessels until the action cipating the slicing of the largest working man doesn't fit into the Clerks and the Merchants Asso­ Have you voted yet? was over. lushest melon in business history. picture at all. ciation. Miners Return To Work; Case Before Supreme Court Profit And Dividends Soar High While Real Wages Keep Dropping Voted Yet? Oakland AFL Victorious In General Strike !- �Page Two THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, December 13, 1946 SEAFARERS LOG Published Weekly by the SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Gulf District Affiliated with the American federation of Labor At n Beaver Street, New York, 4, N. Y. HAnover 2-2784 X X ^ ^ HARRY LUNDEBERG ------- President 105 Market Street, San Francisco, Calif. JOHN HAWK - -- -- -- - Secy-Treas. P. O. Box 25, Station P., New York City Entered as second class matter June 15, 1945, at the Post Office in New York, N. Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912. 267 Propaganda—NMU Style l~> During the recently concluded war, the propaganda mills o£ Hitler ground out the greatest amount of unadul­ terated lies and hog swill that the world had ever seen. Hitler's basic theory was to tell as big a lie as possible with .the thought in mind being that the bigger the lie the more chance there was of people believing that there was some truth in it. Today we have a counterpart to the Hitlerian propa­ ganda in the lies, wild charges, protests and challenges of the National Maritime Union in trying to stall off the final reckoning of the Seafarers' Isthmian victory and deny SIU representation to the Isthmian seamen. These red fascists who have a stranglehold on the 4S1MU must think that the Isthmian seamen, their own members, and the entire waterfront are made up of a bunch of dumb clucks who will swallow any baloney they •put out. How else can they possibly imagine that their lies are going to be accepted and that their shipowners' stooge role will possibly go unnoticed? Here's the real Isthmian story. These are the facts. Read them and make up your own mind as to whom is telling the truth. You be the judge and jury. After only five months of organizational effort, the Seafarers had collected more than enough pledge cards from the Isthmian seamen to petition the National Labor Relations Board for an election to determine the union bargaining agent for the unlicensed personnel of that com­ pany. The SIU petition date was November, 1945. Contrast with this the fact that the NMU tried to organize the Isthmian Fleet over a period of five years, and couldn't get enough pledges to petition! The NMU intervened in the Isthmian election after the SIU had pe­ titioned, and they were granted a place on the Isthmian ballot solely due to the SIU's organizational .efforts in securing pledge cards from more than 50 percent of the Isthmian seamen. ISTHMIAN SCOREBOARD SIU - - - - . NMU . - . . NO UNION CHALLENGED • - = - - 957 " 724 - 64 - 502 TOTAL VALID VOTES - - 2247 I J n It's very significant to note that the SIU reecived- ap­ proximately 5 5 percent of the counted ballots, and that .the 502 votes which were challenged on various phony charges by the NMU came from ships which were all strong for the Seafarers. It is estimated that the SIU's total will be around 60 percent when these 502 challenged ballots are finally counted as most of them are SIU votes. Why are the Isthmian seamen being denied SIU rep­ resentation? Why doesn't the NMU realize that Isthmian men want no part of their communist-dominated outfit? Why doesn't the NMU give up on Isthmian when they are soundly licked? No, the NMU wants to keep their perfect record of company stooging and finky sell-outs! Now the day of reckoning is close. Isthmian seamen will soon have an SIU contract and conditions. They, too, can then join the SIU in a common front against the finks, stooges and sell-out artists of the labor movement. Hospital Patients When entering the hospital notify the delegate by post­ card, giving your name and the number of your ward. Staten Island Hospital Men Now In The Marine Hospitals These are Ihe Union Brol>hers currently in the marine hospitals, as reported by the Port Agents. These Brothers find time hanging heavily on their hands. Do what you can to cheer them up by writ­ ing to them. STATEN ISLAND HOSPITAL M. TROCHA C. OLIVER T. WADSWORTH C. KUPLICKI G. A. LUETH E. F. SPEAR R. G. MOSSELLER W. G. H. BAUSE W. B. MUIR L. L. MOODY H. BELCHER C. RASMUSSEN L. A. CORNWALL E. N. DuPONT C. KOLSTE C. R. POTTER E. J. BONNER XXX NEW ORLEANS HOSPITAL NORMAN PALLME DALE BARNES W. QUARLES J. W. DENNIS W. BROCE JR. H. G. DARNELL "SCOTTY" ATKINS R. E. FRINK EDWARD CUSTER K. PETTERSSEN WM. COUNCIL BARGONE JACINTO NAVARRO MAX SEIDEL CENTRAL MASON R. M. NOLAN W." LEWIS XXX BALTIMORE HOSPITAL MELVIN MERCER ROBERT KUNTZ RAYMOND GERHARD ROBERT CAVENDER CARL SCHULTZ PETER LOPEZ MAX FINGERHUT FRANCIS O'BRIEN BUCK SHERWIN RALPH FREY XXX GALVESTON HOSPITAL LONGKEMPT PAURGASON—SUP ALDERHOLDS KING MITCHELL DOWELL DEETRECH SWENSON CASTAGNERE—B.C. MULKE You can contact your Hos­ pital delegate at the Staten Island Hospital at the follow­ ing times: Tuesday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on 5th and 6th floors) Thursday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on 3rd and 4th floors.) Saturday—1:30 to 3:30 p. xn, (on 1st and 2nd floors.) NEPONSIT HOSPITAL LINDER CLARK J. FIGUEROA L. L. LEWIS H. SELBY H. BURKE J. S. COMPBELL B. ISRYDER B. LUFLIN G. F. McCOMB E. FERRER R. BLAKE J. R. HENCHEY XXX SAN JUAN HOSPITAL N. R. E. A. P. F. HAMMER SAUNDERS LARKIN ACEVEDO FELECIANO APUNTE XXX ELLIS ISLAND HOSPITAL D. MCDONALD J. KOSLUSKY �Friday. December 13, 1946 THE SEAFARERS LOG AFL Staff Officers Association Is Only Certified Pursers' Union Steamship Corporation, General By THOMAS B. HILL AMMSOA N. Y, Represenlative , Steamship Corporation, James Griffith, Hammond Shipping, The Staff Officers Association, Interocean Steamship Corpora­ AFI., is not interested in carry­ tion, Luckenbach Steamship ing on a smear campaign Company, Olympic Steamship against the National Maritime Company, O. J. Olson & Com­ Union in regards to the coming pany, Poper & Talbot Inc., Mcelections and the organization of Cormick Steamship Company, Pursers. However, a recent openj Pacific Atlantic Steamship Com­ letter from the NMU to their pany, Sudden & Christenson, ships' committees has made sev­ Matson Navigation, Shepard eral misstatements which must Steamship Company, Wirehaeuser be. clarified for the benefit of all .Steamship Company, Union Sul­ Pursers. phur Company, Alaska Transpor­ By this time the letter has been tation, Northland Transportation, widely circulated and all Pursers [ American Pacific Steamship Com­ are pretty familiar with it. The pany, and Pacific Tankers. AMMSOA has pointed out on AFL SUPPORT many occasions that Pursers and Assistant Pursers should join an The open letter advises organization that represents only that you could expect no support the Staff Officers. We still main­ becaiuse the unlicensed crew is tain that that is whei'e they be­ NMU. I would like to call to your long. attention that the Masters, Mates Wo have now been accused of! and Pilots is an AFL organization, failing to tell our membership | and you are pledged the full sup­ that we are part of the Seafarers port of all AFL maritime unions Intel-national Union, AFL, but through the powerful AFL Mari­ time Trades Department which that is not strictly true. consists of every AFL maritime We have our separate organi­ union. zation although we are proud to The NMU is of the understand­ be associated with a Union which ing that some steamship com­ has done so much to benefit the, panies have granted the unlicensed seamen in the past years. In fact, it was the immense gains made by the SIU recently which made it possible for the NMU and the other CIO mari­ time unions to be granted in­ creases. Now the NMU has the nerve to scream that it is the union that has benefited sea­ men. Their record speaks for it­ self. SCUTTLED BY NMU The open letter is correct in stating that at one time the Pur­ sers did belong to the NMU back in 1939. But having paid dues for a long period of time, their re­ quest for support was turned down by none other than the writer of the open letter, Joseph Curran, president of the NMU. If the requested support had been forthcoming, as promised, the Pursers wouldn't have had to worry about discrimination and victimization by the companies. The letter goes on to say that the NMU has been attempting to organize Pursers for the past six years. They have certainly built up quite a record in that time, having exactly NO collective bar­ gaining contracts covering Pur­ sers. Tlie true reason why the NMU is interested in organizing is be­ cause their own membership is decreasing. This causes a loss of revenue, and they would like to make this up by taking in Pur­ sers. Evidence of this is seen in the fact that they want four months dues in advance, but they will give away a free book, which is the only way they could pos­ sibly induce Staff Officers to join. ENTIRE WEST COAST I I |l The AMMSOA was listed as having about ten West Coast companies under contract. This Association has collective bar­ gaining agreements with every West Coast company, some of which are listed here: AmericanHawaiian Steamship Company, Alaska Packers, American Presi­ dent Lines, American Mail, Burns Steamship, Chamberlain Steamship. Coastwise PFE line. Pacific Far East Line, De La Rama Page Three FOR SIU IN A BIG WAY mm AMMSOA desk space in their offices for the purpose of organiz­ ing the pursers. What imagina­ tion! But of course, someone must be blamed for the failure of the NMU to do so. The SS Washington is used as an incident where the NMU claims to have benefited the pur­ sers. The true facts are that the AMMSOA negotiated the first overtime for pursers at the li­ censed officers rates several months prior to the time the War Shipping Administration saw fit to grant overtime to pursers not covered by collective bargaining contracts. Again the NMU was ready to step forward and claim that they alone had obtained Above is pictured part of the crew of Isthmian's SS .nnovertime for pursers. niston "Victory, a ship that voted for the Seafarers by an over­ The AMMSOA is the only AFL whelming majority. Most of the Isthmian fleet did the same. Pursers association, and is the For more pictures of Isthmian crews, and for a condensed de­ only bona fide organization ever port on the campaign, turn to the middle section. certified by the National Labor Relations Board as the bargain­ ing agent for the purpose. It is apparent in summarizing the open letter that the NMU not. only has done nothing to benefit the pursers, but knows From the ballyhoo that blares ships in the far-flung corners of nothing in regards to the pursers department of the Merchant forth every time a mink-coated the earth. For the steady, well-done job. lady donates a couple of dough­ Marine. Seafarers join Joe Burns in being nuts to some seamen's service it proud of Mrs. Burns and her would appear that nobody else supporting co-workers. ever makes a contribution toward making a seamen's life a bit more pleasant. But the quiet, unas­ suming efforts of Mrs. Ruth Burns knocks that assumption into a cocked hat. Seafarers' Wife Is Still On The Job Supplying Magazines For Seamen Special Board To Rid Govt. Of Communists Since 1943, Mrs. Burns who, by the way, is the able wife of an WASHINGTON—Under an Ex­ able Bosun, Seafarer Joe Burns, ecutive Order, signed by Presi­ has been busy collecting books dent Truman, a new board has and current magazines by the By JOE VOLPIAN been set up to study the Govern­ hundi'eds for Seafarers to read ment's methods of testing the in their off work moments. The Admiralty Court of the to come to the trial, he himself loyalty of its employees, and de­ United States has adopted the • would be chai-ged with criminal Mrs. Burns' project is no small- signed to purge the Government's rule that "Seamen are wards of negligence and would be thrown fry effort. When she began her' payrolls of communists and fas­ in jail for years. That it was just the Admiralty Court". Congress a question of saving his own skin, book and magazine roundup, she cists. enlisted the support of her co­ This action follows pressure by has passed certain laws safe­ so he had to testify against the workers at H. L. Green and Com­ the American Federation of La­ guarding the rights of seamen seaman. pany, in New York City. bor that such a commission be and the judges usually have in­ Mrs. Burns' fellow-workers — established to remove any per­ UNLAWFUL terpreted the laws liberally and 250 of them— eagerly and reg­ sons proven to be subversive It is our opinion that the meth­ fairly. ularly responded to her requests Unfortunately, the companies ods used to induce the witness to for reading material for Seafarers. agents. The commission is to be made that run the ships have adopted, testify was, to put it mildly, just up of one representative each BUSY GALS to say the least, a quite contrary a bit too strong. He was forced from the Justice, State, Treasury, to tell a story that would prove Daily they would come to work view. and War Departments and of the Recently a young seaman was that it was the man's own fault carrying books and magazines. Civil Service Commission. The Every month or so when Mrs. j hurt so badly while in the service foi' being hurt. Burns had garnered about. 200 Justice Department representa­ If the witness testified that it of his ship, that he was given up tive will serve as chairman. The for dead. He had to have day was his negligence that caused volumes, she'd package them up group is expected to report to and night nurses to attend him the accident, he thought that he for distribution to Seafarers in the President by January 1, 1947, 24 hours a day. Fortunately, he would be arrested; so being hu­ the Union Halls, aboard their, after which it will go out of ex­ will eventually pull through: but man he had to testify against the ships, and to seamen's hangouts. istence. Then the process would start all he will never be the same again. man. A similar body was proposed over again. ' Legally, the witness could not He will be crippled for the rest last year in the House of Reprebe prosecuted for criminal neg­ Df his life. The work of Mrs. Burns and sentaives by the House Civil ligence in an accident case unless her co-workers in behalf of Sea­ Service subcommittee. In public SURPRISE WITNESS he intended to hurt the other farers was no patriotic stunt de­ hearings this group was particu­ Feeling that he was incapable man. The witness could not be signed for the period of the war larly critical of "communist ten­ of protecting his interests, he re­ forced to come from the west alone. The magazine and book dencies" of some members of the tained a lawyer to prosecute his to New York to testify because collecting has continued unabated State Department, and urged a claim. Eventually, the case came ho was not within the jurisdiction right through the war's end. special commission to unify se­ up for trial and, lo and behold, of the court when the trial was Last Monday, Seafarer Burns, ^ curity, and to allocate funds to the company produced a witness being held. grunting under the burden of permit fingei-printing of all Gov­ who testified against his fellow Lastly, Congress has passed a some 200 periodicals and books ernment jobholders. worker. law dealing directly with ship­ which his wife had commissioned This new commission is an out­ This testimony, as we have ping casualities. The section di­ him to deliver to his Union bro­ growth of the group's urging, and heard, is very damai.Vng and rects that any person attempting thers, staggered into the Hall on its recommendations have been might caus'e the man to lose his to coerce a witness or to induce passed along to the new commis­ Beaver Street. case. We don't know yet because them to testify falsely in connec­ sion to be considered. He turned the mass of reading the judge reversed his decision. tion with a shipping casuality No power has been given to the matter over to Jimmy Steward, new board to fire employes. They After the trial, the witness ap­ shall be fined $5,000 or imprison­ in charge of the recreation room, are supposed only to determine proached the injured seaman and ^ ed for one year or both. and Seafarers are already delving standards for judging the loyalty apologized for testifying against • Don't let anybody force you to into the fruits of the Buims' col­ of the employes and applicants him. He said he did not want to testify against your will or to lection. come to New York to appear at testify falsely, because if you for Federal employment, and to the trial from out west, but was don't tell the truth- on the stand Moreover, some of this material study means of removing or dis­ forced to do so. | you are then really guilty, and will soon be providing an even­ qualifying from employment any ing's reading for Seafarers aboard disloyal or subversive person. He was told that if he refused can be prosecuted for perjury. •f • 'ill ••4 •I �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Four Friday, December 13, 1948 NMU Losing Out With Unorganized Because Of Its Staiiing Tactics By EARL SHEPPARD QUESTION.-—How has the cost of living affected you? This question was suggested a few weeks ago. We think that it is interesting enough to the membership to devote several columns to the subject. HEMSLEY M. GUINIER, Stew.: From day to day the situation gets worse. Prices are going up from hour to hour, food and other commodities are scarce, and no matter what happens, the wages stay at a low level. I have very little to do with the buying, but my wife tells me plenty. She says that a dollar isn't worth very much now, and that shopping is like a treasure hunt. Attempts to blame this situation on the re­ cent strikes is silly. The strikes lhat labor has participated in have been for the purpose of equaliz­ ing wages with high prices. No decision has yet been hand­ ed down by the NLRB as a result of the informal hearing held last Friday, December 6, on the Isth­ mian case. HowQyer, the decision should be announced very shortly and we'll know then how. long it will be before the Seafarers is certified as the collective bargain­ ing agent for the Isthmian sea­ men. That's what all the Isth­ mian crewmembers are most in­ terested in, "How long will it be before we're working under an SIU contract and SIU conditions?" Our only answer to these many questions is, "Boys, just as soon as the NLRB certifies the SIU to represent you, then we'll begin at once to negotiate the kind of an SIU contract you've fought for so hard." ROGER FONTAINE, Deck Eng. My name isn't Rockefeller, so havent been able to buy anything new for a long time. No seaman can afford to pay the exorbitant prices that are being asked for food and clothing today. I can't afford to go out on a date because every place in town wants an arm or a leg in settlement of the check. Until I strike gold some­ place I'm just going to wear the clothes I have on right now. Be­ One main result of the phony sides that I will have to do with­ stand taken by the commie NMU out decent food and entertain­ misleaders in holding up the final ment. It's a dirty shame that Isthmian election results is to prices are so much out of line. make their outfit the most un­ popular on the entire waterfront. Isthmian seamen are burned up over the company stooge role played by the NMU, and right­ fully blame them for the entire delay. They know that if it hadn't been for the NMU's delaying tac­ tics they would now have an SIU contract covering Isth­ mian ships. ; It's a tough job to talk to these ; Isthmian .seamen, and try to calm J' them down. They're mad — damn mad — at still being left without SIU representation on their beefs and demands. These boys have reached the stage where they are talking direct act­ ion, where they want to strike the Isthmian ships in order to gain an SIU contract, and where they want immediate action or they're going to know the reason why. HOLD TIGHT iiiis ifcis HOY WHITE, Oiler: The restaurant where I usually eat now charges 90c for the same meal that cost only 5Qc a few months ago. That's quite a jump in price. Beer has remained at 10c per glass, but the glass is getling mightly small nowadays. It's getting so that a man just can't live ashore anymore, and there are not enough jobs around on ships. I'm single, so I guess I cLon't feel the pinch as much as the married men, but even so I have plenty of trouble making ends meet. I couldn't get married now if I wanted to. JAMES RONALDSON, OS: The high cost of living has af­ fected me so much that I haven't been able to buy anything for a long time. I need plenty of things, but I have to spend practically all my money for food and shel­ ter. If I want to go to a movie I have to plan for it and budget for it. That's no way to have to live. A man who works should at least be able to buy a suit of clothes every now and then, go to the movies occasionally, and not have to worry about eating. I can't understand why prices should be so far ahead of wages. ii® All SIU organizers and repre­ sentatives are urging the Isth­ mian seamen to sit tight for a little while longer. This matter has gone this far now, and in spite of the finky part played by the NMU in playing the com­ pany's stooge, it won't be much longer before the entire situation is cleared up. The NMU is running the most colossal bluff of their entire crook­ ed career. They have been hoping that it would kid their members, the general public, and the entire waterfront, into beleiving that they had a chance to win Isth­ mian so that they could be ex­ cused for throwing away all of the NMU's cabbage that they have. Yes, we said a mouthful when we stated that the NMU was fast becoming the most unpopular out­ fit on the waterfront. As a result of the tactics played by the "Rule or Ruin" boys in the NMU, that outfit has thoroughly lost what little reputation that they might have had left after their ten year span of life. SMOOTH SAILING By holding tight on the Isth­ mian ships, the unorganized sea­ men are making sure that they are in a position to back up any play by the Seafarers when we begin to negotiate a contract with that Gompony. If the Isthmian Company proves the least bit tough in bargaining negotiations with the SIU, these crews are ready and willing to job action the ships or do anything else necessary to the winning of the contract. ^ We're not being rosy-glassed optimists when we say that it should be smooth sailing ahead for Isthmian unlicensed person­ nel once they have an SIU con­ tract. The actual negotiation should not be a difficult job. We don't expect to get anything on a platter from Isthmian, but when our union has the solid backing that we have today from the Isth­ mian crews, nothing is ^ too hard for us. OTHER ORGANIZING Well leaving Isthmian for a while until we get some more news on it, a little time and space should be devoted to a report of other organizing activities. No date has as yet been set for the start of the Cities Service elec­ tion but news on this should be forthcoming from the NLRB very shortly. As far as the organizing drive within the Cities Service Fleet, this is running vei-y smo­ othly with the SIU gaining strength. Several other outfits are in the process of being organized, but no report on the progress will be made at this time. However, we are very confident that the SIU is going to take over a number of these unorganized tanker out­ fits as well as some dry cargo companies. As fast as these companies reach the stage where we have a majority of the unlicensed per­ sonnel signed up on pledge cards, the SIU will immediately petition for an election. The SIU is mov­ ing forward, and will continue to move forward until all of the un­ organized seamen are organized. That's the Seafarers' goal. Carl Lawson It's a far cry from the Aus­ tralian Navy to sailing SlU-contracted ships, and if you don't believe that statement ask Carl Lawson, Bosun. Carl started his life at sea as a sailor in the Aus­ tralian Navy, but as he puts it, "I never was a lover of the Navy. Too much red tape. I like mer­ chant ships better." Carl comes by his seafaring life naturally; His father was a sailor, and although his mother wanted to apprentice him to an engineer­ ing company, Carl had listened to his father's stories too long to be persuaded. Until 1932 it was the Navy for Carl, but that year he decided against re-enlisting, and instead made his way to the United States. Shipping was at a low ebb that year, and so the only ships that Lawson could get jobs on were those belonging to foreign countries. After a few years of this, he went back to New Zea­ land where shipping was a little easier. For four hours the Awatea was. continually attacked >by torpedo planes. Three of the enemy air­ ships were brought down in flames by the accurate fire of the gun crew, but the odds were too much, and finally one tin fish found its mark. NEW ZEALAND SHIPS All the troops were gotten off First thing he did there was safely, but nine crewmembers to join the New Zealand Sea­ lost their lives while supervising men's Union. Besides joining the the debarking procedure. organization he became very ac­ tive, and was often elected Union TO THE U. S. Delegate to various meetings and After this, Carl was sent to conventions. England for a rest, and then was For the next few years he supposed to return to New Zea­ lived a quiet life on the NZ to land. He refused to do this, and California run. But this phase prevailed on the American Con­ was soon over, and 1939 saw the sul to get him a ship for the start of the war in Europe. NZ, United States. He did so, and with the other parts of the Brit­ Carl started on his way aboard ish Empire, went right ' i bat­ the John Marshall. tle, and instead of tran„,, jrting "Maybe I was a jinx," he says freight, ships started carrying!, in recollection, "but the first troops. night out of Liverpool we hit a From 1939 until the invasion of rock and had to stay there three Africa, Lawson served on the days before we were -pulled off Awatea, a troop transport that and towed to Scotland." made a glorious name for itself. He couldn't have been too bad Thousands of men were carried a jinx since the ship was loaded on this vessel without one loss with high explosives but still of life. The invasion of North Africa there was no explosion. Finally he made to these shores, was an epic in itself. The Awatea was in the first line of ships go­ and through the recommenda­ ing into the beach. The sky was tion of five full book members, . full of planes, and many of them he was admitted to membership were enemy ships. (Continued on Page 6) �THE SEAFARERS LOG Fziday, December 1^, 1948 Page Five Seatrains May Cease Operation If Cubans Withdraw Subsidy By C. J. (BUCK) STEPHENS Philadelphia Shipping Is Good, Except For The Backdoor Artists NO NEWS?? By J. TRUESDALE are Johnny Bannon, Otto Holpner. Red Healey and Frankie Polando. Quite a few of the men who were on the beach here have shipped out on vessels bound for distant shores. We're wishing all these men the very best of luck on their voyages. With the deadline approaching in the balloting for Union rep­ resentatives for 1947, all indica­ tions point to a new high vote. Voting is going on every day, and so far we have already sur­ passed the total of last year's vote. We hope that the other ports are doing as well on this score. If they are, the final tally PHILADELPHIA — Shipping has been good in Philadelphia, and we are expecting it to be even better within the next few days. There was a very good turnout for the Dec. 4 membership meet­ ing with about 300 members present. It was a good meeting, too, with many oldtimers, quite a few of whom are still around here, in attendance. Among them Seafarers Wins Atlantic Towing In Savannah By ARTHUR THOMPSON 'MT ?•) As a result, they have sched­ Local 1418 recently had their uled two more trips, each of election. This one was recorded as the quietest they have ever had. It was held on December 1, and was conducted in such a way as to give all hands a chance to express their opinions by voting. As the situation regarding ship­ ping improves we will report in the pages of the Log. Right now it is getting better, but no mir­ acles can be expected, so stay where you are and ship from that port. For President Mr. Chittenden was unopposed, but for Vice-Pres­ ident there were eight candidates in the running. Joseph Doane was elected by a count of 497 votes, and the remainder t)f the votes were divided in the follow­ ing manner; Royal Ballinger 17, Later on we may have open Peter S. Gabriel 26, Rudolph Lejobs in New York,, and when that granne 51, Charles Macaluse 127, happens you will see it in print. Tilman Stephens 33, Alonzo Switzer 161, and John Vollmers 54. Corpus Christi Is Different, Needs Seamen By J. S. WILLIAMS CORPUS CHRISTI — For the first time in many weeks we are able to report excellent shipping in this Gulf port. There are very few men on the beach, and, there are jobs for any man in the mood What adds to the general mis­ to take one. ery is that sometimes they take Thfe situation here is much dif­ papers away from a guy after he ferent from what it is in the has been fined by a civil court. larger ports, as we are having That means that a seaman has no difficulty in getting ships for been tried twice for an infrac­ the men. And in the past few tion of the rules, whereas other days we have had to send to Gal­ people have only to defend them­ veston to man the ships that are selves once. It all adds up to calling for crews, which is the more discrimination against mer­ way we like to see things run­ chant seamen. ning. SHIPPING NEWS EXPECT MORE shop contract with the NMU. This maneuver constitutes an unfair labor practice and certain­ ly smacks of a backdoor deal be­ tween the company and the NMU. ^ We feel that if this company wishes to operate it must do so above board, and allow the crews to choose the union of their own choice. We don't believe in these backdoor deals which the NMU is specialist in^ and we are doing Shipping in this port seems to something about it. Other than this beef every­ be on the up-grade. Now that thing is going along pretty well. doesn't mean that you fellows We hope to see the Seatrain out­ in other ports can come to New fit start moving next week, and York and pick up a ship one-twoif it does it will keep us busy three. for awhile. But for the first time in many We'd like to take this oppor­ months, we have jobs listed on tunity, even though we are beat­ the board for all departments, ing the gun somewhat, to wish and a man has a little more pick everyone a Merry Christmas and than he had previously. a Happy New Year, since many After the first of the year, the of the Brothers who are on the situation ought to be even better. beach now may be on their way Ivfany companies are dickering to other points when the holidays for ships which they will place roll around. in operation sometime in the be­ 100 PER CENT AFL The MM&P also won its elec­ tion in that same outfit a short time ago, so the company is now 100 per cent AFL. Their full co­ operation during the recent strike led us to believe we would win and the ballots proved us correct. Business in Savannah is very slow. We shipped four men to the SS Thomas Reed which is now in the boneyard, and four more are taking the SS Laura Keene to the same place today. This leaves us with no ships in port at the present writing. We have 30 full book members oni the beach and 14 trip card mem-,bers. We hope to get them all out before Christmas, but we're not sure of anything coming in. May­ be next week will tell a different story. Let's hope so anyway. This will sure be a tough break because Seatrain Lines would have all five of their vessels in operation by the end of the year,': and anyone who has ever sailed on a Seatrain knows what swell Recently when the Seatrain jobs they are. New Orleans was tied up in Cuba Let's hope that the Cuban due to labor trouble, the Cuban Government and the Company Govt, gave the longshoremen a can get together before it is too subsidy to offset the demands late. No one wants to see those made by them on the Seatrain ships out of operation. Lines. This subsidy is going to N. O. ILA ELECTION be withdrawn, and the Company says that it cannot meet the de­ While the SIU is in the midst mands of the longshoremen. of its annual election, the ILA Approximately a thousand men voted, and the slate endorsed and By JOE ALGINA headed by Alfred Chittenden, in­ NEW YORK —If possible, the run, and that is welcome news to cumbent President, was put into office by a large majority. Coast Guard overseas is more our members. 1 guess that is because they have so little to do, they want to keep busy and justify the faet that they are spending plenty of the taxpayers money for no good will show that a tremendous reason. Whatever they have in number of Seafarers have taken the backs of their minds, one advantage of their democratic thing sure and that is that the privilege. seamen are getting a dirty break. BACKDOOR DEAL From the stories we have been getting, from guys who have been We have the Benjamin Schlessinger, in here, and she is frozen sailing for a long time and are not given to spreading idle rumors, to the dock. Tugboat men and the CG has adopted the practice longshoremen refuse to touch her. of pulling men's papers for the The reason is that the Ponchelet slightest violation. They have be­ Marine Corporation, her owners, come so trigger-happy that they recently started in business on go drumming up business and the East Coast, and approximate­ pick up innocent guys just so as ly one month before they obtain­ to have something to do. ed a ship they signed a closed V which is only to pick up the equipment they have in. Cuba. After that they will close shop. Coast Guard Even More Stringent Now That The Shooting Is Over vicious than ever. During the war we figured that the hooligafis had reached the height, or maybe the depth, of dictatorship over the lives of merchant seamen, but now that the war is over, they have been showing us new tricks. SAVANNAH—The SIU of N. A. came out on top again. The At­ lantic Towing Company, the only towboat company in Savannah, is now under the Seafarers ban­ ner. The results were 56 V2 per cent for the SIU and 43 V2 per cent for the NMU. The opposition was very strong against us. We had to contend with the NMU's known policy of giving paid-up books to poten­ tial members and their propa­ ganda that the NMU is the only maritime union which does not discriminate against any member. The company also gave us a tough time by showing NMU or­ ganizers preference, and advising the men not to join an AFL union. The majority of the men, however, could see by past per­ formance that the SIU doesn't brag much but spends its time in getting results. Silence this we^k fxmn the Branch Agents of the follow­ ing ports: CHARLESTON PORT ARTHUR HOUSTON NORFOLK JACKSONVILLE MOBILE BOSTON BALTIMORE GALVESTON NEW ORLEANS—The old SB Seatrain New Orleans is once again in the news, but this time it is really bad news for the SIU and the men who like to ride this vessel.. And it is going to stay that way unless the Cuban Gov­ ernment changes its mind. ginning of 1947. Of course they are buying the ships for next to nothing, but at least they will be in operation and will' provide jobs for our men. The Robin Liife is making plans to run a C-4 on the South African Aside from running around for men to place aboard ships, we have had a few payoffs which were more than welcome. We expect more ships in next week to payoff. The Newburg, Fort Clatsop, and Midway Hills, all AmericanPacific ships, were in last week with no major beefs. All three ships had fine SIU crews aboard them. We also had the Cape May, Bull Lines', in port, but she was with us only a few hours. Shinping promises to keep rolling at the present high rate for quite some time, and no one down here is sorry about that. Here's hoping that the other SIU ports will soon be able to report the good shipping we are enjoy­ ing in Corpus Christi at the present. In the election for SecretaryTreasurer, Ivy P. Boudreaux was the successful candidate with 586 votes. Arthur Donnelly received 47, Norman Gauthreaux 126, and Elmore Maysonave 185. The top three vote-getters in the running were elected to the I Finance Committee. These are Stanley Bordeleon 646, Albert Brown 638, and Albert Gough 463. The other candidates votes were as follows: Clarence Fabregas 242, Henry Helm 208, Wallace Kelly 243, Andrew Lopez 70, and Louis Seage 115. MORE OFFICERS In the election for the Board of Directors, Richard Hoffman 682, Paul Lanzetta 557, and Lloyd Seruntine 640, were elected. The unsuccessful candidates were Jo­ seph Grisaffi 228, Vincent Libert 177, and Joseph Mire 309. Alvin P. Pier was elected Mar­ shall with 453 votes, while Salvatore Garde with 59 votes, Zachary Daughdrill with 94 votes, Anthony Namias with 151 votes, and Hanry Patterson with 184 votes, were the unsuccessful can­ didates. This was a real election with both sides making use of sound trucks, and real politicking going on all day. After the election was over, they all partook of refresh­ ments in fine old longshoreman fashion. Good luck for the coming term . to Brother Chittenden and his entire staff of officers. We know that the Seafarers International Union will be able to work in.:, close harmony with the long­ shoremen in the future as we • have in the past. �THE SEAFARERS Page Six It's A Cat's Life—Standard's Puss Gets Pay Boost And Pension Plan Friday, December 13. 1946 LOG CARRYING THE MAIL By BLACKIE CARDULLO • MARCUS HOOK —We see . where John Lewis has called off the coal strike. From the heat that was put on him from every angle, it looked as if it was a test case to smash labor. But this is only a forerunner of what labor can expect in the next year. It seems funny that every time a union goes on strike, the cry is raised that it is a strike against government. Actually, who is the government? We were always under the impression that, ac­ cording to the Constitution, the people were the government. To hear four or five men in Washing-" ton you'd think they wei-e the whole show. The United Mine Workers were not on strike against the govern­ ment. They were striking against the dictates of a few men em­ ployed by the government. PENSIONS FOR CATS Further proof that the cost of living has gone up comes from an oil plant owned by the Stan­ dard Oil Company in Bayonne, N. J. The plant had to raise the stole some equipment from a nearby firehouse. They grabbed up hats, axes and parts of trucks that could not be replaced. They poured gasoline on the trolley tracks and set it afire. They were good-naturedly asked to return che equipment and all would be forgiven. By HERBERT JANSEN CHICAGO — As can be expect­ ed at this time of year, shipping is very slow and getting slower all the time. There are quite a few men registered, but no jobs are available. CAN'T BE RAH-RAH We hesitate to think of what would happen if SIU boys did the same thing. Oh boy, would the jails be jammed. Just a couple of seamen go on a bender some place, and it hits the front pages. Pinochle Tops Shipping News In Chicago Everything is up to date in Marcus Hook. When Ihey^ want to deliver Logs, pamphlets, or .other literature, they just round up the motorcycle squad and away they go. They've gone a long way from the days of the horse and buggy in Marcus Hook. Next thing you know they will be using jet propelled airplanes to deliver the Union's propaganda. About the only ship in action around here is the SS Gilbert and she is doing her sailing in the newspapers. What I mean by that is the Gilbert was recently the subject of a full page feature stqry in a Chicago paper. There were pictures of her in operation, also part of her crew. The only thing they neglected to mention was the fact that the Gilbert was a solid SIU ship. They wouldn't have been so anxious to print the pictures of the ship if she was all beat up, and the fact We won't forget it, Joe. And that she was clean from top to By C. SIMMONS we're glad to see a romance be­ bottom i.s to be credited to the tween Sis and Johnnie running an effort to use some pressure. fine SIU crew. TAMPA—We're getting plenty smoothly and hope it continues So far they haven't sold any STILL JOINING UP chat way. They're two fine kids. of ships in this port now and stores, and if the SIU has any­ we're shipping a few replace­ We also wish to extend the On the organizing front around thing to say about it they aren't same thanks to Mary Blanka as ments on most of them. Chicago there is some activity going to sell any. she has been more than coopera­ with the seamen sailing on the American Pacific lines has the Later, Joe Wheeler of Water­ tive in helping us in every pos­ SS James Smith in port. If ever Lake Carriers' ships coming in man called and said that he sible way. Many personal thanks and joining up with the SIU. a three dollar bill sailed as Skip­ couldn't see where the chandlers to you Mary. This movement has been steady per, the guy on this ship, it it. had any legitimate beef. We told him there was no beef, that we for the last three months and He has had trouble on SIU ships loved everybody, that if the ships there is every reason to expect before, and from all indications didn't require any stores it wasn't these seamen to keep coming in will continue to have trouble on oui" fault. In fact, the Stewards during the winter months to get {Continued from Page 4) any ship he sails. He should go should be commended for hold­ acquainted with the SIU and join in the SIU. During the remaind­ up. back where he came from and ing down expenses, er of the war he continued sail­ jump into a deep hole. With winter a reality now, ing, mostly on the run through NOTE TO STEWARDS We notified the Stewards on tables and chairs are being ar­ the Mediterranean to the Persian Again, we want to impress up­ ranged in the Hall for the com­ Gulf. There was still plenty of ships touching this port not to on Stewards whose ships will ing winter pinochle tournament. buy stores here as the shipchand­ trouble on that run, but outside make this port to buy enough Decks of pinochle cards have lers broke our picketlines with of bombings, Lawson says the stores elsewhere to eliminate the been coming in at a steady stream police protection. trips were "uneventful." chance of having to buy from marked "only to be used in the The chandlers stood on the Of supreme importance to Lawthese Tampa shipchandlers. These tournament". son is his citizenship. He still has sidelines and had a big laugh finks aren't even worthy of com­ 12 months to go before he re­ when their trucks went through. Later on, when the snow is ing aboard an SIU ship. If it is Now they are laughing out of the ceives his final papers, but he whirling around outside the Hall, has carried out the duties of a other side of their mouths, for necessary to buy bread and milk, the boys will be sitting around citizen since the first days he hit these finks are beginning to feel get in touch with some dairy or the tables playing pinochle and the pinch. The action of our bakery. these shores. swapping experiences of the past We're having about a dozen season, and telling their plans for Carl Lawson has a good Union Stewards is being felt in the characters a day coming in here the new season when it opens in record. He is a militant fighter pocket book. now and getting in our hair. the spring. for a seamen's rights, and his TABLES TURNED They are all from three to five shipmates have confidence in WORD TO CHAMP years in arrears, and they have A delegation of the shipchand­ him. This is proven by the fact Last year the championship that ho is usually elected Ship's lers called on us this morning. no strike clearance. went to the SS Rockwood with delegate on whatever ship he They pleaded and promised of­ All they have is the urge to fering to do most anything to become good Union men. Too Mike Hughes copping the glory sails on. The SIU can be justly proud of square themselves. We returned bad they didn't think of this be­ as the highest bidder. Just a Lawson and members like him. the laugh. We told them we fore. We want to warn these word to Mike as defending They are the backbone of the wished they could sell all their boys who sailed during the war champ: there is a newcomer who Union, and they are the men who stoi-es but that our membership not to get these vessels now. They claims he will take the top honor have been in the forefront of the wouldn't stand for any fink out­ might slip by for one trip, but as this winter, so you'd better sharp­ fight to advance the cause of fits putting stores aboard their soon as she is settled, off they en your pencil and your wits for the coming clash. seamen. The Seafarers Interna­ vessels. come. We're taking the "do not tional Union, with men like those Then the finks paraded down ship list" aboard and we're And so with the pinochle tourn­ in its ranks, can never be beaten to the Chamber of Commerce checking, every book and no finks ament the biggest news of the or stopped. and the Waterman Agent here in will be allowed. week, that's all from Chicago. At this point we wish to thank Joe Williams, the owner of one of our local pubs, who has helped us in our organizational drive by putting all our literature on his billboard, and making sure the Sun Oil seamen got it. Finky Shipchandlers Find Out They Can't Tamper With Tampa Meet The Seafarers allowance of a cat who was of­ ficially on their payroll from $4.40a month to $5.50. Thej' also raised the cat's pen­ sion for the days when she gets too old to catch mice. We won­ der if the Standard's employees get the same break. We paid off and signed on the Tonto with our friend Captdin "Rowboat" Wilson, who has a new role. He's a rassler. He comes aboard the ship and wants to rassle with the crew everytime he has a load on. The Marcus Hook Agent, thinking he could . afford to lose a few pounds in a friendly tussle offered to take Wilson on for a short heat, but old "Rowboat" refused when he spotted the agent's hand full of vaseline. We see where the students of a Philadelphia college staged a row-bottom the other night and tore up everything in sight and SOME OF THE BLACK GANG PART OF THE DECK CREW Here are some of the crewmembers of the SS Brazil Vic­ tory. Left, standing from left to right, Juan Lera, A. Quinnes, H. Crawford, Floyd Smith, A. Clement, James Larson, and A. Bailey. Kneeling, Pat Calla­ han and E. Messana. I m r ' « '' Right, from left to right in the back row, Charles Carr, N. Martinez, Rudy Rice, Lou Caudle, and Lucino Toribio, Bosun. Front row, John Stan­ ford, Dutch Jongsma, and Alex Goki. Carr is the Third Mate and is a former SIU book mem­ ber. �• ••:'-^-''^.^::^^--^',Y- .1- Friday, December 13, 1946 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Seven Report On Isthmian Campaign And Other Organizing Drives raaiOGUE-THE BEGIIINING ABOUT THE REPORT ISTHMIAN MEN IN THE SIU At the beginning of 1945, with Director be paid the same wages On Ihese four pages is the condensation of the report render­ the end Of World War II in sight,' and travel as the New York Agent ed to the membership by Paul Hall. Director of Organization, the Atlantic and Gulf District of and that the Area Organizers be detailing the work done by the Organizing Staff during the past the Seafarers International Union paid the same travel and wages A great obstacle encountered year. of North America realized the as the other Branch Agents, ex­ in the Isthmian Organizing Work Special emphasis is placed on the Isthmian Organizing necessity for the expansion of cept New York, and that the was the fact that it cost $68.00 to Drive, which was the most important single undertaking, but join the SIU and $17.00 to join this Union and instituted an ex­ Assistant Organizers be paid the other points of organizational activity are also covered. tensive organizational program. same wages and travel as the the NMU. Because of this teriffic The expenditure of money for the drive has been aeeouiiled organizational handicap, the fol­ The proposition of organizing regular Branch Patrolmen. for, and the use of propaganda by means of leaflets and LOG lowing resolution was presented the unorganized was placed high "MOTION BY MICHELET. that publicity has also been carefully evaluated. to the membership for action at on the Agenda in the year 1945 all Organizers' wages and Or­ A committee will be elected by the membership to examine the New York regular meeting of at the Annual Agents' Conference ganization expenditures be taken the entire report, and to bring back recommendations and find­ Januai-y 30, 1946, and adopted and as a result of the action taken from the Organizational Fund. ings lo the membership for their action. That will take place at unanimously: at that conference, the following SECONDED BY THOMPSON. the next regular meeting. program quoted below was adopt­ QUESTION CALLED FOR. "WHEREAS: The unlicensed At the present time, the SIU has not yet been designated as ed. This program was reaffirmed (CARRIED) seamen of the Deck, Engine and the bargaining agent for the Isthmian seamen due to the stalling by the 1946 Agents' Conference Stewards Departments now "Chairman Hawk entertained tactics of the NMU. and concurred in unanimously MOTION to recess at 1:00 P.M. working aboard Isthmian Line Although the SIU has a large majority of the votes already both years by the membership of ships are bona fide seamen striv­ "AFTERNOON SESSION, counted, and has been conceded the majority of the votes chal­ our Union. ing to bring Union wages, work­ TUESDAY, MARCH 13, 1945. lenged by the NMU, nevertheless the NMU is fighting the case - Present at the meeting were: ing and living conditions aboard "Conference reconvened at 2:00 through all the levels of the NLRB in the hopes of somehow Isthmian ships, and John Hawk, Secretary-Treas­ P. M. salvaging part of its tarnished reputation. urer, Louis GolTin, Assistant Secy. "WHEREAS: These Isthmian Stories and reports of the progress of the case will be' carried "ROLL CALL —All officials Treas., Arthur Thompson, Savan­ seamen are doing a good job in in the pages of the LOG, and reports will be rendered the mem­ and Agents present. nah Agent, James Tucker, establishing the SIU as their Bar­ bership at the regular meetings. "Chairman Hawk stated that Charleston Agent, Wm. McKay. gaining Agent which insures Baltimore Agent, George Bales, the first order of business is to those conditions, and Mobile Agent, Paul Hall, New outline the duties of the Organ­ York Agent, Dolar Stone, Galve.s- izational Director, Area Organ"WHEREAS: By their efforts, ton Agent, Ray White, Norfolk' izers and Assistant Organizers. they are bringing the Isthmian Line under the banner of the Agent, John Mogan, Boston Aftei' considerable discussion, it Monies expended by and ac­ reference at any lime. Such SIU and are entitled to be con­ Agent, D. L. Parker, Tampa was MOVED BY TUCKER. counted for by the Director of clerical work as is deemed nec­ sidered in the same category as Agent, Robt. A. Matthews, Jack­ SECONDED BY RAY WHITE Organization as per rules laid essary shall be assigned him on the original organizers and found­ sonville Agent, A. Michelet, New "That the duties of the Organ­ down by the 1945 Agents' Con­ either a temporary or perman­ ers of the SIU of the AF of L, Orleans Agent, H. J. Collins, izational Director be as follows: ference and concurred in by the ent basis by the SecretaryPhila. Agent. "1. The Organizational Direct­ membership, to wit: "THEREFORE, BE IT RESOL­ Treasurer. All funds expended Present as observers were: or is Lo work in direct contact VED: That in the case of the by him or by the Area Organ­ "The Organizational Director Matthew Dushane, then Wash­ with the Secretary-Treasurer, Isthmian Line seamen, that they izers shall be requisitioned by is to work in direct contact ington Representative, and Floyd Assistant Secretary-Treasurer be permitted to join the SIU upon him and paid by check directly with the Secretary-Treasurer, Miller, then Editor of the Sea­ and the New York Agent to payment of the original charter from the Office of the Secre­ Assistant Secretary-Treasurer farers Log. discuss all matters with them. member fee of $17.00, and tary-Treasurer." and the New York Agent to ORGANIZATIONAL PROGRAM He is to issue mimeographed "BE IT FURTHER RESOLV­ discuss all matters with them. A detailed report of money ad-' ED: That these new members bulletins for all Branches and "Considerable discussion was He is to issue mimeographed vanced for organizational work to from the Isthmian Line become shall .answer all Organizational had on the subject of setting up bulletins for all Branches and the Director of Organization and members with all of the rights i n q u i f i e s from all Branch a Central Organizational Office shall answer all Organizational the disbursement of these funds and privileges of Union member­ Agents. He is to assign specific and a single Director of all Atlan­ inquiries from all Branch were compiled on a daily basis ship." Organizational tasks to the tic and Gulf organizational work. Agents. He is to assign specific and accounted for in weekly re­ Area Organizers under his It was pointed out that in order Organizational tasks to the The adoption of the above ports to the Secretary-Treas­ to be effective in organizing, these direction and to Agents in such Area Organizers under his di­ resolution by the membership urer., Although other monies ports where routine duties per­ two steps must be taken plus rection and to Agents in such and the carrying out of the policy than those contained in the selecting our objectives and con­ mit. He is empowered to re­ ports where routine duties per­ contained therein, has proven a report have been spent from move any organizer who fails centrating all forces on them in­ mit. He is empowered to re­ .great gain to the organizational the Organizing fund.s of the stead of playing the field. to conduct himself properly or move any Organizer who fails work in this fleet. It removed Union by the various Branches perform the tasks assigned "MOTION BY MATTHEWS, to conduct himself properly or 1 our opposition's main argument, and Headquarters Offices of the hin; by the director. He shall SECONDED BY PARKER: perform the tasks assigned him 'to wit: "that it costs more dough Union, the reports in no way maintain 'active files for im(1) "That a Central Organiza­ by the Director. He shall main­ to join the SIU than it does to represent these other expendit­ tional Office be set up in the Port tain active files for immediate join the NMU" and helped great­ (Contimicd on Page 10) ures. The.se Organizing Funds of New York to direct Organiza­ ly in swinging more men to go spent by others than the Director tional work and that an Organiza­ SIU, which was an important of Organization are accountable tional Director be appointed at factor in our organizing cam­ to those persons expending same. this Conference to direct all Or­ paign. The report deals almost ex­ ganizational activities in the Under this policy 683 Isthmian Because of the fact that many be given'full publicity and dis­ clusively with the work done in Atlantic & Gulf District. seamen joined the Seafarers. play in the Seafarers Log." SIU men were taking a financial the Isthmian fleet. However, it Some of these men have left the (2) "That the Organizational beating to organize for the SIU, As a result of putting this writ­ must be noted that the organizing Director shall be required to sub­ together with having to work ten motion into effect, it assisted expenses incurred by the Director sea, but the rest are still with mit a monthly report in triplicate under adverse conditions, low Isthmian awaiting the day when summarizing all activities and wages, practically no overtime, the Organizing Work greatly be­ of Organization which are ac­ the company will be tied down results together with a complete and being forced to work with cause of giving recognition in counted for completely in the re­ to a Seafarers contract. In addi­ financial report to Headquarters. bucko Captains, Mates, and En­ permanent form to SIU men as port also covers work in various tion, many of our older members (3) "That Area Organizers and gineers, not to mention the com­ volunteer organizers. The Organ­ fields, such as the tankers and have remained with the fleet. izing Staff found that the average other unorganized dry cargo assistant Organizers be appoint­ pany stiffs, the following motion The men who came into the ed as needed by the Organiza­ was passed at the New York member of this Union was very ships. SIU through this policy are still proud to have this record of Vol­ tional Director who must submit Regular Meeting February 13, Previous reports have been shipping Isthmian, and are not unteer Organizer stamped per­ a weekly report of their activities 1946: manently into his SIU book. This made from time to time to the shipping through our Halls on and a financial report to the Or­ system also makes known for any membership on the activities of SlU-contracted ships. Our books "Written Motion by Callahan, ganizational Director. SIU Organizer, that inasmuch as future organizing work all SIU the Organizing Staff in the vari­ had been closed just before this QUESTION CALLED FOR. hundreds of SIU men are sailing members with organizing exper­ ous other fields, although the total policy was inaugurated so as to (CARRIED) expenditures in these other fields permit us to take into the Union for less than Union wages and ience. " It was MOVED BY McKAY. conditions in the Isthmian fleet, The report lists the names and are included in the Isthmian the unorganized men of the fleets SECONDED BY COLLINS: where we undertake an organiz­ that we go on record to remit to numbers of the members of this Financial Report. ing program without overload­ "That we throw the floor open them the amount of dues they Union who have received 1109 On the reverse side of each ing our Union. for a general discussiofi on the would normally pay in the form Dues Months' credit as Volunteer financial report, will be found a Organizational Director, Duties, of putting a stamp into their Organizers. In it there are oc­ complete break-down, of expenses During the past year some few salaries, per diem, etc. books month for month for the casional tripcard men who have in the field of organizing for each men were allowed membership who were not Isthmian men, but "After a very lengthy discus­ number of months they were in been credited for dues. These current week. men were selected Isthmian Line the unorganized ships. Such a this was done only in the case sion on this matter, it was finally It is to be noted that in the of men who were active in our men who were acting as Volun­ stamp to read, "Organizer, Isth­ MOVED BY COLLINS. SEC­ beginning of 1946, we had to inmian Steamship Company". Also, teer Ships Organizers. Therefore, organizing campaigns and served ONDED BY BALES: the reason for this remittance. the SIU cause. that this particular thing should (Conthined on Page 8) "That the Organisational FINANCIAL REPORT DUES REMITTING PROGRAM �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Eight ORGANIZERS' ACTIVITIES PICTURE Friday, December 13, 1946 RECORD This report is a condensed No Union; 0; Void: 0; Challenged: summary of the various contacts 0; Number Eligible: 28. EIU Observers' Estimate: SIU: made by shore-side and ship-side 26; NMU: 0; No Union: 0; Void: organizers. The complete reports 0; In doubt: 0; Number Eligible: are on file in the Headquarters 27. Office of the Director of Organi­ zation. SUMMARY This report also carries the final 1/14/46 N.Y. lists 4 pledges. voting score of each individual 2/11/46 Lykke N.Y. claims vessel, with the exception of O'Connor and Jacobs state crew ships whose votes have been is pro-SIU with 3 men being com­ challenged. pany stiffs. 2/13/46 N.Y. Calla­ The report does not carry all han contacted O'Conner and he ships operated by the Isthmian stated ship will vote 70% SIU. He Steamship Company; only those turned in 6 pledges. He claims ships that were actually involved the steward the worst yet. in determining the collective bar2/19/46 Callahan N.Y. reports . gaining representative, The Or­ ganizing work on ships other than crew in good shape about 90% those voted has been carried on pro-SIU. Took several pictures and the reports as to the work of ships crew. Filippino Steward and contacting is on file in the wants to change NMU book for Organizer's file in Headquarters. SIU book. Told him to contact Cal Tanner when ship arrived in The vast job of contacting this New Orleans. large fleet of ships, working in the various ports to get men SS JOHN S. MOSBY ; aboard the ships and lining up Port Voted: New York. the loyal employees and non­ Dated Voted: April 6, 1946. union men aboard this fleet was SIU Observers: Udiljak. by no means easy considering the, Actual Vote: SIU 28; NMU: 0. anti-union program of this com­ SIU Observers' Estimate: SIU: pany and the opposition of the ui iaAUmian crews decorate one Pulkhead of the Organizers Room. Here Isth­ 27; NMU: 1; No Union: 0; Void: NMU. 0; In Doubt: 0; Number Eligible: mian seamen were interviewed when they came to the New York Hall to join the SIU. Although the shore-side Or­ 28. This is a record of the many Isthmian ships that were contacted by SIU Organizers during ganizers had the job of contacting the course of the drive, and it is a fitting memento of one of the most full-scale organizing the men, the ships and the coor­ SUMMARY dination of the port activities in campaigns ever attempted on the waterfront. Tannehill reports Ch. Steward this drive to organize Isthmian, a lot of credit must be given to the and Ch. Cook do not appear to members and trip card men who be pro-SIU in ship. Appears 12 rode these ships and who were men definitely going SIU. Letter greatly instrumental in swinging from Tannehill 2/11/46 claims a large percentage of the Isth­ crew needs education to swing The first constitutional conven­ the MM&P Strike, cannot be Although the concentration solid SIU. 2/20/46 Benson Nor­ mian men into the SIU. was on the Isthmian Drive, other tion of the Maritime Trades De­ overestimated. folk states he will keep in touch Also credit must be given to with Tannehill and get pictures organizational tasks were under­ partment will bo held early in Through the efforts of the SIU the various regularly elected Of­ of crew before she sails. 2/26/46 taken. At no time did the Or­ 1947, and permanent plans will the commies were thwarted in ficials in the various ports who Tannehill ships organizer in let­ ganizing Staff get so wound up be laid to guarantee the solidar­ their attempts to take over the ILA and the MM&P, and it was devoted a good part of their time ter encloses petition from ship with the Isthmian campaign that ity of this new organization. they v/ere unable to do other im­ through the assistance of the Or­ in the Isthmian Drive. Members of the Atlantic and states as being in favor of SIU. Gulf District's Organizing Staff ganizing Staff that the MM&P . It is pointed out that complete 2/23/46 Benson Norfolk boarded portant work that came up. Probably the most important also participated in the drive on was able to carry on their fight weekly written reports have been j ship, took pictures of crew and submitted to the Secretary-Trea­ got story for Log. 2/26/46 Benson single job which was done in the the Midland Steamship Company, to victory. In the Philadelphia Tugboat surer dealing with the organiza­ Norfolk states Ch. Cook, 2nd past year was the formation of which came under the jurisdic­ tional activities. Copies of these Cook, ex-NMU members signed the AFL Maritime Trades De­ tion of the Great Lakes District, Beef, in the latter part of 1945, reports may be found either in SIU pledges. Letters 3/7/46 partment and the AFL Maritime and in the drive on the American SIU activity stopped the NMU Pacific SS Company, part of the from scabbing on District 50, the Secretary-Treasurer's Office Tannehill, crew member states Port Councils. or in the Headquarters Office of union meeting held aboard ship The Staff participated in the Pacific District. Both companies UMW, who were striking the the Organizing Staff. delegates were elected. 3/13/46 eaidy work to create the Trades later signed agreements with the tugs at that time. Intensive work Here are two examples of the A. Williams crew member states Department, and this later de­ Union, and both constitute major brought the matter to a head within three days, and as a re­ type of report rendered by the 2 Cooks are NMU, Steward, non­ veloped into Port Councils. It victories. The work of the Organizing sult, the NMU was kept out of Organizers, the estimated voting union plans to join SIU. 4/1/46 was the support of these Councils data, the final voting score, dates munutes meeting held aboard which made possible the winning Staff in the ILA Beef, in New the field. The above listed beefs in no and places visited, report of pro­ ship indicate this is good SIU of the SIU 1946 General Strike in York in the last part of 1945, the Philadelphia Tugboat Beef, and way constitute the full amount gress, an estimation of the vote ships crew. so short a time. of work done by the Organizing and the final vote: Staff on problems other than the SS WILLIAM WHIPPLE Isthmian Campaign. Port Voted: New York. The Organizers, wherever they Date Voted: April 30, 1946. were located, always cooperated SIU Observer: Sheppard and with the Port Agents and other Arabasz. officials, and at times assisted in "Actual Vote: SIU: 27; NMU: 0; Branch work such as paying off vessels, representing men in Coast Guard cases, etc. In some of the Ports, such as the Port of New York, the use of Organizers during peak pe­ riods made it possible to econo­ mize. (Continued from Page 7) Our three key Field Organiz­ crease by a considerable percent­ ers, Earl Sheppard, Assistant Di­ age our Organizers and expen­ rector of Organization in direct ditures due to our getting into charge of the organizing work of the crucial stages of the Isth­ the Union, Cal Tanner and Lindmian Campaign and to counter­ sey Williams, Area Organizers, act the strong activities of the did a bang-up job on whatever lOitU in this feild, who were des­ job they were assigned to. perately trying every trick of the Their work, and their coopera­ game, financially and otherwise, tion with the Port Agents in the to swing the Isthmian election. areas they were assigned to, re­ All told, it cost the SIU, At­ sulted in some of the outstanding lantic and Gulf District, approxi­ recent victories of the Union. mately $96,000 to organize the The Organizing Staff is now Isthmian fleet, a fleet that every­ operating in six freighter and body said couldn't be organized. 'ihe 'Wmxnrop L. Marvin rolled up a Vvj-e oi m io 1 in favor of the SIU. Not bad since the The expenses for the SUP tanker companies other than Is­ ship started out with the NMU on even terms. The crewmembers listened to the SIU Organi­ in the campaign are not known thmian, with the thought in mind zers and that made the difference. As contact after contact was made with the crew, and as the since the Pacific District took of securing SIU contracts with reports started to flow back, it became apparent the vessel would go SIU by a comfortable mar­ care of its own part in the those operators. gin. And it did. drive. OTHER ORGANIZATIONAL ACTIVITIES HEAVY VOTE FOR THE SIU FINANCIAL REPORT .T !• �Page Nine THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, December 13, 1946 Representative Isthmian Crews this page are some pictures of Isthmian Screws that voted for SIU representation. These are just a small portion of the total num­ ber of crews that showed their preference for the Seafarers. In the weeks to come, we hope to print all the pictures of Isthmian crews that we have, plus the pictures of the organizers, both ship and shoreside, who made Isthmian SIU, too. Upper left we have the crew of the Sea Hawk, SIU by a score of 22 to 7. Not much for the NMU to be happy about on this one. Upper right we have the crew of the John Mosby. This crew cast 28 votes for the SIU while giving the NMU 0. The NMU was shut out on eight ships, but the SIU picked up votes on every ship that balloted. On the right is the crew of the William Whip­ ple. Tliis was another solid Seafarers crew, and 27 more votes went into the SIU column. Noth­ ing for the NMU from the WiUiam Whipple. Lower right are some members of the Nica­ ragua Victory crew, a gang that went SIU 17 to 7. SIU Organizers did a swell job on this vessel. Below, the crew of the Mobile City. W^e did better than three to one on this ship. 19 votes for the SIU and only 6 for the NMU. The way the crews of Isthmian ships voted for the SIU in a big way sure proves that follow­ ing the communist party line doesn't pay off. The SIU organized strictly on trade union prin­ ciples, while the NMU organizers toed the Mos­ cow line. Isthmian seamen want to be repre­ sented by a Union, not a part of the communist political party. • I^ • .1- :-.0_ L "L �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Ten PROLOGUE-THE BEGINNING OF THE DRIVES The Ships' Organizers {Continued from Page 7) mediate reference at any time. Such clerical work as is deem­ ed necessary shall be assigned him on either a temporary or permanent basis by the Sec­ retary-Treasurer. All funds ex­ pended by him or by the Area Organizers shall be requistioned by him and paid by check directly from the Office of the Secretary-Treasurer. "2. DUTIES OF AREA OR­ GANIZERS: < "The Area Organizers ap­ pointed by the Organizational Director shall be directly I'esponsible to the Organizational Director and shall not under any conditions embark on any private campaign or schemes of their own choosing. They shall be field men and shall be expected to be at the point of organizational work directly among the unorganized. They shall enter into no agreements or arbitration unless specifically directed to do so. Such clerical work as is entailed by their activities shall be done at the most convenient Branch Hall of the SIU. In the event a Hall is not convenient to their scene of activity, they shall nevertheless make a summarized weekly re­ port in letter form to the Director and at the first oppor­ tunity make a complete rcpoi't. They shall be responsible for the work of the assistant organ­ izers and shall report any fail­ ures of the assistants to per­ form their duties to the Direct­ or immediately. They shall in­ cur no indebtedness and spend no money over and above act­ ual authorized expenses unless same is authorized in writing by the Director. MIKE HOOK RICHARD COMSTOCK »-J ipi ED BENDER WHITEY TANNEHILL The report presented in these pages by the Director of Or­ ganization gives as good a picture as any series of printed words can give. We all know that the Isthmian Campaign was not a single handed job, but an activity in which* all Seafarers had a hand. Some men, of course, did more than others. Some men sailed on Isthmian ships, suffered through the bad conditions, received less pay than they could have collected on SlU-contracted vessels, just to make sure that Isthmian seamen would get the right score on unionism and the difference between the SIU and the NMU. It is obvious that they all did a fine job. The results of the bargaining election show that Isthmian seamen cast the large majority of their ballots for the SIU. And a great deal of the credit goes to the volunteers who sailed Isthmian. Pictured above are four men who did outstanding jobs during the drive. There are many more, and those pictures will be printed from week to week. Above are Richard Comstock, who bought the Aimiston City in with a big vote for the SIU; Mike Hook, veteran of more than one Isthmian ship; Eddie Bender, hero of Bataan and a volunteer organizer as soon as he joined the Seafarers; and Whitey Tannehill, who sailed on three Isthmian ships and brought the John Mosby in solid for the SIU. THE SEAFARERS LOG One great organizational aid in the Isthmian Organizing Cam­ paign, according to the reports •submitted by our Organizers, both shore-side, as well as shipside, was the Union paper, the Seafarers Log. The Isthmian Sea­ men readily preferred the Log to the NMU Pilot and read it, according to their own admission, for the latest waterfront news. The Organizers received full cooperation from the Editorial Staff of the Log, and from the very first day that the Drive started, at least one Isthmian story, and very often more, was carried in each issue. In addition to the regular Log Staff, at intervals Organizers Wil­ liam McCuistion and Jacques Greenhaw were assigned to pre­ paring large volumes of prop­ Friday, December 13, 1946 "3. ASSISTANT ZERS ORGANI­ "The Assistant Organizers shall work on a week to week basis under the direct super­ vision of the Area Organizer to whom they must submit reg­ ular detailed reports. "MOTION CARRIED UNAN­ IMOUSLY "If was MOVED BY MOGAN, SECONDED BY STONE: "That the floor be opened for discussion on POINTS OF CON­ CENTRATION AND POLICY to be followed to operate efficiently. it "After considerable discussion, was MOVED BY GOFFIN, SECONDED BY McKAY "That the following policy be adopted: organized group among the em­ ployees of the selected com­ pany. This group then becomes itself a part of the organiza­ tional structure facilitating ex­ pansion of the program at a minimum organizational cost. "(c) To properly train the or­ ganizers in, field work. "(d) To obtain results which will serve as^ an example to other unorganized sections of the industry. "MOTION CARRIED "MOTION BY TUCKER, SEC­ ONDED BY MOGAN: "That we extend the meeting to 7:00 P.M. to finish the business on hand. (CARRIED) "The chairman declared nom­ inations are now in order for an Organizational Director. "There being no nominations, it was MOVED BY MICHELET, SECONDED BY MATTHEWS "That the Secretary-Treasui-er, John Hawk, appoint Paul Hall as Director of Organization. QUES­ TION CALLED FOR. (CARRI­ ED UNANIMOUSLY) "Brother Hall took the floor and stated that he would accept the responsibility of Director of Or­ ganization under the following outlined conditions: "In accepting the ro.sponsibility of directing the organizational campaign of the Union, it is nece.ssary that certain conditions be established. "We now have a business setup in the Port of New York which can be used to add impetus to our organizational activities. As business activities. As business agent of the New York Branch, I will be in a position to utilize the fullest resources of the Branch apparatus. Therefore, I will con­ tinue as Branch Agent without any active leave of absence. "Due to the fact, however, that frequently I will be called into other areas for varied periods of lime to make surveys, etc. of or­ ganizing possibilities, I recom­ mend that New York Patrolman, J. P. Shuler stand as Agent ProTem. during these temporary ab­ sences. By doing this now, we can thus streamline the entire set­ up, so that neither the business of the Branch or the conduct of the organizational activities will suf­ fer. The confusion of turning the Branch over to someone and then reassuming the office will be elim­ inated through having a qualified man ready to act as Agent ProTem. "1. POINTS OF CONCENTRA­ "At the commencement of this TION Organizational Campaign, no ad­ "In each area certain specific ditional help will be needed in­ companies shall be assigned as asmuch as the apparatus of the prime objectives with the pur­ Branch will be used. In New pose in view of developing suf­ York, we have at this time suf­ ficient strength within that ficient clerical help to handle the company to insure the' selection first stages of the drive. Also, we of the SIU as bargaining agent have in the Port of New York at in the event of elections. Under this time an organizer who no circumstances should the should develop into a very good companies involved or any of man for the job. the officials of the company be "It is not my intention to hire contacted except by persons any extra men until we have specifically assigned that pur­ trained the men now on payroll pose by the Director. as organizer and have developed aganda of all types for distribu­ tion to the Isthmian Seamen. The West Coast Sailor aided greatly in this drive by devoting quite a bit of space to Isthmian news. The West Coast Sailor also aided greatly in con­ verting old line Isthmian Sea­ men, by appealing to them in the name of the SUP to go for the SIU. This was especially effective in answering NMU charges at the inception of the Drive that the SUP was not supporting this or­ "Every care should be taken to ganizational work. avoid the covering of too wide a We believe that the material carried through the Seafarers field in the beginning for the fol­ Log, West Coast Sailor and other lowing reasons: "(a) To keep organizational literature and pamphlets was in­ expenditures within the Union's strumental in showing the Isth­ financial ability and thus avoid mian Seamen the basic differenc­ having to drop any campaign es between the SIU and the NMU, in the middle of the stream. politically, economically, and otherwise. "(b) To establish a definite ' . .1.. .1 •• capable forces. "Once we have the organiza­ tional setup firmly established, and our organizer trained, then I shall meet with the SecretaryTreasurer and Assistant Secre­ tary-Treasurer as well as the Branch Agents and after making a through survey of the possible fields, we can tnake a selection of our organizational objectives. "Inasmuch as the responsibility of organizing this campaign has been delegated to me, I would like to make it clear for the rec­ ord that I should be the judge of a man's ability and competency and empowered to employ or dis­ charge organizei-s as I sec fit, in this way we shall have the entire structure and progress of the drive at our finger tips at all times. "At such time, as I feel, that one of the men in any part of the organizational setup is able to handle the duties of Director, I shall recommend that he be plac­ ed on the job and I shall resume my duties as full tin^e business Agent of the New York Branch." "After considerable discussion it was MOVED, SECONDED AND CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY "That we accept the conditions as outlined above and that Paul Hall take over the duties of Or­ ganizational Director of the Sea­ farers International Union of North America, Atlantic & Gulf District. "MOTION BY COLLINS, SEC­ ONDED BY BALES to recess. Meeting recessed at 7:15 P.M." After accepting the position of Director of Organization, Brother Hall waived the salary voted for that post. A tremendous amount of work has been done since the inception of this program. Contained under this report is a complete break­ down of all organized efforts and the results of same made under the rules of the Union as laid out by the 1945 Agents' Conferenc. For the amount of money ex­ pended by the Director of Organ­ ization's Office in fulfilling this program, the expenses have been well worth the effort. At the writ­ ing of this report, the SIU, as a result of this intensive didve, is now recognized as one of the leading Unions in the Maritime Industry. The concrete results of these efforts, both financially and otherwise, are contained herein with a complete break­ down of all organizational expen­ ditures and organizational efforts made to date. The . Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic and Gulf District, at the begin­ ning of this Drive, was faced not only with the proposition of try­ ing to organize the unorganized on this coast, but also were faced with the problem of trying to meet other problems of the Union itself. These problems were in the form of making stronger bonds between ourselves and other af­ filiated Unions, such as the ILA, MMP, Radio Operators, Team­ sters, Pursers, and other Unions. We were faced with the prob­ lem of bringing not only to the unorganized seamen, but to the public's (jye as well as dual unions, that the SIU could and would be a potent factor in this industry. The Organizing Staff of this Union would like to take this op­ portunity in submitting this re­ port to the membership and offic­ ials to express their sincere apE«-eciation for the assistance given us by the membership as well as the officials "of this Union to this date. We also would like to ^ank the officials and members of the Sailors Unioji of the Pacific for the wonderful cooperation they have shown "us. �Friday, December 13. 1948 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Eleven Commies Infiltrating In Gulf CMU Unions By STEELY WHITE NEW ORLEANS—The Gulf in general, New Orleans in parti­ cular, has been the focal point of communist attention for sev­ eral weeks. They have been con­ ducting an extensive expansion and infiltration program in which they have thrown lots of money, some of their own in ad­ dition to the funds of the labor unions which they control. Their initial program is to gain control of marine transportation. This is easier said than done, be­ cause the maritime industry is di­ vided into several powerful un­ ions of which some are anti-po­ litical and .straight economic trade unions. To successfully execute a pro­ gram of this nature and magni­ tude a number of years are re­ quired. They are well aware of this, and they have been diligent­ ly working with a small degree of success. In some of the waterfront un­ ions they are in complete con­ trol insofar as policy making, pro- Isthmian Case Moves Closer To Decision gram, and officialdom are con­ cerned; in others they are in partial control, enough to confuse the policy and neutralize that par­ ticular union's influence when it conflicts, with the commie pro­ gram. The most important unions in this category are the Internation­ al Longshore Workers Union; the Marine Cooks and Stewards; the National Maritime Union; the Canadian Seamen's Union; and some locals of the Marine En­ gineers Beneficial Association; the Masters, Mates and Pilots; and the International Longshore­ men's Association on the Missis­ sippi River. STRANGLEHOLD In some of these unions such as the NMU, MC&S, ILWU, MEBA and CSU they have such a stranglehold on the officialdom, particularly in the branch offices, that the officials who happen to get into office who are not com­ mie party members are made to join or are hardtimed and kangarooed out of office. They can then be replaced by party mem­ bers or stooges who can be pres­ sured into joining the party. Then they have to answer tot no one when they steal the mem­ bership's money and sell the workers out to management, as they have done many times in the past. CONSPIRATORS MEET PARTY LINE OFFICIALS In the New Orleans branches of the NMU, MFOWW, MC&S, ILWU, and MEBA, the commies are in almost 100 per cent control. Every official must belong to the party or stooge for those that are; otherwise, he's not an offi­ cial for very long. They have to attend the regu­ larly held commie business meet­ ings. In the MC&S, the member­ ship is forced to attend daily forums or meetings where com­ mie propaganda is preached to them by admitted commies and State commie officials, or lose their shipping card and be cut off from strike relief. If the memberships of these unions have any desire to .sal­ vage their funds and working conditions from a political clique, they had best sweep the commie rubble out of their house. '•'A I Here are some of the leaders of the New Orleans CIO Water­ front unions attending a secret communist party meeting. It it impossible for them to deny any further that they are fol­ lowers of the CP line. The arrows point, left to right, to Robert McCarthy, head of MC&S Strike Committee; Earl Hinds, MC&S official; Eugene Markey, MC&S New Orleans Port .^gent; and Walter Jones, member of the MC&S Strike Committee. In the national offices it is al­ most as bad. Malone, in the Firemen's Union; is gradually but surely being surrounded. Curran, in the NMU, is under fire while Stack, who has more (Continued from Page 1) muscles than brains, but who is then those objections must be a faithful party member, is be­ submitted to Washington within ing groomed for his job. five days. At this point the Other national officials are NLRB Headquarters will step in cither admitted or recognized to make the final decision under commie members. They also the terms and rules of the Wag­ faithfully follow the commie line ner Act. and sabotage union conditions There is one other possible so­ and policy when it conflicts with lution and that is for the NLRB commie program. to validate a sufficient number The current commie maneuver of votes, without objection from revolves around the Committee any of the interested parties, to for Maritime Unity that they are give the SIU the majority. If advertising so hard. Bridges is this happens, the election will publicly sparkplugging the deal then be completed without any as Chairman, and Curran has need to tally the rest of the chal­ been forced to take co-Chairman lenged ships. to keep himself from being com­ From the way the NMU rep­ pletely engulfed and stripped of resentatives have been acting | power by Bridges and Company, since the start of the Isthmian PROGRAM OF CMU vote count, there is little reason to believe that they will cease Tlie original program was to their stalling at this time. There­ link what waterfront unions they fore the Isthmian men can look could to the executive commit­ forwai'd to a few more months of tee of the CMU, whereby nation­ It looks like CMU strike strategy, especially in New Orleans, is planned in the communist sailing under poor conditions and al policy for all unions would be party offices, not by the membership in the Union Hall. At the height of the strike, these CMU low wages until the last NMU formulated by this committee. local officials reported for secret meetings to plan waterfront strategy. Left to right, back row. flimsy objection has been swept Naturally, they have taken Means, MEBA; Hinds, MC&S; McCartney, MC&S; Jones, MC&S; and Manuel, NMU. In the away. great care to be sure that there is forefront is Manuel Dubowsky, NMU official, and half hidden by Dubowsky's head is Leonard The entire responsibility for enough commie influence on this Fijer, MFOWW New Orleans Agent. proving its case now rests with committee to control all its ac­ R. D, \>lez, $1.00; E, Comparetto, the NMU. The votes were chal­ tion, otherwise they would have $1.00; G. \'idal, Sl.OO; D. L. Hilton, lenged by the NMU, and that no use for the CMU and would $1.00; W. Young, $1.00: O. K. Bird. '9 union also hurled the vicious plot its destruction. $1.0(1; V. .M. Carvello, $1.00; F. Aiello. charge of "collusion." Now it is $1.00; D. C. Reynolds, $1.00; E. Lee Step number two has not been Frazee, $1.00; R. J. Griwsold. $1.00; a question of put up or shut up. attempted yet. This step is to J. C. Powell, $1.00; D. O. Heron, $1,00; Unless the NMU can prove that combine the different unions af­ S. Bnutists, Sl.OO; E. H. He.ncox, $1.00;^ the SIU and the Isthmian Steam­ filiated to the CMU and merge E. E. Stewart, $1.00; S. .A. Milecki, $1.00; F. .A. Donovan, $1.00. ship Company were in league to them into one industrial union. throw the fleet to the SIU, the SS COASTAL STEVEDORE How soon this will be attempt­ case will be decided in favor of Quinones, $1.00; T. Luama, $2.00; ed will depend on (1) How much By', '" the Seafarers. F. Jarobo, $1.00; Finneborg. $3,00, opposition they will get from the SS GOLDEN FLEECE When that happens. Isthmian rank and file membership of the j. Colon, $1.00; 11. J. Prancipe, $1.00. men will get the representation Burns, $1,00; J, W, Caslon, $1.00; L. PHILADELPHIA different unions; (2) how long it •SS FOLANSBEE they voted for, and which they B. Lott, $1.00; C. \'. Mickler, $2.00; Oew of SS Follansbee—$7.00. will take them to beat this oppo­ W. E. .Aplin, $1.00; R. C. Webber, $2.00; E. E. King, $2.00; R. Riley, $2,00, richly deserve. INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS sition down; (3) and how fast 'W. H. ,\llen, $5.00; C. R. Simmons, INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS S. J. Bradley, $2.00; U. S. Dirham, $2.00. they can replace rank and file P, Domicn, $1.00; J. Flynii, 50c; J. $1.00; Casirr.ir Bogucki, $1.00. men with party members in of­ Livano, $1.00; B. D. Elliott, $1,00; E. NEW YORK GALVESTON .A, Greaux, $1,00; j. B, Molini, $1.00; ficial positions in the unions. SS MADAKET INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS Jose R. Gonzalez, $1.00; J. P. Floyd, If you don't find linen In the event they are able to J. Sanlonzans, $2.00; E. T. Better- $1.00; J. Piorkowski, $1.00; P. Lohse, C. Tillman, $1,00; F. T, Kerr, $1.00; when you go aboard your advance this program to this R, E, Ayres, $2,00; 11, Starkey, $1.00; son. $1,00; Raymond B. Long, $1.00; $1.00; L, L. Gaubreau, $1.00; R. J. ship, notify the Hall at once. degree, and if the CIO (to which Wright, $2,00; B, L. Backland, $2.00; Philip Bazaar, $1.00; James P. Rowan, Delaney, $1.00; 1. R. Wohlstein, $1.00; A telegram from Le Havre or most of these unions are now af­ R, M, Ferguson. $1.00; T. A. Wain- $1,00; Pedro Cruz, $1,00; S, P. Gondzar, ! Juan S. Rueda, $1.00. $1,00; Felipe Neri, $1.00; A. F, LangH.. A. Thomsen, $1.00; Osker UusSingapore won't do you any filiated) takes steps to purge the S, J. Rubery, $2.00; W. McBride, $1.00; ley, $1.00; A. T. Arnold, $1.00, F, Berthol'd, $1.00; E, O. G. Ohman, mann, $1.00; W. Kehrwieder, $1,00; F.^ good. It's your bed and you commies from official capacities, $1.00; J. E. Senneville, $1.00, SS W. FALCON Schumacher. $1,00; C. Fleischer, $1,00;. have to lie in it. R, C, Oden, $1,00; j, Forden, $1.00; Jose Vilasis, $1.00; M. J, Balah. $1,00. their intention is to set the CMU J, L, Murrell, $5,00; F. D, , Burroughs, $5,00; Floyd Walker, $1,00; B, V, j, Kwasnaza, $1.00; E. M. Wolfe, $1,00; S, Gartman, $1.00; C. E, Kull, $5,00. ' > up on an independent basis. ATTENTION! 11 m -a J �Page Twelve THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday' Deceafli»er 13, 1848 1. mimi. u. . ... II I , SHIPS'MIMVTES AND NEWS I SIU'S NEW SHELLBACK SCROLL Bauxite Run Has Its 'Queen', Too There's been a lot of tooting and whistling over the "mightyQueens of the seas" lately with the press devoting columns of space to so-called "super" vessels again making regular Atlantic crossings. But other "Queens," just as stately and proud, though not attended by publicity and press clamor, are plying the waters performing jobs mportant in the shipping scheme. One such quiet "Queen" is the MV Manrope Knot of the Alcoa bauxite fleet, crewed up by as proud '3 bunch of Seafarers as ever filled a fo'cslo. The Manrope Knot's crew rev­ erently refer to their ship as the "Queen of the Bauxite Trail," ac­ cording to crew member Casey Jones in a letter received by the Log this week. .. Brother Jones, writing from Trinidad, says' that the entire crew is already either "bauxite conscious" or in the process of becoming so. All age g^roups have representation in the crew, with the young, middle-aged, and old aU solidly SIU. Besides bestowing a title on their ship, the lads have affixed affectionate handles on most of their shipmates, says Casey, and just as a sample he cites a few. Inspirations for the monickers generally is supplied by the type of work the bearer does. "Take a gander at these, "sug­ gests Casey: "Catfish" Lawrence, the Night Cook and Baker; "Slow Motion" Hendrick, Bedroom Utility; "Lonesome" Yarborough, 3rd Cook; "Salad" Thompson, Pantry­ man; "Hot Stuff" Burden, Chief Cook; "Happy" Cornell, Bosun; "Sleepy" Tolbert, Steward; "Hip Boots" Finch, OS; "Rodeo" Tay­ lor, Saloon Messman; "Beef" Deal, Electrician. And then there are "Whiskers" Van Vliet, AB; "Sirloin" Smith, Wiper; "Killarney" Conners, AB; "Skinny" Drozak and "Ty Cobb" Drozak, the twins on deck; and Rocky Malone, AB. "It looks like this tub is going to put on the shuttle act for the next four to six months, "writes Crew Assails Company's Inadequate Launch Service Xhe Alcoa Steamship Company "violated" provisions of its contract with the Union by its "failure to provide an adequate launch service" for the crew of the SS Alcoa Voyager, it was charged at a special meeting called at sea aboard the vessel Sept. 26. tirom mantis hencct^Ah enlMe^^him by ll)e ffofitjlw oml ttjt Ofittu i9_ ALL GOOD SIU MEN m • Seafarers who henceforth cross the Equator in SIU vessels and who participate in the merry ceremonies ruled over by old King Neptune will have something pretty slick to show for it. The Union is making available certificates for presentation to the men who are initiated into the proud ranks of "the Order of Neptune." The "shell-back" certificates are being forwarded to all Atlantic and Gulf District ports. Port Patrolmen will distribute them to the Ship's Delegate aboard those vessels only which will cross the Equator. Casey, obviously referring to the "Queen of the Bauxite Trail." The shuttle run will be made be­ tween Mongo, Paramaribo ahd Trinidad. Some of the lads should re­ turn home, "pretty fat", accord­ ing to Casey, and he "doesn't mean physically." It seems the crew are participants in an allout war on insects and from Casey's battlefront observations, the human species are coming out second best at the moment. "The bugs and mosquitoes," he says, "call the guys who made the last few trips on this rust bucket by their first names. But newcomers are still called 'ChoCho'." Casey says that the crew of the Manrope Knot, or rather the "Queen of the Bauxite Trail," wish all members of the SIUSUP "a Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year, and smooth sailing." What service was provided was termed "irregular." In some in­ stances service was "non-exist­ ent," the crew members declared. In a statement prepared at the meeting, the crew cited four ports where the service was either "ir­ regular" or "non-existent." At La Guira, Venezuela, where the Voyager arrived Aug. 16, the c o m p a n y provided only two launches. The ship was on the hook 42 hours, in which were in­ cluded two evenings. The first launch came to the vessel at 9 a.m. Saturday, the second three hours later. "Other than this there was no service," the state­ ment said. The Voyager moved in alongside at 5:45 a.m. Sunday noon. In the three other ports cited, there was "no launch service whatsoever." Arriving in Port La Cruz Aug. 19, the Voyager lay in the stream 60 hours, including three evenings without a launch coming out to, the vesel. She pulled in alongside Aug. 22. In Orangestadt, Aruba, the ship was on the hook eighteen and a half hours after it was dropped Aug. 31. Watches were broken at 1 p.m., and the ship moved alongside the next morning. In Port of Spain, Trinidad, the Voyager arrived Sept. 17, with watches being broken at 5 p.m. Men were on standby until 10:30 p.m. The shift alongside Shagaramus was completed at 1:30 a.m. on Wednesday. The men were refused exit through the Alum­ inium plant. Watches were set I noon Wednesday, the shift to MINUTES OF SIU SNIP MEETINGS DIGESTED FOR EASIER READING JOHN GALLUP. Sept. 29 — Chairman W. Gorman; Secre­ tary (not given). Motions: that all men refrain from using wash bowls in wash rooms for wash­ ing clothes and sock£; that all forecastles be painted on the way back; that delegates go to Captain. Chief Mate, and 1st Engineer to see when painting can be done; that all men be fined 25 cents for leaving cups and messgear on tables and side board, throwing butts on deck and putting feet on chairs. t GEORGE WASHINGTON. Nov. 6—Engine and Deck dele­ gates reported everything in order. Subject of change of cof­ fee and percolator for black gang to be given to Patrolman to straighten out. Motions car­ ried: that if ship made voyage for more than a week that a slop chest be placed aboard; to check and see if it's possible to get rid of wormy cereal, alw more of a variety of good cereal. Suggestion that better drain be installed in deck departments shower and washrooms, also have clock fixed in Deck de­ partment messhall. Bosun sug­ gested that crew refrain from mingling with passengers and stay off decks except while on duty. Motion carried that ref­ erence be made to Hall in re­ gard to placing MA and Fire Watch on duty between the hours of 6 a. m. and 4 p. m. Deck delegate suggested that anyone intending to quit the ship give him ample notice. t 8 » ELOY ALFARO. July 4.— Chairman Hershel Hjolloway; Secretary J. Palmer. New Business: Steward Delegate re­ ported that in regards to sev­ eral cases of overtime and working rules which were dis­ cussed with the Captain, the Captain could not seem to understand what was written in the agreement and that he has proceeded to run the Stew-' anchorage was completed at 6 p.m. and the men were knocked off at 9 p.m. The Voyager put out to sea Thursday. No launch service was provided at all during this period at Trinidad. DRAW BEEF It was further charged at the • meeting that the "master of the vessel has failed to provide sys­ tematic draws in accordance with U. S. Navigation Laws." Di'aws were refused in Wilhelmstadt, Curacao, and in Trinidad. In Georgetown, British Columbia, a draw was granted after 30 min­ utes of protest by the delegates. There was difficulty over draws in two Candadian ports, also. At Port Alfred, Que., a draw was "postphoned" more than 24 hours after watches were broken. A request for American money was tui-ned down by the master in Bay Como, Que, which, the crew charges, was also a violation of the Union-company agreement. Insufficient stores in the slopchest was attributed by the crew to mis-management by the of­ ficers. Shortages were apparent, "especially after Aug. 25, in the , feTHATAi-W 6t€,fJ0 so/Memgi J Trim ABOifT IRLS... supply of work clothes, shoes, cigarettes and candy. The members present at the meeting voiced approval of the statement, the purpose of which was to press for company fulfill­ ment of its contracted obligations. ards department over the Stew­ ards decisions. Furthermore, that the contents of the recent order "To all Masters and Stew­ ards" issued by the WSA is a direct effort to override our present working agreement and dictate their own. Deck Dele­ gate reported that he was keep­ ing a detailed record of all disputed overtime to hand to the Patrolman. Because of the repairs and food stores which have been fouled up. a plan of action was drawn up to get re­ sults. Motion was carried to ac­ cept the plan of action. 4, 4, it DEL ALBA. Sept. 8 — Chair­ man J. Tucker; Secretary Love­ lace. New Business: Motions Carried: more night lunch in both messhalls; a steam line to be installed in one of the wash(Continued on Page 13) �• •V Friday, Decnnber 13, 1346/ THE SEAFARERS LOC Page Thirteen Digested Minutes Of SlU Ship Meetings (Cnnthiucd From Page 12) rooms so that the men can boil their own clbthes; that in the future we sign articles with one Captain only and not with who­ ever shall go as master, and the agent see that these words are struck out of the articles; to give Patrolman Red Gibbs in New Orleans a vote of thanks for having the repair list at­ tached to the articles at the time of sign-on. t X X MV HAUSER EYE, Sept. 22 — Chairman John Murphy; Sec­ retary A, Mayhew. Motions carried: to do something about weavils in flour; to obtain perculator in next port if possible; to reimburse money spent by delegates for launch service; to leave overtime sheets for new crew; that anyone leaving cups on mess tables be fined $1.00 and money collected to be do­ nated to Marine Hospital. XXX Sour Grapefruits And Oranges, Too SIDNEY H. SHORT, Nov. 17 — Chairman Cecil D. Morash; Secretary Wilbur E. Constant. Motions carried: that ship sail from Halifax with Union men •aboard otherwise sail with pres­ ent shorthanded crew; to have toilets repaired or replaced; that the last standby on each watch clean messhall or be fin­ ed $1.00; that anyone found putting feet on messhall chairs or cluttering up messhall fe fin­ ed $1.00, also anyone leaving clothes soaking in laundry more than twelve hours be fined with money collected to be donated to the Marine Hospital; that anyone found selling ship's gear will be tried by special called meeting. brother who missed the vessel though no fault of his own; to have Patrolmen remedy situa­ tion wherein soot is flying all over the ship 24 hours a day; to have Patrolmen instruct the Captain to put up sailing no­ tice 24 hours before sailing time; to have pantryman dump the garbage after every meal, and that Steward bring his re­ quisition book down to messhail to be checked by department delegates. XXX CAPE NOME. Sept. 18 — Chairman G. Chandler; Sec­ retary Pagan. Motions carried: to place locks on all doors in crew's heads and quarters and to install a jury toilet for long­ shoremen; to repair cool water pipe lines from which water is too hot; to have all showers and heads used by unlicensed personnel painted; to open sky­ light as in peacetime and to install ventilator fans in all port holes. XXX XXX GEORGE WASHINGTON, Nov. 20 — Chairman Shorty Whoever is responsible for the Geautreau; Secretary Whitey I purchase of food aboard the SS— Olson. Rocky Benson's report (the name was not given in the accepted. Engine Delegate's re­ I minutes) must think the vessel port accepted. Motions carried: is crewed by a pack of pygmies. to see Patrolman in regard to The grapefruits served to the obtaining similar scuttlebutt to men are the "size of small or­ the one aft in the Stewards anges" and the oranges have the Department; to see Patrolman dimensions of walnuts. And the in regard to the clock that was walnuts—well, if they had any to be installed in the crew's I you probably couldn't see them. messroom. The man who was Besides the puny proportions signed on as day man at $172.50 of the undernourished citrus has had his base pay put in the I fruits, the crew says they are all AB maintance scale of $187.50. too sour. Even the table apples The exact amount due will be made known in the Log as soon I are crabby. as possible. All members stood What else could the crew do in silence for one minute in re­ but pass a motion calling for betspect to our brothers lost at sea. I ter fruit to be brought aboard. 'Brother William Jenkins dryly recorded the sour episode. XXX JOSHUA HENDY, Aug. 18— Chairman A. H. Anderson; Sec­ XXX retary N. T. Wade. All books JOHN MOSBY, Aug. 5— collected and checked. Motions Chairman Wallace; (Secretary carried: that coffee urn be clean­ not listed). Deck Delegate re­ ed inside and out; that the Stew­ ported a dispute over a few ard Delegate locate missing new hours and that the Bosun has electric coffee pot; that Pricks asked the men not to take 20 be ship's delegate and attend to minutes for coffee time. Dis­ the use of a spare head for the cussion on matters of last stand­ cattle men; that the Steward by of each watch cleaning Department use the Engine De­ messhall and rinsing the cups. partment's head and assist in Members were requested to re­ keeping it clean; that a member turn books to library in decent from each department find out manner after finished with why the wash room isn't being them. kept clean. Same, committee to XXX investigate noises in mess hall DAVIDSON VICTORY, Sept. and companionway. 8—Chairman Whitey Lewis; XXX Secretary Lefty Parks. Mo­ WILLIAM MACCLAY, Nov, tions carried: to find out what 3 — Chairman Carl Pedersen; can be done to benefit the Secretary John Heacox; Meet­ ing called for the purpose of determining the immediate needs of the crew. The follow­ ing suggestions were made by various crewmembers and adopted as a suggestion resol­ ution: New mattresses, pillows, The SS Blue Island Victory, a bed springs, new library, etc.. Suggestions for keeping ship 7,607-ton Waterman Steamship clean: all dishes, cups, etc., not Corporation vessel, ran into the to be left on mess tables. No Drogden Lighthouse in the Oere­ cigarette butts, matches, or sund, south of Copenhagen, early trash of any kind to be thrown last week, it has been reported. on midship deck; all refuse and The vessel's bow was severely garbage to be disposed of. All damaged in the collision with the departments are to rotate in concrete base of the lighthouse. After being freed, the Blue Isl­ keeping recreation zoom clean. \ emYOUR BAuor! \' 'Water, Water Everywhere . . you MAVE UAiril.1>6C.3l To VOTE fonyai/fi 0PPiC:AtSR)R 1947. ioo OAKl^TEATANVoMFOF-mC AT(Al^ncAND€<;U=HALlS. VoU'T •oeiAV. vore Now!! 5 CUT and RUN By HANK First of all we sincerely thank the Secretary-Treasurer's staff and the Log staff for their swell wedding gifts. More than words can say, we'll always remember and appreciate, indeed . . . Now to our weekly cutting and drying all the various items we've col­ lected . . . Brother Charles Cofield, the electrician, might still be in town. We saw him about two weeks ago ... It looks like those guys with September and October shipping cards are disappearing fast. You won't hear any more moans and groans and, whistles on the second floor, at least . . . Marvin Rickittes is waiting to ship out . . . Dec. 9 was Benny Gonzalez's birthday. Happy birthday, Benny ... In a certain poolroom not far from the Union Hall, Joe Presto and Steve Carr keep beating the pants oc Buddy Callahan and Jimmy McCuIlough. They must be pool sharks. X X X X Broiher Joe Coslello is in town right now. waiting to ship out . . . Bosun Carl Lawson says that he is in the doghouse right now with his wife—and that he's even residing in the "Doghouse" until he grabs a ship . . . Electrician Robert B. Burns seems to be a humorous character. He's always full of XXX fun, you know. The latest trick he's pulling on his pals is the BERTRAM GOODHUE. Aug. one with the two corks. That trick is a corker, no kidding . . . 25—Chairman W. J. Brantley; Brother Teddy Fyhn is shipping out again after being a waiter. Secretary E. B. McAuley. Mo­ Last week he showed the Union Hall to his little daughter, Betty tions carried: to have the dele­ Ann, who has a million dollar pretty face. gates see the Skipper about the ^ ^ ^ ^ cigarette situation; to have the Thomas "Rebel" Melton, -who paid off from a long trip in New crew create a satisfactory sys­ Orleans, just blew in from Baltimore. "Rebel," who hasn't grown tem of keeping the laundry another beautiful beard since that Delaires voyage, says that his clean and in working condition. shipmate. Bill Story, an oldtimer and ex-Baltimore pie card, called The crew messman thanked the him up from New York. Have you met him yet, "Rebel," for an­ 4-8 watch for cleaning up the messhall each morning. The other trip? . . . Brother Salvatore Frank just blew into town. How Steward assured the Oiler that was the trip Frank and why no letters? . . . Here are a few of the the condition around the meat brothers we notice still in town; Baker Oscar Grimm, who may block would be remedied. Crew bake some cigar pies some day; Earl De Angelo, who may be wish­ was warned about putting their ing to hit the West Coast again; Bosun Robert Hillman, famous for feet on messhall chairs and his words, "Do the best you can," and Steward Drew "Hoss" Mcthat the scuttlebutt was not a Kinney, who may hit a lucky ship yet. X X X X washing basin. Brother Brant­ Here's a letfer from Broiher Sieve Di Girolmo. aboard Ihe ley cautioned the men about SS Maiden Viclory: "Just dropping a line lo say hello and leaving cups in various places lhal everylhing is going fine. We gol a good crew and a good around the vessel and request­ engine gang, including Ihe officers. We got a few oldlimers, ed the membership to return one in parlicular, G. Nunez. I sailed wilh him before. Here's a all utensils to their proper places. One minute of silence few of Ihe names of Ihe boys in Ihe Black Gang: R. Price, was observed for departed Eleclrician; R. Ingraham, who's always sleeping and A. Blain, Oiler, who's also always sleeping. We got one Wiper by the Brothers. name of S. Smocynski and all he thinks of is coffee lime and overlime. I guess lhal's all for now. We sail lomorrow but I'll write from Germany. So long. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year" . . . And the same to you Steve . . . Broiher Pete Gonzalesz just shipped on his last day wilh his 90-day-old card. Whcd a Christmas present to yourself, Pete . . . Frenchy Michelet, cook, writer and canner of crabs or something down in the Gulf, just blew into town. Planning any canning party, Frenchy? and Victory proceeded to Copen­ hagen Roads with her cargo of 750 horses and United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Admin­ istration foodstuffs which are destined for Gydnia, Poland. The report indicates that the vessel win have to undergo extensive repairs before putting to sea. Drinking water on the SS Edith is getting pretty hard, says the minutes of a recent shipboard meeting. In fact, even if you don't drink it its pretty hard. It's okay for a salt water gargle but that's all. Thirsting for action, the SS Edith lads passed a motion in­ structing the three delegates to visit the Chief Engineer with a view to quenching the whole af­ fair. They want the evaporators turned on in the drinking water tanks to cut the salt away. "The water ... is too hard to be drunk," they said. SS Blue Island Victory Rams Lighthouse In Danish Waters �Page Fourleen li m THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday. Decembar 13, 1946 SPEAKS THE O, Capital Is Consolidating For Drive On Labor Unions MUDDY FOOTING Waiting is Brother "Hands" Jones (back to camera) while Seafarers "Top n' Lift" Fowler, followed by A Seaman's Prayer " C h i s e 1e r" Wolch. makes his By Jesse A. Miller uneasy way through bad road in Guanla. Vene­ zuela. Men are Oh, I don't wanna go to heaven, off the SB Wil­ 'Cause they ain't got whiskey liam Brewster. up there. I don't wanna go to heaven. There's no dames with golden hair. fcnse and saj- that no greedy capitalist parasites and their polit­ The 400,000 men who dig soft ical agents in Congress can attack coal, finding that rapidly rising us with impunity it will drive the prices wiped out their wage in­ labor haters back into their holes. creases and that they have no LABOR-HATERS SHOUT contract, have stopped digging Our enemies arc calling for an coal. This has bought about a na­ opening of Congress to "deal with tional attack by the Government labor". At present we aj-e help­ against the miners. If bayonets less in Congress. In Congress we could dig coal you can be sui-e|arc at their tender mercies. Our there would be bayonets in the, problem is to demonstrate the mines. As it is the Government strength and unity of labor has to find other means to break' against its enemies. the miners strike and also to What better way can wc do crush the union, although bay­ this than to call a Congress of Dear Editor: I am referring to Isthmian Voy- Leave me here on Mother Earth, With its wickedness and sin, onets may yet enter the picture. Labor? Not a Congress of big • the tu New ^T 1. The Belle ,,of , the Sea Ir am now m Orleans ' age No. „ I'll hang around til I'm a hundred . „ .. , suffering a „ from; t I left.. San Francisco on that You can't pick up a newspaper shots from the top offices of the •, Marine Hospital __ ^ voyage ° and one. , . dysentery , . t 4. a ' or* May 27, ly4o and returned to without finding a vicious attack AFL and CIO but a Congress amoebic contracted Then go to hell carrying a bot­ upon the miners and labor as a made up of rank and file working from drinking contaminated wa- Los Angeles eSpt. 20, 1946. tle of gin. men delegates from factories, I believe that such a warning whole. They all stand together — ter in the Phillipines while there the whole caboodle of parasites shops, .ships, docks, mills and as a crew member aboard the SS may prevent some of my ship­ The wails of the wretched and and capitalist politicians—in there mines. You will then get a true Belle of the Sea. (See Log of Nov. mates—SIU and SUP—from com­ the damned spitting hatred for the labor expression of American labor's 1. 1946, page 3 article on Isth­ ing down with a worse case than Will linger loud and long. I have. Believe me, mine is no movement. The only difference strength and sentiments. Such a mian). But the things I'll always remem­ joy ride. Congress will be a demonstration among them is that some are ber There were approximately of the labor movement's power James "Scofly" Atkins smoother than others. Will be Earth's wine, women as has never before been seen. It eight- members of the licensed Ward F-2 and song. WAR ON LABOR will .serve notices to the big cap­ and unlicensed personnel of the U.S. Marine Hospital ship with the same disease as I I'll get the devil to put in vents. New Orleans, LaBut the most ominous develop­ italists of the country that they caught. These men are probably cannot drive down our standard And to change from oil to coal. ment of all, which is an alarm running around, like I was, Then the devil and I will play signal to the entire labor move­ of living in order to increase thinking they have a bad stom­ MINISTER LAUDS some stud. ment, is the open preparation of their wealth, it will serve notice ach ache. And the stake will be my soul. to the Go\'ernment that we will ALL HANDS ABOARD the Government to pass a series I suggest that the Special Ser­ not tolerate war upon the labor of laws, and change others, to leg­ If I win the devil will give me vices department run a small ar­ ALCEE FORTIER ally disarm and break the labor moVement. This Congress of A barroom that'll be all my ticle notifying the crew who sail­ (Editor's Note: The following movement. All the capitalist poli­ Labor will organize our great own. ed on that particular trip of the letter was received by the ticians are joined together in this power for our defense and pre­ With a whiskey jug that never SS Belle of the Sea, and who crewmembers of the Alcee unholy alliance against labor. pare the road for our advance­ runs dry. were taken ill during the trip to Fortier from Rev. Samuel Liv­ They think that the time has ment. For A Congress of Labor And Satan's dancing girls I'll go immediately to the nearest. ingstone when he left the ship come to sharpen their knives andj^^"^*''' loan. Haymond Sparrow Marine Hospital for a checkup of after an UNRRA trip to use them on our hides. Democrat the stomach and liver. Greece. At the time of his de­ If I lose (Oh never fear M. V. Farallon or Republican, whatever their parture the crew and the cat­ For I've already marked the label — they are revealing them­ tlemen aboard contributed deck). selves as our enemies. Must the $22.00 to the Seamen's Bethel He'll put me cleaning bilges. labor movement quietly lay its Collection after Rev. Living­ In the NMU's oldest wreck. head upon the block? stone had told all men aboard We can stop them! The organ­ of the fine work this organiza­ So, you can see why I never ized labor movement, when it Want to climb that golden kind of a Cook that the SIU can tion is doing for seamen). stands shoulder to shoulder, is Dear Editor: stair; be rightfully proud of. His chow the power in the land. Once we If the late crew of the SS Wil­ Gentlemen: Cause they ain't got whiskey up is such that even the loneliest join together in our common de- liam Seaton have yet been able to in heaven. I have been requested to write first-tripper will forget to be excavate themselves from their Or dames with golden hair. homesick. As for the oldtimers. a few words about my interest one-piece plaster casts ^made well, they didn't even notice how i in the work of UNRRA. This is exclusively of bauxite), they will miserable the bauxite diist was. a great pleasure and I hope it be able to see that their humble have passed since the Alcee For­ They spend all the time between ' may do some one a bit of good, servant, the ex-bull Wiper Dele­ tier left Newport News, Va. Our meals contemplating the next. Ships are again on the roll, My church graciously gave me destination was Greece, and now gate has faithfully discharged his plying the seas fo ihe four MORE ORCHIDS time off as a "cattleman," but we are within sight of America. duty to them by entering these corners of ihe earth. You more particularly as an ambassa­ It would be easy to write a book few words in the Log. Steward E. E. Foster did Seafarers who man these dor of good will. The church I on the new thrills of sea and Of course, there may be those bang-up job, seeing to it that vessels will be popping into represent, the Washington Park land, but space is limited. How­ everyone was happy arid well unfortunates who are still con­ ports of call in Africa, Asia, Methodist Community Church of ever, I might be pardoned for supplied with grub. We can use fined to their beds waiting for Australia. You'll be hitting Providence, Rhode Island, gave expressing a very sincere word more Stewards like E.E. their clothes to come back from the Near East, Middle East in cash and goods the approxim­ concerning the brave men who Now a word for the guy who the cleaners, and unable to get and the Orient, and you'll be ate sum of $4500.00 and donated man our ships. v/as responsible for slinging the around to the Hall to pick up making the high spots and their favorite paper. However, chow. Crew's Messman Vic Man- $150.00 for the purchase of a the low in the islands, and STOUT HEARTS it's amazing just how the Log salto keeps the cleanest mess- heifer. down South America way. This has been delivered to This preacher sees them as gets around, and, no doubt, they room and sets the nicest table Your experiences in these any hungry SIU sailor can wish Greece to relieve the suffering of men with strong muscles and will see it anyway. Who knows, places, the characters you the peoples of that country. All stout hearts. Brave, fearless, and Junior might even bring one to sit down to. meet both ashore and aboard of us are attempting to accomp­ calm in every emergency. No, A pretty fair trip was had by home from school next Sunday. ship as you v/end your way, all. In too many past issues we lish this relief work for the sake they are not of the saintly type, make interesting stories. DOWN TO BUSINESS have seen a lot of blasts right­ of Him who said, "Inasmuch as their ordinary conversations Surely, you'll run into strange Anyway, let's get down to the fully directed at phony skippers, ye did ' it with one of the least would not pass in my church gals and guys, clip-joints, business at hand and follow the but in this case we have an hon­ of these my brethren, ye have school, yet at six services of di­ "dives, and points of historical instructions given at a recent orable m.ention for Capt. George done it with me." vine worship which I '. old, I be­ interest. Maybe you'll have shipboard meeting: "That a few R. Stanton. He's a good Joe who lieve every man not on duty was a beef on the way, or a tip NOBLE SHIP words of praise for llie Steward doesn't like to see the front pages present. to pass along to your Broth­ and his department be entered in of his log book all cluttered up The scripture declares, "They This noble ship on which we ers that might save them the Log." with a bunch of stuff that count­ sail has carried the food which that go down to the sea in ships some trouble. Well, fellows, it is a hell of a erbalances the OT sheets at the was given by interested people. shall see the glory of the Lord." We want to hear about any job to impose on a guy when he payoff. It was our answer to that devil- In addition to that, this Minister and all of these. Just jot them has gotten so fat that he has a Let's hope we can see more arid ish spirit- that meant to crush saw a fine brotherly spirit mani­ down and mail them to the hell of a job to see out of his more of these reports of close co-; humanity. Good will, and not fested- among the men who sail Seafarers Log, 51 Beaver eyes. But I'll try my best to con-, operation on shipboard that will hate shall rule the world. There- the seven seas. Street, New York 4, N. Y. vey to the membership just what help keep her Steady as she fore, from our Captain to the So here is a hearty, God bless Enclose pictures if you have kind of Steward department we'goes." most humble Cattleman we have you all. any, v/e'll return them. had. Gene Maxkey, engaged in a Holy mission. Samuel A. Livingstone, Chief Cook Ed Seeley is .the Engine Delegate More than fifty days and nights Minister Deai* Editor; Log -A- Rhythms Warns SS Belle Of Sea Men Seaton Men Get Plastered But Good Chow Eases Pain Wanted: Tips �TEE SEAFARERS LOG Friday^ December 13, 1846 Page Fifleen 4-Watch System Is Recommended To Stem Tide Of Unemployment Dear Cdilor: Jobs in the seafaring industry are becoming scarcer every day with ships being laid up in the boneyard or sold to foreign in­ terests. This is the result of the reconversion program of Mr. Shipowner who is cutting down expenses as the ships are grad­ ually being put back into the hands of private ownership. We must remember the SIU mem­ bership of 60,000, with perhaps 10,000 or 12,000 jobs to go around for employment aboard the ships now under contract. We find that the centering of the management of industries in­ to fewer and fewer hands makes the trade unions unable to cope with the ever growing power of the employing cla.ss. The trade unions foster a state of affairs which allows one set of workers to be pitted against another in the same industry, thereby help­ ing to defeat one another in wage wars. Morever the trade unions aid the employing class to mislead the workers into the ened workday means for the em­ ployer one hour's less profits from every man employed—one hour less oportunity to exploit. This accounts for the fact that the worker's demand for shorter hdurs have always been contest­ ed more vigorously than demands for better conditions or even wage increases. The reason is obvious. The dif­ ference between the six hour day and the eight hour day is the dif­ ference between three hours and five given to the employer in which to sweat profits from the hides of his help, each hour of reduction being made at the ex­ pense of the exploiter. The dif­ ference between the six hour day and, say the three hour day, is the difference between three hours of profit-sweating and none at all. Therefore, if the employer wishes to continue to live off the labor of his "wage-slaves" he must (and he does) guard jealous­ ly the length of the toiler's work day. Upon it depends not only the amount of his unearned in­ come but also the continuation of his privileges to live without pro­ ducing. Any workday longer than that required to do the ac­ tual necessary work of the world simply serves to fatten the al­ ready "hog-fat" parasites of in­ dustry. CAPITAL HAS POWER The capitalist system, rotten as it is, has resources which cannot be overlooked. The armed forces of the state are not nearly as belief that the workers Have in­ terests" in common with their employers. 4-WATCH SYSTEM To cut down the surplus of la­ bor that now confronts the union is to demand the four-watch sys­ tem on all ships. On the basis of an eight hour day, less than three hours are all that is necessary for the worker to earn his wage. The rest of the day he is employed in producing surplus value for the boss. E ach hour of the short- BROTHER LUTTRELL, IN CHI HOSPITAL ASKS FOR LETTERS MEMBER'S DAD APPRECIATES SIU'S MILITANCY Dear Editor: Enclosed please find poem I wrote when I was in New Or­ leans. You are welcome to print it in the Log if you care to. I want to thank you for send­ ing the Seafarers Log to my home address in Heavener, Okla. My dad writes me that it is com­ ing regularly and he enjoys it very much. As a long-time rail­ road man, he appreciates mili­ tant unionism such as we showed in our recent strike. I stood my picket duty in San Francisco and I am proud of my picket card. I'd sure like to see old New York now, but I guess I'll go to Honolulu as soon as the strike there is over. Thurston Lewis San Francisco (Editor's note: Brother Lewis' poem. "Song of the Open Sea," written in New Orleans in 1943. appears in the Log-A-RJhi^hjn column on page 14. Dear Editor: Well, here I am again in the Marine Hospital in Chicago. I paid off in New Orleans in May, and came to Chicago for a cou­ ple of weeks to visit my family. I was here a week or so, when my right leg started bothering me. I didn't pay much attention to it and let it go. It goi worse and I went to a private doctor. He didn't do me any good so I went BROTHER EXPECTS to another one. Also I kept put­ ARMY DISCHARGE ting hot packs on it myself. I finally had to come here. Both NEXT MONTH of my knees are swollen and stiff Dear Editor: and my elbows are also stiff. The This is just a line to express doctors aren't yet sure exactly my appreciation to the member­ what the trouble is. I hope that ship and the officials of our UnI won't be here too long. ;ion who have won for us the Missed out on the strike but great new contracts. They .are my thoughts were always of you the best ever attained on the boys. You did a wonderful job, waterfront by any Union. I re­ and it should make you all proud­ gret that I was not able to par­ er to say "I belong to the SIU." ticipate in the winning of them. Keep up the good work and The Army wouldn't allow that smooth sailing to all of you. as an excuse for a furlough. Thanks- for the latest issue of If any of my old shipmates are around, tell them to drop me a the Log. which I received this morning. few lines. I expect to be seeing many of C. E. LuttreU formidable as the venal press and other avenues of publicity and class mis-education. The capita­ list press and class-controlled ra­ dio are perhaps the very strong­ est bulwarks for the established order. By means of these, labor hatred and mob frenzy can be lashed to a fever heat at any time and against any individual or group which dares to challenge the capitalist system. It will be recalled, however, tliat news­ paper workers have at times re­ fused to set-up or print slander­ ous and inflammatory anti-labor editorial matter. So here as well as in the manufacture and trans­ portation of industrial material, the economic power of the work­ ers can be used to an advantage. The every day struggle is that of the class struggle, not of tradeunions or obedience to political parasites who create laws to benefit the few and exploit the many. We must as a class unite under one union by the use of the General Strike at the point of production. The ultimate aim of the Gen­ eral Strike is not to substitute for the yoke of capitalism, the yoke of the red republicans, the fascist, the militarist—or any other yoke. The general strike can just as well be used by the workers to institute real indus­ trial freedom and democracy and do away with all yokes save that of necessary social labor which is the common obligation of everybody born into the world. Joseph S. Buckley the Brothers around the first of the year as I hope to be dis­ charged by then. Glad to see that some effort is being made to get the men work­ ing on the Texas tankers to join our ranks. They have some good ships and some good men. I sailed on them in '44, and I know that a great number of the boys want our Union to represent them. They are damn tired of the NMU finks who claim to rep­ resent them now. Good luck to our Union and all our Brothers everywhere. Eldon "Bill" Ray TRIPCARDER PLEADS DESIRE FOR REINSTATEMENT I was an active, paid up tripcarder until Aug. 28, 1946. I was in New York almost two months trying to catch a ship until I was Hat broke and had to .sneak home. As a veteran I started in school here at home, since it was the only job around. Then the Union went on strike and I didn't even have the dough to hit for a seaport to carry a sign on the picket line. So I stayed in school. I'll be out in January and would like to return to the sea and the .SIU, because it was always fair to me even when things were tough. What I would like to know now is how I stand, or would stand, as a permit man. Should I try to enter an SIU hall any place? I missed out on the strike, but I think enough of the SIU to suffer whatever consequences there may be. I just got careless at the wrong time but, I really was flat broke. There are a few of the boys in the hall who will remember me if I could come down there and plead my case when I get out of school in January. I would gladly pay my dues and whatever fine may be established to give me strike clearance and be restored as a permit man. • I'd dearly appreciate any information you could send me. Could the Buffalo Hall help me to find out where I stand? Norman Maffei Franklinsville, N. Y. ANSWER:—Your letter has been turned over to the Strike Clearance Committee, which wil advise you by mail as to the possibilities for reinstatement, and how you may proceed in the matter. Open Discussions In Log Healthy Sign, Says Member Dear Editor: panding to include all depart­ I have heard much discussion ments, instead of only the deck on Brother Joseph Buckley's re­ department as it had remained cent letter to the Log on today's for half a century. union problems. The first im­ Our new AFL Maritime Trades pression one gets from his letter Department also shows this. Un­ is pride that one can disagree ions are finding it vitally neces­ openly in the Log with our offi­ sary to stand together against cial policies. Can you picture their common enemies the bosses, a leter of this kind appearing in and their political stooges. United the Pilot? In fact, the Pile-it we survive, divided we are de­ used to say at the head of its stroyed. letter column that no letter dis­ DECIDE FOR ONE'S SELF agreeing with official NMU Brother Buckley says, "We,( EWELL DECK MEN policy would be printed. Truly, the rank and file, must unite in SCORE MATE, the SIU is a democratic union. one big union under an indus­ When Brother Buckley warns trial democracy." This is a mat­ LAUD SKIPPER against a witch-hunt for reds he ter of individual political belief Dear Editor: is dead right. We have seen how with which many will disagree. The deck department of the the commies keep themselves in Many workers still think they good ship Richard S. Ewell would power in the NMU by calling all can do best under the system of their opponents "fascists." It is so-called "free enterprise." Per­ like to have the following state­ easy to put a tag like this on sonally, I think Buckley is right, ments published in the Log for anyone who disagrees with you, but this is some thing every man the benefit of any deck gang that and through this type of baiting must decide for himself. might run into a Mate named all honest opposition, is smoth­ Most of the disagreement with Nelson Elsapp. He has been play­ ered. Buckley seems to be with his WITCH HUNT WRONG ing fink from way back. attack on. the AFL and CIO as A witch-hunt is a witch-hunt. being "closed corporations bene­ He maintains that in his coun­ It makes no diffei'ence what ficial only to Green and Murray." try he was treated rough and names you give the witches, "red" Perhaps he exaggerates some­ hence we were in for the same. or "fascist." Both are wrong. Both what, but it is surely true that He thinks we are lucky to be can be cloaks for destroying* the anti-union forces rejoice to eating the same food as him. freedom and independence. We see American labor divided into We are sure glad that the Cap­ see how the kept press calls "com­ two sections, fighting each other tain is a swell fellow. If any of munist" and "red" all who dare instead of the bosses. U. S. Steel the sailors run into Capt. .Will defend the rights of labor—it is a and DuPont are united against Cleasby they shouldn't pass up convenient smear. labor—can't we workers learn the chance to sail with him. He Many of us will also agree something from them? has surely got the backing of this with Brother Buckley that the Anyway, whatever you think Deck department. As for the craft union is obsolete. Separate of Brother Buckley's views, it is Mate, thumbs down as far as we unions for longshoremen and sea­ certainly a healthy thing to have are concerned. men make no more sense than discussion pro and con on such We are bound for Okinawa and separate unions for cooks and things as these. As the Editor of it looks like a long trip. Will let firemen. the Log says, "that's what makes you know how things come out. Today's trend is, as Buckley for democracy." Why don't those M. E. Blosser. Deck Del." says, toward industrial unionism. who disagree with Buckley send, Gus Kay. ^ Bosun Our mother union, the SUP, re­ in their ideas? R. L. Yeager cently demonstrated this by ex­ "Steamboat" O'Doyle �J".' - •' Page Sixieen THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, December 13. 1S46 m Wi •x-x- V!X'XvX!X!X»X»X: I'XX'XvXWXW mmmrnmrn mi S:wi; •:W ^5 ...... XvXvXvi ¥;¥:::::¥x::::%?;>¥:.. K'l'X'j'X'X-X'X'X^rv:*:':-; > .'X'..... v.^^.'.x.:.X'X'XvX'l .%v.-X*X«X WHO - led-Hie-f -for war risk, bonuses ? ^HO •" bccrt*doujn*H've W8A medical program? WHO - de-feorrad 4be WSA Gompetence cavd«proi^mim ? WHO-won-Hne hioKest uiaoes in4fe indusrrii ? WHO — hos-fhe besluiorkin^ aoi^ditionsf 'X«>X*Xv iSVi :?SSp" 1® :-:v:i X'XvIvX'X'X'X'X x<«XvXvX<'X*X'>: * x-x-r-.-^x-x-x^' � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource December 13, 1946 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. VIII, No. 50 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Description An account of the resource Headlines: AFL TUGBOATMEN WILL BALLOT ON STRIKE ACTION SIU MOVES CLOSER TO ISTHMIAN VICTORY IN NLRB VOTE COUNT MINERS RETURN TO WORK; CASE BEFORE SUPREME COURT OAKLAND AFL VICTORIOUS IN GENERAL STRIKE PROFIT AND DIVIDENDS SOAR HIGH WHILE REAL WAGES KEEP DROPPING PROPAGANDA--NMU STYLE AFL STAFF OFFICERS ASSOCIATION IS ONLY CERTIFIED PURSERS' UNION SEAFARERS' WIFE IS STILL ON THE JOB SUPPLYING MAGAZINES FOR SEAMEN SPECIAL BOARD TO RID GOVT. OF COMMUNISTS NMU LOSING OUT WITH UNORGANIZED BECAUSE OF ITS STALLING TACTICS PHILADELPHIA SHIPPING IS GOOD, EXCEPT FOR THE BACKDOOR ARTISTS SEAFARERS WIN ATLANTIC TOWING IN SAVANNAH SEATRAINS MAY CEASE OPERATION IF CUBANS WITHDRAW SUBSIDY COAST GUARD EVEN MORE STRINGENT NOW THAT THE SHOOTING IS OVER CORPUS CHRISTI IS DIFFERENT, NEEDS SEAMEN IT'S A CAT'S LIFE--STANDARD;S PUSS GETS PAY BOOST AND PENSION PLAN FINKY SHIPCHANDLERS FIND OUT THEY CAN'T TAMPER WITH TAMPA PINOCHLE TOPS SHIPPING NEWS IN CHICAGO ISTHMIAN MEN IN THE SIU FINANCIAL REPORT DUES REMITTING PROGRAM ORGANIZERS' ACTIVITY OTHER ORGANIZATIONAL ACTIVITIES REPRESENTATIVE ISTHMIAN CREWS THE SEAFARERS LOG COMMIES INFILTRATING IN GULF CMU UNIONS BAUXITE RUN HAS ITS 'QUEEN' TOO CREW ASSAILS COMPANY'S INADEQUATE LAUNCH SERVICE SS BLUE ISLAND VICTORY RAMS LIGHTHOUSE IN DANISH WATERS Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 12/13/1946 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1946 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/b9e14476403959c0f384f7b441fe6468.PDF 07a48fc2ebc8314a0a3f80471ca02aab PDF Text Text v:-: i^:i;cr:, Official Organ of the Atlantic and Gulf District, Seafarers International Union of North America Strike Or Arbitration Are Alternatives As Tugboatmen Take Vote NEW YORK—Following a deadlock in negotiations between the operators and New York Harbor's 2,800 tugboat workers, ballots have been mailed to the union membership to determine whether the union will strike or seek arbitration in the dispute over a new contract. Captain William V. Bradley, President of the United Marine Division, Local 333, ILA, stated that the ballots would be returned by January 2, and would decide the union's action when the present^ contract expires December 31. NO AGREEMENT The Tugboat workers are seek­ ing a reduction in the work week from 48 to 44 hours and an in­ crease in wages of $1.00 per day. However, to date the operators have offered to reduce the work week to 44 hours, but grant only an- eight percent pay increase. The operators have offered time and a half pay on Satur­ days after four hours work, while tlie Tugboat workers are a.sking that all Satui-day work be paid time and a half. The negotiations, which are be­ ing supervised by the U. S. Con­ ciliation Service, have been held at the office of the Tugboat Ex­ change, 17 Battery Place. Dur­ ing the talks the committe rep­ resenting the members of Local 333 has stated that it has no au­ thority from its membership to accept a new wage agreement which did not give the men at least 48 hours pay for a 40 hour week, thus giving the operators notice that they intend to go all the way in securing the de­ mands of the Harbor workers. Previously Captain Bradley had stated to the Log that he and Joseph Ryan, ILA Pi'esident, planned to call a meeting of the local AFL Maritime Trades Coun­ cil to discuss strategy in the pre­ sent situation with a view to gaining the support of all mari­ time workers in their dispute. HOPE FOR PEACE While negotiations remain deadlocked at the present time. Federal conciliators are working doggedly to bring both groiips in­ to a peaceful settlement to avoid a repetition of last spring's crip­ pling harbor tie-up. Stubbornness on the part of the operators to meet the union de­ mands for a wage rise necessi­ tated by the soaring cost of liv­ ing may cause an encore of last spring's walkout. The Tugboat representatives, however, are anxious to gain a contract with­ out the necessity of a strike, but are determined to gain their de-. mands which they feel the op­ erators are well able to grant— No. 51 NEW YORK. N. Y.. FRIDAY. DECEMBER 20. 1946 Vol. VIII. Merry Xmas! The past year has been a good year for the men of the SIU and the SUP. We have won our biggest victories, our best contracts, and we are well on the road to gain­ ing bargaining rights for Isthmian seamen. So. wherever members of the Seafarers International Union find themselves on December 25. 1946. they can partake of Christmas cheer, and be happy in the thought that they have helped ad­ vance the fight of all United States seameiu Regional NLRB Report On Isthmian Is Ready; NMU Blocks Action NEW YORK, Dec. 18—Another chapter in the NMU's long history of stalling and deception is being written at each Hearing before the New York State Labor Relations Board. The latest chapter was added today, when the NMU arrogantly turned down the SIU pro-: posal to waive certain challenges. These waivers would be in cases of improper crew lists, and on condition that the NMU would do the same. i Seafarers Prods Trustees Of Snug Harbor To investigate Complaints On Conditions As a follow-up to the action! Complete text of the letter to two weeks ago, SIU Special Ser­ the Snug Harbor officials follows: December 16, 1946 vices Representative Joseph VolBoard of Trustees pian this week sent a letter to the Sailors Snug Harbor Sailors Snug Harbor Board of 262 Green Street Trustees in regard to the poor New York, N. Y. conditions existing at Snug Har­ Gentlemen: bor today. A short while ago we sent a This further action was neces­ sitated by the fact that Mr. How­ ard Flynn, Governor of the home located on Staten Island, neglect­ ed to answer the previous letter. (An article on the first letter ap­ peared in the Seafarers Log of December 6.) Asserting that "Our membei-ship has given us a mandate on the entire Snug Harbor question" and that "we are prepared to meet with any of your specially designated representatives in or­ der to go over our points of criti­ cism," the letter went on to state that it was the desire of the SIU to cooperate in improving condi­ tions in order to "make it possible for the retired seamen ... to fully enjoy their final years. r .' — Have You Voted? Last Bays At Hand Don't feel bad when voting has ended because you failed to vote. Once each year SIU members elect the officers who will lead them for the ensuing year. This is your chance, so make the most of it. From the way reports have been coming in it is ap­ parent that all SIU men are interested in having their say. That is why more votes are being cast in this election than were ever cast before. Have you . voted yet? letter to Mr. Howard A. Flynn regarding the conditions now existing at the Sailors Snug Har­ bor. We arc enclosing herewith a copy of this letter. Up until the date of this letter to you, we have not received an answer from Mr. Flynn nor have we had the cour­ tesy of an answer from anyone connected with your organiza­ tion. MEMBERSHIP MANDATE The SIU made the offer in the effort to expedite matters so that Isthmian seamen will not. any longer be denied union rep­ resentation. But the NMU, with, the certain knowledge that they are losing the bargaining election, . turned thumbs down on the bid. Representing the SIU at the Hearing were Paul Hall and Ben, Sterling, SIU attorney; for the : NMU Mr. Rosenfeld appeared; and Messers. Cherbonnier, Cough- . lin, and Huff represented the Company. tions now existing on SIU ships, and in trying to eliminate those sub-standard practices which we have noted in our original letter, rather than indulge in undue recriminations and otherwise criticize the administration of the Sailors Snug Harbor. In line with this, we are prepared to meet CONSIDERED SIU with any of your specially desig­ The meeting today was held nated representatives in order to go over our points of criticism for , the purpose of opening the one by one, and offer our consid­ envelopes containing the votes ered suggestions for the allevia­ of the twelve ships whose entire tion and/or prevention of these vote has been challenged by the NMU. None of the votes was inequities. seen by the representatives of It is our sincere hope and de­ the two unions involved, but sire that we receive your fullest ci-ew lists and certifications were cooperation in once more estab­ checked. lishing modei-n conditions and Although none of the votes of standards for the Sailors Snug those ships have' been seen by Harboi;, and make it possible for the retired seamen who are in- anyone, it is generally conceded > mates to fully enjoy their final Jhat all twelve cast the majority years. May we expect your reply their votes for the SIU. \ in the very near future? This is' borne out by the re­ ports of SIU Organizers, both Very truly yours. ship and shoreside, and by the Joseph Volplan. fact that the NMU challenged all Special Services votes on these ships when the Representative counting first started. Seafarers International Union. AFL {Continued on Page J) We would appreciate it if you would let us know whether or not anything is being done in this matter. Our membership has given us a mandate on the entire Snug Harbor question, and in the event that you do not .see fit to answer this communication, we have no other alternative but to give the matter the widest pos­ sible publicity in our official pub­ lication, the Seafarers Log. and other news outlets. In addition, a further investi­ gation on our part will probably be necessary to check into the court records covering the orig- NEW YORK — Recommendations' picket-cards be chang^jd from, mal establishment of the Sailors for future strike procedure, aris-1 action to action so as to prevent Snug Harbor, the trustee set-up, ing out of its experiences in any chance of confusing the cards. and all other matters pertaining clearing SIU members after the In discussing the excuses which to the operation and functions of 1946 General Strike, have been served, or can serve, as a basis the fund. This is imperative in placed before the membership for clearing men, the Committee order to satisfy our membership , for action by the Strike Clear- lists six reasons, but makes it which is quite concerned with the gnce Committee, Headquarters plain that the Clearance Committreatment being accorded to the Branch. The report was made at tees in the various ports should inmates of the Sailors Snug Har­ the regular membership meeting be permitted to use their own bor home. on Wednesday, December 18. discretion in accepting other leg­ itimate excuses. COOPERATION REQUESTED The Committee approved the The Committee has recom­ However, we would much Sti-ike Picket Card system which mended that its activity end on rather have your complete coop­ was put into operation by the Strike Committee, but recomj Saturday, December 21, but that eration in bringing Snug Harbor (Conthmed on Page 6) standards up to a par with condi- mends that the color of the ' Strike Clearance Comm. Suggests Next General Strike Procedure -4 �Page Two THE S E A P A R E US' lO G Friday, December 20, 1946 SEAFARERS LOG Published Weekly by the SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Gulf District Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor At 51 Beaver Street. New York, 4, N. Y,. HAnover 2-2784 t HARRY LUNDEBERG » » » ------- President 105 Market Street, San Francisco, Calif. 'JOHN HAWK - -- -- -- - Secy-Treas. P. O. Box 25, Station P., New York City Entered as second class matter June 15, 1945, at the Post Office in New York, N. Y., under the Act of August 24, 1?12. « 267 Not Quite So Merry Considering the excellenL gains rnade by the Seafar­ ers International Union during the past year, this Christ­ mas could conceivably be the merriest ever. This past year has seen the SIU go on to outstanding gains in wages and conditions, and to a long lead in the largest full scale organizing drive on the waterfront. But, in common vzith the rest of organized labor, there is little else to be thankful for, and even less to be merry about. On every front labor has taken a setback, with indications that more will be forthcoming next year. Certainly the miners, even with the hope that the mon­ strous fine will be set aside, have no reason to celebrate the happy season. Our Union has more to be cheerful about than most, hut as seamen we know that little has been done to allevi^ite certain conditions which must be remedied before seamen will be on par with other people of the United States. Our long fight for a Seaman's Bill of Rights, better hospital conditions, more complete Unemployment Insur­ ance coverage, and old age security, has not been suc­ cessful enough to make us share the general cheer of , Christmastime. Hospital Patients When entering the hospital notify the delegate by post­ card, giving your name and the number of your ward. .Sfc . .Mf - The heroes who garnered many waves of applause for their activities during the war years have been left out in the cold, and none of the benefits of the GI Bill of Rights have been extended to seamen. Merchant seamen and Navy men manned the guns and took the chances of These are Ihe Union Brothers currently in the marine hospitals, war, and seamen want the same advantages given to Navy as reported by the Port Agents. These Brothers find time hanging heavily on their hands. Do what you can to cheer them up by writ­ yeterans. Men Now In The Marine Hospitals ing to them. As far as hospital conditions are concerned, readers of the Log are aware that these could be bettered to a great degree without giving the seamen any more comfort and treatment than they actually need. Nowhere has the SIU asked for special consideration; all we have requested is decent hospital conditions which will help bring sea­ men back into the pink of health in the shortest pos­ sible time. i Although some strides have been made in the field of unemployment insurance, a lot remains to- be done so- that seamen can enjoy the same benefits as other workers. Some i istates still do not grant benefits to seamen who are out of yvork, and other states will not start programs until June, !J947. NEW ORLEANS HOSPITAL H. G. DARNELL THOMAS BAIER K. PETTERSSON W. F. LEWIS F. BERGLAND SCOTTY ATKINS W. QUARLES CENTRAL MASON R. M. NOLAN . MEL CONTANT JACINTO NAVARRO LIONEL ROTHERHAM J. W. DENNIS W. BROCE JR. H. GRAY R. E. FRINK MAX SEIDEL EDWARD CUSTER JOHN HANES S. BROTHERS And- as far as security for their old age is concerned, seamen can look forward to very little of that. Bound down by job limitations that leave little room for ad, yancement, seamen work as long as they are able, and ' then must try to make ends meet on the little Social Se­ % * X curity that their rate of pay through the years warrants. STATEN ISLAND HOSPITAL . • All of the above abuses cry out for remedy. Seamen M. TROCHA : cannot consider slowing down the fight until they have C. OLIVER achieved security and the assurance of decent treatment T. WADSWORTH KUPLICKI case they fall ill. Until that day, it won't be a Merry C. G. A, LUETH iChristmas for any American seamen. E. F. SPEAR Let's all pitch in to make sure that next Christmas If {will be the merry one. R. G. MOSSELLER W. G. H. BAUSE W. B. MUIR L. H. C. L. E. C. C. E. L. MOODY BELCHER RASMUSSEN A. CORNWALL N. DuPONT KOLSTE R. POTTER J. BONNER XXX BALTIMORE HOSPITAL HARRY WALSH RAYMOND GERHARD PETER LOPEZ MAX FINGERHUT THOMAS HOLT LEO RHODES ROBERT KUNTZ MELVIN MERCER E. DIPIETRO FRANCIS O'BRIEN OLIVER HEADLEY GALVESTON HOSPITAL LONGKEMPT PAURGASON—SUP ALDERHOLDS KING MITCHELL DOWELL DEETRECH SWENSON CASTAGNERE—B.C. MULKE Staten Island Hospital You can contact your Hos­ pital delegate at the Staten Island Hospital at the follow­ ing times: Tuesday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on 5th and 61h floors) Thursday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on 3rd and 4th floors.) Saturday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on 1st and 2nd floors.) NEPONSIT HOSPITAL LINDER CLARK J. FIGUEROA L. L. LEWIS H. SELBY H. BURKE J. S. COMPBELL B. BRYDER B. LUFLIN G. F. McCOMB E. FERRER R. BLAKE J. R. HENCHEY % X X SAN JUAN HOSPITAL N. HAMMER R. SAUNDERS E. LARKIN A. ACEVEDO P. FELECIANO F. APUNTE XXX ELLIS ISLAND HOSPITAL D. MCDONALD J. KOSLUSKY �\" •'^':fijj'»'7';?»'rFTi»?^.'5 F5yTT^ Friday, December 20, 1940 THE SEAFARERS LOG NMU Leaders Try To Hide Failure By Wild Charges Against SlU By JOHN ARABACZ Any seaman who i-eads the NMU Pilot knows that the pri­ mary occupation of the com­ munist party members 'in the NMU and especially CP-NMU of­ ficials is to attack the SIU and to this end column after column of type has been devoted. Their savage attacks against thd policies, programs, member­ ship, and officials of the Seafar­ ers- are based upon their own weakness and inability to give their membership something con­ crete and positive. It is a choice practice of the communists to hurl fantastic charges at their enemies to cover their own short­ comings, and find a scapegoat for their failings. JOHNNY ARABACZ If you have ever bucked heads with a "commie" and maneuver­ and not the NMU. Brother Cur­ ed him into a corner, he will im­ ran was promptly slapped in line mediately change the subject or and that was the end of that. attack from another angle. There lies the necessity for the CPers who are in charge of NMU GOOD EXAMPLE organizing to wage war against Take for example Joe Stack, a the SIU. They must find a way communist party member and to take the heat off their own de­ vice-president of the NMU. Stack ficiencies and perpetuate their has been placed in charge of jobs. So in this vein we can look NMU organizing, and so far he for them to continue their cam­ has not had much success, nor is paign of calling every barroom he likely to have any in the fu­ fight and pierhead brawl the ture. work of SIU "goons." Every In the first place, the number shady deal that the commie of unorganized seamen is limited, leadership pulls—the .shuffling of and secondly the CP brand of or­ port officials as recently happen­ ganizing, in which they drag in ed in Texas, the juggling of the extraneous political and foi-eign books, etc. is "justified" because policy questions has proven un- of the "SIU threat." Threat of • popular with seamen. what? Getting the seamen what Proof that their organizing has they justly deserve? been done to achieve a political WATCHING SEAFARERS purpose rather than to organize seamen to better their wages and As of late their has been much working conditions comes from attention paid to the Seafarers the NMU president, Joe Curran, by Comrade Stack & Co. in the himself. He openly came out and NMU meetings and in their accused the organizers of or­ scandal sheet. They have been ganizing for the communist party failures in their organizing cam- Hq. Strike Clearance Committee Winds Up Its Work This Week NEW YORK—The Headquar­ ters Strike Clearance Committee, which has been busy clearing Seafarers since the end of the SIU-SUP General Strike on Sep­ tember 13, will disband Decem­ ber 21. ^:-SW5^T--;T reported in by then is not con­ cerned with the welfare of the Union and is not deserving of holding a book any longer. The committee found in their contact with men appearing be­ fore them that many of the younger members were un­ familiar with the procedure fol­ lowed during a strike and many of the men went home to wait the end of the tie-up. paign and we have been right­ eous successful; the easiest way for the commies to quiet the un­ rest of the NMU membership to­ ward their own leaders is to at­ tempt to mislead the memberbei-ship into believing that the other side of the fence is much dirtier—an old commie tech­ nique. In this they will be fail­ ures with the rank and file of their own union, providing they are shown the score. It is true that at times we have been guilty of confusing the poli­ cies of the rank and file with that of their leadership. We would be fools not to admit it. Most of the NMU membership are honest union seamen, whose policies are greatly removed from the com­ mies, in spite of the tremendous "educational" job the commies have attempted to do on them. We should discourage any ten­ dency toward creating any hard feelings between the SIU mem­ bership and the NMU rank and file. Instead we should show them by actual contact, by bringing them into our halls whenever possible, and by exploding the myth expounded in the Pilot that the commies are preaching as nothing but lie.s. We have all the facts on our side and blowing these myths sky high will be the easiest thing in the woi-ld. MEET ISSUE CALMLY Page Three MINERS ACKNOWLEDGE SIU OFFER JOHN L. LEWIS ^neSiocNT rT TELCPMONC MCTflOPOLiTPM 0S30 • •= -M UNITED MINE WORKERS' OUILDINO A". Docenber 10, 1946 Mr. Paul Hall, Director of Organization ( Seafarers International Union of North America 51 Beaver Street New York City, New York Dear Sir and Brother; Thanks greatly for your splendid telegram of December 6. The. fine pledge of support by your membership is deeply appreciated. t With my compliments and good wishes to eaoh of your members. w L:G;G The above letter from John L. Lewis is in reply to the offer made in the name of the Seafarers International Union by Paul Hall, New York Port Agent. This offer of support was made when the United Mine Workers' strike first started. Miners Win Point; Court Considers Injunction Law The entire, issue of communism WASHINGTON — O V e r the j seizure of the mines by the Gov­ must be discussed calmly, and protests of Attorney General Tom ernment was only a "token" not by red-baiting. Communism C. Clark, the Supreme Court has action, and that the Government will be the crux of every discus­ agreed to allow arguments on the was not really in possession of sion with NMU members and it applicabilitly of the Norris-La- the mines. The mines were only is important that one knows what Guardia Act and the Clayton Act being handled by the Government he is talking about when it comes when the United Mine Workers for the bituminous coal operators. up. and John L. Lewis appeal from For this reason, they stated that Wild name calling and labeling contempt of court is heard on the Government had not the right should be out. The commies have January 14. to ask for an injunction, since the been very successful in their cam­ The two anti-injunction acts, Norris-La Guardia Act bans in­ paign to brand anyone who criti­ plus four amendments to the junctions in labor disputes. cizes them as a "red-baiter." Constitution, will be considered The Union further argued tliat Use the facts and you will not when the High Court begins hear­ consideration should be given to only be listened to but respected ings on all petitions and the ap­ the First, Fifth, Eighth, and Thir­ and what is most important, you peals. teenth Amendments to the Con­ will convince them. Mr. Clark was unsuccessful in stitution. These deal with ques­ To resort to name-calling will his effort to have the Court limit tions of free speech, involuntary only lead to being placed into the its consideration to the contempt servitude, and excessive fines and same catagory as some of the convictions which were handed cruel and unusual punishment. more stinking newspaper colum­ down by Judge T. Alan GoldsUMW arguments were sustain­ nists, and the honest union man boi'ough of the Federal District ed on all points, and will be con­ will turn away at an argument Court. Clark contended that the sidered at the hearings. that sounds like a quote from the Norris-LaGuardia and the Clay­ ANOTHER GAIN Hearst press or the National As­ ton Acts were not involved, and In another victory for the sociation of Manufacturers. had no bearing on the case. UMW, the United States Court of The Union stated in arguments The way to show them up for ' Appeals for the District of Colwhat they are is by quoting their before Judge Goldsborough that ' umbia decided that the Govern­ record. It stinks. Nothing is more ment was within its rights in con­ damning than their recoi'd in the tracting with unionized foremen maritime industry. Their record at four seized mines of the Jones proves how the commies in mari­ and Laughlin Steel Corporation time have consistently sold the in western Pennsylvania. The 136 welfare of the seamen down the foremen are members of the river whenever their political Sad news to all Seafarers is the Supervisiors Branch, District 50, line demanded it. announcement that three Broth­ United Mine Workers. Their record during the war, ers have crossed the final bar Attorney for the Company an­ when they went all out for Rus­ within the past week. John L. nounced immediately that the sia has shown them up in their Distefano and Robert Cavender decision would be appealed to true light. It isn't so long ago died at the Baltimore Marine the Supreme Court. that we can forget the flip- Hospital, and Emil Von Tesmar The main arg^iment of the flop they took when Germany at­ passed away at the Neponsit Ma­ Company was that membership tacked Russia. We were "war­ rine Hospital. of supervisiors in the UMW would mongers" they claimed, but they All three were full book mem­ result in relaxed enforcement of sure changed their minds over­ bers; Brothers Distefano and Ca­ safety measures. Under Pennsyl­ night. After Russia w-nt into the vender came into the Union in vania law this enforcement is the war—we were then "anti-war 1944, and Brother Von Tesmar responsibility of mine supervisors. fascists." joined in 1939. The NLRB, which was sustain­ The Clearance Committee, com­ posed of Brothers John H. Cal­ houn, David B. Sacher, Benny Goodman, and Chairman Ed. Bender, will disband and will leave the strike clearance work to the Headquarters Office to In these cases the committee clear men with legitimate ex­ took into consideration the length cuses, and to handle the explana­ of time the man has been in the tions of members who missed Union and acted accordingly. the strike without good reason. NOVEL EXCUSES WILL HEAR PLEAS Some of the excuses rendered During this 90-day period the to the committee have been" quite disposition of pleas will be novel and the committe found it­ handled by an elected committee self at times involved in mar­ of the membership' who will hear riages and divorces; but each case all cases and determine the penal­ was weighed and judged accord­ ties. ing to its merits and no hard and After the 90-day period, which fast rules were adhered to in will fall six months after the ter­ most cases. mination of the strike, all mem­ The committee stated that most bers who do riot have legitimate of the men who wei'e fined or RECORD OF FLUNKYS excuses will automatically be penalized realized their error and suspended from the Union per­ is sure that the majority of them Their blessing of Coast Guard manently. control, their complete subser­ are good Union men who can vience to -all government agen­ It is felt that any seaman who be counted on to do a reM job cies, their alliance with the buin the event another tie-up takes stayed away from the strike with­ place. (Continued on Page 14) out legitimate reason and has not '•r'fj • -'.31 Three Seafarers On Last Voyage The three deceased Brothers will be missed by their former shipmates and by the rest of their friends in the SIU. There is no information regard­ ing the survivors of any of the three. ed by the court, answered by stating that it did not believe that supervisors would be less careful of the safety of the rankand-file because of membership in a group affiliated with the mine union. • ^1 jfj ;i1 .-.-'iii t-'rv I .J:-!, �' I • „ - THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Four Friday. December 20, 1946 Tale For Seamen, With Moral For Bucko Skippers WHAT ttWMK By RAY GONZALES and SALVADOR COLLS QUESTION: What was the most exciting thing that happened to you since you have been sailing? If i FRANK J. SOSS, AB: ROY GILMER, Steward: I was on LST 1087 off Okinawa when the Jap planes came over with their suicide tacties. We were supposed to lay down a smoke screen, but the machinery was out of order and the boats were right out in the open. A bunch of ships were hit that day, among them the Pennsylvania. We weren't touched, but it was only luck that saved us. The LST on our right was sunk, and a ship on our left was hit. It was quite a sight to see those planes go crashing into ships. Those kami­ kaze pilots must have had plenty of nerve. Back in 1944 when the North Atlantic was really sub-infested, our ship became separated from the rest of Uie convoy. We were therefore forced to return to Hali­ fax. This was plenty exciting be­ cause we were loaded with all types of bombs and with high ex­ plosives. Going into the harbor, we rammed another ship, and on­ ly quick action by the Mate kept us from a fatal accident. He drop­ ped the hook and that lessened the impact; and thereby averted a certain explosion. It sure was touch and go for a while. VIC MILAZZO, Steward: Off the coast of France, in sup­ posedly safe water, we were atlacked by about a dozen German E boats. That split the convoy right up, and it was everybody for himself. The attack started around midnight, and was still agoing strong at 5:30 in the morn­ ing. A few of our ships were sunk, and most of us had just about given up the ghost. Just when it looked like the fight would soon end with all of us sunk, the British Night Flyers appeared over us and went to work. They drove the E boats away in short order. GUS KERN, JR. ENG.; < On October 29, 1944, I was on the John A. Johnson. 950 miles S. W. of San Francisco. We were attacked by a Jap sub. and one of the torpedoes hit us square. A couple of us made it to a life boat, -but once we got into the water, the sub surfaced and shot at us like we were sitting ducks. 13 men were killed and five wound­ ed. After being in the water 19 hours we were picked up by the USS Argus and were taken to Treasure Island. • None of us ever expected to live through that ex­ perience, and we all feel lucky. V Marine Arrow Has Typical Isthinian Trip; Check It - But Good But That Seafarers Contract Is Coming Paying off in Wilimington, Cal­ ] couldn't get a draw, they went to ifornia, last week, crewmembers the SIU Hall, and contacted of the Isthmian Lines' Marine Blackie Silva. He immediately got in touch with the Isthmian Arrow declared that their last office and they called in the Old •trip was the most hectic in many Man. Captain Johnson only want­ a moon. Right from the start of ed to give the boys a $2 draw. the voyage in New York last However, Silva managed to pres­ c |\.ugust 10, the Arrow boys had sure him into letting loose of a five spot for each crewman. to put up with a short crew, HONG KONG EPISODE Short draws, and last but not least, short tempers. The Arrow anchored in the When they left New York, ac­ stream at Hong Kong, and Isth­ cording to Deck delegate Henry mian didn't provide any trans­ E- Sohl and Messman Louis Bucci, portation for the entire week that they were short a Bosun, Deck they were there. All of the boys Maintenance, Dayman on deck, who wished to go ashore were Oiler and Steward Utility. forced to pay their own sampan They were unable to pick up fare, going and returning. any additional crewmen in Philly It was in Hong Kong that the or Newport News, and it wasn't crew had their first big difference until the Arrow arrived at Nor­ with Bosun Bell, when he slap­ folk that they managed to pick ped a young OS, Misham, and up a Bosun — a big fellow named picked on him continuously. Del­ Ernest E. Bell — who treated all egate Sohl tangled with Bell over . the young crewmen as though this, and he promised to behave he was a big shot and they were himself. small fry. Later, at Shanghai, Bell grab­ Upon arrival at Newport News, bed a fire axe while he was the crew was entitled to a draw, slightly pifflicated and chased but, the tough Skipper, Gus E. several crewmembers until the Johnson, i-efused. Again, upon 3rd Mate took the axe away from the Arrow's arrival at Panama, him. Bell then stationed him.self the crewmembers tried for a astride the stairway and threat­ draw. But, no dice. ened to kick anyone in the face The Mate, who was a good guy, if they attempted to pass. Three gave the deck gang two bucks men rushed him, and managed apiece. So they were a little to clear the stairway. Later, Bell apologized to the men whom he luckier than the others. In Honolulu, wheft the crew had attacked. Two minutes after the apology, the belligerent Bosun took off after two other fellows with a marlinspike, and, would have stabbed them if other crewmen hadn't prevented him from doing so. As a result of his crazy act­ ions, Bell was finally taken off the ship by the River Police. Next day, the Arrow crew­ members pressed charges against Bell. After the usual amount of Coast Guard stalling and red tape, the trial was concluded with Bell losing his papers and being perraantely yanked off the ship. Check the slop chest be­ fore your boat sails. Make sure that the slop chest con­ tains an adequate supply of all the things you are liable to need. If it doesn't, call the Union Hall immediately. NEW YORK—What happened to Seafarer Jack Peeler on a re­ cent trip to the Far East is a good example of why the SIU cannot for one minute rest on its laurels, but must continually fight for the maintenance of SIU contract conditions. Jack was a crewmember aboard the SS John B. Water­ man, Waterman Steamship Com­ pany, when she tied up in Yoko­ hama, Japan. As the area is disease-infested, the crew was asked to submit to cholera in­ jections, which all of them gladly did, except Jack. This ^was due to the fact that he is sensitive to the serum and on previous oc­ casions it had made him very ill. He asked to be excused as it is the option of seamen to accept or reject injections. REFUSED TO LISTEN The Skipper and the First Mate refused to listen to Jack when he told them of the reac­ tion he received from the. shots. Instead they forced the injections upon him in spite of what he had told them. Immediately after receiving the shots he became violently ill and nauseated. He went to his bunk to recover but the Skipper, when he saw he was unable to" work, told him he was to get off the ship. Unable to do any­ thing about his condition. Jack accepted the payoff and left the ship in Yokahama. The actions of the Skipper and the First Mate should have been enough trouble for one trip, but Jack's troubles were not ended. A few days later he was placed aboard the SS Dunham Victory, another Waterman ship, as a con­ sul passenger. The trip home aboard the Dun­ ham Victory was far from the first class passenger accommoda­ tions called for in the contract. For Jack, along with the other passengers, found himself stuck in steerage with 12 men to a room. The food was—well, there was none, because the Captain refused {Continued on Page 6) THE LEARNED THE HARD WAY! NO MEDICAL AID At Taku Bar, Captain Johnson refused medical aid to seven crewmembers, and they were forced to get along as well ap they could with assistance from other crewmen. Due to a feud between the bull-headed Skipper and the Port Agent for Isthmian, the Arrow remained at Taku Bar for a month before she could be un­ loaded. When they arrived back in the U. S. and were paid off in Wil­ mington, the Arrow crewmen tried to get the SUP representa­ tive, Bill Bryce, aboard to help them with their beefs. ^ost of the crewmembers had approximately 200 hours of over­ time coming to them, but they paid oflE (under protest) with 179 {Continued on Page J) These two Isthmian seamen. Henry E. Sohl (left) and Louis Bucci (right), learned about Isthmian unorganized conditions the hardest way—by sailing an Isthmian ship. However, it wouldn't be possible for the SIU to begin bargaining nego­ tiations with Isthmian in the near future if it wasn't for the sacrifices of men like Sohl and Bucci. �• "/ '"f-- Friday, December 20. 1946 THE SEAFARERS LOG Marine Runner Really Hops Preparing For Long Cruise A vessel preparing for a long trip is a beehive of activity. It's as much as a man's life is worth if he doesn't watch himself, what with longshoremen hard at work loading and placing cargo; sailors readying the ship for the voy­ age; and stores being brought aboard for meals and the slopchest. Page Five THE LONG VIEW tht the men are not signing Ar­ ticles with clauses that will not protect them. SHIP ON BALL Once this question is satisfied, the men are examined by a doc­ tor. This is not a thorough exam­ ination, but it shows whether or not men are in good enough phy­ sical condition to withstand a voyage. Not all of the activity is con­ Next comes the actual signing fined to physical work. In the of Articles, under the direction of saioon of the Marine Runner, Ro­ a Shipping Commissioner. Men line up after the doctor's okay, bin Lines, as she made ready to and one by one they place their leave for South Africa on Tues­ John Hancock on the Articles. day, December 17, were groups All right, the cargo has been of men being examined by a phy­ stowed, the stores taken aboard, sician and signing Foreign Ar­ the Articles signed, and so off on a good trip. The Marine Runner ticles for the trip. is a clean ship, with a good crew, Accompanying Patrolmen Louis so it looks like a fine trip to Goffin and Ray Gonzales, this southern waters—and just when Log reporter went on board the the weather is getting rugged up Marine Runner to see what ac­ here. tually happens when a ship is Keep her steady as she goes, preparing for a trip. Ther's plenty" men. of activity, and although some' of it looks demoralized, all of it has a purpose. Taken from high on the bridge, this is a picture of the deck of the Marine Runner, Robin Lines, as the ship was preparing to get under way for a trip to South Africa. Plenty going on. but with an SIU crew aboard, everything is co.-nplelely under control. LASH IT DOWN The most active workers, be­ fore the ship sails, are the long­ shoremen. On the dock and on the ship, they are hard at work loading the slings with freight, hoisting the heavy slings up on the ship, and discharging the load into the various holds. This is hard work and it takes a high degree of skill to accomplish the job without damaging cargo or men. The slings swing back and forth across the deck, and a man must watch in all directions at once while making his way along ' the decks. Just one slip, one un­ wary moment, and the result is a head bashed in by a swinging Dr.' Lecky H. Russell examines an AB prior to the load. sign-on. Every man amdergoes an examination, and anything wrong is checked before the ship pulls out. It's too late to . Down in the holds the cargo is treat a bad heart or other ailments when the ship is in the being stowed by experts. The middle of the ocean. It takes men in excellent physical condition load must be equalized and lash­ to man ships, and no member of the SIU wants to take sick a ed in such a way that the motion thousand miles from nowhere and put the burden of his work of the vessel will not cause it to on his shipmates. shift. Men who have been on ships on which the cargo shifted, have come back with stories of damged holds, hours of work to straighten out the situation, and injuries to personnel. Some ships have even been sunk because of poor stowage of cargo. Signing of Articles is another date for this action, but reiterated (Continued front Page^ 1) long process. SIU Patrolmen go The twelve ships challenged by that it would be very soon. aboard for sign-ons and payoffs. the National Maritime Union; All waterfront workers are en­ This is to provide the crew with CIO, are the Argonaut, William raged by the shoddy tactics of representation and to make sure N. Byers, Carleton Victory, John the NMU. They consider that the Constantine, David Dudley Field, election has been lost by the William Glackens, William D. CIO union and that its dog in the Hoard, Anson Jones, Norman E. manger actions are only harming Mack, Marine Fox, W. W. McCra- the Isthmian seamen. ckin, and the Ocean Telegraph. Even the Pilot's wild tales of collusion between some SIU or­ AS IN ESSO ganizers and some Isthmian of­ (Canfimted from Page 4) In the counting of the Isthmian ficials is only being received with hours , after Isthmian stalled votes, the NMU is pursuing the laughter. around and claimed later that same course as it did in the case Seamen know of the difficulties they could collect the difference of Standard Oil of New Jersey, encountered by the SIU in this at the company offices. where NMU delaying moves re­ Organizing Drive, and they are Both Sohl ap^ Bucci asserted sulted in the NLRB' Examiner aware that it was hard work and that they had a good bunch of throwing out the entire election. straight union principles that officers aboard the Arrow with Standard Oil seamen have suf­ caused Isthmian seamen to go the exception of the Old Man. In fered since no union- has ever Seafarers by an overwhelming addition, they stated that Isth­ been accredited as bargaining majority. mian seamen could expect to sail agent. Nothing that the NMU or the under similar conditions to those Mr. Sidney Levy, the NLRB Pilot can . say will change the aboard the Arrow as long as Isth­ Field Examiner, announced at the facts. The Seafarers International mian remained without an SIU meeting that he has practically Union has the support of Isth­ contract. concluded his investigation, and mian seamen, and the NMU is "With an SIU contract," Sohl that his report will soon be ren- ^ raising a false issue to cover up stated, "no bull-headed Skipper dered to Mr. Howard LeBarron, its own inability to gain the conHke Johnson will deny us our Regional Director of the NLRB fidence of these previously unlegitimate rights." in this area. He would set no organized seamen. NMU Blocks Seafariers' Proposal To Expedite Isthmian Vote Count lip wliil ||||i|i||||?;li||i After being examined by the doctor, these members of the crew of the Marine Runner queue up for a chance to sign the Articles. From here on it's a long trip to South Africa, and f I back home again. Oh. for the life of a sailor! 'J SS Marine Arrow Is Truly Isthniian An AB places his signalur© jn the Articles and he is aU ready for a long trip. Two SIU Patrolmen are present to make sure that the men signed the correct Articles and that the ship is okay with no beefs by the crew. This is standard practice on SIU contracted ships. �ij Page Six THE Strike Clearance Committee Has Plan For Next Strike SEAFARERS LOG Friday, December 20, 194S THEY CHECKED THE CLEARANCES b. Proof of being in jail during the strike period.^ c. Proof of being out at sea on an SIU or SUP ship or in a for­ eign port during the strike per­ iod. d. Proof of being in the Armed Forces during the strike period. e. Proof of extreme hardship in one form or another. f. Proof of having retired- Un­ ion book prior to the strike vote. It is understood that the Clear­ ance Committee in the different ports will be permitted to use 1. We recommend that the their own discretion in regards to Winding up the tremendous amount of work of checking Strike Clearance for the 1946 same strike picket card system the possibility of accepting other General Strike, the Committee takes time to explain the job to a Log reporter. Left to right. wlrich was used in the last Gen­ legitimate excuses. Dayid B. Sacher. John H. Calhoun. Edward Bender. Chairman of the Committee, Benny Good­ eral Strike of September 3-13, FINES AND PENALTIES 1946, be accepted as the perman­ man, and the Log reporter. Missing from this picture is Paul Parsons, who served from the ent picket record system for all 4. We recommend that every time the Committee was set up. attempt be made to set-up a uni­ future strikes. form system of fines and other It is necessary, however, to penalties to be imposed upon change the color from time to men who have missed the strike time in order to avoid confusing the picket cards from the next without having legitimate ex­ cuses. strike with the previous one. 5. We also recommend that any These cards and the other strike brother who retires his book record slips used should be order­ while a stiike vote is being taken ed and distributed to the various shall not be permitted to rejoin branches as soon as this is accept­ (Cotitinued from Page 4) ed by the membership. This will the Union for a period of not less to order extra food for the pas­ avoid delay in the event the than six months from the date of Because he ran into some ISU sengers. Coffee was drunk from Union is again involved in an­ the termination of the strike. merribers in Tampa during the tin cans, as there were only six other strike. 1937 Strike, Thomas W. King, DO NOT UNDERSTAND cups for 24 passengers. AB, is a seaman today. That may UNIFORM SYSTEM 6. The Committee has listened not sound too sensible, but it's For the 24 passengers there were eight plates and three soup 2. We recommend that all ports to the cases of many of the broth­ the gospel truth. bowls. There were no 'glasses, follow a uniform system of keep­ ers who did not have legitimate Tom started out as a coalpasser and only spoons for eight. Jack, . ing track of the credit given for excuses for missing the .strike, on the Severance in 1925. He con­ like the rest had to take the main picketing. We suggest the fol­ and is convinced that quite a few tinued sailing until 1930, but of these delinquent brothers course, dessert, and sometimes lowing for this pui-pose; when the bottom fell out of ship­ soup, all in one dish due to the a. Area Commanders should simply did not understand all ping, he returned to his first lack of utensils. turn in the picket assignment of the circumstances and condi­ trade, house painting. From 1930 HEALTH MENACE slips daily. These slips or reports tions which exist when a strike to 1937, he plied his trade all must contain the names of the takes place. over the United States. When Jack was put aboard in We therefore further recom­ pickets in his area together with a Yokahama he was put in a room Although business was bad, as credit stamp next to each picket mend that a pamphlet be written a member of the AFL Painters with a man having active tuber­ who pierformed duty that day. which shall outline in clean lan­ Union, he was able to pick up culosis. The man died before the Absence or sickness must be guage exactly what is required of jobs. That's how. come he was ship left Japan; but if had lived, members during strike situations. noted likewise. the Captain would have allowed in Tampa in '37. the passengers to remain in the b. The Strike Committee rep­ This phamplet is to be distributed He heard about the strike of same room with the diseased man. resentative • in charge of picket to the membership to serve as a the seamen, but he felt that he assignment records should see guide to all those members whose had left all that behind him when All of the passengers complain­ that the daily credit stamp for knowledge of the rights and du­ he stopped sailing. It was quite ed to the Skipper about the con­ picketing is immediately stamped ties of Union members, especially by accident that he ran into some they shifted enough cargo so that ditions aboard ship, but nothing they could make headway, but on the card marked "To Be Re­ in a strike period, is limited. old buddies, and their talk of the even so they had to remain at was done about it. Jack bided his 7. And finally, this Committee tained By Port Strike Committee" time until he was back in the sea and the fight they were put­ and on the two white cards mark­ recommends that its activity end ting up caused him to change his work to prevent the cargo from States before blowing his top. As shifting back. ed "To Be Sent To Headquarters." on Saturday, December 21, 1946, mind. soon as the ship tied up he came except that one person shall con­ This went on for five days until into the New York Hall and told c. If necessai-y, a 24-hour sys­ BACK TO SEA they made port. In the storm, us his storytem should be set up to keep the tinue to keep up the records and correspondence for an additional and the activity that fbllowed, records up to date. As many men GOT TRANSPORTATION He immediately quit his job, seven seamen lost their lives. as are necessary can be divided period of 90 days. and reported for picket duty. We got a hold of the company During this three month period When the entire story was re­ into three watches, each shift un­ When the strike was over he and in short order collected the der the direction of a sub-chair- the person in charge will be em­ went down to the Union Hall, and leased, eight members of the crew transportation money and pay man who will be responsible for powered to clear all individuals as soon as possible, he made a were commended by Washington. due him from the time he was all the records during his tour of who are entitled to strike clear­ ship. dumped off the Waterman in Ja­ MORE ADVENTURES ances under the rules of the Un­ duty. pan until he arrived in the Again in 1940, he went back to d. All the white cards contain­ ion. As if this occurence wasn't states, and told him to put his painting, but when Pearl Harbor ing the picket duty record of the For these individuals who are enough, Tom also took part in the case concerning the forced inocuj was attacked, he came, right back members and which are marked not entitled to strike clearances, and has been sailing since. All invasion of North Africa, and lations on the John B. Water­ "To Be Sent To Headquarters" we recommend that a committee during the war he sailed the then was one of the first mer­ man, and the unhealthy condi­ must be sent in to Headquarters be elected off the floor every danger zones, and he intends to chant seamen to go into Okinawa. tions aboard the Dunham Victory, within a week following the ter­ Monday and Thursday to act on Luckily, he was not hurt in any in the hands of an attorney. continue shipping from now on. mination of the strike. these cases in accordance with of these ventures. Brother King was a party to He had an excellent case and e. After the strike a bi-week­ the procedure laid down by this King is a good Union man, as we couldn't see how he could one of the most heroic incidents ly report of the actions taken Committee. of the war. He was aboard the is proved by the way he came lose. The company obviously. and the work performed in fur­ And finally, after the 90-day back into the organization at the looked at it the same way we did, ther clearance of men should be period is up, all the strike clear­ SS Robin Sherwood when she height of the 1937 Strike. He because as soon as they were sent to Headquarters. Each man ance records will be deposited in' was returning from Europe with was in New York at the time of shown the case they quickly call­ must be issued a picket card re­ the files of the Union at Head­ coal slag in ballast. In the midst the 1946 General Strike, and took ed him in and. asked him to for­ gardless of whether or not he quarters and no more Strike of a storm the ballast shifted to his turn on the picketlines. get the suit and take a settlement. stood picket duty. . The proper clearances will be issued except a 45 degree angle, and the pro­ As a good Union man. Brother notation regarding his activities for those brothers who have ab­ peller was lifted clear of the Jack's attorney agreed that the King has always accepted his re­ amount offered in settlement was must be written on his card and solutely legitimate reasons, such water. sponsibilities aboard ship. When not to be scoffed at and so they on the duplicates. as proof as having been in jail, HARD WORK elected to do so, he acts as Deck made a settlement out of court. out at sea, in a foreign port, sick EXCUSES For ninetj)^ hours the men work­ Department Delegate, or in any in hospital, or proof of having re­ Before the final action was 3. We recommend the follow­ tired their book prior to the ed with their bare hands and other capacity. taken on the beef with Water­ improvised tools to shift the cargo ing excuses serve as the basis for strike vote. Thomas King's only boast is man, Jack took a ship out, so if back. Sometimes a sudden lurch that he is the best bridge player clearing men: he gets this Log he will be happy Signed by: of the ship would undo all that in the merchant marine, and that a. Proof of illness or disability, to learn that there is a check for Ed Bender they had been able to accomplish. he is ready to take on all chall­ in the form of a hospital dis­ him waiting at his lawyer's of­ Benny Goodman charge or notarized doctor's cer­ No one slept. Only cold food engers at any time. So that's fice, and rumor has it that it is Paul Parsons tificate covering the strike per­ was available, but even this had something for other bridge play­ well in the neighborhood of 500 iod. John C. Calhoun to be taken on the run. Finally ing Seafarers to think about. smackers. one person be retained to keep up recoi-ds and correspondence for an additional ninety days. This person also to be empower' ed to clear individuals who are entitled to such clearances. In the event of a question, a .special committee should be elected off the floor to hear the facts of the case.' Following are the recommendations submitted by the 194C Gen­ eral Strike Clearance Committee, Headquarters pranch; Thomas W' King Tale For Seamen, With Moral For Bucko Skippers �-•gt. ' • THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, December 20, 1946 Toledo Agent Gives Lowdown On The LSU Spurt Expected In New York After New Year By HENRY CHAPPELL By JOE ALGINA TOLEDO — At this time wish to repeat a statement which appeared in several of my Log articles regarding the fact that the NMU is a front for the Com­ munist Party. However, it was not my inten­ tion to create the thought in the minds of anyone that all NMU members are communists. The statement refers to the high of­ ficials of the NMU, a number of minor ones, and their stooges. These individuals throw thenweight around at meetings and in the discussion lof vital union matters out of all proportion to their actual numbers, and force the NMU members to abide by their decisions with threats of bodily harm, expulsion or fines. Most NMU rank and filers are good concientious union men who lack real leadership, and who in mar.^/- instances are just now awakening to the fact that their phony leadership is only interest­ ed in promoting political lines for the party. This is proven by the fact that many NMU mem­ bers are continually turning to the Seafarers where they know that they have a voice and vote on all issues. Any Lakes sailor considering the joining of a union should dis­ miss the Lake Seamens Union without the usual grain of salt. This outfit is not even worthy of mentioning whenever and wher­ ever unions are discussed. Standard California Has Last Word In Tankers: Semi-Private Foc'sles« And Hot And Cold Radar After furnishing enough men to crew up the SB R. G. Follis, Standard Oil of California (above), Marcus Hook reports that there aren't enough men on the beach to crew a rowboat, small size. The SIU and the SUP worked together on this ship so that enough men were avail­ able in all Departments. Thanks to the fact that Mr. J. H. Echeron, manager of the Marine De­ partment of Standard Oil of California, has not forgotten that he was once a seaman himself, the Follis has been outfitted with all the latest conveniences for the crew. Mike Kerney, S. O. East Coast Rep. stands left of Blackie Cardullo, Marcus Hook Port Agent, and Captain Sullivan, Skipper of the ship and a real oldtimer, himself, is right in the middle of the front row. LOWDOWN ON LSU By BLACKIE CARDULLO Here's the real score on the Lake Seamens Union: It is financed and controlled by the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Com­ pany. LSU officials are not elected by the membership, but appointed by the higher up of­ ficials of the Company. No one represents the membership ashore except the Company attornej's. The LSU is not affiliated with any other labor organization, and would not have outside support in the event of a labor dispute. In fact, the only purpose this phony outfit has for existing is to retard the movements of the only real sailors union on the Great Lakes, the Seafarers Inter­ national Union — AFL. The SIU has the. best contracts, wages, and working conditions. All of our gains have been won by collective bargaining negotia­ tions between the Union and the companies, not handed to us on a silver platter as is the case with the LSU when they finally get what the SIU has already won. As far as the legal aspects of unionism, the SIU is active, too. But, we're only active where the seamen are actually concerned, such as securing passage of bet­ ter unemployment insurance' laws and other favorable laws in re­ gard to the safety of seamen and the bettering of living conditions both ashore and at sea. This fall, if an SIU organizer fails to contact you aboard ship, be sure to come up to the SIU Hall and find out about joining the Seafarers. It's the only union of sailors run by sailors for the good of sailors, and where every member is consulted on all mat­ ters. Don't forget, in Toledo the SIU is located at «615 Summit St. Phone number: Ga. 2112. Page Seven MARCUS HOOK — We have quite a busy week in this port. What with shipping men to or­ ganized and unorganized ships, we haven't enough men on the beach to crew up a rowboat. The last ship .to crew up was the R. G. Follis, the sister ship of the Bryant, both of them the newest additions to the fleet of Standard Oil of California. The Follis was ready to make her maiden voyage, and the SUP worked together with us to get her crewed up before she took off. HE REMEMBERS This ship is the last word in comfort and safety devices. There are only two men to a room, hot and cold running water in each room, big closets, table lamps, and writing desks in the crew's lounge. Besides that, the ship is equipped with radar; the only ship in the merchant marine so outfitted. * The credit for these conditions seen talking to an SIU Organizer. Every now and then one of the stooges will get fired, and then he comes running to the Union Hall to tell us about the dirty deal received, and how phony the company is. They ask us how they can join the SIU, and they seem surprised when we give them a short and sweet answer. The newspapers have really been funny lately. The column­ ists like Westbrook Pegler and Drew Pearson try to figure out what is going on in the minds of labor leaders, and then they hurry to get it into print. Most of the time they come up with wrong information, or else they figure things out backwards. But that doesn't stop them from trying again the next day. They should round up all those columnists, put them in a bag, SUN OIL GESTAPO and then shake the bag real hard. Organizing Sun Oil is still a If they could get one good brain game of hide and seek. The com­ out of the whole bunch, I would pany stooges still report anyone be very much suprised. goes to Mr. J. H. Echeron, mana­ ger of the Marine Department of the Standard Oil of California. He is an oldtime seaman who once worked under lousy condi­ tions. He has done everything to make this ship a sailor's drearn, and no expense has been spared. In all this he has been assisted by Mike Kerney, who is the East Co,ast representative of the Com­ pany. The Skipper of the Follis, Cap­ tain Sullivan, is an oldtimer who has been going to sea since he was twelve years old. He knew Andy Furuseth well, and he never forgets that he used to be an unlicensed seaman him­ self. He instructs the Delegates to bring the beefs to him as soon as they occur, and then he goes to bat to settle them immediately. The Patrolman Says: Fault Of The Crew NE'W YORK — It has been brought to my attention that fre­ quently vessels in port with skeleton crews aboard are feed­ ing two messroom service while the Steward Department has a complement of only Chief Stew­ ard, Chief Cook, one Crew Mossman, and one Saloon Messman, a total of fom-. men or man. It is the practice of the Union when a ship is main­ taining a skeleton crew to have no less than five men working in the Steward's Department. NOTHING GAINED In the Agreement, Section 17(b) of the Steward's Department working rules, it states that no division of overtime will be made when there is a skeleton crew aboard, so it is only sensible and proper that an additional man or men be called out from the Hall as no one is going to receive ex­ tra money for the work, done. An example of this I found on a victory ship I visited recently, where I found 18 crewmembers aboard and a Steward Depart­ ment of four. This, I must say, is not the fault of the company, We don't want to go back 20 but the fault of the crew for not calling the Hall for additional years to the days when the feed­ ing was done by one man in the galley, so when on a ship that is carrying a skeleton crew make sure that there are at least five men in the galley. If not, notify the Hall at once; don't wait for two or three weeks before mak­ ing your beef. Remember that even though the company furnishes bread, pie, and cake during these periods, the cook will still need a galley man to clean the galley, wash pots, peel potatoes, and go to the ice box. The men are here at the Hall waiting for those jobs so don't be afraid to call for them. Claude Fisher NEW YORK —After a fewweeks of activity, shipping haal sort of slackened down, but wd I expect a spurt after the first of::! the new year. A lot of companiea i are prepared to expand their act- 1 ivities at that time, and as a re- || suit we should be plenty busy. Right now things are going ;J along smoothly, with all hands | being kept busy, but there are i just not enough jobs on the board| for all men on the beach. Of course, nobody has to wait on the beach too long, but it I will be good to have jobs avail­ able immediately when a man 1 comes off a .ship. We paid off the Ran some Moore, Alcoa, last week and ran into a bit of trouble. There were 800 hours overtime in dispute, | and it looked for a while as though the company was prepar­ ed to fight it out if it took aH winter. Ray Gonzales and Salvatore | Colls were the Patrolmen and they finally convinced the com­ pany that it would be smarter to pay the overtime than to have the ship tied up until the dispute was settled. CONTACTS CLEAR On and off we have these little | tiffs with the various companies; All of them could be avoided if the contracts were clearly read by the licensed officers and by the Company Agents. What consti­ tutes overtime is clearly explain­ ed, and when a seaman enters overtime on the sheet, it is irsually legitimate. Fighting this overtime only inakes for bad feeling between the crew and the company. Besides that it holds up the payoff, and that is important. So here's hop­ ing that all companies get on the ball and study the contracts. The National Association of Manufacturers just had a con­ vention, and I'm willing to bet that the most important subject they discussed was what to do about labor. CRY BABIES The news stories that came out of the convention showed that thej- are all in favor of repressive legislation against labor, legis­ lation that would rob labor of every gain made in the past twenty-five years. They didn't say a word about restricting management, in fact they cried about how employers have taken an awful licking be­ cause of labor's gains. Well, if it didn't prove any­ thing else, it proved that big busi­ ness is really on the war path against labor, and that labor- bet­ ter dig in and prepare for a long fight. Otherwise we may lose more than we can gain back in the next fifty years. ' i �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Eight Friday, December 20, 1946 There Are Happy Days In Boston As Shipping, Business Pick Up OFF THE ROCKS NOW By JOHN MOGAN - ••••ii:^:'--. d ^ ' .<v ' ' . n - •• < - < , < • -X This is the SS Fairisle. Waterman Steamship Company, which is now on a regular Far East run. This picture was sent in by the Baltimore Branch. Incidentally. 26 seamen have entered salvage claims in Federal Court in Baltimore, contending that their volunteer efforts saved the Fairisle from destruction on reefs off the coeist of India a few months ago. They have asked that the cargo of the vessel be sold and the proceeds turned over to them as "compensation for their valuable service." The Waterman Steamship Company has filed a notice of intention to fight the claim. BOSTON—The time has finally arrived when it is possible to say that shipping and business in this Branch has made a turn for the better. The Niantic Victory, Simmons Victory, B e r e a Victory, and Abram Clark were crewed up completely. These vessels are all owned by Waterman, and all but the Bera Victory were just re­ cently acquired. In addition, there were quite a few jobs on the Falmouth (East­ ern) and on the Newberg (Decon-' hill tanker), which paid , off here along with the Falmouth. Also paying off and crewing up here last week was the Trinidad Head, a Moran tug. All of which contributed to the busiest week we've had since the end of the strike. With these fast sales and real­ locations of ships these days, we Bring Your Own Fooii With You When You Ship With The LSU By WILLIAM STEVENSON DETROIT — Old man winter for they v/ere only served twice has yet to appear in full force on j a week,_ once hard boiled, and once cooked to order. the Great Lakes but, with the ex­ Butter was out of reach for ception of a few stragglers, most the poor company, so the Steward ships have already found their was required to make his own winter berths, not waiting until with oleo and butter fat. The rJiught in a freeze before running fellows told me it had the ap­ for a dock. pearance of cheese but that was Some of the SIU ships are lay- all. ing-up here in Detroit, and their CONTRACT POOR crews have been coming to the Hall regularly after working Remember all this on a union • hours to pick up their mail and contracted ship. (Lake Seamen's the latest issues of the Seeifarers Union alias Cleveland Cliffs Com­ Log. pany) Somehow the contract neg­ Naturally, most of the men lected to be specific about work­ who come in are off SIU ships, ing hours, a little matter which but the other day we were visited was no doubt overlooked during by two SIU members who layed- negotiations, for the Deck Crew tip one of the Cleveland Cliffs worked eight hours a day, in a ships. This is the outfit which manner split up to suit the officsponsors, and has a contract with ers. the Lake Seamen's Union. Night or day; Saturdays, Sun­ days, or Holidays, it. made no difLSU TALE ference to the LSU contract. It is well worth repeating some Everyone knows that in the •f the tales they told me regard­ SIU contracts there is no unnec­ ing this contract, and just how essary work after 5 p.m. or be­ much good it is to the men in fore 8 a.m., and no unnecessary the Lake Seamen's Union. work on Saturday afternoons, Sundays, or holidays without the In command of the ship, the payment of overtime. The LSU SS Grand Isle, was Captain boys can claim only payment of Brytz who acted as though he bad a military crew aboard, for overtime for Sunday work. The SIU men who told me when receiving their pay the crew had to stand at attention, no these facts said that many of the smoking, no talking, in fact men were fed up with the way things are operated on the LSU everything except salute. If the crewmembers didn't sign ships, and would welcome the their pay receipt when he placed SIU. Well, they will have their it on his deck they were repri­ opportunity for these conditions are what we are out to eliminate manded. Naturally the feUows told me when our organizational drive opens in the spring. about the-feeding aboard ship. Just a P.S. to Gust W. Schultz. There is mail for you here at the Detroit Hall. Drop us a card no­ tifying us where you w ant it sent. Duty To Vote and, as could be expected, it was rough. It seems that the company thinks eggs are too expensive. It is your Union duty to vote for officials for 1947. The SIU is only as strong as the membership, so make your Union strong by taking an interest in its activities. You can vote in any SIU Hall until December 31. 1946. Don't delay; do it today. By JOE VOLPIAN The more members our Union sets forth the time and place has, the more powerful we be- •'here the election is to be held come. In order to recuit members, nd gives what is called the 'eligibility date". This means we have to have more ships to hat only those persons who are give these new members jobs, so on the Company payroll as of a that they would not cut out certain date are entitled to vote. any of the old members from After the ballots are cast, they working. Getting ships is not just a question of going aboard are certified by the National and asking men to join our union. Labor Relations Board represent­ ative and the Union's observers It is much more than that. When the decision is made to and are then sealed and sent organize a ship or a Company, we through the mail to the office send our organizers either aboard v.'here the election originated, the vessel or if they can't get When the voting is completed, aboard, we stand at the gates the ballots, are opened by the and button-hole every member National Labor Relations Board of the crew. We teU them the held representative in the presmerits of becoming a Union mem- ence of all the interested parties her and especially the value of the votes are either counted joining the SIU. We convince or challenged by either side. him by showing that we have If the votes that are counted done much more for seamen than are enough to give either union any other union. a clear majority of all the votes There are so many arguments cast, then that union is certified we can use that it would take up as a bargaining agent. However, more than this paper to set them if the challenged votes are enough all forth. After a man has been to prevent that, then an investiconvinced that we are the best gation must be made as to the union, he signs a pledge card, in j validity of the challenges, which he promises to vote for the j This is usually done by an inSIU. After a sufficient number formal conference between the of pledge cards are obtained, we unions which are interested, the then notify the vessel's owner; Company and a local Field Exthat we represent a majority of aminer for the National Labor the seamen aboaid their ships Relations Board, and reque.st that they meet with conference the parties us to arrange a contract. together either to waive their challenges or agree that the NO CONSENT challenges shall not be counted. In most cases the Company re- then those challenges which are fuses and it is tlien necessary to waived, are counted and if either present a petition to the local • union then has a clear majority National Labor Relations Board, of the ballots cast, it is certified requesting that an election be ^ as the bargaining agent. Those held to determine a bargaining' challenges which are upheld are agent for the unlicensed person-! not deemed to be valid votes and nel working the ships of the Com- j they are not counted in the list of pany. All other unions lyho elegible votes cast. might have an interest in the In other words, if 1,000 votes outcome of the election are then were cast without any challenges, notified. In due tinae if we prove either union would have to get that we have enough pledges, an 501 votes to win the election. election is ordered by the Nati­ However, if out of 1,000 votes onal Labor Relations. Board in cast 200 votes were challenged Washington.. ' and darned invalid, then theThe order of election usually winning union would have to get also crewed up a West Coast ship in error. One of our agents, who has occasion very often to order men from us, mistakenly ordered a full crew for the SS Cardinal Gibbons, formerly NMU. We crewed her up all right (it was a hurry-up job) and then she turned out to be a West Coast ship, with only the deck crew supposed to come from here. Unfortunately, foreign articles were being signed as soon as the crew got aboard, so that by the time the situation was clarified the entire crew was on articles and underway. A good proportion of our book members, at least all of those who wanted to ship, made jobs during the week. Toward the end of the week, however, there were jobs going begging—with plenty of book and tripcard men still iround — which necessitated the ssuance of a couple of permits, IS time did not permit of conlactng New York for the men. Some members are inclined to .-esent seeing a permit issued .hcse days, and wisely; but these !ame members are perhaps standng around passing up jobs when t does happen. Still, the holidays are coming up, and fast, and this doubtless -las its effect on the job situation. MERRY CHRISTMAS We have been getting an aver­ age of 300 members at our meet­ ings in recent months, and some pretty good sessions they were, too. Now, though, with over 150 -ASSOO/OA TervoutM! members shipped, the next meet­ ing will seem like a Sunday school affair in contrast. Incidentally, voting this year was much better than the aver­ age for previous years; but has now slowed down to a walk. Well, it is hoped that future re­ ports from Boston will continue to be as favorable as this one in­ sofar as business and shipping is concerned. But now to end this one—by sending to all members everywhere holiday greetings, wishing one and all a Merry Christmas and a, Happy and Prosperous New Year. a total of 401 votes-to win the election. However, if the chal­ lenged votes would make a differ­ ence in the final outcome of the election, then the Field Examiner investigates the challenges and submits his report to the Regional Director of the National JjabcHRelations Board, who then rules whether or not the challenged votes should be counted or dis­ regarded. We shall continue this article at a later date, but in the mean­ time every SIU man should be ah organizer because after all, who knows best what benefits can be gained from joining our Union than an SIU man; • �THE SEAFAHERS LOG Friday, December 20, 1946 Page Nine FAREWELL TO THE CAPE PILLAR Last Ship Of Year Clears Duluth; Expect A6 Shortage To Continue NO NEWS?? Silence this week from the Branch Agents of the follow­ ing ports: CHARLESTON By E. NORDAAS DULUTH —The last ship of the 1946 season on the Great Lakes has cleared the Lake Sup­ erior port of Duluth. Only a handful of seamen are around the Hall taking care of odds and ends before they leave for their homes to await the reopening of shipping in the spring. With the season closed, the Lakes seamen are taking a long rest which they all desei-ve, for no one but the Lakes seamen know how tiresome it can beI come plying the great inland waterways from spring to fall. As a rule, they spend only an average of four hours in any port, and after a while a milk run begins to get pretty monoton­ ous. The long winter rest will put new vigor in the boys and they will bounce back ready to knock out another season when the flowers bloom in the spring. AB SHORTAGE Unlike reports we receive here concerning the shipping in the deep sea ports, we have had a real shortage of AB's throughout the entire 1946 season. At times the shortage was so great that we had to let ships sail with as many as four vacan­ cies among the AB's. . It was a shame that these jobs could not bo filled and now is a good time to get ready for next season so there will not be a re­ peat of this. I suggest to all Ordinary Sea­ men, who have enough sailing time and believe they can qualifj', to go after an AB ticket. There is every reason to believe that the coming season will pro­ duce the same shortage of AB's, occured when the boom was used where there were men on the docks who could have taken the lines. Another cause of accidents is open bunker hatches. On many ships they are left open the whole season, and when firemen or coalpassers come on deck at night to turn the ventilators they can easily fall in the bunkers. The open hatch is unnecessary and should be eliminated. There is no sense in taking unnecessary risks which may mean perman­ ent crippling or death to a sea­ man. Although the season is at an end in Duluth, membership meet­ ings will still be held at the Dul­ uth Hall every first and third Monday of the month at 7:30 p.m. PORT ARTHUR HOUSTON NORFOLK JACKSONVILLE MOBILE GALVESTON CORPUS CHRISTl TAMPA This well known ship, the MV Cape Pillar, is being sold and will leave the SlU-contracted fleet. Members of the crew say that they hope the vessel is sold to the Norwegian Government rather than to Lykes Brothers. Their reasoning is that they dont want to see the NMU "crumb up the ship after the SIU men worked so hard to make her a home." Above are pictured some members of the crew. The deadline for port re­ ports, monies due, etc., is the Monday preceeding publica­ tion. While every effort ^ill be made to use in the current issue material received after that date, space commitments generally do not permit us to do so. So play safe—send your copy in on time. X Ships That Pass in The Night Don't Think Much Of Operators By LOUIS COFFIN bj- that SIU crew I can't see their beef. As a matter of fact, they ought to be pretty thankful that I'm an SIU ship." Second Ship: "Well glory be. Sister, I'm a SIU wagon, too, and my owners have the same line of crap as youis. If we weren't passing each other in the night, but in the daytime where every­ one could see us, I'll bet they would say that we were the best The Cape Pillar Engine Department takes time out to pose looking ships afloat." for a picture. They, too, are sorry that the ship is being sold. First Ship; 'T .agree with you, They worked hard, and the Pillar had a reputation as a clean and not only that, cur owners ship. Left to right, E. Delaurentiss, F, Dombouki, W. Fagan, should be thankful that we are J. Borek, F. Bose, A. Ruscetoki, R. Marsh, H. Rolen, and W. Sin­ under SIU contract. I had the clair. They made the slogan "An SIU Ship Is A Clean Ship" misfortune of colliding with a come true. NMU ship, and it took my SIU crew a long time to get that vile wea.iPVou'RE smell off of me. Well, sis, so (S0l>/STDSMA>kHAl AnVBooy... . long, and I hope we'U meet again some time in the future." ship to do the actual work, but Second Ship: "So long, be see­ Rules Are Rules to see that the departments ai-e ing you—and as the SIU boys NEW YORK — During the past •vvell taken care of. Fii'st Ship: "Hello, there. Where say, 'steady as she goes.'" week 1 have covered several SIU | So remember the Steward is are you bound for, and what are ships and can honestly say that the one who assigns in food, linen, you carrying?" all ships were 100 percent ship- ^ork, etc., and the Patrolman Second Ship: "Hello, and may shape in all three depax-tments. has nothing to do with the StewI ask you the same question?" The only headache that is ard's job. First Ship: "Well, I'm heading plaguing the Patrolmen at the It is also important that when east with a general load. How present is in the bellyrobbing de- a man is dispatched from the partmeiit in regards to the plac- Hall to a job he must report and any Ordinary who believes about you?" Second Ship: "I'm heading he can qualify should not hesi­ The coal strike produced its ing of men. For example, when aboard the ship with his gear the Steward divides up the work, ready to work as per the shipwest with grain." tate to go after it. expected quota of i-epercussipns. trying to place the men to the ping rules. I would like to im­ The procedure only takes a day First Ship: "Say, your owners or two for both lifeboat and AB must be making quite a profit on A South Carolina municipal offi­ best of his ability so that, no man press on the minds of the Broth­ cial nominated John IT. Lewis as would be burdened with too ers, chiefly the tripcardex's and ticket, and the dividend in in­ your load." creased wages and abundant jobs Second Ship: "You wouldn't the man who made the year's out­ much work, he finds that he has permitmen. the necessiey of read­ is well worth the small bit of standing contribution to smoke a hard time getting the men to ing their shipping rules. co-opei-ate. The time is past when we can trouble. Any Ordinary who goes elimination. A CIO union in Buf­ The men, it is i-eporled, want abuse the rule, and evei-y Broth­ after his AB ticket will not reg­ KNiwi-ASHiP falo, N. Y., proposed Lewis fox- the Union 1-epre.sentatives to go er should coopei-ate and obey ret it in the spring when the call TVAT TALKS! President in 1948 on a "labor out to the ship and set up the this part of the shipping rules. goes out for AB's. party" ticket. In another place work for tlxem, instead of ac­ SAFETY FIRST AGAIN BIRTHDAY CELEBRATED the miners went on strike against cepting their assignments fi-om During the war the accent was Aboai-d the George Washington, the Steward. on speed and more speed, with a mine they owned themselves. Alcoa Steamship Company, on STEWARD IS HEAD everything being sacrificed to in­ December 4, Chef BenjaminBut all this fades into insigni­ All brothers in the SIU should Bailey, celebrated his 66th birth­ sure the victory. Among the cas­ ficance in the light of a x-eport realize that the Stewai'd is the ualties was the observance of from Cambria, 111., where a miner head of his department, and in day. safety rules. Well, the war is Pop Bailey, who is no stranger announced that his 13 hens stop­ his hands x'est all x-esponsibilities over and the Safety First signs to shipping companies or seamen, ped laying eggs on the day the for the department. on board shTps should again be has spent 52 of his 66 yeaxs sail­ strike started and didn't x-esume He was not placed aboard the ing the seas and whipping up observed for what they stand for. until the day the walkout ended. A couple of safety measures casty delicacies for the palates THAT is union solidarity with a think so from hearing them talk. which have been neglected dur­ of the crews he has sailed- with. vengeance. And proof, too, that ing the war years, should be ob­ They keep moaning that they are Since 1895, when Pop went to all hens aren't dumb clucks. losing money every trip as it served in the future. sea to earn his living, he has been costs too much to operate." First, the use of the landing If you are on coastwise ar­ respected by all seamen and no First Ship: "Yeah, my owners boom should be eliminated. There ticles, give the head of your one has ever had a bad woxd to talk the same way, and it seems is no reason why it should be used Department 24 hours notice say abouL him. as men from the various docks to me that the x-eason my owners before arriving in port if you So we wish a belated "happy can catch the lines upon an-ival are squawking is because they wish to payoff. This will pre­ birthday" to Pop Bailey from the and let them go upon departure. have to pay a decent living wage vent any trouble when the New York Jlgent and all his ship reaches port. Only on rare occasions should to their crews. fi-iends around the Hall. it be used. Many accidents have "The way I'm being kept up William Hamilton • ( You've often heard the expres­ sion, "like ships that pass in the night," but have you ever won­ dered whether these ships are embodied with souls and are able to communicate with one an­ other? I have, and so while thinking about it the other night I got to wondering what their conversation would be like, and what they would discuss, should they meet. I sat back in mj' chair and closed my eyes trying hard to visualize such a meeting, when to my mind came the familiar sound of a ship plowing forward through the seas in the calm of the night, and just off tlie star­ board bow came the equally familiar sound of a ship passing in the opposite direction. To my sensitive ears it seemed that I could hear the following conver­ sation: .•J ••i'A The Patrolmen Say... Soft Coal Smoke Gets in Our Eyes •M S'i TANKERMEN 1^ • ' '^1 jmMP �Pago Ten THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, December 20, 1946 SHIPS' MIMOTES AMD MEWS Crew Calls Meredith A 'Fit Home A^t Sea' Heat Has Mohican Men On War-Path According to the books, we've heard the last of the Mohicans. But there's one Mohican from which the last has not been heard. More specifically, the reference is to the Cape Mohican of the Bull line tribe, and the lads aboard her were war-whooping it up without reservation at a re­ cent shipboard meeting. The minutes report that the sturdy band were making a vain stand against the heat elements—in one form or another—and they urged that the massacre be called to a halt. During the 10 a, m. break for coffee, Iwo men of the Mere­ dith Victory crew relax by trying to outwit each other at a game of checkers while a third Seafarer looks on. The objective which all good SIU crews strive for aboard ship —that of making their vessel a fit home at sea—was accomplish­ ed by the worthy crew members of the SS Meredith Victory on the voyage that wound up in Norfolk last week. Votes of thanks for cooperation went to the Steward department, the master and his staff. There were no major beefs. Those that came up during the trip were satisfac­ torily settled at the payoff. The lads worked hard to make the voyage a pleasant one. The officers did likewise, the crew said, and at the final shipboard meeting on Dec. 4, the crew ap­ proved a statement drawn up by Walter Cressman, Engine Depart­ ment Delegate; John Papa, Deck I Delegate; James Doris, Steward CARBON CONDITIONING For one thing the air condi­ tioning system aboard the Cape Mohican, which makes tropical runs, is in dire need of repair. The minutes point out that the equipment's insides are full of carbon, with the result that in­ stead of getting fresh clean air. the men are getting mixed doses of air and carbon gas expelled from the unit. In an open discussion it was claimed that the Cape Mohican "is the hottest ship running south." It has been necessary for the crew to seek relief by sleep­ ing in cots placed out on deck. But this has posed another prob­ lem—the hot southern sun scor­ ches the men and the heavy rains soak them up. For protection against the elements it was un­ animously recommended that a canvas cover be put up on the poop deck to provide shelter. HOT STUFF The Mohican men had still another steaming complaint stem­ ming from a crazy shower sys­ tem. Both taps—the hot and cold —give off hot water only, and then it only dribbles. And, very correctly too, they want to be able to feel cool water when they turn on the tap marked "cold." A motion passed unanimously call­ ing for repair of the system whereby the hot and cold water can be adjusted to the satisfac­ tion of the man in the shower. Other matters of lesser impor­ tance getting ~ attention at the meeting were the medicine chest, into which an inspection was or­ dered; the shifting of watches on every trip, and the leaving of mess gear at various parts of the ship. \nr The Meredith lies alongside dock in Rotterdam after unloading some of her cargo. These pictures were taken by Brother Parker, a member of the ship's crew. Foaming Crew Works Up A Strong Lather Over Soap Shortage On William Johnson The lads of the SS William Johnson were worked up in a neat lather when they answered a call to attend a special meeting aboard the vessel at Quebec, Canada. The cause of the foam­ ing was the serious shortage of supplies with soap drawing the fattest complaints. The Bull line ship is outward bound on a long trip, possibly six or seven months, and in view of the supply problem the prospects for a happy voyage are none too happy, the minutes reveal. Two departments are bearing the brunt of the situation, and the third department is doing its best to keep all hands clean. The Engine department, the minutes point out, has no soap, no matches and a host of other things essential to a Seafarer's well-being at sea. The situation in the Deck department "is just as bad." The men in these two departments have, therefore, been reduced to "bumming soap and matches from the Steward department." And this state of affairs has everybody bursting bubbles, be­ cause the bellyrobbing bunch have little enough for themselves as it is. But they are willing to share it, in true-blue style, with their less fortunate Brothers un­ til reinforcements can be procur- '•©li ed. The department delegates reported to the meeting that they had gone to see the Skipper about the shortage. All he had to say was: "We have ordered all supplies." Three weeks after this statement the shortage was still shorter. How well-bollaxed up the situ­ ation is can be understood easily from the following portion of the minutes: GET TOGETHER BOYS "The First Assistant makes out a requisition for supplies, but when the Chief Engineer sees it he cuts it down to nothing." Other supplies were discussed in order of their importance with cigarettes getting a big blow. In­ vestigation into medical supplies revealed an ample stock, the new purser having procured every­ thing needed. All hands approved a motion recomqiending that the messhall and recreation room be kept spot­ less at all times. One department is to be assigned each week to cleaning of the recreation room. J. J. Bluitt, secretary of the meeting which was chaired, by Brother Fox, added to the min­ utes a request for a copy of the new agreement. It isn't hard to see why. Delegate, and W. LaChance, re­ cording secretary, expressing j thanks for the officers' contribu-1 tion to the trip. CREW STATEMENT The statement received by the | Log with the ship's niinules, fol­ lows: "It was the unanimous voice of • the entire crew, and made part of the minutes of a joint meeting held this date, that the Master of j the Meredith Victory, John Tryg, and his entire staff be given i a vote of thanks for making this j voyage, BC 102, to Antwerp and Rotterdam a most pleasant one. "Anyone sailing with this Mas­ ter will find, as we have, that he has been more than fair in his consideration of the crew. Mer6 words are inadequate to properly express the word master in this instance. Suffice it to say, this .ship is a home and rates a men­ tion in the Log." Any vessel which makes a trip, lauded by all hands as being en­ tirely satisfactory and "pleas­ ant," as did the Meredith Victory, certainly does rate a mention in the Log. The fact that crew had praise for the voyage, however, should not be construed as meaning the crew didn't make demands for improvement of conditions. RUSTY WATER At the membership meeting the crew voted to have the de­ partment delegate speak to the Chief Engineer about "a positive and permanent remedy" for the fresh water tanks. The water had been coming from the tanks odor­ ous and rusty. Not without humorous implica­ tions was a suggestion made by a Brother who, if he doesn't like to dine in class, at least has cer­ tain dining room standards. He proposed that crew members wear at least a "Tee" shirt at mealtime. "The sight of a hairy chest isn't very appetizing," he said. And all hands agreed. COOPERATION Sample of the type of coopera­ tion and willingness to please that was so universal on the Meredith is brought out in the section of the minutes dealing with the night lunch. On several occasions, the minutes say, the twelve-to-four watch found ng night lunch and sometimes very little. At the meeting, the Steward replied that he had not been in­ formed of the situation and that he was amply prepared for night lunches. Obviously annoyed with the condition, he vigorously stat­ ed to those present that from "now on there will be adequate night lunches." Other matters settled at the meeting were of a routine nature and included improvement of messroom conditions, various re­ pairs, cleanliness and courtesy. Following one minute of sil­ ence observed in memory of de­ parted Seafarers, the meeting ad­ journed. The meeting was chaired by Brother McErlane with LaChance doing the recording. �» Friday. December. 20. 1946 THE SEAFARERS LOG Digested Minutes Of SlU Ship Meetings POWELLTON SEAM, Aug. 25—Chairman Kerester;. Secre­ tary McLane. All delegates re­ port smooth sailing in their re­ spective departments. Motion carried that funds be taken from ship's treasury to pay delegate's union dues for one month. To' be eligible, delegate must serve in that position for one month. Decision was made for each department to paint their own quarters. Only mem­ bers of the Steward Depart­ ment to be admitted to the Steward Department storerooms. One crewmember fined $10.00 for creating a drunken disturbance. This to serve as warning to all other members. Under no circumstances shall the Captain be awakened in regards to night lunches. One minute of silence observed for our departed Brothers. X t % (Name of ship not given), Nov. 24 — Chairman Hurbert: Secretary William Jenkins. Delegeites reported everything okay. Motion carried that all union influence be used against slopchest and see that crews have proper warm clothing and toothpaste before sailing. Mo­ tion carried that ship be prop­ erly stored three days before signing articles. Motion car­ ried that the three delegates and Union officials hold meet­ ing. XXX Cape Horn Crew Does A Good Job First-rate success was reported resulting from a Cape Horn membership meeting held at sea recently. All suggestions and recommendations for improve­ ments of conditions and facilities which were made at the routine meeting have been put into ef­ fect, according to Brother Philip Vandel, recording-secretary. Motions carried unanimously, and which subsequently led to the correction of conditions, fol­ low; That faulty drain system in deck department shower be re­ paired; that proper lighting be installed in pasageway adjacent to Steward and Engine depart­ ments' showers; that laundry and recreation room be cleaned by the three departments on ro­ tating basis. Ealph. Stein chaired the meet­ ing. » ft MARQUETTE VICTORY. (Isthmian) July 28 — Chairman Jones; Secretary Frank Dam. Discussion about the Jr. En­ gineer having to clean their rooms as the wipers did not have the time to do it. Old Business: Motion was carriedi to have the crewmembers clean up the messhall at coffee lime and at night, put away the books, etc.. to leave it clean for the following watch. New Business: Motion carried to have shorts or undershirts worn in the messhall. Motion carried to have the crew dele­ gates for the next trip check the slopchest before leaving port, because of the fact that there was not enough supplies for more than half of unlicen­ sed personnel since the officers purchased everything they wanted ahead of lime. AH:M/*MV'STHE Hooe I'VE sretJT WifH i ft ft MEREDITH VICTORY. Sept. 22^Chairman G. Garcia: Sec­ retary W. LaChance. New Busi­ ness: Motion carried that the members doing all the griping and kicking because they think the Steweurd is not qualiiied for the job. draw up charges, and turn them in at the first port along with their own book numbers. . Furthermore, said Steward to be tried by a shoreside Steward Department com­ mittee. who, if they find him guilty will place him in the 99 year club, and if he is found innocent then the signers of the charges will be placed in the 99 year club as agitators while said Steward to return to the ship. Subject of eleven men of the Steward's Department us­ ing one shower. By mutual consent it was arranged to use one of the Engineer's showers and head to be kept clean as per agreement. Due to the fact that personal property was found missing while tied along­ side of dock, the question of keys to the rooms tO' be brought immediately to the attention of the Captain or Engineer. Dis­ cussion was made about the grade of flour and type of menus made up. ft ft ft DANIEL WILLARD. Aug. 11 —Chairman W. W. Allred: Sec­ retary S. D. Laney. Good and Welfare: The Delegates were asked to check the Purser's copy of overtime to see that his copy and the crew's overtime correspond. The Purser was told that both sheets would be checked by the boarding Pa­ trolman. Motion was carried to leave the beef about carrying trash from the chill box to the Patrolman to see if it's payable overtime. Suggestion was made to ask the tripcard men to pay at least half of the assessments and dues up to the present month. A talk was made by NMU brother Hayle who com­ plimented the SIU crew by the way he has been treated and said that if any SIU man hap­ pens to be on one of the NMU ships that he would get as good treatment in return. ft ft ft STEELORE. Aug. 6—Chair­ man Robert Humphrey: Sec­ retary Fletcher Bray. Steward Delegate discussed the manning scale for his department and the need for a galley man. Deck Delegate spoke on the proper procedure for securing better living conditions aboard. Motion carried to have the dele­ gates prepare a list of rules and regulations and submit it to the crew subject to approval. Re­ pair list drawn up including fumigation of the ship, repair of toilets, conversion of spare messhall to library and recrea­ tion room tor the crew and painting and repair ol the Nayy washroom to make it usable for crew. Page Eleven SEAFARER SAM SAYS FOLONSBEE. Nov. 21 — Chairman George Shaughnessy: Secretary James W h a 1 e n . Everythink okay. No discus­ sions. Motion made to go into Good and Welfare. Light fix­ ture to be fixed in 8-12 sea­ men's room. 2nd Cook asks why he is being taken off. Oiler Thompson explaining that the Union rules state that tripcard members are allowed on one round trip or 80 days. It was agreed thed all tripcard mem­ bers having been on 60 days or more would pay off at first port in. the U. S. One minute of silence for brothers lost at sea. STILL HAVE TIME ^To GET VouR CLEARANCE CARD. ft ft ft MV FIRE ISLAND. Oct. 30 —Chairman M. C. Foster: Sec­ retary L. B. Clyde. Special meeting. Steward Department delegate reported sick man. After discussion with Captain it was cirarnged to put man in hands of CG off Key West to be hospitalized. New Business: Motion carried that upon ar­ rival at first port all delegates contact SIU official for purpose of clearance of this non-rescue trip during the MM&P and MEBA strike. Also for informa­ tion regarding transportation back Mobile (crew under im­ pression that rescue trip was phony). Crew in question about no articles and supplement. Mo­ tion carried that all members in all departments stay until beef is settled. ft ft ft Whistle Gets Blow On Follansbee A whistle that can't be heard by the man on "standby" isn't worth the steam it takes to blow it, in the opinion of the crewmembers of the SS B. A. Follans­ bee. Expressing their dissatisfaction with the whistle signal, the Fol­ lansbee boys buzzed for awhile in search of a solution to the situation at a recent shipboard membership meeting. Apparently inspired by the crew's .buzzing, some one sug­ gested that a buzzer be used. The whistle was promptly blown out of existence. Other matters discussed and voetd on at the meeting were re­ pair of toilets, rubber stoppers for sinks in heads, obtaining of new percolator, putting out bet­ ter night lunch, repair of shorted light fixtures in foc'sle and ad­ ding another Wiper to the ship's complement. ft ft ft HELEN, Nov. 28—Chairman Leroy Jackson; Secretary Red Morgan. New Business: A list of needed repairs was drawn up. Request a new speaker be put in crew mess to be con­ nected with the WSA radio in the radio room. Good and Welfare: Discussed the need of another room for the freezers as they have been carried in the hospital in the past. A commit­ tee of three men was appoint­ ed to look over the ship for a suitable place for the freezer. It was agreed to have a book rack built in the messhall and secure a library when the ship gels in. One minute of silence was observed in memory of bur brothers lost at sea during the war. A VOID TROUBLE AMP EMSARRASSMjArr B/SEE­ ING THE STRIKE aEA•RA^JCE COMMITTEE IMTHESIU HALL. CUT and RUN • By HANK This week we're lucky enough to get a fresh turn-c /er of items—which we need now and then—to keep this column from out of the cut-and-dry vein . . . We were talking with big "Red" Hall, (no relation to our Agent, Paul Hall) last week. "Red," who is ftom Tampa, has several brothers who are sailor.s, and he sails in the Steward's Department. He was explaining what a tough trip he hgd last. The ship hit Ras Tanura, Arabia,—the over-boiled desert of a port which is an American Oil town—but the crew was never allowed ashore. Not even to the beach near the dock to pick sea shells or take a fast swim, keeping a watch for sharks . . . Frank Devlin, who was up in Great Lakes, is in town right now. Say, Frank, your pal, Dusan Dei Duisan, nicknamed "Old Chile," left recently in a plane for his home town of Santiago, Chile. Charles McDonald, ex-Norfolk pie-card, just blew into this town with his pal. Brother "Red" Hoy. Brother McDonald says he's going back to that oldjown and anchor in the hospital there for awhile . . . Happy birthday congratulations to Jimmy De Vito—December 18th was the big day . . . And the same happy congratulations to A1 Kerr who had his day last Wednesday— celebrating with his wife and a cake . . . Jimmy Saliba, a lucky guy, just came in from a good four and a half month trip to the Philippines and China. Jimmy's now up in his home town of Boston, counting his few notes and figuring out those Christ­ mas presents. Morris Rosenberg is waiting to ship out, it sems . . . Well, well "Whitey" Jutchess just announced the happy fact that his wife gave birth to a nine pound baby boy. Congratulations, "Pop," and good health all around . . . Electrician Frank Bose and his mustache just blew in from New Orleans where he finished a not-so-good trip to Okinawa ... No sodas, senoritas or .sambas out there, eh Senor Frank? . . . Earl "Snuffy" Smith just came in. Where's j-our pal, James Manning, "Snuffy?" . . . Bud Ray i.s visiting New "York right now. Your pal, Carioca Red, shipped out. Bud. Say Bud, looks like half of the Dclaircs crew is here right now, including A2 Baer, second cook, with his faithful dark mustache. A vole of thanks to the ballotting committee, which con­ sists of: Brother Flannery, who sails the deck; Ed Kelly, the fisherman, and Ralph "Red" McKenzie . . . And of course the same thanks to the Strike Clearance Committeemen who are; Ed Bender, the organizer; John Calhoun; Paul Parsons; Ernesto* Erazo, and Benny Goodman, who did a swell job directing publicity, etc., during our strike . . . Bill Gale, who is a Tampa man, is waiting to see Tampa after eight months of absence . . . George Brown—standing look-out for a ship to South Africa—where he always goes anyway . . . Coffee-drinking Clyde Morgan shipped as Cook on a tanker for nine months ... Thomas Massey, Rebel Melton's best shipmate got married this past July. Congratulations Tommy and where was the shang­ haied honeymoon? . . . The only birthday present Fred "Ski" Sweder got recently was a good ship for more than a month in port. Isn't that right. Brother Duffy, who is his relief fireman . .. Bosun James Scott, is fresh in town, mustache and a case. How's the wife and kid, Bose? �THE SEAFARERS lOG Pago Twelve Friday. December 20, 1946 THE MEMBERSHIP SPEAKS Labor At Mercy Of Capital, Politlcans, Brother Says Deu Editor: I' read with interest a letter published in the Log of Nov. 29 written by Louis Goffin in which he complains about the fact that Labor has no friends among the Washington politicans. He there­ fore concludes that Labor has nothing to gain from politics of any kind. Then he contradicts himself by stating that he be­ lieves that " the workers should vote anyway in spite of ail the baloney and false promises thrown at him," adding that he "wouldn't be so naive as to ex­ pect anything to come of it". Brother Goffin correctly rec­ ognizes the fact that the politic­ ians of both the Republican and Democratic parties are direct agents for Big Business, and can­ Navy, law courts, etc. The very laws that labor depends on to establish a legal right to organize, to strike, and to maintain them­ selves in Labor Unions are at the mercy of the politicians in Wash­ ington. Goffin correctly states that we should depend primarily on our organized strength to maintain our conditions. But to allow Big Busine.ss to establish a monopoly on politics is to hand over to the enemies of labor the legal and military means of crusliing the entire trade union movement. LABOR'S WAY OUT The way out is for Labor to organize on the political front just as it has organized on the economic front. If the Trade Unions got together and organized a Labor Party we could run can­ didates who would come directly from the Labor Unions, would be controlled by the Unions and who would use their political power for.the direct benefit of Labor. That would be Labor politics and be as different from the Big Business politics of the Republi­ can and Democratic parties as a fink differs from a good union man. Take the present struggle between John L. Lewis and the Government. Lewis and the coal miners are fighting the battle of all labor against the political rep­ resentatives of Big Business. K not be expected to help labor in Why couldn't the Trade Unions any way. Then why advise the get together to run Lewis, or any workers to vote, unless he also recognizes that it is absolutely other Labor Leader for President possible to ignore politics? on a Labor Party ticket in the coming Presidential elections in POLITICIANS HAVE ALL '48. That would be far better The politicans who take over Washington have the resources of than bemoaning Labor's lack of the entire country at their dis­ friends in Washington. posal. The police, the Army, Benny Goodman Tanker Acts Up For Camera High octane gas overflows lank and pours over side of the SS Portoreo Hills at Bay Town, Texas, Dear Editor: I was just looking over some of the pictures that I have taken on recent trips. I thought that the one which I have enclosed was especially interesting. . No, that's not water that is pouring over the side of the SS Potoreo Hills—it is high octane gaa I was aboard the ship when it was in Bay Town, Texas, and I decided to take a picture of her. COFFEE TIME Well, just by sheer accident, the high octane gas started over­ flowing just as I started to snap the picture. At least 50 gallons of the stuff went over the side. And just to think that one cigar­ ette or a spark could have blown us to kingdom come. I guess we were just lucky. Otherwise it was a swell, smooth-running ship. John Marsh Kenneth Blair Log-A'Rhythms THE CLIPPER CREW By "the Clipper Wren" r ONLY FIVE MINUTES Mofte" Coffee time aboard ship as it appears to Seafarer J. J. Bluitt. Brother Bluitt is aboard the SS William Johnson, which called recently at Quebec, Canada. Brother Pleads For Strengthening Ties Binding New And Old Members I i .••i-jiatfr-il We bid farewell and a fond adiet To the grandest gang—the Clip^ per crew. Deckhands, cooks, captain, maic And every engineer; Firemen, Bellhops, Wipers Whose memory we revere. The entire gang has my acclair For their help in the Milwaukee Clipper's rise to fameJ An echo softly steals o'enthe blue,( It's Orlando calling — calling for you. And if I've been any good at all Perchance from good old Joe ox Bert I'll receive some sort of call To return. If not. Sweet friendship will cheer me As of yore. In fair and stormy weather. And off in thought I'll live once more The happy days we've spent to­ gether. X % % I've been low on dough myself at It is supposed to be that all times, but I don't hit up any of members of the Union are Broth­ the guys for anything, because I ers and that they should get along realize that it's one way to lose a as such. And they do. But oc­ friend. One more thing which I no­ casionally some guy will pop up tice fails to tighten the bond of whose actions seem to pull the Union brotherhood is the attitude other way. of a few oldtimers. Most of the Some guys are damned good nldtimers I have met are helpful, shipmates and Union brothers in anxious to set a younger member every respect, but give them a straight. But I have met a few drink and they go off the beam who beef about the younger men and they act just the revei-se of because we. are just getting our I LIVE THE LIFE the way they would when sober. start. These oldtimers ought to OF A SEAMAN Then there are a few guys who realize that they had to make a By HOWARD LAMM are always putting the touch on start once, too. It generally is that you for two bits for "breakfast." the few guys who do this beefing Oh, the ocean may be stormy. Okay if they had to use it for are the ones who are all fouled up It may be calm aind serene. breakfast but it's for a snort on their books — dues, assessBut I'll be in there sailing, that's something else. I have no ments_ and such. I live the life of the merchant objection to lending dough to a GET ON THE BALL marine. brother who is in legitimate need, If these jokers .would get on the It may be bombs or food we carry. or is feeling the pinch. I'm not ball a little bit and try to set Perhaps it's troops or gasoline. talking about these guys. some of the younger members But 1 will help deliver them, HE'S BEEN HARD HIT straight everything would be I live the life of the merchant But the guy who "needs" it for okay. I had to*Wait until I was marine. a drink, well — he makes the old enough to get seaman's papers same dough as the rest of us and before I could ship out, and so Ships have been sunk by foul] weather. I don't see why he can't get along did thousands of other Seafarers. on it like the rest of us. Sure, Just because a guy happened to They've been torpedoed by the| submarine. be in the Union before another And thousands of men have diedl guy, it doesn't mean that the cit sea, younger man can't be a good all-around man, proud of, and Bui that's the life of the mer­ chant marine. willing to work for his Union. Ships are again on the roll, On most of the ships I have And if you were to pay a visit to| plying the seas to the four been on the biggest percentage of Heaven, corners of the earth. You men were all young, and from YOu'd see a very familiar scene—I Seafarers who man these the looks of things we didn't do Seamen registering at Union Halls| vessels will be popping into so bad. If some of the gripers Still living the life of the mer­ ports of call in Africa, Asia, would wise up and do their share chant marine. Australia. You'll be hitting of the work things would work Some faces would be old and the Near East, Middle East out a Hell of a lot better all wrinkled. and the Orient, and you'll be around. Others would be young and in making the high spots and If you see a guy with a permit their teens. the low in the islands, and card, don't give him the run But each mre will be happy down South America way. around. Set him straight and tell Just to live the life of the mer­ Your experiences in these him the score. That should be chant marine. places, the characters you the duty of all of us. We want to meet both ashore and aboard make our Union stronger and one ship as you wend your way, effective way to do it is to tighten ganized seamen and to some for­ eign seamen that I couldn't ex­ make interesting stories. the bonds of brotherhood. Surely, you'll run into strange Let us all meet each other half plain to them. gals and guys, clip-joints, I also want to praise Brother way. The road will be a lot easier dives, and points of historical Buck Stephens and Brother Bir­ for us all that way. interest. Maybe you'll have mingham of the New Orleans Henry Sohl a beef on the way, or a tip branch for the good job they have to pass along to your Broth­ done for us here in the New Or­ CRESCENT CITY ers that might save them leans Marine Hospital. Birming­ some trouble. HOSPITALIZED ARE ham hasn't missed a week com­ ing out here to cheer us up and We wimt to hear about any CHEERED UP and all of these. Just jot them give us the latest dope. Besides, Dear Editor: down and mail them to the he was always bringing along I thought I'd write before the something extra for us such as Sesisrers Log, 51 Beaver year runs out to express my gifts, cigarettes, magazines, which Street, New York 4. N. Y. thanks for the good work done were donated to us. Enclose pictures il you have in publishing the Log. The Log any, weH return them. Greetings to all, and our explained many things to unor- thanks. J. W. Dennis Dear Editor: Wanted: Tips �-Si Friday, December 20, 1946 Michelet Is Still Taking Advantage Of Shrimps:Hank I Dear Editor: If you're going to think that I my amateur course is a menu of ideas—you're going to be right. Well, anyway, as soon as I heard that Brother Frenchy Michelet came into New York from way down in New Orleans (where his literary and galley experiments came to a complete cold stop, and his business-like voyage of canIning crabs or goldfish, or some­ thing, bloomed into happy birth) II really thought there was going I to be plenty of big parties canned I by the special technique of BroIther Michelet. Especially because I heard that Frenchy was an ableI bodied business man now—and I was always known in the upper I crust of viscious belly-robbing I circles as a famous cooker and I literary operator while sailing all 1 sorts of tubs. Page TMrtoen THE SEAFARERS LO& Fun-Maker Dear Editor: No, Brother Michelet came in quietly, smiling, a quiet-colored striped suit on with that familiar tilted fedora on his head. He asked for Steward Milazzo and several others, and laughed about how the communists down in New Orleans were charged twen­ ty-five skins or more for fighting and revolutionizing their own meeting—probably over the idea of which of them should take the fastest planes to Moscow to tell Joe Stalin how the Poison Party is losing millions of American dollars and so much of their proud treachery. Yes, indeed, Frenchy had come into New York on a ship, just like any happy well-dressed Steward might, to say hullo and laugh about this and that. Well, Editor, here's hoping Frenchy doesn't mind a little stranger to him as And after all, even if Kilroy, I am, writing this greasy letter of I who never was a sailor, but who attempted humor. (was here, there and everywhere "Cut and Run" Hank Ion malls all over the world, had (come sudden-like into New York, Ihe wouldn't have been a more (welcomed man—or oddity. Now (l hope I can say that-Frenchy is (an oddity — an oddity of genius (with food and literary scraps, and Dear Editor: (got away with it, without being "When you come to the end of (cooked with some old potatoes a perfect day. . . ." (and canned for export. Well, it was a helluva long PARTIES AND EVERYTHING way from being perfect, but it certainly was a hilarious voyage You see, that's why I thought No. 13 aboard the SS Richard (there would be some sort of can- Rush, Robin line. From last /?Ug(ned parties opening up — with ust right on through the wind up (broken bottles Of hard liquids— there were amusing events. (dragged-out good old dust-coverThe fun for the most part came I ed remembrances, burning the in Rouen and Le Havre, France. (Broadway lamps deep into the First off, one of the boys who had (precious, happiest hours of the a date one night got into a ffa(nights. And all of it over-flowing cas with a watchman in Rouen. (with salted poetry and Latin Am- Poor watchman. (erican philosophy of the happiest. Then there was a drinking party in the Seine river on another night, involving our 200pound "Chips," who related, and I quote; AND FRV ' "I must have been in there an hour or so." (Don't tell him, but it was act­ ually less than five minutes). On top of that our "Chief" Wiper got a working over and our live-wire crew messman got a sore throat and couldn't talk for four days. He was sent to the Steamboat Says Coast Guard Poses Threat In Lean Years According to the papers Wall Street predicts a sudden depression before the end of the year, and if this comes true it will put our relations with the Coast Guard in an entirely different light. Chief Ste-ward Joe Malone of the SS John Gibbon, keeps his shipmates amused as well as well-fed. as this shot will testify. When the ship paid off in New York last week, the ship's crew voted Brother Malone their "heartfelt thanks for the good chow served through­ out the trip, and especially that Thanksgiving dinner." So far, when they have sen­ tenced a man to five or six months of unemployment, at least he has been able to get some kind of a job on the beach to keep his family alive. But if jobs on the beach become impos­ sible to find, as they were for ten years before the war, what will a man do to keep his kids from starving? A depression is bound to come sometime, no matter how you look at it. When it does, losing your papers will not mean mere­ ly working at some low paid job until you get them back again, as it does now; it will mean be­ ing thrown out of work com- Colorful Characters Spark The SS Rush's Hilarious Voyage To Te Havre And Rouen earthiest vintage. Sudden-like, a wild suspicious idea wiggled in­ side of my brain machine telling me that perhaps Frenchy was really in this big town of a mil­ lion two-by-four "greasy spoons" I and ballroom restaurants to get contracts for his New Orleans Canning Business. And in those cans you wouldn't find shrimps as you were told—^but Frenchy's own cookings. Yes sir, his own cooked food—canned and guar­ anteed to be oaten safely under water'or fifty miles up in the air. This idea shook me like an atomic hamburger-sandwich. Af­ ter all, maybe French does have huge cooking pots down in New Orleans—pots which are as big as houses—and Frenchy wants to sell his own canned food to all restaurants in SIU ports. But I was wrong. Completely wrong, lit double-chilled me when I j realized the truth. You see, I Frenchy didn't come with any cans attached, a 1947 flivver wait­ ing outside the hall, a ninety dol­ lar suit on his hull, plenty of dol­ lar-made "seegars" and giving all ( his pals big slams on the backs. GERMAN SEAMAN REQUESTS READING MATTER ON SHIPS Dear Editor: I often read in the Neue Zeitung, Heute, and the Amerikanischerundschau, the three Ameri­ can newspapers published in the German language, about the American Federation of Labor and its help for Europe. I would like to ask you for something to read on maritime affairs in order to keep up to date. I am a German sailor, now without ships and a job and I would like to remain in connect­ ion with all things referring to ships and navigation. The ferry­ boats of my father-in-law were sunk and lay on the bottom of the River Rhine. Now we make theo­ retical navigation with other sailors of the coast. Perhaps there 'is an American sailor who would enter into cor­ respondence with me, and, per­ haps send me something to eat for my little daughter and a ball for her to play with. I would like to send him stamps of Ger-; many. hospital but came right back to the ship after they darn near killed him, he said. Of course, all the crew had the same reason doped out for the cause of his sore throat. It wasn't cognac, either. He's okay now. This messman bought an alarm clock over in Rouen and set it for 5:50 a.m. When it rang he'd get up and turn it off, then go back to sleep until called by the watch ten minutes later. Any­ way, the alarm clock worked well. Several of the boys and my­ self got up to gay Paree at one The German Federations oi Labor are on the rise, but at the moment there is ^ no sailor's branch. I would be very happy to get something to read from you (shipping news with pictures of ships, etc.) in order to have an impression of world, shipping. I thank 3mu very much for your trouble. Gerd Kanne Freidich B'A'ppler Frankfurt (Main) Sommerstrasse 25 American Zone LOG 'AN ASSET' TO LIBRARY AT STANFORD U. Dear Editor: Upon checking our file of your publication. Seafarers Log, I find that we' did not receive issues numbered 45 and 46 of Volume 8 . . . Because this periodical is such an asset to the Hopkins Transportation Library, we are anxious to maintain as complete a file as possible . . . Melvin C.Oathout, Librarian Hopkins Trails. Library Stanftrd University time or another. More than once during my three-day stay I got lost in the subway. TASTE OF HOME While in Le Havre (dear old brother hole to Norfolk) we were able to put away some good American-made beer at the sea­ men's club. That was the only thing good about the place, though. We were tied up alongside the Europa there, and it looks like the French will get that in place of the ill-fated Normandie. Among the colorful characters aboard were "Trader" Meyers, the big "Virginia business man; "Chief Wahoo" Rodriguez, who is Sat­ an's twin when it comes to firing a coal-burning galley range, and last but not least, "Chico" Nodal, who got the sore throat. I was Delegate for the Stew­ ards department and we came in without a single beef pending in reference to chow, overtime or conditions in our department. Robert A. Lowry TOWBOAT CREW ATE CHOICE HOLIDAY DINNER Dear Editor: Eirclosed you will find the menu of the Thanksgiving Day dinner served aboard the MV Sands Point of the Moran Tow­ ing Company. pletely, with no chance to get any kind of a job at all. ' CG STARVATION Then when the CG railroads you, it'll be a cannonball straight to starvation. Our youngest members do not know what it is like to be kept awake at night by a baby cry­ ing for something to eat, because the home relief isn't enough. They don't know what it is like to see your pretty wife wear the same cheap cotton dress for six months because "WPA wages won't buy a new one. They don't realize what it's like when you can't find any kind of a job, paying anything at all. Many of us who are still young have seen this. 1 don't want to go through that kind of poverty again, because some military of­ ficer with a regular income paid out of my taxes is able to con­ fiscate my papers. When before in America has a military organi­ zation been able to force civilians out of work, and keep them out of work, telling them in effect, if your kids go hungry, put them in a home, if your wife is in rags, let her go out and seek work? I didn't bet my life against wolf-packs for that kind of Am­ erica. I didn't fight Nazis at sea to come home and find them in my own country. TAKE WARNING And there's a 100,000 other guys like me. Does anybody think we braved torpedoes in the Atlantic and billy clubs on the picketline only to have the mil­ itary boot of the CG crush in our face? If there is such a man, let him be warned—the SIU is going to be on the ball. Plenty of good guys from this outfit died so the rest of us could stay free. We're not going to double-cross them by becoming the slaves of Nazism, American style. Steamboat O'Doyle SEAFARER'S WIFE GETS KICK' READING LOG Dear Editor: I would like to have you put me on the mailing list to have the Log sent to my home. My wife is an invalid and she gets a kick out of reading some of the interesting experiences related in the columns of the Log that I bring home from the Philadel­ phia Hall. I am sure she will appreciate having the Log sent to her. John R. Settle, Philadelphia, Pa. We, the undersigned, think it should be printed in the Seafar­ ers Log to show the membership as a whole that things are being the crews' mouths water on the done in strictly union fashion, Sands Point: Fresh Celery and Olives and that they should try to main­ Turkey Rice Soup tain these conditions aboard other Roast Tom Turkey ships. Roast Prime Rib of Beef We offer this menu in contrast Cranberry Sauce to the one previously published Mushroom Dressing in the Log. Gravy a la Hollandaise We can truthfully say that this Whipped Potatoes ship is strictly on the ball and Peas a la Parissiene everything is right on the beam Buttered Cauliflower fi'om top to bottom. We hope to Boston Cream Pie keep it that way. *lce Cream Fresh Milk Coffee A. Whealon, Ship's Del. Assorted Nuts Raisins N. W. Ross. 2nd Cook C. J. Hartman, Steward The Steward Departmenl I. Hirshberg, Saloon MM wishes to extend holiday (Editor's note: Here's the menu .greetings to all. C. Hartman. Steward. of the holiday dinner which made A �Page Fourteen Lakes Boneyards Reminiscent Of Thirsty Thirties THE SEAFARERS LOG SIGN TELLS TRUTH imWm Friday. December 20. 1946 NMU Charges Of Collusion Are Shown Up By The Record Dear Editor: does. Never has it been further from the truth, something which By now the entire waterfront , By STANLEY WARES they never even get within smell­ is familiar with the sorry spec­ ing distance of. CLEVELAND — The port of tacle in which the NMU, after Cleveland was honored this week having suffered a clean defeat in STALLING RECORD by a visit from Morris Weisberthe Isthmian election, is scream­ Briefly look at the NMU's rec­ ger, SIU Vice President and New ing "foul." ord in the Isthmian case: York SUP Port Agent, who was Because the Isthmian men here to get a general picture of 1. Just as the NLRB was about overwhelmingly chose the Sea­ the organizational campaign to set the date for the election, farers as their collective bargain­ which is in full swing on the after the SIU had received pledge ing agent, the NMU makes the Lakes. cards from the majority of Isth­ false charge of "collusion." mian seamen, the NMU rushed Morris, who did organizational To men who know the NMI) in with a variety of excuses tn work himself up here in the early This picture of the Crew of the John Constanline means and its tactics, this comes as no stall the start of voting. days, made a tour of the what it says. Organizer Rocky Benson who contacted this Isth­ surprise. The scene may have small sruTOunding ports to visit 2. At the expiration of the vot­ mian crew during the height of the Drive, reported that they changed, but the show is the the ships laying-up for the win­ ing period they pleaded for an were almost solid for SIU. The NMU organizers must have same. The stupidity of the ter, and to check on the activity extension to vote two more ships. thought so too, because the votes of this ship were challenged NMU's performance never show­ and progrcss we are making with The extension was granted. by the NMU. ed up more clearly than it now the unorganized seamen. 3. Finally, with the SIU clearly We contacted ships of all sizes in the lead at the end of the and shapes and found an excellent balloting, the NMU began chal­ reception to the SIU by the non­ lenging SIU right and left. From the very beginning, the NMU has done nothing but put up a tooth-and-nail fight to pre­ vent the Isthmian seamen from It's very seldom that an of­ reported to the bridge and told up the Chief Mate's deficiencies getting the representation they ficer of a ship will make a state­ me that the Chief Mate had told might lose many lives in the have asked for. future. ment charging other officers with him to let it go until later. These delaying tactics are ser­ "Since I could not supercede Although Friel has been sail­ ious for the Isthmian men. For nefficiency. When that does hap­ the Chief Mate's authority, I turn­ pen, and when those charges are ed Tommen and Dories to on the ing Isthmian for quite a while, he every day they work under non­ is a member in good standing of backed up with solid facts, it foredeck securing deck cargo that the MM&P, and was a former union conditions, for every day's low wages, they can thank the should make a good story, and was beginning to come adrift. member of the SUP. None of the NMU. other officers belong to the this time is no exception. SAW DAMAGE FREE ELECTION MM&P. Leslie C. Friel is, or maybe "At daylight, Tommen again Friel will do no more sailing The Isthmian men chose the union seamen on most of these was is the better word, the Sec­ made an inspection and reported with Norgaard and Eide. He Seafarers as their representative ond Mate on the Isthmian Lines to the bridge that there was a feels that the next time their in ships. a free, democratically-con­ In the spring we should be in Beaver Victory. He signed on the bulge in the side of the ship near laxness might really bring the ducted election. The men knew a position to bring several more .ship July 25, and was prepared the bulkhead between number ship and personnel to the brink of what they wanted. They had four and five holds. To the best danger-, and so he would rather compared the waterfront records outfits under the SIU flag. for an uneventful cruise. As of my knowledge, the Captain soon as the ship left Baltimore was on the bridge at the time and take his chances on another ship. of the Unions. They chose the BONEYARD GROWING SIU because of its agressive, mili­ The unusual thing about the the fun started, and bad condi­ went onto the deck and inspected tant record of accomplishments whole tour, however, wasn't the tions continued to exist until the the damage himself. for all teamen. number of ships being layed-up trip came to an end in Galveston "It is my belief that Mr. Eide's on December 12. If there was collusion, as the for the winter, but the number failure to make an inspection at NMU falsely charges, I who of ships which have been layedAll of the officers except Friel the time he was first called and served as a voluntary ship's or­ up permanently. were definitely anti-union, and turn out sufficient men to secure ganizer and later as a shoreside Talk about boneyards that are they made no attempts to hide the cargo should be called to the organizer, and the hundreds of forming on both coasts, the ones their feelings. The Chief Mate attention of the proper authorities others who worked and sweated that are taking shape here is made many derogatoi-y statments on arrival in the United States. in the Isthmian campaign would really staggering. I about the men, and refen-ed to (Continued from Page 3) "Since men were not turned "to have been unnecessary. "We could One look at these ports and them as "dogs who don't deserve securing the cargo until after reaucrats while trying to pose as have sat the whole thing out.. immediately one is reminded of a draw." eight o'clock, it should be clear militants—this is their true rec­ And the Union would not have the early thirties, when things To show his contempt for the that considerably less damage ord, this is all that is needed to spent the money that it did. were really tough and ships were crew, he worked them from bell would have resulted to the ship expose them. When a commie is There would have been no need layed-up all along the Lakes in to bell during periods of extreme had work begun immediately. In­ faced with the facts of their war­ for the vast publicity and propa­ every inlet. heat in the Far East. vestigation should also be made time record he gets as excited as ganda operations. It doesn't give, a seafaring man The blowoff on the whole sit­ into what kind of inspection Mi'. a chameleon on a checker-board a pleasant feeling to see the ships The Seafarers certainly would uation came on November 28, Eide made of the cargo when trying to explain the wartime t-usting here, knowing that each not have poured so much hard while the ship was at sea be- loading was finished in number "militancy" of the NMU. layed-up ship means that many work into the effort to better the t\Yeen Honolulu and Balboa. Car­ four hold in Honolulu." Yes, the labor movement in lot of the Isthmian men. What lost jobs. go had been loaded in Honolulu, To add to the tense situation, Europe had to be helped once beats me is how the NMU has the ALABAMA OUT but came loose and endangered when the Chief Mate did turn the Germany attacked Russia. Wasn't face to stand up behind such a After sailing out of Cleveland the safety of the ship before it men to at daylight, his insolence there a labor movement in Eu­ phony story. for the past two seasons the ex­ was secured. toward the Bosun led to words, rope before Russia was attacked? cursion ship Alabama will no NMU PRESTIGE GONE and instead of finishing the job Where is the labor movement in FACTS IN THE CASE longer make its. usual run; but first, he insisted that the Bosun Europe today in . the Russian But when it is all over, they in its place one or two car ferries Here is the story, in Friel's go before" the Captain to be log­ dominated countries? will have lost whatever little will plow across the lake to Can­ own words, exactly as he wrote ged, and following that, the work The appeasement of the Wash­ prestige they might still have on ada. So all you fellows that have them to the Company in report­ was completed. ington bureaucrats by the CP of­ the waterfront. the urge to ship to foreign ports ing the incident; ficials of the NMU during the SHIP ENDANGERED can come here and make the trip And Isthmian men will see the "At five minutes to four the war period, is not only revolting wisdom of their choice. They to Canada several times daily. morning of the 28th of November If the weather had not been and disgusting to the typical sea­ will be represented by a Union What with the holidays upon before relieving the Third Mate, calm, there is every reason to be­ men, it is as well responsible for which has consistently fought for, us, this Bi'anch would like to I noticed that something appear­ lieve that the damage would have the finky CG rules and regula­ and won, the best wage and take this opportunity to extend ed to be adrift in number four or been considerably' worse, and tions now binding the seamens working conditions in the mari­ Season's Greetings to all the Of­ number five hold. I told William that the ship might have been hands. time industry. ficials and members of the SIU Tommen, AB, to make an in­ endangered. That is the opinion Now once again they are at­ and SUP, and may the Seafarers spection and report to'the bridge. They will be represented by a of most of the members of the tempting to be militants, once coi.-tinue to go forward in the Union which is primarily inter­ crew. "At about four-ten he re­ more they are out to "lead" the ested in the economic better­ future as it -has in the past. ported to me that the noise seem­ Friel said that the crew was fight on the waterfront, but too ed to come from number four made up mainly of SIU and NMU many seamen remember their ment of all seafaring - men. And hold. I told him to call the Chief men, and that they worked to­ opep wartime alliance with the they will not be used as tools ' Mate. Mr. Eide. He went below gether very well. In his opinion, shipowners to be impressed with for political flim-flamming. The NMU has done nothing for and then again returned to the they were the best crew he ever words. Somfeone once said that If you don't find linen the Isthmian men but prevent bridge, reporting that Mr. Eide sailed with. patriotism was the last refuge when you go aboard your them from getting decent wages had told him to open up number The Skipper, E. E. Norgaard, of the scoundrel. How right he and conditions. They are doing ship, notify the Hall at once. four hatch and inspect the cargo. tried to persuade Friel from mak­ was. nothing except hurting the cause - A telegram from Le Havre or ".Since this would be very dif­ ing the statement, and when that In this particular chapter of Singapore won't do you any of Isthmian seamen. They are do­ ficult for one man to do, I told failed, he ordered him to refrain, the waterfront section of the CP good. It's your bed and you ing nothing but hurting the Tommen to call the Mate again Friel refused to be intimidated, it might have been much better have to lie in it. cause of all merchant seamen. and tell him that the situation and in the presence of the Purser, to substitute the word FINK for u. •• might be serious. Tommen again he told the Captain thdft covering scoundrel. Rocky Benson tmsTAmm. Second Mate Charges Isthmian Officers With Inefficiency On The Beaver Victory Wild Charges Hide Failures Of NMU Leaders ATTENTION! • �THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday. December 20, 1946 Thar She Blows! Scented Fortune Turns Out To Be Odor Of Day NOT WORTH TWO SCENTS V, ill van .Ameringen - Haebler. fnc, : JroTnaric Essentials u*-rr. Ill t* yT\Kt '.X SW woCD. ilO.S'.Wscfer Dfiyr AxofU*. JoVi vrrcM ''V. i(,r |j«*r Or* 2nd South V V. tH Fa*Mir>$^o. }Sth I Vtnnoni SM , ttTTt.r, l/OI Sixth ,Ave So ' , ' itrttbO: OM , I5di 4 SM • •1 . ' m £'• . . V« •r'-y] -il') Fourth Avenue *'. \cw York "He was forced to get off cation enters the picture, though This is the sad saga of some the ship, however, as a result the deflated crew isn't worrying Seafarers and — indirectly — a of the recent officers' strike, about it. lUrre.-iier 20, 194S' whale. By stretching the tale a "This stuff is still on the ship bit it might even be called a blub­ and we have nothing since we and can't be landed. It has been ber story, although it's not blub­ left Mobile. "What we want you to do is tested by two or three chemists ber we're concerned with (un- ' 1. less those Seafarers want to blub- find out what happened to the and they all are of a different stuff if anything. We wrote opinion as to what it is, therefore |: ber about it.) i. ..:.4 • Capt. H.F., Soinney. ^ / '•- 7200 Rldpe Eivd. • . The substance of tlie matter is to Lykes Brothers, the Calmar Agriculture Department and Cus­ "'r.'" / -Srooklyn, H.Y, agents, but got no answer. We toms will not allow it ashore," a mass of floating "gold," known bflLBJ!. Captain SD;^.nay.: I as ambergris. The whale is men­ will appreciate anything you Kimball wrote Brother Volpian, .-leferrinr to our reco-t convorsntiin v/ltH ' . can do for us. tioned because the ambergris is "This stuff was soft when they ©forehoa to tlie ArborTla fcun.J ty yrn and y-.r erew, I John McLaoughlin picked it up. "Later is set up ' out of his pocket, but he's finisharrat to state that after a carffu.! exar inaticn T fXig30 Batchelder St., l:ed with the tale at this point. hard as concrete," Brother Kim­ Boston, Mass." '-L • V-'"" it i-s.not-'ArberTis. The saga is sad because the ball said. ^ - V .. : Very truly ycurs. I i Seafarers, crewmembers of CalA similar request came from The moral of the talc seems hmar's SS John H, B. Latrobe, see another crewmember, Charles A. tp be: Don't go picking up every­ their chances of dividing a small Lufkin. 'V i^ert J. Diainger, Perfumer ' |, fortune dwindling slowly. Quicker than you can say am­ thing that's floating around loose. -I . A,..- ' . • •' "The fortune was to have been bergris, Brother Volpian had the realized from the sale of what Calmar office on the phone. He 1 the crew thought was ambergria, learned from a Mr. Squier that |. a large mass of which they sight­ the Latrobe's Bosun, Blanco Wil­ ed and picked up in South At­ liams, had the stuff analyzed and As the above letter states, what the men of the John Latrobe lantic waters on the ship's re­ that the chemist reported it con­ found was not ambergris. And so their dream of a sweet-smelling cent tropical run. tained ambergris oil. Squier said fortune goes up in smoke. Now the problem is what to do with The story began to unfold with also that there was no entry in the mass of whatever it was that they found. Maybe it can be a letter received by Joe Volpian the smooth log pertaining to the held for a while and the Government can test atom bombs on it. NEW YORK of the SIU's Special Services De­ stuff. Or perhaps it can be cut into bricks and used to build houses. partment, who handles ambergris SS CAPE NOME Volpian passed this informa­ They say that there is a shortage of building materials. and thousands of other matters. tion along to the interested crew­ J. V. Brooka, $1.00; S. Musco, $1.00; Allan P. Todd. $1.00. The letter was from one of the members. claim-stakers on the SS Latrobe SS COASTAL STEVEDORE Meanwhile, the Skipper, H. F. and was dated Nov. 4. It said: E. R. Oswalt, $2.00; W. W. Lawton, Spinney, who had been on vaca­ "I am writing you this letter tion in Nova Scotia, but was $1.00. SS W. BRYANT in the hope that you can help dreaming of ambergris in Mobile, S. W. Jones, $1.00; S. Packer. $1,00; me obtain some information. returned to New York. Volpian F. Dansby, $1.00; J. E. Dewine, $1.00; "Several other crewmembers then contacted Squier again. L. S. Smith, $1,00; C. H. Russell, $1.00; By HERBERT JANSEN and myself recently (Sept. 25) Squier said that Captain Spinney W. B. Brown, $1,00; H, Ramos, $1.00; paid off the John H. B. Latrobe, had gotten a chemical analysis Nick Bigney, $1.00; L. E. Jarvis, $1.00; C HIC AGO —After we had this year, and only hope that next a Calmar ship, down in Mobile. from Lucien LeLong, famed per­ E. Kowndnurakis, $1.00; J. A. McDuf- thought shipping was all through year will be as mellow. fie, $1.00; B. Bonafon, $1.00; J. Bunilwhose sweet-smelling la, $1.00; J. Johnston, $1.00; .Amos for the winter, we received a "During the trip we salvaged fumers LATE DEPARTURE a large amount of ambergris in scents have guys drooling fi-om Baum, $2.00; G. Gabling, $1.00; G. F. short spurt of activity this week One of the last ships out of this Woods, $2.00; H. L. Graham, $1.00; to put a cap on this year's ship­ the South Atlantic.. The crew Siam to Spokane. port was the MS McCool, a ce­ T. J. King. $1.00; H, Blount, $1.00; ping on the Great Lakes. chipped in and had it analyzed Squier quoted the perfumers as N. Bigney & Crew. $20.00. ment ship, who is on her last trip It's all over now and the boys of the season. She will make one in Mobile, and the analyst de­ saying the "stuff is worthless." SS CAPE HEREN have picked up most of their gear more trip to Milwaukee, Wiscon­ clared it to be ambergis. How­ He added that Calmar had no ob­ S. Candela, $ I 00. which they had left here and sin and then head for Manitowoc, ever, we were unabk- to stay jection to the men removing the have headed for other parts of Wisconsin for her winter berth. down there to dispose of it so stuff from the ship. SS R. MOORE the country. the Bosun volunteered to stay C. Evans, $2.00; W. P. Hoyde, $2.00; Captain Spinney had another I want to extend thanks to the Having put the lid on one more K. Brown. $2.00; A. Placko, $2.00; W. on board with it and keep us perfumer examine the "amber­ Clark. $1.00; J. A, Slay. $2.00; C. H, Brothers in her crew for their season on the Great Lakes, a lot informed of the results. gris." He substantiated the Le­ Crump, $2.00; W. H. Harrell, $2.00; support in bringing that company of the seamen have told me that Long findings in a note repro­ S. M. Stokke, $2.00; B. Price, $2.00; under the SIU banner last spring, 1946 was a record season for ex­ duced elsewhere on this page, R. E. Ward. $2.00; H. L. McGrath, also for their cooperation with $2.00; W. W. Wise, $2.00; J. E. Porter, cellent weather. which sort of ends the Latrobe $2.00. the SIU during the past season. Some of the oldtimers stated crew's dream of converting their In last week's Log, Brother Ira that of all the years they have BALTIMORE 14 North Gay St SS JANEWAY Bishop from down Alton, Illinnis ' Calvert 4539 mass into cash. been hitting the deck they have C. Davis, Jr., $1,00; B. Roojberg, 1 BOSTON .' 276 State St. way, expressed his views on the And now, according to Mobile $1.00; E. Masterson, $1.00; L. E. never experienced smoother sail­ Boudoin 4455 coal strike and upheld the miners ! BUFFALO 10 Exchange St. Agent Charles Kimball, a compli­ Taylor, $1,00, ing weather than the Lakes gave Cleveland 7391 in their struggle for better con­ I CHARLESTON 68 Society St. ditions. Coming from the coal Phone 3-3680 mining section Brother Bishop [CHICAGO 24 W. Superior Ave. Superior 5175 knows whereof he speaks. /kae, Eixxbeth S ' ' ' •• ' V' invitation To Aii Seafarers: Become Labor Reporters For Leg SiU HALLS [CLEVELAND ...1014'E. St. Clair Ave. Main 0147 [CORPUS CHRISTI ..1824 Mesquite St. Corpus Christi 3-1509 [DETROIT 1038 Third St. Cadillac 6857 [DULUTH 531 W. Michigan St. Melrose 4110 [GALVESTON 305'/i 22nd St. 2-8448 [HONOLULU 16 Merchant St. HOUSTON 1S15 7Sth Street Phone Wentworth 3-3809 I JACKSONVILLE 920 Main St. e Phone 5-5919 [MARCUS HOOK l'/2 W. 8th St. Chester 5-3110 [MOBILE 7 St. Michael St. 2-1754 [NEW ORLEANS 339 Chartres St. Magnolia 6112-6113 [NEW YORK 51 Beaver St. HAnover 2-2784 [NORFOLK 127-129 Bank Street 4-1083 I PHILADELPHIA 9 South 7th St. Phone LOmbard 3-7651 I PORT ARTHUR . . 909 Fort Worth Ave. Phone: 2-8532 [PORTLAND Ill W. Burnside St. IRJCHMOND, Calif 257 5th St. I SAN FRANCISCO 105 Market St. Douglas 5475-8363 I SAN JUAN, P. R 252 Ponce de Leon San Juan 2-5996 [SAVANNAH 220 East Bay St. 8-1728 [ SEATTLE 80 Senoca, St. I ' 1^ Main 0290 TAMPA .M09-1811 N. Franklin St. M-1323 I TOLEDO 818 Summit St. WILMINGTON 440 Avalon Bfvd. Terminal 4-3131 I VICTORIA, B. G 602 Boughton St. [VANCOUVER i44 w. Hastings st. BIJIJJilTIN J -PERSONALSDONALD £, HUGHES Your identification card is be­ ing held for you at the Bal­ timore Hall, and will be sent to you upon proper identification. JOSEPH B. ZAGORDA Get in touch with your mother. It is very important. XXX ERNEST GEORGE ECKHOFF Get in touch with your wife. » » » X t tKENNETH WILLIAMS SEDRICK J. TRAVIS J. B. Harris wants Kenneth Your passport is at the Bal­ Williams to get in touch with his timore Hall. Identify yourself mother and father in Plymouth, and it will be returned to you. North Carolina. » Ik t. ALFRED E. BELL Write to the Baltimore Hall for papers that belong to you. MONEY DUE The following men have money coming to them from the Alcoa ROBIN A. ROTHBUN SS Company and can. collect at W):ite to your mother. company office in Mobile, Ala. J. M. Bresling, J. B. Brewer, X X % A. J. Brown, William E. Dargan, CECIL LA VERNE WATSON James L.. Dodd, Lewis Lucas, M. Your wife asks that you get in M. Stallworth, A. W. West, D. A. Wright. touch with her at once. GIVE US THE DOPE I think it would be a good idea if the SIU Brothers who live in communities where the labor sit­ uation is of national interest, would send in their observations and comments as to what is tak­ ing place in their specific locales. Alcoa Steamship Company has By doing this we will be sure started mailing out retroactive of getting first hand information paychecks. If you are entitled to on the situation, and it will let back pay, wait a while before seamen know what the score is, 'contacting the Company. If, and what the anti-labor groups however, you don't receive your are trying to pull. money within a reasonable length No doubt there are seamen of time, get in touch with the spending some of their time in Company. places where the next strikes of national importance will take XXX Will holder of receipt No. 2008 place. So, if a walkout takes please contact Tampa Hall. This place in your neck of the woods, receipt issued in Tampa, Nov. get the dope and let us hear about it through the Log. 25th, 1946. SEASON'S GREETINGS XXX This being, the last report from Bill Dennis would like to have former shipmates contact him Chicago before Christmas, the c/o Clinton Dumber Company, membership and officials of the Chicago Branch wish to extend Clinton, La. to all members, officials and as­ t X X sociates of the Seafarers Inter­ HENRY J. FOY Please report to Headquarters national Union and the Sailor's office, 6th floor of the New York Union of the Pacific a very merry Christmas. Branch as soon as possible. NOTICE! 5^1 --.M �!• Fridaf, Dec»inb*r 20, 194S THE SEAFAKERS LOG Page Sixteen "^Si? w •••• •••^irxW- ••• •• <¥:>•• -fw*" ,;;i^^:;;i S:SS5^?S:$ i"1f[mmhiovui^Claas^ m iVAWx;: KiWxW mm jySS m. a:S:i:p::?xSa:aaay-SS^av- m 1 xW fss$as Sim mmm^^mi^. :¥5S: x-xc-x-: ;:!« m m mmm^ * sys SSM m Sg:: V sm WSS:: yxwo 5* y;y$y:':¥:¥x':": W: T_> Jii:S:::¥::; Xvi-y m^M » isay? * wm y:::W;y:W:W;y:y;¥:: X5 w>y.\< >:¥>S¥A%¥:::::¥:?:¥:::¥;%::¥;^^ W^mMM .x-x-:X-x-X-:-x-x-x-x*x " xwyxy-^-x-x-:. / fc yysxyx::: Mi S::5 S¥xy sayd xx^y: x-x lyySxxAiAysysws iWS ?piL. 'vP * >¥?S:;XJ ®=^psa iiiii :X;X y^xx;; yyffix SM :::X!l S:;S 'X'J'Xv i*y*x-: * ysay K«i. ssssssyftil aaas ysssi jxy MAl^lTiMB iftDO^rRY ayyxy miM aaay: §$:p ayay KXW» ;:yay;y::: i-x-x-xyx-x aysayysasis ysKyiia » w sys: iss^ Mm im m ysay yyyy^yyyxx-xr ;xX4 a::S » sysiysay m xR y;»a; ;::y:::$yyy:wys^y w mmm o(^?R<e«>ss ssssa^s :. 01;-; SM ly-ysa aysryy � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource December 20, 1946 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. VIII, No. 51 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Description An account of the resource Headlines: STRIKE OR ARBITRARION ARE ALTERNATIVES AS TUGBOATMEN TAKE VOTE REGIONAL NLRB REPORT ON ISTHMIAN IS READY; NMU BLOCKS ACTION SEAFARERS PRODS TRUSTEES OF SNUG HARBOR TO INVESTIGATE COMPLAINS ON CONDITIONS STRIKE CLEARANCE COMM. SUGGESTS NEXT GENERAL STRIKE PROCEDURE NOT QUITE SO MERRY NMU LEADERS TRY TO HIDE FAILURE BY WILD CHARGES AGAINST SIU HQ STRIKE CLEARANCE COMMITTEE WINDS UP ITS WORK THIS WEEK MINERS WIN POINT; COURT CONSIDERS INJUNCTION LAW THREE SEAFARERS ON LAST VOYAGE TALE FOR SEAMEN, WITH MORAL FOR BUCKO SKIPPERS MARINE ARROW HAS TYPICAL ISTHMIAN TRIP; BUT THAT SEAFARERS CONTRACT IS COMING MARINE RUNNER REALLY HOPS PREPARING FOR LONG CRUISE TOLEDO AGENT GIVES LOWDOWN ON THE LSU STANDARD CALIFORNIA HAS LAST WORD INTANKERS: SEMI-PRIVATE FOC'SLES, AND HOT AND COLD RADAR SPURT EXPECTED IN NEW YORK AFTER NEW YEAR THE PATROLMAN SAYS: FAULT OF THE CREW THERE ARE HAPPY DAYS IN BOSTON AS SHIPPING, BUSINESS PICK UP BRING YOUR OWN FOOD WITH YOU WHEN YOU SHIP WITH THE LSU LAST SHIP OF YEAR CLEARS DULUTH; EXPECT AB SHORTAGE TO CONTINUE SHIPS THAT PASS IN THE NIGHT DON'T THINK MUCH OF OPERATORS SOFT COAL SMOKE GETS IN OUR EYES HEAT HAS MOHICAN MEN ON WAR-PATH CREW CALLS MEREDITH A 'FIT HOME AT SEA' FOAMING CREW WORKS UP A STRONG LATHER OVER SOAP SHORTAGE ON WILLIAM JOHNSON THAR SHE BLOWS! SCENTED FORTUNE TURNS OUT TO BE ODOR OF DAY INVITATION TO ALL SEAFARERS: BECOME LABOR REPORTERS FOR LOG Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 12/20/1946 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1946 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/06a46e2d3aeed2bd59ae9d0bb15a6fbd.PDF e50ef05ac80fd20582a41abc791501ec PDF Text Text Official Organ of the Atlantic and Gulf District, Seafarers International Union of North America NEW YORK, N. Y« FRIDAY. DECEMBER 27. 1946 VOL VIII. SUPPORT FOR THE TUGBOATMEN No. 52 N.Y. Maritime Council Piedges Fuii Support To AFL Tugboatmon NEW YORK—The solidarity of the Greater New AFL Maritime Port Council, already a proven factor in bringing about quick settlements of disputes between waterfront unions and employers, is once more in evidence. The Tugboatment ,members of Local 33 3, ILA, Marine Division, who are now in the middle of negotiations with the companies, were pledged the support of this powerful body on Monday, Dec. 23. "* Paul Hall. SIU New York Port Agent, reads the resolution pledging SIU support to the Tugboatment in their tight for higher wages and better working conditions. Following this, the resolution was unanimously adopted by all present at the special meeting. Curran Resigns As Co-Cliairman Of CMU; Charges It With Disunity And Raiding NEW YORK — A showdown fight in the National Maritime Union, initiated a few months ago when Joseph Curran, Presi­ dent of the NMU, attacked some of tlie officials of that union as beirrg communists and working against the best interests of the membership, again flared into the open Tuesday when Curran resigned as co-Chairman of the communist - dominated Commit­ tee for Maritime Unity. Charging that the activities of the CMU had been to "promote warfare on the waterfront with the AFL and independent unions," and that the strategy of the CMU had prolonged strikes which were later settled without any gains being made by the CMU membership, Curran pub­ licly withdi'cw from the CIO Maritime group, and announced that he was prepared to defend his views to the membership of the NMU. Although no place in his 4000 wofd prepared blast against the CMU did he mentioned the other Co-Chairman, Harry Bridges, President of the International Longshoremen's and Warehouse­ men's Union, CIO, or Joseph Stack, red-tinged NMU VicePresident, nevertheless he made reference to them when he stated that "the CMU, as it now stands, is designed as an instrument to build up certain people as a means of giving them control over our union and carrying on warfare with the American Fed­ and to carry out raids against the eration of Labor sea unions." AFL Maritime Unions. Curran admits that certain tac­ ANOTHER BLOW tics of the CMU have lead to Curran's resignation from the jurisdictional disputes such as the CMU does not necessarily mean one which caused the AFL that the NMU will follow the Waterfront Unions to freeze Coos lead. When questioned on this Bay until the CMU was forced score, Curran said that he would to allow the SUP to crew ships recommend such action, but that with which they had a contract. it would be up to the member­ COMMIES ANGRY ship to vote such a move. No official action has yet been Following as it does on the heels of the decision taken by taken against Curran's remarks, the members of the Marine Fire­ but communist officials in the men, Oilers, Watertenders, and NMU are already openly talking Wipers, an independent union, about bringing him up on charges not to affiliate with the CMU, and ousting him from his $7,800 Curran's blast strikes another a year post. blow at this group of watei-front In a press interview following unions whose only apparent pm-- announcement of his resignation, pose has been to spread disunity Curran expressed doubt that his statement would be published in the Pilpt, the official organ of the NMU. "I'm going to try to get the Pilot to tell our membership why I resigned," he declared. "If The regular bi-weekly they don't print it, I'll get my Wednesday night member­ version to the rank-and-file even ship meeting of the New if I have to print 100,000 pamph­ York Branch, originally lets and pay for them myself." scheduled for Jan. 1 will be held the following night be­ The complete text oi Curran's cause of the New Year's holi­ reasons for resigning as co-Chairday. man of the CMU starts on Page 3. All members in the Port of A general membership meeting New York are urged to at­ of the NMU will be held in Man­ tend the meeting. Remember: hattan Center on Monday eve­ ning, December 30, at which, time The time—^Thursday. Jan. it is expected that the Curran 2 at 7 pjn. statement will be debated. The The place — Webster HalL National Council of the NMU has 119 East 11th Street, New also been called upon to meet on York City. January 6 to consider the same question. N.Y. MEETtNG SIU Demands Snug Harbor Investigation This action came on the heels of a pledge of support from the SIU and the SUP, and was em­ bodied in the resolution passed at a joint special membership; meeting of the two Unions. Here is the resolution, as it was proposed by Paul Hall, SIU New York Port Agent and Chairman of the Council: NEW YORK, December 27— WHEREAS: The Marine Division j Having sent two unproductive letof Ihe ILA (Tugboalmen of ters to Snug Harbor officials reGreater New York Harbor) garding sub-standard conditions have supported the SIU-SUP in reported by various inmates, the every one of their many beefs SIU today took further steps and strikes and leading to personal investigation VyfHEHEAS: Through this support of actual Snug Harbor conditions of the Tugboatmen, it has aided by two Seafarers representatives. the SIU-SUP membership In the latest SIU letter to Snug greatly in bettering conditions Harbor Governor Howard A. and wages for our membership, Flynn, Special Services Represen­ tative Joseph H. Volpian de­ and WHEREAS: At the present time, manded such an investigation to these same Tugboatmen are substantiate or refute SIU charges now fighting for a raise in and Snug Harbor denials. Two completely unsatisfactory wages and reduction in hours against their employers in the letters liave been received by the SIU in reply to letters sent on Port of New York, and WHEREAS: It is possible that December 4 to Snug Harbor Gov­ these men will need our assis­ ernor Flynn, and on December 16 tance in many ways if they are to the Snug Harbor Trustees. to successfully carry out this Dated December 18, the first let­ ter is from Governor Flynn. As­ fight, SO, THEREFORE, BE IT RE­ serting that SIU information re­ SOLVED: That we, the SIU- garding Snug Harbor conditions SUP membership, gathered at "is undoubtedly from the same this joint special meeting go on unreliable sources as like propa­ record as notifyng Capt. W. ganda that is brought to oiu- at­ Bradley, President of the Ma­ tention from time to time," Mr. rine Division of the ILA. that Flynn's complete letter read: we stand behind his Organiza­ December 18, 1946 tion solidly 100 percent and Mr. Joseph H. Volpian will assist them in any manner Special Services Representative possible or necessary to guaran­ Seafarers Int'l Union of N.A. tee that they win their de­ 51 Beaver Street mands. and New York 4. N.Y. BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED: That we notify also the AFL Dear Sir; This will acknowledge receipt Maritime Port Council of Great­ er New York of our action and of your letter of December fourth. The information which inspir­ request that Body to take simi­ lar action so that all AFL Mari­ ed your communication is un­ time Unions will be solidly doubtedly from the same unreli­ back of the ILA Tugboatmen in able source as like propaganda that is brought to our attention their beef. Morris Weisberger, SUP from time to time. You may rest assui'ed that in Paul Hall. SIU PASSED UNANIMOUSLY the future as in the past the Following the unanimous adop­ Trustees of the Sailor's Snug Har­ tion of the above resolution, the bor and the Administration will other affiliate-: of the Council continue to make every possible (Continued on Page 6) {Continued on Page IJ) •'31 I'31 • ''M • .TI .'51 �Page Two THE SEAFARERS LOG FridaT' l>*e»nibM 27, 1946 SEAFARERS Piihlished Weekly by the SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Gulf District Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor At 51 Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y. HAnover 2-2784 X XXX HARRY LUNDEBERG ------- President 105 Market Street, San Francisco, Calif. JOHN HAWK - -- -- -- - Secy-Treas. p. O. Box 25, Station P, New York City Entered as second class matter June 15, 1945, at the Post Office in New York, N. Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912. 267 The Best To Come The year 1946 shapes up as having been the best year in the history of the Seafarers International Union. Dur­ ing this past year the Union withstood raiding attempts by the commie-dominated Committee for Maritime Unity, and has decisively licked the Wage Stabilization Board, and >iyon the highest wages and best conditions in the history of xnaritime. And with all this activity, our organization of unorganized seamen has not been neglected. It would be fine if we could announce at this time that the Isthmian election was over, and that the SIU had been ^declared the bargaining agent for the Isthmian seamen. Al­ though we have gained the overwhelming majority of the votes, NMU disruptionist tactics are stalling the certifica­ tion of the SIU, and Isthmian seamen are being deprived of the representation they want. Hospital Patients The coming year should see even more gains on the part of the SIU. Our organization is tighter than it has ever been, and our organizing campaign in the tanker field is gaining new recruits every day. Building on the already firm foundation of the Union, we will go on to better con­ tracts and more and more members in our Union. When entering the hospital notify the delegate by post­ card, giving your name and the number of your ward. Staten Island Hospital ' You can contact your Hos­ The AFL Maritime Trades Department can also look pital delegate at the Staten forward to 1947 as a year of growth and strength. The Island Hospital at the follow­ great strides made by this grouping during the first six ing times: months of its existence show that the organization has be­ These are Ihe Union Brothers currently in the marine hospitals, Tuesday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. come the most powerful combination of waterfront unions as reported by the Port Agents. These Brothers find time hanging (on 5th and 6th floors) ~-^n the United States. Using its terrific power for good pur­ heavily on their hands. Do what you can to cheer them up by writ­ Thursday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on 3rd and 4th floors.) poses, the resultant solidarity will be a decisive factor in ing to them. Saturday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. dealing with employers. NEW ORLEANS HOSPITAL L. L. MOODY Men Now In The Marine Hospitals 1946 was good, but 1947 looks like it will be even better. It should be because all the members of the SIU .will be working damn hard to make it so. Thieves Fall Out The many articles written in the Log which have pointed out the basic weaknesses of the Committee for Maritime Unity were substantiated recently by one who should know what he is talking about. When Joe Curran blasts his bed partners and says that they are not really working for maritime unity, but actually to dominate the maritime industry, it is well to pause and take note of his •^ords. H. G. DARNELL THOMAS BAIER K. PETTERSSON W. F. LEWIS F. BERGLAND SCOTTY ATKINS W. QUARLES CENTRAL MASON R. M. NOLAN MEL CONTANT JACINTO NAVARRO LIONEL ROTHERHAM J. W. DENNIS W. BROCE JR. ,H. GRAY R. E. FRINK MAX SEIDEL EDWARD CUSTER JOHN HANES S. BROTHERS Joe is the President of the National Maritime Union, land was until his recent resignation, the co-Chairman of xhe CMU. His frank statement, in which he accuses the XXX tCMU of raiding the AFL seamen's unions, and of spreading disruption along the waterfront, are printed on other pages STATEN ISLAND HOSPITAL p{ this edition of the Log But Joe, while his words go quite a bit to break off bis relations with the communists in the NMU, still does not tell the complete truth. He makes certain statements Sabout the power-mad leaders of the CMU and the unions that are part of the CMU, but he does not take the final (Continued on Page i) M. TROCHA C. OLIVER T. WADSWORTH C. KUPLICKI G. A. LUETH E. F. SPEAR R. G. MOSSELLER W. G. H. BAUSE W. B. MUIR H. C. L. E. C. C. E. BELCHER RASMUSSEN A. CORNWALL N. DuPONT KOLSTE R. POTTER J. BONNER XXX BALTIMORE HOSPITAL PETER LOPEZ EMILLIO DI PIETRO LEO RHODES FRANCIS O'BRIEN HARRY WALSH OLIVER HEADDLEY JOHN AMENTA MICHAEL LUCAS JAMES DAVIS MANUEL ROMERO XXX GALVESTON HOSPITAL LONGKEMPT PAURGASON—SUP ALDERHOLDS KING MITCHELL DOWELL DEETRECH SWENSOI^ CASTAGNERE—B.C. MULKE (on 1st and 2nd floors.) NEPONSif HOSPITAL LINDER CLARK J. FIGUEROA L. L. LEWIS H. SELBY H. BURKE J. S. COMPBELL B. BRYDER B. LUFLIN G. F. McCOMB E. FERRF.R R. BLAKE J. R. HENCHEY XXX BRIGHTON HOSPITAL H. SWIM E. JOHNSTON E. DUNPHY G. RONDI E. MAY E. DELLAMANO R: BAASNER G. VICKERY X X X ELLIS ISLAND HOSPITAL D. MCDONALD J. KOSLUSKY �:•••• v-- VJ?/: ^ .^• Friday. December 27, 1946 T H E S E AP ARERS LOG Page Three Full Text Of Curran's Statement On His Resignation From CMU Joe Curran's fears that his statement blasting the CMU, and resigning from the coChairmanship of that organi­ zation would not reach the rank-and-file due to opposition^ from his own officials, are grouhdless. It is extremely possible that the pro-communist members of the NMU Executive Board may be able to prevent publication of the statement in the Pilot, or they may be able to only'quote certain sections which would spoil the effect Mr. Curran wanted to create, but if that is done, seamen and waterfront workers are not going to be de­ prived of the report which lays bare the inner workings of the Committee for Maritime Unity. For the first time, from an of­ ficial who helped to form the CMU, the true story of how the CMU helped to spread disrup­ tion on the waterfront is set down in black and white. This is of prime importance to the members of the NMU, and to all other waterfront workers, whether they are af­ filiated to the CMU or to the AFL Maritime Unions. F or the record, here is the complete text of Joe Curran's statement: Statement of JOSEPH CURRAN, President NATIONAL MARITIME UNION in connection with resignation as Co-Chairman of CMU. total membership of les^ than one-third of our membership, are able to dictate the policies of our Union, and we have no alterna­ tive, or even veto, but must fol­ low this type of "majority" rule. ILWU DICTATORSHIP The net result of this has been that these four craft Unions, lo­ cated .3000 miles away, together with the fifth Union, a shoreside organization, the ILWU, have been dictating all policies of CMU, and have made our great industrial Union virtually a stooge for their shot-gun "unity," so to speak. Under this setup, the NMU leadership, elected by the rank and file, cannot decide our Union's policies, or fulfill its constitutional duties and respon­ sibilities to our membership. 2. Decisions are made by what is termed the "West Coast Sec­ tion" of the CMU, and in many cases, after these decisions are in effect, we are asked to approve them, without the benefit of prop­ er information or discussion. This has resulted in our Union being made responsible for many de­ cisions in which we were not or should not have been involved, such as being made a party to the jurisdictional dispute between the MCS and MFOWW craft unions and the SIU-AFL over who was to man ships of a west coast company. Another decision, made by the West Coast Section of CMU in the recent strike was to issue an ultimatum to the Masters, Mates & Pilots, one of the unions on strike, to remove their picket lines within twenty-four hours or have them, smashed by CMU. The MMP required 48 hours in which to vote on their agreements, and this ultimatum was looked upon as open strike-breaking. Neither our Union, nor I as its President, would have wanted to be a party to crashing legitimate picket lines of any Union, but without our agreement, we were made a part of this. STRIKEBREAKING This type of decision, and the manner in v/hich they are made, are certainly not in the interests of our Union and creating mari­ time unity. Under this setup, the good name of our Union can be dragged in the mud; without our consent, our Union can be used for strike-breaking. 3. Financially, our Union has contributed $30,000 to CMU, in advance, while, aside from the ILWU, the four other Unions, (Continued on Page 14) Eyewitness Answers SovietCharge Of American, British Cowardice December 24, 1946 Members of the National The following letter by Wil­ Executive Committee, CMU liam H. Harrison, a member in and good standing of the MM&P. Members and Officers of all Book number 3158. is in an­ CMU affiliated Unions: swer to Captain Andreyev's I have submitted my resigna­ article in the New York Times tion as Co-Chairman of CMU, ef­ December 14, when he accused fective at once, by wire to Union American seamen of showing leaders on the National Execu­ cowardice and abandoning tive Committee of CMU. their ships during an attack by I have taken this action in or­ German Torpedo planes off the der to bring sharply to the atten­ Norwegian coast. tion of our membership the in­ Captain Andreyev of the So­ tolerable situation that now viet Navy made his charges in exists in CMU. the newspaper Red Fleet, Oct­ As President of the National ober 12 and 15. and was re­ Maritime Union, I am constitu­ printed in the New York Times. tionally bound to inform our Harrison, a crewmember of the membership any time I am aware convoy, gives his eyewitness of any dangers to our Union, and account of what actually took I am required to take all neces­ place during the attack: sary measures to safeguard our HARRISON'S REPLY Union, the interests of our mem­ In his "Lessons of One Convoy" bership and the maritime work­ the subject of which is the fate ers generally. of the 37 merchant vessels and NMU MISLED their escort that left Reykjavik, It is for these reasons that I Iceland, for the northern ports of have submitted this resignation: the Soviet Union on June 27, first, because I believe the pre.s- 1942, Captain Andreyev of the ent situation in CMU endangers Soviet Navy charges in the news­ pur Union; and second, because paper Red Fleet October 12 and the seamen, particularly the 15: membership of our Union, are .. the crew of the Allied trans­ being misled into believing that ports did not fight stubbornly for the unity which gained much for the lives of their ships. Nothing seamen in the June 15th nego­ else could explain the fact that tiations is still the same strong the transports Navaiino, William unity, and that the CMU is cre­ Hooper and others that remained ating unity among all seamen, afloat were deserted by their while the truth is that this is not crews and sunk by the fire of the so, and has not been so since the escort." conclusion of our victories in On the afternoon of July 4, June. 1942, when the British vessel NaNow as to the dangers to our varino, the American freighter Union that I see: William Hooper and the Russian 1. We are a Union of approxim­ tanker Donbass were torpedoed, ately 90,000 members. The four the writer was a seaman aboard other CMU seamen's Unions have the American freighter Peter a combined membership of not Kerr, one of the vessels of the more than 25,000. Under the vot­ convoy. ing arrangement on the CMU FOUR GUNS Executive Committee, all Unions As the gunners of the Peter have one vote each. Thus four Kerr could bring only their four of tke six CMU Unions, with a machineguns into play in this at­ tack, my assistance was not need­ ed; also I was off watch, and so with a group of shipmates was able to witness the entii-e action from the ship's stern. • As I was unschooled as yet in Captain Andreyev's "lessons," the firepower of the convoy, in united action, appeared to my untutored eyes as devastating. As the enemy aircraft slowly circled the convoj', the escorts and ack-ack vessels firing inter­ mittently made them keep their distance. We counted 34 planes; there (Continued on Page H) What A Difference 50 Years Have Made In Lives Of Seamen From Mobile, dated December 18, 1896, a clipping has been sent to the Log showing; the differ­ ence in the lives of seamen then and now. At that time some half a hundred seamen were on strike for higher wages, but their de­ mands were certainly moderate. They demanded wages of $20.00 per month, as opposed to the go­ ing wage of $14.00 monthly. But then, as now, the business­ men of the town, and especially the owners of rooming houses near the waterfront, lined up with the shipowners. They claim­ ed that most of the men on strike Were not seamen at all, but were actually hoboes, and that the real seafaring men were not on strike. The clipping does not give the results ,of the action, so if there are any oldtimers around who know what happened, how about writing to the,Log so that the in­ formation can be given to the membership. We just wonder whether or not they ever got their ^20.00. By PAUL HALL The New York Branch in a special meeting held jointly with the* SUP this last Monday unanimously voted all-out support to the AFL Tugboatmen, who are now taking a vote on whether to strike or submit their demands to arbitration." Whatever their decision these Tugboatmen, members of Local 333 of the ILA, now know that the entire apparatus of the New York Branch of the Seafarers is behind them in their beef. This action of the membership is not surprising if for no other reason than that the Tugboatmen were squarely behind us in all our beefs, and the Seafarers does not forget who its friends are. But more than that, it is the normal action for one AFL maritime union to take whenever another of its Maritime Trades Council affiliates takes economic action. And it should be noted here that the SIU was notalone in its decision. A meeting of the Greater New York AFL Maritime Council placed the moral, physical and eco­ nomic resources of the combined organizations at the disposal of the Tugboatmen. Here To Stay By this time the operators should know that whdn they tangle with one of the AFL waterfront unions they are also tangling with every other AFL union that is connected with the maritime indus­ try, and that the old days when they could isolate the weakest union and attempt to srnasii it is gone. The AFL Maritime Council, which started going at the time of of the SIU-SUP successful strike against the bureaucrats of the Wage Stabilization Board, is no longer an experimental outfit. By this time it has reached its full growth, knows its way around, and knows how to use all of its potential strength—, and. Brother, it has plenty of that—just ask the WSB, the shipowners and the finky union-raiding CMU of Harry Bridges. The Four Watch System One of the demands of the Tugboatmen is for a 40-hour week. That this should be fought so bitterly by the operators is just one more example of their placing profits above everything else. In prac­ tically every other major industry, the 40-hour week is common­ place; in some the 37- and 35-hour week has been established. The American Federation of Labor is about to start a campaign for the 30-hour week which, according to the economists, can be absoi'bed by industry without decreasing wages or raising prices. Only in maritime, the last great industry to escape from economic slavery, are skilled workers to be found putting in such long hours. From time to time the Seafarers has put forth the demand for a four watch system. Unfortunately, the time was not yet ripe, but the goal has not been forgotten. So the Seafarers looks with just more than plain curiosity at the Tugboatmen's demand for the 40hour week. The time will come, and it won't be long, when the four watch system will be a reality; and when it does it wiR be because the Seafai-ers seized the right time to throw its entire strength into the beef. Still On The March Although the active part of the Isthmian campaign was over with the end of the voting—what remains now is the consolidation of our strength in the fleet to protect ourselves during future con­ tract negotiations—it is not to be thought that the Seafarers has finished wih its organizing drive. The Seafarers is not standing still; we have many irons in the fire in the general dry cargo and tanker fields. It is true that Isthmian was the largest "unorganized line, but there are many smaller outfits that are getting our at­ tention. You'll hear more about these later. Watch the Log. In connection with this, the Agents Conference next year, which will meet directly after the new officials are installed, will have as one of its major jobs the question of further tightening the or­ ganization. Much progress was made during, the past two years, organizationally, and the streamlined Seafarers is running much more efficiently. However, the beefs we were in the past year have shown a few defects that must be straightened out before we can get the maximum efficiency. Nobody can deny that we did okay —our records speaks for itself—but we can do better than that. And we will! Thieves Fall Out (Continued from Page 2) step to show that they are all working under certain orders, and for purposes far removed from the labor movement. Joe Curran knows that the CMU was set up on orders of the communist party. "He knows that the CP dictates every move, and he has business to tell what he knows, so that the American labor movement can rid itself of the Moscow-directed traitors, and save itself from dictator­ ship by the red fascists. �mSE 9 EAmABEES hO^a Four WHAT Friday;» .D*oMnbec 27,- 18461 Qffi Silica On Isthmian Further proof that the NMU's charges of collusion between the SIU and the Isthmian Steamship Qompany rest on a shaky foun­ dation was brought out this week by a statement in the Pilot, of­ ficial organ of the NMU, that fur­ ther evidence would be withheld until a more opportune time. QUESTION — In what port would you like to spend New Years Eve? ROGER SWANSON. Wiper: I'm a New Yorker and Tm used lo the way people carry on in this town. If I had my way I'd spend this New Years Eve in Rio. That's one of the prettiest places in the whole world, and just as clean as it can be. The celebration there is colorful, and a fellow can have a fine time. I've been forced to spend many New Years Eve cele­ brations in slow ports, but Rio is a fine, fast moving port, and that's the one for me. Not this year of course, but next year I hope to make it. WILLIAM ABERCROMBIE, OS: I'd just as soon pass the time at sea as any other place. I usually take it easy on New Years Eve. As far as I'm concerned it's just like any other night, and I don't see any sense in blowing a bank­ roll in a night club. If things go okay with me, I'll get a ship and ^end New Years Eve at sea the way I like to. People have the -idea that all seamen like to drink and raise hell. Well, -that's not true. I know plenty of guys who feel the way I do about New Years Eve. After starting out the series on so-called collusive practices with a loud fanfare, the stories have now fizzled out without proving anything more than that the SIU was able to do a much better or­ ganizing job among Isthmian sea­ men than the NMU. The Pilot's stories were re­ ceived apathetically by practic­ ally all seamen and waterfront workers. No evidence was pre­ sented that bore out in the slight­ est detail the wild charges made When it became apparent that the NMU was suffering a decisive licking in the Isthmian election. JOHN ECOCK. Wiper: I know it's impossible this year, but my ambition is to spend one New Years Eve in Rio De Janiero. I've never been there, and I guess I might even be disap­ pointed, but still and all I want to be there for the celebration. Friends have told me of what goes on. down there, but I want to see for myself. A real.hot time is^a good way to start off the New. Year. Since I can't spend New Years Eve in Rio, I'll have to have my hot time in some New York bar. Well, that should be fun. ii iliil ilultillth Machine Makes Copy Fly, As Seafarers Are Kept Informed When the Union purchased a multililh offset printing machine in June 1946, it made one of the smartest investments an organi­ zation could make. Since that day, six months ago, the mach­ ine has paid for itself over again several times, and proved itself indispensable during beefs when leaflets and literature are needed in a hurry. When the machine was deliv­ ered bright and shiny last June and installed on the 5th floor of the New York Hall, only one thing kept the machine from go­ ing into immediate action; there Was no one who knew how to operate it. OPERATOR FOUND Immediately the call went out for a multilith operator, and just as. someone once said, "You can find any trade you want around a. Seafarers' hall," someone was found in the person of Hugh Eatherton. Hugh, 9 Seafarer since 1944 when he received his baptism of fire at Normandy, proved im­ mediately that he and a multilith machine were not strangers when he took over the operation and .started things humming. , Hugh, hailing from St. Louis, Mo., had started operating the same type machine ten years ago when he worked for a steel com­ pany in St. Louis. After working with the machine for a number of years with, various companies he developed, his skill. Expert operators of this type machine ALPHONSO PARKER, UtiUty; I'm going to spend this New Years Eve in New York, andihaf's the way. I' like it. My family lives here and so does my girl friend. The best wuy to start off the New Year is with people you like, so I'll spend the evening with my girl and my friends in some night cluh and the next day we'll go to a show. I spent one New Years Eve in New Orleans and I was very unhappy. Of course, that was during the war, but I still prefer to be home with my loved ones. LEAFLETS FOR THE SlU are difficult to find and the Un­ ion was fortunate to find one in its midst. ULTRA-MODERN The machine itself is one of the most modern means of printing clean, clear material at a mini­ mum of cost and has the greatest adaptability of any machine of its kind. The machine with all attachments cost approximately .$2500 and is used to print interbi-anch material such as bulletins, pamphlets, leaflets, pledge cards, "social register" feards, and over­ time sheets. Of the last mention­ ed over 100,000 copies have been run off. The machine has a run-off speed of 600a copies per hour and among its features are: automatic suction feed; thermo-dryer, which casts infra-red rays on the print as it comes off the rollers; a jog­ ger, which stacks the printed copies in neat piles; automatic counter; self-cleaning mats; auto­ matic roller cleaner; and auto­ matic inking. Although' everything on the machine sounds automatic it still needs someone to set the auto­ matic processes up for every job and that is where Hugh comes in. GREAT FLEXIBILITY The machine has a great deal of flexibility fpr it will handle all types of paper from tissue to 3 ply card stock. In addition, the machine will reproduce anything typewritten, or sketched with either pencil or ink in designs of, REPORT READY Now, with the findings of the National Labor Relations Board Field Examiner about ready for presentation to Mr. Howard LeBarron, Regional Director of the NLRB, the NMU and the Pilot have started to back water. : They know that the flimsy charges which they have made in an attempt to cover up their own inability to appeal to unor­ ganized Isthmian seamen cannot possibly do them any good in a fair investigation by an impartial board. The end is just about in sight, and soon Isthmian seamen will be represented by the Seafarers international Union—a Union not under the influence of the com­ munist party, and a Union in which the elected leaders are not fighting for personal power. Seafarers Grew To The Rescue Hugh Eatherton, SIU member and expert multilith op­ erator, holds a sample of the leaflets prepared by the machine. Hugh is in charge of the multilith, and is experienced in turn­ ing out the material which has played a large part in keeping the SIU membership quickly informed on all actions of the Union. any kind. The maehine can also reproduce photofi(raphs of any type. During the 1946 General Strike when literature of all kinds was necessary in a hurry, the machine really earned its spurs, when it operated day and night turning out literature for all ports at top speed. During the strike alone the machine paid for itself through low cost, of printing, "(approxi­ mately, ,1/2 to .l/3„ the regular cost) and the speed with which material was made available for distribution. During; the General Strike, ahdi the Masters, Mates, and Pilots strike, over one-half million copies of material were turned out. There is no way of detei'mining the value of having a well in­ formed membership during a critical period such as the Gen­ eral Strike, but the multilith machine did all that was possible to keep the membership up to date on the beef and that was the important thing. At present, the SIU's machine is still running along its merry way saving money for the union and- getting the necessary^ forms and leaflets out when necessary. MONT JOLI, Que., Dec. 27— The Seafarer crew of the SS Colabee was reported battling its way through the ice floes of the St. Lawrence River today on a. life-or-death rescue mission. The men are searching for two, and possibly, three, survivors of the Quebec Airways plane which was forced down on the river early this week. The victims are believed to be drifting seaward on floes. Four of the plane's seven oc­ cupants have already been brought to shore. The fourth man was rescued Wednesday night af­ ter he climbed into a dinghy dropped from a plane. He said the two men with him were too weak to get into the dinghy, and that he believed that the third man unaccounted for may have drowned. TANKERMEN If you are on coastwise ar­ ticles. give the head of your Department 24 hours notice before, arriving in port if you wish to payoff. This will,pre­ vent any trouble when, the ship, renohes port. �Friday.'Daeember'27, 1948 ON THE BAUXITE RUN Galmar's Gominamdnmiita For Making Seamen Scabs By JAMES PURCELL We went aboard the SS Wil­ liam Pepperell of the Calmer Line for a sign-on and found the crew in an uproar. While trying to get our bear­ ings we went into the saloon to see what was wrong. In there we found a company representa­ tive trying to high-pressure the men into signing the Articles with a phony set of rules at­ tached. • These rules are without doubt the finkiest and the most ob­ noxious set of rules that we have ever laid our eyes on. Why, even the Holy Rollers would never at­ tempt to saddle their member­ ship with so many silly and dan­ gerous "Thou Shalt Not's." Here are the regulations that caused all the to-do: It is understood that the wages payable under these ar­ ticles shall be adjusted at the lime of paying off in-order to give effect to the following: 1. Crew to work until 5 p. m. on day of arrival at final port of discharge. 2. Crew to work cargo and/or ballast if requested by Mas­ ter. 3. Crew to kep their respec­ tive quarters clean and sani­ tary under penalty of a fine. 4. No liberty granted other than by permission of the Master. 5. Any member of crew fail­ ing to report for duty at 7 a. m. on sailing day in a so­ ber condition shall be dis­ charged and substitute ship­ ped in his stead. 6. Seamen to keep galley sup­ plied with coal. 7. No smoking allowed on deck except at time and place designated by Master. 8. No overtime to be paid ex­ cept it is agreed to by Master. 9. You also agree that upon failure to return articles of bedding, issued to you on joining ship and life saving equipment and arctic cloth­ ing when issued to you, to reimburse the company and have cost of same deducted from your wage account. Page Five TRE SEAFARERS LOG and RAY GANZALES to read just like any other stand­ ard rider aproved by the Union for intercoastal runs. By this time he loked a .sorry mess, and he pleaded with us to get his ship out. He told us that he ain't a bad guy at heart, and that we should play ball with him. Oh, Bellevue, where is thy wagon! We called the Company this time and told them that in order to sail that ship they would have to reduce the time of the Articles from 12 months to six months; scrape the Nine Commandments; and insert the regular transpor­ tation rider. They hemmed and hawed, but they finally came through. Now Brothers, let this be a warning to all hands not to signon unless a Patrolman is present to examine the Articles. This will protect you, and will prevent the company from trying to saddle you with phony "Thou Shall", or "Thou Shalt Not." M A lot of the credit for making the Seaton the smooth sailing ship she is must go to the Deck > Gang. No names were submitted with this picture, which was sent in by the New Orleans •" Branch, so we just present the Deck Department, and if one of you Seaton hands will send the names to the Log, we will publish them in a subsequent edition. (Editor's Note: This should Show that names are important. Unless you send the names, of people in pictures to the Log, the Log cannot print those names with the pictures. Okay, New Orleans, better luck next time.) Members Must Be Self-Appointed Organizers To Keep SlU Growing By LOUIS GOFFIN With shipping on the upswing, our main thoughts now must be concerned with job security. Job security is the most important thing in any union, and the way we can maintain it is by going out and organizing all unorgani­ zed lines. That will mean more jobs, and higher standards in the industry. It is therefore the personal duty of all of us to constitute ourselves as volunteer organizers. We must all feel that we alone can do the job, and if we work out like that, than all of us will talk and reason unorganized men. We have the facts, and we can prove to any non-union seaman that sailing on union ships has many advantages. We have a good record to sell, and since our Union has been in the fore­ front of the fight for all seamen, That one about smoking is a we shouldn't have any trouble in rule that they don't even try to selling SIU to all unorganized enforce in prisons, and here free seamen. men are asked to live up to ^uch STRENGTH IN UNION a phony command. And that one More and more seamen are about the "crew to work cargo starting to realize that the only and/or ballast if required to by protection they can be sure of is Master." union protection. If they rely on Shades of Chowderhead Cohen! the shipowner or the Government, Even that finkmaster would not they usually wind up well behind ask that of his professional finks. the eight-ball," but when they Imagine the SHI agreeing to fink put their faith in the Union, and on longshoremen in case they put their strength behind the have labor trouble in some port. Union, they come out on top. Calmar and Company must Union contracts are the best have underestimated the intel­ guarantee of wages and work­ ligence of this crew, or else .they ing conditions. Plenty of bosses thought the signing on was being will say that they are willing to held in the loony ward of the give good conditions and high Bellevue Hospital. wages without "union interfer­ After much discussion with the ence." Well, if that is true, why company representative, the big- didn't they do it before the unions hearted guy, agreed to scratch off became strong enough to force six of the Acts of Calmar. We them to do so? refused to budge a single inch, Sailing in peacetime is a lot so off he went to make a tele­ different from sailing in wartime. phone call. During the war we were heroes He came back soon, and the in dungarees, but when the shoot­ gall to say that Mr. Squiers hq^ ing stopped, the people went called the Union Hall, and had right back to thinking of us as ben told that the crew should wanderers and vagabonds. sign-on without delay. FIGHT eONTINUES . Needless to say, we told him We must think of ourselves as what to do with that line of talk, and that we weren't going to tradesmen, trying to make a liv­ move until the rider was changed ing in our chosen profession. We want to sell our services for the highest possible price, and our contracts assure us that no oper­ ator will force us to accept less money or poorer conditions to get a job. The food aboard the William Seaion is iop order. Ask the man who eats if, and the men on this ship were very willing to talk about Ihe excellent meals prepared and served by the Stewards Department. In the usual order, Ed Steeley, Chief Cook; Albert Brickhouse, Night Cook; Thomas Foster, Steward; and Fred Knox, 3rd Cook. Remember that a short while ago, within the past few years, we hit the bricks many times just to gain the conditions and wages that are now part of our contracts. Now we have the job of bet­ tering our conditions and wages, and the only way that can be done is by organizing all seamen, so that the ohperators cannot break our solid ranks. Within our Union we must continue the same cooperation that has made us strong. All De­ partments must work together, and that makes for a clean ship, a well run ship, and a happy ship. Let's make 1947 a good organ­ izing year for our own benefit and for the benefit of all SIU Brothers. We believe in our Union, and we are proud of being the best maritime union in the world. New Orleans played host to the SS William Seaton, Alcoa, after she came in from one of the bauxite runs. Most of the crew decided to stay aboard her for another run, although a few men left to spend the holidays where snow is not thought of as a miracle. Pictured here is the Black Gang. Left to right, Albert Williams, George, Charles, and Louis Daniels, David Moore, and Don De Souza. MINES STILL THimATEN SEAMEM ^ W' •# The war in Europe ended over a year and a half ago, l^t to Sea­ farers danger still beckons ships that ply the continental Euro­ pean coast, for according to the master of an Army transport that recently returned to the United States, the English Channel and North Sea still contain many mines laid during the war years. The war is over for the men who fought in Europe, but to the seamen who sail these waters, the aftermath of that struggle still re­ mains below the water's surface to harass him. �•~r THB SEAFARERS LOG Page Six Rum And Fights Are No Help When Trying To Organize Committee Aids Anti-Fascists In Europe NEW YORK—The Internation­ al Solidarity Committee, 303 Fourth Avenue, New York, today announced tiie gift of $1,000 from the International Ladies Garment Workers Union, AFL, to be used for relief packages for Spanish exiles in France. The ISC is a non-communist, non-profit organization set up solely to aid in the rehabilitation of European anti-fascists and trade unionists who felt the brunt of the fascist heel. This is ac­ complished through the dispatch­ ing of packages of food and medicine abroad to them. The work of this Committee has been a great factor in keep­ ing the spirit of democratic trade unionism alive in the devastated sections of Europe. The packages sent abroad, the Committee points out, bring not only bodily nourishment, but also moral encouragement. The sur­ vivors of the Gestapo and con­ centration camps are anxious to rebuild the unions and demo­ cratic organizations which were destroyed by the fascists. These food packages are their only means of regaining enough strength to carry on this work. FAMILIES ADOPTED Another important function of the International Solidarity Committee is to transmit the names of the many anti-fascists who need help to people who will provide the needed assis­ tance. The Committee has on hand the names and addresses of many families of all nationalities in need of help. Hundreds of fami­ lies have already been adopted, but there are many more who would be helped to a new life by being adopted by an individual or a family. Names and addresses can be obtained by writing to the com­ mittee at their New York ad­ dress. 1 At the present time the com­ mittee is conducting a campaign to send more packages of food to anti-fascists in Europe. The standard package used is the army surplus ten-in-one which contains many of the things un­ obtainable in Europe today. This package can be purchased for shipment for $10.00. The daily press was fascinated by a report that picketing of a San Pedro, Calif., bakery had gone into its sixth year. This was quickly forgotten, Jiowever, when it discovered a 93-y'ear-old coal mine strike at Nanaimo, British Columbia. It seems that Indian miners went on strike for higher pay in 1853 and never went back to work. The Indians are demanding re­ troactive wages for 93 years with pprtal-to-portal pay, and the miner owner—reasonable as all mine owners are—says he's quite willing to meet their terms if he cap pay them off in -wampum. Friday, D^ember 27. 1946 By J. M. WALSH Bill Thompson (Editors Note; — This letter liability, and a number of other was sent in to the LOG by such' items to point out to the "Looking back on 27 years of "Windy" Walsh, Organizer for younger men, they can influence sailing," says Bill Thompson, the SIU in Port Arthur. His their actions to such an extent Deck Engineer, "I still think that ideas are strictly his own, but that they are lost as far as be­ it's the only life for a man." since they seem to represent a coming Union men. Bill ought to know because he problem, we are printing the SERIOUS MATTER tried other jobs, but only at­ letter as a signed article, in the I am citing this one incident tained happiness when he startec hope that this entire situation in order to bring this deplorable sailing. He came to the life of a can be discussed and settled state of affairs to the attention of merchant seaman almost by ac­ before it becomes more serious. our membership. It is serious. cident, but has never regrettec There is no reason "to believe Brothers, as we are actually en­ his choice. that this has happened on more gaged in an all out struggle for than this one ship, but even so our right to existence in the Thompson was raised in an or­ it bears discussing. The great Tanker field. phanage, but at an early age he success of the SIU Organizing slipped away in the night and has Many more such incidents as Drive has been made possible this one, and I wouldn't give a been on his own ever since. He solely because of the whole­ plugged dime for our chances in bummed around the country, try­ hearted cooperation of all mem­ this outfit. ing any sort of job he could get, bers; this cooperation will not and when the first World War Sometimes a shipside or shorebe reduced by an outspoken side organizer has to spend hours started, he was among the first beef by one of the officials of or even days in convincing some to enlist. unorganized sailor that unionism He sailed to France with the he made arrangements to ship the Union.) is the only way to security. famed 30th Division, and al­ out. I recently made a Cities Serv­ It takes more than just talk, though he was under fire for His first trips were made in the ice ship in Lake Charles, talking many months, he never was Steward's Department. He start­ with pi'actically every member of too. It takes good example, and touched. ed as a Second Cook, but after a ;he crew—SIU, NMU and non­ personal likeability to convince quite a lot of these men riding year and a half, he shifted to the union alike. "I must bear a charmed life," Engine Department, where he has he says. "In this war I came pret­ I had to wait for seven hours these ships since the only contact stayed ever since. ty close also, and this time I for the ship to arrive, and was most of them have ever had with Unions, is the very same shipside Most of the trips were routine wasn't touched, either." gratified to find that, the ship was voyages to the Far East and to in excellent shape with three organizers. SEA STUFF They look at our men riding Africa, and as Bill puts it, "One NMU men aboard ajid three unde­ these unorganized ships as repComing home after the Armis­ trip is very much like another cided and bewildered characters. resentaive of our whole mem­ tice, Bill got to talking with some when you have been sailing for I left her at ten o'clock, and at bership. That they are. And if of the merchant seamen on the 27 years." that time only one of our boys they choose to conduct them- • Thompson, deciding to make boat. Although they worked un­ was paying off. The crew as a selves in a sloppy manner, or in der poor conditions, and although the sea his life, also decided to whole assured me that they were an abusive manner, or with utter the pay was bad. Bill was im­ do something about making his going to make the ship SIU 100 disregard for the rights of their pressed with the stories they told life as pleasant as possible. First percent by the arrival time in shipmates, they are doing some­ him. So once back in the States, off, he joined the old ISU, and Boston. They were going to stay thing that cannot be undone. when the SIU was formed, he with her until such time. That A first impression goes a long came along. He holds Gulf book was the story at ten o'clock at way, if backed up with subse­ number 18 in the SIU. night. quent proof. The way to prove MORE WAR The next morning I got a rude that unionism does work is to be In the second World War, Bill shock to find seven of our good the best man in your Depart­ had his share of excitement. He Brothers in the hall. They had ment: do a little more than you was on a regular run in the North had an argument with one of the would on one of our ships. Atlantic, and while he never was Engineers, and one of them had Always maintain smooth rela­ forced to abandon ship, still there had a run in with the Mate and tions with the Licensed Officers, (Continued from Page 1) were many moments when the air was fired. It was all the result as they can, if they will, do us were notified, and they immed­ seemed full of bombs and the sea of too much drink and too much a lot of good, and they will do us iately went on record to back the seemed full of torpedoes. gin-mill palavering. a lot of harm if antagnoized-. Tugboatmen. 'Casablanca and Antwerp were Also, don't make any untrue POOR PICTURE statement that can be used The New York Council in­ the two places that wil stand out That ship could by this action cludes the following Unions: The in my memory for a long time," of our own brothers be lost to us. against you later on in rebuttal says Brother Thompson. "Those of your arguments. Seafarers International Union; There are on every type of un­ Sailors' Union of - the Pacific; buzz bombs in Antwerp were organized ships, new seamen who SOFT SOAPERS Masters, Mates and Pilots; Inter­ really something. They came actually do not know what un­ The commies have some very national Longshoremen's Asso­ from nowhere, and it was sure ionism and union men are. They plausible and smooth cookies ciation; Radio Officers' Union; hell on earth to have to stand must get a very pretty picture functioning aboard these tankers American Merchant Marine Staff there and take it without a chance from such actions. as organizers. If you have to Officers Association; and various to fight back." drink, don't do it on board a These men having Union books On 'ships, and on the picketwaterfront locals of the Team­ ship; if you get plastered ashore are supposed to know how to conline, Bill is a militant fighter. He sters. and return to the ship, hit the .duct themselves. It is well and was on the picketline in Savan­ sack—don't disturb everyone in "The entire support of the AFL nah during the 1936 Strike, and good to try to organize the un­ Maritime Trades Council of helped to close the docks in Tam­ licensed personnel, but we must your room or foc'sle, they too Greater New York is behind the pa during the 1946 General not lose sight of the fact that want to sleep . Don't get involved in anj'^ Tugboatmen," said Paul Hall, in Strike. we do not liave union conditions brawls, and don't smear the op­ announcing the pledge. "If they on board these ships, and until ALWAYS MILITANT position. Name-calling is an ever, should strike, no member of an such time as we do, we must As well as marching on picket- make every effort to get along present weapon of the opposite affiliate of the Council will cross side, and if we should start it lines, Brother Bill does not shirk with the Licensed personnel. their picketlines. his duty, aboard ship. He is aboard these ships, the prospec­ They can make it tough for the "In addition, the entire facili­ usually elected Ships Delegate— individual crewmember, as he has tive member may get bewildered ties of the member unions will "can't get out of it." no machinery for redress except and say, "The hell with both un­ be at the disposal of the Tugboat­ "I believe in unionism 100 per­ appeal to the Master, and you ions, I'll stay as I am." men, and that includes soup kit­ Remember it is the shipside or­ chens,''money and physical sup­ cent," he says, "and I think the know that in 99 percent of all ganizer that does 90 percent of SIU is always in the fight for cases he will not, intervene. port." all the organizing. The shoreside seamen. I talk Union to all my These Mates and Engineers can The worth of the Maritime shipmates, and that helps make organizer merely coordinates the do us harm by talking against us. Council, formed in June of this us all better Union men." functions of the shipside organi­ If they have concrete facts such year, has already been proven. Right now Bill is in port for a as drunkenness, fighting, unre- zer and maintains constant touch It actively aided the SIU and the short time—his ship just paid with the shipside units. SUP to win their General Strike off—but he will soon be off again Don't depend on us too much, against Government bureaucracy, on a trip. And wherever he goes, be self reliant, and if the spirit and played a major role in the on whatever ship he may find a of pooperation is maintained be­ recent strike of the Masters, berth, you can be sure that the tween you an us, there is no doubt If you don't find linen Mates and Pilots. that we can and will lick them militant spirit of the SIU will go, when you go aboard your The AFL Maritime Trades De­ too. all in the organizing of these ship, notify the Hall at once. partment will meet in Miami in tankers. That's what makes this Union A telegram from Le Havre or January, 1947, for the purpose of the best and strongest waterfront So, Brothers, I say: Keep your Singapore won't do you any drafting a Constitution, and to union in the world. Bill, and noses clean, and we will have good. It's your bed and you elect permanent officers. The men like Bill, have done the job everything which is unoi-ganized have to lie in it. SIU and the SUP will both be of carrying the word of the SIU at present, in the fold in the not represented at that, convention. too distant future. to all seamen. 0 AFL Port Council Votes Support To ILA Tugmen ATTENTION! a-A':, �THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, December 27,. 1946 Galveston Sick * Still Waiting For Improvements Mobile Has Jobs For Men Broke Playing Santa By CHARLES KIMBALL By TED CUMMINGS MOBILE—Not only has ship­ ping and business picked up con­ siderably in the past few weeks in this port, but prospects for the future look very bright. After a dead period here, we look for­ ward eagerly to activity. From now on, Mobile will be a port with many jobs on the board, and with men shipping regularly and quickly. Well, any­ way, we hope so. Waterman Steamship Com­ pany has notified me that they are prepared to start operating about 23 more ships within the next week or so. They are bring­ ing the ships out of the boneyard, and the group will consist of 11 Liberties and 12 various other type vessels. The Liberties are going to tramp, but the others will be put on regular runs. In any case, these ships represent quite a num­ ber of jobs, and that ain't hay, Brothers. MEN WANTED The Tanker Companies have also been bringing out tankers during the past couple of weeks. This has just about exhausted our supply of men, mainly ABs, Cooks, Electricians, Oilers, and FWTs. So, after all you Brothers have spent Chirstmas and New Years at home, and after you have all gone broke playing Santa Clans, come down to Mobile where you can ship out in a hurry. To all the SlU Brothers, wher­ ever you may be, on the high seas or in some foreign port, 1 and the Brothers in Mobile wish you all a very merry Christmas. Seafarers' Hall In Port Arthur HO NEWS?? Is Due For A Good Face Lifting By LEON JOHNSON PORT ARTHUR — During the past few weeks this port has had not one payoff of any descrip­ tion. Business has fallen so low that you would have to get down on your knees to see it. On the other hand shipping and settling minor beefs has been in full swing. Since the last article 1 wrote we have had the following ships in this area: Brandy wine. Fort Matanzas, Capitol Reef, Klamath Falls, Fort Christina, William Schirmer, David Burnett, Wil­ liam Ogden, Verendrye, Brazil Victory and Zane Gray. We have been engaged in hav­ ing the Hall here remodeled a bit so that we would have something that looks presentable. We have coffee on practically all of the time, provide plenty of cards, etc., for the amusement of the small membership that we have on the beach here. Shipping for rated men is on the whole better at the present time than it was in the past. We are having two payoffs over the weekend, one a tanker going to France and the other an UNRRA rice load for Manila. Since it is so close to Christmas, we should have a little hard time in getting full crews for these scows. PICTURES COMING We will have pictures made of the Hall as soon as the front of the building is completely fin­ ished, with fancy blinds over the windows. We have with us at the pres­ ent time. Windy Walsh, Organ­ izer, with who we are cooperating to the best of our ability. It is a local rumor that this Casanova lOOK. PKETTr' To Hospitalized Seafarers Gives In keeping wih its annual cus­ tom of bringing a measure of cheer to its less fortunate mem­ bers who are confined to hos­ pitals during the holiday season, the Seafarers International Un­ ion last week distributed Christjuas checks to all hospitalized Seafarers in the Atlantic and Gulf District. The decision to remember the men whom illness prevented from fully enjoying the Yuletide season was made at recent meet­ ings by vote of the membership. Accompanying the checks was a message from the Union. The message follows: "The membership of the Sea­ farers International Union went on record to send a Christmas gift in the amount of $10.00 to' every member in the hospital. "With the gift goes our best wishes for a very Merry Christ­ mas and a speedy recovery in the New York." Page Seven, — HOtD ITI is getting himself spliced. We'll believe that when we see it. Voting in this port has been negligible as we have a hard time getting three full book men together at any one time, although we do have a fine crop of young­ er members who appear to be good prospects for good rankand-file members in the near fu­ ture. They take a great deal of interest in all phases of the Un­ ions activities. CROOKED WORK The Hall had a little run of bad luck recently when some character lifted our radio. He also left his mark on quite a few of the local boys on the beach. At present he has the dubious honor of being a full time member of the 99-year club. It is also a very good possibility that if he runs into any one of a number of re­ sentful persons here, he will be given some unwanted attention. The following books are on hand and can be picked up at any time by the interested parties: Edison H. Dobbs, 37069; Charles A. Pelt, 45339; and Charles O. Greenwood, 46501. We have received quite a num­ ber of Christmas and New Years greetings from the various branches and individual mem­ bers, and 1 wish to take this op­ portunity to thank each and every one. Silence this week from the Branch Agents of the follow­ ing ports: CHARLESTON HOUSTON NORFOLK JACKSONVILLE TAMPA The deadline for port re­ ports. monies due, etc.. is the Monday preceeding publica­ tion. While every effort will be made to use in the current issue material received after that date, space commitments generally do not permit us to do so. So play safe—send your copy in on time. CMU Pulls New Phony Strike; SlU-SUP Ready For Anything By W. H. SIMMONS SAN FRANCISCO — The old Gold Coast is slowly coming back to life after too long a time. Things are moving along pretty good at this writing. However, am having a bad time with the Calmar Steamship Company. The ACA Radio Operators, CIO, has had a picketline around all Cal­ mar ships on this coast for the past thi-ee weeks. Calmar has had ROU, AFL, Operators on their ships since the war, and now, due to that fact, the ROU has called and filed for an election on the ships of this Company. The ACA saw that their only chance of making Cal­ mar sign with them was to act on this coast. They are sure to get the commie CMU backing, as Harry Bridges controls the Longshoremen. The CMU ordered the MEBA Local No. 38 to pull the En­ gineers off the SS J. Willard Gibbs, a Calmar ship, docked in Seattle. Now, the MEBA does not hold a contract with Calmar, or so far as that goes, 1 know of no closed shop agreement they have with any company. PHONY PICKETLINE When this thing first broke, the SUP, SIU, and MM&P went on record not to recognize this phony ACA picketline, due to the fact they did not have a legitimate right to put a picketline around thie Calmar ships. They do not have an existing agreement with the Company. However, these are the facts they are basing their claim to an agreement with Calmar on. Be­ fore the war Calmar did have ACA Radio Operators, but during the war all ships that they con­ trolled were sunk by enemy ac­ tion. As you know, during this time our Government started a vast ship building program and own­ ed and operated these ships. The WSA is still operating these ves­ sels and' does not recognize any agreement with the ACA Radio Operators. Therefore, under these conditions, we cannot recog­ nize this as a bona-fide picketine and we do not on the West Coast. GALVESTON —Wc have been having quite a few beefs on the treatment given at the Marine Hospital in Galveston. One in particular came up the other day. Brother Miller, who paid off in Galveston a few weeks ago, was suffering from the effecte of an operation he had under­ gone in the New York MarineHospital .several months ago. Acting on the advice of the Public Health doctor in Port Arthur he went to the Marino Hospital here. Here is Brother Miller's state­ ment: "Upon entering the hospit­ al I was asked nothing; they said nothing and told me nothing—• nor did they examine me. They merely put me in a car, and next I knew I was in the John Sealy Hospital. NO EXAMINATION "After five days they discharg­ ed me without a physical and I still have the nervous trouble. "1 went to the Union Hall where they called Dr. Lewis, who is in charge at the Marine Hos­ pital, concerning my case and he At present these ships are all idle and 1 can not say as this time how long the situation will con­ tinue. The MM&P and SIU men are still aboard these vessels and are going to stay there. Just in case the WSA tries to do any re­ allocating, 1 will see that Calmar Steamship lives up to their agree­ ment with the Union. SORRY MATE About ten days ago, the Joshua Bartlett, Eastern SS Company, arrived in this port. She had a referred me back to the doctor at full SIU crew from the East John Sealy HoBpital. Coast. This was as fine a crew "He in turn referred me back as I've bumped into for a long to Dr. Lewis for the following time. Brother Gardner brought day, with the understanding that her in in the old SIU style. He I was to be confined for one is a man who knows his Union, week's convalescence at the Mar­ and how to carry out his duties ine Hospital. as a Ship's Delegate. "Upon arriving there. Dr. Lewis When Brother Gardner gave changed my discharge from 'fit me the story on the Chief Mate, for duty' to read 'one week's cona Mr. Momfourquette, 1 knew valscent leave' and issued me a that it was correct. This Mr. box of vitamin B tablets and Momfourquette was anti-union. nembutal for sleeping. He remai-ked about his outfit out "It was understood I was sup­ on strike, saying they were all posed to have stayed in the Mar­ a bunch of dam fools for striking; ine Hospital for one week. Butthat no agent could fool with him; and he chiseled overtime and cus­ as this hospital is run, you go in sed the men. He was charged and out as you please and, if with about everything in the you wish, to a bar across the street if your crutches can carry book. you. Listening to all the capers this NOT FOR LIVING bully pulled on this voyage, there was nothing left to do but have "To this day they have not ex­ him removed from the ship. He amined me. 1 left the remainder will never sail as Mate or on any of the nembutal capsules in my other SIU ship again. room and went back and was is­ 1 had the Master, Mates and sued more. These capsules are Pilots Patrolman with me the day issued upon doctor's prescription 1 boarded the ship. He listened only, but 1 walked in twice and in on the meeting and was pres­ got them without even an exam­ ent when 1 called on the Mate. ination. The outcome is that this Mate "My trouble is from an opera­ was posted in all MM&P Branch­ tion which they don't even knovr es as NG. So goes it, fellows, he 1 had. But let them answer this has learned his lesson but a little article and they will be doing too late. something. These Mates and Captains will "My advice, fellow shipmates some day wake up and realize and members, is. to die first — that they just can't push an SIU then let them take you to the man around. 'Dem days are gone Galveston Marine Hospital and forever. For the benefit of those maybe the doctors will know men who had to endure this what is the matter with you Mate's doings on previous voy­ then." ages, they can rest assured they Outside of this everything is will never need tolerate him any going along nicely down here. more. He has gone the way of Shipping is good and everyone all bad Mates. is happy. I'll drop anchor here. �r— THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Eight Friday. December 27. 1946 'a I mil , ' Big Business Makes Resolution For New Year; Smash Trade Unions By JOE ALGINA NEW YORK—The president of ord for beefs settled right on the CJeneral Motors Corporation, board ship. That's the way we Alfred Sloan, recently issued an operate—pressure at the point of eight point program designed to ^ production. keep labor in its place. He is the i We had a young fellow come last man to talk about such' into the Hall this week off the things because he is one guy who SS American Press. This ship would be dead set against any had just been taken over from rules that would limit bosses. the NMU, and the ship was in as To say that his ideas are all bad condition as any vessel could wet is very mild. They go even be in and still float. By the time further than that, and if put into the trip to Brownsville and back effect would wreck everything to New York was over, the ship we have done so far. It is not to had been cleaned up and was be expected tliat big business habitable. would play fair with labor, but The rest of the necessary re­ this time they want all the mar­ pairs have been listed, and the bles and the umpires, and then crew has resolved not to sign on they will be willing to start the game. One of his proposed rules would ban labor from contribut­ ing money to the campaign funds of any candidate for public of­ fice. Of course, he says nothing about big business contributions to the same campaign funds, con­ tributions so large that many of­ fice holders are owned body and soul by big business. LABOR'S RIGHT Labor has the right to expand as much as it possibly can. No matter what Sloan and guys like him can do, labor is in the poMtical picture to stay. Work­ ers have just as much right to go into politics as business has. Shipping and business in the port of New York are steady but not ^ectacular. There are ships paying off and signing on daily, and there are prospects of even more activity after the first of the year. The Patrolmen are being kept busy, and during the last few weeks have piled up quite a rec­ for another trip until everything has been completed. What interests me is how the NMU men can stand to sail on dirty ships, and why their Pa­ trolmen allow such goings-on. Even if the SlU members didn't complain, and they do, our Pa­ trolmen would never allow a crew to sign on a beat up, dirty ship. Here's wishing you all a Happy New Year from everyone in the New York Hall. But remember we all have to work together to make 1947 a really happy year. Bad Smell In Marcus Hook Hall Turns Out To Be CMU Propaganda By BLACKIE CARDULLO MARCUS HOOK—On opening better each week. It's like a the Hall this morning we noticed inowball that picks up speed as a very peculiar odor. At first we it travels down hill. Each man thought that the smell might come from a cat or dog that had been left in overnight, but on closer investigation tve found that it was caused by card sent by the NMU, a card all about Maritime Unity. Right off the bat we apologized to the cats and dogs whom we might have hurt. Then we start­ ed to think about the "maritime unity" that those hoys were preaching. The kind that left the MFOWW walking the picketlines, holding the bag while the NMU settled its beef. we talk to seems to me feels it his WHERE WAS NMU business to go out and talk to an­ .We'd also like to know where other new man. the NMU was when the SlU was SIU HONESTY PAYS OFF battling for seamen during the war. Every time the SIU went to The SIU really has something bat for seamen, Curran, Stack, to sell, and we are going our way, and Company did their well without outside influence from known double-cross. any politicians or political par­ For Joe Stalin's sake they de­ ties. Honest trade unionism al­ liberately sold the U. S. seamen ways pays off. down the river. As far as we We e-^yect to pay off the SS here in Marcus Hook are conCapital Reef this week. Shipping calmed, we want no part of the is good and getting better. Any­ phony Committee for Maritime body looking for a ship could do Unity, and before the NMU tries worse than come to this port. to- preach unity, they ought to first practice it. I^o knows, Shipping is fine and the wom­ I they might like it. en are beautiful. A nice room Oiir organizing campaign down can be had cheap. What more : heie is going along better and could a sailor want? A PROBLEM, BUD? The life of the present day seaman is difficult and often very complicated. He is at the mercy of unscrupulous companies, government agen­ cies, brass hats and human sharks of various descrip­ tions, everyone trying to take advantage of him. If he hap­ pens to know some of his rights, he is sneeringly refer­ red to as a Sea Lawyer. A Special Services Dept. of the Union has been set up to consult with you on all your problems involving the Coast Guard, Shipping Commission­ ers, Unemployment Insur­ ance, personal injury claims, your statutory rights when you become ill aboard ship. Immigration Laws, and your dear, beloved Draft Board. If you happen to be in New York, contact us personally, or if you are out of town, write and you will receive a prompt reply. Address all mail to SPE­ CIAL SERVICES, 51 Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y. Your Union is your shoreside contact. USE IT'S FACILI­ TIES. Baltimore Seafarers Are More Than Just Casual Union Brothers By WILLIAM RENT2 BALTIMORE — The best we from friends of the man whose can say about shipping in this life was saved by the transfu­ port is that it is just about fair. sion. Here is the letter: 1 am confident that it will all "I am writing this letter to pickup soon, but until then we be read to your membership are being patient and doing the publicly, to show our gratitude day to day job. to the seamen who so kindly From all indications, we will donated their blood for a dying have to wait until after the first man. By their great generosity, of the year before anything big he was able to go through the will take place. By that time needed operation, and is getting we hope that more ships will be along wonderfully. He will go coming into Baltimore for cargo, home soon, thanks to you swell and that-means payoffs and sigh- fellows. ons. Wo can use both. "Without your blood it would Here in this port, our members have been impossible to save have gotten reputations as being johnny-on-the-spot to volunteer as blood donors. Hardly a meet­ ing goes by that we don't have a request to give blood so that some poor guy can be given a transfusion. Our boys do this without pay; in fact, they fight among themselves for the honor. SEAMEN'S BLOOD Last meeting the .same thing happened, and on December 19 we received a letter of thanks Christmas Spirit is Very Much In Evidence In Boston Branch By JOHN MOGAN BOSTON—Business and ship­ ping has continued on the up­ grade for the past week, with every indication that conditions will remain pretty fair for this port in the coming weeks. Already we're beginning to feel the pinch when it comes to ob­ taining rated men in a hurry, and have had to send to New York for men. However, this fact does not mean necessarily that all our members have been shipped; rather, it means that a good per­ centage of them have decided to enjoy the Christmas holidays at home. Only two ships paid off in this area during tbe week, but both were good payoffs. The Muncie Victory paid off in good style, with all beefs settled on thp spot. The New Echota (Pacific tanker) paid off in Providence after a six-month voyage. This also was a clean payoff, after it was point­ ed out to the SIU men aboard that the tanker agreements are somewhat different from the SIU agreements. COOPERATION There was quite a job getting the overtime clauses straightened out; but the gang was one of the best and cooperated 100-plus per­ cent. In addition, they showed a truly brotherly spirit by con­ tributing $80.00 toward making Christmas for the boys in the Brighton Marine Hospital a little brighter. I made my regular Christmas visit to the Marine Hospital lasst week. We have only eight mem­ bers in there right now, all of them in good spirits, if not all in good health. Thanks to the gen­ erosity of the members, we were able to give each a sizable cash present, and on Christmas Eve we will be able to go back with more. SIU SPIRIT Many letters have been re­ ceived here from the members in the hospital, expressing apprecia­ tion to all the brothers for their generosity and thoughtfulness. It is not necessary or fitting that these letters should be re­ printed in this column, but any brother who ever donated to these hospitalized brothers .should know how much his gift is ap­ preciated. It might be added here, also, that SIU consideration for its members in the hospital has not passed without notice from hos­ pital attaches and all other pa­ tients. There isn't a great deal more to be said this week, except to thank all the officials and mem­ bers for their Christmas greet­ ings which are pouring in daily. At this time of the year, almostforgotten friendships are renew­ ed and strengthened by a Christ­ mas remembrance, each card turning back pages of memory to forgotten incidents and to friends long since moved' on to, other ports. To one and all, then, I say thanks for the remembrance, and may Christmas and the New Year be the best ever for all hands. his life. He wished to have me send you fellows his deepest gratitude and mllions of thanks for coming to his aid. He will never forget what you men did for us, and may God bles you, one and all. "Thanks a million times again, for all you did. We thank you from the depths of our hearts, and someday in some way hope to repay you somehow." Mr. and Mrs. Jack Watson 721 E. Chase Street, Baltimore. Maryland. That letter makes us all feel that what we are doing is worth­ while. Any time we have a chance to help out in any way like this, we are glad to do so. Blood banks are good things; we have all heard how transfu­ sions saved so many lives in the armed serWces and merchant marine during this past war. We Gay Street people are happy to help out. I'm sorry that I was unable to wish you all a Merry Christmas before the happy day, but I mean it from my heart. From all of us in this port, we send greetings for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all members of the SILT, wherever they may be. Seafarers Representation Gets Logs Dropped, Medical Bills Paid Effective Union representation enabled four Seafarers, who had been logged on the recent trip of the SS Walter Christensen, to breathe a little easier when SIU Patrolman successfully intervened in their behalf at the payoff. The logs entered against the men during the four-month trip to South America, were dropped by the Skipper after the Patrol­ man presented a convincing argu­ ment. With the logs out of the way, the Patrolmen attacked the Cap­ tain's policy of making the men pay their own bills for visits to medical doctors in Santos and various other ports.' They ap­ pealed the matter to Shipping Commissioner McGrath, who rul­ ed that the expenses incurred were the company's. The crewmembers who had paid bills out of their own pockets were to be reimbursed. The Patrolmen, Ray Ganzales and Salavador Colls, reported the payoff as being very clean, which they attributed to crew's cooper­ ation. Every man had his soiled linen in a pillow case ready for the. Steward before leaving the vessel. It was pointed out that "the ship was so clean, you cQuld eat off the decks." Three of the crew, Paul Miller, Ralph Garrett and Mike Hook, took up, a collection, proceeds of which were to be used for aiding; needy SIU seamen., �•• 7,r^il<P'-VJav:-', THE SEAFARERS LOG rriday, December 27, 1946 The Song Of The Strikehreakers Box-can-ed an' .stockaded; Bayonet-paraded— "Harnessed-buUs" behind us an' squad on either side. Awake, it's bricks an' curses; Asleep, we dream o' hearses— That's us! They call us Rough Necks, an' we're picked be­ cause we're tried! That's us! We're shy o' morals, an' flat in purse an' pride! Wet All Over By JOSEPH VOLPIAN In last week's column, we dis­ cussed the procedure of the Na­ tional Labor Relations Board in conducting an election, and this is a continuation of the same sub­ ject. The Field Examiner submits his report of his investigation as to the election, including his findings on challenged votes, to the Regional Director who then in turn makes his report to the Board in Washington. In this re­ port, he gives the result of the election. The union which was won is then certified. If no union received a clear majority and there are chal­ lenged ballots then he recom­ mends to the Board which bal­ lots should be counted and which should be rejected. A copy of his report is also sent to the interested parties who then have the right to make their objections as to the recommenda­ tions of the Regional Director. • These objections are submitted to the Board in Washington and the contestants are then permit­ ted to file briefs in support of their contentions. Branded vags by the hand o' God, from the strength o' eai'th On rare occasions, the Board we're barred— will permit, in addition to the An' in shame we're doin' our findings of the brief, an oral ar­ brother's work, backed by gument before' it. the Enoch Guard! Grind the wheels with a better RIGAMAROLE wail, as the soaped tracks If the Board finds there is merit jolt an' throb: to the argument of any contes­ tants, the case is then sent back to the local NLRB office for fur­ ther hearing. At these hearings all the charges are actually investigated and a formal trial is held where witnesses are examined and crossexamined by the opposing side. After the hearings are con­ cluded, the person conducting such hearings renders his report to the Regional Director, who in turn submits it to the Washington Am I my brother's keeper, too, Board and at that time a final de­ along with my brother's job? cision is rendered. Sometimes this procedui-e is Out o' the ground his blood it calls. Oh, the weight o' our rather a long drawn out affair and the losing union will assume a load is hai'd When we're tryin' to do our broth­ dog-in-the-manger attitude such er's,^ work, but minus his Union Card! The only Union you'll find today that's runnin' an Open Shop Is the one our friend Starvation keeps, an' it works you until you drop. For God is sore on the sons o' J Cain an' the work that we try to do— An' a curse growls out o' the mouth o' earth as our broth­ er's blood seeps thi'ough! "Scab! Scab! Scab! Oh you lousy labor scab!" But it's dollars a day to hear : 'em say— "Sca-a-ab!" Jeered, but feared—an' hated; Cemetery slated; Battered skulls an' shattered hulls; should we be satisfied? Awake, it's bricks an' curses; Asleep, we dream o' hearses— That's us! They call us Rough - Necks, an' we're flat in purse an' pride; That's us! There used to be some more, but several of us diedl t-.'. ' W'.y. • Page Nine The Patrolmen Say,,, By DAMON RUNYON To the present generation the late Damon Runyon is best known for his human tales of Broadway characters, "dolls" and "guys." His fame rest largely on his characterizations of New York's "Roarin* For­ ties," which he knew so well. Most of his eulogists, however, omit mention of his literary ac­ complishments of another era, written against an even more turbulent and historical back­ ground. In his early twenties, Runyon worked as a reporter on news­ papers in Colorado, scene of many a bloody labor strife. There he was an eye-witness to the brutal machinations of the powerful mine operators who were dedicated to the exter­ mination of labor. It was there, at the age of 25. that Runyon penned the fol­ lowing classic characterization of the strikebreaker: :vy- .<-, •c-^l'*^.:yV_ SlU Crews Give To Boston III Christmas was brightened somewhat for the Seafarers in the Brighton Marine Hos­ pital thanks to the thoughtfulness of Union Brothers in the Port of Boston. Holiday contributions for the hospi­ talized totalled $103.85. it was reported by Port Agent John Mogan. Each of the Seafarers in the Brighton hospital was to share equally in the proceeds, of which $79.85 was donated by the crew of the SS New Echota. The SS Cardinal Gibbons men gave $15.00. and the SS Muncie Victory added $4.00* to the gift pool. Seafarer Ernest Belkner con­ tributed $5.00 to bring the to­ tal up to $103.85. as the NMU did in the Esso Tank­ er Fleet case. SAD CASE NEW YORK —In a few instances lately it has been an un­ fortunate experience for me, and the crows of the ships I boarded for the payoff, to find one or more of the delegates all gassed up and unable to present the crew's beefs to the Patrolman. Fortunately for the crews, these occurences are in the great minority, but in the few instances chat they have arisen they have caused a great deal of inconven­ ience and trouble for everyone concerned. In this particular case the com­ pany union was certified as be­ ing the bargaining agent in the unlicensed personnel. The NMU BLACK EYE filed its objections and the case Everytime that something un­ was set down for a hearing by fortunate like this arises it is a the Washington Board. The hearings were so confused black eye for the Union, as these and took such a great length of men are regarded as representa­ time that when it was concluded tives of the union. The companies, always anxious and sent back to the Washington Board for a final decision, the ' to get something on the SIU, will Board threw the entire case out seize upon such cases to say that on the ground that ^ the original , the crew delegates are in no poselection was so old that the bar­ I ition to represent the crew and gaining agent which was selected ! the beefs they present cannot be might not be representative of relied upon, as the man is under the personnel now employed the influence of alchohol. aboard the ships. This makes it a hell of a tough This prolonged fight left the job for the Patrolman to gain an company union in power, and if adjustment of beefs, and some­ more time and effort had been times things like this mean the made to organize the men than loss of legitimate overtime and bickering with hearings then the money for the crew just because NMU might have represented the the delegate couldn't wait a few men instead of allowing the com­ hours until payoff was out of the way to tie up with 'John Barley­ pany union to do so. corn. From the present indications, it is our opinion that the NMU CONFUSION GALORE is pm-suing the same tactics in The result of the conduct by the Isthmian case. However, it is our opinion that they will not these brothers, who have taken be as successful in frustrating the responsibility of the problems the wishes of the Isthmian sea­ of their shipmates, leads to noth­ men as they were in the case of ing but confusion and a waste of time trying to iron out the beefs. the Esso Fleet. I don't wish to be misconstrued as a "dry", but it is the duty of all delegates aboard ship to be sober and present their beefs in an orderly manner so as to pro­ tect the interests of the member­ ship and maintain the good name of the SIU. James Purcell By JOHNNIE JOHNSTON There are many old terms, which when applied to a real sea­ man, must be said with a smile, otherwise a bang-up brawl us­ ually will result. One of the terms is "marine.' ' This is used for a man who is ignorant of seamanship and i.s slow to catch on or just doesn't care to learn. In the days of the clipper ships, the Mate or Bosun made such a man march fore and aft during his watch with a marlin spike on his shoulder, like a sentry walking his post. Within a short period of time, this treatment could be relied on to bring a quick change in the man. Another term is "sojer," or "soldier." This is the worst re­ proach that can be leveled at a seaman because it signifies a shirker, or someone who tries to goldbrick when there is work to be done. Even lazy men don't like to be called "sojers." These old sayings are rapidly fading from the sea, but there are still plenty of oldtimers sail­ ing on the bridge or in the foc'sle who use them. They remember telling these yarns while sitting around "splicing the main brace." lifeboats and shift for themselves the best way they could. UNHAPPY FOUR The ship, after nine days out of Charleston finally reached Broklyn where she unloaded four half-frozen Seafarers with empty bellies and curses of being shang­ haied. They're thawed out now and are heading back for the warmth of Charle.ston with the knowledge that never again will they go aboard a ship unless they have down in black and white exactly where it is going and the proper gear is aboard. Their experience is cautionenough for any man who is sent out on a similar job to see that he has the full dope before tak­ ing the ship out of the harbor. Jim Drawdy XXX Sweet Ship The SS Gervais, Pacific Tank­ ers, paid off this week, and she was one of the sweetest ships to pay off here in quite some time. The credit for this should go to the three Delegates, who did a swell job in bringing in a clean ship with no beefs. The Deck Gang averaged 500 hours overtime each for a threemonth trip, and not one penny of any overtime Was disputed. The other Departments did equally as well. James Purcell Howard Guinier Tillamook Crew Resents Pound Tax On Butts Anyone who has the idea that the days of piracy on the high seas are a thing of the past, had better take heed of a cablegram recently received by SecretaryTreasurer John Hawk. This mes­ sage, from the crew of the SS XXX Tillamook, protests the fact that Hungry, Thirsty, Cold cartons of cigarettes from the slopchest are subject to a tax of NEW YORK—When the Wa­ terman Steamship Company took one Pound which is approximateover the Henry W. Longfellow in Ij' $4.20 in good old U. S. coin. The Tillamook has been Charleston recently they called the SIU for four men to handle aground off Swansea for the past a short towing job to Wilming­ four weeks, and during this per­ ton. At least they said it would iod the slopche.st cigarettes have be short, so the HaU dispatched been taxed by the British Cus­ William Padget, H. D. Mace, of toms. Adding about $4.20 to the the SIU and L. Maltry, and M. normal cost of a carton of ci­ J. Armon, of the SUP down to garettes makes smoking an ex­ pensive pleasure, indeed. the ship. It is almost like watching your With rations for three days, the ship taken in tow by a Mo- money go up in smoke when you ran tug started for Wilmington, light up a cigarette off Swansea and the men settled back for a these days. Here is the cablegram which short and uneventful jaunt. The was received from the crew: ship soon reached Wilmington, but instead of tying up and pay­ We the crew of SS Tillamook ing off she merely changed tugs aground at Swansea for the past and pulled out in the sti-eam four weeks enter protest against again. the charge of one Pound tax The ci'ew was getting a little on slopchest cigarettes. Cap­ disturbed now for they were prac­ tain also protesting to Merchant tically out of food and they had Marine Association. Please en­ no gear for cold weather; but on ter in Seafarers Log. Deck Dele­ and on the ship went and soon gate Richard R. Weikas; Engine the fellows were standing on the Ray Lusko; Steward Marcus bow with binoculars looking for Robinson. an inlet where they hoped the There isn't to much that can be tug would swing the ship. done in such a situation since It was no use, however, for on British taxes are high, and this they went, past Norfolk the ship tax on cigaretes is no exception. was towed, and without rations, One word of advice, though: water and gear the crew was car­ Take a lesson from the Tillamook ried fui'ther north. crew and keep plenty of smokes' Soon they had no fresh food on hand if you are in any danger aboard and had to scurry around of going aground in British ter­ and pull the rations out of the ritorial waters. I �PM» T*a Friday, December 27. 1948 THE SEAFARERS LOG smps'MINimS AMD NEWS MV COASTAL DEFENDER BRISTLES WITH ACTIVITY » » $ The lads aboard the Smith and Johnson vessel gingerly perform their tasks in the brisk Canadian atmosphere of Baf­ fin Island. Photo at left shows members of Deck Gang straightening out dunnage: stooping is Bosun Wiliams. in center is Fin Malland, AB; while "Ski" the Deck Maintenance stands in rear. Crew Slings Seme Changes On Goliath "There's got to be some changes made around here," isn't the title of one of the top tunes on radio's Hit Parade, although it certainly may sound like it. It is the tune, however, of the minutes of a recent meeting held aboard the SS Goliath, an East= ern Transportation Company tug. The crewmembers are downright disgusted with some of the pres­ ent goings-on, and at the meet­ ing they went on record to call a halt to things. LINEN CHANGE Rating top attention in the pro­ posed changes was the procedure whereby the Mates handle and distribute the linen aboard the vessel. The men are not getting "a proper amount" of linen this way, they charge. They passed a motion calling for the transfer of. the linen custodianship from the Mates to the Steward. Equally as bad was the situa­ tion in regard to matches and bath soap. Supplies of each are "supposed" to be given out to the men weekly but in practice it has been working out different­ ly. The. supplies are not forth­ coming regularly with the result that crewmembers have been \ At right, some of the men ready oil drums for unloading at Frobisher Bay. % % % Counter Offensive Planned Against Insects On Evelyn Two of the sturdy crew, Finn Malland (left) and Robert Brown, pose at the rail. Those are snow-capped peaks in the background. Brr-rr. MINUTES OF SlU SHIP MEETIN8S IIGESTED FOR ERSIER READING buying their own. To surmount this somewhat dark and dirty trick, it was unanimously recom­ mended that soap and matches, along with the linen supply, be turned over to the Steward for disposition. WILL SING NEW TUNE The conduct of the Skipper was discussed also with the object to get him to change his tune. His singing has a definitely unsavory slant. A motion, passed unani­ mously, stated that the "Agent (Patrolman) see Capt. Dan Hayman about his union-baiting, and his attempts to cause dissension among the crew. To also have him stop making slanderous re­ marks against the Union, and to stop trying to cause disruptions and hard feelings." Final of the changes recom­ mended at the Goliath meeting was one designed to wipe up a wet condition in the crew's quar­ ters. Pipe in the overhead have been sweating in the cold weath­ er, and the water has been drip­ ping into the men's bunks, and it's got to stop, the men said. If there's a Seafarer named Da­ vid aboard the Goliath maybe history will repeat itself. to' JOHN GALLUP, Oct. 28 — Chairman J. Coy; Secretary E. Youngblood. Motions carried; that Steward Department be permitted to paint their own quarters; that reprirs submit­ ted by Steward in regard to living quarters be carried out; that fines be donated to Hospi­ tal fund and that Delegates collect fines; to have new lock­ ers installed; that messrooms, ports, W.T. doors and locks be repaired; that all fans be re­ paired, linen be replaced, soap dishes be placed in all showers and washrooms; and that leak be repaired in Deck Depart­ ment head. 4 * COASTAL LIBERATOR. Sept. 27 — Chairman C. E. Chandler; Secretary K. G. Freyschlog. John Malcolm, Black Gang Delegate, reported that small boiler was not op­ erating properly. In order for it to supply adequate hot water during winter. months, he ad­ vised that it be repaired or re­ placed. Also reported that per­ colators are needed in Engine room and in messhril. Steward Delegate Robert Marion said that his department- had. left With the horde of insects aboard the SS Evelyn being "augmented daily by swarming reinforce­ ments, crew members planned strategy at recent shipboard meetings to combat the winged menace. The situation had reach­ ed such proportions that immed­ iate action was imperative in face of what appeared might be a disastrous rout by the rapidly multiplying bug brigades. The Steward reported that the charge of artillery operations on the. ground and in the air: The crew instructed him to order up additional buzz-bombs and to launch an immediate offensive. "Wipe them out," were the terse orders received. FIRE-POWER MISSING hTe Steward reported that the inescts had been able to establish a beachhead because his repeated galley in cleEm condition prior to strike, and returned after strike to find everything dirty. Security watch sent by Union had been denied access to stores. Several men were recommend­ ed for membership. t 4. 4. JEFFERSON CITY. Oct. 30— Chairman T. M. Jones; Secre­ tary T. A. Williams. Delegates gave their reports—everything in pretty good shape. Motions carried: that repair list be pre­ pared in duplicate—one to be turned in to the hedl, the other to be given oncoming crew; that repair list be posted in arrival. It was suggested that Delegates pick up books Emd turn them to agent or patrolman with amount each man wishes to pay, also that Delegates advise Captain to dump overboard food infested with weavels. DIAMOND HITCH, Sept. 27 Chairman Les -Goldinger; Sec­ retary J. DuBose. Deck—Com­ plaint made agEunst Chief Mate. Engine — Complaint was made against the First Assist­ ant concerning the logging of Paul Kent. The Second Assist­ ant degrades all crewmembers pleas for fire power were ignored or cut down. He said that al­ though he had put in an order for a considerable number of the bombs for a complete wipingout job, the company had refus­ ed to send him more than three at a time. This report of laxity in the rear stirred the crew meeting in­ to action. They formulated an ultimatum to the 'effect that if the company did not send up sufficient equipment with which the crew could combat the insect by defamation of their charact­ er. All beefs to be settled in New York. No one to pay off until Edl beefs axe settled. All three departments totally dis­ satisfied with the Chief Stew­ ard as <1 union man. They claim (Continued on Page 11) ravages, the Evelyn would be held alongside the dock. She would not be moved until such time as the company itself saw fit to take over and exterminate the invaders. This was the de­ cision reached at the Nov. 23 meeting held at sea. " SWIFT ACTION At the Dec. 1 meeting also held at sea, the situation was such that the members swiftly passed a motion saying "that extermina­ tors niust be bought aboard the vessel when she arrives in Balti­ more, and that all the insects on board must be exterminated be­ fore the ship will be allowed to leave the dock in Baltimore." All action, however, at this Evelyn meeting was not combat­ ive in nature. Brother Tilley motioned that a vote of thanks be given the Stewards deparfcment for the fine work they did in preparing such a splendid Thanksgiving dinner, and for their efforts on the whole." The question arose as to wheth­ er or not a holiday at sea for men on watch constituted overtime. It was agreed that the question would be resolved when the Ves­ sel pulled into port. It was con­ firmed, however, that crew mem­ bers of the ship "are entitled to the same holidays as longshore­ men in whatever port the vessel happens to be in." Also unanimously passed was a motion in regard to the water coolers in the Engine room, and on the main deck in the crew's quarters. "The two water cool­ ers must be prepared and put on suitable working condition be­ fore the ship sails from Balti­ more," the motion stated. The Thanksgiving dinner menu, which the crew recommended be sent to the Seafarers Log, follows: Table Celery Olives Consomme Roast Turkey Dressing and Giblei Gravy Baked Virginia Ham Pineapple Sauce Candied Yams Mashed Potatoes Cranberry Sauce Mixed Nuts Mince and Pumpkin Pies Plum Pudding and Hard Sauce Hot Rolls Apples Oranges Coffee Cocoa Fresh Milk �Friday, December 27, 1946 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Eleven Digested Minutes Of SlU Ship Meetings I SEAFARER SAM SAYS (Continued from Page 10) him to be a company stiff. The Steward boasts that he is an officer and must be respected aboard and ashore. Chief En­ gineer refuses to recognize Paul Kent as Deck Delegate. Sug­ gested that Purser's records concerning the rate of ex­ change of foreign money (BWI, Dutch Guiana) be investigated. Meeting was called by the crewmembers and not by the delegates. No one refused to turn to at anytime. J. t i ALCQA PILGRIM. Sept. IBChairman Nils Gronberg; Sec­ retary L. W. Highsmith. Dele­ gates reported no beefs and that overtime was okay. Crow pantry icebox had been re­ paired. Motions carried: that crew leave glasses in pantry for use during meals; to have some fruit juice left in box at night; to have notice of launch serv­ ice to and from ship posted on bulletin board. Genercil dis­ cussion on drinking glasses, spoons, knives, forks and win­ ter gear. %> i X WOLF CREEK, Nov. 17— Chairman LeRoy Nichols; Sec­ retary Gerald Laura. Reports from three department dele­ gates. Deck: everything okay; Engine: all okay; Steward: over 1.000 hours overtime and no disputes. Motions carried: to have Delegates make list of re­ pairs for their departments, to be turned in to Agent at Cor­ pus Christi; that delegates see that quarters are clean before payoff. Discussion on transpor­ tation rider. Vote of thanks tendered Steward department for "wonderful chow and ex­ cellent service and for carry­ ing on under very trying con­ ditions in Mobile, Ala." X X SAM JOHNSTON, Nov. 10— Chairman E. A. Lane; Secre­ tary G. Gallant. Lockers and fans in foc'sles to be checked and repaired, foc'sles to be painted. Chairs in messhall to be repaired. Men to leave quar­ ters clean when signing off ship. New coffee urn needed in crew's mess. Motions carried to have patrolmen to see that sufficient stores be stocked for next crew, and enough provi­ sions be alloted to care of pas­ sengers if taken aboard. One minute of silence for Brothers lost at sea. XXX ALCOA MASTER, Nov. 10— Chairman George A. Allen; Secrefary Lynn A. Poole. Deck Delegate reported disputed overtime believed to be col­ lected; Steward Delegate asked men to aid in keeping messhall cleaiu Delegates reports ac­ cepted. Steward said vegetable aboard are not enough for round trip and urged his men to go easy on them; vegetables in Aruba are "unfit for human consumption." Crew advised to read up and fully understand the new agreement. Motion cariried to elect one man from each department to study new agreement. LUTTIER HURD. Sept. 19— Chairman F. Nohlicki; Secre­ tary E. Powell. Reports of three delegates accepted. Motion passed that ship not be sailed until action was taken on ship's repairs. Suggested that crew 'members keep out of messman's way when he is setting up the meals; also that messman check the supply of milk. etc.. in mess­ hall each night. In memory of departed brothers one minute of silence observed prior to ad­ journment. Ailerix(Chiri6tAtas and Ro > X t X ETHIOPIA VICTORY, Aug. 6—Chairman W. A. Driver; Sec­ retary T. J. Roach. Beef made that chow is not being pre­ pared in right manner. Two men late for watch because they 1 3. t were not served immediately. ARGONAUT. Dec. 8—Chair­ Suggestioni that coffee urn be man George Meaney; Secretary cleaned out daily. Motions car­ J. Egga. Motions carried: to fine ried calling for fumigation of anyone abusing toaster, and entire ship in first port, and for those who put feet on chairs new mattresses and pillows to ' and cushions; dirty cups not be put aboard. Drinking glass­ to be left on tables, and cigar­ es to be kept cleaner. Motion ettes not to be thrown around made and passed that men keep deck. Ch. Steward nominated feet on deck and not on chairs. and elected to collect fines and XXX turn money over to Fort Stan­ STEEL ARTISAN (Isthmian). ton Tubercular hospital; com­ Nov. 28—Chairman Tannehill; mittee for same also elected. (Secretary not noted) Possibility Moved that one member of the of opening PO messhall dis­ crew designated to obtain books cussed. One messroom lacks for crew's libreiry. and a mo­ By HANK sufficient capacity for eating tion carried to have washboards entire crew. Steward asked to built on bulwards so crew can After recovering from our Christmas spirits we're right on the order mirrors for Jr. Engineer's wash clothes. Everyone voiced snow-ball with our weekly collection of bi'otherly news. . . Saj% if room. Crew assured by Bosim satisfaction with meeting. One those government bureaus and dreaming politicians don't knowthat deck head and showers minute of silence for seamen about this sky-high cost of living, then Brother Ralston "Curly" would be kept clean. Deck 12lost £it sea. Stuart can tell them. He's shipping out because he can't keep on 4 asked that fans be supplied XXX paying $11.29 weekly for his two-by four room in the YMCA any­ for laundry. Cook stated that HELEN. Nov. 26—Chairman more. . . Harry "Popeye"' Cronin just sailed into town from a thiity galley scupper was still plug­ Leroy Jackson; Secretary Red day trip to Greece. . . Little Paddy McCann shipped on the Waltged up although First Assistant Morgan. List of needed repairs ham "Victory. Let's hear from you, Paddy? ... Is smiling Mike was notified of this on last drawn up. Requested a speaker Rossi still turning to every day as a taxi-driver? How's tips treating trip. Motions carried: that Dele­ to be put in crew's mess and you. Senior Mike? . . . Brother K. Kain anchored into the hall. gates check slopchest and stores connected with radio in radio What's new and how was the trip, Brother Kain? . . . Boy, shipping and to get approximate size of room. Discussed need of an­ picked up so good in the last week that it made Leslie Brilhart say: clothes and shoes that are to other room for the freezers as "It's sure good to see those smiles on the guys when they get their be ordered. they have been carried in the jobs and leave the hall" . . . The best shipping however is down in hospital in the past. Commit­ Marcus Hook, brothers. . . tee of three men appointed to look over ship for a suitable place for another room. Agreed to have a book rack built in Last week we talked to Jimmy Mulligan, a swell guy, a messhall. and secure a library Boston Irishman, who lives in New York with the wife and kids. when ships gets in. One min­ Jimmy rather laughed when he remembered how the MM&P ute of silence observed for strike hit his ship down in Texas. You see, the only strike chow brothers lost at sea during war. they were lucky enough to get was some wild animals running XXX ^ i 1 around every day. Well, when you have to — you have to. Ypa MAE, Dec. 10—Chairman R, WILLIAM JOHNSON. Dec. can't wail for any strangers to feed you in a strike, indeed . . . Sechinger; Secretary A. Baker. 15—Chirman . Roy Thompson; Little Charlie Stevens, oldtimer bellyrobber, is anchored here in M Motions carried: that crew's Secretary John Bluitt. Officers our town and smoking up his beachy days with cigars. . . Stew­ quarters be heated while in are to be kept out of crew mess­ ard Eddie Kasnowski who lost his gear on some ship, is waiting port of Baltimore or notify hall. and crew is to kep out of to ship out. Write to the company, Eddie, and ask them for a crew's in advance so they can saloon. Food situation is get­ new cook-book and a new special pot for gravy overtime. If they find rooms ashore; have Stew­ ting bad. There is no Steward don't throw the Shipping Commissioner at them. . . ard order electric coffee pot and or Chief Cook; second cook and glasses for crew mess; that one pantry man are feeding the best of the small urns not in use be they can do. Special commit­ moved to crew mess. Repairs tee is to see the old man about Before Brother Harold Lawlor left for Korea recently in an needed in Oiler's foc'sle, pins this. Motion carried to keep Army suit, he retii-ed his book and then gave Patrolman Jimmy* needed for shower curtains, messhall and recreation room grattings for shower, keys for clean at all times and radio is Purcell a happy beef by chewing the Seafaring fat about old timesr Bosun's room, and fumigation and shipmates. . . Sal Volpi shipped Bosun on the SS Orbis with to be shut off at 10 p. m. necessary. Big Mike and Nick the Pollock. The ship is chartered to France so XXX she might shuttle. . . Isidore Levy is geting married in March, 194*^; '•M NOONDAY, Oct. 27—Chair­ man Clough; (Secretary not Does your girl want you to donate your sea blood to the Red Cros^-: ^1 noted). Motions carried: thai Bx-other Levy? . . . Bosqn Bera Smyley, aboard the SS Cape Rac% ;S'| sanitary work in laundry be will be saying hello to to Ray Sweeney when the ship hits Texas . '41 XXX done on regular sanitary hours GEORGE WASHINGTON (no and be alternated weekly be­ date)—Chairman Murphy; Sec­ tween deck and Black gang retary Hunt. Reports niade by and that room alloted for li­ Joe Barringer, who just finished a short trip to Canada, is the department delegates. Mo­ brary and writing room be hoping for a miraculous trip to Shanghai, China. The best tions carried: to put oil cloths taken care of by Steward de­ Chinese laundryman couldn't shanvjhai you for that trip for all on any and all mess room tables partment; thai before next the dirty shirts in New York, Joe. Joe asked Harvy Hill why that need them; to put door regular meeting, to be held be­ he didn't grab a ship. Harvey answered: "Now don't give me any • stops on messroom doors to pre­ fore arrival in England, each ideas, Joe. My wife has enough of them. Anyway, I'm wonder­ vent slaipming,' to put soap department meet and draw up ing where my paL Rodney Johnson is right now?". . . Probably trays in crejv's rooms; to elect list of repairs and/or recom­ in Shanghai. Harvey, wishing Ke was here in New York, getting, delegates for each and every mendations to be submited be­ into the Merry Christmas spirits. •. . Louis Galvani, who sails as department before leaving the fore joint meeting—those getting Deck Engineer, is in town now, charged with desertion, after dock. Discussion on cleanli­ final approval to be typed and missing his ship down in St. Thomas. . . Steward Vic Milazzo ness of engine department. One given to Master, Ch. Mate, Ch. just went up to Boston to get operated on his neck. Don't stick minute of silence for brothers Engineer and Steward and a your neck out too far, Vic. Kidding aside, Vic. good luck! . . lost at sea. copy sent to Union via airmail. •I cm and RUN • �Fiiday, 'December v27,4946 ** TB E SEAFARERS LO G Fa0« THE MEMBEBSmP aPCAKS FOUR MEN IN A BOAT Hill Spends His Christmas Night-Clubbing In New York Dear Editor: i Sealed across Ihe beam of a boal in Calculia, from left to right, are Seafarers E. Tassin, Carpenter; B. Marshall, OS; F. Hughe. Maintenance, and W. Wyman, Bosun, crewmembers of the SS Twin Falls Victory. Brother Wyman, who has been on several Isthmian ships, is now an organizer in New Orleans. Buck Stephens, acting New Orleans Agent submitted the photo to the Log. ^CHIPS' STEFANIK WRITES OF A HECTIC TRIP Dear Editor: I thought I'd drop you a few lines to let you know where we are. This American Steamship Company vessel went from Hol­ land to Poland, and we'll be in England tomorrow, for two days. From there we go to Venezuela, and Lord knows where from there. In- Rotterdam we went into drydock and had 5,000 rivets put in this scow, but she still leaks. When we left Cuba, the old man got 650 cartons of Ameri­ can cigarettes—and they were cheap. Just $2.89 a carton. At Rotterdam we got 500 cartons at $1.32 each. In Gdynia, Poland, no draw was allowed. The boys had to sell their personal clothing for spend­ ing money, and with things be­ ing so dear, it didn't last long. The old man says his name is Captain Bligh. He also called up one of the lads for a routine log, told him he was a "rummy," and asked why he couldn't stay sober when in port. (The pot call­ ing the'kettle black.) We've also had some good co­ operation from the Chief Stew­ ard,- the old man's wipe rag, whom we'd like to recommend to the NMU. Kay is Bosun aboard this scow, and Ed Hibbard of Cuba is 3rd Mate. We would like for you to have a few words with Curly Rentz for us,^ and have him write us a few lines in Venezuela sending as inuch information as possible, as yre haven't had but one letter from anyone. And we may be cut for a long time. Milan "Chips" Siefanik BROTHER TAKES STEP TOWARD U. S. CITIZENSHIP Dear Editor: I have what I think might be some very good news for alien seamen who are interested in getting United States citizenship papers. This week I made a start in that direction, and since there Well, here I am anchored in good old bc-wintered New York, waiting to ship out sometime af­ ter New Year's Day blows its brand new top. My wife, Louise, and of course, and my own good old self, kinda enjoyed spending (and I don't mean spending a lot of loose green-bills, either) a landlubbing Christmas together— which is always a good thing but always an expensive partnership! Now don't get me wrong, broth­ ers. I don't act like one of these 85 day wonderful sailors swaying over the-Christmas tree and drop­ might be some men interested, 1 thought I'd pass on the procedure. First off, you have to have your birth certificate, or a copy of it. Then you get an affidavit from the local police or municipal au­ thorities from the town in which you lived on the other side, at­ testing to the fact that you have a clean record. With these two documents, you go to your country's consul in whatever American city you hap­ pen to be in, and he will translate these papers into English, mak­ ing three copies. Finally, you get two photo­ static copies of your birth cer­ tificate and the affidavit. This is as far as 1 have gotten. My next step is to see one of the American consuls in a foreign city and apply for a permanent entry into the United States. Actually there is much yet to be done before 1 get citizenship, but 1 feel I've made a darned important start. ping his inherited sentimental tears on the colored bulbs and the drooping candles. You see, here's how we spread out our Christ­ mas feelings—and you know how those feelings spread out after a little encouragement. Well, after taking unhesitating care of a tur­ key—(which couldn't make the dead-line on Thanksgiving due to ihe fact that it was out in the late hours celebrating his last day of life on earth)—we went out for some dancing and club­ bing one or two night-clubs with our few cabbage leaves. MERRY XMAS Now although I'm kinda late in wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, 1 sure hope every­ Edmund Erikson body had a good time, without getting paid off in the morning with those traditional hang-over beefs. Now, as for me, with or with­ out Santa Claus, I'm getting along swell on the (temporary) wagon—which won't be used un­ til the little kid called 1947 starts running around wishing every­ body a whale year of less income tax—if the Republicans can count numbers right and give me the right change. WILL SHIP OUT Well, until 1 ship out sometime in January, Til probably still be coughing up the coffee-nickels to keep the dryness out of the plumbing works in a few guys— and those good old laughs in the ordinary kind of chewing-thefat which goes on through the Dispatching Hall floor. Before 1 knock off with this fancy and perhaps humor-sugar­ ed letter-writing—with which 1 ain't recently familiar enough with to keep on without getting off course, naturally—I'm going to go window-looking in some antique shop or wax museum and buy a long yellow-colored arm with a open hand so I can bring to the ne.xt union meeting so 1 can be recognized by the Chairman and have my shortworded say-so about anything popping on the floor. Harvey Hill By WAYNE McALLISTER Oh. to be a carefree sailor. Tying knots and splicing wires. With a marlinspike to help me. And a back that never tires; Let me climb up in the riggin' And gat nearer to the sky. While I watch some distant island As our ship goes sailing by. Off to some strange foreign country. Let me sail a course that's true. On a ship low-in with cargo. Let me be one of the crew; Just' to watch the playful porpoise. As it jumps up into view. Or to see the flying fishes. As they glide across the blue. Oh. to be on watch at midnight. On a night that's cool and clear. "Simper Apparatus" By Clyde B. Ward (Cuzzin Cisco) The height of ambition Of the Maritime Commission, With the aid of the Hooligan, Is to improve its position. No more Department of Com­ merce. Or Steamboat Inspectors. Just Hooligan brass-hat Injectors and rejectors. To survive an examination Without Coast Guard injection. Is sillier than a blood-poison Minus the infection. But with Hooligan's blessings. And a cute monkey-suit. They'll give you your ticket. And some ratings to boot. Almighty Admiral on high: We hail you. shoreside Captain Bligh, Lord of all seamen, the high and low. Though only the lowly know the weight of your blow. It's "have a drink. Captain, tsk, tsk and tut. tut. Bad Leg Keeps 'Tis the radical element—noth­ Brother In Bed ing else but, Dear Editor: I'll pull all their papers, on the Please send me the Seafarers beach they'll stay. Log as I'm laid up with a bad leg While you ship our brave lads and 1 don't know when I'll be from Sheepshead Bay." able to ship out again. 1 would like to keep up with You can knock the L out of Kelly, But Kely he still will be. the news of the Union and the Seafarers. So why not knock the gold braid St. Louis. Mo. Glen Junge Out of the peacetime industry. Oh, It's The Seaman's Life For Me A seamen's life is what I fancy. Out upon the open sea. To sail across God's oceans Where a man is really free; Just to see the sunset's glory On the crest of rolling waves. While the wind is blowing gently O'ei; the masthead and the stays. Log -A' Rhythms v- While the wind and tossing ocean. Brings soft, sweet music "to my ear; You can have your moonlit gardens. They're all quite pretty I'll allow. Biit I'd rather see the moon dancing In the foam around -the bow. If I had but a single wish. To chose what I would be, I would chose to be a sailor. On a ship far out at sea. Yes, it's a seaman's life I fancy. Out upon the open sea. To sail across God's oceans. Where a man is really free. 1 We have a brasshat Commiss­ ioner of Mining. A broken-down Admiral is King of the Sea. The Coast Guard is lord of all shipping— An Independent would be a wonder to see. Let's return the mines to the owners and miners. May the Hooligan just Coast Guardsmen be. Let ships return unto Commerce, And men who can handle them, by G". Dear Editor: Enclosed find a few of my Donkey Watch Dirges. Although 1 try to keep my scribbling straight in the English Channel, it gets off course occasionally. Anti-hoolinganly yours, Clyde (Cuzzin Cisco) Ward SS Nelson W. Aldrich Bound for Hither and Yon Speculation By I. H. Pepper What love is this rieam'to know. How is it nourished. And why does it grow? �TB.B SB AFARERS I a C: BrLday.. December 171.194fi Paa»: TbSrleto Himk J^hs, At Critic Of Seamen, Says Employers Prolong Strikes Dear Editor: Working my slow and' common brain through the daily paper I came across a shockingly chUdish editorial, headlined: "Futility of Strikes," and this definite deci­ sion was based and blamed on the maritime strike. Naturally my common sense immediately twisted and boiled when I fully realized what this land-lubbing, desk genius of an editorial writer gave birth to from his stagnant but happy sinecure environment of' office dust, coffee cups, ciga­ rette-overflowed ash-trays, empty cooa-cola bottles and racing noisy typewriters. Well, regardless of the fact that this mysteriously educated moron qualified enough to write impor­ tant editorials but didn't know any of the honestly basic details in the strike (especially the de­ tails from the working seamen's position), he still definitely stated that all strikes are worthless and futile (especially the maritime strike) because it really was set­ tled eventually through a peace­ ful conference. Now, brothers, wouldn't this moron be a rich, back-broken, happy company stiff if he acidentally but unfor­ tunately was ever a seaman? lars or two cents more to their workers. JUST A LITERARY STIFF But to get back to this overaged kid who wrote such an experl-like editorial. There were just two details this literary stiff knew from his big, overcrowded desk: (1—there was a strike; (2— it was settled eventually through a conference. And with these atomic facts, this satisfied lemon of an educated man cuts his fin­ gers and ruins his sixty dollar suit, climbing madly up the Mountain of Definite Truth and screaming to the eager, common people: "STRIKES ARE FU­ TILE!" Now, who ever heai-d of a com­ mon worker bravely going up to his boss, asking him for a raise and even telling him he wants 15 dollars more a week—because he can't live on his present salary ..So —THAT'S WMY i WANT /A RAISE. ! NEVER FUTILE Of course the strikers are futile—for the government and for the rich, greedy, cut-throat bosses. But strikes are never worthless for the workers and their families — in these days where a dollar is worth about 50 or 60 cents. • Why indeed shouldn't seamen strike for more decent wages and conditions, for the kind of lives they live when they have two strikes against them? (1) The higher cost of living, and (2) the fact that the rich bosses just don't feel like giving any more money because it means so much less of their precious profits rushing into their bank deposits. Seamen, like all workers, don't want more money because they want to buy mansions and yachts, or over­ load their wives with jewels and furs—and their children with slick clothes. due to the higher costs of food, clothes, etc? Why, the boss would be shocked. He would laugh. He would roar and scream and sob with genuine tears flow­ ing—and then he would say: "Well, that's too bad, my good man. I'm sorry, and you're fired." Would this be fair—would it be American democracy of man helping man in his job and sin­ cerely wishing everyone health and happiness. Merry Christmases and Happy New Years? Or would it be plain insane slav­ ery and dictatorship. PICTURE Picture it; The dirty, hard work­ ing, tired worker kneeling humb­ ly on his bony knees before the throne where sits the happy, fat rich American boss who tells him And the tragic thing about the. that if he can't live on his present rich bosses who are shedding j salary he can get another job crocodile tears because they are and the same thing will happen being so mistreated is that they again and again to the worker still raise the prices of their pro­ begging for just a little more ducts, etc., regardless of whether money for himself and his family. they were forced to give two dol­ In other words, a worker has to keep his little mouth shut, starve or steal, and just keep holding on to his lousy job—and let the boss make all the profits in the world—while the worker and his family keep on needing so much milk, meat and vegetables all through the week and new shoes and clothes now and then, in ad­ dition to paying the rent bill, the coal bill, the electric bill, the inaui'ance man, the medical treat­ ments now and then. HEAR THIS Let me quote .some of this writer's poisonous stupidity: "Obviously the maritime strike was wholly unnecesary and fla­ grantly unwise. There was never any lack of opportunity for col­ lective bargaining and the pro­ cess of bargaining continued throughout the strike and even­ tually produced agreement . . . It was a costly and stupid strike from all standpoints and it was a particularly costly and stupid strike from the standpoint of -la­ bor . . . Strikes . . . deprive workers of wagfcs and inflict severe privations and acute hard­ ships upon their families . . . im­ pair the organizations and facili­ ties of employers . . . and cause great annoyance and inconven­ ience to the general public." WHERE ARE THEIR BRAINS? Well, now, if the employers were ever aware of all that and sincerely wanted to prevent those severe hardships to their factories, their profits, their pres­ tige . . . and severe hardships on the workers and their families . . . and the annoyance and in­ convenience to the public—why didn't they use their quick-trig­ ger minds with figures and offer to accept a major portion of what the unions asked for—which seems to be what happened any­ way after several weeks of a strike? If the employers settled so much later after the strike, why didn't they use the same system weeks before the threat of a strike and avoid all those severe hard­ ships on public workers, govern­ ment and their own profits and continued operation of factories and services? But these greedy scheming employers deliberately avoided any day to day con­ ferences held in good faith weeks before the strike. In other words, the employers, with childishly stubborn but clever minds, con­ tinued the strike for the workers. "Cut and Run" Hank ABOARD THE SS MEREDITH VICTORY AT SEA Some of the crewmembers pose, for Seafarer Gilbert Parker, the Meredith's; ace cameraman. The picture, was te.>:en while the vessel — which the crew termed,'a fit. home, at-sea'— was re­ turning to its home port, of Norfolk.. Brother In Army Requests Info Regarding Future Status Prior to joining the army in September 1945, I was a member of the SIU, in good standing. My last vessel was a Waterman Victory, which I left in New Orleans sometime in August, a month before I entered the army. I had been sailing 26 months, and I liked going to sea. At present I have 26 months to go before being discharged from the army. Meanwhile, I would like to know if there is any way in which I can right myself with the Union, so that I majy be eligible to sail upon termination of my army service. I still have my papers and Union book. Please let me know what can be done in regard to restoring my status in the SIU. Jerry Rouse, Pfc. Troop A, 1st Cqnstab. Sq'n 15th Constab. Regiment APO 209, c/o Postmaster, N.Y. ^ Answer; — We have checked with the bookkeeping depart­ ment and they recommend that you mail your book to that de­ partment at the New York Hall, where it will be placed in the Armed Forces file. When you are discharged from the army, come to the New York Hall with your discharge papers. The book will be returned to you at that time, and you will have established yourself in good standing. 'Have A Heart' Begs Ski After Tearing It In Pieces Dear Editor: let would have gone right through your heart and killed Here's a couple of short ones— you." I'd like to pass along: To which the first OS replied: Two ordinary seamen were "Not me it didn't. I was so reminiscing on deck one day scared when he fired, my heart about their war experiences. was in my mouth." Said one: Then there were the Purser, "I'll never forget the time I the Pharmacist's Mate and the was torpoedoed. I was swim­ radio operator, who were shoot­ ming around when the sub ing the breeze about books and surfaced and came toward me. authors. "It got closer and closer. "Have you read Bacon?" Suddenly, I saw one of the asked one. enemy standing on the deck "No, but I've eaten it," came of the sub with a gun pointed the answer. right at my chest. Then he "I'm talking about Bacon the pulled the trigger. . . ." writer." "Hey, wait a minute," piped "Oh, him — sure, I knew him the other OS. "If he was that very well," said the second close to you and fired, the bulsmart guy. Why we used to. ." "Hey, Bacon's been dead 200 years." BROTHERS PASS "You don't say? How time ALONG NOTE ON flies." A HARD GUY Well, that's it fellows, but have a heart, wiP you. I'll be seeing Dear Editor: you fellows in New York within Today, Brother Richard Far­ a few days. ley and I, Arthur Hillai-y, were Alex (Ski) Janowski invited to have a dinner aboard the SS Siroco, an Isthmian ship. The invitation came from Broth­ WANTS THE LOG er Hefflin, another SIU brother, SENT TO THE who knew we were flat broke and LOG INN needed a square meal. We were eating our dinner in a Dear Editor: quiet, orderly manner, when the I have been getting the Log Chief Mate, Albert Meyers, pass­ every week and I have been en­ ed by. Noticing that we were not joying it very much reading members of the crew, he called about the good work the boys the Steward aside and told him J have been doing. I sure wish that meals are not to" be served, I could have been there to help. to any persons other than the I plan to ship out again around crew. the first of the year. I was living in Nevada, but I This little note might save a few brothers from an unnecessary moved to Rock Springs, Wyom­ hard trip. It has been said by ing, and I would like to have the members of the crew that this Log sent to me at the new ad­ mate is a very hard and unreason­ dress. Keep up the good work, boys. able man to get along with. He is also a non-union man—to put it And hello to the boys in New Orleans. mildly. A. J. Doty Arthur Hillary c/« Log Inn Richard. D; Farley Rock Springs, Wiyo. Honolulu,. T. H; .1 �Page Fourteen T B E SEAPAHtHf> L tt t. Friday, December 27. 1946 Curran's Statement On CMU Resignation porations to destroy the labor Stewards Division, would be set- ber two, for promoting warfare bloody warfare on the water­ ' (Coniinued from Page 5) whose votes decide the policy, movement, leave no stone un­ ting the pattern for all unions, on the waterfront with the Am­ front, while the shipowners and have contributed together less turned in seeking unity, even on and leave us in a position where erican Federation of Labor and reactionary forces stand by and than $13,000. Ordinarily it would a minimum basis, with the Am­ we would have to inform our op­ the independent unions. Because enjoy the sight of unions destroy­ not' be of much importance, this erican Federation of Labor, Rail­ erators that we were not able to of the dominating role played by ing each other-. question of money being contrib­ road Brotherhoods, and CIO, for negotiate but would submit our a few people on the west coast It may be argued that we are uted, but when that money does the mutual protection of the la­ demands to arbitration, thereby and their hatred of the unions of bound by a vote of our member­ injuring the bargaining power of the American Federation of La­ ship and therefore I cannot re­ not serve the purpose of creating bor movement in general. NMU for its Deck and Engine bor, the unions that we were able sign as Co-Chairman. The vote unity, then it is of great importIn many ports, CMU local com­ to work with before, such as the of our membership was a vote for •ance. It is also important, be­ mittees, which, under national Departments. MFOW, have been driven from affiliation to CMU based upon the cause under this setup, t'he NMU CMU policy, are not supposed to NO RIGHT the CMU, and their leadership, policy statement adopted in the treasury can be drained by CMU, carry out any programs not pre­ Arbitration has never been the whether we agree with them or whfle our Union, which carries viously authorized by the Execu­ instrument which did any good not, have been constantly sland­ May Convention, which gave full the main financial bui'den, does tive Committee, have gone off on for the workers unless tremend­ autonomies to unions, and recog­ not'have a decisive voice on how their own on political issues, etc., ous pressure was exerted similar ered and attacked. The MEBA, nized all of their rights, and which was moving towards na­ stated that what would be done our money should be spent. and involved our unions in*^m- to that of last June, September tional unity in their own ranks, is that the unions together would 4. Since June 15th, instead of barrassing situations. An example and October. I objected to this ha.s been divided further because work toward uniform agree­ gaiiis as a result of unity, and of this is the recent occurrence in procedure, and requested that in of the recent strikes and wrong ments, uniform expiration dates, oyer my objections, time and New Orleans, where CMU in­ line with CMU policy, the west strategy. So we are actually left and the promotion of greater time again, these union leaders volved itself in the .political situ­ coast unions wait until we had with, not 7 original unions which have elevated tactics to prin- ation occurring in that city. had an opportunity of having one instituted the CMU, but 5 unions, unity among all seamen, with the 'ciples, particularly during vari­ meeting with our operators for 4 of which, although given equal eventual objective of creating AUTONOMY ENDANGERED ous strikes in September and negotiation before discussing ar­ voting, make up less than one one union. The opposite is now Much more can be said of the October, and our Unions, al­ true. The vote of the member­ bitration. As I felt the east and though geographically complete­ activities of local commUtecs, west mast operators had trapped fifth of the membership of our ship did not bind me to remain a ly steparate, wore kept on all-out many of which actually usurped us into separate approaches and union. Co-Chairman. That was decided strikes bj' action of the CMU the authorities of individual weakened our unity. I was "voted at the CMU Convention, without CMU DISUNITY Executive Committee on the unions. The national policy of down, and I was informed that a vote of the membership. And I With the critical days ahead, basis that we should all stay on CMU, adopted in May, specifical­ under CMU policy we had no and unity so necessary, particul­ am sure the membership of our strike until both coasts were set­ ly does not permit this. That right to expect individual unions arly with the attacks from the Union would not want me to con­ tled; and in the end both coasts policy said that each union main­ to give up the possibilities of win­ Coast Guard growing and anti- tinue, knowing that our Union is had' to settle separately anyway, tains its full autonomy and the ning for their members conces­ labor legislation more serious in a B-ciass union in the CMU. The • in spite of the fact that the setup right to make its own decisions sions under arbitration on retro­ the maritime field than in the membership did not vote to have on both coasts made it impossible with respect to all parts of its active pay, and this motion was general labor field coming up, I 4 craft unions, with a total mem­ •for cither to be of value to the constitution. carried by the usual 4-1 vote. am sure that our membership, bership of less than one-fifth of other. We had great difficulty our membership, located three I have fought constantly to On the question of setting up a when they voted for CMU did not thousand miles away, dictate the keeping the support of ILA, AFL straighten these things out be­ realize, or they would have voted Longshoremen on the east coast cause I had believed, and believ­ national organization of CMU against it, that it would result in policies of the NMU, a powerful becaiise of these wrong tactics. ed up to the Executive Commit­ through a Convention, the west less unity and the promotion of industrial union, national in In the case of the MEBA, their tee meeting of December 16th coast unions insisted that a Con­ greater hatreds than we have character and with a proven rec­ strike was eventually concluded and 17th, that if these matters vention be held in March. I at­ had. Nor would they have voted ord of its strength.--Ijbr did they separately for the east coast and were straightened out, CMU tempted to point out that a Con­ for it if they knew that our vote to give the right to any or­ the west coast, and had the cor­ could still be a force for unity. vention in March would not have Union was to become a B-class ganizations, no matter how large rect policj'^ been adopted, the But the Executive Committee the desired effect because of the or .small, to dissolve the NMU. I Since union, without even the right to am sure also that our member­ strike, which lasted 21 days, meeting held in San Francisco changed circumstances. veto policies dictated by the.sc would have been much shorter, convinced me more than ever June, the Marine Firemen, Oilers small craft unions. Nor did they ship was under the impression as as they obtained in the end, that there not only is no possibil­ and Watertenders Union were no vote, I am sure, to be a part of I was, when they voted, that we through the National Strike, no ity of creating this unity that we longer in the CMU, and of the an open warfare with fellow would eventually establish unity more than they could have gotten desire, but there is a grave dan­ MEBA only the west coast half workers in unions of the Ameri­ of all seamen, AFL, CIO and in­ by settling separately in the first ger, because of the hatreds of in­ of it had voted, and there were can Federation of Labor, with dependent alike, and not just a place. dividual leaders on the west strong possibilities that the Con­ whom we were able to work in few unions, for the purpose of de­ On the west coast, MEBA, coast for each other, AFL and vention of the MEBA to be held unity during Jhe September and claring war against other unions,which had to continue on stidke CIO, that our Union would be­ in Los Angeles would vote October strikes, particularly the unless these unions agreed to for approximately 50 days along come the victim of and an inno­ against affiliation with CMU. I AFL longshoremen on the east unity on the terms of these few with the ILWU, because of the cent, assistant to creating bloody stated there that a Convention coast, who gave us full support in union leaders. refusal of the west coast operat­ warfare on the waterfront at a should not be held until at least spite of the attempts of some of LUST FOR POWER ors to deal on a national basis, time when unity of all seamen, October, when we knew where their leadei'S to break our strike. These are a few of the reasons actually got less than the east AFL and CIO alike, is the most we would be going, and we would When I participated in the which impel me to resign as Cohave a bettor idea of where the coast MEBA in the matter of important thing. Convention which established the Chairman of CMU. I am - con­ other unions stood on this allpreference of employment for DOUBLECROSSED important question. Still, a dele­ CMU, I was not aware that the vinced that unity -can be achieved their members. At that Executive Committee gated conference was voted, and CMU would be turned into this for all seamen, but only on the Millions of dollars in earnings kind of organization. Had I been basis of wiping out all the'past were lost because of this wrong meeting, which was called for it was left to this Conference to so, nothing would have made me hatreds and lust for power by istrategy. This situation has em­ the purpose of setting up the de­ decide if it wanted to turn itself participate in its inception. To some individual leaders, and mands of our various unions in into a Convention. My position bittered many engineers, because continue as Co-Chairman of such meeting together on a basis of of creating a uniform national the CMU for the wage review was against this on the basis that a set-up would be tantamount to Setup, it actually had the effect! January, in order that that conference should only mo­ selling out the seamen, in my recognition of the rights of all the unions, and to act on the min­ of furthering the division be- these demands would be uniform, bilize all our forces for the ex­ opinion, and strengthening the tween the east and west coast the approach of all our piration of agreements on June hatreds between unions which we imum things necessary to protect the interest of the meVnbership sections of the MEBA, and it was ""tons would be the same, Ihere- 15th of 1947 and not for the pur­ were actually beginning to break of all the maritime unions, such definitely misleadership through creating the greatest united pose of creating a national or­ down in a small way. Some may as; which our union was dragged as P' ossure to obtain these demands; ganization at that time as it would argue that this is a disruptive 1. To organize jointly against the a stooge union by the four craft I December 1st, before I left for be px-emature. That vote too was statement and will cause our peo­ activities of the Coast Guard unions voting solidly for that|tho Executive Committee meet- carried by the usual 4 to 1. ple to lose gains. Certainly the now becoming vicious against strategy developed by the west t"®' Union, upon request.of truth cannot be disruptive, and AGAINST AFL seamen. ' the west coast unions, submitted coast section of CMU. the truth is that if CMU continues 2. To organize jointly, CIO and no demands. to the shipowners, Now on the question of unity as it has in the past few months, FIGHTS AFL AFL and Independent, to de­ leaving these demands to be of all maritime workers, what The CMU has been used by the made up at the CMU Executive has happened? In June we had it would be the greatest disrup­ feat the. establishment of vi­ west coast unions since June also meeting. Arriving at the meet­ unity behind our issues. It was tive instrument. It has ah-eady cious anti-labor maritime laws as a weapon of warfare against ing, I found that the MC&S and not a name which won our de­ disrupted unity that existed be­ which forces among the ship­ .the American Federation of La­ the ILWU had already met with mands. It was solidarity of our tween our organization and the owners and in the govern­ bor and the MEOW and inde­ the operators on the west coast unions, and the support of other MFOW and parts of the MEBA, ment ar-e attempting now to pendent unions and has caused and wei-e asked to submit their unions that won them, and that and it would not be long before pass through the next Con­ a complete separation between demands by the following Friday unity could have grown had there it would be the cause of greater gress under the guise of re­ the eastern and western sections and then agree to throw them in­ been respect for the rights of losses to our membership and the codifying old maritime laws of the Marine Engineers, thus to arbitration, on which a decis­ other unions instead of policies rest of the seamen than have and bringing them up to date. opening the way for penetration ion would be rendered by Janu­ being jammed down their throats, been gained. 3. Organizing jointly all our of the officers' union by District ary 1st. This placed our Union in which drove these unions away unions, AFL and CIO and In­ OUTSIDE FORCES 50 of the United Mine Workers. the position where we had no and caused them to set up such dependent, for the purpose of Our Union is powerful. It has Constant blasts are made against meetings with the operators on organizations as the AFL Mari­ nothing to fear, except if it be­ getting the best possible the SUP, MFOW, MM&P, and the the east coast until January, and time Trades Department to de­ comes the tool of forces who wages, hours and conditions ILA on the east coast. This cer­ I was told that these unions were fend themselves in what was ob­ want to take it over from the out­ for all seamen without regard tainly is not in the . interest of going to follow this program of viously to be war between CMU side. It cannot at this date be­ to affiliation and also without unity of all maritime,workers for submitting their demands and and AFL Seamen's Unions. We come a B-class union to be used regard to the desire"" of the which we are striving and which their gains to arbitration with a succeeded in cutting the hours to^ heighten the prestige of a few leadership of some unions to has been recommended on a na­ decision coming out by January and raising the pay of seamen. individual leaders and be used by be either the first in getting tional scale by Philip Murray in 1st for stewards and longshore­ We made tremendous gains, but them to promote hatreds and dis­ these demands or refusing to his famous statement that we men, and we would be in the po­ since then CMU has been used unity among the seamen as a work together because of this, must, in the face of a reactionary sition where the MC&S, a craft for the purpose, number one, of whole under the guise of fake I can assure the membership Congress and the drive of cor- union, representing only the controlling our union, and num- unity which can only result in {Continued on Page IJ) �Friday^ December 27, 'W46 THE SEAFARERS LOR Pag* Fifleeii Seafarers Demands Investigation Into Snug Harbor Conditions AFL WATERFRONT SOLIDARITY ing to make a suggestion which (Continued from Page 1) should satisfy both your organi­ effort to so administer the affairs zation and the members of the of the Trust that the aged, de­ Seafarers International Union, crepit and worn out seamen of Our suggestion is that a suitable the U.S. Merchant Marine, as time be arranged by you in order specified in the will of the Found­ that two SIU representatives be er, may find here a quiet, respect­ allowed to visit the home, and able and Christian haven where satisfy themselves that the condi­ they may enjoy their advancing tions prevailing are as you stated years in an atmosphere of peace in your letter. and contentment. Surely, if^you have no doubts Very truly yours, as to the conditions being as you Howard A. Flynn have stated, none of the officials Governor. of The Sailor's Snug Harbor can The second letter was in an­ object to our proposal. In line swer to Volpian's 'letter to the with this, our Union shall be only Trustees, and is extremely brief. too glad to publish in our official It reads as follows: union paper, the Seafarers Log, December 23, 1946 the results of any such investi­ Mr. Joseph H. Volpian gation. We make this offer in or--*, Seafarers Int'l Union of N.A. der to show our willingness to 51 Beaver Street In recognition of the support given the SIU in the General Strike, and to assist the Tugboatdo all within our power to clear New York 4, N.Y. up, once and for all time, any men to gain their just demands, these SIU members met in a special meeting in the New York Dear Sir: doubts which may exist as to the Hall to adopt a resolution unanimously backing Local 333, Marine Division, ILA. Right after this Your communication of the actual conditions now existing at picture was taken, the resolution was carried by a standing vote. IGth instant, addressed to the Snug Harbor. Trustees, has been received and We shall be pleased to* hear a reply has been made to you by from you in the near future re­ Governor Flynn on the 18th in­ garding your compliance with our stant. reasonable request. In the event Yours very truly. that you do not see fit to grant Waller A. Guenlher this request, we shall be forced Comptroller. to assume the correctness of our Inasmuch as neither letter an­ original information regarding swered the criticism levelled at the existence of poor conditions North Russia, in July-August of ships, heavily loaded with sup­ Snug Harbor by those inmates (Continued from Page }) at The Sailor's Snug Harbor, and 1942, it was persistently rumored plies for Russia, alone and poorly who contacted the SIU for aid in may have been more. It was that you do not wish these condi­ that the Russian seamen who armed, were attacked and des­ bettering conditions, the SIU con­ about 4 P.M.; suddenly from the tions to become known. Thank­ "deserted" the Donbass in a life­ troyed by enemy submarines and tinued its campaign by sending right rear corner they charged ing you in advance for your fui-boat, when the explosion occur­ the nummerous enemy aircraft. another letter to Mr. Flynn re­ into the convoy. Flames, smoke ther cooperation in this matter, I questing that "two SIU represen­ red, were shot. and tracers issued from guns on am tatives be allowed to visit the Official eyewitness testimony is all sides. The lead enemy air­ Very truly yours, home, and satisfy themselves craft dropped two torpedoes also offered by Captain Andreyev Joseph H. Volpian that the conditions prevailing are which leaped, skimmed, and rush­ for he quotes a Captain Lowford, Special Services 14 North Gay St. as you stated in your letter." ed the water to their target; the in "official conversation" as say­ BALTIMORE Representative, Calvert 4539 Following is the letter in its William Hooper was torpedoed. ing, "the crews of the American BOSTON 276 State St. Seafarers International Boudoin 4455 entirety: transports left their ships at the Union of N.A. BUFFALO 10 Exchange St. Howard A. Flynn, Governor PLANE DOWN first danger." Cleveland 7391 In line with the militant pro­ CHARLESTON 68 Society St. The Sailors Snug Harbor gram of the SIU to bring about The plane swerved up and over Captain Andreyev's eyewit­ Phone 3-3680 Staten Island 1, N.Y. the best possible conditions for Clearing the ships of that column ness is a very indefinite person. CHICAGO 24 W. Superior Ave. Superior 5175 Dear Sir: seamen, whether at sea or ashore, and passing close by our. stern we While in his "lessons" the Cap­ Your communication of De­ CLEVELAND ...1014 E. St. Clair Ave. saw the streams of armor-pierc­ tain himself reminds us of those Main 0147 cember 18, and that of Mr. Walter the present Seafarers' campaign ing tracer bullets and millimeter Nazi tutors who instructed the CORPUS CHRISTI ..1824 Mesquite St. A. Guenther dated December 23, to investigate, and improve if Corpus Christi 3-1509 necessary, conditions prevailing shells tearing into the plane, and German youth, along with other DETROIT 1038 Third St. have both been received and the Cadillac 6857 at The Sailor's Snug Harbor will the puffs of the exploding shrap­ know-how, that "the Americans DULUTH 531 W. Michigan St. contents carefully noted. We no­ be carried through to a success­ nel around it. Bursting into are not soldiers." Melrose 4110 ticed particularly in the second flames it slowly pancaked to the 305'/a 22nd St. paragraph of your letter that you ful conclusion. Certainly, wheth­ Describing the attack on the GALVESTON 2-8448 er a seaman is "aged, decrepit and water's surface. . 10 Merchant St. specifically deny the reliability convoy. Captain Andreyev re­ HONOLULU worn out" or not, he deserves the 1515 75th Street of our information concerning the A German torpedo-bomber, ported, "one of the torpedoes hit HOUSTON best possible food and living con­ Phone Wentworth 3-3809 heading out of the convoy, passed the American transport Chris­ JACKSONVILLE 920 Main St alleged shortcomings of The Sail­ ditions; and whether that seaman Phone 5-5919 or's Snug Harbor. over our stern about mast high. topher Newport which was im­ is a retired member of the SIU, MARCUS HOOK IVz W. 8th St Such a statement on your part Smoke issued from his rear; he mediately left by her crew al­ Chester 5-3110 SUP, NMU, MCS, MFOWW or was wobbling; streaming steel though the damage was not MOBILE 7 St. I'ichael St is probably motivated by the 2-1754 findings of certain routine check­ any other maritime union, the spitted his bottom. Now, as the great." NEW ORLEANS 339 Chartres St. SIU is going to fight to see that action died down, we saw the NaMagnolia 6112-6113 ups undoubtedly performed by he gets those conditions. NEW YORK 51 Beaver St you or the Trustees from time to PREVIOUSLY HIT varino out of her column and HAnover 2-2784 falling back; she was listing and 127-129 Bank Street time. However, there is a pos­ However, it was over thirteen NORFOLK 4-1083 sibility that the inmates might smoking. hours prior to the afternoon cele­ PHILADELPHIA 9 South 7th St not care to criticize the food, con­ Phone Lombard 3-7651 Heavy black smoke was billow­ bration of the Fourth of July that Worth Ave ditions or other matters concern­ ing skyward from the tanker two tin fish ripped the guts of PORT ARTHUR . .909 Fort Phone: 2-8532 ing the home with you or other Donbass. Two or three lifeboats the Christopher Newport. In a PORTLAND Ill W. Burnside St 257 5th St officials due to the fact that they could be seen among the ships, one surprise attack by an enemy RICHMOND, Calif 105 Market St might be afraid of retaliatory (Continued From Page 14J^ and behind the convoy a small aircraft at 2:30 A.M., she was SAN FRANCISCO Douglas 5475-8363 measures being taken against of our union that it is my inten­ group of German fliers adrift in struck squarely amidship—struck SAN JUAN, P. R 252 Ponce de Leon San Juan 2-5996 them. tion to follow the leadership of their inflated doughnut. Above where the Firemen, Oilers and SAVANNAH 220 East Bay St In view of this possibility, and Philip Murray, President of CIO, them a red distress flare, sus­ the Second Assistant Engineer 8-1728 also in view of the fact that our in his declaration of leaving no 86 Seneca St pended by its tiny parachute, were standing their 12 to 4 A.M. SEATTLE Main 0290 membership has specifically rec­ stone unturned in seeking at least descended slowly. Corvettes were watch. TAMPA 1809-1811 N. Franklin St ommended that an investigation M-1323 a minimum unity with all unions now scurrying to the stricken Thus we find in the Captain's TOLEDO 615 Summit St be made in order to determine in the maritime field in the days vessels. 440 Avalon Blvd the truth of conditions at The "lessons," that which Ernest Re- WILMINGTON to come, because I know it is in Terminal 4-3131 "The transports Navarino, Wil­ nan pointed out: "Precept is VICTORIA, B. C 602 Boughton St. Sailor's Snug Harbor, we are go­ the interests of our membership liam Hooper and others that re­ nothing, practice is everything." VANCOUVER 144 W. Hastings St. to do so, and it cannot be done mained afloat were deserted by Shortly after the main attack under the present structure of their crews and sunk by the fire, on the convoy the covering CMU. of the escort," says Captain An­ forces of British and American Members who forward In my report to the National dreyev in his "lessons." warships steamed by, taking our their membership books to Council, recently concluded, I The William Hooper and the destroyer escortr with them. The the New York Hall for retire­ made it clear that there were Navarino were examined by merchant ships were ordered to FRED DUNN ment are urged to mark the many activities of CMU which British boarding parlies, and then scatter and proceed to their des­ envelope with the notation would have to be straightened Get in touch with Eric Gronsunk. tinations, for the German fleet, "Attention: 8th floor." in or­ out, and I was in hopes that they we were told, had put to sea from berg, SS Alcoa Pilgrim, or at the der to insure quicker hand­ would be straightened out at the Dbl^BASS LUCKY Trbndhjem; the covering force Mobile Hall. ling of the matter. December meeting of the Execu­ The Donbass, fortunately for set out to engage them. Marking of the envelope in tive Committee. These hopes * 1 t the Russian seamen aboard was It was after the convoy's dis­ the manner advised above were not realized, and therefore KARL ALEX. ERIKSON hit in a compartment of linseed persal in the vicinity of the will save time and will result my resignation was submitted.' ' oil instead of her tanks of gaso­ North Cape, Norway, on our way in prompt return of the book Fraternally yours, Contact Salvation Army, 52 El­ line. She was able to proceed and to the North Russian ports, that lis St., N. E., Atlanta, Georgia re­ to th* sender. Joseph Curran, President. ^ later arrived safely in Russia. In most of the scattered merchant garding your family in FirJand. National Maritime Union ' American Seaman Answers Russian Charge Of American, British Cowardice in Convoy SIU HALLS Curran's Blast AtCMUMeddling RETIRING BOOKS PERSONALS �Friday, December 27, 1949 r a E S E 4F A R ERS LOG Page Sixteen J': fy. • tV pp eafarers Way Pays Off On Beefs, Again fe i me, T~ •aric Co\lu^ Union Action Brings $5,653 j) faSnug to^w ToEi %«. *• -.n,mneiengl 0/t/i Harb SIU Pledges Ail-Out All Rider Reel vfSAj To The Eight Victims Ol astGuardMiiitaryRuii n«» / '•"S* 'fie .'•"rfe. .'--i • 68 of the Seafarers International Unia apcis were suspended for six montlj [|^ilii«^M||^^UDnprt was pledgp J YORl •Ked to] cnilicJ Is ^'mar StrtkefcreaWng Ti Iff''' Si-0 vccmi '.tSS ''Oils lot ^^"'1' ^''ooks III R'fis'T-. "o„ ..••\ vOT^'i" lllUiieias>I«t^ Jffne^tlinei te'fl/dxes jKiM-SU ri- S^nun/iN I? o *• n ilL-iv-v'i? I_ =^1 'fic' otA,i " ;tiitcc frt '•itionl li'. ' SmS !!> ^ ^ c-V -V-.. vvV-l <ftW X 0- ... '€/» e/3 " t'i s 15 5-^S sS ss RicS-i ta. ^ «» i'* ^ i> In ® AFL Maritime unions Answer ridges'Raidii >-o» 7/j "04 r IK-D day., thel definite stci P"I."f the comnS iity 3gj] '•X- f. 1'\ 1946 M S. latere ^LMon rnalional ^ "lis. 2 if s" c> ^ ^ And AFl '"nlT'^ 'Company i»-V ®®feaf ''!' P'^", ^ 3* m •o m. rn hf NortJi NEW YORK, N. Y.. FRIDAY. MARCH 22, 194E Agents Confer in New YorkToPlanS^y^ »wl /'"Pressure;«,» K "arm Suuni 4fe<i..v, i' '"^CIIBWCOM.H^ &|ss^ • "IC/l ; withh t noivi r ycarf Fee*J lo' •„ir" '•'•'Ol f"" '•ffwi- Ife -1' ?®® Jo Crew |®f £ye (ract u «« 5ea6arers - T®^^ei Afg '%'PWC/ r'"'^" are ' mofe^-g-. is™".; 1 nurJ 'hf crbv;, ""aineill -,r_ tent to «comm«d 'tr ^oir"pt^^ -., ——«e-i rf^-r AFL Maritime Soiidarity Beats Bridges, CMU Raid On SIU Pacific NEW YORK—Ffl •fe F4 If*'® 'ey A/SA T- '.e""e' evidenced by^ «VI TuedaV. J«P« T „ cl,..Ve. end Joseph Suumw-^ � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource December 27, 1946 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. VIII, No. 52 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Description An account of the resource Headlines: N.Y. MARITIME COUNCIL PLEDGES FULL SUPPORT TO AFL TUGBOATMEN SIU DEMANDS SNUG HARBOR INVESTIGATION CURRAN RESIGNS AS CO-CHAIRMAN OF CMU; CHARGES IT WITH DISUNITY AND RAIDING THE BEST TO COME THIEVES FALL OUT FULL TEXT OF CURRAN'S STATEMENT ON HIS RESIGNATION FROM CMU EYEWITNESS ANSWERS SOVIET CHARGE OF AMERICAN, BRITISH COWARDICE WHAT A DIFFERENCE 50 YEARS HAVE MADE IN LIVES OF SEAMEN NMU DECIDES ON SILENCE ON ISTHMIAN SEAFARERS CREW TO THE RESCUE CALMAR'S COMMANDMENTS FOR MAKING SEAMEN SCABS MEMBERS MUST BE SELF-APPOINTED ORGANIZERS TO KEEP SIU GROWING MINES STILL THREATEN SEAMEN RUM AND FIGHTS ARE NO HELP WHEN TRYING TO ORGANIZE COMMITTEE AIDS ANTI-FASCISTS IN EUROPE MOBILE HAS JOBS FOR MEN BROKE PLAYING SANTA SEAFARERS' HALL IN PORT ARTHUR IS DUE FOR A GOOD FACE LIFTING GALVESTON SICK STILL WAITING FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO HOSPITALIZED SEAFARERS GIVES BIG BUSINESS MAKES RESOLUTION FOR NEW YEAR: SMASH TRADE UNIONS CHRISTMAS SPIRIT IS VERY MUCH IN EVIDENCE IN BOSTON BRANCH BAD SMELL IN MARCUS HOKK HALL TURNS OUT TO BE CMU PROPAGANDA SEAFARERS REPRESENTATION GETS LOGS DROPPED, MEDICAL BILLS PAID TILLAMOOK CREW RESENTS POUND TAX ON BUTTS CREW SLINGS SOME CHANGES ON GOLIATH COUNTER OFFENSIVE PLANNED AGAINST INSECTS ON EVELYN Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 12/27/1946 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1946 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/d04e08b379cd7f09e1166aece3e31812.PDF cdb585b0076537f2153ae9eb15fe958e PDF Text Text Official Organ of the Atlantic and Gidf District, Seafarers International Union of North America VOL. IX. SOLIDLY WITH THEIR UNION 2 SlU Ships Crash; 1 Man Is Injured Two SIU freighters were vic­ tims of the heavy fog shrouding Mobile Bay last Sunday morn­ ing, when the Waterman Steam­ ship Corporation's SS Abraham Claik struck the SS Alcoa Plant- or amidships, tearing a four-foot wide hole in the vessel's side from the deckhouse to a point below the waterline. One Seafarer was hurt and at least six others narrowly escaped injury when the Clark's bow stove in a large section of the deckhouse in which the messroom is located. The men were drink­ ing coffee at the time of the col­ lision. COMPTON HURT The injured man is Howard Compton, 25, a Messman, of Crichton, Ala. Brother Compton was removed to the Marine Hos­ pital when the Planter docked early Sunday afternoon. Following the crash, fire broke out almost immediately up for­ ward in the Clark's oil-filled storm tank. With her bow partly split open by the impact, a strong northeasterly wind quickly trans­ formed the tank into a roaring inferno. The Waterman crew fought the llames for three hours before get­ ting them under control. The fire was extinguished as the vessel pulled into her berth at Pier C, State Docks. None of the Clark's general cargo was damaged by the collision or fire. Fire also broke out on the Alcoa Planter, when flames •jumped from the Clark and ig­ nited wooden partitions in the Planter's cargo hold. The fire was put down quickly by the crew. The Clark nosed into the Plant­ er as the latter vessel was lying aground at Beacon 30, about nine miles from Mobile. BAD STEERING GEAR The crash was attributed to the Clark's faulty steering mechan­ ism by her master, Capt. Ralph Smith. Smith said; "When the Alcoa Planter loom­ ed ahead in the fog I turned the wheel hard to the right, but there was no reaction. We were pro­ ceeding at slow speed at the time." He added that he ordered fullspeed astern in the engine room a moment before the collision. Apparatus from two Mobile fire-fighting companies wei-e at the State Docks when the vessels pulled in. It was the second collision in three days for the Abraham (Continued on Pege }) No. 1 NEW YORK. N. Y„ FRIDAY. JANUARY 3. 1947 Aside from the men on the picketline, here aro the striking cab drivers in Tampa, meeting to plan further strategy. Standing ed the left, wearing a white shirt, is Sonny Simmons, SIU Tcunpa Agent. The SIU has pledged full support to the strikers, and has already assisted as much as possible. Tampa City Heads Help Company Against Striking AFL Teamsters By SONNY SIMMONS TAMPA—This town is a nor­ mally colorful city of 250,000 peo­ ple—a town that has grown ter­ rifically during the past six or seven years. Before the start of World War II, Tampa enjoyed a reputation as one of the finest of the Florida resorts. And during the war many fliers and radio technicians were trained at Drew Field which lies very clo.se to the town. Tampa has everything a city needs to make it a good place in which to live, and a fine place in whih to bring up children. There TUGBOAT STRIKE Unless the operators climb down from their high horse before midnight. Saturday, January 4, New York faces another paralysis of the sup­ ply lines into this large met­ ropolis. On that date members of the United Marine Division, Local 333. International Longshoremen's Association, will walk off the job unless their reasonable demands are arbitrated in good faith by the committee representing the tugboat operators. For a story of the develop­ ments to date, and the ar­ rangements made by the union in the event a strike is necessary, please turn to page 5. are wide spacious streets, a pleas­ ant residential district, and the sea right at the front door. Yes, Tampa is a wonderful city most of the time. But right now Tampa is the scene of one of the most vicious attacks ever launch­ ed against the free American la­ bor movement. CAB DRIVERS OUT For about two weeks now the taxi drivers, members of the Teamsters and Chauffeurs Union, AFL, have been on strike for bet­ ter wages and conditions, plus recognition of their Union. Since Florida has a law against the closed shop, the union is asking- merely for an agreement recognizing the union on open shop principles, and providing for wages, seniority, working condi­ tions, and machinery for hand­ ling grievances. It is pretty pitiful when labor has to come, hat in hand, to beg for such small requests. This is one of the prices of an "anti-la­ bor" state. The company has refused to bargain with the union, and has employed goons and thugs to keep the taxis on the streets, and to intimidate the men on strike. Many of the strikers have been beaten up, some seriously, but the police have made no move to ap­ prehend the attackers. Instead, the. newspapers scream daily about the violence of the strikers, and the police and other local officals have played an ac­ tive strike-breaking role. Only recently O. C. Wilson, peacefully picketing, was set up­ on by a number of goons and badly beaten up. While all the new.spapers are keeping feelings at a fever pitch by carrying ar­ ticles about what the police should do in the event of violence by the strikers, this incident was glossed over by police and press. Since more than half of the strikers are returned veterans, and quite a few of them suf­ fered war wounds which would disable them for any difficult or rigorous work, the action of the company, abetted by the local Government, has rigged a Hitler­ like job on these men. NO GAINS The two arbitration sessions held so far have not produced one single gain for the union. On the other hand, the stand taken by (Continued on Pege 3) New Isthmian Meet Called ByTheNLRB ' NEW YORK—Invitations have been extended to the Seafarers International Union, the Nation­ al Maritime Union, and the Isth­ mian Steamship Company to send representatives to an infor­ mal meeting on Wednesday, January 8, at the New York of­ fice of the National Labor Rela­ tions Board. The conference has been arranged by the Field Ex­ aminer, John A. Penneilo. The campaign of silence which the NMU has embarked on re­ garding Isthmian, is still con­ tinuing with not one word ap­ pearing in last week's edition of the Pilot. The many threats by the NMU and the Pilot that they had un­ covered evidences of coUusion between certain SIU representa­ tives and certain Isthmian offi­ cials have been shown ro be idle charges, and it is obvious that the NMU would be pleased to forget the whole matter at this time. BAD TASTE The eagerness with which the NMU has worked to deprive the Isthmian seamen of union repre­ sentation has left a bad taste in the mouth of every seaman and waterfront worker. NMUers have been unable to defend the position adopted by their own union, and have put a lot of pressure on their leaders to withdraw the phony protest so that Isthmian seamen could en­ joy the benefits of SIU contracts and protection. Only the stalling of the NMU has prevented this so far. It is hoped that the conference on Wednesday will find the NMU more willing to see the impend­ ing defeat which it faces, and to agree to having the challenged votes counted. When that hap-' pens. Isthmian too will be SIU. Snug Harbor Trusteos To Take Up SIU Request For Investigation • NEW YORK, January 2—Fur­ ther action on the Seafarers' de­ mands for an SIU two-man com­ mittee to investigate conditions existing at The Sailors' Snug Harbor is now awaiting the next meeting of the Snug Harbor Trustees. In answer to the request, sent last week, SIU Representative Volpian received a letter dated December 31, 1946 from Snug Harbor Governor Howard A. Flynn stating that the SIU re­ quest "will be presented to the next meeting of the Trustees for their consideration." In line with the Snug Harbor Trustees' decision to take this matter up at their next meeting, the SIU is holding up on any further action until the results of the meeting are made known. However, SIU members can rest assured that the action will be in the best interests of the Snug Harbor inmates and of all seamen as a .whole. �Page Two THE SEAFARERS LQG Published Weekly by the SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Gulf District SEA P 4 R EM S LOG Friday, January 3, 1947 AFTER ALL/©ENTiEMeN, vw^o's AGAiftmr NATIONAL OBFENSE ? Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor At 51 Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y. HAnover 2-2784 t, 4, 5, HARRY LUNDEBERG ------- President 105 Market Street, San Francisco, Calif. JOHN HAWK ------- Secy-Treas. p. O. Box 25, Station P, New York City Entered as second class matter June 15, 1945, at the Post Office in New York, N. Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912. 267 Training Strikebreakers Within the next few months, after the Republican Congress takes office, we can look forward to new at­ tempts to put over a Compulsory Military Training Law. Not that the Democrats would not do the same; it's just that the Repubs will now be able to take the play away from the party that has been in power in Washington for close to 14 years. All the howling in the world that the Congress will do, cannot convince any thinking American that compul­ sory military training is necessary for our protection against foreign enemies. The atomic bomb makes any old idea of defense look silly. From now on, men will net win wars, they will merely be killed in them. When Congressmen and businessmen ask for mili' tary training for the young people of the United States, their real idea is to build up a vast anti-labor reservoir that can be used to break strikes and to grind labor down to nothing. That has always been the ambition of the bosses, and with compulsory military training, they have their best chance of making it come true. Soldiers, and those other people who are trained to follow orders without question, are the only ones who can be depended upon to carry out the anti-labor plans of the big-shots who want to extend their power over you, you, and you. Hospital Patients When entering the hospital notify the delegate by post> card, giving your name and the number of your ward. Staten Island Hospital Men Now In The Marine Hospitals You can contact your Hos­ pital delegate at the Staten Island Hospital at the follow­ ing times: Tuesday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on 5th and 6th floors) Thursday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on 3rd and 4th floors.) Saturday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on 1st and 2nd floors.) These are the Union Brothers currently in the marine hospitals, All the smug words of the Senators and Represen­ as reported by the Port Agents. These Brothers find time hanging tatives in Washington cannot hide the real purpose of the heavily on their hands. Do what you can to cheer them up by writ­ coming drive to make robots out of the citizens of the ing to them. United States. While they preach preparedness for war, NEW ORLEANS HOSPITAL MOSES MORRIS they will be practicing preparedness for the war against J. S. WOOD H. G. DARNELL labor. Before the hostilities in Europe and Asia were over, B. BONIFON JOE GAMBLER soldiers in many southern camps were already being trained S. RIVERA LIONEL ROTHERHAM J. C. GRIFFIN NEPONSIT HOSPITAL in strike breaking techniques: use of billy clubs, tear gas, etc. M. ELTON D. B. BROWNLEE LINDER CLARK EDWARD CUSTER Only the white , light of publicity stopped this move J. FIGUEROA R. M. NOLAN t X A L. L. XEWIS in its tracks. But if the training of our young people in JACINTO NAVARRO BALTIMORE HOSPITAL H. SELBY ipeacetime becomes the law of the land, nothing will be F. BERGLAND H. BURKE ORPHA JOHNSON able to stop the forward march of the anti-labor, fascistic W. QUARLES J. S. CAMPBELL MICHAEL LUCAS CENTRAL MASON big businessmen and their stooges—the men we elect to J. T. EDWARDS THOMAS WADSWORTH KARL PETTERSSON Congress, but who represent only the wealthy and powerful. B. LUFLIN PETER LOPEZ MELVIN COLLINS G. T. McCOMB HARRY WALSH THOMAS J. BAIER As seamen, we see what is up the sleeve of the redE. FERRER JOHN DUDDKO J. P. BROOKS tape artists. They let the cat out of the bag when the R. BLAKE SEBASTIAN AMENTA J. W. DENNIS Maritime Commission stated/that some of the men who will J. R. HENCHEY EMILIO DI PIETRO W. BROCE, Jr. be drafted under the new program should be assigned to FRANCIS O'BRIEN WILLIAM GRAY AAA the merchant marine for training. JAMES DAVIS BRIGHTON HOSPITAL MANUEL ROMERO • H. SWIM In an already overcrowded industry, this has but one STATEN ISLAND HOSPITAL E. JOHNSTON X 'X 'X . meaning. If the merchant seamen are forced to fight like E. F. SPEAR E. DUNPHY GALVESTON HOSPITAL dogs for jobs, they may be induced to give up the gains R. G. MOSSELLER G. BONDI W. G. H. BAUSE LONGKEMPT they have made, at such a great cost, over the past few E. MAY W. B. MUIR PAURGASON—SUP E. DELLAMANO years. And pushing men into the industry by means of L. L.. MOODY ALDERHOLDS R. BAASNER compulsory training is one way to bring on this condition. H. BELCHER KING G. VICKERY L. A. CORNWALL MITCHELL The fat boys have tipped us off to what they are AAA C. KOLSTE DOWELL really trying to put over. Now that we have the warning, C. R. POTTER ELLIS ISLAND HOSPITAL DEETRECH let's do our level best to stop them cold. Tf we don't, we D. HUTCHINS i D. MCDONALD SWENSON may be out in the cold instead. j M. J. QUINN J. KOSLUSKYCASTAGNERE—B.C. �Triday. January 3, 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Three Tampa Officials Help Break Taxi Strike ploy union men and non-union"? HITTING A STRIKER DOESN'T HELP men." the city officials has strengthen­ If the union had insisted on the ed the hand of the company, and spokesmen for the company have same stand as that taken by the become increasingly arrogant as company, it is obvious that the press and the petty officials would the strike continues. be howling for the scalps of the The company still has more union members and their lead­ than 50 percent of its scabs on ers. But the press and the offi­ the streets, all with police protec­ cials in Tampa are owned body tion, and now the company main­ and soul by the bosses, and. they tains that there is no strike, and have developed a habit of look­ that union and non-union men ing the other way when it is to will be hired, as is company pol­ the benefit of the companies for icy. them to do so. The union leaders, headed by In the SIU 1946 General Strike, W. E. Sullivan, Teamsters and the Tampa police and press were Chauffeurs Union business agent, a potent factor in trying to sail and Oscar Bloodworth, secretai-y hot ships out of that harbor. Only of the Central Trades and Labor the cooperation of the local Team­ Assembly, have made charges sters Union, and the striking cab that the strike was forced by the drivers are part of that union, company when many drivers were kept the shipowners from carry­ fired for union activity or because ing out some part of their scheme. they had joined the union. The city resorted to any tactic to break the seamen's strike, just They further charged that as they are trying every possible peaceable pickets have been as­ trick to force the cab drivers to saulted by company thugs in an throw in the sponge. Discredit­ attempt to provoke violence. ing the union leaders and threat­ The company countered by ening them with jail, is only one making statements to the effect of the many underhanded de­ that the strikers are guilty of vices that were used in the SIU rowdyism, and the Mayor of Tam­ Strike, and which are now crop­ pa then issued orders to give the ping up in the cab drivers action. company all the protection it The pattern of this strike is needs. very much like any other strike they have had down here. Only UNION BUSTER the fact that the SIU strike was O. C. Wilson, above, was beaten badly by the goons in the Florida Attorney-General Tom on a national basis pi-evented the employ of the Tampa Cab Company, but he is not licked. Fifty Watson, whose activities as a city authorities from breaking drivers are still out on strike for better wages and conditions rabid union-buster were revealed the the strike and sending the and for recognition of their union as their bargaining agent. The in a Log article a few months ships out of here at will. The company has refused to negotiate, and in cooperation with the ago, injected himself into the dis­ Shipchandlers here requested po­ local authorities, have instituted a reign of terror. But the pute recently. lice support in busting picketlines, drivers are holding firm, and it will take plenty to beat them. He made a public statement ad­ and they were able to crash vising the Mayor to take strong through the lines. As a result, men; this month the taxi cab steps to "keep law and order," no SIU or SUP ships coming into the entire state, and never hsis drivers; next month it's any­ there been a better example of and has encouraged the company this port has since bought a single body's guess as to whom the what happens when the bosses to hold firm against the strikers article from these finks, and police will be intimidating and control all the news publica­ by giving them every help they chances are that they never will. driving from the streets. tions. need to keep their cabs on the REMEDY NEEDED 4. Labor must use the law streets. 2. Education is a crying need and the courts. When the law For a public official, he has The situation shows the need in this section. Workers must is deliberately violated by made some statements which are for certain minimum points so be shown how to break the elected officials, labor should certainly dangerous, if not down­ that labor in this section could yoke of the anti-labor harness go into court to prevent this. right fascistic. In a press con­ hold its own in disputes with which is imposed on them by All city laws pertaining to traf­ ference, Watson said, "unless or- management. Right now the cir­ laws such as the anti-closed fic safety have been ignored by • ganized labor and others desist cumstances are appalling, but Shop Law, and the Loitering the police and the authorities from the unlawful practices and with a few things added, labor Law which prevents more than so as to provide the Tampa Cab three people from gathering on refrain from trying to set up a could hold up its head here, and Company with enough scabs to closed shop operation in this have a good chance to gain its the streets together. This last break the strike. is used to break up street state, speaking without any intent just demands. 5. Organize politically. The to be blasphemous, hell is going Here are the most urgently meetings and rallies, as well as way to stop city officials from to persecute people doing picket to break loose in their neighbor­ needed remedies: mis-using their power is to duty. hoods." I. A local paper that will give elect only officials responsible labor's side in a dispute. There 3. Show the people the pat­ This type of statement is par­ to labor. The Mayor who is is not one pro-labor paper in tern. Last month it was the seaticularly dangerous since it de­ now doing his best to force the liberately obscures the issue. The cab drivers to their knees is the union has never asked for a same official who used police closed shop, but merely for recog­ to crack the SIU-SUP lines a nition of the union as the bar­ short time ago. Labor can go gaining agent of the cab drivers to the polls and vote men like employed by the Tampa Cab this out of office. In Tampa Company. light. A bauxite carrier, the there are 18,000 voters, and {Continued from Page 1) If the company needed any Planter suffered extensive dam­ over 30,000 members of various more encouragement to hold out Clark. On Friday she figured in age to her deckhouse, in addition unions. The answer is obvious; against the union, and to use a crash with another freighter in to the gaping hole cut in her side. if labor wants to do the job, goons and thugs to break up the the Mississippi River, near New Brother Compton told a physi­ the fakers can be driven out of union, Watson's remarks were Orleans. The steering device was cian at the Marine Hospital that office and replaced by honest likewise blamed when she was more than enough. "some of the men in the messunable to avert colliding with the room saw the bow of the Liberty men who don't toady to the In the face of the obstinate at­ S. J. Hutchinson, a Lykes Bro­ bosses. ship as she loomed toward us titude adopted by the company, ther ship, in a heavy fog. Labor in. Tampa is solidly be­ during our coffee period." the union has continued to search hind the cab drivers, just as it GROUND TWICE for an agreement that would was behind the seamen. When WARNING SAVED CREW satisfy both, parties. The spokes­ this beef is over, labor must get Capt. Smith said that fog con­ A cry of warning from one of set for more trouble, in Tampa as man for the union asked the May­ or to appoint an arbitration board ditions were so bed at the lower the crewmembers who sighted well as all over the United States. end of Mobile Bay Sunday morn­ the oncoming Clark probably ac­ to assist in solving the unioning that the Abraham Clark counted for the fact that no one The best way to be prepared is company controversy, but the grounded twice en route from the was seriously hurt, Compton said. by having a program—a program company lawyer replied: mouth of the Bay to the State Both vessels were able to make that will eventually lead to a Docks. He said that the ship was their berths without assistance solid labor group. VICIOUS STAND able to back from shoal waters from tugs or the Coast Guard. Only in this way can labor beat "Mr. Mayor, in answer to that, under its own power. On her first run for Waterman, the Tampa finks and scabs, and there is nothing to arbitrate. The The Alcoa Planter was pro­ the Clark was taken over by the the rest of the people in the drivers we have now are satis­ fied, but the union is just de­ ceeding from Mobile to Port of Company in Boston on Dec. 4. United States who think that manding that we sign up for a Spain, Trinidad, at the time of Previously she was operated by they can prey on labor without fear of retaliation. closed shop. We are I'eady to em­ the accident and was traveling the Grace Line. {Continued from Page I) Alcoa Planter, Abr. Clark Crash In Mobile Bay; Seafarer Injured Rank And File Upholds Curran On Resignation NEW YORK—A packed meet­ ing of the National Maritime Union, held at Manhattan Cen­ ter on Monday, December 30, rousingly received President Joe Curran's reasons for resigning as Co-Chairman of the CMU, and by a standing vole of approxim­ ately 7 to 1, they concurred in his action. In another direct slap at the communist fraction in the NMU and the CMU, the same meeting directed Mr. Curran to meet with Harry Lundeberg, President of the Seafarers International Union, and Vincent Malone, President of Marine Firemen, Oilers, Watertenders, and Wipers, Independent, in Washington. This meeting was suggested by Malone at an informal conference with Lundeberg and Curran in San Francisco a few weeks ago. The main purpose behind this coming meeting is to map out ways and means of combatting the anti-labor legislation that is sure to be introduced by the Congress that went into session on January 3. A number of restrictive labor laws, some aimed principally at seamen, are up for consideration, and only prompt action by the honest seamen's unions will be able to deal with them effective­ ly. CP OPPONENTS The opposition to Curran in the NMU is spearheaded by Joe Stack and Howard MacKenzie, Vice-Presidents, and Ferdinand Smith, National Secretary. All three are acknowledged com­ munists and have been the spokesmen for the communist line in the NMU for many years. So far, Curran has had all the best of it in this fight for control of the NMU. But it is too early to count the communists out, and it should be kept in mind that this whole battle might just be some communist strategy to make the public think that the weak anti-communist p r o g r am adopted by the CIO Convention in Atlantic City is being carried out. The leaders of another com­ munist-dominated union in the CIO recently issued a blast against the CP, and this may just be one more part of the same ruse. ATTENTION SIU, SUP CREWS When your ship comes in­ to the port of Tampa, do not buy one single thing from any of the Ships' Chandlers there. Those men, with the help of policemen, crashed our picketlines during our General Strike. Keep those links off your ships, and re­ member to pass the word to other seamen. This is action that has the backing of the entire membership of the Seafarers International Union. �Page Four ITHIMK THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, January 3, 1947 1946 Was Year Of Many Victories For SiU; New Drives Progressing The SIU petitioned for an elec­ companies and some new com­ tion of these tankermen a few panies which we are working oh Now that 1946 is over — gone weeks ago, but the NMU inter­ at the present time. However, we but not forgotten — and we are vened, and no election date has can't reveal anything about these entering a brand new year, it's yet been set. When it is, the Sea­ outfits at this time, until it's time time to briefly review the Sea­ farers is fully confident that these to petition for an NLRB election; QUESTION:—What port has the fondest farers' organizational p r o g r am, men will follow the lead of the One good thing occurred in the what it has meant to you as a Isthmian seamen, and vote for memories for you? member of the Seafarers, and the SIU as the union of their past week. CMU "unity" is now a thing of the past, according td what it should mean in the choice. * the statement of Co-Chairmari months that lie ahead of us. TEXACO TANKERS Joe Curran (NMU President)' Through our various organiza­ OTHO BABB, Second Cook: As far as Texaco is concerned, when he resigned from that po­ tional efforts, we have learned the SIU moved into this outfit sition. New York has the fondest several lessons which should be With the defection of Curran memories for me. This is my invaluable in our new organiza­ some time ago, and did a good home, and to this place I return tional work." Very few Seafarei-s job of organizing the lai-ge ma­ and the strong possibility that after all my trips. My family had any organizational experi­ jority of them into the Seafarers. other fringe party liners might lives here so it's not surprising ence prior to the past year, and However, on the strength of a decide to desert the sinking ship that some of the best times of now we have a large pool of contract which had expii'cd over just as the rats always do, it five years ago, the NMU went seems to be only a question of my life have been spent right trained ships organizers. through the Texaco back door time before the CMU is complete­ here. I was born in Norfolk and These men are now on tap for and negotiated an agreement cov­ ly wiped out. Then, perhaps, that is my next choice, but New any SIU organizing project, and ering a bunch of men who want­ we'll have the beginning of gen­ York is the best port in the they're trained men who know ed no part of their Moscow Line. uine cooperation and unity on world, bar none. I settled here the SIU score and aren't afraid By means of goons, bargain the waterfront. right after I started sailing and to shout it out to the whole world. basement unionism, and every Originally formed for the pur­ I just can't imagine living any Several different organizing other place. New York has every­ drives are now under way as part other filthy trick in their finky pose of being a front for the comthing, and I've seen them all so of the present Seafarers' organi­ book, the NMU did their best to mie-dominated waterfront unions terrorize the Texaco tankermen. in their attempt to take over the I ought to know. zational program. These different Despite this, many of these tank­ Marine Firemen and other small outfits are in varying stages of ermen remained in the SIU, and development at the present time, are fighting hard to secure Sea­ unions, and with the possibility and it will be necessary to go into farers representation and a con­ of being a home for the commie unions in the event that they details concerning the status of tract they can have something were kicked out by Papa Mur­ each one individually. to say about. •• . ray, the CMU is being given the ISTHMIAN They know that they were sold kind of burial that all phony out­ THOMAS BLUITT. FOW: , Isthmian should be dealt with down the river when the NMU fits of its kind deserve. Pori Selte, France, is a rarely first, because it has been hang­ signed their sweetheart agree­ The roles played by Bridges visiled port and so things are ment with Texaco, but they won't and all the commies, including ing fire much longer than any of very cheap there. At least that's the others, and certainly a decis­ take it lying down. The Texaco Joe Curran before he got "relig­ ihe way it was a year ago when ion should be reached on Isth- tankermen are fighters,' and in­ ion," make you realize what a I was last there. The people were main within the near future. We tend to see this through to the good thing it is that the SIU-SUP nice to us and seemed genuinely are waiting to hear from either end. is streamlined for effective action, glad to see us. They didn't jack the NLRB Regional Director or OTHER OUTFITS and is an important part of the up the prices on things when we the Examiner who conducted the Aside from these four compan­ powerful AFL Maritime Trades came to town and they made informal hearing on this case. ies, we have two other tanker Department, sure that we only bought mer­ Meanwhile, Isthmian seamen chandise of good quality. We had are being denied the union rep­ a lot of fun there, and in these resentation which they need so diays of rising prices, a port where badly and which is being.with­ articles were cheap was a real held from them through the finky treat. There should be more like actions of the NMU commissars. Port Sette. These guys are playing a dogALEXANDER CITY, Ala. ^ A and urged him to ignore a gov­ in-the-manger game where, if sordid story of anti-labor terror­ ernment suppoena to the hearing. they can't win themselves (and ism, police strike-breaking, brutal Murphy declared that Mann paid they've already lost Isthmian), attacks on unionists and spying him $22 to "pimp" on union act­ they are trying to make it impos­ WILLIAM O'BRIEN, AB: was unfolded here last week as a ivities and offered him $25 to sible for anyone else to win. I guess the general population Finky tactics such as the NMU National Labor Relations Board reveal the identity of the union of Edinburgh, Scotland, was the has displayed throughout the hearing. leader in one of the Russell mills. most receptive to merchant sea­ Isthmian drive have brought Police Chief Mack Horton and In addition, he testified that men and so that's why Edin­ home to the Isthmian seamen the two other policemen were charged Mann told him at police head­ burgh has always been my fa­ fact that they are lucky that they with administering a vicious beat­ quarters before Chief Horton that vorite port. My fondest memories voted for the SIU. Certainly, the ing to J. P. Mooney, international "they (the police) were going to are about the fun I had there, smelly reputation of - the NMU representative of the Textile break the union." and the many things that were has lieen spread all over the Workers Union — CIO, in the available for us to do. The food •world as the re,suit of their Isth­ downtown section of this city $100 GOON was excellent and the liquor was mian antics. during an organizing drive at the Roy H. Boddie, another mill of good quality. Although I Russell Manufacturing Co. worker, said Horton and Mann CITIES SERVICE haven't been there in over two Mooney testified he was given offered him $100 to beat up a mill years, I would enjoy returning As far as Cities Service is con­ a bloody beating about the face, there to see what changes the cerned, no date has yet been set kicked repeatedly, stamped on employe who was helping to or­ years have brought. I'll bet it's for the start of an NLRB election and had his head banged against ganize the union. William T. Anthony, an ex-GI, testified that still a good friendly city. in this tanker outfit. The SIU is the pavement. police offered him money to stay still going ahead making gains in After the attack, when he re­ at the Russell Hotel and spy on signing up members, and as soon fused to leave town, Mooney was as the date is set, voting within arrested and taken to the police the union. Organizers were living at the hotel and holding union this fleet will begin. station where his life was threat­ meetings there. Anthon|,r said Here, also, the NMU is doing ened in the presence of Chief the police told him they would all in its power to hold up the Horton. pay all his expenses, but he re­ EUGENE McGUINN, OS: date of an election, preventing Protesting this to Horton, fused. these Cities Service tankermen Mooney was told by the Chief, New Orleans is my kind of NLRB Field Examiner Joe from getting decent union repre­ "They can get away with any­ town. It's full of life and there Bailey testified that he was un­ sentation. These delaying tactics thing around here. I told you be­ as something doing all the time, successful when he sought to look of the NMU have raised such a fore this was going to happen if every minute of the day. A sea­ at police records at City Hall deal­ strong smell around the water­ you didn't leave town." man can have a good time in that ing with the attack on Mooney. front that no decent seaman place; in fact if he doesn't have a Mayor Thomas C. Russell has PAID SPIES would thing of voting for that good time it's his own fault. The been subpoenaed but has not ans­ outfit. They, too, want the kind bars stay open all night, and as The evidence against Horton wered the summons. of contracts, wages, and condi­ long as a guy keeps out of trouble and the two policemen — all While claiming that phlebitis tions that only an SIU contract Ihe cops will stay away from you. charged with interfering with keeps him from the hearing, he can give them. Some of the best times in my life union activity and acting as has been seen in town numerous were spent on the beach in New MATHIESEN TANKERS agents of the company — piled times. Orleans. Maybe some day 1 will higher with the testimony of his This company only has one Mayor Russell is the uncle of visit another port where I will son Murphy, a cotton mill worker. Thomas D. Russell, president of tanker as yet, but they are plan­ have a better time, but I doubt it. Murphy said that Horton and the Russell Manufacturing Co., ning on buying others and will possibly go into the dry cargo Policeman Floyd Mann "used" and is also a vice-president of the him to spy on union activities company. business as well. By EARL SHEPPARD Ala. Police Use Beatings, Spying And Bribery To Smash Unions �THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, January 3. 1947 New Smith Bill Would Strip Labor Of All Proteetlon .WASHINGTON — Formulated by one of the most reactionary members of the House of Rep­ resentatives, Howard W. Smith of Virginia, a new bill designed to strip labor of all the protec­ tion of the National Labor Rela­ tions (Wagner) Act, was complet­ ed this week. As soon as the new Congress convenes, the bill will be presented. Described by Mr. Smith as a bill which would "restore equal­ ity betwen industry and labor . and . . . prohibit the practices that have lead to the present labor dictatorship," this proposed measure contains much of the Cjase Bill which was vetoed last May by President Truman. Also included are Wagner Act amend­ ments which were adopted by a two-to-one vote in the House in 1940, after the Smith Committee had "investigated" the NLRB'. This move was later blocked in the Senate. Some provisions of the Smith Anti-Strike Bill are also revived for inclusion into this all-pur­ pose, labor crippling bill. The Smith ;Bill, when originally brought up in 1940, met the same fate as the amendments to the Wagner Act'. The curbs on labor, as proposed by this new bill, go much further than any previous anti-labor scheme to be drafted in Wash­ ington. Besides the measures out­ lined above, the bill would ap­ ply the recently rejected provi­ sions of the so-called Petrillo Act to cover all industries, rather than just radio broadcasting, and in that way meet the constitutional objection that classed the Pe­ trillo Bill as "class legislation." ANTI CLOSED SHOP Under the new measure, strikes in public utilities and related in­ dustries would be outlawed, as would secondary boycotts and sympathy strikes. The closed shop and industry wide bargain­ ing would likewise bo prohibited upon passage of the Bill. One section of the Bill would make it an unfair labor practice for either an employer or a un­ ion in a public utility or an in­ dustry essential to public health to refuse or neglect to insert in new contracts an agreement to arbitrate any and all disputes. Failure to comply with this would exempt both parties from their rights under the Wagner Act and the Norris-LaGuardia and Clayton Acts. Stating that the move to or­ ganize foremen has been "the chief stumbling block in the coal negotiations," Mr. Smith has writ­ ten into the proposal that fore­ men and supervisory employes would be stripped of their col­ lective bargaining rights. This would not only apply to the coal mines, but to all industries. EXPECT QUICK ACTION Indications are that the Bill will fall into anti-labor hands when it comes up in the House Committe on Labor. The Com­ mittee is dominated by Republi­ cans, and Rep. Welch, California, who has a reputation of a "friend of labor," has announced that he will accept the Chairmanship of the Merchant Marine Committee, rather than the Labor Commit­ tee, for which he is also eligible by right of seniority. The two men next in line for this important post are men who were fought bitterly by organized labor because of their vigorous support of the Case Bill and other anti-labor measures. The two are Gerald W. Landis of Indiana, and Fred A. Hartley Jr., of New Jer­ sey. In the Senate, much activity is also being expended to work out a labor bill to be ready for consideration by February 15. A statement from Senator Taft, Ohio, leads to the belief that most of the Senate concentration will be on proposed outlawing of the closed shop, plus various points of the Case Bill, before ronsidering revision of the Wagner Act. Action on bills to control la­ bor should not take long, ac­ cording to Mr. Taft, since "many hearings (on the Case Bill) have already been held, and there are volumes of testimony and dis­ cussion relating to its provisions." Labor has already voiced its op­ position to the proposed mea­ sures, and all labor leaders have stated flatly that there is no in­ tention on the part of organized labor to take any restrictive laws without putting up a battle. Analysis of the Bills, and the arguments put forth in their fa­ vor, have aroused no sympathy from workers, who feel that busi­ ness and management have al­ ways been more powerful than labor, and -that that power was never' as strong as it is right now. VIeet Tommy, Great Lover By JOHNNY JOHNSTON In the old days of wooden ships and iron men, salt beef was the principle meat caried on sailing ships. Some of these ships also carried live stock such as pigs, sheep, and poultry, but the sea­ men never knew what this meant for rarely did a tender morsel find its way forward. Salt beef was the only meat that the sailors were served, either in stew or just plain boiled chunks, that were called "old horse." But even with salt meat, they were poorly dealt with since the choice pieces in each barrel were taken off for the officers. What was left was for the men in the foc'sle. Here is a poem about "old horse," from Richard Dana, Jr's "Two Years Before the Mast." OLD HORSE Old horse, old horse, what bought you here. From Sacarap to Portland Pier? I've carted stone this many year; Til, killed by blows and sore abuse. They salted me down for sailors use. The sailors they do me despise. They turn me over and damn my eyes. Crew Satisfied Cut off my meat, and pick my NEW YORK—The SS Yaka of bones. the Waterman Fleet came in And pitch the rest to Davy Jones. town last week after a 45-day t i 4. round trip across the pond. On the night of September 29, It was not long after .she tied up that the ship's delegate came 1913, Dr. Rudolph Diesel; the in­ up to the Hall asking that a dele­ ventor of the engine which bears gation of five Patrolmen be sent his name, -was.crossing the Eng­ out to the ship which was lying lish Channel on his way to Lon­ don to attend a meeting of man­ at pier 6. Bush Terminal. The Agent was unable to send ufacturers and to confer with five Patrolman out to her as some members of the British Ad­ there were numerous other ships miralty. After dinner he went below to his stateroom and was to be paid off that same day. The agent instead assigned Jim never seen or heard from again. Purcell and myself, along with It was rumored that German three rank and file members, to agents had done away with him go over and investigate the situa­ to prevent him from giving sec­ tion and return to the Hall with rets about the invention to the the findings. British. Years later, however, his son Eugene Diesel, told an QUICK FIX UP incident that helped to clear up So, out to the ship we went. the mystery. After going aboard and hearing Rudolph had speculated in real all sides of the issue it did not estate in Munich, and had suffer­ take any great length of time to ed a heavy loss. Before his trip, have the entire membership of he had discussed methods of sui­ the crew well satisfied and happy. cide with his son, Rudolph, Jr., The ship's delegate, Bill Thomp­ and the boy, not realizing what son, then told the crew that the was on his father's mind, told three rank and file members that him that the best way would be came along with us were mem­ to leap from a fast moving ship bers who were not paid to do a on a dark night. job, but gladly did so on their By taking his own life, this own time, the way all Seafarers great man did not live long should do to keep down all dis­ enough to see his name become a satisfaction among crew mem­ household term. Today, Diesel bers. powered liners speed across the The delegate then suggested sea, Diesel trucks roar along the that a small donation be taken highways, and Diesel motored up and turned over to the Pa­ airplanes blast their way across trolmen to be divided so these the sky. willing brothers could buy them­ 4 3^ 3^ selves a little something as a Dead Man Island, an old land token from the crew of the Yaka, and he hoped there would not be mark in the harbor of San Pedro, any hard feelings among the crew California, also has a seafaring woman, buried on it. She was the throughout the next voyage. The crew then made up a purse wife of the Captain of the Laura of $37.00 and turned it over to the Sevens. His ship left San Pedro Patrolman who divided it be­ and was never heard of again. •When his wife died, she was tween Brothers Joe Bordon, Oli­ ver Hodge and Siegfried Jafgem buried on the Lsland, and is the only woman who was ever buried doy. William Hamilton there. The Patrolmen Say Page Five Numerous articles have appear­ ed in the pages of the Seafarers Log regarding the exploits, ad­ ventures and what-have-you of various Seafarers. This item isslightly different in that it deals with a human interest—er, we mean feline interest — phase sel­ dom covered in the average story. This, my friends and readers, is the saga of Tommy the Tomcat, as stalwart a Seafarer as ever sailed the bidny deep. Our hero. Tommy, of whom a picture appears herewith, is no usual Tomcat. No, he is an un­ usually intelligent individual who has certain daily duties and a regular schedule for performing them. Usually, when the New York Hall opens in the morning. Tommy may be found perched on a table alongside the doorman. CATTY LOOKS Tommy carefully scrutinizes each would-be entrant, and once in a while registers extreme dis­ approval. The reason for this dis­ approval becomes readily appar­ ent when investigation discloses that the individual in question is either a member in bad standing or some non-member trying to get past the vigilant eyes of the doorman. Tommy knows his Sea­ farers. You can't fool him. After completing his morning stint at the door, Tommy calmly strolls over to the elevator and cooly awaits for George the oper­ ator to open the doors. At the completion of his ascent to the third deck, Tommy lines up for a grand exit and makes for his usual resting place — Jimmy Stewart's desk. This is Tomniy's favorite resting place, where he recuperates his strength after an exhausting night. Just as occasional Seafarers, Tommy has an eye for the fairer sex. His favorite jaunt is over to the French Lines office where he is carrying on a torrid affair TOMMY. THE TOMCAT with a certain French cutie. Yes, he's an internationalist, our Tom­ my, but not of the same variety as some of the NMU stooges. He's merely an international lover. LAY OFF! Tommy's protector and guard!-, an, Red McKenzie, swore when he shipped out that he was going to take Tommy with him. So, when v/e searched the hall for Tommy this morning to complete our interview, no Tommy was evident. Checking a little further, we found that Red had shipped out with — yes, you've guessed it — Tommy. "When he returns from his current trip, we expect to finish our interview, and should be able to add some of Tommy's recent exploits abroad. FLASH: ! •^''e just ran into Tommy on the Second- deck. So, Red must have sailed without his buddy after all. Guess Jimmy Stewart protested too vehemently when Red tried to kidnap Jim­ my's protege. Jimmy says that if Rod or anyone else gets Tommy on a ship, it will be over his dead body. That cat has more guard­ ians! Tugboats Will Halt Saturday If Operators Refuse To Bargain NEW YORK, Jan. 2—This town order the membership on strike of over 8,000,000 people faces the if negotiations or arbitration second tugboat tie-up in a period terminated. Your Committee met with the of 15 months this Saturday, Jan­ Owners today and found that uary 4, unless the so far obstinate it is impossible to come to any operators show a willingness to agreement. Therefore, the Com­ get down to business and bargain mittee voted unanimously to honestly with the United Marine Division, Local 333, ILA, the union order a Strike for the coming' which represents the tugboatmen Saturday at Midnight, January 4, 1947. in this area. The conditions of the Strike That much became plain today are to be as follows: when the result of the strike ref­ All men are to cease work erendum, conducted during the at midnight Saturday in ac­ past few weeks, was made public. cordance with the follo'wingi The vote was heavily in favor of rules set down by the Wage arbitration, but with the proviso Scale Committee: that strike action be resorted to All Oil Tankers loaded be- ^'A if the operators continued to stall. fore Saturday midnight are to / \J The meetings between the be unloaded and returned to Union, the operators, and the their home port or designated Mayor's Arbitration Committee place set by the Owners. have so far not been productive Tugboats that pick up a tow of any gains for the union, and so, before midnight Saturday are to unless something beneficial takes deliver the tow to their designa­ place during the meeting to be tions and report to the designat­ held on Friday, January 3, the ed place set by the Owners. tugs are sure bets to stop opera­ All vessels requiring a watch­ tion at midnight Saturday. man, one member of the crew Below are^he instructions issu­ is to act as watchman amd the ed to all members of Local 333 so Union shall be notified of the that they will know exactly what man who-is watching it. How­ to do if, and when, the pin is ever, if the Company attempts to move any of its equiptment pulled: all watchmen will be with­ On a referendum Vote held drawn from the vessels. by Ihe Membership of Ihis Or­ The vessels of the Central Ver­ ganization on Thursday, Jan­ uary 2. 1947, it was voted by mont Transportation Company, the majority of the members the . Providence Steamboat Com­ that the Wage Scale Negotiat­ pany, and all Ferries, are exempt ing Committee be authorized to |from this directive. �Page Six THE SEAFARERS LOG Fxiday, Januuy 3, 1947 SUP Signs Contracts With Deconhil, Pacific Tankers And American Pacific Any such notice shall be given at The foregoing basic wages shall least thirty (30) days prior to the be retroactive to June 15, 1946. expiration date and after notice 1. Overtime. The overtime pay has been given specific proposals for all unlicensed personnel shall must then be submitted and ne­ be one dollar ($1.00) per hour.. gotiations commenced within ten 2. Hours of Work in Port. The ' (10) days. If such notice shall not work week in port shall be forty be given, the agreement shall be (40) hours per week. It is under­ deemed to be renewed for the stood for the purpose of this par- . succeeding year. agraph all work performed in The terms and provisions here­ port on Saturdays, Sundays and of shall not be binding and ef­ recognized holidays shall be paid fective until all the terms and pi'ovisions hereof shall have been for at the overtime rate, subject, approved by the United States however to paragraphs 4 and 5 below. Maritime Commission. Deck Dept. Per Month 3. Hours of Work at Sea. At This agreement is also subject Bosuns , $215.00 to approval by any other govern­ sea the hours of work shall be Quartermasters 180.00 mental agencies having jurisdic­ forty-eight (48) hours per week ^ Maintenance Men, for men standing watches. It is ' tion in the premises. day work 195.00 understood that for the purpose IN WITNESS WHEREOF the of this paragraph Sunday at sea AMERICAN PACIFIC STEAM­ Effective 10-1-46, the rate for Able Bodied Seamen .... 180.00 150.00 parties have executed this agree­ shall be considered the overtime SHIP COMPANY Extra Meals (Section 7, Article Ordinary Seamen ment this 20th day of November day, that is to say, all work perVII, pages 34, 35 of Union Agree­ Engine Dept. Manning and Wage Scale 1946. foi-med on Sunday at sea shall ment) is to be 50c per meal. Dry Cargo Liberty Vessels Electricians $294.50 be paid for at the overtime rate, AMERICAN PACIFIC Stand-by Work In Port: Revised Dec. 7, 1946 Pumpmen 225.00 subject, however, to paragraphs STEAMSHIP COMPANY Effective 10-1-46 the rate for Pumpman-Machinist .... 225.00 Effective Effectiic Effective Effective 4 and 5 below. As General Agent for the United Oiler 180.00 5-14-46 6-1 5-46 6-25-46 y-26-46 Stand-by work in port (Section 4. It is agreed that there shall States Maritime Commission 34, Article I, pages 12, 13 of Un­ Combination Firemanbe no duplication or pyramiding No. Rating Watertender 180.00 ion Agreement) is to be $1.45 per Signed—H. H. Birkholm of overtime and/or penalty time. 1 Boatswain Watertender 180.00 hour. President $205.00 $205.00 $205.00 $205.00 5. It is agreed that overtime Firemen : 175.00 1 Carpenter (See Note) Cash Subsistence: shall not be paid for regular SAILORS' UNION OF THE Wiper , ;.... 160.00 205.00 205.00 205.00 205.00 watches stood between the hours PACIFIC All payments of cash subsis­ 6 Able Seamen of 5:00 p. m. and 8:00 a. m. and tence must be fully explained, Stewards Dept. Deck Department 172.50 172.50 172.50 172.50 giving reasons in detail, specific Chief Steward on Saturdays, Sundays and recog­ $227.50 3 Ordinary Seamen nized holidays during the period 210.00 dates, and actual meals involved. Chief Cook SAILORS' UNION OF THE • 150.00 150.00 150.00 150.00 Room allowance only payable 2nd Cook and Baker a vessel's departure is delayed by 190.00 PACIFIC failure of the Sailors Union of the 155.00 NOTE:-Carpenter to furnish when quarters are not available Galleymen Engine Department Pacific to furnish unlicensed 150.00 own tools. If Maintenance AB on vessel. Reasons for room ah Utilitymen deck, engine or stewards' de­ 150.00 carried in lieu of Carpenter, lowance must be stated in com- Messmen SAILORS' UNION OF THE partment crewmembers. The foregoing basic wages shall . wages are $187.50. If Purser/, detail and sptJfic dates PACIFIC 6. The foregoing paragraphs 1 be retroactive to June 15, 1946. Pharmacist—$229.00 per month, "^"^t be indicated. Stewards' Department to 5 inclusive shall be retroac­ (In place of Purser.) 1. Overtime. The overtime pay Unlicensed tive to June 25, 1946. 1 Deck Engineer Signed—Harry Lundeberg Effect. Effect. for all unlicensed personnel shall 180.00* 205.00 205.00 205.00 Sec.-Treasurer THIS AGREEMENT shall be 5-14-46 10-1-46 be one dollar ($1.00) per hour. 3 Oilers $ .85 $1.00 Breakfast 2. Hours of Work in Port. The AGREEMENT TO AMEND IN binding upon the respective par­ 172.50* 177.50 177.50 177.50 Luncheon 85 1.00 work week in port shall be forty CERTAIN RESPECTS AGREE­ ties to and including November 3 Firemen/Watertenders 1.00 Supper 1.00 (40) hours per week. It is under­ MENTS OF OCTOBER 1st and 18, 1947, and shall be considered 172.50* 177.50 177.50 177.50 Room 2.50 3.00 stood for the purpose of this para­ 17th. 1945 BETWEEN PACIFIC as renewed from year to year 2 Wipers graph all work performed in port TANKERS INC.. DECONHIL thereafter between the respec­ 150.00* 175.00 175.00 175.00 TOTAL $5.20 $6.00 on Saturdays, Sundays and recog­ TANKERS. AND SAILORS UN­ tive parties thereto, unless either 1 Chief Steward (All payments of Cash Subsis­ nized holidays shall be paid for ION OF THE PACIFIC. DECK. party hereto shall give written 220.00 220.00 220.00 220.00 notice to the other of its desire tence must be shown on payroll at the overtime rate, subject, ENGINE AND STEWARD 1 Chief Cook to amend or terminate the same. or pay voucher, as these amounts however, to paragraphs 4 and 5 DEPARTMENTS 200.00 205.00 205.00 205.00 Any such notice shall be given at below. are subject to both FOAB and I 1 2nd Cook & Baker least thirty (30) days prior to the IT IS AGREED between the State Unemployment Insurance 3. Hours of Work at Sea. At sea 185.00 185.00 185.00 185.00 Tax.) expiration date and after notice SAILORS UNION OF THE PA­ the hours of work shall be forty5 Utility/Messmen has been given specific proposals CIFIC and PACIFIC TANKERS eight (48) hours per week for 150.00 150.00 150.00 150.00 Linen Allowance; must then be submitted and nego­ INC. that the following wage men standing watches. It is un­ (*) Denotes changed rate. $2.00 per week to all person­ derstood that for the purpose of scale will be applicable in all tiations commenced within ten OVERTIME AND CASH SUB­ nel for each full week no linen this paragraph Sunday at sea tankers under contract beween (10) days. If such notice shall is issued. (Linen allowance sub­ shall be considered the overtime the SAILORS UNION OF THE not be given, the agreement shall SISTENCE SCHEDULE ject to withholding, FOAB, and day, that is to say, all work per­ PACIFIC and the PACIFIC be deemed to be renewed for the Revised Dec. 7, 1946 CSUI Tax.) formed on Sunday at sea shall be TANKERS INC., and that the succeeding year. DRY CARGO—(Liberties) paid for at the overtime rate, sub­ contracts between them dated Oc­ The terms and provisions here­ Travel Subsistence: tober 1st and 17th, 1945, shall be of shall not be binding and ef­ ject, however, to paragraphs 4 Personnel Classifications: $4.00 per day for all ship's per­ amended in the following re- fective until all the terms and and 5 below. sonnel. .spects: Unlicensed: provisions hereof shall have been 4. It is agreed that there shall (Travel subsistence is only payapproved by the United States be no duplication or pyramiding Deck Dept. Per Month All other crew members not able when transportation" is furMaritime Commission. of overtime and/or penalty time. licensed including Chief Steward, nished. It is not payable when Bosuns $215.00 This agreement is also subject 5. It is agreed that overtime Quartermasters Watch Personnel: (For purposes cash in lieu of transportation is 180.00 to approval by any other gov­ shall not be paid for regular of Sunday Overtime at Sea.) i paid. No travel subsistence is Maintenance Men, ernmental agencies having juris­ Unlicensed—All Able Seamen, payable when transportation is watches stood between the hours day work 195.00 all Ordinary Seamen, all Oilers, via air.) of 5:00 p. m. and 8:00 a. m. and Able Bodied Seamen .... 180.00 diction in the premises. all Firemen/Watertenders, all Also concluded with the Amer- on Saturdays, Sundays and recog­ Ordinary Seamen 150.00 IN WITNESS WHEREOF the members of the Stewards Depart- ican Pacific Steamship Company, nized holidays during the period parties have executed this agree­ ment. 1 the Pacific Tankers, Incorporated, a vessel's departure is delayed by Engine Departmenl ment on the date first herein Non-Watch — Day Workers: and the Deconhil Tankers, were failure of the Sailors Union of Electricians 294.50 mentioned. (For purposes of Sunday Over- contracts covering wages of the Pacific to furnish unlicensed Pumpmen 225.00 SAILORS UNION OF THE time at Sea). j tanker personnel. The contract deck, engine or stewards' depart­ Pumpman-Machinist .... 225.00 PACIFIC ment crew members. Staff Officer, Boatswain, Car- was entered into on October 1 Oiler 180.00 penter. Deck Engineer, Wipers. and 17, and amended on Novem­ 6. The foregoing paragraphs 1 Combination FiremanSigned—Harry Lundeberg ber 14, 1946. All new wages and to 5 inclusive shall be retroac­ Sec. Treasurer Watertender 180.00 Overtime Rates: overtime rates in these agree­ tive to June 25, 1946. Watertender 180.00 PACIFIC TANKERS INC., ments are retroactive to June 15, Unlicensed Personnel 175.00 THIS AGREEMENT shall be Firemen As General Agents for Effective 5-14-46 • ; 160.00 binding upon the respective par­ Wiper Regular Overtime ....90c per hr.' the same reasons as out- ties to and including September THE UNTED STATES Effective 6-15-46 lined above, the new provisions 30, 1947, and shall be considered Stewards Department MARITIME COMMISSION Regular Overtime ..$1.00 per hr.' are printed in their entirety: as renewed from year to year Chief Steward 227.50 Signed—^Allen Cameron , Unlicensed Personnel with base thereafter between the respec­ Chief Cook 210.00 AMENDMENT TO AGREE­ General Manager wage of $200.00 or over tive parties thereto, unless either 2nd Cook and Baker .... 190.00 MENT DATED OCT. L 1946 Effective 9-19-46 party hereto shall give written Galleymen 155.00 Witness: Regular Overtime ..$1.25 per hr. It is agreed between the Sail­ notice to the other of its desire Utilitymen 150.00 Signed—Omar Hoskins . Handling Cargo (Longshore ors' Union of the Pacific—Deck to amend or terminate the same. Messmen 150.00 U. S. Comm. of Conciliation A new dry cargo contract, comWork) $1.35 per hr prising wage increases and addi- Handling Explosives..$2.50 per hr tions to the manning scale, was (Other miscellaneous special rates recently concluded between the per Union Agreement) Sailors Union of the Pacific and Effective 6-15-46, all Unlicensed the American Pacific Steamship watch personnel to be paid overCompany. time at $1.00 per hour for regular The contract was signed on De-, watches stood at sea on Sundays, cember 7, 1946, but various por-' Overtime at $1.00 per hour to be tions, mainly wages and over- ] paid for all routine watch work time rates, are retroactive to as in port on Saturdays and Sundays. far back as May 14, 1946. When performing unlicensed Since many SIU members ship on the vessels of the American personnels' work. Relief EnPacific Steamship Company, and gineers and Relief Mates shall resince many members of the SUP|Ceive $1.00 per houi-, for length read the Seafarers Log. the con- of time work is performed, in adtract is being printed as a serv- dition to the regular rate of $1.50 ice. Below are the provisions of per hour, the new contract: Extra Meals: Department, Sailors' Union of the Pacific—Engine Department, Sailors' Union of the Pacific — Stewards' Department (affiliated with Seafarers International Un­ ion of North America, American Federation of Labor) and Amer­ ican Pacific Steamship Company, that the following wage scale will be applicable in all tankers under contract between the parties and that contract between them en­ tered into as of October 1, 1946, shall be amended in the follow­ ing respects: �Page Seven THE SB4F4ReRS LOG Friday, January 3, 1947 New Revision Of Riarilfnie Laws Not Do Seamen Any Good By JOE ALGINA K Was Hot Time On Cedar Break But The Boys Finally Cooled Off By D. L. PARKER GALVESTON — The port of Galveston is coming out on top again with quite a bit of shipping going on. WB also have had sev­ eral transient ships in and out plus some payoffs, which is the way we like to see things. One of the ships that hit port this week, the Cedar Break, real'ly was. in tough shape after a coastwise trip. It seems that she was. coming out from Bay town and on the way down the Chief Engineer and the First Assistant were drinking a little joy juice, and came to the conclusion that the Oiler, Fireman, and Second As­ sistant didn't know how to handle things in the engine room. They had the notion that they could handle things better than the ones that were sober, so down into the engine room they went. ENGINE ROOM DRAMA The Cjiief took over from the Fireman and cut all fires out, ran all the water out of the boilers and then decided that she should come full astern. After playing with the throt­ tle for awhile the steam ran out, so the Chief ordered the Fire­ man to put fires under the boiler even though there was no water in it. The Fireman had no alternative and for about 15 minutes there was no steam coming up from the boilers, so the Fireman cut the fires out to keep from blowing everything to hell and gone. While this was going on the First Assistant decided that he and the Chief should have an­ other drink, so he ordered the Oiler to go to his room and get the bottle of joy juice. After about four hours of this, the two riammys went on the top side and passed into the arms of Mor­ pheus. SAD AND SOBER After the ship tied up here, I got the story and went out in the roads taking the Steamboat Inspector with me. Immediately the now sober Engineers were charged with misconduct and the matter was referred to the Coast Guard in Philadelphia as the ship was' ready to sail. I also notified Brother Red Truesdale about the-matter. As for the unlicensed person­ nel aboard the Cedar Creek, they were a real union crew, and I must say that they were right on the beam and handled the situation the best way possible. Incidentally anyone who wish­ es to grab a ship should come ATTENTION! If you don't find linen when you go aboard your ship, notify the Hall at once. A telegram from Le Havre or Singapore won't do you any good. It's your bed and you have to lie in it. down here and ship out on tank­ ers or dry cargo ships to any place on the map. There are jobs in practically every rating open, so come down and take them off my hands. I wonder what Sonny Sim-, mons is doing these days? I never hear from him; however, I guess he has the old fort well under control, and that includes Mother Williams' Cocktail Lounge. Believe it or not, none other than the great writer and bellyrobber Frenchy Michelet paid this fair port a visit, and while here shipped out as bellyrobber on the SS Thomas Heyward, Waterman scow. He brought some samples of his canned shrimp and traded them for canned heat, at least he got something he could u.se out of the deal. FINAL DEPARTURE One of our SUP members. Brother Samuel Price, passed away this week. He was going aboard the SS Hastings and as he climbed the gangway he slipped and fell to the dock breaking his back and neck. He was rushed to the hospital but died 10 hours later. Calmar Now Readying List For Back Pay By ARTHUR THOMPSON SAVANNAH—The good news many Seafarers have been count­ ing on heavily broke recently with the announcement by the Calmar Steamship Corporation that its retroactive payrolls are in preparation. NO NEWS?? Silence this week from the Branch Agents of the follow­ ing ports: CHARLESTON HOUSTON NORFOLK JACKSONVILLE PHILADELPHIA PORT ARTHUR SAN JUAN MARCUS HOOK The deadline for port re­ ports, monies due, etc., is the Monday preceeding publica­ tion. While every effort will be made to use in the current issue material received after that date, space commitments generally do not permit us to do so. NEW YORK — The Federal Shipping Laws are going to be revised, which is a damn good thing. Most of the laws are handme-down from the days of the old windjammers and so it's about time that something was done about them. quite some time. But no seamen are asked to assist in the job, and no one on the Committee even thought to get advice from sea­ men who make their livings by sailing the ships of the United States merchant marine. KNIFE IN BACK But with such a worthwhile Of course they got plenty of project in mind, do you think advice from the shipowners. Most that the Government would con­ of the revisions that I have had sult seamen, men whose lives are a chance to study so far will give most affected by these laws. nt> advantage to working sea­ No such thing. They got to­ men, but shipowners will bene­ gether with high priced ad­ fit. miralty lawyers, guys who make The powers of the Coast Guard their living by toadying to the shipowners, and from this un­ are broadened, and that is bad holy combination a revision of news for all seamen. I can't im­ the Federal laws was produced. agine our men taking this stuff There isn't one single repre­ sentative of any of the seamen's unions, nor is there any one on the Advisory Committee who could be called friendly to labor. That's a fine thing. Here they set out to do a big job, and a job that has needed doing for Lakes Carriers Seamen Learn; Come Around To Chicago Hail By HERBERT JANSEN CHICAGO—With the holiday spirit still in the air, the boys around the hall are getting their snow shovels out for the snow­ storms which have finally over­ taken the city. We've been impatiently await­ ing the white stuff and finally it came with a blast relieving the tension of all the fellows around. It wasn't a White Christmas, but it is going to be a White New Year. Now the winter sessions around the Hall will, be in earnest, and the round table debates will get stronger as the winter progresses, and the boys stand looking out the windows chafing for the spring to roll around. Shipping Is On The Rise In Corpus Christi By J. S. WILLIAMS The company said further that checks would be mailed as soon CORPUS CHRISTI —We have as possible after receipt of re­ something to celebrate during quests from men having 'money this holiday season and that. is due them. the continued upswing of ship­ The retroactive payrolls arc ping and business in this port of being drawn up alphabetically, the Lone Star State. and the company will be ready In fact, we feel in such a holi­ to begin payments when the list day mood that we are extending is completed. an invitation to Seafarers to come According to information made down to ^ this port and catch a available to us, Calmar is send­ ship, but don't forget to bring ing out letters to men who have along your ten gallon hat and worked their ships, stating that high heeled boots so as to gain the company would soon be in the proper almospliere. Out at Harbor Island we had position to make retroactive the Carlsbad and El Morro this payments to those having claims. week, and we expect the Wolf A statement to be filled in by Creek in next week for a payoff the claimant setting forth the de­ from Germany. Brother Joe tails of his claim and then re­ Wread is aboard the Creek, so turned to the company, accom­ she should come in in good shape. panies the letter. Over the week-end we had the It is advisable that Seafarers Tide Penn in port and she was having retroactive wage claims carrying a pro-SIU crew, which on the Calmar Company, and speaks well for our organizers who have not received any noti­ up North. They really have her fication from the company to in fine shape. Keep sending the write to Calmar at 24 Broadway, ships down here in that manner New York 4, N. Y., requesting and we won't Jiave to worry about a thing in the tanker field. the form for filing claim. Among the boys who are in daily attendance at the Hall are Louis Engfer, Joe Anderson, Vic­ tor Gustofson, Oscar Zacher, Thomas Bush, Ed. Eisner, Jack O'Connor and Fred Rausmussen. They will be joined in a few days by the crew of the SS Amer­ ican which is on her way up now to her winter berth in South Chicago. MORE JOIN As the 1946 season came to an end, the last week of the year brought in more seamen who sail on the Lakes Carriers ships to take out books in the SIU. This action on the part of these seamen shows how the trend will be in 1947 when most of the unorganized seamen who want representation from a rank and file union will be coming to the SIU Halls. The attitude that they have is healthy, for they are dead against the Lake Seaman's Union and the NMU. The have watched the per­ formances of both and have found that the only organization that gets conditions and representa­ tion for the seamen is the SIU. They have found that the SIU, not by putting out phony propa­ ganda, but through direct action of all its members gets what it goes after. CLEAN RECORD The clean record of the SIU is getting around to the men who sail the Lakes ships and it is do­ ing an effective job. There is no better selling point than a imion's record and the SIU has nothing to be ashamed of on that score. The record of the NMU, in spite of aU the high-sounding leaflets and pamphlets, is finding its way to the unorganized seamen and one whiff of it is usually enough to drive them from any intention of joining that outfit. I am sorry to report that Broth­ er Patrick Wyne passed away De­ cember 15 at the Marine Hospital here in Chicago. Pat was wellknown on the five big Lakes, and the Union lost a staunch member. Burial will be by the Union as he leaves no relatives. lying down, and I'm sure that the officials of the SIU and the SUP, as well as the leaders of the AFD Maritime Trades Department, are going to raise a holy stink about this sort of underhanded dealing. For a change, we have some really good news about shipping and business in this port. Very suddenly things started to pick up, and now we could use some rated men in all Departments. We've got our fingers crossed, and we hope that it continues. Although we could use some men as stated in the above paragraph, it would be smart for men to send a telegram to the New York Hall inquiring about jobs on the board before hopping a rattler to this town. The situation might change overnight, and that could mean a needless e.xpense with no • job at the end of the trip. Nordeff Crew Plays Santa In Baltiinore By RAY WHITE BALTIMORE — Seafarers off the SS Charles Nordhoff, this week in Baltimore, donated the sum of $47.50 to their brothers in the Marine Hospital of this port. The crewmembers donating the funds to their recuperating broth­ ers are: Vernon Porter, $5.00; K. Nikander, $5.00; R. Kehoe, $5.00; H. Hesman, $5.00; A. Suha, ^ff.OO; M. G. Mickey, $5.00; J. Ragens, $3.00; R. A. Rosekrans, $2.00; J. B. Weeler, $2.00; C. Horton, $2.00; Chief Engineer, $2.00; Pedro Badar, $2.00; W. Harris, $1.00; V. Gilliland, $1.00; H. Johnson, $1.00; S. Vick, $1.00; and O. Smith, $.50. The hospitalized brothers re­ ceived $4.00 each and the moneys was distributed among P. A. O'Brian, W. L. Giecispie, Leo Rhodes, March Ramro, Emilio DiPietro, Joseph Ramieri, Oliver Headly, Harry Walsh, Peter Lopez, Roy Justice, J. F. Davis, and John Fitjamon. �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Eight NMU Slander Campaign On Lakes Falls Flat As Seamen Learn Truth Testimonial Dear Edilor: Friday, January 3, 1947 Boston Officials Boldly Mush Into Far North To Service Ships The members here in New By JOHN MOGAN Orleans Marine Hospital have BOSTON — Winter really de­ Cashing, American Mail, West TOLEDO—Activity in the port the brass hats in Washington for requested I write to you and of Toledo has quieted down a bit their efforts in aiding the train­ have you publish a little piece scended on this area full weight. Coast. A full deck department now that the majority of crews ing schools and ships. in regards to a person that has An average of 10 inches of snow will be needed for her, and the of the 60-odd ships tied up here The NMU was strangely silent been very good to them while covers New England with liberal same for the SS Eldridge Gerry, doses of sleet and rain to make Pacific-Fai- East, which is being for the winter have finished the when the SlU-SUP forced the in the hospital. activated after a long lay-up, to lay-up work and left for their Wage Stabilization Board to re­ In October she sent them things worse. And, as might be expected, go to Sweden and Denmark, winter homes. verse its decision and give the shaving cream, tobacco, tooth­ The NMU in the Pilot is still members of the SIU-SUP the paste, playing cards and sev­ now we get some shipping up The coming weeks loom as continuing its campaign of slan­ wage increases negotiated by the eral other very useful items Maine way, where, at this writ­ pretty busy ones, with several dering the SIU officials and mem­ Union and the Company. But that have come in very handy ing, the newspapers tell us ab­ payoffs expected before January bers. Well, they know whom that when their wages were brought as there was quite a supply for solutely no transportation is 6. This will help considerably, title fits. The NMU officials who up to SIU-SUP standards then all hands. At Christmas time functioning. Airlines are ground­ for despite the fact that few book signed such a finky agreement the Pilot in large headlines pro­ she sent them a fruit cake ed, trains are hours behind sched­ members are around right now, ule, and of course, buses and auto­ as they did with the Bethlehem claimed to the woi-ld. The big­ each and a very nice card. January 2 will find scads of them mobiles are stopped cold. Company here this fall, permit­ gest victory we have ever won! on dock for a job. Of course, She is the mother of one of ting these ships to operate with So v^hat happens? The SS there are quite a few oldtimers NOT WORRIED our members and her name is Tarleton Brown, Mississippi, pulls NMU crews eight days after they Florence Krech, 2447 Grove St., into Portland and is scheduled around, but most of these are not The SIU officials on the Great were picketing non-union ships moving until Eastern does. and docks, have little reason for Lakes do not worry about the Blue Island, Illinois. These for payoff today. And even The boys in the Marine Hos­ name-calling when they are in campaign of slander from the members have thanked her worse, the Alcoa Pilgrim pulls possession of such a scabby rec­ NMU as we know this outfit push­ personally but would like a into Searsport, Maine at the pital here were the recipients of ed the indicator on the Chad- very special thanks published height of the storm on Saturday, nice cash presents for Chri.stmas. ord. burn over to "finished with en­ in the Log where all hands can and we get a call for two re­ It was gratifying to us in the PEGLER STUFF gines" when they pulled the see the .swell work and deeds placements. office to receive letters from the Some misinformed NMU offi­ phony organizational drive up done by this swell friend of the Two hardy souls volunteered ho.spitalized members, expressing cial took a personal blast at our here in August, and eight days SIU Seamen. to go up there. We haven't heai'd their gratitude for the generosity Great Lakes Secretary-Treasurer, later signed the finky agreement Hoping that this thanks and from them since Saturday noon; of the Union, but the feeling predicting that he was selling out with Bethlehem. greetings from the boys to Mrs. but if the Mounties should call, would be even better if it were to the D&C. Krech makes a swell place in we'll know it's with reference to possible for every member who Nor does the SIU on the Great This Westbrook Pegler type ar­ Lakes worry much about the the Log, I am those two interpid characters. donated to the Christmas Fund to ticle can be expected from NMU company sponsored outfit that The only payoff during the know how the boys inside feel Fraternally, officials who would sign, or per­ C. J. 'BUCK' STEPHENS week was that of the SS William about it. mit to be signed, such an agree­ calls itself a union. Any man who has ever sailed the Lakes ment as they did with Bethlehem FEW IN HOSPITAL whereby they agreed to submit to knows the LSU is sopnsored by Not too many of our members a government agency to dictate the open shop Lake Carriers As­ were patients over the holidays, their working conditions, crew sociation, and is the brain child of a company attorney whose I am happy to say, so the Fund quarters, etc. still has some good money in it. While the SIU is fighting both knowledge of ships was gained Which means that our hospital the shipowners and the govern­ in a law school, and later by be­ By STEAMBOAT O'DOYLE delegate can spread good cheer ment on these conditions, trying ing employed by a shipping com­ This is the whole idea behind for New Year's also. Take a stiff drink before you to improve the conditions both pany to protect their interests in the courts, as he is still attempt­ the Maritime Service when it read the following statement ashore and aboard ship, the NMU Comparison are odious, hence, ing to do, by forming this phony was first formed. Every act of its made by the Maritime Commis­ has continually sided with the suffice it to say that throughout sion: "It is in the best interest of history proves that it's long range shipowners who have spawned company union. the ho.spital our members were our national defense and our program is the compulsory mili­ such boards as the Maritime Com­ made prouder by being told by Merchant Marine that a propor­ tarization of American seamen. mission, the War Shipping Board, their fellow paients, "You guys First, it tried to do this by tionate part of the peacetime and the Wage Stabilization sure belong to a real outfit." compulsory military trainees pro­ flooding the industry with poten­ Board. These Government agen­ posed by the President be train­ tial strikebreakers. It took large Here's hoping for a lot of sun­ cies are designed solely to place ed. by the U.S. Maritime Service numbers of woodchoppers direct shine this week, to get rid of .seamen in a state of serfdom. as a national reserve of merchant some of the snow and ice. Else BLOCK ADVANCES seamen." this weekly report will continue The NMU has been outstand­ to look like a weatherman's Think that over! They are ask­ ing in their efforts to bend over column. But seriously, this is the ing that free Americans be draft­ backwards to please and cooper­ WASHINGTON—Not too pleas­ ed into the Maritime Service just time of the year that Portland ate with these vai'ious boards, and ant news announced the day after as they are into the Army and usually shows some life, and we blocking the efforts of the mili­ Christmas by the Bureau of Labor Navy. need some fairly decent weather tant SIU in attempting to rid sea­ Statistics of the Labor Dep't in order to function efficiently. If you refuse to join this bellmen of . these shackles. showed that retail prices of con­ bottomed scabbery you would be Still, like the U; S. Mail, the SIU In January 1937, Joe Curran sumer goods in the U.S. hit the called a draft-dodger and sent to will get through okay! came out with a statement ap­ highest level on record on Nov. a federal penitentiary. Best wishes to all hands for a proving of the Copeland Fink 15. Once in, you would be govern­ Happy and Prosperous New Book. Harry Lundeberg empha­ The consumers price index on ed by strict military law. You Year! tically refused to abide by the Nov. 15 was 1.5% higher than in would be in a junior edition of provision set down by the Cope- June 1920 — the peak after World the Navy, with uniforms, saluting, from the CCC, and trained'them land Act, and on February 11, War I — and 13.8% higher than and all the trappings. to be "seamen" when there were 1937, the American-Hawaiian five months earlier before Con­ ten real seamen for every job. CHEAP LABOR ship Columbian was boarded by gress crippled price control. During the war it tried again U. S. Marine Inspectors at New Between mid-October and midYou would get the standard by working a deal with the Coast York in an effort to compel a November, retail food prices rose pay of an enlisted man—75 per. Guard whereby men could no west coast crew to accept the fink 4.3%. Retail prices of fats and Of course, you would not spend longer obtain papers for the ask­ WASHINGTON — A five-man book. oils rose 65%, with lard prices all your time marching up and ing, but had to go to this fink- AFL delegation will visit Argen­ No support was given by the soaring 104% in the one-month down Muttonhead Bay. You hatchery instead. At the present tina early in January for a brief NMU in fighting this finky deal, interval. would be assigned to a ship. What time, it has a bill pending in study of labor, economic and poli­ but the crew fought it and final­ Besides the spectacular increase kind of a ship? Why a merchant Congress to form a "Maritime tical conditions in that counti-y, ly compromised by accepting in in food prices, the BLS found ship, of course. Reserve" which would be used as AFL President William Green an­ lieu of the fink book a certifi­ that higher prices were asked for How the owners would tremble a strikebreaking machine. nounced last week. cate of identification. When this nearly every type of apparel, in­ with joy to see a number of cargo BLACK LIST gain was made the NMU put on a Making the trip at the invita­ cluding shoes and shoe repair. ships manned in this way by Recently there have been rum­ grandstand play and told their tion of the Argentine government In the year between mid-Nov­ draftees, whose penality for men­ ors of a new plan, a plan to bring members to build a bonfire out and the Argentine Confederation ember 1945 and mid-November tioning "union" would be hard forth a so-called "official service of the finkbooks. 1946, food prices rose 34%; cloth­ labor in a military prison. How record" of every seaman, which of Labor will be: Arnold S. Zan­ TRAINING SCHOOLS ing 13% ; housefurnishings 15%). far would it be from this start to will no doubt have a blank space der, president of the American The NMU is also very militant Rents advanced "only slightly" having cargo ships manned by for "union agitation." What a Federation of State, County and in aiding government training and gas and electricity costs de­ this uniformed scab organization. beautiful black list that would Municipal Employes;. Lee W. Minton, president of the Glass Bottle schools, which turned out thous­ clined about 2%. You can almost picture it. First make! Blowers Ass'n; Israel H. Gold­ ands of young lads with the rat­ Despite the repeated promise.s they would take over "strategic Now it has come forth with the berg, vice president of the United ing of AB, who hardly knew east of meat packers and their lobby­ routes" — in the interest of na­ most brazen piece of skunkery in Hatters, Cap & Millinery Workers, from west on a compass and were ists here that meat prices would tional defense of course, Next, its whole career. By demanding Miguel Carriga, vice president of lucky if they could pack their rise only "reasonably" with the they would find it necessary to that free Americans be forced the Hotel & Restaurant Employes gear right. end of price controls, the BLS man "vital operations" like the into it on a compulsory basis it Int'l Association; Scrafino RomuThe SIU leadership and mem­ found retail prices of all meats tankers and colliers. After that has pointed the finger of finkery aldi, of the Int'l Ladies Garment • bers contend a man does not need have risen 55.4%. in one year, they would expand into the pas­ at its own self. Workers. to go to school to be taught or­ most of this since the end of senger ships — but only to "pro­ At last it has admitted what dinary seaman's work and can­ price controls. Pork rose 83.9%, vide greater safety." it has always been accused of — Romualdi, AFL Latin-Ameri­ not- become a competent seaman beef and veal 61.2%, lamb 50.8%., Pretty soon all our ships would that it wants to take, over the can representative, will serve as in six months, while the NMU has between mid-November 1945 and be manned by uniformed swab whole Merchant Marine on - a secretary and interpreter for - the been praised by the press and 1946. jockeys working for peanuts. group. military basis. By HENRY W. CHAPPELL Maritime Commission Rigging Up Gigantic Doublecross For Seamen Cost Of Living Hits New High In November AFL Officials Go To Argentina �THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday* January 3. 1947 Page Nina The Patrolmen SayHats Off NEW YORK — I thought, until the other day, that I had seen the cleanest ships on the seas. Then I handled the payoff of the John Gibbon, Bernstein Steamship Company, and had to change my After twenty-six years of sail­ mind for she was the cleanest ing time, Hemsley Guinier, Stew­ ship I have ever had the oppor­ ard, still looks forward to each By JOSEPH VOLPIAN tunity to visit. new trip with the same enthus­ I'm sure if I had gone over'her The office ofthe Shipping Com­ ping Commissioners and we have iasm of a new seaman. Even sail­ with white gloves, the way the missioner is of such importance always been treated fairly and ing through danger zones during brass does Saturday morning in that one is stationed in almost squarely. However, their hands the war couldn't kill his love for the Navy, I wouldn't have pick­ every port in the United Stales, are tied very often when they .see the sea. ed up any dirt anywhere. including some ports in the Great an injiistice being done because "The .sea Has been good to me," In addition to being spotless Lakes. They were placed in office they are unable, as we said be­ he says, "and I have made out from bow to stern there were for the express purpose of pro­ fore, to initiate proceedings or, if^ well by learning all I could about no problems for me to handle. tecting the rights of seamen. This the Master refuses to appear be­ the sea and my job." Everyone was sober, and there protection begins from the mo­ fore the Commisioner, he cannot were no beefs at all as not one a That statement is very true. ment the men sign articles. As enforce his rulings. Therefore, it minute of overtime was disputed. Hemsley started out as an ordin­ you no doubt know, before the is our opinion that the Shipping The crew of this ship certainly ary Seaman in 1919, aboard the commencement of a voyage, a Commissioners be given more deserves a lot of praise for bring­ SS Esparta. Today he sails as contract is entered into between power. ing in the ship in fine condition. Steward and is qualified to carry the Master, representing the Com­ These are the right to issue a GOOD CHOW out his functions on any ship, no pany, and the seamen. summons requesting that the Chief Steward Joe Malone re­ matter what the size. This contract or Articles sets Master or the seaman appear beceived the heartfelt thanks of the Brother Guinier has also work­ entire crew for the good chow forth the ratings and wages of fore him and if they fail to do .so, ed ashore for quite a few years, the men and also gives the dest­ without a justificable excuse, that serving as chief cook in some of he has always volunteered his throughout the entire trip; es­ ination and diuation of the voy­ their papers be cither taken away the finest resort hotels in the services not only on the picket pecially the Thanksgiving Day age. As you can readily see, there 01 su.spended. Understand, of Dinner, over which the crew was Islands. For a few years he was line, but as Cook or Steward. could be many instances where course, that in 999 times out of chef at the Constant Spring Hotel, Wherever he was needed, there still licking their chops when I seamen can be imposed upon. The 1,000, the Master is the one to be came aboard. in Kingston, and later served in he would be, doing his best. Shipping Commissioner is there summoned and not the seaman In addition to being all ship­ In the 1946 General Strike, the same capacity at the Myrtleto supervise the signing of the becau.se the Master exercises hi.s Hemsley was on the picketline shape at the payoff, the crew Articles to make certain that bank hotel. so-called judgement upon the showed their true Union feelings in New Yoik,''and also served as these injustices do not occur. man tvhen he logs him. It i.s when they donated $18 to the BACK TO SCHOOL standby Steward for the duration Before Commissioners came in­ usually on loggings or desertion.s Marine Hospital and $17 to the In 1937, in an endeavor to im­ of the action. Anyone who re­ Seafarers Log. and the Chief to the picture, men were abandon­ that the men complain against prove himself even moi-e, Guinier members the good food that was Mate Richard Moore donated $10 ed in foreign ports, they were, in the Master. If in the event the went to London, where he en­ dished out knows how hard the to the hospital collection. many instances, .«hanghaied, and decision is i-endered against either rolled in the school operated by cooks and pot washers worked to Paying off a ship like the John did not know the duration or party 4hen the Commissioner the United Food and Cookery make that part of the Strike Gibbons is always a pleasure to dc.stination of the voyage. shall be given some method of Association. He took two courses Committee function smoothly. enforcing his decision. any Patrolman. Hats off to a real We thus can .see from this alone Guinier's idea about the SIU in Culinary Arts. SIU crew. that the Shipping Commissioner It is our opinion That once u Soon after this he began to tire is short and sweet. "The SIU has Jim Drawdy more than earns his money, ac­ decision is made against a Master for the of his life ashore, and the call of fought a very fine fight .t. he protects seamen's interests. or the Company that unless they the sea proved to be more than he good and welfare of all seamen, At the time of the signing on abide by the decision that they he says, "and that's why all sea­ could withstand. So, in 1941 he of the articles, the Shipping Com­ should be punished either by the came to the United States, and men should support it. That is Sometimes a Skipper thinks of missioner also takes care of allot­ Master losing iiis license until why I am a member of the SIU." joined the SIU. He sailed con­ himself as a cross between Hitler ments and sees that they are such time as he does heed to the tinually, all through the war, and the Mes.siah. At least, the properly made out. ruling or that the Company be transporting farmers back and Master of the MV Costal Stevefined the amount found to be due GOOD JOB DONE forth between the United States doi-e. Bull Linos, tried to make the .<eaman by the Commissioner. At the termination of the voy­ and Belize, Barbadoes, and Kings­ the crew think that he was a tin age, the Commissioner must be ton. God. present at the payoff and signing j Although this was not in the When the ship arrived here in off of the articles. At that time, most dangerous sectors of the port, we went aboard for the pay­ he is suposed to .settle all disputes Atlantic Ocean, nevertheless, off, and found that the crew had between the Master and the crew. plenty of trouble was encounter­ put in overtime for lowering life­ By and lai'ge, the Commissioners ed. His ships were attacked many WASHINGTON — If America boat for the pui-pose of fishing. times, but luckily they escaped slides into an economic "reces­ When we inquired about this, no­ have done a fairly good job of serious damage and he person­ sion" in 1947, the fault will lie body would admit that the Cap­ this phase of their work, however, ally was never hurt. with those employers who keep tain had ordered any such thing. many cases have come up where the man supervising the signing saying "no" to all reasonable re­ By JOSEPH VOLPIAN So we had them break out the INTO DANGER off of the articles is unable to quests of workers for wage in­ official log book, and lo and be­ In conversation with many docAs the war lasted, Guinier vol­ creases, it was charged last week hold, we found that not only had settle a dispute. The question is then placed j tors I have learned that manyunteered for more dangerous by James A. Brownlow, Secre­ the Skipper ordered lifeboats before the Chief Shipping Comi I'uns, and finally got a ship that tary-treasurer of the AFL Metal manned for the purpose of fish­ men are not following through to missioner of the port for a de­ took him to the Mediterranean Trades Department. ing, but he had also stopped the cision. If both parties agree, in rompletion their ami - luetic area. The convoy he was with "It is about time that employers vessel on several occasions so writing, to submit the matter to ireatiiient thu.s leaving thcmscF was attacked by bombers and stopped saying 'no' from begin­ that he could haul in fish. ai'bitration then the Commission­ ves open to the complications submarines, and four ships were ning to end of collective bargain­ Well, you can bet that the overer has the right to render his de­ and disorders the disease leaves sunk. For hours they .stood olT the ing," he said. "Industrial peace tune was paid. cision which should be binding attackers until the fighting ships can never be attained if one party in its wake. We inquired for the Old Man, of the convoy were able to rout persists in exercising veto powers. but he was not on board since the upon both parties. However, the Commissioner cannot institute a should not be necessary to the planes and undersea ships. "Instead of taking a negative FBI is looking for him on the hearing except with the express i urge men to complete their treatLater he was on the Flying position, employers should corne charge that he bought various consent of both parties and even j ment, but it seems that many Elagle, Mississippi Steamship to the bargaining table prepared articles into this country without after he renders his decision, he j the disease is comCompany, when that ship was to listen to reason and willing to the formality of clearing them cannot enforce it. | ph'tely cured upon receiving the caught-in the now famous typhoon agree to a reasonable compromise. with the Customs. Another duty of the Shipping final shots. This is not the case. off Okinawa. One of the escort Compromise is no new idea. Life REDUCED IN RANK Anyone who has been treated ships was sunk then, and all 960 is a series of compromises be­ Between the Skipper and the Commissioner is to receive all hands were lost. Although the tween what the individual wants phony Second Mate, this trip was dcserter.s' wages and personal ef­ for syphilis must continue to men of the Flying Eagle did all and what he can get. The same a nightmare for the men of the fects. He then turns these over haye blood and spinal fluid tests they could to try to effect a principle is the basis of collective Costal Stevedore. The Bosun to the United States District until informed by his physician rescue, the ferocity of the waves bargaining. was busted for demanding his Court where they are held either that further tests are unneces­ caused them to give up rescue "Many thousands of employers, rights as a Bosun, and an AB for the account of the seaman, sary. attempts. Many patients make the mis­ who sincerely engage in collect­ was demoted for the same thing. if he is subsequently declared . "What I remember most about ive bargaining, have found that it Of course, both men received the not to be a deserter, or, the pro­ take of believing that they can that," he recalls, "is the courage pays dividends in uninterrupted difference in pay at the payoff. ceeds are turned over by the make their own interpretation of of the cfew. Their morale was production and peace and har­ Most unlicensed officers are Court to the United States Treas­ the various te.sts for syphilis, excellent, and especially the mony within the production pretty good guys, having come up ury supposedly for the use and and not infrequently this result.® Bosun, and Deck Maintainance family of management and labor," from the ranks in most cases.. benefit of sick and needy seamen in, their failure to get further ex­ who both, were outstanding ex­ Brownlow said. aminations and tests which are But every now and then you meet or their families. This is a thumb-nail outline of necessary. amples of brave men." "If the old guard of hitherto up with a character who trys to uncompromising industrial lead­ live up to the traditions of Cap­ some of the duties of Shipping Therefore, if you have ever GOOD UNION MAN ers will agi-ee to stop saying 'no' tain Bligh twenty-four hours per Commissioners. been treated for the disease and, FAIR DEALING Brother Guinier has carried out to organized labor , and start try­ day. That's the bird who gives have not had the blood test, spin­ acceptable adjust­ you trouble. his Union responsibilities with ing to find As an experienced seafaring al fluid examination, or physical Ray Gonzales the same earnestness that made ments, fair to both sides, peace­ man and especially in the position examination recommended b y Salvadore Colls him strive to better his job per- time production will break all we now hold, we have had many your doctor, follow through, and James Sheehan foimiance. During strike action records in 1947." occasions to appear before Ship-' see him now. Hentsley Guinier .-.r; MM piiiii Good Fishing Bosses' Refusal To Bargain Will Bring Recession VD Cases Must Follow Through With Troatmont iiiiCaaAA.;!.-. �THE Tan- S t 4 t > H k H S Lafitte's Conditions Blasted By Delegate Knife Wielder Hawser Crew A flash of knife-play aboard the MV Hawser Eye following an argument between two crewmembers provoked a stem warn­ ing from the crew that any fu­ ture displays of violence would result in offenders being brought up on charges before the Union, according to the minutes of a special meeting called at sea Dec. 19: The war is over, but some of the wartime' shipboard conditions linger on. They won't linger long, however, for Seafarers are going to eradicate any carry-overs from the days of war shipping. The crew of the SS Jean Lafitte, which arrived recently in the Port of Baltimore after a fivemonth trip to the Far East, is preparing to do just that, accord­ ing to Ship's Delegate Blackie Bankston. In a letter to the Seafarers Log describing some of the more glar­ ing of the LaFitte's deplorable conditions, Blackie said: "The war may be over, but for the Brothers of our good Union the fighting has just begun. Con­ ditions on this ship are lousy, and it's not the fault of any of the crew members. The purpose of the meeting was "to decide action to be taken" against the Steward Utility who PEACE IS DIFFERENT threatened the Wiper with a knife after the Wiper had quelled "During the war," continued a fight between the utility man Blackie, "we had to take things and another member of the crew. they shoved down our thi-oats, but it's a different story now. WHAT HAPPENED When the shipowners give you a The ship's minutes recon­ run-around and would have you structed the incident as follows: sail their old scows around the The Steward Utility created a world in any kind of way, it sure disturbance in the messroom dur­ makes you feel good to know ing a meal, when he picked a you're a member of the SIU." The Lafitte pulled into Balti­ more "a hungry ship," Brother Bankston said, and the men hope to get "things squared away" there so that future Seafarer crews won't experience a repitition of the voyage just completed. Everything was in order when fight with the Deck Delegate. The Wiper, attempting to quiet the men, was struck across the face by the utility man, who was then forcibly ejected from the messroom by other crew men. The matter was presumed to have been forgotten. Several minutes late, however, the Stew­ ard, department man returned to the messroom in high temper, brandishing a knife, and threat­ ening the Wiper for having in­ terfered. Crewmembers again quelled-the disturbance. Shortly after there was another outburst, this time in the passage­ way, during which the enraged utility man inflicted a minor cut on. the Steward's arm. This time the vessel's Master came to the SG^e, quieted the man and took bun to his room. Later, the Captain called the Delegates to his quarters and suggested that they do their ut­ most to prevent any repetition of the incident. He said that he would lend them aid, if neces­ sary. CALL TO ACTION It was then that- the special meeting was called. Several recommendations were made to handle the situation. One motion'urged that the Delegates seethe American consul about the possibility of removing the Stew­ ard Utility from the vessel. The Friday. January 3. 1947 LO G SHE LUGGED TUGS the Lafitte went into a Mobile drydock after the previous trip, says Bankston. A complete re­ pair list had been drawn up by the crew, and they were promised that it would be fulfilled when the ship got back off the coastal run scheduled to last a month. But the repairs were never com­ pleted. TUG CARGO Blackie shipped aboard the LaFitte in New Orleans, when the vessel pulled in to take on a cargo of tugboats shipped to China by the United Nations Relief and Rehabilitation Administration. Principal cargo aboard Ihe SS Jean Laiilte was a deckload Every available inch of space of tugs consigned to China by the United Nations Relief and on deck was given up for the Rehabiliation Administration. Above, one of the tugg has just payload. "They were on our been lifted from the vessel's deck at Kobe, Japan, to be trans''front porch,' and only inches shipped to its final destination. from our bunks," relates Bank­ ston. 1, Then the LaFitte got under icine chests I've seen in a long way and with it the series of un­ time — nothing in them. We got pleasant conditions which the one carton of cigarettes every crew is now intent on cleaning up. ten days. Here's the way Blackie relates "Food gave out long before we what aren't the finer points of the started heading home. We were trip: feeding passengers and a dozen extra heads in every port we hit. HOT STUFF "Live steam came from both The ship was supplied for three the hot and cold lines in the months and the voyage lasted showers, and some of the brothers about five. "In the Phillipines, some linen got burns. The wash water was so dirty it didn't make any dif­ was supposed to have been stolen. ference whether you washed or A side port and a door leading not. The toilets were throwing into No. 3 cargo hold was open all the time we were there. The back. "As far as air-conditioning is Captain took it out on the crew concerned that's just some swivel- by. giving us only one sheet a chair admiral's brainstorm. The week. The Steward had enough ship has the poorest slop and med- to give us two a week until we reached Singapore where he could have the stuff laundered. Seen on ihe aft. deck are iwo NOT RESPONSIBLE lugs awaiting their turn in the "Our agreement says that the unloading operations. All pic­ crew. shall not be held respon­ tures are by Brother E. Hunter, sible for lost linen, but we were AB and were sent to the Log held responsible. "In Kobe, a maritime guy gave by Brother Bankston us a line, a mile long that there was no shore leave, the ship was going to shift and sail the next aboard without a reason." And so goes Brother Bankston's* day, there was nothing to go letter. ashore for, and a lot of other hooey. Ports on the LaFitte's schedule, "We learned that there was no. in the order of call, were: Colon, Army order forbidding shore Honolulu, Kobe, Shanghai, Man-, leave. We were there two days, ila, Masinloc, Bulan, Legaspi,.. and we have put in for overtime Singapore, Sweetenham, Penaqg. for the two days we had to stay and Port Said. G. Washington To Continue Bermuda Run Until Easter The Alcoa Steamship Company will continue to operate the pas­ senger vessel George Washington on her regular weekly run to Bermuda probably until after Easter, it_ has been announced. Continued heavy demand for steamship accomodations from New York to Bermuda resulted in the company changing its orig­ crew approved this action by a ing his performance he would be inal plans to suspend the run on Jan. 1. brought up on charges. fourteen-to-five vote. Part of the Lafitte's crew. In the front row, left to right, are: Ship's Delegate A. Bankston, AB; Deck Del. H.'Durant, AB; Engine Delegate W. Holmes, Oiler; Steward Delegate C. Perkins, Steward. Middle row, left to right, N. Rohder, OS: D. Tippets, AB; C. Hayes, Bosun; T. Kesyer, Fireman; A. Dickin­ son, Fireman. Back row, left to right, C. Hawkins. 2nd'Cook; L. Tippets, OS; J. Yancy, Deck Maint.; R. Jones, Wiper; and F. McConico, Steward. Revealing a sporting desire to give the offender a second chance, the crew voted down a motion that he be brought up on charges. A motion was passed, however, saying that if the utility man gave any indications of repeat­ An amendment broadened the motion by saying "that if any trewmember should attack an­ other with a weapon," charges would immediately be preferred against him. Despite the fact that the fall season is customarily- a slack period for tourist travel, requests for space on the Washington have fallen off only slightly, it was re­ ported. The George 'Washington is said to be operating now at close to 100 per cent passenger' capacity. The Alcoa company put theGeorge Washington on the Ber­ muda run last July. The weekly schedule has the vessel leaving New York on Saturdays and re­ turning on Thursday. The ship's passenger capacity was reduced' recently from 270 births to 200:' births to provide more tworbertht rooms. The George Washington is ano i 1 - b u r n i n g, turbine-driven steamship with an overall length of 390 feet and a beam of 54 feet. She has a gross tonnage of 5,184: Prior to the war the ship operat­ ed in coastwise passenger traffic. �THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, January 3, 1347 Digested Minutes Of SlU Ship Meetings PLATTSBURG. Oct. 19 — Chairman George J. Espalla; Secretary C. R. Sloan. Deck Department Delegate suggested repairs for head, also that foc'sles be cleaned and made ready for painting. Black Gang Delegate made same sugges­ tion for his department. Stew­ ard Delegate also reported needed repairs in his depart­ ment. Motions carried: that quiet be maintained in foc'sles 60 that men may get proper sleep; that letter be sent to Union commending Steward de­ partment for its cooperation with other departments; that passageways below deck be split up equally among all de­ partments for cleaning jobs, and preparation for painting. t X %. CAPE NOME. Nov. 30— Chairman H. A. Moore; Sec­ retary J. E. Melton. Minutes of last meeting read and ac­ cepted. Motions carried: thai Delegates check with Steward on all stores coming aboard, if anything is short the Steward will notify Delegates to have action taken; to have cold wa­ ter faucet fixed; he had re­ ported it to 3rd Ast. several times but nothing was done about it; that Delegates meet with department heads about repairs needed; that alarm sys­ tem in iceboxes be repaired so that men will not be locked in. XXX WILLIAM MACLAY, July 4 —Chairmsm Carl P e d e r s e n; Secretary James Van Sant. Good and Welfare: Motion car­ ried to see what can be done about securing addiiional foc'sle for black gang—especi­ ally for the oilers, whose quar­ ters ha'*e not the proper ven­ tilation. Motions carried: to se­ cure a library in Canada; to send a copy of minutes to Log; to keep buckets out of shower rooms; to appoint a commit­ tee of the three department delegates to call on the Sea­ men's Union of Canada to get information about the new con­ tract negotiations; to get a new radio speaker in Crew's messroom; to ask delegate to speak to Radio Operator about play­ ing radio more frequently. Chairman Pedersen promised to try to make arrangements to secure all back issues of the Log. All hands stood in silence for one minute in tribute to the memory of our Brothers lost at sea. NEW ECHOTA. Aug. 18— Chairman Paul M. Palmer; Secretary William T. Harrison. Delegates reported and over­ time to be held for discussion with Union Patrolman. Other Business: Motion carried that each crewmember after coffee must wash own cup and after eating he must put night lunch back in ice box. Last man on each watch to see that the messhall is clean. Motion car­ ried that men will be lined for not observing sanitary rules in heads. tit The Midway Hills Meets An Obstacle ALCOA PILGRIM. Sept. 22 —Chairman Gednes M. Hearn; Secretary James B. Baldwin. Delegates reports: Deck dele­ gate listed various hours work­ ed towing dunnage, etc.. with­ out the required rest periods. Reported that Captain ordered the men to work until Male knocked them off. New Busi­ ness: Discussion about over­ time for meals served to one of the crew laid up in hospital. Crew was told of two crewmembers being denied hospi­ talization in one port due to some mixup by the Mate and Company. Matter of messhall clock not being repaired was aired. » » * BUTTON GWINNETT, Nov. 17—Chairmetn A. Schiavone; J. C. Jutchess. New Business: Motion carried to make up a list of needed repairs for the benefit of the next crew. Good and Welfare: Several cases of violations of shipping rules, and it was decided to bring them to the attention of the boarding Patrolman. The crew agreed that as they found the ship clean they also would leave it clean, if not cleaner for the next crew. It was also agreed that all hands would submit their books and trip cards to their respective delegates with slips enclosed stating the num­ ber of months dues they wished to pay. in this way hope it would help the Patrolman and give him more time to take care of beefs if any arise. Copy of minutes to be posted on bul­ letin board for next crew, also copy to Patrolman and Log. XXX Midway in the proceedings of a recent meeting aboard the Mid­ way Hills, a Seafarer rose and started debate on a matter which, in the crews opinion, smelled to high heaven—the water in the ship's tanks. The discussion wound up with unanimous passage of a motion offered by Brother Gallagher Gallagher stating that "at the next port of call, the Patroln.an shall be called aboard and the water tanks inspected. If the water is unfit for use and if noth­ ing is done about the situation the crew shall give 24 hours no­ tice." At the next port of call, the sore-spot was called to the at­ tention of the Patrolman, accord­ ing to a later set of minutes. The E, T. FRELINGHUYSEN. — Patrolman advised, however, that the crew not take any im­ (Date. Chairman and Secretary mediate action since the port was not given). New Business: Mo­ in an "out of the way place," and tions carried: that all crewno facilities for repairs were members have innerspring mattresses; that all foc'sles be available. Since the Chief Engineer was painted; that windshields be doing everything possible to obtained for portholes; that fan remedy the condition of the wa­ and ice box be repaired; that ter, and, consequently, the water any man found leaving cups, was beginning to show some im­ knives, forks, etc.. on tables provement, the crew decided to donate 25 cents to fund; that accept the Patrolman's advice all men be fully dressed to and postpone any further action come into the messhall and no one to appear with undershirt until, the next port was reached. At Log press time, there was at the meal table; that each de­ no further word on this state of partment take turns cleaning affairs. Perhaps, the Midway laundry, departments to rotate Hills was getting over the hump each week; that a letter be written to John Hawk concern­ of things. ing Mates and Engineers whom 4- 4* 4* we refuse to sail with until clearance is made by them in MAIDEN CREEK. Dec. 16regard to recent strike. (Chairman and Secretary not given). Motions carried: that beefs between Oiler and Stew­ ard be put on agenda for next meeting; that ship delegate see Captain about repairing fan in galley; that OS and wipers clean recreation room every other week; that Steward see about getting new coffee pots; that if Brother should run afoul of> membership's advice again concerning the health and welfare of the crew, dele­ gate shall send in to headquar­ ters recommendation that his book be pulled. Amendment: WCAie ^oofi SIO f»/M — that delegate see Captain about -THE 'BAI&e OF A Fl6RVne his condition and he be placed UNION ... (/OOfl UNION ! on probation for remainder of voyage. Page Eleven SEAFARER SAM SAYS: you VONT HAy/e 'fOBEA J $HAKESPEARe/ IT DOESN'T HAVE. To BE A WORLQ-SHA^m EVENT -BUT EVERY TRIP WILL HAVE A HIGHLIGHT THAT WILL INTEREST THE U/VioNMfMBERSMiP; AN AMUSING INCIDENT A CccD MEETNG, AM OOrSfAMOlHQ UNioN JOB. WHATE\^R IT iS, SEAJDITIN); IP IT'S PRINTABLE, Wf'LL -PUBLISH IT S CUT and RUN By HANK This week's column just ain't up to our now-and-then notice­ able Plimsoll mark due to Merry Christmas and Happy New Year knocking us off course and plugging up our radar ears from de­ tecting fresh news. Well, so help us, it looks like these two holidays were too merry and too expensive. Just about e very bod j' (except a few guys now and then who didn't know we had a strike recently) is flooding the hall to ship out . . . Brother Paulo Pringi, with his mustache and a black rain coat, just registered for shipping . . . The little Steward always with a cigar. Brother Joe Arras, just sailed in from Marseilles, France! And, oui, we naturally presume Joe preferably brought back cognac, which seems to be the only perfume a sailor is usually odored with, just like anybody else is too, now and then . . . We hope that Brother Joe Miller, nicknamed the "Little Admiral," somehow enjoyed a Merry Chi'istmas after all, to cover up his blues from losing out in a night-club investment down in Florida. i. 4 4 Perhaps Joe couldn't get a liquor license so he served all sorts of orange drinks, if that's possible, and the Floridian nightowls just couldn't enjoy themselves boxing the nightly compass in such a unaffecting manner . . . Brother H. W. Greenless, who was taxi-fcuring in West Virginia, sent a Christmas card from Arizona to Paul the Dispatcher. Are you digging for gold or just expanding your taxi-ships. Brother Greenlee? . . . Brother Steve Carr. who got married recently, shipped out. Let's hear from you. Steve . . . Abe "Bob" Sprung, just sailed into town after six months of shuttling bauxite between the Carribbean islands and Canada . . . Thomas Massey. who came in to see his wife, says that his trip with Salvatore Frank ended rather humorously in Mobile. After paying off their long trip. Brother Frank went out and bought a brand new second-hand suit for 17 dollars. The high cost of living must have hit him. too, eh Tommy? 4 4 4 Here's a few of the oldtimers anchored here in town until the ships take them out: Cliarlie Roinikaitis; Bosun Charlie Bush; Andy Thevik; B. Murio: J. Kelly; J. Santos; J. Rockhill; Harold Farrington; F. B. Ortiz; Bosun Francisco Morciglio; and Thor Thorsen . . . Thanks to Joe, the boss of the Mariner's Bar and Restaturant below the Union hall, for way he bottled his Merry Christmas greetings to al his friends topside . . . Bob Hicks just sailed in from Baltimore where he says he couldn't find his pal. One Eye Pete De Pietro, who was meanwhile anchored in the Baltimore Marine Hos­ pital suffering from something—maybe too many peppers? Kidding aside Pete, how was Merry—was she around—1 mean, how v;® Christmas, merry? We were shocked lo hear thai the oddest and rather un­ expected Christmas present the seamen in the "Doghouse" on South Street received was a 50c more raise in prices for sleep­ ing there. Maybe the place needs the money more than the ^ seamen themselves! Well, seamen always have absorbed the worst things in their lives—but the SIU membership has knocked out many of these unfair practices on their lives thrown, at them by all sorts of happy bureaus, military stiffs, phony medical experimenters, financial company wizards, and happy Washfor a living—gel dirt and cuts on their hands, grease on their ington labor-haters. Why don't they go out and really work pants and pains in their backs? "^ �UK if THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Twelve Friday. January 3, 1947 TBE MEMBERSHIP SPEAKS Moon Koons' Warm Advice For Men Making Island Run Dear Editor: On our recent trip to South America on the SS Del Valle, a Mississippi scow, which, as you know, left New Orleans after the strike was over and after the new agreements were signed, we met several ships operated by SIUcontracted companies. The men aboard these vessels didn't have any knowledge of the new agreements, therefore we distributed several bundles of the Seafarers Log which contained the complete agreement. On all Waterman and Mississippi ships we met, we explained to the men that the agjreement with the aforementioned companies is bas­ ically the same as the agreements with the other companies, with only a few changes in working conditions. MET ALCOA SHIPS NEWS FOR TANKERMEN TANKER MEN book men. The crew blames the Steward, who they say is a tripcard man, and he in turn blames the Captain. There is plenty of food avail­ able in this country, and no need for the men to go hungry. It seems that the old man is a man with an iron whip. It has also been said by some of the crewmembers that the old man said he didn't care if the men ate,or starved. I would like to pass the word to the branches up and down the coast to be on the lookout for this ship when she gets back home as there is plenty to be straight­ ened out aboard. Moon Koons Did You Really Try? By Wayne McAllisJep READ THE S. I. U. TANKER NEWS IH West 8th St. Phone Chester 5-3110 Stickers like the one reproduced above appear all over Marcus Hook. Pa., advertising the SIU's Tanker News. The paper contains all the latest news of interest to men sailing tankers. Christmas And Mystery Cheer Seafarers Abed In Staten Island Marine Hospital We also met two of the Alcoa Steamship company's vessels in Buenos Aires. They left New Orleans for a 21-day trip to the Dear Editor: islands on a bauxite run which I would like to thank the SIU, wound up here in Buenos Airies. the Log. and all the Brothers for It seems that the Alcoa company the splendid generosity shown to is taking several of their ships. us hospitalized members this Christmas. It sure gives a fellow a great moral lift to realize that in this militant and adventurous year of fighting to better a sea­ man's living conditions, we, the sick and disabled, were not over­ looked. In behalf of all SIU men in Ward B-5 I thank you, and many thanks to Joe Volpian, our splen­ did hospital delegate. We all wish the SIU the success and victory it deserves as an Americiin seaman's o r g a n iz a t i o n. "Steady as she goes!" after the run to the islands, and Life here in the Staten Island sending them to the River Plata Marine Hospital has been improv­ area to load grain bound for Bal­ ing as a whole. The food has im­ tic points. proved considerably and is still As you know, it is very cold in on the upgrade, also up here in the Baltic this time of the year, B-5 we have some nice nurses, and when a seaman leaves the orderlies and a top notch medical states on an island run he doesn't staff. take any heavy gear with him. Christmas here was well cele­ So please advise our Brothers brated and it seems like every­ leaving on island runs for Alcoa one was remembered. We wish to be prepared for a trip which to thank the various organiza­ might take them the full length tions for their generous effort in of the articles into any port in the behalf of the sick and disabled world, and to bring heavy clothes seamen. from the states with them. The DARK MYSTERY crews of the above-mentioned ships have no winter gear and A very dark mystery occurred they are headed for Sweden. here some time ago involving a One of these ships is the Cald­ colonel, lieutenant, and an in­ well. The Blanchard brothers spector which resulted in the com­ are aboard her. We also laid plete disappearance of the lieu­ alongside the New Afoundria, a tenant. The story is absolutely Waterman ship, which needs in­ true and took place about a vestigating when she returns to month ago. The names of the the States. She has been around inspector, colonel, and lieutenant the world and has just come are as phony as their ranks. How­ from Shanghai to Buenos Aires ever, the story has a moral and where she will load grain for is good for a few laughs, so here's what happened: France. It was a very dull day in Ward A HUNGRY SHIP B-5, most of the patients were on This ship. New Afoundria, is the sack, the sky outside the win­ very hungry. She has been in dows was leaden and grey, while port seven days at this time and within the ward aH was silent. when we arrived they didn't have Suddenly the calm was broken by ang sugar, coffee, or anything to the shrill jangle of the telephone eat but water-buffalo meat and and someone barked: "Lieuten­ very few stores. It appears that ant Bull is wanted on the phone." there are but few men who are Immediately, to the phone dashed Log'A'Rhythms Oil a spry young fellow. Lieutenant Bull, of course. Two men sitting peacefully on their bunks looked questioningly at each other, "Wonder if he is a real looey?" With the war being over looeys are kind of scarce around here. Suspicion arose in their minds and tacitly then and there it was decided to investi­ gate the looey. LATER One hour later another call came through for Lieutenant Bull, and in anticipation a spy had been placed near the phone booth. To our spy's ears it seem­ ed that an Inspector of some office was calling and was demanding to know of Lieutenant Bull where in the hell he got his high rating. The lieutenant, quick on the comeback, replied that he was a Steward and that all Stewards were looeys, full lieutenants on big ships and lieutenant (j.g.'s) on small ones. The inspector whose name is McSnoop, and who had been a Steward quite a while, wouldn't believe it and ordered Lt. Bull to call Colonel O'Stupid, who is an old army man and has investi­ gated many a messhall, to the phone. The Colonel was called and soon an-ived sputtering and pushing his wheel chair to the phone. The inspector related to the colonel the details and de­ manded that the colonel place the lieutenant under restriction at once and investigate his creden­ tials. HOW COME After hanging up the phone the Colonel turned to Lt. BuU and asked him just how come he was a lieutenant, and demanded his ID card and papers. Bull was only able to produce evidence of having sailed as a messman on a Liberty, evidence which did not satisfy the colonel even though he knew very little about the sea and its ratings. Colonel O'Stupid pressed his investigation and found that Bull wore two full gold stripes on his sleeve and an eagle on his cap. It was also revealed that our boy used his "Z" number instead of stamps on his letters. All this displeased the colonel no end, but Mr. Bull had aroused the colonel's sympathy and he said he would try to get Bull off with a couple of years in Atlanta. The inspector, who had foment­ ed the whole issue arrived on the scene and after hearing the report of the investigation ordered the Colonel to place Bull under re­ striction pending further action in the morning. Are you a good for nothing. Or a lazy sort of guy. With not too much to offer To this world as you go by? Do you think that they are wrong. And that you are always right. Or to let the other fellow do it Is the only way to fight? Do you just sit back and wait For the good things in this life. Or are you in there pitching When it means an honest fight? Does everything you try to do Seem always to be wrong. And to have to try them over Seems a little bit too long? When they're passing out good fortune. And you're standing in the line. Does the same thing always happen That you don't get there in time? If the things you hope and wish for . Seem empty as a lie. And you never seem to get them. Perhaps you really didn't try, 4, 4, 4, Cheerio . By 1. H. PEPPER Let's haunt the old places. With all our old friends. Let's dance all night long And laugh and drink — This is the one night I dare not think. And when the time comes, I'll shed not a tear. HITS THE ROAD Just bid me goodby. That night we all hit the sack While I drink up my beer. to await the morrow and the dis­ position of Mr. Bull, but we were disappointed for when the sun rose in the morning over the hos­ pital, Mr. Bull was missing and upon examination it was found his bunk had not been slept in. Colonel O'Stupid and Inspector % McSnoop, who by a strange co­ incidence were patients in the Dear Editor: same ward as the departed Mr. I am an ex-seaman. During the Bull and just as phony as far as last war I was injured at Casa­ ratings are concerned, upon dis­ covering that their chaige Lad blanca, North Africa and now I flown the coop decided that there am paralyzed from the waist is no honesty in this world and down. left the ward in an ill frame of I would appreciate it very mind to talk of old battles over much if you would send me a a nickel cup of coffee at the can­ Log. at the address below. The teen. book number is 3070, SIU. So, dear readers, thus ended the Give my regards to all the mystery of "Lieutenant" Bull who no doubt, returned hurredly Brothers. to his fleet, with' the curse of Hart G. Brown Midas ringing in his ears. Anoth­ 1330 Queen St.. N.E. er boy had learned that all that Washington, D. C. glitters is not gold. (Editor's note: Former shipmates of Brother Brown might drop William Bause, Staien Island Marine Hosp. him a line at the above address.) WAR INJURIES . LEAVE BROWN SEMI-PARALYZED �Friday, Jfenuary 3, 1947 Compulsory Arbitration Viewed As A Snare For Union-Smashing Dear Editor: Page Thirleea THE SEAFARERS LOG ences held between big business and their political representatives is the one whereby labor unions would be forced to write into their contracts the proviso that arbitration would be the sole way of settling all differences with the employers. Those labor ROUGH STUFF sugar-coated pill, but the real name for this sort of thing is compulsory arbitration, more familarly known was "the two-toone against." The history of com­ pulsory arbitration is a history of the kicks and blows Labor re­ ceived whenever it gave up (or was forced to give up) its right to strike. The end of the war saw prices of food, clothing and other neces­ sities climbing higher and higher. As a result, the labor unions in the great mass industries were forced to break through the "no strike" restrictions imposed on them during the war. UP TO LABOR In round after round of mighty battles the seamen, coal miners, Organized labor can put a stop Steel workers, truck drivers, auto to this by calling its own Congress workers, etc., beat the ears off the of Labor. This Congress could be giant monoploy owners, and gain­ composed of delegates from all This scene of a not-so-steady day at sea is familiar to most ed substantial wage increases. Unions regardless of affiliation. Seafarers, and was recorded by Brother E. Snyder, Oiler, on Its purpose would be to devise Badly licked in the economic a recent voyage. ways and means of defending field, the profit-hungry owners Labor's rights. In this way, a turned to their paid political lac­ solid front of organized labor keys in Washington for help. The could be opposed to the solid Government promptly lifted con­ trols over prices, allowmg them unions that refused to do this front of the bosses. to raise prices as they pleased. In would be deprived of all legal This Congress of Labor would this way the increases won by rights contained in the Wagner put the unions in position to de­ Labor were wiped out. clare a general strike if that were Act. Labor had no alternative but The Wagner Act makes it legal necessary to defend the right to Dear Editor: found himself flying through the to prepare another round of for a union to strike and to or­ strike. It would be able to set up air aided by the Bosun Vince strikes to meet the increased cost ganize and it prevents the issu­ a Labor Party so that Labor After seeing the notice in the Carrecas and a SUP man from of living. The United Mine Work­ ance of injunctions in strike sit­ would be enabled to vote into Log, "Wanted: Tips," I thought I Brooklyn. Alexander landed with ers, under Lewis, went on strike uations. Loss of legal rights con­ Congress representatives from the woirld drop you a line and give a thud on the dock and we, in no when the Government, acting for tained in the act would leave a mines, factories and ships in place uncertain terms, told him to stay the coal owners, refused to negot­ union wide open to attacks from of the present politicans who rep­ the brothers a tip-off on a char­ iate a new contract containing all sides. resent the mine, factory and ship acter we ran across in Rouen, higher wages and better condi­ France. SAC-Rg BLED - I -THE Congress may try to hide this owners. /,LEXAMDER-A^A OUT­ tions. Benny Goodman This guy's name is Alexander union-smashing dose under a RAGE !! *^0 i-OAkSEft DO I MACHINE GOES TO WORK and he hangs out around the GET waterfront in Rouep, France. He WHOLfSAl-E» Immediately the propaganda thinks he has a neat racket and drums began to beat. Through his victims are merchant seamen. the controlled newspapers, over His first order of dirty work is to the radio, and from the floor of come down to the ship inquiring Congress itself, the public was were cut to a half glass per man, if any of the crew plans to shove Dear Editor: told hysterically that the fate of and four cans of milk per day the country, the very right to Here is a story of how the for the crew. The flour and yeast off for Gay Paree over the week­ end. Then this rat takes the un­ life, liberty and the pursuit of great Waterman Steamship Com­ were so bad that the Baker could suspecting Brothers into tow and happiness depended on depriving pany feeds on their fine ships not make bread fit to eat. gives them all the information on Labor of the right to strike. since we received our little raise how to spend a delightful week­ When we arrived in Shanghai In the face of this, Lewis was in pay, and it looks like they're off the ship, and if he ever camw end in Paris. we were told that we were to go forced to retreat. His union had taking the raise out of our hides. back the crew might not let him proved more than a match for The "Hungry" Hastings left to Hongkong, from there to Man­ "GOOD JOE" off so easily. the mine owners on the coal New York on the 17th of August ila, and then to France. All this Just as a warning to all Sea­ I was aboard the SUP ship fields but was helpless when the for Shanghai after leaving San by a ship with two and one half farers who hit Rouen, though I owners took refuge behind the Pedro September 2. The fun months' stores. In Manila we took Benjamin Goodhue when she hit don't think anyone will be gull­ skirts of the Government. started when the messman said on flour and yeast so the bread Rouen last July. This phony ible enough to fall for his line, The United Mine Workers were no seconds on the food, so we was better. Here the fun really found out about some of us fel­ this is his description: He is about started. It was no this and no lows planning to go up to the big 5 ft., 9 inches tall, has silvery slapped with a three-and-a-half called a meeting at once. million dollai' fine for having dar­ The Steward was called in and that, and so on until we got to city for the week end, and hot­ hair, is about 35 or 40 years old, ed to exercise their right to strike. asked the reason for the actions France. Here we couldn't get but- footed it down to the ship to give and of course speaks English. If organized labor had replied to of the messman, and we were and eggs, or anything we really us all the facts on having a good This phony operates a perfume this dastardly attack with a gen­ told that the Company had cut needed to make the trip enjoy­ time. We all thought he was a shop about six blocks from the eral strike, and followed up by his store list by two thousand able, but this didn't make any Good Joe, going to all this trouble docks. Look out for this character organizing their own poUtical dollars and the Cooks had to difference to Waterman 'cause for us, but we soon discovered because he'll only get you in parly, the big shot owners and weight everything so that the they stuck aboard 19 more pas­ his true stripe. some kind of a fix. their office boys in Washington stores would last until we re­ sengers to eat up what little we After the week end in Paris, HEADIN' SOUTH had left. Well, what the hell do which was enjoyed by all, this would have beat a hasty retreat. turned to the States. they care, it's more money for guy came aboard and told us he Now, having tasted blood, the This kid from New England is HALF RATIONS them so let the crew starve. profit-hungary bosses are conspir­ was going to do us another favor. down in Marcus Hook looking This is what happened after ing as to the best way of locking He then calmly told us we had for a southern run. Bob Pohle, BAD MEAT just two weeks at sea: fruit juices the "no strike" handcuffs on kicked out doors, smashed win­ Dispatcher and local ladies man After leaving France, bound dows and did other damage to is right on the ball these cold Labor. One of the schemes which is WANTS MYSTERY for home, we ran out of butter the hotel he had recommended to days. gaining most favor in the confer­ OF MISSING LOG and then eggs and we soon had us. While I'm writing the Log I'd only one meat at meal time and We were pretty well surprised like to have you send the paper INVESTIGATED by this double cross, but he was to my home. The AFL Newspa­ New York Fades not through. He told us that per Guild is on strike in Spring­ Dear Editor: IT'S MOT SO 8AD,WILM€R fortunately the manager of the field, Mass., and it gets kind of —'THE TooTHPiC-KS I had been receiving the Log hotel was a personal friend of his dull without a newspaper. My for about a year or more until ARE B^MD ME\Ail and if we kicked in the sum of Dad is a.n old Lakes sailor and he about three months ago. I would 10,000 francs he would speak to misses the news of the water­ like to know why I am not re­ the manager and have the gend­ front. ceiving it anymore. I sure do armes called off, who, he said, Well, take it easy you guys up miss reading it. were hot on our trail. in Boston. I'm just curious as to I find it very interesting to whether Shorty, six-foot of mess­ HEAVE HO read, and the important things man, has shipped out yet. Does I clip out and sent to my hus­ Alexander no more than got the he still walk down to Common­ band. The rest I keep until he words out of his mouth when he wealth Pier and drool over the returns from his trips, so that ships, wishing he was on one? he will know what is going on in we don't have to go without the Charles W. Halla, no one could eat that, also there the Union. things we should have. We un­ Wesifield, Massachuseiis Please look into this matter for was no milk or anything you can derstand now that this ship was (Editor's note: Anybody had me. I am a steadfast reader of think of. sent out on a trial menu with any similar experiences?) The Captain did what he could lust enough stores to cover that the Log. Seafarer Okeil Jones caught Mrs. Wesley Young to get more stores, but you can­ menu. Well, Brothers, believe not get them in foreign countries. me, if you don't starve on that this shot of the Big Town's Baltimore. disappearing skyline from the (Editor's note:—We don't know The members of this crew think menu you have to be able to live stern of a vessel it headed why you haven't been receiving it is time to do something about on water and toothpicks. out to sea. Brother Jones did the Log, but at any rate, we're this and make sure that Water­ Red Hancock not give the name of the ship. making sure that you get it from man and all other companies Deck Delegate Is it a Statmi Island ferry? store their ships in the U.S. so now on.) Alexander Of Rouen Ruined By Racket-Wise Seafarers The Hastings Is Strictly From Hunger, Says Delegate �I THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Fourteen Asks Whether Labor Has Political Responsibility I' i Dear Editor Having read Louis Coffin's ar­ ticle in the Log concerning the vote of labor and Bernie Good­ man's answer to it, obviously raises the question, have Labor Unions a political responsibility? Both agree that Labor can ex­ pect nothing from the two ma­ jor political parties of Big Busi­ ness. On the other hand, Good man takes issue with Goffin, say that Labor can have a po­ litical party of its own. Both Brothers Goodman and Goffin obviously do not see eye to eye that part of our constitu­ tion—Article XV, Sec. 1—which states, "The Chairman shall per­ mit no religious subjects or po­ litical subjects to be discussed." Since our constitution denies po­ litical expression at Union meet­ ings it takes the position that la­ bor has no political responsi­ bility. How often then can Gof­ fin and our constitution supply answers to situations where strikes are counter-acted by po­ litical force? INTER-RELATION This whole question of political responsibility in Labor unions ' is predicted on the premise that . economics and politics are in- SS JEAN KEPT THINGS HUMMING IN ALL PORTS Dear Editor: Who said Bull line ships were built for the rice and beans run? The SS Jean has proved them all wrong. At present we are rid­ ing the hook in the harbor of Las Palmas, Canary Islands, bound for Gothernberg, Sweden. We have made all the major ports in South America: Buenos Aides, Rio, Santos and Montevi­ deo. We have a swell bunch for a crew on here; everyone is • a character. One of Bud Ray's warm weath­ er boys is riding as Serang — James Corcoran. The Jean has made a name for herself in every port, so far. The crew has kept things humming wherever they have gone, and the painted ladies and the giggle juice kept us broke all the time we were in South America. ONE PHONY We have a nice Skipper on here and topside is pretty good, as are the engineers. The only phony is the Purser, who wears more gold. braid than the Captain. When ; the trip is over we are going to reveal all his doings to the Log. By the way, is Johnny Martin still holding up the bar in the Marine Grill? The Chief character on this l ship i$ John Kugat, knowri to : the crew as Sporty Ody. He's : been Fireman one week, and ; Wiper the next, alternating off and on. At present he's Bull: wiper, while I am holding down the Chief Bellyrobber's Job. We hope to be home for New Year's Day, but in case we don't make it, here's wishing everyone a Happy New Year. The following guys want to be remembered to all: James Callis, Jimmy (the Lost Weekend) Boone, Hug Randall and John Kugat. Dennis (The Brooklyn Kid) Saunders terlated. The proof that one has a direct bearing on the other was made very plain in the recent coal strike. So long as economic action produces violent political reaction to Labor, it cannot es­ cape political responsibility to safe-guard its own interest. BROTHER URGES UNITED FIGHT IN CG HEARING UNITS Dear Editor: Let's all stick together in our fight against the plague or disease called the hooligan Hearing Units (USCG). Let us publicize through the medium of the Seafarers Log all the case histories and beefs of each individual who has been treated unfairly by this outfit. I am sending you a few clip­ pings for publication, and, from time to time, I wiU send you more. I should like this letter to be published in the Log. Let's get this ball rolling for our own benefits. Please with­ hold my name for personal reas­ ons. B. R. Friday, January 3, 1947 A SEAFARER GOES SIGHT-SEEING ' . - '' Whether we like it or not, poli­ tics has made itself a part of la­ bor's action and as such, has made labor a part of politics. In this situation that has been thrust upon us we have denied ourselves the use of political ex­ pression to effectively oppose our enemies. By this do nothing policy in the realm of politics, what are we actually doing? It (Editor's note: The clippings amounts to this, let our enemies control all political weapons for which the Brother sent were the suppression of Labor. Let reports on CG Hearing Unit them appoint their Judges and activities. In June 1946. 1.581 haul our elected official before cases were investigated, from which hearings resulted involv­ their courts as criminals. ing 318 unlicensed men and 75 This is what happened in the officers. Of the unlicensed per­ coal strike and it will continue so sonnel. 17 had papers revoked. long as we refuse to participate 172 suspended. 118 were placed totally in what is Labor's interest. on probation. 55 were volun­ At this point, in the words of tarily surrendered. 4 closed Mark Anthony, "I pause for a with admonitions and 14 were reply." I would appreciate very dismissed after hearings. much a profound answer from The cases increased slightly Brother Goffin to the questions— in July 1946. with 1,633 being Has Labor a political responsi­ investigated Hearings resulted bility? Can Labor escape political 230 unlicensed men and 54 of­ 2-esponsibility? ficers. Unlicensed men had 18 certificates revoked, 99 suspen­ W. J. Brady sions. There v/ere 94 suspend­ ed on probation. 55 surrender­ ed voluntarily. 5 received ad­ TRIPCARDER HAS monitions and 12 were dismiss­ RATING CHANGED ed. Officers fared only slightly TO PFC (MARINES) better in both months. Dear Editor: CREW OFFERS I used to be one of you and still consider myself a good SIU SOLUTION TO man even though I held a trip SORRY SLOPCHEST card at the time. I have a probook coming to me now. I made Dear Editor: a trip on the Andrew Jackson in I wish to bring to the attention December of 1945. She is an old of the Union members the situa­ C-2 that lost her screw in the tion regarding the inadequately Indian Ocean. When the SS Meredith Victory called at Rotterdam, Hol­ stocked slopchest aboard our ship. land, recently, crewmomber Gilbert Parker, an avid cameraman The Deck Delegate on that trip There is absolutely no excuse —and a good one—stepped around town in quest of "shots." was Thomas Joseph and he was for this condition to exist. In most Two of the results, a canal thoroughfare and one of the country's really a good guy. If he happens cases there seems to be a com­ famed windmills are pictured above. to read this I would enjoy hear­ plete disregard for the seamen's ing from him, also I would like needs. to receive the Log if possible. It Recently, on an eight months would be a godsend because I like to keep up on all union mat­ trip to the Pacific, I had the mis­ fortune to be on a ship that was ters. completely out of slopchest I am in the Marine Corps now stores after only two months at Editor's note; The SIU's an­ check which has Just come to me. and stationed on an airfield doing sea. I was Deck Delegate, and I nual custom of cheering its At this time I would like to MP duly. There are quite a few asked the Captain if he would members who are confined to thank the membership for this SIU men here with me and there purchase additional supplies hospitals during the holiday gift and the donations which I are also some nickel moochers, when we arrived in Saipan. He season was repeated this have received in the past. but we are trying to convert them informed me that the money be­ Christmas, with $10 gift checks Here's wishing everybody a to the Seafarers. Some of them longed to the WSA, and that, going to all hospitalized Sea­ Merry Christmas. To the Union said they will be glad to sail for therefore, he couldn't do any­ farers in the Atlantic and Gulf as a whole, my best wishes for a union that is on the level. Well thing about it. District. The gifts were authr continued success. mates, I have to secure for now. orized by vote of the member­ J. McDonald, ' Fortunately, we were able to Lets hear from you and a Happy ship at recent meetings. Ellis Island get the necessary toilet articles New Year to all. Letters of appreciation from from the army PX on that island. 4 4 4. Pfc. C. M. Coffey the gift recipients already are Dear Editor: It wasn't until later at Iwo Jima that we were able to purchase coming in. In addition to Bro­ Hqs. Squadron I want to extend my heartfelt clothes from a Navy small stores. ther Bause's letter appearing MCAS Miramar thanks to all the members for I am now on another ship on on page 12, three other notes San Diego. Calif. their kind Christmas gift. It came the South African run. The very expressing the senders' senti­ in very handy for me. As you (Edilors Note: Brother Coffey same thing has happened on this ments follow: know, I am a married man with also enclosed a Christmas Card ship. There is nothing in the slop­ Deoir Editor: a wife and three children, and wishing all Seafarers a Merry chest except some cigarettes (and I have received your Christmas without any income. Worse yet, Christmas and a Happy New /ery few of these), and some overmessage and the check. I want I have spent three years in the Year. On the card he asks former over-sized khakis. to thank all the Brothers for their hospital,, and God knows whether crewmembers of the Andrew In conclusion, the undersigned kindness and thoughtfulness. or not I will ever get out. Jackson who made the trip to book members think some way Thanks a lot, and my very best India in December of 1945 to con­ The check from the Seafarers should be arranged whereby the wishes to you all at Christmas tact him at the above address.) helped me get a few little gifts slopchest could be inspected time. for my family that T otherwise either by the delegates on board, E. V. Ferrer would have beeun unable to buy. or the Union Patrolmen before Nesponsit Hospital I will close now wishing all the the ship sails. This would insure boys a Merry Christmas and a 4. 4. 4. an adequate slopchest for the Happy and Prosperous New Year. Dear Editor: needs of everyone. James S. Campbell. This is to advise you of the Eugene Howlelf Jr., Nesponsit Hospital and the rest of the crew. receipt of the Christmas gift Hospitalized Members Thank Brothers For Xmas Checks �Page Fifteen Unclaimed Baggage—A.H. Bull Seafarers who left their gear behind on Bull Line ships may now be able to regain their lost goods if their names appear on the list below. The com­ pany wishes to dispose of the goods as soon as possible to their rightful own­ ers. However, articles not claimed by April 1, 1947 will be donated to some charitable institution. Gear can be claimed at Pier 22, Brooklyn. GALVESTON Crew SS SS SS SS / ( / of the— Midway Hills J. Robbins Horace See M. M. Chassreau $ 5.00 1.00 10.00 2.00 Henry Anderson Frank G. Brown L. Bullock, Wm. Buckley NEW YORK J. A. Bean SS ORBIS W. S. Frew, $2.00; W. F. Dunn. $2.00; Robert Clewis W. D. Weise, $1.00; D. Krickovich. Edward Cullivan $1.00; H. Harnett, $1.00; D. F. Kellener, Jaimes J. Crawford $2.0; R. Crigsby, $1.00; R. Kiminsky, $1.00; M, Olvera, $1.00; L. J. Broyles, Dominic Calucmio Carmiel $2.00. SS OUCHITA VICTORY Dennis Gaboon J. D. McDaniel, $2.00; J. C. Laseter, Theo. Dorotus $1.00; R. C. Noe, $1.00; V, Suska, $1,00; C. H. Fox S. E. Jansen, $1.00; E. A. Duda, $1,00; R. R. Carlson, $1.00; N, H. Pratt, $1.00; Earnest Goodman P. C. Adkins, $1.00; W. J. Compton, Frank Gould $1.00; R. Peters, $1.00; J, L. Thomas, Louis Golman $1.00; K. P. Clausen, $1,00; W. G. Eudalley, $1.00; P. Winiarcryk, $1.00; John Graham H. J. Conin, $1.00; F. H. Houck, $2.00; J. J. Gustafson A. F. Roth, $2.00; J. Deal. $2.00; D. E. Leon W. Gray Dupree, $1.00; J. Griffith, $1.00, Gaylard G. O'Brien. $1.00; J. Michava, $1.00; C. C. Burkett, $1.00; C. Jurewicz, $1.00; Michael Getchins, T, F. Yarbrough, $1.00; F. H. Glover. P. Gallagher $1.00; A. J. Langan, $1.00; J, B. Bar­ Oscar Hassiner rier, $1.00; B. Stancil, $1.00; J. Nor- Harold Hardt gaard, $1.00; G. Fleming, $1.00; J. M, R. Hansen Kinstle, $1.00; V. Gerner, $1,00; C. W. A. Harrellson Pritchstt, $2.00; A. DeFilippie, $1.00. SS J. GIBBON Harper Crew of SS J. Gibbon $17.00 Jerome Henderson SS HUNNINGTON HILLS Geo. D. Jones J. W. McKiernan, $19.00; W. R. 'Wilklns, $2.50; C. Davis. $2.00; C, H. Reese, Raymond Joseph $2.00; G, Cascia, $5.00; W. Pikula, M. Jones : $5.00; C. B. Ivey, $5.00; E. S, McGuire, J. Jones •$5.00; T. Sustaire, $2.00; J. B, Sher­ Clarence Jones man, $2,00; H, Wiltshire, $5:00; C. L. Kepper, $5.00; J C. Baily, $5.00; S, R. P. Jones Hamilton, $5,00; H, C. McVay, $5.00; Kleppe I. J. Torre, $5.00, Ellis Kirkpatrick SS ALCOA PARTNER Francis W. Kenefic P. F. Spencer, $1.00; W. L, Paterson, Barry .Kooser $1.00; L. P. Chapman, $1.00; G. R. Sin clair, $1.00; G. Ontai, $2.00; J. G. Na Fred Knoll polenni.s, $1.00; D. B. Brown, $1.00; Hugh E. Lee T. Hong, $2.00; A. Tosado, $1,00; A, E, George Ling Anderson, $2.00; R. Flores, $1.00; R. M. Tussi, $3.00; J. Cornelius, $3.00; R, Sar- Salvadore Marty rano, $1,00; J. C. Bernard, $1,00; F, Michael Motko 1 brown suit case 1 suit case 1 sea bag 1 suit case 2 paper boxes 1 Valise 1 Valise 1 suit case 1 suit case 1 sea bag 1 sea bag 1 sea bag 1 sea bag 1 sea bag 1 suit case 1 sea bag 1 tin suit case 1 sea bag 1 sea bag 1 sea bag 1 valise Small black case bag Black suit case 1 sea bag 1 sea bag 1 card board box 1 card board box Small round bag 3 pes. 1 card board box 1 sea bag 1 sea bag 1 sea bag 1 sea bag 1 valise 1 valise 1 sea bag 1 sea bag 1 sea bag 1 valiso Black case one trunk 2 pes. 1 suit case 1 sea bag Brown suit case 2 pes. 1 sea bag J. P. Mikalozivas John A. Morris Herbert A. Miller Charles H. Murphy Guillcrmo Morales L. Maldonado P. Morsk Joseph Nelson R. Noaek George Newmann Edward Newcomb Patrick Oneil Emilio Pinilla Casper Pinedo Capt. A. J. Powell Robert Paris Damian Passina Pierce C. F. Rebedeau Francis L. Rappell Esteban Ramirez Luther Sutton P. Spierings A. Bund John E. Salisbury Steel George W. Sutton Louis Siebert U. Z. Stone T. B. Thompson R. O. Turpin John Torras J. Thiebes J. Urban Fred Werring Albert Warnk'e Joseph P. Waugh Robert Zaddock 1 sm HALLS 14 North Gay St. Calvert 4539 BOSTON 276 State St. Boudoin 445S BUFFALO 10 Exchange St. CleveUnd 7391 CHARLESTON 68 Society St. Phone 3-3G80 CHICAGO 24 W. Superior Ave. Superior 5175 1 metal grip 2 pes Clair Ave. 1 sea bag CLEVELAND ...1014 E. St. Main 0147 1 sea bag CORPUS CHRISTI ..1824 Mesquite St. Corpus Christi 3-1509 1 sea bag DETROIT 1038 Third St. Cadillac 6357 1 valise 531 W. Michigan St. 1 card board box DULUTH Melrose 4110 brown valise, 2 pes GALVESTON 305 Vi 22nd St. 2-8448 1 black bag HONOLULU 16 Merchant St. 1 sea bag HOUSTON 1515 75th Street Phone Wentworth 3-3809 1 card board box 920 Main St. 1 sea bag JACKSONVILLE Phone 5-5919 1 sea bag MARCUS HOOK IVz W. 8tb St. Chester 5-3110 1 valise MOBILE 7 St. Michael St. 1 suit case 2-1754 339 Chartres St. 1 trunk, 3 pes NEW ORLEANS Magnolia 6112-6113 1 sea bag NEW YORK 51 Beaver St. HAnover 2-2784 1 sea bag 127-129 Bank Street 1 sea bag NORFOLK 4-1083 1 sea bag PHILADELPHIA 9 South 7th St. Phone Lombard 3-7651 1 sea bag PORT ARTHUR . .909 Fort Worth Ave. 1 hat box Phone: 2-8532 Ill W. Bumside St. 2 Valises PORTLAND 257 5th St. 1 suit case RICHMOND, Calif SAN FRANCISCO 105 Market St. 2 suit cases Douglas 5475-8363 252 Ponce de Leon 1 sea bag SAN JUAN, P. R San Juan 2-5996 1 suit case 2 pes. SAVANNAH 220 East Bay St. 8-1728 2 packages 86 Seneca St. 1 Valise SEATTLE Main 0290 3 pes. 1 radio TAMPA 1809-1811 N. Franklin St. M-1323 1 sea bag TOLEDO 615 Summit St. 1 sea bag WILMINGTON 440 Avalon Blvd. Terminal 4^3131 1 sea bag 602 Bough ton St. 1 sea bag VICTORIA, B. C VANCOUVER 144 W. Hastings St. 1 sea bag -2 packages 1 sea bag 1 suit case Small grip BALTIMORE a PERSONALS- JOHN COLFER Your gear, from a Deconhil » tanker, is at the Corpus Christi Hall. i. J. 4. Jarocinski, $2.00; J. Serrano, $1,00; M. C. Getchell, $2.00; M. Lovet, $1.00; P. ROBERT M. RUTLEDGE Sanchez, $1.00; A, Moulier, $1.00. Your wife is very anxious to SS COLABEE hear from you. Contact her at Crw of SS Colabee $13.50 1718 Girard Avenue, Phila., Pa. SS PEPPEREL M. H. Smith, $1.00; Simon H. Nu­ 4. 4. 4. gent, $2.00; S. Mills, $1.00. WARREN LANTZ SS CAPE HATTARAS F. Dunn, $1.00; R. W. Satterfield, Richard M. Cantor is anxious pay their dues until they get $1.00; R. Rivera, $1,00; H, Prytulak, VANCOUVER, B, C. — The feel The vessels Prince Robert and to have you contact him immed­ $1,00; R, Galarza, $1.00, ings of seamen around this port their retroactive $12,80. This at­ Prince David, onetime crack pas­ iately, at 51 Chambers St., N. Y. SS AMERICAN PRESS who have been sailing "Park titude shows they have a very D. G. Miller, $1.00. senger liners on coastwise service Ships" is that they have been poor conception of unionism, and INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS and veterans of the Royal Canad­ R. Mueller, $5.00; C, A, Ericsson, given the merry run around since are just hangers-on, riding the <$1.00; V, Phillips, $0c. their joining up with the Canad­ backs of the membership taking ian Navy where both saw service The crew of the SS Jean La A. T, Bunch, $1.00; S. Mavromichalis, ian Seamen's Union, the gains and giving nothing in during the war as auxiliary, cruis­ $3.00; E. Bachiller, $1.00; A. Gold­ Fitte can collect linen money at ers, have recently been sold to a The majority of them admit it return. smith, $1,00; Charles Brilhart, $2.00; $1.00 per week by calling at the British firm. S. Jaegendorf, $2.00; M. Katrausky, was of their own fault when they They seem to think they have Waterman office. $E00; Lionel Gilmore, $1.00. foolishly voted CSU. They fully to do nothing for these condi­ It is understood that both ves­ 4. 4- 4. realize now that the rosy promises tions, that they just drop from sels will sail for Britain where PHILADELPHIA DAVID STICKEROD SS Coastal Defender Crew $4.00 dished out to them by the CSU the sky. The only security is in they will be gutted out and re­ stooges were just so much hot unity. Get together, get organi­ built for passenger service be­ Please fill out an Exemption HOUSTON air, and now that the CSU has zed. Hold your regular weekly tween England and Continental Certificate (Form W-4) and send INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS Harry Hankec, $1.00; C. V. Burrow, control of these ships the condi­ meeting aboard your ship. The European ports. SIU crews will it to the Chicago Branch. This -91.00; H. J. Potier, $1.00; J. Owen Jr., tions are not above the British only way to get anything is man the ships, and deliver them was to be filled out when you $1.00; H, L, Wills, $1.00; R. L. Gar- standard. worked for the Fitzsimmons and through organization and unity of to their new owners. relty, $1.00; j, R. Clement, $ 1,00; D, They now complain that the all members. December 10, 1946, marked the Cornell Dredge and Dock Com­ E. Waters, $1.00; M. H, Mayberry, s$1.00; W. F, SeoRO, $1.00; T. H. job- CMU seems to be interested only Elections for officers in the 1st anniversary of the death of pany and it is important that this lom, $1.00; Wm. Sumrall, $6.00: M, A. in the collecting of dues and kow­ ports of Vancouver and Victoria Brother Pete B. Gill. Brother be done at once. Morse, $1,06; W. Cotton, $1.00; B. towing to every whim of the ship­ are proceeding on schedule and Gill, one of the oldest members 4. 4. 4. Jones, $2.00; A. Wasinger, $2,00. owners. Conditions are bad on will be completed January 31, of the SUP, and at the time of his Papers belonging to the follow­ J. T. Reagan, $2,00; J, A, Sastellion, $2.00; R. Bryant, $2.00; C. C. Jordan, these ships and only the SIU can 1947. death, had been port Agent at ing men are being held at the $2.00;. H. A. Robenson, $2.00; S, Garcia, improve them. All full book members must Seattle for many years. His work Baltimore Hall. They will be re­ $2.00; K, J, Kloundt, $2,00; M, R, WilThis is admitted somewhat call at the Hall and cast their and achievements diiiing his life­ turned to owners upon proper •Ilams, $2.00; Hannigan, $2.00; J, Becksheepishly, and is the main reason ballot. This is your Union, there­ time on behalf of the seamen shall identification. ner, $1.00; T. G. Morris, $1.00; H. Whitley, $1.00; G. O'Rouke, $3.00; J; why so many CSU men are seek­ fore, it is your primary duty to always be remembered. All sea­ John Davis, John Wulzen. Ru­ Foerster, $1,00; S. L, Rasco, $2.00; C. ing membership in the SIU. vote for the nominees on the bal­ men today reap the benefits of dolph Barber, Robert Lee Willis, N. Bolton, $2,00; W.'D, Austin,'.$2,00; The CPR is shaping up very lot who you think will serve your his labor. The world today is in Robert Earl Williams, R, E. Wil­ J, Carves, $2,00; E, M. Eaton, $2.00; J, well, except for a few men whoj best interests. Be sure to call at sore need of more men like Pete liams, Harry Sheilds, Aloysius W. Smith, $2,00; A. Stout, $2,00; H. don't figure they are obliged to' the Hall and vote. Gill. T, Slaven, $1.00, I Kessen, and Charles Hickis. 2 1 3 1 Unknown brown suit cases small brown trunk sea bags round bag NOTICE! �Page Sixteen «•» 555:5?:: Friday. January 3, 1947 THE SEAFARERS LO :yxyx; 5:SS$ I'i-xW;5SS: 555555555: 55555:; mmmwMm 5^; .•.•iW-x-r-SA::?::?:::::::: 555555555:555555555 :55^:5S5$:5i55: >X'I*X*X*X'X<'X^' 5555 ::::::;::::5:5:5::j5:::555 >555555:5555 i555i:5i55^55::g:gWi5^ * 5555555:5555 i;g«| .55^ 55555-^ :^555555^i^^^S ®55i5:5 555 555:5 S555555S 55555 55555555 55555 S55: 5555555 ;•:•;•• 5555 J X555555555 m^mi, *:'X-x-X'X'X-xy A5555:S5555555555555555? is .55:55:5:55 55:i55S:55555555S:i::5j tHESEAMeERS iNIfeRnlMKMAKMlON ..S$ S:S55555:S xi ..55 ..•K555555?i SS555ii^^ mmmmmmm 5;5:X::5555555:555:555:5:$ 55555 :55::::55-: •555:; 155-55555 55.5.X.X.:.>55:5555» •:5555-:*:-: 5S:5S$i :555-:555-; 5555555:5555:555555: 55555 5555 iiiSi-Sxi-i-i IHEAAt-MARlTiME IRADESPEfMRlMENT m m. * * * m i^^5555^ :-:i:::: -MEAMERlCAH nEPERADcMoFUeoR * ...5555555555 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource January 3, 1947 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. IX, No. 1 Description An account of the resource Headlines; 2 SIU SHIPS CRASH; 1 MAN IS INJURED TAMPA CITY HEADS HELP COPMPANY AGAINST STRIKING AFL TEAMSTERS NEW ISTHMIAN MEET CALLED BY THE NLRB SNUG HARBOR TRUSTEES TO TAKE UP SIU REQUEST FOR INVESTIGATION TRAINING STRIKEBREAKERS RANK AND FILE UPHOLDS CURRAN ON RESIGNATION 1946 WAS YEAR OF MANY VICTORIES FOR SIU; NEW DRIVES PROGRESSING ALABAMA POLICE USE BEATINGS, SPYING AND BRIBERY TO SMASH UNIONS NEW SMITH BILL WOULD STRIP LABOR OF ALL PROTECTION MEET TOMMY, GREAT LOVER TUGBOATS WILL HALT SATURDAY IF OPERATORS REFUSE TO BARGAIN SUP SIGNS CONTRACTS WITH DECONHILL, PACIFIC TANKERS AND AMERICAN PACIFIC NEW REVISION OF MARITIME LAWS WILL NOT DO SEAMEN ANY GOOD IT WAS HOT TIME ON CEDAR BREAK BUT THE BOYS FINALLY COOLED OFF LAKES CARRIERS SEAMEN LEARN; COME AROUND TO CHICAGO HALL CALMAR NOW READYING LIST FOR BACK PAY SHIPPING IS ON THE RISE IN CORPUS CHRISTI NORDOFF CREW PLAYS SANTA IN BALTIMORE NMU SLANDER CAMPAIGN ON LAKES FALLS FLAT AS SEAMEN LEARN TURTH BOSTON OFFICIALS BOLDLY MUSH INTO FAR NORTH TO SERVICE SHIPS MARITIME COMMISSION RIGGING UP GIGANTIC DOUBLECROSS FOR SEAMEN COST OF LIVING HITS NEW HIGH IN NOVEMBER AFL OFFICIALS GO TO ARGENTINA BOSSES' REFUSAL TO BARGAIN WILL BRING RECESSION VD CASES MUST FOLLOW THROUGH WITH TREATMENT KNIFE WIELDER WARNED BY HAWSER CREW LAFITTE'S CONDITIONS BLASTED BY DELEGATE G. WASHINGTON TO CONTINUE BERMUDA RUN UNTIL EASTER Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 5/11/1947 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1947 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/9b65f172b5d4ca6321418300b323b3b1.PDF a4b0c5b6832649147b1eb2bd0da450fb PDF Text Text m Official Organ of the Atlantic and Gulf District, Seafarers International Union of North America NEW YORK. N. Y.. FRIDAY. JANUARY 10. 1947 VOL. IX. No. 2 SlU Asks Recognition As Bargaining Agent For Tidewater Seamen COUNTING THE VOTES NEW YORK—Representation of a substantial ma­ jority of the 254 unlicensed men employed on tankers op­ erated by the Tidewater Associated Oil Company was claimed this week by the Seafarers International Union when it petitioned the National Labor Relations Board -r-'-TA Hard at work counting the votes cast in the election for 1947 officials, the camera catches the Balloting Ccmmitice on the Fifth Floor of the Ne v York HalL Left to right, standing. Isaac Miller and Louis Salvatore, Seated, Sam Luttrell: Hi I Higgs, Bob Jones, and Bob Hillman. P&O Signs New Contract^ With SiU; SS Florida Sails dustry, barring none. P&O immediately resumed pre-war operation, and the SS Florida has already started on the first trip from Miami to Cuba. A new SIU Hall has been es­ tablished in Miami, under the supervision of Acting Agent Charles Starling, The new contract is to remain in effect until September 30, 1947, and can be automatically renewed each year unless any party to the agreement gives notice of its desire to amend or terminate the contract. This notice must be given at least sixty days prior to the expiration date of the con­ tract. Nine holidays are lecognized by the Company, and if VE day NEW YORK, January 9—The or VJ day are observed as nat­ complete tallying of what is al­ ional holidays, they will be added ready known to be the greatest to the list. Any day that is a recognized number of votes ever cast in an holiday for longshoremen in con­ SIU election was finished late to­ tinental United States ports shall day by the Ballot Tallying Com­ also be counted as holidays for mittee, elected at the last New the crew while in that particular York membership meeting. The port. results of this election will de­ The only significant changes termine the officers of the Atlan­ between the contract signed by tic and Gulf District for 1947. This tally, plus a report of the Missi.ssippi and the one signed by activities of the committee, will P&O are in the wages of Bosun, be submitted to the next mem­ Carpenter, Chief Steward, and bership meeting on Wednesday, Second Steward. Under the P&O agreement, the Bosun will receive January 15. The members of the committee $225.00 per month, the Carpenter are: Deck Dept., Sam Luttrell, $225.00, the Chief Steward $325, Bob Hillman; Engine Dept., Bob and the Second Steward $220.00. The Union Negotiating Com­ Jones and Louis Salvatoi-e; Stewmittee which won these new ards Dept., Isaac Miller, Bill Higgs. Although the final results were' gains consisted of John Hawk, not obtainable, the committee Secretary-Treasurer; J. P. Shuler, states that more votes were cast Assistant Secretary - Treasurer; in this eelction than in any pre­ and Robert Matthews, Engine vious balloting for officers in the Department Special Representa­ tive. history of the SIU. NEW YORK —Culminating negotiations that began more than a month ago, this week a contract was signed between the Seafarers International Union, and the Peninsular and Occiden­ tal Steamship Company, covering wages, manning scales, and work­ ing conditions for the Deck, En­ gine, and Stewards Departments. This agreement is very similar to the Mississippi passenger ship contract which, as is well known, is the best in the maritime in- SIU Vote Tally Ends; Committee To Report To Branch Meetings Isthmian Meeting NEW YORK. January 9— The informal meeting sched­ uled for Wednesday. January 8. between the SIU. the NMU and the Isthmian Steamship Company, has been post­ poned. Instead all the parties will meet today at the New York offices of the National Labor Relations Board. The LOG will have gone to press before the results of that meeting can be obtained, so all information coming out of the conference will be car­ ried in next week's Seafarers LOG. for an election in that conipany.*The petition was filed on Jan­ uary 3, 1947, and requested thai a poll be taken of the unlicensed employes, not including Pursers or Radio Operators, to determine a bargaining Agent for the men. This move climaxes an organizing drive of five weeks duration. A majority of the men work­ NEW YORK—With but four ing on Tidewater tankers have hours remaining before the Sat­ already signed pledge cards auth­ urday midnight strike deadline, orizing the SIU to represent them, and now that the machin­ an agreement was reached be­ ery has been set in motion to tween the Tugboat operators and hold an election, it is expected the 2,800 New York Tugboatmen, that there will be a rush to sign averting a tie-up uf New York cards on the part of men who Harbor. have not done so as yel. The Union's committee, headed The petition to hold an elec­ by Captain William V. Bradley, tion in the Tidewater Associated President of Local 333, United Oil Company follows close on the Marine Division, ILA, hailed the heels of another petition filed with the NLRB in the case of the agreement as an important vic­ unlicensed personnel sailing the tory for the tugboat workers. The tankers of the Cities Seiwice Oil new agreement calls for the longfought for 40-hour week, 11 per­ Company. The move to force an election cent increase in pay, and time in the Tidewater Tankers was and a half for Saturday and initiated with a letter to the Sunday work. The new agreement, which (Continued on Page 6) will run for one year, was reach­ ed after nearij' ten hours of al­ most constant sessions in New York City Hall, and brought to an end negotiations which had been in progress .since early No­ vember. consisting of close of to six hun­ MEMBERSHIP VOTE dred pages, 1 took the matter up with our International President. While the new agreement must Harry Lundeberg. We discussed still be ratified by the memberhaving it analyzed by a compe- ship, it was regarded as acceptable to the rar^k and file. tent attorney on maritime laws Ballots will begin going out affecting seamen. We wanted this done in order that the Union to the membership Jan. 8, and would be well equipped to appear will be returned by Jan. 29. If before Congress to combat the accepted by the membership the shipowners' and bureaucrats' new wage increase will be retrosuggested revisions of the law, active to Jan. 1. and also to take up the seamen's The operators up until the last ideas on amending the laws af- meetings had stuck to their offer fecting them. j of ^ 44-hour week and an eight Brother Lundeberg approved percent increase, but as the time of my suggestions, and delegated ran out they brought up their me to go ahead. 1 offer until is was acceptable to the I committee representing Local I have started work on this al­ 333. ready, and I would appreciate The new agreement raises the suggestions in writing from any­ one of the members with respect wages aU along the line lifting to changes that are believed the lowest-paid deckhand to 96c necessary in the way of improv- an hour and the highest paid, Captains to $1.71 an hour. ing laws affecting seamen. SIU Takes Action To Prepare For Changes In Shipping Laws NEW YORK — Word has just been received from Secretai-yTreasurcr John Hawk, that an attorney is being retained to an­ alyze the proposed changes to the Federal Shipping Laws, changes which are now before the proper House of Representatives Com­ mittee in Washington. Brother lining the farers is rights of Hawk's statement, out­ action which the Sea­ taking to protect the seamen, follows: 1 was recently informed, in­ directly, that there is now before the House of Representatives, Committee on Revision of Laws, a preliminary draft of the pro­ posed revision and codification of the Federal Shipping Laws. WELL PREPARED I communicated with the Chair­ man of this Committee, request­ ing a copy of same. Upon receipt of this document. NXTugboatmen Win 40 Hr. Week; Tie-Up Averted �Page Two THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday. January 10. 1947 SEAFARERS LOG Plib!/shed Weekly by the SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Gulf District Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor J;f' At 51 Beaver Street, New York 4, N. HAnover 2-2784 t 4. i 5. HARRY LUNDEBLRG ------- Presidci/t 105 Market Street, San Francisco, Calif. JOHN HAWK - -- -- -- - Secy-Treas. p. O. Box 25, Station P, New York City Entered as second class matter June 15, 1945, at the Post Office in New York, N. Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912. The Plain Facts There are few workingmen in the United States who ido not know that our Congress is controlled from top to bottom by industrialists and big business men. Although ,we elect the Congressmen, they rarely, if ever, represent us. If they are not already bound heart and soul to big business before they reach Washington, it does not take Itoo long for them to find out which side is the most profit•able, and they soon start dancing to the tune called by the men who control most of the wealth of this country. There are very few laws introduced in either House ,.pf Congress that are of real benefit to the workers. Instead, year after year, and bill after bill, we see special preference being given to those who are few in number, comparative­ ly, but who wield power far in excess of their size; Right now we see the way big business operates, chrough its willing servants in the Halls of Congress. For a long time the industrialists have been wanting to chop down the Wagner Act, and to take steps to out. law the closed shop. The National Association of Manu­ facturers has had these two items high up on its lists of ^things to be done for the past ten years. Now the Senate of the United States, and the House of Representatives, are starting the action to put through both of these changes. Hospital Patients When entering the hoBpftal notify the delegate by post­ card, giving your name and the number of your ward. Staten Island Hospital Men Now In The Marine Hospitals Labor in the United States has worked hard and long These are Ihe Union Brothers currently in the marine hospitals, f.jd- the closed shop, and for the various provisions cmas reported by the Port Agents. These Brothers find time hanging bodied in the Wagner Act. Yet, at the word from a group heavily on their hands. Do what you can to cheer them up by writ­ ' of men who want to grind down the workers so that they ing to them. can enjoy more power and better living for themselves, BALTIMORE HOSPITAL "CHIPS" ^EILSEN H. BELCHER the Congressmen are willing to take away the fruits of our MICHAEL LUCAS L. L. MOODY JR. THOMAS WADSWORTH long years of struggle. C. KOLSTE It is no secret that most of the bills which are intro<iuced in Congress, designed to limit labor, are drawn up by corporation lawyers and others skilled in battling against Labor. What is really horrible about the whole thing is that Congressmen are elected to protect il:e many, not the 'few. When a group of men who are the elected representa­ tive^' of 140,000,000 people go out of their way to do the bidding of a fraction of one percent of that number, then they lay themselves wide open to the charge of not carryfitig out the honorable duties that are expected of thern. The picture is now plainer than it ever was before. •'Big business maps the plans, and the members of Congrctss •carry out the dirty work. It will continue to work out that ,way until Labor is strong enough to match its strength against the power of big money. There is only one course open to Labor in the struggle ;to achieve such strength. All workers must be organized land the men who lick the boots of big business must not be allowed to continue in their mis-representation of the ^^ecent, hard-working people of the United States. PETER LOPEZ HARRY WALSH RUSSEL REDDERT JOHN DUDDKO SEBASTIAN AMENTA ORPHA JOHNSON JEFFERSON MORRISON EMILIO DI PIETRO FRANK DOLAN FRANCIS O'BRIEN JAMES DAVIS ERNEST TILLEY LOUIS SCHACKLEFORD CHARLES HAHN S. & 1 STATEN ISLAND HOSPITAL J. L. EAKIN E. F. SPEAR P. J. WILKINSON R. G. MOSSELLER D. HUTCHINS M. J. QUINN W. B. MUIR J. S. WOOD W. G. H. BAUSE MOSES MORRIS J. GRIFFIN L. A. CORNWALL P. STEWART 4- i -i NEW ORLEANS HOSPITAL H. G. DARNELL LIONEL ROTHERHAM J. W. DENNIS W. BROCE JR. E. J. RIVIERE J. P. BROOKS . JACINTO NAVARRO RALPH EWING CENTRAL MASON R. M. NOLAN JOE CAMBLOR JOHN (DUTCH) SERCU F. BURGLAND THOMAS BAIER EDWARD CUSTER KARL PETTERSSON E. B. BUCKLEY H. GRAY t t X SAN JUAN HOSPITAL P. FELECIANO E. LARKIN W. TROLLE B. AGUILAR F. APUNTE J. BERGERIA You can contact your Hos­ pital delegate at the Staten Island Hospital at the follow­ ing times: Tuesday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on 5th and 6th floors) Thursday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on 3rd and 4th floors.) Saturday—1:30 to 3:30 p. -m, (on Ist and 2nd floors.) NEPONSIT HOSPITAL LINDER CLARK J. FIGUEROA L. L. LEWIS H. SELBY H. BURKE J. S. CAMPBELL J. T. EDWARDS B. LUFLIN G. F. McCOMB E. FERRER R. BLAKE J. R. HENCHEY » » » BRIGHTON HOSPITAL H. SWIM E. JOHNSTON E. DUNPHY G. BONDI E. MAY E. DELLAMANO R. BAASNER G. VICKERY 4" ELLIS ISLAND HOSPITAL D. MCDONALD J, KOSLUSKY �Friday. January 10. 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Three Rip Van Curran Finally Wakes Up; Finds NMU Officials Are Gemmles The most recent issue of thetNMU Pilot, dated January 3, 1947, contains some very revealing in­ formation for NMU members, in­ formation which they would al­ ready know by heart if they fol­ lowed the Seafarers Log. Joe Curran, president of the Communist line changes in this country during the past several By PAUL HALL NMU, and now engaged in an all- years may definitely be separated into three distinct periods. These out struggle for his job, has three periods in turn are related to certain policy changes laid down Curran's fight against the communist party in the National some plain facts to pass along in in Moscow, and concurred in by all commie front outfits or by any Maritime Union may yet prove to be of great help to the bona his column, "Passing the Word." outfits in any way controlled or dominated by the communist party. fide seaman. There is no question but that Curran is right in his For the first time since Joe has As proof, if further proof is needed, that the NMU has been con­ accusations that the top leadership of the NMU has been members been doing the bidding, and trolled by commie misleaders throughout these years, the record of of, and followers of, the communist party (the record proves that dancing to the tune of the com­ several NMU-commie functionaries is given so that it can be com­ easily, as a glance across the page will bear out), and that the munist party, he lashs out in pared with the Moscow line. CMU was a creation of the CP forces in maritime to consolidate print against the other members their hold on the smaller unions. of the NMU Executive Board. Hitler-Stalin Love Feast This was the period from August, 1939, until June 22, 1941—the Others connected in any way with As a result of the failure by the CP to capture maritime, we timeof the Hitler-Stalin love feast—during the life of the Nazithe waterfront, have known that have a right to take pleasure in the cracking of the CMU. The Soviet peace pact. At that time, the Moscow line opposed U. S. in­ Joseph Stack, NMU vice-presi­ AFL unions steadfastly refused to join or cooperate with it, be­ tervention into World War II, and classed it as an "imperialistic war." dent; Howard McKenzie, another cause we knew it for what it was: another attempt to control the The line was definitely anti-government and anti-Roosevelt at the vice-president; and Ferdinand maritime unions, just as was their first attempt, the west coast time, also anti-shipowner. Smith, national secretary, are ac­ Maritime Federation of the Pacific. Here's what Howard McKenzie, NMU Vice President, had to say tive members of the communist This is not to say that unity among all maritime unions is not party, and have been carrying out in the report of the National Council meetiqg appearing in the NMU necessary. As a matter of fact, it was never more needed that it the orders of the party in the Pilot of Jan. 26, 1940: "Another reason is that there are certain ele­ is today, with the threat of anti-labor legislation hanging over our NMU. ments in the present Administration in Washington which are trying heads, the proposed recodification of maritime laws, and the Coast to force this country into war ... It is our belief that these elements LISTEN, NOW Guard determined to exercise its coytrol over seamen^to mention in Washington advise the operators to take it easy and sign the Joe Curran has consistently de­ only a few. agreement. They still hope that if war is declared, they can hook the nied this, and has maintained union up to the war machine and destroy the hiring hall along with that his actions, and the actions First Real Chance wages." of all the other members of the Ferdinand Smith, NMU National Secretary, had this to say in Now that the disruptive CMU has been thoroughly discredited NMU executive board, have been for its raiding and political tactics, there is a great possibility that dictated solely by the desire to a Pilot article of February 9, 1940: "The manacing M-Day plan for for the first time there is a chance for real unity among all seamen strengthen the union. Listen to industrial mobilization, twin product of the War Department and labor-hating financiers, is ready for operation the minute war is based on a common program. what he has to say now. declai-ed. "They were in no position to Recently all maritime unions, AFL, CIO and independent, have -"Maritime workers, naturally, bear the brunt of any war-time been invited by Vincent J. Malone, president of the MFOWW, to to do so (criticize in a construc­ attacks on labor. Ouis is a basic, strategic industry. Our organiza­ meet in Washington to discuss joint action on problems affecting tive manner Curran's resignation tions are considered a menace to war profiteering (especiaUy in all seamen. It would be a great thing for the seamen if this ma­ from the CMU) because they munitions and shipping) and are bound to be the first victims of terialized. There is need for a move of this kind now. Action, and knew that the statement made by the drive on trade union rights." fast action at that, should be taken if any of us is to survive the myself was correct and that our Frederick Myers, former NMU Vice President and Field Or­ Union was in danger. The simple .attacks of the shipowners and the government bureaucrats. ganizer, stated in the Pilot of February 9, 1940: "We in Marine reason they did not, is because Let us not be super-optimists, however. Such a conference their loyalties and their motives object to the transfer of American vessels, the corruptness in the would not end jurisdictional lines between the various unions. This have not been for our Unioh Bureau of Marine Inspection and Navigation, the Maritime Commis­ we know is impossible at this time. The lines are drawn too deeply first. They have openly made it sion's shipowner-policy. President Roosevelt's utter disregard for for us to throw aside overnight. clear on the floor that they spoke seamen obtaining social security and general welfare. We support We should be able, however, to unite on a specific program, officially as members of the com­ Lewis in condemning these Government officials who are more in­ and combat all common enemies: the shipowners, government bu­ munist party and for the com clined to make political porridge of the labor movement rather than to help better wages and working conditions and improve the con­ reaucrats and the communits party. One of the first things we have munist party." ditions of life of Labor in this country." to face with joint action is Coast Guard regulation, and unless we COMMIE POLICY do so we all stand a good chance to be enslaved by the hooligans. A few paragraphs further, Joe Pro-Govt. and Shipowner Period / goes back into the NMU record The second period was that which ran between the invasion of Four-Watch System during the war to prove that Ru.ssia by the Nazi.s on June 22, 1941 and the expulsion of Earl Next—if indeed it is not the first thing—is to coordinate the NMU policy was dictated by the Browder as head of the American communists in the early part of contract expiration dates of all seamen's unions, and then, going communist party all that time. 1946, to be replaced by William Z. Foster. This was a period of full He says, aU-out, by strike if necessary, for the four-wateh system. cooperation with the government, collaboration with the shipown­ "Just as two years ago when ers, and agitation for all-out war against the Nazis with full-support This type of program is a simple one around which all seamen Myers was vice-president,^ Mc­ could rally without going into the ticklish problem of jurisdictional Kenzie, Myers, and Smith at­ for Russia. Fi-ederick "Blackie" Myers stated in the N. Y. NMU meeting beefs. Just so long as there are unorganized outfits left, there will tempted to promote the idea that of March 12, 1942, "When we gave up our right to strike we did so naturally be some very hot beefs while organizing is going on. How­ the shipownei- was 'our friend' with the prime intention of guaranteeing to the nation that our ever, these beefs can be controlled and handled. and that we should not worry vessels were going to move, and that we were going to move them The big thing will be to show that seamen can and will unite about wage increase.s—the ship­ on schedule . . . The proposal we made today—whereby we would on a simple program against general, common enemies. In fact, owners would give them to us out establish a "Keep 'Em Sailing Board," composed of representatives we must write a working program or the entire propaganda of the of the goodness of their hearts. from the Unions and the operators and the government—would con­ communist party will be proven true—that only through the CP can That was the same time that the tribute the maximum effort toward working out a joint program to working unity be achieved. We must prove it to be what it is—a lie. communist party promoted col­ iron out all the wrinkles that now exist." laboration with the employers Howard McKenzie declared at the same New York meeting Eliminate Communist Party and so it had to be pushed into (March 12, 1942), "The first responsibility of every loyal American our Union." is to contribute his or her maximum contribution to winning the At the same time, definite steps should be taken, agreed to by All of the statements made by war. It is the duty of every patriotic American, it is the duty of all unions, to eliminate from maritime the communist party as an Curran about Stack, McKenzie, the shipowners as well as the Union." organized group. In the face of their terrible wartime record this Smith, Myers and others, are Later, in his report, McKenzie asserted, "We also proposed a should not be difficult to do. (rue, but nowhere does Curran joint statement with the shipowners that they join with the union It must be pointed out to all seamen that should the occasion admit that he accepted all of in supporting the government for an effective price control, ration­ arise, the commies will once again sell-out to the bosses, just as they these policies until the split over ing consumer commodities and eliminate war profiteering." did during the war, when—to give but one example—they whole­ the CMU. At a special New York membership meeting on July 7, 1941, heartedly supported Coast Guard dictatorship over seamen. One statement in Curran's col­ NMU National Secretary Ferdinand Smith, in discussing the NMITs The time has come when something can be done about these umn sticks out like a soi'e thumb statement of policy on the suddenly changed international situation, and the other enemies of maidtime workers. We should not let it to anyone who believes in trade said "I want it stated here, although some of you say we should not union democracy. Here is what get away from us. give any aid to the Soviet Union in particular, it is not a question of Curran has to say about the us, as a trade union, preserving our own interests, and our interests way decisions are made by of­ are the defeat of fascism. The defeat of the Soviet Union would only ficers of the NMU. This is from mean potential invasion by the forces of fascism." a report of the National Council Committees, and was suppressed CP Super Militancy Again from the membership: The third period, the one we are now in, called for the re­ "The records we examined surgence of CP super-militancy once again. After the collabora­ show that Vice-President Myers, tion of Browder, the CP decided that in order to capture the popu­ Vice-President McKenzie, and lar labor fancy once more that they would have to replace Browder Secretary Smith did make indi­ with the more militant Foster. So, the next line change. This one vidual decisions on organization, called for anti-bureaucracy, anti-shipowner policies, and pro-Sovietnegotiations and personal ques- ism, as usual. {Con tin lied on Page 6) (Covfinued on Page 4) Re<5ord Shows NMU Leaders Follow Changes In CP Line �THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, January 10, 1947 Curran Finds NMU Leaders Are Commies WRAT ttwiiK (Continiied from Page 3) tions at Variance with union policy." The report further state.s that QUESTION:—In your opinion, what was the greatest SIU victory during 1946? ". . . The New York Agent, Joe Stack, had on occasions exceeded FRANK DUNKLEY, Cook: CLIFFORD BROWN. FOW; his authority as agent and taken All the victories last year were As far as I am concerned, and unto himself responsibilities I think this goes for most sea­ important. That includes the new which properly belonged to the men, the new contracts are the contracts, the General Strike, the national officials." most important single victory the victory over the WSA Compe­ NOT RED-BAITING Union won all last year. It meant tency Cards, and the way we Curran makes the very good Kliiii quite a big increase in wages, and stopped the commies every time. point that in the past, in the also better conditions. For years Don't forget the way the SIU NMU, it has been difficult to seamen have been sailing under took the lead in setting up the criticize the officials who follow­ poor conditions, and with wages AFL Maritime Trades Depart­ ed the commie line because "they that shoreside workers would ment, either. However, if I have always made the plea that they laugh at. Now we are getting to pick one outstanding event, were being criticized because paid a little better for the risks I'd say the new contracts are the they were members of the com­ we take and for the work we do. most important. The advances munist party and that this was We still are not earning all we made in these new agreements red-baiting. Since that time, how­ deserve, but that will come, too, mark a long step forward for all ever, McKenzie himself spoke for through the SIU. seamen. the communist party at the Na­ tional Council, stating that the communist party and/or its mem­ bers can and must be criticized, whenever in the opinion of any­ KYLE BASHAW, AB: one, they do wrong and it is not HYMAN PITKOFSKY, MM: red-baiting." Winning the General Strike was I firmly believe that the new In bringing to a close his reve­ the main event for our Union last contracts weie the most outstandlations of what the communists year. It showed that we have a Rng victories of last year. The have done in the NMU, Curran lot of power, and that we are SIU has always had higher wages says definitely that the commun­ not afraid to go to bat for what and better conditions than any is rightfully ours. All seamen, ist party is seeking to maintain other seamen's unions, but the even those in other unions, bene­ full control of the NMU and its contracts we signed last year put fitted from our actions. The Gov­ policies. us e\'en further ahead. All sea­ FACTS DISTORTED ernment was used to pushing la­ men look to the SIU for leader­ "Their deliberate distortion of bor around, and they expected us ship, and we gave it to them in the facts concerning our rela­ to fall down and play dead when extra good measure last year. tions with. the CMU," he says, they ruled against our new wage Winning the Isthmian election is "is desperate action on their part increases. Well, we showed them also a victory, although the stal­ to keep the NMU captured and different, and the other unions ling around that the NMU is do­ under party control; the same followed our lead, and won the ing is holding that one up. tactics, attempts to create panic same increases. through lies, slander, packed meetings, are clear in this pic­ ture now and the members should he fully aware of if." The record is very clear on the role the communists have played in the labor movement, and in the National Maritime Union. Noth­ ing that Curran or any other By EARL SHEPPARD dition.s are concerned, the letter these Atlanta City seamen. Here's to say, "Pile off." But it takes a NMU official has been able to continued, the crewmembers a case where a number of men real Seafarer with real guts to say has changed the plain facts Two militant Isthmian crewthink that by the time they re­ on an unorganized ship went out stick on a ship like that, and fight that the NMU has been domin­ members, Alfred D. Pereira and turn from their current voyage and did the kind of a job that things through to a successful ated by the communists, and has Pete Blume, proved recently that everything will be fairly ship­ any Seafarer could be proud of conclusion. They did it, and so taken its ideas and line from the it just takes a little of that old Daily Worker, the organ of the shape. having done. The fact that the could anyone else. Seafarers fighting spirit to get communist party in the United ship lnvas an unorganized one decent conditions aboard an Isth­ It's men like these fellows from States. READ AND LEARN makes the job that much more the Atlanta City that make the mian ship. Now that Curran has come out commendable. Brother Pereira went on in his These two boys along with SIU the strong and militant un­ against his former comrades, it their fellow crewmen got fed up letter, "I would like to have this Too many times, fellows are ion that it is today. And, it's men makes the picture that much with the intolerable and unsani­ beef mentioned in the Log if it ready to pile off a ship when the like these that are going to make more plain to the naked eye. The tary conditions on board the At­ is at all possible, because I think coffee isn't perked properly, or the Seafarers into the biggest and NMU has been under the influ­ lanta City, and as a result raised that the Seafarers should read if they only get one kind of meat strongest maritime union in the ence of the CP, and now the bat­ a little hell with the Isthmian aad understand about a situation instead of two, or for a number world. Always remember, it's tle is on to rescue that union like ours. Port Captain. your Union, Brother, and you from the clutch of the red fas­ of other trivial reasons. "Sometimes, it is better if the Before they got back to their make it what it is! cists. When you're trying to organize ship, the company akeady had a men would stay aboard an unor­ an unorganized ship or company, shoregang cleaning out the filthy ganized ship with bum conditions you have to put up with some heads. Later, new mattresses and work to better those condi­ hardships in order to do a job for were delivered aboard for the en­ tions," declared Pereira, "and in the Union and yourself. Those that way it would be a better ship tire crew, also a new toaster. Switching his raiding tactics companies serving Alaska order­ conditions will always be im­ You see, it does pay to squawk for the next crew. When the sea­ to the frozen north, Harry Bridges ed Ketchikan-bound freight to proved considerably when the about the living and working men pile off a ship with plenty is once more attempting to muscle be restricted to only one hatch ship is finally unionized. conditions, even on an unorgani­ of beefs and when things look in on SUP jurisdiction and jobs and to be limited in amount. zed (but, not for long!) Isthmian bad, they are not helping them­ by ordering his longshoremen to NOT DISCOURAGED Although the CIO Longshore­ ship like the Atlanta City. Of selves or the next guy." usurp winch-driving work on an men have been badly beaten in Take the men on the Atlanta SUP ship in Ketchikan, Alaska. In concluding his letter, Pereira course, the fact that these men similar attempts to raid our con­ had the backing of the SIU in stated, "These conditions aboard City as an example. Those guys tracted jobs, they seem to be ask­ The center of trouble, the SS their beef was an additional club the Atlanta City would never had filthy heads on their ships, ing for trouble again. The SUP North Sea, reports that the ILWU for bargaining purposes. have been looked after if we, the improperly working, and many has served notice that infringe­ According to the letter from crew, hadn't beefed so much. Of other sub-standard conditions as members have demanded to take ment on its juristictional rights, over winch-driving work for Deck Delegate Pereira, men are coui-se, half our battle was won compared to an organized ship. by commie-inspired raids, will which Sailors Union of the Pacific working on the Deck and Engine with the splendid support we had Were thety discouragted? Hell, not be tolerated. deck crewmembers have a con­ room heads, installing new valves, from a crew which was strongly no! They went out and did a job The Seattle Branch of the SUP, and getting everything in work­ sprinkled in the three depart­ through beefing aboard their ship, tract. which is handling the beef, has REDUCING CARGO ing order once again. In addi ments with some good Seafarers, and having their elected dele­ gone on record as condemning tion, a load of new fans also ar- and the balance made up of sea­ gates take up their complaints As a result of this action, the this action and has instructed its with the Port Captain. -rived, so that conditions on the men friendly to the SIU." Northland Transportation Com­ members to protect their con­ JVtlanta City have improved con­ They got results. And so could pany, operators of the North Sea, tract rights by refusing to move LISTEN HARD siderably. you, if you came up against the have ordered immediate drastic any ships where the ILWU has Although the ship is still not Seafarers should listen to ad­ same kind of a situation on an restrictions on cargoes from Seat­ encroached upon the rights of what it should be as far as con- vice such as that coming from unorganized ship. Sure, it's easy tle. Also the three steamship the SUP. Jiiii Atlanta City Crewmen Show How SIU Tactics Can Win Improvements On Isthmian Ships Bridges Tries New Raid �-T-ra^F—TTiT" Friday, January 10. 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG CRACKERJACK CREW Wm. Clay Is Kept On The Ball By A Crackerjack SlU Grew NEW ORLEANS—Even though the William Clay, Alcoa, was shorthandcd in'the Stewards De­ partment on Cljristmas Day, the crew of the Liberty did not suf­ fer in the eating line. The whole Department, under the able direc­ tion of Chief Steward Bill Oliver, pitched in, and the result was a meal fit for SIU members to eat and cat and eat. Here is the menu that they went to town on: Russian Fruit Salad Consomme a-la Florentine or Louisiana Chicken Soup Roast Young Tom Turkey and Giblet Sauce Old Plantation Dressing Crcuiberry Sauce Stuffed Round Steaks a-la Caillu Virginia Baked Ham with Pineapple Sauce Boiled Filet of Sole a-la Levantine Glazed Sweet Potatoes Asparagus De Hoj^t Four Watches First Among Seafarers Goals Page FivA Anglaise Sweet Peas Souffle Sweet Corn Mashed Potatoes Dauphinose Potatoes Augustin Pumpkin, Mince Meat and Canadian Apple Pies Layer Lemon, Fruit Marble and Pound Cakes Candies and Nuts Assorted Fresh Fruits Hot Coffee or Tea Hot Parker House Rolls • The William Clay is on the bauxite run, and it is' a good, clean ship. Most of the crew, including the Bosun, A1 Guanire have signed on for another trip. Eksewhere on this page is a picture of Al." Although he looks like he had a losing fight with a meat grinder, the explanation is much more simple than that, and also much more interesting. Al had a senorita on each knee when the chair broke under him, throwing him against the table, and giving him a black eye. At least that's Al's story and he sticks right to it. The crew of the William Clay brought in a clean ship, and most of the crew signed on again for the same run. This is the Deck Gang. Left to right, front row, Arrid Gylland, AB; Chad Hagbred, OS; Al Guanire, Bosun; Paul Knipp, AB; and Tony Moshak, AB. Back row, William Siesfeld, OS; Al Dolce, OS; James Van Sant, AB; Carson McCoy, AB, and John Heacox, AB. By HOWARD GUINIER NEW YORK—The Seafarers In­ ternational Union is embarking on its ninth year with a remark­ able record of success in secur­ ing benefits for its members. Those of us who were instru­ mental in creating the organiza­ tion can well be proud of its rec­ ord, and the manner in which it was constituted. In the past year, the SIU by its militant action leaped to the forefront, assumed and gave leadership in the maritime field that has left its rivals gasping and the shipowners wondering what will come next. I feel safe in making the flat statement that foreiiiost among our contract demands will be the establishment of the four-watch system. We should, therefore, discuss and explore all angles of the question so that when the time comes we shall be able to make concrete recommendations as to just how it shall be in­ stituted. PRIMARY OBJECTIVE There is no doubt that the war interrupted a program of organ­ ized labor that would have re­ sulted in the establishement of the six-hour day. We can, there­ fore, look forward to that as the primary objective of labor in the coming negotiations. This will not be handed to us on a platter. We must tighten cur ranks and see to it that the few performers still with us learn the facts of unionism. There is no place for disrupters (intention­ al or otherwise) in our Union and it is my opinion that the .sooner we unload these people the bet­ ter off we will be. Union members have a respon­ sibility to their organization to conduct themselves as such, and it is every member's duty to see to it that this is*.done. It is interesting to note that many crews have adopted a sys­ tem of fines for infractions of rules that has resulted in cleaner •jnessroms and quarters. This should be encouraged, thereby teaching our new members that an SIU ship is a clean ship. The black eye that Al Guan­ ire, Bosun, is sporting, did not come as the result of a tight. He says he got it when a chair collapsed under him when he had one girl on each knee. That's a good way to get hurt, in any case. On this page appears the menu served to the crew of the Clay on Christmas Day at sea. Tho | Stewards Department, above, is responsible for the swell feed. Left to right. Bill Oliver, Chief I Steward; Clarence Lyons, Chief Cook; Jimmie Williams, Night Cook and Baker; Gettis Light- i foot. Third Cook, and Leonard Jones, MM. Merchant Seamen Are Eligible To Buy Surplus Small Vessels may inspect them without ooltgation. Lists of vessels being offeieSt for sale will be issued from i.-mo to time by the Maritime Commia^ sion. Seafarer's who wish ro bo placed in the mailing list shouf^ write to the United States Mari­ Sales of the craft will be limit­ time Commission, Room 2410, 'V/ ed to veterans and to merchant Building, Washington, D. C. seamen who have received, or are eligible to receive, a certi­ i ficate of substantially continu­ ous service. Merchant seamen are eligible to purchase Government surplus small vessels 65 feet and under in length, according to terms of an announcement just released by the United States Maritime Commission. NOTICE! Seamen who are interested in inspecting the vessels for .sale are advised by the commission to contact the nearest office in their district. This is the Engine Department, lined up from left to right for this picture. Paolo Pringi, D. B. Moller, Tommy O'Shea, Al Freund, Alfred Medina, and Boleslaw Czeck. Like the other members of the crew, these men have done a swell job of keep­ ing the William Clay on the ball. Smooth sailing fellows. The Commission's latest an­ nouncement lists some 80 small craft of varying types and speci­ fications, ranging from 30 to 65 feet in length. Prices range from $100 for a Higgins Landing Craft (personnel) to $20,000 for a sea­ going tug. Several motor launches and speed boats are listed. The vessels are located at var­ ious naval and shipbuilding es­ tablishments throughout the na­ tion, where prospective buyers Jack Balson shipped aboard the Benjamin R. Milam on a run from rbo boneyard at Wilmington, N. C. to New York, where the ship was delivered to the French Government. Hf> claimed to be an SIU member and gave two different num­ bers, 234 and 2234. Investi­ gation proved that neither of these numbers is his. Agents in all ports and ships dele­ gates are urged to be on tho lookout for this man, and see that his book is clear be­ fore he ships on an SIU ship. J f J { 1 �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Six Defense Of Bilbo Bleeding Hearts Comer Blocks Host Of Anti-Labor Bills :^£CO<L SiixtmAAip Gympxi/ru^, //vc. WASHINGTON — By an ironic twist of fate, one of Labor's worst enemies, Senator Theodore Bilbo, is responsible for staving off temporarily the flood of antilabor bills waiting for introduc tion into the new congress. Bilbo, who is being threatened with denial of his Senate seat for graft in war contracting, and for intimidating voters in his dis­ trict, has the backing of a small group of southern senotoi's wlio have pledged a filibu.ster until he is seated. If the Biblo group makes good its threat, the rcactionarie.s with their briefcases bulging with antilabor bills will have to cool their heels outside the senate chambers, and weep bitter tears over the fact that labor is being granted a reprieve by one of their own boys. Among the bills slated for first consideration by both houses are those aimed at strangling the rights of Labor. They are taking various shapes and forms, but all have the same purpose; the destruction of unions. One is the infamous Case Bill, with its outlaw of boycotts and sympathetic walkouts; another is a proposal to prohibit strikes in basic industries and for compulsary arbitration. Also there is no ddubt but revisions of the Wag­ ner (NLRA) Act, calling for the Open Shop, will come high oil the agenda. These are but a few of the anti-labor bills that will be in­ troduced in the 80th Congress, to be rushed through committee, and passed on to the President quick­ er than the bill that raised the salaries of Congressmen. There will be more of them. Gadsden Crew Gives To Baltimore Brothers In Marine Hospital By RAY WHITE BALTIMORE—This week the crew of the SS M. B. Gadsden do­ nated thirty dollars to be di­ vided among the hospitalized SIU members at the Baltimore Marine Hospital. The hospital committee headed by John Taurin reported that the money given by the considerate crew of the Gadsden was divided equally, giving $3.00 to each of the following hospitalized Sea­ farers: Manuel ^S. Romero, M. H. Walsh, W. L. Gillespie, Francis R. O'Brien, Emilio DiPietro, S. J. Amento, Joseph Ramieri, Peter Lopez, John Fitsimmons and Orpha Johnson. ATTENTION SIU, SUP CREWS When your ship comes in­ to the port of Tampa, do not buy one single thing from any of the Ships' Chandlers there. Those men. with the help of policemen, crashed our picketlines during our General Strike. Keep those finks off your ships, and re­ member to pass the word to other seamen. This is action thai has the backing of the entire membership of the Seafarers International Union. PieR*K" WCCHAWKCN. N.J •e«. LO»«oAe«»c »••«*> • T IOOO Kov60b«r 19th 1946. He regret to Inform you that you ire not entitled to vecatlon or transportation money for the time you hare been working as Chief Steward for t hie Company. The anion has ruled that there be no more TacatloRj, they feel that by paying vacations. It will Mice company men cut of you. In other wordi, any man, who one year» eervlco with the Company, prior to the eigning of the arjeen'^nt on Auguet 4, 1946, has forfeited hla vacation. This haa nothing to do with the caspany'e feeling but le ilrlclly ths 0 land taken by the Union. Regarding tranoportatlcn, again It eeeme to the writer that the Union haan't doneeiaotly the right t hlng towarde the Crew. As you know, the artlcleo were not terminated wnou vou arrived In the Port of Mobile, Eowever. the Union forced the men to sign off on mutual conoent and, when that happened, no transportation had to bo paid. The writer, for' one, regrets having to explain thle to you. as ws would very much like to see you getting paid for both vacation and tranaportablon, but, ae you can readily understand, the Company cannot do for one and net for another and, therefore, we have to live up to our agreement with the Union. Hoping you ere In the best of health, wo are Very truly yours, yaCQA STEAKSHIP COBPAWC, IMC. O.-'ICKAMSW-— Comiciesary Supt. GHHxCBA Friday. Janoary 10, 1947 AICDB CDDperates With SIU; Sends Stewards Cute Netes A slimy, finking technique em­ ployed by the Alcoa Steamship Company's commissary superin­ tendent to alienate Chief Stew­ ards from their shipmates by means of subtly worded letters was exposed this week by the Seafarers International Union as part of a vicious anti-union campaign. The Union's expose was sub stantiated by one of these letters sent recently to an SIU mem­ ber who has worked as Chief Steward aboard Alcoa vessels The Steward recognized the let­ ter's purpose and turned it over to the Union. The letter 'was written on of­ ficial company stationery at its Weehawken, N. J., office's Drip­ ping with syrupy friendship, it sought to convince the Seatarer that the company was his great benefactor. Any shortcomings which the Steward found in the company's treatment of him, the letter al­ most tearfully pointed out, were not the company's desire. OH. HARD LIFE Very few Stewards ar* duped by the crocodile tears shed by such good Samaritans as Hansen for the "poor unprotected Stewards." One of the questions in the minds of the Stewards is why the self-styled "chcunpion of the cause" never thought to pay them overtime at sea on Sundays and holidays, and in port on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays. They are astounded at the idea that a man who had their interest at heart as much as Hansen says he does, never thought to raise their pay. They often wonder how long Hansen had to plead with the Union to let his company give the Stewards an increase of 3S cents an hour for fheir overtime. They can hardly understand why Hansen never thought of easing their work by putting on an adequate manning scale. Although Hansen's interest in their problems is appreciated, the majority of the Stewards prefer to string along with the Union as long as the SIU continues to he "influenced" by him to sign agreements such as the one recently signed. Hansen, nor any other company stooge, can never sell the Stewards, or any other Union man. the idea that their best iriends are the companies or their commissary superintendents. In fact, the company would like to do more for the Stewards than the agreement calls for—it says in the tear-jerker—but it wouldn't be living up to its agreement. "The Company cannot do for one and not for another and, therefore, we have to live up to our agreement with the Union," the letter concludes. The end of the letter, quoted above, reveals its true purpose, which is to pilay the Stewards against the other crewmembers. The SIU has known for a long time that various companies have been trying to pry away from the Union the selection of Chief Stewards when calling for crews. Stewards for freight vessels are shipped off the board. For pas­ senger ships, the Union clears Stewards through the Hiring Hall, SIU Asks To Be Recognized As Bargaining Representative For Tidewater Seamen (Continued from Page 1) Company, and at the same time the petition was submitted to the NLRB. Here is the text of the letter to the Company: Mr. R. K. Kelly, Vice-President Tidewater Associated Oil Co. 17 Battery Place New York, Nev/ York Dear Mr. Kelly: Please he advised that we are the authorized representatives of a sufficient number of the unli­ censed personnel now employed in the Tidewater Tankers to qual­ ify us as the Bargaining Agent for Ihe unlicensed personnel in your company. This is to further advise you that we have petitioned the Na­ tional Labor Relations Board for an election in these tankers as of this dale, copy of which is en­ closed. Sincerely, Paul Hall, Director Tidewater Tankers OrgcUiizing Committee The letter to the NLRB fol­ lows: Mr. H. LeBarron, Director National Labor Relations Board but the companies would like to give these jobs to their specially selected men, free and clear of the Union. These supposedly friendly, per­ sonal letters, plus the many other overtures made by Alcoa pur­ porting to show the company as good Samaritans to the Stewards, form a definite pattern. The SIU has definite reasons to believe that the primary pur­ pose of the campaign is to drive a wedge between the Chief Stew­ ards and the other crewmemher.s. OLDTIME FINK It was pointed out at Unyjn headquarters that the signer of the letter, Commissary Superin­ tendent Hansen, has a notorious finking record, and finked on the SIU during the 1941 bonus strike. The fact that the Alcoa com­ pany allows an official to openly employ finking tactics leaves open to question their announced desire to deal with the Union in good faith. Calling upon Alcoa to back up it.s pronouncement to deal in good faith, the Seafarers recom­ mended that the company de­ monstrate its intent by not using Hansen to continue his anti-un­ ion devices. Crime Wave Hits Waterfront In Port Galveston A wave of crime is sweeping the waterfront in the Port of Gal­ veston, Texa.«!, witli seafaring men the chief victims of holdup and sluggings. One SIU member is in the Marine hospital reported­ ly suffering from a skull fractui-e a.s a result of a beating ad­ ministered by thugs in the latest of the series of attacks. The incidence of waterfront crime in Galveston was reported to the Log by John D. McLemore, a Seafarer. Brother McLemore said that "the highwaymen's fra­ 120 Wall Street TcUiker Corporation of same, as ternity in this port has been con­ New York, New York of this date. We are, therefore, centrating recently on the sea­ Dear Mr. LeBarron: using ihe facilities of your office men." in order to make preparations The Seafarer hospitalized with This is to inform you thai the for an election to he held within the skull injury, "Fats" Wolfe, Seafarers International Union of was in the company of C. A. North America represents a suf­ this company's tankers. Hancock when the two men were This letter also was signed by ficient number of ihe unlicensed attacked following the payoff Paul Hall. personnel now employed on aboard the SS Hastings on which Tidewater Tankers fo qualify us The drive to organize Tide­ thej^ were crewmembers. as the Bargaining Agent for this water is another step in carrying company. out the Seafarers pledge to or­ The two Seafarers were beaten We have advised Tidewater ganize all unorganized seamen. and "rolled" for over $500 each, according to Brother McLemore. Seafarer Hancock received a less severe beating than did Wolfe, and did not require hospitaliza­ tion. (Continued from Page 3) NMU Leaders Followed CP Line In the Pilot of April 5, 1946, Secretary Smith declared in an ar­ ticle on maritime unity, "By virtue of their huge profits and their importance in world trade, the shipowners today are in an extremely strong position. This position is buttressed by many friends in Congress and in government agencies related to the maritime industry." The article continued, "They (American and British tories) want to break up the Soviet Union and smash labor's organizations, so that they can depress wages and working conditions at home and continue to exploit the colonial peoples." Vice President McKenzie declared in a Pilot item of April 26, 1946, "The employers of this country are determined to smash the labor movement. The employers, including the shipowners, are trying to prepare the groundwork for a Third World War against the rising democracies of Europe, against tKe liberation movements and against our great ally, the Soviet Union." rsf? Within the past week there have been four other cases of as­ sault and robbery, McLemore re­ ported. McLemore warned Seafarers to "watch their step" while ashore in the Port of Galveston. He urged particularly that they ex­ ert exti-eme caution in handling and displaying their money in public places. "It's no fun to work for four or five months for your money only to learn that you'll never get the use of it," McLemore said. �THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, January 10, 1947 \<m- V Pag* Saraa study In Contrasts—Okay Skipper And Bucko Mate—In Marcus Hook By BLACKIE CARDULLO ... MIMM Check The Ship Before Sign On NO For Stores And Needed Repairs By C. J. 'BUCK* STEPHENS Silence this week from the Branch Agents of the follow­ ing ports: get about being black balled be­ CHARLESTON cause the new agreement covers HOUSTON you so that the Union protects NORFOLK you completely. As far as having JACKSONVILLE to kow-tow to the cOiripany Port PHILADELPHIA Steward, those days are gone, too. PORT ARTHUR Remember you are a member SAN JUAN of the SIU, and bear in mind that MOBILE your Union is the strongest in GALVESTON the industry and will definitely CORPUS CHRISTI take care of you in a beef with The deadline for port re­ the Port Steward. ports. monies due, etc., is the If the Port Steward claims that Monday proceeding publica­ you are feeding too much, then tion. While every effort will you are solid with both Union be made to use in the current and crew. But don't waste food. issue material received after On the other hand, if you are that date, space commitments hungry, and the crew brings you generally do not permit us to up on charges because you are do so. trying to chisel on their grub, then all the Port Stewards in the whole country will not be able to help you sail another SIU ship as Steward. Remember, when you are at sea, your Delegate is your gobetween with the Skipper and yourself. If the Skipper cuts By JOE your store list, repoi't it to the WATCH SIGN-ON NEW YORK—A couple of the I would like to take a blast Delegate so he in turn can call boys in the Baltimore thought at the crews that sign on in one a meeting of the crew to .see to it they were getting a real break port and then go to another port that you are not to blame. when they went down to Wil­ to have repairs made, additional DEPT. DELEGATE mington, North Carolina, to take stores put on, etc. Recently we have had ships a ship out of the boneyard and This is definitely not a good coming in without a report on sail it to New York. practice and should be stopped. the disputed overtime, beefs, re­ They were taken aboard the Once the companies get you on pairs, etc, as a matter of fact SS Benjamin Milam, Waterman articles they give you the old run without even electing Delegates Steamship Company, and they around. They say that no one on the ship. sailed the vessel right into this told them there were stores need­ This practice .should stop. It hai-bor. ed or no one put in a repair list is the duty of each and every So what happened? The com­ or what have you. crew to see to it that there is a pany tells the boys it was all a We have two ships tied up here reliable member of the crew in mistake, and that they were as­ now that were supposed to have each Department elected as Dele­ signed to the wrong ship. The signed on yesterday. Both ships gate. ship they were supposed to bring came from other ports, but the The Union rules gives this au- up here is still resting quietly in crew had used savvy enough not Ihe boneyard. (Continued on Page 8) to sign on foreign articles with a promise, and the ships are hung alongside until the stores are put aboard and repairs are made to the satisfaction of the crew. It makes it easier for the crew to get plenty of stores aboard a By HENRY W. CHAPPELL •ship, especially when she is fully loaded with pay eargo and ready TOLEDO — Although activity the NMU is "finished with en­ to sail, if the crew is not on ar­ in this Great Lakes port is pretty gines." ticles. The December 27 issue of the But, Brothers take it from me, much at a standstill, Lakes sea­ "Pilot" gave a fairly accurate if you are signed on foreign ar- men are taking advantage of the description of Wisconsin and tcles, it's mighty damn hard to slow season by coming into the Michigan's new ship the Chicago force the company to come across Hall to get the real dope on the Clipper. and usually you are up the well But after going to all the trou­ SIU. As a result every week new known creek without a paddle. ble of procuring and printing the Besides we still have the won­ members and former NMU men data giving all the dimensions, derful boys in blue, the Coast are being signed up in the SIU. cost, passenger and crew accom­ Guard Gestapo Unit. Now that the entire structure modations, etc., the writer for­ of the NMU is crumbling, both got to mention the main item of FOOD A PROBLEM Another beef on the list is ends against the middle, the SIU, interest to Lakes sailors—which against those Siewards who do which has proven itself to be the is that the ship will be crewed not confide in the crew and hol­ only sailors' Union, can exert and operated by SIU seamen. No doubt just a slight over­ ler to high heaven that the com­ more energy in fighting the sea­ man's common enemies, the ship­ sight on the part of the "Pilot" pany will not give them this or owners and their government reporter. that or the other thing until they 1947 BIG YEAR are out to sea, and there "aint no agencies. With 1946 stowed away in the "FINISHED WITH ENGINES" more." history books, the coming year The feeling of resentment These Stewards should confide should be one of great advances in the Delegates and not tell them among the rank and file of the in maritime despite the anti-la­ at sign-on time that they hav/ NMU, coupled with the fact that bor bills that will come up before enough for two months and then Joe Curran can no longer endure the new congress. the complete domination of the two days out begin to run short. One thing is sure—it will be a Some of these Stewards are afraid communist party officials and year that will see the SIU lead­ members in union policies, veri­ that they will be black balled by ing the maritime field again in fies the predictions and opinions the company. Brothers, for Pete's sake, for- of SIU officials and members that 1947 as it did in the past. NEW ORLEANS — Things are really booming in the Crescent City, with all hands that wanted to ship before the holidays able to pick their own jobs. Prospects for the next couple of weeks do not look so good, so the members that wanted to spend the holi­ days home may have a lonjger stay than they expected. Shipments of grain out of this port have really been going strong and so much has been com­ ing here that the railroad had to put an embargo on grain for this port, so they would not have too many railroad cars tied up here waiting to unload. There is so much grain here in the elevators that they are not even putting in any more, but are loading the ships directly from the barges and also from the elevators at the same time. We have the SS James Smith and the SS Zezulon Pike loading out at the present time and three more ships waiting. MARCUS HOOK — In many years of sailing, on practically every kind of a tub, I have heard of good Skippers and bad ones. You sort of get used to them after a while, and so it takes either a real bad one, or a very excellent one to arouse any in­ terest. Last week we paid off the SS Carlsbad, Pacific Tankers, and met Captain F. H. Bishop, a Skip­ per who doesn't have to take a back seat to anyone when it comes to taking care of his own crewmembers. Some of the Cap­ tain Bligh's who are sailing in command of ships should take a lesson from him. There were no beefs on this ship, and I never heard a crew praise an Old Man like they praised Captain Bishop. He set­ tled each beef on the spot, and the ship came in clean and ready for payoff. If more Skippers would follow his example, there would be more cooperation between the men and the officers. The unlicensed personnel does not expect any favors, but they do insist on be­ ing treated like decent men. And when they are treated that way, they go out of their way to show their appreciation. We wish Captain Bishop many more years of happy sailing, with SIU and SUP crews, to add to hia 20 years of sailing time. BAD ACTOR And now as contrast, let me show you how another char­ acter operates. This one was a Chief Mate whom we met when we paid off the McKettrick, Pa­ cific Tankers. This officer, who was called a "joker" by all the members of the crew, tried to give orders to the Deck Gang without going through the Bosun. Soon the men were so mixed up that they didn't know whether they were coming or going. Then he laid down the rule that there was to be no whistling on deck. Now that used to be a superstition in the days of the old sailing ships, but it no longer holds true, and the men laughed themselves sick over that one. But the one that really took the cake was his order that the men soogie without putting it down as overtime. When the crew asked about this, he told them that ALGINA unless they did as he ordered, Well, the boys shrugged their he would take it out on them shoulders, and admitted that it when he became a Skipper! was too bad, but what were they GOOD AND BAD expected to do about it. The com­ pany wanted them to payoff, That kind of fellow would have which they were willing to do, been able to get away with a lot but refused to pay them trans­ of that stuff if he hadn't been up against a militant SIU crew. Some of the boj-s were on the picketline right here in Marcus Hook during the General Strike. I know that they mind their own business, but if anyone steps on them, they fight back hard. So, as I said in the beginning of this report, you meet all sorts of officers, good and bad. Last week we met both kinds, but usually the good are more fre­ quent than the poor ones. Unions, for both imlicensed and licensed portation back to Baltimore, the personnel, have done plenty to bring about better understand­ port of signing on. Needless to say, the company ing between the two sections of finally came through with trans­ the crew. portation dough, and the men are Organizing work at Sun Oil all happy. Come to think about Company is still going on strong, it, I guess the company is the and we are still having the same unhappy party to this whole deal. old trouble. The SIU Tanker The Topa Topa, another Water­ News comes out regularly, and man ship, came in from a three from the way people grab for it month trip, and paid off in Phila­ and read it, I'm sure that it is delphia. This ship was crewed more popular than the Marcus by a bunch of oldtimers, and the Hook dailj' papers. trip was very successful from all points of view. Most of the men came back to the New York Hall to ship out again. Business and shipping continue The Log wants at once* Iho fair in New York, but we really names and addresses of bars, expect things to pick up next clubs frequented by seamen, week. Have you heard that one particularly in foreign ports, before? so that they can be put on Robin Lines has three ships the Log mailing list. With coming in from the South African the postal delivery to ships run next week, and that will be snafued, this remains the only like a shot in the aim to us. If practical way of getting the other companies show the same Union paper into the mem­ kind of improvement, we will be berships hands. kept hopping for some time to So do it today—send us the come. names and correct addresses Still and all, there are a good of your favorite places all many jobs appearing on the over the world, with an esboard each call. With the good estimation of the number of weather we are enjoying lately, Logs they can use. and with jobs available, what else can a sailor ask for? Wrong Ship But Right Crew (SIU) Takes Trip From Boneyard To N. Y. NMU Is "Finished With Engines;" Lakes Seamen Gome To Seafarers Let Us Have 'Em �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Eight Friday, January 10, 1947 Weather Reroutes Freight Ships But Tankers Keep Boston Busy Check The Ship Before Sign On For Stores And Needed Repairs By JOHN MOGAN beefing to him that you are going to report him to the Union. Call a meeting of the crew and tell them to keep track of every phony move he makes, then when you come in you have it on the bird and it will be very easy to The elected Delegate should have him removed. keep a list of all the men in his Make .sure that your nose is department when they are paid, and when a.ssessments, etc, are clean though, before you request the Union to have the company paid. wipe the nose of one of its of­ He should keep track of all beefs ficers. Get the deadwood on him and at the time the beef takes and have it in black and white. place he should make a detailed report so that the Patrolman pay­ NO REAL BEEF ing off will know what the score Recently we had a company it. beef that the Union was not co­ He should see that regular meet­ operating with it in trying to sail ings are called so new members its ships on time. can be taught the principles of I would like to remind this Unionism and can be told of the company that in the future, as great struggle that the unions well as in the past, we will not went through to make the preswork on a promise and have a ent wages and conditions possible. ship signed on before all repairs, The Delegates 'should keep stores, etc., are okay. track of all disputed overtime, and The same company that cries above all, not argue with the to high heaven for unity between head of the department because the Union and it, waited until he disputes overtime as he is only the afternoon of December 24 to pay off a ship. Even a seaman should have been on his way home for Christmas Eve. {Continued from Page 7) thority to the shore Patrolmen, but even they do not know the man that is capable of being a Delegate so they leave it up to the crew. was no good anyway. There was a swell gang on the Klamath Falls; but possibly it wasn't real­ ized by the crew that Boston Patrolmen cover Providence, also. SEE PATROLMAN Quite a lew of the unorganized By JOHNNY JOHNSTON tankers are hitting up this way now, with the prospects of a When Mount Pelee, the naked greater trafTic in the very near mountain on the Isle of Martinfuture. que in the West Indies, erupted Everything appears in good on May 8, 1902, it completely shape, though the turnover on wiped out the city of St. Pierre these scows is terrific. And, also, and killed forty thousand people. it is becoming increasingly diffi­ When rescue parties arrived in cult to make contact. St. Pierre next day they found a SIU men on these vessels dead city and no one to rescue. should make a special effort to For four days the town was Set ashore and contact the near- searched for survivors, and two est Hall, even when docked at men hunting through the debris out-of-the-way ports up around heard a faint cry which seemed to hei-e; or, even more important, come out of a crack beneath their at refineries where Patrolmen feet. Other members of the party cannot get aboard. were called, and they started To sum up, shipping and busi­ digging through the rock and ness is just about fair in Boston. lava. Hours later they discovered a Improvement of the situation is MOSTLY TANKERS hopefully looked for, but even criminal, who was in his cell We had a Mississippi ship (SS at pre.sent there are times when when the eruption started, and Tarleton Brown) in Portland last it is a struggle to get the sixth had thereby e.scaped the fate of week, expect another to pay off book-member AB for a full deck the others in the citj'. here within a couple of days department. S. 4. J. (weather permitting her to got And as far as business is con­ Did you know that the song down from Portland). cerned we are keeping above "O Bury Me Not On The Lone Except for these and a Moran water, so this department isn't Prairie" was first sung and writ­ lug, it was the tankers which too bad, either. But we are still ten by a sailor who had left the kept us busy, one of which paid ^ looking for some improvement, sea? off in Providence a few days ago, | and no doubt it will be Eastern He was driving cattle up the and another of which is scheduled , that will provide it — toward the Old Chisholm Trail during the to pay off in Portland tomorrow.' end of January. great cattle boom after the Civil The SS Klamath Falls paid off War, and he was homesick for on New Year's Day without, a the sight and smell of the sea. Patrolman. This is something So he started singing a song well that shouldn't occur again, and it known to seafaring men of that a member of the crew and he has is up to the Delegates to notify time. instructions to go by. Keep track the Hall and to await the Patrol­ The song was "O Bury Me Not of it and bring it in to the shore man's coming before starting to In The Deep Blue Sea," but since Delegates and if its okay they payoff. It is quite possible to lose he was on the open range, he will get it for you. good money by not waiting. changed the words to suit the lo­ However, when the Patrolman The Delegates on various ships cale. arrived at the ship and checked have beefed against the Skip­ The song became very popular, the disputed overtime, it develop­ per, Mates, etc., and wanted and has been translated into ed that all the questionable stuff them pulled off the ship. In some many foreign languages. Wher­ cases they had good beefs, and ever you go today, you can hear in some they had bum beefs, so the lone.some words and tune of a few words of advice. a song that started with the sea If you have a phony on the but which has become the cowship, don't put him on guard by punchers' song. BOSTON — My last report, it seems to me, was chiefly about the weather up this way. I could easily fill up a couple of columns this week about the same thing, fur it is still mighty tough going up this way. There apparently is a direct connection between the weatlier and shipping. The daily papers have been replete with news of shipping accidents, groundings, etc., occurring in the immediate vicinity, which may or may not be the explanation as to why most of our steamship companies are shifting their base of oper­ ations to the south. Judging from the reports of our Agents in the Gulf area, shipping and business is really good. Just by way of example: four Waterman ships were scheduled to payoff and crew up here this first week in January. Every one of the four was cancelled and other ports got the business. New Branch Opened in Miami By Seafarers Calmar Ships Given To Bull And Overlakes By W. H. SIMMONS SAN FRANCISCO — Shipping around the Gold Coast is better than it has been for .some time, but it still isn't what one can call too good. But we are looking for ship­ ping to pick up in the near fu­ CHARLES STARLING ture with jobs for all the men on the beach. To facilitate the handling of The ACA Radio Operators' beef union business in the Port of with Calmar Steamship Company Miami, the Seafarers Internation­ has been settled, with the WSA al Union has opened a new reallocating the Calmar ships to branch office in the Florida re­ Bull and Overlakes Steamship; ^^rt city. The office is located at Companies.. This switch is okay, 1355 N. E. l.st Ave., Miami, Fla. with us as both these companies Charles Starling, former Patrolreceiving Calmar ships are con-1 man in the Port of Baltimore is tracted to the SIU. handling the business of the new The crews of the four ships branch. which turned over to Bull and Brolhei' Starling was tempo­ Overlakes came out okay on the rarily appointed by Secretaryswap, and everything is smooth Treasurer John Hawk, and he at present. This eliminates a will fill the post until such time headache which has been plague- as he is replaced. ing us for some time out here. The installation of -an office in At the moment there is little Miami was nece.ssitated by the to report from the Gold Coast flow of SIU business in that port. wth everything running smooth. Seafarers signing on, paying off Maybe something will pop in the and calling at Miami are now near future to make a big story assured of on-the-spot Union rep­ from the west coast, but until resentation in line with the SIU's then the Gold Coast reporter policy of giving its membership will sign off. the best possible representation. 4. 4. S. The 31900 ton Mauretania, an English passenger ship, will live always in the history of shipping. Built in 1907, she set an Atlantic crossing record in 1909, steaming from Cork Harbour to Sandy Hook in 4 days, 10 hours, and 41 minutes. This i-ecord was not beaten for twenty years, and during that time she was the fastest ship afloat. 4- 4. 4. As long ago as 1879, the first ship with electric lights was al­ ready afloat. True, she only had six electric lamps in all, but she caused a sensation wherever she went. The ship was the City of Berlin, belonging to the Inman Line, and was the talk of the maritime woHd. 4. 4. The horsepower rating of a ship is an important factor in gauging the maximum spei-d the ship can be expected to give For instance; 12 knots requires 45000 HP 16 knots requires 11000 HP 20 knots requires 22000 HP 24 knots requires 39000 HP It is obvious, therefore, that to double the speed, you cannot just double the horsepower. Re­ sistance increases three times as quickly, as speed does. This same outfit can never get a company official down when the Patrolman makes a paiticular ship, but when it's tied up or the payoff stopped then they find time to get there. They cry for unity. Well, in the coming year they will got all they want, but first they had better get squared off. And above all, when a payoff is set for 1:00 p. m. let them make it one, and not five. This outfit should remember that the war is over and no of­ ficials of the Union need to won-y about being drafted or being threatened with being reported to the army, for now it is the Company and the SIU, and the army is a past issue. So to this company I wish a happy , and a prosperous New Year, for they can really have one if they want it that way. The Patrolmen Say,.. Gold Coast Invites I the old SIU banner in a militant manner. SAN FRANCISCO — After a MORE TRANSFERS two week vacation on the East Coast I have returned to the old This fact has begun to show Gold Coast to find everything on the Gold Coast, as every day moving along in fine shape. we have men coming in want­ There are a few ships out here ing to transfer from other stuffy that are moving slow due to the unions to reap the harvest SIU fact that the CIO Radio Opera­ members have been enjoying. To the men who have been tors have been trying to raise a coming in to join the SIU, I fuss just to get their names in would like to impress upon you the papers. that this is one union you can That is about all the hulla­ brag about. This is one Union baloo ever amounts to as I fail that you do not have to apologize to see /here they have ever for. Every SIU man holds up his gained anything for their mem­ head arid is proud of the pin bership. he wears. While I was in the East, I visit­ PASS THE WORD ed the Port of Tampa, and the day I arrived it was so foggy I Out here on the Gold Coast we don't believe any one recognized like to hear from the Brothers me nor did I recognize the port. wherever they may be. After the mist cleared, I found Once in awhile a few Brothers that Brother Simmons and his staff hit the beach here and we get a have done, and are still doing, chance to chat, but as it is impos­ some fine work around that port. sible to chat with all we would He has made a good start in like you to drop us a line once making it one of the finest ports in awhile. on the mainland. Keep up the Brother Simmons is still taking good work. Brother Simmons, for good care of the port, so write it's officials such as you that us, or when in town come in and make the Seafarers International get acquainted. Union members proud to carry E. H. Teague �Friday, January 10. 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Nine Frenchy Pens Open Letter To Membership Dear Brothers: , , , . am going o e caving you fellows in a few months to devote all of my time to a shoreside busi­ ness. But there are a few things that I would like to call to your attention before I drift along. and I find that I have paid less than two hundred dollars, dues assessments included, during the full six years that I have en­ joyed the benefits of this organi- Let's .see if we can't be a little more tolerant with the Johnnycome-Iatelys. Some of us have a habit of sneering at 'ern as "young punks." To be young i.sn't r.eces.<-'anl7 For practically as long as he When I consider what this to be a punk. The hope of thi.i. could remember, John Dugina al­ Union has done for me and then organization lies in the type of ways wanted to go to sea. Stuck First, I would like to thank the read some boss' stooge's account new blood it can attract to its in the s)nall coal mining town of Seafarers International Union for of what a racket unionism is, banner. Clairton, Pennsylvania, the lure the economic security and the de­ then I am forcibly reminded of We've ail .-ailed with guys who of the open sea was something cent working • conditions that I how little organized labor has were thirty years in the business that he had to fight to resist. have enjoyed during the six years blown its own horn. and all they had learned was to Some of his boyhood friends that I have been a member of The next time you read a blast become expeit at turning out a had already graduated from high the organization. at organized labor in the nation's botched up job. It was the young­ school and were sailing ships into I've gotten so much more out press just remember that the er element of this organization, the war zones as merchant sea­ of this Union than ever I put in­ press is wholly supported by the under the firm guiding hand of men. to it, and so many of my friends bosses and that the scribblers real big-time know-how, that did When they came home on in­ tell me that they have enjoyed who edit the papers are not about the magnificient job of organizing frequent leaves, they told him of the same experience, that I feel to bite the hand that feeds 'em. what will prove to be the bal­ their adventures, and of their that it would be a good idea to Brothers, the financial reserves ance of power in the m.ai'itimo Union, the Seafarers International review them biaefly. of our organization has been dan­ union field—the Isthmian Steam­ Union. He couldn't wait to grad­ gerously depleted during our re­ ship Compan,y. I think it especially desirable uate from high school himself so cent successful strike. The Union to remind you of these benefits The next lime you feel your­ that he could join his friends and was foj'ced to lay out an enorat this time because the press self burning because .'^ome ordin­ share their adventures. has been enjoying field days/"ous .sum., to feed and flop the ary .seaman can't tic a bowline, But when he did receive his lately telling us what rackets membership and to conduct the just remembei- that you couldn't diploma from the local high school unions are. business of .striking. So I want splice a line 'til you were kneehis mother put her foot down to sail out on an unorganized I went to sea in the twenties opportunity to urge high to a grown goose yourself. firmly on the idea of his going to tanker. and I can tell you that it was all of my brother members to acsea. She claimed that he was too So, steady as she goes, fellows. "I've noticed the bad conditions tivelj' work for a ten dollar vol­ young, and that she would not on unorganized tankers berthed rugged. The bosses were in the Give her head and play her fair. untary rehabilitation assessment. saddle then with no union standsign the necessary papers. And W'hen t.he long rough voy­ near us," he recalls, "and I want I've learned the hai'd way that So John made the best of a bad to do my part to bring good con­ I ing by to make 'em let up on the age is over and the Master calks only a strong union can win and us topside for our pay, why, may­ situation, and went to work in ditions and decent wages to tho.se spurs. one of the local steel mills. He men." Brothers, they drove me hard. maintain decent wages and work­ be there'll be an old smoothie became a member of the CIO Sometimes I was forced to ship ing conditions. And the only way like Joe Volpian .standing by to SEA HIS LIFE Steelworkers Union, and al­ workaway in order that I might a union can be strong is for it square the "iogs" for the likes of though he has the highest admir­ be standing by to get a chance at to be financially sound. you and me. Following the sea is not just a I know that there are many ation for that union, neverthele.ss, a job. Frenchy Michelei temporary job for Brother Du­ men in this organization who feel he firmly believes that the SIU is And what a job it was. They as I do, and who would like gina. He wants to continue sail­ cleaner and more efliciently run. worked me from kin to kaint, nothing better than to have this ing because he "meets a fine SIU FOR HIM flopped me crumb-bum style and opportunity to contribute ten dol­ bunch of fellows, likes to travel, Soon he was old enough to go and gets good Union protection on fed me swill the swine would lars to a voluntary fund that they swear off of. to sea on his own, and he did as SIU ships." might even in this small manner fast as he could. Fiivst he enroll­ Ye.s, and they paid me the show^ their appreciation for all Like all seamen, John has his ed with the Maritime Service, but favorite port.s. His are all in the magnificent sum of $37.50 for a that this Union has done for as soon as his training was over, British Isles: Glasgow, Liverpool, month's wages. Oveidime? Why, them. So let's all actively peti­ he made arrangements to sail and Hull. And his reasons are the there wasn't any such word until tion for this voluntary assess­ with the SIU. same as those of other seamen in the union coined it a few years ment. The SS Mello Franco, center o;l' The war was still going on in naming their favorite ports of ago. Finally, a word to the oldfull force, and the North Atlantic the controversy which precipi­ I have just checked my book timers. {Conlinucd on Page 14) was still dangerous territory for tated the Coos Bay tie-up last convoys. Here is where John got July, has finally sailed from that his baptism of fii-e, on a run that Oregon port after ••ilmost six had its share of submrnane at­ months of idleness. tacks, air alert.s, and other ex­ citing happenings. The following named trip card and/or permit member applications have now been approved, and The dispute, which made tne In all his war service, and that these members are eligible for probationai-y membership in the Seafarers International Union of Mello Franco known up and includes trip-S in the Mediterran­ North America upon payment of the initiation fee, etc., as outlined below in any Atlantic and Gulf down both coasts, began whon ean also, Brcjther Dugina, who by Han-y Bridges' longshoremen re­ now was sailing as an AB, was District Hall: fused to load or unload any car­ John Dugina SS Mello Fransi Leaves Coos Bay With Memories Permit Men Eligible For Pro Books never huid. The buzz bombs of Antwerp were frightening, the submarines and dive bombers the same, but he was never in­ jured as a result of enemy action. As he puts it, 'T was lucky during the war, but as soon as the war was over, I got mine." Name Z Number T.C. or Permit No. Init. Hosp. 1946 $25.00 $2.00 TCA-5478 Atchin.son, Joe N 567628 2.00 25.00 TCA-4360 Christopher, Peter 673166 2.00 25.00 TCA-4006 Craddock, Edwin C. .' 567312 2.00 25.00 TCA-9151 Clement, John R 569959 2.00 25.00 TC-15662 Costello, Joseph A 56622 25.00 2.00 P-3-42G0 Di.xon, James B 567123 CALMAR CHISELS 25.00 TCA-4463 Dunne, Joseph E 673518 2.00 John was on a Calmar ship. Dworanczyk, Edward B. 334647 25.00 2.00 TC-21423 2.00 the William Packer, at sea, when' Dziondzielewski, A. 367416 . 25.00 TCA-9675 he was injured in a shipboard, Emory, John H 285345 25.00 2.00 TCA-5532 accident. He was laid up for ^ Folia, Joseph M .5.58255 2.00 25.00 TC-15611 2.00 twenty-one days in the Staten Graham, Harvey L 567368 25.00 TCA-5102 2.00 Island Marine Ho.spital, and then Habighorst, Charles F 517287 25.00 P-3-2547 2.00 was convalescent for another Hernandez, Silverios 569462 TCA-9170 25.00 month. 2.00 TCA-5278 25.00 Howard. Charles W 112028 Big-hearted Calmar then offer- Hunt, James W 573142 TCA-7074 25.00 2.00 ed him $82.50 in full settlement King, Eden E 136217 2.00 TC-18786 25.00 of his claim. Dugina held out, Layton, John L 323217 2.00 TC-18870 25.00 and was rewarded with a settle- Lea, James 573083 2.00 P-3-3429 25.00 ment of $200.00, which was not Leslie. Edward J 690767 P-3-4046 2.00 25.00 nearly enough to pay for the time Mahou, Louis J 2.00 TCA-1G91 25.00 275936 he lost, and for his injur.v, but McClain. Eugene 25.00 2.00 366586 TCA-315 which was better than the origin­ McNeil, William J 25.00 2.00 TC-18759 573285 al offer. 2.00 Menendez, Andres J 300918 P-3-549 25.00 John has been elected Delegate Murphy, George 673377 TCA-4443 2.00 25.00 of practically every ship he }ias Nugent, Simon H P-3-5100 572576 25.00 2.00 been on during the pa.st tv/o Rice, Howard E 25.00 674341 P-3-3686 2.00 years, and was a Picket Captain Richards, Paul J TCA-4433 25.00 2.00 430868 in Houston during the 1946 Gen­ Robillard, Joseph A 181448 P-3-4437 2.00 25.00 eral Strike. Sanders, Eugene B 123956 TCA-I382I 25.00 2.00 "The SIU is the finest thing for ScuUy, John 2.00 675214 P-3-4516 25.00 seamen," he says. "I've been on Snow, Thomas 2.00 815075 TCA-7904 25.00 tough ships, with tough Skippers Wells, Raymond J 2.00 260013 TCA-290 25.00 and Mates, but the Union alw^ays Williams, George 567528 TCA-5417 2.00 25.00 straightened things out." The above named applicants may pay their initiation fee, etc., in any John sails mostly on tankers, and after his next trip he intends tify this office where the member wishes his book sent. 1946 A.O.A. 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 port. 1947 A.OJIL. 1947 A.S.A. $5.00 $3.00 3.00 3.00 3,00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 3.0C 3.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 go until the SUP ship was crow­ ed by an CMU crew. The SILi^-SUP in return threw picketlines around all NMU ships tied up in New York as a warn­ ing to Bridges to discontinue his raiding tactics. After this demon­ stration of SlU-SUP strength, arbitration of the dispute was agreed upon and as a result Bridges was .slapped down. BEATEN IN RAID liDcige.s, seeing liie handwrit­ ing on the wall, ordered his men 5.00 to handle the Mello Franco and 5.00 ended iiis attempted raid upon 5.00 American-Pacific ships. 5.00 The Mello Franco, renamed the 5.00 SS Bayeinx. left Coos Bay with 5.00 j a load of lumber destined for 5.00 ' Calloa. Peru, and it was with 5.00 mingled feelings that the crew 5.00 took her out to sea, for during 5.00 their long stay they had begun to 5.00 feel like permanent guests of the 5.00 town. 5.00 The Skipper married a local 5.00 girl and other crowmembers were 5.00 in town .so king they began to 5.00 feel like solid citizens and started 5.00 making speeches at the Lioni". 5.00 Ciub. 5.00 5.00 With the unfreezing of the port 5.00 of Coos Bay. the large piles of 5.00 lumber accumulated on the docks began to move to the paper com­ The Agent wiU nopanies which rely on this port for their .«^upply of woodpulp. �THE SEAFARERS LOG Fao* T»n Friday. January 10, 194T ' SmPS' MIMUTES AND NEWS MEN AT WORK — AND HAPPY, TOO \ >. .. J. .. . N >. Ch. Engineer On Emerson Has Foul Line ^ y All Missed The Skipper's Object Things were popping in New York harbor one day last week— that is, they would have been popping if the object which a ferryboat captain saw turned out to be what he thought it was. Going about his daily business of plying his ferryboat between 69th Street, Brooklyn, and Staten Island, the vessel's captain sight­ ed an object floating in the quar­ antine area off Rosebank, S.I. It resembled a floating mine, and in a harbor like New York—or any­ where, for that matter—a thing like that left around loose could raise plenty of hell, the captain opined. ALL EXCEPT THE MARINES He immediately notified the authorities. Before you could say "dmigod," the area was alive and screaming with harbor police and the Coast Guard, in addition to the Army and Navy units which were sent to dispose of the explosive. Swabbing the deck evidently is an enjoyable task for Red Hanson, crew member of the MV Coastal Defender. Anyway, that's a right pretty smile Red has for the cameraman. Photo at right shows the Defender's Bosun, Milton Williams, directing cargo loading when the vessel put in recently at Frobisher Bay, Canada. Digested Minutes Of SlU Ship Meetings No Percolator No Coffee A few percolators would go a But no mine was found. The long way toward making all ferryboat captain went back to hands a bit happier on the SS Evelyn, according to the Dec. 22 minutes, just received. vwyooth-i At the meeting, held at sea, the lads passed a motion to obtain coffee-makers for the officers' lounge, the crew's mess and the engine room. In case you're won­ dering how come the request was broadened to include the officer's lounge, here's the explanation: As things now stand the coffee has to be transported from the galley to the bridge, via one of the crew members. Since bad weather is now in abundance at his ferryboating probably won­ sea, it makes things pretty tough dering if the whole thing was for the coffee-carrier, in fact, the operation calls for a human cen­ worth all the noise. Later, the captain's eyesight tipede to insure safe footing and received & clean bill of health, safe arrival with his cargo. If no percolator is forthcoming but his knowledge of naval war­ for the officers' lounge, no coffee fare weapons was dropped down will be brought to the bridge a peg or two. The Coast Guard during bad weather, the crew reported that a private buoy that decided. broke away from its mooring at Seems fair enough to us. Pier 22, Staten Island, and an 4. i 4. empty oil drum had been found MAYFIELD VICTORY. Dec. in the vicinity where the ferry­ 16—Chairman L. Graniham; boat captain first was panicked. Secretary H. Figley. Deck PROBABLY IT Delegate reported the matter of , It was believed that either of using the laundry and washing Action postponed these two objects might have machine. pending investigation. Steward been what the captain saw. Delegate reported to have Pa­ Anyway, it is hoped that the trolman contact company re­ skipper will keep right on re­ garding steak. None is on hand porting what he thinks he sees, in current meat supply and pre­ even if the Coast Guard does get vious requisition for same has annoyed. Better to be wro.ng on been denied by company. New the ferryboat than to be right in Business: Motion carried for heaven. levying the following fines: Two, dollars for sitting on tables, one dollar for feet on chairs; one dollar for refuse on floor, and one dollar for leaving cups on table. All fine money col­ lected to be turned over to the Seafarers Log. Toaster Terror Loose On The Argonaut Some guys—if you read your comic strips—are always hitting a poor little kid. XMAS PICKINGS GOOD ABOARD LAREDO VICTORY First of the tempting menus of Christmas dinners served to Sea­ farer crews to come to the Log, is the one from the SS Laredo Victory of the South Atlantic Steamship Line. Prefaced with a wish for a Men-y Christmas for all hands, the menu follows: Chilled Tomato Cocktail S/iiffcd Celery with Salmon Flakes Mixed Pickles and Olives Sal/inc Crackers Soup Consomme a la Royal Broiled Fillet Spanish Mackerel de Hotel • Duchess Potato Roast Maryland Turkey with Giblet Gravy Oyster Dressing Cranberry Sauce Imperial Sweet Potatoes Buttered Early Green Peas Parkerhouse Rolls Butter Coffee Tea Hearts of Tomato de Laredo Old Fashioned Pumpkin Pie Mincemeat Pic Fruit Cake Assorted Nuts Fresh California Mixed Fruits C. H. FYFE, Steward On the SS Ai-gonaut it's not quite that bad, but, say the ship's minutes, some guys are always "abusing" the pantry toaster. The minutes don't amplify what is meant by "abusing" al­ though it should be fairly ob­ vious. It might be that some im­ patient crew member is using the unfortunate toaster to dry his socks. Then again it could be that some hungry hands are us­ ing the toaster for a sandwich grill. Anyway, the crew ruled, the toaster isn't getting the care it deserves, and anyone caught abusing" the toaster is going to get a roasting himself—and fined to boot. That oughta learn him. The Chief Engineer, who work­ ed aboard the SS Frank Emerson during Voyage No. 10 is a throw­ back to pre-Union sailing days. His anti-Union philosophy was sumemd up in a remark to the effect that he would take a pay cut if he could see the crew mem­ bers working for $50 a month. In the ship's minutes and the Engine department Delegate's re­ port, the Chief Engineer was the subject of the crew's censure. Be­ sides the fact that this character yearns for the "good old days," he was reported to have expressed a callous indifference for the wellbeing of his department members. The Engine Delegate's report reveals that when a FWT hurt his shoulder ashore in France, the Chief Engineer stated that the in­ jured man "might as well be paid off" as he was of no further use to the engine room officer. NO OVERTIME, EITHER When it came to overtime he disported himself just as would be expected. He was completely consistent in every detail. When the Oilers were turned to aid the Second Assistant with water and' the lines in Mobile, Ala., the Chief Engineer disputed the over­ time involved. The overtime was later approv­ ed by the Emerson's Skipper. "The Emerson's Black Gang ap-. proved for Union membership one permit card man, Clarence Schroeder. Another man travel­ ing with a permit card was not recommended for membership as he has consistently shown an attitude not becoming a Union member," according to the Dele­ gate's report. Pointing out further the rea­ sons for membership refusal to 4. 4. it YAKA, Dec. 15 — Chairman Smith; Secretary Mitchel. Min­ utes of previous meeting read and accepted. Delegates of the departments gave their reports which were accepted. List of repairs submitted by the Dele­ gates, four copies made and given to each delegate. Broth­ er Thompson asked the chair that if he were to be on watch in port at any time and he was to be called in on a beef and had to go to the Hall to have it settled, would one of the Oilers volunteer to do his job until he returned. The Oilers agreed to do so. List of items missing from the menus submitted to Steward with advice that if he couldn't procure them to so notify the crew, so that they could lend their aid in obtain­ ing them. "When he was told to do sani­ tary work," the report continues, "he was 'finished' and in the messhall at 8:15. When a person would try to set him right, the impression would bo given that you could go fly a kite." Another crew member aroused the displeasure of his shipmates on Voyage No. 10. The Chief Steward was ciiticised for sever­ al alleged shortcomings in both (Continued on Page 11) (Continued on Page II) the man In question, the report says "he is under the impression he came aboard for the ride, and that he has to have someone on his tail all the time" before he gets any work dune. INDIFFERENT �Friday. January 10. 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Digested Minutes Of SlU Ship Meetings {C(ynt'wued fro7n Page 10) (Name of ship not given). Chairman J. Hanson: Secre­ tary K. Leonard. Crew agreed to drop all charges against Third Engineer on the grounds that he was warned and he stopped painting when told. His Union will not be notified, as it may be possible that they will lake up charges and crew does not wish this to happen. Crew to ask for statement of wages, accounts, etc. Motion carried that the company be approach­ ed in regards to a decent form of bed to be put aboard. Letter to be written and sent to them explaining the poor condition of the last ones sent to the ship. Motion passed to have the ice box inspected and cleaned. Al­ so that the delegate have the flour inspected for weavels. and have the old stuff dumped. Patrolman to see the same on arrival in port. List of repairs made and attached to minutes. Crew resolved that all men will be sober at the payoff as to help both the Patrolman and themselves get away quickly. ALOCA PEGASUS. Oct. 2— Chairman P. J. Avera; Secre­ tary A. P. Fertitta. Motions carried: that Ship's Delegate see the Captain about provid­ ing a cat-walk over the deck load; to contact the Union to require company to rig jury toilets for stevedores. After dis­ cussion a motion was carried to have company get services of another doctor in Montreal to care for sick men aboard the vessel cit present time. One minute of silence observed for Brothers missing at sea. Ch. Engineer Has Foul Line (Contimied from Page 10) Ihe Dock and Engine Delegate's reports. The ship's minutes like­ wise pointed up the crew's dis­ satisfaction with the Steward de­ partment head. According to the minutes, the principal charge was that the Steward "refused to let the Dele­ gates check the stores." He was credited with saying that he took his orders from the Port Stcwai'd. The crew charged that the ves­ sel was loaded with inferior sup­ plies, and that if the Stewai-d had allowed the Delegates to check the oncoming stores prior to sail­ ing, a complaint could have been registered in the States and -ac­ tion taken thereon. MEALS POOR It was also alleged that the Steward put out food for meals that was below the usual stand­ ards of messroom quality for SIU ships, and that he put out night lunches at varying hours de­ pending on his whims. At the shipboard meeting there was considerable pro and con dis­ cussion as to possible disposition of the Steward's case, ranging from motions to allow him an­ other chance to redeem himself to one recommending that he sail as a Chief Cook for a period of six months. The latter motion added that if the Steward proved efficient in the capacity of Chief Cook, he would'be restored to his former rating at the end of the pi-obationary period. John Santos served as chair­ man, R. J. Ingraham as secretary of the shipboard meeting. ters, and fans checked. Motion carried instructing Deck Dele­ gate to see Patrolman about collecting Deck Maintenance pay. Minutes are to be posted in messrooms and one copy sent to the Log. Motions carried: that all beefs be settled before any man pays off; to inquire about tripcarders being pulled off before 60-day trip. Agreed that Skipper is the best the crew has ever sailed with. 4 4' JOHN MILLEDGE. Oct. 15— Chairman F. D. Russell; Secre­ tary J. L. Early. Meeting call­ ed for the purpose of further ac­ tion on accepting tripcard men as future members in the SIU. Motion made that present tripcard Chief Cook be given an­ other chance to sail as Chief Cook. Amendment: that the Chief Cook retain his tripcard but he is not to ship at any rating higher than Second Cook and 'Baker for at least three trips. With amendment motion carried. Five other tripcarders were approved for ad­ mittance into Union. S. 4. Garbage Gets Crew's Goat SE^yll?8?SWS;flVS TALK FOR TOUR J^ SUPPER! 4 CARLSBAD, Dec. 23—Chair­ man Candler; Secretary LaBrosse. All Department Dele­ gates reported everything in order. Good and Welfare: It was agreed to remain out of each others foc'sles unless in­ vited thus relieving anyone from suspicion should articles be reported missing. Depart­ ment delegates requested to have complete repair list for Patrolman at next payoff. Bro­ thers were asked to cooperate with messmen to keep messhall clean. It was suggested that men going on watch be served first. 4 4 4 HORACE SEE, Dec. 25— Chairman Lester; Secretary Messenger. Good and Welfare: During meeting following were discussed: try to get new tank­ er contract; delay payoff until Patrolman gets aboard; radio repairing, parts sent ashore in Wilmington; Delegates make out copy of repairs to be sub­ mitted to Chief Engineer and Captain. Crew agreed not to take milk aboard in Mexico be­ cause of low standard of food laws. Vote of thanks to Stew­ ard Department for splendid cooperation during trip. All crew members who are being fired desire to know ahead of time. Request to see Captain about it. Also wish delegates to see Patrolman about trans­ portation back to port of en­ gagement which is Key West, Florida. Fair warning that further im­ proper disposition of the garbage aboard the SS Ouachita "Victory would result in notification of the proper authorities was sound­ ed by the crew at a shipboard meeting Dec. 8. The crew recommended that the garbage disposal be watched, and that if the method is not re­ garded as proper, the Public Health Service be notified. Supplies also incurred the crew's wrath, with potatoes head­ ing the list of shortage items. This supposedly plentiful food­ stuff was, up to meeting time, ab­ sent from the menu for a week. A motion passed saying that there be no signing of articles henceforth until the Steward okayed the supplies for the en­ tire trip. Under this motion was 4 4 4included an addendum to the ef­ fect that a Patrolman be present CAPSTAN KNOT, Dec. 12— at the next signing of articles. Chairman L. B. Brown; Secre­ It was also suggested that the tary E. Davis. New Business: Steward order a variety of meats Motion carried to have all in order to break the monotony watches keep the messhall of a daily diet of sausages served clean and a 25 cent fine impos­ for the night lunches. ed on any violators. Motion carried to have crew's laundry 4 4" 4 cleaned by those who use it, CAPE HATTERAS. Dec. 10— and a fifty cent fine be imposed Chairman Torres; Secretary on whoever leaves it unclean. Hamson. Minutes of previous Such money from lines when meeting read, discussed and ac­ collected to be given to the cepted. Department Delegates Patrolman in the first U.S. port gave their reports. Suggested towards the SIU Hospital Fund. that Steward order new toaster Good and Welfare: Motion car­ upon arrival in New York. Also ried that no tropical animals or that shower heads be ordered birds be brought aboard at any for all showers, and air-condi­ time. tion be repaired. Crew wants better coffee for next trip. Recommended that Mate be advised to obtain keys for pad­ lock on foc'sle doors. Steward department's foc'sles need pajnting; coat hangers should be installed. One minute of si­ lence observed for departed brothers. 1. S. 4. (Name of ship not given), Oct. 28—(Chairman not noted); Secretary William McKeon. No beefs in any department. Stew­ ard department commended for fine work by Deck and En­ gine crews. Repairs needed: new rubber gaskets on port holes, gears on port hole fans, overhaul of lockers in all quar­ Page Elev«« W6Aie VouR SIU PI A •— fue SATOe OF A FKStfUMS UNION... (/WR UNION ! MAUE SURETHAT SUFF!C!ErrrSlDRES ARE PUTON 60ARD BEFDRENtoClSkSWOfi. YOU (2Ai^'T EAT COMfAMY Pf^MlSES/N MID-OCEAH. CUT and RUN By HANK Four of the best examples of SIU militancy just blew in from a trip to Bremerhaven aboard the Topa Topa, which brought over a cargo of those rare Dutch tulip bulbs. The men are; Johnny Weir, the prolific thinker and talker: "Red" Whidden, the best militant Seafarer; Mike Rossi, the Smiling Bosun, with his faithful mustache, and Johnny Ward and his mustache . . . "Blackie" Vince Kane, who has always been faithfully answering the call of the islands, is m town ri^ht now, staying on his intercoastal run to Baltimore and Philly. "Blackie" says; "I have to stay away from those isl.ands. That's why I'm heading for the West Coast and stay there for a year. At least I'll get me a stake there.'' Taking a vacation, eh, Vince? . - . Brother "Happy" Harper just sailed in recently after a trip to Ant­ werp. "Happy" just registered for .shipping and announced that he was still celebrating the arrival of the SS Happy New Year tha* just came in. Brother George Freshwater, a volunteer organizer, is in town right now with sensational news about what the NMU is doing. Well, up in Boston and down in Lake Charles, the NMU has been selling books for membership for the sweet little sum of ten dollars to unorganized seamen. The NMU must be so de.sperate and distrustful of their phony organising thai they have to sell their books so cheaply instead of leaving the unor­ ganized seamen figure out the strength, the progress, the hon­ esty, the militancy and the big things accomplished by a union for the benefit of seamen—so that such unorganized seamen can willingly choose the best union and know themselves whal union is best for them . . . Any unorganized seaman who chooses ihe SIU to be his union, will not only be a proud American but also a proud union seaman on any waterfront of the world. The SIU never has and never will obey any Communist dreamers, Washington politicians or bureaus, phony Coast Guard decisions or steamship company chiseling or trickery. 4 4 4 4 Brother John Santos says that his wife up in Massachiisetts enjoys reading the Log, even more than he doe.s—especially the sea slang in articles now and then. etc. Well, for a wife who has been practically all over the country with :-ou. Bixuhcr Santos, and al­ ways reading the Log, she should enjoy and understand all the things the SIU has accomplished . . . Look at Brother Jantcs Hand. Ho says hi.s wife down in Tampa, Florida, keeps blowing her wifely top because he don't write her letters. Brot'ner Hand, however, realizes psychologically, that as long as she keeps getting and en­ joying the Log she'll know that he's okay—becau.se the hospitaliza­ tion or other ne\ts of any Seafarer is always pu'oli.shed. Pleasant reading to you, Mrs. Hand, indeed . . . One of our best shipmates, a big, young Seafarer named Gordon Ellingson, just came as passen­ ger from Port Said where he was anchored several months for hos­ pitalization. But he recovered so well that he wont ahead and spliced himself. Congratulations, Gordon, and good luck to you and the bride when you start living and working in your home town of Minneapolis. Minnesota. 4 4 4 4 Brother Arthur King, who is soon going back to his home town of Tampal confessed that he, the Captain and the pilot had a tough time getting their ship into Providence, Rhode Isl­ and recently. Brother King also remembers some electrician who wouldn't eat anywhere but with the scrambled-egged officers. Such glory must have gone to his head and short-circuited it— but good . . . One anonymous Seafarer wants to know why Skippy Gusczynsky, now spliced for a year and a half, can't ship out because of his lovable ball-and-chain? �Page Twelve THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, January 10, 1947 THE MEMBERSHIP SPEAKS The Colabee Enjoyed Good Weather On Northern Trip Brother Differs With Bause On Food In Marine Hospital Dear Editor: In Ihe foreground is Ihe North Gape of the Canadian coastal trade, while the SS Colabee idles in the background. Photo taken by Seafarer Luis A. Ramirez at Baie Comeau, Quebec. The Colabee was recently dispatched on a mercy mission from the point at which she is pictured above to the St. Law­ rence river to rescue survivors of a disabled plane. The victims were rescued from treacherous ice floes by airplanes before the Colabee reached the scene. I have just finished reading the Log, issue of Jan. 3, and I must object to the article "Christmas and Mystery Cheer Seafarers abed in Staten Island Marine Hos­ pital." I'm a bed patient and have been for several months and I have experienced the treatment and attention one receives at this hospital. I'm afraid Brother Bause ex­ aggerates somewhat when he speaks of conditions in the hos­ pital. When he wrote, "The food has improved considerably and is still on the upgrade, also up here in B-5 we have some nice nurses, orderlies and a top notch medic­ al staff," I'm afraid he must have been thinking of the food he ate while on a pass, because what I've been eating sure isn't on the upgrade. ATTENTION LAX The nurses are not to blame, many of them do their duty sat­ isfactorily, the orderlies do not do too much for the bedpatients, and the top notch medical staff— well, you don't have much trouble with them as they are seldom around. The doctors might be in the office in the morning and issue passes for some patients who are healthy enough to go out, but that's about all. All in all I don't think there are many patients with Bause's feelings around here. (Although I'm not in B-5, I'm still on the fifth floor). I have read the Log for a long time and like it very much and I will continue to read it when­ is under charter for transporting The year 1946 was kind to all of newsprint to the Daily News in New York. of us. Besides the numerous vic­ I really did enjoy a nice trip, tories which we won on the wa­ though it was short. I got back terfront, we. also had some pretty good weather for shipping . In in time to enjoy the Christmas holidays at home. support of this contention, I offer At present, I am standing by the enclosed photo which I snap­ as a FWT aboard the SS Peters­ ped of the freighter Colabee on burg Victory, at the Erie Basin, Dec. 15, 1946 at Baie Comeau, with a view to spending the first Quebec, Canada. few days of 1947 with my wife As you may know, it is rather and son. unusual to see such clear, beau­ Even if it may appear too late, tiful waters in this region during I'm wishing all Seafarers the best this time of the year. of luck, and especially to those Dear Editor: I was a crewmember aboard who never hesitated to help me The new Congress convenes this old Hog. It is a 5,517-ton learn the little I now know about this week and there is not the freighter operated by a subsid­ ships, I send my best wishes. slightest doubt what its inten­ Luis A. Ramirez iary of the Chicago Tribune, and tions are. It is just itching to go to work on the unions. Senator we will have to swing again, and Ball has a little gimmick ready soon. If it is to have peace on to outlaw the closed shop. Right now is a good time to the waterfront, I think the boys figure how we will handle these will go for it. anti-strike laws. If you analyze But believe me, they want no Dear Editor: just what a strike is, it becomes Perhaps you don't know it, but part of the CMU or the CIO. They obvious that it is not merely I have been reading your Union are most bitter against it. You wrong to try to abolish strikes. are also aware that we have some paper all the time and it is pret­ commies in our ranks, but they It is just impossible. Well, what is a strike? It is ty good. It also gives this old- don't get to first base trying to the simplest thing in the world timer a kick to see your young— bore from within. —you just go fishing. And if and I should say militant—^Union I will be coming east sometime, everyone else happens to pick the going places. Believe me, the and plan to stop in at the Hall. same day to go fishing that you way they are going you should I predict your good Union is go­ do—well, you can't help that. be able in the near future to lead ing places. Best regards to all. Maybe the fish are biting. the waterfront on all coasts. —S. Y. I suppose you know our rivals LET'S GO (Editor's note: The correspon­ are on their way out. Their na­ If 50,COO seamen decide to go dent's name has been withheld tional council members are fight­ for obvious reason.) fishing, what can they do about ing among themselves. There's it? Shoot them down in the too much politics, and the "di­ streets? Run them into jail? vide and rule" boys will know it You'd have to build an awful very soon. Most of the rank and lot of jails. filers we know are getting out in Any law designed to prohibit disgust, and this oldtimer doesn't strikes would be an absurdity. blame them. After all, a law is only a resolu­ I have been in the Firemen's tion, words on paper. It doesn't unioD sometime now and it is a change the actual situation. It good union but it looks as though doesn't create or take away any­ they will have to go AFL again. thing that doesn't exist already. Your Harry is a smooth and fast You still have the power to strike; worker. It is in the cards that it just says you can't use it. But Dear Editor: ever I can obtain a ' copy. Al­ though I'm not a SIU member, I am a seafarer (SUP) and I still find the rag of interest. I read the recent article in the Log about a Brother seafarer, and the treatment he received at the Galveston Marine Hospital. During my hospitalization I have seen many cases like that. It is a shame when a seaman happens to be sick and in need of hospit­ alization he must land in a Marine Hospital. As for myself, I have given up all hope. For three or four months I complained about my condition, but to no avail. I believe they have forgotten I am here. I could write more, but as I am writing in bed I will close wishing the Log and all the read­ ers a Happy New Year. (SUP member's name withheld) U.S. Marine Hospital Staten Island, New York (Editor's note: We think it only fair to mention, for those who are not familiar with Brother Bause, that Bause has been confined at the Staten Island hospital for almost a year, much of ihe iime which he spent in bed. He has been one of the most consistent and militant advocates of better food and conditions at that institution. In the Seafarers Log of May 3, and May 31. 1945. Brother Bause had letters de­ nouncing the food served up to patients in Staten Island. Since that time, he has made critic­ isms. both favorable and un­ favorable, as he saw it. Log -A-Rhythms Balderdash By JESSE A. MILLER With time on my hands the other day. By a travel bureau I did chance, I picked up some folders on places I'd seen. Supposedly loaded with ro­ mance. One said, "Egypt—the Land of Mystery, The wonderful land of the Sphinx." But to me Egypt isn't a mystery; To me Egypt plainly—stinks. There was a picture of Italy's Appian Way, Built some two thousand years ago. But they haven't repaired Italy's other roads For three thousand years or so, India, too, has the 'Taj Mahal. Where a stately princess lies. But India can keep the Taj Mahal, With India's filth and flies. And so the folders ramble on About lands of honey and cream; Let's exile the jerk who wrote that trash. To one of the lands of his dream. Steamboat Goes A-Fishing For An Answer To Threatened Anti - Strike Legislation DIVISION AMONG THE 'DIVIDE AND RULE' BOYS what's going to stop you from using it, it neglects to explain. What can they do? Create a gestapo to wake you up every morning and whip you with a cat-o-nine tails? Chain you to the steering wheel? Lock you in the fiieroom? DID IT BEFORE To mean anything, a law must be enforceable. And in all the bull and blarney about stopping strikes I have yet to hear any­ one explain just how they are go­ ing to do it—except "pass a law." I would really like to see the law that would tell me I could not quit working. In the famous words of Shakespeare, "You don't gotta do nuthin but die." And, mister, I will die before I let anyone teU me that I can't quit my job any and everytime. I, feel like it. Hell, Americans have been dying since 1776 for nothing more than that. Seems to me a few died just recently to prove it all over again. Can they prohibit the right to advocate going on strike? Can they stop a union leader from saying, "I think it would be nice to go fishing next Tuesday?" Not while there's free speech they can't. Can they prohibit the closed shop? On paper, yes, but I won't work with a fink. I doubt if any other union man will either. Theer are 15 million union men in this country. Where will they get 15 million finks to replace them? Wliere, outside of Washington, D. C. that is. WANNA HAT? Can they prohibit picketing? All right, so the cops arrest you for carrying a sign. Wear a panama hat instead. If the long­ shoremen go fishing, and I see a lot of guys in panama hats walk­ ing down South Street you won't have to draw me a diagram. Or maybe they will pass a law against panama hats? You see how quickly this all becomes an absurdity? Let the professors play with their theories. Let the billionaires buy full-page ads. Let the Congressional baby-kis­ sers pass their resolutions. Let them—we'll go fishin! Steamboat O'Doyle �THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, January 10, 1947 HO-HUM, WHAT A LIFE This MV Cap­ stan Knot crew member puts in some rugged sack duty "after the night be­ fore," writes Seafarer Dean T u s o c k, who took this picture in Trinidad. The sack hound is unidentified. Brother Tusock says these two crew mem­ bers became know lEiter as the "Cannon-ball K i d s." Locale here is St. Croix, Islands. Virgin The "Kids." who prefer the cannonball designa­ tion, insist those are cannonballs — not coconuts, which don't pile so neatly. CHIEF STEWARD DIFFERS WITH COMPANY ON OVERTIME My question is whether Sunday (in port or at sea) is overtime for excess of hours woi'ked. Hank Serves Up Recipes On Bellyrobbers, Advises Taking Them With Grain Of Salt Dear Editor: Now, brothers, I am not in any way qualified to safely and suf­ ficiently talk about Stewards, be­ ing that I have never had the de­ sire or courage to enter the food department and try to live under the inventory thumb of any un­ fortunately gifted artist of a sea­ man called the Steward. And I also never associated my­ self, by choice or chance, with any such homo sapiens of the sea life, like for example—drinking out of his private medicinal bot­ tle in his foc'sle while listening to his troubles or dreams—or sticking my face with his face into the oven to see what's cook­ ing so he could make me under­ stand his ever-changing opinion of his men or his own inherited sanity. TAKE IT WITH SALT Anyway, take a few pinches of salt and you'll most likely be­ lieve what I have to say, which will be mostly in defense of such a genius and now and then against him, too. Of course, if you're a self-analyzed type of a Steward, you won't believe my imaginational pot-wash. Well, some how indeed, when I think how much a Steward means to a ship and a trip, I will easily be­ come maudlin, especially if some beers are fresh and handy for me and a Steward happens to be close by looking like he lost his worst cook, or because the gal­ ley stove blew up in his face just when he knew he could straighten out the darn contrap­ tion. Of course, I have beefed with one or two Stewards in the messhall about the food being cold— or old—or served too slow—or not sufficient enough for a sea­ gull and the new-born baby, gull just starting to sail over ships for left overs. Sometimes I had the horrors thinking that the Steward was really trying to win the war by starving us—and sav­ ing all that fruit juice, etc., etc. YOU HAVE TO LIVE IT. But to really understand a man you have to live under his thumbs, even if you get pains in the stomach or not enough over­ time. Well, that's like everything in life, but with a Steward it I have worked my Cooks on Sundays on several different oc­ casions on jobs that had to be done on that particular day. The company says that that work is overtime on overtime. I can't see it. Will you please clarify this matter for me? Jim Sharp, Chief Steward ANSWER: We're not exactly certain thai we understand the question since you do not specify the type of work perform­ ed. However, on the basis of the information which you give, we got the following answer from the Patrolmen: You cannot pyramid overtime on top of overtime. A man performing a job which calls for overtime rates cannot get ad­ ditional overtime pay for doing the job during overtime hours. He would be entitled, however, to straight overtime compensa­ tion for the time involved in the work. It was pointed out that a man is to get overtime pay for Sunday work whether he puts in one hour on a job or twenty hours. Should this answer still not clear up the question in your mind, we should be glad to hear from you further. We'll do our very best to see that you get a satisfactory reply. Page TUztaen the Steward of a ship is the most i important, the most tortured and the most dangerous sailor doom­ ed aboard ship for any voyage. Nearly every Steward I've seen has been either short and wornout thin, or big, and barrel-shap­ ed. Most of them, or I should say all of them, smoke cigars and drink a little to keep in good hu­ mor with the voyage and the daily incidents, which are usual­ ly stormy like a couple of eggs and a slice of bacon getting all hot and bothered in the early lazy morning. ANOTHER TYPE If a Steward is bald-headed and whispers, then he has always had plenty of nerve-wracking beefs and complicated shocking inventories to make. If he is big, jolly, and has no shiny naked armor aging his brains, then you know he always had good cooks or the best line of convincing baloney for the crew so they wouldn't boil over into mutiny over their bacon and no eggs. But if a Steward is an amateur, then the crew keep blowing their tops and the Captain mumbles to QUINN THANKS SEAFARERS FOR XMAS GIFT Dear Editor: In behalf of Brother Bause and the rest of the SIU members I want to express my sincere ap­ preciation to all the Union Broth­ ers for the generous Christmas gifts we received at the Staten Island Marine Hospital, and also the Christmas card we received from our swell agent Paul Hall. With all his headaches he did not forget to send a word of good cheer. Also to our good and able Hos­ pital representative, Joe Volpian, and to all our brothers and former shipmates, we send our sincere appreciation. We would enjoy a visit from them if they get around Staten Island way. I guess I will be here for some time as I have about six fractures and such things usually take some time to heal. My best regards to all the boys and my good friends Jimmy Stewart and Paul the Dispatcher. Also to the editors of the Log who are doing one swell job in the old SIU tradition. Best wishes to all the boys and a more prosperous New Year for the SIU. Michael J. Quinn, Staten Island Marine Hosp. himself up in his airy castle. He can't sleep, the ship gets off course too often, and he brings the draws too late in all ports. An amateur Steward is one who reads too many novels in his bunk, doesn't know where the canned carrots or the baking powder is, and keeps himself ridiculously devoted to the pre­ sumably important and intellec­ tual people for days and nights, whether it be playing cards or chewing over deep conversations and having plenty of cigarettes and coffee. HE NEVER KNOWS Such a fool never knows how the crew gets along; whether the cooks are boiling their fingers or dropping the potato peelings into the soup; how much of this or that is left in the dry stores or whether the messhall stays clean every day. Ah, but a good Steward is one who makes sure he knows all, sees all, hears all and when he should, he literally does all—in every­ thing concerned with food, etc. And he knows that the crew is the most important part of his life, although some Stewards will scream that some crews are the worst calamities of their lives, and sometimes they are right. Well, one old timer said last week that a Steward should be a diplomat. Well, I say, that not only does he have to be a diplo­ mat, but a good shipmate, and es­ pecially the best cook of all the cooks aboai-d (but not just in theory) with a tough but fair, understanding bi-ain. "Cul and Run" Hank (Editor's Note: Wheit do the Stewards have to say about Hank's observations?) Wanted: Tips Ships are again on the roll, plying the seas to the four corners of the earth. You Seafarers who man these vessels will be popping into ports of call in Africa, Asia, Australia. You'll be hitting the Near East, Middle East and the Orient, and you'U be making the high spots and the low in the islands, and down South America way. Your experiences in these places, the characters you meet both ashore and aboard ship as you wend your way, make interesting stories. Surely, you'll run into strange gals and guys, clip-joints. WIFE TRYING TO LOCATE BOB RUTLEDIGE really is too much sometimes. And sometimes you think that some certain Steward was born and raised in a blind alley or something. Especially if he is of the dreaming type, torn right out of some exciting love-soaked sea novel, mingling with the scrambled eggs topside and try­ ing all his language and services to calm and delight the nervous­ ly excited passengers who de­ finitely are of the opinion that they will die during the trip, sooner or later, either from eat­ ing the Steward's food, the sea sickness traveling all around in­ ternally or the monotonous scen­ ery of sea and sky. I don't think any of the novel­ ists ever did say in their poetic and romantic, foolish novels that Dear Editor: I am trying to contact my hus­ band, Robert MacDonald Rutledge, age 43, light brown hair, five feet, eleven inches tall, ro­ bust and weighing about 175 pounds. You may put my address in the paper for Bob does not know where I live at 1718 Girard Ave­ nue, Philadelphia, Pa. At this time I should like to wish the SIU continued success, for I know many Seafarers. If there is ever anything I can do to benefit your organization, I shall be glad to do so. I am a waitress belonging to an American Fed­ eration of Labor union, and I am very much interested in labor unionizing. Mrs. Mary Rulledge dives, and points of historical interest. Maybe you'll have a beef on the way, or a lip to pass along to your Broth­ ers that might save them some trouble. We want to hear about any and all of these. Just jot them down and mail them to the Seafarers Log, 51 Beaver Street, New York 4. N. Y. Enclose pictures if you have any, well return them. �Page FourieeR Friday, January 10, 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Snug Harbor Rejects Official Investigation; SlU To Push Case NEW YORK — SIU Special ject to the right and duty of the were not up to the same standard Eepivsentative Joseph H. Vol- State Department of Social Wel- as provided on SIU ships, and were, in fael, considerably sub­ pian this week rereiverl nntire farr^ to inspect and to suggest. standard. from the Snug Harbor Trustees The State Department of So­ A letter outlining these com­ that thej- would not permit a two cial Welfare has inspected the inan SIU Investigation Commit­ Sailors' Snug Harbor from time plaints was sent to the Snug Har­ tee to visit Snug Harbor and to time, and its reports have bor Governor by SIU Special check on conditions existing shown that conditions are satis­ Service Representative Volpian there. According to the letter, factory and the food is good. In on December 4. An exchange of the Trustees think that the in­ j these circumstances we do not letters ' between various Snug spections conducted by the State I believe it appropriate to open the Harbor officials and Volpian fol­ Department of Social WeKare, Sailors' Snug Harbor to private lowed, with the letter from Mr. from time to time, are sufficient. agencies to inspect it. Visitors Peter Grimm being the latest in Reference is made in the Trus­ arc welcome at the Sailors' Snug the scries. Each letter, up to the present, tees' letter to the fact that they Harbor between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. 'do not believe it appropriate to daily except Sundays. We do has been pidnted in the Log in open the Sailors' Snug Harbor to not believe there is any proper order to keep SIU members fully basis for concluding from this informed of the developments in private agencies to inspect it." reply that the Trustees have any­ the Snug Harbor beef. Who should know better what thing to conceal. conditions are favorable for aged "It is the full and considered Yours very truly .seamen than representatives of intention of the SIU to continue Peter Grimm. the Seafarers International in an endeavor to check up on President, Union? Certainly, the SIU can Snug Harbor conditions," declar­ Board of Trustees determine whether the retired ed Volpian. "Due to the Trustees' •seamen ai*e being fed, housed Original action on the part of refusal of permission for a special and cared for properly much bet­ the Seafarers regai'ding Snug two man SIU investigation, this ter than the N.Y. State Depart­ Harbor was taken as a result of survey will now have to be con­ ment of Social Welfare or the certain, complaints reaching the ducted on an individual basis in Trustees of Snug Harbor. SIU Special Services representa­ accordance with the Snug Harbor tive in New York. rules for visitors. The results of the Dated January 6, 1947, These complaints were to the that investigation and any other complete text of the letter foleffect that food and other condi­ developments will be printed in lows: tions prevailing at Snug Harbor the Log." Seafarers, Int'l Union of N.A. 51 Beaver Street New York 4, N.Y. Att: Mr. Joseph H. Volpian Gentlemen: Receipt is acknowledged of your communication of December (This article is not an interpre­ delegates and the unlicensed 27th, addressed to Governor tation of the agreement as it cov­ crew. Flynn, which has been forward­ ers the Stewards Department, but In this respect, it is suggested ed to the Board of Trustees, and merely makes suggestions to that that the Chief Stewai'd work di­ i have been requested to advise Department in answer to> many rectly with the crew delegates ^.•ou that the responsibility for questions raised by members. instead of taking complaints to the Sailors' Snug Harbor rests Each week an article will be run the Captain or the company, and with its Board of Trustees, sub­ in the Log making suggestions to in this manner command the re­ each of the ratings in the Stew­ spect of the delegates and crewards Department. This week's is members. for the benefit of the Chief In making up the daily menus Stewards.) the preparations should be work­ BALTIMORE 14 North Gay St. The first suggestion is that, af­ ed out between the Chief Cook Calvert 4339 and Chief Steward. BOSTON 276 State St. ter boarding a ship for the first Boudoin 4455 time, the Steward should make a Before sailing, the Chief Stew­ BUFFALO 10 Exchange St. Cleveland 7391 complete check of all linens and ard should notify all members CHARLESTON 68 Society St. workable and perishable stores that any overtime, other than Phone 3-3680 routine overtime, be brought to CHICAGO 24 W. Superior Ave. aboard the ship. Superior 5175 Also all requisitions and con­ him for an okay before the actual CLEVELAND ...1014 E. St. Clair Ave. firmations should be ehecked, work begins, thus eliminating a Main 0147 CORPUS CHRISTI ..1824 Mesquite St. j and, if there are any articles source of dispute if the work is Corpus Christi 3-1509 I missing or required, they should dune before the Chief Steward DETROIT 1038 Third St. Cadillac 6857 be ordered at once from the com­ has been notified of the job. 0ULUTH 531 W. Michigan St. pany purchasing agent. i Melrose 4110 WEEKLY CHECK The Chief Steward should call i GALVESTON 305 22nd St. All departmental overtime 2-8448 a meeting as soon as possible of; HONOLULU 16 Merchant St. the entire Stewards Department should be checked at least once S8777 and explain just what each mem-^ a week by the Steward Depart­ HOUSTON 1515 75th Street Phone Wentworth 3-3809 , ber's duties are, and just what is ment Delegate, and any ovei-JACKSONVILLE 920 Main St. Phone 5-5919 expected of them during the trip time that might in the future be MARCUS HOOK W. 8th St. I to coroe. disputed be placed on a separate Chester 3-3110 sheet and turned over to the Pa­ MIAMI 1355 N. £. 1st Ave. , COMPLETE CHECK trolman boarding the ship at the MOBILE 7 St. Michael St. 2-1754 Immediately the Chief Steward payoff. **• NEW ORLEANS 339 Chartres St. , should check all storerooms, gal­ By bringing overtime up to Magnolia 6112-6113 NEW YORK 51 Beaver St. ley, quarters, linen lockers, and date each week any di.sputed HAnover 2-2784 iccbo.xes as to their cleanliness work is fresh in mind and can be NORFOLK 127-129 Bank Street 4-1083 and condition. While making the handled more easily than when PHILADELPHIA 9 South 7th St. check, a list of necessary rer-alrs all the overtime of the trip is Phone Lombard 3-7651 handled at one PORT ARTHUR . .909 Fort Worth Ave. and changes should be drawn up. piled up and Phone: 2-8532 If, after making a check of the time. PORTLAND Ill W. Burnside St. .storeruonis, it is found that there A final suggestion: When the Beacon 4336 iRICKMOND, Calif 257 Sth St. is a shortage of stores, or if the Chief Steward requires work 2599 company has failed to produce done that is payable as overtime, SAN FRANCISCO 105 Market St. Douglas 5475-8363 the stores requisitioned, the mat­ he should ask the Delegate to SAN JUAN, P. R 252 Ponce de Leon ter should . be reported to the select a member or members of San Juan 2-5996 SAVANNAH 220 East Bay St. •ship's delegates so that they can the Department for this work. 8-1728 take the necessary action to cor­ This is for the purpose of insur­ SEATTLE 86 Seneca St. rect the condition. ing equal division of overtime. Main 0290 When the ship's delegates call TAMPA 1809-1811 N. Franklin St. In this manner no member of M-1323 Union meetings, the Chief Stew­ the Stewards Department can TOLEDO 615 Summit St. accuse the Chief WILMINGTON 440 Avalon Blvd. ard should attend all meetings rightfully Terminal 4-3131 and take part in the discussion. Steward of discriminating against VICTORIA, B. C 602 Boughton St. The Chief Steward should never him. Garden 8331 VANCOUVER ....144 W. Hastings St. be t6o busy to listen to a good (Next week the duties of the Pacific 7824 beef, and at all times make for Chief Cook will be brought up cooperation between himself, the for discussion.) What To Do: Some Departmental Suggestions For Chief Stewards SIU HALLS •k By JOSEPH VOLPIAN On December 31, 1946, the Maritime Commission's Second War Risk Insurance Policy, which insured Merchant Seamen against injuries and death due to enemy action, was terminated. In announcing theii- decision to bring to an end the life of this policy, the Commission stat­ ed, "As practically all insurance required by American shipping interests is now being supplied by the commercial markets, it is not anticipated that serious dis­ turbance will be caused by this action." The terms of this policy limited the beneficiaries to $5,000. It was supposed to be a protection aganist loss of life, injury and loss of personal effects caused by the risks of war and arising out of maritime disasters. The title of this coverage would lead one to believe that the in­ surance coverage under it was much broader than was actually the case. To start with, intei-pretations were placed upon the policy both by way of forms and procedure which beneficiaries found diffi­ cult to comply with. At different times during the life of the insurance, various di­ rectives wore handed down which limited it in scope, so that as time went on the coverage, not broad to begin with, became so very narrow tliat the chances of a beneficiary collecting the pro­ ceeds were improbable. NARROW POLICY An example of the narrowness of the policy was in the case where a seaman off a torpedoed Meet The Seafarers (Cot!tinned from Vagc 9) call. John says that the women, the liquor, and the food, in those places is the best in the world. "But 1 might change my mind after this trip," he grins. "My ship is headed for Buenos Aires, and 1 hear that that is a fine port also." Although John Dugina has only been a member of the Sea­ farers International Union for a short while, he has already taken up the traditions of militancy and honest trade unionisyn that arc part and pai'cel of the Seafarers code. With men like him in the Union, both oldtimers and new­ comers, the Union is sure to grow and to go on to more and bigger victories for all seamen. PERSONALS FREDERICK DUNN Your sister, Miss G. Dunn, reque.sts that you write to her at 20 Black Marsh Road, St. John's, Newfoundland. 4. t t RALPH E. GRIFFIN Your remaining gear from the SS Sirocco was left at the SUP baggage room in San Francisco. vessel, after weeks in life boats and makeshift quarters in war areas, turned up with tuberculo­ sis. The ruling of those administer­ ing the policy was that tubercu­ losis claims had to be filed with­ in 90 days after the disaster. Naturally these torpedoed sea­ men, very often, had no idea that their experiences were causing their health to be undermined until after the 90 day period had passed. When they did find it out and tried to put in their claim, they were informed that they could not recover benefits, not because they did not have tuberculosis or that it was not caused or aggravated by the torpedoing, but rather be­ cause more than 90 days had passed before they put in their claim for allowance under the Second Seamen's War Risk Policy. The writer has been told by many .seamen, who tried unsuc­ cessfully to recover benefits due to enemy action, that they had been assured that in time, a Seaman's Bill of Rights (similar to the G1 Bill of Rights) would be enacted, which would give them benefits in lieu of the bene­ fits under The Second Seamen's War Risk Policy. To date even a very shallow Seamen's Bill of Rights is still so much smoke. Information com­ ing to the writer is that, at pres­ ent, The Seamen's Bill of Rights is somewheie in Congress; and it has been watered down to where the only possible benefits these men may get is continuous treat­ ment in Marine Hospitals, but no cash. PASSING THE BUCK The Second Seamen's War Risk Insurance Policy, in com­ bination with the usual P. & I. policy carried by ship operators, can be used to slough off legiti­ mate claims. An example is where a blackedout ship had a hatch cover miss­ ing which caused injury to a member of the crew. Such claim could be found to come under the War Risk Policy or under gen­ eral P. & I. insurance, depending upon the hairbreath distinction whether the injuries resulted from the open hatch cover or from the blackout. The importance is apparent when it is recalled that the limit of recovery under The Second Seamen's War Risk Policy is $5,000. In addition, the two policies administered by different organ­ izations resulted in the accept­ ance of very small settlements by an injured seaman after a period of Ijeing shuttled back and fourth between The War Risk people and the P. & I. Companies, each telling him that the risk came under the other organiza­ tion's insurance policy. ' In the writer's opinion, the seamen, as a class, are not losing a whole lot by discontinuance of The Seamen's Second War Risk t % % Policy. After all, it was little DAVID B. ALBRIGHT more than mere window-dressing Write to your father. He wants for recruiting and soothing mer­ to hoar from you. chant seamen in wartime. �THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday. January 10. 1947 Page Fifteea miijjiiTiiN -w - 11 ®K7- : U-A /•_" TAX REBATES Mississippi Shipping Con^pany Seafarers who were employed on Mississippi Shipping Company vessels and have credit balances in their unclaim­ ed wage account covering overdeductions of Social Security taxes for the years 1943, 1944 and 194S, can now receive money due them by writing to the Mississippi Shipping Company, 1300 Hibernia Building, New Orleans, La. When writing the company mention the money is due for Federal Old Age Benefit overdeductions, and give your Social Security number. Those entitled to rebates and the amout due are listed below. I Old And New Wage Scales Of Seafarers Compared The new contracts which the SIU has signed with the various companies have aroused a furor INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS G. Medlicott. $2.00; C. L. Parr. $9.00; that is even yet being felt in the lives of seamen. L. E. Blackslone. $6.00; J. Nelson, Jr., Even if the other unions have benefitted by the $1.00; W. R. Findley, $10.00. same gains, following the successful General Strike PHILADELPHIA of the SIU against Government interference, still the leadership in this advance is generally accreditINDIVIDUAL DONATIONS M. Nobles, $1.00. ted to the SIU. The original contracts have been printed in the NEW ORLEANS LOG at the time each one was signed. This, how­ SS ELEAZOR WHEELOCK ever, has not answered all questions, since many 7.42 Deck Dept.: letters still come into the New York Hall asking Ehmenn. $2.00; Molina. $1.00; Boyle. 14.57 $1.00; Wolff. $2.00; Lee. $1.00; Wal- for copies of the new wage and overtime rates. .53 rath. $2.00; Green. $1.00; Doldcn. $2.00; Therefore, for the benefit of all men sailing .35 Cambura, $1.00; Roberts, $1.00; Simer26.20 man, $1.00. on ships contracted to the SIU, the LOG prints the Engine Dept.: .29 comparative wage scales, showing the wages pre­ Staples, $2.00; Weimer. $2.00; Sla1.68 horc, $1.00; Fiomrmons. $J.00; Ra- vious to the new agreements, the new wages, and 4.14 mrier, $2.00; Pinero, $2.00; Iglesias. the amount of the increase. Cut this out of the 13.65 $2.00. Stewards Dept.: paper so that you can refer to it whenever you wish. 22.10 Marciniewicz, $3.00; Quanico, $4.00; .25 These wage rates are for freighters only. Sapolinski. $3.00; Schondeck. $1.00; NAME Adams, Eloon R Ahlsti'om, Ellis NORFOLK AMOUNT Booth, Lionel $ 1.25 30.07 Bordelon, Thomas A. .12 Botona, Santiago V. ... Alexander, Benjamin 36.96 Boubede, Albert H Almerigotti, John .35 Bouzan, William J. Andrade, Carlos 5.36 Bradford, W. C. .... Ander.son, Arthus .32 Brady, Edward W. Anderson, Fred M 2.59 Anderson, Henrick M 5.17 Andrews, Edgar C 45 Antoniau, C 10.86 Branquilo, Vincent T. 4.41 Ewing. $2.00; Hayes, $2.00; Williams. DECK DEPARTMENT Apiki, A. K 1.00 Bremen, Earl E 6.02 $2.00. (This crew also donated $5.00 to the SIU Amount SIU SIU Aronson. Leon .60 Brennan, William E. 2.19 New Wage Of Wage Old Wage Ashworth, H 3.32 Brokjob, Peter : 2.09 boys in the hospital.) Increase Scale Ayres, Robert E 35.40 Scale 6.74 Rating BOSTON 94 Babala, Loyola 1.05 Brooks, Richard A $205.00 $42.50 Bosun $162.50 SS MONTAUK POINT 90 Bacon John A 40 Brown, Paul H 192.50 Bosun's Mate—Day Work Bill Rowe. $2.0; Roy Cuthrill. $2.00; 1.12 Bacon, John A 21 Brown, T. E 180.00 13.10 Dewey Bordeaux, $2.00; Joseph Thomas, Bosun's Mate—^Watch Bain, Chas. Jr 13.69 Bryant, Joseph P $2.00; C. Harris, $2.00; K. Q-Briant. Carpenter 42.50 205.00 162.50 6f68 $1.00. Bain, Chas. Jr 19.90 Bulaga, Raymond J 40.00 197.50 Storekeeper 157.50 4.06 Baker, Ernest J 1.36 Burger, John 32.50 187.50 AB Maintenance 155.00 NEW YORK Banks, Harold C 3.38 .01 17.50 172.50 Quartermaster = 155.00 Barrett, Thomas G 68 .28 SS GERVAIS 17.50 172.50 AB Seaman 155.00 10.35 Barton, Charles B 21 Butler, Robert G Harrnld I,. Parrish, $1.00; Clyde Watchman 22.50 172.50 150.00 Beaufort, Paul T 18.58 Callan, Cyril .40 Roders, $1.00; Elbert Chatham, $1.00; 150.00 17.50 OS Seaman 132.50 4.99 Calpitts, L Becker, Theodore 4.02 J. Robinson, $1.00; C. M. Houchins, 16.66 Campbell, John . .04 $1.00; Edward Brezina, $1.00; \V. Kraus, ENGINE DEPARTMENT 18 Cappelin, J. M. Belcher, Lawrence ... 8.09 $1.00; J. P. Cross. Jr.. $1.00; Robert F. Grant. $1.00; D. H. Roszel, $1.00; A. 294.50 42.50 252..P0 Bellins, Warren G. 1.25 37.74 Brunelle. $1.00; H. Goering, $1.00; R. Chief Electrician 2nd Electrician 9.80 Caracausa. Albert Bennett, William J. .83 L. Toler. $1.00; G. W. Rrickley. $1.00; 45.00 227,50 182.50 16 Benoit, R. S 1.73 John J. Dugina, $2.00; R. Hutchinson, Asst. Eleetrieian 42.50 230.00 . 187.50 Unlic. Jr. Eng.—Day Work... $1.00; Peter Vargo. $1.00. .23 Carroll. Paul S. .. .47 17.50' 205.00 187.50 Unlic. Jr. Eng.—Watch SS VAKA Bentel, Henry P 1.97 Casey, Robert F. 8.93 42.50 237.00 194.50 E. Ghcrman, $1.00; L. Bugajcwski. Machinist-Plumber Berg. Thowald 19.52 .72 42.50 205.00 162.50 Deck Engineer Bergeron, Druby J 32 Castanel, Patrick R. 2.06 $2.00. 17.50 269.50 252.00 Chief Reefer Engineer' SS HILTON 1.91 Celmayster, S 15.68 17.50 237.50 220.00 1st Reefer H. C.mfield. $1.00; J. Gross. $2.0(1; Berman, Henry .54 Chagistamatoloa, E .24 17.50 218.50 201.00 2nd Reefer 11 Bu-ser, $2.00. Bei'nay, Harry A 1.14 2.86 197.50 Engine Storekeeper SS HORACE SEE Biggers, EaH G 3.71 Chandler, Wor.sham S. 6.34 50.00 205.00 1.55.00 1 lorracc Coriielius. $1.00; Elzie I laves. Engine Utility 9.11 .30 17.50 190.00 172.50 Evaporator Maintenance $1.00; P. C. Johnson. $1.00; L.' E. Bi.>i]iop, Archibald C 8.15 Chauncj', Howard 2.44 Price, $1.00. 40.25 195.25 155.00 Oiler-Diesel 1.25 Blodgett, Donald C 18.30 Chi'isman, John 22.50 177.50 155.00 Oiler-Steam SS GOLDEN FLEECE 33 12.25 Christiansen, James C 177.50 22.50 155.00 Watertender A. Begg. $1.00. Blonce, Manuel .14 Christiansen, Gerhard A. .. 23.25 177.50 22.50 155.00 Fireman-Water tender INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS Blossfield, Paul 4.91 17.79 167.50 22.50 145.00 J. Arras, $2.00; John A. Weiss, $2.00; Firemen Boiohada, Edward W 12 .55 175.00 42.50 132.50 1.23 R. B.ascombe, $1.00; Ben Miller. $11.00; Wiper Bolger, Joseph 1.94 Clark, Carlton D •A. Gold.smit. $7.00; Lester D. Yoder. 11.15 $2.00; Bolton, S. F 1.28 Coll, Andrew STEWARDS DEPARTMENT W. H. Williams. $3.00, Jue A. .25 .01 Ecock. $2.00. 17.50 220.00 202.50 Chief S 22.50 205.00 182.50 Chief ( 22.50 205.00 182.50 Night C 17.50 185.00 167.50 Second 17.50 175.00 157.50 Asst. C Seafarers who have left gear aboard Seas Shipping Company vessels can now re­ 17.50 150.00 132.50 Messma claim their belongings if their name is included in the list below. All gear is being helc Utility 17.50 150.00 132.50 Unclaimed Baggage — Seas Shipping Co. for claiming at the offices of the Seas Shipping Company, 39 Cortland Street, New York 7, N.Y. M. Armando C. Albury Frank Becker H. Benter G. Castro G. L. Crews R. A. Chastain H. A. Campbell Frank Durdeen P. Fember S. Goldenberg E. H. Hopka R. Kosmicki ; 1 Seabag 1 Seabag & 1 suitcase 1 Seabag Papers 1 Zipperbag Papers 1 Seabag Papers 1 Zipperbag 1 Suitcase 1 Parcel Papers 1 Suitcase W. Jackson W. La Bauer C. Mockl.v Mai J. Pranible C. Snackers E. Stanzcack H. Taylor J. F. Thompson R. Sullivan R. C. Valandingham H. C. Yates L. Wuestner All members of the Stewards Department will be paid over­ time for all Sunda.vs and Holidays at sea and for all Saturdays. Sun­ i Suitcase days and Holidays in port. No member of the Stewards Department i Seabag will be laid off Saturdays, Sundays or Holidays at sea or in port. 1 Seabag OVERTIME RATES Papers l Seabag SIU New SIU New SIU Old i Bag Over $200.00 Under $200.00 1 Box & 1 Seabag a month a month 90c j Box i Zipperbag $1.25 per hour $1.00 per hour 90c j Suitcase \ Pay rise of $17.50 is retroactive from April 1 to June 14. June 1 Seabag & 1 Zipperbag Papers 15 is the retroactive date for the remainder of the increase. All i Seabag overtime is retroactive to June 15. aji �m. Page Sixteen THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, January 10. 1947 TANKEI?MEN/f/ How Jo (fpa wanth^cfourjob? Under cm SIU conttact pick qour ghip -tmpjck Company -^ou pick goar run —and. ndbodg can sag no! I 'uHT'''.?, v> / The Seafoters IntemJtbrual Onicncf ^JbrttiAmetioa -AEatL � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource January 1, 1947 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. IX, No. 2 Description An account of the resource Headlines: SIU ASKS RECOGNITION AS BARGAINING AGENT FOR TIDEWATER SEAMEN N.Y. TUGBOATMEN WIN 40 HR. WEEK; TIE-UP AVERTED P&O SIGNS NEW CONTRACT WITH SIU; SS FLORIDA SAILS SIU VOTE TALLY ENDS; COMMITTEE TO REPORT TO BRANCH MEETINGS SIU TAKES ACTION TO PREPARE FOR CHANGES IN SHIPPING LAWS THE PLAIN FACTS RIP VAN CURRAN FINALLY WAKES UP; FINDS NMU OFFICIALS ARE COMMIES RECORD SHOWS NMU LEADERS FOLLOW CHANGES IN CP LINE ATLANTA CITY CREWMEN SHOW HOW SIU TACTICS CAN WIN IMPROVEMENTS ON ISTHMIAN SHIPS BRIDGES TRIES NEW RAID WM. CLAY IS KEPT ON THE BALL BY A CRACKERJACK SIU CREW FOUR WATCHES FIRST AMONG SEAFARERS GOALS MERCHANT SEAMEN ARE ELIGIBLE TO BUY SURPLUS SMALL VESSELS DEFENSE OF BILBO BLOCKS HOST OF ANTI-LABOR BILLS ALCOA COOPERATES WITH SIU; SENDS STEWARDS CUTE NOTES GADSDEN CREW GIVES TO BALTIMORE BROTHERS IN MARINE HOSPITAL STUDY IN CONTRASTS--OKAY SKIPPER AND BUCKO MATE--IN MARCUS HOOK WRONG SHIP BUT RIGHT CREW (SIU) TAKES TRIP FROM BONEYARD TO N.Y. NMU IS "FINISHED WITH ENGINES" LAKES SEAMEN COME TO SEAFARERS WEATHER REROUTES FREIGHT SHIPS BUT TANKERS KEEP BOSTON BUSY NEW BRANCH OPENED IN MIAMI CALMAR SHIPS GIVEN TO BULL AND OVERLAKES FRENCHY PENS OPEN LETTER TO MEMBERSHIP ALL MISSED THE SKIPPER'S OBJECT CH. ENGINEER ON EMERSON HAS FOUL LINE Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1/10/1947 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1947 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/91efaad306c01d214b3df482ca0cde94.PDF cbd01705a2e46edc700a16bbf9765e81 PDF Text Text ' -r Official Organ of the Atlantic and Gulf District, Seafarers International Union of North America VOL. IX. NEW YORK. N. Y.. FRIDAY. JANUARY 17. 1947 No. 3 SlU Declared Isthmian Winner By NLRB; NMU Phony Protest Belays Certification I Entire Anti-CDmmie Slate Count Of Challenged Isthmian Ballots Elected In Lccal 88, MM&P Gives Seafarers A Final Election Tally NEW YORK—Despite the disruptive tactics of the small fraction of communists in Local 88 of the National Organization Master, Mates and Pilots, the elections in that union were carried through with a minimum of trouble. The attempts by the commies to splk the MM&P during the recent strike were repudiated by the member­ ship, and the commie candidates received only a scattering of votes. ^ Of 1256; NMU Ekes Out 813 Votes NEW YORK—The last dying gasps of the National Maritime Union, over the Isthmian election, are being heard this week as the NMU protested to the National Labor Relations Board about the fact that the Seafarers International Union has been chosen as bargaining agent for the unlicensed seamen of the Isthmian Steamship Company. 4- The SIU received 1256 votes, I against 813 for the NMU and 69 ^ for no union. This gave the SIU an overall percentage of 58.7, and ! was more than 20 percentage points better than the NMU was able to roll up! Only 171 votes were voided on j challenges, and this was a small All bodies affiliated with i fraction of the original 502 votes not popular with the strikebi-eak-; ing crowd down here, and that the Central Trades Labor As­ challenged by the NMU. includes the company and City sembly are responding to our The decision of the Regional authorities and they made sever­ call for cooperation 100 per­ NLRB was announced late al attempts to prevent its circu­ cent. The Seafarers Interna­ Thursday, January 9, and gave tional Union took the lead and the NMU five days in which to lation. All labor down here , is solidly donated $500, and we have file an objection. On Monday, behind the Teamsters, and now their offer of assistance in any January 13, the NMU did just morally, or that, and is endeavoring to have that the Seafarers has taken the way, financially, lead, we can expect even more physically. the whole elction set aside on This is not idle talk on the the phony grounds of collusion, support for these men in the fu­ ture. W. E. Sullivan, the Agent part of the SIU. for they back j As soon as it became clear that for striking Local 79, sums up up their words with actions. I the SIU was the choice of the the feeling in this statement, pre­ We greatly appreciate the ac- ! Isthmian seamen, the NMU starlpared especially for the Log; (Continued on Page 6) I ed to raise the bugaboo of colI lusion. Without one shred of real evi­ dence to back up its wild charges, the NMU has been able to stall for months, and Isthmian men are still being deprived of the union i-epresentation they leader, Joseph Shoemaker, died. | voted for, which they need so Members of the Seafarers In­ The remaining two, Sam D.. badly. ternational Union, and all mem­ Rogers and Eugene S. Poulnot | NEXT MOVE bers of unions, will not have any were scarred by the tire chains | On the strength of the NMU reason to forget Tampa, Florida, which were used on them, and protest, the NLRB Regional Diin a hurry. This is a notoriously barely escaped with their lives, rector must now make a report open shop town, and brutality In the investigation that fol-; to Washington, accompanied by and violence are part and parcel lowed, the police officials admit- j his recommendation. Using this of the way workers are treated. ted that members of their de-1 report as a basis, the National As recently as the 1946 SIU partment had been implicated in! Board will have the alternative of either certifying the SIU as General Strike against the dicta­ the murder and beating. Tampa today is a throwback to the bargaining agent for unli­ torship of the Wage Stabiliza­ tion Board, the Ships Chandlers the Tampa of eleven years ago. censed Isthmian seamen, or else in Tampa allied themselves with What happened then is taking hold new hearings to ascertain the police to try tp break picket- place right now, with police and the validity of the NMU charges. In either case, it is plain to see lines and send stores to the ves­ company goons having the run of sels which were sailing as scab the city while decent citizens that the Isthmian seamen prefer are in fear of their lives. tlie Seafarers International Un­ ships. The fight of the Teamsters in ion, and it is only a matter of For the rest of the labor move­ ment, the mention of what took Tampa is the fight of all oi-gan- time before the Company will of Shoe­ be sitting down to negotiate with place in Tampa on November 30, ized labor. The fighf '335, is enough. On that date, maker, Rogers, and Poulnot was the SIU. Only the stalling tactics of the three organizers were tarred and the fight of all union men then. At that time we were still NMU has prevented this so far, feathered and viciously beaten with tire chains. So brutal was young, but now the picture is and the NMU is rapidly running their ti'eatment, at the hands of different, and labor will not take out of ways to delay things any the police and others, that the the "Tampa Story" lying down. further. SlU Supports Tampa Teamsters; City Heads Try To Break Strike Also on the referendum ballot! were eight propositions, six of which were approved in the vot­ ing. The results of the election are as follows: President. John Tweekrum By SONNY SIMMONS First Vice-President. C. T. At­ kins. TAMPA—^The reign of terror Second Vice-President. A. J. in this city continues and in­ Shea. creases, and the only bright spot Secretary. Business Manager. since the strike started was the contributions of $500.00 sent to William C. Ash. : Trustee 3 Years. Harry Martin. me to be turned over to the bat­ Trustee 2 Years, M. C. Fesco tling taxi drivers. Here is the telegram that ac­ and D. J. Gillespie. companied the money order: Captain Harry Martin, who Enclosed is Seafarers Interhas been Business Manager of Local 88 for a number of years I national Union's check for was not a candidate to succeed $500.00 to be turned over to Tampa AFL Teamsters in their himself. • The two propositions which fight against repressive mea­ were defeated would have estab­ sures of local authorities. Inform Teamsters that Sealished rotary shipping in the Port 1 of New York, and changed the | farers are behind them 100 per meetings to the second and fourth cent physically, morally, finan­ Wednesday of each month at cially. Eyes of nation's trade-union 7:00 P.M. movement are on you in this FEW CP VOTES The position of the communists battle to protect labor's consti­ in Local 88 is graphically illus­ tutionally-guaranteed rights. trated by the fact that the highGood luck and keep up the good fight. (Continuei on Page 9) Harry Lundeberg. President Seafarers Int'l Union When this message was read to the striking drivers, they raised Due to the bad weather the roof with their shouts of ap­ which wrecked airplanes all preciation. This expression of over the United States and solidarity gave them a boost just finally forced the Govern­ when it looked the darkest for ment to ground all planes for them. a short time, the ballots from It is easy to see that the com­ Mobile, in the election for pany and city officials are not too 1947 officials, have not yet sure of their ground. Since they been received. control the press, only their side By the time the next issue of the story has come to the at­ of the LOG goes to press, we tention of the public. But the hope to have the complete copies of the Seafarers Log which count so that the names of have been sent down here for our the men who will lead the membership reached some of the SIU. Atlantic and Gulf Dis­ people of this town and gave trict, for the coming year can them an idea of the conditions.. be published. For this reason thg Log was Voting Returns Labor Hating Not New In Tampa; Union Drganizer Killed In 1935 �Pag* Two THESEAFAREES LOG Friday, January 17, 1947 SEAFARERS L Published Weekly by the SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Gulf District Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor At n Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y. HAnover 2-2784 X & 3, HARRY LUNDJEBERG ------- President 105 Market Street, San Francisco, Calif. JOHN HAWK - -- -- -- - Secy-Treas. p. O. Box 25, Station P, New York City Entered as second class matter June 15, 1945, at the Post Office in New Yoi-k, N. Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912. 267 Stacking The Cards There's an awful lot of loose talk, in Washington and other places, about limiting labor's right to strike. The same tongues are continually wagging about ending the closed shop so that workers' will have real democracy in their industries. These mealy-mouthed speeches mean absolutely noth­ ing to anyone who knows about labor's struggles to achieve the trade union movement we now have in the United States. Those who preach that labor hasn't any democracy at the present time were not willing to grant democracy, decent wages, and good conditions for workers until the unions came along and forced them to do so. Now these same reactionary exploiters of labor set themselves up as defenders of the workers against their elected leaders. A member of a trade union comes closer to realizing democracy in his union than he does in the Government of the U. S. At least union leaders really go to bat for the membership. Congressmen only represent the bosses and the people with money. The red tape experts have invented many ways to tie up labor, and to stop workers when they try to advance themselves and better their conditions. Courts have always served the moneyed classes, cops have always swung their clubs against picketlines, and Congressmen have always been willing to pass a fast law against labor whenever the bosses told them to. But the laws and tricks which are already in existence are not enough for Big Business. They like to play games with the cards stacked for them. And so now they have sparked a drive for even more stringent restrictions against labor. Of course, the windbags in the Senate and in the House of Representatives will make long speeches about "the responsibility of labor," or "the closed shop is undemo­ cratic," or "we believe in trade unions, but—" but their real aim is to smash labor unions. They are obviously fol­ lowing out the directions of the corporations which they serve. Very little of the labor -legislation which has been suggested since the new Congress took office is of a con­ structive nature. Most of it seems to be guided by revenge, not real efforts to achieve industrial peace. They have masked their thoughts in smooth words, and they have sold a bill of goods to the average person in the United States. They maintain that they want only to cut down on strikes, but their real objective is to break the back of the trade union movement in the United States. Measures which have as their prime idea the threat to union treasuries (which are greatly inferior to the funds available to business), or which threaten the security of workers through their union contracts, are definitely antilabor and will not lead to industrial peace. It is easy to see what Big Business wants when the pro­ posed laws are analyzed. It is up to the labor unions to hold firm so that their ambitions will not be realized. Hospital Patients When entering the hospital notify the delegate by post­ card, giving your name and the number of your ward. Staten Island Hospital Men Now In The Marine Hospitals These are the Union Brothers currently in the marine hospitals, as reported by the Port Agents. These Brothers find time hanging heavily on their hands. Do what you can to cheer them up by writ­ ing to them. BALTIMORE HOSPITAL FRANCIS O'BRIEN FRANK DOLAN FRANK NIXON RAYMOND HODGES • RUSSELL REDDERT JOHN DUDKO JOSEPH BENNETT JAMES DAVIS CHARLES HAHN MICHAEL McCOLAGH PETER LOPEZ THOMAS WADSWORTH LAWRENCE HOLMES SEBASTIAN AMENTA HUGH HOLLMAN GUNNAR WIKSTROM NATHAN CARTWRIGHT TOM MARTINEAU ARTHUR PRICE CLARENCE DOWDY $. Si Si STATEN ISLAND HOSPITAL J. L. EAKIN E. F. SPEAR P. J. WILKINSON R. G. MOSSELLER D. HUTCHINS M. J. QUINN W. B. MUIR J. S. WOOD , W. G. H. BAUSE MOSES MORRIS J. GRIFFIN L. A. CORNWALL P. STEWART "CHIPS" NEILSEN H. BELCHER L. L. MOODY JR. C. KOLSTE Si Si s* NORFOLK HOSPITAL T. R. GOING R. P. McBRIDE J. E. HARRISON NELS COLLSTIUP W. MANNING J. McNEELLY T. BOIGOS R. FITTS H. S. HARRISON G. AHTIAINEN F. BONNER 4 4, t NEW ORLEANS HOSPITAL H. G. DARNELL LIONEL ROTHERHAM THOMAS J. BAIER JOHN SERCU CENTRAL MASON W. BROCE, Jr. ERNEST J. COOPER JACINTO NAVARRO JOHN P. BROOKS You can contact your Hos­ pital delegate at the Staten Island Hospital at the follow­ ing times: Tuesday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on 5th and 6th floors) Thursday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on 3rd and 4th floors.) Saturday—1:30 to 3:30 p. m. (on 1st and 2nd floors.) RALPH EWING J. STEFANIDES EDWARD CUSTER KARL PETTERSSEN F. BERGLAND E. R. BUCKLEY E. J. RIVIERE J. W. DENNIS R. M. NOLAN JOHN RETOUR 4 4 4 NEPONSIT HOSPITAL LINDER CLARK J. FIGUEROA L. L. LEWIS H. SELBY H. BURKE J. S. CAMPBELL J. T. EDWARDS B. LUFLIN G. F. McCOMB E. FERRER R. BLAKE J. R. HENCHEY 4 4 4 ELLIS ISLAND HOSPITAL D. MCDONALD J. KOSLUSKY �Friday. January 17, 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Three Joint Action Of Did, New Members Vitai Factor in Success Of SiU By EARL SHEPPARD In the organizing drives con­ ducted by the Seafarers, equal credit must be given to both the old timer and the newcomer. Each, to their respective ability, have contributed the work and the driving force that is necessajiy to put any campaign across. Looking over the record of the past year, and discussing the drives on the unorganized ships and companies with the men who sailed the ships and did such a good job, we actually find more of the younger members of the union than oldtimers. The reasons for this was that it is much harder for the older man to land a job through the crimps and company offices. The companies are suspicious of nim from the beginning, feeling that, in the years he has been to sea, he must have become affiliated with some union. OLDTIMERS WISE Even after he gets a job on an unorganized ship, his position is harder because he has grown ac­ customed to good conditions on union ships. The company offi­ cers and stooges are suspicious of him and generally jealous of his superior seamanship. They use every means to make him "blow his top" and pile off the ship, leaving the job open for what they considered the more malleable younger seamen. To the oldtimer, however, be­ longs credit for proving that the unorganized companies could not mould the younger searnen into "company men." He taught them both the score of good union­ ism and good seamanship, and it must be remembered that on good union ships the two always go hand in hand. On deck, for example, it was the oldtimer who taught the art of splicing both wire and rope; how to properly coil, stow and break out hawsers; make mon­ key fists; to mix and paint; rig bosun's chairs and rig all ships gear. In other words, the thousand and one things learned by ex­ perience and not out of books. The same applied to both the En­ gine and Stewards departments. EDUCATE YOUNGER MEN At coffee time, and on the watch below, all of this would be .•supplemented with the first hand story of the oi'ganization of the Union, the story of how strikes were conducted, befs settled and victories won. The education of young mem­ bers and seamen on unorganized ships is the main task of the Union at all times,, and in the organizing drives of the past year the oldtimers have carried on this work well as is proven in the results of the Isthmian election. The Seafarers all can congratu­ late these Brothers on a job well done, and can be sure that they will continue to do the same kind of job when the chips are down in the future struggles that, are sure to head the Seafarers way. The role played by the new­ comer, often a member for just a few weeks and frequently even before he actually took out a membership book, was equally important. They did their job efficiently and thoroughly with all of the energy at their command. They took full advantage of all of the literature of the SIU, and thoroughly studied the organiz­ ing material and history giving them a first hand organizational weapon, which they used to the best advantage. These men were instrumental in extending the organizing drive beyond the ships and into every place a seaman could be found. They were not satisfied with or­ ganizing around the clock aboard ship, but brought prospective Seafarers right into the Union halls by the hundreds, actually lining them up in the majority of cases. In the Isthmian drive, many of these men piled right onto an­ other Isthmian tub before the old man's signature was dry on the one they had just got off. The new members do not have to take a back seat for anyone, whether it is on the job splicing a hawser, keying up the main en­ gine or knocking out a batch of bread in the galley. These young members are real Seafarers and will continue to be leaders in our future struggles. ON CONTRACT SHIPS Another important organizing task was the work carried on by thousands of Seafarers sailing on contract ships. These Brothers carried the organizing material to unorganized ships crews in every section of the world. Due to these activities, the Log and other Seafarers literature can be found almost anywhere a ship can dock or drop the hook. Prior to the general activizing of Seafarers crews, the SIU was little known—but now it is in­ ternationally regarded as the most successfull and militant seamens' union in the world. This has resulted in much favorable publicity and spread the name and influence of the Seafarers far and wide, many miles away from any ship or dock. This combination of both old and new organizers, volunteers and members sailing contract ships, has resulted in a smooth hard hitting organization. Wages and conditions, which were once regarded as wishful thinking and a goal that no mai'itime union could obtain, are now an actual­ ity due to the functioning of this apparatus. Just a very brief glance at the achievements of the past year: the successful general maritime strike; the knocking out of the phony Wage Stabilization Board; the defeat of Bridges in his juris­ dictional raid in the Coos Bay beef; the defeat of the govern­ ment medical program and the competency card proposals are just a few of the day-to-day, week-to-week beefs that the Sea­ farers have won. These, topped off by the de­ cisive Isthmian victory, prove that no aim is too high or no goal impossible for the Seafarers. THE TRIP AHEAD A full volume could be written on the individual and collective merits of the men who made the Seafarers' victories possible, but praise won't win our future bat­ tles. The Union has many tasks and, if the shipowners are given too long a breathing spell, they will use the time to muster their forces for still greater attacks on wages and conditions. Despite the victories that have been won, there is still plenty of room for improvement. The Union apparatus must be still rnore streamlined and strength­ ened. New forces must be de­ veloped to take the places of those officials who, like all sea­ men, wil be back at sea some­ time. Union expenditures will have to be so organized that each dol­ lar will insure the maximum Un­ ion representation. Union educa­ tion must be kept to the fore­ front, so that as many members as possible can qualify to hold any job in the Union. There are many things to do and no time to waste. A good job has been done, and done well, but as Andrew Furuseth said, "Tomorrow is also a day." There are bigger and tougher jobs ahead, and to met the fu­ ture well prepared the Seafarers can never let down for a single moment. UNIONISTS AID ANTI-FASCISTS By PAUL HALL According to some of the recent 'reports that have come to us from the membership, it seems to be extremely important for the Seafarers International Union to establish Halls in Trinidad and Port Alfred, Canada. Not only is it important, but it is desirable to have on the spot representaliun at tliese points. There is no question in the minds of the writers of the letters that, if at all feasible, we should have Branches where we can ser­ vice not only our own members, but also members of foreign unions, and those foreign seamen who have no union. That would serve to make the Seafarers truly an international union. This is one of the questions that should be taken up by the Agents' Conference that will be held shortly after the newly elected Agents are installed in office. Moreover, the Isthmian election has shown us that we must have, as soon as possible, a Hall in the Philippines. This was one of our weak points, and the election would have undoubtedly have been won more easily if we had a Hall there. It is to the credit of our vol­ unteer organizers that we did not lose ground in those ships which were concentrated on that run. Again, this is another question for the new Agents to discuss and act on. SIU Representation Best As long as the Seafarers continues to grow, we will have to establish new ports to service our growing membership. Wherever an SIU member sets his foot on solid ground, he should not be too far from SIU representation. Our main boast is that we give the best representation to our membership, as well as the best contracts in the industry. Let's make sure that we keep up that record in the days of progress that are still before us; There are many things that may beset us in the coming year. It's always that way for guys who woi'k for a living. Sometimes the bosses try to job you, and usually the politicans do their damnedest to deal you a dirty blow. But the main thing we have to watch out for in 1947 is that the shipowners will try to force us into premature strike action. If they have the Government and the Courts on their sides, they will be only too pleased if we pull the pin on their ships. Why not, if they can depend on "Uncle Sam" to fight their battles for them. This does not mean that we must bind ourselves not to strike in the coming year. Sure, we will lock up the ships if we see that is the only way to win our demands, but we should not allow our­ selves to be placed in a position where we have to play the ship­ owners game with the cards stacked against us. Ill-Prepared Strike Bad A strike against insurmountable odds is a bad deal for seamen. In 1921 the seamen were forced into a strike, when they ana every­ body else knew that the time was not right. The operators, espec­ ially, knew this, and so they held tight. The same situation held true in 1939. The year 1939 was the time of the NMU tanker strike. Of course, in that action we also had a typical NMU-commie treacheiV They called their membership out on strike, and then the commie leader­ ship showed them how to fink the tankers out. Without doubt, they, then and there, put the tanker organizing drive back five years at least. Not only did those fakers lose the strike for all honest seamen, but they had the nerve to blame the SIU for the defeat. We took the lead in offering to picket struck ships, and we hit the bricks in solid support of the strikers. The commie misleaders of the NMU finked those ships out, in defiance of the wishes of the NMU rank-and-file, and theri they had to go looking for someone to hang the blame on. Commies Pass Buck There are certain tricks used by all commies when they are faced with the results of their own ti'eachery. One of them is to blame an innocent party, and that is exactly what they did in this case. They tried to put it all at the door of innocent parties, but honest seamen were not fooled. A check for $1000 for the purchase of CARE food packages packages for exiled Spanish anti-fascists was presented by the Intl. Solidarity Committe to Fernando de Los Rios, who accepted the gift on behalf of the exiles. At the presentation were (L to r.): Vice-presidents Charles S. Zimmerman and Luigi Antonini, of the Intl. Ladies Garment Workers-AFL; Phil Heller, executive director of the Intl. Solidarity Committee; de Los Ries; and Na­ thaniel Minkoff, secretary-treasurer of the Dressmakers Joint Board. ILGWU. No more were they fooled by the various other tricks that the commies in the NMU have used. The attitude of true working sea­ men is that certain leaders of the NMU have done more to harm the advancement of seamen than all the shipowners, operators, and Government agencies put together. That is a tough record to have, and it is all true. Any group that sinks low enough to use the trade union movement for their own selfish purposes, should be prevented from associating with decent men. �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Fout FHd»y. January 17. 1347 su.. WHAT tTHIMIC., Eyes Prefits Of Operators QUESTION: — What should be the Seafarers' objectives in the year EOBERT NEBLETT, FOW: It • I ihink that all our pressure should be on the four-watch sys­ tem in the next year. I'm a Fire­ man, and I know how important it is for a Fireman to have plenty of rest in between watches. A man can't stand sort of work, over a long period of time, without cracking up. Six hours a day is all that a man can work on that sort of job. The shipown­ ers won't like the idea, but for seamen the four-watch system is a must. Jobs will be getting scarce, and that will also help out in that situation. GEORGE E. MARSHALL, Stew,; As in years past, I'm sure that the SIU will continue to shoot for higher wages and better working conditions. That's the way it has been in the past, and that is the correct way to work in unions. With rising rents and higher food costs, we need in­ creased wages, and I am sure that the SIU wil get them for us next year. I have been sailing for more than 20 years, and I haven't been able to save any money for when I retire. I hope that new men will not have to face the same sort of old age. WASHINGTON—A $22 billion war shipping scandal was in the making here last week as Sen. George Aiken (R., Vt,), chairman 1947? of the Senate Committee on Ex­ ecutive Expenditures, said hewould make a thorough probe of ELWOOD D. KITTRELL, AB; exorbitant subsidies paid to ship­ We should concentreite on the owners. companies to insure cleaner ships. Aiken, who is planning to or­ The one I just got off of was fility, ganize his committee as soon as and in terrible shape. The lock­ possible and bring together a topers were broken, roaches were on notch investigating staff, said he the loose, and the whole ship was believed Congress should be in­ badly in need of painting. These terested not only in knowing how vessels are our homes at sea, and shipowners pulled down enorm­ the companies should make the ous unearned profits, but why necessary repairs and keep the they require peacetime subsidies. ships in good condition. In the Meanwhile, the House Mer­ long run it wouldn't cost them much more because the ships chant Marine Committee branded would last longer, and seamen the wartime accounting prac­ would work harder for a com­ tices of the Maritime Commission pany that maintained clean ships. and the War Shipping adminis­ tration as "unsound" and "chao­ tic." The records were found to be in "such a chaotic state as to have made possible serious mone­ tary loss to the government." H, J. A. KOONING, FOW: I think that we should go all out to eliminate the Coast Guard. They want to play at being boss over us, but we don't need their watching over us. The Union will take care of our interests without the CG. During the war the Coast Guard did a good job at pa­ trolling the coasts and doing the kind of job they were supposed to do. Bui they lost the respect of all seamen by the way they tried to lord it over us all the time. Their hold on us should be broken; and we should be re­ turned to the jurisdiction of the Department of Commerce. The Maritime Commission had previously listed wartime profits of only 19 shipbuilding companies at $356,006,612 on just $22,979,275 invested capital. One of the most extravagant returns disclosed was an esti­ mated $58,840,88.5 profit by ohe Henry Kaiser firm on a $460,000 investment and a $1,080,000 take, on a $600 investment by the St. Johns River Shipbuilding Corp. of Florida. Political Partisans in Trade Union Movement Have One Objective—if Yen Can't Rule, Ruin And it was not only the NMU that was guilty of such actions. Any time, before the war, during thd war, and after the war, that the communist line changed^ the NMU and other communist-dom­ inated unions changed their pol­ icies accordingly. That is why the communists, in and out of the NMU, are so discredited. That is why the sea­ men voted so heavily for the SIU in the Isthmian campaign, and that is. one of the many reasons that is beating the commie-dom­ inated waterfront unions in their attempts to organize other un­ organized sdhmen. By LINDSEY WILLIAMS At no extra cost to the mem­ bership of the Seafarers Inter­ national Union, but at a terrific cost to the members of the Na­ tional Maritime Union, we are being treated to the sight of what happens when a bunch of politi­ cals grab hold of a trade union and start to use it for their own end. This fight m the NMU has been brewing for a long time, and if Joe Curran hadn't blown the lid off, the rank-and-file was sure to do so before too long. The communists have had con­ trol of the NMU practically ever since that- union was formed. That is the reason that a lot of honest trade unionists dropped out, and that is the reason that the SIU has always attracted the people who wanted to build a union on trade union lines, and not on the lines set down by Joe Stalin in Moscow, or by any other political faker for that matter. Wlienever it suited the com­ munists to work against the best interests of the labor movement, the communists in the NMU and in other CIO unions, did their dirty work to betray what sea­ men and other workers really want. Always their first idea was to. ENTITLED TO BELIEFS LINDSEY WILLIAMS Brother Williams is Gulf Area Organizer for the SIU, and in his work has had a good opportuniiy to observe how the politicals operate and what they stand for. suit the commies, and they didn't give a damn if that was not what was best for the American Labor movement. For that rea.son, the NMU subr jugated the reasonable demands of its membership during the war so that the ends of' the Soviet Union could be served first. In my organizing work, I come in contact with people who have various political views. There is nothing wrong with a guy be­ lieving in one political system or party or another, if that's what he wants to do. What is wrong is when the people who, believe in that sys­ tem try to take over" a trade union so that they can force the union to follow their line even if the vast majority of the mefhbens don't want to have any­ thing'to do with it. That is exactly what happened in the NMU, and you had a pic­ ture of the officials going counter to what the membership really wanted, and what was best for them as working seamen. Don't think that the NMU is the only union that the commies have been able to paralyze with their blind obedience to the CP line. There are at least four other CIO unions that find themselves doing Joe Stalin's dirty work just because the officials of the union are members of the com­ munist party. NO WITCH-HUNT This should not be taken as a call for a drive to force all poli­ ticals out of our Union. Under the democratic traditions of the SIU, it would be in violation of our Constitution if anyone tried to do anything as raw as that even against political finki. But this is a warning as to what can happen if we allow members who follow a certain political line, whatever it may be, to try and lead our member­ ship along that line and against honest trade union principles. In the years that tlie NMU has been declining* the SIU has been steadily growing, both in mem­ bership and in the respect of all seafaring men. No matter what union a seaman belongs to* he {Continued on. S4ge 14.) A Commei'ce Dept. announce­ ment last week was heralded as the year's greatest understate­ ment when it reported that "The year 1946 was one in which, busi­ ness activity, sales and profits were above the best pre-war years." Keep It Clean! It is the proud boast of the Seafarers International Un­ ion that an SIU ship is a clean ship Let's keep it that way. Although most of the crews leave a ship in excellent con­ dition, it has come to the at­ tention of the membership that a few crews have vio­ lated this rule. So they have gone on record to have all quarters inspected by the Pcdrolman before the payoff, and if the conditions are un­ satisfactory, he has the right to hold up the payoff imtil everything is spic and span. Remember that the Patrol­ man can only have repairs made if he knows what has to be done. Cooperate by making up a repair list be­ fore the ship docks. Give one copy to the Skipper, and one ' to the Patrolman. Then you'll see some action. �THE S E AT ^ REnS tOG Friday. January 1^, 194^ ^Vmanl Fire Series Of Mishaps On Abr. Ciark Page Five A WOT TIME ON SS ABRAHAM CLARK By JIM BERESFORD The SS Abraham Clark now . ei-gehcies by this time, that withhas a good chance of going down ^ out even a general alarm soundin maritime history as the Black ing, or without a single order Gat. At least, that is if you be­ from the Mate, the crew sprang lieve in black cats causing bad into action as soon as smoke was seen. luck. Men came running from all We crewed up the Clark on December 14, and sailed from parts of the ship, hauling fire Boston on the Pan-American run. hose with them. The dense smoke For a Liberty, the Clark was a poured forth out of the damaged fast ship, and we all looked for­ forepeak, and more than one man ward to a pleasant trip and fair was overcome. Soon, however, the fire was weather. But we couldn't have under control, and before long been further wrong. The first accident, or incident, it was completely out. Since this accident nothing else whichever you may prefer, took place in New York Harbor when eventful has taken place aboard Jumping Jack Dolan .sma.shed his the SS Abraham Clark, but we foot while working around the are ready for anything now, and we wouldn't be surprised if it ship. happened. Unfortunate as it was, we did not look upon it as the start of a jinx. Later we remembered it as the first in a series of inci­ dents that made us all creep into our sacks at night with our fingers crossed. LULL BEFORE STORM We soon put New York behind us, and had a fair run down to New Orleans The only beef was lack of sufficient stores, but in comparison to what happened later, this part of our trip was al­ most perfect. We tied up in New Orleans for a couple of dr|/s, and made everything shipshape for the rest of the voyage. Then we pulled out and headed for Mobile. Swinging about to head down Top picture shows the crew of the SS Abraham Clark springing into action as soon as the fire was discovered. From all the Mississippi River, we ran up directions, the men came running with the fire hoses. In a matter of minutes the blaze was under control. Picture, above left, over the opposite bank. Finally was taken as one of the crewmembers was being given first aid treatment after having been overcome by the smoke. On the the ship squared away and we right we see that the fire is almost completely out. and most of the crew is starting to go back to their regular jobs. started around the first bend in These pictures were taken by a member of the crew of the Abraham Clark. Donald Bean. the river, with every crewmemter swallowing hard to keep his heart out of his mouth. We were not disappointed. The action continued and became in­ If you don'i find linen creasingly more exciting. when you go aboard your MISS AND HIT ship, notify the Hall at once. ment for strike 'leaders. Govern­ WASHINGTON — In proclaim­ Our bow narrowly missed a WASHINGTON — The drive A telegram from Le Havre or ment suspension of union con­ C-2, we came even closed to a ing the formal end of hostilities for compulsory universal military Singapore won't do you any Laker, and we finally plowed in World War II on December 31, tracts, cancellation of draft detraining — a program opposed by good. It's your bed and you ferrment for strikers, and black­ right into a Liberty belonging all segments of organized labor — President Truman automatically listing of strikers by government have to lie in it. to Lykes Brothers. was given a boost last week when set the end of the Smith-Connally employment agencies. This ship was tied up to the President Truman appointed nine dock and, as we pulled away anti-labor act, and the wartime civilians to an Advisory Commis­ from it, our stern came ar -und excise taxes on luxuries for June sion of Universal Militaiy Train­ and hit the same ship. This time 30, 1947. ing. The elation over the latter was we did more damage than we had Labor officials w^ere quick to shortlived as in his State of the on the first collision. point out that no labor represent­ By this time we were all plenty Union address to Congress, Tru­ atives were appointed to this nervous, and our fingers were man asked for the 'enactment of body, and that all of the appoin­ all thumbs. We stayed right a law extending the 20 percent tees are known for their strong weher we were' all night, and federal excise tax beyond the pro-conscription views, and this LONDON — Reaching the peak more than 10 years over their in all probability indicates that The figured that we would start all June 30 expiration date. end of this tax covering liquor, membership of its history, the actual age. Most of them had the committee will decide on the over again the nekt morning. The following morning was furs, jewelry, and theatre admis­ British Labor Party recently re­ aged rapidly with high blood nature of the conscription plan dull and foggy, and we ran sions would mean a billion and a ported a 1946 membership gain pressure, heart diseases, and instead of debating the pros and aground twice in the Mobile half dollar saving for consumers. of 213,000. At the beginning of thickened arteries the rule. cons of conscription. Dockworkers claimed that the River. The second time it hap­ The Smith-Conally Act when last year, the Labor Party mem­ The AFL, CIO and Railway pened, we waited until the fog it expires six months from now bership amounted to 487,000, and uncertain work on the water­ Brotherhoods had reaffirmed their lifted before proceeding. means that by that time the gov­ this has now grown to 700,000 front and the heavy strain of traditional opposition to peace­ Coming down stream toward ernment-seized coal mines and according to Labor Party secre­ their jobs caused their physical time military conscription at re­ condition. \is we recognized the Alcoa Plant­ Great Lakes tugboats must be tary Morgan Philips. cent conventions, pointing out "The Labor Party's aim for the er, and at the same time we returned to private operation. % ^ % that conscription had been used first few months of 1947," said realized that our steering mech­ LONDON — A complete set of In addition, the expiration of as a weapon to break strikes by anism was out of whack and that the act •will relieve Labor of clubs an official, "will be to reach our new proposals for better pay and drafting strikers into the army. we were heading right* for the which have been hanging over its target, of 1,000,000 individual working conditions have been Joining organized labor in their members. other ship. presented to the National Mari­ head, such as the provisions opposition to conscription. Brig. time Board, central shipowners % % S. TRIED HIS BEST calling for penalties or imprisonGen. H. C. Holdridge (Ret.), CoSYDNEY, AUSTRALIA — A council, officers and men, by the The Alcoa Planter Skipper chairman of the Armed Forces Sydney specialist. Dr. McQueen, British maritime unions. What tried his best to miss us, and Committee of the American Vet­ recently revealed that the dock- the unions seek are paid holidays, even ran the bow of his ship erans Committee, stated in a radio ^ SID SHlPlSACLEAi^SMlp/ regular work, better shipboard workers have the highest indus­ aground in the process, but the debate that the program for com­ trial death rate among all Aus­ conditions and shorter hours. Stern of the Planter came around pulsory military training "is un­ tralian workers today. Dr. Mc­ 4. 4, t blocking the channel. SINGAPORE — Ending a 19 sound and dangerous." Queen declared his admiration Our Captain ordered a hard iioldridge charged that the arm­ for these dockworkers who have day .strike which had tied up right, but the Clark just would Singapore Harbor, seven thous­ ed forces, through their mono­ to make a tough living in spite not. answer the wheel, and we See TMAT HtooR and Indian dock woi-kers recently poly over national security, havfe^ of many physical handicaps. plowed right into the grounded SHIP IS IMSOOP The Australian specialist had returned to work. Their return become instruments of power oRt>ee 6EPOR£ ship. ITPAVSOFFJ a gloomy view about these work­ to work was based on the Gov­ politics, and intrude into every Immediately upon impact, fire ers over the age of 60, and ^id ernment's agreement to establish phase of our lives, in peace and broke out in the' forepeak. The in war. that the majority of them looked an arbitration board. crew had become so used to em- End Near For Smith-Connally Act With Termination Of The War • ATTENTION! Labor Opposes Military Draft �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Six , TNE RISE ' t Since June,-^1946, consumer , prices hove risali 15^ .wiih food showing. •- Jbe greatest Tncreose. Rents hpve helcf steodyC : ; iNoa SIU Supports Tampa Teamsters; City Heads Try Te Break Strike (Continued from Page J) tion of the SIU and in the fu­ ture, as in the past, we want to state our loyalty to that or­ ganization. We are back of them 100 percent in all their undertakings, as they have been back of us in our time of trouble. Fraternally W. E. Sullivan, Agent, Teamstei's and Chauf­ fers Union, Local 79 The pre.ssure that the Seafarers Log stirred up has not been with­ out some effect on the labor-hat­ ing authorities here. Last week the original injunction against Local 79 was amended to allow picketing by the strikers in any 1939 • 1940 wi-goEEDs- ^ourtr Oroarlmtnt of lobor In his first economic report to Congress under the 1946 Em­ ployment Act, President Truman submitted this chart titled "The Rise in Consumer Prices." Since June 1946, said Truman, "con­ sumer prices have risen 15 percent with food showing the great­ est increase." Labor economists, however, contend that the 15 percent is low, that consumer prices have jumped 18 percent or better in these last six months. Sill Rejects NMD Proposal To Set Up Arbitration Board NEW YORK —Never have the differences between the policies of the SIU and the NMU been more clearly illustrated than this past week, when in a desperation move, NMU President Joseph Curran wired SIU SecretaryTreasurer John Hawk requesting cooperation in asking Labor Sec­ retary Schwellenhach to call a conference of labor and industry representatives for the purpose of arbitrating maritime union de­ mands. In line with basic SIU policy, Secretary-Treasurer Hawk de­ clined the invitation, and re­ stated the Seafarers position, "The policy of the Seafarers In­ ternational Union is to negotiate directly with our operators with­ out government interference and if we cannot come to an agree­ ment use our economic power to enforce our demands." • The complete text of the NMU telegram from President Curran follows: are in the same predicament and have provisions for wage reviews though there be different dates, but within a month of each other, for such reviews, you use your good offices to call together all the representatives of labor and industry and ask them to agree that the Department of Labor appoint an arbitrator to handle this problem as a national prob­ lem in order to eliminate the chaotic conditions that did arise in 1946 and may arise again if satisfactory conclusion is not ar­ rived at. Will you join us and sign such a telegram with us jointly? If it is possible will you reply by Sat­ urday. Joseph Curran In reply to this wire, SIU Sec­ retary-Treasurer Hawk sent the following answer: Mr. Joseph Curran President National Maritime Union 348 West 17th Street New York, N.Y. John Hawk, Secretary-Treasurer The Atlantic and Gulf District Seafarers International Union of the Seafarers International 51 Beaver St, Union of North America rejects New York. N.Y. your telegraphic invitation to We have been in negotiations join with you and sign your pro­ •with AMMI since December 27th posed telegram to Secretary of on wage review for our member­ Labor Schwellenhach suggesting ship. We have requested a 25 that he call a conference of rep­ percent increase plus adjustments resentatives of labor and industry on several key ratings. We have and request that they agree to received no offer from the oper­ authorize the Department of ators to date. Our final meeting Labor to appoint an arbitrator to is Saturday, January 11th. We decide whether or not the sea­ propose to send the following men should get an increase of wire to Secretary Schwellenhach wages or set wages for seamen. in the event we receive no satis­ The policy of the Seafarers In­ factory settlement at the meet­ ternational Union is to negotiate directly with our operators withing Saturday. our government interference and Contract provision assuring us if we cannot come to an agree­ of wage review on material sub­ ment use our economic power to mitted to company proves beyond enforce our demands. any doubt the necessity of our John Hawk xeceiving the 25 percent increase Secretary-Treasurer requested but operators refuse Atlantic and Gulf District to grant any offer at all. Our Seafarers International Union request of you Is that, in view of of North America the fact that all marine unions Friday. January 17. 1947 By JOHNNY JOHNSTON As long ago as the spring of 1607 the remaining forlorn and discouraged members of the illfated Popham colony launched the first ocean-going vessel to be built on American shores. The vessel was called the Vir­ ginia, and was built in the Kennebeck River. The survivors of the little colony of Popham used the ship for the voyage home, and landed safely in England months later. i J. S. This is fhe first time in the history of the United States that this country has ever had a strong merchant marine andj a strong Navy at the same time. At one time or another we have had a good Navy and prac­ tically no merchant vessels, or plenty of commercial bottoms which had to be converted to war ships in time of danger. February 22, 1784, marked the first time that an American ship sailed on a voyage to enter the Far East trade. The vessel was the copper-sheathed Empress of China, and she left New York with 10 officers and 34 mem­ bers of the unlicensed crew. She made a round trip to Whampoa, stayed one month in that port for trading, and return­ ed after logging a total of 32,458 miles for the voyage. The trip took 16 months, which is a far cry from the length of time re­ quired for the same voyage to­ day. 4- 4" Many of the provisions of the Act of 1790, the first attempt to give any consideration to the rights of sailors, are still in force. This act specified that seamen were entitled to a written contract setting forth a definition of the proposed voyage plus the rate of pay. If, for any reason, such an agreement was not executed, the ship Master could be compelled to compensate his men at the highest prevailing rate of pay. As a guarantee the ship itself could be held for security. but the "imm'ediate vicinity" of the office of the Tampa Cab Com­ pany. Previously the strikers were prevented from picketing any place in the city. VIOLATION OF RIGHTS The attorney for the union pointed out that the injunction denied the union the right to dis­ cuss or display placards about the .strike anywhere, which con­ stituted a violation of their con­ stitutional rights guaranteeing freedom of speech. One of the guiding spirits in the drive to break the Teamstei's in Tampa is Florida Attorney General Tom Watson, who is us­ ing this campaign as the opening wedge in realizing his political ambition to become either Gov­ ernor of Florida, or United States Senator. Watson is notorious for his anti-labor, open shop sentiments, and sparked the move to pass an "open shop" law in the state of Folrida. He has also openly al­ lied himself with anti-labor forces throughout the United States. From the start of this strike he has been present in Tampa, counseling the company, and ad­ vocating s tr i n g e n t measures against the taxi drivers. POLICE BRUTALITY The brutality of the police in this strike is indescribable. On numerous occasions, accompan­ ied by company goons, they have clubbed strikers. Violence has been resorted to more than once, and there are striking drivers in the hospital right now with stab wounds and broken heads. Only recently the police at­ tacked and arrested six picketers, and even the pro-company Tam­ pa newspapers reported that one of the picketers was treated for a "slight cut in his stomach." This sort of violence is not the excep­ tion, k is the rule. Although the union is willing to arbitrate, the Company has taken the attitude of the author­ ities to heart and they are arro­ gant in their refusal to put the whole question before an impar­ tial board. On one occasion, Sullivan, rep­ resenting the drivers, said, "I'll be willing to submit this whole thing to arbitration, so we could get out in the open and show the public what it's all about. The Mayor, or any one that Circuit Lewis Contempt Trial Begins In Washington Before Supreme Court WASHINGTON, January 14— The Supreme Court today start­ ed to sift the facts and dig into the arguments presented by the attorneys for the United Mine Workers, AFL, and the Govern­ ment in the appeal from the con­ viction of John L. Lewis and the UMW for contempt of Court. Attorneys for the union con­ tended that the restraining order violated the Norris-La Guardia Anti-Injunction Act and the con­ stitution. Interrogation established that the miners were not employees of the Government and that the Anti-Injunction Act was violated when Federal Judge T. Alan Goldsborough handed down re­ straining order. Judge Smith might name, would be acceptable." The company has turned down all efforts toward arbitration of this dispute, because they feel confident that the City Officials will assist them in bringing the strikers to their knees. It is a matter of official record that the pqlice in Tampa have been detailed to guard scab taxi cabs so as to insure their con­ tinued operation. BUSINESS WATCHING All the open shop advocates in the United States have their eyes on Tampa. If the union loses here, it might be just the blueprint for other union loses in other places. The Teamsters down here are not in this strike for fun—they need the conditions and security that the union will give them. If labor in the United States needs a lesson, this is it. Beware of the guys who come out with their open shop proposals. See what the price of an open shop state is, and do your level best to stop the.se union-busters in their tracks. They arc not honest in their convictions, they only know that Big Business can pay them bet­ ter than the labor movement. And they don't bite the hand that feeds them. The Patrolmen Say Time Off Although the shipping rules clearly outline the provisions for securing time off, some of the newer members are under the impression that they are entitled to time off in port as part of their job aboard a ship. This is not true. If these men will read the agreement, and in­ terpret it correctly they will find that the contract does not pro­ vide for regular time off. Time off provisions are con­ tained in the shipping rules where it is stated that if time off is desired the seamen should have the ship's delegate call the Union Hall for a relief. A relief will be furnished for not less than four hours nor more than three days, and will be paid at the regular overtime rate by the crewmember taking the time off. In this same vein don't put in overtime for time spent off the ship. This only creates a hard­ ship for the Patrolman, yourself and the rest of the members. Ray Gonzales ^ ^ ^ NEW YORK—Recently when the SS R. Semmes, Waterman Steamship Company, pulled into port the payoff was held up for two days on an overtime beef. It seems that the Chief En­ gineer had the Oilers oiling draft fans on the Captain's deck twice each watch. Under our contract this work constitutes overtime, but the Engineer refused to call it overtime and wouldn't okay it or turn it in to the company. Maybe it isn't overtime on NMU ships, where he probably came from, but we put him straight that it certainly is on SIU ships. After some wrang­ ling around we got the matter straightened out with the result that the three Oilers now have 125 hours overtime coming to each of them. Salvador Cdlls �THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, January 17, 1947 Page Seven Maritime Commission Under Fire, But Nothing Will Come Of it By JOE ALGINA Shipping Is Slow In Savannah; NO NEWS?? Cattle Movements Due To Stop Silence this week from the Branch Agents of the follow­ ing ports: By ARTHUR THOMPSON SAVANNAH —The week was 'fairly busy with three sign-ons and one payoff — all SUP ships however, so only the deck de­ partment was involved. The South Bend Victory was paid off and there was quite a bit of disputed overtime. It was finally squared away, and any of the crew who left can collect from America n-Hawaiian by sending them their address. The shipping of cattle from Savannah is expected to be stop­ ped next month. This will slow shipping even more in this port. We get quite a few cattle tenders coming in every day asking us to ship them oyt as seamen. We have to turn them down since we havn't enough ships to keep Shipping Is Up In Philadelphia; Future Is Bright By JAMES 'RED' TRUESDALE PHILADELPHIA—Well, Broth­ ers, now that the elections are over but for the shouting we can take down the "Vote Now" signs, congratulate the winners and offer condolences to the losers. It was a good election and a record number of votes were cast in the Philly Hall. Things along the waterfront here are gradually picking up and we expect to do much bet­ ter as time goes on. As the shipping increased dur­ ing the past few weeks many of the oldtimers have shipped out and we sort of miss their smiling faces around the Hall. Recently the Nathaniel Courier, which Waterman took over from the NMU, was in port and we went down to straighten her out. She sure was in need of more than straightening when we got a look at her. We were sure'that a bunch of pigs had been crewing her, as the whole ship was filithy. CLEANED UP The NMU crew must have done nothing toward tlie upkeep of the vessel. There was a lot of work to be done, but the new SIU crew pitched in and in no time all the rooms weer painted and she was sparkling like new. With a well satisfied crew aboard she put out to sea a per­ fect example of our slogan "An SIU ship is a clean ship." We still have the Seatrains in Chester, but no dope as to when they will start running again. They are all reconverted and ready to go, and we're ready to sail them. Maybe something will break with them soon and they'll start calling the Hall for crews. Well, fellows, though it's still winter, spring can't be far behind and with it those warm sailing days we're all waiting for. And that's the news from Philly for this week. our own members .supplied with CHARLESTON jobs, but in spite of that we still HOUSTON have difficulty in getting mem­ NORFOLK bers to ship out. JACKSONVILLE GETTING WORRIED PORT ARTHUR MOBILE Shipping is getting so bad that GALVESTON even the smart people are get­ BALTIMORE ting worried. Col. Alfred W. Parry Jr., president of the Parry The deadline for port reNavigation Co'., Inc., views with -ports, monies due, etc., is the apprehension the fact that our Monday proceeding publica­ merchant fleet is rapidly passing tion. While every effort will into the hands of foreign com­ be made to use in the current petitors. issue material received after We, the supposedly less intelli­ that date, space commitments gent working stiffs, predicted generally do not permit us to such a turn of events before the do so. war was over. The South Atlantic SS Co. and Strachan Shipping Co. have an­ nounced the creation of a legal department. Thomas H. Adams, who was discharged from the navy after nearly four and a half .years service is its head. The department was created "to bettei- cope with constantly changing regulations pertaining By BLACKIE CARDULLO to labor relations, wage-liour MARCUS HOOK — We've matters and tax-laws." It states further down in the announce­ known for a long time that the ment that Mr. Adams, upon his NMU organizers in this port are discharge, took a short course in having a tough time trying to tax and labor laws at Harvard. win the Sun Oil men to their THE PROFESSOR SAYS side, but we didn't realize how Speaking of college people and really tough it is until this story the intelligentsia, here's a honey came to our attention. I got from a local newspaper. Dr. It seems that one of the or­ Frank P. Graham, professor, no ganizers was giving his sales less, of economics, advanced what talk, but wasn't getting too good he conceives to be "four fallacies." a response. So, as the Sun Oil Here they are: tankerman was about to leave, 1. Inci'eased wages are neces­ the organizer took his name and sary to provide purchasing pow­ told him that he would receive a er to take potential output off five pound box of candy as a the market. Christmas present from a girl who 2. Wages should be increased lived in a small suburb near to meet the higher cost of living. Marcus Hook. 3. Wages should be adjusted in When the man got back to his direct cnrre.spondence with a costship he found the package all of-living index. right, but it was full of NMU 4. Workers had a higher stan­ literature, and not one piece of dard of living during the war candy. That's the kind of Christ­ than they now have. mas present that shouldn't even I have no argument with .the be given to a dog. last one, but if the other three NO GOOD WILL are fallacies, I'm a monkey's Candy Is Dandy, SeanianSays,But Let's Have Some UUtRLV IS A COMMO/Vl y FALLACY/ uncle. In case you don't know, a fallacy is a deceptive or false ap­ pearance, an illusion; I know because I just looked it up, so don't bother. Here's a story which is a bit old, but I think still good. A congressman had a maid who asked him if a senator was high­ er than representative. He as­ sured her that such was the case. She thought this over awhile and then asked, "Is there anything lower than a congressman?" • The least the NMU could have done was to send some candy along for the seaman to share with his buddies. That would not have helped the NMU in or­ ganizing these men, but it might have built up a litle bit of good will, and the NMU sure needs that right now. Our organizing campaign in Sun Oil Tankers is going along pretty smoothly, partly because the men down here know of the reputation of the Seafarers, and partly because we are working hard without fear of a split in our Union. The NMU piecards here are scared from day to day that they will be out iri the cold. NEW YORK—Every time the boys in Congress can't think of anything else to talk about, somebody gets up on his feet and starts to lam bast Iht; Maritime Commission for their extrava­ gance during the war. Then all the other men nod their heads and say that it sure was too bad that so much money was wasted, and that they had better investigate the whole situ­ ation. So they name an Investigating Committee, and everybody is happy. That includes the Mari­ time Commission, because the YES SIR/ -THE BEST INlVESTlGATiOW WE EVER HAV/ in pay for the man. for the entire trip. What I am trying to bring out, is that sometimes these hot-shot officers trj' to throw their weight around. When that happen.s, don't worry too much, but make sure that you report it to the Patrolman when you hit port. That will be all that is neces­ sary to get action on your com­ plaint. New Orleans Has Praise For One Calinar Skipper By C. J. 'BUCK' STEPHENS NEW ORLEANS — We found out here in New Orleans that the day of miracles was definitely not over. We had the SS Eleazor Wheelock, Calmar Line, come in to payoff last week and we de­ finitely ran across as good a Skipper that has ever sailed any Committee never does anything man's ship. This scow was on articles for that could possibly worry the over four months and spent quite MC. Those of us who sailed ships all a few days tied up by the various through the war years know how strikes here in N. O. before sail­ the Maritime Commission was ing. Just before sailing the crew wasteful of money, and how their got a bum steer, and 18 men inefficiency actually helped to walked off the ship and held her line the pockets of the shipown­ up a day or more, so the Calmar ers and operators. agents here placed charges An investigation is urgently needed, but what the people of against the men with the Coast the United States will get is talk, Guard. This Skipper was contacted and talk, and more talk, when ac­ tion is the only way to find out he took the men back and the ship sailed, failing to put charges the truth in the whole matter. Right now the Bigshots in against the men. "When the ship Washington are talking about returned, the Captain refused another investigation, this time again to put charges against so that the Republicans can em­ them, so the 18 men were cleared. There were 2 hours overtime barrass the Democrats. disputed, and the Skipper raised But the moment they find out that they will also be embarrass- j hell because they hadn't told ing their shipowner friends, you | him about it so he could have can be sure that the Republicans had it okayed before the payoff. will not be too much in a hurry So, fellows, from now on out, to go through with a real inves­ let's say Calmar line has one tigation. good Skipper, because Captain H. H. Fletcher is 100 percent. PICKING UP All the past few weeks we We can thank Captain Fletcher have been saying that shipping for making the SS Eleazor Whee­ and business would pick up, andj lock a good ship, and I feel with­ now it finally has. This past week' out a doubt that it's about the has been a very busy one, and only good Calmar Line ship. If we have crewed up plenty of there is another good one I can ships, and we have paid off quite stand corrected, but, as I said, the a few at the same time. j day of miracles is not over, and This week the Robin Tuxford, it will have to be proven to me, Robin Lines, came in from a five- because I've never seen a good month trip to South Africa, All Calmar Line ship or Skipper out­ beefs, and there weren't too side of Captain Fletcher. many, were settled at the payoff. So, good luck and smooth sail­ This was a clean ship, and the ing, Captain—and we hope you Stewards Department got a vote will get a crew to work along of thanks from the crew for the with you because you really rate swell job they did in providing one. So for the coming year the holiday meals for the men when best of crews to you. they were far from home on Christmas and New Years. But on the Span Splice, Alcoa, the story was entirely different. Part of the story come out in the Send in the minutes of membership meeting, so I don't your ship's meeting to the want to discuss it here, but the New York Hall. Only in that other part should be brought to way can the membership act the attention of the membership on your recommendations, right here and now. and then the minutes can be It seems that while at sea, the printed in the LOG for the Chief Engineer tried to get an benefit of all other SIU Assistant Electrician to sign on crews. as Engine Maintainance. When Hold those shipboard meet­ this was refused, he broke the ings regularly, and send man down to Wiper. Of course, those minutes in as soon as the Union took this up as soon as possible. That's the SIU way! the ship hit this port, and we were able to collect the difference Send Those Minutes �THE SEAFARERS LOG Fage Eight Shipowner Stooge, LSU Sponsor, Doesn't Like Seamen's 'Attitude' By HENRY W. CHAPPELL Keep It Clean! II is the proud boast of the Seafarers International Un­ ion that an SIU ship is a clean ship Let's keep it that way. Although most of the crews leave a ship in excellent con­ dition, it has come to the at­ tention of the membership that a few crews have vio­ lated this rule. So they have gone on record to have all quarters inspected by the Patrolman before the payoff, and if the conditions are un­ satisfactory, he has the right to hold up the payoff until everything is spic and span. Remember that the Patrol­ man can only have repairs made if he knows what has to be done. Cooperate by making up a repair list be­ fore the ship docks. Give one copy to the Skipper, and one to the Patrolman. Then you'll see some action. TOLEDO — The big money- Committee on Merchant Marine boys who own the ships on the and Fisheries, has publicly an­ nounced he will vigorously op­ Great Lakes don't intend to give pose the Seamen's Bill of Rights the seamen a minute's rest, as which is awaiting ratification in they constantly plot to under­ the Senate now. mine the gains made by us dur­ American seamen have come a ing the past years. long way since the sailing vessel One of these groups held a days when Mates and Skippei-s meeting recently in Cleveland were legally administering cor­ which was attended by represent- poral punishment, and in some tatives of government agencies, instances brutal murder. shipowners, and licensed officers. It should be kept in mind by At the meeting, seamen's unions all seamen that every gain we and the mental attitude of un­ have made in the past has been licensed seamen, came in for dis­ bitterly fought by shipowners, cussion and condemnation as be- and that we were only able to ing threats to the efficiency of ^hese concessions as an orthe Lakes Carriers ships. ganized body, not as an indivi­ John I. Horton, personnel man­ dual. ager of the maritime department SPRING DRIVE of the Cleveland Cliffs Iron Com­ This spring on the Great Lakes, pany, was the spokesman who did most of the blasting against the SIU is putting on an organ­ the "mental attitude" of seamen. izational drive for new members. This coming from an official of' The SIU has consistently proven ' in the past that it is the only the company which sponsors the,in phony Lakes Seamen's Union' sailors union, run by, and for makes us wonder which union sailors in America. Despite the opposition of the he is referring to. shipowners, government agencies, MENTAL ATTITUDE and the other so-called seamen's [ By JOHN MOGAN This group of anti-labor phon­ unions, the SIU, with the aid of BOSTON^—Shipping and busi­ ies, may wonders never cease, other AFL maritime unions, will ness still remain only fair for the admitted that unlicensed seamen progress forward until we are port of Bo.ston. Plenty of ships recognized as an important factor of the Great Lakes are capable in American shipping—and not to be contacted, but most of them of having a mental attitude. are in transit. One would never think so as a group of slaves or pieces of The 88 Stones River (Pacific machinery to be put into motion judging by the way Lakes sea­ tanker) paid off in Portland after men have been pushed around when we are needed, and beach­ a five-month voyage, with loads by the large shipping interests ed when shipping slows up with of beefs and exactly 43 loggings. not a thought or care from any during the past few years. Brother Sweeney covered this However, when these groups group as to how we will subsist payoff and spent three days in find that the seamen refuse to until we are needed again. Portland (where he said icicles In the past, seamen have been submit to their policies, they then hung from the chandeliers in his connive, through their legal staff, the last to enjoy the fruits of or­ hotel room) ironing out the beefs ganized labor such as Social Se­ and straightening out the logs. curity, unemployment insurance, The wind-up of the latter was and other conditions shore work­ that all were cancelled by the ers have enjoyed. This is only because we were not united as Master. This tanker was crewed by two-thirds SIU men and onea body. third SUP. After the effects of the first big grog party in five JOIN NOW months wore off, the crew turned You can do your part by join­ out to be a good gang. ing the SIU today and becoming EASTERN NOT READY an important part of this mili­ Shipping has been fairly good. tant organization. -Join and help the SIU retain the gains already Not only did. the tanker take a won, and help in securing great­ full crew, but the scows in tran­ er gains in the form of higher sit have been taking a few men to have some governmental wages, better working conditions, each. Eastern has taken over the agency formed to force their pol­ etc. Above all, to be recognized Samuel Parker and the Theodore everywhere as a damned impor­ Parker, both of which should be icies upon the seamen. tant part of American industry. taking on full crews this week. The SIU has always contended However, it looks as though So come into the SIU now, that as American seamen we do Eastern won't have its passenger not wish to be wards of the gov­ while the battle is on with the ships ready for a while yet. shipowners and all other factors ernment, to be regarded as serfs The outlook for the week isn't unable to look out for our own hindering the seamen's program so hot. One payoff is due for for a better life. Don't be a par­ interests both at sea and ashore. tomorrow; but at the rate pay­ We want to be recognized as asite riding the backs of your fel­ offs have been cancelled here re­ low workers, enjoying the gains free Americans. We want a voice they have fought for while you cently, we won't be sure until in all matters pertaining to our are hiding behind the dubious the Commissioner is ordered. welfare. Yet we can always figure on a We want our working condi­ membership of a phony political couple of tankers to pay off and or company union. tions, wages, etc., to be negot­ There is only one sailors union crew up in this vincinity. Then, iated through the company by too, we somehow always get the Union with no interference where the membership runs the enough diversions and unexpect­ show, that's the SIU. from government agencies. ed arrivals to keep the port out Tankers Keep Port Boston Free Of Red Ink SHAKE MILITARY We are the only group of civi­ lian workers in America who are under direct military jurisdic­ tion. Our aim is to have this sit­ uation altered so we will be rec­ ognized by the government, and the shipping interests, as free Americans just as other shore side workers. Organized labor can expect serious opposition in the coming congress. Seamen's unions, in particular, must be on the alert for battle, as Fred Bradley, Con­ gressman from Michigan, who is the new chairman of the House'«. Send Those Minutes Send in the minutes of your ship's meeting to the New York Hall. Only in that way can the membership act on your recommendations, and then the minutes can be printed in the LOG for the benefit of all other SIU crews. Hold those shipboard meet­ ings regularly, and send those minutes in as soon as possible. That's the SIU way! of the red. Rumors have been flying up from New York that it has snap­ ped out of the slack spell, and that anyone who wants to ship fast has merely to grab a train for the big city; so there's no .ex­ cuse for any member staying on the beach around here who wants to-get going. Latest information is that the Joshua Slocum (South Atlantic) and the Brigham Victory (Alcoa) are definitely going to payoff here in the next couple of days. Hence, we'll have to quit crying "poor mouth" until we see what else will develop. Friday. Janueury 17. 1947 Rated Jobs In All Departments Are Going Begging In San Juan By DAN BUTTS SAN JUAN — This sun-bathed port can report excellent ship­ ping during the past few weeks with every spare man being pushed aboai-d a ship. In fact, the jobs have been .so plentiful that we've had to go back into the sugar cane breaks and beg some of our members to ship. We've had rated jobs in all departments and not a soul in the Hall to take them. Just so the membership can't miss the Hall when they become inclined to ship out we've hung a new sign out in front. Now you can't miss tlie Hall from any di­ rection. We have made arrangements to put two floodlights on it to illuminate it at night, so with the addition of the lights, SIU men from the ships will have no trouble finding the Hall after dark oven if it's their first trip to San Juan. and the Messman had a cracked head. They're going to pull through all right, but they had to learn the hard way that the Island is not a jungle for seamen to run wild over. Now they realize that the police down here do not get paid to curry to their whims and fancies, but make it tough on them if they get out of hand. GOOD IDEA There were good crews on the Haiti Victory and Cape Hatteras that just pulled out of here. They BOLLET HOLES? IT MOST 86 — ^ OLDTIMERS BACK It is easy to see that some of the oldtimers are coming back to the rum 'n coke run, for on a meeting night half of the mem­ bership present is off ships dock­ et at San Juan. Ah, this won-~ rierful Island! Not so wonderful, however, was the trouble that broke out last week. There was a slight shooting incident in Ponce re­ sulting in the hospitalization of a Saloon Messman and Wiper off the Columbia Victory. The Wip­ er had three bullet holes in him realize the necessity of paying dues at this end of the run as well as the other. If all the ships that run in here regulai'ly for Waterman and Bull would adopt the system of pay­ ing one month's dues up north and one month's duos down here, this Branch would not only pay for itself, but could be remitting money to Headquarters as well. So, suppose you fellows on this run give this idea a little consid­ eration. Seafarers In Corpus Christi Were Kept Busy Past Few Weeks By J. S. WILLIAMS CORPUS CHRISTI—The past I Mate, Mr. A. R. Truett. We read few weeks have been busy ones in the "West Coast Sailor" of his for the port of Corpus Christi. being like an old woman. We The Wolf Creek, American Pa­ would like to apologize for the cific, came in with a clean pay­ misinformed person who report­ off, and over at Harbor Island, ed the statement. Mr. Truett is another clean slate was found one of the best mates any of us aboard the Newberg, Los Angeles have had the privilege of sailing Tankers. with. Big Phillips is Steward aboard Signed: Deck Gang, the Newberg, and the entire SS Newbeig." crew is singing his praise as one And so it goes this week from of the best Stewards in the SIU. Corpus Christi. Having a good Stewards Depart­ ment makes for a happy crew, and they all looked happy to me. The few minor beefs at the pay­ off were quickly ironed out. During the past week we also had a couple of unorganized ships in port which were covered and found to be very favorable for the SIU. The York and Cedar Break, both Pacific Tankers were ATLANTA—The AFL's south­ in this week on the coastwise run, also the El Moro, American ern drive last week announced a Pacific, likewise on coastwise, major campaign to organize the south's entire citrus 'industry dropped in for a short while. now employing about 75,000 ALL QUIET NOW At the moment the port is workers—the largest single group quiet with all ships clear of the of workers in the south, except harbor, but we expect more lumber and textiles, yet unor­ tankers in very soon. ganized. The crewmembers of the New­ The AFL, acording to Drive berg, before she sailed, gave me Director George Googe, launched a letter asking me to have it run in the Log. They wish to cor­ the campaign on the basis of in­ rect a misstatement printed in creased wage scales with "at the "West Coast Sailor" concern­ least a minimum of 75c for com­ ing .their Chief Mate. The let­ mon labo.rers." In addition the AFL will seek ter to the Log and "West Coast unemployment c o m p e n s ation Sailor" is as follows: "The crew of the SS Newberg where now the citrus workers are are glad to report the perfect co­ barred from relief rolls by legis­ operation given us by the Chief lative action. AFL Is After 75,ODD Southern Citrus Workers — / �Friday, January 17, 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Seafarer Killed In Accident On Daniel Jason M. Mickelson, 44-yearold Seafarer from Seattle, Wash­ ington was killed December 30 aboard the SS Daniel Huger, Mississippi Steamship Company in Mobile, Alabama. Page Nine What To Do: Some Departmental Suggestions For Chief Cooks By JOSEPH VOLPIAN (This article is not an inter­ pretation of the agreement as it covers the Stewards Department, but merely makes suggestions to that Department in answer to many questions raised by mem­ bers. Each week an article is be­ ing run in the Log making sug­ gestions to each of the ratings in the Stewards Department. This week's, the second of the series, is for the benefit of the Chief Cooks.) After the Chief Cook reports aboard with his working gear, and turns his shipping card over to the Steward and Stewards De­ partment Delegate, it is sugge.sted that he follow the routine outlinecf below. First check the ice boxes and storerooms as to their contents and the location of the various items, then have the galley clean­ ed and made ready for serving meals. After this he should contact the Steward as to the menu, and with him work out the meal plan. Following this enough frozen meat for about three days should be removed to the thawing box. Night Cook and Baker, Third Cook, - and Galley Utilityman working directly under him. AJso the Chief Cook is responsible for all food that is prepared and served from the Galley regardiesg of who cooks the food. When the Chief Cook desire.'* to work any member of the Stew­ ards Department on overtime, it is suggested that he contact the Steward for authorization as to how many men to work. He should have the Steward Depart­ ment delegate keep a record of this. The reason for this is that many times, when overtime is disputed by the Steward, Com­ pany or Master at paj'off, they ail claim that they did not authorize the member or members involved to do the overtime work claimed. The Companies are putting on was so prejudiced as to preclude a big campaign to put the mer­ the men getting a fair trial. chant marine permanently un­ At the conclusion of the hear­ der the jurisdiction of the Coast ing, he ordered that the certi­ Guard. Their claim is that the ficates be su.spendod for a period Coast Guard would run the mer­ of six months. chant marine more efficiently HOT POTATO and would maintain better disci­ On or about the 4th day of pline. August, 1946, an, appeal was Since the formation of our At the time of Mickelson's Government ,the merchant ma­ taken from the order of the Hear­ death the ship was, tied up at rine has always been under the ing Officer and immediately the State Docks being made ready jurisdiction of the Secretary of wires and rails started to burn for departure to Galveston, Tex. Commerce, where it rightfully with messages and trips from the belongs. We have had proof that local Coast Guard officer to the Coast Guard is not as effi­ Wa.shington as to who would ADDITIONAL DUTIES cient or fair as they claim to be, handle this hot potato. In addition to his other gailey The idea was to take it direct in the now infamous "Helen" duties, the Chief Cook is respon­ case. Briefly, the following are to Washington; however, it was On Performers sible for all butchering where finally sent back to the local the facts: NEW YORK — We now have the agreement does not call for The crew was signed on the Commandant for a hearing of the entered into a new year and have a butcher. appeal. SS Helen under articles which signed contracts with most of the Finally, the appeal was heard When a ship is paying off, the. described a foreign voyage. The operators. The officials of the Chief Cook should make .s-me by Rear Admiral Ed H. Smith signing on was not done before Tin ion have done their part, and that the galley force prepare.s and, to be frank, he did not know a Shipping Commissioner as the HIS RESPONSIBILITIES expect that every member of the three meals for that day unless too much about the law in this law provides. SIU will do his part by living up case. the ship is on subsistence. As is known, the Chief Cook is However, the ship sailed and to these agreements and seeing After argument on August 16, responsible for the condition of (Next week the duties of the went to the West Indies and re­ that they are observed by each turned to New York which was 1946, a decision was handed meat boxes and galley at all Second Cook will be discussed individual who rides our condown by the Admiral in which times, with the Second Cook, and suggestions made.) the final port of destination. ti-acted ships. The cargo was unloaded and he affirmed the findings of the Remember these conditions the crew was paid. Several Hearing Officer, but cut the sus­ were not gained by being gassed- members of the crew quit and pension period from six months up and going up to the opera­ some remained aboard and other to three months. tors and demanding better con­ new men were assigned to the FURTHER APPEAL ditions.with more pay to the dif­ ship, who signed the original ar­ On August 22, 1946, a further ferent ratings; but were won by ticles. By HERBERT JANSEN appeal was taken from the or­ the cool-headed negotiating com­ Subsequently several men der of Admiral Smith to the mittee who put in many long from the Deck Department ask­ CHICAGO—As can be e.xpect-: make all the decisions on wag€.» tiresome hours before getting to ed to be paid off and nothing Commandant in Washington. It ed in mid-winter on the Great and conditions? was the understanding that a de­ Lakes, shipping is almost at a first base. was done by the Master to com­ UNION REPRESENTATION cision would be forthcoming in standstill. The Milwaukee Clip­ Now that they have played an ply with their request. You members of the NMU, a short time on this appeal. per is the only ship calling for Lakes Seamen's Union, and unor­ errorless game and won the pen­ NO ARTICLES However, not having heard men from this Windy City port, nant, it for the members who ganized seamen; Ask the SIU Shortly thereafter the Captain anything from the efficient Coast and only a handful of men are on sail these ships to govern them­ seamen. Find out for yourselves. Guard, on October 10, 1946, a let­ selves accordingly. The Union gave the men orders to stand by ter was sent asking that a de­ standby jobs aboard the sand You will find out that it's not boats. cannot be expected to stick out their unmooring stations for the cision be handed down. what it's smeared to be, but just Most of the Brothers who have one more attempt to discredit the its chin for any member or mem­ purpose of casting off and sup­ On October 18, 1946, a letterbers who, when gassed-up aboard posedly to take the ship into was received frryu the Coast. layed up their ships for the -win­ SIU on the Great Lake.s. ter are still dropping around the ship, decides to have some fun the stream. When you get the straight The men refused on the Guard stating that they did not Hall to keep up with the latest by destroying ship's property. dope, then join up with the SIU receive the appeal and that it grounds that they wanted to be and pick up the Seafarers Log. and get acquainted with the op­ probably got lost in the mail. NOT FUNNY paid off, that there were several eration of a rank and file union. An article printed recently in However, they would receive an­ men short in the Deck Depart­ It might seem very unimpor­ Get Union representation, not ment and that in view of the other copy of the appeal from the the Pilot accused the Great Lakes tant to the offender, but to the past history of the Company, the local Coast Guard office and we Secretary - Treasurer, Fi-ed Far- commie domination. Union it is detrimental. For At the Chicago Hall we're hold­ ship would not anchor in the would be promptly advi.sed of a nan, of selling out the Lakes seawhen a ship comes in port with stream but would continue on to decision. men by only asking for a ten ing checks covering the differ­ ' legitimate beefs aboard they are a voyage and on the further On November 1, 1946, despite percent increase in wages for ence in lay-up aboard the SS taken up with the company by their previous letter, they asked 1947. Gilbert for C. Brown, A. Kelliground that the ship might sail your shore representatives. for another copy of the appeal son and F. Plante. To this I say: How can an out­ without articles. from us and again stated that the fit condemn anyone when, based Sometimes the company re­ The good old Coast Guard was fuses to settle the beefs with the called in and took the men off appeal would be preferred at­ on their record all down the line, they have been riding the back representative for the simple and charged them with miscon­ tention. On November 12, 1946, another of the SIU? There is one thing reason there were some gas- duct on two grounds; refusal to hounds aboard who wilfully and obey a lawful order of the Mas­ copy of the appeal was sent to they will not print and that is maliciously broke open a lock Jo ter on two separate occasions Washington but nothing happen­ the true facts. ed, so, on December 17, 1946, an­ a foc'sle, or thi-ew a few cups without reasonable cause. PLEASE FIND OUT and saucers over the side. The case was tried before a other letter was sent by us in­ (Continued from Page 1) sisting that a decision be made If the author of the accusation est number of votes received by Instead of settling the beef, the Coast Guard Hearing Officer on the appeal. Finally, about company wants to penalize the who went far afield in his cross- January 2, 1947, a decision was does not know the facts, he any of the candidates backed by them out. Of the CP was no more than ten to Union for the acts of these bad examination of one of the wit­ handed down which affirmed should first find nesses. In the writer's opinion it course, when he finds out the fifteen percent of the votes gar­ characters. Admiral Smith's decision. real story, he will not come along nered by the winning candidates. When these destructive acts oc­ MEN RAILROADED later and issue an apology for Four men on the communist slate cur with frequency, the com­ misrepresenting the issue, but got less than 50 votes apiece. It is our opinion after reading pany then thinks the Union is will i-ely on the lies he fabricated The results of the election in the decision carefully that these shipping unqualified men, whose to mislead the Lakes seamen. Local 88, in which the commun­ men were railroaded by the Coast Send in the minutes of only desire is destroying company Their phony baloney docs not ists and their followers gained Guard in an endeavor to set an your ship's meeting to the property. fool anyone any longer. Their little comfort, are reflected also e.xample to all seamen that they New York Hall. Only in that Therefore, take a tip from commie tricks a'.d labor baiting in the national election of officers are under their iron fist. way can the membership act these few lines and govern your­ tactics only aid the companies for the MM&P. The decision of the appeal is on your recommendations, selves accordingly so your offi­ by putting the anti-union senti­ absolutely contrary to law and and then the minutes can be A complete slate of anti-com­ cials can always look the oper­ further action will be taken to ment in the minds of some of the munists was elected for the na­ printed in the LOG for the ators straight in the eye at the the Civil Court to break the un­ men -w-ho had the opportunity to tional organization, and there is. benefit of all other SIU payoff. holy stranglehold of a military be associated with that so-called little doubt that the commies crews. William Hamilton organization over a purely civil­ union, the NMU. Hold those shipboard meet­ have lost even the slight bit of ian industry. I wonder what the writer of prestige they had left in the ings regularly, and send These are just a few examples that accusation thiiks the res­ MM&P. Their actions during the those minutes in as soon as of the unfairness and inefficiency ponse of SIU members will be, strike showed them up for the possible. That's the SIU -way! of the Coast Guard. when they are the ones who finks and scabs that they are. Mickelson, a member of the Deck Department, was fastening hatch covers over a hold when he slipped and fell 50 feet into the hold. A City hospital ambulance and physician were called to the ship. The physician reported that death was caused by a fractured skull. The Patrolman Says: NMD Has Only One Weapon Left, Telling Lies About Seafarers Local 88, MM&P, Deals Commies Send Those Minutes �THE SEAFARERS LOG Pag* Ten Friday. January 17, 1847 SHIPS' MIMUTES AND NEWS f S H I P M AT E S All "Lost Weekends" aren't lost in whiskey bottles, despite the prevailing conception inspired by the motion picture of the same name. Lots of weekends are lost down the drain less spectacularly than those of the alcoholic var­ Brazil Crew Nips Purge Of Delegate When the First Engineer of the SS Brazil Victory attempted to "purge" the Engine Depart­ ment Delegate while on a trip to South America, the crew quick­ ly rallied behind the representa tive from the Engine Depart­ ment and squashed the attempt At the shipboard meeting held aboard the Brazil Victory, Dec. 8 the matter was introduced and the minutes state, "The First As­ sistant told the Black Gang that if they did not get a new dele­ gate they would not receive time off in Santos, Brazil." Ignoring the First Assistant's demands the crew quickly gave a vote of confidence to the dele­ gate when he asked if they wish­ ed to elect a new delegate. The entire department expressed com­ plete satisfaction with the work of the present delegate. Suspecting a possible on­ slaught on each departmental delegate Brother Terrington movglTHeR HE GOES OR Iso! HAW/ ed that "the crew reaffirm their stand behind all departmental delegates and recognize them as their delegates regardless of whether they please the ship's officers or not. If the delegates carry out their duties and live up to their end of the agreement the crew will stand solidly behind the delegates." The motion carried and with the crew solidly behind the Black Gang Delegate they went on to the next order of business. Spider Korolia then suggested that the SIU booklet, "Here's How Brother," be placed on the bulletin board in the messroom so all tripcard and pro-book men ^ could read and study it. Disposing with the remaining items on the agenda the meeting adjourned with all problems and grievances out of the way once more. Don't let that saucy sombrero throw you off. The wearer, Richard Pinckney, is not from "Down Under." He's a Seafarer and a good OS. formerly of the BY Coastal Defender. Pinckney is an able hand with the camera, too. The photo at the right was taken by Brother Pinckney just as his shipmate. Bedroom Steward Stiles, was about to light up for a few re­ laxing puffs. The men were photographed on the deck of the Coastal Defender on a recent trip to Baffin Island. Canada. Included in the vessel's itinerary was a stop at Frobisher Bay, where the Defender unloaded oil drums. Brother Pinckney recorded most of the trip's highlights with his candid camera. iety, but they are just as night-t - TT T~; T „ ' • 1. ,u 1 card s job and be home all the marish, nevertheless. time." Last week, down in the bustl­ Brothers Stephens, Birming­ ing port city of New Orleans, a ham and Bibbs moaned and precious weekend of the non-al­ groaned as they tried to get a coholic type was lost, like many mental picture of what they another before it. Lost, but quick­ vaguely recalled as home. Failing ly forgotten, since it is kind of this, they jokingly got their heads a routine loss, and it gives the together and came up with: "Pielosers a certain satisfaction in cards don't keep Jogs of their knowing the job is done. work but if they did, it would TOUGH TALE run something like this ..." The harrowing experience was Then followed a log of their contained in a little item entitled last and lost weekend. Here it is: "Facts in the Life of a Pie-card, Friday evening — The Hall or Blues in the Weekend." Auth­ closed and a bright look came ors of the piece were a trio of across the faces of all hands as hardworking musketeers known they prepared to leave for at 339 Chartres Street as "Buck" home to get a good hot meal, Stephens, Dick Birmingham and and the old lady or the girU Red Bibbs, who are Acting Agent friend. Temperature around 30; and Patrolmen, respectively, at raining to beat hell. Pie-cards the New Orleans branch. paying off the SS Bienville These three lads heard a leave the Hall at 8 p.m. member say, "You're a lucky Saturday noon — Hall closed stiff, being able to hold a pie- at noon. All hands look for­ ward to a rest over the week­ end. Pie-cards paying off the SS Grange Victory. Tempara-t ture still around 30; still rain­ ing to beat hell. Finished pay­ ing off about 3 p.m. Figured on where about halfway between going home. the Florida mainland and Key Saturday evening — Emer­ West." gency call for the MV Fire Isl­ Aside from the satisfaction Du­ and to pull a ship off the beach gina has derived from knowing at the Point. Vessel seven men that his note was found, the short, including all cooks. Freed couple's discovery has led Scouting around for cooks. to what may blossom into a friendship. Mr. Freed has al­ ready wriUen several friendly letters to Dugina which have been answered. Brother Dugina, now aboard •USTA WEAK 'ATRC>LMA^J -, a ship bound for Buenos Aires, VJK.) I previously had pitched a note over the side of the SS Cape Corwin. He is still waiting for word that someone has picked it up. Note Pitched From The Samuel Johnson In 1944 Is Picked Up On Florida Coast Somewhere in the mid-Atlan­ tic Ocean on July 24, 1944, Sea­ farer John J. Dugina, AB, drop­ ped a bottle over the side of the SS Samuel Johnson. In the bot­ tle was a note bearing Dugina's home address. The incident was promptly forgotten. A short while ago, more than two years after Brother Dugina had pitched his bottle-enclosed calling card into the sea, a letter arrived at the Dugina home in Clairton, Pa. It was from a W. R. Freed, an­ nouncing that the bottle had been J LOOK .•DEAR I j^-^BOTTLE ! / - I'LL BETALLirl^kr COMTAlNS ISA NOTE J r—-—-J picked up, quite by accident, on a Florida beach. Mr. Freed and /his wife, who live in Ashtabula, Ohio, are presently staying in Fort Lauder­ dale, Fla. Recently they were 'Caps Off To Mrs. Burns The Wild Ranger crewmembers had no lack of reading ma­ terial on their last trip thanks to Mrs. Ruth Burns, wife of Bosun Joseph Burns, who provided the boys with an ample supply of books and magazines to occupy their off-watch hours aboard ,ship. New Orleans Brothers Lose A Non-Alcoholic Weekend seamen since 1943, and at regular intervals dispatches a bundle or two down to the ships. For the last voyage, she sent over 200 magazines to the Wild Ranger. The crewmembers at the pay­ off asked that Mrs. Burns be thanked for her splendid work in supplying the seamen with reading material. ' Mrs. Burns, has been collect­ "Caps off" to Mrs. Burns from ing books and magazines for SIU the entire crew. driving to Key West when they stopped on the Overseas high­ way to take lunch at a roadside restaurant. Lunch over, they took a walk to stretch their legs before continuing the drive. THERE IT WAS "1 walked up the narrow beach of Key West looking for shells," Freed said in his letter. Sud­ denly 1 spi?^ a small bottle, which 1 thought had just been washed up since it wasn't even partically covered by sand. "1 picked it up and found your note, tossed overboard a couple of years ago. Freed described the spot where the bottle was found as some­ MINUTES OF SIU SHIP MEETINGS DIGESTED FOR EASIER READING WACOSTA. Nov. 17—Chair­ man E. E. Valis; Secretary W. R. Smith. New Business: Each man write down his own beefs and give them to Patrolman upon arrival in New York; that patrolman pay special attentio to the matter of charging the crewmembers for medical treatment; to have the slopchest investigated for prices, also why the slopchest was opened only at coffee and din­ ner hours. No notice was given when it was to be open and no price list was posted as per agreement. Motion carried that crew stand behind the Steward in getting his papers back that were suspended in Shanghai for selling butter that had turned rancid. Mo­ tion carried that arrangements be made to stop the Captain from interfering with the way the Steward runs his depart­ ment. Good cutd Welfare: Mo­ tions carried: to have the wa­ ter coolers and iceboxes fixed before the ship sails; to have new mattresses and mattress covers before ship sails; to have the ship fumigated; to have fans put in all rooms as per agreement. t i 4. COUNCIL CREST. Dec. 26— Chairman Blackie Gardener; Secretary C. G. Foley. New Business: Ice boxes and stores to be checked by Patrolman immediately upon arrival. i. 3^ 4. JEAN LAFITTE. Dec. 22— Chairman Annal; Secretary Foucek. Motions carried; to post minutes of previous meet­ ing; that working rules and Constitution be posted in crew's mess on day of signing articles; that crew go on record to post the minutes of this meeting with the repair list in Balti(Continued on Page 11) Find cooks. Now 9:30 p.m.; don't feel cold any more—too damned numb to feel anything.) Sufficient crew acquired to sail ship. Now 11 pun. Tempera­ ture dropped, like our resist­ ance, to 28; still raining to beat hell. Sunday n^orning — Call re­ ceived for five more men fori the MV Fire Island. Transfered them from the MV Watch Hill. Finally got the Cook down aboard at "^.2 noon. She's ready to sail. Yep, it's still raining to beat hell. Tempera­ ture, but not our resistance, up to 30. Sunday afternoon all was quiet on the waterfroiit. Two of the three sagging Seafarers hit out for the sack to salvage what they could of the lost weekend. It be­ ing too busy during the week, one of the Patrolman visited the Brothers in the hospital on Sun­ day afternoon. "What the hell," they said, "two of us at least, got Sundayafternoon off. Besides, we had just as much fun." �Friday, January 17, 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Digested Minutes Of SiU Ship Meetings (Continued from Page 10) more so that new crew will sail until repairs are made; that legitimate overtime d i s p u ted must be paid before crew signs off. Suggested and agreed to keep messhalls clean, and. that foc'sles be cleaned before leav­ ing ship. 4- 4. MAE, Dec. 10—Chairman R. Schinger; Secretary Alfred Baker. New Business: Motions made and carried that the fol­ lowing be attended to: have heat in crew's quarters while in Baltimore; move wipers into spare room on main deck; change brand of coffee now in use; have Steward order electric coffee pot and glasses for Crew's mess; move one of the small urns that axe on the ship and out in use to the crew mess. Repair list read and attached to minutes. 4- 4. 4. NEWBERG, Dec. 22—Chair­ man L. L. Phillips; Secretary Silver. Motions carried: to see Chief Engineer in regard to having water turned on port scuttlebutt and broken spring on same; that new shower heads be installed in Steward's Dept. shower; that all port­ hole dogs in crew's quarters be freed up and cleaned. 4^ 4. HAITI VICTORY, Jan. 1— Chairman Paul Warren; Secre­ tary Charles F. Habighorst. New Business: Motions carried: that the Patrolman contact the company in regard to putting glass covers in all portholes in crew quarters; that drain be installed in pcissageway lead-<! ing to meat box; to have all flushing valves on toilets put in order; to have all springs in crew's quarters renovated. Good and Welfare: Discussion end suggestions of means and ways of keeping a clean and congenial ship. All members stood for one minute in si­ lence in respect of deceased brothers. I 4. t 4. ^ CARLSBAD, Nov. 22 — Chairman Steve Bradley; Sec­ retary Ernie Lena. Delegates reports accpeted. Good and Welfare; Motions made to tumigate entire ship; motion car­ ried to take off sugar at next) port. Motion carried to have glass ports installed. Motion made to have Bosun collect all fines and turn them over to pa­ trolman. Motion made to get milk, vegetables, ice cream, etc., in Phila. Motion carried to get face towels that will last all trip. ^ROrBCT-THESIU.^ TBcfTgCT YOURSELF/ COUNCIL CREST, Dec. 19— Chairman H. J. Collins; Secre­ tary C. G. Foley. Delegates re­ ported all in order. New Busi­ ness: Motion to have the Union investigate the slopchest in re­ gards to quality, quantity and sizes of clothing. Motion car­ ried that repair list be made up in triplicate, one ior Union, one for company, cmd one for next crew. 4. 4. it 'Frozen' Freezer Gets Cool Treatment From time to time you hear of guys whose enthusiasms for their jobs reaches such a pilch that they find it necessary to continue their work on their off hours. One such enthusiast is a guy who recently shipped on the SS Helen as Chief Freezer, accord­ ing to the minutes just received. On his night off he couldn't re­ frain from oiling up his own mo­ tor. He did such a neat job that for two days he was frozen stiff— and not because he didn't pour enough alcohol into his radiator, either. He didn't start thawing out until sailing time approached. One hour before the Helen was to put out to sea, the Freezer quit the .ship cold. His icy atti­ tude left his more Union-con­ scious shipmates cold, too. They can't warm up to guys who con­ duct themselves in such an unUnionlike manner. So, at the shipboard meeting, the Helen men passed a motion censuring the refrigerated crew member and called upon the SIU to reprimand him. The minutes stated: "The SIU has the best con­ tracts ever negotiated, and the only way we can be assured of continuing to have the best, is to live up to the spirit and letter of the contract. Drunks, trouble­ makers, etc., cannot be tolerated, as this tends to weaken the Un­ ion's bargaining position." It also weakens the position of frozen Chief Freezers. 4. 4. 4. MANROPE KNOT, Nov. 24 —Chairman Casey Jones; Secrefary Jim Connors. New Bus­ iness: Motion carried that cer­ tain tines be assessed against any brother that does not as­ sist in keeping the mess hall clean by keeping ashes and cig­ arette butts in their proper places, etc. Motion carried that company order three electric percolators and two, four slice! master toasters. Motion carried that Bosun designate a man to clean up the laundry. Amend­ ment: that Bosun designate man to clean the laundry and to receive overtime for so do­ ing, and that in the future the Deck Dept., Engine Dept., and Steward Dept. rotate weekly in keeping it clean. Good and Welfare: Open discussion on the new agreement. 4> 4. it ALCOA PEGASUS. Nov. 13 —Chairman Bosun; Secretary) Rathbone. Beef rfused about the purser selling cigarettes to passengers while the crew is Page Eleven SEAFARER SAM SAYS: rationed one carton a week. Discussion raised on the way food is served. Cold supper be­ ing served in pans to crew. Mo­ tion carried to notify the union about the way requisitions for stores were treated by the Al­ coa brass hats. Motion carried for the delegates to see the Captain to reach a settlement in getting an outside waterline and head for the stevedores while in the BWI. Motion car­ ried to see the Captain and see if the crew can get draws foif U.S. money. It was unanim­ ously agreed to have everyone wear trousers in the messhall. 4. 4. OUACHITA VICTORY, Nov. 20—Chairman R. Carlson: Sec­ retary N. Pratt. New Business: Motion carried theit coffee on board be removed upon arriv­ al in the States as it is unfit for drinking. Good and Wel­ fare: suggested that zneat lay­ ing out for purpose of thawing be covered because of engine soot. Suggested that Steward Dept. elect a delegate as ten days have passed already with­ out that department being rep­ resented. Due to unexpected/ rough weather there was a shortage of salt and pepper shakers, but this was soon rem­ By HANK edied with small glass jars. On this subject, better care of Last week we somehow came to the conclusion that we lost present furnishings was advis­ our touch with life, especially with the idea that there isn't any­ ed. thing new under the sun or even on ships, when we met two of the most sociable and humor-filled couples. Night Mate Alex "Baltimore Ski," with his wife. Deck Engineer Claude Davis, with his wife, and then bcwildcringly introduced by proxy to George, the rabbit. Believe it or not, Davey Jones will turn over in his locker amidst the graveyards of ships when he gets a wet wind of this yarn. Well, X % X being cold sober and neutral by forceful habit in all things, heard or SS EVELYN, Jan. 5—Chair­ seen, we were absorbed into the mysteriously humorous confidence man Morris; Secretary Dodd. of Brother Claude Davis, who owns and ships George, the sea-going Minutes of previous meeting rabbit, who was shanghaied from his monotonously hopping Isndread and accepted. Three de­ lubbing life in Wellington, New Zealand. partmental delegates gave their reports as okay. Treasurer also gave his report. Condemned First, we thought he was just pulling our gullible literary leg. Then, sinking deeper and deeper, with doubting eyes, we practice of leaving clothes too started shaking all over cit the thought that he might leave our long in washroom sink. Cook stated he would have storeroom leg alone and just pull out the darn rabbit out of the fedora sitting on his head. Well, to cut the carrots short, George is a cleaned up. Motions carried: to bonifide active sailor of a rabbit who has been sailing for two have wash buckets for each years with his master, is all white in color and rather large in man in each department; to put size for a rabbit. Well, Brother Claude Davis, don't forget when notice in washroom—steamline you and George come back from your trip to Belgium, come installed so clothes can be up to the Log office and get yourselves photographed . . Brother washed in buckets; port side of H. M. Benson said that when he and a few other shipmates hit sink to be used for soaking the Calmar company stiff in the office with a 24 hour notice of clothes, and starboard side for quitting, plus a technicality involving money, the proud fink of clean. Electric iron needs re­ a stiff answered them with these famous finky words, "Okay, pair, lockers ana aesks should I'll pay you the money because of this technicality but remem­ be installed, percolators should ber when you're cold and hungry on the beach, we'll remember be placed in several places. it too!" One minute of silence for Bro­ thers lost at sea. XXX Brother Benny Gonzalez, who registers all men for shipping; WILD RANGER, Jan. B — Chairman Charles Bush; Sec-I wants to hear from his shipmate, Herman Troxilair, down in New retary Sam Shatkovnick. Mo­ Orleans, whom he hasn't heard from in six years. Also from Vin­ tion carried: to make list of re­ cent Cook if he's down in New Orleans, too . . . Chief Cook Jerry pairs and equipment needed; Lima and Steward Robert Pillow just came in from a four and onehot plates, ashtrays for mess- half month trip to the Far East with an old man who wasn't worth room; that Delegates check anything. Brother Lima, went back to his home town of Tampa andl stores with Steward on board- • Brother Pillow headed for good old Tennessee . . . Angus "Red" ing ship; to keep PC messroom Campbell says that the Pittsburgh Marine Hospital is the best ol all. He went there for a blood test and they asked him if he also open at all times. wanted a tooth pulled out, or perhaps something else done, too . . . Oldtimer Lennie Grantham just blew in from an intercoastal trip. leave i|our ship md itsfTorf-jessIc^ clean and evcrq-fhine in rtSf>lacc. CUT and RUN 4. 4. 4. 4. "Carioca Red" Benway, while trying to shanghai some others, was shanghaied himself for an oiler's job and we heard that it must have broke his good old shanghaiing heart to get caught so fast .. Electrician Mike Kolonik went on the Madeline Victory for Germany and Antwerp and Electrician Nick Zevcrino grabbed the Martin Victory for a trip to Germany, too . . . "Ropeyarn Charlie Rappold anchored in and out of Snug Harbor for four years of more, just same back from a 12 day trip. Keep it up, Ropeyarn, you're doing swell . . . Mario Franciose is waiting to ship out with those familiar thumbs stuck in his vest . . . At­ tention Brother George Di George, how was your new job, after all? . . . Old timer Chester Brewer is in town right now. Shpie^ X X X X George Curran, a Great Lakes sailor, says that the SIU be^:? start increasing its organizing work in a bigger and wider scal^ {Continued on Page 13) �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Twelve Friday, January 17, 1947 sa» THE MEMBERSHIP SPEAKS CHIEF COOK Vertical Unionism Is Superior RATES ON THE SEATON TOPS To Craft Setup, Brother Avers Dear Editor: In the Seafarers International Union many of us oldtime mem­ bers do not readily agree with the statements of some of our Union officials that the Seafarer's is by far the most perfect of unions. We can assume that these few officials mean perfection in craft unionism within our particular group affiliated with the Ameri­ can Federation of Labor. The right to discuss, to deny, to challenge, is essential to the preservation of the democratic state. To deny this right of per­ suasion is to deny the basic prin­ ciples of the American system. A democracy cannot exist with­ out freedom of speech and free­ dom of the press. Our system is founded on the conception that the majority of the people possess ordinary com­ mon sense. The best way to fertilize and nurture un-American d.dctrines and vicious racial theories is to prohibit their free expression. AFL PLAN Under the American Federa­ tion of Labor scheme of organiza­ tion the solidarity of labor is largely a myth. Every union stands on its own footing as a rule. In the old days crafts were a po­ tent factor in the technique of production when craftmanship was a guarded secret only to.be revealed after a long and patient apprenticeship. In these days of mass produc­ tion no special training is I'equired, most of labor being casual employees hired from the non­ descript ranks of the unemployed. The American Federation of Labor still clings to the old-fash­ ioned ideas of a collection of af­ filiated unions, each composed exclusively of skilled artisans working at the same craft, usually with the impression they assume as the aristocracy of labor as be­ ing above the unskilled worker. Craft unions recognize the idght of the Capitalist system to ex­ ploit labor. It prospers when there is a large turn-over of labor power. It declines when the cyclical over-production of sur­ plus value precipitates a panic. It is increasingly helpless to protect the worker as the rate of surplus value inci'eases with improved technology. OPPONENT OF DEMOCRACY Capitalism has a government of its own outside the sphere of politics. Its opposition to de­ mocracy is instinctive and inevit­ able for the reason that demo­ cracy rests on human values, while capitalism rests on property values. Revolutionary ideas are going on every day and most of them make no noise. They are a nec­ essary function of life. The only things that don't move are dead things. Civilization is a living organism. We seek to create the "Brother­ hood of the Sea." Can we do such chained to outmoded ideas that have outlived their usefulness? Political action has never been anything under capitalism, but an instrument of demagogy and social deception for the purpose of maintaining the exploiting class in power. POWER SOURCE The source of all power is still at the point of production. On the job where wealth is produced. The capitalist class long since abandoned isolation and has or­ ganized a class to control pro­ duction. The working class must do the same. Its only refuge from economic and social oppresion to the level of absolute slavery is in "Indus­ trial Democracy." This is the basis for a real in­ dustrial union and its form of organization. To offset the re-' marks of my more conservative Union Brothers, permit me to take from Lincoln's message to Congress in 1861: "It is assumed that labor is available only in connection with capital; that nobody labors unless somebody else owing capital somehow by the use of it, induces him to labor. Labor is prior to, TULL AHEAD' PULLS and independent of. Capital. Cap­ ital is only the fruits of labor, and SEAFARER OUT could not have existed if labor OF THE BARREL had not first existed. Labor is Dear Edilor: the superior of capital and de­ As a member of the SIU, I un­ serves the much higher consid­ derstand that I can have the Log eration." mailed to my home. If that is so, Joseph S. Buckley I should like for you to place my name on the mailing list. Here is a personal item that may prove interesting: When the SS F. S. Bryant (Standard Oil of California) left on a hospital ship. If you see Chester, Pa., on Nov. 11, I v^ras him you can get the detaijs of the. left schooner-rigged as all my clothes were in the laundry. accident. "Sweetwater" Jim Matheson is THIS BIG serang on this ship, but the brine enooen? is slowly sinking in his sailors. We hope to be in New York al­ most by the time you receive this letter. Best wishes to all for the New Year. Jerry J. Palmer, 'Bremerhaven, -Germany Palmer Of Maiden Victory Reports From Bremerhaven Dear Editcr: Just a line to let you know the whereabouts of the SS Maiden Victory of the Waterman line. Since I am a firm believer in the old saying that "the proof of the pudding is in the eating" I am not turning in the news of this voy­ age until we get in. However, so far, the Mates and Engineers, most of them old SEAFARER OPENS SIU men, have been giving the CAFE IN boys a pretty square deal, and I think they realize the aid the ST. THOMAS, V.l. Seafarers gave them in their last Dear Editor: strikes. The Army is in charge of this Enclosed find card of the Paper port, and, as usual, is really mak­ Doll Club, a swell spot for Sea­ farers to meet and spend their ing it hard on the guys to have time while in St. Thomas, Virgin any shore leave. ANTINOUS VICTIMS Islands. There are several guys in the This club is owned by J. A. Giminez, a full book member of hospital here, some of them SIU the Seafarers International men; I went out to see Joe Union. The Paper Doll Club has Louis and Whitey Bilde, who a cocktail lounge, and is" the weer in the accident aboard the cleanest and nicest place in St. SS Antinous, a Waterman ship, Thomas. It is not yet well- when the boom fell. Bilde has a broken back and Icnown, but once Seafarers visit the place it shouldn't be long be­ a fractured skull. He is hoping fore it becomes THE spot in St. to get the support of our legal department and the Aftitinous Thomas. Will you please arrange to have crewmembers who witnessed the ten copies of the Seafarers Log accident. I told him and Joe that sent to Brother Giminez' Paper we of the Maiden Victory were Doll Club each week, so that the Standing by, and that they Should mtembers coming in here will be| feel free to call upon us if a prob­ lem arose. able to get the latest news. COMING HOME P. A. Ceirlson Louis' hip was thrown out of SS Alcoa Partner joint, and he might beat me back St. Thomas, 'V. I. Dear Edilor: I was asked by the crew of the SS William Seaton on voyage No. 7 to write a few words of praise for our Chief Cook, Ed Seeley. This is by no means the first write-up Ed has had, but if gets one in every issue of the Log, it is nothing more than he de.serves. I haven't been going to sea so long, but Ed is the best cook I have yet run across. He can make that old frozen chicken, turkey, etc., taste like it came fresh from a poultry market to the galley. Ed Seeley also backed up the Steward, E. E. Foster, who re­ ceived a big write-up in the Dec. 13 issue of the Seafarers iog. On the next trip we discovered that if we hadn't had a good chief cook, things would have been a hell of a lot different. You won't find a better complete Stewards department, than we had aboard this vessel last trip. These men are, with possibly one exception, tops. Ed left us in New Orleans for his Christmas vacation, but we sincerely hope he can be with us again after this trip. Roy W. Kilman READER, PLEASED WITH THE LOG, GIVES IT PRIORITY Dear Edilor: I really enjoyed the latest is­ sue of the -Uog. What with Joe Curran seeing the light of day, I suggest that his "team" song be "Sooner or later you're gonna be comin around." His "eulogy" was a real tear-jerker. Then there was the sjiip's menu, which ran in the Log. It still has me drooling. Had I served the same, my grocety bill would probably resemble the na­ tional debt. When the Log arrives, I usual­ ly drop whatever I'm doing (that's the day I do the ironing,) and relax to read. In no time at all the back page is staring me in the face. -It should never end so abruptly. Tillle Bishop Log- A - Rhythms The Search By Vic Combs All my life I searched for some­ thing. What is is I've never known; Sometimes thinking that I've found it. But always ending up alone. Seeking, searching through the shadows. In the gloom of heavy night. How long must I be a wanderer. When will it shine my light? Will I ever be contented. Will I find my happiness at last. Or has the life I've always look­ ed for Expired along the roads I've passed. Only The McCoy By Vic Combs Mary's found another lamb. Jack another Jill, Now when they come tumbling down. It's on another hill. Little Boy Blue has a brand new horn. His fun has just begun. But I don't want a substitute. It's you I want or none. Patience By Vic Combs If you have tried and haven't won. Never stop for crying; All that's good and great is done. Just by patient trying. Though the sturdy oak has known Many a blast that bowed her. She has risen again and grown Sturdier, loftier and prouder. Though young birds in flying fall. Still their wings grow stronger; And the next time they're able Nov. 11 was a legal holiday, To stay up just a little longer. therefore the laundry was closed —so no clothes. When we called at Baytown, If, by easy work you beat. Who the more will prize you Texas for a load of gas it was In making victory from defeat; Sunday—so no clothes. By then, Thet's ifhe test that tries you. my one suit of clothes were in pretty bad shape. The Capt. G. A. "Full Ahead" Johnson came Lofj Available to the rescue. In Copenhagen From his own duffle bag, he took a suit of khakis, which he Dear Editor: turned over to me. I operate a Union cafe and The question I'd like to raise cater to seamen from all overis why we can't have more Skip­ the world, among - them manypers like Captain Johnson? men from the Seafarers Interna­ W. C. Hall, tional Unidn. I would be inter­ 'Mineola, Texas ested in receiving five copies df (Editor's note:—-Your name the -Log every week for the men has been put on the mailing to read in my place. list. As 'folr why we cem't have more skippers like "Full Erik H. Recluse Abead." we guess that you'll Restaurant Tria find good and bad in every­ Fr. Nansens Plads thing.) 'Cdpenhageti, Denmarlc �THE S E A.P A R E RS L O, G Friday, January L7, 1947 Labor Gains Traced To Economic Action Dear Editor: An article which I wrote for the Nov. 29 issue of the Log has drawn comment in letters writ­ ten by two Union Brothers and appeared recently in the Log. In his letter, Brother Bennie Good­ man agreed with most of what I had to say, except that he takes issue with my advice to the men to vote. I will continue to advise the men to vote, although in civic affairs it is meaningless since professional politicians do all the nominating of the various can­ didates without consulting the average citizen. That is one thing. But voting in our Union elections is another. DEMOCRATIC CHOICE Every full book member with the proper amount of sea. time can nominate himself. Therefore any office can have any amount of candidates. Voting in such an election is expressing your right to pick the candidate most suit­ able for office, I say that voting is the democratic right to choose, and no vote at all means that an election is a foregone conclusion. Also, I differ with Brother Goodman in his idea that a La­ bor party such as he suggests would solve Labor's problems. All that Labor has accomplished has been through economic strength. Labor's duly is to ob­ tain the best possible wages and conditions in each trade. Play­ ing politics would leave the door open for certain factions, such as the communists and fascists, to gain a stronghold with the sole intention of using Labor to desti-oy the so-called capitalist sys­ tem. The power that would take over would soon outlaw Unions in the same manner as occurred in Germany, Italy and in the communist-dominated countries. We would see the entire Ameri­ can labor movement destroyed, and a dictatorship, such as now exists in Russia, put in its place. Until the time when such ele­ ments are removed from the Am­ erican Labor movement, we who represent Labor should continue to ignore politics. We should continue concentrating on the improvement of wages and work­ ing conditions for all American labor. Pag* Tliirl**ii SHANGHAI USS HAS PRICE LIST LIKE WALDORF Dear Editor: At a shipboard meeting today (Dec. 22, 1946), the members of this ship, the SB S. M. Babcock, voted to have a letter sent to the Log revealing conditions ut the United Seamen's Service club in Shanghai, China. Our Mrs. Galagher is presumed to be in charge there, but the place is actually run by Russians, aided by Chinese. We found theni to be overbearing in their attitude toward seamen. Mrs. Gallagher and the other Ameri­ can workers are seldom seen, and only show up to settle the fre­ quent disputes between seamen and the Russians or Chinese. All such arguments are decided in favor of the employees and the seamen are threatened with dis­ barment from the club. The Russian and Chinese em­ ployees are actually the bosses, and number ten times more than are needed. All of them eat there and are served far better food than is put out for the seamen. They are welcome to unlimited seconds. ANSWERS BOTH « I was also asked two questions by Brother Brady: "Does Labor have a political responsibility," and "Can Labor escape political responsibility." I believe my an­ swer to Brother Goodman also answers Brady, aiid I don't think it necessary to go further into debate, except to say to Brother Brady that the section in the Union Constitution he referred to was meant fo. business meetings. Also that the Log. which is one of the very few papers that print the truth, has the right to pub­ lish such articles as was written FABULOUS PRICES by himself (Brady), Goodman, my.self or any other member The fabulous prices charged to without violating any constitu­ seamen are as follows: tional rules. This ends any more The seamen pay $1.25 per meal, discussion on this subject as far usually consisting of one egg on as I am concerned. "hash. They must pay again if L. Coffin they request seconds. A hair cut is 65 cents, a shave 40 cents. Beer is 30 cents for a 12 ounce bottle, and Coca-Cola is 15 cents. A ham sandwich Th» Seafarers Log is your costs 20 cents. Union paper. Every member If you can't make the ship, a has the right to have it mailed bunk cost $1.00 per night and the to his house, where he and bed linen hasn't been changed for his family can read it at their leisure. If you havenT already done so, send your name and home ^ THE fA^ASHROX^ ? address to the Log office, 51 Beaver Street, New York City, and have yourself added to the mailing list. GET THE LOG BELMONT CREW BEFUDDLED BY CURRENCY SITUATION ABROAD At a recent shipboard meeting aboard the SS August Belmont the question arose as to a draw in the-next port. Most of the mem­ bership wanted an American currency draw as per the agreement. It was suggested that the matter be broached to the Skipper. The Skipper answered that it was not up to him but was for the Agent in the port to decide. The port in this case is Gothenburg, Sweden. Since this coun­ try was neutral during the war, the men decided that the draw should be in American currency, but we got our draw in Swedish currency. We would like to know—and have the rest of the membership know—for the future, just what the answer is in a case like this. Perhaps you can answer this question. When and where can a draw be made in American currency? Walter S. Balzer Answer:—It appears that the question of a draw in Ameri­ can currency in foreign ports is a bit difficult to obtain these days because of the muddled foreign exchange situation. From what we were able to leam. American dollars are not always available in many places. Most nations, as a result of the war and its effect on economic conditions are having a difficult time trying to stabilize their currency. International exchange rates are not steible. Although agreements call for a draw in American money when so desired, it appears thcit there is no penalty if American currency cannot be provided. The inevitable post-war mlxup and confusion makes it difficult to press the point. We did learn, however, that as soon as the foreign exchange situation is under control—which the World Bank is presently trying to accom­ plish—the SIU will take action to see that Seafarers get their draw in the curency they want. CUT and RUN (Continued from Page 11) Laftd-^Locked Seafarers Wait Patiently For Army Payoff HIGGINS COUNTS DAYS UNTIL HE CAN SHIP AGAIN GI SEAFARER WANTS THE AOG AND LETTERS Dear Editor: Dear Editor: especially in the biggest unorganized outfit over there, the Lakes Carrier Association, and also get distribution of Logs, pamphlets, etc. . . . Brother Bing Miller had a bad day last week. Ho fell asleep while waiting for a ship . . . Teddy Babkowski, a WilkesBarre, Pennsylvania man, is anchored in our big town right now . . . Paul Hellebrand is waiting for a ship after just finishing a short a couple of weeks. And you have trip to Puerto Rico . . . Did Eddie Mooney who is trying for a 49 roommates to keep you com­ bartender's job aboard some passenger ship, quit his bartender's job pany. Beer is drunk from bottles, in the Midtown Cafe because the Cafe just don't enjoy or appreciate any more visting Seafarers? not glasses. Coffee is 10 cents a cup, while a ham and cheese sandwich is 30 cents. We could go on writing of Army life is a little lonesome, pi'ices, but I think these will do. As a Seafarer now in the Army, I would like to address especially way out here. Most WHAT PRICE CIGARETTES this letter to my Union Brothers: of all I miss the waterfront, so how about sending me the Log How is everything out there Cigarettes are only for the to make life a little brighter for on the coast? Fine, I guess. As beachcombers, who get Raleighs me. for me, I can't say I'm enjoy­ and Old Golds. Other brands, it If you print this letter please ing myself. I'm certainly not. is said, go to the black market include my address and a little I suie wish I was out there with where they can be had for 40 to note asking some of my ship­ all you lucky dogs (sea dogs that50 cents a pack. Cigarettes mates to drop me a line. is.) But I guess someone has to stamped "sea stores" are on sale Thanks a million and don't for­ be in the Army. in thousands of Shanghai shops get the Seafarers Log. and stores. Since I have been in this Army Pvl. Marvin (Blackie) Stewart The club employees acts as I have been shipping with two Squadron BN-8. Flight 1464 though the place is their private of oui- West Coast shipmates, Indoctrination Div. home, and seamen are made to Frank R. Dutra and John J. Air Training Command. feel they are unwanted inter­ Samaroff. From now on the San Antonio, Texas lopers. throe of us are counting the days, (Editor's Note:—Ljfe should The joint is 100 per cent NMU. hours and minutes until we can be somewhat brighter for you We of the Seafarers have two head for the nearest seaport so soon—the Log is on the way. strikes on us before we learn the that we can ship out with our old We're hoping your shipmates score. The Russian influence pals and shiprnates. will write to you.) causes that situation. Seafarers Just now we are in. the ti-ain- iyoui Until I do I'll say "smooth are tolerated but made to feel we ing school for army paratroop­ sailing." are intruding on a private party. ers. We would like to hear from; Pvt. Leo (Tommy) Higgins NMU PRFFERENCE some of the old salts we used; to RA 13247033 ship with in the good old days. Co. D, 1st B'n. Members of the NMU, always Hpw about a few lines from ^eT;A.RJl. T;I.S. in the majority there, have to put otiier side,, boys? CI. 3^7 up with the same high prices I'll be waitinig to hear from-. Foci Banning, Ga» and poor servieeSi They are given Lilttle Jimmy Crescltelli, and his slightly visible mustache, blew in last week, well dressed, looking rich and feeling happy, after being away from the U. S. A. since January of last year. Jimmy hit lots of ports and ships, while out in the Far East, play­ ed the horses in Manila, and was treated swell by the crew of the Alcoa Pilot when they got off the ship when it was sold to the Chinese . . . Here's a letter dated January 3. 1947. from Tommy Murray and Bob "Indian" Beliviau, over there in Syd­ ney. Australia: "Well. Hank, we just thought that the ex-beachcombers would drop a line or two to let the beachcombers know how much we miss Puerto Rico. Well, we sure are taking a long way back to the islands. First, we're headed up to the Persian Gulf, then to South Africa and then Trinidad. Anyway, give our regards to Bud Ray and Dan Butts. P. S. Tommy sure misses Caledonia and Bob misses his Cuba Libra, indeed." preference in other ways, how­ ever. This is due to the fact that Mrs. Gallagher is an NMU stew­ ardess. These prices quoted above went into effect when the sea­ men got their raises. The reason for this letter is to let the other Brothers know the joint is phony, and not as nice as it was written IIP in the Log once before. Crew of the SS S. M. Babcock. Voyage No. 16 THEMEMBERSHIPSAVS; A SIO SHIP MUST BE A _ CLfANSHlP, SEFORE IT PA^SOFF/ :::: �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Fourteen Rank And File MEBA Man Urges Convention To Bolster Union The following letter was sub­ mitted to President Hogan and delegates to the MEBA conven­ tion by C. F. Berglund, a mem­ ber of that organization, with copies also being sent to the American Marine Engineer. MEBA publication. Seafarers Log and official organs of other mari­ time unions. were heavily fined. Portland Lo­ cal 41—no assessments and no fines for failure to picket. Seattle Local 38 — no assessments, al­ though they fined their member­ ship for missing picket duty. Friday. January 17, 1947 QUIET PEACEFUL SPOT How come the MEBA is not organized on a nation-wide membership basis — compatible with a migratory membership with a national headquarters hav­ ing the power to keep the finan­ cial records, issue membership books and weld the ocean-going engineers into a solid union, such as other maritime unions have? The above doesn't speak well for an organization that is sup­ posed to represent a migratory membership. Every one was pick­ eting for a common cause yet The shipowners have organi­ Mr. Berglund, in his letter, theer were different values or zed themselves along such lines. points up the weaknesses of the fines for failure to do so. From a shipowner's point of MEBA, and makes various sug­ view we don't present a united FEW GAINS WON gestions for improving its organi­ front and we will never have one sational structure. As the letter It is true that the MEBA has as long as we are organized in contains much of interest to un­ made monetary gains in the past our present local by local set-up This peaceful looking scene is of a public square in Ponce, licensed seamen it is printed here 12 years, but everyone knows without a headquarters. Puerto Rico. Picture was taken by a Seafarer, who prefers to in its entirety. that the unlicensed groups have remain anonymous, while on an island run. We are indeed organized tossed those gains at us. TEXT OF LETTER against ourselves. A chain is no However, those gains are not stronger than its weakest link. Open letter to President Ho­ gan, Delegates to the MEBA in proportion with gains made by We are a series of weak links Convention and the membership. other maritime unions since 1934. composing the weakest link in The MEBA has made little or no the whole maritime labor move­ Greetings: gains in working rules, which is ment. Another MEBA convention is the heart of all agreements and about to convene. I hope it no improvements in shipping NEW YORK —The New York SIU office be printed in the Sea­ LIVE WIRE OUTFIT proves to be a successful and long- rues, or conditions. Branch, meeting on January 2, farers Log. Mr. President and delegates, voted in favor of a motion by remembered one. I write these Brother Hall's motion also stip­ unless the above questions and Brother Paul Hall to concur in ulated that the resolution be re­ Shipping rules would be in the few lines as honest criticism and hope that you and the delegates bag if we w^re solidly and cen­ others are answered and solved a San Juan resolution that a short ferred to the Agents' Conference trally organized. Why can't the in the near future, I am afraid biographical summary and photo­ for deliberation and further consider them as such. I MEBA do the same instead of the MEBA is ripe to be "taken graph of candidates running for study. Mr. President and delegates of sitting around like ducks on a over." The resolution from the Puerto the convention, the rank and file pond? Rico Branch points out that many We smugly hold the collective members of the ocean-going En­ new men have joined the Union Speaking of conditions — how bargaining certificates, but some­ gineers want to complete revi­ since the beginning of the war, sion of the constitution for rea­ come Mates, Pursers, Radio Op­ day a live wire outfit will issue and are unfamiliar with the sons which will follow, even erators, Stewards, and some­ a few pledge cards and presto-r­ names and records of the candi­ times, Cadets have better quar­ an NLRB election will take place though bluntly and crudely pre­ dates running for office. ters than Enginers? How come and the collective bargaining cer­ sented. Thus to insuie greater demo­ the Engineers is the only mari­ tificates will change hands. About 1941 a member of the time union without a decent set cracy, as is the Seafarers con­ .Joe Curran was about to do Firemen's Union got a license and stant aim, the resolution calls for of working rules? How come the the very same thing on the east started sailing in it. He refused MEBA has no building program? (Continued fram Page 4) amendment of the constitution coast a few years ago—except to join the MEBA stating that it to read as follows: looks to the SIU for leadership How come the MEBA is only the MEBA obligingly went CIO, was a phony union with a phony "During the calender months in fighting all seamens' beefs. 40 percent organized on the east thus stopping one CIO union agreement. of November and December, We didn't get to this point by coast and 90 percent on the west from raiding another. When reminded that, since he coast? How come unlicensed there is to be a photograph and listening to the commies, or any A couple of months ago John other selfish group. We gained short biographical summary of the was reaping the benefits of their men such as Electricians and L. Lewis relieved the United Li­ our decent wages and improved candidates running for office, negotiations, the least he could Freezers take home more pay censed Officers Association of conditions by economic action, containing his efforts and pro­ do was join up, pay dues and than a lot of Engineers and work contribute to the support of the under a fine set of working rules their certificates in the same and by honest trade union deal­ gress in and for the Union, print­ manner. only organization in the field, and ings. Let's keep our Union that ed in the Seafarers Log, or any with little or no responsibility? that if he thought the outfit other periodical organ used by I believe my remarks repre­ way! phony, pitch in and help change WORKING RULES NEEDED sent a good cross-section of the Let's be smart enough to learn the Union to contact the mem­ it. bership." ocean-going Engineers—I hope from the NMU, and the other How come unscrupulous Port He did join up, regularly pays Engineers are allowed to make you take no serious exception to unions that are having trouble •In line with the motion passed his dues, and still says the outfit unscrupulous Chief Engineers out them. I hope the New Year finds with these politicals. Treat them calling for further stucj/, the is phony. Thousands have since of our membership with a bad us with a bigger, better and more as what they really are — the be­ Seafarers Log is open for sug­ gestions and comments from the followed in his footsteps and effect upon the rest of the mem­ soldified MEBA. trayer's of the working class in the MEBA, in comparison with bership? Maybe a good set of general and of the seamen in membership, to aid the Agents Fraternally yours, when they meet to deliberate other maritime unions, remains working rules would stop that. C. F. Berglund particular. the resolution. the same backward, do-nothing, No honest trade union can pro­ propose - nothing, have - nothing tect the worker and still follow union. How come? the line set. down by Joe Stalin or any other political commissar. MANY REASONS Two Branches Ask Pre-Election Photos And Biogs Of Candidates Politicos Have One Union Guide, Ruie Or Ruin The reasons are many and varied. The main reason is faulty organizational structure. The MEBA is composed of a migra­ tory membership, but is organ­ ized in locals of a shore-side na­ ture. Each local is a union all in its own—complete and absolute, which is not compatable with a traveling membership. For example, a member of one local cannot introduce or vote on a resolution at any othe local, even though that resolution is of vital importance to all locals. Technically speaking, a member of one local has no business in any other local outside of his own, and is quite often told so. Brother Recommends Action To Preserve Union's Gains Dear Editor: We all know that we have, and at the present time are, spending thousands and thousands of dol­ lars in organizational work, en­ deavoring to make more jobs. We have gone to bat with the ship­ owners and have the best wages and working conditions a sea­ man has ever known. The fact is very evident that at the present time we have moi'e men than available jobs so this work must continue. I think it is high time that we begin, with­ in our own ranks, an educational program and some process of edu­ cation for some of the chronic performers in our outfit. Since the time has come when we are receiving a livable wage I think the fact should be brought out that our employers have a right to expect a day's work for a day's pay. permit man, trip-card, and pro­ bationary member, and that blanks should be printed and furnished to each delegate on every ship, and that the dele­ gate be required to give a report on each man on each voyage. In this way we could have some­ thing concrete to go on when a man comes up from membership. We would know if he is a good shipmate, if he is sober and re­ liable and also have several men's opinions whether or not he will make a good union mem­ ber. • In this way the examining com­ mittee would not have to take one man's word. I sincerely think this process would eliminate a lot of our performers and in time show a real return on the effort given it. There is no exchange of min­ utes between the locals and very little cooperation. During the last strike, San Pedro Local 79 was assessing its working member.ship 10 percent. Members not I have been here .several days working were fined for not pick­ visiting my mother, but will be eting. San Francisco Local 97 back in the harness in a few FILE assessed its working membership days. 25 percent. Members hot work­ I also think that a file should William F. Kuschke ing and not doing picket duty 1 he kept at headquarters on every Caddo, Oklahoma Keep It Clean! It is the proud boast of the Seafarers International Un­ ion that an SIU ship is a clean ship Let's keep it that way. Although most of the crews leave a ship in excellent con­ dition, it has come to the at­ tention of the membership that a few crews have vio­ lated this rule. So they have gone on record to have all quarters inspected by the Patrolman before the payoff, and if the conditions are un­ satisfactory, he has the right to hold up the payoff until everything is spic and span. Remember that the Patrol­ man can only have repairs made if he knows what has to be done. Cooperate by making up a repair list be­ fore the ship docks. Give one copy to the Skipper, and one to the Patrolman. Then you'll see some action. Moran Towing Will Operate Two New Tugs Seafarers who have a passion for ocean-going tugs will be pleased to hear of the two new tugs being bareboat chartered from the Maritime Commission by the Moran Towing and Trans­ portation Co. The tugs to be crewed by the SIU, are of the V4-M-A1 type, which are 194 feet long, 1118 gross tons and have Diesel en­ gines developing 2250 HP. During the war, 49 of these tugs were built and saw service all over the world, but since then most of them have been lying in the boneyard. Moran is chartering the tugs for use in towing dredges to the Dutch East Indies for the Dutch Government. Up to this time most work of this nature has been principally in the hands of the Dutch and English, with Ameri­ can tugs used principally for coastal Work. �THE S E 4 F 4 R E R S LOG Triday, January 17. 1947 Page FlfieeB BUIXETIN TAX REBATES Mississippi Shipping Company Old And New Wage Scales Of Seafarers Compared Seafarers who were employed on Mississippi Shipping Company vessels and have credit balances in their unclaim­ ed wage account covering overdeductions of Social Security taxes for the years 1943, 1944 and t945, can now receive money due them by writing to the Mississippi Shipping Company, 1300 Hibernia Building, New Orleans, La. When writing the company mention the money is due for Federal Old Age Benefit overdeductions, and give your Social Security number. Those entitled to rebates and the amout due are listed below. The new contracts which the SIU has signed NORFOLK with the various companies have aroused a furor INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS that is even yet being felt in the lives of seamen. J. R. Jumcs. $7,00; H. R. Hutchins. $•17.00; C. Zobal. $25.00; J. Smith. Even if the other unions have benefitted by the $2.00; R. Cartwright, $12.00; F. \V. same gains, following the successful General Strike Bantz, $4.00; C. B. Vickin. $27.00; K. Hoffner. $1.00; K. Owen, $1.00; D. L. of the SIU against Government interference, still Dixon, $12.00. the leadership in this advance is generally accreditPHILADELPHIA ted to the SIU. INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS The original contracts have been printed in the Crew of SS Tops Topa—$16.50. LOG at the time each one was signed. This, how­ P. Sarkus. $5.00; J. Monlero. $1.00. ever, has not answered all questions, since many Cone, William H NEW YORK Connor, Harry G letters still come into the New York Hall asking SS MANDAN VICTORY Conway, Walter for copies of the new wage and overtime rates. G. Gregerson. $2.00; H. C. Sumpter. Corbeet, Ralph P Therefore, for the benefit of all men sailing $2.00; C. F.. Wells. $10.00; E. Mayo. Corcoran, Hr. W $1.00; L. B. Clyde, $1.00; J. D. Wheal. on ships contracted to the SIU, the LOG prints the $2.00; L. M. Bean. $2.00; J. L. Osborn. Corrie, Joaquin comparative wage scales, showing the wages pre­ $2.00. Couchman, Henry D THOMAS HYDE Coulter, Sam H vious to the new agreements, the new wages, and Frlwnrd SSEndres, $2 00; L. A. Ware, Courtney, Arthur B the amount of the increase. Cut this out of the $2.00; R. Santillaria, $2.00; II. D. Cox, John M paper so that you can refer to it whenever you wish. Terrill. $5.00. Crawford, Robert SS CAPITOL REEF These wage rates are for freighters only. C. E. Gamble. $2.00. DECK DEPARTMENT SIU Old Wage Scale Rating Bosun Bosun's Mate—Day Work.. Bosun's Mate—Watch Carpenter Storekeeper AB Maintenance Quartermaster AB Seaman Watchman OS Seaman SIU Amount SIU Of Wage New Wage Increase . Scale $162.50 162.50 157.50 155.00 155.00 155.00 150.00 132.50 $205.00 192.50 180.00 205.00 197.50 187.50 172.50 172.50 172.50 150.00 $42.50 42.50 40.00 32.50 17.50 17.50 22.50 17.50 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Chief Electrician 2nd Electrician Asst. Electrician Unlic. Jr. Eng.-^Day Work.... Unlic. Jr. Eng.—Watch Machinist-Plumber Deck Engineer .«... Chief Reefer Engineer l.st Reefer 2nd Reefer Engine Storekeeper Engine Utility Evaporator Maintenance Oiler-Diesel Oiler-Steam Watcrtender Fireman-Watertender Firemen Wiper 252.00 294.50 42.50 182.50 187.50 187.50 194.50 162.50 252.00 220.00 201.00 227.50 230.00 205.00 23V.00 205 00 269.50 237.50 218.50 197.50 205.00 190.00 195.25 177.50 177.50 177.50 167.50 175.00 45.00 42.50 17.50 42.50 42.50 17.50 17.50 17.50 155.00 172.50 155.00 155.00 155.00 155.00 145.00 132.50 50.00 17.50 40.25 22.50 22.50 22.50 22.50 42.50 STEWARDS DEPARTMENT 202.50 182.50 182.50 167.50 157.50 132.50 132.50 Chief S Chief ( Night C Second Asst. C Messma Utility 220.00 205.00 205.00 185.00 175.00 150.00 150.00 17.50, 22.50 22.50 17.50 17.50 17.50 17.50 All members of the Stewards Department will be paid over­ time for all Sundays and Holidays at sea and for all Saturdays, Sun­ days and Holidays in port. No member of the Stewards Department will be laid off Saturdays, Sundays or Holidays at sea or in port. OVERTIME RATES 90c SIU New Under $200.00 a month SIU New Over $200.00 a month 90c $1.00 per hour $1.25 per hour SIU Old Pay rise of $17.50 is retroactive from April 1 to June 14. June 15 is the retroactive date for the remainder of the increase. All overtime is retroactive to June 15. SS COLABEE A. Smurda. $1.00; G. Brown, $1.00; If. Adamowit:z, $1.00; K. Korneliusen. $1.00. SS CAPE NAME C. Brewer. $1.00. SS WARRIOR POINT R. V. Fegler, $2.00; O. H. Stevens. $3.00; A. L. East, $5.00; II. J. Mc­ Donald, $3.00; Don A. Moore, $4.00; L. Valencie, $2.00; Hubert Garner. $2.00; L. Tullos, $2.00; D. E. Gordon. $2.00; N. U. Reitti. $2.00; John Herrera. $2.00; F. Jasso. $2.00; R. C. Neblett, $2.00. SS R. SEMMES G. Lima. $10.00; j. O. Moore. $5.00. INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS James F. Wnrr, $1.00; A. J. Kanaday, $1.00; Lawrence Hall. $2.00. PERSONALS GILBERT ISNOR Crofton, Douglas Cronin, Harry J Crosby, J. T Culota, Samuel E. W Cummings, J. P Cuthbert, Richard G Cutts, James H Danielson, A. E Darr, William F Davies, R. D Davitt, George L Day, Belle F Dean. Kirby W Dean, Robert Deer, Leoge L Dewar, John B. ... Diaz, Vincent Dierinck, Emericus Dinne, John Derhoff, Ray Please write your mother at Doetsch, Melton B Indian Harbour, Halifax Co., No­ Dolan, R. J va Scotia. Dowoy, Joseph W Drury, William C LOUIS LARSON Dubiel, R. F Jim Conaghan of 373 Farnsworth Ave., Bordentown, N. J., is anxious to hear from you soon. i i 4. FREDERICK DUNN 01 4.14 Dudek, Franil 31.76 Duncan, Edawrd L 5.62 Duncan, Roy L 1.25 Dungan, G. T 1.35 Dwyer, Raymond F 6.95 Euchauri, Vincent 14 9.86 Edner, Harold G 80 Elfers, Fred G 17.69 Ellis, Lloj-d 8.49 Ellis, Roy Van 2.64 Ellwanger, Ernest N 8.65 Ellyson, Jos 42 Engles, Joseph N 59 Engstrom, Charles 05 Epperson, Herbert A 06 Erickson, Lief H 18.49 Farrell, William E .13 Fath. Joseph A „ 17 Fay, John A 5.40 Ferst, Frank E .07 Fetter, Bill C .95 Field, Lloyd M 1.25 93 Finnegan, Thomas H 8.35 Fitton, Leslie D 12.99 Fitzgerald, Robert J 7.49 Flanders, Franklin B 13 Fletcher, Russell G 21 Forst, Raymond 62 Franzella, Salvador 1,18 Frederickson, G. ... 18.82 Frost, William A. ... 2.26 Gainey. Sam p. ... 48 Gallagher, Leo 11.04 Gardney. Roy M. ... 2.36 Garris, Robert L. ... .01 Geanuser, Peter G. 49 Geisz, William 1.41 .69 20.70 .89 7.90 1.30 28.79 .32 7.30 18.41 . .93 08 1.25 3.15 94 01 2.55 1.71 08 2.95 16.37 12 9.15 16.59 17.02 14 3.36 20.08 10 1.27 28 3.26 2.49 01 95 20 8.86 12 29.02 .90 Books And Cards In New Orleans 3748 Membership books and retiring Lusko, R. D 5928 cards are on file in the New Or­ Morrow, Wm Please get in touch with your leans Hall for the following SUP Marshal, Wm. P 791 P.D. sister. Miss Gertie Dunn, 20 and Pacific District men, and will Mills, J. W 781 P.D. Black Black March Road, St. be held for claiming until March Miflin, R. H 1 657 P.D. Johns, Newfoundland. 5902 Pro. 30, after which they will be sent Modeiros, J 5901 Pro. to Headquarters. Men listed be­ MuUins, A. E 3433 low should contact P. Monssen, Plank, E. D Per. 9342-9954 SUP representative. New Or­ Petree, E. Jr Soliday, J. H 6708 leans, La. Will the holder of Receipt No. 6290 Name Book No. Swope, E. M 45522, issued on January 6, 1947, Art, R. A 6806 3039 Simpsen, D. J from New York, please contact Aney, R. 0 612 P.D. 3524 Smith, J. E. the Patrolmen on the 5th floor of Burnyski, R 419 P.D. 5072 Swank, E the New York Hall in order to Bystedt, O Ve'Drine, Patrick H 707 4120 secure the proper credit for his Barnes, L 3333 560 Waldron, L money, 510 P.D. Caudill, E. C 248 P.D. Wolton, D 3016 4* 4* 4* Campbell, R 2930 Wright, C. P Receipt No. 42781, issued De­ Duffy, G. P 259 P.D. 2446 Winey, T. J cember 27, 1946, in New York. Dodson, G. L + Per. 14459 288 P.D. Watson, W. R Will holder of this receipt please Fanning, Wm. J Retiring Cards on File 2020 Pro. contact Louis Goffin, 5th floor. Golden, C. E 1873 1746 Cooper, B. M New York hall. 2146 Harrington, N. J 485 P.D. Chance, F. S X X t 1988 Harrigan, N. J 5302 Elisson, D. W MARVIN G. HANDLER 1879 Hendrix, J. S 5289 Hames, Wm Jones, W. C 2249 5385 Please get in touch with Rich­ Houkc, L Massengale, G. C 1255 Pro. P.D. ard M. Cantor, Room 1109, 51 Johnson, H 2105 299 P.D. Voce, I. Chambers Street, New York City, Kinney, K. C. ....^ Zieber, Walton L 2961 Lee, D. C 3500 as son as possible. I NOTICE! �THE SEAFARERS lOG Page Sixteen Friday. January 17, 1947 nr ii :-'a ;r: =• •'•••v-'ii V-sr ;-:r ^ if i 5sS>' 1 • 7^ !> • • V - :.•• aalbM ' . :m'm pS«: • tea 1H less UtaH fen ijcars seansen's • wai/es wemm/see/ • iFVM awax/Mum of l6s fot AB's to Hie iiiqhestinmaxif/Me ra}5r3 •.'riit-J ^mnr '•sUl^fP M-'-ILaj.--- ••^im •a a ill Pll:l.liRV ffftt:;;;- : if •; '/•- • •: :•' -i-t-iT, I ;-,-3 V T: '-; ' • ;• pi^a; • • W-- wr-'^* -. •" fe:a: ..i t'U--- Ki; |b:; SHrfe/- te^- "Im.sO'bqHie t JV« mi aift 'A hi a.aiH?!)' a::;iil| :: Ife .aaaMli Yfiri''; Kifw:;: • »>i-r: • = • tea. teffJ.rV • IBiba' ^by/:.':' j-• Seafarers Jhteriiatmal : •; .aaauavi: mima ; rtiti ; ,.•••;-. I'.i :i;t A :-A:\v^\X:\\ •: i-a-r-itt';-;i V A Aunirim - • ;J:.:S.?'>"S{'J5 ISfj??£1-1« j-*v. -• ,?7?.: £i4->."r, 1 ' S'/i' ''iji' • yiArf'r<i • . • •* 7 <*jwj � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource January 17, 1947 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. IX, No. 3 Description An account of the resource Description: SIU DECLARED ISTHMIAN WINNER BY NLRB; NMU PHONY PROTEST DELAYS CERTIFICATION ENTIRE ANTI-COMMIE SLATE ELECTED IN LOCAL 88, MM&P SIU SUPPORTS TAMPA TEAMSTERS; CITY HEADS TRY TO BREAK STRIKE LABOR HATING NOT NEW IN TAMPA; UNION ORGANIZER KILLED IN 1935 STACKING THE CARDS JOINT ACTION OF OLD, NEW MEMBERS VITAL FACTOR IN SUCCESS OF SIU SENATE GROUP EYES PROFITS OF OPERATORS POLITICAL PARTISANS IN TRADE UNION MOVEMENT HAVE ONE OBJECTIVE--IF YOU CAN'T RULE, RUIN SHIPBOARD FIRE CAPS SERIES OF MISHAPS ON ABR. CLARK END NEAR FOR SMITH-CONNALLY ACT WITH TERMINATION OF THE WAR LABOR OPPOSES MILITARY DRAFT SIU REJECTS NMU PROPOSAL TO SET UP ARBITRATION BOARD LEWIS CONTEMPT TRIAL BEGINS IN WASHINGTON BEFORE SUPREME COURT MARITIME COMMISSION UNDER FIRE, BUT NOTHING WILL COME OF IT SHIPPING IS SLOW IN SAVANNAH; CATTLE MOVEMENTS DUE TO STOP SHIPPING IS UP IN PHILADELPHIA; FUTURE IS BRIGHT NEW ORLEANS HAS PRAISE FOR ONE CALMAR SKIPPER CANDY IS DANDY SEAMAN SAYS, BUT LET'S HAVE SOME SHIPOWNER STOOGE, LSU SPONSOR DOESN'T LIKE SEAMEN'S ATTITUDE RATED JOBS IN ALL DEPARTMENTS ARE GOING BEGGING IN SAN JUAN TANKERS KEEP PORT BOSTON FREE OF RED INK SEAFARERS IN CORPUS CHRISTI WERE KEPT BUSY PAST FEW WEEKS AFL IS AFTER 75,000 SOUTHERN CITRUS WORKERS SEAFARER KILLED IN ACCIDENT ON DANIEL HUGER WHAT TO DO: SOME DEPARTMENTAL SUGGESTIONS FOR CHIEF COOKS NMU HAS ONLY ONE WEAPON LEFT, TELLING LIES ABOUT SEAFARERS BRAZIL CREW NIPS PURGE OF DELEGATE NEW ORLEANS BROTHERS LOSE A NON-ALCOHOLIC WEEKEND NOTE PITCHED FROM THE SAMUEL JOHNSON IN 1944 IS PICKED UP ON FLORIDA COAST 'CAPS OFF' TO MRS. BURNS RANK AND FILE MEBA MAN URGES CONVENTION TO BOLSTER UNION TWO BRANCHES ASK PRE-ELECTION PHOTOS AND BIOGS OF CANDIDATES MORAN TOWING WILL OPERATE TWO NEW TUGS OLD AND NEW WAGE SCALES OF SEAFARERS COMBINED TAX REBATES MISSISSIPPI SHIPPING COMPANY Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1/17/1947 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1947 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/43947c600138b983b19be50f0b287b89.PDF fc2224f244c58ba5f1582f50c257f8b2 PDF Text Text wr^ • Official Organ of the Atlantic and Gulf District, Seafarers International Union of North America VOL. IX. NEW YORK. N. Y., FRIDAY. JANUARY 24. 1947 CIO SHIPBUILDERS ATTEND NEW YORK MEETING No. 4 New Officials For 1947 Announced; Hospital Payments increased NEW YORK—After two montlis of balloting, the elections for Atlantic and Gulf officials for 1947, wliich came to an end on Jan. 1, have been tallied. The elected officers will be certified at the next regular coastwise mem­ bership meetings on Jan. 29. However, the elections SIU Pledges Full Support To CIO Shipmen Allending a recenl New York membership meeting of the Seafarers, these representatives of the CIO Shipbuilders (lUMSWA-CIO) Union called on the SIU for assistance in their beef. Read­ ing from left: William McCaffrey. International representative; Fred Mesita. Chairman of Local 13 and Nicholas Lamb, Executive Secretary of Loral 13. P,S. They got the support! Seatrain Halts Island Run; Appeals To Cuban Gov't Seatrain Lines has announced that they will continue their sus­ pension of shipping to Havana as long as the Cuban Presidential Decree No. 5 remains in force. The company stated that the decree is so burdensome to com­ merce and destructive to effi­ cient transportation that the serv­ ices . to the Cuban Republic can­ not be continued. The decree, which precipitated the suspension, was published January 11, and required the un­ loading and reloading in the Ha­ vana terminal of a very large per­ centage of the freight the com­ pany handles. The company has shipped car­ go in railroad cars direct to Cu­ ban consignees for the last-18 years. The decree also prohibits the importation of freight-load­ ed trailers, motor trucks or other vehicles or containers. ADDITIONAL BURDEN Under the decree, the rates of pay and number of men to be employed by Seatrain Lines to unload and load its vessels is fixed, placing, the company says, additional burdens on their op­ erating expenses. They state that the additional costs would amount to over $100 per man per day, and calls for si.x e.xtra men for whom there is no useful work. Listing the unfavorable bur­ dens placed upon them the com­ pany has announced that it has filed a formal request with the Cuban Government to restore the customs practices that had been in effect on the island for many years. New Feature The recently concluded election for Atlantic and Gulf Officials has placed into of­ fice many faces that are new or unfamiliar to the member­ ship. In order to acquaint all hands with the new Agents and Patrolmen, the Seafar­ ers Log will run the picture and a brief biographical sketch of each 1947 A&G of­ ficial. Watch for this feature which will start soon. NEW YORK — Representatives of the CIO Shipbuilders Union, the Industrial Union of Marine and Shipbuilding Workers of America, attended the Seafarers membership meeting at Webster Hall in New York last Wednes­ day (January 15) to request as•sistance from the STU in pro­ secution of their strike against the viciously anti-union Ira Bushey & Sons shipyards. Shipbuilders Union officials — William McCaffrey, International Representative: Fred Mesita, Chairman of Loeal 13; and Nieholas Lamb, Executive Secretary of Loeal 13 — addressed the SIU meeting and explained the com­ plete circumstances surrounding, their beef with this shipyard. They were introduced to the SIU membership by New Yoi'k Agent Paul Hall, who explained to the meeting that the CIO Union had supported the SIUSUP General Maritime Strike against the Wage Stabilization {Contimied on Page 14) Eastern Signs Passenger Ship Contract With SIU Sailings Will Begin Latter Part Of February NEW YORK — The onrushing is also the best in the industry, drive of the Seafarers InternaEastern Steamship Company tional Union, to consummate con- has already started to prepare the tracts with freight lines also op- • Yarmouth for operation to begin erating passenger ships, rolled in the latter part of February, over another obstacle last week' and the Evangeline will follow with the signing of the Eastern soon after. Steamship Company. A third ship, the Arcadia, was Eastern signed an agreement used as a hospital ship all during very similar to the one signed by the war, but is expected to be P&O, and the only changes are turned back to the company in the Stewards Department within the near future. When manning scale. This is caused by that happens, the Arcadia will the fact that Eastern will have its become part of Eastern's pas­ ships operating on cruises dur­ senger fleet. ing the winter months, and on ^ CRUISE SHIPS overnight service from Boston to These ships'will sail from New Yarmouth during the summer York to the Islands during the months. As in the case of the other pas­ winter months, as cruise ships, senger ship agreements, this one and will make the overnight voy­ age from Boston to Yarmouth during the summer. All three of the ships have a capacity of 380 passengers each, and as a consequence, the Stew­ ards Department is the largest unlicensed section of each vessel. The working and general rules which are in force in the freight ship agreements are also to hold true for these ships. The entire text of the supplementary agree­ ment appears on pages 8 and 9. Representing the SIU in the negotiations were John Hawk, Secretary-Treasurer; J. P. Shuler, Secretary-Treasurer; Assistant and Robert Matthews, Engine Department Special Represent­ ative. results have already been certified by the New York, member­ ship at its Jan. 15 meeting, as the report of the committee, al­ though ready, were not yet mimeographed for maifing to other ports. In addition to electing officers on this ballot, the membership also gave the green light to amending the Constitution t« al­ low an increase in payinent of hospital benefits. From now on, hospitalized Brothers will receive $3.00 per week from the Hospital, Burial and Shipwreck Fund. Short biographies and pictures of the winners in the election will be run in the Log in the near fu­ ture. New Agents for the coming year were elected in the ports of Philadelphia, Charleston, Savan­ nah, Jacksonville, Mobile, San Juan and San Francisco. In the {Continued on Page J) New Congress Is On The Ball — But It's Foul We take back everything we ever said about the new Congress going to be nothing more than a rubber stamp for the Natl. As­ sociation of Manufacturers. Not even the NAM could dream up some of the screwball proposals that deluged Congress duririg its first three days. Republicans were dropping bills in the hopper like a bunch of slap-happy acro­ bats with St. Vitus dance. One freshman Republican, after drop­ ping in 32 consecutive bills, had to be told that no matter how long he tried three cherries just wouldn't show up. We'll discount the anti-labor bills—they were expected. The only wonder is that there weren't a dozen or more Republicans killed in the rush to enter no less than 20 anti-portal-to-portal bills, something like 15 "big," "little," and "medium" Case bills, 11 an­ ti-closed shop bills, eight antihealth-and-welfare-fund bills, seven anti-political-activities-byunions bills, 21 anti-strike bills, (Continued on Page 14) m' �Page Two THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday. January 24, 1947 SEAFARERS LOG |;f; Published ^Weekly by the In' SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Gulf District 1'^ Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor At 51 Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y. HAnovcr 2-2784 X X X HARRY LUNDEBERG ------- President 105 Market Street, San Francisco, Calif. JOHN HAWK - -- -- -- - Secy-Treas. p. O. Box 25, Station P, New York City Entered as second class matter Jime 15, 1945, at the Post Office in New York, N. Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912. 267 Labor's Pains Union solidarity is a valuable thing. It is a two-edged sword which can be used against the bosses and for the workers at all times. And it is the biggest single weapon that workers have. Just this past week the Seafarers International Union pledged support to the Industrial Union Marine and Ship­ building Workers of America, CIO, and this same support has been extended to other unions when they felt in need of moral or financial bolstering. Only recently, when the United Auto Workers were involved in a strike with General Motors Corporation, the SIU donated money to assist the strikers so that starvation would not be a deciding factor in their beef. And many CIO seamen's unions have had the helping hand of the SIU when they needed it. That is the wa)' a strong labor movement must be built. The common enemy of all workers is the power of the bosses. When labor is split, the bosses use this divi­ sion to further their own ends, and those ends are opposed to the reasonable demands of labor. The bosses are united against labor. No matter what thv-Ir competitive aims might be, capital still has enough sense to realize that their weakness is labor's strength. No matter how much one boss might hate another boss, they usually contrive to get together so that labor is always battling a solid front. That is a lesson that all labor might profitably learn. Jurisdictional squabbles serve the bosses, and they there­ These are the Union Brothers currently in the marine hospitals, fore foster them and then sit quietly by while labor slugs as reported by the Port Agents. These Brothers find time hanging heavily on their hands. Do what you can to cheer them up by writ­ it out. ing to them. We have all had many lessons on union solidarity. NORFOLK HOSPITAL BALTIMORE HOSPITAL Seamen, especially, know -that 'the lack of a united front T. R. GOING against the operators can lead to disaster on the waterfront. JOHN SETTLE R. P. McBRIDE JOHN DUDKO Too many strikes have been broken by finks and scabs for J. E. HARRISON JOHN TILL VIS to have any illusions about union strength unless it is NELSN«COLLSTIUP CARSON McCOY backed up by union solidarity. W. MANNING Men Now In The Marine Hospitals The communist-dominated unions of the Committee for Maritime Unity have many times attempted to raid the 'AFL seamen's unions. On all occasions they have suffered terrific defeats, but their raids were not called for in the first place. CARL GRINDBERG FRANCIS O'BRIEN RAYMOND HODGES CHARLES HAHN SALVATORE PIZZILO PETER LOPEZ THOMAS WADSWORTH MANUEL ROMERO Who profits when the CIO and the APT meet in t, % % bloody fights? Only the bosses. When the workers realize STATEN ISLAND HOSPITAL this, then it will be impossible for the bosses and the com­ J. L. EAKIN munists to start inter-union conflicts. The communists like such combat because it gives them a chance to capitalize on the division of forces, and the employers desire a situation in which they can watch both sections of Labor destroy each other. sr 1 i-.v The Seafarers International Union has never played the game of either the communists or the bosses. Our rec­ ord is clean, and we have always been among the first to help a brother union against the red howlers or the em­ ployers. It is easy to see which side a worker should be on— iand that side is solidarity with other honest toilers, and (against the commies and the exploiters. E. F. SPEAR P. J. WILKINSON R. G. MOSSELLER D. IIUTCIIINS M. J. QUINN W. B. MUIR J. S. WOOD W. G. H.-BAUSE MOSES MORRIS J. GRIFFIN L. A. CORNWALL P. STEWART "CHIPS" NEILSEN H. BELCHER L. L. MOODY JR. C. KOLSTE J. MCNEELLY T. BOIGOS R. FITTS H. S. HARRISON G. AHTIAINEN F. BONNER & ^ ^ NEW ORLEANS HOSPITAL H. G. DARNELL LIONEL ROTHERHAM THOMAS J. BAIER JOHN SERCU CENTRAL MASON W. BROCE, Jr. ERNEST J. COOPER JACINTO NAVARRO JOHN P. BROOKS RALPH EWING • J. STEFANIDES ED WARD CUSTER KARL PETTERSSEN F. BERGLAND E. R. BUCKLEY E. J. RIVIERE J. W. DENNIS R. M. NOLAN JOHN RETOUR Hospital Patients When entering the hospital notify the delegate by post­ card, giving your name and the number of your ward. Staten Island Hospital You can contact your Hos­ pital delegate at the Staten Island Hospital at the follow­ ing times: Tuesday—1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 5th and Gth floors) Thursday — 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 3rd and 4th floors.) Saturday—1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 1st and 2nd floors.) GALVESTON HOSPITAL MILLER WOLF BENNETT • SEYLOR JONES, R. V. JOHNSON WILKI CRIGLET BARNEY, J. L. DAUGHERTY, W. FORD SWENSON STREIZ SEGLER 4- S. 4NEPONSIT HOSPITAL LINDER CLARK J. FIGUEROA L. L. LEWIS H. SELBY H. BURKE J. S. CAMPBELL J. T. EDWARDS B. LUFLIN G. F. McCOMB E. FERRER R. BLAKE J. R. HENCHEY ! i 1 "T I ; r-: �Friday, January 24, 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Three Phony Pact Between Tidewater, Company Union Hoids Up Election spoken louder than our words, This drive against the closed and this Tidewater business is no shop can threaten the very ex­ Action on the Tidewater Tank­ exception. We're getting sick istence of the labor movement. er election petition of the Sea­ and tired over getting the runThink of what it will mean to farers has been held up by the around from both Tidewater and our Union hiring halls and the National Labor Relations Board the NLRB, Either we get action, rotary shipping .system if our pending their decision on this and that quickly, or we'll pro­ contracts containing these pro­ matter. vide all the action necessai-y. This visions are outlawed! By PAUL HALL Both the company and a phony is no idle threat, as the Seafar­ Closed shop bans have already company union—the Tidewater ers always backs up its words The Seafarers membership is daily exhibiting a growing aware­ been made into law as constitu­ Tankermen's Association—claim with action. tional amendments in five states ness of its strong position in the maritime field, and as an integral the existence of a supposed col­ During the past few weeks, —Nebraska, Arizona, South Da­ part of the labor movement as a whole. With the emergence of lective bargaining agreement be­ numerous Tidewater men have kota, Arkansas and Florida. Four the Seafarers as the dominant waterfront factor, the membership tween them, and this has helped come into the SIU Halls with other states are also drafting leg­ is becoming more and more conscious of its prestige. There are to confuse the overall picture in their complaints. These men need concrete indications that it intends to guard that prestige jealously islation against the closed shop the Tidewater Fleet. the protection and advantages of Georgia, Colorado, Penn.sylvania and vigilantly. In the final analysis, this vigilance on the part Sometime ^ago, the SIU peti­ an SIU contract, and the condi­ and Texas—and other states with of an intelligent membership will bear fruits for all hands. tioned for an election to deter­ tions which such a contract viciously anti-labor administra­ The reputation and prestige of the Seafarers as a sound, demo­ mine the union bargaining agent brings aboard the ships. tions are not far behind these cratically-functioning organization of seafaring men, who show for Tidewater tankermen, as we they understand the obligations and responsibilities of a major role And, Brother, that's our job— bell-wethers. had signed pledge cards from the to see that these unorganized In addition, "labor's friends" in maritime, will reach new heights, both in industry and labor. vast majority of the Tidewater tankermen get what they want, in Washington are very busy Want To Improve Position tankermen. However, due to the a contract with the SIU covering beating the drums for national Specifically, let me state one e.xample, among the many, that intervention of the phony com­ all Tidewater unlicensed person­ legislation outlawing the union proves the point that Seafarers are out to improve their position. pany union, the election date has nel. shop. Although these laws have Recently, a new crew dispatched from the New York Hall been held up by the NLRB. These fellows all laugh when not yet passed the Supreme boarded a ship and found that the old crew, a bunch of drunken This stooge company outfit Ihey mention the Tidewater Court test, plans are afoot to claims to have a signed contract Tankermen's Association. If a beat down all of the gains made performers, had left the vessel in very bad shape—entirely out of with Tidewater, originally signed wasn't for the fact that the com­ by organized labor in the past line with the ideas of good Unionism as laid down by the Sea­ by the company in 1940 and since pany is using this so-called un­ few years by means of these, and farers' membership. This new crew was plenty sore at this violation of our Unions' then renewed on a yearly basis. ion as a means of preventing their similar, laws either on the state ideas, and refused to let the incident pass. They felt the matter But, due to the fact that the SIU employees from being represent­ or national level. reflected on the membership, and on the SIU's hard-won prestige. has pledge cards from practically ed by a bona fide union, it would Look at the battles which the The new crew then appeared at the Union hall and preferred all of the unlicensed Tidewater be a huge joke. SIU had in the states of Florida charges against the offenders. personnel, we refuse to recognize and Texas during our General However, anything which pre­ A rank and file committee was elected to hear the case. The the validity of this so-called Maritime Strike last year. By decision of the trial committee was both interesting and enlight­ vents seamen from securing the agreement between a company means of legislation and court ening. It recommended that several of the book men among the union and their own parent, the wages and conditions to which injunctions, as well as anti-union offenders be fined as well as placed on probation. It also ruled they are rightfully entitled is no Tidewater Company. local administrations, the victory that several gas hound tripcarders and permit men who shared the laughing matter. The SIU refuses to recognize Organizers, both shoreside and of the SIU was made much more responsibility for the inconsiderate shipboard conduct be expelled this phony contract with a com­ shipside, all agree that Tidewater difficult in these particular as unworthy of SIU membership. pany stooge outfit, and has de­ tankermen are pretty well fed up states. And, today in Florida manded sole bargaining rights Performers In Minority from the NLRB and Tidewater. with conditions as they now exist. (Tampa), our affiliates in the Such deniunstiations of Union-consciousness are on the in­ The fact that no one except Teamsters Union are having the No claim of any agreement by crease. The average Seafarer does not go for the kind of horse-play the died-in-the-wool company either Tidewater or their illegal and irresponsible attitude displayed by the crew mentioned above. battle of their lives. offspring is accepted by the Sea­ stiffs (very few of these rotten It is high time the gashounds and the performers were set straight. Don't think that our "friends," farers. We have the men, and eggs in the Tidewater Fleet, too) These birds, fortunately, are but a tiny minority. Nevertheless, we maintain that we're entitled wants any part of the phony the shipowners, are not rubbing their actions are prejudicing and weakening the position of the Tidewater Tankermen's Associa­ their hands and laughing to them­ to a contract. rest of the membership. tion, proves beyond any doubt The vast majority of Seafarers are straight-thinking, guys selves as they pour money and PLENTY OF PROOF I hat they are really ripe for SIU who are responsible for the considerably improved status of the legal brains into the battle As proof of the Seafarers membership, and the many ben­ merchant seamen of today. There is no room among them for .those willingness to prove beyond any efits which go with that mem­ against organized labor. who seek to obstruct and hamper their progress on the road to a shadow of a doubt that the over­ bership and an SIU contract. However, we've taken these better life. whelming majority of Tidewater Seafarers have fought for years to improve shipboard condi­ guys and the Washington bureau­ ANTI-LABOR LAWS tankermen want the SIU for their tions. The battle at times seemed impossible of success, but alert­ Probably the greatest threat to crats on before, and we can do ness and intelligence, coupled with hard-hitting tactics, brought union, we've submitted signed pledge cards for the SIU and organized labor today, and to the it again. victory. We will do it again, and we'll we're willing to abide by the de­ conditions for which we fight, is After these long, drawn-out struggles, the membership will not the drive by big business and whip them in the same decisive allow a few bums, whose ideas of sea-going life must have been cision of an NLRB election. But, if the Tidewater outfit their servants in Congress, as fashion as before. That's our job gotten out of some phony motion pictures or sea story, or a few thinks that the SIU is fooling, well as the various State Legis­ —the one that's cut out for all "oldtime" gashounds, wreck the gains that have been fought for so hard. we're fully prepared to job ac­ latures, against the closed or un­ of us. tion every one of their ships until ion shop. By EARL SHEPPARD I : ' • such time as an election is held. Look at our record on the wa­ terfront. The militant SIU com­ pletely defeated the WSA com- j petency card and medical exam-, iination set-up. We job-actioned ships all up and down the At­ By FRED FARNEN lantic and Gulf Coasts until the DETROIT — Brother Edward Cleveland. Later he worked for operators and the WSA were Wares, better known to his many the Detroit and Cleveland Navi­ forced into agreeing to the best friends and all Lakes members gation Company as a Fireman, Foreign Rider articles ever placed as Stew Pot," died on January Oiler and Watertender, spending in the ships articles. 18, at the Detroit Marine Hos­ the majority of his sailing time Our own SIU whipped the pital. His passing away is re­ aboard the SS City of Cleveland Wage Stabilization Board into ceived by all who knew him with HI, operating between Detroit line with the most successful and Cleveland. deep regret and sorrow. maritime strike ever pulled in In 1942 he was elected as His many friends, members this country when these guys Agent for the SIU in Cleveland, and officials of the Seafarers, tried to interfere with free col­ and the following year he was will miss his jolly personality, lective bargaining between the appointed as Agent in Detroit, and wish to extend to his family SIU and the operators. their most heartfelt sympathy. the post he held until the fall of We 'e taken direct action in Brother Wares had been con­ 1945 when he resigned. the past on all of these beefs, He then went back to the City fined at the Detroit Marine Hos­ and we'll take direct action in of Cleveland as an Oiler, but pital for about a year. Before the Tidewater Fleet if that out­ left after a few months due to his illness he was an Agent in the fit doesn't agree to an NLRB his failing health. Port of Cleveland and later in election for all Tidewater tank­ Detroit. He is survived by his mother, ermen. As a boy, Ed Wares started out sister and brother, Stanley Wares, ACTION TALKS as a coalpasser on the old See- who is Agent in Cleveland. Bur­ andbee, owned by the Cleveland ial took place in Cleveland on The Seafarers stands on its record. Our actions have always and Buffalo Transit Company of Tuesday, January 21. Ed Wares, Former Lakes Agent, Dies At Detroit Marine Hospital Phony Militancy Some of these guys, in an attempt to defend their failings, pass it off as "militancy" when they wreck some of the crews gears. Obviously, that is sheer bunk. What is wrong with demanding that these guys assume some of the responsibilities of good union men? Isn't it their job to solidify the Union structure, as well as enjoy the fruit of its victories? We are protecting ourselves. Those who refuse to add to our protective armor actually are nothing more or less then shipowners' stooges. They are the few weak links in the chain of forwardlooking Seafarers. The Seafarers is practically the only maritime union that relys on economic action at the point of production in order to win and maintain conditions. We will continue to do so. But, at the same time, we cannot tolerate a few drunks and performers actions to jeopardize the Union position. Pride Is Mark Of Good Union Man A good Union man is proud, not only of Union's ability to take successful job action, by tying up the shipowners' scows, he is proud also of his seamanship. If he has a job to dp, he does it well— whether it be tying up a ship, or doing a day's work. All hands should be on the lookout for these performers. They are mighty few in number, and, therefore, should not be allowed to put the Union majority on the spot. This does not mean that the Union intends to legislate against drinking and fighting that's part of an individual's private life, and we have no intention of invading it. But pick your spots. If you want to get drunk, go to the neaurest gin mill—don't do it on the job. If you want to fight, go on the hatch, or ashore. In other words, use your head. Remember, if you can point to a job well done, your beefs will hold more water. �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Four Jobless Payment Is Clarified By N.Y. State Reps WHAT ^tWNK... QUESTION: Which of the SIU Ports do you ALFONSO LOGIUDIS. Deck Engineer; Miami should-be built up be­ cause it is a new HaU. and will need plenty of work to bring it into shape. With the SIU grow­ ing as it is, it becomes plain to see that we will need more Halls in places where we never dream­ ed of having them before. Miami is one instance, but there are others. Now that Isthmian is SIU, we should have a Hall some place in the Far East, say Shanghai, to service Isthmian and Waterman crews. In Trini­ dad we need a Hall for men on the bauxite run who are stuck down there for months at a time. MORIS MANDEL, AB: To my mind, I think that Mar­ cus Hook is the one that needs- a larger Hall and more facilities. "We're getting more tankers un­ der the SIU banner, and so more znen are going down to that port. If we get a larger Hall it will add lo our prestige down there, and it will give the SIU men more room to move around. From the lime the Marcus Hook Hall open­ ed up, it has been a success, and it can be counted on for even belter things if the SIU builds it up so that more work can be done from there. NEW YORK, January 21 — Representatives of the New York State Department of Labor — Mr. Memelsdorff, Mr. Donnelly, Mr. Purcell and Mr. Keirnan — call­ ed on SIU Special Services Rep­ think needs added facilities? resentative Joseph H. Volpian today to discuss problems con­ JOHN WARD, Deck Engineer: fronting them in the handling of In every port that has a conseamen's claims for unemploy­ centrcition of tanker men coming ment compensation, and also dis­ in, the SIU should take steps to cover ways and means of expedbuild up the Halls there. Mainly, "nting those claims. right -now. that means Marcus In talking over the problems of Hook and Port Arthur. As memunemployment insurance with . bers and would-be-m embers Volpian, the men from the Divi­ come into those ports for recrea­ sion of Placement and Unem­ tion, the Seafarers should have ployment Insurance pointed out an outstanding Hall that would that no matter when a voyage make a man feel at home. We was completed and the payoff should have well staffed baggage made, the money so earned would rooms, a reading lounge, and be pro-rated over the period of other comforts. Those things all the entire trip rather than ap­ help to carry on organizing work plied to the specific quarter in and.it is in the tanker field that which the money was received. the SIU will be doing quite a bit of its organizing in the next few Another point which was stres­ years. sed was the fact that seamen who apply for unemployment insur­ ance under the terms of the act must be available for employ­ ment during the period in which MANUEL SANCHEZ, AB: they register for compensation. The men who are spearheading This means that if you expect our organizing drive in Marcus to collect unemployment insur­ Hook are doing a good job, and ance when you are out of a job, they need all the help they can that you must be registered on get. As far as I can see. the SIU the shipping list as well as at the is doing a bang-up job down Unemployment Insurance Office. there, and if that Hall is built up. Further, you must be available men will be flocking to the SIU for employment when a job is in droves. Room for recreation open. This does not mean that is needed so that-men will con­ you can register for insurance in gregate around the Hall instead of hanging out in the local bars. New York, go to your home in A little more cooperation from Wisconsin, and expect to draw the SIU men down there in crew- payments while you are there. ing up unorganized tankers You must be available in the port in which you register for would be welcome. I know. a job and for compensation. PHS Agent Will Visit Galveston Hospital To Investigate Feeding And Facilities The recent blast of the SIU against conditions and food at the Galveston Marine Hospital has bom some fruit in the form of a letter from Dr. Otis L. An­ derson, Medical Director and Chief of the Hospital Division of the U. S. Public Health Service, who asserts that conditions have improved considerably since the SIU complaint. Dr. Anderson's letter, in reply to a recent letter &om SIU Spe­ cial Services representative Jo­ seph H. Volpian, stated, "This office is in receipt of a report from Galveston to the effect that the food situation seems to be very well under control since no complaints relative to quantity or quality of food have been re­ ceived for some time.'In the Seafarers Log of No­ vember 29, complete details of the SIU complaints and the text of Volpian's letter to the U. S. Public Health Service were car­ ried. At that time, it was re­ ported that the original SIU ac­ tion resulted from the complaints of 63 seamen and veteran pa­ tients of the Galveston Marine Hospital. INSPECTION ORDERED In his letter. Dr. Anderson also asserted that the Chief Dietitian from Headquarters had been asked to visit the Galveston Hos­ pital in order to inspect the lay­ out and make any necessary recommendations or suggestions in line with the Public Health Service policy of "serving a suf­ ficient quantity of good food to all patients in our Marine Hos­ pitals." Dated December 30, the com­ plete text of Dr. Anderson's let­ ter reads as follows: Dear Mr. Volpian: Reference is made to our let­ ter of November 26 in reply to yours of November 20 concern­ ing complaints relative to food and medical treatment at the Galveston Marine Hospital. This office is in receipt of a report from Galveston to the ef­ fect that the food situation seems to be very well under control since no complaints relative to quantity or quality of food have been received for some time. WILL MAKE SUGGESTIONS We have asked the Chief Dieti­ tian from Headquarters to visit Galveston in the near future to inspect the facilities and make suggestion and/or recommenda­ tion to the management which seems advisable at the time. We are interested in serving a suf­ ficient quantity of good food to all patients in our Marine Hos­ pitals. Friday. January 24. 1S47 With reference to your state­ ment relative to "indiffrent treatment and lax medical stand­ ards," the Public Health Service is interested in the highest qual­ ity of medical service and every effort is being made to keep these objectives constantly be­ fore us. We wodld appreciate it if patients who fee! that they are not receiving proper medical care would call that fact to the attention of the Medical Officer in Charge at the time. Such a procedure would enable the Medical Officer to investigate the complaint immediately and take any indicated action at the time. We trust that this information will satisfactorily answer your letter of November 20, 1946. Sincerely yours, Otis L. Anderson. Medical Director Chief. Hospital Division Certainly, the Seafarers hope that the type of cooperation in­ dicated in Dr. Anderson's letter means that the SIU complaints will be fully investigated, and that in the future conditions will much nearly aproximate the ideal state of affairs which the SIU desires. Seamen patients in the Marine Hospitals will attest to the sincerity of the U. S. Pub­ lic Health Service in carrying out their promises. Send Those Minutes Send in the minutes of your ship's meeting to the New York HalL Only in that way can the membership act on your recommendations. £ind then the minutes can be printed in the LOG for the benefit of all other SIU crews. Hold those shipboard meet­ ings regularly, and send those minutes in as soon as possible. That's the SIU way I Seamen who worked during 1945 for employers who paid taxes on their wages to the State are eligible for benefits provided they earned sufficient wages to qualify under the law. This means that if a seamen earned $100 or more in the highest quarter in from $300 to $630 or more during 1945, and if he earned a total of the whole year, that he is eligible to receive benefits of $10 to $21 weekly. Any further information on the subject of eligibility or other questions may be secui-ed at your nearest Unemployment Insurance office or the SIU Special Services Department. Port Savannah Is Just Waiting For South Atlantic To Begin By ARTHUR SAVANNAH—We had another payoff this week. The Hattiesburg Victory came in with quite a few beefs which, at thfis writ­ ing,, are in the process of being squared away. This makes the fourth SUP ship since Christmas and that's all the shipping we've had in this port. Most of the oldtimers have left for Mobile and the Gulf Area in hopes of shipping out quicker. Savannah has been exception­ ally slow for the past two months and, with the cattle business coming to a close next month, the prospects are for the worse. When the South Atlantic starts running this way again, business THOMPSON should pick up, but for some , time now all .their ships have been paying off in other ports. HAPPY DAYS COMING The Coast Guard is still sen­ tencing seamen to enforced imemployment for minor infractions of rules. The American merchant flaot is still growing smaller. The Government is stiU "training" | seamen for the merchant marine. Numerous congressmen, with malice aforethought, are concoct­ ing laws to hamstring labor. No other business of impor­ tance is on hand except the ne­ gotiations with the Atlantic Tow- ing Co» which should start next week. �Page Five THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday« January 24. .1847 Results Of Atlantie And Gulf Elections (Continued from Pege I) other ports, Agents who served during 1946 were returned to of" fke. It should be noted that the to­ tal number of votes cast is for the A&G District only, and does not include any balloting from the Great Lakes or the Pacific District, SUP. These two sections of the SIU elect their own officers in sep­ arate elections. A much larger vote would have been recorded had it not been that shipping spurted after the 1946 General Strike, and many Brothers were away at sea during the entire course of the elections. The Tallying Committee, elect­ ed at the regular meeting on Jan. 2, 1947, consisted of William Higgs, Sam Luttrell, Robert Hillman, L. Salvatore, Robert Jones, Isaac Miller and Matthew Sams. The results of the elections, and the committee's report, fol­ low: mm HOUSTON Agent C. Haymond, 98 2636» Write Ins, Voids, No Votes 1413 "' ? : BOSTON Total This is the Ballot Tallying Committee, whose report on the balloting for 1947 Atlantic and Gulf District officials is announced in this issue of the Log. From left to right, the members are Sam Luttrell. Isaac MiUer, standing; Bill Higgs, Committee Chairman; Robert Jones, Louis Sal­ vatore, standing: and Robert Hillman. J. Tucker, 2209 Write Ins, Voids, No Votes PHILADELPHIA 2284* 1365 Write Ins, Voids, No Votes 400 4049 Patrolman 4049 NEW YORK Agent Paul Hall, 190 3541* Write Ins, Voids, No Votes 508 Total 4049 Deck Patrolmen J. Algina, 1320 E. Guszczynsky, 3100 J. Sheehan, 306 Write Ins, Voids, No Votes Total 2854* 622 2918* 1704 8098 Engine Patrolmen J. Purcell, 27124 2718* J. Volpian, 56 2988* Write Ins, Voids, No Votes 2392 Total 8098 Steward Patrolmen R. Gonzales, 174 2490* H. Guinier, 478 2244* W. Hamilton, 3400 830 C. Stevens, 7036 r 886 Write Ins, Voids, No Votes 1648 Total Joint Patrolmen R. Bunce, 7165 .J. Drawdy, 28523 L. Goffin, 4526 J. Udiljak, 7163 Write Ins, Voids, No Votes Total 8098 1240 2146* 2460* 637 1615 8098 8098 Agent J. Banners, 256 3319* Write Ins, Voids, No Votes 730 4049 NEW ORLEANS Agent Steely White, 56 3114* Write Ins, Voids, No Votes 935 Total Steward Patrolman Total 4049 PORT ARTHUR Agent L. Johnson, 108 2724* Write Ins, Voids, No Votes 1325 Total 4049 . SAN JUAN Agent 4049 MOBILE 4049 4049 4049 Patrolman J. DeVito, 185 1434 L. MacDonnell, 343 446 R. Sweeney, 20 1606* Write Ins, Voids, No Votes 563 D. Butts, 190 957 Agent S. Colls, 21085 1691* Engine Patrolman C. Simmons, 368 3158* J. Wagner, 153 860' L. Neira, 26393 791 Write Ins, Voids, No Votes 541 Write Ins, Voids, No Votes 891 C. J. Stephens, 76 2657^ Write Ins, Voids, No Votes 601 Total 4049 Total 4049 Joint Patrolmen Engine Patrolman J. Carroll, 14 E. DiPietro, 35 997 R. Jordan, 71 G. Masterson, 20297 2419* L. F. Lewis, 2029 Write Ins, Voids, No Votes 633 Total 4C49 4049 SAN FRANCISCO Agent Declc Patrolman C. Gibbs, 2341 333 W. Simmons, 215 J. Johnston, 53 1721* Write Ins, Voids, No Votes C. Kimball, 52 519 Total F. Sullivan, 2 868 Write Ins, Voids, No Votes 608 RESOLUTION 4049 4049 Yes No Steward Patrolman Voids, No Votes 977 727 660 R. Birmingham, 390 Total 2550* 1645* C. Turner, 15 Agent L. Collins, 5 845 J. Prescott, 114 449 Deck Patrolman C. Tanner, 44 2278* R. Dickey, 652 2773* Write Ins, Voids, No Votes 477 Write Ins, Voids, No Votes 1276 Total 4049 J. Morrison, 34213 1815* W. Thomas, 12 622 P. Warren, 114 562 Write Ins, Voids, No Votes 1817 JACKSONVILLE TAMPA BALTIMORE Rocky Benson, 7297 960 Agent 3; Mogan, 216 2492* 1214 Write Ins, Voids, No Votes 597 W. McKay, 8 W. Rentz, 26445 2464* Write Ins, Voids, No Votes 371 Total 4049 Total 634 550 4049 C. Bush, 127 2628* Write Ins, Voids, No Votes 1421 Agent S. Carr, 22217 230 S. Greenridge, 1863 183 T. Griffiths, 115 353 E. A. Parr, 96 577 J. Sweeney, 1530 2181* Write Ins, Voids, No Votes 535 4049 Agent D. Parker, 160 3I57» Write Ins, Voids, No Votes S92 Total Jt. Patrolman Patrolman W. Brightwell, 390 934 G. .Suit, 6951 2508* Write Ins, Voids, No Votes 607 GALVESTON Total 4049 4049 Total J. P. Shuler, 101 3539* Write Ins, Voids, No Votes 510 Total iHL. " ;L •J. Truesdale, 3517 Assistant Sec.-Treas. ' ' ' " Agent John Hawk, 2212 3512* Write Ins. Voids, No Votes 537 E. Higdon, 182 4049 772 4049 Secretary-Treasurer Total Write Ins, Voids, No Votes TAKING AN ACCURATE COUNT ' 2939* lUO 4049 2917* 251 881 4049 REPORT OF SIU TALLYING COMMITTEE We, the undersigned Tally J. Hatgimisios, 23434 2901* Committee, duly elected at the Write Ins, Voids, No Votes 1148 regular business meeting at Headquarters January 2, 1947, Total 4049 submit the following report and recommendations; NORFOLK All .used ballots were counted Agent and the corrected tally is sub­ P. Gavillo, 21001 334 mitted herein. An asterik is R. White, 57 3339* placed besides the names of the Write Ins, Voids, No Votes 376 candidates that were elected to office. The ballots used and un­ Total 4049 used in each port were checked and the correct check is submit­ Joint Patrolman ted herein. Nineteen (19) votes from the B. Rees, 95 2751* Write Ins, Voids, No Votes 1298 Port of Galveston were voided in their entirety due to the fact Total 4049 that one envelope containing eight (8) ballots did not have the CHARLESTON signatures of the Tally Commit­ tee in the Port of Galveston and Agent one envelope containing eleven E. Smith, 20057 2434* (11) ballots was unsealed. It is E. Tilley, 75 1077 to be noted that the voiding of Write Ins, Voids, No Votes 538 these ballots in no way affected the election of any candidate in­ Total 4049 asmuch as each man elected was elected by more than a majority SAVANNAH of nineteen (19) votes. Agent It is to be pointed out further that this Committee on checking W. Brantley, 111 769 various outport ballots and tally C. Starling, 6920 2126* sheets found that all reports submitted by all outports' commit­ tees were correct and in every case checked evenly with the New York Headquarters Com­ mittee's tallies. The Resolution calling for the raising of hospital benefits from $2.00 to $3.00 per week carried by over a two-thirds majority as required by the Constitution. This committee recommends that the total results of this elec­ tion, giving number of votes re­ ceived by each candidate, be car­ ried in as early an issue as pos­ sible of the Seafarers Log. This to be done for the benefit of our members who are now at sea. This committee found one bal­ lot missing from the returns of the Port of Philadelphia. This finding checked with the tally of the committee elected in the Port of Philadelphia to count the ballots in that port. This ballot was not included in the tabulation sheets. Thus, the actual vote returns show the fi­ gure of 378 votes cast in Phila­ delphia instead of 379. This committee points out in this case that this in no way af­ fects the outcome of the election for any candidate oleeled fur of­ fice. Due to the fact that it is im­ possible to determine the number bci- of the ballot missing, this report includes the missing bal­ lot listed as a used ballot. This committee recommends that these used ballots be held 03i hand in the Headquarters Offices as per constitution. It is to be noted that two com­ mittee members' signatures do not appear in the mimeograph­ ed sheets. This is due to the fact that R. Jones shipped beCoro this report was mimeographed in its entirety and L. Salvatcro wasn't present. Their signatures do appear however in reports now held ;..n Headquarters Office. i Fraternally submitted, _ , W. Higgs, 223 Sam Luttrell, 46568 L. Salvatore, 733G ^ R. Hillman, 3188 R. Jones, 22238 I. Miller, 8522 M. Sams, 21386: AWw �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Six m Midland Victory Ciears The Way For An Ail-Out Drive On Lakes CS Friday, January 24, 1947 iJ illiVI J VJm i ; I 13 J \J1 By HENRY W. CHAPPELL mm TOLEDO—Now that the lights group of employees start a union have changed from red to green' after first finding out how wages for seamens' unions, and it has and conditions are on union ships, been proven to the rank and file and then adjusting their wages of the NMU that their union and to a slightly higher scale, and in treasury has been used as a front some instances granting minor for the communist political party,' concessions to the crews, the real sailors union can goj The SIU doesn't expect much ahead and concentrate on our: opposition from this phony LSU, Silence fhis week from,the common enemies the shipowners but is prepared to expect more Branch Agents of thb follow­ and their government agencies, resistance from the men who ing ports: The NLRB has at last certified ^ cannot see through the ruses, and PHILADELPHIA the SIU as the bargaining agent believe the companies give these BOSTON for the Midland Line on the Great ^ conditions out of the goodness of CHARLESTON Lakes. Now Midland seamen can their hearts. HOUSTON enjoy the same working condi­ These men, who are known as NORFOLK tions as other SIU ships have had back riders, are always ready to JACKSONVILLE for years. accept union wages and condi­ MOBILE Contracts ai'e now in negotia­ tions after they have been fought BALTIMORE tion with his line and will be the for, but they are never ready to same as other SIU freight ships give a hand. The deadline for port re­ which are the best of any con­ ports, monies due. etc., is the The SIU Great Lakes district tracts on the Great Lakes. has at last cast off our mooring Monday preceeding publica­ These contracts will be amend­ lines, and while we are going tion. While every effort will ed each year to include any im­ ahead on a slow bell now, this be made to use in the current provements the membership de- spring, when the ships start to issue material received after sires, and any suggestions from gj^ organizers are that date, space commitments the crews will be acted on by the contacting them, we will put her generally do not permit us to negotiating committees. over to full speed ahead and do so. If a crew member has any sug­ steady as she goes. gestions for improvements it is his duty to notify union officials so it can be acted on. NMU EXPOSED Recent developments within the NMU should prove conclu­ sively to the members that they have been governed for years by Union won this election by a By FRED EARNEN a group of politicians who place wide majority, but the NMU re­ their political ambitions above DETROIT — Last September a fused to take this decision, and the memberships desires and in­ bargaining election was held on thereupon filed objections with terests. the seven ships comprising the the National Labor Relations Results of this discovery are entire fleet of the Midland Board. beginning to show already on Steamship Company. The fact that the NMU filed the Lakes as more men are com­ The Seafarers International objections after a fair and square ing into SIU halls each day, in­ election is bad enough, but the quiring about how our Union is vicious lies they used to back up run, and wondering why it took their charges is something that Joe Curran so long to find out will not soon be forgotten by what was happening to his union, Great Lakes seamen. when it was common knowledge Now, after months of delay, to all other interested parties. the NLRB has finally certified It's too early to predict what the SIU as the baigaining agent the company-sponsored Lakes for unlicensed Midland seamen. Seamens Union will attempt to No doubt, the NMU officials will tiy to excuse themselves to Mid­ By J. S. WILLIAMS land seamen for depriving them CORPUS CHRISTI — After a of Union representation by tell­ spurt of business last week, things ing them it was all a mistake and have slowed down pretty much that they are sorry it happened. in this port. That's what they did last Aug­ The only ship tied up here at ust when their attempt to picket present is the Cape Corwin, Bull ships under contract to the SIU line, and she will be leaving soon was broken up at the Bob-Lo for New Orleans where she will dock in Detroit. be delivered to another company. The crew isn't happy about SIU CONTRACTS BEST losing their home, but there isn't With this line under our ban­ much that can be done about it. ner, the Midland seamen will be When we went aboard her to able to see how democratically the pull on the Lakes this spring. settle a few beefs, we found that SIU is run. These freighters will The majority of Lakemen know they were all due to the stupidity enjoy the same privileges, decent that this outfit is no union, and that its leal purpose is to keep of the phony Chief Mate. any union out that wants to put This bird couldn't get it through its oars in when wages, working his head that we have a contract conditions, etc., are to be dis­ with the Bull Line which covers cussed. our men, and the interpretation of that agreement is not for every SEAMEN WISED-UP The company that sponsors bucko mate to decide. this phony set-up still regard TAUGHT CONTRACT sailors as a group of morons who We went l ound and round with, are incapable of thinking for him for awhile convincing him themselves, and will accept any that the rules aboard ship have wages and conditions that they already been laid down and agreed deem sufficient. But those days to by the company and the Un­ are gone forever, and the type of ion; and that no one, even if he man who goes to sea these days does wear a high pressure hat, is demands to be recognized as an going to make up his own rules wages, and Union conditions that important factor ih this great in­ aboard ship. have been enjoyed by SIU con­ dustry. He was finally convinced that This demand can be achieved there were a few things out of tract ships for years. not by individuals, but by the his jurisdiction and we left the Any unbelievers are urged to merging of all seamen in one ship in shipshape condition. look at our contracts and see for body. We expect business to be some­ themselves that we had the 40The shipowners knew this what better next week, and with hour week in 1942 for work years ago. That's why companies it more to report from this Texas during fit-out and lay-up. like Cleveland Cliffs have a port. The Negotiating Committee on NO NEWS?? NMU Develops Sudden Interest In Sun Oil, But Little Too Late By BLACKIE CARDULLO MARCUS HOOK — News has been kind of scarce in the port of Marcus Hook for the past week; however, we will make up for it in this issue. shipping our organizing drive has likewise increased its tempo. Evidently since the NMU lost the Isthmian election, they have changed their tactics of organiz­ ing, or i§ it possible that Joe Now that we have all of the Stack-it has been taught a new tankers in this area to payoff, line by the Communist Party. and due to the fact that there has LINE CHANGE been an increase in the number The NMU's practice used to be of tankers coming out of the to shun the Sun Oil seamen by boneyard, we have been kept calling them scabs, finks, com­ quite busy. pany stooges, and everything foul they could lay their tongue We don't feel sorry about this to. But since the SIU has come increase in business, and our or­ ganizers are busy contacting the into this port, and shown the Sun ships as soon as they come in. Oil seamen what* a real Seamen'.t With the increase in activity of union is like, the NMU has sud­ denly grown awfully concerned with the welfare of the Sun Oil men. Now they are leaning over backwards to be friendly to them, but they are doomed to the same failure in Sun Oil as they were in Isthmian. the Midland contracts is already They are also doomed in City well under way towards getting Service, Tidewater, and all other SIU benefits for Lakes sailors, companies that the SIU is or­ and in the spring those advan­ ganizing, because they have noth­ tages will be a major factor in or­ ing to sell a seamen but over­ ganizing other Lakes sailors and crowded union halls, and overships into the Seafarers. stacked membership, with 20 men for every job. HANDS FULL A few years back the NMU My guess is that Joe Curran tried to organize the Sun Oil and will have his hands full in getting their name stunk. Today it still the NMU out of the communist stinks, only with a much stronger fleabag, the CMU. He will even odor. have trouble in keeping his un­ It runs the same way in Rus­ ion together. sia. Everytime Russia fails in Lakes seamen are wise to the any undertaking off go a lot of phony .setup in the NMU, but heads and a new change takes keep in mind that the Lakes Sea­ place in their line. men's Union, the revised Lakes SOME CHANGES MADE Carriers Association, is still try­ We have been paying off quite ing to knife Lakes seamen. a few Pacific Tankers and have They will probably be contact­ run across a character who is a ing you by mail, but remember company agent for them, by the that this is a company union name of Captain Cole. which employs stooges to act for He is not a bad guy, and yet them in forming an organization, he is not a good guy either. We and that its only purpose is to are going to go to work on him keep a real Union from fighting soon, and he'll be a different man for the men. when we get through. He'll be tipping his hat to the Agent and Patrolman in this port. That is, if he continues to come down here for the payoffs. We wonder where Captain It is the proud boast of the Dyer, his running mate, spends Seafarers International Un­ his evenings when he is away ion that an SIU ship is a clean from home? Question, Captain ship Let's keep it that way. Dyer. Although most of the crews A bit of gossip: Is it romance leave a ship in excellent con­ or trouble betwen our dispatcher dition, it has come to the at­ Bob Pohle and a certain ex-Wac? tention of the membership that a few crews have vio­ NO SALUTE. PLEASE lated this rule. So they have Gur two Wilmington fla.shes gone on record to have all just passed through the port. quarters inspected by the Brothors Chandler and Gordon, Patrolman before the payoff, we mean, and they are still and if the conditions are un­ aboard the SS Carlsbad. Wc satisfactory. he has the right wonder whether Gordon has his to hold up the payoff until alimony paid up s^et? As for you everything is spic and span. Bosun Chandler, the ordinary j Remember that the Patrol­ seamen don't have to salute you man can only have repairs coming on and going off watch made if he knows what has . . . don't do it Mike. to be done. Cooperate by Will the joker whom I saved making up a repair list be­ from going on the rock pile for fore the ship docks. Give one 30 days be kind enough to send copy to the Skipper, and one me the money it cost me, so that to the Patrolman. Then you'll I can get the next guy out. see' some action. P. S. to Pat from New Orleans: Guess who is doing my typing? SIU Certified As Bargaining Agent In Midland; NLRB Throws Out Usual Vicious Protest Of NMU Mate Discovers He Must Follow SIU Contract Keep it Clean! �Friday, January 24, 1947 THE SEAFARERS L aC TALKING OVER SIU ORGANIZING PROBLEMS Page Seven Plenty Of Ships Hit New York But They Are All In Transit By JOE ALGINA NEW YORK—This port is like wise tankers for organizational the old maid in the song who was purposes. always a bridesmaid, but never a When we start getting calls bride. for men to crev/ ships, then we Every day we see plenty of will all be happy in this Branch; ships come into the port of New that is if Congress doesn't figure York, and after we service them out a new way to put a straighthere, the ships take off for Phil­ jacket on merchant seamen. adelphia or Baltimore for final discharge. The crew of the SS American Now don't get the idea that we mind that. That's not it at all; we would just like to have some pay­ offs and sign-ons in this port for a change. Seated around a conference table in the Organizers' Headquarters at the New York Hall are (left to right): Johnny Ward, Blackie Cardullo. Lindsey Williams. Bob Pohla and A1 Kerr. They all hold various positions on the Seafarers organizational staff, and are discussing mutual problems encountered in their day-to-day activities. MidiandContract Will Be The Best Organizing Aid By EINAR NORDAAS Bill Higgs Shipping has taken an awful slump since our last bragging column, and last week was the poorest week in many a month. We are keeping our spirits up, and hoping that better days and weeks are in store. STRICTLY ON BALL One thing about" ships in tran­ sit— they keep the Patrolmen hopping. New York Patrolmen have been hitting the ships that come in here just to visit, and they are also bu.sy contacting the coast- Press contributed $27.00 to the hospital fund. Most SIU crews are generous to their Brothers who are laid up in the various marine h'ospitals—some of them for long periods of time. But true unionism is more than wages and conditions—and that is the SIU way. Heavy Fog Halts All Shipping in Port Arthur PORT ARTHUR—Four days of DULUTH — Though things are Bill Higgs, Chief Steward very bad weather have brought at a standstill up here in the comes from a long family of sea­ the movement of vessels in this frozen north, the seamen around faring men, and he is carrying area almost to a standstill. At here still manage to come down on the traditions of his family least 17 ships last night were atto the Hall to inquire how things Bill started .sailing in 1935, and anchor off Sabine Bar, awaiting has been following the sea ever are shaping up on the Lakes. the lifting of one of the most Well, this week wc have good since. severe fogs in years before vcnnews to pass on to them, as we In the days when he first start­ turing into the ports in the Sa­ By R. W. SWEENEY were notified that the SIU has ed, conditions were pretty bad bine district. GALVESTON—Well, the holi­ •been recognized by the NLRB as Some of the men used to bring As a result, sailings of ships days are over and the boys have the bargaining agent for the Mid­ their own canned food aboard to from ports within the district are all started coming back to Gal­ land Company. supplement the meager feeding. being handicapped becairse of the veston to ship out. During the Now that we have these ships, "Those days were plenty bad," fog. The oldtimers around here holidays we were short of all we will soon have them in SIU- Bill recalls. "We couldn't do any­ say it is the worst fog since 19.38, ratings, but now shipping has shape, and they will be floating thing with the owners, and so it when a heavy fog kept all ship­ slowed down and this port is examples of real unionism to all became obvious that the union ping at a .standstill for five days. somewhat normal again. unorganized seamen on the Lakes. was the only solution to seamen's SOUP IS THICK The ,STU won this company problems." WATERMANS IN through the efforts of the men The fog is so bad that ships are We are having several Water­ That's why, when the SIU was who work the Midland ships, and afraid to move through the canal man ships hitting here while in organized. Bill Higgs was one of they will be our best salesmen i to docks, and ships tied up at for unionism to the other unor­ the first men to join. That's why Beef, he was on the beach in New transit from Mobile to load grain, [ municipal docks are not receivbut there are very few replace­ ganized seamen when we install Bill has been in the forefront of York, where he took part in the I ing cargo. When that happens, ments needed. We still have the SIU procedure aboard the practically all the action that the move that drove the communists ' some of the tankers in, but not you can guess how thick the soup SIU has participated in during ships. is here. off the New York docks. as many as before. These seamen recognized the if s experience. Right now we have riding at Later he was assigned to the I would like to remind any NMU for the bungling outfit it is ACTION STARTS anchor 17 ships and 6 more are Bisso Tug Beef in New Orleans, ' member who signs on a ship in and chose the only Union on the He wasn't in the Union very expected in the next few days. lakes with a solid trade union long before he was taking part, and tlie Fen-y Strike in Norfolk. j one port on foreign articles and When the Seafarers General I goes to another, that unless the I foundation. They will have no in the P&O Strike in Tampa, Strike came off. Brother Higgs ! man and the Master can come regrets. Florida. He was in charge of the A great deal of credit should stewpot, and also collected money was an Area Commander and to a mutual agreement to pay him off, there is very little any also be given to Joe Shima, who, from incoming ships to buy food. then stood special picket duty. Patrolman or Agent can do about for awhile, gave me a hand in LAKES NEXT After that he was in the Seait. this port last fall. He was tire­ Bill has sailed on many unor­ less in his efforts to convince train Strike in New Orleans, in An another thing—I think all Midland men that the SIU was 1938. This was a hot time for all ganized ships during the course members should be informed that the only union that is interested concerned, and Bill was right in of the many organizing drives ' when one man pays off under undertaken by the SIU. In the the thick of everything. in seamen's welfare. mustual consent, that does not Spring he expects to go up to the I hear that Joe went to the When there was no trouble Great Lakes to aid in the SIU break the articles for the bal­ coast after shipping ended here brewing. Bill sailed on ships to all ance of the crew. drive in that area. last fall. Wherever he is I'm corners of the earth. And during If there is any doubt in your "I've seen the whole water­ mind sure he will be in there plugging the war he sailed on ships that regarding this, please front change in the ten years that check with the Agent of your for the SIU. carried supplies to Europe. We're really going to have oui' Now that the NMU is falling j He was in the first convoy that I have been sailing," Bill says. port. hands full when they all scramble apart and trying to rid itself of Antwerp after the Bat- "In the past, the sea was the last for berths at once, and all start OLDTIMERS AROUND the communist-dominated CMU, ^he Bulge, and he still re- refuge for bums, and guys who Lately we have had several calling for Patrolmen. the rank and file of that outfit j^e^b^rs the buzz bombs that couldn't get jobs ashore. Now oldtimers in here. Brother H. J. Many of these ships are un­ can see for themselves that they hurtling out of the air with- that has all changed. Through Unions, .seamen now enjoy the Collins paid off the Council Crest organized and we're waiting have been played for suckers all warning dignity that other workers are in Texas City recently, and the eagerly for them to tie-up so we along by a few ranking officials, ' MOCT CTTMW ship left here in A-1 shape with can get aboard. This port is real­ who have proven that they are ALMObi bUKK. receiving." plenty of stores and everything ly booming and with this flood only interested in promoting. the i That, however, was not his What Brother Higgs says is properly stored. of ships we can keep our or­ CP line. By their tactic these experience with the enemy. absolutely true. And it is through ganizers busy contacting them officials have demonstrated that Sub attacks marked practically the Vork of men like him that Just a word about the slopthe seamen were secondary to every crossing, and when he was the SIU has been able to make chests: Brothers, remember to and squaring things away. their interests and efforts. aboai'd the Walter M. Christian- the strides forward that have check your slopchest before you In my last report to the Log When Union conditions are no- sen, American Range Liberty benefitted all seamen. sign on, because aftei- your name I mentioned that there were ru­ ticsd by the men who sail unor- Lines, the ship hit a mine, and is on those Articles it is a hell of mors that J. M. "Windy" Walsh ganized ships, they will want the almost went down. No lives were a lot harder to get what you want was about to get spliced. Having same. So, through the united lost, but three other ships in the than it would be had you not just received a letter from him, efforts of the SIU men on the convoy were sent to the bottom. signed on. I find that he has shipped to GerLakes we will give them the With the end of the war. Bill Whenever you are in a port manj'. He'll be back in nine or Union representation they want did not forget the militancy that where there is a Hall, drop ten weeks, so he might take up and make the Great Lakes solid had marked all his years in the around—you may see and hear where he left off and get spliced for the SIU. Union. During the Longshore something new. after all. Galveston Goes Back To Normal After Holiday I# �Friday, January 24, 1947 TBE SEAFARERS LOG Page Bghl AGREEMENT •Bettveen Seafarers International Union Of North America —And Eastern Steamship Lines, Inc. Supplement Agreement to Agreement dated October 23 1946, between Eastern Steamship Lines, Inc., ana the Seafarers' International Union of North-America. GENERAL RULES Employment. The Company agrees that only mem­ bers of the Union shall be employed in all unlicensed personnel ratings on their Passenger vessels or Anierican Flag Passenger vessels taken over on bareboat charter, with the exception of the following: Cadets, Super-Cargo, Pursers, Doctors, Concessionaires, and female employees other than Stewardesses and Wait­ resses. Except as provided herein, all other provisions of the General Rules of the agreement shall apply. DECK DEPARTMENT Special Working Rules and Wages for certain ratings in the Deck Department of the SS YARMOUTH AND EVANGELINE type passenger vessels. Monthly Wages Boatswain (Yarmouth and Evangeline type passenger vessel) $225.00 Carpenter (Yarmouth and Evangeline type passenger vessel) 225.00 Boatswain's Mate (Yarmouth and Evangeline type passenger vessel) 205.00 Section 1. Boatswain's Mate and Night AB Main­ tenance Men: (a) Off-Shore Service: (1) While at sea, and in port when watches are not broken, their regular working hours shall be from 3 A.M. to 11 A.M., Monday through Friday with an unbroken hour for breakfast from 7 A.M. to 8 A.M. and from 3 A.M. to 7 A.M. on Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays. Overtime to be paid for all hours worked at sea on Sundays and Holidays, and on Saturday, Sunday and Holidays in port. (2) Between 3 A.M. and 7 A.M., their work shall be confined to general cleaning, such as cleaning paint work, barberizing, sweeping and washing down decks, washing windows, polishing brass and wiping rails. They shall not be required to scrub or barberize boat covers, awnings or canvas weather screens, or do gen- eral sougeeing or painting between 3 A.M. and 7 A.M. without the payment of overtime. (3) In all ports where stay of vessel will exceed twen­ ty-four (24) hours, the above ratings shall work the same hours as provided for other unlicensed deck per­ sonnel on day work. (b) Overnight Service: (1) The hours of work for the above mentioned ratings shall be as set forth in Article 3, Section 6 of the Deck Department Working Rules. Section 2. Watchmen's Duties: (a) Watdimen shall stand watches of eight (8) hours on and sixteen (16) hours off and shall be required to make regular rounds of watchmen's key stations and puxich clocks; they may also be required to stand gang­ way watches in port and while on gangway watch they shall only be required to raise or lower gangway, tend gangway lights, and man ropes. (b) Watchmen shall be paid overtime for all watches stood on Sundays at sea. Watchmen shall receive over­ time for all watches stood on Saturday, Sunday, and Holidays in port. (c) Watchmen shall not be required to perform duties normally under the jurisdiction of a Master-At-Arms. Where no Master-at-Arms is carried, his duties shall not be delegated to other members of the Deck Department. (d) Any work performed by Watchmen other than their regular and accepted duties shall be paid for at the regular overtime rate. Section 3. Quartermaster's Duties: (a) \^ile on watch the Quartermaster shall not be required to leave the wheelhouse or navigation bridge for any purpose unless relieved by another Quarter­ master or by an Able Seaman. The sending of the Quartei-master on watch for tools or supplies or for the purpose of carrying messages shall not be deemed an adequate reason for his leaving the bridge or wheelhouse without proper relief. (b) Quartermaster shall be relieved thirty (30) min­ utes during each watch for coffee by one of the AB's on his watch. However, the AB shall not receive any extra compensation for such relief. In port Quarter­ masters may be required to stand gangway watches without payment of overtime except on Saturdays, Sun­ day, and Holidays. (c) The Quartermaster shall be responsible for the rigging of the flags upon arrival or departure of the vessel from any port. Other members of the Deck De­ partment shall not be utilized for this purpose except when ship is being dressed. Section 4. Sanitary Work: In overnight seiwices the watch on deck shall perform sanitary work week days between 6 A.M. and 8 A.M. without overtime. Sanitary work shall mean sweeping down bridge deck, boat deck, and passenger decks only. However, the watch on deck between 5 P.M. and 8 A.M. shall be required to wipe off rails on passenger decks, and fold and lash chairs in event the vessel runs aground or encounters heavy weather or rain without the payment of overtime. This shall not include folding and lashing of chairs in order to clear decks before arrival in port. The customary cleaning and washing of the wheelhouse, chart room, and bridge deck shall be performed between 8 A.M. and 5 P.M. Except as provided herein, all other provisions of the Deck Department, Working Rules of the Agreement shall apply." ENGINE DEPARTMENT Special working rules to cover certain ratings in the Engine Department on Twin Screw, Yarmouth, and Evangeline type passenger vessels. Except as provided herein, all other rules of the Engine Department Work­ ing Rules of the Agreement shall apply. Section 1. Donkey Watches. (Off-Shore Trade and Overnight Runs): (a) When the vessel is in port, as defined in port time clause. Article II, Section 20, and sea watches are broken, watertenders shall be put on Donkey Watches in the fireroom for the purpose of keeping steam for the auxiliaries. Three oilers shall be assigned to stand Donkey Watches in the Engine Room for the purpose of taking care of auxiliaries. The other three oilers shall be put on day work. These Donkey Watches shall be stood without the payment of overtime Monday through Friday. For such watches stood on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, both the watertender and the oiler shall be paid at the regular overtime rate of pay. (b) When sea watches are broken at any time and two or more boilers are cut in, a Fireman shall be as­ signed to the Donkey Watch with the watertender in the fireroom. Section 2. Duties of Firemen at Sea. (a) Firemen shall perform routine duties, clean burners, clean strain­ ers, clean didp pans, punch carbon, keep steam, watch fuel oil pressure and temperature. (b) On all watches he shall clean up excess oil oc­ casioned by cleaning burners and strainers without the payment of overtime, and shall leave the fireroom at the end of the watch in a safe condition. (c) Firemen on watch shall be required to keep their respective stations cleaned between the lowest grating and the floor plates. On vessels with irregular gratings, ten (10) feet from the floor plates shall be considered the fireman's station limit. Cleaning work for fire­ men on watch shall be confined to the hours between 8 A.M. and 5 P.M. week days and between 8 A.M. and 12 Noon on Saturdays. Firemen on sea watch shall not be required to do any painting, wirebrushing, chipping, or scaling without the payment of overtime. Section 3. Firemen—In Port—Sea Watches. When a vessel is in port as defined in port time clause, Ar­ ticle 2, Section,20, and sea watches are maintained, the firemen shall work as follows: (a) When only one boiler is being used to maintain steam, both firemen on the watch may be required to do repair work on boiler auxiliaries and boiler mounts in the fireroom between the hours of 8 A.M. and 5 P.M. Monday through Friday. (b) When either two or three boilers are cut in and being used, one fireman shall assist the Watertender in maintaining steam and one Fireman may be required to do repair work on boiler auxiliaries and boiler mounts in the Fireroom between the hours of 8 A.M. and 5 P.M. Monday thi'ough Friday. (C) When all four boilers are cut in and are being used, both Firemen on the watch shall assist the Watertender in maintaining steam and they shall not be re­ quired to do repair work. (d) Any repair work other than that provided for under this Section, or outside the hours provided for under this section, shall be paid for at the overtime rate of pay. Section 4. Firemen—In Port—Day Work, (a) In Poi't, when seawatches are broken and Firemen have been put on day work, their working hours shall be the same as those for day workers. (b) In port. Firemen on day work may be required to do general cleaning, polishing, and painting work in the fireroom, sponging and blowing tubes, and assist the engineer in making repairs to boiler mounts and boiler auxiliaiies in the fireroom. (c) When firemen are required to enter boilers or fire boxes for the purpose of cleaning or making re­ pairs therein, they shall be paid for this work at the oj regular overtime rate. STEWARDS DEPARTMENT Working Rules Section 1. Routine Duties, (a) Routine duties for the members of the Stewards Department shall be to ; prepare and serve regular meals, cleaning and mainten­ ance of licensed officers, staff officers, chief stewards, and passengei's' quarters, dining rooms and messrooms, ij all enclosed passageways, smoking and lounge rooms,! dance hall, bath rooms, toilets, galleys, pantries, and all ; departmental equipment. (b) When dock porters are not employed to handle passengers' hand baggage, members of the Stewards Department shall carry such baggage from dock en­ trance to staterooms when embarking passengers. \ When disembarking passengers, they shall carry hand j baggage from rooms to Customs Inspection section on dock. i �THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday. Janixary 24, 1947 Section 2. Selection of Personnel, (a) Recognizing the fact that the following are essential to the welfare of the passengers the Union agrees that the Company may select men for the following ratings ele and• employ ' from those members of the Union who are available, provided such men are suitable to the Company. The Company shall be the sole judge of the man's compe­ tence. The Company agrees to make every reasonable effort to obtain suitable men from within the member­ ship of the Union, and if such men are not available from among the Union membership, the Union a^ees that the Company may secure men for those ratings from any source. Men so selected may remain in the employ of the Company provided that they are ac­ ceptable to and become members of the Union. The penalty provided in Article 1, Section 3 of the General Rules shall not be applicable to this section. Chief Steward Head Waiter Chief Baker Ass't Chief Steward Head Cafe Man Cashier 2nd Steward Storekeeper * Checker 3rd Steward Chief Cook (b) The Company agrees to select all other unli­ censed personnel in the Stewards Department through the offices of the Union. Section 3. Overtime Work, (a) All work performed on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays in port, and Sun­ days and holidays at sea shall be paid at the overtime rate. (b) (Overnight Services.) On days when vessels ar­ rive and sail the same day, the hours of work shall be eight hours within a spread of sixteen hours. All work in excess of eight hours within a spread of six­ teen hours shall be paid for at the regular overtime rate. All worjt outside of a spread of sixteen hours shall be paid for at the rate of overtime and one-half. (c) On days when ship does not arrive and sail the same day, the hours of work shall be eight hours with­ in a spread of twelve hours. Any work in excess of eight hours or in excess of the spread of twelve hours shall be paid for at the regular overtime rate. (d) (Off-Shore Services.) The hours of work shall be eight hours in a spread of fourteen hours. Any work in excess of eight hours or outside the spread of four*teen hours shall be paid for at the regular overtime rate. (e) At all times, members of the Stewards Depart­ ment assigned for the exclusive service of the crew shall perform their regular duties between the hours of b;dO A.M. and 6:30 P.M. Section 4. Saloon Service and Bell Service, (a) The Master, Licensed Officers, Staff Officers, Cruise Direc­ tor, Chief Steward, Beauticians, and Musicians shall be served in the dining saloon. One messman shall be assigned to serve the officers' table when .in the dining saloon but shall not be required to serve passengers. (b) Bell service shall be rendered to the Master, Chief Engineer, Doctor, Purser, Cruise Director, Chief Steward, Second Steward, and Purser's office. (c) No member of the Stewards Department shall be required to serve meals to officers or crew lexcept those entitled to dining saloon service as provided in Section 4 Paragraph (a) J outside their respective messrooms, without the payment of overtime. This section shall not be construed to apply to passengers -or unlicensed personnel served during regular working hours on .ac­ count of illness. Section 5. Late Meals, (a) When members of the Stewards Department are required to serve late meals due to officers failure to cat within the prescribed time, the members of the Stewards Department actually re­ quired to stand by to prepare and serve the late meal shall be paid at the regular overtime rate. (b) The above shall not be construed to apply when meal hours are shifted in accordance with Section 37, Paragraph (c), Ai'ticle 2, of this agreement. Section 6. Extra Meals, (a) When meals are served to other than officers or crew in the messrooms, fifty cents ((50c) per meal shall be paid. This is to be di­ vided among the members of the Stewards Department actually engaged in preparing and serving the meals. No extra meals shall be served without the authority of the Master of the Chief Steward of the vessel. (b) In off-shore service, all meals served in vessel's dining saloon other than to passengers, vessel personnel listed in Section 4 (a), Company executives, or Gov­ ernment officials, shall be paid for at the rate of fifty cents (50c) per meal served, to be paid to the waiter actually serving the meals. However, guests may be served'during the regular eight (8) hours without extra compensation when the combined total of passengers on board and guests does not exceed 380 persons on the "YARMOUTH" and "EVANGELINE" type vessels. and waiters and bedroom stewards on day work when full passenger complement is not carried, shall be paid overtime when required to sougee; however, spotting up shall be performed within the regular 8 hours with­ out the payment of overtime. Section 11. Shifting Ship. When a ship is making a shift as prescribed in this agreement. Article 11, Sec­ tion 21, it shall be considered in port and overtime shall be paid to members of the Stewards Department on duty on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. Section 12. Required Complement, (a) When mem­ bers of the Stewards Department are required to do extra work because a vessel sailed without the full complement required by this agreement or because of illness or injury, the wages of the missing or disabled men shall be divided among the men who do their work, but no overtime shall be included in such wages. This shall not apply when extra work is not necessary due to the fact that the number of passengers carried does not require the services of the full Stewards De­ partment complement. (b) In port, members of the Stewards Department shall be paid overtime for work in excess of eight hours caused by the shortage in the department, but there shall be no division of wages because of such shortage. Section 13. Galley Gear and Uniforms, (a) The Com­ pany shall furnish all tools for the galley including knives for the cook. White caps, aprons, and coats worn by the Stewards Department shall be furnished and laundered by the Company. (b) The uniforms worn by the Stewardesses shall be furnished and laundered by the Company. Section 14. Fireroom, etc. Members of the Stewards Department shall not be required to enter the Engine Room or Fiieroom for any purpose. Section 15. Minimum Complement, (a) No member of the Stewards Department shall be laid off Sundays or holidays while at sea. (b) On ships arriving or sailing on Saturdays, over­ time shall be paid to members of the Stewards Depart­ ment for hours actually worked in port. (c) When the ship is in port and no passengers are aboard but officers and crew are eating aboar-d, the minimum Stewards Department required aboard on Saturaays, Sundays, and holidays for the purpose of preparing and serving meals shall be one cook, one crew, cook, one galley utility, five messmen, and one dining room man. The above members of the Stew­ ards Department shall be required to do all cooking and serving the officers and crew in port. Other members of the Stewards Department whose service is not required by the Company shall not be turned to on Satur­ days, bundays or holidays in any continental U. S. port. Section 16. Cleaning Toilets. No member of the Stewards Department who is required to handle food fur the unlicensed personnel siiall be required to clean toilets or baths. Sectibn 17. Day Work, (a) When the full comple­ ment of the Stewards Department is carried and the passenger complement aboard ship does not requue full Stewards Department service, members of the Stew­ ards Department not required for the service of the passengers may be placed on day work and shall be subject to the following working rules: (b) When members of the Stewards Department ai'e on day work, they may be required to work in store­ rooms, linen lockers, toilets, passenger and officer quar­ ters, messrooms, galleys, bake shops, and butcher shops, steward department passageways, and do general clean­ ing, including sougeeing, within their regular hours without the payment of overtime. (c) When members of the Stewards Department are on day work their hours shall be from 8 A.M. to 12 Noon and from 1 P.M. to 5 P.M. Mondays through Fri­ days. (d) When members of the Stewards Department are on day woi'k they shall receive one full hour from 12 Noon to 1 P.M. for lunch. (e) When any members of the Stewards Department on day work are required to change their hours so as to serve visitors, parties other than passengers, in the dining saloon, they shall be knocked off their day work at least four hours prior to the time of beginning such service or shall be paid at the regular overtime rate for all work performed outside of their regular day work schedule. Section 18. Penally work. Any work performed by the Stewards Department that is not recognized as routine duties in this agreement shall be paid at the regular overtime rate. (c) When in overnight service dining room men shall serve a total of 12 extra meals to Company officials or employees, guests, or Government officials within their 8 hours without extra compensation. Meals in excess of 12 shall be compensated for to the man serving same by payment of fifty cents (50c) per "extra" meal served. Section 19. Authority of Chief Steward. Nothing in these working rules shall be deemed to detract from the authority of the Chief Steward who shall be final au­ thority aboard the vessel in all disputes in the Stewards Department, subject to the provisions of Article 11, Section 9 of this agreement. Section 7. Stores and Linen. Members of the Stew­ ards Department shall not be required to carry stores or linen to or from the dock, but when stores or linen are delivered aboard the ship, members of the Stew­ ards Department may place them in their respective store rooms within their regular prescribed eight hours without the payment of overtime. Section 20. The working rules for the Stewai-d De­ partment, as outlined herein, are applicable to Pas­ senger vessels of the SS YARMOUTH and EVANGE­ LINE type only. Section 8. Cleaning Chill Boxes. Members of the Stewards Department shall be assigned by the Steward to clean domestic refrigerated walk-in boxes and shall be paid at the regular overtime rate for the time that the work is perfoimcd. This shall not apply to re­ frigerators in pantries, messrooms, bake shops, etc. Section 9. Chipping and Painting. Members of the Stewards Department shall not be required to chip, scale, .or paint. Section 10. Sougeeing. At sea, members of the Stewards Department, other than Porters, Utility men. Page Nine Manning and Wage Scale Overnight Service Number 1 1 1 1 1 1 Rating Chief Steward Ass't Chief Steward Second Steward Third Steward Cashier Checker Monthly Wage Rate $325.00 225.00 220.00 185.00 175.00 170.00 3 22 Telephone Operators Linen Keeper Head Cafe Man Service Bar Man Cafe Waiter Chief Cook Second Cook Third. Cook Fourth Cook Assistant Cook Crev/ Cook : Galley Utilitymen Butcher Baker .-. Head Pantryman Second Pantryman Pantry Utilitymen Messmen Gloryhole Steward Porters Stewardess Deck Steward (when carried) Office Man Bath Steward Night Bellman Bellmen Head Waiter Captain's Waiter Dining Room men Waiters—Bedroom Stewards 150.00 165.00 182.50 172.50 150.00 260.00 220.00 195.00 180.00 175.00 205.00 150.00 222.75 250.00 195.00 180.00 150.00 150.00 150.00 152.50 175.00 155.00 150.00 150.00 150.00 150.00 205.00 150.00 150.00 150.00 Manning and Wage Scale Off-Sbore Service Number Rating Monthly Wage Rate j 1 Chief Steward $325.00 1 Ass't Chief Steward 225.00 1 Second Steward 220.00 1 Third Steward 185.00 1 Storekeeper 195.00 1 • "Printer-Porter 152.50 1 Deck Steward 155.00 1 Ass't Deck Steward (when carried) .... 150.00 2 Bath Stewards 150.00 1 Stewardess 175.00 1 A.ss't Stewardess 150.00 1 Gloryhole Steward 150.00 2 Officers' Bedroom Stewards 150.00 3 Porters (Two to work nights) 152.50 1 Linen Keeper 165.00 3 Telephone Operators 150.00 1 Night Bellman .' 150.00 3 Bellmen 150.00 1 Head Cafe Man 182.50 1 Service Bar Man 172.50 2 Cafe Waiters 150.00 1 Chief Cook 260.00 1 Second Cook 220.00 1 Third Cook 195.00 1 Fourth Cook 180.00 3 Ass't Cooks (one to work nights) 175.00 1 Chief Butcher 222.75 1 Second Butcher 190.00 1 Chief Baker 250.001 Second Baker 211.25 1 Crew Cook 205.00 4 Galley Utilities 150.00 5 Messmen 150.00 1 Chief Pantryman 195.00 1 Second Pantryman 180.00 1 Third Pantryman 170.00 6 Pantry Utilities 150.00 1 Head Waiter 205.00 1 Captain's Waiter 150.00 18 Dining Room Waiters 150.00 17 Bedroom Stewards 150.00 'This rating is only to be carried on the cruise run. The number of bedroom stewards in this Manning Scale is based on the occupancy of 170-186 bedrooms.] Wlien the number of rooms in use is less than 170, the number of bedroom stewards may be reduced by the ratio of one (1) bedroom steward for each ten (10) rooms. If the number of bedrooms exceeds 186. one (1) bedroom steward shall be added for each ten (10)| rooms or fractional part thereof. This manning scale is based on a maximum, of SBC passengers. When less than 300 passengers are carriedJ the number of waiters may be reduced by the ratio one (1) waiter for each twenty (20) passengers. This supplement agreement is being signed subject] to the ratification of the membership of the Unioi.i and in case no notice is given the Company withiiJ thirty (30) days from January 17, 1947, it shall bJ deemed ratified by the Union and binding on botl,| parties hereto. This supplement agreement shall automatically gc| into effect on January 17. 1947. Dated:—January 17. 1947 EASTERN STEAIMSHIP LINES. INC. Signed by: T. W. NORTON L. A. PARKS SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Signed by: JOHN HAWK J. P. SHULER ROBT. A MATTHEWS PAUL HALL �Page Ten • THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, Januivy 24; 1947 SBVS' MINUTES AND NEWS SIU Makes Short Shrift Of Chief Eng. A problem that might have proved a difficult affair aboard a non-Union ship was swept aside in clean SIU fashion by the En­ gine Delegate aboard the SS L. J. Duster. More accurately the problem was the Chief Engineer. The Delegate who set him straight was Seafarer Donald Short, Deck Engineer. The point at issue was overtime. Here's the story, as culled from a recent set of the ship's minutes: It sems the Chief had some pecular notion concerning over­ time. He made some shelves in the steering-engine room — did it all by himself, too. When the Wipers put in for overtime, the Chief, very firmly, said no. . The Wipers, who know the advantages of Union protection against such incursions, went to their department Delegate, Bro­ ther Short. The Black Gang Del­ egate, in turn, saw the Chief Engineer. A discussion followed. When it v/as over, the Chief understood that his tactic was ; wrong and didn't hold water. ) But the engineering officer wasn't one to give up after the first try. He next tried to get one of the Wipers, Brother King, to work on Saturday evening be­ cause he had missed three days work on account of a leg injury. Delegate Short set him straight on that one, too. The Union men held the line all along the way. Sounds like a good Short Story. Cooperation Sparks The Newhall Hills Photo at left shows crowd gathered at dock in Hamilton. Bermuda, awaiting debarka­ tion of the Alcoa vessel's pas­ sengers. At right is a view from the ship's bridge, as the vessel was tied up. Fort Townsend lies in the background. Due to continued heavy de­ mand for passenger accommo­ dations, Alcoa has extended the George Washington's weekly rim to Bermuda until April. The run, which began last July, was to have been suspended on Jan. I. Passenger capacity was reduced recently from 270 berths to provide more tworoom berths. The Washington leaves New York on Saturdays and returns on Thursdays. Posing on deck are three Seafarers: (lefl lo right) George Tazzini, Joe Hilton and Deck DelegaJe Stanley Brown. Cooperation is the keynote aboard' the Newhall Hills, Pa­ cific Tankers' according to the minutes submitted by Brother D. Burback, who recorded the pro­ ceedings at the shipboard meet­ ings. Brother Burback, in giving the dope as to what took place at two shipboard meetings, stressed the cooperation received from Captain Lenahan, who attended the Good and Welfare part of the meetings. At the meeting of Nov. 2, the crew invited the Master to sit • in on the last part of the session, at whioh time he agreed to the painting of the quarters as per Brother Brown models the latest in sea-going headgear. All photos were taken by Stanley Hunt. Four Seafarers Injured On Coastal Mariner Mississippi Four Seafarers were injured, three of them seriously, [in an accident aboard the MV Coastal Mariner, at sea, on Jan. 1. The three with serious injuries are in a Norfolk hospital, where they were rushed after being transferred £ from the Mariner to ^ Coast*' Guard cutter off the Virginia pital, and replacements for them taken on. 1 sbore. Meanwhile, the Mariner's Cap­ The accident occurred at night tain, radioed the Coast Guard to las the Deck Gang was stowing have a vessel ready in the stream [lines in the forward part of the to lend aid. I ship, according to R. L. McKenHeavy fog impeded the Mar­ [zie, a Coastal Mariner crewmem- iner's progress and she arrived fber. The •victims of the accident, [who were hospitalized, and the [injuries they sustained, are as 1follows: The violent storms that have FITTS, ROY, an AB of Tyn- plagued trans-Atlantic shipping jingville, Miss.; broken arm and for 10 days appeared to be sub­ [back injuries. BURGOS, JUAN, an OS, of siding last week end. Heavy fog iTajapo, P. R.; broken leg and that further hampered ship I back injuries. movements had lifted and opera­ McNEEI.Y, JAMES, Deck tions began to approach normal. )ept., address unavailable; both For the entire ten-day period, piegs broken. ships plying the North Atlantic Pedro Erazo, the Coastal Mar- lanes were buffeted about on the liner's Bosun, suffered minor in­ storm-swept seas. Crews of bat­ juries in the mishap but did not tered vessels arriving in East require hospitalization. coast ports from one to four days Irnmediately after the accident, late, reported that they encoun­ le vessel, which was on a south­ tered waves 50 to 60 feet high ern run, headed for Norfolk, the at the peak of the storm. Winds learest port, so that the injured of hurricane proportions added to en could be transferred to a hos- | the hazards. off Norfolk five hours late. The cutter likewise had difficulty making the rendezvous, due to the poor visibility, McKenzie re­ ports. The Mariner dropped an­ chor and waited for the cutter to arrive. Tv/o hours later, McKenzie said, the cutter came alongside the Mariner and removed the in­ jured Seafarers. She headed for port, while the Mariner resumed her course. Gets Subsidy For New Run The Mississippi Shipping Com­ pany has been granted a subsidy by the Maritime Commission for service between Gulf ports and ports on the West African coast from the southern border of French Morrocco to Cape Frio. Severe Storm Abates In North Atlantic In addition to the delays in ship arrivals, postponements in the sailing time of numerous ves­ sels were announced as a result of the heavy fog in New York harbor. TRAWLER MISSING Late reports said that the search continues for the Boston fishing trawler, Belle, unheard from since Jan. 9, when she radioed that her engines were disabled 100 rniles off Boston. Eight planes have joined the Coast Guard cutter combing the Cape Cod area for the missing ves­ sel, vyhich has a 17-man crew. Another storm, casualty, the [Hi British tanker Fousularca, has not been heard from since her report on Jan. 15 that she was un­ able to steer because of rudder damage. The Empire McCallUm, a British freighter, was believed to be in somewhere near the stricken tanker, approximately 300 miles east of St. John's, Nfld. A Canadian freighter, original­ ly reported to be breaking up in a storm off Argentia, Nfld., is now heading south for Bermuda. Aided by following seas, the freighter was proceeding at seven knots. Veterans of North Atlantic crossings said that the storm was the worst within memory. crew vote. For his cooperation the crew gave him a vote of thanks. At the next meeting, held Dec. 8, the Captain was again invited, and gave his okay to have a washing machine installed in the gun crew quarters head. This time it was the Captain who did the praising. He rose and gave the crew a vote of thanks for their cooperation. The amiable relations between Captain Lenahan and the SIU crew aboard has its assets for the ship's delegates at both meetings reported no beefs in their respec­ tive departments. The meetings were chaired by Brother Shea. According to the terms of the subsidy, a minimum of 12 sail­ ings a year must be made to the ports specified. The commission's approval of the Mississippi outfit's request for an operating differential sub­ sidy was granted under the Mer­ chant Marine Act of 1936. The Government financial aid is given to enable American ship­ ping companies to meet lower-' cost foreign competition. A subsidy was granted also to the American South African Line for a service out of Atlantic ports to the West Coast of Africa. An application from Seas Shipping, Inc. for a subsidy to operate over the same route was denied. The commission, in explaining the rejection of the Seas Ship­ ping application, said a survey of traffic potentialities indicated that movements from Atlantic ports are not yet in sufficient volume to warrant subsidies to two operators. �Friday, January 24, 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Eleven Digested Minutes Of SlU Ship Meetings X' »rl ARGONAUT, Dec. 8—Chair­ man L. Mesuiey; Secretary J. Evga. Motion carried to dele­ gate one man to secure new books for library. Motion car­ ried to fine anyone abusing pantry toaster. Motion carried to fine anyone leaving dirty cups on messhall tables; wear­ ing dirty clothes into messhall; defacing messroom in any way. Fine agreed upon to be 50c min­ imum, with money to go to the hospital fund. Good and Wel­ fare: There was a question on the floor as to whether there is adequate linen aboard. Stew­ ard said there is enough linen and soap. » » » Morsels Make Meeting Mellow —'ir'i- A proposal made at the Jan. 8 shipboard meeting of the Cape Hatteras had the men on the night watch patting their stom­ achs and nodding their heads af­ firmatively. Brothcfr Rodriguez suggested that the meats and other choice morsels left over from day meals be added to the night lunches. All hands and all stomachs in­ dicated that Rodriguez' sugges­ tion was well put. Several other proposals were introduced to improve conditions on the Hatteras were made at the meeting. Among these were; That no one help themself to food as there is a Pantryman for that purpose. That cups be put in the sink after use. Brother Santiago was chair­ man of the meeting, and Obbregt served as Secretary. X. X i. NEWHALL HILLS, Nov. 2 —Chairman Burbach; Chair­ man Young. Delegates reported everything running smoothly. New Business: Captain's orders read regarding linen, cleanliness of heads and occupedion of pro­ per quarters. Motion carried that messhall decks be swabbed and cleaned daily. Agreed that Steward Department keep clean) passageway from Messmen's foc'sle to wipers* foc'sle. Good and Welfare: Captain invited to remainder of meeting. Hd agreed to paint rooms as per crew vote. Captain given vote of thanks. Saec i X X MALDAN VICTORY, Dec. 29 •—Chair. R. L. Arnall; Secre­ tary L. B. Clyde. New Business: to have port officials investi­ gate through company why seamen can't get U. S. money in foreign ports of call; to in­ vestigate slop chest on insuf~ ficient clothing for cold weather and items required by Federal law; all crew members and pro-book members be obligated at earliest convenient meet­ ing; that all crew members stay in contact with Union Hall un­ til all disputed overtime is set­ tled; that any crewmember be­ ing disorderly or drunk at pay­ off will be fined $5, money go­ ing to Seafarers Log; that all crewmembers turn in all dirty linen to Steward and leave quarters clean for new crew. Good and Welfare: to have all radiators repaired or replaced; repair locks on all doors that require such work; run steam line into crew's laundry; re­ pair all porthole gaskets that require such work; check and repair all toilet bowls; repair all bed springs; repair or renew all lockers in crew quarters; have ship fumigated. it WILLIAM H. CLAGETT, June 13—Chairman J. Flanigan; Secretary R. Littleton. Delegates reported everything okay. Motions carried: to draw up a list of fines owing to the condition of toilets, messroom and passageways; that money collected be donated to hos­ pital fund; that the ship's dele­ gate present the Captain with a copy of the rules pertaining to keeping the messroom in good condition. Good and Welfare: Brother Flanagan read a letter which he wrote to Brother Rentz, Baltimore Agent, in re­ gards to the Coast Cuard's at­ titude toward a sick man on this vessel. A suggestion was made for the men to give the names and addresses of some good gin mills down South America way to be sent to the Log. One minute of silence for departed brothers. XXX LEBORE, Dec. 22—Chairman (not given); Secretary John E. Harris. Due to having so many non-union men aboard, all books, strike clearance and dues were checked before meeting) was called to order. 18 mem­ bers were present which com­ prised the union crew on board the ship. We are hoping the next trip will have a 100 per cent union crew. Steward De­ partment delgate reported Bed­ room Steward to see Patrol­ man about Steward counting) dirty linen. Cooks to see Pa­ trolman about the cleaning of iceboxes if the three weekly hours for cleaning applies to this company. Good and Wel­ fare: Recommended that one non-union wiper, who ctdls himself "Chief Wiper" be removed from P. O. mess. Keep It Clean! It is the proud boast of the Seafarers International Un­ ion that an SIU ship Is a clean ship Let's keep it that way. Although most of the crews leave a ship in excellent con­ dition, it has come to the at­ tention of the membership that a few crews have vio­ lated this* rule. So they have gone on record to have all quarters inspected by the Patrolman before the payoff, and if the conditions are un­ satisfactory, he has the right to hold up the payoff until everything is spic and span. Remember that the Patrol­ man can only have repairs made if he knows what has to be done. Cooperate by making up a repair list be­ fore the ship docks. Give ohe copy to the Skipper, and one to the Patrolman. Then you'll see some action. EVELYN, Dec. 22—Chairman Matthew Brune; Secretary Everett W. Swanson. Motions carried: to serve Christmas dinner on Tuesday; to place perculators in officers lounge, crew's mess, and engine room accepted; that request be made to Captain that crew be paid off in full on December 31, and articles be broken so the crew's income tax would not be fouled up. Also that some sort of re­ ceipt be made out with a total of overtime due when a draw is made within the six month's articles. Good and Welfare: plea made by Tilley thai all ex­ cess linen be brought back to the Steward. This was mainly for face towels, due to the short­ age. Request to have First En­ gineer remove or fix plug in laundry room for the use of iron. Request to put braces) around the crew's mess hot plate. Request to install writing desks in all crew's foc'sles. Re­ quest to install sufficient lock­ er space in order to hang dress clothes. One minute of silence for Brothers lost at sea. i 4. S. Wanna Electrocute A Cheese-Burger, Bud? Grillrd rheese sandwiches are to be grilled—not toasted. But some guys aboard the SS Wild Ranger have a theory that it works the other way around, according to a recent set of the ship's minutes. These cheesy experimenters have been bucking the elements by placing the cheese in the bread toasters, and the elements are beginning to show the ef­ fects. -Consequently, the toasters are breaking down. The perpetrators have been ad­ vised to lay off, the minutes say. For their own good, too. If they fail to heed this sound, earthy advice, they may find themselves eating their grilled cheese snacks riding skyward on an overdose of current. The toasters, it was brought out at the meeting, are of high voltage. That should be enough to make anyone think twice. XXX NEWHALL HILLS, Dec. 8— Chairman W. Shea; Secxelary Burbach. Departmental delegales reported everything okay. New Business: Motion carried to have committee elected to approach Captain regarding the use of the gun crew quarters head as a laundry. Good and Welfare: Suggested Chief Steward try to procure equip­ ment such as toasters, elec­ tric perculators, and juice squeezers. It was decided that each foc'sle for repairs such as locks, lockers, screens, fans, bunk lights, etc., and to turn list into the Ship's Delegate. Also decided to have slopchest checked by patrolman before ship sails regarding cigarettes, etc. Raingear for fellows work­ ing in tanks should be furnish­ ed by company and should be purchased before next trip. Cap­ tain called to meeting and gave his thanks to crew for their spirit of cooperation and gave his okay to install a washing machine in the gun crew quar­ ters head. Said he had already taken steps to have glass ports installed. Crew gave Captain vote of thanks. WRITING fOR INFORMATION ON WAGES, MONEY PUE, LUGGAGE, E"TC., PLBASe lAJCLUDg NAMS SHIP, COMPANY, DAT^S AND FIACES OF SIGN-ONI AND PAYO?=F. •• CUT and RUN By HANK Shipping sure picked up. January-registered cards are going out fast because the wet ships are finally coming in, wagging their fan-tails and shaking off that recent big Atlantic storm . . . Well, since his shipping mate, "Lil Abner" Barthes, the newly-welded electrician, shipped out—Brother J. Schupstik, nicknamed "Chop­ sticks," is anchoring down this town by himself, after his other shipmate, Deck Engineer Guy White-hurst, also shipped . . . Bruther "Red" Summers, who's waiting for an Oiler's job, smilingly said that he was accidentally involved with a South Street NMU stiff and a copy of the Pilot . . . Steward Joe Ryan is still aboard the tug, Pigeon Point, probably waiting for the company to give him a va­ cation or a pension. Little Joe really dishes out with real tasty humor, indeed . . . Fireman-Watertender W. W. "Boaty" Boatwright just grabbed a scow this week, we've noticed . . . Last week. Bosun "Lucky Lee" Luciano and his wife, celebrated the happy birth of his third mate's ticket. Congratulations, good luck and mucho clear sailing when you get your first ship, Lee. Brother John W. Prescotl, Electrician was in town about two weeks ago . . . Henry Robinson just blew in after an Isthmian trip . . . Oldlimer Steward Frank Inman is still in, town. Frank, we had no special Steward in mind when we recently wrote that cirticle about belly-robbers . . . We wonder if Bosun Robert Hillman and Sam Lutrell are sharpening their winter tools and mothballing their horse sense for some ship soon . . . Even oldtimer Isaac Miller is waiting for a ship—any ship going anywhere . . . Before Leslie Leslie Brilhart sailed, he celebrated Christmas by telling us of his son, Robert John, who was four and a half months at Christmastime. Sorry, Leslie, but your photo of your son was not printed since it was too small and faded. X X X X Relaxing from repairing electric bulbs and winding up those electric winches, Electrician Frank Bose sends us this short-circuited letter: "I see by the papers (Log) that you are getting to be quite an editoricil writer. Can't see how you analyze the Steward situation the way you do. Now take me (if you have a strong stomach), I figure it this way. When I go aboard a scow, I look up the Steward. If he's of the big fat type, a la Collins or Seeburger, then I figure he likes to eat well and so I take a chance and sign on. If he's the tall skinny type a la J. P., I decide to stay ashore a little longer. The big, rolly-poly type feed much better. Of course, this is only one man's opinion. Mine. Hope this don't start a controversy abou.-) Stewards, but I just thought I'd let you know how I pick them. I'm taking a short vacation and won't be ready to ship until some tim© in March. Just sitting around, spending all that retroactive and blood money I earned last trip. Good luck and I'll be seeing you.'" . . . Well, Frank, your shipmate of an electrician, Charlie Scofield, says that when you were with him on a ship you never did eat any­ thing, anyway. Just gin and Virginia Dare! X ^X X X Here's a list of oldtime Brothers in two departments, who either shipped, or are still in town: Stewards Dept.—M. Gordils: V. Bonet, F. Guinjaya, J. McGrath, H. Martin, C. Choice, G. Mirabueno. J. Hernandez, A. Gurskie, M. Serrano, A. Frizarry. A. Vance, P. O'Connor, E. Seeley, Colon Juan, R. Martinez, V, Silva, A. Morales, A. Sanchez, A. J. Lomas, V. Hammarcrea . • Deck Dept.—L. Figueroa, R. Garrett, P. Soto, A. Garofalo, J. Corsa, J J. Livingston, C. De French. S. Lesley, J. Landron, F. Fromm, E. Larson, N. Lundquist, F. Martens. J. Norgaard, P. Barbosa, L. Zwerling, W. Morse, M. Murphy. A. Gonzalez and J. Rockhill. �Pas* Twelve THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday# January 24. 1947r THE MEMBERSHIP SPEAKS Labor Must Gird For Fight To Preserve Hard-Won Gains Dear Editor: The excellent editorial in this week's Log (Jan. 10) gives a true picture of hnw Congress operates as one of the arms of Big Busi­ ness. It ends up sa.ying that the only way that labor can lick this monster is to organize against this mis-representation of the American working people. Okay, Brothers, that's the straight goods. But what kind of organization is it that labor needs in order to beat these Wash­ ington servants of the monopo­ lists at their own game? If eco­ nomic organization alone could do the trick we would have had them on the run a long time ago. The 15 million members of Amer­ ican trade unions are not only the strongest labor movement in American history, but also the strongest labor movement the world has ever seen. And yet the Washington bureaucrats are able to threaten us with vicious anti-labor legislation which will deprive us of all we've earned, the hard way, over the years. MINER'S STRIKE Let's look at it this way. Re­ cently, our brother union, the United Mine Workers, were Ait-J'T f ROfA COAL X)OST,ICA^ TELLYO'JI I forced to hit the bricks for higher wages and better conditions. Economically their strike was a great success. It could hardly have been more successful. You could take all the scab coal that was mined and pile it into a fly's eye and it wouldn't make him blink. And the miners received support from all sections of the labor movement, our own Union included. Nevertheless they had to go back to work without their con­ tract. Why? Were they beaten economically? No! They were beaten by the political combina­ tion of the courts of Big Busi­ ness and its ally, the corpora­ tion-dominated Congress. POLITICAL SET-UP Well, Brothers, it looks like this; Economic action, by itself, is just not enough to bring home the pork chops nowadays. Whatever we wring out of the shipowners and industrialists by our hard fought strikes they steal from us by their control of the political EOt-up of this country. And the only way for us to beat their poli­ tics is for us to organize our­ selves politically. Only by an in­ dependent organization of all la­ bor can we put an end to the switch game that the two corpo­ ration-dominated parties have been running in the Capitol for years. It will only be when we have our own union representatives in the houses of Congress and we back them up all up and down the economic front that we will be able to call the shots on whether or not this country is to be run for the shipowners and their allies, or for the seamen and our allies. Joseph Dames Log -A' Rhythms Tale Of A Trip By Derniis Saunders She's a Laker, a Bull Line ship. And she sailed out on a soulhern trip. She had dead heads and gas-' hounds in her crew. And some who didn't lush, but? they were few. All full book men. says the information accompanying this pictur* of the SS John P. Mitchell. It adds that Jack Zievies is Bosun aboard the Robin line vessel. The Threat Of Idleness Sharpens Need For The Four-Watch System Dear Editor: privation of its recurrent wars and depressions. LABOR'S CHILD The general- strike is the child of the labor movement. It is La­ bor's natural reaction to a system of society based up on the pri­ vate ownership of the machinery of production. It is Labor's ulti­ mate attitude in the class strugfle. It is Labor's answer to the problem of economic disorgani­ zation. Logically enough, the general strike has become the rallyingcry of millions of persons the world over who favor it simply because they do not wish to see the highly industrialized modern world sink into chaos, and hu­ man society sink to the level of Today, and every day, we read of workers crying out in pro­ test against increased prices and idleness being forced upon the wage slave by his masters of the capitalist system. To meet such a problem, we as workers, es­ pecially in the Marine Industry, must advocate the four-watch system to stem the tide of un­ employment that will eventually roll upon us, as it has done after all of these so-called reconver­ sion war periods. There is something structur­ ally wrong, and vitally wrong, in any human society wherein men are held inferior to ma­ chines and money. The earliest, and the simplest^ of instruments are the plow and the ax. The primitive man who used them was also the owner of them. He was their master; they were his tools. j There came a time when the user of the tools found that some­ Dear Editor: body else owned them, and that Having heard so much about the person v/ho owned the tooLs the lovely conditions enjoyed by -a person whom he may have Standard Oil seamen and as how never seen—could deprive him of there was no sentiment for or­ their use, and expel him from the ganization I decided to make a land and send him into outer trip on one of thir scows. darkness without means to sup­ I signed on in Houston, Texas, port himself. as AB aboard the SS bound for New York and during my PATTERN DEVELOPS savage survival. The idea of the general strike is here to stay. It same into be­ ing with the perfection of the machine process and the centrali­ zation of control which made it possible. And it will remain as a constant challenge to capitalism as long as the machinery of pro­ duction is operated for profit in­ stead of for use. "The working class and the employing class have nothing, in common. There can be no peace so long as hunger and want are found among millions of the working people, and the few, who make up the employing class, have aU the good things in life." Joseph Buckley Baltimore, Md. Seafarer Sails On Standard Tanker, Finds Union Needed From this beginning the pat­ i.oov<SLi<eAeAS6 tern of capitalist society develop­ OPA^JEMIA...oe NlOW MiMBCRSHlP ed. But it became so thoroughly OR SOW6TMIK/:. entrenched in the course of cen­ turies that the social order itself degenerated into a function of capitalism. We have seen the spectacle of millions of people out of work and living on public charity, while in the silent mills and ships' graveyards, machinery stood in shining insolence, care­ fully housed and protected. Thousands of thoughtful and class-conscious workers in years trip up the East Coast I learned past have looked to the general a lot about open shop conditions. strike for deliverance from wage On my watch below I used slavery. Today their hopes are to listen to my watch partner, stronger than ever. Their num­ who was an old time S. O. tankber has been increased with ad­ erman, relate how the company ditional thousands who are confi­ used discrimination against old dent that the general strike, and timers who refused to honey the general strike alone, can save around the officers and not carry humanity from the torture and tales against their shipmates, by degradation of the continuation pulling them off the ships and of capitalism and the misery and i assigning them to shore relief jobs where S. O. could keep an eye on them. Also if the com­ pany suspected that they had union ideas, the S. O. would have their company, doctors disqualify them physically and on many other pretenses to get rid of them. SIU FRATERNITY On this ship a seaman who has been used to union conditions and enjoyed the fraternal commadeship that exists among SIU members could see that these un­ organized yokels had no use for one another and were afraid and suspicious of each other's inten­ tions. They seemed to always be looking for a chance to get something on each other so they could run to the Mate and snitch on one another. Regardless of the big money that S. O. pays their seamen, the desire to organize and enjoy un­ ion hiring and conditions is strong among the better element of old time tankermen working for S. O. and they will eventually organ­ ize in the SIU to achieve these conditions. My impression is that the bonafide Standard Oil seaman resent the compauy-miion plan of and it is only the ranting kind of "Johnnie-come-lately" that sticks up for it. Ropeyarn Characters from all parts of the U. S. A. Were on the Jean when she went out the bay. From Baltimore to Santos all went welL But in Santos they let out like wild men in hell. The Chief Cook stayed drunk for two weeks straight And cursed everyone from messboy to Mate, The old man-spent his time pay-ing bail For fun-loving characters who had got in jail. The purser was a phony, the Third Mate was too. Such were the men who comt prised the Jean's crew: Chips was a bull-thrower, and to him Thowing the bull was a natural whim. Frank, the messboy, was a ladies' man. Until, one night, he was lodged in the can: Sporty (chief character) was a natural viper. But the Worst Assistant-changed him to wiper. There was Red, with the great big feet^ Who never seemed to get enough to eat. Then Teddy, who stayed true to a loved one at home. And swore that nevermore would he roam. And don't forget Rispoldi, the Brooklyn Blimp, Who fell for Celia until he was a simp. Also C - - - from Virginia Hills, Who always boarded but never paid bills. And every day on a drinking bend Stayed Jimm B - - - on a Lost 'Weekend, So did Jimmy the Bosun, a Simon Legree, Who drank all he could when it was free. {Continued on Page 13) �Friday, January 24, 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Thirteen Seamen's War Record Earned Maine Seafarer Proposes Them A Rill Of Rights*—Bause Branch For Portland Port Dear Editor: If you will permit me, I would like to reply to the unnamed SUP Brother regarding my "exagger­ ated statement" on food and con­ ditions in this institution. I would like to assure the Brother that as far as food in con­ cerned, it has improved consid­ erably since a year ago today. A year ago the food was not only insufficient, but also was served cold and of poor quality. There is still much room for improve­ ment. I merely took advantage of my rights as an American citizen, at the time, to criticize a deplorable situation. I saw no reason not to sign my name. I have enough confidence in the truth of my statement or I would not send them to be published. AGREES ON LAXITY Your statement that attention is lax has its point. Let me call Log - A - Rhythms {Continued From Page 12) Diego, Tony. Carlos and Cinlron were San Juan men Who swore never to sail deep sea again. Three dogs were also in the crew. Along with a cat and a monkey too. your attention to a few facts that you may not know. I am in Ward B-5, so we shall take it as an example. This ward is designed to house 14 beds. It has, today, 28 beds, including the solarium. Reason I mention this is that it may ex­ plain why you cannot get the nurse or orderly when you need them. I am reasonably sure that, while the patients have almost doubled, the staff has not been increased accordingly. I don't know where the pres­ sure should be put to remedy those conditions, but Washing­ ton, D. C. is a good place to start. I regret. Brother SUP, that you criticized my statement rather than state your own complaint, for if you stated where the wrongs exist, something could be done about it. I repeat, food and conditions have improved since I entered the hospital^ and I am just as quick to show my appreciation as I was to criticize. That fact that this institution is overcrowded shows that hardships must be worked on the patients. As a Union man I am aware that the condition also works hardship on those that take care of us. I have seen the same doc­ tor coming in here at 7 a. m., leaving between 6-7 p. m. (Uncle Sam does not pay overtime here. Although this place is known as a Marine Hospital, it is not for seamen only. Seamen are in the minority, in fact. I honestly believe that in the 12 months I have been here I have received the same attention the other pa­ tients. Facilities of all marine hospitals are overworked. The answer lies in more hospitals. in order that the Ameriican seamen can get adequate care. Even though the Ameri­ can merchant marine has ex­ panded to top position in world shipping, the government still works with the same facilities as when we were near the bottom of the list. I would like to call to the at­ tention of all Seafarers the fact that an effort is being made in Washington by Representative Fred Bradley of Michigan, the new chaii-man of the House Mer­ chant Marine Committee, to- pass a seamen's "Bill of Rights." This would give all seamen with war­ time service, similar rights as contained in the GI bill, such as hospitalization, education, etc. This bill was approved by the committee in the last session of Congress but was not acted upon in either House. This matter is of extreme importance and should be discussed at every meeting aboard ship and in the Union Halls. Send your sentiments to Rep. Fred Bradley, Chairman, House Merchant Marine Commit­ tee, Washington, D. C. Do it now! More than 6^000 seamen gave their lives during the war, thous­ ands more were disabled for the rest of their lives. Let's see to it this bill is not pigeon-holed. It may not seem so now, but it is a life-line that all of us will need sometime. All wartime seamen have earn­ ed the right to these benefits, as contained in the bill. We should not, and must not, be deprived of it. It is our right and we will win it. Let's go! William Bause Marine Hospital Slalen Island, N. Y. I am a Portland, Maine, man and I believe I have a beef that I would like to bring to the at­ tention of the membership. Boston handles the shipping for the Port of Portland, although part of the time Portland has MAINE TRAVELERS more shipping than Boston. But the Brother members who Everyday a tanker or two comes live in Maine and have 200 miles in here. We're trying to organize ' or more to travel are not ex­ tankers—right? Well, we have cused. Why? plenty of both Union and non­ A few days ago the steamship union tankers coming in; also a considerable number of freight­ agents told me they were going ers. This is also a port for Isth­ to call Boston for ABs the next mian intercoastals, and I believe, day. I called Boston and asked therefore, we should have a hall them to throw In my shipping card by telephone because I was here. broke and didn't have the money SHUTTLE RUN to go to Boston and then back to When a ship signs on or pays Portland again to catch the ship. off here, we have a Boston Pa­ After that I raised enough money trolman who has to make a shut- to go to the meeting and out of curiosity asked the dates of the RoorA men that got the jobs. One man SERVICE,, had registered two days before. PLEASE/ I therefore lost a job. If headquarters can do any­ thing to remedy this situation, the Maine brothers will be very much obliged. Bob Bums CHOW SETUP POOR AT NEPONSIT, The distance is SAYS PATIENT tie run up here. 103 miles each way. In the last month I have been on that shuttle run. I can't af­ ford to live in Boston. (It's too cold to live in Boston Commons even if the cops would let me). I have attended the last two meetings in Boston which I have to do in order to keep my ship- SEAFARER LIKES THINGS 'DEEP IN THE HEART OF' Dear Editor: Then there was Hugh who slept on the floor In his condition he couldn't get out the door. L - - - spent his first night ashore In company of a lady whcr proved an awful bore. Goldie, Jerry and Callis wouldn't drink But they were right guys, so I think. Lame-brain Sammy stayed off I have sailed as a member of the SIU. but since have found the beam^ myself in army uniform. Therefore, I have a question to which He once tried to catch a bucket I would appreciate an answer from you. of steam. My papers were stolen from me while I was in basic training, and I would like to know what procedure I can follow in order to Saiitos and Rio were two ports have them duplicated. they made, I was a tripcard man before I came into the army. I had enough B. A. and Rosario were the long­ time to get my probationary book, but I put it off until the next est we stayed. Montevideo for fuel and some let­ trip, as my payoff was very small. Before I could make another trip I was in the army. ters mailed. Is there any way I could continue sailing after I am discharged And on to the Canary Islands without continuing as a tripcard man? In short, could I possibly they sailed. get my probationary book while I'm in the army? If not, is there In the twenty days they spent anyway I can be sure of getting my tripcard back when I get out? at sea. Pvt. Billy E. Clantz Every one was as sober as could APO 547. c/o PM be. San Francisco, Calif. But ashore in Las Palmas they ANSWER:—Insofar as your papers are concerned, it is ad­ ran into some visable that you communicate with the U. S. Shipping CommisBrandy, wine. Cognac and rum. r'-iner now in the port where you originally got your papers. However, you can procure duplicates from a shipping commis­ At present the Jean is bound for sioner anywhere, we have been told. Sweden shore. As for your status in the Union, the procedure is for Sea­ Where the characters hope to in­ farers now in the armed forces to forward their cards or books dulge in more to headquarters, where they are inserted in a file, pending dis­ Of anything that contains a bit charge from the service. Dues must be pcud up to the time of of alcohol. entry in the forces. Upon release from service, you can re­ As long as it's not hair tonic or ceive your card or book by coming to Union headquarters with petrol. your discharge papers. So, the Chief Bellyrobber, your In your case, however, we were unable to find any records, usual scribe. so we have turned the matter over to the bookkeeping depart­ Bids you goodbye, from this ment. They will check back and wil communicate with you character tribe. directly. GISEAFARER WANTS INFO ' ON STATUS AFTER RELEASE ping card. At the meeting, 15 or 20 men get excused even though they live in Boston. Some are legitimate excuses, but most are probably not. I beefed against this but was over-ruled by the members, which is their right. Dear Editor: Dear Editor: Sometime ago tliere was an ar­ ticle in the Log stating that there has been a new $100,000 unit for cooking installed here and that we would get better meals. Well, all I can say is that some­ one gave out the wrong dope be­ cause things have not changed. In fact, they are worse. The ar­ ticles also said that we woxild get more hot rolls and biscuits. To tell you the truth I don't think they have anyone here that knows how to make them for we never see any. According to all medical books and doctors, TB patients are sup­ posed to have good, wholesome and nutritious food four, five and even six times a day. Well, the setup here is breakfast at 7:30 a. m., dinner at 11:30 a. m. and supper at 4:30 p. m. From 4:30 p. m. until 7:30 a. m. the next morning they give you a glass of milk at about 7 p. m. That is sup­ posed to do you until the next morning. Just to break the monotony of post-voyage articles in the paper, I'm writing a little pre-voyage note. This should be a good Voyage No. 1 aboard the good ship SS Charles Goodyear, of the Waterman company. This is one of several ships that Waterman has pulled out of the Mobile river in the last cou­ ple of weeks. Shipping was the btfst I have ever seen two weeks ago in New Orleans and Mobile. This is especially true now when it is considered that Night Cook and Baker's jobs wil be scarce HAVE GOOD APPETITES as hell. There were several avail­ Most of the patients here have able down there in the Gulf. good appetites and they are up YOUNG CREW and around. It is not enough As far as the crew goes aboard even for the sick bed patients. this ship, most of the men are in What I want to get at is why their early twenties, except for the Steward, Chief Cook and a they can't make two shifts in the kitchen, say from four to twelve couple of engineers. and from twelve to eight. Then We've been here in Galveston for 11 days now, and today is the someone would always be in the_| first warm, sunny day we've ex­ kitchen and we could have a de­ perienced. Texans really got a cent breakfast and a night Ixmch. nice 25 degree touch of our yanAs things are the kitchen is kee weather. Oh yes, we've had not open before 6 a. m. and you quite a little "California dew," know you can't prepare a good too. meal in one and a half hours for All in all, Texas is really a 300 patients and about 100 em­ friendly and carefree place to be.' ployees. If you can, you're noi These Texas gals are really nice a cook—you're a magician. to dance with. They don't think James S. Campbell evil like one is accustomed to find in most East coast ports. Here's wishing all the Broth­ ers well. I hope you've all re­ cuperated from New Year's Eve. As for myself, I sailed out of Mobile at 10:30 that glorious night. Robert A. Lowry Houston, Texas �Page Fourteen SlU Pledges Full Support To CIO Shipmen THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, January 24, 1947 Isthmian Men Even More Pro-Sill Than Bargaining Election Showed Charles H. Cummings, who Isthmicui Fisherman sails Deck Engineer, has made a couple of trips on the Isthmian well-qualified to give out with (Continued from Page 1) scow, Monroe Victory, and is Board, last September. Brother little Isthmian chatter. It's Char­ Hall also explained that this same lie's studied opinion that Isth­ union had gone down the line By JOE VOLPIAN mian is practically all SIU today with the SIU on several other Accidents aboard ships caused during rough weather. When with very few NMUers left in beefs, and that they were entitled by heavy seas are frequent, and seamen are ordered out to per­ the fleet. to the full support and backing of pose many interesting 'questions form work on deck during in­ the Seafarers. This is not only due to the fact which the Courts are called upon clement weather, the Master of that Isthmian men voted SIU PASS RESOLUTIONS to decide. Invariably, the de­ the vessel should cause the ves­ and that the NMU is delaying an Following the discussion, sev­ fense set up by the shipowners sel to be heaved to in order to SIU contract, but also because of eral Seafarers hit the deck and is that the heavy swell which afford the men some shelter from the many advantages which Isth­ all agreed that SIU support for swept over the deck was an "Act the seas. mian seamen can see in Seafarers the Shipbuilding Workers should, of God" for which they are not lie should also reduce the speed membership, according to Cum­ and would, be forthcoming. In responsible, and which they could of the vessel. Failure of the mings. line with this, a resolution was not foi-esee and therefore could Master to take these precautions On the Monroe Victory, only a introduced to the meeting and not provide against. This de­ may determine the liability for couple of NMUers are left, and fense rarely holds water. was passed unanimously. any injuries or loss to the sea­ this includes their ships organiz­ The first point to be consider­ men. The resolution pledged all-out er in the Stewards Department. support from the SIU for the ed from the injured seamen's Still another point to be con­ Brother Cummings declared, t Isthmian volunteer organizer lUMSWA strikers, with the fur­ angle is: Why was he sent out sidered is: What precautions were "A number of Isthmian men who on open deck or other unpro­ ther stipulataion that all ship­ taken by the officers to prevent were cariying NMU books have Charles H. Cummings claims to tected place to perform work owners who had contracts with| the men from being washed over­ become disgusted with the in­ be the only Seafarer who ever the Seafarers would be notified which could have been done in board or injured? caught an AB with his fishing ternal dissension going on in that ability. that SIU crews would not handle calm weather or in a safe port? For example, were life lines outfit. In addition, the statements Many cases arise where a ship ships going into the struck ship­ provided on which the men could of Curran and others, which re­ his ship was moving slowly at sails from port after being load­ yard. hold to prevent being washed veal the commie control of the around ten knots. He was using ed with cargo, but before the Further, the resolution promis­ overboard? Could the storm have NMU, have made these men real­ gum wrappers (cellophane) for ed any necp.ssavy support to the crew has had a chance to com­ pletely batten down hatches, or been anticipated in advance by ize that they want no part of bait and had already caught two strikers. This will not probably king mackerel. radio communication, weather such a set-up. take the line of financial support, to properly secure cargo, or to reports and ordinary sea exper­ secure gear, etc; the Master of "Isthmian seamen today real­ .Suddenly, there was a terrific inasmuch as the Shipbuilding ience? ize," went on Cummings, "that pull on his hook; Charlie thought Workers had asserted that they the vessel, it is found, is trying to save the payment of overtime If the storm could have been only by joining the SIU can they it must be at least a young shark. needed no financial assistance. to the crew, or perhaps he is in anticipated, then the Master secure real, honest-to-goodness So, he pulled, and pulled. Finally This action on the part of the a hurry to set a speed record, and union representation. They also when he had reeled his line in, Seafarers carried through on the so he sets sail thinking of having should have seen to it that all are aware of the fact that the an arm with an attached body necessary deck work was taken SIU policy of cooperating with the crew do this work while on .Seafarers is the only maritime broke the water's surface. Yes, care of before the full fury of and supporting any legitimate the high seas. union which is not only demo­ sirree! He had hooked a man! the storm struck. If necessary, I strikes, whether the striking union On the high seas, rough weath­ he should alter his course to es­ cratically run by the members, Seems as though one of the be an AFL affiliate or a CIO er is encountered and all hands but is also completely free of any cape the brunt of the elements. AB's had been draining out one union. phony political entanglements are ordered out on deck to do The loss of life and serious in­ of the lifeboats, when the boat Certainly, a union like the the work which could have been jury suffered by the seamen is with the commies and their broke loose and carried him Shipyard Workers, which has done, and should have been done, deplorable enough, but when the stooge outfit, the CMU." overboard. The boat turned over fully cooperated with the SIU in a safe port. REAL FISHERMAN claim agents employed by the on the helpless seaman, and he on several occasions, deserves, Men are ordered out on deck shipowners then try to induce Among his many other accom­ was partially stunned. and will get all-out support from to do dangerous work under ex­ the victims or their next-of-kin plishments, Charlie claims to be Chances are that, if Charlie the Seafarers. tremely hazardous conditions un­ to accept small amounts in set­ the only SIU fisherman in exist­ hadn't accidentally hooked the der the guise of "safety of the tlement of their claims, because, ence who ever caught an AB on lucky AB, that he would have ship" for which they may not as they assert, there is no liability his hook. It happened in this been carried away by the ship's make claim for overtime. for an "Act of God" — that is manner: Charlie was trolling for wake and drowned. However, he whatever he could catch while downright dishonesty. STORMY WEATHER was lucky and only sustained a Send in the minutes of The merchant seaman is not so badly torn arm where the fish­ your ship's meeting to the much concerned with the paltry hook ripped into the flesh. New York Hall. Only in that overtime which he loses by this way can the membership act ISTHMIAN STATUS trick, but what he so rightly de­ on your recommendations, cries is the fact that it is he who Incidentally, while on the .sub­ and then the minutes can be has to go out on the open deck in ject of Isthmian, hei-e's the latest printed in the LOG for the a raging storm, with heavy seas on the status of that company. - benefit of all other SIU i (This article is not an inter­ means of protecting the health smashing , across the slippery Nothing new has developed since crews. decks, to do something which pretation of the agreement as of all hands. the Log article of last week. Hold those shipboard meet­ The Second Cook has the duty could have been safely done be­ it covers the Stewards Depart­ The National Labor Relations ment. It merely makes sug­ ings regularly, and send of preparing the grilled food fore and under more favorable Board is still considering the gestions to that Department in served aboard his vessel. In ad­ those minutes in as soon as working conditions. charges contained in an NMU answer to many questions dition, the dishing out of food in possible. That's the SIU way! Another point to be consider­ raised by members. Each week brief that there was collusion be­ the galley should be his respon­ ed concerns proper navigation the Log prints an article mak­ tween the SIU and the Isthmian sibility. Portions, of course, Steamship Company in the re­ ing suggestions to each of the should be uniform—all hands are cently-concluded election. ratings in the Stewards De­ entitled to an equal ration. partment. This week's, the Certification of the SIU as the The Second Cook should also third of the series, is for the feel that it is his duty to take sole collective bargaining agent benefit of the Second Cooks). care of the dairy box and vege­ for all Isthmian unlicensed per­ table box, or the "chill box," as it sonnel will be.held up until the It is es.sential for the .smooth (Continued from Page 1) Rep. Bui winkle (N. Car.): A it commonly called. The boxes NLRB hands down its final de­ functioning of the Stewards De­ and about 105 bills. calling var- bill to investigate thunderstorms. partment that the Second Cook should be kept clean at all times, cision in this matter. However, Rep. Dondero (Mich.): A bill to work in the closest possible co­ and items stored in it in a neat there is no doubt of the final out­ I iously for compulsorj' arbitration, mediation, conciliation, and liti­ incorporate the "Moms of Amer­ operation with the Chief Cook. manner. come as the Seafarers has clearly gation by boards, panels, courts, ica." won the election with a 58.7 per­ It is well, in matters that raise NEAT AND DRY I voodoo and tea-leaf reading. centage, and the NMU's phony Rep. Canfield (N. J.): A bill to doubts and questions, for the He should also take an interest charges are merely so much Those didn't show the real cali- create the office of "Senator At Second Cook to discuss them in the cleanliness of the dry whistling in the dark. I ber of the new Congress. For Large" for ex-presidents of the with the Chief Cook. storerooms. They should be kept that, you have to understand the U. S. More specifically, the Second nfeat, clean and dry. Dry stores The only'loser in the NMU's Rep. Bradley again: A bill to Cook is charged with the prepara­ subtle and complete political wis­ stalling devices is the Isthmian . should be stowed neatly, and in dom behind the following legis- prohibit the interstate transpor­ tion of all vegetables for cook­ seaman, and the NMU misleaders . a way that makes them as ac­ tation of "certain stolen dogs." ing and serving. I lative brainstorms: certainly don't give a damn about cessible as conditions will per­ him. They've proven that fact Rep. Sikes (Fla.): ,A bill re­ Rep. Bradley (Mich.) introCLEANLINESS mit. beyond doubt numerous times. I duced 3 consecutive bills num­ quiring railroads to install re­ Generally, the fresher stores It is also necessai-y that he help bered HR 211, 212 and 213. The flectors on railroad cars. Isthmian seamen know this, maintain the cleanliness of the should be placed' behind the first would make it a felony to That gives you an idea. About galley. It is the galley, which, items that have been on hand and are governing their actions bet on any sporting event in the only thing forgotten was a above everything else, should be longer, which, obviously should accordingly. " They are telling Washington, D. C.; the second bill requiring General Eisen­ one and all that they are holding kept .spotlessly clean and sani­ be used first. would prohibit "mixed boxing" hower to salute all Boy Scouts, tary. Not only the Second Cook's, (Next week the duties of the NMU solely responsible for in Washington, D. C.; and the and one to force James C. Pebut the health of every man Night Cook and Baker will be their being denied the SIU rep­ third would prohibit boxing al­ trillo to hire stand-bys for his aboard ship, must be guarded, discussed and suggestions resentation which they voted so together in Washington, D. C. 11 vice-presidents, ' strongly for. and a clean galley is a positive made.) Send Those Minutes What To Bo: Some Departmental Suggestions For Second Cooks New Congress Really On The Ball, Number Eight And Slightly Foul d:,. �THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, Januaf/ 24,1947 Page Fifteen BijLmiN -J- il Retroactive Pay Waiting American-Liberty SS Corp. /-- I SlU HALLS BALTIMORE 14 North Gay St. Calvert 4539 BOSTON 276 State St. Boudoin 4455 BUFFALO 10 Exchange St. Cleveland 7391 CHARLESTON 68 Society St. Phone 3-3680 CHICAGO 24 W. Superior Ave. Superior 5175 CLEVELAND ...1014 E. St. Clair Ave. Main 0147 CORPUS CHRISTI ..1824 Mesquite St. Corpus Christi 3-1509 DETROIT 1038 Third St. Cadillac 6857 DULUTH 531 W. Michigan St. Melrose 4110 GALVESTON 305 22nd St. 2-8448 HONOLULU 16 Merchant St, 58777 HOUSTON 1515 75th Street Phone Wentworth 3-3809 JACKSONVILLE 920 Main St. Phone 5-5919 MARCUS HOOK 114 W. 8th St. Chester 5-3110 MIAMI 1355 N. E. 1st Ave. MOBILE 7 St. Michael St. 2-1754 NEW ORLEANS 339 Chartres St. TAX REBATES Mississippi Shipping Company Seafarers who were employed on Mississippi Shipping Company vessels and have credit balances in their unclaim­ ed wage account covering overdeductions of Social Security taxes for the years 1943, 1944 and 1945, can now receive money due them by writing to the Mississippi Shipping Company, 1300 Hibernia Building, New Orleans, La. When writing the company mention the money is due for Federal Old Age Benefit overdeductions, and give your Social Security number. Those entitled to rebates and the amout due are listed Kirkland, H. F. Kirk, F. Flaig, A. Broadwin, L. Armantano, E. Buzalewski, T. Bette, J. DcBase, P. Curtis, W. Fisher, M. Getchell, H. Hanscom, H. Mace, H. Milliron, N. Pearson, R. Rozpedowski, W. Nunn. 4. 4. 4JOHN LA FARGE SS THOMAS W. GREGORY L. Baileau, A. Manhood, C. Antonio Colina, Clarence Cahp- Brown, E. Getty, T. Malone, A. below. • • Haukins, John 1.05 man, James Law, Sison Moises, Shaw, R. Williams, L. McCarthy, Gentry, Elmer L 50 Haylock, Caludc .02 R. Verderflor, L. Hamas, J. Hig-* J. Dulle, J. Manfredi, G. Shuler, Gillespie, John C .• 3.60 Hemund, Rudolph L 4.00 gins. C. Hunsicker, C. Duyer, F. Brew­ Girunis, M 1.44 Herhansen, Ctto T .97 ^ ^ er, C. Dudley. Gjedstad, Harry 1.11 3.52 SS STEPHEN W. GAMBRILL Glas.s, J. A 9.85 Hill, Charles E 4. 4. 4. .01 4.09 Hill, Edward C Deibert Steele, Howard Savini, SS JOSEPH I. KEMP 7.58 Gobroski, Lawrence V 12; Hill, Edwin W Samuel Harris, Joseph Fryoux, C. Gibbs, T. Diffee, J. Cotter, 5.09 Magnolia 6112-6113 Goddard, Robert P 11.41 Hopkins. Charles John Burgau, John Burgau, R. G. Bogdcn, A. Valdcz, R. Moe4.09 51 Beaver St. Godwin, Welroso G. .26 Howard, J. W Plunket, N. Williams, C. Jack­ sant, H. Collins, B. Coilings, A. NEW YORK .39 HAnover 2-2784 son, J. B. Norris. Bunn. NORFOLK 127-129 Dank Street Howard, Lloyd W 1.25 4-1083 L. Hartley, E. Strahan, H. Monir it iHuffman, Turley S. .21 PHILADELPHIA 9 South 7th St. 1.49 Hull, Arthur L teiro, G. Adams, A. Abates, L. .87 Phone LOmbard 3-7651 SS WALTER KIDDIE 20.12 Hulme, Kenneth A V/orth Ave. Gonzalez, O. R 8.67 Jesse Milton, M. Higginbotham, Hilmuth, K. Romm, R. Frye, D. PORT ARTHUR ..909 Fort Phone: 2-8532 Gordon, William F 1.74 1.28 Ill W. Burnside St S. Frankiewitz, N. Serrano, F. Hamilton, E. Crocker, J. Taylor. PORTLAND 16.29 Beacon 4336 4- 4. 4. Rylance, R. Jones, J. Hanna, A. 2.73 RICHMOND, Calif 257 Sth St Goriup, Erminio SS ALBERT S. BURLESON 2599 Haag, R. Cissna, R. Padilla, H. 1.59 105 Market St J. Downic, C. Corbin, H. John­ SAN FRANCISCO Hopkins, C. D'Andrade. Douglas 5475-8363 Graham, Walter 68 son, F. Goldsborough, H. Man­ it it it SAN JUAN, P. R 252 Ponce de Leon Gray, Jackson D 14.26 The following named members San Juan 2-5996 tel, E. Mantel, R. Matthews, R. SS WEBB MILLER Green, Cass E 63 have papers, social security cards, SAVANNAH 220 East Bay St Matthews. 8-1728 Grenade, Louis 21 dues receipts, birth certificates, J. Doyle, P. Workingcr, • A. P. Pager, J. Reynolds, S. Panel- SEATTLE 86 Seneca St 2.81 and other miscellaneous papers, Tamm, W. Cole, E. Belpre, T. la, C. Thomlcy, E. Smith, E. Main 0290 Grepp, Paul .75 and what-not at the Baltimore TAMPA 1809-1811 N. Franklin St, Grcsham, Thomas F Winey, R. Boyette, K. Perry. Spooner, R. White, J. Yai'M-1323 .55 Hall. Come and get them. it it iCIS Summit St hornugh, G. Neilsen, J. Self, D. TOLEDO Griffin. James H 1.66 Edgar Wilson Travis, Aloysius WILMINGTON 440 Avalon Blvd SS GEORGE G. CRAWFORD Greenberg. Terminal 4-3131 Grizzall, Frank J 9.21"' Kessen, George A. Victor, Wm. T. Wooden, D. Convertino, C. VICTORIA, B. C 602 Boughton St 4* 4- 4* 12.00 Joseph Pickley, Robert Lee Lit­ Garden 8331 Galhandsen, Thorleif Convertino, M. Fahkry, S. Eayes, SS LLOYD S. CARLSON 74 tleton, Harry CIsen, Cscar W. VANCOUVER 144 W. Hastings St Guresbj', J S. Eaves, M. Eison, J. Davis, T. Pacific 7824 S. Haney, M. Kanter, E. Na­ Haggerty, W. F 7.00 Jones, Willis Eugene Bancroft, Conner, L. Cason, J. Blizzard, A. pier, R. Morris, Z. Foster, J. AckHaiffer, Paul 12 Richard D. Baker, Nicholas T. Boncel, R. Browdei-, W. Axgon. erson, D. Nicholson, G. Prevost, Halbe, Ed 68 Tala, Harold T. Doerfler, Crville C. Barrineau, T. Ashe, H. D. Allen, J. Wing, G. Blackstock, Hall, Claude W 1.44 Thompson, Gerald D. Martin, Weathers, R. Woods, J. Whitley, B. Lucas. Halle, John F 22.70 Donald Leroy Vangsness, WilR. MacColloch, C. Akers, L. Yar4. 4. 4. Hammer, Francis 2.80 mont Lee Draper, Daniel Galla­ JOSEPH CIMINI brough, W. Youmans, J. Williams, SS OTIS E. HALL 1.44 gher, and James A. Linberger. Please write to your mother as F. Rauser, R. Williams, H. Wes­ J. Lord, W. Taylor, A. Anag- soon as possible. Hanlon, Edmond F 9.83 it it it ton, H. Thompson, C. Story. nostoy, J. Pizeicki, E. O'Mara, W. Hansen. Berge 12.28 JOHN LAMBERT No. 842 St i R. Strickland, A. Tannachi, E. Gardner, W. Dworanczy, R. Di Hare, Frederick P 1.89 Vancouver Branch. SIU JOHN LAMAR FOLLIS Sims, M. Skinner, W. Smith, J. Pala, E. Dworanczyk. 8.24 AUGUST A. SMITH. No. 828 You are urgently requested to Roza, J. Pruitt, J. Martin, E. L. Gillis, A. Goven, J. Motro, communicate immediately with Harinen, Terry S 11 Vancouver Branch. SIU Mitchum, C. Mizel, W. Mochen- E; Johnson, J. Martin, H. DelHarpell, F. M 32.26 L. REID. No. 2135 fuss, O. Martin, F. Judah Jr., R. hunty, H. Corbctt, V. Mansalto, Mrs. John L. Follis, Box 394, Ilarrell, Frederick M 4.74 Vancouver Branch, SIU Hempstead, Texas. Kline. C. Conte, R. Padilla, J. Judge, Harrington, Ire W. Jr 02 Please have your books check­ J. i- it J. Lassiter, M.' Gordon, D. F. Connel. Harten, James N 1.64 ed at 6th Floor, 51 Beaver St., ANDREW FORD Greenhill, G. Finklea, T. FreeHarton, Don C 96 New York City. There are dis­ 4- 4- 4Your sister, Mrs. Jessie Naveland, T. Doyle, J. Farrow, R. Hatte, Louis M 12 crepancies in your dues records. SS W. CHRISTIANSEN jar, 1806 Edwards St., Houson, Phillips, C. Jaynor, J. Gavin. R. Harris, A. Morales, S. Hei- Texas, writes that she has not it it it ducki, W. Gorman, C. Figuroa, heard from you in some time. SS JAMES MANNING W. Clift, B. Christensan, C. Three of her letters to you have T. Sondstern, C, Suppa, E. Moseley. been returned. She asks that you Sweeney, R. McCoy. M. Walsh, L. Cannon, W. write her immediately. SS COASTAL COMPETITOR Tatham, A. Southers, M. McCulE.. E. Weaver, M. Hagerty, C. lagh, C. Shartzer, W. Smith, J. JAMES O. NLARTIN Cummins. Stuntebeck, L. Hummell, T. ELVIN MOORE Baier, J. Madden. 4" 4" 4" Retroactive pay due the fol- Erikson, Angelo Fort, Wilfred P. Mrs. J. L. Twitty, 809 >2 E. Os­ SS ROBERT S. LOVETT lowing named men, who sailed Garcia. borne Ave., Tampa, Fla., is anx­ Edward F. Gibbs, Murray Gor­ H. Duggan, M. Delvalle, E., Ruious to get in touch with you. aboard the SS Colabee, during don, William Hauck, Fred L. bio, J. Bernai'do, T. Moriarty, L. She says that it is very impor­ the period from April 1, 1946 to Hopfer, Edward F. Howell, DunTaylor, D.. Matin, J. Wood, J. tant that you write to her as June 14, 1946, can be collected by SS A. H. STEPHENS aid P. Huff, Robert E. Jessel, Al­ McMains. soon as possible. calling at the Paymaster's office, bert Junes, Alvin J. Lawton, Deck department men who ^ % ^ 4* American - Hawaiian Steamship Francis Le Jan, Christopher were aboard this vessel for Voy­ SS HALTON R. CAREY ROBERT GIDSGN VORNON Co., 2nd Floor, 90 Broad Street, Long, Martin V. McLoughlin, Ra­ John Popovich wishes to hear J. Lanctot, F. Lambert, W. age No. 10 may obtain unclaimed mon Morales, Theodore Murphy, wages (overtime) by writing to from you. Write him c/o United New York 4, N. Y. Joseph V. Crnowski. the, Mississippi Shipping Com­ Seamen's Service, Manila, P.I. SS COLABEE George C'Rourke, Nathan N. pany, New Orleans 9, La. Voyage No. 14 Pearcc, Charles N. Pendergraft, \ it it RALPH LARSON Men who paid off the SS Sii-ocJoe C. Rainwater, Atnhony V^ Pedro Almoceras, Albin H. An­ SS R. SEMMES Miss Mary Kathryn Green co on December 31, 1946, in San Rimkus, Merrill H. Robb, Jaipes derson, Knut L. Anderson, BurL. A. Cheesemar, John Shee- wishes to .hear from you. Write Fi-ancisco, can now collect their C. Rocco, Alfred A. Rogers, Her- '' mur C. Blair, Jr., Finer Blakstad, transportation pay which was han and H. L. Lewis can collect her at 728 South Erie Street, man Schwartz, Herbert Stillman, William S. Brackett, William R. okayed on January 3. Contact 125 hours of overtime due at the Toledo 4, Ohio, or call her at Eugene Sullivan, Thomas Eugene Dauber, the company office for your Waterman Offices, 19 Rector St., MA 9921, extention 233, or Cheuvront, Thomas. Henry M. De La Haba, Helge A. EM 3093. New York City. money. American - Liberty Steamship Corporation is holding retroac­ tive pay checks for the following men at their offices, 75 West Street, New York 6, N. Y., room 902. The money can be claimed in person or by writing the com­ pany. NOTICE! PERSONALS Retroactive Pay Waiting American-Hawaiian SS Company MONEY DUE NOTICE! �fl i fh' Page Sixteen TBE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, Januajry 24, 1M7 SUN OIL tL .u. .1 ^OY tjcars fhe NMUcould •PiMd no-f-irMe-foFciou/fheu called qou ^cobs and'finid; Hrheq ne^modeaii(| OfH'enifst'ib help uou irianci (uatf. i^^oui-fhorfffie Secdbrers has ^rfepped in and IS receii^mb ({OUK Support,+he NMUenleis •Hie pidnre-foir no other KeasonHhanio coniHise the sitttorhon. The Isthmidn seamen necobnizedthe NMU-(br (uhartheqaKe. IdntermeriThao.Knou}u)ho •Hieir friends one. opYorm'HOffe^ea. vm •(\ � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource January 24, 1947 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. IX, No. 4 Description An account of the resource Headlines: NEW OFFICIALS FOR 1947 ANNOUNCED; HOSPITAL PAYMENTS INCREASED SIU PLEDGES FULL SUPPORT TO CIO SHIPMEN SEATRAIN HALTS ISLAND RUN; APPEALS TO CUBAN GOV'T EASTERN SIGNS PASSENGER SHIP CONTRACT WITH SIU SAILINGS WILL BEGIN LATTER PART OF FEBRUARY NEW CONGRESS IS ON THE BALL--BUT IT'S FOUL LABOR PAINS PHONY PACKT BETWEEN TIDEWATER, COMPANY UNION HOLDS UP ED WARES, FORMER LAKES AGENT, DIES AT DETROIT MARINE HOSPITAL JOBLESS PAYMENT IS CLARIFIED BY N.Y. STATE REPS PHS AGENT WILL VISIT GALVESTON HOSPITAL TO INVESTIGATE FEEDING AND FACILITIES PORT SAVANNAH IS JUST WAITING FOR SOUTH ATLANTIC TO BEGIN REPORT OF SIU TALLYING COMMITTEE MIDLAND VICTORY CLEARS THE WAY FOR AN ALL-OUT DRIVE ON LAKES NMU DEVELOPS SUDDEN INTEREST IN SUN OIL, BUT LITTLE TOO LATE SIU CERTIFIED AS BARGAINING AGENT IN MIDLAND; NLRB THROWS OUT USUAL VICIOUS PROTEST OF NMU MATE DISCOVERS HE MUST FOLLOW SIU CONTRACT PLENTY OF SHIPS HIT NEW YORK BUT THEY ARE ALL IN TRANSIT MIDLAND CONTRACT WILL BE THE BEST ORGANIZING AID HEAVY FOG HALTS ALL SHIPPING IN PORT ARTHUR GALVESTON GOES BACK TO NORMAL AFTER HOLIDAY SIU MAKES SHORT SHRIFT OF CHIEF ENG. COOPERATION SPARKS THE NEWHALL HILLS FOUR SEAFARERS INJURED ON COASTAL MARINER MISSISSIPPI GETS SUBSIDY FOR NEW RUN SEVERE STORM ABATES IN NORTH ATLANTIC ISTHMIAN MEN EVEN MORE PRO-SIU THAN BARGAINING ELECTION SHOWED WHAT TO DO: SOME DEPARTMENTAL SUGGESTIONS FOR COOKS RETROACTIVE PAY WAITING Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1/24/1947 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1947 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/f4952fc15e0244b178fe84b2bba62eac.PDF c60acbc9c443865f8271aa27c52531f5 PDF Text Text Official Organ of the Atlantic and Gulf District, Seafarers International Union of North America VOL. IX. NEW YORK. N. Y.. FRIDAY. JANUARY 31. 1947 No. 5 Curran Calls His Shots, Seafarers Says Stack Is Disrupter NEW YORK—The Special Na­ tional Council Meeting of the Na­ tional Maritime. Union, CIO, which ended on January 10, broke up in a flurry of fire­ works. As a 'fitting climax to a series of sessions which saw charges and c.ounter-charges fly around the room, Joe Curran, president of the NMU, made a few closing remarks which show that he has really awakened to the danger that the communists represent in the NMU. His words not only were di­ rected at the disruptive activities of the communist party generally, but also at the officials like Stack, MacKenzie, and Smith, who have always been CP spokes­ men in the NMU. At one point he made direct reference to Stack's poor labor record, a record that is well known wherever working sea­ men meet. Curran stated; STACK'S RECORD "Now I am going to say one thing to you, so it won't be said that I said it after the Council Meeting. This concerns itself with Joe Stack. I want to tell you he has a stinking record, and you know it. From the first day he came ashore off the SS Cali­ fornia." Further in the talk, Curran be­ came a bit more specific when he went on to say: "Well, he (Stack) also sent out a conununication to hisi brother, during an election campaign, that is part of the record; it was carried in the old papers in the old days, 'If you meet a communist, tell him Maritime Commission Buys 70 Loran Sets As Safety Measure As a step toward greater navi­ gational efficiency and safety at sea, the Maritime Commission has approved purchase of 70 Model-DBS Loran receivers from the Navy Department. Fifty of the receivers will be installed on merchant vessels and the re­ mainder will be placed aboard training ships. It was announced that the re­ ceivers will be placed upon ships that are likely to be continued in operation under either Gov­ ernment or private auspices. The Maritime Commission made the purchases after receiv­ ing favorable reports of the re­ ceivers when used aboard mer­ chant ships during unfavorable weather conditions. I am a communist; If you meet a wobbly, tell him I am a wob­ bly; if you meet a rank and filer, say I am a rank and filer.' "He was $110.00 short in his accounts when he was a Patrol­ man in Jacksonville. He paid it back finally." Referring to Stack's communist party background, and to the disruptionist activties of the com­ munist party, Curran stated: "As far as his record is con­ cerned, that is the consistent recOld of one of the leaders today .speaking, or purportedly speak­ ing as a communist in this union. Well, I say the communist party as such should disassociate itself i from these individuals. I still think so. I think the communist party, if it is a Marxist party, today has allowed itself to de­ grade down to the point where it is nothing but a job security j amalgamation on the waterfront, j and a rule or ruin group on the waterfront." Curran indicated his dissatis­ faction with the way the last elections in the NMU were car­ ried on when he said: "I said some time ago that I Throws Full Support To Striking CIO Shipbuildors; Joins Strikers On Pickotiino NEW YORK, Jan. 30—The Seafarers International Union threw its powerful .support to the CIO shipbuilders' Local 13, which today struck the notoriously anti­ union Ira S. Bushey and Sons' Brooklyn shipyards. The union, certified as collective bargaining agent, demands that the compiny negotiate with it. Scores of Seafarers carrying strike placards, joined the lines which began picketing the Bushey yards at the foot of Court Street at 7 a.m. this morning. The Seafarers' picket signs bore this announcement: * NOTICE! When requesling informa­ tion regarding your book, dues record status or retire­ ment. address your communi­ cations to; J. P. Shulef, Assistant Secy.-Treas., Sea­ farers International Union of N. A., 51 Beaver Street, New York 4. N. Y. Never send cash by mail if you wish to pay your dues, assessments, etc. Send money order payable to the Seafar­ ers International Union of N, A. {Continued on Page 14) MM&P Council VotesTo Join With International Group One of the far-reaching de­ cisions arrived at by the National Executive Committee of the MM&P. which met in Washing­ ton January 14 to 18 inclusive, was to consummate plans to af­ filiate with the world-wide Inter­ national Transportworkers Fed­ eration. The SlU-and the SUP are both already members of this far-reaching body. For over a year the MM&P has debated making this move, and the fact that the ITF is carrying on an unceasing fight for higher wages and conditions, plus a never ending battle with the communists, caused the licensed deck officers to take the final step. Officers organizations in Nor­ way, Sweden, Denmark, Holland, Great Britain,etc., are all af­ filiated with this organization, and the ITF has been instru­ mental in preventing the break­ down of standards of officers and seamen in those countries. At the same time, the ITF has had representatives working to formulate proper maritime codes for countries such as Guatamala and Panama, where such codes are non-existent or only in the early stages. During the recent strikes un­ dertaken by the SIU and the MM&P, the ITF was quick to of­ fer its facilities in foreign coun­ tries to make the action more wide spread. Many of the European trans­ portworkers unions are affiliated to the ITF; the ones that are not can be usually be found in the camp of the communist-domin­ ated World Federation of Trade Unions. N.Y.Tugboatinen Okay New Pact; Win Wage Hike "The Seafarers International Union. AFL. Supports CIO Shipbuilders' Strike Against Bushey," With this action began the ac­ tive support promised to Local 13, an affiliate of the Industrial Union of Marine and Shipbuild­ ing Workers, of America, CIO, in NEW YORK, Jan. 29 — New response to an appeal made by several of its representatives to York's tugboatmen voted ap­ an SIU membership meeting at proval of the wages and hours Webster Hall Jan. 15. agreed upon between their repre­ BAD RECORD sentatives and the tugboat opera­ The shipbuilders' officials ap­ tors. The approval ended the pearing at. the meeting were W.!-1 possibility of a strike in New liam McCaffrey, international York Harbor. representative: Fred Mesita, In a mail vote of 1,242 to 714, chairman of Local 13, and Nich­ members of Local 333, United olas Lamb, the local's executive Marine Division of the Interna­ secretary. tional Longshoremen's Associa­ In making their plea for the tion, gave their okay to the new Seafarers' aid, the union heads agreement. described in detail the company's As approved by the member­ sordid record in labor relations. ship, the Union gained a reduc­ Paul Hall, SIU New York Port tion in the work week from 48 Agent, recalled to the meeting to 40 hours, an 11 cents-an-hour the fact that the CIO shipbuild- increase, and time-and-a-half for ing union had supported last Saturdays and Sundays. September's SIU-SUP General The conditions won by the Un­ Strike, resulting from an unfav­ ion were the fruits of negotia­ orable ruling by the Wage Stabil­ tions th'at started early in Novem­ ization Board. Support was also ber. The stumbling block for an given in several other SIU beefs. early settlement was the • opera­ A resolution urging that this tors' refusal to grant the 40-hour support be reciprocated in the week. shipbuilders strike,, which started With only a few hours to go be­ this morning, was passed unan­ fore the strike deadline of midimously at the SIU meeting. ; night December 31, the operators Today's walkout at the Bushey bowed to the demand of the tugyards was the inevitable out­ boatmen. The gaining of the 40growth of the company's persishour week is hailed as a great {Continuei on Page 14) victory by the Union. PAN-ATLANTIC PLANS NEW RUN TO MIAMI The City of Miami, Fla., may emerge as one of the important Southern ports if plans of the Pan-Atlantic Steamship Corpora­ tion materialize. Application has been filed by the company to op­ erate cargo vessels between the famed resort and Boston, Phila­ delphia, New York snd George­ town, S. C. The proposed linking of Miami with other East Coast ports has received approval of city officials and civic leaders, who ai*e sub­ mitting briefs supporting the ap­ plication of the line with the In­ terstate Commerce Commission. A hearing on the proposal is scheduled to be held in Jackson­ ville Feb. 19. A spokesman for Pan-Atlantic, which is a subsidiary of the Wa­ terman Steamship Corporation, said his comparfy could have ships operating into Miami "within 30 to 45 days after a fa­ vorable decision." Liberty ships would be used on the line, and should the op­ eration justify it, the company might add combination cargo and passenger vessels to the run, the company official said. He added that his line con­ sidered Miami "one of the most important Southern ports on our route, and its large consuming area should make the operation successful." A branch office was recently established in Miami by the Sea­ farers International Union to fa­ cilitate handling of the increased flow of Union business into that port. The office is at 1355 N. E. 1st Avenue. �s^-' THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Two Friday. January 31. 1947 SEAFARERS LOG Published Weekly by the SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Gulf District Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor At 51 Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y. HAnover 2-2784 X % t % HARRY LUNDEBERG ------- President 105 Market Street, San Francisco, Caiif. JOHN HAWK - -- -- -- - Secy-Treas. p. O. Box 25, Station P, New York City Entered as second class matter June 15, 1945, at the Post Office in New York, N. Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912. Death In The Depths When the Greek passenger vessel, Chimarra, struck a mine January 19, off the coast of Greece and sank with the loss of 437 persons, the fact that a mine menace still lurks beneath the oceans became apparent, to those who think everything is back to normal. When 437 lives arc snuffed out with the explosion of one mine, the dangers present from the thousands of mines still lying under the waters cannot be ignored, but shout the fact that the lives of seamen who ply the water­ ways of the oceans are still in danger, even though the shooting war ended over a year ago. The mines, which still are present in great numbers, will take quite some time to be eliminated. It has been estimated that it will take another year to sweep up the majority of the remaining mines, but even that will still leave uncharted and floating mines. Hospital Patients To most people this postwar threat to navigation and the lives of seamen has been forgotten, but to seamen it is always in their minds. Two examples of the little known danger, that did not hit the newspapers, are the mine dam­ ages suffered by the SIU ships Signal Hills, hit off Genoa, Italy, last October, and the Fitzhugh Lee, struck near Venice in July. When entering the hospital notify the delegate by post­ card, giving your name and the number of your ward. Staten Island Hospital Men Now In The Marine Hospitals The only immediate means of removing this menace to navigation is "through minesweeping, which is taking These are the Uniofi Brothers currently in the marine hospitals, place in all waters known to contain mines. This work in as reported by the Port Agents. These Brothers find time hanging Europe is being handled by the International Mine Clear­ heavily on their hands. Do what you can to cheer them up by writ­ ance Authority, with headquarters in London, which esti­ ing to them. JOHN O'DONOHUE BALTIMORE HOSPITAL mates that since V-E day at least 72 merchant, fishing and JJ. STEFANIDES CASIMIR HONOROWSKI other small civilian vessels have been sunk or damaged CENTRAL MASON CHARLES HAHN in Eufopean waters alone. KARL PETTERSSEN JOHN SETTLE JOHN DUDKO XXX In operations in the Pacific, the United States cleared JOHN TILL BRIGHTON MARINE HOSP. 22,000 square miles and destroyed 12,000 mines. In spite LAWRENCE HOLMES E. JOHNSTON THOMAS WADSWORTH of the gigantic job done, many ground mines still remain H. SWIM SALVATORE PIZZILO in these waters, and will continue to be a menace to ship­ G. VICKERY RAYMOND S. HODGES J. GALA FRANCIS O'BRIEN ping off the Japanese coast until the deterioration of time R. ALBANESE PETER LOPEZ renders them all inactive, which may be about 1951. T. DINEEN ROBY LUFLIN V. RUIZ LLOYD YOUNG Danger is also present for the next five years from R. FIORE GEORGE SCHENERMAN the "floaters," moored mines which have broken loose and R. LORD have been carried by the Japanese current across the North XXX J. LAVASSOR Pacific toward the United States. NEW ORLEANS HOSPITAL A, X HUGO ECHEVARIA SAN JUAN HOSPITAL The war with its dangers and hazards to American E. R. BUCKLEY R. SAUNDERS soldiers is over. They did their job and peace has been won. ROBERT MULHOLLAND R. SIEJO Hovzever, the signing of an armistice does not neutralize M. R. SUTHERLAND F. APUNTES a mine. So, like the Italian and French peasants who are JOHN RETOUR W. ARMSTRONG being killed every day when their plows strike a land mine, SIR EDWARD CUSTER P. FELICIANO DAVID McDUFFIE the seamen who man the ships are encountering mines B. HOFFSTIEN O. M. STIREWA.LT ignorant of the cease-firing order. T. ROSENCRANS ERNEST COOPER W. JORGENSON ALBERT SHULL To the seamen who have to sail these waters, it is XXX J. W. DENNIS ,small consolation to know that the war is over, when every STATEN ISLAND HOSPITAL STEVE MOGAN trip still presents the possibility of ending in collision with W. BROCE, Jr. C. BONAFONT one of these submerged agents of destruction. JACINTO NAVARRO R. G. MOSSELLER You can contact your Hos­ pital delegate at the Staten Island Hospital at the follow­ ing times: Tuesday—1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 5th and 6th floors) Thursday —1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 3rd and 4th floors.) Saturday — 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 1st and 2nd floors.) J. S. WOOD W. G. H. BAUSE H. BELCHER L. L. MOODY E. D. MILLER C. KOLSTE R. POV/ELL M. MORRIS L. A. CORNWALL JOE LEWIS M. J. QUINN G. LUETH XXX GALVESTON • HOSPITAL MILLER WOLF BENNETT SEYLOR JONES, R. V. JOHNSON WILKI CRIGLET BARNEY, J. L. DAUGHERTY, W. ' . FORD SWENSON STREIZ SEGLER .. . ^ �Friday, January 31, 1947 THE SEAFARER SLOG A SOURCE OF DANGER SlU Corrects Deck Hazard On Span Splice Safe gear and good working conditions have always been among the chief demands of the SIU. Since the day of its organi­ zation, the Union has written into each agreement with the various steamship companies a clause calling for safe working gear. A condition was reported to the New York Port Agent where the Alcoa Steamship Company was ignoring this clause on the Span Splice. Alcoa refused to remedy it after the Bosun had called it to the attention of the Mate, and explained that it was un-safe and was a menace to the safety and lives of the crew. Upon learning of this flagrant violation of the safe working gear clause, the Union dispatched a Patrolman and photographer to inspect and photograph this par­ ticular condition that was con­ sidered to place the lives of our shipmates in peopardy. Appearing on this page is the photograph of a "pad-eye and a chain-stopper" used to stop-off the down-haul of the topping lift when raising booms. All patients, except Coast Guardsmen, who were afraid of the consequences, signed the complaint which was then for­ warded to Dr. Herman Hillsboe, Director of the Tuberculosis Di­ vision, United States Public Health Service. The petition specifically is di­ rected against the food condi­ tions. Patients claim that the food is prepared in a very poor manner, and although the qual­ ity is fair, it is improperly cook­ ed and is usually drab-appearing and tasteless. Certain hospital officials, who prefer to remain anonymous, have offered the usual excuses. They admit that poor pay for the cooking staff has forced them to hire inefficient and unqualified help. No solution is offered, however, and the patients con­ tinue to be forced to eat extreme­ ly unappetizing meals. POOR CONDITION TELLING 'EM HOW It was pointed out to the Mate and company officials that the safe arrangement for pad-eyes and chain-stoppers of ships of this type, was for .the pad-eyes to l)e welded to the top of the masttable as close as possible to the ;ead of the down-haul of the ;opping-lift, and the chain-stopr.crs to be shackled into them. This would work better than • jiigthening the chain and Icad•iig it up from deck, where it was not only a bad lead and makes it unhandy to the man putting the bitter end of the topping lift on or off of the cleat; but was also a hazardous way of arrang­ ing it. After demonstrating this un­ safe condition to the Mate and company officials, and suggesting the proper way of arranging the pad-e'yes and chain-stoppers, they agreed to remedy this con­ dition as quickly as possible. No Changes At Neponsit; Conditions, Excuses Remain A petition, drawn up and sign­ ed by 200 out of the 240 patients at the Neponsit Marine Hospital, again throws the spotlight on conditions existing at the institu­ tion. By JACK GREENHAW It can be readily seen by those of the Deck Department who are familiar with the procedure of stopping off a topping lift, that the Brother who posed for this picture is not only forced to stand and work in a strained position, but that the chain stopper itself is entirely too short. In fact, it is so short that he was only able to make two half hitches with the tag-line which is not a stopper, but is made of 21 thread and spliced onto the stopper. By close observation, anyone with the least bit of common, mechanical sense is able to see that even if the chain-stopper was sufficiently long enough to reach to the top of the mast table, it would still be a source of danger due to the fact that the pad-eye is welded onto the cover­ ing of the fire-line in such a manner that the lead of the chain-stopper will be a hindrance to a seaman putting the required number of round turns and fi­ gure eights on the cleat. In ad­ dition, the stopper itself might catch his hand or arm and cause him to knock it out of the hands of the man standing on the masttable. Page Three John Steeber, Deck Delegate of the MV Span Splice, is not standing in that strained position because he wants to. It hap­ pens to be the only way in which he can work, considering the arrangement and position of the pad eye and chain stopper. The protests of the militant SIU crew will change that very soon, and another danger spot will be eliminated on this ship. See story on this page for full details. Addition of the extra kitchen facilities which was widely pub­ licized by the Hospital has not helped out one single bit. The general food conditions have not improved, since the new facilities are only being used in the special diet kitchen. WAR INJURIES Anti-Closed Shop Amendment Introduced In New York State The anti-elosed shop hysteria has reached New York State, where this week a proposed amendment to the State Consti­ tution was introduced to outlaw the closed shop. Sponsor of the amendment was Frederic H. Bonteeou. Republican from Poughkeepsie. With a straight face. Senator Bontecou related, "This proposal represents an entirely voluntary effort on my part to protect in­ dividual union members in the State of New York from arbitrary action on the part of certain la­ bor leaders who have the power, under the closed shop, to deprive men and women of the right to earn a living." The amendment, it is reported, is being eyed somewhat coolly by other members of the Senate, and a spokesman for Governor Dewey stated that the measure has been introduced without the Governor's knowledge or con­ sent, and it was the Senator's bill and his alone. PAWN OF LABOR FOES Labor leaders in New York State are riot sure it is Senator Bontecou's bill alone, for Harold C. Hanover, secretary-treasurer of the State Federation of La­ bor, stated, "We are of the opin­ ion that the Senator is not cap­ able of introducing this type of legislation without aid of the enemies of labor who have evi­ dently made a pawn of him." Although the measure is sure to receive rough sledding in New York State, the number of states already having laws against the closed shop increased by one when Virginia last week adopted such a measure. Other states al­ Most of the inmates at Nepon­ sit are tubercular, and they need the • best of food and freedom from worry in order to be com­ pletely cured. With the food as ready having the anti-closed shop it is at present, they have not law are Arizona, Nebraska, been able to enjoy either require­ South Dakota, Florida and Ar­ ment. kansas. The Seafarers International Union has long been aware of the situation at Neponsit, and on a number of occasions, articles have appeared in the Log which tended to point out the intoler­ able situatiofi of the men who are forced to report to that insti­ tution for treatment. MEBA Rejects Bid To Affiliate With The CMU The Marine Engineers Bene­ ficial Association, CIO, doesn't want so-called "unity" at any price—certainly not at the terms offered by the disruptive Com­ mittee for Maritime Unity. The licensed Engineer's union has flatly rejected a move to formally affiliate with the communist - sponsored maritime group. The rejection came at the na­ tional convention of officials of the MEBA, meeting in Los An­ geles. A resolution proposing that a national referendum be held among the union's 19,000 members on the affiliation ques­ tion was turned down by con­ vention delegates. Even the fervent, personal ap­ peal in behalf of the affiliation made to the convention by Harry Bridges, failed to move the dele­ gates. MEBA officials said tliat under autonomy provisions of the con­ stitution, individual locals would be free to collaborate with the CMU, but would have to do so without any national backing. It is believed that few locals would avail themselves of this provision, with the possible ex­ ception of Bridges' few strong­ holds. • .-itl-J a:!-- Many men contracted tuber­ culosis as a result of exposure brought on by war service. Dur­ ing the course of the war, the merchant seamen were aggrand­ ized to the skies, and they were hailed as "heroes in dungarees." Now that the war is over, these same men are being relegated to inferior places of treatment for the Illness which they contracted in the course of keeping the sea lanes of the world open. gram will be followed out with­ out delay. The subject of seamen's hospi­ talization and of security for a seaman's old age are too import­ ant to be allowed in the hands of men who haven't the best inter­ ests of seamen at heart. The Log plans to bring the white heat of publicity to bear on poor condi­ tions until they have all been squared away. The Patrolmen Say— Crummy Ships NEW ORLEANS — We crewed up three former west coast ships which had been laid up for months, and for being crummy they took the prize. They were the F. Marion Crawford, now Waterman; the Stephen Douglas, now Mississippi; and the Louis McLean, also Mississippi. What they needed in the way of repairs would fill a SearsRoebuck Catalog. The two Mis­ sissippi ships needed mattresses, screens, wind scopes, cleaning up, and general repairs. The crews we sent down to the ships refused to sign on until all unsatisfactory conditions were rectified. After we got every­ thing squared away to the crew's satisfaction, both ships sailed to South America. TOUGH JOB Getting things squared away aboard the F. Marion Crawford, wasn't so easy. She needed re­ pairs aplenty. She had to install 12 new fans and repair 10 others. The stove wouldn't heat, so it had to be replaced, and she need­ ed all sorts of stores. We had to make three trips to the ship before we would allow the crew to sign on, and then we had to get a letter from the com­ pany stating that the crew could payoff if they tried to sail before the fans, toasters, percolaters, and hot plates were put on board, in addition to getting the stove re­ paired. Red Gibbs Buck Stephens Dick Birmingham i- 4- S- Smooth Sailing' NEW YORK—I'his week we were assigned to pay off the Pur­ due Victory and Madaket, both ships being tied up at the Brook­ lyn Army Base. These two ships were symbolic of what SIU ships NMU-COME-LATELY should be like. They were clean After having carried on the inside and out with the quarters fight against poor conditions in and messrooms as they should be. The crews were sober on both the Neponsit and other Mai-ine ships, the delegates were all on Hospitals single-handed for prac­ the ball. There were only a few tically a full year, the SIU has minor beefs, and no disputed recently been receiving the be­ overtime. Ye Gods! Tt appears lated support of the National like the bucko Mates and En­ Maritime Union. gineers have deserted to the un­ This is not the first time that, organized ships. the NMU has attempted to jump The only dres,sing down neceson an akeady rapidly rolling SIU sary was aboard the Purdue Vic­ bandwagon, and it -probably tory where the Chief Mate on won't be the last time. ^ this tub was a little confused. The members of the Seafarers! but was squared away by the International Union have given' Deck Patrolman. A lot of credit their officials a mandate to do all' is due the crews of these ships in their power to improve condi- for their cooperation in holding tions in the various Marine Hos­ bcefs to a minimum. pitals, and to take steps to bring James Purcell to light what is going on at the Hay Gonzales Sailors Snug Harbor. That proLouis Goffin �I • f-^ —- '••-:^i4. >-• THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Pour Frielay, January-31; 1947 Rumors^ Busier Than Shipping in (C)oid Chi wif4r ttHIMK QUESTION:—What changes in conditions have you seen since you first started sailing? GEORGE CONDOS, AB: I started sailing when I was 12-years-old, on sailing ships. It's 100 percent better than it used to be, and that's an underestima­ tion. Conditions today are such that a man at sea lives a decent life, and is no longer the slave of the Master and the company. Wages are much better today also and all the changes that have been made in wages and condi­ tions for seamen come right from union pressure. If there were no seamen's unions, there would not be any advances for seamen, either. GEORGE KOSMOS, AB: The greatest advances I have seen in seamen's conditions since I started sailing are in the treat­ ment of seamen. It used to be that seamen were practically slaves while at sea, and then were treated like bums when they came ashore. Now it's different. We have the same dignity that other workers have. Our wages are better than they used to be, and our conditions have also im­ proved. We don't have to go, hat in hand, to the bosses for jobs, either. We fought like hell for what we have, and we won't give it up without a fight. ARTHUR CAMARA, OS: I can't look back on too many years of sailing, but I do know that it is better now than it was before the war. Our wages are superior to what they were, and our food and conditions war betler. The war period showed us that a strong union can continue to gain advantages for its mem­ bers no matter what happened. All the gains we have made so far have been due to our strong union, and as long as we stay this way, we will continue to see vast improvements made in the lives and conditions of all seamen. THOMAS S. SMITH, Messman: ; The change in working condi­ tions is what impresses me most. We now have better quarters, larger beds, full size lockers, and better food. In other words, sea­ men are finally being treated like men and not like animals. When I first started to sea a man had to eat meat that was moldy, bread that had worms in it, and all the other food was marked "not fit for humans." Now we have a union to back up^ up, and if the food is no good, we know how to get it replaced with decent food, and quickly. • ' ' = : By HERBERT JANSEN CHICAGO—While the winter still has plenty of strength left in her, the boys around the Chicago Hall already arc waiting for the word to go out and "steam her up." Most of the men around here ' are expecting an early fit-out this year on the sand 'boats, for their docks are empty and the need for sand is heavy in the city at the present time. Maybe it will prove to be true. A rumor has been going around that the SS Michigan and SS Nas­ sau will go into operation this year, but it is the same thing every, year. These ships have not operated since before the war when, for 20 years they worked' fill-in jobs, helping Chicago expand out into the lake. This filled-in space also is the source of a rumor that the city fathers are planning to build an airfield on the'waterfront. May­ be one of these rumors will turn out to be fact. Recently I received a letter from Andrew Reid, Secretary of MEBA from C & B Lines. He made known to me that the En­ gineers' contract has been ter­ minated because the SIU is ask­ ing for an increase in wages and a 40-hour week on these ships. He thinks we are asking too much and intimated that we should take it easy. I answered his letter by stating that the benefits gained by the MEBA have always come be­ cause of the SIU, and we have al­ ways backed the MEBA in any dispute they have encountered. However, the SIU cannot stop for an.vone in their struggle for better conditions and wages. Great Lakes Are Next On Seafarers Organizing Program By EARL SHEPPARD As 'a result of the successful organizing drives on the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coasts, more cofnpanies are now under con­ tract to the Seafarers than ever before in the history of the Un­ ion. More companies mean more ships, and more ships means more gobs available for the mem­ bership. It is the duty of the Union to protect the membership at all times and in every possible man­ ner. With the present slowing down of American shipping the organization of old unorganized and newly formed companies is the first task of the Union. The long hard months of or­ ganizing work on the Isthmian line is behind us, and the same apparatus is working in the tank­ er field. When an agreement is finally signed with Isthmian, it will mean that the biggest dry cargo steamship company in America will have been brought under the banner of the Sea­ farers. GREAT LAKES NEXT The Great Lakes has always been the strongest fortress of the American shipowner. Situated in the heart of the great industrial area, continued operation of lakeborne traffic is indispensable. The steel mills," in order to operate, depend absolutely on building up their iron ore stock piles with ore'brought do-wh on ships dur­ ing the- sumhier'Season, If they had to depend on the railways, statistics brove that they could not get sufficient ore for six months operation. Such curtailed operation of the steel mills would cause the shutting down of hundreds of other in­ dustries manufacturing every­ thing from automobiles and lo­ comotives to screen doors and fly swatters. A large percentage of the wheat consumed on, and exported from, the Atlantic seaboard is shipped on Great Lakes grain ships to the grain elevators in Buffalo. A majority of the newsprint used by the great newspapers of Chicago and other midwestern cities, and general cargo of every possible type, is hauled via the lakes. Other lakes maritime in­ dustry consists of car ferries, sand suckers, excursion boats, regular passenger boats, barges and tugs. In other words, there is a large variety of maritime operation on the Lakes as on §alt water. LAKES CARRIERS ASSO. The owners and operators of Lakes shipping,- as well as the industrialists dependent on Lakes traffic, know damn well that any tie-up on the Lakes would paralyze the industry of the en­ tire nation. For that reason, they have worked many years and spent plenty of dough trying to keep unionism from getting a foot hold on the Lakes. Their principal stronghold is the Lakes Carriers Association, which serves the dual role of an owners association and a com­ pany union. This is the outfit that fathered the continuous dis­ charge "fink book" long before Senator Copeland or the old Pa­ cific Coast Owners Association ever thought of it. A great many of the other restrictions the Mari­ time Commission has tried to put over were fathered by the LCA.The first job the Seafarers faces on the Lakes is breaking the stranglehold of the LCA, and' de­ finite progress has already been made in that direction. MIDLAND STEEL The most significant and im­ portant victory won by the Sea­ farers on the Lakes was that of winning the bargaining election and signing an agreement with Midland Steel. The big steel companies are the backbone of all lakes' ship­ ping, and any break in their ranks shows that their entire structure is weakening. The Seafarers has been on the Lakes a long time, and although the progress has been slow we have steadily forged ahead. This victory proves that the SIU is on the job, and out to organize everything on thfe Lakes. THIS YEAR'S JOB With the Midland victory as a starter, the Seafarers is out to do a bang-up job this season. The AFL Maritime Trades De­ partment and the Seafarers Intenational are going to push the Great Lakes campaign this year in the same hard-hitting aggres­ sive manner that the Isthmian Drive was carried out. Hundreds of Seafarers mem­ bers have sailed the Lakes. Many, of these were men who came up to the coast and sailed off-shore during the war. A lot of those men have gone back to the Lakes, and will be sailing on unorgan­ ized ships. These will be .the backbone of the oi'ganizing drive. All men who intend going back to the Lakes this season should contact the organizers before leaving, and iti any case report imrriediate to one of the Lakes halls upon arrival. MILITANTS ALL Above are the men who spearheaded the drive to turn the SS Span SpUce^-from a rustbucket into a typically clean SIUship; (See story and pictures on page 5). Backed up by a milit­ ant, crew, this-group forced the company to institute changes, and you-should-see the ship now. Left to right, Ray Gonzales. New York Stewards Department Patrolman; Stanley Jandora. Bosun; John Sleeber, AB and Deck-Delegate; and Jack- Greenhaw. rank-and-file SIU member who was present because he knew what the Span Splice was like from a previous voyage. �I--'- Friday, Jwuary 3;i.f)l!947 -'r ^ •* •' THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Five New Crew And New Deal On Span Splice The growing awareness of'the Seafarers membership as to the responsibilities which such mem­ bership entails was shown very clearly recently in a situation which arose on the MV Span Splice, Alcoa Steamship Com­ pany. There's good food on board the Span Splice, ..and here are the men responsible for that fine state of affairs. Left to right, back row, Grover Barnes, MM; George Kaufman, Night Cook and Baker; John Waith, Third Cook, and Lambert Martindale, Chief Cook. Front row, in the same order, Frank Adkins, Saloon MM; Santos. Pizarro, Bedroom Steward, and George Thornhill, Chief Steward. Incidentally, Brother Kaufman is Stewards Department Delegate. At this time, the company pleaded that it would put the ship in condition if the crew would first dischage the cargo of bauxite in Claremont, Delaware. To protect the good name and reputation of the SIU, the crew agreed to do so. But on arrival back in New York, the company welshed. Here the crew, abeted by com­ The ship was put into Todd pany negligence, allowed the Shipyard to have certain plates ship to become so filthy, that the welded. Nothing else was done, "new crew coming aboard imme­ nor was anything planned. So, in diately took steps to remedy the traditional Seafarers fashion, the conditions, and also brought crew used job action. charges against the outgoing JOB ACTION WINS crew members. Action by the company follow­ The company was at fault on ed soon after, and the ship was another count in that normal painted from stem to stern. All of safety precautions were not ta­ the foc'sles were put in A-1 con­ ken on the Deck. (See story on dition, and a little more job ac­ page 3 for a full account of the tion resulted in a thorough fumi­ unsafe conditions and what steps gation of the Span Splice. were taken to insure the safety New mattresses were brought of the men.) aboard, cooking and eating uten­ The Span Splice had just re­ sils were supplied, the stoi-eroom turned from a three and a half month trip, and paid off in New York. A new crew was assigned from the Hall, but when they went aboard they found the ship as filthy as any oldtime rustbucket. The foc'sles were dirty; cock­ roaches had the run of the ship; the storeroom was full of food that dated to many trips back; there were few cooking or eating utensils, and the mattresses were torn and foul and infected with scabies germs. Most, of the replaced crew was characterized by the new crew as "performers and not good Union members." Chai'ges were filed against all, and the company was notified that the ship would not be sailed until the needed repairs and sanitary changes had been made. Time out to pose for the Log photographer. You can tell that this is the Black Gang. In the usual left to right, front row; N. Katrausky, Wiper; J. Gulseth, Oiler, and Mario Franciose, Wiper. Back row: J. Santiago, First Assistant; S. Storm, Second Assistant, and J. Brooks, Chief Elec­ trician. The Engine Gang say that the Ffrst and Second arc good Joes and they wanted them in the picture. Okay, Span Splice crew, here they are. They put their John Han­ cocks on the Articles, at the left, and they are all ready for ,a trip on the Span Splice. This ship hits the bauxite run, and that means good weather under sunny skies while the northern part of the United States lies buried under many feet of snow. Happy sailing fellows, and keep her steady as she goes. 4. 4. 4 Picture at the ..ight shows what the foc'sles of the Span Splice looks like now that crew' action won needed repairs. From what the crew says, the quarters were the filthiest in the memory of the oldest oldtimer before the company started to clean up the ship. Frank Szczepanski, OS, relaxes on his bunk while waiting to take his place in line to signon. With an excellent Stew­ ards Department, and a recon­ ditioned ship, this voyage ought to be a good one. was cleaned out, and the lockers were .also repaired. Now the Span Splice started to look like a clean SIU ship. As far as the safety measures are concerned on the deck, the Mate promised to do what he JUSTICE DONE could to rectify the situation, and A rank-and-file committee was that as soon as possible. selected to hear the charges, and Much credit is due the militant it was the decision of the trial crew who took over a bad situa­ committee, backed up by the tion on the Span Splice. They membership, to expel certain of cleaned up a mess, and had the the gas hound tripcarders and courage to bring to the floor an permit men, and to place on pro­ incident that reflected on the bation several of the full book membership, and on the Union's men among the offenders. bitterly won prestige. �Page Six Bucko Skipper And Mate Ruin Poor Did Belie THE SEAFARERS LOG NO MORE MONKEY BUSINESS Though the men aboard the Isthmian ships are patiently awaiting the end of the phony protests of the NMU, they still are forced to put up with the poor conditions and bucko offi­ cers that seem to come with all the ships of that company. An example of what is still go­ ing on is the report from the Belle Of The Seas, at present in far-off Singapore. The crew reports that they are having the dubious privilege of shipping with Chief Mate, "Bell to Bell" Fish, who is well known to Log readers from previous write-ups. He is still living up to his name, for he claims that there is no such thing as overtime, and it is only to be' paid to the watch on Sunday at sea. It takes more than an Isthmian ship, a bucko Skipper, and a barrel of monkeys to damp­ One of the crewmembers en the spirits of these merry Seafarers. They got a combination of al three on their recent trip aboard, George Swinton, states, aboard the Aram J. Pothier. only instead of a barrel of monkeys, they had a full cargo of the "Bell to Bell 'has a letter from animals. Left to right, Louis Bourdonnay, Lars Hillartz, Hugh R. Norwood, and Percy Boyer. the company which says we have to work Saturdays a^sea without overtime. So far we haven't. An­ other thing that he has been pulling is having the man at the wheel work on deck. He also sets sea watches when six hours at sea." KING SIZE LOG When a crew of militant Sea­ The crew couldn't get across to The monkeys, it was pointed out, The Mate isn't the only one who has been making life miser­ farers characterize an Isthmian them that all Skippers weren't were travelling third-class. The eleven passengers, likewise able for the Belle Of The Seas | Skipper as an "anti-Union stiff" alike, and that they should take were reported to have gotten a crew. While the ship was in Ma- because he believes sailors should it easy. "Nobody is gonna make mon­ bellyfull of the Skipper's chicken. uiia the Skipper logged a Wiper work for peanuts, we can under­ $250, claiming he had taken stand it. After all. Seafarers are keys out of us," they protested. They debarked when the ship whiskey out of one of the holds. used to the best wages and work­ There were other highlights in hit Boston, figuring they had got­ The Wiper has not signed the ing conditions in the maritime the trip. The ship carried 11 Hin- ten their money's worth at that point. New York looked too far log, nor made any admittance of industry. But when a cargo of monkeys off. the theft. What sounds phony to the crew is the fact that the screech their objections to the STOP WATCH KID whiskey in question was return­ Skipper, we've got to admit the ed, and that later they saw the guy must have hit a new low. Boyer and the other boys swear And that actually happened guards around the ship drinking that the Skipper uses binoculars aboard the Isthmian ship, Aram it. and a stop watch to make sure Of course, "Bell to Bell" tried J. Pothier, according to four of the crew doesn't get any over­ to get the Third Mate to sign a the vessel's indignant crew. Sea­ time. They say they put in a 48statement to the effect that he farers Louis Bourdonnay, AB; hour week, and that they saw the Wiper in the hold, but Lars Hillartz, Wiper; Hugh Nor­ wouldn't recommend the Skip to the Third Mate refused to sign it. wood, Oiler; and Percy Boyer, an NMU man, with the monkeys Since then the matter has quiet­ Bosun, pieced together a tale of reportedly backing them up. ed down. The crewmembers are shipboard monkey-shines in the But there were a few bright still hot and bothered about it, Log office this week. spots in the trip. The crew was The Pothier crewed up and left dus, who came aboard In Cal­ a good bunch, and were strong but are letting it hang fire until the ship gets back to New York, New Orleans for Calcutta and cutta. They shelled out $508 for lor the Seafarers. Overlooking where they intend to raise some other Indian ports skippered by the shunt to New York, and for "Oversight," the officers were all Captain Elmer Mathes, better fourth class accommodations, too. okay, the four crewmembers said. smoke over the matter. known to all hands—and monkeys THROW HIM OUT —as "Oversight Elmer." At the same time the ci ew is, The ship is now in New York unanimous in their dislike of' on the last lap of her voyage, "Bell to Bell" Fish, for, they | with stops scheduled for Norfolk write, "If the contract is signed j and Baltimore, where she will by the time we get in port, let's payoff. get rid of this Mate. He's a real BUCK AND A HALF phony." NEW YORK, Jan. 30—Forty- radio officer dismissed at a port Capt. "Oversight' hails from As far as the officers are con­ five shipping lines, including 11 other than that at which he join­ cerned, the crew has turned that Isthmian school which tanker companies, yesterday ed the ship. thumbs down on them all, but all doesn't believe in overtime, the crewmembers reported. signed an agreement with tlje This transportation rider was is not gloom for the crew is well i four Here is a sample of what he fought for and won originally by Radio Officers Union, AFL, for pleased with the Stewards De­ learned at that school: the SIU, and is now becoming partment. For service, cleanliness salary increases ranging to $21.00 "A dollar-and-a-half a day, standard in the contracts of other and good meals they sas* the | per month. The contracts date without overtime, is enough for seamen's unions. Stewards Department aboard is any sailor." (Just shows you how from last October 1, and will run hard to beat. The agreement also specified badly "Oversight" needs a re­ until September 30, 1947. eleven categories of work for fresher course.) Besides a general salary in­ which overtime pay may be Bosun Boyer was official keep­ crease, the overtime rate has also charged. er of the monkeys which were been raised to $l.i60 per hour on Previous to the signing of this hauled aboard in Calcutta. Percy Send in the minutes of dry cargo ships, and to $1.70 per new contract, each company had said he had to stay right on the your ship's meeting to the hour on tankers. a separate agreement, expiring ball, too. Ho had to shave every New York Hall. Only in that Members of the AFL Radio Of­ on different dates. Now the pro­ day so that he wouldn't be mis­ way can the membership act taken for one 'of his charges. But ficers Union will therefore re­ visions of all dry cargo agree­ on your recommendations, he wasn't the only one who had ceive ten cents per hour more ments are the same, and the ex­ and then the minutes can be than the overtime rate being paid piration date is also the same. to keep steady. printed in the LOG for the Boyer said that the Skipper to operators who are members of benefit of all other SIU The ROU is only ten years old, had to keep his hat on all the the American Communications and has already made long strides crewsr time, so Percy would know Association, CIO. Hold those shipboard meet­ forward in bettering conditions where his jurisdiction ended. ings regularly, and send Another feature of the contract and wages of radio operators CAN'T DO THAT those minutes in as soon as was a clause guaranteeing trans­ aboard ships. The ROU is an af­ Anyway, the monkeys were portation back to the port where filiate of the AFL Maritime possible. That's the SIU wayl raising hell all the way over. the articles were signed for any Trades Department. Even The Monkeys (Passengers Not Crew) Couldn'tSee'Oversight Elmer'As Skipper AFL Radio Officers Union Signs New Contracts With 45 Companies Send Those Minutes Friday, January 31, 1947 By JOHNNY JOHNSTON In the days gone by, the Master and the officers of clipper ships were for the most part Ameri­ cans, but the crews were com­ posed largely of foreigners. The American seaman, long noted for the neatness of his appearance and his skill in seamanship, had almost vanished in 1850. There were several reasons for these men giving up the life they loved. The pay was exceedingly low, and conditions had been growing worse for the man in the foc'sle. The food was worse than that of prisoners ashore, and Masters were driving their ships in all kinds of weather, trying to set new records from New York to San Francisco. It was very seldom that the watch below could spend their time off without being called on deck to help the w.atch reef and furl sail. ABs could earn only $8.00 to $12.00 per month, while men ashore were making three times as much and had none of the dis­ comforts of the man going to sea. As American seamen would not sign on with such wages and conditions, foreigners began to take their places. This was in the face of a law of 1817, which prescribed that not less than two thirds of the crew of an American vessel must be citizens of the United States. But this proved to be an easy law for the Masters to get around, and in some cases foreigners were signed on as Americans. The in­ creasing scarcity of seamen brought about the vicious and brutal practice of .shanghaiing. From a time, especially on the Barbary Coast, the gangs were so powerful, that the ships' of­ ficers were helpless to either pre­ vent their men from being en­ ticed from the ship while in port, or to refuse to patronize the or­ ganized shanghai gang if there were not enough sailors to man the ship at sailing time. During the height of the Gold Rush, Skippers had to pay from $25.00 to $200.00 for shanghaied seamen if they were short-hand­ ed on the Coast of California. Many of the Captains found dead men on their hands when they got out to sea, and more than a few of the men were in such bad condition from the blows and drugs they received from the gang that it took a num­ ber of days before they could be turned to. 4. 4 Three weeks ago this column had something to the effect that to make 12 knots, the ship's en­ gines had to generate 45000 HP. It is .swell to know that so many Seafarers read the Log, because it seems that everybody has been writing in to put us straight. Here is the correction, and honestly fellows, we knew it all the time, it was just a typogra­ phical error. It takes only 4500 HP to do the 12 knots. Hope the printer gets it right this time. �Friday, January 31. 1947 Modernization Of Boston Is Off As Governor Cuts Appropriation By JOHN MOGAN BOSTON — Business and ship­ ping, which has been pretty good for two or three weeks finally slowed up and last week was only fair. The good stretch of shipping, however, just about cleaned out our reserve of rated men in the Deck and Engine Departments. In fact, a ship in transit called for an Oiler and an Electrician on Saturday morning, but we were unable to fill the order. The Stewards are fairly well represented, with five Stewards and a half-dozen Cooks and Bakers waiting for berths. The outlook for the coming week is fair with two, or possibly three, payoffs scheduled. These, I however, are subject to cancella­ tion or diversion. Then, too, the tankers are still hitting this port regularly. NEW WATERFRONT OUT The prospects for the future, which had been soaring with the ci-eation of a new Port Authority and some ambitious planning, have been deflated again. The incoming Governor promptly lopped off a sizable por­ tion of the appropriation for the Port Authority, which will neces­ sarily retard the carrying out of the plans for building piers, sheds ,etc. Apparently it will take an earthquake or destructive tidal wave to effect any change in Bos­ ton's antiquated waterfront. By next week Eastern Steam­ ship Line should have the new Passenger Contract all ironed • THE SEAFARERS LOG out. As the Yarmouth is about leady to go, the first passenger sailings since the war should be before the 15th of February. With the Yarmouth and Evan­ geline on their steady runs, this port will be plenty busy, as one of the ships will be in nearly every night. OUTPORTS SLOW The outports haven't been do­ ing much of anything lately. This time of the year usually finds a little activity going on in Port- Silence this week from the Branch Agents of the follow­ ing ports: PHILADELPHIA CHARLESTON HOUSTON NORFOLK JACKSONVILLE MOBILE BALTIMORE MARCUS HOOK The deadline for port re­ ports. monies due. etc.. is the Monday proceeding publica­ tion. While every effort will be made to use in the current issue material received after that date, space commitments generally do not permit us to do so. land, but so far we haven't had any SIU vessels up there, al­ though an occasional tanker crew pays off in that area. In Providence, also, there has been nothing doing except an oc­ casional tanker payoff, but there may be a resumption of Colonial I,ine service between Providence and New York pretty soon. Enough about the situation in Beantown for this week. We will be back again next week with more news. Page Seven Shipping Up Again In New York; Shortage Of Rated Men Reported By JOE ALGINA NEW YORK—Shipping in this port is like "off again, on again, Finnegan." One week it's bad, and the next week it's so good that we just can't get enough men to crewup all the ships. That's the way it is this week, and we are crying for rated men. Now that doesn't mean to hop on the first rattler and come arunning to New York, but if you are on the beach in some port where the shipping has slowed down, wire this port and we will notify you if there are still some jobs left in your rating. Not only has shipping picked up for the present, but there is Fight Within The NMU Explodes Advertised Myth Of GMU Unity By FRED FARNEN every indication that it will stay good for some period of time. Plenty of tankers are duo in here within the next ten days or so, and dry cargo ships arc also .slated for this port to payoff, and then crew up. For the first time since the end of the MM&P strike, we can say that shipping is definitely on the upgrade, and we hope it stays that way. ALL WORK. NO PLAY A few weeks ago we noted the lost weekend of our Brother of­ ficials down in New Orleans. They lost their weekend paying off ships on Saturday afternoon and Sunday. Just so the membership will not think that a novelty, I want to say that we have made it a practice to payoff a ship on Sun-/ day, if necessary. And lately it has been very necessary, especia ly for tankers. The American Press, Newtex, paid off last week and it proved to be one of the cleanest ships we have had here in a long time. It looked the way a SIU ship should look. From the wa\ the crew talked, a rousing tribute is due the Stew- DETROIT--Still fresh in the pai'ty, and not the seamen they minds of Lakes seamen is the are supposed to be leading. phony strike pulled by the NMU In direct contrast to the NMU on the Great Lakes last summer leadership, the SIU can point to when they abused Labor's only unity all down the line, and that weapon, the picketline, in order unity is in the determination to lu gain control over the Lakes. better the welfare of seamen ashore and at sea. At the time the strike was call­ ed, its purpose was quickly seen to be an organizational drive. SlMPLE.lSfJ'T IT? WEfiOTA The SIU makes it clear when ap­ DATE AND COVER proached, that we would not vio­ TWB PA'iDFF,' late our contracts by walking off By HENRY W. CHAPPELL our ships, but we would respect TOLEDO — All sailors have volved, when it has been proven lines around NMU ships. . been watching with interest the that the majority of the crews At the same time we made it struggle within the NMU to rid want union conditions on their known that we would not respect itself of the shackles of the com­ ships. When a governmental any picketlines they placed By ARTHUR THOMPSON munists and the CMU. It is sur­ agency is called in to settle any around unorganized ships. prising to see how slow they have dispute the saijor goes to bat SAVANNAH—Shipping during Well, it's history on the Lakes responded to the pleas of Joe with two strikes on him as in­ now how the NMU crossed their the past week has been very slow Curran after his resignation from variably these boards side in own membership by signing an this committee and exposed their with the shipowner and the ma­ agreement with Bethlehem here in Savannah, but next week true purpose, which is to use the jority rules the seamen down. Transportation Company, allow­ promises to look good. The Gal- aids Department for the manner The Great Lakes District of the ing the %hips to sail while their braithe is expected to come in in which they carried out their NMU membership and treasury to further the aims and policies SIU is busy now trying to im­ members were still.on the picket- for a payoff, and the Hendy and jobs. Now that the results of the of the communist party with the prove our 1947 contracts which lines. Slocum will be in to have their election have been announced, welfare of sailors ashore and at already are the best on the Lakes. At the same time they labeled stalls .stripped and that means we have had to say goodbye to As soon as they are ratified by sea secondary in interest. everyone who saw through the three crews we will be able to two of our New York Patrolmen - These high NMU party mem­ the members and signed by the sell-out, finks and scabs. supply. The Cyrus W. Field may who are leaving to take new bers are not a group of starry- officials, the LSU, NMU, and come in also and from there on posts. NAME CALLING eyed dreamers who envision a Lake carriers will attempt to get it's anybody's guess. Now in the NMU itself, we see Salvador Colls, newly elected government controlled entirely the same wages and conditions the same name-calling taking San Juan Agent, left with his for the members that the SIU by workers, but are a group of The Hattiesburg Victory has place. Joe Curran has fallen out family last week; and Johrmy has already won. psuedo-militant representatives been tied up here and all her Also the Lake Carrier sailors with the buys on the Executive beefs were squared away with­ Johnston, New Orleans Deck Pa­ of a foreign government, whose purpose it is to have the govern­ will wonder how in the hell the Board- over participation in the out any trouble. The main beef trolman, took off a few days was about the quarters. It seems later. ment control the workers, and Mates and Enginers can make CMU. Johnny, who has blossomed Back and forth across the table the Bosun and Carpenter had when the time is ripe to cause a them do all the extra work, when revolution and seize control of in the SIU contracts it constitutes at their recent meetings Stack been sleeping in the Deck Main­ out as a Log columnist, has prom­ overtime. and cohorts have been yelling- tenance's room and the deck ised to keep sending his enter­ the government. "sell-out," while Curran and his maintenance men had been put taining facts to the paper in ad­ That's why the NMU has con­ GET WHAT'S YOURS dition to his other duties. tinually sided in with the various So fellows, join the SIU and confederates have been shouting, in other foc'sles with men on , "Stack and his boys speak only agencies created by the govern­ be able to ^rove what your duties watch. for the communist party and hot ment and designed to keep Amer­ are aboard ship by reading your STRAIGHTENED OUT ican seamen in a virtual state SIU contract to the Mates and the membership." of slavery with no representa­ Engineers, and be able to get Such a set-up works a hard­ As anyone can see, that is the Send in the minutes of tion when their welfare is con­ overtime when it is coming to type of unity the NMU has been ship on men trying to sleep, and your ship's meeting to the sidered. preaching. What the -SIU has there have been many complaints you instead of time-off at sea. New York Hall. Only in that RESENT COMMIES Bear in mind that shipowners been saying for years, is now about it before, but nothing was way can the membership act While the SIU members do are not Santa Glaus and the only proven — the NMU membership done. Now the matter is settled on your recommendations, not contend that America is a reason unorganized seamen get has been played for suckers all and all crewmembers are in their and then the minutes can be Utopia, and there is lots of room the same conditions as the SIU along by a few self-professed rightful quarters. The other printed in the LOG for the for improvement, we de resent is because the company doesn't militants who have bent over beefs were minor repairs and benefit of all other SIU Joe Stalin and his slimy agents want unions, for then tlfese con­ backwards to abide by the poli­ painting. Now everything ap­ crews. pears to be okay. attempting to tell us how to go ditions will have to be granted cies of the Kremlin. Hold those shipboard meet­ about acquiring it. These "leaders" have proven as a matter of course. Also the Everything else in running ings regularly, and send The SIU wants for its mem­ shipowners will no longer be able again by their own accusations along smoothly except that we those minutes in as soon as bers the right to negotiate con­ to tell the crews how big-hearted during this falling-out that their seem to have more than our possible. That's the SIU wayl tracts with the companies in­ they are. only interest is the communist quota of governors in this state. Govt And NMU Officials Always Have Sided Against The Seamen Savannah Has More Governors Than Ships Send Those Minutes �-J THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Eight Friday. January 31, 1947 BERMUDA BOUND—ALCOA'S GEORGE WASHINGTON .... By JOE VOLPIAN On December 31, 1946, The this chapter shall, upon convic­ ' President of the United States tion thereof, be fined $50 for proclaimed the "end of hostili­ each person so employed. (f) This section shall be en­ ties." His action in so doing forced by the Secretary of brought to an end approximately Commerce, for the purpose of 26 wai'time measures, among carrying out this section, and them, regulations governing alien shall take effect ninety days seamen in wartime. after June 29, 1936. On March 31, 1947, peacetime regulations will again go into ef­ fect. These are the regulations contained in the Merchant Ma­ rine' Act of 1936. The sections dealing with alien seamen are as follows: (They refer only to sub­ sidized vessels): (g) All the Deck and Engin­ eer ofiicers employed on ves­ sels on which an operating dif­ ferential subsidy is paid under authority of chapter 6 or em­ ployed on the Commission's vessels, after one year after June 29, 1936 shall, if eligible, be members of the United States Naval Reserve. (a) All licensed officers of vessels documented under the Snapped by fhe Log photographer just prior to pulling out of New York for Hamilton, Ber­ laws of the United States, as (h) During a national emer­ muda, these boys are part of the George Washi igton's deck gang. Front (reading from left to now required by law, shall be gency as proclaimed by the right): John Mehalov, OS; S. Hunt, AB; C. Lorn ax, CFW; H. Acunto, OS, and D. Wilkie, OS. citizens of the United States, President, he may, in his disRear: S. Brown, AB; (Deck Delegate); G. Pierre, AB; W. J. Crosby, Bosun; E. Smolen, OS; G. native-born or completely nat­ crelion, suspend any or all of Tazzani, AB and B. Ben, AB. uralized; and upon each de­ the provisions of this section. parture from the United States On non-subsidized vessels, the of a cargo vessel in respect of percentage of aliens who may which a construction or oper­ sign on foreign articles remains ating subsidy has ben granted, '15% as contained in the Jones cdl of the crew (crew including Act. Send in the minutes of all employees of the ship) shall your ship's meeting to the Inasmuch as the number of be citizens of the United Slates The zig-zagging hopes of the Meanwhile, the Skipper had New York Hall. Only in that alien seamen holding American native-born or completely nat­ fortune-bent men of the SS H. B. two perfumers look into the mass way can the membership act seamen's papers surpasses by far uralized. Latiobe zoomed skyward again for the possibility of it being on your recommendations, the number of jobs available for (b) For a period of one year them, many of them having prov­ this week with the encouraging used in the manufacture of "eau and then the minutes can be after the effective date of this ed themselves to be excellent word from one of their ship­ de something or other." printed in the LOG for the chapter, upon each departure sailors, shipmates and union men mates, Blanco Williams, that the Their findings dashed what­ benefit of all other SIU from the United States of a during the war, to the best of our mass of stuff they hauled aboard ever hopes the Lati'obe men had crews. passenger vessel in respect of knowledge, all waterfront unions in the South Atlantic late last of taking it easy for awhile. That Hold those shipboard meet­ which a construction or oper­ are making a serious attempt in summer might yet prove to be a is, all except Williams. ings regularly, and send ating subsidy has ben granted, their own ways to afford some mess of "gold," or ambergris, as He headed home, taking two those minutes in as soon as all licensed officers shall be cit­ measure of protection for these it it technically known. pieces of the potential cologne possible. That's the SIU wayl izens of the United States as de- men. More on this subject later. with him. He's convinced the Brother Williams' sbot-in-thetined above, and no less than arrn came in the form of a letter stuff is the real thing, and in his 80 percent of the crew (crew from his Norfolk home, where he letter, said he's turned the mat­ including all employees of the has been standing a ceaseless vi­ ter over to a lawyer. ship other than officers) shall Cautioning his partners not to gil over tv/o "nuggets"—samples be citizens of the United States, give up hope, he told them not of the Latrobe men's catch. native-born or completely nat­ The letter was intended as a uralized, and thereafter the rallying call to his depressed percentage of citizens as de­ shipmates to get up off the deck By CHARLES SCOFIELD fined above shail be increased and stop holding a wake over five percent per annum until Sometimes we spend so much their dead hopes. Up to this 90 percent of the entire time beefing about low wages point, the lads' spirits were 10 crew, including all officers of and poor conditions that we for­ degrees flatter than an unor­ any such vessel, shall be citi­ get the other part of the picture. ganized ship's night lunch. zens of the United States, na­ Sure, our gripes are legitimate, "Don't worry," heartened Wil­ tive-born or completely nat­ but what happens when the Un­ liams. "We will come out on top." uralized. ion is able to gain decent pay DOESN'T GIVE UP (c) Any member of the crew, and conditions for us? Brother Williams, who was the not required by this section to Most of the men take it in their Latrobc's Bosun, is a bitter-ender be a citizen of the United States stride, and continue to put out whose determination to carry may be an alien only if he is in the type of work that all SIU the ambergris case to a happy to listen to any contrary advice. possession of a valid declara­ members can be proud of. But keep everyone posted conclusion may finally spell cash He'll tion of intention to become a there is always a small minority through the medium of the Sea­ with a capital for all concerned— citizen of the United States, or that spoils it for the rest. farers Log. and all are plenty concerned, es­ other evidence of legal admis­ "If anyone wishes to get in What brought this subject up pecially where cash is concerned. sion to the United States for touch with me, my home address in my mind is the sudden epi­ Here's a summary of what has permanent residence. Such is 2926 Somme Ave., Norfolk, demic of men taking money from happened up to the latest turn alien as above defined may be Va.," Williams added. the company to get to a ship, and in the foundering fortunes of the employed only in the Stewards WHALE! WHALE! Latrobe crew men: department on passenger ves­ then not showing up where they were supposed to. Some of the Ambergris, by the way, is high­ On a recent tropical run, a sels. men drink up the money, and large mass of what appeared to ly valued in the manufacture of CHARLES SCOFIELD (d) If any such vessel (as de­ some accept the money without be ambergris was sighted lone- perfume, and, consequently, this fined above) while on a foreign any real intention of trying to we have to live up to all the pro­ somely floating in the South At­ product .of the whale figures voyage is for any reason de­ catch the ship. visions of a contract if we expect lantic. It was picked up, and no­ quite importantly in romance. prived of the services of an em­ Next time that sweet little fe­ the company to do likewise. It body, including the Skipper, slept ployee below the grade of mas­ DO YOUR DUTY would sound awfully funny for a wink until the ship pulled into male has you with your head in ter, his place or a vacancy Besides the fact that this prac­ us to blame the company for vio­ Mobile, where the crew paid off. the clouds and your feet doing caused by the promotion of an­ tice is dishonest, it also puts the The crew chipped in to have the Viriginia reel, remember the lating the agreement if we do the other to his place may be sup­ Union in a mighty tough spot. the stuff analyzed in Mobile. It whale's share in 'making; her se­ same things ourselves. plied by a person other than The SIU fought a long battle be­ Fellow members, if you have was then that the matter started ductive. And all the time you defined in paragraphs (a) and fore the companies would agree any regard for the SIU and the to smell sweetly. The analysis didn't- even consider the great (b), until the first return of to give a man transportation to a big whale in the scheme of agreements for which the Union showed it to be ambergris. such vessel to a port in the ship if he was broke. And with The men were unable to re­ things. Ashamed of yov iplf fought, don't take transportation United States. that victory won, a couple of money in advance unless you main hi Mobile to dispose of now, aren't you? (e) The owner, agent or of­ guys came alon^ and upset the really mean to fulfil your end of their treasure, and appointed Anyway, it's the whales, and ficer of any vessel who know­ apple-cart because of their irre­ the bargain. Williams to stay aboard pending guys like the Latrobe crew who ingly employs any person in sponsible actions. Back up the Union that backs results. Came the strike and he help in making the World go violation of the provisions of It's about time we realized that you up. around and around. had to get off. Send Those Minutes Union's Responsibility Is Part Of Every Contract SIU Signs Short Note To Crew Of Latrobe: All Is Whale That Ends Whale ^^PSNIFFZ-PHOOEY/. '• �Friday, January 31. 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Sylvester C. Costa Page Nine Union Mate Points The Only Way To Attain Real Maritime Unity By DAVID BASS (Local 88, MM&P) been taken in by the communi.st party to do the strong arm vvoik. During our strike the commun­ ists fulfilled their role of all-time scabs, which was not surprisin.g to those of us who have gone through waterfront strikes before. • The newcomers learned in short order how the commies operate, and it was a lesson they will probably never forget. We have effectively cleaned out the destructers from our un­ ion. Many of the red fasci.sts are on the outside looking in, where they are continuing their efforts to sabotage and discredit oc^r union. Because the summers in Boston I am a member in good standing are mighty hot, and the winters of Local 88, National Organiza­ are plenty cold, Sylvester C. tion Masters, Mates, and Pilots, Costa gave up his job as a waiter and a former member of the Sea­ in a Beantown hotel, and since farers International Union. 1928 has been going to sea. He It was my good fortune to be has done very well for himself, ashore and participate in our rising from the position of Waiter strike from beginning to end, and to where he is qualified as Stew­ that taught me much more than ard on even the largest passenger I could have learned in ten times liners. as long, ashore or at sea. His first job was on the Piince It gave me gi-eat pleasure to George, Eastern Steamship, and be able to use the knowledge of the run was between Boston and unionism I had learned as a mem­ Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. After DAVID BASS ber of the SIU in helping my that he took other jobs on ships brother members in the MM&P finitely that real unity is possible, going to all parts of the world, PROBLEMS TO FACE in the conduct of our strike. and there are few ports in which but it can only be achieved by But winning our strike and I think by this time that every­ honest dealings and not by poli­ he has not set foot. keeping our union free from com­ one knows that the militant ex­ tical horse trading. Conditions have changed a mie domination does not mean ample and the material aid re­ great deal since Brother Costa 100 PERCENT SUPPORT that the MM&P has no more ceived from the Seafarers was sailed out of Boston Harbor on At all times, the entire re­ problems. We have a lot to do largely responsible for our being his first trip. In those days he time he is going to continue in able to get into full swing with­ sources of the Maritime Trades before we can feel free to sit earned $45.00 per month, most of Department was ours for the back and take a short breather. the fight for better wages and out delay. which he had to spend on canned asking, and that meant financial, First of all, our organizational conditions for all seamen. food since the meals served to Now that the strike has gone moral, and physical help. With structure is obsolete, and to meet "The SIU has led the fight," down in history, it is high time the commies doing their damn­ the future we must reorganize seamen were not fit for human he stales emphatically, "and we fo us to study what, took place, dest to wreck our strike, it was on a national basis. This will consumption. are going to kep it that way. Sea­ and find out just what was re­ sure good to know that such a streamline our operation, and we "It's sure diffei'ent now," he says. "There has been real im­ men everywhere know that the sponsible for winning om* beef. large organization was behind us wil^then be able to work together provement over those days of the SIU is always in there pitching with a clearly defined national At the same time, we can look 100 percent. '30s. I only hope that conditions for them, and that is thanks into who and what were respon­ On the other hand, we saw the policy. will continue to improve, and if enough for all the hard fights we sible for pi'olonging the strike mealy-mouthed communists at­ The days of having to know we keep our Union strong they have had to take part in." and causing confusion and dis­ tempting to sabotage our strike some Port Captain or company will." Brother Costa ended the in­ ruption. These tactics on the part by every means at their com-: official in order to get a job are terview with good words of ad­ of a small handful of wilful peo­ mand. over. From now on, the Union LIFETIME JOB They held so-called rank-and- Hiring Hall, and our own ship­ vise to new men sailing in the ple at times threatened our en­ Costa has good reason for Stewards Department; Keep up tire action with failure. file meetings, created distur­ ping rule.s, should be the inflex­ wanting to see seamen receive the fine work that the SIU is The militant activities of the bances in and near the Union ible rule. an even break. He has made sail­ known for, respect the contract, SIU, and the other AFL mari­ Hall, and then mobilized a crew Another point that we licensed ing his life's work, and he intends and cooperate with the other De­ time unions affiliated to the AFL of the most vicious scabs along men must realize is that our des­ to keep on as long as there are partments. Maritime Trades Department, the waterfront to attack a legiti­ tiny is closely tied up with un­ ships to sail. That kind of advise will main­ were the deciding factor in bring­ mate strike meeting. licensed seamen. We must realize The goon squad which they that, regardless of the grade of Up until the war started, Costa tain the Seafarers International ing success to our side. Together with some anti-com­ used on that and other occasions our license, whether we sail as sailed only on passenger ships. Union in its present strong posi­ hoodlums, Ma.ster or Mate or AB, all sea­ He then switched over to freight­ tion, and will help it to grow in munist CIO unions like the Ship­ was composed of yard Workers, we proved de- mainly non-seamen, who have men have- common problems. ers and troop ships, and was on the future. the SS George Washington, com­ For the sake of our own suiing back from the Islands, when vival we must unite on these Nazi torpedoes sank the ships on common problems, and show the either side of her. same unity aboard ship as we That was the closest he came The w.age scales and overtime rate and the ad- personnel whose basic work week is 56 hours or showed in the strikes of the. pa.sl to real danger, although he con­ dendums theieto now presently in the contract more; for the. purpose of this paragraph Sunday few months. at sea shall be considered the overtime day and tinued to accept jobs which took between the Seafarers International Union of A ship on a cold weather rtm, him right into the danger areas. North America—Atlantic and Gulf District and all work performed on Sunday shall be paid for \vithout foul weather gear in the In his Union work, Sylvester Moran Towing and Transportation Company, Inc. at the overtime rate. slopchest, has a problem vitally Costa has accepted all his respon­ covering MV-4 ocean towing vessels are hereby Under no circumstances shall there be any affecting licensed and unlicensed sibilities. He hates a "free-load­ cancelled and the wage scales and overtime rates duplication of pyramiding of overtime. men alike. All bellies react the er," so he has played an active set forth herein shall be substituted. All other All basic wage scales increased by $17.50 per J same way to rotten food, and low and leading part in the affairs of terms and conditions of the existing agreement the Seafarers International Un­ concept as herein amended shall continue in full month shall be retroactive to April 1, 1946, and: P^J'' and poor conditions can ion. force and effect pending completion of negotia­ all increases in excess of $17.50 per month and the ' make life hell for a Skipper as overtime rate .shall be retroactive to June 15, 1946, ' well as an OS. In both the 1938 and the 1946 tions to amend the general rules. There u-are The provision of the agreement dealing with u no shipboard probstrikes. Brother Costa could be DECK DEPARTMENT WAGE SCALE hours of work at sea and in port, and with respect' affect both found hard at work either on the Bosun $237.50 to the overtime rates of pay, shall be retroactive ^ and picketline or in the kitchen. Be­ Able Seaman 177.50 to June 1,5, 1946. I solution is to work tocause of that sort of whole-heart­ T-> 1 • 1 .L I gather for our common ends. Ordinary Seaman 152.50 ed participation by Costa and all Room allowance shall be $3.00 per night and There is an immense amount other SIU members, the Union meal allowance shall be $1.00 for breakfast, $1.00 ENGINE DEPARTMENT WAGE SCALE of anti-labor legislation brewing. was able to win major victories for dinner and $1.00 for supper. Electrician ."...$294.50 Seamen, and all labor, are under both times. Standby rate of pay shall be $1.45 per hour con.stant attack from the press, Oilers-Diesel 200.25 During the recent contract ne­ straight time and $2.17';> overtime. Wiper 162.50 government agencies, and busi­ gotiations, which wound up with Negotiating Committee for the operators and ness. We feel very sharply the the SIU gaining the best con­ STEWARDS DEPARTMENT WAGE SCALE (he negotiating committee for the Union shall growing antagonism of the ship­ tracts ever seen in the maritime Combination Steward-Cook $227.50 • continue negotiations so that a complete agree­ owners. industry, Costa was a member Second Cook 212.50 . ment can be reached covering general rules and Now is the time for us to pre­ of the Stewards Department Messman 152.50 working rules as soon as possible. pare for the coming storm. All Rank-and-File Negotiating Com­ the unions of the AFL Maritime Overtime to be paid to all members of the Stew­ This agreement is being signed subject to the mittee. Trades Department must immed­ ards Department on Sundays and Holidays at sea. approval of the War Shipping Administration and Brother Costa's plans for the iately turn to and plan a common No members of the Stewards Department be laid the Wage Stabilization Board with a joint re­ future are set in his mind. P'irst program. This must be accom­ off in port or at sea on Saturday, Sunday or Holi­ quest by both parties to this agreement that the of all, he is returning to pas­ panied by an educational pro­ agreement be approved. days. senger ships, arid at the same gram which will reach all sea­ The overtime rate for unlicensed personnel re­ MORAN TOWING AND TRANSPORTATION men. ceiving less than $200 per month shall be $1.10 COMPANY, INC. The only hope for seamen of per hour. All ratings receiving $200.00 or more Signed by:— the United States is in the AFL per month the overtime shall be $1.35 per hour. R. M. FOX If you don't find linen Maritime Group. The rats have To reduce the straight time work week in port when you go aboard your SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION already scuttled the leaky com­ from 44 to 40 hours per week and pay overtime ship, notify the Hall at once. OF NORTH AMERICA munist-conceived Committee for for work performed in excess of 40 hours per Signed by:— A telegram from Le Havre or Maritime Unity and, unless the week; for the purpose of this paragraph Satur­ Singapore won't do you any JOHN HAWK AFL waterfront unions can re­ day and Sunday in port shall be overtime days. good. It's your bed and you J. P. SHULER main strong, the future looks have to lie in it. Pay overtime at sea for all hours worked in ROBT. A. MATTHEWS black for American merchant, excess of 48 hours each week to all unlicensed PAUL HALL seamen. New Wage And Overtime Rates On Moran ATTENTION! �wmm Page Ten Fkiday, January 31, 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG SmPS' MINUTES AND NEWS I" Crew Man Chronicles Joseph Hewes' Trip By A CREWMEMBER Isthmian Men Convene In SIU Style A number of Isthmian ships have been following SIU policies for some time now relative to holding shipboard meetings and running their affairs in a typical­ ly SIU manner. Latest of these ships to send in reports of ship­ board meetings are the Steel In­ The three Black Gang standby men aboard the SS Peters­ ventor and the Citadel Victory. burg Victory, recently turned over by Calmar to another outfit. Both or these ships have bene­ Left to right, Eldon Arnot, Oiler; Luis A. Ramirez. FWT, and fited considerably as a result of David Bishop, FWT. holding regular meetings, because the crewmembers are learning that it's possible to bring their beefs out into the open, and do something about them. On the average Isthmian ship, where no meeting is held, beefs accumulate, conditions deterio­ Brother Ramirez, speaking for There was a note of sadness in rate and as a result all crew­ the other men, said the parting the air as the SIU standby crew men are dissatisfied. wound up its final watch aboard was "sad." He added that "our CITADEL VICTORY the SS Petersburg Victory Jan. standby job on this ship was a On the Citadel Victory, D. D. 14, when the vessel was turned pleasant one. In addition, we Story and W. W. LeBaron were over to another operator by the spent Christmas and New Year's elected chairman and secretary Calmar Steamship Corporation. day in port with one of the best respectively. The transfer was made under Stewards and ^hief Cooks I ever Under new business, several terms of a reallocation order. knew. motions were carried as follows: "Believe me," he continued, Luis A. Ramirez, FWT, one of that all members wear shirts at the Seafarers who stood the last "the Christmas meal on the Pe­ mealtime; that Messmen wear watch, said the Calmar vessel tersburg Victory was something white jackets while serving was turned over in excellent con­ to lemember." meals; tliat Delegates contact the dition. The ship is now operated The Christmas repast to which Steward to see that Steward Util­ by the United States Lines. Ramirez referred was prepared ity clean the Stewards Depart­ '"The new engine watch ex­ under the direction of "our first ment instead of having the Pan­ pressed considerable pleasure at class" Chief Steward Hoss Mctryman do the job; and that any­ the fine, clean condition in which Kinnie. He was assisted by Chief one caught leaving the messroom the SIU men left the ship," Broth­ Cook A. Kaden, and Second Cook in a dirty or untidy condition be er Ramirez said. A. Garshie. fined 25 cents, proceeds going Brother McKinnie, according Along with Ramirez at the to sick brothers or some charity. windup were Eldon Arnot, Oiler, to Ramirez, "is hanging around Other motions passed were: and David Bishop, FWT. The the hall trying to take a job that the Steward leave out suffi- three Seafarers, all full book aboard a passenger ship, so that members, managed to conceal he can renew his relationship their pride over the compliment with "good society," such as he paid them by the cerw which enjoyed before the war. succeeded them, but they said their efforts were in keeping with Union's policy of making "an SIU ship a clean ship." If you are about to write— Seafarer Bishop served as or have written—stories of the Black Gang Delegate on the sea, but are stumped as to how I'etersburg Victory on the final to go about having them pub­ run for Calmar from Portland to lished, you can toss your wor­ New York. It was learned that ries over the side. he did a capable job in that ca­ The Log is happy to an­ pacity. nounce that seagoing writers now can have their stories, dent night lunch; that delegate where they are needed; that bunk articles and books read contact Steward in reference to lights be placed where they are and appraised by people who face soap shortage; that the Jun­ needed; and that four men be know the score. An arrange­ ior Engineer share shower with elected as delegates. ment has been niade with a Berkenkemper was elected reputable agency of authors' rest of Engine Dept.; that dele: gate see First Engineer about Ships delegate; James Humphries representatives, who will read lack of cold water in showers; as Deck delegate; Alex Janowski the material at no cost. If the and that Stewards Dept. heads on as Engine delegate; and Thomas stuff has possibilities, it will be the starboard side be left open to Farr Sr. as Stewards delegate. brought to the attention of Under Good and Welfare, crew­ publishers. the complete Stewards Dept. men were informed that a clock If you've written something STEEL INVENTOR was being donated by the Stew­ you think is of public interest, Steel Inventor crewmembers ard for the purpose of the dif­ or if you plan some literary ef­ elected John G. Berkenkemper as ferent watches being able to fort while at sea, why not avail chairman and Alex J. Janowski know lyhen to relieve. yourself of this service? Send as secretary. Note was also made of num­ your manuscript •— typewritten,), Motions passed were: that coat erous repairs necessary to the of course—to Carl Cowl, c/o hooks be placed in the mess- ship, and a complete list was com­ Seafarers Log, 51 Beaver St.. room; that the Steward place piled for the record. New York 4, N. Y. Enclose i;lasses in the messroom; that the Crewmen added a footnote to stamped envelope addressed to messrpom be kept clean, and that the minutes in the form of a re­ your permanent residence to in­ • any violators be fined 25 cents quest that full details and infor­ sure safe return in case script for leaving things'behind; that mation on the results of the Isth­ is not up to snuff. new seats be placed in the heads mian drive be sent to them. We signed on aboard the SS Joseph Hewes of the Bull line last August 17. Shortly after, we pulled the hook and headed for the Port of New Orleans. In New Orleans, we found the general strike going full blast. In addition to the part played by the crew during the strike, five crew men threw themselves into the effort wholeheartedly. They were Stanton Marshal, William Peppet, Fred Wilkins, William Stewart and John Usakiewicz. These men volunteered as true Union members should. They went out and stood on the picketline for seven consecutive nights, in addition to their regu­ lar work. After receiving word that the strike was over, and that the SIU had chalked up another victory, we pulled the hook again and headed for the grain elevators in Texas City. In Texas City, the ship was im­ properly stored. We were to suf­ fer the consequences of this later. It was stated by the Port Stew­ ard there that a five-months sup­ ply of stores was on the way by truck. We waited. Soon the stores began to arrive. All the supplies that were promised came by truck—except for one truckload. The Skipper's action was re­ sponsible for the fact that we didn't get that final load. With Cleanliness Of SIU Vessel Wins Praise From New Crew Hot Issue Settled With Iron Hand Wanted: One Seafarer with legal talent to draw up brief. So might read a notice on the bulletin board aboard the Marine Runner, Robin Line. The crew at a recent shipboard meeting decided to dr-aw up a paper for signing by those borrowing the ship's iron. The agreed that the person signing for the iron shall make good any damage sustained while it is in his possession. The decision, not yci. placed in legal language, states, "Those who borrow iron wil be required TWO SONNVSlOe COMING UP!t Aid For Writers I- to sign for same, and their sig­ nature is their liability for the safe return in good condition. Should anything happen .to said iron while out under their signa­ ture it shall be put in good work­ ing condition or replaced by a new one at the expense of thp person responsible under signa­ ture." TSK! TSK! Although it wasn't mentioned at the meeting, the legal mind will no doubt be asked to include in the brief such taboos as using it to fry eggs gnd griddle cakes, as a foot warmer, door-stop, soldering iron, shoe stretcher, hammer, anvil, in heated argu­ ments when trying to impress someone (kinda corny.) In other words, the crew wants the iron to be used solely as a wrinkle-remover for freshly luxed dainties. Well, we'll leave the problem to be ironed out by some sea-go­ ing lawyer. the truck on the way to the ves­ sel, he gave orders to pull away from the dock and head for In­ dia. That was on Sept. 25. It took us 43 days to sail to Madras, India. When we got there, the coolies went out on strike for three days. In all, we were in that port for 13 days. On Nov. 18, we shoved off—this time headed for the States. We made a brief stop in Aden, Arabia, for bunkers. Then we resumed our course, with our destination Bal­ timore. Not until we left Port Said, Egypt, did our stores start to run low. Overlooking this fact, the Skipper accepted 12 passengers who were going to the States. Then our troubles began. With Port Said behind us, we ran out of baking powder, potatoes and canned vegetables. The sugar, canned fruits, juices, meats and many other necessities that \ve should have been stocked with in ample quantities. Too late, we discovered that, instead of a five-months stock of stores, the entire lot amounted only to two-and-a-half months of provisions in all. SPECIAL MEETING The crew called a special mem­ bership meeting, at which the afore-mentioned facts were ex­ plained to us by the Steward. A motion was passed saying that until the Patrolman sees to it that this ship is properly stored in the States, no one should sign on for the ship's next trip across —if she goes. At our final shipboard meet­ ings, motions were passed calling for a new refrigerator in the crew's mess, the one now aboard hasn't any motor: that new toast­ ers, percolators and a new coffee urn be installed; that a collection he taken for Brothers in the Ma­ rine hospitals. Chairman of the meetings was Frederick J. Wilkins, Brothers Fred Bloom and William Stew­ art served as secretary and mas­ ter-at-arms, respectively. �Friday. Jwuary 31. 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Digested Minutes Of SlU Ship Meetings HOBEHT R. McBURNEY. Nov. 18—Chairman Jeff Mor­ rison; Secretary Philip Adrian. New Business: 'Motion carried to draw up a fine list for throw­ ing cigarette butts on deck, leaving cups, etc., on table, feet on chairs in messrom. and to be properly clothed on entering messroom at mealtime. All fines to be donated to Broth­ ers in marine hopsitals. Good and Welfare: Crew discussed general shipboard routines, and all union books checked, and found to be in good standing. 4. i. 4. ROBIN LOCKSLEY. Nov. 13 —•Chairman Dauber; Secretary Rosenbaum. New Business: Mo­ tion carried that all hands are< to attend shipboard meetings except those on watch, with $1 fine for non-attendance. Fines to go to Seafarers Log. Motion carried that Patrolman should be contacted and in turn he should contact Steward about linen issue. Good and Welfare: Discussion on linen issue, such as handing out towels piece by piece. Agreed that temporary delegates remain as are until out at sea. 4* 4* 4* Just A Few Words But They're Well Put For terseness, we don't think we've seen a set of minutes that can beat those of a special meet­ ing Jan. 19 aboard the SB Ethiopa Victory. "Restriction to ship on Satur­ day night, Jan. 18, 1947" was the prime beef for which the meet­ ing was held. The lads didn't want to be restricted again. The minutes .say: "The meeting was temporarily suspended while Gallo went up to see the Mate about a draw and shore leave. "Coffee time was then enjoyed. Gallo came down, and reported as follows: 'No money aboard ship. But shore leave for all.'" Short and sweet, we'd say. 4. 4. 4. ANDREW JACKSON, Oct. 27 —Chairman James Ackerman; Secretary John Harris. Good and Welfare: Motion carried to exclude Deck Maintenance from meeting due to his being a member in another union. All members instructed to turn over tripcards and books to de­ partment delegates two days before arrival in port so they can be given to Patrolman upon arrival. Crews agreed to keep newly painted messroom as clean as possible for new crew. It has been brought to crew's attention that at last pay off money was put in envelope, so it was moved and seconded to get in touch with Captain with request that vouchers, itemized, be issued at payoff, and also medical slips be made out for crewmembers who receive the required innoculations. 4. 4 4WALTHAM VICTORY. Nov. 20—(Special Meeting) Chair­ man Pasquale Taurasi; Secre­ tary Fred Kenfield. Report on repair list from last trip was read and discussed. Decided to leave the question of signingcn and the repair list up to the Patrolman. Delegates were in­ structed to see that the slopchest and medical stores are sufficient. ROBIN LOCKSLEY. (Date not given) Chairman Faircloth; Secretary Rosenbaum. Depart­ mental delegates reported. Deck Delegate reported that mat­ tresses should be changed. Dis­ cussion followed and crew agreed that mattresses of all departments should be changed. Good and Welfare: No beefs. 4 4 4 WALTHAM VICTORY, Dec. 1—Chairman Pasquale Taurasi; Secretary F. W. Kenfield. Dele­ gates reported no beefs. Sug­ gestion made that purser be approached regarding definite date and hour for opening of slopchest. Discussion as to cleaning of laundry and leaving clothes to soak in set tubs. Dis­ cussed asking Captain to sit at a meeting for the good of all hands. Decided not to hold meetings at regular intervals, but to call special meetings as occasions arise. Delegates were instructed to see that all mem­ ber's books are in order. One minute of silence for brothers lost at sea. 4 4 4 JEAN LAFITTE. Dec. 22— Chairman Annal; Secretary Foucek. Delegates reported everything okay. New Busi­ ness: Motion carried that work­ ing rules and constitution be posted in crew's mess on day of signing articles. Motion car­ ried that crew go on record to post the minutes of meeting with the repair list in the Bal-. timore Hall so new crew will not have to sail the ship until repairs are made. Motion car­ ried that legitimate overtime that is disputed must be paid before the crew signs off. Good and Welfare: It was suggested and agreed upon to keep the messhalls clean and to clean up foc'sles so that the new crew won't have any mess left to clean up. 4 4 4 WEBB MILLER. Aug. 9— Chairman Galindez; Secretary Pyc. Delegates reported all well in their departments. Chairman read the repair list, which called for new locker and fan in 4-8 foc'sle. new fan in 8-12 foc'sle, repair toaster in messhall, fans in crew's mess, install drain in Stew­ ards Department showers, and put locker and table in chef's quarters. Ybu CAWWoUOlN tJFifoatmon! OUACHITA VICTORY, Dec. 8—Chairman Harry Cohen; Secretary Ray Noe. Delegates reported everything running smooth. New Business: Motion made that there will be no sign­ ing of articles until the Stew­ ard okays supplies for the trip. Crew has been out of potatoes for a week, motion included that a patrolman be present at the next signing of articles. Motion carried. Motion carried that garbage disposal be watch­ ed and if not taken care of properly the Coast Guard or Public Health Service be noti­ fied. Good and Welfare: sug­ gestion that Steward order a variety of meats for night lunch besides sausage. Page Eleven SEAFARER SAM SAYS m LIKE AROUND \\ . VOTHB CLUBS, SABS, ANQ HOTELS YOU VISIT IN fOREION PORTS 6ET THE ^ SEAFARERS LOG? IF NOT.SENU US THE NAMES AHP COMPLETE ADDRESSES. AMP ^5® / 4 4 4 ROBIN LOCKSLEY. Dec. 1 —Chairman Dauber; Secretary Smith. New Business: Motion carried that all future meetings be held on deck, weather per­ mitting. Discussion on clean­ ing of laundry; cleaning of deck by No. 4 hatch; on passengers using laundry; on using of laundry late at night for Bosun and Carpenter sleep next to it. Good and Welfare: Motions carried: that laundry should not be used between 10 p. m. and 7:30 a. m.; to stop slamming doors while men are sleeping;' that all departments should use their own toilets and showers; that washboard in laundry be repaired. 4 4 4 Yo! Get The Late Sandy Scratch Sheet The Log salutes a Brother pub­ lication. Minutes of the SB Cape Sandy's Jan. 7 meeting say that the crew decided to publish a ship's paper. J. Loll was elected to edit the sheet, which will appear weekly. Another newsworthy item out of the meeting has to do with the ship's icebox. The alleged icebox has been out of order since the vessel was two days out of the States. It can't be repaired until a motor is removed from the en­ gine room, the minutes state. The Steward has agreed to put ice into the icebox to keep the night lunch cold until the new­ fangled contraption can. be made to work. Good thing the iceman still comes around. 4 4 4 WILLIAM H. CLAGETT, June 30—Chairman Baron; Sec­ retary Garrigues. Delegates reported. Only minor beefs in Engine Department. New Bus­ iness: Motion carried that Cap­ tain be approached to have all broken fans sent ashore for re­ pairs or replacement. Motioni carried that ship's delegate in­ quire of the Captain as to amount of cigarettes on board. If there is not sufficient amount for crew, then ask that addi­ tional American cigarettes be taken aboard in Buenos Aires. Motion carried that each mem­ ber of unlicensed personnel do-;< nate $1.00 each towards the ship's treasury, and part of this money to be used to take a picture of a 100 per cent SIU crew for the Log. Good and Welfare: Discussion regarding general conditions aboard. One minute of silence in memory of departed brothers. CUT and RUN By HANK This is good news indeed, especially to those Brothers who are unfortunately unable to ship out so easily. Within, the next few weeks New York and Mobile will be plenty busy shipping men out. New York will have nine Alcoa .ships, which have been laidup in the reserve fleet, and Mobile will have six ships crewing up . . . Steward Harry Schroer, the oldtimer and citizen of the country of Brooklyn, is still in town, waiting to ship out . . . Here's rather hopeful but vaguely mysterious news we read last week in a news­ paper column: "Uncle Sam may shortly take over control and op­ eration of our merchant fleet via the U. S. Maritime Comm.ission and under the authority of the Postmaster General . . ." Well, Brothers, this presumably means that the Coast Guard will unhqjp)ily go back to the traditional business they've always per­ formed. Once the new system takes over, if it ever does, there won't be any more spying, scaring and sentencing of merchant sea­ men by the experts of the Coast Guard and their fast-action justicedealing courts. Oldtimer Edward Hansen and his pipe will be sailing soon, it seems. Brother Hansen says that he's been waiting too long for a Robin ship—so he's getting ready to grab the first car­ penter's job open on any ship, if he doesn't get beat out of it, again . . . Brother "Red" Reese Simmons, who hails from Ala­ bama, but not from Bowling County, says he'll be grabbing an oiler's job down to Alabama for a short visit there . . . We've heard that Brother Ray Fitts will be anchored in the Marine Hospital in Norfolk, so if any brothers know him. please write or drop over to see him. And if Brother James Hada reads this we hope he writes to his hospitalized shipmate . . . Last week Benny Gonzalez was proud and happy to shake the hand of a swell Seafarer, Brother J. Munden, Book 171. who was his shipmate on their round-the-world trip from Sep­ tember 1942 to May 1943, How time flies and eyes remember . .". Alfred Mullen, citizen of New Jersey who now is a night en­ gineer, tried to hold a sensible conversation with his shipmate. Mike Dendak, AB and Ohio resident. There were so many ac­ cidental interruptions, however, that Brother Mullen didn't know what he was trying to tell Mike and Mike didn't know what Alfred was saying, either. Well, they better try letterwriting or something. One brother blew his top about the hospital he's in, ia regards to the terrible food situation existing for the seamen help­ lessly anchored in the Marine Hospital on Neponsit Beach, Rockaway, Long Island. The men are all disgusted, worried and angered by this uncalled for situation and are hoping for some SIU action. Well, for an American hospital to be this low in regards to such an important thing as food for helpless American citizens is somo» thing new under the sun. We really believe that this ridiculous and disgraceful situation should be swiftly and decently improved —at least for the seamen patients involved, if not for the hospital's sake and record, which doesn't seem to be important, anyway , . . Our shipmate, Chaidie Robinson, from East Texas, is still wonder­ ing who took his dog off the SB Tulsa in the winter payoff in 1945? . . . Another shipmate, Joe Pendleton, just grabbed a wiper's jc^ this week . . . AB George Walker is waiting to ship out. Where to, George? . . . Vic Combs, the poetic electrician, now recovering from, his illness, keeps wanting to know this: If you were in a life­ boat, what would you do if the oars leaked? �-r-- THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Twelve ; Fzidff, January 3.1<.1947 THE MEMBERSHIP SPEAKS Half Knot Crew Is Thanked For Aid To Injured Member Ropeyarn Examines Politics In Unions Dear Editor: I have read with interest the two articles appearing in the Log by Brothers W. J. Brady and Louis Goffin concerning "Politi­ cal Parties and Political Respon­ sibility," and I am pleased to state that both articles contained some facts that are worth con­ sidering. Brother Goffin takes the posi­ tion that politics is a detriment to the organized workers, and that if the worker is organized properly in industry and displays the proper kind of labor soli­ darity, his economic power on the job is all-sufficient. In surveying what is best for the workingman, Brother Bennie Goodman contends that the workers need a political party of their own, of coiu-se, rejecting the two major political parties — Democrats and Republicans— claiming both of these are capi­ talistic parties. Brother W. J. Brady claims that "Labor has political responsi­ bility" and that politics has made itself a part of the labor move­ ment. He further contends that the negative position taken by la­ bor allow.s the capitalists to use all of their political weapons against the worker in time of strikes and lock-outs. Both of these Brothers have no doubt given some thought to the question of whether labor should engage in politics. I do not wish it to be taken that I am disagreeing with either of them. However, I do ask the privilege of analyzing a few facts that might be helpful to the membership of our Union, who after all make all decisions con­ cerning their welfare and policies. I have read somewhere that quite a famous economist once said that "The political is the re­ flation of the economic," and that the political party was the executive committee of the ruling class. This seems to me to be a rather blunt statement, yet it is a true one. HERE'S THE QUESTION Now to the meat of the ques­ tion. If labor proposes to organ­ ize a political party, then, those who propose such an idea as­ sume that eventually the labor party would become the new rul­ ing class; this would be the only logical conclusion, as no one would want a weak political party. Labor would want a strong party that would not countenance any opposition or tolerate any mon­ key business from the bosses. If this would not be so, no good would come of any party, and the working man would only be wast- SEAFARERS WISH PETE DiPIETRO SPEEDY RECOVERY Dear Editor: Writing for many of the Sea­ farers who have heard of his illnes, I'd like to send regards to one-eyed Pete DiPietro. All hands wish him a speedy return to health. . Here's hoping he will be out of Roosevelt Hospital soon. Robert Hillman ing his time in bothering with one. , It has been the history of labor unions that engaged in politics to any great extent that different political factions were soon cre­ ated. These factions then began to battle among themselves, and disrupted the union. A good example of a union that allows itself to engage in politis is the NMU, which is at the present time is engaged in a life and death struggle between two factions of the communist party —the Browderites and Fosterites. Anyone with common sense can see that these two factions, which are using the NMU to fight out policies between themselves, are going to weaken the NMU and stand a good chance of possibly wrecking it completely. However, I do not say ihat it would be impossible for labor to form a political party of its own, and I do not say that such a party would become another disrupter of the labor movement. I do say, though, that the membership of our Union should think a long time before deciding what kind of a political party they are go­ ing to honk up with, before tying themselves to the tail of a po­ litical kite. Ropeyarn Dear Editor: I wish to address myself to the crew of the Bull Line ship. Half Knot, that made its first trip from Baltimore to Freeport, Texas. As I was injured aboard and taken off at Charleston, S. C., and hospitalized there, I was able, due to the short distance, to go home for Christmas, and I can say with thanks that my injuries were not serious. Right now I have a case against Bull Line and am waiting action from my lawyer. I am still hav­ Dear Editor: ing trouble with my legs, but the After having docked yester­ doctor says it will take time. day (Jan. 14), I read your ar­ I want to call to the attention ticle on the Chief Engineer of the of the boys who promised to mail SS Frank E. Emerson, Smith and my sea bag to me that I have not Johnson S. S. Co., in the Jan. received it as yet. Please notify 10 is,sue of the Log." me if you did or did not mail it, I want to thank you for print­ and where it may be now so I ing that article. can claim it. I wish to thank you However, I wish that you all for the swell way you treated would mention in the Log that me when I got injured. It was the Deck Delegate was Carlos swell sailing with you boys and Gomez^ and that the Engine I hope to sail v/ith you again. Delegate was R. C. Ingraham. I wish also to give my thanks The Chief Engineer's name was to our Agent and Patrolman here Berquist. This is also to note that the in Tampa for their cooperation and swift action on my case, even crew considered Captain Krandsthough they are quite busy with feldt a fair man as skipper's go. Robert C. Ingraham shipping and supporting striking Log-A-Rhythms JOHNNY DOWD By THOMAS COYNE. AB Johnny Dowd walked up the plank. His sea bag on his back. In his navy coat and mushroom cap. And a tie so shiny and black; With bell-bottom pants and jumper to match. He was as salty as the sea. He thanked the Lord as he crossed the deck For a Sheepshead boy was he. They told him when he left the Bay, As they gave him his AB ticket. To pay no heed to Union talk. From either Delegate or picket; For unions are the bunk said they, A trap to get your money; If they ask you for your dues. Just answer: "Don't be funny!" "JOHNNY DOWD The sailors smiled at their shipmate's cap. At this store-made seabag and pants. But he hitched his jeans with a "Yo heave ho," And gave them glance for glance; The eight-to-twelve was short a man. So. that's the watch he drew. They showed him where his foc'sle was. So roomy, bright and new. The booms were all secured. The lines were stowed away. The hypo flew from the jumper. And the ship got under way; When the vessel hauled up at Ambrose, And the pilot got off on the lee. The Sheepshead boy went out on lookout. At last!—Now he was out at sea. He climbed up on the flying bridge. He saluted in Navy style. The Third Mate's mouth—^it opene.d wide. He was too amazed to smile; •' Tampa cab drivers. We are all for them. Sailor and Sunny are in there with them, representing the brotherhood, and believe me, Fool's Dream the cab drivers realize we are in­ By Vic Combs terested in their fight. So, until I hit the deck with you boy.s, I'll say again, thanks. Would it be wise for me just , to Edward Vallina impress Tampa, Fla. The thoughts I think, or dreanis I'm bound to stress? For fools, are not bom, but made, LIKED ARTICLE to find * ON SS EMERSON'S Paradise, that wise men leave behind. CHIEF ENGINEER "May I have permission. Sir, To relieve the Quartermaster? "For when you put me on the wheel. You'll never have any disaster." At 12 o'clock, the watch was relieved. And Johnny crawled into his sack. The sheets were clean, the inattress soft. It seemed to fit the curves of his back; His bunk light worked, and his port fan, too. He sighed in comfort grand. For his first night's sleep on the briny deep. Away from the dirt of land. When Johnny awoke for his morning watch. He went straight into the shower. He scrubbed himself with Camay soap That smelled just like a flower; The Steward gave him matches. And laundry and toilet soap The Captain gave him cigarettes. At a price he never could hope. The Delegate gave him a long white sheet To mark up all his overtime; The messman gave him ham, and eggs. The Bosiin gave him a liAe; They showed him how to make a spUce, And how to rig a stage; He worked all day on overtime. In addition to his wage. At coffee time, he got time off. For the Bosun was no bugko. And every other day was free. When they got to Pernambuco; Homeward bound, they painted ship. He learned to swing in a chair, . And he praised the day he went to sea. As he breathed the tropic air. On payoff day, he took out a book. His snazzy uniform he personnaly dumped. He. took a ride to Sheepshead Bay To the instructors, hiS: nose b& thumbed; And now he's in:the .SJU, .^Wifh the rest, of the men of the sea. He thumbs his nose at the maritime finks, FOR A UNION BROTHER IS HE! Log - A - Rhythms Do you think I expect all men to agree? For many dreams pass as never meant to be. And yet they make hope, and light the way Over rougher roads from which wise men stray. Too, they inspire better things to come. And all is but a fool's dream to some. But even fools like I can under­ stand That life will be forever in de­ mand. Would it be wise for me to life give. When life never gave for man to live? With all that is beauty in this day. There's more in life that takes away. So, I'd rather be a fool than share A wise man's knowledge and his care. Can I expect wise men to agree When they are wiser still than me? And they will build on that life They struggle through in strife; As for me I prefer to build on dreams Until I ceui make them, what they seem. Why should one fight the world to gain. For in the end, only dreams re­ main. Even then only part of what has been— If 1 never have anything, I neither lose nor win. HURLBERT CREW'S GOOD TURN DESERVES ANOTHER Dear Editor: Please put my name on your mailing list. I would like to re­ ceive the Log at my home, as I am quite a distance . from our hall. I enjoy reading every inch of the paper. Keep up the good work! I recently paid off the Alcoa, SS Arthur M. Hurlbert in Charles­ ton, where the crew made a nice donation to the Log. The boys deserve a big hand for this be­ cause the trip was only of two months duration, and there were many tripcarders aboard. Yet everyone donated something . to the Log. Joseph Guillot Jr. Stockton, Ala. (Editor's nole:—You're on fhe mailing list, Brolher. And to the entire crew of the,. Hurl­ bert, a deserved big hand.) �Fnday, January 31, ld4t" Page Thirieen' T HE SEA FARERS LOG SEAFARERS FIGHTING FIRE ON SS ABRAHAM CLARK Plan Offered To Snuff Out Back-Door Shipping Threat Dear Editor: Crewmembers haul out more hose line to quench flames up forward in the Waterman vessel's oil-filled storm tank.' The blaze broke out when the Clark poked her nose into the side of the Alcoa Planter in fog-shrouded Mobile Bay recently. The SIU crew checked the fire after a three-hour battle, without any loss to the general cargo aboard. Latest Turn Of NMU Merry-Go-Round Stirs Quincy Into Spouting Some Pearly Words Dear Editor: sail their ships, improve their wages and conditions and have an efficient, clean American un­ ion, so foolishly and blindly regu­ lated. They are caught in this insane and worthless web of communists dreams, which is ridiculously burning away the life and progress of themselves, as peaceful, protected union seamen, and their unions. "Then why," I continued," did all this happen and why so pub­ licly?" "Ah," Quincy mellowed, "that is the mystery. It remains to be seen whether Coffee Curran, who When I read the explosive news in • the newspapers about the violent verbal revolution boil­ ing within the NMU, I rushed over to hear what Brother Quincy Everight Nofinkk, the still ac­ tive whale of an old-time sailor, would spout about it. Now, Quincy is a prognostic, a double-barrel minded, militant. Seafarer, and there are certainly many more like him who are above the seas and still going strong—bless their salty, honest hearts. Indeed, many of us ob­ servant and remembering broth­ ers have met and admired men like Quincy because he is the es­ sential backbone of good union­ ism and the type of Seafarer who has never stopped fighting for what is right and necessary. It's good to see that his spii'it re­ mains afloat and ashore in these changing, violent years, especial­ ly in maritime labor. To explain Quincy further, he is a brother of many experiences as an economic slave of ruthless shipowners and a constant victim of desperate company and union has traveled the pro-commie way finks. Quincy has hated and bat­ of thought and action for some tled everything wrong—whether time, then cut himself off from it has been some dreamy brother this snaky Moscowed religion violating the shipping rules. and will now continue to ask and then trying to get away with it fight for freedom and peace and when he's caught; whether it was honest American unionism, with­ some never-changing trouble­ out acting obediently in the maker or work-shirker aboard childish comedy of these commie ship—or whether it is the savage­ scientists with their faithfully ly desperate dreams of the com­ treachei'ous wooden hearts? True munists who are openly and sec- colors and true action yet rOmain retely poisoning the minds and to be seen from Curran instead jobs of honest Anierican seamen, of brave, stormy words that lead both unionized and non-union. nowhere." I found Quincy, sitting com­ "Then Quincy, what can hap­ fortably in the reading-writing- pen next, that is, with the lead­ i-esting room on the hall's third ership of Curran, if he continues deck, calmly involved in smok­ his anti-commie program?" ing a cigar and pursuing the Quincy smiled. "Oh, the next latest Log. step, which is the only step and "Well, Quincy" I said, "what the most vital, would be the do you think of the revolution young membership, which is the in the NMU?" majority, and the die-hard fac­ Quincy slowly answered, "I tion (which is the smartest and naturally think that if the verbal slowest) combining their strength revolution stays hot and open, it and kicking the commies out of should mean the • beginning of office. Then they wOuld care­ slow but sure doom for the com­ fully vote in their own choices mies happily roosting in office of gobd rank-and-filers who have and wisely hidden in the rank been known for their pro-Amer­ and file. It's really, a shame to ican, pfo-uhion, anti-commie see the NMU's honest American policies. members, who have the majority "This big and necessary change strength and who "just want to can happen if Curran keeps swinging his new banner and wakes up the membership into full realization of what their un­ ion is made of and used for and what sort of dodos are running it. "Yes, indeed, it should be the full membership who should rule the union policies and the offi­ cials according to constitution and common sense. This would prevent union money, derived from the members, from being so quickly donated for anxious commies wishing to get elected into Congress, etc., when this money should reaUy go for im­ proved union halls, hospitaliza­ tion for members, etc. On Jan. 7 and 8, twenty fullbook Stewards of the SIU met in the New York Hall to discuss the shipping rules of the Stew­ ards Department on all contract­ ed ships. There were a number of things to discuss and sugges­ tions to make for the member­ ship meeting, but I believe that this thing was not thoroughly thrashed out and should be gone into further. Ever since, and sometimes be­ fore the General Strike of 1946, different companies have been flirting with all men of the Stew­ ards Department in our Union to entice them to ship back-door, and at times in the last few years some of these men have not known that it was against the shipping rules to obtain employ­ ment from the company instead of from the board as prescribed and passed long ago. PREVENTION I suggested that special atten­ tion be taken to prevent this from happening again by check­ ing back through the Dispatcher in the Hall that they were sup­ posed to have shipped from. Pertaining to the new pas­ senger vessels expected to join the SIU fleet in the near future, some men in this Union have suggested that we issue permits to men from waiters' locals to handle the passenger trade. If I were a passenger I wouldn't want a sea-sick waiter handling my food, or a money hungry exwaiter working for tips alone. Besides, if we allowed permits to be issued we would be admit- -ANDWHAT'LL YbU MAVe*D3 Well, if the good NMU mem­ LUMCH, bership wake up themselves, then tliey might also wake these commies from their happy dreams and actions while in office or in the rank and file. But, I really don't know what will happen so I'll just finish reading my Log, that's all." Cut and Run Hank MEMBER BLOWS SOME GAGS OUR WAY—OOPS! Dear Editor: I'm passing these items along along for what they're worth; A seven-year-old boy was smoking to his heart's content on the street when an elderly woman walked up to him and ex­ claimed: "Didn't your mother ever tell you not to smoke?" The little boy loked up and nonchalantly inquired: "Didn't your mother ever tell you not to speak to strange men on the street?" X % % An undertaker found^ a donkey lying dead in front of his prem­ ises and went to inform the po­ lice. "What am I to do with it?" he asked the officer in charge. The officer had a sense of hu­ mor. "Do with it?" he asked, with a grin. "Bury it, of course. You're an undertaker aren't you?" "That's true," replied the un­ dertaker. "But I thought it only right to come around and inform the relatives first. " —J. G. SiRT sions when the companies sent men to the Hall to be passed for passenger ships that had only • sailed as Assistant Steward on troopers. The Dispatcher has sim­ ilar evidence in his possession in New York from Alcoa Steamship Company. ALL ON TROOPERS What Steward or what cook has not sailed on ships that carried trops during and after the war? I can answer that ques­ tion by saying—very few, and we all know it. If the companies send men on the passenger liners that have only trooper discharges then they are admitting that it is sufficient qualifications. This be­ ing the case the Port Stewards are only interested in shipping their pets and buddies and not in serving the pasengers properly, while we have taken into con­ sideration the special service and care that the customers demand, and should have if they spend good money for it. In the event that these com­ panies lose customers to other nations and operators, it is no one's fault but their own for hav­ ing hired bootkissers. If the com­ panies want competent help and key men, why do they hire men as port stewards who have never sailed as cooks or stewards aboardpassenger vessels? There are men as Port Stewards in cer­ tain companies that have not half as many qualifications as many in our midst. It is pitiful to behold some of the profession­ al men that the companies have passed in the Stewards depart­ ment simply because these men have licked boots, slipped some cash to the right guy, or married into the fold. SIU SHOULD LEAD The SIU should start the ball rolling with the least possible de­ lay to insure the jobs to the cer­ tified men of our union on these ships without having our Union raided by company pets, finks, and shoreside greediness. It is an evident fact that the companies cannot, or will not, supply the right service aboard the passenger scows so that the customers will sail on Ameri­ can ships instead of foreign liners. P. H. Parsons ting incompetency on our part and be opening the door for every company fink on the waterfront. It would at the same time cheat full book men out of these jobs that have sailed as passenger Thanks Brothers stewards for years. For Flowers Sent We suggested at the hieeting to have all passenger liner qual­ At Mother's Death ifications thoroughly checked be­ Dear Editor: fore passage and institute a grad­ I wish to give my deep thanks uated form of promotion from to the Brothers who sent the cargo ships to passenger vessels. beautiful flowers at my mother's For example: death. SUGGESTED WAY I want them to know that thenkind thoughts and sentiments If a man had six months dis­ were deeply appreciated. charges as Chief Cook or Saloon T. McRaney Waiter, he was eligible for sec­ ond cook and bus-boy, respec­ tively, on passenger ships. Pas­ Boys Have Blues, senger ships so qualified are not to carry less than 150 and if they Pine For The Log do, cargo discharges are suffi­ Dear Editor: cient. The graduated system I am a former member of the would supply our men with more jobs and at the same time insure Seafarers International Union, in the Pacific Division-SUP. good service aboard the ships. I would appreciate it if you I also suggested that if in a limited time the Union does not would mail the Seafarers Log to furnish the so-qualified men, me here in camp. There are a then it should allow shore-side number of Seafarers here with men to sail on permit, but on pas­ me to whom I can pass it along. They would be happy to see the senger only. Some of the companies may Log, Walter Brown, Jr. put up a squawk at this, but USNtS. Bainbrige, Md. there have been numerous occa­ m �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Fourteen Just Like The Moving Pictures, Jimmy Has Adventures Ali Over Were you over on the beach in Manila and forced to drive trucks for the Army so you could keep body and soul together? ifc. Friday. January 31. 1947 STILL GOING STRONG on an NMU ship. That was the best he could do at the time, so don't hold it against him, fellows. About 60 miles out, Jimmy an­ swered one of the calls of na­ ture, and that was that. The Skipper discovered him, and blew his top. Not only that, but he put about, and put Jimmy Well, it might not have hap­ ashore again. pened to you, but it sure enough So, six more weeks on the happened to Brother Jimmy beach. Crescitelli, Chief Cook. ANOTHER RUN-AROUND Jimmy is a Seafarer of some Finally the WSA got tired of years standing who is known for seeing him around, and he was his unfailing good humor and placed aboard another NMU ship, generosity. His reputation is so the Drew Victory, supposed to be fabulous that scarcely a week proceeding directly to the States. goes by that "Cut and Run Hank" Seated between two lovely New Orleans women, and they But, as we stated before, Jim­ doesn't have something about say that the gals down there are sure pretty, is seated Chris my is a victim of circumstances, Jimmy in his column. And that I Hansen, janitor of the N.O. Hall. The occasion for the festivities and instead of going straight to goes on even when Brother C. is was Chris' 80th birthday, and he celebrated by downing a few JIMMY CRESCITELLI the Land of the Free, the Drew far at sea. with his good friends. off to the Manila Hospital went Victory made stops at Shanghai, Jimmy's adventures read like Manila, Manus Island, Sydney, Brother C. something out of a book. Some Manus Island again, Saipap, TinA few days of treatment in that men look for adventure, and i some men have things happen to Place, and Jimmy was ready for ian, Tienstin, and then finally to San Francisco. them, but Jimmy always seems more excitement. The ship had The payoff in S, F. was very to be in the vicini+y of adven­ already left Manila far behind, so good for Jimmy. He collected Jimmy went to work driving ture no matter where he is. more than $3500.00, but since he trucks for the Army. blows, and Curran stated that (Continued from Page I) Take his last trip for instance. owed practically that much to BEATS THE RACES was not satisfied with the last there was never any chance of the people he had borrowed from, When the SS Bienville left He garnered a few odd shekels, elections. I have been gathering healing the rift between himself New York over a year ago Jim­ and then went out to the race he had nothing much left. facts and material since then, and Stack. my was aboard, prepared for a track, where he pitted his wits He blew into New York about and when I am in full possession In refutation of the statements long trip. But the call of excite­ against the bookies. Needless to two weeks ago, after having been made by Curran, Stack could of­ of the facts, they will be released ment proved too much for him, say. Brother Jimmy won and gone for more than a year. fer only a weak defense. Instead, to the union, and everybody con­ and so he paid off in Mobile in more than doubled his dough. Considering the adventures he cerned in them will be in those he devoted a column in the Jan­ time to go to the Mardi Gras in So, back to Manila to live a has had, it is amazing that his facts for what they are worth." uary 24 issue of the Pilot to an New Orleans. It was wonderful; life of Riley at the finest hotel humor is undimmed, and he is That the split in the NMU has attempt to discredit, in advance, you ought to hear him tell about ready for whatever might take in town. And to make matters gone deeper than just the rift the evidence that Curran has it! place in some foreign port. even better, the Alcoa Pointer between the top officials in high­ promised to reveal about the com­ HEADED FOR TROUBLE According to Jimmy, that is arrived, and all his old shipmates lighted by what Curran had to munists in the NMU National Council. what makes a seaman's life so helped him out with cigarettes, We next pick up Brother Cres­ say about the Pilot, the national There is no doubt that Curran citelli on the Warrior Point, etc. Ah, life was sure good then. interesting. organ of the NMU. In discussing can, if he wants to, reveal plenty bound for a long trip to Medi- j But like all good things, life He ought to know, he's had ex­ the past records of the members terranean ports. First it was! on the beach had started to pall periences in every corner of the of the National Council, Curran about each and every member of the National Council. He has for Trieste, then \/enice, etc. Next on Jimmy, and he stowed away globe. put out this fact: a long time played ball with the Bahrein to take on a load of oil, "I didn't say anything about communist party, and there is and all was going well up to the fact that you have full con­ every reason to believe that he that time. But it couldn't last, trol of the offices here. Of the has had access to records which and it didn't. Pilot, where I find myself lucky will enable him to expose the to get into the Pilot. Sometimes Six days out of Bahrein, head­ inner workings of the commie I get in only by sheer force, ed for Singapore, Jimmy was clicque which now controls the sheer threat, in order to be able scalded by hot water while the vened unsuccessfully in an at­ NMU. (Continued from Page 1) to get an impartial hearing in ship was rolling in a heavy sea. tempt to get Bushey to sit down the paper." As far as the CMU is concern­ tent refusal to negotiate with the The ship put into Singapore, and discuss matters with the ed, Curran stuck by his guns but Brother C. was not available Union, which was certified on From the reports that have during the course of all the ses­ Dec. 27, 1946 as the collective union. « leaked out of the special NMU sions, and from the letters which bargaining agent for the 500 men Following this rejection, the sessions, it is obvious that the liave been printed in the Pilot, employed at the yard. The work­ aid of the U. S. Conciliation Ser­ split between Curran and his fol­ ^^LAROUNO//1 ers designated Local 13 to rep­ vice was invoked, but the federal lowers, and the commie spokes­ it seems that the rank-and-file of resent them by an overwhelming conciliators likewise met with men, is a deep and ever-widening the NMU is overwhelmingly on majority. flat refusals from the company. one. On more than one occasion his side. The National Council rejected Curran's motion for an BUSHEY AGAINST ALL Bushey has a long history of the speakers almost came to immediate referendum on further Blatantly ignoring the workers' fink activity, Mesita said. He CMU affiliation, and voted to mandate, and the subsequent stated that on Dec. 27, 1945 the send 50 delegates to the Mai'ch NLRB certification, the company NLRB ordered the reinstatement 15 CMU conference. has greeted each overture to of two active union men who had' Seafarers who did not take meet with the union with a "to ben discharged for union activity. active part in the 1946 Gen­ liell-with-you" attitude. The board awarded the men full eral Strike, and who have Moreover, Bushey has defiantly seniority rights and full back not yet obtained strike clear­ disregarded an NLRB "cease and pay. ance, are advised to do so In addition to its demands for for the usual fun to be found in desist" order, issued after evi­ immediately. Edward Ben­ that port. He was in bed, taking dence was offered of the com­ contract negotiations, the ship­ der, of the Clearance Com­ yard workers union is insisting pany's unfair laboy practices. care of a bad burn. mittee at Union headquar­ Seatrain Lines will soon put on complete payment of all back With every possible means of ters in New York, has issued into operation four of her re­ After leaving Singapore, the pay awards granted by the NLRB. a reminder to the member­ converted vessels on runs be­ Warrior Point headed for Manila, achieving an amicable working Local 13 is going all-out to ship that Mar. 21, 1947 is the tween New York and New Or­ and after 16 days in bed, the Skip­ relation with company having make Bushey understand that his failed, a strike was the only door deadline. The committee's per wanted Jimmy to turn to. leans and between New York and workers are aggressive and mili­ functions expire on that date. Texas City. Jimmy refused, on the legitimate left open to the union. tant in their demands, and that This advice applies only to grounds that he needed further The company expects to put "We have exhausted every legal they have supporters in the mari­ Seafarers whose reasons for medical treatment. Who and peaceful means of negotiat­ the ships, the Seatrain Texas, time industry. not participating in the strike wouldn't? Seatrain Havana, Seatrain New ing with the company," Fred Besides the Seafarers support, require satisfactory explana­ York, and Seatrain New Jersey, The Purser on the ship had Mesita, Local 13 chairman, told other AFL maritime unions are tion. into operation on about March only aspirin, iodine, and sulpha the Log. coming to the shipbuilders' aid. 12 with weekly sailings from Men with legitimate rea­ pills, and he used all of them in With Lou Calomine, head of each end of the run. sons for . non-participation, attending to Jimmy. No wonder the union's veterans' committee, The freight car ships will soon such as illness, being aboard he needed more treatment. Mesita sketched his organization's work out of a new terminal, as ship at sea, etc., during the When the ship arrived at Man­ efforts to negotiate peacefully, the one being constructed at strike period, do not have to ila, ^Crescitelli paid off by mu­ following the certification. Edgewater, New Jersey, is nearbe cleared by Mar. 21, but tual consent. Both the Captain He pointed out that Judge ing completion. Sailing schedules can aipply at any time. Ben­ and Jimmy heaved a sigh of re­ McGuire of the New York City of these ships will be announced der pointed out. lief when that happened. And Labor Relations Board had inter­ in the near future. Did you ever stowaway on an MMU ship, and get the Skipper so mad that he turned the ship around to take your back to land? Curran Calls Stack 'Disrupter' Before NMU Council Meeting Seafarers Throws Full Support To Striking CIO Shipbuilders Strike Clearance Seatraln Announces Resumption Of Gulf, New York Scheduie �Page Hfteen THE SEAFARERS LOG Ttidaf, January 31, 1947 T BULLETIPr^ Retroactive Pay Waiting TAX REBATES Mississippi Shipping Company Seafarers who were employed on Mississippi Shipping Company vessels and have credit balances in their unclaim­ ed wage account covering overdeductions of Social Security taxes for the years 1943, 1944 and 1945, can now receive money due them by writing to the Mississippi Shipping Company, 1300 Hibernia Building, New Orleans, La. When writing the company mention the money is due for Federal Old Age Benefit" overdeductions, and give your Social Security number. Those entitled to rebates and the amout due are listed below. ' Hunger, George E Hutchins, H. R Hutto, Alvin G Jakeway, Avery J Jaiiauskas, Edward Jan.sen, Carl F Janson, H Jareek, Eugene P Jefferic.s, Clarence Jefferies, John J. efferson, W Jensen, Jens 0 Johnson, Ed. C Johnson, Edward E Johnson, George Johnson, Hjjrold B Johnson, Peter L Johnson, Sylvester Jones, Cecil M Jones, Jessie M Jones, Raymond D Jones, Walter P Karlsen, Harold M Karlsen,- Sigrand Karrman, P. H Kaskell, Edward KehhM-, James M. Jr Kelly, Charles Kelly, Hugh V Kessick, Herbert S Korhs, Ralph B Knof, Frank Kraszeski, Leo Kullgren, Alexander Kuselj, Ivo La Grange, H. R Lamieuf, Leland Lampress, Peter Langredge, W. N Lanton, Alfred Laris, Joseph Laurick, Tony Lax, Herbert Lenty, James M Leonard, Roger R L'Heureux, G. A Lithe, Frank D. Loenhorst, William Logie, Kenneth G Lund, Frank O Lynch, Albert P Malecki, V Makko, Victor Maliegros, Joseph Marchant, Douglas Marks, Alfred A Martin, Donald Martin, Herbert W Martin, Joseph J. ' Mathews. Fred J May, Charles M McBride, Clarence J. McBride, Fi-ed McCarthy, Carroll MCcoy, Patrick McCulloch, Thomas L NEWTEK SS CORP. PHILADELPHIA SS Robin Locksley—$7.00. R. Smith, $1.00. Robert C. Thomas," $1.00. * HOUSTON INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS L. English. $1.00; J. W. Marrs, C. Q. Cooper. $1.00; T. Shadden. J. M. Taylor. $2.00; G, Knietz, J. B. Celling, $2.00; J. T. Watt, $1.00 $5.00 $1.00 $3.00 C. $2.00 Tullia, $3.00; H. B. Vann. D. T. Huffman, $2.00; C. D. Salter $2.00; H. S. Knowlcs, $2.00; J. R.an kin, $1.00; W. J. Marjenoff, $1,00 G. S. Williams, $1.00; H. W. Burk hardt, $3.00; T. MacCaskie, $2.00. Russel R. Jones—Voyage No. 5—from 4/1/46 to 4 1 46. Russel R. Jones—Voyage No. 6—from 4/2 46 to 7/22/46. Rufus Choate—Voyage No. 8—from 4/1/46 to 6 14/46. Rufus Choate—Voyage No. 9—6/15/46 to 8 7/46. Rufus Choate—Voyage No. 10—from 8,^9/46 to 9 19/46. Cape San Bias—Voyage No. 12—from 5/7/46 to 7/29/46. Coastal Liberator—Voyage No. l^from 4/1 46 to 7/7/46. Coastal Liberator—Voyage No. 2—from 7/8,^46 to 8/4/46. Coastal Liberator—Voyage No. 3—from 8/5 46 to 9/1/46. Coastal Skipper—Voyage No. 7—from 7/12/46 to 7. 28 46. Coastal Archer—Voyage No. 6—from 6/24/46 to 7/14 46. Coastal Archer—Voyage No. 7—from 7/15/46 to 8/11 46. Coastal Archer—Voyage No. 8—from 8/12/46 to 9/8 46. Edward S. Hough—Voyage No. 5—from 7/24/46 to 9/14 46. Grover C. Hutcherson—Voyage No. 5—from 5/9/46 to 7/22 46. Bernard L. Rodman—Voyage No. 5—All Vouchers Mailed Out. Bernard L. Rodman—Voyage No. 6—from 7/2 46 to 9/6/46. John Gibbons—Voyage No. 7—from 4 1/46 to 4/4 46. _ ' McGoldrick, William 1.31 1.25 1 McGueeny, D. J. 7.00 1.29 I Meaders, J. P. ... 3.29 21.16 1.01 2.32 Medina, Francisco , GALVESTON 2.03 11.33 Medley, Clark Jr SS Council Crest $8.00. 67 1.29 Melindcrs, Tony SS Half Knot—$11.15. 1.77 Vouchers for the above Vessels are at Pier No. 42 North River SS Hastings- $ I 7.75. 6.47 Merritt, David L 1.95 and must be signed by each crewmember entitled to retroactive INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS 2.65 Milan, Russel S 14.59 H. T. Miller. $2.00; E. M. Flesher. pay in order to collect money due. 2.94 .85 $2.00; I. A. Tulford, $10.00; J. Beller, 59 Milanovich, Alexander S. .57 $2.00; D. Fuschillo, $1.00; H. V. Vil6.65 Miller, Elwood L 20.73 larreal, $1.00; T. D. McLemore, $1.00; Lim Koa. $1.00; H. Bagley. $5.00; 43 4.57 L). Newberry. $1.00; M. V. Morton 63 8.86 $3.00; C. R. Johnson, $1.00; A. T. Do 05 Miller, Ernest F Tliose crewmen of the SS Abel 1.13 man. $1.00; I. B. Aderhold, $2.00; DEANE H. SUNDERMAN 1.25 Miller, George C Stearns, Bull Line, which was 36 H. Cooper, $2.00. Your mother requests that you R. D. Hanks, $2.00; C. P. Ode, $2.00 04 Miller, Joseph R 36 turned over to Japan the first contact her as she is an.xious to N. Goresh, $1.00; D. M. Baum, $2.00 23.10 Milne, John 6.53 R. Brett, $2.00; E. Braswell, $5.00 part of 1946, who never collected hear from you. 58.74 1.38 J. Miranda, $5.00; R. Swegart, $5.00 their repatriation money, can get 4. 4. 1 13.68 Mizell, C. W 56 I. H. French. $5.00; L. Santa Aana HERBERT G. WHITE. FWT 9.07 $2.00; J. E. Hanley, $1.00; A. A. Tur it by writing to the A. H. Bull .75 lington, $3.00; Bombin. P. $1.00 Get in touch with Matthew J. 19.61 Moda, Edmard .12 C. A. Ebanks. $1.00; R. C. Harvasz Steamship Company, New York Peters, 746 East 4th Street, South 1.35 Monaco, Elmer Armand .... .12 $1.00. City. It amounts to $90.00. Boston, Mass. 9.40 Montgomery, G. W S. C. Flanks, $2.00; J. W. Caston 6.29 22.41 Montiero, John t i S. 1.99 $1.00; T. J. Hoffman, $1.00; S. A Johnson, $2.00; G. Laura, $2.00; J. L 73 JUAN E. VASQUEZ 1.37 Veal, i2.00; W. R. Bates, $1.00; W. G, 01 Moody, Robei-t Jr 18.83 Ivy, $1.00; J. A. Johaneamann, $2.00 A communication from Carmen 71 14.99 B. R. Gibson, $1.00; F. W. Walker, Iris Torez says that she has im­ 12 Moore, Arthur H 1.62 $1.00; L. B. Lott, $1.00. portant news for you. The note 14 North Gay St. J. McClurg, $1.00; L. W. Clanahan BALTIMORE 1.52 1.25 $5.00; Calvert 4539 urges thai you get in touch with C. A. Hancock, $5.00; J. 86 Morris, R. D 276 State St. her at 565 West 174th St., New 91 Findley, $2.00; F. Schutz, $1.00; 5. H BOSTON Boudoin 4455 67 Morse, Howard 51 Word, $1.00; M. J. Daila, Jr., $1.00 BUFFALO 10 Exchange St. York City as soon as posbiLle. 29 Masongsong, J Cleveland 739] 67 J. B. Lawson, $1.00; J. W. Cain, $1.00 4 t 4 1.71 Moss, George D 68 Society St. 5.08 H. J. Bishop, $2.00; J. L. Exun. $1.00 CHARLESTON Phone 3-3680 GEORGE F. CURRAN H. E. Faletti, $2.00. 2.57 2.18 CHICAGO 24 W. Superior Ave. Your brother, John Curran, 01 Superior 5175 BOSTON •15.22 CLEVELAND . . . 1014 E. St. Clair Ave. wishes to know your where­ 11.40 Munyer, Hariy J 23 Crew of J. Slocum-^$4.00. Main 0147 abouts. 4.94 Naish, Donald R Crew of SS Cardinal Gibbons—$15.00 CORPUS CHRISTI . . 1824 Mesquite St. 67 Corpus Christi 3-1509 03 Neil, G. Nerith Crew of Muncie Victory—$4.00. 4 4 4 5.00 DETROIT 1038 Third St. SS New Echota—$11.00. 6.51 Nelson, Carl J. Jr GEORGE G. SMITHERS Cadillac 6857 95 SS STONES RIVER 04 Neman, H. P. E DULUTH 531 W. Michigan St. Your mother, Mary Smithers, 2,53 V. C. Guy—$2.00. 1 Melrose 4110 2.59 Nesse, Alexander P has recently changed her address 9.32 GALVESTON 305'/, 22nd St. INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS 29 Nicies, Paul 2-8448 from Brisbane to Townsville. She 60 Ernest Belkner, $1.00; F. Lisk Jr., HONOLULU 16 Merchant St. 7.32 Norton, George 0 1.88 $3.00. 58777 is very anxious to hear from you. 17.78 Oftenbeck, Rudolph HOUSTON 1515 75th Street Write to her at Carr St., Hermit 1.52 NORFOLK Phone Wentworth 3-3809 1.12 Olson, Curtis S Park, Townsville, North Queens­ 3.75 920 Main St. B. C. Wlggs, $10.00; W. Hicks, $10.00; JACKSONVILLE 15.86 Oneha, Joseph L Phone 5-5919 land, Australia. 11.67 W. Browning, $10.00. 79 O'Rourke, J. G MARCUS HOOK 114 W. 8th St. 35 4 4 4 J. Porter, $2.00. Chester 5-3110 5.78 Ostarch, Thomas 22.63 MIAMI 1355 N. E. 1st Ave. ANTHONY METALICA 2.79 Overland, T NEW YORK MOBILE 7 St. Michael St. 2.20 Your seamen's papers, etc. 2-1754 25 Owens, James K SS AMERICAN PRESS 04 NEW ORLEANS 339 Chartres St. were found in the New York 1.27 Paige, IValdo SS American Press — Deck Dept., Magnolia 6112-6113 2.42 Hall. They may be picked up at $5.50. 88 Patch, Artuh NEW YORK 51 Beaver St. 2.79 HAnover 2-2784 the mail room on the 4th floor. SS LOOP KNOT .S3 .84 NORFOLK 127-129 Bank Street H. Woods and Crew—$14.00. 4 4 4 4.43 Patterson, Ernest 0 4-1083 1.58 SS R. TUXPORD PHILADELPHIA 9 South 7th St. H. F. LONRENBERG 1.30 Peckham, Dale 0 S. Calleja, $1.00; J. L. Thompson, 54 Phone LOmbard 3-7651 Please contact E. Harold Tea22.39 Pederson, Leon V 2.98 $3.00; D. E. Jessup, $2.00; A. Soto PORT ARTHUR ..909 Fort Worth Ave. Phone: 2-8532 gue. West Coast Patrolman, imand Crew, $2 7.00. 5.79 Perpente, Edward J 13.48 PORTLAND Ill W. Burnside St. mediatelv. SS GRANDE RONDE 62 Perritt, Charles J Beacon 4336 45 R. Pedroza, $2.00; James L. Hart, 4.98 Picou, John 257 5th St. 19.91 $2.00; H. L. Herron, $1.00; R. L. Fow­ RICHMOND, Calif 2599 23 20.07 ler, $4.00; C. F. McDowell, $2.00; Isa­ SAN FRANCISCO 105 Market St. 1.27 Pihl, Royal P Douglas 5475-8363 11.28 dora Flaherty, $2.00; Jfmmie Roberts. $2.00; Charlie Kent, $2.00; James A. SAN JUAN, P. R. . . .252 Ponce de Leon 2.02 1.44 Roberds, $2.00; A. E. Steffek. $2.00; Brothers J. W. Bagett, OS; San Juan 2-5996 .75 Pizzeck, Guido 2.45 L. M. Steffer, $2.00. SAVANNAH 220 East Bay St. Harry Berg, Oiler; Robert C. 35 8-1728 77.92 SS MALDEN VICTORY Blair, Electrician, are requested SEATTLE 86 Seneca St. 4.36 Polansky, Mannie 1.34 Ernest L. Magers, $1.00; Wm. Mur­ Main 0290 to contact the Paymaster at Mo2.75 Pold, Valdeman TAMPA 1809-1811 N. Franklin St. 5.43 phy, $1.00. M-1323 ran Towing, 17 Battery Place. 26 Pollock, Abraham INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS 7.23 TOLEDO 615 Summit St. 4 4 4 1.88 W. Roberts, $1.00; Ed P. Peterson, 1.32 WILMINGTON 440 Avalon Blvd. Will George F. Cooper, 1604 1.00; Clyde Maytum, 50c; L. Kristan, 24 Pound, Earl F Terminal 4-3131 2.19 $2.00; Luis Ramirez. $2,00; Virgil Al­ Fleet Street, Baltimore, get in VICTORIA, B. C 602 Houghton St. 10 Garden 8331 touch with the Office of the In­ len, $2.00. Powell, Harry B. 1.63 19.41 C. A. Camacho, $1.00; Charles Chand­ VANCOUVER ....144 W. Hastings St. 21.16 ler, $2.00; Wilbert E. Moll, $1.00; T. Pacific 7824 spector, American Express, 65 5.88 Price, Gordon K Broadway, New York City. 23 Prichard, Ralph D 1.25 Hedlund, $3.00. MONEY DUE PERSONALS SlU HALLS NOTICE! �Page Sixieen rJT- THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, January 31, 1947 UNmmANS... 6^ SIO ••'•'•' '•!i •• • f-..; •->.' CMONin M€AN$... tye -A^L MA1imM5- TRAtS^VSPARTTAgATr HA^ /v^j^ COSTA � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource January 31, 1947 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. IX, No. 5 Description An account of the resource Headlines: CURRAN CALLS HIS SHOTS, SAYS STACK IS DISRUPTER SEAFARERS THROWS FULL SUPPORT TO STRIKING CIO SHIPBUILDERS; JOINS STRIKERS ON PICKETLINE N.Y. TUGBOATMEN OKAY NEW PACK; WIN WAGE HIKE MM&P COUNCIL VOTES TO JOIN WITH INTERNATIONAL GROUP MARITIME COMMISSION BUYS 70 LORAN SETS AS SAFETY MEASURE PAN-ATLANTIC PLANS NEW RUN TO MIAMI DEATH IN THE DEPTHS SIU CORECTS DECK HAZARD ON SPAN SPLICE NO CHANGES AT NEPONSIT; CONDITIONS, EXCUSES REMAIN ANTI-CLOSED SHOP AMENDMENT INTRODUCED IN NEW YORK STATE MEBA REJECTS BID TO AFFILIATE WITH THE CMU RUMORS BUSIER THAN SHIPPING IN (C)OLD cHI GREAT LAKES ARE NEXT ON SEAFARERS ORGANIZING PROGRAM NEW CREW AND NEW DEAL ON SPAN SPLICE BUCKO SKIPPER AND MATE RUIN POOR OLD BELLE EVEN THE MONKEYS (PASSENGERS NOT CREW) COULDN'T SEE 'OVERSIGHT ELMER' AS SKIPPER AFL RADIO OFFICERS UNION SIGNS NEW CONTRACTS WITH 45 COMPANIES MODERNIZATION OF BOSTON IS OFF AS GOVERNOR CUTS APPROPRIATION FIGHT WITHIN THE NMU EXPLODES ADVERTISED MYTH OF CMU UNITY GOVT AND NMU OFFICIALS ALWAYS HAVE SIDED AGAINST THE SEAMEN UNION'S RESPONSIBILITY IS PART OF EVERY CONTRACT SIU SIGNS SHORT NOTE TO CREW OF LATROBE: ALL IS WHALE THAT ENDS WHALE UNION MATE POINTS THEONLY WAY TO ATTAIN REAL MARITIME UNITY NEW WAGE AND OVERTIME RATES ON MORAN ISTHMIAN MEN CONVENE IN SIU STYLE CREW MAN CHRONICLES JOSEPH HEWES' TRIP HOT ISSUE SETTLED WITH IRON HAND JUST LIKE THE MOVING PICTURES, JIMMY HAS ADVENTURES ALL OVER SEATRAIN ANNOUNCES RESUMPTION OF GULF, NEW YORK SCHEDULE Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1/31/1947 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1947 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/4b7164c6e4f819b744452e5f81edb1ce.PDF cdcb5d8f8c1cf57ca3cff2f6cc409da8 PDF Text Text T-»-rlr1345>"/ Official Organ of the Atlantic and Gulf District, Seafarers International Union of North America VOL. IX. NEW YORK. N. Y.. FRIDAY. FEBRUAY 7. 1947 UNITY AT POINT OF PRODUCTION AFL Offers Unity MIAMI — A developmeat of major importance broke at the meeting of the Ameri­ can Federation of Labor's Executive Council, when President William Green an­ nounced early this week terms of a proposal made to the Congress of Industrial Organizations to achieve "organic unity" between the two labor groups. Green stated that the AFL had already set up a com­ mittee composed of leaders of its affiliates who are pre­ pared to work with CIO rep­ resentatives. The AFL chief called upon the CIO to desig­ nate a similar committee to work jointly with his group in surveying the prospects for possible amalgamation of the two organizations. After the Seafarers International Union joined striking Local 13. CIO Shipbuilders, on the picketline in front of Ira S. Bushey and Sons. Paul Hall. New York Port Agent, addressed the SIU members. Said Brother Hall. "This is a good place to start maritime unity—on the point of production, and against the bosses." By SONNY SIMMONS AFL Membership Hits An Aii-Time Recerd With Over 7 Miiiien Membership in the American Federation of Labor has hit an alf-time high with 7,505,446 dues payers listed on the books. Announcing the collection of a per-capita tax on that number, George Meany, * secretary-treas­ urer, pointed out that the new figure represents a gain of more than 255,000 since September, 1946. The new figure puts the AFL well out in front of the CIO which claims a membership of 6,000,000 but has not given an exact tabulation. AFL officials contend the CIO membership is closer to 3,500,000. SIU Supports Strike Of CIO Shipbuilders; Bushey Yard Tied-Up NEW YORK, February 5—With the strike of the CIO Shipyard Workers, Local 13, holding solidly as picket­ ing against the Ira S. Bushey and Sons Company shipyard in Brooklyn enterted its seventh day, lUMSWA interna­ tional representative William J. McCaffrey today an­ nounced the release of three ships from the strike-bound Taxi Men Continue Strike In Tampa Despite Injunction TAMPA—Nothing that the an­ ti-labor city administration can do down here seems to be able to break the back of the Taxi Driv­ ers' strike. With the knowledge and cooperation of the authori­ ties, the company has imported gons and strike-breakers, and still the strikers, members of Lo­ cal 79, Teamsters and Chauffeurs Union, AFL, are holding out. Even an anti-picketing injunc­ tion, which prevents members of the union from picketing the com­ pany office, or talking about the strike on the streets, has not coerced the men into giving up their battle for improved wages and decent conditions. The injunction is being fought out in the courts right now, and No. 6 it is obvious that the injunction doesn't have much legality be­ hind it. For that reason, the Judge has had the ruling under advisement for quite some time, and this stall is liable to continue indefinitely. One thing that this strike has brought about was not planned by the labor-haters here, or by Attorney General Tom Watson, who is masterminding the union busting moves of the Company and the city officials. Labor here in Tampa has become more solid now than at any time before, and that bodes ill for the people who think that they can bust labor without a fight. SIU TAKES LEAD The Cigar Makers, long a mili­ tant group, and the Boiler Mak­ ers, now being led by a new and progressive local president, were pretty much alone until the Sea­ farers took the lead. Now things are really hum­ ming, and at the State Federa­ tion of Labor convention in March, plans will be made to bring labor out on top in this state. Unless labor accomplishes some­ thing important, and very soon, the labor movement will be forced to close up shop in this state. The terroristic tactics being used by the company and the authorities to break the strike of the Teamsters are indescribable. They have resorted to violence on more than one occasion, and they have tried to incite the pub­ lic to take the law into their (Coniinuei OH Page 4) Something To See This issue of the Log car­ ries two full pages of photos on items which should be of great interest to Seafarers. Page five is devoted to the CIO Shipbuilders' strike at the notoriously anti-union Ira Bushey yards in Brook­ lyn. and shows, pictorially. the picketline support which the SlU gave the shipyard workers when the walkout occurred. The photos on Page nine depict one of the most unique vessels afloat—the MV Gads­ den. operated by an SlU-contracted company. The Gads­ den, which carries locomo­ tives and tenders, is reported to be the only one of its type in operation. Its distinction lies in the fact that it is a self-contained unit, and can load and unload its massive cargo completely unaided by shoreside facilities. yard for the humanitarian pur-*pose of hauling grain supplies to Shipbuilding Workers of Amer­ ica—CIO, the striking union. needy European countries. Before leaving, Tracy express­ Two of the three vessels re­ leased, the Bessemer Victory and ed his pleasure over the strikers' the Francis O'Gara, are SlU-con- attitude in agreeing to release tracted ships. While none of them the three grain ships. He also informed the Bushey was being repaired, as a result of the CIO strike which the SIU (Continued on Page 4) is supporting one hundred per­ cent, the action of the Shipbuild­ ing Workers Union is permitting their departure certainly reveal^ an awareness of the desperate need of the starving Europeans. Yesterday, Mr. Ed. Tracy, Mar­ itime Commission labor I'epresentative, flew in from Washington to confer with both parties in­ The crumbling Committee for volved in the Bushey strike. Maritime Unity suffered its sec­ However, Bushey representatives ond major setback in two weeks indulged in a little buck-passing with the announcement early this by claiming that everything was week that members of the Mar­ up to the company attorney, Mr. ine Firemen, Oilers and WaterDevlin. tenders, an independent union, It later developed that the com­ have voted overwhelmingly pany attorney was absent on an extended motor trip to Floi'ida, against affiliation with the com­ and wasn't expected back for munist-dominated marine group. With more than half the ballots three weeks. This clearly re­ vealed the outright stalling tac­ counted, returns on a national tics of this viciously anti-labor basis indicate that the MFOW men opposed to tying up with shipyard. the CMU are leading by a better REP. STYMIED than five-to-one margin. Seeing that he was getting no­ As the balloting returns were where with the Bushey outfit, being released, Malone stated Mr. Tracy flew back to Washing­ that the vote indicated a trend. ton last night in order to con­ Votes for candidates for the tact President Green of the In­ union offices were going much dustrial Union of Marine and the same way, he added, -with. pro-CMU officers being replaced by those opposing affiliation. Newly elected port agents will meet late this month to formu­ late a new policy based on nonaffiliation with the CMU, Malone added. a contract for this new company. The fact that it took only 60 days to secure the agreement gives proof to another swell job of or­ ganizing done by the rank-andfile Seafarers." A speed up in service from The' SIU conti-act covers the highly technical operation of the Baltimore to Venezuela and the American Eastern ships, which Dutch West Indies has been an­ are doing a yeoman job of re­ nounced by the Alcoa Steamship building the war-torn rolling Company. Beginning February 21, ships stock of the European railroads will sail on a ten-day schedule —rebuilding the European lines with American built locomotives instead of the former 14 day in­ terval. Alcoa vessels on this run and tenders. Each one of the American call at La Guarira, Guanta, Puer­ Eastern ships has specially con- to Cabilla, Maracaibo and Vene­ zuela, as well as Curacao. {Continiied on Page If) Marine Firemen Vote To Reject CMUBy5-1 Vote American Eastern Signs With SIU; Will Carry RR Rolling Stock t NEW YORK — Another addi­ tion to the list of SlU-contracted shipping companies was made this week when SIU Organiza­ tional Director Paul Hall an­ nounced the signing of a closed shop contract with the American Eastern Steamship Corporation. Representing the union in lining up this company were Cal Tan­ ner, Earl Sheppard and Bob Mat­ thews. "In making this announce­ ment," stated Brother Hall, "full credit should be given to the SIU volunteer organizers who sailed aboard American Eastern ships, and made possible the signing of Alcoa SS Speeds Up Caribbean Schedule �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Two Friday, February 7, 1947 SEAFARERS LOG 'Published Weekly by the SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Gulf District Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor At SI Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y. HAnover 2-2784 i X HARRY LUNDEBERG ------- President 105 Market Street, San Francisco, Calif. JOHN HAWK -------- Secy-Treas. p. O. Box 25, Bowling Green Station, New York, N. Y. --SI Entered as second class matter June 15, 1945, at tlie Post Office in New York, N. Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912. GEORGE NOVICK, Editor 267 . On The March The Seafarers International Union is even now pre­ paring for a drive on the Great Lakes that will bring Union conditions and high wages to thousands of Lakes seamen. Most of the men up th-ere are unorganized, and as a conse­ quence, poor conditions and starvation wages are the order of the day. But the situation is changing. The men on the Lakes are increasingly eager to be organized, and the SIU is ready and able to take on the job. Our Organizing Staff is now geared for a high speed campaign, the kind of drive that will be needed to do the job in the time between freezes in that area, and with vic­ tories under their belt, they can tackle that big job with co.nfidence that all seamen are aware of what the SIU has accomplished for men of the merchant marine. During the past few months the SIU Organizing Drive has met with success on every front. A contract has already been signed with the American Eastern Steamship Company, and only NMU stalling has prevented the SIU from banging on the door of the Isthm.ian Steamship Company. Hospital Patients When entering the hospital notify the delegate by post­ card, giving your name and the number of your ward. In the weeks and months to come, there will be more contracts won by the SIU, and more seamen protected by the excellent SIU conditions and wages. The best organizers in the world can't induce a man to join a union unless that union has something to offer. Sweet words can't be used to buy groceries, but actions and results show up in the paycheck. Staten Island Hospital Men Now In The Marine Hospitals That is why the SIU has achieved so much success in organizing seamen so far, and that is why the Great Lakes These are Ihe Union Brothers currently in the marine hospitals, D rive is being looked forward to, both by the SIU organ­ as reported by the Port Agents. These Brothers find time hanging izers and the men on the Great Lakes. Effective Unity The cause of trade-union solidarity is far from being a hopeless one, in spite of the staggering damage inflicted in its name by the so-called advocates of "unity"—the communist-led labor groups. This week, unaccompanied by drum-beating, hysteric•al shouting or publicity-seeking fanfare, the Seafarers In­ ternational Union sharply demonstrated that one union can help another without trying to move and take over under the guise of "unity." The AFL Seafarers were out on the picketlines of the CIO Shipbuilders. Our white-capped men, old hands when it comes to militancy, were out there in response to a simple appeal for aid. And they responded wholeheartedly and enthusiastically. There was no maze of resolutions, no can-shaking, no long drawn-out conferences, no jockeying for position to make political capital of the situation. It was effective unity at the point of production. And trade-union solidarity can be as simple as that. The long-winded, hot air merchants of "unity" might well learn a lesson from the honest, hard-hitting Seafarers when it comes to labor solidarity. heavily on their hands. Do what you can to cheer them up by writ­ ing to them. BALTIMORE HOSPITAL MATHEW CARSON LLOYD YOUNG PETER LOPEZ JOHN DUDKO FRANCIS O'BRIEN CASIMIR HONOROWSKI THOMAS CARROLL PHILIP BAZAAR JOHN TILL GALVESTON HOSPITAL OLSEN BENNETT GALANE R. V. JONES HUTCHENSON STAEINZ MILKE FLESHER AKIN GRAVES BREASHAR KOW LIM X X X SAN JUAN HOSPITAL JUAN OLIVER WALTER JORGENSON RAYMOND SAUDERS R. ARMSTRONG P. FELICIANO R. SEIFO 4 J* 4* STATEN ISLAND HOSPITAL C. BONAFONT R. G. MOSSELLER ^ J. S. WOOD W. G. H. BAUSE H. BELCHER L. L. MOODY E. D. MILLER C. KOLSTE R. POWELL M. MORRIS L. A. CORNWALL JOE LEWIS M. J. QUINN G. LUETH XXX NEW ORLEANS HOSPITAL HUGO ECHEVARIA E. R. BUCKLEY ROBERT MULHOLLAND M. R. SUTHERLAND JOHN RETOUR , SIR EDWARD CUSTER You can contact your Hos­ pital delegate at the Staten Island Hospital at the follow­ ing times: Tuesday—1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 5th and 6th floors) Thursday—1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 3rd and 4th floors.) Saturday—1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 1st and 2nd floors.) DAVID McDUFFIE O. M. STIREWALT ERNEST COOPER ALBERT SHULL J. W. DENNIS STEVE MOGAN W. BROCE, Jr. JACINTO NAVARRO JOHN O'DONOHUE JJ. STEFANIDES CENTRAL MASON KARL PETTERSSEN XXX BRIGHTON MARINE HOSP. E. JOHNSTON H. SWIM G. VICKERY J. GALA R. ALBANESE T. DINEEN V. RUIZ R. FIORE R. LORD J. LAVASSOR �Friday, February 7. 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Three NMU Can't Service Its Members, Se They Leek Elsewhere Fer Help Dear Friend: Do you have money due from your ship on unclaimed wages? Disputed overtime? Linen or transportation money? Federal Old Age tax over-payment? We'll find out for you and notify you as part of our regu­ lar service to seamen. This ser­ vice comprises: 1. Immediate notice to you that money is due, how much it is, and where you can get it. 2. Use of our facilities as your permanent mailing address. The above is part of the text of a letter being circulated by the Merchant Seaman's Personal Ser­ vice, a new organization which offers to assist seamen to collect money, that is rightfully theirs, from unclaimed wages or dis­ puted overtime. The letter goes on to say that this service is provided for the nominal sum of $2.00 per year— in advance. There is every possibility that this organization is perfectly hon­ est and will provide the services it so glowingly advertises, but it is obvious that these services are not necessary for seamen who be­ long to a union that works un­ ceasingly for the benefit of the membership. NMU NEEDS HELP That's the rub. Reading the list of companies paying retro­ active wages, and using the Mer­ chant Seamen's Personal Service to locate the seamen to whom the nobody becomes angry enough to back pay is due, the first thing raise a fuss. that strikes the eye is that not FALSE PATRIOTISM one of the companies- is under During the war, by raising the contract to the Seafarers. cry of "patriotism," the NMU On the other hand, of the misleaders could get away with twelve companies mentioned, one practically anything. They had or two are unorganized, and the By PAUL HALL others are contracted to the Na­ free hand to dispose of the mem­ bership's legitimate complaints in The Seafarers have been very fortunate not to have had any tional Maritime Union, CIO. any way they saw fit, and they That fact has only one meaning. of the inner factional troubles that are splitting the NMU and did exactly that. For the unorganized companies, other labor organizations. That does not mean that we have not it is easy to see why they have Now with the struggle for pow­ had differences of opinion in the Union, but it does mean that we to advertise to get in touch with er in the NMU going strong, the have been able to settle our differences without weakening our former crew members who have officials are so busy defending back pay coming, but for the themselves, and looking for a structure. NMU contracted companies, only good place to stick a knife in The shipowners have always known that the SIU was a solid, a complete breakdown of the the other man's ribs, there does democratic Union, and that any attempts to club us through foster­ union's services could make such not seem to be any time to settle ing bad feeling among the officials or rank-and-file would be fought action necessary. beefs, collect overtime, or check And that is exactly what has on retroactive pay. by a solid front of SIU members. happened. It is logical to assume that Last week I had the privilege of attending a meeting in Phila­ For a long time it has been since the companies can't depend delphia. It was here that the attitude of the Seafarers was best known that the NMU officials' on the NMU to bring certain in­ exemplified by one of the Brothers who took the deck and re­ spent more time on politicking | formation before the member­ and following the communist; ship, the members of the NMU marked when a man had a beef in the SIU he had the right and party line than they did on pro-' can't depend on being informed the duty to hit the deck with it at a Union meeting, and get it off viding decent service for the' or serviced by the union. his chest. members. They also organized AH of the services advertised One of the members at the meeting, summed the situation more for the CP than they did by the Merchant Seaman's Per­ fur the NMU, and this indirectly ' sonal Service are benefits which up very well when he took the deck to say, "The place to dis­ led to the overwhelming defeat' should be provided by the union. cuss Union beefs is on the deck at a Union meeting. If anyone suffered by the NMU in the Isth-; When the imion fails to do so, the comes to you with a damn BS story, tell him to speak his piece mian election. ! members look elsewhere. That's at a meeting and have it thrashed out there." In such a set-up, it is obvious the story in the NMU today. that the elected or appointed of­ In the course of the discussion, it came out that certain stories SIU HANDLES BEEFS ficials just don't have enough has been circulated by former Philadelphia officials and others that The Seafarers International time to settle the beefs of the smeared some other officials and members of the SIU. This sort of membership. The best they can Union has always prided itself in talk and action can do the organization harm from which it might do is to keep the situation as the way all beefs, large or small, never recover. quiet as possible, and hope that are immediately worked on by Union officials. Differences of opinion are healthy and the open discussion of SIU men know that when they thnse differences stimulates the Union. However, when these dif­ have overtime due them, or linen ferences are used as whispering campaigns to undermine either money, or transportation, they . the Union, individual membei'S, or officials, the instigators of such don't need an outsider to repre­ campaigns then become disrupters and have no place in a true, sent them. They are assured of democratic Union such as the Seafarers. the services of a qualified Union official from the moment they Union-Busters Move Fast join. A new Merchant Seamen's b. Employment Rights The way the Washington hot shots are talking about labor, Wartime Service Act has been If the Merchant Seamen's Per­ The maximum employment op­ you would get the idea that the labor movement is up on the block, introduced into Congress by Rep­ portunity is to be afforded by the sonal Service looks to members like a pig, waiting to be killed. resentative Peterson, Democrat Federal Security Administrator. of the SIU for business, they Reemployment rights are extend­ might as well fold up shop right One group says, "Let's cut labor's throat from left ear to right." of Florida. The new bill, made necessary ed from 40 to 90 days after ter­ now. But if they expect NMUers The other group says, "No, let's cut from right to left." to provide the bulk of their trade, when the old one died in com­ mination of service. But all are agreed on the throat-cutting part of the deal. then they will probably be able c. Hospitalization and Medical mittee with the adjournment of to build up a lucrative enter­ Even the so-called friends of labor are snapping at labor's the 79th Congress, calls for prac­ Care— Hospitalization, domiciliary, in­ prise. heels, and saying that certain of the rights which labor has fought tically the same provisions con­ stitutional and convalescent care for should now be taken away. It is surprising how many Senators tained in the old bill. H. R. 476, as it has been num­ are provided at U. S. Public and Representatives, elected with labor's support, are now jump­ Health Service Hospitals and sta­ bered, after its introduction, was tions. This service includes arti­ ing on the anti-labor bandwagon and trying to outdo the bosses referred to the Committee on in thinking up new ways to tie the ball and chain to the United Merchant Marine and Fisheries ficial limbs, wheel chairs and on January 6. The Union has re­ similar appliances. States labor movement. d. Vocational Rehabilitation— There is one lesson to learn from all this, and in the SIU we ceived assurance for the Chair­ Any disabled wartime service have a recent lesson to bear in mind. Economic action is the only man of the Committee, Fred seamen would be eligible to the power which the worker has, and which the Washington fakers Bradley, that he would do every­ benefits of the Vocational Re­ VANCOUVER, B.C.—The Sea­ can't take away from him. By use of economic action the SIU thing to secure passage of the habilitation Act of 1920. farers International Union in threw out the Wage Stabilization Board which set itself up as a measur-e. Canada, this week, completed e. Disability Benefits— The bill, with its provisions, is high-and-mighty body to overrule legitimate contracts arrived at The benefits provided under negotiations with the Union as follows: between labor and management. the Act of September 7, 1916 are Steamship Company gaining a H. R. 476 (Peterson) Merchant made available to wartime serv­ $20.80 increase in wages. What we did then, all labor may be forced to do in the future. Seamen's Wartime Service Act— The new agreement covering ice seamen who became disabled And if that times comcSj wc will have a definite part to play. To provide aid for the readjust­ or die from injury or disease in­ wages of all unlicensed ratings We must in the future, as we have in the past, assist all unions ment in civilian life of these per­ curred in or aggravated by serv­ on the 11 ships of that company in their legitimate beefs. When one 'honest union is in danger-, sons who rendered wartime serv­ ice. went into effect on February 1. ice in the United States Merchant then there is danger for all other organizations of workers. The $20.80 increase brings one A Division of Maritime Serv­ Marine, and to provide aid for ice Benefits and a Board of War­ more company into line with the Our Program Clear their families. time Seamen's Appeals would be gains made by the Seafarers, for This bill would provide for any created in the Maritime Commis­ the Canadian Pacific Steamship We must continue in our organizing, and to assist other unions to organize if they need our help. We must continue to take the individual who rendered "mari­ sion for administering these bene­ and Canadian National Steam­ lead in winning higher wages and better conditions for all seamen. time wartime service." ship Companies recently signed a fits. a. Education and Training— similar agreement calling for the When the bill comes up for In this whole program education will be a major factor. If a same wage boost. For a period of one year be­ hearing, which is expected short­ man doesn't know what he is fighting for, there is no real reason The gains made by the Seafar­ tween September 2, 1948 and ly, the Union will have represen­ for him to put up his best battle. Education does not mean the ers in Canada are the fruits of September 2, 1952, preference to tatives present to testify for the phony political education that some unions have forced down the long negotiations, and with the be given to their admission at necessity of the measure. Also, throats of their memberships. maritime schools. The cost of tui­ the American Federation of La­ $12.46 boost won last year they It means the education of all working stiffs in the value of tion, and other incidentals, not to bor Legislative Committee will now show a raise in wages of something that Seafarers know well—the use of economic action. exceed $500, will be paid by the put the AFL behind the biU. over $33.00. Negotiations are continuing be­ Federal Security Administrator While the bill is waiting hear­ All workers must realize that economic action at the point of tween the SIU and the Union to the school. A slibsistence al­ ing, President Lundeberg requests production is what makes us more powerful than the richest boss Steamship Company on hours and lowance of $60 per month, if officials of the Union, in every who ever lived. Our labor is our stock in trade, and if we with­ conditions, with Hugh Murphy, without dependents,and $80 per coastal state to write their Con­ hold it, no factory, plant, ship, or money, will be any good to guys who use their property and money to keep a heel on the neck of month with dependents is pro­ gressmen urging their support Port Agent for Vancouver, rep­ resenting the Union. in the passage of the bill. the working stiff. When labor stops—industry stops—profits stop. vided. New Seamen's Bill Of Rights Is Introduced Into Congress Canadian SIU Wins Wage Rise From Union SS J.; • ij . �THE SEAFARERS LOG "Page "Four • Friday, February 7, 1947 Taxi Drivers Are Strong In Tampa Strike WM4r iTWIHC.,. (Continued from Page 1) QUESTION:—From time to time, the Log has asked questions on how conditions could be improved aboard ship, or what could be done to strengthen or streamline the Union. Many of the suggestions have been put into effect, and again our question is the same: What suggestions do you have that would increase the efficiency of the SIU, or would better the lives of seamen? WILLIE EDWARDS, Pantryman: I have no beefs because I think the Union is okay just at it is go­ ing along now. We operate ef­ ficiently. and all members get quick and effective representa­ tion. My only suggestion is that we continue to build for the fu­ ture, stay strong, and be prepared for anything that might happen. If we do that, then we can be as­ sured that the Seafarers Inter­ national Union will be able to weather anything that comes along. The AFL Maritime Trades Department is a big factor in our present strength. JAMES A. MacKENZIE, Bosun: My idea is that promotion of an AH to Bosun, while aboard ship, should not be allowed. All Bosuns should ship through the Hall, and that would put an end to disturbances aboard ship. The system now makes apple-polish­ ers out of some men, and they buck for Bosun by kissing the Male's foot. The Union rule of three years for an AB before be­ ing allowed to ship as Bosun should be adhered to, and Serangs should come from the Un-ion Hall, just as they do in the SUP. aa CARLOS GOMEZ, Wiper: I think that the Union should concentrate on the organization of tankers, and inland waterways workers, so that more jobs will be available to the members of the Union. As long as there are men who are not organized, they are a threat to the security of the Union members. At the same time I believe that the Union should start a full scale Educatonal Program, so that organized and unorganized secimen will know the score on how a union fights for its members, and for all labor. THOMAS DAWES, MM: The Union should go all out for the four-watch system. In , my opinion, that is the most import­ ant objective for us to have in Ihe coming year. Shipping is on Ihe decrease, and there will be plenty of men on the beach, •while men who do get jobs will have to work that much harder. With the four-watch system, there will be a more equal dis­ tribution of the work, and less unemployment among the men of the merchant marine. After all, there were plenty of jobs during the war; why not now too? SEAFARERS SUPPORTS STRIKING SHIPRUILDERS {Continued jroin Page 1) Company that the Maritime Com­ mission wanted the strike-bound docks in steady use, and that the MC would not place any addi­ tional work there until the labor dispute with the Shipyard Work­ ers was finally cleared up. U. S. Conciliation Commission. er Stewart and Judge McGuire • from Mayor O'Dwyer's special labor committee were both re­ buffed by Bushey representatives when they attempted to intervene in the current dispute. Of course, the company didn't refuse out­ right; they just used the usual line of stalling tactics and hooey common to labor haters of the Bushey variety. SIU SUPPORT Last Thursday, January 30, several hundred Seafai~ers pick­ eted jointly with the CIO Ship­ yard Workers in a demonstration of maritime solidarity before the ..gates of the Bushey company. Appearing with traditional white caps and SIU picket pla­ cards, SIU members marched the picketlines before the. Brooklyn shipyard side by side with their CIO brothers in the maritime in­ dustry. (Pictures of the demon­ stration appear on page 5 of this issue.) In line with a pledge of sup­ port which was given the Ship­ yard Workers Union at the N.Y. membership meeting on January 15, all activities at SIU head­ quarters were closed down until 4 P.M. in the afternoon. This was done to facilitate the picketing demonstration, and allow every­ one to get over to the Brooklyn shipyard. Leaving the Nev/ York hall shortly after 11 A.M., the SIU members arrived at the Bushey shipyard before noon and con­ tinued to walk the picketlines until late in the afternoon. "Vari­ ous on-the-spot observers com­ mented on the swell effect creat­ ed by the pickets from both unions marching together in this demonstration of maritime soli­ darity. At the conclusion of the joint demonstration, SIU pickets held an impromptu meeting across the street from the Bushey shipyard. New York Port Agent Paul Hall addressed them on the fine job that they had done in supporting the Shipyard Workers beef. He stated, "Real union solidar­ ity is always achieved at the point of" production by union members backing each other up on the picketlines. It can never be achieved simply by making motions or passing resolutions. Direct action is the only solu­ tion." Two members of the striking Shipbuilders Union, internation­ al representative WiUiam McCaf­ frey and Nick Lamb, secretary of Local 13, also spoke, a few. words to the assembled Seafarers. Brother McCaffey expressed the thanks of the strikers for the SIU support, and pledged the support of the CIO union for any future beefs of the Seafarers. In his remarks. Brother Lamb also thanked the SIU for their as­ sistance, and declared that the display of solidarity between AFL and CIO maritime unions as expressed by the joint SIU and lUMSWA action set a mark for other unions to follow. At the conclusion of the brief meeting, Seafarers made thenway back to the SIU hall confi­ dent that once again the SIU had shown the way to other maritime unions. COMPANY FINAGLING During the seven days of their strike, the Shipyard Workers have maintained solid picketlines, and no one has attempted to cross them—other than the of­ fice workers and supervisory em­ ployees of Bushey. Lines are - maintained on a 24hour basis "With only a few pick­ ets on the scene late at night and early in the morning. According to the pickets, they're prepared for a longer siege than Bushey. U&yr: -r One day this week, a certain Bushey stooge. showed up with a bankroll large enough to choke the proverbial ox. This individ­ ual, who is rather noted for his tight fistedness, started buying drinks right and left, and even went so far as. to loan the boys a sizeable sum of money. His boast was, "Drink it up, fellows. It's all on old man Bushey." The boys took him at his word. They drank up and borrowed all of the dough, and had the pleas­ ure of seeing this guy pass out cold. They didn't mind taking a free handout as long as it was costing Bushey money, and took the whole thing as a huge* joke. Certainly, when you look over the roster of Bushey-owned com­ panies, everyone realizes that he can well afford to shell out some of his cabbage. They want to know why he doesn't invest some of it in paying better wages, and building up better labor relations with the employees. With the support that the CIO Shipbuilders Union is receiving from the SIU and other maritime unions, even a rich, labor-hating individual like' Bushey can't ex­ pect to hold out too long. In any event, they're fully prepared to battle this outfit to the bitter end and the SIU will/support them until the beef is won. hands to run the taxi men out of town. But this has reacted against them, and the public is waking up more and more to the fact that an open shop is a wedge that can be used to grind down all working people. The attitude of the city officials and the Com­ pany is not popular with most of the people here. GOOD NEWS Not all the strike news from Tampa is bad this week. With the cooperation of the Seafarers, Local 153 of the Bartenders and Waitresses Union, AFL, won a strike at a restaurant called the Old Fort. This has been a seaman's hang­ out, and after the waitresses threw a picketline around the place, seamen refused to go in, and pretty soon the owner saw the light and signed a contract. The same thing happened at O'Falk's Tearoom, and a contract has been signed and sealed by the management there. SIU help did not pass unrecognized, and the branch received a letter from the Local, thanking the Seafarers for their assistance. Here is what the letter had to say about the SIU contribution to the winning of their strike: Dear Sirs and Good Brothers: Our poor words written or spoken are inadequate tools to express our deep down heart­ felt appreciation for your boun­ tiful aid in winning the "OLD FORT" and the "O'FALK'S TEA ROOM" strikes. I pray that we shall continue through­ out the years to enjoy the mu­ tual friendship. We beg to re­ main, your humble brothers. Sincerely and Fraternally, Thom Boger, President Peter C. Leto, Fin. Sec. Owners of restaurants and grills here have formed an or­ ganization to combat the Union. But the first two spots that Local 153 tackled were swiftly put un­ der contract, and that means that the owners organization will probably soon fold up. Danish Sailors Talk Merger With Firemen • From Denmark comes word of a po.ssible merging of the Dan­ ish Seamen's and Firemen's un­ ions. A joint "cooperation com­ mittee" has been set up to test the plan's practicability. A management committee -of three representatives from each union will deal with day-to-day problems. A broader permanent committee will meet at least twice a year—or when necessary, as determined by the managing body. Under the rules of the man­ agement committee, the coopera­ tion shall not interfere with the sovereignty or particular inter­ ests of either union. All major questions and negotiations with the shipowners, however, will be dealt with by the joint commit­ tee. (Internalional Transportworkers Federation) �Friday. February 7. 1947-' SNI And CIO In Real-Life Page Five THT. SE AT ARERS LOG On Picketline Of Maritime Unity •J, -. i Z U 'm Before fhe strike of Local 13. CIO Shipbuilders, started, a delegation from the union came to ask the support of the Sea­ farers. This was quickly volunteered, in line with the SIU policy of backing up the legitimate beefs of honest unions. Here Fred Mesita. Chairman of Local 13. and Lou Calomine, head of Local 13's Veterans Committee, tell the story up in the LOG office. When the strike broke, and picketing started on January 30, shipping was suspended in the New York Hall, and Seafarers went down to join Local 13 on the picketline; They gathered at a central spot, near the Ira S. Bushey and Sons Shipyards in Brooklyn, and then took their places in the line that had. and still has. the yard sewed up tight. See how the Seafarers white caps stand out, even on a cold, rainy day. Business not going as usual inside. This line is impregnable—good union men won't go through it. and those who would like to would have quite a bit of trouble trying it. Bushey's long history of bad labor relations brought this strike on. but the CIO Shipbuilders are going to finish it by winning a victory and forcing Bushey to bargain. The SIU signs stand out. This close-up of the picketline shows CIO Shipbuilders and AFL Seamen marching side by side. That's real unity, not the phony CMU kind. After the picketing, a sandwich and a cold bottle' of milk really hits the spot. That s what is 'happening. above.- as Seafarers take time out to refresh themselves, and then back to the line to show Bushey.that the AFL Seamen and the CIO Shipyard Workers are in this fight against anti-labor bosses. �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Six There's More To Organizing Than Meets The Naked Eye By EARL SHEPPARD Ellis Samia Friday. February 7, 1947 Philly Is Out To Get Bigger And Better Hail There is a lot more to organiz- | who wears his union button, car­ By EDDIE HIGDON ing than merely going aboard an ries his picket cards and paid up PHILADELPHIA—After I as­ unorganized ship, contacting the union book, and lets the world After 11 years in the Navy, El­ sumed the Agent's job last week, crew, passing out literature and know that he is a Seafarers mem- lis Samia, Oiler, really started enthe first thing the membership ,. . t. presenting the Seafarers' pro- ber, and damn proud of it, is ani an . . ' joing his sea life in 1941 when he did was assign me the task of gram. organizer whether he knows it joined the Seafarers Internation­ finding a larger and better hall. All of that is necessary, but be- , or not. al Union. The motion was a good one as hind and ahead of it is a lot of Every official, every organizer this joint we are in now can't "Don't get me wrong," he says hard work—work that isn't spec- [ and every employee in any caeven start to serve the needs of with a smile, "but now that I'm tacular or even generally known pacity possible comes from the the Port. but which, nevertheless, is abso- membership at large, and it is in the SIU, it's hard to believe Finding a new location is an­ those members who are most ac- that I stood Navy discipline for lutely necessary to success. other matter, however, but prac­ such a long time." Before an organizing campaign tive, who constantly work in betically every member in the port Brother Samia went to sea is launched, every detail must be half of the union arid participate is working as a committee of one. worked out carefully. Things i" every activity from picket more than 16 years ago. He was And with so many sea going like the names of every ship's of- , lines to organizing who become a young man, in search of adven­ real-estate brokers on the job we ficer, whether or not he has a known, who learn their jobs and ture, and the Navy offered an op­ should be able to find something union background and in what who ultimately become union of- portunity to see the world. He and get out of this dump. saw the world, and liked sea life, union, must be determined and ^ f icials. Shipping has picked up some so he reenlisted and served a carefully filed for future refer­ and there are indications that it EDUCATION total of 11 years. ence. will continue to improve. Broth­ A study of the back issues of By that time, he decided to try The thousand and one little deer Harry Collins, who held this taiis'thaTmust be "taken care of'the Log constitutes a good Sea- his luck in another direction, so port down in some of the tough, in the union offices, carefuUy fai'ers education. In these back he became an Oiler on tugboats, lean years, is back on the job sifted and filed, are the job of issues will be found the story of and from there he graduated into in the regular Navy, and sailing again presiding over the Dis­ the organizing staff and each or-' how the Union grew from a little deep sea vessels. patcher's office. merchant shipk ganizer has to learn the opera-' outfit of 500 members to its "I've never been sorry that I He took hold of things the "The dangers were the same," II present strength, and the reasons left the Navy," he says. "In the tion of the system. he recalls, "only the Navy had same way he takes over the Stew­ It isn't a very easy job to make why it will continue to grow. SIU I've met plenty of swell more protection and armaments ard's job, with the result that In the Log are the stories of guys, and I have seen how con­ than we had." an office worker out of a seaman, everything is ship-shape and ef­ but it is seamen who have done the strikes, job actions and beefs ditions and wages have improved ficient. Its like old times to have LUCKY CHARM and are doing this work. It is a that paved the way to the con- even in the short time since I Harry back on the job again. thankless job, with the only re­ tracts we have today—the de­ came into the Union." Samia sailed the dangerous Charlie Bush, newly elected ward being the knowledge of a cisions of the conventions, the North Atlantic run to Murmansk, Philly Patrolman, hasn't shown ON THE SPOT job well done, but the hands that | Agents' conferences, the action Russia, at the height of the Na­ up yet to assume office so we are ' of the membership on resolutions splice, oil and cook have done an Ellis Samia joined the SIU in zi U-Boat menace. Although at­ getting along with only one Pa­ equally good job at pecking on a and the general knowledge that 1941, and almost immediately he tacked from the air on many oc­ trolman, Brother Ernest Tilley. typewriter, running a filing sys­ is needed to make an organizer took part in the 1941 Bonus casions, Samia luckily escaped He and I cover payoffs together tem and building an investiga­ thoroughly conversant with the Strike. He and his shipmates without injury. and make the routine daily pa­ subject of maritime trade union­ tied up the SS Evangeline, East­ tion and research apparatus. Not only that, but no ship he trol. The new policy here is to ism. ern Steamship Company, in the was ever on was torpedoed, but see that every ship is adequately CONCENTRATION In the resarch department of port of New York, and then they there were plenty of near misses. covered. The last membership meeting If the organizing staff were to the organizing staff are complete all stood picket duty until the Brother Samia expects to con­ here also took up the question of undertake to organize the whole files of various trade union strike was won. tinue sailing. He feels that since ports calling one another when industry at the same time, they papers clearly proving by their In the 1946 General Strike, his the Union has won so many ad­ would be wasting Union money articles that while others have, luck was not as good, and he vantages for seamen, the life of there is a shortage of men in­ and butting their heads up against like the rocky mountain goat, was at sea until four days before a merchant seamen has improved stead of issuing new permits. This is a good idea and should im­ a stone wall. For that reason "jumped from peak to peak and the strike ended. But as soon as immeasurably. prove shipping all up and down their work has to be so arranged back again," the Seafarers has his ship pulled into New York He recently returned from a the coast. that the main effort is directed maintained a steady, unswerving •Harbor, Samia headed for the trip to South Africa on the Robin In general, things are shaping against a particular company progressive line. Hall and then out to the picket- Locksley, and he is eagerly This is the knowledge that is line for duty. up pretty good in Philadelphia. such as Isthmian. awaiting another trip to another The membership as a whole has While that is going on, how­ needed to make a good organizer; During the war period, it was foreign port. cooperated a 100 percent in the ever, the future tasks mu d al­ this is the knowledge that, when hard for Brother Samia to tell His words of advice are well business of taking over from out­ ways be kept in mind and pre­ imparted to an unorganized sea­ the difference between service worth remembering since he has going Agent Truesdale, and with pared for by a portion of the man, brings him into the Sea­ had the opportunity to compare this kind of good membership work being against other unor­ farers' ranks. military life with the democratic you can't go wrong. The staff of the Log has pre­ ganized companies, probing and SIU way. exploring in order to determine pared a summarized "Organizers He says, "If we let the Coast just where the next main con-! Handbook" which will be off the Send in th© minutes of Guard rule us it will be the same centration shall be. press shortly. This together with your ship's meeting to the as being in the Navy. No mer­ For the past year the main at- the other mat^2rial available New York Hall. Only in that On and after February 1, chant seaman wants that or he tention of the Union has been on • should be studied by every memway can the membership act 1947, Station "P" Post Office, the Isthmian Line, but all. ber so that all will be able to exwould join the Navy in the first on your recommendations, located at the Custom House, place. It is our duty to fight CG through that period forays were' plain, organize and build our and then the minutes can be Bowling Green and Broad­ control. We are civilians and made in other directions. The Union still stronger, printed in the LOG for the result was that, even before the way, New York 4, N. Y.. will should be treated as such." benefit of all other SIU end of the Isthmian voting, it had ROUGH. TOUGH. READY be known as Bowling Green That is the concensus of opin­ crews. Station. ion in the SIU, and with a mili­ become evident that the unorThe Seafarers has come a long Hold those shipboard meet­ The official address of the tant membership, the Union will ganized tankers were the most ways, but there is still a long ings regularly, and send Union is now P. O. Box 25, continue the fight against the logical field, and the Isthmian or- tough voyage ahead. By followthose minutes in as soon as Bowling, Green Station, New Brass Hats, and for civilian su­ ganizing forces were thus able to ing a correct program, using the possible. Thai's the SIU way I York 5, N. Y. pervision of the maritime indus­ swing into action as tanker or- right tactics and being always try. ganizers with no confusion and a ready to go to bat at anytime, prepared plan of action. the Seafarers has proven itself, The success of all union ac- not only to its own membership tivity depends upon efficient op-1 but to the entire trade union eration and the proper coordina­ movement, as the most militant, tion and concentration on a de- aggressive and democratic Union By BEN REES These men were hurt when a to take unnecessary chances just termined objective. heavy sea broke over the bow for big profits, then the Union in the maritime field. NORFOLK — Penny-pinching while they were stowing lines will have to step into the pic­ Hardly a day passes without by the big steamship companies EVERYBODY AN ORGANIZER ether unions, CIO and Indepen­ is really funny, except at times that should have been stowed be­ ture. fore tlje ship left port. By far the most important fac­ dent—as well as AFL- -coming in Last week the men at the Nor­ when men's lives are endangered tor in organization is the mem­ for aid or advice. None goes But the company was too tight folk Marine Hospital got a spe­ by that desire to save an extra bership as a whole. Without the away empty handed, for the Sea­ cent. to pay for an hour overtime, and cial break. The fines that were full support and cooperation of farers lives up to the principle so Brother James P. McNeeley is collected on the SS Stephen The companies made piles of the membership, no organizing that labor's fight on any front, is in the hospital with two broken Beasley were earmarked for the money during the war; and even effort could hope for success. The the fight of labor as a whole. legs. He's resting a little easier 12 hospitalized Brother?, and conversations in hotels, gin mills, To accomplish this has taken in peacetime operation, the prof­ now, but that's not due to any­ they each received $3.00. on the docks and street corners, a hard hitting and alert member­ its of the shipowners and opera­ thing the company did. The recipients were: James P. anywhere and everywhere sea­ ship. For that reason, if for no tors are exorbitant. McNeeley, Brother Manning, NO LONG CHANCES men gather, is of vital impor­ other, there is no reason to fear The case I have in mind at this John Harrison, J. Burchinal, Wil­ the future. In the days to come, time, and there have been plenty tance. It's about time that the com­ liam D. Weiss, William Gibbs, W.' The unorganized man judges whatever the job may be, the more in the past, was the in­ panies started to realize that R. ICnight, William C. Scott, J. C. a union largely by what the rank Seafarers will tackle it and win, jury that occurred to three SIU men's lives are much more im­ Smith, Clinton Lester, Orville and file members of that union then as always before — rough, men on the Coastal Advocate, portant than profits. If the op­ Daniels, and Edward A. Dussenthink and say about it. The man tough and ready. Bull Line. erators won't stop forcing men burg. Send Those Minutes New Address COMPANY EGONOMY COSTS SEAMAN BROKEN LEGS mH'it J • �THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, February 7, 1947 Page Seven Payoff Takes 14 Hours, But Crew Gets Everything It Has Coming By JOE ALGINA NEW YORK—The Skipper of the Fort Winnebago, Pacific Tankers, is not too popular with the New York Patrolmen right row. At least, he's not at all popular with Ray Gonzales and Jimmy Drawdy. mess was straightened out, and Ihe SIU crew collected every­ thing they had coming to them. It will be a long time before that HO NEWS?? toPETHey Gar A f Silence this week from the Branch Agents of the follow­ ing portsr • They hit the Winnebago one day last week for a payoff, and since they went on board at about one o'clock in the after­ noon, they figured on being fin­ ished-at a reasonable time. •. But they didn't figure on the Skipper. He had a habit of eras­ ing the overtime claimed by the members of the crew, and sub­ stituting what he believed to be the correct amount. As a consequence, the over­ time sheets were all fouled , up, and the crewmembers were mad enough to throw the Captain over the side. It took until three o'clock the following morning before the Great Lakes Is Realty For Big Organizing Drive By HENRY CHAPPELL TOLEDO — Seafarers officials •in this area are busy trying to improve the contracts for 1947, and in mapping out our organi­ zational campaign for this com­ ing summer. This summer looks to be the biggest year for SIU organizing that the Great Lakes have ever seen. SAN JUAN BOSTON particular Old Man puts eraser to any more use. his ON UPGRADE Shipping is still on the up­ grade in this port, and we are continuing to keep our fingers crossed. There are plenty of jobs cn the board, and that is a good sign for the men who come off ships looking for new vessels to sign on. This sudden flurry in shipping is bringing a lot of the oldtimers through this port once more. But this isn't a gossip column, so you'll have to read "Cut and Run Hank" to find out who's in town. Seems like the organizers are pretty chipper these days, too. More and more men are coming in to volunteer for jobs on unor­ ganized ships, and added to the large group that has already gone on record to ship unorganized so as to help out, tfiat makes a lot of men who are willing to sail under poor conditions and with low wages just to bring more lines under the SIU banner. That's all to the good, and shows*the militant spirit of the Seafarers. When Lakes men see how SIU freight ships are operated, and the conditions under which our men,work, this should turn out to be a banner year for us in this area. The NMU is planning to try some organizing up here, but there is little chance that they will have any success. Their rec­ By ARTHUR THOMPSON ord is so foul that few, if any, SAVANNAH—As we predict­ seamen will be willing to enroll ed, business picked up consider­ under the NMU banner. ably in Savannah. The SS Joshua Last fall the NMU pulled the Slocum came in already signed phoniest strike that I have seen on, but we shipped one man and in years of sailing, and then the every job counts. seamen were sold out by the The SS Bienville also came in NMU with the poorest contract ever signed by any sailors' union. with a full crew aboard, and Lakes seamen will not soon for­ there probably won't be any re­ get this, and the NMU organizers placements for her. The SS F. W. will be coming up here with two Galbraith paid off and called foi­ ls men. strikes against them. The SS Cyrus W. Fields also CLEAN RECORD paid off and will caU for a crew The clean record of the SIU probably next week. She's off will be the biggest single factor the cattle run now and will be in persuading Lakes seamen to stripped of stalls before she goes come into our Union. We are out again.. The SS Joshua Hendy came in known as a sincere, honest Union, and the men up here have and will pay off Monday, and heard, and seen how the SIU we've had a few calls from Watreman for some ships- which gqes to, bat for its members. Our contracts are far superior are being resurrected from the to any ordinarily won by the other boneyard. All of this keeps us unions, and what they have now busy, but also makes us very they owe to the fact that we ne­ happy. No big beefs came up gotiated the best agreements ever so far and the pay offs were .seen, and We stood off the Wage clean. We're not sure how long this Stabilization Board when they attempted to take our gains away will keep up, but we're keeping our fingers crossed. from us. That will: not be lost oa the Lakes when the drive opens. This spring and summer should be excellent for. the SIU on , the Great Lakes. Shipping Takes A Sudden Spurt In Savannah CHARLESTON HOUSTON NORFOLK JACKSONVILLE BALTIMORE MARCUS HOOK The deadline for port re­ ports. monies due, etc., is the Monday proceeding publica­ tion. While every effort will be made to use in the current issue material received after that date, space commitments generally do not permit us lO' do soi Log-Happy Skipper Throws Them in Ail Birections, Poor Feiier By R. W. SWEENEY GALVESTON — Sometimes it looks as though the Skipper of a ship is trjdng to pile a fortune for the operators by logging all qrow members. That's what hap­ pened on the SS Milan R. Stefanik. Pacific Steamship Company, which paid off here this week. Practically three fourths of the crew had logs against them, and it made no difference to the Skip­ per if the man being logged was on the ship or not. The Bedroom Utility was hit for 48 days, but we knocked it down to six days which the man admitted taking off. The others were just about the Action In Chicago is Confined To Bull Sessions in Union Hail By HERBERT JANSEN CHICAGO—When the SS Rockwood pulled her fires this week she gained the honor of being the last sand boat to finish the sea­ son. We don't expect her to have too long a lay-up, as the sand boats will return to operation as soon as the ice breaks up on Lake Michigan. With the tying-up of the last sand boat there isn't much else moving around this port, so the action for the most part has been confined to bull sessions in the Hall. Hardly a day passes in the Hall without the SIU members, former NMU members, and newcomers, discussing the tactics used by the NMU in organizing seamen. The^e seamen are wise to the tactics of the NMU in using the seamen as pawns for their own political ends, and it is easy to see that the shoe is on the other foot now. RECORD NO CREDIT It took some of the younger men a long time to see the trend, but the phony strike pulled by the NMU last summer showed their true colors to all seamen organized and unorganized alike. Retroactive Pay Seafarers writing to the be­ low-named companies for re­ troactive pay should address their communications as list­ ed: South Atlantic Steamship Company—Savannah Bank and Trust Bldg., Savannah, Ga. Mississippi Shipping Com­ pany — Hibernia Bank Bldg., New Orleans, La. Los Angeles Tankers — 365 West 7th Street, P; O. Box 380, San Pedro, Calif. Deconhil Tankers—311 Cali­ fornia- Street, San Fran­ cisco, Calif. Pacific Tankers — 433 Californda. Street* San • Fran<cisco, Calif. Their record of commie regi­ mentation has been no credit to them, for since their inception as an alleged labor organization their record has proved to be one of misi'epresentation. They have never made any gains in wages and conditions for the seamen. Instead, they have always grab­ bed onto the shirt tail of the SIU after we have won a battle for seamen. Their record of always running to the government bureaucrats and shipowners to gain an adjust­ ment up to SIU standards is well known. It's unfortunate, but their membership has been time and time again victimized by the sel­ fish motives of the commie-mind­ ed officials of the union. The only solution to the muddle the NMU has created is for all sea­ men to repudiate their efforts to pull them into their mire. STRAIGHT UNIONISM You seamen who will sail on the Lakes this season who do not belong to the SIU: When you arc in port look around for an SIU organizer. He'll be around to your ship to talk to you. You don't have to worry about him peddling you a line, for he will talk straight unionism. The SIU organizer who will cover your ship will be a repre­ sentative of the only democratic union on the Lakes, run by the rank and file. He is an exper­ ienced seamen himself, having sailed for many years and knows the score on unorganized ships. Get the score and join the SIU. In the coming days all seamen will have to stand together for protection. The Lakes Carriers Association is united in its drive to break, the wages and condi­ tions of seamen. So, in the same manner, sea­ men on the Lakes must present a. united front to combat them. The SIU is the only union that can present,that united front to defend the hard-won rights of seamen. same, phony all the way through, and we had little trouble making the Captain see the light. The only way to teach these tough Skippers a lesson is to fight them when they try to throw their weight around. The crew of the Stefanik col­ lected $70.00 to be turned over to the men in the Baltimore Ma­ rine Hospital. That was a nice gesture, and the boys there will sure appreciate the money. HUNGRY STEWARD We had the SS William Cox, of the Bernstein Steamship Com­ pany, in here for a clean payoff, but the Port Steward seemed ,to be under the impression that the crew would be willing to sail the ship out of here without enough stores on board. We checked and found that the stores were about 30 days short. What goes in all other ports is the rule here, and so the ship ttoW,LET'S SEE.... ONB HAM.oME 8AS OF TOTAXOBS — riMMM ... \ CAJOOSH R* \ TWfteE i MOATTHS : did not leave until everything was aboard. We held up the sign on, and the stores started arriving soon after. The SS Fairport, Waterman, came in, paid off without beefs, signed on again, and sailed the same day for Coastwise ports and' China. Fast work, eh? Shipping has slowed up a little here, but there arc still enough jobs to go around. Like every­ thing else, it could be better, but we won't kick as long as it doesn't get any worse. This seems to'be about all the news out of this port unless you are interested in knowing that "No Coffee Time" Curran is in port and is reported to be having no success in getting his point across to the party-line piecards here. NOTICE! When requesting informa­ tion regarding your book, dues record status or retire­ ment, address your communi­ cations to: J. P. Shuler, Assistant Secy.-Treas„ Sea­ farers International Union of N. A., 51 Beaver Street, NewYork 4. N. Y. Never send cash by mail if you wish to pay your dues, assessments, etc. Send money order payable to the Seafar­ ers International Union of N. A, �Ir THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Eight Tampa Chandlers Crying in Beer: Nobody Is Buying Their Supplies By SONNY SIMMONS TAMPA — The Shipchandlers are crying so loud down here that I am sure they can be heard as far away as Boston. Most of the beer they drink is half tears, and their tales of woe would fill a number of books. I'll bet that the next time these . guys see a picketline they will respect it. At least, that is what they are promising now. Their story is that they didn't know what a picketline meant, and that they learned the hard way. The Chamber of Commerce and the City tried to rig a meet- everything in port, and the next week turns out to be slow. We manage to have a fairly good turnover, but most of it is for replacements since very few ships payoff here, We have an election here soon for the Central Trades and La­ bor Union. The SIU has been in­ strumental in getting support to weed out the labor fakers. We are now backing a young fellow is on the ball and who will go down the line against the unionbusters in this town. Attorney General Tom Watson, one of labor's prime enemies in the United States, was elected with some labor help, and now labor realizes that they saddled themselves with a Frankenstein monster. That will not happen again. Strike Clearance Seafarers who did not lake active part in the 1946 Gen­ eral Strike, and who have not yet obtained strike clear­ ance, are advised to do so immediately. Edward Ben­ der, of the Clearance Com­ mittee at Union headquar­ ters in New York, has issued a reminder to the member­ ship that Mar. 21, 1947 is the deadline. The committee's functions expire on that date. This advice applies only to Seafarers whose reasons for not participating in the strike require satisfactory explana­ tion. Men with legitimate rea­ sons for non-participation, such as illness, being aboard ship at sea, etc., during the strike period, do not have to be cleared by Mar. 21, but can apply at any time. Ben­ der pointed out. Transportation Rule On Coast Is Clarified For Membership By W. H. SIMMONS C FKLIN'Mf&HrriMv! SAN FRANCISCO- -After be­ ing between the Chandlers and the SIU, but we told them that ing a tough beach for some time, there was nothing to gain by the old Gold Coast is coming to such a meeting. life with shipping picking up i» Then the Chandlers tried to get j good style. All ratings are shipan injunction against us but their ping with few men on the beach lawyer decided that we hadn't in any departm.^nt. done anything that could be inwe had the .Ethiopia Victory, joined against. Waterman, in for a payoff this Again we want to impress this week. At the payoff the crew on all Stewards' coming into was notified, that inasmuch .as Tampa; buy your supplies at they were getting first-class some other port. Don't patronize transportation, wages and sub­ these men who hit us from be­ sistence back to their original hind when we were fighting the port of sign-on, they would be shipowners and the Wage Stabili­ required to leave the ship, go zation Board. register and clear through the Hall before going back on her. Shipping down here has slowed up somewhat, and it continues | This due to the Port ruling here, to fluctuate. One week we ship It seems that a part of the crew of this ship is under the impression that this ruling was devised by some individual out here. But this is not the case. All members should realize that NEW YORK—It is very grati- no one man in this entire organifying to see the response from zation can make or lay down any the membership regarding clean- rule of any sort, liness of ships and the handling of performers. I ' CARRYING OUT RULES The Patrolmen Say Keeping Them Clean Friday, February 7. 1947 recognize it as being in force out here. It is not for me, or any repre­ sentative of the union, to alter this rule in any way. I have racked my brain for a solution to this problem, but there seems to be no solution other than the rescinding of this rule at a gen­ eral conference meeting. I believe that most members realize that the Patrolmen are trying to do a job. That job is to uphold the rules laid down by the membership. Of course, now and then a crew will feel that they were slighted, and not given proper representation. If this is the case don't hesi­ tate to let the Patrolman know your feelings. We are out for the good of the membership, and it is not my policy, nor the policy of any other Patrolman, to give any one the brush-off. By JOE VOLPIAN Due to its importance to alien sioner's Service, and urged ex­ seamen I am continuing this tension of the waiver. week on the problems created by "We received assurance both the end of wartime regulations from Admiral Farley and the governing alien seamen. As I mentioned last week, the Maritime Commission that they peacetime regulations, when they would recommend extension of go into effect on March 31, 1947, the waiver allowing 50 percent will require that 90 percent of aliens in all American ships to the crews on government subsi­ dized vessels be American citi­ the end of December 1947. zens. "There is a good reason for this Inasmuch as this will create to go through, which will give an unbearable hardship for alien us some time to work on a Bill seamen, a serious attempt is be­ to help our Brothers get their ing made by the SIU to gain some measure of protection for citizenship papers. these men. "At the present time, the Im­ migration and Naturalization President Lundeberg, aware of Law allows a seaman to apply for this problem^ has made an an­ alysis of the situation, placing citizenship papers after he has it as one of the SIU's major prob­ five years' discharges in Ameri­ lems. In his report, following his can ships; whether he is legally or illegally in the country; mean­ trip to Washington, he states: ing if he has paid his head tax "At the present time, a waiver or not. is in effect which allows 50 per­ cent of the crew of American "Our organization has been on ships to be alien. This waiver record for years to fight for a was put into effect during the Bill which will give foreign seawar, because of the shortage of; men, who have sailed in Ameriseamen and expires March 31. It can Flag vessels during the war, will then revert back to a law full citizenship papers. This we which is very rigid on alien sea­ feel is nothing but justice, be­ men, because under this law, it cause an alien who joined the only allows 10 percent alien sea­ Army during the war ultimately men in the Stewards Department received his citizenship after in Government subsidized ships; three months in the army, and and 25 percent in non-subsidized to deny the alien seamen the ships. This creates a hardship on same right is nothing but dis­ a large number of our members, crimination. who are good union members and NEW BILL NEEDED also served the American, Mer­ chant Marine well during the "Last j'ear's Congress intro­ war. duced a Bill to give seamen full citizenship rights after three EXTENSION OF WAIVER "We appeared before Admiral years service in American ships. Farley of the U.' S. Coast Guard, This Bill unfortunately was not who is in charge of the U. S. acted upon, in spite of all the Steamboat Inspection Service golden promises given us. So and also the Shipping Commis- now the Bill is dead and a new Bill must be introduced. This is another job we have to do. We will receive' active support on this measure from the Amer­ ican Federation of Labor Legis­ lative Committee on this matter. AFL Council Will Meet In Buluth; 18 Unions Expected To Attend Our Union has come a long. As everyone knows our rules "Meanwhile, ail alien seamen way from a slow beginning, and and by-laws are made by the members of our organization slowly but surely, through the membership. Your Patrolmen are By EINAR NORDAAS should rnake every effort to get medium of organizing the unor- only representatives of the memDULUTH—The big news at the progress for about six months their citizenship papers if they ganized, we are improving our bership, who have been chosen job security. to stay ashore to see that the ^ present in the Port of Duluth is and is still going strong. The have five years' discharges. Also, More and more of our old pre- rules of the Union are properly | the coming meeting of the Mari- strikers, all girls, belong to the the ones who have not, should ap­ Clerks Union Local 3, AFL. ply for a visa into the United war operators are coming back carried out—which is sometimes Council. The Council is goStates from the American Con­ The pickets have walked in into the maritime industry. With a very difficult job. ing to get together February 11 front of the store in sub-zero sul in the foreign country which the addition of new operators and For the information of men at the Labor Temple in this city weather, never missing a day. We he may be in while on an Amer­ contracts, more jobs will be se-' who are in the dark on the transcured for our membership. { portation payment and sign-on, for a series of meetings. We ex­ believe that is a record to be ican vessel. They should not, however, leave their ship, because Under such circumstances we I'd like to quote the report of pect approximately 18 unions'proud of, a record men would then they may not be readmitted from Ashland, Wis.; Superior, find hard to beat. must protect our job security the General Conference of the country. Also, they Wis.; and Duluth, Minnesota, to Some time ago a bomb ex- to , ,this , and honor our agreements, which, SIU-SUP held in Chicago, March send representatives to the meet­ nloded at the entrance between ^^""^'^^""t jeave this country to without a question of doubt, are 19i 1945, ing. the outside and storm doors f f ^o apply the finest in maritime history. Report No. 6, Section D reads: Among the items we expect to causing some damage. To this for a visa, unless they have reIn order to do so we should ex- "When a man receives transporceived permission from the amine these agreements lation, regardless of the ship, discuss is the backing of legisla­ day the damage has gone unre­ United States Immigration and thoroughly. In that way we w.ill company or district, he must get tion to establish Duluth—Su­ paired, because, of course, the Naturalization Bureau." be better informed on what is off that ship, and cannot ship perior Harbor as a free port zone. carpenters will not cross the and what isn't overtime. back on that ship until such time We expect, also, to discuss sev­ picket line. A friend to many SIU seamen These new agreements are as he has cleared through the eral other matters important to printed in a manner that should Union Hall in the particular port seamen and dockworkers in this in Duluth, Erick Soder Tavervicinity. over, died suddenly Tuesday, be easily understood by all. It of paying off." As soon as the meetings are January 28, Many Lakes seamen would be a good policy in my Members of ihe Seafarers' over I'll try to give you Lakes will miss Erick. He was always opinion, if the ship.s delegates; Infernalional Union of Norlh seamen the highlights through ready to give a helping hand made a careful study of the, This rule was rescinded America join with Brother agreements for the benefit of the May, 1946 on the Atlantic and! report to the Log. We ex­ when needed. Jimmy Slevens. Balfimore few who do not thoroughly un-' Gulf Coast, but is still a rule on pect to reach some concrete deci­ I'd like to repeat for the infor­ derstand them. | the West Coast. So, until such sions that will be of interest to mation of members living in the Dispatcher, in mourning the If this was done I'm sure that time as the Seafarers Internation- all SIU men, so keep your eye vicinity of Duluth that the Hall recent death of his father, ships would payoff with a mini- al Union as a whole can go back peeled for the results. is open and meetings are held Robert Stevens. mum of beefs. into another general conference j A strike at the Glassblock, a the first and third Monday of the Louis GofSn and change this ruling, we must' department store, has been in month at 7 p. m. Final Departure • I JLAAAO X WOO X k..O*..XXXVX1^VX ^^1 �Friday, February 7, 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Nine RR Elquipment For Europe - Via An SIU Crew It's a ticklish job lowering railroad engines into the hold of a ship. The above picture was taken as an engine was being lowered into the h }ld of the MV Gadsden, American Eastern Steam­ ship Company. The engines and cars are consigned to Europe, where they will help to break up the transportation bottle-neck that exists in the countries across the sea. 4. i i A group of railroad engines and cars was lined up at the side of the ship, waiting to be loaded. One by one, they were picked up by the big booms, swung onto the ship, and gently deposited in the hold. There they were lashed down so that there was no chance of the cargo shifting while the ship was on the high seas. Special equipment is needed to do this work, and it takes a high degree of skill and efficiency to accomplish the job without injury to the crew or the material being loaded. The AFL Longshoremen did the job in handy fashion. On the right is the big boom which is used to lift the rail­ road cars onto the ship and then lower them into the holds. This is some piece of machin­ ery, and must be handled gent­ ly so that the load can be lift­ ed and swung without sudden starts or slops. Left, the Gadsden as she lay at the dock waiting for the loading operation to begin. Soon this peaceful scene gave way to one of great activity, and railroad cars and eiigines sailed through the air with the greatest of ease. Below the picture of the Gadsden is the sign-off, which took place aboard the ship. An SIU Pa­ trolman was present to make sure that all parts of the con­ tract were being lived up to by the Company. The sign-on was on Thursday, February 6, and the crew was then ready for a trip that will take them to European ports. d t 4. i ^ i • •] S: SsifSssi i Good food is promised to the crew by the above two men. They must be able to live up to their promises because the LOG photographer says they are very popular with the rest of the cre'vlr. It was too cold^and rainy to take many pictures on deck, so the crew gathered in the mess room for this one. A typical SIU crew, they made sure that everything was okay aboard before the sign-off. A Patrolman was also present to protect the interests of the members. �Page Ten Friday. February 7; 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG SHIPS' MINUTES AND NEWS MEMBERS OF THE SEAFARER CREW ABOARD THE SS BIENVILLE Tulane Crew Hits Topside Favoritism Charges of showing favoritism to "topside" were leveled at the Chief Engineer and Purser at a recent crew meeting aboard the SS Tulane Victory. The playing of favorites left the crew holding the bag on two counts, it was re­ vealed; The charge against the Chief Engineer originated with the Black Gang, who said that the engine officer "deliberately ra­ tioned the water supply, when it was not necessary." The Pur­ ser's affectionate treatment of the topside inhabitants involved pre­ ferential sale of cigarettes. Deck. Gang (from left to right): L. Knowles. G. Talley. W. Ruggie. E. Bauer. F. Litsch. H. Humphrey. P. Lunakis. C. Wenski. J. Jordan. H. Gawoski. J. Nelson. J. Gates and F. Oliver. Black Gang (left to right); front row: H. I. Nelson. J. E. Odomi P. Menkavitch. C. McHugh;. back row: A. Rezende. R. Cullum. A. Giovanni' and- W.' Beyer. Loop Knot Has One-Man Deck Dep't. SLICK TRICK The Black Gang men stated that the engine officer set the water valves "at a certain regu­ lation, then sawed them off, so that they could not be regulated further by the crew. "This procedure on his part worked a hardship on the crew, whereas the water supply to top­ side was not affected by this ac­ tion. The meeting, acting on a recom­ mendation by the Black Gang, voted to refer the matter to the Union Agent. While the Purser's pandering to the topside bunch was not quite so openly detected, there • was sufficient ba.sis for strong suspicion. The minutes state "that the Purser showed a tinge of favoritism in the. issuance of certain brands of cigarettes to topside. CORRECTIONS URGED Both the slopchest and the medical chest were scored as in­ adequate, and the crew urged that the deficiencies of both be corrected immediately. The Black Gang registered another beef with the complaint that there was an insufficiency of cleaning mate­ rials for the heads arid showers. The minutes concluded with "bouquets" for the Deck and Stewards gangs. There were no beefs in either for these two de­ partments. John Boros was chairman . of this Tulane Victory meeting, and Lloyd Stakebrake did the. TCT cording. The shoreside one-man band now has a sea-going rival for. honors in human buzz-saw ac­ tivity. This shipboard phenomenon, who aspires to be a one-man deck department, also doubles in brass. He's the Chief Mate of the MV Loop Knot, of the Alcoa bauxite fleet, which wound up her Souths ern run: in New York Jan. 21. All went well aboard the Loop Knot for the first month of the voyage, following the departure Stewards Department (left to right), front row: J. W. Tingle. I. Brown. L. Coates. V. Brew from New York Nov. 14, accord­ and H. P. Ducoux; back row: S. Hunter. T. Sims. O. Thompson. D. B. McKimsey and C. D.. White. ing: to Seafarer Michael Baal, AB, one of the crew. The. initial part of the trip "appealed to all hands," Baal reported. "In fact, as far as the crew was concerned, it was a pretty good trip. The crew got along well, and had a good time," he added; (Editor's note:—The follow­ Cairo, I would have lost all faith that it was a good experience, TROUBLE STARTS ing article, by Seafarer Larkin in Egypt. We got to see King and wishing we could have stay­ Tut's tomb (made of enough solid ed a few days more. gives an interesting pic­ But there were some e.xcepgold to fill cavities in all the Next port of calls were Port ture of the. way an Isthmian teeth in the world). In the Cairo tions. Brother Baal continued. Said and Suez. We didn't stay crew spent some of their time Museum, we saw thousands of long in either, but I heard some The first of these appeared when ashore, while on a recent trip other interesting things, follow­ of the crew speak of the ice-cold the Chief Mate precipitated trou­ to Indian and Arabian ports. ing which we had a swell feed beer they had. On the way to ble by trying to make more over­ The Log would appreciate simi- for two bucks. Jeddah, Arabia, we saw Mt. Si­ time than the boys, he said. The ° lar accounts from Seafarers on nai where Moses received the deck department head was on PAL ALI deck constantly, bouncing around other vessels.) Ten Commandments. like a beaver. One minute he was Then our guide, Ali Hassan is We dropped the hook at Jed­ By ED LARKIN the name in case you want to dah one fine hot morning and Chief Mate, the next a Bosun, then an AB, and finally and OS, After hearing and reading look him up, took us to several waited for the sailboats to come about Isthmian ships, I shudder­ ancient palaces, the market- cut and start uriloading. Jeddah Much of the time, Beal said, this guy was acting out all roles at ed when I got a job aboard one has a beautiful harbor, but it is one time. of these scows. Well, I had some very shallow. At one of the island ports, he tough times during the voyage, HANDS OFF BETtlHA VoysSEF called in natives to paint the side but there were plenty of bright <30ES «r«AldrtT spots to pick us up when we went We were only a few miles from of the ship. Each was given 10 r(6\N) \ ashore. But here's my story: Mecca,, the Mohammedans' holy pieces of dunnage for his work: The Loop Knot's skipper rack­ city, where it is reported no dis­ The first day aboard several of believer of . the faith is allowed. ed up a spicy litle record, too, it us guys from the SIU investi­ Incidentally, the civilians there was pointed out. Brother Baal gated and found the ship in bad are discouraged from stealing by himself was the victim of the old condition. The ship had been use of some pretty sharp methods. salt's sting. taken over from an NMU crew, For a first offense, the local gen­ with whose reputation we are all In Trinidad, Mike Baal had to darmes will cut . off a hand. An make a trip to the hospital be­ well familiar. arm goes for the second offense. cause of a sciatic condition. As We were able ^finally to clean up the scow and we set our place, the Dead City, Memphis, Three strikes and you're out—- a result, he missed the ship when course for Alexandria^ Egypt. Ar- the Tombs, and finally to the the third steal and the head- it pulled out for Paramaribo. He I iving there a few weeks later, Pyramids and the Sphinx. Ali comes off, the. story, goes. After picked it up a week, Igter when that, of course, the offender lays the Knot returned to Trinidad. we took in the town. was no gyp; he workea for the off .stealing. He learned than that the 70-yearIn Cairo, we arranged to get a American: Express-outfit,: and we old skipper had logged him $80 In Jeddah; we unloaded several few, days, off for some of, the paid a.reasonable fee for hi* seiwautos for one Prince, and somefor missing ship.- Meanwhile, the crew after- using some SIU. per­ ioes. We returned to ship ' "ard suasion. If I didn't get to see truck, with all hands agreeing f(tinvj'/t on Page 11) (Continued on Page 11) Shoreside Excursions Highlight Isthmian Crew's Mid-East Trip �Friday, February 7. 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Eleven Shoreside Excursions Highlight Voyage Of Isthmian Vessel To The Middle East (Continued from Fage 10) other cargo, then pulled out. All crewmembers had their hands when we left, by the way. Karachi, India was our next call. When we arrived there, the civilians were dying of the heat, a Wiper made some overtime, an AB was rating an entrance to the romance ward at Staten Island, and Joe Louis, we heard, had just beat Conn. We went ashore, got haircuts, and drank cool beer at the limey seamen's club. The usual amount of guys went out with "hostesses," some bought souvenirs, a few got plastered, and some did all three. Now a place that is a place is Bombay—our next port. I got off watch there and went up the street with a few guys to a local gin mill, and later we had wash­ ed down Isthmian's grub we grabbed a few rickshaws and started to see the sights. BOMBAY'S CAGES I've been on Skipper Street in Antwerp, Pig Alley in Paris, Shanker Alley in Oran, Snake Ranch in Port Sudan, but a section in Bombay, called the Cages, is the most amazing of all. In this section, stretching over an area of several blocks, are thousands of girls peering out in­ to the streets from behind wood­ en doors, which resemble cages. hence the name. Yes, this is Bombay's impoverished red light district, with side streets that make New York's Greenwich Village, and Los Angeles' Per­ shing Square look sick. The Cages cater to the coolies and beggars, who cannot afford wives, and prices range from 15 to 50 cents. All these ladies of easy virtue raise their voices at once. I felt like Gen. Eisenhower marching down Times Square. Our crew carefully avoided these cages, which are hot beds of venereal disease. LEARNED A LESSON Columbo, Ceylon, was next. Expensive is the word for this town, but we rented some sail­ boats and went for a cruise. I learned a lesson there, too:, not to buy stones I don't know any­ thing about. I got stuck. Take heed, fellows. A few days later, we hit Mad­ ras, where the movies are made. We got a riqkshaw and headed for the English section of town, where we found a satisfactory night spot. We didn't blow our lops because we didn't get any draw there. But we made up for it in Cal­ cutta. We were the only Ameri­ can ship in that port, and we really took the town over, but now that I look over my money draws, I think it was vice-versa. Knot Has 1-Man Deck Dept. (Continued from Page 10) skipper had telegraphed to the States an order to stop Baal's al­ lotment, causing his family ex­ treme financial hardship. ANOTHER VICTIM .Baal was not alone, however. Brother Blackstadt had his trou­ bles too. He broke his ankle in Paramaribo. Nothing was done in the way of medical treatment. Baal reported the skipper's feel­ ings as being that the injury didn't warrant medical attention. This the Loop's Captain based on his own experiences—30 years in p, • couple of minor exceptions which Baal cited: A permit man in the deck department hurt his finger while demonstrating how to work the davits in the lifeboats. Since the vessel was still in New York, he was' offered a chance to get off. He refused, however, and the offer was repeated in St. Thomas but it was again rejected. All this time, this guy stood no watches. Ball said, adding that the crew intended to prefer charges against the man. It was learned later, however, that this "thumb rider" had attempted to retire his permit card. Editor's note:—As we go to press, word has just been re­ ceived that Brother Baal's S80 log has been halved. Our Spe­ cial Service Department rep­ resentative succeeded in reduc­ ing the amount of the log to equal the time Ball was away from his ship.) - Calcutta has plenty to offer. 'We visited the Temple, a marble palace, the Black Hole, and the burning-ghats, where they burn the dead, they toss the ashes into the Ganges River. It was a grue­ some, but educational, neverthe­ less. LOVELY WOLVES Souvenirs were cheap in Cal­ cutta. Most Seafarers bought leather suit cases for five to fif­ teen dollars. We ate steaks and drank American beer at Firpo's. We met Anglo-Indian gals, who just LOVE Americans. Several of the guys had notes sent to them while sitting in the movies. Calcutta is a town where the dames are wolves, and okay, too. Swimming at the marble pal­ ace or the Calcutta Beach Club is okay. Good floor shows can be seen at the Princess Pat, and Winter Garden, plus several ether good nite spots. Between riots we went out on dates, and it was the beginning of a long friendship for this town. We were in Calcutta two weeks, which gave us plenty of time to cultivate a gal. Several of the guys just came to the ship to work. They must have found a home. We had a good deal in Cal­ cutta, but the Captain evidently didn't see the "adventure" of it, because he didn't let the Bosun decide when we should leave port. Our fun ended when the Skipper very nervily set a sail­ ing date. Some guys are always lousing up the act. TOUGH TIMES. TOO I mention only some of the good times v/e had ashore. We had our tough times aboard ship, too, on that trip, but when you ship unorganized you expect it. ThtR's our job as Seafarers—to correct these conditions for sea­ men, and we're well on the road now with Isthmian. If you want to see the sights, and have fun—ship Isthmian. Re­ member this: Just because we've won the Isthmian election, it doesn't mean that we still don't have plenty of work to do. We have to keep right on sailing them until we win a contract. Don't let the SIU down. Broth­ ers, by not sailing Isthmian. If you don't sail them, you'll be missing a helluva lot of fun, a chance to do some good and have that "Volunteer Organizer" stamped in your book. Ship Isth­ mian, Brothers! MINUTES OF SIU SHIP MEETINGS MICHAEL BAAL the merchant service, five years in the Navy—^which he thought enabled him to decide when a man was in need of care. At St. Thomas, Blackstadt de­ manded to go ashore for examin­ ation. An x-ray revealed a chip­ ped bone. Crew relations aboard the Loop Knot were tops. There were a JANEWAY. Jan. 1—Chair­ man A. Lavoie; Secretary John Jellette. Deck and Engine De­ partments reported no beefs. Steward Department reported more cooperation needed from night cook and baker. Good and Welfare: One of Wipers asked that men refrain from leaving their old razor blades in sink as one man received a severe cut due to this negli­ gence. Agreed that all men on watch be fed first at mess. Steward brought out that pitch­ ers now on board made of glass, are not suitable for use of crew. This is to be corrected upon ar­ rival in U. S. 4. 4. S. WILLIAM CLAGETT. Sept. II—ChairmEui Babkowski; Sec­ retary Tears. Delegates reports. Deck Delegate reported the disputed overtime and the tmcooperative attitude of the Mate. Steward Department okay. Engine Department re­ ported that overtime was being disputed in direct opposition to the agreement. New Business: Motion passed on July 21 per­ taining to fines for neglect or failure to stand regular watches be dropped. 4" 4 4JOHN LA FARGE, Dec. 22— Chairman Frank Gages. Secre­ tary Donald J. Bushard. First order of business concerned two men who joined ship in Brem­ enhaven. They ask for admis­ sion to union. New Business: Delegates reported everything okay. Overtime to be settled at payoff. Motion carried to hold beef concerning stores and shortage of food until Patrol-' man is contacted at first port. Motion carried that all men be sober at time of payoff. HELP THE SEAFARERS BRIHS SFCURIlVAfOD CO^/DITIO^IS Ife-THe UMORGAMI^ED SEAMAN . -TELL-fflEM WHAT •TUB SIU HAS DONE' TtJ RAISE SEAMEN OUT ECOMOMIC SLAVERY-SHOW/ THEM OUR. CCWTRACTS -ASK -rDEM TO YOUR MEETINGS,SO, THEY ON SEE FDRTMEMSELVES.' CUT and RUN By HANK "Mister" Franklin Smith, the oldtimer, just blew in from an Isthmian trip to the Philippines. Here's what he has to say: "You guys who happen to hit Manila, don't patronize the New York Bar. It has changed ownership and become a clip joint. So if you want to straighten out the roll in your sea legs and have a good time, visit the Old Manila Gardens on Delacruze Street near the water­ front. There's a lively, jazzy 15-piece orchestra, the best beer flow­ ing for the cheapest price going and the place is owned and operated by two foi'mer seamen, one of them a skipper. If the island of Cebu happens to be staring you in the face, then head for the OverhiH Inn or the Tropical Hut. Beer flows for a buck. I hope to see n^ shipmate, Jack Giller, who should soon be leaving San Francisco for the East coast" . . . Last week Warren Callahan registered for shipping just to grab a ship till spring-time. He has successfully established himself in business up in upper New York, where he, his wife and daughter are now living. Warren 'nappily states that his two-month daughter, Patricia, is in fine health and is cutting her teeth. Well, Warren, drop us a letter while you're out. 4 4 4 4 There's plenty of electricians in town right now. Carl Wayne is one of them . . . Edwin Edginton, another Chief Juicedoctor just blew in from a trip from Antwerp where his ship was kept idle due to a 30-day longshoremen's strike. Are you getting ready to start patching up those electric bulbs with scotch tape on your next trip. Brother Edginton? . .. Oldtimer and Assistant Electrician Marshall Dodge is waiting for a ship with a big smile on his face , . . 4 4 4 4 Paddy Walsh has been anchored in town for over a month now. Another trip to Antwerp, Paddy? . . . Thomas "Rebel" Melton said that he was going to grow another beard while he's aboard his ship on her four trips between Barcelona, Spain and Buenos Aires . . . Willie "Bill" Thomas and Bosun Luke Collins are probably still making a home cut of the SS American Press on her East Coast run . . . Oldtimer Eddie Parr is visiting New York for a while . . , Here's part of letter to us from Alex "Ski" Janowski over in Hono­ lulu while aboard an Isthmian ship: "Read the only Log in Hawaii, the one that was mailed to the Hall. The editor saj's I have to have a heart, and after tearing it in pieces, why should I tear it and leave it in pieces? Well, my wife's heart won't be torn in pieces because love is grand nowadays if you get the right kind of wom­ an for yourself!" 4 4 4 4 Meet Joe Felton: Cynically anchored in town right now, waiting for a good trip, this little Bosun of an oldtimer, has confessed in one of his idle moments of humorous disgust that because of good living (meaning, of course, this sea life of his) he has plenty of grass on his skull, regardless of the fedora covering it. Of course, whenever he has observed or been ad­ vised that a few gray hairs have suddenly sprouted, he goes right out and gets a short haircut. Remembering the good old bad days of ships, Joe said that as an AB he got iifty-five dol­ lars a month, never did see fresh fruit more than once or twice a week (sometimes) and the good meat always went straight to the deserving hearts and stomachs of Skipper and company. On one seven-month trip the crew kept wishing for something svAeet to eat. The cooks finally made cinnamon buns out of maggotty raisins, molasses, etc. The crew knew the raisins were maggotty but they ate the buns and were glad to get them. If Joe had twenty more years to sail SIU ships he would spend them all with the swell deck crew of oldtimers who paid off the SS Button Gwinnett before she was laid up recently in Baltimore. �PagwTwel'rrr T H E' SEAF A R ERS LOa Friday, Febniary 7, 1947 DiRUNKS IMPOSE HARDSHIPS ON THEIR BROTHERS Dear Editor: I have been receiving the Log since Oct. 1945, and I have been enjoying it very much. It comes to my home and my parents either save them or send them on to my ship. Now, the reason for writing this letter is that it just occurred to me that I've paid only two dol­ lars for all this. I'm short on funds, so I will ship out next week, and will send something for the Log at first chance. I also wish to express my grati­ tude to the SIU for taking me in in Sept. 1945. I came out of the Maritime Service a very mixedup lad, but luckily I visited the SIU Hall and was straightened out. I first visited the NMU hall but one look was enough, and after considerable inquiring I was di­ rected to 51 Beaver Street. I'm a little confused at pres­ ent as to my chances of getting a full'or pro book. Any informa­ tion would be appreciated L. M. Quam Klamath Falls. Ore. Now that jobs are getting scarce and will, I am afraid, con­ tinue to get scarcer, and the num­ ber of sailors waiting for jobs at the hall are becoming mox-e nu­ merous, it appears to me that a thorough housecleaning in our union is in order. The hopeless, useless chronic drunks in our ranks seem to have an uncanny ability to get them­ selves shipped out in the best jobs. I have seen, as most of us have, a steady procession of dipsomaniacal stewards, electricians, machinists, etc. The compassion we usually entertain for drunks makes UB put up with them. While they go on happily raking in their large salaries every month, the rest of the crew does their work for them and suffers from the inability of these indi­ viduals to handle the work they were hired to do. Our Union officers have ex­ pounded this very thought at various meetings, but I believe that a more energetic executive policy is in order. Let us rid ourselves of these undesirables. It is ridiculous and unfair to have these drunken sots make our lives miserable, while capable men are hanging around the hall until their finances force them to ship below their capacities. This cartoon and the one below were the greetings New Orl'eans Dispatcher Stephens received one morning as the enter­ ed the Hall. G. Schlesinger MV Moose Peak Brother Stephens took them from the Bulletin Board and sent them to the Log. (See story elsewhere on this page). (Editor's note:—In regard to your request for information on pro book possibilities, it would be difficult to give you an an­ swer on the basis of informa­ tion -supplied. We suggest that you stop in at the Hall where you can be answered satisfac­ torily.) Seafarers Artist Catches N.O. Dispatcher Off Guard Brother "Stevie" Stephens, Dispatcher in the Port of New Orleans, emerged from a situa­ tion last week with his keen sense of humor still intact. In fact. Brother Stephens' sense of humor passed with flying colors what we think was an acid test. If it hadn't, you very likely wouldn't have had a chance to see the two cartoons reproduced on this page. Here's how it came about: One bright morning last week. Brother Stephens, who for a long time- has been dreaming about having his portrait painted, step­ ped briskly into the hall at 339 Chartres Street ready for his dis­ patching chores. With folded eyes too glad to weep. Yet too sad for dreams or sleep. The blessing cure comes from above. Folds around us like arms of love; Heaven lent us the stars so bright To see us through the awful night. Out on the seas that send such fright. We do not pine for those we love. For we have the stars that shine above. We, who who so loudly praise the • sky. Feel akin to its starry comforts That brighten our way from on high. % % % Me Mudder and Me By Vic Combs While walking down the street one day, I heard a kiddie say: "Hey, Jimmie, lemme tell youse, I'd be happy as a clam If I only wuz da fella Dat me mudder tinks I am. She tinks I'm a wonder As he passed the bulletin board he froze in his tracks. Tacked up on the board were two sketches of "Stevie," by an artist who signed only "Hal." The sketches weren't exactly what "Stevie" had in mind when he dreamed of sitting for a painting, but he let out a roar of laughter, neverthe­ less. This is too good not to be seen by the membership, Stevie figured. Forthwith, he took them down from the board, and sent them pronto to the Seafarers Log for reproduction so that all hands could get a wheeze out of them. Caps off, then, to "Stevie" Stephens for his unselfish sense of humor. She tinks she knows her lad Wouldn't mix wid nottin' Dat was mean or bad. And lots of times I sit and tink. How nice it ould be—gee whiz. If I only was de feller Dat me mudder tinks I is." ANOTHER SPOT WHERE LOG CAN BE FOUND Paralyzed Oldtimer Urges Young Members Hold Gains bilities. They saw I was in the merchant marine, and therefore, I am a wheelchair sailor now, not in the "service." as a result of an accident aboard ship , in Casablanca, North Africa, If the merchant seamen were during the war. not in the "service," what in hell I was injured when an over­ was it that we were doing? We loaded boom broke, crashed down maintained the food and supply and hit me in the back. Nine of lines, we carried the men and my ribs were smashed, and my their stuff across and brought back was broken, leaving me them back. Now that it is over, paralyzed from the waist down. what do they want us to do— I have -been in bed, flat on my starve? Watch your step, and keep her back, for four years now the first of this month. As you know I steady as she goes, or they wiU have no. income, no pension- such have you right where we were as men I in the armed forces rfe- before. I have sailed those rust ceive for service-connected disa­ pots for $30 a month, and it A mass of stars hover over head. Our cares are behind, and our hearts ahead. While the thrill that hurries us along Is the sea and its lonely song; Weary at heart and sick at soul. The star has a story seldom told. Dear Editor: "By 'THE /{ay'Dfii-EM's j)is PATCHFR Fc"? FfliLORe 70 PUT Gooo (7(505 UN THE TioAKO. APPROACH MfTH CAUTION. f^PoMSLV APriEP iH/m iflPGC^cLUA. wasn't so long ago, either. Even though I'm no longer sailing I wouldn't want to see those con­ ditions come back.' You've got a damned good Un­ ion in the SIU, so keep; it going ahead. Fight for, and keep whdt you've won for-the seamen. The oldtimers like myself started the advance. Now you younger men have to pull together to keep the ball rolling. Here in Washington, they are raising hell in Congress, in a des­ perate -effort to 'break -the Unions. So-, if it comes to a fight let them Dear Editor: I have an address to which I would like you to send copies of the Log weekly. It is a weUknown bar in Antwerp, Belgium. It is the only bar for..several miles around the docks, and is visited by a great number of SIU sea­ men. The name and address of this spot is: Charlie's Bar Norderlain, 1000 Antwerp, Belgium I know the boys will appreci­ ate finding copies of the Seafarers Log at this place. Robert L. Kennedy SS John B. Hamilton have both barrels. I will ring off now, wishing you all the best of luck; God bless you all, and steady as she goes! Hart G. Bro-wn r. 1330 Queen SU N. E., Washington 2,~Di C, �Friday," February 7. 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS OFF THE SS CAPE JOHN Page Thirteen ILA Men Join Drive To Aid War Orphans Dear Editor: These SIU men were shipmates aboard the Isthmian vessel on a recent trip. Left to right, E. R. Johnson, R. L. Karns, D. K. Tighe and Ed Bolehala. Membership Only Can Break The Commies' Death-Grip On National Maritime Union Dear Editor: Now it happened that about this time Curly bought himself a new pair of shoes. That night he got his feet wet in the recent rains and the dye from the shoes poisoned his feet so that for sev­ eral weeks he was forced to wear slippers. The charge finally brought against Curly was for dressing in a manner unbecoming to a Union representative, due to his wearing slippers. And believe it or not,, that \Vas what Curly Rentz was expelled from the Another example was the way NMU for. in which they put the boot to At the time Curly was up on "William "Curly" Rentz, our pres­ ent Baltimore Agent. Curly charges with the NMU, H. K. Rentz has been a rank and file Duechare, the present Galveston man for a long time. In 1936 he NMU agent, was hanging around was one of the few elected offi­ haranging the membership about cials of the ISU who went along Curly, calling him phony, and with the NMU rank and file. urging them to get rid of him When the NMU was formed he by any moans. As soon as Curly was elected Patrolman in New was framed, Duechare stepped Orleans. Running later for Texas into his place as Texas City Pa­ City Pati-olman, he was elected trolman. by a large majority. When the rank and file men of the NMU wake up and realize CANT STAND CRITICISM that they are being used as tools It wasn't long after his election by the commies to further their to the Texas City job that the twisting policies, and break away commies began to "blast" him. from them, they will find that Curly never made any bones the SIU is right here to give them about where he stood on their a helping hand and to help them disruptive and sell-out policies so organize into a genuine demo­ they naturally did their best to cratic union. get something on him. Being an John D. McLemore honest man they were unable to seen entering or leaving the place was to have his book taken away and the member was to be placed in the "99 year club." An esti­ mated 25 members had their books taken away for that rea­ son. Yours truly was seen and reported for leaving the place, but beat them to the punch by rushing to Galveston and ex­ changing my NMU book for an SIU one. I have never regretted the move. Looking over last week's issue of the Pilot reminds me of the situation in the NMU during 1939. The difference is that one clique, who cooperated with the com­ mies in 1939, is today trying to buck those same master sell-out artists. The communist party has a death grip on the throat of the NMU today, and don't think for a moment that they will relax that grip.' All the cries, struggles, twisting and squirming of Curran, Lawrenson, Keith, Dunlavy, et al, will not shake that grip one iota. The communist party is us­ ing the same tactics that they used against so many rank and file members in 1939. As a rank and file member 'of the NMU in 1939, I want to. give you a couple of examples of how they worked: FINE TACTICS There was a cafe in Texas City called "Boots Place" that allowed the SIU, then a newly formed union, to display its literature in the place. "When the NMU heard of it, H. K. Duechare, the present NMU Galveston Agent (more of him later) got up on the floor of their meeting and accused Boots and his wife, Blanche, of print­ ing the literature. A motion was passed that any member of the NMU who was get the goods on him. We all know the terrific effect the war had on most people who lived in war areas. Seafarers, whose jobs bring them into the war-torn areas, particularly, know the hardships that exist. And the worst sufferers of all are the poor, helpless children who have been orphaned. It is in their behalf that we are attempting to do something to bring them a bit of relief, and to ease their suffering. And it is hoped that individual Seafarers may find it possible to help. As Business Agent of Local 1191-1 of the International Longshore­ men's Association, I have had much contact with SIU as our Brother Union in the AFL Mari­ time Trades Department of New York. An organization, the Torrese Social Club of New York, is now in a drive to collect clothing for the orphaned children of Torre del Greco, Naples, Italy. These children lived in an orphanage which was bombed out in the war, and their clothing needs are great. Those children who were orphaned by the war will also be aided. The Club has set up an effec­ tive way to see that the clothing it collects is legitimately dis­ tributed on the other side. Pietro Palomba, an attorney, of Torre del Greco, Naples, heads an au­ thorized committee of foiu: United States citizens, who were sent to the town by the club to see that the clothing is fairly dis­ tributed. These people will remain on the other side until their job is done meanwhile making reports back to the group here. VINCENT ERATO We would be grateful for any old gear which Seafarers have, and which could be distributed as clothing to these orphans. Paul Hall has said he will have un­ claimed gear made available to us. Should any reader have some­ thing wearable he would like to contribute to the drive, he can leave it on the 4th floor on the baggage room of the SIU Hall on 51 Beaver Street. Arrangements wiU be made for periodic pick­ ups. Or they can be sent direct to the Torrese Social Club, 107 President St., Brooklyn, N. "Y. The first shipment is scheduled for overseas shipment in one month. After that we intend to make shipments monthly. It is sincerely hoped that this drive will bring some measrure of comfort to these orphaned war victims. And we hope members of the SIU will be able to make clothing contributions to help us in that direction. Vincent Erato, Bus. Agent Local 1199-1 Intl. Longshoremen's Assn. DUTCH TREAT Galveston, Texas GI Won't Spare Power Returning To Sea spared. Oh, for the life of a sea­ I have received the Seafarers man! If there is anything you would Log and I certainly did welcome like to know about this place, I it. By the looks of things, - the Will be glad to send you some Union is really going to town pictures, or negatives—any infor­ Believe me it is about time some­ mation that you may want. body did something for the sea­ Well, I hope the paper keeps men, and the SIU is the one that coming, and if there js any charge is doing it. I will be glad to pay it. Also let me know if I am behind in We took a lot of guff during any dues. the war about making a lot of Edwin T. Clark money and all that nonsense. The 32nd Inf. APO 7 people never did seem to under­ San Francisco, Calif. stand the seamen's side of the (Editor's note: — No charge stoi-y—the risks involved;' etc. for the Log—all members and I am in the army, stationed former members are entitled to near Souel, Korea. It's not such receive it. We would like to a bad place, but as soon as I get have some of the negatives you put—well, you know where I am speak of,. along with all per­ heading for, and with no power tinent details. Since you are in Dear Editor: in the Army, it is advisable that you send your book to Headquarters, attention 6th floor, where it will be put in the Armed Forces file until your release. John Clamp (left) and Ray Carroll cool their palates during a recent stopover in Rotterdam. Requests SIU Service In A Package Beef Dear Editor: I'm writing you for a little help which I think you can supply. I was a crewmember aboard the SS Topa Topa on a voyage that payed off Jan. 3, 1947, in Phila­ delphia. After the payoff, I im­ mediately went home becau^^e I received word that my mother was very. ill. On the train home, while read­ ing my mail, I found a package notice from Waterman Steam­ ship Company stating that I had a package waiting for me in their New York office. Upon arriving home I wrote them a letter explaining the situation, and asked them to send the package to the return ad­ dress, my home, collect. It has now been three weeks since I wrote and I have had no answer from them. Would it be possible for you, or someone at the Hall in New York to get some action out of them, so I could get this package back? I cannot leave home because of my mother's condition and I have postponed my sailing because of tliis. Joseph A. Wilksoit (Ediior's note:—We've turned your letter over to Freddie Stewart, who is in charge of the baggage room, figuring he'd be the one to give you some SIU .service. Freddie said he'd turn to right away, so you should hear something shortly.) �Friday, February 7, 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Fourteen THEY WANT TO ORGANIZE * * By FRENCHY MICHELET tinually boil all the taste out of The following notes are cabbage. Shred it up as for cold resume of much that wo have slaw occasionally, season with learned as Steward and Cook on salt and pepper and fry in ren­ a slew of ships both large and small. We pass them on to you dered sowbelly. When you open a can of string as a sort of valedictory effort for we shall not pass this way again beans, whole kernel corn and so on, try washing it in a collender in similar guise. and braising it with a little green You will find little here to onion and chipped bacon or with nourish the inner man. It is all designed to appease a hunger of whatever comes to hand. Then there's chicken and tur­ the belly kind. But perhaps it's an equal service, for we are all key ... primarily earthly creatures with There's a slew of ways to cook Pictured here are three typical Seafarers who came up to the New York Hall and asked to earthly appetites. them but one of the juiciest and be assigned to an unorganized ship. Left to right, are Olgerda Blues, Oiler; Bill Hutras, AB; and For every hour that we stumble tastiest of shipside methods is Ray Arnold, Oiler. Bill and Ray have been sailing for more than three years, and Brother Blues down the stony road with poor the simplest of the lot. has five years of seatime under his belt. None has sailed on an unorganized ship before, and all look blind Lear, wc spend a hundred forward to obtaining jobs on one so that they can do their parts in the SIU organizing campaign. Clean the birds, wash thorough­ mulling over the Betty Crockers' ly in cool running water, rub fascinating concoctions of ham liberally inside and out with a and eggs. mixture. of equal parts of salt, So pull up a chair, chum, and pepper and ginger. list to the lore of bacon and beans. Now rub each with salad oil, Give 'em all they want! cover with a cloth saturated with Woe unto the Steward who is the same oil and roast til a drum­ The Seafarers' crack speed yet to learn the wisdom of the.se stick hollers uncle when skater. Jack Parker, continued magic words. Give 'em all they squeezed with the fingers. Re­ with his winning ways last Sun­ want, brother, and you will find move the birds and make your day, when he whizzed over the that they will soon want but little gravy with the drippings. of anything at all. ice ahead of all competition in Don't keep jabbing a fork into Pack the refrigerators with a roast to test its doneness or to five speed events at the annual fresh fruits and jam the tables turn it over. If you do this you Rome (N. Y.) Winter Carnival. with ham and jam. It's the psy­ will find that it has bled most A record crowd of 3,000 en­ chology of plenty. If you make of its savory juices and is about By JOHNNY JOHNSTON thusiasts saw Parker crowned the the mistake of locking up every­ as tasty as something cooked by up-state city's senior and open Although for a long time the thing, you will find that you have the WSA's "experts" in their skating champ for the third con­ succeeded in doing nothing but Stewards • Dept. Retraining superiority of steam over sail secutive year. . stimulating appetites, for your School. was an accomplished fact in the looks will last about as long as Brother Parker, who makes eyes of the world, yet as late as AND GARLIC a snowball on the hottest hinge Rome his home when he isn't Bone all your roasts. They 1895 over 1700 sailing vessels of hell. doing Bosun's chores aboard SIU cook through better, slice better entered the port of New York. ships, flashed first across the tape WOMEN KNOW and are more economical. Smack But that was the last dying gasp in the 100, 220, 440, and 880-yard The women know all about this the bones with a cleaver and put events. For his fifth win he cop­ of the sailing portion of the ship­ JACK PARKER psychology of plenty. They trade them right into the pan with the ped the one mile open race, fea­ on it with a psychology of scar­ meat if you want the additional ping industry. ture event in the carnival's at­ city. The lock up everything with flavor. While gallant square riggers tractions. the result that simple souls like continued to be sighted on sea Wot, no garlic? you and me hustle around for li­ MORE MEDALS lanes throughout the world, their Roasting fresh pork without a censes to get at what we in our Last Sunday's victories added liberal sprinkling of garlic just number became fewer as the lamentable ignorance verily be­ years went by, and they present­ five medals and one trophy to lieve to be the choicer fruit ed an ever more lonely appear­ Parker's growing collection. In­ stashed away inside. ance in a world gone into steam cluding the latest additions, About vegetables and things . . power, and soon to go into diesel seven trophies and 55 medals now power. adorn the Parker home in testi­ The books all note that fresh The old adage that "one good mony to Jack's prowess on the turn deserves another" spurred vegetables should be cooked in 4" 4, 4silver blades. rapidly boiling water just long New Orleans Seafarers to return Donald McKay has been term­ enough to render them eatable. a compliment this week to the The accomplishments of the ed the most famous of America's SIU's ice whizz are all the more Rev. Thomas A. McDonough, port That's stuff for the birds to peck builders of clipper ships. He de­ noteworthy in view of the fact chaplain at the Catholic Martiat. Maybe you conserve the vita­ signed 16 of the finest and swift­ that he is unable to train as ef­ time Club on Camp Street. mins that way, but it makes the est of them between 1850 and fectively and religiously as his The youthful priest, who of­ food about as palatable as that 1853, and their romantic names shoreside competitors. fers the facilities of the club "as slumgum that Shuler ladles out have come down out of an equal­ a home and service center for the to crews silly enough to sail with His performances, however, use and welfare of all seamen ly romantic period. him. ain't done in the best culinary Among them were the Flying prove that he has sufficient speed temporarily in the port of New A smart cookie will operate on circles, chum. Cloud, the Mastiff, the Westward to offset this handicap. Orleans—irrespective of their na­ the supposition that a sailor gets Bone the meat, rub liberally Ho, and the last and greatest of all the vitamins he needs in his with a mixture of equal parts of Parker's string of victories be­ tionality or creed," has stated McKay's masterpices, the Great shoreside beer. When he tackles salt, pepper and thyme. Squeeze gan when he was 13-years-old, that "merchant seamen are not Republic. only the finest guys in the world, a messroom vegetable he craves the juice of two lemons over the when he scored his first win in something tasty. She had a tonnage of 4,555> competition. Now 22, Jack looks but also the biggest-hearted." meat, throw in the skins, add a Seafarers down in New OrAll of which brings us to liberal sprinkling of garlic and was 325 feet long and S3 feet forward to many more years of le§ins think pretty highly of O'Brien. Ireland hasn't produced roast di'y for 30 minutes. Now wide, had four decks, three racing. Father McDonough, too. anything to equal things O'Brien pour off the grease, add a ladle square rigged masts, and a SISTER TOO "He has never turned down one since St. Patrick was chasing the of hot water and roast in a slow of our members, and men go spankermast. An indication of Following in Brother Jack's snakes over her green hills with oven until done. over there every day to get a the gigantic size of this ship footsteps is his IJ-year-old sister, a knobby shillelagh. The following di.sh was taught flop and something to eat," says Rosemary, who already cuts a us by good old "Shanghai" Char­ may be gained by the fact that VARIATION ON THEME a note from the Gulf port. And neat chunk of ice herself. She the main yard was 120 feet in For a tasty variation of the lie while we were beachcombing has been under her . brother's the lads feel he is entitled to a in Singapore. The old Far East length, which was twice the O'Brien technique take firm champion tutorage since she was vote of thanks for his hospitality. fresh carrots and slice them in gang will be pleased to learn that size of the main yard on an nine years of age. chips. Cut up two green peppers Charlie survived the war and is average large merchantmen. Among the most recent of Par­ and four raw onions and add to now running a characteristic joint Unfortunately the Republic ker's trophy winnings is the behind the native bazaar in Cal­ the carrots. Slice up plenty of If you don't find linen never sailed the seas in all her award made to him last year at cutta. salt sowbelly and add. Then sea­ when you go aboard your glory, for she was seriously burn­ the Brooklyn Ice Palace, training Here's the way to make curry son with salt and pepper and ed while lying alongside the dock ship, notify the Hall at once. spot for some of the nation's top braise on the top of the range, and rice that will make the guys A telegram from Le Havre or in New York ready for her first speed artists. The Speed Skat­ who never eat the stuff call for stirripg occasionally till done. Singapore won't do you any voyage to San Francisco. Al­ ing Club there presented Jack seconds. Raw Irish potatoes may be though the vessel was repaired with its Silver Trophy for being good.^^ It's your bed and you Cut up a few old hens as for somewhat, the upper deck was treated the same way for an have to lie in it. the "most improved skater of the equally tasty dish. Don't con­ (Continued on Page 15) never replaced. 1945-46 season." Seafarer Parker Skates His Way To Carnival Crown For Third Time N.O. Seafarers Offer Thanks To Rev. McDonough ATTENTION! �THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, February 7, 1947 Page Fifteen Geo. Washington Bartender Is A Topnotch Professional American Eastern Signs With SlU; Will Carry RR Rolling Stock ally, they were discovered and Brother Robert L. Brock, who; He sailed as a Night Cook and taken mid-ships. sails on the Alcoa liner George' Baker during the war, and once GALVESTON Later, the two Spanish politic­ SS Wm. Cox—$15.00. Washington as Bartender, is when his ship was docked at a al refugees were released and put SS Milan R. Stefanik—$20.50. worthy of Log mention for sev- Belgian port, buzz bombs caused to work doing odd jobs around INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS eral very newsworthy reasons. it to break loose from its moor­ R. B. Johnson, $5.00. the ship. On their arrival in this Not only does he have the honor ings, At the same time, dive country, they were picked up by NEW YORK of being the first and only Bar­ bombers sank another Alcoa ship the Immigration authorities and SS CITY OF ALMA tender on the George Washington docked along side. J. Piurllinmmi» Sr Crow of .S.S City confined to Ellis Island. Rumor since her return to passenger sail­ During the SIU General Mari­ has it that they will be taken of ALMA—$29.00. W. R. Mcllveen, $1.00; M. Lutzza, ing, but he also has the distinc­ time Strike in 1946, Bob did his back to France on the Gadsden's $1.00; j. E. L. Morin, $1.00; S. W. G. tion of being the first Seafarer to stint at the 125th St. Pier on the next trip across. Hale, $100; F. Havard, $1.00; j. C. sign on as a Bartender since the North River, and also participat­ Most of the crewmembers are Long. $1.00; H. Sharpe, $1.00; J. L. war's end. ed in the work stoppage which staying aboard for the next voy­ Chastain, $1.00; J. H. Prudhomme, occurred earlier in '46. He reaUy $1.00; E. E. Kusgen, $1.00; A. ArvanBob came to the SIU well age, and give full credit for the ites, $1.00; H. Faybik, $1.00; G. W. believes in the SIU, and isn't good food they've been having Vencil, $1.00; B. G. Doda, $1.00; G. qualified to sail as a Bartender, afraid to tell any of his thirsty having been a member of the Crisenio, $1.00; G. Bette, $1.00; J. to Chief Cook Pete Gonzales. clients aboard the George Wash­ According to them, Pete de­ McConeghey, $1.00; F. Sullivan, $1.00; Bartenders' Union for over 4 J. TozzI, $1.00; W. Graley, $1.00; A. years, and also the favorite drink ington that he belongs to the serves a medal for the swell feed Mueller, $1.00; M. Gichenico, $1.00. mixer-upper of John Goodman, Seafarers as well as the Bartend­ job he's been doing on the Gads­ SS WHITE OAK First Vice President of the Bar­ ers Union. den. However, SIU oldtimers 11. Tarranl. $2 00; V. Sunguroff, Attesting to his bartending abil­ have come to expect that kind $2.00; Don Newell, $2.00; W. Hryszko, tenders. Among his many as.sets, he has ity is the fact that Brother Brock $2.00; J. Griffin, $2.00; D. McFadden, of food on the average SIU ship. $1.00; F. Landry, $1.00. an international Bartenders cer­ has had numerous offers from For more details concerning SS COASTAL MARINER tificate which entitles him to passengers to tend bar in various American Eastern and the Gads­ W. Newberg, $1.00; C. Munden, $2.00. parts of the country. Not only den turn to Page 9 of the Log, SS GRAYS HARBOR does Bob know the numerous where you can see a full page C. A. Anderson, $1.00; J. B. Sher­ strange concoctions which many spread on this latest addition to man. $3.00; T. E. Freeland, $2.00; J. 1. passengers dream up, but his NEWSREEL BUILD-UP the Seafarers family of contract­ Booker, $1.00; C. Zipoff, $1.00; j. A. Gallagher, $1.00; J. A. Lormand, $1.00. knowledge of wines — dry or Recently, the RKO News car­ ed shipping companies. SS MADAKET sweet, chilled or room tempera­ ried a feature on the MV Gads­ A. T. Arnold, $1.00; E. T. Peterson, ture, and with what course —• $1.00; R. Strom, $1.00; C. L. Dasha, den, one of the American Eastern delights the gourmets' hearts. $1.00; J. Sanlonzans, $2.00; F. Bura, ships. The newsreel covered the $1.00; L. W. Borreson, $1.00; J. Aba, technical operation of the ship $1.00; William Jenkins, $1.00; M. Sooin great detail, showing how the bramoney, $1.00; Henry Rowe, . $1.00; H. S. Bonitto, $1.00; L. Reynolds, $1.00; locomotive and tenders were B. Holmes, $1.00; A. Douglas, $1.00; O. lifted by the Gadsden's huge {Continued prom Page 14) Lewis, $1.00; S. P. Gondzar, $1.00. crane and properly stowed in the fricasseeing. Put in a pot of hot SS PURDUE VICTORY holds. W. Montalvo, $1.00; J. J. Lawlor, water, feet and all. Add salt, A commentator described the whole black pepper, a heaping $1.00; Lee Klapp, $1.00; John Clamp, rather involved technical opera­ teaspoon of ginger, three whole $1.00; A. Kubcrski, $1.00; E. A. Fancher, $1.00; T. S. Moller, $1.00; A. W. tion of the ship's equipment, onions, a few bay leaves, and a King, $1.00; A. P. Maznrick. $1.00; while the SIU'crew provided the few peppercorns. By GAL TANNER David Nunnn, $1.00; M. Dodge, $1.00; background. Let simmer until the meat is J. M. Rogers, $3.00. MOBILE — It's good to be in SS SIMMONS Bartender Robert Brock shak­ American Eastern expects to tender. Remove the meat, re­ J. Brady, $1.00; J. LaaFrance, $1.00; have a fleet of 21 ships eventual­ serving the stock. Remove meat M. Roth. $1.00; J. L. Crowley, $1.00; ing up one of his thirst-quench­ Mobile again and meet so many ly, all of thern engaged in haul­ from bones, dice and fry in but­ D. A. Meacham, $4.00; J. D. Garvin, ing specials aboard the George old shipmates. The affairs of the Washington. port were in excellent shape, so ing railroad equipment, and all ler. Add strained stock. Fry four Jr., $1.00. •SS S. CLARA the business of assuming office equipped .with self-contained large onions in butter until gold­ L. T. Everett, $1.00; W. J. Tarrant, serve not only in the U.S., but in was narrowed down to hanging loading and unloading gear. en brown and add to stock. $2.00; C. M. Owens, $2.00. Mexico, Cuba and Puerto Rico as up my hat, rolling up my sleeves Other runs besides the one to Cook a mixture of two heap­ well. and going to work. Lc Havre will be made, and prac ing galley spoons of curry pow­ As a result of winning the top Shipping has been good here .tically all European countries der and equal part of flour in award given by the Bartenders since before Christmas with Wa­ will benefit from the American butter til raw taste of flour is Union in open competition with terman taking out a bunch of railroad equipment transported gone. Add to the stock. Simmer BALTIMORE 14 North Gay St. 87 other Bartenders from all parts ships from the boneyard for the Calvert 4539 by the American Eastern ships. for about an hour. Meanwhile, of the United States, Bob's bank grain run to Europe. BOSTON 276 State St. wash about a gallon of rice in a Boudoin 4455 account was fattened to the ex­ STOWAWAYS ABOARD In fact, it has kept Charlie china cup til the starch is gone, BUFFALO 10 Exchange St. tent of $775. His prize winning Cleveland 7391 Kimball and the other officials then fry the raw rice in cooking On the last trip of the MV CHARLESTON 68 Society St, effort was monickered the "Times busy hunting up crews. Things oil til it starts to get tender. Then Phone 3-3680 Gadsden, when she left Le Havre Square Cocktail. 24 W. Superior Ave. have slowed down some, but it on January 17, two stowaways add just a little well-salted water CHICAGO Superior 5175 WINNING RECIPE isn't much trouble to ship on the managed to hide themselves and cook til done. CLEVELAND ...1014 E. St. Clair Ave. Main 0147 Recipe for this tempting taste kind of run you want. aboard the vessel. They con­ Just before serving stir in two ..1824 Mesquite St. titilator is one-half jigger of lem­ trived to stay hidden for five slightly-beaten eggs into the'cur- CORPUS CHRIST! Corpus Whitey Lewis is already on the Christi 3-1509 1038 Third St. on juice, one-half jigger of slo job as Engine Patrolman and the days, subsisting on canned milk ry. It makes as tasty a dish as DETROIT Cadillac 6857 gin, and one full jigger of rum old officials are cooperating 100 and stale bread, and coming out any you will serve during the DULUTH 531 W. Michigan St, Melrose 4110 bacardi. Ingredients are shaken I percent, giving the port a good for air early each morning. Fin- entire trip. GALVESTON 305Vi 22nd St. well with cracked ice until the working force, We didn't get around to tell­ 2-8448 ^ith the regular Alcoa and 16 Merchant St, mixer becomes frosted, and then ing you about veal marengo and HONOLULU 58777 poured into the cocktail glass in Waterman payoffs and most MisSpanish rice and a host of equal­ HOUSTON 1515 7Sth Street Phone Wehtworth 3-3809 Brock s inimitable style, develop- giggippj freighters making this a ly, tasty dishes.' But we gotta 920 Main St. ed through years and years of ex­ port of call there is plenty of All those who witnessed the stop now or Ye Editor will give JACKSONVILLE Phone 5-5919 perience as a thirst quench ex­ work to keep the waterfront paaccident sustained by E. E. Casey us a beef about monopolizing MARCUS HOOK 1 Vz W. 8th St. Chester 5-3110 pert. ti-ol busy. space. on July 25, 1946, aboard the SS MIAMI 1355 N. E. 1st Ave. He has also developed an or­ The Seafarers has 16 towboats So we'll leave you with this MOBILE 7 St. Michael St. iginal technique in shaking the Algic, will please get in touch 2-1754 operating in this port, and the recommendation: If there's any­ NEW ORLEANS 339 Chartres St. cocktail and pouring it without with Joseph Volpian, SIU Special thing that you don't know about Magnolia 6112-6113 once banging or cracking the crews are getting pretty tired of "Services Department, 51 Beaver cooking, ask Shuler; he doesn't NEW YORK 51 Beaver St. the run-around the operators are HAnover 2-2784 mixer against the bar. Yes, we giving them. Street, New York City. know it either, and you will NORFOLK 127-129 Bank Street saw him with our own very eyes, 4-1083 feel so much better for having Several times during the past and can vouch for his ability. 4' 4" t PHILADELPHIA 9 South 7th St. met a kindred soul. year they have had to hang the Phone LOmbard 3-7651 Seems as how the technique con­ Viktor Makko, Bosun; Charles PORT ARTHUR . .909 Fort Worth Ave. sists of screwing or twisting the hook to enforce clauses of the " Phone: 2-8532 Sonwald, AB; Moussa Talamas, agreement, and right now they PORTLAND Ill W. Burnside St. cap around the measurette firmly AB; are requested to get in touch Beacon 4336 are out after an iron clad con­ in such a way as not to crack the RICHMOND, Calif 257 5th St. •with Richard Cantor, 51 Cham­ tract with all the vague "Phila­ 2599 glass when losening same. Sounds bers Street, New York. It is in delphia lawyer" clauses elimin­ SAN FRANCISCO 105 Market St. quite complicated, but it's really Send in the minutes of Douglas 5475-8363 refei-ence to the injury of John ated. simple, says Bob! your ship's meeting to the SAN JUAN, P. R. , , .252 Ponce de Leon Novak aboard the Joseph S. All in all. Mobile is the same Among other nite spots. Bro­ San Juan 2-5996 New York Hall. Only in that Emery on October 1, 1945. SAVANNAH .220 East Bay St. busy Union port it has always ther Brock worked in Cole Port­ way can the membership act 8-1728 been, and the headaches are er's old place, the 1-2-3 Club. on your recommendations, SEATTLE 86 Seneca St. Main 0290 nothing new. One thing every­ He's also worked along the mainand then the minutes can be TAMPA .1809-1811 N. Franklin St. stem in other niteries. one can be sure of is that the printed in the LOG for the M-1323 Hailing from Birmingham, Al­ membership down here will con­ TOLEDO 615 Summit St. benefit of all other SIU WILMINGTON 440 Avalon Blvd. abama, Brook is an eligible bach­ tinue to do the same good job ij. C. GUTHMAN crews. Terminal 4-3131 as it has done in the past, and VICTORIA, B. C. ...i«02 Boughton St. elor in his late twenties. He's Hold those shipboard meet­ Please write to your • son • Billy Garden 8331 been a member of the SIU since that as a good Union port Mobile, ings regularly, and send IJack Gtithman, 25 South Street, VANCOUVER 144 W. Hastings St. will continue to rank second to Pacific 7824 1944, and now resides in New those minutes in as soon as 'New York City. He wants to none. York when he's in town. ihear from you. (Continued frotn Page 1) structed holds and special gear for the loading and unloading of the railroad equipment. On the present run from Weehauken, N.J. to Le Havre, France, these new type ships carry 18 locomotives and 18 tenders on each trip of approximately five weeks duration. With competent crews of Sea­ farers aboard those self-loading and unloading ships, a real ship­ shape job of handling them is being turned in. No other union could be expected to do the dif­ ficult job of manning them in the same competent and responsible manner as the Seafarers. Only in a union like the SIU, where pride in seamanship an'd job know-how is highly devel­ oped, can the responsible sea­ men necessary to the competent operation of these new type ships be found. Straight From The Galley New Agent Finds Port Mobile Is In Good Shape SIU HALLS NOTICE! Send Those Minutes PERSONALS �Page Sixieen THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday. February 7, 1947 ... is more "ttiaix a toord; it is liviK9 # militont unionism. DuHnq the past severol montHs the Seofarers Inter­ national Unloin has acttvelc| aided the :fellou>ing umons, looaliuand nation­ ally , 1p u)m tliedr beefs or the point of production : The MMeP, ILA.CIO Shipbuilders, MSBA, Teamsters,and the MFOWVfV. IK- HEAFARERS Ivitsrnortional Union of /Ibirth.America U-'. ifofC � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource February 7, 1947 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. IX, No. 6 Description An account of the resource Headlines: SIU SUPPORTS STRIKE OF CIO SHIPBUILDERS; BUSHEY YARD TIED-UP TAXI MEN CONTINUE STRIKE IN TAMPA DESPITE INJUNCTION MARINE FIREMEN VOTE TO REJECT CMU BY 5-1 VOTE AMERICAN EASTERN SIGNS WITH SIU; WILL CARRY RR ROLLING STOCK AFL MEMBERSHIP HITS AN ALL-TIME RECORD WITH OVER 7 MILLION ALCOA SS SPEEDS UP CARIBBEAN SCHEDULE ON THE MARCH EFFECTIVE UNITY NMU CAN'T SERVICE ITS MEMBERS SO THEY LOOK ELSEWHERE FOR HELP NEW SEAMEN'S BILL OF RIGHTS IS INTRODUCED INTO CONGRESS CANADIAN SIU WINS WAGE RISE FROM UNION SS DANISH SAILORS TALK MERGER WITH FIREMEN SIU AND CIO SHIPBUILDERS ON PICKETLINE IN REAL-LIFE EXHBITION OF MARITIME UNITY THJERE'S MORE TO ORGANIZING THAN MEETS THE NAKED EYE PHILLY IS OUT TO GET BIGGER AND BETTER HALL COMPANY ECONOMY COSTS SEAMAN BROKEN LEGS PAYOFF TAKES 14 HOURS BUT CREW GETS EVERYTHING IT HAS COMING LG-HAPPY SKIPPER THROWS THEM IN ALL DIRECTIONS, POOR FELLER GREAT LAKES IS READY FOR BIG ORGANIZING DRIVE SHIPPING TAKES A SUDDEN SPURT IN SAVANNAH TAMPA CHANDLERS CRYING IN BEER; NOBODY IS BUYING THEIR SUPPLIES TRANSPORTATION RULE ON COAST IS CLARIFIED FOR MEMBERSHIP THE PATROLMEN SAY AFL COUNCIL WILL MEET IN DULUTH; 18 UNIONS EXPECTED TO ATTEND RR EQUIPMENT FOR EUROPE - VIA AN SIU CREW TULANE CREW HITS TOPSIDE FAVORITISM LOOP KNOT HAS ONE-MAN DECK DEP'T. SHORESIDE EXCURSIONS HIGHLIGHT ISTHMIAN CREW'S MIDEAST TRIP SEAFARER PARKER SKAES HIS WAY TO CARNIVAL CROWN FOR THIRD TIME GEO. WASHINGTON BARTENDER IS A TOPNOTCH PROFESSIONAL NEW AGENT FINDS PORT MOBILE IS IN GOOD SHAPE Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2/7/1947 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1947 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/a88d9389bfe12551338b30531ba58e27.PDF 338d3b988a8ce74c2bc82e6a724d3807 PDF Text Text Official Organ of the Atlantic and Gulf District, Seafarers International Union of North America VOL. IX. Anti Communists Win Easily In MFOW Election WASHINGTON, Feb. 11 — A statement released today by V. J. Malone, President of the Mar­ ine Firemen, Oilers, Watertenders, and Wipers (Independent) shows that the communist forces in that union have been com­ pletely repulsed in their attempts to take over the leadership. By large majorities, the com­ munists and fellow-travelers in the MFOWW were defeated for office, and even where they were strongly intrenched the housecleaning swept them into discard. Also voted down was a pro­ posal that would have affiliated the MFOWW with the late and unlamented Committee for Mari­ time Unity. The vote on this was 3,679 to 732. Malone, running for President polled 3,946 votes. This was the largest vote received by any can­ didate. Anti-communists also captured the Port Agent jobs in San Pedro and New Orleans, long time CP strongholds in the MFOWW. NEW YORK, N. Y.. FRIDAY. FEBRUARY 14. 1947 UFF IS NOT ALONE No. 7 Isthmian Case Goes Before NLRB; Company Objections Overrnietf If the recommendations of Howard F. LeBaron, Re­ gional Director of the National Labor Relations Board, Second Region, are approved in Washington, then the election to determine a bargaining agent for the unlicensed Isthmian seamen will go into its final round. In his report, dated February 10, Mr. LeBaron held that the company's allegation, that the seamen on 44 of the vessels which were votecw were not employes of the Com­ cd, Mr. LeBaron has recommend­ pany but of the Maritime Com­ ed that a formal hearing be held Men to distribute literature was the SlU's reply to a request mission, was not true, and rec­ within five weeks of the date of for help from Local 205. United Financial Employes. AFL, now ommended that the Board dis­ his report, and that the NMU be engaged in a drive to organize the underpaid brokerage workers allowed to bring its evidence in miss this part of the objection. in New York's financial district. For three hours Tuesday. at that time. He held further that the sea­ February 11. the SlU gave out leaflets in support of the UFE. This, he states, will obviate the men on 37 ships, acquired after necessity of a one-sided, or ex the voting began, were not elig­ parte, investigation, which will ible to vote, and recommended probably have to be followed up that this objection be dropped with a formal hearing anyway. also. (Text of Report on Page 6) The Company's third charge, that Chief Stewards should not have been included in the voting NEW YORK, February 11 — would be appreciated by the on the grounds that they are al1 e g e d 1 y supervisory employes, In a stirring demonstration of in­ UFE and the national AFL. STACK DEFEATED ter-union solidarity the Seafarers Fifteen squads, each in charge was also taken up and disposed of on the basis of a ruling of the Walter Stack, brother of Joe International Union today took of a group captain, were dis­ Trial Examiner, who previously Stack, pro-red Vice-President of the field in support of the United patched to strategic points in the had directed that Chief Stewards the NMU, was defeated for the Financial Employees, Local 205, financial center at the height of be included in the bargaining post of San Francisco Agent. OEIU, AFL. More than 25,000 the noon hour when the office The Committee for Maritime unit. Stack has long been alleged to be leaflets, prepared by the SIU, workers were on their way to Unity, communist-dominated CIO COMPANY OUT the leader of the communist were distributed by 200 white- and from lunch. water-front grouping, which Thus, if this report is accepted, started out with a fanfare of In this way thousands of po­ capped Seafarers in the New York forces in the Firemen's Union. The complete repudiation of financial district to outline the tential UFE members were ap­ the Isthmian Steamship Com­ ballyhoo to which it never lived the communists in the MFOWW need for organizing the under­ prised of the fact that the SIU pany will be ruled out of the pic­ up, at last called it quits on Sun­ leaves only a few maritime paid and exploited workers in is throwing its full support to ture, and only the NMU's phony day, February 9. charge of collusion will stand in The decision was made and unions under CP control. Those the brokerage business. (See Local 205. the way of SIU representation The response to the leaflets was page 6 for the complete text of announced by the CMU Execu­ remaining under the domination for the unlicensed seamen of beyond all expectations. There the leaflet.) tive Board after closed meetings of the reds include the NMU, the on the preceeding two days. This is not the first time that were few, if any, office workers Isthmian. CIO Longshoremen, and the Mar­ As far as the NMU is concernIn a face-saving statement, the the SIU has used its strength to (Continued on Page 6) ine Cooks and Stewards. organization blamed the dissolu­ aid another union in winning a Malone has long carried on a tion on the action of Joseph Curjust beef, or in organizing in the fight against the commies in his face of odds. ran, co-chairman of the combine, union, and he was instrumental who resigned in December be­ In the past year it was a com­ in the fight to prevent the Fire­ cause he felt that the CMU was men from being taken over by mon sight to see Seafarers side not really working for maritime by side on the picketline with the the CMU. unity. MM&P, the MFOWW, the ILA, The CMU Conference, schedul­ It is a very bad situation when­ and the CIO Shipbuilders. The diligence with which the ed for March 15, has been can­ ever the reputation of a union is Now the UFE-OEIU has ap­ officials and organizers in the Na­ celled, and all that remains to do so bad that working seamen are pealed for assistance in organiz­ tional Maritime Union follow is to settle the committee's finan­ forced to vote for a company ing, and the same whole-hearted the communist party linb has had cial affairs. union in self defense. a marked affect on the success of support is being rendered. The final action to dissolve the That is exactly what happened At a special meeting, called be­ the various oi'ganizing drives un­ pro-communist group came on in the case of the Atlantic Refin­ dertaken by that union during fore the demonstration began, the ing seamen when the company the heels of three distinct shocks NEW YORK, Feb. 15—The SS SIU adopted a re.solution support­ the past year or so. George Washington, which arriv­ ing the UFE in its drive, and Not only have the campaigns union polled 266 votes while the to the set-up. First and foremost ed here today from Bermuda, 24 voted to suspend shipping for failed, but there has also been a NMU was garnering a mere 125. was the resignation of Curran, hours late, due to inclement three hours so that as many men complete breakdown in the The Atlantic Refining seamen followed by a decisive vote in the weather at sea, will not make her as possible would be available to NMU's servicing of its member­ now Jiave another chance to re­ MFOWW and MEBA to abstain regularly scheduled departure to­ give out the throwaways. view their position. They have from active participation in the ship. morrow, it has been announced It is already an established rejected communism in the labor affairs of the so-called Committee Paul Hall, New York Port for Maritime Unity. by the line. Agent, read a message from the fact that the unlicensed seamen movement; and if they are sin­ Curran's move, which came as Cancellation of this week's UFE requesting the assistance of of the Isthmian Steamship Com­ cere in wishing to organize into a bolt from the blue, has had farpany have voted for the Seafar­ sailing was made to permit an­ the Seafarers, and also read into an honest union, they can vote to reaching repurcussions. ers aa their bargaining agent, and nual inspection of the vessel by the record a telegram from Frank come into the SIU as a group The commies in the NMU, led the Coast Guard. The Washing­ Fenton, AFL Director of Organi­ now comes the news that the by Stack, McKenzie, and Smith, without losing their legal bar­ ton will resume her weekly sail­ zation, stating that anything the company union won in the At­ gaining rights. (Continued on Page 3) ings Feb. 22. SIU could do in this matter lantic Refining election. SlU Takes To Streets To Aid AFL Financial Employees NMU Loses To Company Union In Atlantic Refining Election George Washington Cancels Departure For C.G. Inspection •••TC. .li.r v..'::;-. CMU, Repudiated By Three Unions, VotesTo Disband �Page Two THE SE AF ARERS LOG Friday. February 14, 1947 SEAFARERS LOG Published Weekly by the SEAFARERS INXERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Gulf District Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor At 51 Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y. HAnover 2-2784 t, % HARRY LUNDEBERG ------- Vresideni 105 Market Street, San Francisco, Calif. JOHN HAWK Secy-Trcas. p. O. Box 25, Bowling Green Station, New York, N. Y. Entered as second class matter June 15, 1945, at the Post Office in New York, N. Y., imder the Act of August 24, 1912. GEORGE NOVICK, Editor They Also Served There's more than one way to skin a cat! And there's mere than one way to build a strong union. During the recent strike of the Seafarers Interna ticnal Union tliere were a number of men who stood picket duty and prevented the many companies from finking out on runs. These men deserve a lot of credit, and the Strike Clearance Card they all carry is proof that they have done tlieir duty as good union men. * But what of the men who were at sea when the action was taking place? Many of these men were in foreign ports where strike action is mutiny, and does not help out the cause of the Union. And quite a few of them were on unorganized ships as volunteer organizers. In the SIU, volunteer organizer means just what it savs. Nobody can force a man to ship out on an unor­ ganized ship. The men who do so ask for the job so that they can spread the word of the SIU to seamen who would not otherwise hear of the advantages of the Seafarers' brand of unionism. Hospital Pfltients When entering the hospital notify the delegate by post­ card, giving your name and the number of your ward. By militant action and by organizing the unorganized the SIU has become the strongest seamen's union on the waterfront. Remember, it took men on the picketline, and men on the lousy rustbuckets to bring the SIU to where it now is. That's the way it is, so don't look down your nose at the guy who wasn't on the picketline in September, 1946. He may have been doing an important job on Isthmian or on a tanker End Of The Road There's a lot more comfort along the waterfront these days. Not because of anything that is happening in Wash­ ington, where the red-tape experts are busfly trying to throttle labor, but because the red-tinged Committee for .Maritime Unity has finally shut its doors for good; From the time the CMU first started, it was easy to-see that a little trouble would'scuttle the whole or­ ganization. It's not that unity on the waterfront is not important, it's just that honest, working, seamen could not see unity in a group that included all the commie sellout-artists from way back. And they weren't wrong. In quick order the MFOWW and. the MEBA were sold down the river to increase the prestige of Harry Bridges, commie grand com­ missar of the American waterfront. So the Committee for. Maritime Unity,, cursed by be­ ing the arm by which the commies hoped to dominate the U. S. waterfront, fades away, and- t^ere is not a voice raised in protest. The only comforting fact about the whole situation, is that the CMU came to an end before it could do any more damage to tile just objectives of s?.vmen. than it- already has. Staten Island Hospital Men Now In The Marine Hospitals These are the Union Brothers currently in the marine hospitals, as reported by the Port Agents. These Brothers find time hanging heavily on their hands. Do what you can to cheer them up by writ­ ing to them. BALTIMORE HOSPITAL CHARLES SIMMONS CASIMIR. HONOROWSKI CARSON McCOY^ THEODORE. BABKOWSKI THEODORE CARROLL JOHN DUKO JULIUS MORGAN BARNEY HENKIN MATHEW CARSON PETER LOPEZ FRANCIS O'BRIEN CLYDE MILLER GALVESTON HOSPITAL OLSEN BENNETT GALANE R. V. JONES HUTGHENSON STAEINZ MILKE FLESHER' AKIN GRAVES BREASHAR KOW LIM SAN JUAN HOSPITAL JUAN OLIVER WALTER JORGENSON RAYMOND SAUDERS R. ARMSTRONG P. FELICIANO R. SEIFO 4- 4- S* STATEN ISLAND HOSPITAL C. BONAFONT R. G. MOSSELLER J. S. WOOD W. G. H. BAUSE H. BELCHER L. L. MOODY E. D. MILLER C. KOLSTE. R. POWELL M. MORRIS L. A. CORNWALL JOE LEWIS M. J. QUINN G. LUETH NEW vORLEANS HOSPITAL W. HEMPEL D. McDUFFIE You can contact your Hos­ pital' delegate at the Staten Island Hospital at the follow­ ing times: Tuesday —1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 5th and 6ih floors) Thursday—1:30 to 3:30 pjm. (on 3rd and 4th floors.) Saturday —1:30 to 3:3(1 pjot. (on. 1st. and 2nd floors.) V. FREDERIKSEN ROBERT MULHOLLAND EDWARD CUSTER KAY SCIIERREBECK. W. LEWIS V. NORRGARD H. ECHEVARIA JOHN O'DONOHUE CENTRAL MASON STEVE MOGAN ROBERT B; WRIGHT JACINTO NAVARRO O. M, STIREWALT JOHN RETOUR J. W. DENNIS W. BROCE, Jr. A. F. SMITHART ^ » 3^ BRIGHTON HOSPITAL E. JOHNSTON H. SWIM G. VICKERY R. ALBA-NESE G. GILLAN R. LORD J. ESPENSHADE �THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, Febraury 14, 1947 Page Three Membership Is The Only Victim In Power Struggle Within NMU By EARL SHEPPARD By JOSEPH VOLPIAN Lately there has sprung up a little racket by the steamship companies, in cooperation with the Coast Guard and War Ship­ ping Administration, which has just come to our attention. It should be of great interest to our membership. Some time ago, a .Steward signed on a ship and, as is usual, he was supplied with bed linen to be distributed when and as needed. During the course of the voyage, which incidentally was a shuttle run between England, France and Belgium, which last­ ed over eight months, quite a bit of Ihe linen disappeared. The linen locker had been broken into several times and the Steward himself, during the course of the trip, was hos­ pitalized for about eight or nine days and was off the ship com­ pletely. At the time of the discharge, the company refused to pay him off and he was sent to the Coast Guard for trial. He was not charged with taking the linens himself, but was charged with negligence in failing to report the •fact that the linen was missing. At the trial, this man did not have a lawyer and, despite the fact that the Master admitted that the Steward had reported missing stores on several occa­ sions, and despite the fact that he was off the ship for some time and other people had access to the linen locker, he was found guilty. SIGNED RELEASE He then went to the Shipping Commissioner's office and signed a mutual release and was given a voucher by the Commissioner to present to the company, to be paid off. This voucher called for the full amount of wages and bonus, less his draws. When he presented the voucher to the company, they refused to pay him except on the condition that he allow the company to take off $537.00 from his pay. He refused to do this, but fin­ ally was forced to permit this because he was broke and he had a family to maintain which re­ moved the case from the hands of the Union. He then went to an attoimey who communicated with the com­ pany and its attorneys and tried to dispose of the matter amicably. However, with no success. ARBITRATION After much stalling, the com­ pany consented to an arbitration before Captain Rylander, the Shipping Commissioner, for the Port of New York and there with the seaman represented by coun­ sel and the big shots from the company and their lawyer, an arbitration proceeding was held and several days later Captain Rylander handed down his de­ cision awarding the money that was unlawfully taken by the com­ pany, to the seaman. The Com­ missioner based his decision upon the following reasons: 1. The linen was not in his (the Steward's) continuous custody especially for a per­ iod of about eight days when he was in the hospital and not on the ship. 2. The linen locker was broken into a number of times by persons unknown. 3. The linen locker was unsuited for the purpose by being in the crew's quarters, easily accessible and easily forced. The Mate furnished locks a number of times for this locker but the neces­ sary repairs for security were not made. 4. The mutual release signed by the Master and the seaman should have been honored and the seaman paid his wages in full after which an agreement could have been reached for an adjust­ ment of this shortage. According to the law as inter­ preted by the Supreme Court of the United States, a seaman is not an insurer of the stores or tools left in his custody. He is only responsible when he will­ fully takes or destroys this prop­ erty. We believe this decision hand­ ed down by the Shipping Com­ missioner will put the brakes on this budding racket. The word "union," used to de­ scribe an economic organization of workers, is one of the most grossly misused word in the Eng­ lish language. The company associations, founded and maintained by the Standard Oil, Tidewater Associ­ ated, Sun Oil, Atlantic Refining and others, are being treated generously when they are called "company unions." The truth of the matter is that the National Manufacturers As­ sociation comes much nearer be­ ing a union, inasmuch as it at least unites one specific group, the employers, in the defense of their particular interests. Another misuse of the word i^ when it is applied to organiza­ tions completely dominated by racketeers or political groups. In this type of organization "democracy" is only a word and freedom of expression unknown. The members of such organiza­ tions are slaves and the organi­ zations to which they belong can only be classed as "captive un­ ions." The great and important dif­ ference between these and the "company unions" is that slaves can, and frequently do, revolt. To build our own union, the Seafarers, we had to first rid ourselves of the domineering la­ bor fakers who rode our backs for many years. Today we see a revolt taking place in the NMU, a revolt that goes much deeper than differ­ itself to the task of becoming ences between Curran and Stack, strong so that it may continue to or communists and anti-com­ organize and grow even though munists. the NMU destroys itself. The NMU has been a "captive AGAINST BETRAYAL union" almost since its incep­ The real revolt in the NMU is tion, a captive of a small group the revolt of the rank and file of smelly piecards operating un­ against both the Currans and der the tutelage and direction of Stacks and the phony policies the communist party. they have pursued. These are the policies that have Regardless of how much one kept the wages and conditions of may sympathize with the current the NMU below the level of the pronouncements of Curran, Stone, Lawrenson, and company, Seafarers, that have kept the it is waterfront history that they NMU in the position of chasing cracked the communist whip for the bus that has passed. The policy of the NMU misten years alongside their present enemies Stack, Myers, McKenzie, leaders has always been to get contracts at any cost, and to hell and the other Moscow stooges. The whole history of the NMU with wages and conditions. In is filled with such fights for 1939 they traded away waterpower, from the days of the "Mar­ tenders for a Lykes Brothers' iners Club" to the present CMU contract. In 1940 and 1941 they labelled debacle. the fight for war bonuses as The membership of the NMU, "barking at the moon" (Frederthe seamen as a whole and all or, , , ,, ... . ick "Blacky" Myers own words) ganized labor, are the victims of i , • j .i. i. f, . T ' and only received the bonus after this struggle for power. the Seafarers had struck and The shipowner is the only one 'who benefits, for such chaos and In 1940 they distributed a pam­ disunity can lead only to the phlet called "The Yanks are not ultimate wrecking of , the union coming" and then in 1941 when , and the throwing of a large group of unorganized seamen on the l ^ . immediate American intervenBad conditions and low wages' will follow as sure as darkness All of this is history and has follows light. been told and retold. It is the For that reason and to protect fore and aft policy against which the interests of all seamen, NMU the NMU membership has form­ as well as SIU, the Seafarers re­ ed the resentment which is now fuses to take part in the NMU materializing in open revolt. leadership squabbles, and devotes The big question is: "What is the NMU policy today, and does it differ essentially from that of the past?" POLICY OF CONFUSION The only difference is that in the past the NMU. leadership were united on an aggressive pol­ In line with the policy of com­ sistant secretary of labor, John icy of betrayal, while today they pursue a defensive policy of con­ plete support by the SIU to the Gibson. So far he has been unsuccess­ fusion. Regardless of how thick strike, Paul Hall, SIU New York ful, but the union spokesman ex­ or thin you slice it, however, it's Port Agent, has sent a telegram pects the pressure being brought the same old communist "rule to Mayor O'Dwyer, (see below) to bear by these groups will ef­ or ruin" tactic. uring him to use his good offices fect a break of some kind in The Isthmian elections are a classic example of this policy. to effectuate a settlement of the Bushey's finky tactics. Due to the solid backing the Beaten decisively in the bargaindispute. Shipyard Workers have in this | ing election, the NMU leaders are William J. McCaffrey, interna­ beef, no one has attempted to ^ today holding up Seafarers—Isthtional representat ive of the cross the picketlines since their mian negotiations with phony lUMSWA has reported that the installation, and the only ship to | claims of "collusion," thereby de­ latest efforts to bring about a leave is one of Bushey's own frauding hundreds of Isthmian seamen of the right of union repmeeting have come from the as­ tankers. scntation. The CMU bastard raid on the ILA and the American-Pacific Co. Coos Bay affair were frantic gestures of a dying dynasty. The following is the text of the telegram sent to Mayor By clinging to the heels of the O'Dwyer by the Seafarers International Union in behalf of SIU in the general maritime the striking CIO Shipbuilders, Local 13 of the lUMSWA: strike, they managed to revive The Seafarers Inlernafional Union of North America, themselves somewhat, but their affiliated with the AFL. is strongly urging you to exercise desperate rule or x'uin policy your good offices in trying to effectuate a settlement in the came out again as the true role labor dispute existing between Local 13 of the Industrial of the CMU power clique was ex­ Union of Marine and Shipbuilding Workers of America— posed. CIO and the Ira S. Bushey and Sons Company of Brooklyn. RUSSIA FIRST As long as Russia needed oil, This anti labor company has refused all attempts of the dating back long befoi-e Ameri­ U.S. Maritime Commission. U.S. Conciliation Service, and ca's entry into the war, they left various other agencies which have tried to mediate the the tankers alone, neglecting to strike, now in its ninth day. In addition, the Bushey Com­ negotiate contracts with com­ pany is in open defiance of an NLRB order certifying the panies in which they had been CIO Shipbuilding Workers Union as the sole bargaining certified and selling out to Stand­ agency for the shipyard employes of this company. ard Oil Company in the 1939 tan­ Our union is vitally interested in seeing the Bushey ker strike. Company recognize the lUMSWA, and sit down with them Suddenly, however, when the at the bargaining table in good faith to negotiate a union SIU has succeeded in partially or­ contract. We are backing the Shipbuilding Workers in this ganizing such companies as Cities beef one hundred percent, as we know that their strike Service, Tidewater Associated, against Bushey is a just one, and we intend to keep on sup­ Mathiasen Tankers Inc., and porting them in their fight until it is successfully won. others, they appear on the scene with their shysters and enter a (signed)PAUL HALL, Seafarers International Union. CIO Shipbuilders Keep Picketlines Solid; Seafarers Sends Wire To Mayor O'Dwyer NEW YORK, Feb. 13—As the strike against the Ira S: Bushey and Sons shipyard in Brooklyn enters its third week, the twentyfour hour a day picketlines of the CIO Shipyard Workers, Lo­ cal 13, remain firm in the strug­ gle for recognition and a union contract. So far, Bushey, who has a finky anti-labor record, has re­ fused to meet with the Shipyard Workers, NLRB certified bar­ gaining agent for the 500 em­ ployees, or any other group try­ ing to effect a settlement. The United States Conciliation Service has been unable to bring about a meeting, and likewise the committee appointed by Mayor O'Dwyer has had no suc­ cess. CMU, Repudiated. Votes To Dissolve (Continued from Page 1) have been iDrought out into the open, and the rank-and-file has lined up against them and the CMU. So overwhelming was this feel­ ing that the NMU Executive Council, dominated by commun­ ists, would not allow the member­ ship to vote on whether or not to continue affiliation. The truth about the organ­ ization, as published in the Sea­ farers Log, and the fact that the CMU did not in any way advance the cause of working seamen, were the deciding factors in forc­ ing the combine to give up the ghost. Text Of Telegram To Mayor (Continued on Page 8) '• 7^'.: ii-ijiixi'xs'fj- \-r '.v*. ' ' - �Page Four THE SEAFARERS LOG The Patrolnien Say— WHAT Another One-Man Crew ttmiiK.,. QUESTION: "^Vhat has been your experience in sailing on unorganized ships? ANTONIO GONZALES, Bosun: RICHARD EGAN, FWT: As a rule I found conditions on unorganized ships below the SIU standards. There was practically no overtime, and the officers had no idea that sefunen should be treated decently. Mostly we had to be careful of tcdking unionism because the officers were eager to fire all union men. When we explained what the SIU could do for seamen, the unlicensed seamen were glad to sign up in our Union. Plenty of officers were converted, too. when they found that the SIU had helped in the fight for officers' conditions also. Unorganized ships have no sup­ port in their beefs, and the com­ pany can do anything they, want to with an unorganized crew. On the unorganized ships I've sailed on, overtime was unheard of, and conditions were like something out of the old book. Most people are easy to talk to about union­ ism, but there are always a couple of company stiffs to make things difficult. But even these guys have to give up when you contrast the difference between union conditions and non-union conditions. WILLIAM MEAGHER. Asst. Electrician: CARL SENARGHI, DM: Sailing on an unorganized ship was just like I had heard. Sea men had nothing to say about beefs, and the officers acted like tin Gods. The food was okay at the start, but towards the end of the voyage it became worse and worse. Most of th'e men on board were pro-SIU, but what con­ vinced them that all seamen need a strong union was that when a beef came up we just couldn't do anything about it. It will be a happy day for seamen when these anti-union companies are forced to bargain with the SIU. What struck me most on an un­ organized ship was that the men had no idea how conditions could change as a result of belonging to a union. They accepted things as they were, and they thought that I was fooling them when I told them that the SIU would back them up and fight for them. When they found out that the SIU had the power to go to bat for the unlicensed members, these non-union men saw the light. The SIU record was also a big factor in inducing men to join our Union and fight for sea­ men. Tampa AFL Unions Take Lead Against Anti-Labor City Heads By SONNY SIMMONS '• TAMPA—The Central Trades Council of Tampa now has a new President, Brother Oscar Blood• worth of the Office Worker's Union. We are sure that Broth­ er Bloodworth will do a good job in carrying on the good work of^ the local council. - The esteemed Mayor of this town, who is pretty well-famed for his general finky attitude, re­ cently took it on himself to at­ tempt to balance his cockeyed budget by decreeing a ten per­ cent tax on all public utilities. A true friend of organized la­ bor who has always been in the •forefront of all labor battles in this area. Brother Frank Diez, head of the Cigar Workers Union, threw a monkey wrench in the Mayor's plan by instituting a pe­ tition campaign to force the question to a vote. All AFL. Labor in Tampa is busy getting signatures and the seamen are doing their part. Brother Diez has shown that labor is on the *move in Tampa and will not submit to the man­ euvers of the politicians. PHONY PRESS The local press, as usual, is eulogizing the Mayor and trying to picture him as a world savior, cr a little Tom Watson. This is part of the general antilabor campaign, but .organized labor is in the fight to.the finish. and will buck the Mayor and his .schemes so long as he continues to serve the bosses as he has done with everything from dictator de­ crees to the police force. Judge Parker ruled against the Teamsters and the Cab Drivers in their strike, and all the bosses' forces in the city are trying to smash them. Regardless of all the difficulties, however, they are carrying on the fight and the en­ tire labor movement is support­ ing them. GOOD SHIPPING Tampa got its share of the cold weather wave, but, at the worst, it is still a lot more comfortable here than anywhere north of Hatteras. In addition to the good weather we always have the sit­ uation is improved now with good shipping. The Waterman scow, Erek Hopkins, the South Atlantic, Southland and the Bull Line, Evelyn were in, and five more ships are due this week—which perks things up considerably. As a result of labor's determ­ ined stand, the Mayor and his anti-labor crowd are growing a little union-shy and are awaken­ ing to the fact that unless they quit their anti-labor activities they are damn liable to be expoliticiaris after the next election. Tampa labor is going to fight this battle to a finish. Distress Signal A campaign is now under way to bring about installation of the latest and most effective lifesaving apparatus aboard all mer­ chant vessels. Sponsor of the move is the British National Un­ ion of Seamen, which is utilizing every possible means to publi­ cize the need for safety measures at sea. At the recent meeting of the British Trade Union Congress in Brighton, the seamen's unk)ri demonstrated a new parachute distress signal-for ship's lifeboats; Sent up against a background of heavily overcast night skies; the rocket soared- to a height of 1500 feet and was easily visible two miles out at sea. It was revealed later that the signal had been seen as far as 25 miles away. Constructed so that it is not affected by dampness or direct contact with salt water, the locket is thrown into the sea a few tyards from the life-boat. It then ignites automatically and is pro­ jected 1500 feet above the life boat, throwing off an illumina­ tion of 150,000 candle-power. Similar . demonstrations have been staged in Norway, Sweden and the United States, and the NoFW«gian government has al­ Friday, February 14, 1947 ready approved the apparatus for installation on its ships. The British seamen's union hopes to effect a statute requiring all British ships to carry the lifesaving ^partus. i a- t Welfare Fund Prospects for a government sponsored welfare fund for sick and injured Norwegian seamen appear favorable. A bill provid­ ing for the establishment of a welfare committee and a welfare fund for seamen is now before the Nprwegian Parliament. Contributions to the fund would be 240 ore per year for every insured seamen serving aboard a Norwegian ship, with the State providing 120 ore, and the shipowners and seamen con­ tributing 60 ore each. The bill provides further for a special welfare committee to ad­ minister the fund. It is to be ap­ pointed for a period of three years and will comprise repre­ sentatives of the Government, shipowners and seafarers. Additional details as to rules for membership in the fund, method of payment, etc., will be decided upon, as. soon as the bill has been passed. Payment of the benefits would start as of Jan. 1, 1947. NEW YORK—Last week's Log had a story of the Mate aboard the Loop Knot who was a oneman deck department. Well, I've found his brother. When I went aboard the Nampa Victory last week, I found the Mate busy as a beaver and the crew up in arms. Just as with the character aboard the Loop Knot this guy was acting as Bosun, AB, and at times, OS. I could see right away that he needed straightening out. Un­ fortunately, however, the books were closed and I could not offer him membership in the SIU. Nevertheless, due to his un­ tiring efforts we collected a little overtime for work he did on deck, such as Carpenter work, etc. HE LEARNED He didn't like it at all wlien the dough went into the pockets of the men who were supposed to do the work, but he can write it up as experience. I found the Old Man to be just as bad. He couldn't understand why a s-Mcssman should be paid overtime for serving meals in his room. Also, for better than a week, he had instructed the Messman to make up' the rooms of the Second Mate and Second Assis­ tant after hours. After a little discussion he saw the light, and all overtime was collected. The only casualties of the whole operation were my ears, which are still ringing from his pained yells. Whatta voice! James Purcell 3» 4- 4" Cheap Skates Several of the steamship com­ pany purchasing agents have cut requisitions on their own hook, and h.ave taken to sending in­ ferior food to the ships. This means that unless the Steward is on the ball the ship will sail short of food, and the quality of the food will be very poor. The Steward is responsible for the quality and quantity of food aboard the ship, and if he finds it is not up to par, he should notify the Hall so the situation can be straightened out in a minimum of time. Don't let the chiseling purchas­ ing agents make your trip a nightmare. The Union has fought hard and long for decent condi­ tions, and that includes food. So keep on the ball and make sure that there is good food aplenty on board before the ship leaves the dock. Howard Guinier Ray Gonzales 4> 4> Mercy Visit DETROIT—I went out to the Marine Hospital last Tuesday and among the patients in the hospital we have Sisters Mabel "Waldon, Countergirl on the Greater Detroit last season and Florence MacDonald, pantry girl on the Cleveland HI for the past three seasons. They are getting along fine, and have plenty of time to swap opinions on the D & C waterfront situation. Withholding statements from the D & C Company are expected to be sent out from the company's offices Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 3rd & 4th. —Herb Miller �Fridar' Febrauxy 14, 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Five Events Of A Busy Week In N. O. Afier an eight-month trip, the Alcoa Pegasus came in clean and in good condition. Here she is discharging her load of bauxite to lighters in the Mississippi River. Most of the crewmembers said that the trip was uneventful, and that the food was swell. The payoff was no trouble either, and the men were well satisfied over a good trip and a satisfactory payoff. It's pretty had to get the crew to pose when they have been paid off and they are waiting to enjoy liberty in New Orleans. The photographer prevailed on them to stand still for a moment, and this is the result. Standing, left to right, G. LaBrecque, A. G. Home, W. E. Duck. W. F. Helms, G. F. Bischoff, and R. Barger. Kneeling are A. Rathbone and J. Miller. Same story with the Black Gang. They're in a hurry to spend some of that hard earned money, too. In the usual order, H. L. Wold, E. Osborne, J. Di Orio, C. B. Moody, and J. Hicarvet. Ricarvet is holding up a piece of bauxite. Gathered around this table, SlU and Company officials hammer out 15,000 hours overtime for the crew on the first voyage of the SS Del Norte, Mississippi Steamship Company. Quarters for the Stewards Department are also to be enlarged so that more hands can be carried in that Department. Left to right around the table, Scotty Findley, Deck Delegate; Red Gibbs, Patrol­ man; Mike Early, Jim Richards, and E. W. Lisbony, Mississippi SS Company; Steely White, New Orleans Agent; Farrell Winborne, First Mate, and Dick Birmingham, Patrolman. Here are a few of the men who were responsible for the high standard of food aboard the Alcoa Pegasus. In the middle is B. A. Muslo. Second Cook. To the left and right of him are W. B. Zaunseil, Chief Steward and J. Groeschner, Utility. The James Duncan also hit New Orleans recently. Directly above is a picture of the Engine Department and at the right are some other crewmembers, including at least one from the Stewards Department. Above, from left to right. J. Falasca, S. Belich. L. Borrego, M. McCarthy, M. McKay, and E. Pease. At the right, in the usual order. D. Strelow, F. Behan, J. Johnson. B. Guthrie. W. Liebers, H. Karlson, S. Stephens, and K. Liebers. K. Liebers looks like the only Stewards Department man in the picture, but we could be wrong. �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Six Friday, February 14, 1947 Report Of NLRB Regional Director UNITED STATES OF AMERICA BEFORE THE NATIONAL LABOR RELATIONS BOARD SECOND REGION In the Matter of ISTHMIAN STEAMSHIP CO. and SEAFARERS' INTERNATION­ AL UNION, AFL Case No. 2-R-6030 REPORT ON OBJECTIONS miss this portion of the Com­ TWO OF MANY pany's objections. The Board in its Order Direct­ ing Election provided that all un­ licensed personnel in eligible classifications employed aboard vessels owned and/or operated by the Company whether as gen­ eral agent for the War Shipping Administration or as owner were eligible to cast ballots in the elec­ tion. In view of this, the under­ signed finds no merit in the Company's contention that em­ ployees aboard vessels operated by the Company as general agent are ineligible. The Company in its objections also alleges that the following vessels were acquired since Jan­ uary 18, 1946 through purchase of bareboat charter but, despite this fact, the Board did not per­ mit the unlicensed seamen serv­ Left toi right are Bill Brown, and Jack Giller. two of the ing on these vessels to vote in many SIU ; members who volunteered to sail Isthmian during the election. jhe campaign to organize this company. Both put in many Steel Artisan; Sea Cardinal; months on that job, and their efforts were certainly worthwhile, Marine Arrow; Sea Shark; Belle as the count in the election proved. White caps off to these of the Seas; Oriental; Pampero; militant Seafarers! Sirocco. Twin Falls Victory; Richard AI- pany counsel, submitted a list Cape Catoche; Cape Domingo; Cape Elizabeth; Cape Friendship; vey; James W. Cannon; George of unlicensed personnel in the Cape John; Cape Meredith; Cape B. Chamberlain; Harry Glucks- deck, engineering and stewards' Sandy. man; Harry Lindsley; Harold I. departments who on March 18, Thomas Sim Lee; Aram J. Pratt; James Turner; James D. 1946, were serving aboard all the vessels which were then owned Pothier; William Tilgham; Alle­ Trask. The Company, through its and/or operated by the Company. gheny Victory; Citadel Victory; Buoyrus Victory; Legion Victory; counsel, refused to supply the The date of eligibility under the Longview Victory. dates on which the above listed Board's Order Directing Elec­ Marquette Victory; Minot Vic­ vessels were acquired by the tion is March 18, 1946. Unlicensed tory; Oberlin Victory; San An- Company. However, on April 4, personnel aboard all of the ves­ 1946, A. V. Cherbonnier, Com­ sels listed on the April 4, 1946, gelo Victory; Trinity Victory. On January 14, 1947 the Na­ tional Martime Union, CIO, here­ inafter referred to as the NMU, and the Isthmian Steamship Company, hereinafter referred to as the Company, filed objections to conduct affecting the results of the election held during the period March 20, 1946 to Novem­ ber 18, 1946, pursuant to an Or­ der Directing Election of the National Labor Relations Board, hereinafter referred to as the Board, dated March 19, 1946, and an Order Amending Direction of Elections dated April 18, 1946, and a Further Order Amending Direction of Elections dated Oc­ tober 17, 1946 the results of which were set forth in a Revised Tally of Ballots issued January 9, 1947. Pursuant to the Board's Rules and Regulations, Section 203.55 the undersigned hereby issues his Report on Objections. The Company alleges that sea­ men employed aboard vessels managed by the Isthmian Steam ­ ship Company as agent for the War Shipping Administration, and/or the U. S. Maritime Com­ mission, are not employees of the discussing this concrete evidence (Continued from Page 1) Company but are employees of who refused to accept one, and of union solidarity. the United States and that the many people came back for more, Appreciation of the work done U. S. Maritime Commission with­ stating that they wanted to make by the Seafarers was voiced by drew the vessels listed below sure that others in their office M. David Keefe, President of Lo­ from agency management by the would receive the message. cal 205, in a letter to Paul Hall Company, notwithstanding which The narrow streets in the finan­ after the distribution had been the Board permitted the unli­ cial area were clogged with completed. censed seamen serving thereon to people reading the circulars and Brother Keefe characterized vote in the election: Alamo Victory; Hubert Howe Bancroft; James L. Breck; Wil­ liam N. Byers; Claremont Vic­ WHAT GOOD IS COLLECTIVE BARGAINING? tory; John Constantino; Peter V. These are fundamental questions that must now be answered Daniels; Francis Drake. by every employe in the financial industry. A time for decision William Eaton; Edmund Fan­ is approaching. The issues are swinging out into the open. You ning David Dudley Field, Gabriel must face them honestly now, for sooner or later you will Franchere; Hawkins Fudske; have to choose sides. Stephen Girard; William GlackThe Seafarers International Union of North America. AFL, ens; Grainer Victory; William B. has already chosen sides. Ogden; Michael Pupin. We're supporting the UFE in its drive to win recognition Sea Fiddler; Sea Flasher; Sea from the die-hard employers in the brokerage business. Phoenix; Sea Scorpion; William D. Hoard; James Ives. THE SIU HAS LEARNED Anson Jones; Thomas Kearns; We know how good a Union is! We remember the Mary A.. Livermore; Norman E. days when seamen were shanghaied and made to endure untold Mack; Mandon Victory; Horace hardships. We remember when seamen stood long, weary Mann. watches for short pay, and with intolercLble living conditions. Winthrop L. Marvin; W. W. Today, our ships are clean and comfortable. Our working McCrackin; Samuel Mclntyre; conditions are regulated. Our pay is adequate, and is guaran­ Joacquin Miller; Francisco Morateed by our Union contracts. zan; J. Sterling Morton. These changes were won by a strong Union! Nicaragua Victory; Ocean Tele­ UFE HAS LEARNED, TOO graph; John Barton Payne; Clerical employes are taking the long way home. But. George Read; George Uhler; Hor­ wherever they have charted their course to win Union recogni­ ace Wells; William Whipple; tion, they have scored substantial improvements. UFE has Frank Wiggins. achieved contract gains in wages of 68.5% in three contracts The Company, through its covering Exchange units. counsel, refused to supply the Today, strengthened by its AFL affiliation, UFE is pre­ dates on which the above listed pared to extend similar benefits to its brokerage units and to vessels, were, in fact, withdrawn ALL employes in the industry who join with it. by the U. S. Martime Commission from agency management by the YOU NEED A UNION Company. On the basis of data Collective bargaining will correct the inequities of inade­ supplied by U. S. Martime Com­ quate base pay, uncertain overtime, and the total lack of job mission it is clear that the above .•security which plague your business. listed vessels were all under The SIU, AFL, stands four-squared behind the UFE, AFL, agency management by the Com­ in effecting its program. Join UFE today with complete con­ pany both on March 18, 1946 (the fidence. eligibility date set herein) and This was published and distributed by the Seafarers In­ on the dates when all of the ships ternational Union as a gesture of fraternal cooperation with: and each of them were ballotted. Local 205, OEIU, AFL The undersigned therefore recommends that the Board dis­ 40 Exchange PJ., Room 306 New York 5, N. Y. SIU Distributes 25,000 Leaflets For UFE What Good Is A Union? the UFE campaign to organize banking employes as an "uphill fight," but stated that with the cooperation of the SIU, "now we know we cannot lose." The text of the letter follows: Mr. Paul Hall Director of Organization Seafarers Int'l Union Dear Brother Hall: Today's SIU distribution in .behalf of the United Financial Employees, AFL, had an elec­ trifying effect. Every member of our organ­ ization is deeply grateful for' the whole-hearted cooperation that the SIU is extending to our effort. Our cause is a just one. It has been a dirty, up­ hill fight, but now we know we cannot lose. On behalf of our member­ ship, our officers and myself, I wish to extend to you and to your membership, our sincere thanks and appreciation for your support. Fraternally yours, M. David Keefe, Pres., United Financial Emplpyees Local 205, OEIU, AFL For a long time office workers have been among the most poorly paid employees. The rise of the UFE has been spontaneous, and it has grown steadily since first making its appearance^ Even the threats and coercion of the banking interests has not been able to stymie the union, and where contracts have been won, the workers have acheived worth-while gains in wages and conditions. The CIO Office Workers Union has declined steadily since the AFL entered the field, and with the support of the Seafarers, of­ ficials' of the UFE look forward to many new contracts in the near future. communication participated in the election. It therefore appears that the vessels listed in the Company's objections were ac­ quired subsequent to the date of eligibility. The Company has shown nothing to the contrary. The undersigned therefore re­ commends that this portion of the Company's objections be dis­ missed. INCLUDED STEWARDS The Company, in its objec­ tions, also contends that the Board erred in including chief stewards, who are allegedly su­ pervisory employees, in the bar­ gaining unit. The Board had pre­ viously considered this issue, which was raised before the Trial Examiner at the formal hearing held on the petition, but never­ theless directed that chief stew­ ards be included in the bargain­ ing unit. The undersigned there­ fore recommends that this objec­ tion be dismissed. The NMU in its objections al­ leges, in substance, that prior to and following the date of the for­ mal hearing on the petition the Company aided and assisted the Seafarers' International Union of North America, AFL, hereinafter referred to as the SIU, by enter­ ing into an argument with the SIU personnel and deny employ­ ment to members of the NMU, for the purpose of insuring that the SIU obtain a majority of votes cast in the election and that pursuant to such agreement the Company discriminated against against NMU by discharging and refusing to employ NMU mem­ bers. The NMU further alleges that both before and after the commencement of the election the Company ,through its super­ visory officials, had made known its preference for the SIU bx en­ couraging applicants for employ­ ment to become members of that organization and at the same time denied available employment to members of the NMU. INTERVIEW WITNESSES In support of its objections, the NMU has submitted numerous statements and affidavits. To date. Board personnel'have inter­ viewed, and received sworn state-, ments from, approximately 10 witnesses which present evidence raising a question of fact which can be resolved only extensive investigation or formal hearing. It is estimated that it will take from three to six months thoroughly to investigate all of the NMU's objections. This is based upon the Board's past ex­ perience in maritime cases with respect to the difficulty of obtain­ ing information from individuals who are often inaccessible be­ cause of absence at sea, as well as the fact that some of the in­ cidents referred to by the NMU allegedly occurred in numerous ports on the Atlantic, Gulf and West Coasts. Assuming a com­ plete and time-consuming ex parte investigation at this time, shiuld the Board find the said in­ vestigation disclosed substantial and material issues, a formal hearing would be necessary. Con­ siderable time must further elapse in order that- witnesses could again be made available for formal testimony and cross-ex­ amination by all parties. The undersigned must also take cognizance of the very sub­ stantial drain on the Board's limited funds which would flow from such proceedings. Of para­ mount importance, however, is 'he consideration that in repre(Continued on Page 9) �r T H E S 'E A F d R E'R S L O G Friday, Fabraury 14. mVT Page Seven Cliicago i^nt Follows A Hunch, Saves iSelf From Icy Vacation By HERBERT JANSEN CHICAGO—The usual practice here on the Lakes is for the Agent or Patrolman to ride the ijassenger ships on payday to square away the beefs, but if I had observed this custom I would not have been here to file my weekly report. I was up in Milwaukee to make the trip on the Milwaukee Clip­ per over to Muskegon, Michigan, but something told me that the Clipper would get over to the Michigan side of the Lake and there she would stay. Acting on the hunch 1 didn't make the trip but handled everything in Milwaukee, and just as I thought, the next day the company announced that the Clipper is on the other side of the Lake and in the ice, but solid. If 1 had made the trip 1 would have been on an involuntary va­ cation for three or four days. The Milwaukee Clipper oper­ ates between Milwaukee, Wis. and Muskegon, Mich., carrying new automobiles both ways, when she can get through the ice. During her summer run' she makes one and one-half trips daily carrying passengers and automobiles. Also running between these ports are the carferries which operate all year around. How­ ever, this is the first year since the war that the Clipper has been in service the whole year. ICE FIELD FORMED During a severe winter, like the one we are having now, a westerly, northwesterly, or a strong north wind blows all the ice that is formed over to the ALLTMIS ICE AMD KO BOURBON y Michigan side of Lake Michigan, forming an ice field, which has been known to extend out in the Lake about twenty miles, and have a thickness of over five feet. During the past few years the weather has not been so severe, but years ago it was nothing for ships to be stuck in the ice for weeks at a time. During a severe winter in the 20's, I worked on the SS Ala­ bama on a steady run between Chicago and Grand Haven, Mich­ igan. Right in the worst part of the winter we were stuck in the ice off Muskegon for two weeks. RUGGED FORTNIGHT It was a real rugged two weeks we spent aboard that old scow. She was a coal burner, carrying all kinds of freight, and after about seven days we ran oflt of coal and tobacco. For two days we were burning up the cargo to maintain steam and keep warm. With the cigarettes all gone, the fellows were hunting in all comers of the ship for butts they had tossed away, /ftter awhile we made up a concoction of straw and flavoring, and believe it or not it didn't taste too bad. After two days of this we were getting desperate, but we were saved when a supply of coal and cigarettes came out to us on a horsedrawn sled. We got a good head of steam up, and when the wind shifted • we dynamited our way out. RIGHT AT HOME Those were rough days and this winter brings such stories to mind again. If any of you broth­ ers have hankered to make a trip with a Byrd Expedition, you can get the same thing by coming up here and shipping on one of thesfe year-round Lakers. You'll have all the experiences of an expedi­ tion right here in the middle of the USA. We have received a report from the head of the C&B Lines that the City of Grand Rapids will remain a coal burner for the com­ ing season. We had heard she was switching to oil, which would not have been so good for us. If she had switched it would have meant the loss of twelve jobs to us and that's not good. NO NEWS?? Silence this week from the Branch Agents of the follow­ ing ports: CORPUS CHRISTI SAVANNAH CHARLESTON HOUSTON NORFOLK JACKSONVILLE BALTIMORE MARCUS HOOK The deadline for port re­ ports, monies due, etc., is the Monday proceeding publica­ tion. While every effort will be made to use in the current issue mEiterial received after that date, space commitments generally do not permit us to do so. Company Handouts Are Far Cry From Union Contract Conditions By HENRY W. CHAPPELL TOLEDO—Great Lakes District Officials are still busy working on our 1947 contracts. However, it is too early to give any infor­ mation as to their provisions. All seamen can rest assured that the new agreements will surpass any wages and conditions now in ef­ fect anywhere. In addition to higher wages and better conditions over the old contract, these new contracts will contain, of course, the usual pro­ visions guaranteed to union sea­ men that unorganized seamen still have to contend with. Rotary shipping, always a part of our contracts, will be con- Stormy Weather Does Not Slow Need For Rated Men In New York By JOE ALGINA NEW YORK—The weather up here is something that we should have had around Christmas time, but if we couldn't have a white Xmas, at least the snow now is not stopping our shipping. In fact, since the snow fell last week, business has picked up. That means that we are still hungry for rated men, and if there are some men on the beach in a port where shipping is slow, they should get in touch with the New York Hall and we can probably do something for them. There are more tankers in this port than ever before in my me­ mory. Dry cargo ships come in every day, and between the two groups of ships the Patrolmen are kept pretty much on the run. Waterman has started taking ships out of the boneyard, and as soon as they are ready for Retroactive Pay Seafarers writing to the be­ low-named companies for re­ troactive pay should address their communications as list­ ed: South Atlantic Steamship Company—Savannah Bank and Trust Bldg., Savannah, Ga. Mississippi Shipping Com­ pany — Hibemia Bank Bldg., New Orleans, La. Los Angeles Tankers — 365 West 7th Street, P. O. Box 380, San Pedro, Calif. Deconhil Tankers—311 Cali­ fornia Street, San Fran­ cisco, Calif. Pacific Tankers — 433 Cali­ fornia Street, San Fran­ cisco, Calif. service, there will be many more jobs up on the board. ORGANIZING PLANS Fred Farnen, Detroit Agent and Secretary-Treasurer of the Great Lakes District, and Henry Chappell, Toledo Agent, are here in New York planning strategy that will be used in the Great Lakes Drive which starts soon. They have been in conference with Brothei's Paul Hall and Bull Sheppard, and what they are cooking up will be of benefit to all Lakes seamen. Congress has appropriated an­ other $50,000 to investigate the Maritime Commission. If that keeps up, the investigation will cost more than the MC . wasted during the whole war. Sooner or later the stalling will have to come to an end, and when that happens there will be a story that the people of the United States will remember for a long time. It's going to embarrass a lot of people, but they played fast and loose with the taxpayers' money, and they deserve everything that happens to them. ANTI-LABOR LAWS Congress is also considering anti-labor bills by the score. It seems as though every Congress­ man has a different idea on how to handcuff labor and break the back of the working stiffs. But they all agree on one point, and that is to really stymie Ijie labor movement. They ought to force all Con­ gressmen to study history, and then they would be able to see for themselves what shackling labor means. They would learn that break­ ing up the labor movement in Italy, Germany, and Spain led to dictatorships in those countries, and that it took a bloody war to bring democracy back to two of them. It's a shame that the people who are supposed to represent us in Congress are not smart enough to learn from the mistakes of other lawmakers in other coun­ tries. TWANVCSI'LLPUTU , IN THE BANkJ tinued, thereby guaranteeing a job to the man most entitled to it. When a job is called into the Hall by the ship's delegate, it is posted on the board and the old­ est registered man gets it. No more of the old bootlicking and paying for jobs. No more do the good jobs go to the pets of a company stiff, nor is a berth gained by a ten» spot being handed to the right company man. JOB GUARANTEE All these phony tricks are elim­ inated and jobs are distributed democratically. No one in the SIU has to save a fin for a ship­ ping master, his job is guaran­ teed by the date on his card. On an SIU ship, as provided in our contracts, a Mate cannot fire a man in order to replace him with some relative or friend. This practice has been the rule for years on Lake Carrier ships and has been approved by the high officials of this association. Also, when a Mate or Engineer wants some work performed that calls for overtime, there can be no disputing the subject, as all duties and working hours are clearly defined in all SIU con­ tracts. The SIU strictly abides by all of its agreements and also insists that the company do likewise. When any welching is attempted by the ships' officers or company officials, then the SIU represen­ tatives step in and right the wrongs. STRIKE, LAST RESORT Our policy is to keep amicable relations with the company. We do not call a strike because some AB wants more water in his soup, as the shipowners would like un­ organized seamen to believe. Strikes are expensive both to the Union and the company, and are used as a last resort after every other channel for reaching accord has ben exhausted. If there is no other course open for seamen to gain their just de­ mands, and a strike becomes necessary, a democratic vote is held and the seamen decide if they want to hang the hook! The Union's membership de­ cides if a strike is to take place,, and a majority must be in favor of strike action. This is union democracy and the Seafarers' way of doing things. AdvlcR From Agent: Notify Hall As Soon As Your Ship Ties Up By EDDIE HIGDON PHILADELPHIA — Things are beginning to look up in the port of Philly. We've had four pay­ offs in five days and it looks like more are on the way. With the assistance of Brother Ernest Tilley, I've been covering most of the ships that come in here. Tilley is the former Pa­ trolman from Baltimore who is now holding down the same job here. We've been kept quite busy running around to the various ships for payoffs and such, and with Brother Tilley we handled everything right there at the point of production. . I can truthfully say that Bro­ ther Tilley is Baltimore's loss and Philly's gain, as he is a good man to have around when beefs are on the fire. We're still looking around for a bigger Hall, as on meeting nights only about half of the membership can get into the Hall. I've been scouting the town for a new location but as yet I have not found anything satisfactory. It seems that buildings of the type that we want are very scarce, but we will keep our scouts out and something will turn up eventually. Now that we are getting a lot of ships in here for payoffs, I'd like to ask the delegates of all ships hitting Philly to contact the Hall just as soon as they hit the dock. If they give us the name of the ship and whei-e she is tied up, we will hit the ship and square away the beefs, if any. It happens every once in a while that the boys do not. let us know when a ship hits port, and when the payoff comes along the Patrolman has to work his head off, or hold up the ship until all beefs are squared away. If the delegates let us know in advance, we can square away the beefs before the payoff and save time—and, what is more important, get the boys what is coming to them. �THE SE AF ARERS LOG Page Eight Friday, February 14, 1947 AMONG THE BEST Frisco Shipping Is Out Of Fog And Starts Humming Once Again By W. H. SIMMONS SAN FRANCISCO — The old Gold Coast has finally come out of the fog with things really on the hum again. Shipping is good and gaining right along. With things as they are now, I am a happy fellow with no beefs at all. I see that we now have a num­ ber of new faces appearing in the differeht Atlantic and Gulf Of­ fices. I want to take this oppor­ tunity to say "hello" to all of you new officials and hope to see you at the Agents' Conference. During the past ten days, we've had the Josiah Bartlett, Joe Marti and the Albert Burleson in for payoffs. Reports have it that Seattle, Portland and San Pedro have had a few payoffs too. I'd like to put in a word of praise for two organizers whom, I believe, most Isthmian crewmembers know and have had the pleasure of meeting many times in this port. They are Brother Ed Turner and Serge Nova, whose pictures appear on this page. These two men did a lot of good work during the recent Isth­ mian organizing drive, and de­ serve a hand for their untiring ef­ forts. Many thanks to the good work done by these two men. New Agent Gets Sun And Shipping Dope In San Juan By SALVADOR COLLS SAN JUAN—Having just left the icy climes of New York to assume the duties of Agent here in San Juan, I'm soaking up the Enchanted Island's sunshine with real appreciation. After reading the reports of the weather now being "enjoyed" in Pictured here, aboard Isthmian's Marine Robin when she New York, the warm breezes car­ stopped off at San Francisco, are (left to right) Thomas Smith, essing the Island are most en­ Ed Turner and Serge Nova. These Brothers are among San joyable. Francisco's top-notch organizers. The past two weeks have been tough ones for Brother Butts as he has had a lot of beefs, most of them on the Island ports. He re­ ports shipping as being very good during the past two weeks, but about 100 ships under the Sea­ any member desiring to act in has slowed down this week even farers' Banner. this drive can do so by contact­ though we have quite a few In order to make this driye a ing headquarters in Detroit, giv­ ships around. complete success, I am calling ing in detail their suggestions. SHOREGANG WORK All of the AFL waterfront I have requested from Head­ 6 _ unions in the Great Lakes Dis­ quarters an agreement for the trict have offered their coopera­ shoregang and as soon as I get tion, and I can see no reason it I will start working on it. why we cannot be successful in I am going to try my best to organizing all of the bulk freighters on the Great Lakes un­ get a better agreement as I see that the boys are very interested der the SIU. in these shoregang jobs, especial­ We know that each season the ly when shipping gets tough. SIU has set the wage standard on When I took over there were the Great Lakes and that the four ships in port, but I had no Lake Carriers have kept their lime to cover them as I was wages in proportion in order to checking our equipment. I'll be stop us from organizing. out there and on board the next We know that our working time these ships hit the Island. upon each and every member to conditions are the best in the in­ After looking over the Hall, I contribute in any way possible dustry, but in order for us to can report that the San Juan their assistance. make this drive successful each Branch doesn't have to take a The Organizers who are to be and every one of us must explain back seat to any other Hall, as it in charge in the various ports these facts to all the seamen on is as comfortable as could be have not all been selected, and the Great Lakes. found anywhere. Report Of The Great Lakes Secretary-Treasurer By FRED FARNEN BUCKO MATE On Saturday, January 22nd, your Secretary-Treasurer and Agent Herbert Jansen met with Brother Harry Lundeberg in Chicago to lay out an organiza­ tional program for the coming season on the Great Lakes. The following are the proposal^: Organizers will be placed in the various Lake Ports from Buf­ falo, New York, to Milwaukee, Wisconsin on or about March J 5th, to contact all ships during fit-out and to arrange meetings in these ports in order to en­ lighten the unoi-ganized seamen on the Great Lakes to the advan­ tages of sailing under an SIU contract. This drive will be paid for by our International and under the direction of Earl (Bull) Sheppard, By STANLEY WARES International Organizer, who was CLEVELAND — With winter in charge of the Isthmian Drive more than half over and spring on the East Coast in which the breezes just around the corner, SIU was successful in bringing it won't be long before the men will be called back to their ships to get them ready for another busy season on the Great Lakes. When the Ethiopia Victory was in here recently, we made efforts to have the bucko Chief Mate pulled off, but due to difficulties beyond our control, he went out on her when she sailed. • Agents should be on the look­ out for this Waterman ship and the Mate. The crew has been promised that this character will sail no more SIU ships. Cleveland Awaits The Spring Thaw On Great Lakes NMU Members WITH THE SIU IN CANADA Lose In Fight After checking up on ships ly­ ing in ports within a radius of 65 miles of Cleveland, we find that (Continued from Page 3) there are over a 100 ships waiting million and one objections against for that well-known signal that men sailing these tankers having every seaman loves to hear: "An- | the right to choose a union to rep­ chors aweigh and full steam resent them. ahead!" It is significant that despite When we hear that old familiar their brewing, Messrs Curran and soud it will signal the start of the Stack see eye to eye on such organizing campaign that is to disruption! take place on the Lakes this They tried the same tactics on spring. the Standard Oil of California, The groundwork has been care­ and other West Coast Tanker out­ fully lain for this drive. When fits, and were repudiated up and the ice breaks up it will go into down the entire Pacific coast. full swing, and unorganized Lakes' The Seafarers won the elec­ seamen wiU learn that the SIU tions and today sail these ships is the only bona-fide union for under the best tanker contracts ever known. seamen. NOW'S THE TIME if I WANT SIU VANCOUVER, B. C. — The Prince David, sister ship to the Prince Robert has finally sailed out of this port for Blythe, Eng­ land, where she will be delivered to her new owners. We spent quite some time with local representatives of the new owners straightening out the agreement covering wages, over­ time, time-off, and other condi­ tions. After conferring with the rep­ resentatives we reached a satis­ factory understanding and the ship sailed January 17. The report has reached us that the NLRB has announced the end of the Isthmian campaign with the SIU the victor. The overwhelming victory of the SIU in this election, as well as the poor showing of the NMU, is definite proof that the seamen sailing Isthmian are fed up with being pushed around. Their choice is without doubt deliber­ ate, and the will of the majority. The corrupt and frantic at­ tempts of both the Company and NMU in trying to block the SIU from negotiating an agreement for the seamen sailing Isthmian will no doubt receive the con­ tempt of all seamen. History has, a habit of repeat­ Now is the time, as never be­ fore, for all seamen to be or­ ing itself, and today we see the ganized into one strong mili'^ant membership of the NMU joining union. Grouping-together in one ' the unorganized seamen in a • strong body is the only way the wholesale repudiation of NMU seamen can keep the shipowners leadership policies and crying for from trying to return seamen to Seafarers leadership. The Seafarers has no desire to conditions of 10 or 20 years ago. see the NMU wrecked, but it has All unorganized seamen should I the duty of providing a haven take time to look at the record. ' for the NMU membership when There you would see the SIU has the wreck occurs. always set the wages which are If even one single company re­ the highest in the world, and the mains unorganized, then the shipLake Carriers Association and the I owners have a fortress from rest have followed later like which to launch their attacks on RETROACTIVE PAY obedient little sheep. wages and conditions. The recent increases gained for Don't let these shipowners kid Collapse of the NMU would the men aboard the Canadianyou into believing that they are mean many companies without National and Canadian-Pacific giving you those high wages out union contracts. Steamship Companies ships are of the goodness of their hearts. The Seafarers must organize at present being paid. Any mem­ The hard cold facts are that the against such a contingency. A SIU forced them to shell out and strong Seafarers means security ber having worked for either one of these companies should apply there's no disputing that. •for all seamen, come what may. ' to their offices for this money which is retroactive to June 15, 1945 for the $12.48 boost and to June 1, 1946 for the $20.80 in­ crease. This little bit of hay should come in handy to everyone, and is long overdue. Further in­ creases and better woi'king con­ ditions arc still in order, and must be obtained to give the seamen the standard of living they are entitled to. There have been a lot of re­ ports coming in of beefs on over­ time in the CPR which could be very easily fixed up. The thing to do when in doubt is to put it down on paper and turn it to the Mate or Engineer. Then, if he says it is not overtime that is the time to beef. ATTENTION! All Canadian seamen on Coastwise vessels should never neglect to pick up their discharges on leaving a ves­ sel. When you register at the Hall for a ship and have no discharges to show, or prove your rating, or length of serv­ ice, you only handicap the Dispatcher. In addition you cause yourself inconvenience and perhaps unemployment. Always remember, when you are dispatched to your, new ship, the Mate or En­ gineer is going to ask you for discharges. See that you have them. A lot of the fellows go about this the wrong way. They think something is overtime and with­ out asking the Mate about' it come running to the Patrolman saying the Company will not pay it. The only way to find out is to turn it in. Then, if it's not paid, that's the time to beef. SIGN ARTICLES Here's a tip that cannot be stressed enough. When going aboard a ship, don't be a sucker. Be sure to sign the articles before turning to. Before going to work, get up to the Purser's office and get your name on the articles. Don't risk your life and limb by failing to sign on, for that is ex­ actly what you would be doing. If anything happened to you while on board ship and you hadn't signed articles, you would be up the creek. If you tried to get compensation the company could turn around and say it is not responsible for you, as you are not on the ship's articles. Don't take chances. Demand to sign on before turning to — It's the law. The SIU has taken up the ques­ tion of turning men to before signing articles with the Depart­ ment of Transportation and we were assured that seamen do not have to work before being cov­ ered by articles. There are penalties to be in­ voked against any company that insists upon this. The seamen is guaranteed his rights under the terms of the Canada Shipping Act. Report any infractions of this to the Union Hall. . �Friday, Febraury 14, 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Berger Hansen Page Nine NMU Hopes Fade OnLakes;Record is Death Warrant By EINAR NORDAAS Although born in Brooklyn, DULUTH—When the organiz­ Brother Berger Hansen, Bosun, By FRENCHY MICHELET ing drive opens on the Lakes this • got his early sea training as a Moved by a brotherly regard continental Europe is about to spring. Lakes seamen will be Norwegian sailor. Not that he for the editorial staff of the Log stand tip-toe to peek into the shown the difference between a didn't like Brooklyn, it was just and by a natural concern to do realms of perpetual ice and snow. phony political front union and that he was raised in Norway, our part to avert a threatened a real sailors' union. She IS justly renowned for her and at the age of 14 he decided calamity, rather than by any celebrated Lacrima Christi, a Now that the recent develop­ to go to sea. ments within the NMU have ex­ mere urge to be scribbling (Ye wine whose name, one of our la­ It wasn't until 1921 that he posed the true picture of how Editor tells us that news is so tin friends tells us, may be ren­ came back to the United States, that union has been only a front scarce that he*may eventually be dered in English as the Tears of and soon after that he joined the for the communist party with reduced to the terrible expedient Christ. ISU. Since then he has been sailors' rights and welfare given of printing Shuler's recipes), we Several years ago we persuaded sailing American ships. When secondary consideration, the SIU have determined to hasten to the a gullible skipper to buy a whole the ISU broke up, he joined the can go ahead unretarded by any rescue of our harrassed friends case of this heavenly nectar (vin­ SIU in 1938, and has been an ac­ such internal conflicts, and gain with a little account of our so­ tage of '29, yet!) for cooking pur­ tive member from that time to for the Lakes seamen the best journ in the Sicilian port of Pa­ poses. About three days from this. lermo on the good ship Thomas wages and conditions. New York he came pounding on Brother Hansen was on the When the drive opens we ex­ Heyward. our door. Mediterranean run during prac­ Incidentally, this "good ship" pect to find more opposition from "Please, Steward," he said, tically the entire war period. He the company-sponsored LSU and stuff sort of slipped out in the ' please give the cooks a little of was at Oran when the American those men who say they believe confusion of trying to both com­ that wine to put into the food— troops made the landing there, "Why," he says, "in the old that the company gives more pose the above paragraph and to and although the docks and other days a seaman was a slave. Now money and grants concessions out hunt out the keys on this damn just once!" installations were hit by dive typewriter at one and the same LIVING WELL it's different, and seamen are just of the goodness of its heart. bombers, he was happy to see These seamen do not seem to time, so perhaps we had better as free as other workers. The It's good to be alive in this that no ships were damaged. Union did that for us, and we understand that the only reason qualify the term. fruitful land. To live a day in After the end of the war, Han­ would be fools if we ever forgot for this benevolence is the fear The Thomas Heyward is a the Mediterranean is surely pre­ sen tried his hand as a volunteer that." that unionism will spread among Liberty ship. ferable to hibernating a year in organizer in the Isthmian Drive. Brother Hansen ended the in­ the crews, and union wages and As if that in itself isn't bad mere existence. He made a trip on the John terview with some practical ad­ conditions will become a matter enough, we have just crossed the The man who pledges his youth Wanaxnaker to the Baltic, from vice. of course, and not a reward for miserable North Atlantic on her to secure his declining years has January to March, 1946, and he "Every SIU man should serve rejecting the union. in the dead of winter via the made a sorry bargain with life, was happy to hear that the Wan- as volunteer organizer for at When every seaman's duties route of the Great Circle, under for merely to be alive is not amaker went SIU in the election. least one trip. That would spread are clearly defined in a contract, the impression that we were necessarily to live. "It was sure tough on the the job around to more people, there can be no chiseling by the bound for Bremen, Germany—a Machiavelli tells us that Wanamaker," he recollects. "We and would also make the mem­ ships' officers as the companies mistake that the Army saw fit to had a labor-hating Skipper and bers more appreciative of the will be expected to live up to rectify only after we had crossed Caesar Borgia abandoned all thought of pleasure, and took inFirst Mate. They made life mis­ wages and conditions won by the their agreement. the 14th meridian. finitismal pains to assure his suc­ When you unorganized seamen erable for all of us. I hope that SIU. Need we say more! cession upon the death of his guys like that get their due now "The job has to be done," he are contacted by an SIU Organ­ Our natural inclination is to father Pope Alexander. But what that we have won the election." concluded, "and if we all get in izer this spring, give him a min­ give you a minute account of the 1 Caesar didn't know was that there and plug, then we can't ute or two of your time. It won't STRIKE DUTY postwar fate of those celebrated when the old buzzard got around lose, and we can win more ad­ take long to learn the real score, shrines of antiquity whose flagto dying, he himself would also and it will pay dividends. In September, 1946, Brother vantages for all seamen." be dying. Hansen was on the William SeaLire are the medium of ex­ ton, American Pacific. He piled change here, but cigarettes are off when the General Strike was oou LA! I the only true lever for prying called, and made his way to Bal­ loose what you want from the timore where he stood picket lAfAEmuSi- shopkeeper's hands. duty. ASMTOR THIS I The people are desperately At the end of the SIU strike, By JOHN MOGAN poor, However, tyrannical gov­ he assisted in the MM&P beef, BOSTON—Business and ship­ ing probationary books, and the ernments have plundered them and when that was finally over ping in the port of Boston has book members, who realize that for so many ages past that they he grabbed a job on the Ameri­ been pretty good over the past a little competition for jobs is have learned to wear their pov­ can Eastern's MV Gadsden. in the making. couple of weeks—a mild boom, erty with a grace born of in­ He is still a part of that crew Illustrative of the favorable numerable generations of pov­ we would call it. although he has recently been in situation is the fact that once in The West Coast tankers hit this erty-stricken ancestors. the hospital for a short while. a while —very occasionally— it area quite regularly, usually dis­ Now that he has recovered, he The men are strong and well charging either at Portland Or becomes necessary to issue a new has already rejoined the ship. stoned courts have so often re­ formed, and the women — but Boston, with an occasional scow permit for a 'pierhead' job, while sounded to the historical tread that's another story and must Berger Hansen takes his union reports have it the commies have for Providence or Fall River. of this fair isle's long-departed wait another day. Meanwhile we responsibilities seriously. As he A goodly number of contract about 15 book members for every immortals. are off with the gang for addi­ sees it, a union is only as strong available job. as the membership. That's why freighters are hitting the port, Unfortunately, a number of our tional research in this fascinating he volunteers for the tough jobs, also some of them paying off, but ORGANIZING PROGRESSES worldly shipmates have succeed­ subject. Organizing work in the port the greater number are in transit. and that's why his shipmates ed in decoying us into the local have confidence in him and pick However, even these latter ships continues to progress very gin mills, so that we have thus him as Delegate almost every usually take a couple or three smoothly. Tankers are covered far been unable to follow our pretty completely, considering men each. trip. natural inclination to spend all the obstacles placed in the way of our time in meditation within His long years of sea time give EASTERN CREWS by panicky company officials. these hallowed walls. Brother Hansen the knowledge to Of course, the big deal for the And a good many of the members compare sailing then and now (Continued from Page 6) port is the crewing up of the who make this their home port DON'T LEAVE YET and, according to him, there's seritation proceedings before the Eastern ships, which is schedul­ deserve commendation for the just no comparison. However, the time has not Board time is of the essence. It ed to begin very shortly. This spirit of cooperation they mani­ been entirely wasted. We should is the considered opinion of the will take away a lot of members fest whenever there is an organ­ soon be able to give you a very undersigned, that the interest of who have been adorning the Hall izing chore to perform. learned treatise on the purely all parties and the public is best for a long time eyeing those The outlook for the immediate culture aspect of the science oi served and served most rapidly ships across the harbor. When future of the port is fairly bright. anatomy. We are fast becoming and reasonably by adopting a the Yarmouth and Evangeline Two scows are scheduled to pay Income lax •statements from quite expert on the subject simp­ procedure which would obviate are both running, steady jobs for off within the next couple of from the following companies ly by squatting at a bar-side table the necessity of a prolonged ex approximately 250 members will days: the Topa Topa (Waterman) are now at the Chicago Hall. and reverently watching a little parte investigation, with the pos­ Anyone who has worked for be providedi and the Kamaka (So. Atlantic)— honey-haired darling laden with sibility that there would follow a Since at the present time no and, of course, the tankers pop these companies during 1946 a tray of beer glide gracefully by. very extensive hearing on the book members have to wait long into sight unexpectedly and in and have not received their record. Palermo is as pleasant a place statements can have them by for a job, and current activity is the most unexpected places. The undersigned therefore as "is to be found in all this de­ So, at the present writing, writing for them to the Chi­ daily making available to those recommends that rather than em­ licious land of dark-eyed dolls cago hall. book members additional jobs, there are no indications that the barking on an ex parte investiga­ and spicy garlic dishes. Cleveland & Buffalo the SIU can be said to be in a shipping register will gather any dust. Steamship Company and the healthy condition. Lying in an agreeable latitude, tion, the Board direct a formal By the way. Patrolman Jimmy she is the principle city of the hearing on objections to be held The policy of taking in new sand boat companies, name­ ly Construction Aggregates members on a quota basis is also Sweeney reports that the crew of island of Sicily—an island that on not more than five weeks no­ Corp., Tri-Lakes SS Co., and a very sound idea, inasmuch as the SS Celilo has contributed a lies at the toe of the Italian boot, tice to the parties. it keeps everybody on his toes— total ot $34 for Brothers in the and from the map, seems to serve Marine Transit Company. Signed—Howard F. LeBaron, both the permit-book men seek­ hospital. as a sort of footstool on which Reg. Director. NLRB, 2d Reg. Mild Shipping Boom Hits Boston; Union Awaits Crowing Of Eastern Full Text Of NLRB Regional Director Lakes Seamen �;• • Pifiday, Pebtuapy M. 1S47 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Ten MmVRS AMD MEWS Sharswood Men Hit Skipper, In Vessel's Ration Report Pioneer Lads Rub It In —^With Snow While Seafarers in the north­ ern latitudes have been suffering in silence the effects of the cold wave that has gripped most of the country, the fact has come to light that all is not chattering teeth and watery eyes among the boys who wear the emblem of the Brotherhood of the Sea. The minutes of the shipboard meeting aboard the Alcoa Pio­ neer on Jan. 19, after arriving at the Log office encased in an icy envelope, started off with the salutation: "Greetings, you snow-shovel­ ing brothers." . A quick glance at the postmark, — Trinidad, BWI — brought forth a groan. Visions of warm breezes, sunny shores and tropical gear came to mind. "Oh, to be in the Indies now that winter's here." HANDS IN HARMONY The pleasant weather that the boys aboard the Pioneer are en­ joying has apparently extended to the conditions aboard ship, for John Reed, the recording sec­ retary of the meeting reports: "All is smooth and serene here with the. Deck, Engine and Stew­ ards Departments all pulling to­ gether in the well-known SIU manner." • During the meeting proper the crew handled the usual run of business in a shipshape manner. After agreeing to take weekly turns at cleaning the ship's laun­ dry, the crew decided to contact the Captain through the ship's delegate about giving draws in American money in all ports that do not have laws against it. BEAT UP LOCKERS From this the crew agreed that all lockers, due to their beat-up condition, are to be replaced at the first opportunity, also they agreed to get needed screens and windchutes while in Trinidad for the foc'sle and messhall ports. In addition the decision was reached to send both crew and saloon toasters ashore for repairs. About this time the report came from the Skipper that the draws would be made in American money while the greenbacks aboard ship lasted. In concluding the meeting under the relaxing tropical skys, all hands stood in sile/ice for one minute in tribute to the memory of all brothers lost at sea. Handling the gavel during the meeting was brother George Dunn, while the proceedings were recorded by Brother John Reed. CORRECTION # , Due to an error in trans­ mission, the name of the at­ torney handling the distribu­ tion of clothing in Italy un­ der the auspices of the ILA was printed incorrectly. His name is Luigi Palumho. It's exciting when Union Brothers meet unexpectedly. It's even more so when the Seafarers happen to be blood brothers, as well. This unlooked-for pleasure came to the Pilutis boys, pictured above in a Durban Taxi cab, which they hailed in cele­ bration of their meeting. That's Joseph on the left, and Victor alongside of him. Joe, off the Robin Sherwood, and Vic, working on the Hibbing Victory, met accidentally, when their vessels called at Durban at the same time. They hadn't seen each other for three months and didn't know when they'd meet again. They made the most of their three days together in the South African port. Taxicabs in Durban, by the way, seem to work the same way they do in the States, if you'll observe the photo above. Both put their flags up when they have a fare aboard. (Editor's note: The following article, endorsed by the crew of the SS George Sharswood, was submpted to the Log by George Morris, Engine Dele­ gate; Fred Kagelmacher, Deck Delegate; - James Davis, Stew­ ards Delegate and Peter Davies, recording secretary). The SS George Sharswood, Soutl} Atlantic Steamship Com­ pany, signed on an SIU crew in Charleston, S. C., Dec. 4, 1946. South Atlantic had just acquired this ship under bare-boat charter. When we, the crew, signed on, we were promised by the Cap­ tain of the vessel, and the com­ pany agent, that fresh stores, a new slopchest and other needed items would be sent aboard in Savannah, Ga. Our Steward submitted to the Captain and the Port Steward a list of those foods we needed for the first three months of the nine-month period on articles. Right at the start the Stewards department ran into'trouble con­ cerning the amount of sugar and flo"br aboard. However, we had refused to sign on until more of this stuff was promised. Always promises! itself rationed to one stale egg a day for breakfast, and generally only one cut of meat per meal. •The Night Cook and Baker ia tearing his hair out trying to bake without eggs. The Chi^l Cook is doing all in his power to skimp along as best he can. This report on our nutriment status does not end our woes. The cigarette and slopchest situ­ ation, is equally deplorable. There has been no range in sizes of the clothes available. They must have figured that one man was going to constitute the crew aboard this ship. The situation reached such a state that the Purser was oblig­ ed to post the following notice ten days before our arrival in the States: "The slopchest below will be open for the last time — today, Sunday, from 3:45 p.m. to 4:15 p.m. There is NO gum, candy, BUCK. OP. MEM? OWE EGG AMD EVERY OAV.'' SHORT SUPPLIES It probably is needless to men­ tion that the Steward never got all he asked for. Before we ar­ rived in Le Havre, another list sweatshirts, cards, dungarees, -was submitted to the Captain, socks (we have wsize 13 only), containing need for fresh meats, shorts (size 14 only), gloves, etc., that were very badly needed. handkerchiefs or dress shoes." We hit three ports, so there HEAR YE I was no excuse for our companyAn energy-saving: poster would minded skipper in not obtaining sufficient supplies of fresh meat have exclaimed: "NO MORE SLOPS!" and eggs. In Le Havre, Liverpool Most glaring example of the and Glasgow, we saw a paltry quantity of fresh produce trickle Captain's fink rationing concerns aboard. When we left Glasgow, cigarettes. The commissioner had only six weeks of the expected assured us that there were enough to last three months. The three-month-trip had elapsed. When the liarassed. Steward re­ Captain, however, has seen fit to up list of offenses and post it marked to the Captain that he order our "good Joe" Purser to on bulletin board. One minute did not receive what he needed, ration us with only a carton and of silence for Brothers lost at the following classic remark was a half a week. sea. Considering that the cigarettes made by our belly-robbing "old % % ^ are not an issue when in port, man": MARQUETTE VICTORY, "Ha-ha! I knew that we this has meant that many of us Jan. 12—Chairman John Lopez; wouldn't get all of it." have been returning to the Ten­ Secretary William Kumke. Mo­ For the expected 16 days of nessee. and -Montana hills and tion carried that Steward also our return trip, the crew finds rolling our own with one hand. put in order for ice trays. Mo­ tion carried that Purser make up a draw list before entering any port- in order to prevent any delays for crew to go ashore. Delegates reported everything satisfactory. Mo­ tion carried that everyone stay out of galley unless having business there. Motion carried that Chief Engineers sign re­ ceipts for overtime which in turn will be given to men. Good and Welfare: Men to put cups back in sink when fin­ ished with coffee. All hands to use ash trays for cigarettes and matches. % % ^ HELEN, Dec. 15—Chairman Sagarin; Secretary Sidney Segree. New Business; Discus­ sion about keeping messroom Catering to—not robbing—the bellies of the crew on board clean. Penalty for violations to the SS Hibbing Victory was this able Stewards Department, be 25c for first offense and headed by Chief Steward Juan V. Rivera. "Their cooking and douMe for each succeeding vioserving was of the best," says the Hibbing's Engine Delegate, Vincent Russo. (Continued on Page 11) MINUTES UF SIU SHIP M^TINGS DIGESTED FOR EASIER READING ETHIOPIA VICTORY, Jan. 17—Chairman Cassidy; Secre­ tary Yingling. New Business: List of repairs made for better­ ment of ship. Good and Wel­ fare: Suggestion that all foc'sleal be unified according to depart­ ments and this matter be re­ ferred to the patrolman for verification before revamping them. Passageway soogieing discussion with suggestion that Stewards Department handle this. Recommendation that messroom be made to accommo­ date all hands and this matter be referred to Patrolman. FELIX GRUNDY. Jan. 19— Chairman Burke: . Secretary Shaio. Due to Shortage of soap, one cake will be issued to crew. At beginning of next voyage, crew will take more interest in checking stores that come aboard. Steward asked men to try to save coffee and cooper­ ate in keeping messrooms clean. Suggestion that no fines be placed aginst men who fail to clean-up after themselves; in­ stead, matter to be taken up at next meeting and if fines are levied then the money is to go to Brothers in Marine Hospitals. Suggestion that delegates draw CHOW C H U RN E RS illllillllilBjSii , -y - » ( I �Friday, Febraury 14, 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Digested Minutes Of SlU Ship Meetings (Continued from Page 10) lalion. Molion carried that whoever is in charge of clean­ ing heads and rooms be notified they have two hours each day * and overtime on Sunday to do (NAME OF SHIP NOT this work. Some crewmemGIVEN) Dec. 7 — Chairman bers have complained of shirk­ Betts; Secretary Kneece. Dele­ ing on the job. Each depart­ gates reported everything in ment delegate is to investigate order. Old Business: Discus­ all complaints and see to it that sion over deficiencies in slopthey are rectified. Motion car­ chest. New Business: Motion ried that any brother who de­ carried for delegates to inves­ liberately misses a watch be tigate deficiencies in slopchest fined double the prev'dling un­ and make consequent report at ion rate and be made to pay next meeting. Good and Wel­ same to man standing the fare: Men who leave dirty cups watch. Only exception is legi­ around will be fined 25c. Money timate excuse. Motion carried to be divided among the Seathat character named Craven ; farers Log and. the hospital who shipped as Chief Freezer, fund. Agreed that all hands and quit one hour before sail­ will wear suitable gear at table. ing time be sevierely reprimand­ Laundry situation ironed out to ed by the union. Such men can­ satisfaction of alL not be tolerated. X X i. Brass Glistens Through Smoke Screen okay. Engine Repartment dele­ gate reported Captain not co­ operating with crew. New Business: Delegates to look over the ship before she sails from next port and have repair work completed. Good and Welfare: Crow asked not to* throw ashes on deck after messman puts ash trays on table. Suggestion made that anyone caught not helping to keep messroom clean will bei brought up in headquarters. Crew quarters that are in bad condition must be looked after before ship sails. Messman asks crew to take care of messroom and help keep it clean. Crew asked not to get careless with silverware and not let it walk away from messroom. Sugges­ tion made that all three dele­ gates go before Captain or who ever has the authority to have something done together. Crew decided not to tolerate any crew member going around buzzing to the mates and en­ gineers our union business held at our meeting. If anything we want them to know our delegate will tell them. Page Eleven SEAFARER SAM SAYS: ^HECK THE STORES SETORG THE CREW SIGNS ON . IF THE SOPPLieSARE INSUFFlCICNT OR OF POOR QVAUITV AIOTIFV THE DEPARTMENT DELESATES ATONCE. NOSHIPSHOOUO SAIL WTIL you ARE SAfiSflEP WITH THe STORCS ! Things promise to be hot fo-' one of the officers aboard the Bessemer Victory when she winds up her present trip in the States if the charges that one 4. t i crewmember has made are found CAPE RACE, Jan. 11—Chair­ to be true. man James Ward; Secretary At the shipboard meeting held John Pritz. New Business: Jan. 19, the crew approved a By HANK Bosun made motion to see that motion that upon their return to XXX Grab your gear, Brother, leave those last few nickels and dimes crew would have more space the U.S. they would investigate AMERICAN PRESS. Dec. G— and those nightly beefs home with your ever-loving wife and hop by opening gunners' messhall. the report that one of the officers Chairman A. Schroter; Secre­ over to the Hall. New York shipping is red hot in all departments Motion passed. Motion carried tary N. A. Cobb. Reports of and better than these last few weeks of good shipping . . . Paul, to get cold water in the scuttle­ ship delegates heard and ac­ Eddie and all other friends, send their best regards to Brother Joe butts either by installing cool­ SCTrfA^l ^ cepted. Discussion held as to Ehrhart who shall be launching himself into the Eternal Splice— MArr.uri ers in passageway, or removing the possibility of storing deck otherwise known as the landlubbing sea of matrimony—sometime the cooling system from the and engine room cleaning gear* this summer over there in Perth Amboy, New Jersey. Congratula­ top of the turbine. Motion car­ some other place than the crew tions, Joe! . . . Steward Harry Drummer and Paddy Walsh were ried for new wringers and laundry. Arrangements made supposed to hit Baltimore to ship out. Something happened, how­ washing machine. Delegates re­ to stow gear in Stewards lock­ ever, to Brother Drummer, and he's now anchored in the Staten ported everything running er. Resolution that the crew of Island Marine hospital, while Brother Walsh is getting ready to smooth. Good and Welfare: the American Press go on rec­ grab the first Wiper's job on any Waterman ship handy . . . Happy Deck and Engine Depailments ord to support any opposition Pete King, Peg Leg Anderson and little Benny Rabinowitz just sail­ gave vote of thanks for the to anti-labor legislation which ed into town after paying off in Charleston from their short trip to swell chow the Stewards De­ is before Congress now, or any France . . . Big Frank Bock, the oldtimcr, just grabbed a job as a partment has dished out. Sug­ that may come up in the fu­ second assistant deisel engineer. Good sailing and organizing, Frank. gestion that crew donate what­ ture. Motion carried to support X X X X ever money each person can received 20 cartons of cigarettes the electricians in. their de­ Oldlime F. Johnson. Ihe best deck engineer we've seen on spare to be pooled and given to while the crew was under ra­ mand for quarters separate a ship, is in town for a ship . . . Last week. Clyde "Coffee" Mor­ the fellows in the hospital for tions. from watches. gan came in after paying off in Portland. Maine, which is a busy cigarettes and other needs. The crew vows that they will port for tankers—which means that our Boston Hall is a good smoke out the culprit if the re­ shipping port for tanker men. indeed . . . Looks like Brother port is true. Wonder if they will D. D. Stoiry. the oldtimer. is continuing to do a swell job in detect him by his nicotined fin­ organizing the Isthmian men. Keep up the good work. Brother gers, or will it be by his smoker's Story, and let's see more men following your example. We hack? shouldn't slack our organizing efforts one inch for the men who In relation to the dipping into need and want the SIU. To keep sailing Isthmian ships and the slopchest by one of the of­ other unorganized ships means a lot to those men and to our­ its. ficers, the crew passed a motion XXX selves. MV MANROPE KNOT. Nov. SANTA CLARA VICTORY, that the Patrolman is to be X X X X 1—Chairman A. Bourgot; Sec­ Jan. 22—Chairman Raymond aboard to check the slopchest, Here's a truthful and humorous explanation of a seaman we retary S. P. Dowling. New Pomykala; Secretary Morris and the rationing and pricing of found in a newspaper clipping: "A sailor is a guy who is worked too Business: Motions carried: that Phillips. Delegates reported no the cigarettes. hard, gets too little sleep, takes verbal abuse no civilian would take, all overtime beefs be settled % X X beefs in their departments. does every imaginable job at every imaginable time, never seems before payoff; to notify the WARRIOR POINT. Feb. 2— Good and Welfare: motion car­ to get paid, never knows where he is going, can seldom tell where next crew to check the food Chairman Dave Kosevich; Sec­ ried that commode in Deck De­ stores before sailing the ship: he's been, accepts the worst with complete resignation, and last bu# retary Joe Koone. Old Busi­ partment head be repaired. to notify the' patrolman to have not least—he really likes it" . . . Brother Edginton, the mustached Suggestion made that garbage! ness: System of donating 25 the articles changed from nine juice-doctor, says that he hears that Brother Paper Bag Wilson is ia cents for postage and other be dumped over the side while months to three months on' all town right now. Well, let's hear from you. Brother Paper Bag Wil • business agreed upon. New at sea, and while in port it be Alcoa "Knot" ships; that the son . . . Our apologies to Eddie Kasnowski's mother. We only pulled Business: Motion carried thai dumped on the port side of the crew is not to be made to paint his galley leg about the cookbook and gravy overtime pot. Your deck aft of the house when gar­ anyone guilty of leaving cups over the side while lying along son, Eddie, is such a good cook that one of these atomic days some on messroom tables or any bage cans are filled. Suggestion side of the SS Auditor; that no steamship company is going to name a ship after Eddie, no fooling. place other than where they that all crewmembers cooperate X X X X six-inch or larger brushes are belong, should donate one doland keep the messhall clean, Here's a letter we received from Henry Chappell. Toledo to be supplied for painting; that lare, half to Seafarers Log, and and those who use washroom Agent, who now is visiting New York: "Brother Hank, I have the First Asst. be instructed half to SIU hospital fund. Fine clean it after use. Union mem­ noticed George Curran's statement in your column recently not to do Wipers work such as of $5.00 to be levied against bers stood in silence for onei where he says we could be a little more active here on the Lakes painting. Good and Welfare: anyone damaging toaster. Mo­ minute in tribute to Brothers in our organizational work, which is right. However, last year, Repair list of 15 items read and tion carried that Navy messlost at sea. despite the phony strike of the NMU and all the opposition the approved. room which is being used as ^ » company-sponsored union, the LSU. could offer, this district 4. 4. 4. library be cleaned by the three with the help of Bull Sheppard. won an election of a fleet of MIDWAY HILLS, Nov. 2— departments. Each department JOHN MILLEDGE, Oct. 13— former Lake Carrier ships. This election was recently certified Chairman A. Newman; Secre­ Chairman Russell; Secretary to rotate one week at the task. by the NLRB at Washington, after both the NMU and the LSU tary D. O. Pierce. Motion car­ Early. Delegates reported no Decision reached to have meet­ made all the protests they could think of to the NLRB. This ried that mattresses and not beefs. New Business: Six men ings once a week for durationi district has been alseep for years but we now have our secre­ pads be furnished crew. Good were approved for pro books, of voyage. tary-treasurer (Fred Farnen). a guy we all know and like and and Welfare: Have crew dele­ and two were approved for full XXX who has guts. The results of his work will show this year when gates obtain information for HILTON, Nov. 24 — Chair­ books. Good euid Welfare: Bowe get a few more Lake Carriers ships into the SIU. Several of making crew recreation room sim stales that he is receiving' man Harry H. Haniir; Secre­ them are ripe now. And now that the NMU has rung up Finish-, in Navy Gun Crew quarters. tary Maurice Henderson. Deck no cooperation from topside ed With Engines, we will be able to go to town up here on the Decided to have sanitary work­ and Stewards Department dele­ and are giving him too much Lakes." ers keep heads much cleaner. gates reported everything interference. CUT and RUN 'I! �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Twelve GAY BLADES CUT UP IN THE CUBAN CAPITAL HE ^/s ^TRm NFW ORLEANS ARRIVES I Friday. February 14, 1947 RUSSELL JONES DECK MEN LAUD STEWARDS DEPT. Dear Editor: YOU BUY ME ANOm HO NEY ? /MSH •' THIS* PLACBjE\JEN g STAND HERE:' •r> A CHANCE^ fst' 4' V While his shipmaies on ihe Sealrain New Orleans matched wits with the local belles a Sea­ farer artist, who signs his name as "Davy Jones." sketched these lively proceedings in a Ha­ vana night-spot. Bellyrobbers Do A Bang-up Job, Win Plaudits Of The Jean Crew Dear Editor: Fai- too often one reads letters in the Log complaining about fun­ ctions of the Stewards depart­ ments on SIU ships. Yet praise is.seldom given when a good job has been done. Follows, real praise to a group of men who have earned it. On Jan. 11, the SS Jean was in Maryland drydock. No food had been prepared since Jan. 8, and the messrooms were in a filthy condition, which is natural and a typical state of affairs, when a vessel has been in drydock. About 5 p.m. the new SIU Stewards department came Ggfl -MAT'S REAUY CLEAM! L. ious. Gann's cooking has packed on several pounds that some of the holdovers lost, and Kaiser's baking is a source of never-end­ ing surprise to the men. It is so good, in fact, that all hands hated the thought of buying shore-bak­ ed bread in port. The messmen have given prompt, courteous service, and there hasn't been a beef in the messroom. MORE TO BE DONE But the job done by this swell Stewards department didn't end at that point. Not satisfied with what they had already done, the boys started cleaning up all mess­ ing space. The messrooms and quarters have been thoroughly cleaned and painted where nec­ essary. "Pop" Kaiser mentioned, when he cleaned the galley range, that he found everything there but the Chief Cook from the last trip. Tom Bowers and all his boys deserve rich praise for the fine job they have done, for the only difference between a miserable coastwise trip and a happy one is the food served. We want to go on record as being truly appreciative of Tom's efforts, with accompanying praise for the efforts of the men of his department have exerted. There will be few changes in this crew, if they decide to make another trip. Henry N. Goldman. Deck Del. Hugh C. Randall. Engine DeL SS Jean, At Sea We, the sailors of the Russell R. Jones, would like to say a word of praise for Chief Steward G. T. Oliver and his department for their excellent work and the extraordinary fine, cooked meals .served to us on this trip. The food and the baking surpass,any­ thing any of us. ever before ex­ perienced at sea. So, if you ever ship with Stew­ ard Oliver, you can be sure of being fed—and how! This is one of the cleanest ships that has ever paid off in Charleston, without a beef in any department. The Steward had a lot to do with keeping the men happy. Members Deck Department SS Russell R. Jones ical wreck. Ah, but what a time was had. on this There were quite a few oldC. W. timers on the beach in New Orto say former land. N.0.| WOTTATOWMI Before sailing for Italy Alcoa Liberty, the SS aboard, led by Steward Tom Scripps, I would like Bowers, Chief Cook Charley Gann hello to my friends and and Night Cook Ray Kaiser. Not shipmates up in Yankee to be forgotten are John Diana, WoTTATlMei The North is my home, and I , Dick Fitzgerald, Mike Rossi and Bill Swoboda, messmen and util­ generally ship from Philadelphia or New York, but it seems as ity. though I just have to take a FULL STEAM UP swing along the Gulf ports once The boys turned to with a ven­ geance, and started to clean a year or so. Just to renew old things up. At 7:30 a.m. on Sun- friendships and visit some fav­ dp}/, all messrooms had been' orite joints. thoroughly cleaned and a fine I shipped , aboard the Scripps breakfast was served. in New Orleans. Three weeks in It was only through working half the night that this was pos­ that "most wicked city in the leans, and there are several of sible. Since that date, the food world," and I had to admit de­ them in Pensacola, Fla. To name has been nothing short of luxur­ feat — I'm a financial and phys­ a few, there's Santos Garcia, Bob Thii-ty's Quite Enough By WAYNE MCALLISTER There's a fellow on the poopdeck Way aft the beam astern. Who is sorry for the lesson It was his fate to learn; The day was filled with sunshine And the sea was calm and blue. When the thought first hit the Bosun And he knew just what he'd do. With cot tucked neatly under arm. His smokes within his grasp. He left his clothes behind him. And took himself up aft; TANKER MAN, When once atop the deck-house. He gently made his bed. NEW SIU MEMBER, Then he stretched out bare and APPRECIATES LOG naked. Dear Editor: His hands clasped under his head. Just a line to let you know how much the Log is appreciated by He didn't want a sunburn. a new member. With a tan he'd be much pleased. I was on a Texas oil tanker Thirty minutes was enough when the NMU pulled that To be flciked out in the breeze; phoney deal, just before I joined Now his thought — it was a good the SIU. They always managed one. to get copies of the Pilot aboard. Thirty minutes would suffice. As a consequence, I read a good But sleep soon overcame him. many of these communist-infect­ And he slept through thirty — ed rags. twice. That's why I'm in a position to tell at a glance the difference be­ When at last the Bosun did wake up. tween straight trade-union paper, And the sleep had left his head. and the NMU'.s red propaganda He looked not unlike a boiled rag. lobster. Harold Le Doux He was burned a cherry-red; Likes Log Every Week Dear Editor: / I am a member of the SIU and receive great pleasure from read­ ing the Seafarers Log. To insure my continued enjoyment of the paper I would appreciate it verymuch if you would send it to me every week at my home. E. E. Stewart Baltimore. Md. Blackie Gardner Counted Out Financially In Lively Tussle With The Wicked City' Dear Editor: Log -A- Rhythms Rutledge, "Blackie" Bankston and "Slappy" Creel. We have been here in Pensa­ cola for two weeks now waiting to load, but we should be get­ ting out in a couple of days. This is a typical Florida anti-labor town. The local gestapo just has to see a merchant seaman a little unsteady on his pins and — bang! —into the clink he goes. . That's all for now. Thanks for listening and I'll be seeing you when I get back. Good luck to all, and steady as she goes! Blackie Gardner (Editor's note: Brother Gardner nominates New Orleans as the "most wicked city in the world." Any of you Brothers think dif­ ferently? Let's hear cibout it, if you do.) W>WT TMOSa- spMfjy sfoe V? ? Now this story must be- ended. But first, some good advice: All you sailors wanting suntans. Don't sleep through thirty —. twice! Next-to-the-last Trip By I. H. PEPPER I've had enough of a seaman's life, I want to settle down. I'll buy a little chicken ranch In some far inland town. I've had enough of ships and sea. Of wine and women auid song, I've seen now what I went to see — Been at it too damned long. Sick to death of seaport towns. Salt water in my veins; Tired of all the ups and downs —^ At last I've got some brains. But before this tale gets higher. There's one thing I should add: I'm the most accomplished liar. This side of Trinidad. �Friday, Febrarary 14. 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Thirteen Maritime Commission's New Steward's Experience Proves Some Guys Lure Draws A Withering Can Stretch Things To Cover Any Error Salvo From The 'Steamboat' Dear Editor: that he would see this for himself, as if he couldn't believe anybody, or that something like this could happen to him or to the mattresses. So he came aboard the ship, measured the mattre.sses and found them short-sized in length and width. Well, as Brother Gottschalk breathes and watches his food, this Maritime official sud­ denly remembered something within his wellpaid noodle, and seriously settled the issue by stating that these mattresses were specially made mattresses which stretch to the proper length when you sleep on them. Ah, that seemed to be enough for the beefworn ears of Brother Gottschalk, at least, if not to the others. So right now,' you can find Mike roaring with laughs about this ridiculous Mari­ time stiff. Mike continues to wonder, incidentally, if the genius of a fool may also have some self- Last week I was informed that Steward Michael Gottschalk had a humorous tale to divulge for in his struggle for decent con­ Dear Editor: publication, a tale all about some ship's mat­ ditions? Has it ever lifted a The Maritime Commission has finger against the guys who try tresses. Well, ship's bilges or ship's mattresses, announced it will give a "Chief to push him around? The an­ I knew it would be a good one. So I rushed up Petty Officer's" rating to anyone swer to all this is a shouted: to the third floor where most yarns are spun, mostly by such old-time weavers as Stewards and with a Junior Engineer's endorse­ "NO." ment. Speaking as a guy who Do you deny that the only cooks. happens to have a junior en­ thing in God's watery world I found Brother Michael Gottschalk, familiarly dorsement, here is my answer to that ever got the sailor any­ wrapped in a long, dark brown overcoat and that the Commission: thing beside sweet talk are the gray fedora anchored on his gourmetic head, Deeir Admirals: seamen's unions? Do you deny smilingly surrounded by the following brothers: I just heard of your offer to that you nautical YMCA is just Steward Walter Walsh, Fireman Herbert Kreutz, give me a Chief Petty Officer's a job-creating agency and a and Chief Electrician Frank Roth. Such Brothers playsuit if I can join your cir­ fink-training machine for the are sailors, not mattress makers, so naturally they cus. Sorry, Kelly,, the answer only know the plain, unfeathered facts abrjut these shipowner. is NO. You can keep your bellthings. WHAT DO YOU TEACH? bottoms and gob caps: I'm Well, good old Mike, with a smile coiled on his What do you teach those poor face, began to spring his mattress yarn. It all strictly a civilian. Not that I'd 'AT'S THE TFOUfiLt- — guys, anyway? I have yet to happened aboard the Grace Line ship, SS Robert be anything else if I wore your You GUVS THOUGHT meet one who could tell who H. Harrison, before she was turned over to the monkey suit. THEV Wgf5g MATt^eSSCS Andrew Furuseth was, or who South Atlantic. Twenty-eight brand-new mat­ Your aping of naval customs — THEV'RE /, knew anything of the seamen's and titles is the laugh of the tresses came aboard as ordered. Inspecting them, piU-OWS; I fight against profit-mad own­ legitimate armed forces. Ask Brother Gottschalk nearly swalled his soup-tast­ ers. I have yet to meet one who ing tongue, when he discovered that they were a naval officer what the Navy knew that a few years ago sea­ short sized all around. The skipper was then thinks of your fake titles and men worked for a dollar a day informed. He measured the mattresses and found he'll turn six colors and give and ate condemned food. Why them to be one foot short in length and four you a 21-gun salute. don't you teach them history Your's is just a college for inches short in width. He in turn called the Port instead of marching? ' fiinks. What possible reason Steward, who measui'cd the darn things and dis­ The trouble with you sit- covered the unfortunate shrinkage, also. A Mari­ have you» for remaining in ex­ j^wn sailors is that you all time Commission man was called on the phone istence now, when there is. a stretching sheets for these specially made mat­ suffer from stenographer's and advised of this situation. large surplus of men looking tresses. Whether he has or hasn't, Mike will not spread. Get on your feet, go for every job? Now at this point, it presumabl3'^- was believed under any sensible circumstance unless unconback to the galley and the by Steward Gottschalk, the Grace Line Skipper WHAT IS IT? ciously shanghaied, take a chance on sleeping on messhall. You'll never under­ and the Port Steward, that-this Maritime Com­ What is the Maritime Ser­ any self-stretching mattress. Who knows if the stand seamen by riding the mission man who would know his onions, at least vice, anyway? It is a scabbydarn contraption won't stretch in the wrong di­ Potomac ferry. love child born of the affair his mattresses, since he is responsible for all rection and strangle him in bed? Who knows? So I'm sorry, boys. The old jorts of things, and that he could and would between the shipowner and the Why, the Martime official knows, of course. "Steamboat" isn't going to join very easily straighten out this small, but never­ bureaucrat. What has it ever He may be serenely, but dangerouslj', sleeping on the Ovaltine Navy this trip." theless important, calamity. Well, the Maritime done for the seaman? the darn things in his own home, right now. You can put away those red expert answered the phone call with the opinion It has put him in uniform, "Cut and Run Hank" anchors. When I want to join yes. It teaches him to sir and your collection of salted seasalute his superiors, yes. It nuts, I'll send you a letter. In pumps him full of anti-union­ fact, I'll drop it in the first ism, yes. But has it ever got mail-buoy I see. him a dollar more to feed his Dear Editor: two of each every week. They he forgot to set the alarm. He Steamboat O'Doyle kids? Has it ever helped him are not only cutting us short on slept until seven-thirty the next In the latest edition of the Log the chow, but I guess there is a morning. He didn't even stop for you corrected a typographical er­ shortage of linen, too. breakfast as he hurried down to ror in the article of a few weeks ago, which said that a ship's en­ I've got a little story that I his new job. He was a half-hour late for the gine had to generate 45,000 HP think is too good not to be men­ job, and the boss fired him. He to make 12 knots. Now you say tioned: trudged his weary way home,, it needs only 4500 to make the There was a young Swede who feeling mighty low on losing the 12 knots. came over to New York from I'll go you one better. As most Stockholm. He found a job, and first job he had in the United members of the Black Gang, and the boss told him: "Now Helga, States. Sitting on his bed, he deject­ a lot of the fellows who -have there's one thing you must re­ edly looked at the clock. In a fit sailed Liberties (and who among member. I always insist on the of anger, he jumped up, grabbed seamen hasn't) the Liberty ship strictest punctuality." the clock, shook it and then, is rated at 2500 HP. I have sail­ "Ja," said Helga, "I are a gud heaved it violently to the floor. ed several of these ships that vorker." A couple of miiiutes later he could do 12 knots, and one that "No," the boss said, "punctu­ picked it up and surveyed the BKOTHJKK wANlS lO KNOW could make 13. So I can safely ality means that you have to be twisted mass of springs and cogs. say that an engine needs to gen­ here on time every morning." HOW LONG BOOKS WILL BE CLOSED Liside the jumbled works he no­ erate 2500 HP to do 12 knots. I am writing this in my own behalf, and if necessary, in behalf "Oh, veil dot's easy," Helga an­ ticed a dead cockroach. While I am writing this letter "Veil, no vunder she vouldn't* of all other trip card or permit men. that on the SIU ships I always swered. "I vill buy an alarm vork," he exclaimed. 'The «iIn the Savannah Union Hall today, I saw a notice that I think had better linen service than I clock today." jineer iss dead." is very unfair to some SIU men. The notice states that unless a trip get in this hospital. Here we get That afternoon, on the way card or permit man'actually stood 100 percent picket duty, he one clean sheet, and one clean home, Helga bought the alarm Clifford Larson Marine Hospital is not eligible to put in an application for a pro book. That means pillow slip each week. At sea, I clock. Before he went to bed Neponsit, New York that he .had to be ashore and not on a trip. never had any trouble getting that night, he wound it up—but Now this really does seem iinfair. If I, or any other man, had , been on the beach when the strike was called, I am sure that I, or TO EUROPE WITH THE MEREDITH VICTORY they, would have been in on the beef 100 percent for the SIU. On all ships that I have sailed, I have always worked in full cooperation with my shipmates, and have always followed their c* • decisions all the way. ... . » I would like to know just how long this new ruling will be in effect. I know that those trip card and permit men who were on picket line duty should come first for pro books, but I don't think it fair to keep a man away from his pro book because he was on a ship at sea when the strike was called, such as I was. It stands to reason that my presence on the picketline was impossible. Anthony C. Parker ANSWER:—^The Union fully appreciates the circumstances involved in your case. Brother Parker, and it sincerely hopes that a change in shipping conditions in the very near future will make possible the reopening of the books. The books are closed only temporarily, in line with the will of the membership as expressed by vote at regular mem­ bership meetings. Naturally, it is a protection for the older At left, the vessel plows her way through the English Chan­ members against the possibility of unemployment. The books nel, off Land's End, Bishop Rock. will be reopened from time to time, as conditions warrant, to Gil Parker, the Meredith's cameraman, focuses his lens on eialde permit and trip card men to procure pro books. .some barges, in the photo above, as they were tied up in th* Once you. have your book, and we hc^ that is soon, youH canal which runs through Rotterdam, The Netherland. appreciate the intention of this ruling. Larson Generates Some Cockroach Power wimimmfmiKt. Ill fe �Pag6 Fourteen THE SEAFARERS LOG Deplores Attitude Toward Those On Unorganized Ships During 1946 General Strike Friday. February 14, 1947 HONOR THE BEARER DUES liW. m. MJUt. . MVS iDH 1 1946 N.YJJAN 1 ?94fi mJAN 1 DUES YEAR—19 1046 IJUf. ro. MAS. • •WNOV ll WB NOV 11 f""? Ui finv H1 Aran. WHtt Personally, I think I would To the membership: N.Y.2.IAM 1 l.qj.R KU Nnv 11 fO/r«? I have become aware of the have had a lot more fun in a week MAT VOLL'Mng fact that many men who were on of tramping a picketline than I lUU the picketlines during the 1946 had during my four month trip General Strike are inclined to aboard an Isthmian hell ship! " 1 lOlT look down upon those of us sea­ Altliuugh I personally was at By JOHNNY JOHNSTON men and organizers who were at sea doing a job for the Union by Aok. organizing Isthmian men, it is sea during this period. The Flying Cloud was the •srr. fastest sailing vessel ever to sail As a volunteer organizer I also injust to criticize a man for under Captain Josiah Perkins signed articles on the Red Rover, being at sea during the strike, OCT. Cressy, she sped from New York Isthmian, Aug. 24, 1946 for a even if he was aboard one of our MOV. to San Francisco in 89 days, a trip to India. One-half hour be­ contracted ships. record equalled only once, and We have contracts to honor, fore the General Strike was call­ DEC. then by the Flying Cloud herself. ed on Sept. 4, we cleared New and once a ship has cleared a port that is not yet struck, we York Harbor. On that trip she logged 374 Volunteer organizers receive one month's free dues for each miles in one day, and she still The critical attitude of a few of cannot order the ship to be haul­ month spent aboard unorganized ships during a drive. Many holds the best average sailing the members toward those of us ed around. SIU members have the words "VOLUNTEER ORGANIZER" vessel time from an Atlantic port It is only an accident that a stamped in books to correspond to the number of months they long voyages under the Ameri­ man happens to be on the beach endured bad conditions and low wages so as to carry the SIU can flag. On her maiden voyage when a strike breaks, for who word to unorganized seamen. to San Francisco. can say a month, or even a week, in advance that there is going to ^ % When the war was over the be a strike. There is every pos­ United States owned more ships sibility in the case of the '46 than ever before in history. If General Strike that up until a all the ships the U.S. owned at few days before the strike broke the end of the war were to pass most men were unaware that a By PAUL PARSONS a given point at the j-ate of one strike was going to take place. If a man shows a strike clear­ In most of these frauds #e per minute, sixty per hour, it From the first day that Stew­ ance card that proves him to have ards started shipping from the Port Steward s hands are tied. In would take five days, thirteen been at sea during the action, board in this Union, instead of many instances I know the Port hours, and twenty minutes, to there is no reason to criticize him. obtaining jobs from the com­ Steward would like to do the ' review that long line of ships. It would be a continuous and If a man has any of the legiti­ panies, some of these operators right thing, but his operations imposing array of military might, mate excuses approved by the have been trying in every way are limited by" the purchasing but remember, we didn't build membership he is above attack, to place the Steward in the agent to those of a glorified er­ them because we seamen like the because he was physically unable middle of any beef that might rand boy. idea of war. to participate. arise from inadequate supplies.* STEWARD'S JOB it' The latest of these attempts by If criticism of non-participators A Steward is supposed to be The draft of a vessel is the is desired, let these few members the companies pertains to the able to order his own supplies, GEORGE W, CHAMPLIN distance said vessel is immersed company requisition. It works aim it at the men who were on and we all know that is not hard in the water, or the depth from who were at sea is not justified, the beach when the strike broke, like this: When the ship pulls in­ to do. Of course, there is money the bottom of the keel to the as we were out there doing a job and went home to sit it out on to its home port, the Steward involved, but even if he is in­ water line. takes an inventory of all sup­ for the Uuion just as important their front porch. competent it is far better for one Draft marks are painted on both plies, and makes a requisition, George W. Champlin as pounding the bricks. finger to be in the pot than the sides of the stern and rudder only to find it is not accepted by many hands of the company and post in the following manner: the company. Also at times he the ship-chandlers. The numerals are six inches high finds the inventory too is not ac­ with six inches space between At times these purchasing cepted. them, The bottom of the numer­ agents will load a ship with many The company instead makes al rests on an even foot of draft. unnecessary supplies — supplies out is own requisition and con­ This method makes it impos­ firmation of stores ordered. This that will never be used and were sible to estimate by eye the (This article is not an inter­ falls the task of preparing those they bring to the ship's Steward never ordered by the Steward. amount of draft. If the water and ask for his signature, stating In the instances that I have pretation of the agreement as delicious concoctions which round covers half of a number, the draft it covers the Stewards Depart­ off a Seafarers' meal—the des­ that the stores cannot be obtain­ seen it happen, I have mentioned would be equal to that number it to the Port Steward. He would ed until he signs for them. ment. It merely makes sug­ serts. of feet plus three inches, and so Usually the list is short many always confess ignorance to the gestions to that Department in One sure way of winning the on. answer to many questions undying friendship of ypur ship­ items, but they tell him he will whole matter, naming the pur­ i 1. 4. raised by members. Each week mates is to take some pride in be unable to receive anything un­ chasing agent as the one respon­ The plimsoll mark of a ship the LOG prints an article mak­ the preparation of this important less he puts his signature on the sible. consists of a disc with a horizontal Whenever these company er­ ing suggestions to each of the item on the menu. A good des­ requisition. line through its center, indicating Then just before the ship sails, rand boys come aboard for the ratings in the Stewards De­ sert can often make a mediocre the summer load line. Also there partment. This week's, the meal a success. The last thing to the company stooges climb aboard Steward's and Department heads' are a series of other horizontal and tell all department heads to fourth of the series, is for the be eaten, the dessert generally is signatures on the requisition, sign the confirmation and requi­ they say it is compulsory, and lines indicating the load lines benefit of Night Cooks and the longest remembered. sition list that the company has in some instances threaten to fire for various waters and seasons. Bakers.) The Night Cook and Baker also drawn up. The abbreviations used to mark the men for not signing the lists. Coordination of the functions has to work closely with the day these lines are as follows: If there are any objections to of all members of the Stewards Cook. Jointly, they put out the KEEP COPIES F or FW means Fresh Water Department is absolutely essen­ breakfast meal. Here too, the this they show the signature of IS is Indian Ocean in Summer. I would like to remind the tial to a good performance. In Night Cook and Baker can di­ the Steward, thus placing all the Stewards that they only have to WNA means North Atlantic in line with this, it should be re­ rect, to a degree, the disposition blame on his shoulders. sign for stores received, requisi­ Winter. SIGNS BLIND membered that the Night Cook of his shipmates. Men who start S stands for Summer in waters tions that they have made out Another way this works is for and Baker must cooperate in off the day with an appetizing and matters pertaining to their other than the Indian Ocean. every way possible with all gal­ meal are apt to tackle their jobs the purchasing agent to make a own departments, such as repair W is for Winter in waters other deal with the chandlers whereby ley men with whom he must in good humor. than the North Atlantic. lists, meal reports, and such. they don't send the full amount work. T means Tropical Waters. Tender meats which require ordered to the ship. In other words, the Stewards Of the more specific duties of pre-cooking preparation, such as TF stands for Tropical Fresh The supplies are brought do not have to sign anything that the Night Cook and Baker the hams that have to be par-boiled Waters. they have not made out them­ following are, perhaps, the most before baking, etc., also come aboard, and before the Steward selves, or for anything they have can check the supplies he is ask­ noteworthy. under the jurisdiction of the ed to sign the confirmation sheet. not received. ALL BAKING Night Cook and Baker. For protection against attacks Thus he signs for supplies he It is his job to do all baking No li.st of galley men's duties never received. on their ability. Stewards are aboard the vessel, such as the is complete without emphatic If your requisition is cut. When a complaint is raised by smart to keep a copy of their re­ bread, cake, pies, etc. He also mention of cleanliness. At all or if the food is not up to par. the crew or the Steward, the com­ quisition for the record, and have puts out all bread-type foods times the galley must be spotless. notify all three Delegates at pany will say the stores were no less than two receipts to cover which arc made on top of the The Night Cook and Baker is once so that the ship will not delivered for they have the Stew­ themselves. stove. This would include in his charged with seeing to it that' ard's signature. sail until the matter has been Whenever the stores arrive duties the preparation and mak­ the galley is clean at night. straightened out. They will blame the Steward aboard ship, and they do not cor­ ing of doughnuts, french toast He must clean all galley uten- for incompetency and wilful mis­ respond to the stores ordered, it It is the responsibility of and similar foodstuffs. •sils used in baking when no ba­ use of the stores. By this maneu­ is the Steward's right to make the Steward to check the , , It goes without saying that the ker's utility is carried aboard ver the company achieves a two­ out another requisition. stores before the ship sails, utmost attention should be paid ship. fold purpose, for they discredit and any complaints made far If the second order is refused cleanliness in preparation of However, the wise Night Cook the* Steward, and save the com­ the proper thing is to call a meet­ at sea won't do the crew any these items, as well as in the and Baker realized that the SIU pany money. Also the purchas­ ing of the crew. They'll back good if they have to eat short performance of his other duties, slogan, "an SIU ship is a clean ing agent makes a nice split with you up and you won't get your­ rations or poor food. To the Night Cook and Baker ship," starts in the galley. the chandler. self in hot water. Steward Is Placed In The Middle By A New Shipowner Maneuver What To Do: Some Departmentai Suggestions For Nt. Cook & Baker Chief Stewards i �[• iiuijjs'npr^'" ~~ m. TAX REBATES Mississippi Shipping Company Seafarers who were employed on Mississippi Shipping Company vessels and have credit balances in their unclaim­ ed wage account covering overdeductions of Social Security taxes for the years 1943, 1944 and 1945, can now receive money due them by writing to the Mississippi Shipping Company, 1300 Hibernia Building, New Orleans, La. When writing the company mention the money is due for Federal Old Age Benefit overdeductions, and give your Social Security number. Those entitled to rebates and the amout due are listed "''below. PERSONALS im:. Rauen, Mathais J Reed, Leslie G Reid, Arch Remmie, William J Renn, Grey Rensvik, Alexander Reynolds, Gordon: Risher, William Riuttala, Heims Roberts, B. G Robbins, C. R Robinet, Charles E Robbins, Charles R Romejko, A Romin, Walter Roskie, I.ouis F Rotham, Willie Royal, Floyd Rumberg, Hans Russell, Delmar • Russell, Jo.seph Sand, Eddy M Sansier, George P Sehaffer, Ray Scherdin, Francis L Schliffer, R. G a base pay of $160.00 per month and $1.00 per hour overtime. The new contract provides for •a fortyrhour week with $177;50 per month base pay and $1.25 per hour overtime. These are seven, days a week jobs, so the new contract has been worded giving-' the crews optional over­ time on Saturdays and Sundays. The Seafarers continue to set the pace with the best conditions and wages in the industry. There has been a big howl for DANIEL BOYCE a long time about the crummy old Contact. Mr. P. W. Nelson of Mobile Hall, and there is no the Mississippi. Shipping Co. in doubt that the howl was justified. New Orleans, La. The trouble has been that it :- By LOUIS GOFFIN 1.91 1.23 17.14 38 1.37 4.69 05 11. C. Peeler, $1.00. RUNNING AROUND l'."® I the ship and all hands aboard, 11.60 SS SHERWOOD Each morning he would take a' snd his orders must be obeyed Crew of SS Sherwood, $12.00; S. 1.58 short cross-country hop from' immediately. Shupler, $.2.00. 94 ship to ship, and as the fleet in­ SS BILLINGS VICTORY Up out of the engine room came 49 p. Calderon, $1.00: M. S. Dedlano. creased in size, his cross-country the Chief with a wrench in both 14 $1.00; J. E. Fiaig, $1.00; DeForest' increased in length. hands yelling, "Get the hell back — L41 Fry, $1.00; L. McDonald. $1.00; D. H. ' Well, just about a couple of on the bridge before I conk you 12.26 Leister, $1.00; A. M. Milefski, $1.00; days before the strike broke, and one." Well, the Old Man really S. Marcelino $1.00; R. P. Hanley. $1.00; 81 E. J. Puthe. $1.00; A. Zarkooski. $1.00; the fleet consisted of about 68 took off. 21.02 A. E. Rosado. $5.00; A. Garnzoii, $1.00; ships, this bird took off on his When he got back on the 12 P. Lohse. $1.00-; A. Wasstrom. $1.00; However, he had bridge he started to weep "to the 12 w. Renny, $1.00; o. J. Kase, $1.00; P. 21.19 G. Marhos. $1.00; 11. Put, $1.00; B. L. forgotten to count the ships, and Mate on watch, "Nobody loves $1.00; J. L. McHenry, $1.00; in making a detour, he found no me. Everyone has it in for me. 79 Clayton, A. Martinisen, $1.00; H. C. Michels, gangway, so—in the drink he' so the hell with everybody. I 28.42 $1.00; D. A. Crockett, $1.00; S. Her­ don't care if the damn ship burns 1.28 nandez. $1.00; .A. J. Jensen, $1.00; A. When we heard his howls, we up." _ .11 Stankicwicz, $1.00. INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS rushed over to where he was last From that time on until we " 6.52 F. D.aniais, $1.00; William Mason, j And there he was, thrashgot back in New York, we didn't 45.82 $1.00; c. Lugo. $1.00; J. Alper $1.00, jj^g gpound like 3 whale. see or hear from the Old Man „ , . ., , near, Iiom ine UlU Man, 95 W L. Ezell, $1.00; David M. Nichols, O"® 8"^ l^aneu over liie side and Brothers, he really was an 1.25 $1.00; John-Troast. $1.00. E. Fernandez, $3.00; John E. Well, and hollered down: "How's your; dd man from the results of that 2.09 $1.00; Joe Schoell. $3.00; Alex W. Weir. cross-country run today. Why trip. 11.71 $2.00. don't you go to the bottom and 5.68 J. Maguire, $3.00; W. O'Connor. $2.00. continue your run, you may wind 1.25 BOSTON up in China?" 94 INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS "Listen smart guy," said the 2.90 Vern L. Smith, $1.00; R. Hallahuii. Steward, "That's just what I in17.76 $3.00. BALTIMORE 14 North Gay St. Nfiw Towboat Contract Signed In Mobite, Setting New Lead NOTICF! There isn't Ever A Shortage Of Those Seagoing Characters I have been requested to con- of the crew, and battles they tinue my stories on seagoing were. characters by my good friend, I The Old Man was a sane chara^id former writer Jft- the Log,' acter when we sailed, but he" was Johnny Bunker. In my future a candidate for the bughouse articles I will try to concentrate when we returned, on the Skippers, Mates, EnEach morning at sea this guy gineers. Radio Operators, and ^ would stand on the wing of the Stewards, whom I sailed with or bridge with a rifle and take pot know about through former ship- shots at the seagulls and porNEW YORK mates. poises. This in itself is a major SS FORT WINABAGO I will try to go back as far as' seagoing crime, but when we T. J. F. Edstrom, $2,00; W. C. llogancnmpf $1.00; T. E. Walker, $2.00; w. I can, Starting fi'om my early sea- protested against this type of c. Vandersaii, $1.00; L. Baiiarini. $3.00; j going days up to, and including shooting he said, "If you guys Wm. p. Murphy. $2.00- E V. Hoff, present time. As space is don't like it, I'll start taking $4.00; T. Murphy, $4.00; J. \'. Simmons.' . . i r • . j. ^ $4.00: L. WaU $4.00; R. L. Collins. I Will try not to covcr shots at the crew." $3.00; H. C. Keiter. $2.00; J. Augus- too much territory in any one KING OF THE CREW lino, $4 00; K. P. Apter, $4.00; R. M. article. Homeward-bound, a fire broke Kat7.. $3.00; B. Walker, $3.00; J. M. In the early part of 1921, prior Bergerin, $3.00; Stanley Lesko, $3.00; out in the engine room, and the to the strike, Jamaica Bay, near, G. D. Inkpen, $3.00. Brooklyn, was the location of the, ^^ip stopped cold. The Old Man SS T. MEADOWS lay-up fleet, where I shipped as, tearing into tne engine W. Row Lee, $1.00; R. E. Miller, a cleanup man. The fleet only demanding that the fire $1.00; A. G. Martinez, $1.00; T. Moyer, extinguished and the engines $1.00; H. E. Slowik, $1.00; E. Steiner. consisted of six ships, and the. $2.00; C. Kleeberg, $2.00; W. A. Bur­ cleanup Steward was a guy from started immediately, ton, $2.00; J. C. Beechcr, $4.00; R. J. my home town, a former crossWell, in about one minute, he Stark, $2.00; R. Olson, $2.00; D. E. i running up on deck, howWorster, $2.0;; Charles Hitchens, $2.00; country runner. RAYMOND L. PERRY Contact Miss Dvorchak, credit manager of Hotel New Yorker. 4* FRANCIS MARTENS. AB Toby Martens, 53 Kenyon St., New Bedford, Mass., is anxious for an address whei'e you can be reached by mail. % % % BARNEY SPEEGLE Please communicate with your wife immediately, telling her when you expect to be home. A letter from her indicates that your son requires medical atten­ tion, and your help is greatly needed. S. 4. S. ANYONE DE COSTA Plea.se write to your wife at P. O. Box 3611, Jacksonville, Fla. i 4.' 4. ANTHONY METALLICA Some of your gear is being held Schmidt, Ralph H for you by Roger Farrara. Write Schnicre, Erwin to him care of the SS T. Meadows, Pacific Tankers, c/o Standard Oil Schwarz, Milton G Co., 115 Broadway, New York Scliste, Bruns N City, telling him where you want Shells, Hy Sheppard, Fred V. the gear sent. 4. 4. 4.. PAUL REINBERGER JRi. Your mother, Mrs. Karen Henry, P. O. Box 501, Harbor City, Calif., wishes you to com­ municate with her immediately, and give your whereabouts. By CAL TANNER. 4- 4. 4. MOBILE — This port started was tough to even get a room ART COLEMAN the ball rolling in the harbor here, much less rent a Union Hall. SYLVESTER BARNES last year with a The war-time boom grabbed up James Kish, 2935 E. 121 St., towboat field short effective strike, which all available space for stores, Cleveland, O., wants to know brought good' conditions and housing and gin mills, with the where he carr reach you. wages on harbor craft for the result that the Union just couldn't 4' 4" 4" find a decent spot. first time. JUAN: E. VASQUEZ There is a good prospect that The good' example set last Carmen Iris Torres writes that the Mobile membership will now she has important news for you. year was reflected in two new. be able to move into a decent tow boat agreements signed Feb­ She can be reached at 565 West ruary 9th, this year, with the Hall with ample* space and rec­ 174th St;, . New York City. Mobile Towing and Wrecking reational facilities by the time 4. 4 4 Company and the Gulf Ship­ this goes to press. WILLIAM JAME& STEWART Anyway, the membership can building Corporation. Wire your father, William rest assured that heaven, hell Previous to the signing of this Stewart, your present address so and high water are being moved contract, these crews were work­ that he may communicate with to get the spot as soon as possible. j'ou. Send the message collect, or ing a forty-eight hour week for telephone him and reverse the charges. 44 4 GEORGE F; CURRANi Your brother, John A. Curran, of Ogdensburg, N. YL, wishes to know your whereabouts. 4 4 4 JOHN BYRD Get in touch with your mother. Page Fifteen THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, Febraury. 14, 1947 SlU HALLS Calvert 4539 276 State St. Boudoin 4455 BUFFALO 10 Exchange St. Cleveland 7391 CHARLESTON 424 King Street Phone 3-3680 CHICAGO 24 W. Superior Ave. Superior 5175 CLEVELAND ...1014 E. St. Clair Ave. Main 0147 CORPUS CHRISTI ..1824 Mesquite St. Corpus Christ! 3..1509 DETROIT 1038 Third St. Cadillac 6857 DULUTH 531 W. Michigaa St. Melrose 4110 GALVESTON 305 Vi 22nd St. 2-8448 HONOLULU 16 Merchant St. 58777 BOSTON tend to do." And darned if he didn't do it, because in about 20 HOUSTON isis 75th street , , I Phone Wentworth 3-3809 minute he was ashore. I JACKSONVILLE 920 Maim st. We didn't see his head, and' Phone 5-5919 how he did it we never did fig., MARCUS HOOK ure' out, but there he was on the MIAMI 135s N. E. 1st Ave. shore running like hell, showing MOMLE 7 St. Michael St. that he was as good a swimmer' NEW ORLEANS 339 Chartfes"st^ as he claimed to be cross-coun-1 Magnolia 6112-6113 NEW YORK 51 Beaver St. try runner. HAnover 2-2784 NORFOLK 127-129 Bank Street CHARACTER CARGO 4-1083 In early 1942, I joined a tanker PHILADELPHIA 9 South 7th St. called the SS Hera as Messboy I Phone Lombard 3-7651 FRONT: PATROL . , , . i. c on 1. 1 PORT ARTHUR ..909 Fort Worth Ave. Phone: 2-8632 Every ship in the port is being for the big amount of 30 bucks | iii w. Bumside St. covered, and no beefs too big to a month. This trip was from New PORTLAND xr 1 X T-. v. 1 Beacon 4336 handle have come up. One good' York to Rouen, France, and we RICHMOND, Calif. 257 sth st. • 2599 thing about Mobile is the fact were loaded down with charSAN FRANCISCO 105 Market St. that the average man sailing out acters. Donglas 5475-8363 The ship had: no wireless, and SAN JUAN, P. H. ...252 Ponce de Leon of this port is both a good seaman San Juan 2-5996 and a good Union man, with the there was no: way of communi-J result that bum beefs are kept eating with the shore, or other, ships, except by. blinker or sig- SEATTLE se ^nec^ st. at a minimum. Main 0Z90 Shipping remains fair and a nal flags. TAMPA 1809-1811 N. FrankliniSt. When we started out the Skip­ M-.1B23 lot' of: the boys have taken. on a 615 Summit St. little towboating under the good per had dark hair. When we re­ TOLEDO WILMINGTON .440 Airalon Blvd. harbor contracts. It may sound turned his hair was almost snow Terminal 4-3131 602 Houghton St. like bragging, but we have the white, and therein lies the tale., VICTORIA, B. C Garden 8331 For the first- time in my sea-' VANCOUVER opinion that Mobile is just; about 144 W. Hastings St. Pacific 7824 the best port in the country, bar going career the battles aboard were between the officers instead none. �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Sixieen Friday, February 14, 1947 ISTHMIAN STAMEN: «=»*' "tS ^yy^ipavMA/ 'TS'"" """" -\0 tes» Po ndf lef- NMUshijiW tricte cie|>we now ^"H^ fc.6rtt>u uJhich IS ^FAE^OEESS Jbra'cxENAXicfieALXfenaN; � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource February 14, 1947 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. IX, No. 6 Description An account of the resource Headlines: ANTI COMMUNISTS WIN EASILY IN MFOW ELECTION ISTHMIAN CASE GOES BEFORE NLRB; COMPANY OBJECTIONS OVERRULED SIU TAKES TO STREES TO AID AFL FINANCIAL EMPLOYEES CMU, REPUDIATED BY THREE UNIONS, VOTES TO DISBAND NMU LOSES TO COMPANY UNION IN ATLANTIC REFINING ELECTION THEY ALSO SERVED END OF THE ROAD MEMBERSHIP IS THE ONLY VICTIM IN POWER STRUGGLE WITHIN NMU CIO SHIPBUILDERS KEEP PICKETLINES SOLID; SEAFARERS SENDS WIRE TO MAYOR O'DWYER TEXT OF TELEGRAM TO MAYOR TAMPA AFL UNIONS TAKE LEAD AGAINST ANTI-LABOR CITY HEADS EVENTS OF A BUSY WEEK IN N.O. REPORT OF NLRB REGIONAL DIRECTOR SIU DISTRIBUTES 25,000 LEAFLETS FOR UFE REPORT OF NLRB REGIONAL DIRECTOR SIU DISTRIBUTES 25,000 LEAFLETS FOR UFE WHAT GOOD IS A UNION? CHICAGO AGENT FOLLOWS A HUNCH, SAVES SELF FROM ICY VACATION COMPANY HANDOUTS ARE FAR CRY FROM UNION CONTRACT CONDITIONS STORMY WEATHER DOES NOT SLOW NEED FOR RATED MEN IN NEW YORK ADVICE FROM AGENT: NOTIFY HALL AS SOON AS YOUR SHIP TIES UP FRISCO SHIPPING IS OUT OF FOG AND STARTS HUMMING ONCE AGAIN REPORT OF THE GREAT LAKES SECRETARY-TREASURER NEW AGENT GETS SUN AND SHIPPING DOPE IN SAN JUAN CLEVELAND AWAITS THE SPRING THAW ON GREAT LAKES NMU HOPES FADE ON LAKES; RECORD IS DEATH WARRANT PIONEER LADS RUB IT IN--WITH SNOW SHARSWOOD MEN HIT SKIPPER IN VESSEL'S RATION REPORT BELLYROBBERS DO A BANG-UP JOB, WIN PLAUDITS OF THE JEAN CREW BLACKIE GARDNER COUNTED OUT FINANCIALLY IN LIVELY TUSSLE WITH 'THE WICKED CITY' DEPLORES ATTITUDE TOWARD THOSE ON UNORGANIZED SHIPS DURING 1946 GENERAL STRIKE STEWARD IS PLACED IN THE MIDDLE BY A NEW SHIPOWNER MANEUVER WHAT TO DO: SOME DEPARTMENTAL SUGGESTIONS FOR NT. COOK & BAKER NEW TOWBOAT CONTRACT SIGNED IN MOBILE, SETTING NEW LEAD Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2/14/1947 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1947 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/c037ea22eff811b529dfc0dd5279e8bd.PDF 7c71704ba69150fed6be64c6054a8e51 PDF Text Text iftHESpiiii v>^ '-y Official Organ of the Atlantic and Gulf District, Seafarers International Union of North America VOL. IX. NEW YORK. N. Y.. FRIDAY. FEBRUARY 21. 1947 SlU ON ANOTHER UNION FRONT No. 8 SlU Demands Inquiry Into Panamanian Ships; ITF To Discuss Action NE!W YORK, February 19 — The Coordinating Committee of the International Transportworkers Feder­ ation today discussed the fact that many shipowners are placing their ships under Panamanian registry in an effort to avoid having to employ union seamen. Figures dis­ closed at the meeting showed that a vast number of United States yessels have already been transferred, and more than 350 Greek ships are now sailingt^ " -SlU Again Takes To Street With UFE Leaflets All seamen's ujjjons are hostile to this, since Panama's seamen are very poorly paid, and this The notably anti-union Bushey Company is finally going to sit down and bargain with the will inevitably lead to a break CIO Shipbuilders. It was cooperation such as the picture above shows that forced Bushey into this down of union wages and condi­ move. Seafarers and shipbuilders united can't lose. tions in the countries where sea­ men have strong unions. In addition, the inspection While the banking interests rules in Panama are very lax, were frantically searching for and this may prove costly in new ways to stall the demands of The SIU sailing through the seamen's lives. the United Financial Employes, streets, distributing leaflets for The companies which have al­ AFL, the Seafarers again ranged the UFE in an inspiring dis­ ready affected the transfers have the New York financial district, play of union solidarity and started the union-busting ball distributing literature which ex­ NEW YORK—With a new contract signed, sealed, fraternal cooperation, evidently rolling by advertising for scabs plained the UFE side of the story. and delivered on January 29, 1947, the passenger ships op­ had an effect on the Wall Street to sail their ships. In three hours, on Tuesday, fat boys. Although the Seafarers Inter­ February 18, close to 50,000 leaf­ erated by the Alcoa Steamship Company were added to the national Union has taken a pos­ lets were handed out. Headed, The New York Cotton Ex­ growing list of vessels instituting the new conditions and change backed down very ition condemning the juggling of "UFE CALLS ITS OWN wages being won on passenger, freight, and tanker ships quickly from its obstinate re­ United States ships in this man­ SHOTS," the message was eager­ by the Seafarers. fusal to even talk to the union, ner, the ITF Coordinating Com­ ly grabbed by the Wall Street The new agreement, which supplements the agree- and has promised not to attack mittee, as the result of a sugges­ workers as they hit the street for -tment dated October 23, 1946, was the UFE's bargaining rights and tion by Brothers Paul Hall and their lunch hour. Morris Weisberger, decided to signed by John Hawk, Secretaryto negotiate in good faith. It is reported that the Wall table any action until the next Street circles are a little taken Treasurer; J. P. Shuler, Assistant The Cotton Exchange meeting on February 28. Secretary-Treasurer; Paul Hall, aback by the solid cooperation swears that it was misquoted Director of Orgpnization; and SIU CALLS HALT which the UFE is receiving from in that story in the Com­ Robert Matthews, Headquarters A resolution, drafted by SIU the SIU. But the UFE members mercial and Financial Chron­ Department Engine Representa­ President Harry Lundeberg, and potential members are gain­ icle. But it also might be that tive. For the Company Messrs blasted the practice by which ing new confidence for the job SIU support for the UFE Schilling and Parks signed. great financial interests are able which lies ahead. forced this sudden change of NEW YORK, Feb. 19 — A Four ships are covered by the heart. {Continned on Page 15) {Continued on Page 1 5) break of possible major signifi­ cance in the SlU-supported strike contract: the George Washington, SOLIDARITY DOES IT of the CIO Shipbuilders against and the Alcoa Cavalier, Alcoa the Ira. A. Bushey and Sons' Corsair, and Alcoa Clipper. All Brookly.n shipyards was reported are cruise ships, and although the today by Fred Mesita, Chairman GW is the only one in operation of Local 13, of the Industrial right now, the others will be run­ Union of Marine and Shipbuild­ ning by the middle of June at the ing Workers of America, CIO, as latest. the walkout went into its fourth These ships are the last word week. in comfort, both for passengers William McCaffrey, the union's and crew. They are air-condi­ international representative, and tioned throughout, newly paint­ William Scanlon, company per­ ed and renovated, and promise to sonnel manager, met this morn­ be good berths for SIU members. ing at which time the shipyard While the Cavalier, Corsair, workers demands were present­ and Clipper have a capacity of 96 ed to the company. Under terms of a "gentlemen's passengers each, only an average agreement," the striking local of 60 are expected to be car­ agreed to remove picketlines ried. Should there be any in­ from the yard's entrance, while crease in this amount, the Com­ the company promised to refrain pany has agreed to employ ad­ ditional members in the Stew­ from putting scabs to work. ards Department. Officially, however, the strike continues pending ratification of The complete text of the sup­ any. agreement reached by the plemental agreement appears on conferees. This is the first time pages 7 and 8;, keep these pages Lefl to right, AFL Office Workers' Vice-President R. M. Daugherty; Local 205, UFE Presi­ the Bushey outfit has indicated a for future reference. They may dent M. David Keefe, and an unidentified Seafarer give out handbills in the financial district. willingness to negotiate the dis­ mean more money for you—or pute, which began Jan. 30. Far right is John Cole, another Local 205 official. save you from filing bum beefs. Seafarers And Alcoa Sign Passenger Ship Clauses Bushey Agrees To Meet Shipmen As Strike Holds United Action Wins �V.. ^ :..V ;ES Page Two TL'i. THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, February 21, 1947 SEAFARERS LOG Published Weekly by the SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Gulf District Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor At 51 Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y. HAnover 2-2784 % ^ X X HARRY LUNDEBERG ------- President 105 Market Street, San Francisco, Calif. JOHN HAWK - -- -- -- - Secy-Treas. p. O. Box 25, Bowling Green Station, New York, N. Y. Entered as second class matter June 15, 1945, at the Post Office in New York, N. Y., imder the Act of August 24, 1912. GEORGE NOVICK, Editor 267 Peacetime Conscription The men who make it a life work to be fftliticians learn early that words are valuable mainly to hide what they are really trying to say. The man who learns this the best usually winds up in a position of major importance. With hands patriotically lifted in the air, they say that the United States needs a large standing army so as to protect us from foreign countries. They try to prove that a large navy is a necessity to prevent other nations from conquering u^ A big air force is another must, according to the big shots, so as to enable the United States to withstand in­ vasion should it come by air. There is not one single grain of truth in any of the above arguments. Atomic warfare has made large armies and navies silly holdovers from the past. A million men are not a good match for one atom bomb. Why, then, do the Washington legislators go down the line for conscription of young men in time of peace? The answer is simple, and is the other string to the antilabor bow that all Congressmen are equipped with. Hospital Patients When entering the hospital notify the delegate by post­ card, giving your name and the number of your ward. By fair means or foul, the big businessmen of .the United States have resolved to break up unions and thereby send workers back into economic slavery. Through their lackeys, the elected representatives who sit in the Halls of Congress, they have started a flood of laws that will, if passed, push the U. S. labor movcm.ent back 50 years. But they are not satisfied with just that. They like to make sure of their ground, and if the bills they favor are not passed, they want another weapon to fall back on. That is where conscription comes in. Staten Island Hospital Men Now In The Marine Hospitals These are the Union Brothers currently in the marine hospitals, as reported by the Port Agents. These Brothers find time hanging heavily on their hands. Do what you can to cheer them up by writ­ ing to them. A vast conscript army in an ever-ready source of strike-breakers. During the days of the 1930's, when the American labor movement was just emerging as a factor in our economic life, the National Guard of various states STATEN ISLAND HOSPITAL was called out to disperse pickets and club helpless men R. G. MOSSELLER J. S. WOOD and women. What the NO did, conscripted soldiers may E. E. CASEY be forced to do. W. G. H. BAUSE F. H. DOLAN We. all know only to well that the Army has no mind L. A. CORNWALL of its own, but obeys blindly. Soldiers moved trucks when F. CORNIER the Teamsters were on strike; Army battalions stood ready M. BAUCSKI to run the railroads when the Railroad Unions were on E. D. MILLER M. MORRIS strike, and this was a large factor in breaking that strike. After the end of the war, many United States soldiers were trained in the use of billy clubs and tear gas. Taken by Itself, this piece of information is not frightening, but when this training was accompanied by lectures on break­ ing picketlines and the handling of "mobs," then it became a matter of concern to all vmrkers. It took a great deal of publicity to force the Army to halt the training of soldiers as strike-breakers. If the brass-hats get the go-ahead signal now, nothing will stop them in the future. It may be that the men who are drafted for peace­ time training will not be used as strike-breakers. But labor cannot afford to take that chance. The only way to make sure is to fight the program now, before it is too late. H. BELCHER L. L. MOODY W. BLOOM R. R. LEIKAS R. MCDOWELL K.- KORNELIUSSEN M. J. LYDEN J. H. DANIEL, Jr. S. W. LESLEY C. SULLIVAN S" S" it NEPONSIT HOSPITAL J. R. HANCHEY C. M. LARSON J. S. CAMPBELL R. A. BLAKE L. TORRES L. CLARK H. SELBY J. FIGUEROA C. SCHULTZ L. L. LEWIS E. V. FERRER H. BURKE 5, 5, S. BALTIMORE HOSPITAL CLIFTON COATES CASIMIR HONOROWSKI CHARLES SIMMONS CLYDE MILLER THEODORE BABKOWSKI THEODORE CARROLL MATTHEW CARSON MAX BYERS JOHN OSSMOW PETER LOPEZ ROBERT SHEHEE LAWRENCE McCUNE FRANK NIXON DAVID HERON You can contact your Hos­ pital delegate at the Stateii Island Hospital at the follow­ ing times: Tuesday—1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 5th and 6th floors) Thursday—-ItSO, to 3:30 p.m. (on 3rd and 4th floors.) Saturday>—1:30: to 3i30 pmi. (on 1st and Znd floors.) GALVESTON HOSPITAL OLSEN BENNETT GALANE R. V. JONES HUTCHENSON STAEINZ MILKE FLESHER AKIN GRAVES BREASHAR KOW LIM t t t 4. t BRIGHTON HOSPITAL E. JOHNSTON H. SWIM R. LORD E. CABRAL A. MABIE R. BROWN T. ALDRIDGE E. BOLEKALA SAN JUAN HOSPITAL JUAN OLIVER WALTER JORGENSON RAYMOND SAUDERS R. ARMSTRONG P. FELICIANO . R. SEIFO J. TIERNEY X X % ELLIS ISLAND HOSPITAL C. RASMUSSEN D. MCDONALD J. KOSLUSKY M. MCCARTHY �Friday. February 21, 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Three Seafarers Asks Congress For Action On Program For Merchant Marine By PAUL HALL One of the most nauseating dishes cooked up at the San Fran­ cisco meeting of the national council of the Marine Cooks and Stewards union last December was an item probably served as "Unity-a-la CMU." It was a proposal by the MCS New York agent Sid Kaufman, that the Committee for Maritime Unity (which rerecently went through a much-needed scrap job( move in and take over the East Coast longshoremen of the American Federation of Labor. The stomach of any honest trade-unionist would have turned at the first smell of such finking crap. But not so with the officials of the MCS, whose guts have long been filled through with the poisons of the communists' trade-union diet. The finking raiding proposal was neither new nor surprising. Any guy on the waterfront with the least bit of savvy would ex­ pect just that sort of thing from these characters, whose mouths shout workingclass slogans, but whose hands hold the knife that rips the back of labor. Always one of the major obstacles in the way of communist waterfront ambitions, the AFL longshoemen have long been the commies' chief target. Commie inspired attempts to move in on the International Longshoremen have been made before. But the wings of these redbirds were clipped, and we'll clip them again if necessary. Specifically, though, what can be done, what will be done about this finking threat to our Brother outfit in the Maritime Trades Department? Agents Will Discuss jVIatter As far as the Seafarers International Union is concerned, the matter will receive careful attention at the Agents Conference of the Atlantic and Gulf District, and at the International's conven­ tion to be held in Chicago in March. The entire question will be discussed very thoroughly on the basis of our considerable—and bitter experience with the commies in the past. Out of these two meetings will come specific recommenda­ tions for combatting the latest in the sickening list of commie-dis­ ruptive trade-union tactics. In addition the matter will be placed on the agenda of the AFL Maritime Trades Department, and on the agenda of the Maritime Councils in every port of West, Gulf and Atlantic coasts. * This latest commie-led maneuver shows up sharply one of the fundamental reasons for the organization of the Maritime Trades Department. The powerful alliance of AFL waterfront unions was forged not only to strengthen its affiliates in their fights against the operators, but also to successfully defend ourselves against the raids of commie unions. We stand prepared to smash the foul tactics of these red raiders, who, in order to carry out the dictates of Mother Russia, must completely eontrol the maritime industry. SIU Expansion Program Valuable Definite signs of the value of the Seafarers' expansion program are now becoming more and more evident. Added to the tremen­ dously important victory in the Isthmian election are several new contracts signed recently with dry cargo operators. And, while other unions are experiencing tough shipping, the Seafarers is enjoying uniformly good shipping up and down the ports. Credit for this healthy condition must go not only to the all-out efforts of the organizing department, but also to the membership for its keen foresight in voting against indiscriminate issuance of membership books. At the time this policy was put into operation, some considered it an unwise move because it had the effect of cutting down the Union's income. Now, however, the wisdom of the move on this score is undisputed. For the time being, the threat of unemployment has been throttled. We can thank the membership for another move that con­ tributed to the Union's smooth functioning. The recently voted re­ quirement that every man must make one trip on an unorganized ship, unless exempted because of other union activities, has had tremendous educational value. As a result of this ruling new mem­ bers are able to gain first-hand experience on the benefits of union­ ism. The new man learns—and sees—the value of Union tactics. The experience pays double interest—the man is come of an asset to himself, and to his Union. The progress we have made should furnish us with greater power in continuing our important drive in unorganized fields. We must keep steam up. We must complete the program we have laid out. In doing so, not only will the size and strength of the Union multiply, but the membership will acquire on-the-spot know-how at the same time. SIU Prestige Grows Speaking of the size and strength of our Union brings up an importantly related matter. The Seafarers is now following a policy in all ports which is adding stature and prestige from out­ side sources. We're gaining new friends all over, and we're putting into practice the principle of real trade-union solidarity. And we're We are taking this opportunity to call your attention to various problems which face the Ameri­ can Merchant Marine and the American .seamen, who make their living sailing on American ships; and also the people ashore; such as the shipyard workers, who are vitally effected and in­ terested in maintaining a large American Merchant Marine. We hope you will read our ideas on the subject, and give them serious consideration. ships with; the foreign operators immediately charter out these ships on long-term contracts to American exporters and impor­ ters, at a rate much lower than American operators can charter out ships. This condiion prevails both in the dry cargo and tanker field. On this page the LOG is proud to start the text of the message sent by Seafarers President Harry Lundeberg to the members of the House Merchant Marine and Fish­ eries Committee and the members of the Committee on Commerce. Due to space limitations, the entire message could not be printed in one issue. Next week the concluding sections will appear. These foreign ships haul Amer­ ican imports and exports, and pay from $100 to $150 less a month for each sailor they hire. They feed badly; they have poor manning scales; and in a num­ AMERICAN SHIPPING ber of cases, are subsidized by Department, and the disinterest­ their government; pay little or no The great American Merchant ed part the United States Con­ taxes, and can operate at a profit. Marine, which reached its peak gress has played. of about 50 million tons during The American banker, who It is the opinion of many peo­ the war, is rapidly dwindling lends money to foreign coun­ down. At the rate ships are be­ ple in the maritime industry that tries and foreign operators to en­ ing laid up by the millions'of tons the Maritime Commission has not able them to buy American built all around the country; at the laid down a strong enough policy ships, owned by the United States rate ships are being sold to for­ to safe-guard the American Mer­ Government, gets a nice fat in­ eign governments and foreign chant Marine. It appears they terest on his money, at the ex­ operators, and at the rate Amer­ just establish policies from day pense of the American Merchant ican capital is buying ships and to day. Marine. The Merchant Marine Act of putting them under the Pana­ Every day more and more manian Flag, it will not be long 1936 was specifically passed by American shipyard workers and before the American Seamen will Congress to build and maintain a American seamen are out of large American Merchant Ma­ be in the breadline with the high­ work. Moreover, this *is daily est wages in the world, but with rine, which would be large weakening the national defense enough to take care of the needs no ships to sail. status of the United States. Before the war, the entire of the United States in peace or The Ships Sales Bill, in its American Merchant Marine was war; and the Maritime Commis­ sion was created as the adminis­ present form, is practically ruin­ approximately between 12 and 13 trative body to enforce the act. ing the American Merchant Ma­ million tons; this included the rine. There are certain people tonnage on the Great Lakes. The SHIPS SALES BILL within the United States Govern­ way the American Merchant Ma­ Last year Congress passed a rine is decreasing, it will not. be Bill to dispose of all surplus ment, who do not believe the long before we are back to the American tonnage. The Bill was United States should have a large same tonnage we had before the supposed to protect American Merchant Marine. These people, war. There are various reasons shipping, but it did not work out however, are in favor of allowing for this, which we will attempt that way. We find today that foreign flag ships to carry im­ ports and exports to the United to point out to you. foreign buyers and countries are States, so foreign countries can In our opinion, the major blame purchasing American ships by make the money to buy Ameri­ for the sick status of the Ameri­ the hundreds. They can afford to can products. can Merchant Marine today can buy them with American dollars One advocate of this theory is be laid squarely in the lap of the on long-term plans. American Maritime Commission, the State banks lend them money to buy Mr. Clayton, Assistant Secretary of State. This is no idle state­ doing this great job simply by helping other unions in their beefs. ment, for Mr. Clayton has, from Most recent example of this was the active aid given in New time to time, expressed so pub­ York to the CIO Shipbuilders in their strike for a union contract, licly. Besides the theories of Mr. and to the AFL United Financial Employes in their drive on Wall Clayton, there are others within Street. In Tampa, our Branch stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the the State Department, who are more interested in giving Ameristriking AFL Teamsters, and the Waiters and Bartenders union. At the outset, some of the membership were of the opinion that ] can ships away to foreign counthe Seafarers was taking part in beefs that should be no concern of, tries, than helping to build a ours. No doubt, they now understand that all labor stands—and powerful Merchant Marine. Our falls—together. Union solidarity cannot be measured on a favor-for-1 Organization fought consistently favor basis. Proof is that we, ourselves, were helped by other ^ hard for a decent Bill for the Unions during our own General Strike. No occasion has arisen American Merchant Marine. where we might return that aid. But that is not the basis for As a result of the present Ships labor cooperation. Sales Bill, the records will show Our stand has contributed strength to the entire labor body. that thousands of ships are being When we throw pur support to one union, all American labor of ^ goijj foreign operators. Furthwhich we, the Seafarers, are an important part, picks up the gains, ermore, hundreds of ships are beSolidarity is ndt something achieved by words. It is built on the j^g laid up in American rivers picketlines; it is forged at the point of production. and bays, and the active Ameri­ Every SIU Hall—and this will come up before the Agents can Merchant Marine is dwind­ conference should be so established physically and organizationally, ling away. that if called upon, it can play a vital part in helping other trade The only American operators, unions in their just beefs. who buy tonnage today, are the industrial carriers; such as Stand­ Action At Point Of Production ard Oil, Isthmian Line, and a few The point to be remembered is that in doing so, the Seafarers companies, who carry their own will be educating the working stiffs of other unions in the prac­ products. tical advantage of SIU policies and practices—the value of eco­ The records will show that the nomic action at the point of production, as contrasted with the American government today is political bull-s ... of the commie-dominated unions. helping to build up the Merchant This type of assistance, if continued along with the rest of the Marine • of foreign countries. SIU program—organizational and educational—will aid the Sea­ Some of them have already farers, and the trade-union movement in general. The Seafarers passed the tonnage they had prior must fight continually against the tactics of some so-called "labor to the war; others are rapidly leaders," whose idea of bargaining is to go crawling to the bosses, coming up to their pre-war ton­ instead of fighting with their economic strength in honest, trade- nage. union style. The crawling approach if continued will reduce labor It must be remembered that to nothing. the American taxpayers spent 20 We know now that a defeat of any union is a defeat for all billion dollars to build a great unions. We must use our economic power to keep the bosses, the American Merchant Marine. It reactionaries and commies from smashing the labor movement. must also be remembered that Can this action be successful? Yes. Let us continue on our the United States Legislators, chartered course—Let us continue to fight our beefs the hard way through Congress, enacted a law —Job action. Most of all let us continue to realize that a defeat for one union is a defeat for all unions! (Continued on Page 8) t J �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Four Staff Officers Signs Mor-Mac; Wins Two Polls WHAT itWIMC... QUESTION:—^What do you think of the SIU policy of helping other unions in their beefs, as we are now doing with the United Financial Employes, AFL? ! MICKEY HEALEY, OS: OSBORNE WILLIAMS, Cook: If other unions can't depend on j us for help, who can they de­ pend on? We know how bad the situation is on unorganized ships; it is just as bad in unorganized industries. When we go out on the picketline to help the Long­ shoremen, or the Shipbuilders, or the Financial Employes, we are just strengthening the whole la­ bor movement and making it tougher for the bosses to bust us up. No sense kidding ourselves, labor is in for a hard fight. We are going to need all the help we can give and get from each other. I've been in the SIU since 1940, and I have seen some of the things we all went through before our Union became as strong as it is. It's a good idea for us to get behind other unions if they have just beefs. Recently we helped out the ILA, the MM&P, ihe ClO Shipbuilders, and now we are assisting the AFL Financial Em­ ployes. We have won a hard fight against our own employers, and if we can do something towards helping others, I am all in favor of doing it. That's how a strong labor movement is built. » Mor-Mac operates approxi­ mately 80 ships, and the new agi'eement covers more than 100 Pursers, Wage increases averaging $40.00 per month, and overtime rates of $1.60 per hour, are features of the contract. These apply to the freighters, and passenger wages are still un­ der negotiation. The elections which- the AMMSOA won were all hotly contested by the NMU. There was lots of mud-slinging by the commies, but the good reputa­ tion of the AFL Pursers Union was more than a match for any­ thing the NMU could do. PAT ROBERTSON, OS: Great Lakes Seamen Held Ready For Unionism As SIU Prepares To Launrh Organizing Drive There exists a general tend­ ency among salt water seamen to refer to lakes seamen as "farm­ ers" and, because of the seasonal nature of the Lakes maritime in­ dustry, to regard organization as virtually impossible. When the question of organization on the Lakes is discussed, the answer is generally "it can't be done." Nothing can be farther from • the truth. A little study of our Union history shows that not only can the Lakes seamen be organ­ ized, but that actually their or­ ganization ..and ..struggle., have been responsible for many of the greatest gains made by seamen anywhere. In 1912, three years before the passage of the "Seamen's Act," sponsored by Andrew Furuseth, the Lakes seamen were on the picket lines fighting one of the greatest battles in maritime his­ tory. It was this fight, led by the American Federation of Labor and waged against the greatest of odds, that was responsible for the passage of the act, and the subsequent organization on a na­ tional scale of seamen in the old International Seamen's Union. The question will then be askC|d> "If the Lakes seamen were Despite the obstructionist tac­ tics of the NMU, the American Merchant Marine Staff Officer.^ Association has signed a new contract with Moore-McCormack Lines, and has won two NLRB elections recently. These facts were announced by Tom Hill, East Coast Representative of the AMMSOA. In the election covering the 17 ships of the Atlantic, Gulf and Helping out other unions is one West Indies Steamship Lines, the of the best things we can do. NMU was snowed under by a 12 When we have trouble, we ex­ to 1 margin, and in the New York pect help from other unions, and if they have trouble it is only right that'we should assist them. The SIU had a hard time in the early days of our organiziiiion, and if we can help other unions over the bumps, we ought to do it without one moment's hesita­ tion. When we were asked to volunteer to distribute literature for the AFL Financial Employes, there were plenty of guys who came forward to do their part. EDWARD JANASZAK, Cook: • I agree with that 100 i>ercenl. We are all working stiffs and v/e should support each other. The bosses always help each other over rough spots, and we should do the same thing. Of course, that doesn't mean that we should allow ourselves to be used by the commie unions, or by the rack­ eteering unions; but when an honest union comes to us with a beef, we should get right out on the line with them. The SIU has a fine reputation for doing the things we have done in the past year, and all SIU members are proud. By EARL SHEPPARD Friday, February 21, 1947 the first to be organized, why are they not organized today?" The answer is that the ship­ owners on the Great Lakes rep­ resent the greatest financial mon­ opoly ever known in American history, the Steel Trust. Literally tens of millions of dollars have been spent by the Steel Trust to prevent organiza­ tion on the Lakes. The two watch, twelve hour day system was maintained on the Lakes long after it had been abandoned elsewhere. To main­ tain this system, the owners, tak­ ing full advantage of prevalent unemployment, paid higher wages, established a continuous discharge "fink" book system, company-union hiring halls, and a large group of professional rats to maintain a constant agitation against unionism. The millions of dollars that have been spent by the Steel Trust have not stopped organiza­ tion any more than any amovmt of dollars could succeed in bring­ ing about successful organization. This business of calling Lakes seamen "farmers" and crying "it can't be done" sounds much the same as the weeping and wailing that came from some people when the Seafarers tackled Isth­ mian. In many ways, the problems to be faced are the same. Isthmian is U.S. Steel, part and parcel of the major- factor on the Great Lakes. Isthmian was won after a long tough fight, and by using the same methods combined with the experience that has been gained in the Isthmian drive, the Lakes can and will be organized. The SIU today is the strongest and most respected organization on the Lakes because of the fact that, despite all obstacles, it has remained in the field and kept punching at all times. Much money has been spent, but sum­ med up, it is a small amount when compared to the benefits that have been gained. This season the Seafarers In­ ternational has allocated funds for the purpose of making an allout drive. These fund^, even the entire treasury of our union, are but a drop in the bucket when they are compared to the immense finan­ cial resources of the Lakes ship­ owners. The thing that is going to or­ ganize the Lakes is manpower and hard work, not cash. Every member of the Seafarers, both or­ ganizers and the rank-and-file, must join hands, pitch in and work like hell to do the organi­ zing job. The NMU is no longer- a factor. The abortive strike of last year, when a few men called a strike without even consultmg the Lakes seamen, has thoroughly discredited the NMU leadership. On the other side of the picture, the Seafarers has succeeded in signing new contracts, winning bargaining elections and to a great degree bettering the condi­ tions of all Lakes seamen. Add to this the off-shore record of the Seafarers, and you have the record, a record of achieve­ ment which the NMU cannot ap­ proach in the slightest. The only thing that it needed to make the Lakes one hundred percent Seafarer is the full-heart­ ed support and cooperation of the membership. This support won Isthmian, and this support will organize the Lakes. The membership as a whole is showing a great interest in this drive but interest alone won't win the fight. All men who have sailed the Lakes should contact the organizers immediately and find out what they can do to help. Chipping, painting, splicing, cooking and oiling are the same on the Lakes as anywhere else. A lot of steam is made with "backs and shovels, but all in all, a sea­ man's life is about the same on fresh water as salt. TOM HILL and Puerto Rico Steamship Com­ pany election; the ratio was 6 tol. The New York and Cuba Mail Steamship Company has already voted, but the results will not be announced until February 26. NO COMPANY VOTES It is interesting to note that in the two elections already certi­ fied, the companies were not able to muster one single vote. Elections to select a bargaining agent for Staff Officers are un­ der way in the United States Lines, American South African Line, Black Diamond Steamship Corporation, and Overlakes Freight Company. 125 ships in all are involved, and when the results are made public on or about April 1, the AMMSOA is confident that all four will have rolled up a de­ cisive majority in favor of rep­ resentation by the AFL union. Check It - But Good Check the slop chest be­ fore your boat sails. Make sure that the slop chest con­ tains an adequate supply of all the things you are liable to need. If it doesn't, call the Union Hall immediately. �Friday. February 21. 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Five New York Business Still Booms; Rated Men Still At Premium By JOE ALGINA Oldtimes Returning To Boston; Shortage Of Rated Men Hits Port By JOHN MOGAN NO Silence this week from the Branch Agents of the follow­ ing ports: NEW YORK — All the Patrol­ men of the merchant marine men in this port are being kept really keep the sea lanes of the pretty busy these days, what with world open. more ships coming in here than UNION-BUSTING IDEAS we have seen in many a month. The Senators in Washington Truly, the days of decent ship­ took office with the avowed in­ ping have returned, and not tention of stripping Labor of all many men stay on the beach un­ its rights and privileges. They less they really want to rest. threatened to outlaw the closed Rated men are still at a pre­ shop, deny industry wide bar­ mium, and if there are men in gaining, and a whole host of the outports who want to ship other things that would have put fast, just contact New York and labor in a strait-jacket. we will tell you what jobs are What they didn't count on was available. It sure does my heart that Labor would not take these good to report this state of af­ changes sitting down. The men fairs. and women who work for a Some of the boys who came living are not going to stand in recently had some hair-rais­ around and watch while the fat ing tales to tell about the weather boys cut the guts out of all they in the.North Atlantic: Seas that have fought for. were stories high,y wind that And so now the bureaucrats could push a man overboard, are backing water fast. They say and nights that were so black that they didn't mean all the you couldn't see one inch in front of your face. The boys kept the ships sailing WEU.WHADOVA ICNtoWand they are the same guys who I DIDTMAT.' are referred to as lazy and nogood. In peace, and in war, the BOSTON—Business and ship­ this area with regard to the ex­ ping for the port of Boston re­ tension of Maritime Commission CHARLESTON mains good for the third week in control over coastwise and interHG'JSTON a row. So much so, that there is coastal shipping. This port would NORFOLK actually an acute shortage of really suffer if these services were JACKSONVILLE rated men. In fact, it looks like curtailed at this time. BALTIMORE We received very favorable old times on the board, with a MARCUS HOOK dozen or more jobs going beg­ replies from all of the solons, TAMPA and especially Congressman John ging. NEW ORLEANS On the surface of things it F. Kennedy, whose district cov­ would appear that the industry ers nearly the entire waterfront, The deadline for port re­ was heavily overmanned; but»the and who called up from Washing­ ports. monies due. etc., is the question quite naturally arises: ton to assure us of his 100 percent Monday preceeding, publica­ cooperation. Where are the men? tion. While every effort will The SS William Rawle just be made to use in the current Last week we had occasion to issue material received after call New York for a couple of paid off here and the following that dale, space commitments rated men, and found that the Brothers donated one dollar generally do not permit us to same situation exists there also. apiece to the boys in the marine hospital: A. Smith', Joe Samuel do so. Under the circumstances we and Brother Gabor. can only issue new permits and consider ourselves lucky if there are rated men around looking for an opportunity to ship. The Yarmouth will have been crewed up by the time this goes to press. This will just about by the Company." That can pears that Savannah will soon be By ARTHUR THOMPSON empty out the Hall, as the major­ a steadily busy port. We haven't mean almost anything. ity of book members currently at­ SAVANNAH —- As Gabriel done bad all along, but we did As for other ships in port, we tending meetings will imdoubt- Heatter might say, "Ah, there's have a few slack periods. nasty things they were quoted edly make bids for the Yarmouth. good news tonight"—The South still have the SS Zachary Taylor, as saying. In fact, they are all We also have a piece of bad This past week also saw two Atlantic SS Co. has gone and which is paid off and crewed up; Labor's best friends, and they the SS Beloit Victory, ditto and news to report. The body of Har­ payoffs hit this area, one of which bought four ships. They will be the SS Raphael Semmes, which rison Whittmore was found float­ wouldn't do anything to hurt was the SS William Rawles called the Southland, Southport, only called for two replacements ing in the river a few days ago. their friends. (Bull). Southwind and Southstar. Two and will be well on the way to No one seems to know how it This change of heart proves more will be bought, but I don't WAY IT'S DONE Shanghai by the time you read happened. that Labor has plenty of power, know when. this. Brother Golding, who is a fa­ He's not registered in this port and that if we choose to use our The Southland pulled in this The good old Jefferson City and never shipped from here. He power and influence, the men miliar figure at the New York Hall, was Steward on this vessel, morning, but I haven't had a Victory just paid off yesterday lived in South Carolina and prob­ who play the bosses' game will and did a beautiful job in assist­ chance to go aboard yet. She and, as usual, there were no ably shipped through Charle.ston. find themselves out on their; ing the Patrolman at the payoff. used to be the SS Black War­ beefs, and all hands were ap­ However, Charleston has no backs. parently happy. This kind of co-operation is rior of the Isthmian Line. We are the people who built record of his shipping since the These ships will take the old If all ships were like this a strike and no ship in Savannah the United States, and we are really appreciated, especially in ports where one Patrolman cov­ South Atlantic run to LeHavre, piecard's life would be a bed of has reported a man missing. the ones who fought for it. All London, Antwerp and Rotter­ roses. But then life might be a ers all three departments. No marks of violence were re­ we ask is a decent break, and The other payoff was the SS dam. They are 10,000 ton cargo bit too dull at that. we are not going to allow a bimch ported on the body and the coro­ William Kamaka (So. Atlantic), ships having a speed of 15 Va BAD NEWS of over-stuffed stooges for the which paid off in good style. A knots. Thai's about all we can say for ner declared the cause of death bosses cheat us out of what is The Ocean Steamship Co. also $50 log on one of the crewmemthe business at hand and it ap­ was accidental drowning. our rightful due. bers of this ship might have been announced the purchase of two squared away, if the member had 7,000 ton C-I-A type ships, one remained over the weekend; but of which has already been de­ he wanted to get started for home livered to the company in New immediately and charged up the' York. They are the Cape Ruce and $50 to profit and loss, mostly loss. the Cape Nome. These ships Together with the organizing make the run between Savannah work going on in the port, which VANCOUVER, B. C. — The to someone else. That's real news unable to stomach the food served have a speed of 14 knots. They'll was also rather hectic this past them. Prince David, which was recently consumption. week, the flow of shipping kept and New York in 48 hours, which The complaint was dealt with TOUGH SHIP all hands going around the office. is 12 hours better than the ones sold to a British Company, hasn't by the Patrolman who went gotten very far on her voyage The British ship, Brighton, re­ aboard and some changes were Brother Sweeney, in particular, they ran before the war. ONE HITCH had a mighty busy week. to England. We've just received cently arrived here from Colom­ agreed to by the Skipper and The only hitch in this announ­ Of course, this business may be a report that she had a rough trip bo, Ceylon, after what was re­ Company Agent. After the little a flash in the pan, but there is cement is the fact that the ships from Vancouver and had to put ported to be a very hungry trip. conference the crew agreed to the The Skipper cabled the Hall here changes and the vessel pulled every indication that it will con­ will "be used when conditions while at sea and requested an out. tinue, in which case the port will warrant resumption of operations into San Francisco for repairs. The trip, from what we've official of the Union to meet her need another Joint Patrolman. Since then we've heard that heard, was also rough on the when she docked so we could get The members have really taken there is more trouble aboard the crew with many of them hanging a first hand story of the condi­ up that advice not to sign on un­ ship, and the firemen have walk­ over the side and the messroom tions on board. The Skipper less a Patrolman is present, so It may sound funny in ed off the .ship in Oakland, Cali­ that even in Portland the crews these days of housing short­ •empty at mealtime. If that's the wanted a witness so the matter fornia. case it mu.'^t have been really could be reported to the British will hold up signing on until rep­ ages, but it is true that the , The cableship Restorer is rough sailing. Seamen's Union. resented by the Union, as was Seafarers has a new Hall in changing her base of operations the case last week during one of We've always know that the A Patrolman covered the ship —she is going to handle repair Galveston. It is located at our busiest days. Log really gets around, but a let­ when she hit port, and she was operations in the Pacific. As she 2081/2—23rd Street, just a ter I received recently shows really in rough shape. A report expects to be away from the I went up to the ship myself block from the old one. The what happens to one copy of it. is being made to the British West Coast for about a year, she and explained to the crew the new Hall is a big improve­ The letter was from Scotland and Seamen's Union in an attempt to will operate out of Honolulu. SUP tanker rider which has been ment over the one just va­ was written by Malcolm McMil­ rectify the objectionable and causing some difficulty, and also cated. Shipping is good in The Restorer is under an SIU lan, Labor Member of Parlia­ starvation conditions aboard the contract, and it is the first union accepted written charges against Galveston these days, so if ment, who says he reads his copy ship. a book rtiember, who was accus­ you find yourself down in contract in her history. We got of the Log from cover to cover, ed by his shipmates of being a that Texas Port, make a beeA few days after this incident an excellent agreement with good and enjoys every part of it gashound, of failing to perform line for the Hall where you I got a call from the English Blue conditions and wages, also a 40 his duties, and of stealing from can rest comfortably while He also says that when he is Funnel Line ship, Bellerophon. and 48 hour week. In fact, she a shipmate. wailing for the Dispatcher's through with it he sends it on On contacting the vessel it was now has the best working agree­ Also during the week we con­ call. to a friend of his in North Scot­ found the deck crew was in a ment of any ship in the Domin­ tacted all the Congressmen from land. who likewise passes it along state of semi-starvation, being ion of Canada. Savannah Looks To Future As South Atlantic Buys Four More Ships For North European Run WITB THE SlU !H GAHADA New Galveston Hall ,| �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Six MM&P Charters Local In Duluth; Weather Slows Other Activities Friday. February 21. 1947 SIU VOLUNTEER By EINAR NORDAAS DULUTH — Things are good Also in the local picture, the and bad here in Duluth as far as girls on strike at the-Glassblock organized labor is concerned. On store are still out in force. The the dark side of the ledger the strike has been in progress for reactionaries in the state legisla­ over six months, with no weak­ ture are working overtime to ening on the part of the girls. shove through an anti-closed shop The strikers are members of Re­ bill. If they succeed it will come tail Clerks Union Local 3, AFL. We've ben suffering a spell of up for referendum vote in 1948. sub-zero weather for the past The State Federation of Labor week, so the girls, rather than has called a meeting for this month in St. Paul of all AFL or­ stand out in the cold, let old man ganizations in the state to fight winter hold down the picketline. Vernon Pickelman is a vetsuch legislation. It'll sure get a They didn't have to worry about earn of two Isthmian ships. He anyone crossing the line as the fight in this state. .streets are pretty well deserted says that Isthmian ships are We don't intend to sit idly by right now. pretty rugged, but that all the and watch the state become a re­ Until the cold spell lets up the seamen are looking forward to plica of Florida, where the antibest place to be is in front of a the time when the SIU will be closed shop law has made life fireplace, and not on the water­ doing the bargaining for all of miserable for everyone, not just front. them. the labor unions. On the sunnier side of things • there is a new AFL outfit being formed here on the Lakes. The pilots of the Bulkcarriers are be­ ing organized into a local of the Masters, Mates and Pilots. By EDDIE HIGDON I attended the last meeting of the Pilots, and was highly pleas­ PHILADELPHIA — Improve­ crowding the Dispatcher's desk ed by the enthusiasm shown by ments ' in the operation of the has been eliminated. the new members. In accordance with the effort They have already received Seafarers Hall in this port have already been made, and the drive to standardize a new shipping their charter from the MM&P to increase service to the mem­ system has been put into effect. and are well on their way to be­ bership will continue in full Announcements of further coming a strong outfit. swing until we are satisfied that changes in the operation and The Duluth branch of the SIU everything possible is being done structure of the Hall will appear takes this opportunity to wel­ in that direction. in the Log as they are made. come the Pilots into the AFL. Among the physical changes SEARCH FOR QUARTERS LITTLE LOCAL NEWS that have already been made in Philadelphia Makes Imprbvements In Hall And In Shipping System Locally there isn't much do­ ing right now, although every­ thing isn't dead in the harbor by any means. Just the other day they transported a house from Superior, Wis., over here to Du­ luth. So you can see there is some activity up here. the Hall, was the installation of a public address system. The micro­ phone has been placed on the Dispatcher's desk, with two speakers located at vantage points in the Hall. Now the shipping calls reach everyone, and the necessity for Chicago Seafarers Are Anxious To Start Organizing Campaign By HERBERT JANSEN CHICAGO — Until this week it looked like a late start for Lakes shipping out of this port, due to the heavy weather and the large ice fields on Lake Mich­ igan. Now, however, we have had almost a week of balmy spring weather and the ice on the Lakes is quickly melting. With the spurt of warm weather hitting the port, the boys have started to ask when shipping will start. I guess they have a premature touch of spring fever; however, it won't be too long before they'll be going back to the ships. While most of the men coming in are concerned with the open­ ing of shipping, a good percent­ age of the Brothers are pledging themselves to assist the SIU in the organizing drive when it gets under way. MEN CONFIDENT All the men coming in are confident that the drive will be a success, and I can assure all of them that it will definitely be a success if we all pull together. If we get in there and hit them with all we've got there can be no doubt as to the outcome. There are, of course, some ob­ stacles that will have to be con­ tended with, namely, the NMU and LSU. The NMU will use all kinds of methods to sabotage this cam­ paign and we can look for some new tricks to come out of their bag of sell-out tactics. They are fighting a negative campaign on the Lakes now, for their own record has ended any chance of their doing a job for themselves. The Lake Seamen's Union, run by the Cleveland Cliffs Company, will be doing all it can to dis* credit the SIU by using all its resources and power to spread anti-labor propaganda to the un> organized seamen. SOLID FRONT Neither of these groups will succeed if we form a .solid front. Let's show the LSU and the NMU that we are a real Union, and cannot be swayed in our de­ termination to organize Lakes seamen. We have gained top wages and conditions in the maritime field and we will continue , to fight for an even better life for seamen. We won't let any phony union or employer stop us from gaining that end. That's our program, and it's the best. James Tuphy, who is well known around the Lakes, met with an accident while working at a shoreside job. A large seg­ ment of ice fell from a roof and struck him in the body. At first it was thought he was in grave condition, but x-rays showed no serious injury. He is now recuperating in the Marine Hospital here in Chicago. Tom Wickham Away back in 1904, Thomas Wickham was a young squirt of 18 with a strong desire to see what lay over the far horizons. He had an overwhelming urge to see what the wide world was like, and what better way is there "to satisfy such a desire than by go­ ing to sea. For the past forty years he has been doing just that. He has had a long and colorful career as a seaman, and he has sailed in every capacity on deqk from Cabin boy to Second Mate. Brother Wickham joined a sea­ man's union thirty years ago, and he has been a union member ever since. When the SIU started he was among the first to join. Tommy took part in both World Wars, as well as a few wars of his own. In 1921 he was made a prisoner of war in Punta Arenas, Costa Rico, when he be­ came involved in a boundary dispute between that country and Panama. However, that doesn't mean that he wasn't in the thick of things. If you think that, then you don't know Brother Wickham. REAL OLDTIMER Even now, at the age of 61, Tommy is as good a sailor as most men half his age. He can work aloft with the best of them, and can hold his own with any man on the deck or below decks. He went through many strikes The Second World War found and job actions, and can tell Tommy right there as usual and plenty of stories about the old raring to go. Being a real sailor days. Always a Union militant, he didn't pick his runs, so he was he was in the forefront of the available for the first ship that battle to improve the wages and called for a man, and he travel­ conditions of seamen. led in all waters. Brother Wickham doesn't re­ He was torpedoed only once, gret one single day that he has The search for cleaner, and when the SS Benjamin Smith spent at sea. In fact, his only re­ more ample quarters for Phila­ went down in January; 1945, gret is that it is now time for him delphia Seafarers continues. to retire. Word has just come from the Those who know Tommy, or committee designated to inspect have sailed with him, will be suitable locations, saying they sorry to learn that he is on his have turned down a building way to the Sailors Snug Harbor. which was under consideration. His rest is well deserved, and it Careful investigation proved it is the earnest hope of all his to be far short of the commit­ buddies — he numbers them in tee's standards. the thousands — that he lives in Shipping at the moment is By CAL TANNER comfort to a ripe old age. pretty good, but there are few ABs around to take the jobs call­ Brother Thomas Wickham — MOBILE—There is a good pos­ ing for that rating. We are ex­ sibility that we'll be changing our a credit to his calling and his pecting more companies to start address down here soon, as we've Union. He's a real Seafarer! sending vessels here for payoffs found a building that is much in the very near future. This more satisfactory than the one prospect of greater activity is we now occupy. certainly okay with us. At the last membership meet­ Dispatcher Harry Collins, and ing, a building committee of Patrolman Ernest Tilley are turn­ three members was elected to in­ ing in fine jobs in the perform­ spect the new building, and give ance of their duties. Their help, the final approval or disapproval. and the splendid cooperation If it gets their okay, and we which the membership is giving, can get the necessary repairs and accounts for the smooth way in By J. S. WILLIAMS renovations made in the new which this port is now function­ Hall, I'll be pickipg up my hat CORPUS CHRISTI — Business ing. We're also getting the full and coat, and the Union will and shipping have been a bit slow cooperation of the other AFL out­ switch its base of operations from in this area for the past couple fits in this port. this old joint. of weeks. At the same time, how­ PAYOFFS WERE CLEAN The address of our prospective ever, there aren't many men on Two payoffs here on Monday headquarters is 1 South Law­ the beach waiting for jobs, so were clean. The Topa Topa and rence Street. One thing in favor the situation isn't too bad. Although there have not been the Waltham Victory were the of the switch is the fact that it will be an easy number to re­ many contracted ships coming in ships paid off, without any lately, we have been kept busy trouble, all beefs being settled at member. contacting the unorganized ships the point of production. SHIPPING FAIR and we seem to be making good At this point I should like to Shipping is going along at a headway on that score. stress the importance of having all Delegates aboard vessels com­ fair rate with men going out to Things are also looking good in ing into this port notify the Hall the regular Alcoa and Waterman the organizing efforts of the other immediately of their arrival here. ships that stop off here, but we ports around here. I was down to Prompt notification will enable won't kick if we get a sudden Brownsville and Port Isabel last week and everything is in good us to get out to the ships with­ rush of shipping. out delay and will insure settle­ We are still contacting the un­ shape and going smooth down ment of all beefs before the pay­ organized ships that hit Mobile there. off. with good results. There never is We had.the Cape Breten, Bull a dearth of unorganized ships, so Line, in with no beefs and in we are kept pretty well on the good shape. She had Brother ball. Red Hall aboard her as Chief When and if we get the new Bellyrobber, and for once a ship Hall, we'll pretty her up and take came in with no squawks about some pictures for the Log, giving the Stewards Department. all the Seafarers a glimpse of the I'll sign off for now and I hope Union's new home in the good old to be able to report better busi­ port of Mobile. ness and shipping next week. SIU Committee Investigates New Hall In Mobile Corpus Christi Is Busy With Organizing Work �THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, February 21, 1947 Page Seven And The Seafarers International Union Of N.A. GENERAL RULES Employment. The Company agrees that only mem­ bers of the Union shall be employed in all unlicensed personnel ratings on their Passenger vessels or Ameri­ can Flag Passenger vessels taken over on bareboat charter, with the exception of the following: Cadets, Super-Cargo, Pursers, Doctors, Concessionaires, and female employees other than Stewardesses and Wait­ resses. . Except, as provided herein, all other provisions of the General Rules of the agreement shall apply. RECK DEPARTMENT Special Working rules arid wages for certain ratings in the Deck Department of the SS Cavalier type pas­ senger vessels and the SS George Washington type passenger vessels: Monthly Wages Boatswain—Cavalier type passenger vessel....$235.00 Carpenter—Cavalier type passenger vessel.... 225.00 Boatswain—George Washington type pas­ senger vessel 225.00 Carpenter—George Washington type pas­ senger vessel 225.00 Section 1. Quartermaster's Duties, (a) While on watch. Quartermasters shall not be required to leave the wheelhouse or navigation bridge for any purpose unless relieved by another Quartermaster or by an Able Sea­ man. The sending of the Quartermaster on watch for tools or supplies or for the purpose of carrying messages shall not be deemed as adequate reason for his leaving .the bridge or wheelhouse without proper relief. (b) Quartermasters shall be relieved thirty (30) min­ utes during each watch for coffee by one of the AB's on his watch. However, the AB shall not receive any extra compensation for such relief. In port Quarter­ masters may be required to stand gangway watches without payment of overtime except on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. (c) The Quartermaster shall be responsible for the rigging of the flags upon arrival or departure of the vessel fiom any port. Other members of the Deck De­ partment shall not be utilized for this purpose except when ship is being dressed. Section 2. Watchman's Duties: (a) Watchman shall be required to stand watches of eight (8) hours on and sixteen (16) hours off. They shall be required to make their regular rounds for the key stations and punch the clocks. They may be required to stand gangway watches in port. (b) Any watches stood on Sunday at sea shall be paid for at the regular overtime rate. He shall receive over­ time for all watches stood on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays in . port. (c) Watchmen shall not be required to perform duties normally under the jurisdiction of a Master-at-Arms. Where no Master-at-Arms is carried, his duties shall not be delegated to other members of the Deck De­ partment. (d) Any work performed by watchmen other than their regular and accepted duties shall be paid for at the regular overtime rate. Except as provided herein, all other provisions of the Deck Department Working Rules and General Rules of the Agreement shall apply. ENGINE DEPARTMENT It is agreed that on the SS Alcoa Cavalier type pasenger vessel a Second Electrician will be carried in­ stead of an Assistant Electrician and the wages for the Second Electrician shall be $271,50 per month. It is also agreed that the Second Electrician must hold an Electrician's endorsement. Except as provided herein, all other provisions of the Engine Department Working Rules and General Rules of the Agreement shall apply. STEWARDS DEPARTMENT Cavalier Type Passenger Vessel Manning And Wage Scale Number Rating 1 Chief Steward 1 Second Steward 1 Chief Cook 1 Second Cook 1 Larder Cook Monthly' Wage Rate $325.00 220.00 260.00 220.00 220.00 1 1 1 1 1 2 1 1 1 5 3 1 1 1 1 1 5 2 2 1 1 1 1 I 2 1 Third Cook 195.00 Crew Cook 205.00 Chief Baker 250.00 Second Baker 211.25 Butcher 222.75 Galley Utilitymen 150.00 Deck Steward •. 155.00 Lounge and Smoking Room Steward. .. 155.00 Saloon Steward 160.00 Waiters 150.00 Room Stewards 150.00 Night Steward 155.00 Chief Pantryman 195.00 Assistant Pantryman 165.00 Night Pantryman 165.00 Dishwasher 150.00 Messmen 150.00 Bellmen ^ 150.00 Porters 152.50 Bartender ; 175.00 Gloryhole Steward 150.00 Linen-Storekeeper ."i •195.00 Captain Waiter 150.00 Officers' Room Steward 150.00 Stewards-Utility 150.00 Stewardess 175.00 If at any time the above Manning Scale is not suf­ ficient to give required service to the passengers and crew, the Company agrees to add such personnel as deemed necessary. Section 1. (a) Routine Duties for members of the Stewards Department shall be to prepare regular meals, the cleaning and maintaining of licensed officers, staff officers and chief stewards and passengers quarters, dining rooms and messrooms, all enclosed passage­ ways, smoking and lounge rooms, bathrooms, toilets, galley, pantrys and all departmental equipment. (b) Any work necessary for the service of passengers shall be performed by the members of the Stewards Department assigned to those partieular duties such as deck service, handling deck chairs, layout of games, handling hand baggage from deck to passengers rooms when taking on passengers, and from passengers rooms to custom inspectors' office when passengei's are dis­ embarking. Section 2. Selection of Personnel, (a) Recognizing the fact that the following are essential to the welfare of the passengers, the Union agrees that the Company may select and employ men for the following ratings from those members of the Union who are available provided such men are suitable to the Company. The Company shall be the sole judge of the man's suit­ ability. The Company agrees to make every reason­ able effort to obtain suitable men from within the mem­ bership of the Union, and if such men are not available from among the Union membership, the Union agrees that the Company may secure men for these ratings from any source. Men so selected may remain in the employ of the Company provided that they become members of the Union. The penalty provided in Article 1, Section 3 of the General Rules shall not be applicable to this section. Chief Steward Store-Linenkeeper Second Steward Chief Cook Head Waiter Chief Baker Bai'tender Larder Cook Storekeeper (b) The Company agrees to select all other unli­ censed personnel in the Stewards Department through the offices of the Union. Section 3. Passenger Vessels, (a) These rules shall be in effect for passenger vessels and shall not be con­ sidered as being in conflict with freight ship working rules for members of the Stewards Department. Section 4. Overtime Work, (a) All work performed on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays in port and Sun­ days and holidays at sea shall be paid for at the over­ time rate. (b) The hours of work for the Stewards Department shall be eight (8) hours within a spread of fourteen (14) hours. Any work performed in excess of eight (8) hours or outside of the fourteen (l4) hour spread shall be paid at the regular overtime rate. (c) Members of the Stewards Department assigned for the exclusive service of the crew shall perform theii' regular duties between the hours of 6:30 A.M. and 6:30 P.M. Section 5. Saloon Service for Officers, (a) No officers or crew members except the Master, Chief Engineer, Chief Mate, 1st Asst., Purser, Cruise Director, Chief Steward and Doctor shall be served in the saloon during the passengers meal hours or be entitled to bell service. The Second Steward's room and Purser's office shall be entitled to bell service. (b) No member of the Stewards Department shall be required to serve meals to officers or crew [except those entitled to dining salon service as in Section 5, Para­ graph (a)] outside their respective messrooms, without the payment of overtime. This section shall not be con­ strued to apply to passengers or unlicensed personnel served during regular working hours on account of illness. Section 6. Late Meals, (a) When members of the Stewards Department are required to serve late meals due to the failure of officers eating within the prescribed time, the members of the Stewards Department ac­ tually required to stand by to prepare and serve the late meals shall be paid at the regular overtime rate. (b) When meal hours are extended for any reason at all and the unlicensed personnel are unable to eat within the regular prescribed time, all members of the Stewards Department required to stand by to prepare and serve the meal shall be paid- at the regular over­ time rate for the time meal is extended. This shall not be construed to mean overtime shall be paid when meal hours are shifted as per Article II, Section 37, Para­ graph (c) of this Agreement. Section 7. Extra Meals, (a) When meals are served to other than officers or crew in the messrooms, fifty cents per meal shall be paid. This is to be divided among the members of the Stewards Department ac­ tually engaged in preparing and serving the meals. No extra meals shall be served without the authority of the Master or Officer in charge of the vessel. (b) All meals served in the passenger's dining saloon other than to passengers, the Captain, Chief Engineer, Chief Mate, Chief Purser, Chief Steward, executive of­ ficers of the Company or Government Officials, shall bo paid for at the rate of fifty cents for each meal served to the waiter actually serving the meals. How­ ever, when the complement of passengers aboard vessel is not sufficient to require the service of the dining room crew, guests shall be served during their regular eight (8) hours without extra compensation, providing passengers and guests combined does not exceed 96 perosns on the Alcoa Cavalier type vessel and shall not exceed 200 persons on the George Washington type ves­ sel. Section 8. Stores and Linen, (a) Members of the Stewards Department shall not be required to carry stores or linen to or from the dock but when stores or linen are delivered aboard the ship, the storekeeper and linenkeeper shall handle their respective stores without the payment of overtime within their regular pre­ scribed hours. When the ship is in port and no pas­ sengers are aboard, members of the Stewards Depart­ ment on day work may be required to handle stores and linen aboard ship within their regular working hours without the payment of overtime. Section 9. Cleaning Chill Boxes, (a) Members of the Stewards Department shall be assigned by the Steward to clean domestic refrigerated walk-in boxes and shall be paid at the regular overtime rate for the time that the work is performed. This shall not apply to re­ frigerators in pantrys, messrooms, bake shops, etc. Section 10. Chipping and Painting, (a) Members of the Stewards Department shall not be required to chip, .scale or paint. Section 11. Sougeeing, (a) At sea when members of the Stewards Department are required to sougee, over­ time shall be paid for the actual time worked, how­ ever, porters and utilitymen shall be required to sougee in their regular prescribed hours without the payment of overtime. This section shall not apply to waiters and bedroom stewards on day work when full comple­ ment of passengers is not carried, however, bedroom stewards shall be required to spot up within their regu­ lar hours witkout the payment of overtime. Section 12. Shifting Ship, (a) When a ship is making a shift as prescribed in this agreement. Article II, Sec­ tion 21, it shall be considered in port and overtime shall be paid to the members of the Stewards De­ partment on duty on Saturdays, Sundays, ,and holidays. Section 13. Required Complement, (a) When mem­ bers of the Stewards Department are required to do extra work because '^a vessel sailed without the full complement required by this agreement, or because of illness or injury, the wages of the missing or disabled men shall be divided among the men who do their work, but no overtime shall be included in such wages. This shall not apply when extra work is not necessary due to the fact that the amount of passengers carried does not require the services of the full complement of the crew. (b) In port members of the Stewards Department shall be paid overtime for work in excess of eight (8) hours caused by the shortage of the department but there shall be no division of wages because of such shortage. Section 14. Galley- Gear and Uniforms, (a) The Com­ pany shall furnish all tools for the galley including knives for the cooks. White caps, aprons, and coats (Contin-ued on Page 8) �Friday, February 21, 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Eight Alcoa Seafarers Supplementary Agreement (Continued from Page 7) worn by the Stewards' Department shall be furnished and laundered by the Company. The white trousers worn by the galley force shall be laundered by the Company. (b) The uniforms worn by the Stewardesses shall be furnished and laundered by the Company. Section 15. Fireroom. (a) Members of the Stewards Department shall not be required to enter the engine or fire rooms for any purpose. on day work they may be required to work in store­ rooms, linen lockers, toilets, passenger and officers quarters, messrooms, galleys, bake shops and butcher shops, steward department passageways, and do gen­ eral cleaning including sougeeing, within their regular hours without the payment of overtime. (c) When members of the Stewards Department are on day work they shall be allowed fifteen minutes for coffee at 10:00 A.M. and fifteen minutes at 3:00 P.M., or at a convenient time near these houfs. (d) When members of the Stewards Department are on day work they shall receive one full hour from 12:00 Noon to 1:00 P.M. for lunch. (e) When any members of the Stewards Department on day work are required to change their hours so as to serve visitors, parties, or other persons in the dining saloon, they shall be knocked off of their day work at least four hours prior to the time of beginning such service or shall be paid at the regular overtime rate for all work performed outside of their regular day work schedule. Section 19. Penalty Work. Any work performed by the Stewards Department that is not recognized as routine duties in this Agreement shall be paid at the regular overtime rate. Section 20. Authority of Chief Steward, (a) Nothing in these working rules shall be deemed to detract from the authority of the Chief Steward who shall be final authority aboard the vessel in all disputes in the Stew­ ards Department subject to, the pi'ovisions of Article II, Section 9, of this agreement. Section 16. Minimum Complement, (a) No members of the Stewards Department shall be laid off Sundays or holidays while at sea, or in port other than home port. (b) On ships arriving or sailing on Saturdays, Sun­ days or holidays the Stewards Department shall only be paid overtime for the hours actually worked. (c) When the full complement of the Stewards De­ partment is carried and the passenger complement aboard ship does not require full Stewards Department service, members of the Stewards Department not re­ quired for the service of the passengers may be placed on day work and shall be subject to the working rules for day workers as provided for in Section 18 of this Supplement Agreement. (d) When the ship is in home port and no passengers are aboard but officers and crew are eating aboard, the minimum Stewards Department required aboard on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays for the purpose of preparing and serving meals shall be; 1-Chief Cook, 1-Crew Cook, 1-Butcher, 1-Baker, 1-Galley Utility, 1Officer Bedroom Steward, 5-Messmen, 2-Steward Utili­ ties, 1-Linen and Storekeeper; other members of the Stewards Department whose service is not required by the Company shall not be turned to on Saturdays, Sun­ days, and holidays in home port. For the purpose of this agreement, the home port shall be considered the port in which they sign articles. The above members of the Stewards Department Number Rating shall be required to do all cooking, baking and serving 1 Chief Steward the officers and crew in the home port. 1 Second Steward Section 17. Cleaning Toilets, (a) No members of the 1 Storekeeper Stewards Department who are required to handle food 1 Linen Keeper ; for the unlicensed personnel shall be required to clean 1 Bartender toilets or baths. 1 Deck Steward Section 18. Day Work, (a) At sea and in port other 1 Lounge Steward than the home port, when members of the Stewards 1 Stewardess Department are on day work their hours shall be from 1 Assistant Stewardess 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon and from 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 1 Captain's Steward P.M. In home port when members of the Stewards 1 Head Waiter Department are on day work-their hours .shall be from 15 Waiters 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 Noon and from 1:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. 1 Smoking Room Steward Monday through Friday. 1 Dining Room Utility (b) When members of the Stewards Department are 9 Bedroom Stewards George Washington Type Passenger Vessel Minimum Manning And Wage Scale Monthly' Wage Rate $325.00 220.00 195.00 165.00 185.00 155.00 155.00 175.00 150.00 150.00 205.00 155.00 150.00 150.00 150.00 2 1 1 1 4 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 3 1 1 1 1 5 5 Bellmen Night Waiter Crew Pantryman Assistant Crew Pantryman .....'. Messmen Officer's Bedroom Steward Gloryhole Steward Bath Steward Chief Cook Second Cook Third Cook Fourth Cook Fifth Cook Night Cook Crew Cook Chief Butcher Second Butcher Chief Baker Second Baker Galley Utility Chief Pantryman -. Second Pantryman Third Pantryman Night Pantryman Pantry Utility Stewards Utility : 150.00 150.00 . 162.50 150.00 150.00 150.00 150.00 150.00 260.00 220.00 195.00 180.00 175.00 175.00 205.00 222.75 190.00 250.00 211.25 150.00 195.00 180.00 170.00 170.00 150.00 150.00 All working rules and conditions contained in this agreement will also apply to the SS GEORGE WASH­ INGTON except that to the ratings listed in Section 16 (d) there will be. added: One (1) Pantryman and one (1) Pantry Utility. This supplement agreement is being signed subject to the ratification of the membership of the Union and in case no notice is given the Company within thirty (30) days from January 29, 1947, it shall be deemed ratified by the Union and binding on both parties hereto. This supplement agreement shall automatically go into effect on January 29, 1947. Dated: January 29. 1947 ALCOA STEAMSHIP COMPANY, INC. Signed:— R. P.- SCHILLING L. A. PARKS SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Signed:— JOHN HAWK J. P. SHULER PAUL HALL ROBT. A. MA-TTHEWS Seafarers Asks Congress For Action (Continued from Page 3) to protect the American Merchant Marine. At the rate we are going today, it is our definite opinion that the law is not being lived up to; and the ones responsible for admin­ istrating the law—the Maritime Commission—are not doing the job they are supposed to do, which is to protect and maintain a large American Merchant Ma­ rine. Last year, our Organization went on record requesting Con­ gress, when they passed the Ships Sales Bill, to insert a clause in the Bill to the effect that all American ships sold to foreign countries and foreign owners should be made to pay the Amer­ ican standard of wages and working conditions, while plying in and out of American ports in competition with American ton­ nage. This, we feel, is no more than fair. "Why should our coun­ ty spend billions of dollars to build a merchant fleet, and then make it so easy for the foreign countries to buy American ships? For immediately after acquiring American tonnage, the foreign operators put them in the Amer­ ican freight markets; thereby un­ der-cutting the rates of American operators, and driving American It cost the American Govern­ ships off the seas. ment approximately three mil­ lion dollars to build each one of The least we should insist on, these tankers. Today we find, and Congress should see that it due to the peculiarities of the is enacted, is that these foreign Ships Sales Bill, which prohibits countries, who receive our ships, American operators from chart­ do not sail the ships in and out ering government tankers, the of American ports, carrying Am­ only ones who are buying these erican cargoes, unless they pay the American standard of wages; tankers from the government are then they will come down to a companies who carry their own comi?etitive level with American products; such as Standard Oil Company of New Jersey, etc. operators. American operators can not char­ We would also like to know ter a government vessel. why hundreds of ships, which Meanwhile, the foreign coun­ were turned over to the Soviet tries and operators can afford to Government and Great Britain buy American tankers and chart­ during the war under Lend Lease er them out to carry oil in and Agreement, have not been turned out of this country for far less back to the United States, to than American operators are able whom they belong. to do, because American ships At the present time, they are pay higher wages and they must using American ships; built with repair their vessels in American American money, without the yards. While foreign vessels have cost of a nickel, and competing their repairing done in foreign directly with American shipping. yards, where wages and ma­ This is outrageous, and we feel terials are much cheaper than in it is the job of the State Depart­ the United States. Consequently, ment to see that these ships are there again, we are making it returned. possible to build up the Merchant The American Government, Marine of foreign countries with during the war, built approxim­ American ships; while the Am­ erican ships are tied up in rivers ately five hundred first-class tankers. These tankers are turbo- or sold to foreigners. electric driven and carry approx­ We urge Congress to make an imately 135,000 barrels of oil. immediate and serious study of s- . the Ships Sales Bill and make proper recommendations, in or­ der that the American Merchant Marine and the thousands of peo­ ple engaged in the maritime in­ dustry in our country will be protected. have to be repaired or overhauled in American yards; rather op­ erators can pick any country they wish—where work is cheapest, and put their ships in for repairs; thus saving millions of dollars in repair bills. PANAMANIAN SHIPS At the present time, there are several American companies, in­ cluding the largf^t American oil company; namely Standard Oil Company of New Jersey, who is operating a fleet under the Panamanian Flag. At the present time, the Re­ public of Panama has twice as large a merchant fleet as they had prior to the war; and at the rate American companies and foreign countries are putting their ships under the Panaman­ ian Flag, the Republic of Panama will soon have the largest Mer­ chant Marine in the world. There are various reasons for this: (1) When a vessel is registered in the Republic of Panama, it does not come under the rigid Steamboat Inspection Laws which an American vessel comes under. (2) Operators do not have to pay high taxes. (3) They can hire seamen at any wage and under any condi­ tions they see fit, because in Panamanian ships, seamen of all nationalities are gathered up in various ports of the WPrld where they can be hired the cheapest. (4) Panamanian ships do not It must be remembered that this fleet was built with American taxpayers'" money and owned by the United States Gov­ ernment until they were bought by these companies, who regis­ tered them in the Republic of Panama, in order to operate them cheaper. Today, even the Greeks are operating American built ships under Panamanian registry. We believe that it is the duty of the!' Maritime Commission and the United States Congress to in­ vestigate this matter thoroughly and pass legislation which will stop this practice and also pro­ tect the American Merchant Ma: rine. (The conclusion of this report will appear in next week's LOG.) �Friday-, February 21, 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Nine Bandelier Voyage Rugged Enough For All The last voyage of the SS Ban­ ' all the men aboard. One instance delier, Pacific Tankers, started I will show to what lengths he went to make the crew toe the off all wrong from just about the mark. first day. On that day, October Harry Gebbie, Wiper, dropped 14, 1946, the Chief Steward came a cup in the mess room, and be­ aboard at the last minute, and cause of this the Skipper order­ before the trip to Curacao was ed him to eat out of a tin plate well under way the whole crew and off the bits instead of in the was already starting to feel the mess room. effects of this. After one full day of this Cap­ Food shortages were the rule tain Langbehn relented, but the during the entire length of the pattern had already been set. voyage. Even where food could The Bandelier loaded oil at Curacao and then headed across the ocean for England. In Shell-rfcTTHiMS MOPF haven, the Skipper posted a no­ wecAwRuw tice that no women were to be our OF! allowed aboard, and then he and his officers violated that ruling. Not only were women brought aboard for the enjoyment of the licensed personnel, but they were served three meals a day for two days while the crew had to make do with short rations. Soon the Bandelier crew put England behind them and head­ have been procured, the Master ed for the Mediterranean. In of the ship refused permission to quick succession Vada, Italy; Has Tamura, and Bari, were visited. do so. At Bari, women were again When the crew tried to hold a shipboard meeting to protest. brought aboard for the officers, Captain Langbehn objected, and and again food was served to quoted the WSA Order of Decem­ them despite the fact that the ber, 1944, in support of his po­ crew had boon without sugar, butter, eggs, and potatoes for al­ sition. most two months. He stated that he had to have a After discharging cargo at written request before he would permit the crew to hold meetings. Bari, the Bandelier headed back This the crew refused .to do, and across the Atlantic Ocean for as a result no meetings were held Carapito, Venezuela. On the way throughout the trip, nor was the over a pressure spray-painting vessel in any port long enough pot disappeared. No one in the to contact the SIU until the voy­ Deck Department had any idea age ended in New York on Feb­ what had happened to it. It was thought that the pot had been ruary 11. swept overboard in the heavy From the first the Captain tried seas. to show the crew that he was However, this absence of evisupreme master of the ship and 1 dence did not stop Captain Lang­ behn. Before the ship made port in Carapito he posted the follow­ ing notice: SS Bandelier At Sea Jan. 25. 1947 NOTICE TO ALL UN­ LICENSED PERSONNEL: Going ashore in any foreign port shall not be permitted for the duration of this voyage until the person or persons re­ sponsible for the disappearance of the deck department pressure spray-painting pot, either dis­ close its whereabouts on the ship or volunteer to pay for its replacement. The two lengths of spray hose that had previously vanished can be replaced by requisition,; but this is not so regarding the mechanical equipment, hence it must be bought and paid for in cash. Not wishing to impose a pen­ alty on all unlicensed person­ nel for the acts of a few it is my earnest desire to settle this as quickly as possible. F. H. LANGBEHN. Masterj Left to right, Glenn Jenkins, AB; Jimmy Drawdy. and Ray Gonxales, Patrolmen; and Joe Warner, AB. Glenn and Joe were locked in the linen closet for a good part of the trip, and both were in irons for a while. Note the bandage on Joe's right hand. That's from the irons. Brothers! Joe Warner, who was one of the men locked in the closet, was the last to be released. He re­ ceived special treatment, and on January 26, the Skipper had him locked up for the remainder of the voyage. out to the ship that forced the Skipper to release him. In the course of the trip Cap­ tain Langbehn contrived to place at least one log against each member of the crew. But this could not stand up under ques­ Warner was only allowed to tioning from the SIU Patrolmen. take a shower every three days, was permitted to go to the toilet only twice a day, and at Trini­ dad and Halifax the Captain did all in his power to get Warner to quit the ship. The provisions of this notice On February 1, Warner was were rather hard to live up to, and in Carapito a few of the given a companion in misery. Glenn Jenkins, AB, was put in irons for insubordination, and he stayed there for the rest of the trip. Finally, as with everything else, this brutal trip came to an end. As soon as the ship made fast in the port of New York, the crewmembers made a beeline for a telephone to call the Hall. They wanted fast action, and they got it. Patrolmen Ray Gonzales, Joe Volpian, and Jinnny Drawdy, were dispatched from the SIU, and Bill Armstrong, from the men went ashore for a fast beer. SUP. By this time the Captain They were discovered by the had taken Warner and Jenkins Captain and he ordered them to up to the Coast Guard to place return to the ship within five charges. minutes or he would log them all. IN IRONS The men quickly returned to Upon return to the ship, Jen­ the ship, but the Master logged kins was not placed back in irons, them all anyway, and they were but Warner was, and it was only placed in the linen closet where ^ they were kept for 25 hours. 1 the fact that the Patrolmen came The Shipping Commissioner only allowed a total of three logs to stand. Right now the situation stands thusly: Captain Langbehn has Warner and Jenkins up on charges before the Coast Guard. But he, himself, is also being charged with certain violations of his duty. No matter what happens, SIU and SUP members now have suf­ ficient warning, and it will be a long time before a Seafarers crew will take a chance sailing with this latest copy of Captain Bligh. iBiiiiilii ElilElEE'E ii; si: For dropping a cup in ihe mess room, Harry Gebbie, FWT, was forced by Ihe Skipper to eat his meals out of a tin plate from the bits. After a day of this, the Captain reconsidered. But Brother Gebbie will not soon forget the Master's high-handed methods. "A lough Irip," was Ihe concensus of opinion when the SS Bandelier arrived in New York Harbor. There was plenty of reason for this opinion. Read the story on this page and find out what it's like to sail with a Skipper who hasn't the interests of his crew in mind. �THE SE AF AR EHS LOG Page Ten Fziday, Februacy 21. 1947 John Knapp Dies In France; At Rouen Rites Mine-Tom Signal Hills Still In Yard John Raymond Knapp, who died aboard the SS Richard Rush while the vessel was in France, was buried in a Rouen cemetery on Jan. 10, after a simple, but im­ pressive ceremony attended by his Seafarer shipmates and the ship's officers. j The SS Signal Hills is still un' dergoing extensive mine-damage -repairs in Genoa, Italy, where it I is reported she will be in drydock for at least two more months, according to Vincent Keller, a member of the crew. Funeral services were conduct­ ed at the chapel by the Reverend Menard, and the flag-draped cas­ ket was carried to its resting place by six SIU pallbearers. They were: Joseph Gill, Jacob Otrera, Raymond Kryling, Leon E. Foskey, Charles C. Kershaw and Floyd Hillier. The Pacific Tanker vessel was struck by a mine off Savona, FLORAL OFFERINGS Italy, last October, and was tow­ As the coffin was lowered into ed to Leghorn, and later taken to the grave, the Reverend Menard T.a Spezia, From there she was closed the burial service with the transferred to the repair docks Lord's prayer and pronounced at Genoa. the benediction. Floral offerings The mine explosion causing from the Rush's crew and officers ' great damage was sustained Oct. and from the Union Maritime, the • 6, 1946, after the ship had clear- company's agents in France, were ''ed Savona, where she had un- placed at the grave. loaded a cargo of high-test gasoDeep regrets over Brother 'line. Knapp's passing were expressed About 6:30 in the morning the by his shipmates and the officers vessel was struck in number 9 alike. Knapp, who died on Jan. ^ tank portside, the explosion 6, made friends easily and those sent water, fuel, oil and steel with whom he came in contact flying 500 feet into the air. found his friendship worthwhile. EYE-WITNESS REPORT After the first stunning effects crewmembers assembled at their boat stations in a prompt and or- BROTHER WANTS BEEF AIRED AT MEETING Dear Editor: My ship pulled into port on i Friday, Jan. 31 at 6 o'clock at . night. The Waterman company . terminated the articles, while the ^ship was in. the stream, at 12 mid. night the same day, without givj ing the crew money with which to come ashore. The crew was not paid off un­ til Monday, Feb. 3, although they were paid until the previous Fri­ day. Only if they worked on Monday, Feb. 3 were they paid for the weekend. Oilers in port are supposed to have the weekend off. The ship broke watches on Friday at 6 o'clock. Are we going to con­ tinue to let the company pull this trick? ..(If J am not at the next mem­ bership meeting. I wish one of the membership would bring up this subject. Robert P. Hanley to him." Every member of the crew, whose presence aboard ship was not necessary, attended the fu­ neral of their shipmate, Capt. Ranstrom added. I oeaicurer pallbearers, shipmates of the late John Knapp. carry his casket from the chapel after the funeral service. Born on March 21, 1902, Knapp had been a member of the Sea- The crew, most of them asleep, ,:was awakened by the general , alarm bell, and in a report of the derly manner, waiting to aban­ don the ship, as it was at first i mishap. Keller related: thought the stern of the ship > ."As I came out on deck I saw was blown off. The crew stood • some of the deck had been blown by the boats for about four hours, through. I then looked into the with all the men acting calm and pumproom which was flooded orderly in spite of the ship's; with about 15 feet of water. After dangerous condition. • seeing that, I ran back to my When it was seen that the ship room to get on some clothes, as was in no immediate danger of when the alarm rang I didn't sinking the crewmembers left wait to put on anything but a their emergency stations. pair of shoes." of the explosion had worn off, the farers for close to four years, and shipped as a Fireman, Oiler, and Watertender. He is survived by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Knapp, of Port Jervis, N. Y. CONDOLENCES TO PARENTS Messages of condolence from the entire personnel aboard the Rush were sent to Brother Knapp's parents by the ship's master, Capt. Richard R. Renstrom, along with details of the funeral ceremony. Captain Renstrom's letter to the parents said that he had "en­ deavored to see to it that your son was placed at rest in the very • best manner possible," and that ' all due respects had been paid CREW PRAISED The Reverend Menard (back to camera) leads members of the crew of the Richard Rush in prayer at Brother Knapp's final resting place in Rouen, France, cemetery. Parker Cops Second Skate Crown In Week With Wins In 440, 880 And 1-Mile Events Later when an investigation was made into the accident, the inve,stigating committee c o m mended the crew for its fine con­ Scoring his second major triumph in less than a week, duct. When it submitted its re­ port to Washington, it included speed'-skater Jack Parker raced home first in three events high praise for the gallant way to win top honors in the 27th Annual Winter Carnival at the Engine Department had kept Utica, N. Y., last Saturday. The flashy Bosun was awarded the plant going under such try­ ing conditions, while not know­ the carnival's trophy for being the outstanding performer of the day, adding to the champ-* ing if the ship was going to stay pionship laurels bestowed upon trying to get himself in shape for afloat or sink. him at the neighboring city of next month's Metropolitan In'toor Championships to be held The committee also lauded the Rome, four days earlier. in the Brooklyn Ice Palace. This fine conduct of the Deck Depart­ Parker received medals for his ment during the emergency and victories in the 440-yard and 880- indoor event is one of the high­ gave both departments letters to yard men's open races, his time lights of the skating season, and that effect. being 0:42.1 in the former event attracts most of the top blade speedsters in the area. Most of At the time the ship took on and 1:53 in the latter. Jack's competition has been on its cargo in Corpus Christi one TAKES 1-MILE the outdoor ice, and he feels he of the crewmembers had- a pre­ Feature attraction on the card won't be at his best on the arti­ monition of what was to occur. was the one-mile open event, ficial ice. He's going to take a Brother Keller says, "While we which Parker took handily by crack at it, nevertheless, just for were taking on our cargo of highbeating last year Carnival cham­ the excitement that comes with test gasoline, one of the Oilers pion. The skating Seafarer was top-level competition. had a bad night and dreamed clocked at 3:36.2. Never extend­ PLACED LAST YEAR that something was going to hap­ ing himself, Parker paced him­ In spite of his comparative in­ pen to the ship. «e asked the Jack Parker with latest trophy self well, holding second place experience in the indoor field, Old Man if he could pay off, and after what happened later he until the final lap. Then he let Parker took a medal in last year's anticipating for the past several go with a burst of speed that car­ meet at the Brooklyn ice-spot for days—the arrival of a baby. Jack sure was right." ried him over the finish line 40 crossing, the line third in a speed and his wife, Genevieve are The Signal Hills began its ill- yards ahead of his nearest com­ event. He says he'll be satisfied anxious for an heir—or heiress— fated voyage at Corpus Christi, petitor. and won for him the with a. similar showing this year. to step into the "old man's" Texas, on September 13, with a third medal for the day and title Overshadowing all the events,' skates and take his place at the crew that had signed articles in of Carnival champ. past and future, in Parker's car­ starting line when his legs begin New York. The. stocky Seafarer is now eer, is one he has been eagerly to slow up. �Friday. February 21, 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Eleven SIU Ship's Minutes In Brief SEAFARER SAM SAYS MIDWAY HILLS. Nov. 12— Chairman Arl Newman; Secrelary D. O. Pierce. Delegales reported all okay. List of tines for various offenses drawn up. New Business: At next port of call. Patrolman to be called aboard and the water tanks be inspected. If the water is un­ fit for use and nothing is done about the situation, the crew will give the Skipper 24 hours notice to have the condition rectified. Beef about leaving linen in passageway discussed. Cleared by delegates. X X BIENVILLE. Dec. 28—Chair•man Talley; Secretary Willianf Ruggie. Good and Welfare; Motions carried that cooks quarters be changed to PO messroom which is not bein^ used: that all crew's quarters be fumigated, painted and thoroughly dried before sailing on next voyage: that a scrub board, ironing board, and at least two irons be supplied; that proper representation be aboard before anyone signs off, also all beefs must be settled to the satisfaction of all before signing off: that air condition­ ing and heating system be checked and fixed: that ice machine be replaced or re­ paired. its. The G. Washington Upholds Tradition With the birthday anniversary of the"father of our country," coming up tomorrow we are moved to give space to the min­ utes of the SIU ship bearing his name. Like their illustrious forebearer, the crew of the SS George Wash­ ington, at a recent meeting, blazed the way for better things. There were recommendations that the sun deck be waterproof­ ed, and that the Master be ap­ proached in regard to placing the seamen in dry foc'sles. Also urged were recommenda­ tions for racks to be placed in the messhall to hold condiments, and for greater effort in keeping the vessel's cups hnd dishes clean. Brother Hunt was chairman of the meeting, while Brother Char­ les did the recording. 4. 4. JOHN MILLEDGE. Sept. 8— Chairman P o z e n : Secretary Early. No new business. Good and Welfare: All^ agreed to slick with Bosun in regards to time-off in port. What he says will be accepted. Chief En- gineer is to be informed thai the steering gear is to be re­ paired as soon as possible. Chief Steward is to see Chief Engineer about crew's refriger­ ator. Agreed that only in case of emergency will anyone be allowed to eat chow in galley. Agreed that each crewmember shall donate $1.00 to go to Patric Forest for keeping recre­ ation room clean. Money to be collected by ship's delegate. SAN ANGELO^ VICTORY. Jan. 24—Chairman Jack Giller: Secretary Franklin Smith. Delegate gave their reports. Ch. Mate hired customs men to stand gangway watches in Ma­ nila, Hilo, Cebu and Saigon. First Assistant refused soap powder to Engine Department, issuing the soap to licensed personnel only. No overtime pay for election day, as com­ pany did not allow time off to vote. Recommended that four men who had signed pledge cards previously be admitted to Union because of their consis­ tent - battles in behalf of our membership aboard ship. 4. 4, 4 NEWBERG. Jan. 5—Chairman L. L. Phillips: Secretary John Siler. Motions carried: that hook be dropped on arrival at Corpus Christi until Union Pa-trolman can be contacted in regard to paying off at new wage scale: that we see SIU Patrolman about turning; on water fountains, in crew's pas­ sageways. Brother Stewart of the Engine department was in­ formed by Boston Patrolman that crew would be paid off under new wage scale. 4 4 4 ALCOA PEGASUS, Jan. 5— Chairman Sullivan: Secretary Bischoff. Discussed matter of getting draws in American money. Motions passed: That Delegates look into matter: that Purser try to take back foreign money which crew has left over: that present mattresses be replaced with innersprings: that crew will be advised not to Sciil if ship is not fumigated Antinous Accident Victim On Mend Henry Bildc, who was severely injured I'ecenlly in an accident aboard the Waterman vessel SS Antinous, is recuperating, accord­ ing to word just received from Jerry J. Palmer, Deck Delegate on the SS Maiden Victory, now in Bi'emerhaven, Germany. Brother Bilde is wearing a plas­ ter cast as a result of the injury to his back. He is, however, out of bed, and is "walking around and in the best of spirits," ac­ cording to Palmer. Palmer added that Bilde "is ex­ pecting to arrive on the next hos­ pital ship from the 21st Station Hospital here in Bremerhaven." at end of next trip: that crew is not to pay off until all pay, beefs and overtime are squared away: that prices of cigarettes be investigated. 4 4 4 ALMA, Jan. 19—Chairman J. Graley: Secretary "Red" Sully. Minutes of previous meeting ac­ cepted as read. Delegates gave their reports. With a few min­ or disputes in the Engine de­ partment everything reported okay. Recommendations for ship repairs submitted, along with request for fumigation. All books are to ba ready for the Patrolman before the pay­ off. Motion unanimously car­ ried to give J. Eleridge an SIU permit card. \ 6ETITOFF 0 3 YOUR CHEST/ SAM WAfHS "PD KNO\AJ YOOR BE£fS,yOLJR SOSGESnOMS, IDEAS OM MEMBERSHIP ACTIV/ITIES AMD ACTiOMS,E-rG.— IN SHORT, ANVTHINJSTHAT CAN BENEFIT SEAFARERS . WRiTE TQ : SEAFARER SAM THE S.I.U. voe> Si BEAVER 4 4 4 WILLIAM BREWSTER, Jan. 26—Chairman Bankert: Sec­ retary Haase. A repair list will be turned in, and Steward was elected to inspect the rooms. Agreed to give a letter of recommendation to four mem­ bers of the crew. Brother Doyle expressed thanks of all hands to Brother Wolch for his help and guidance throughout the trip. Motion carried that letter be sent to Log about our dog, Kilroy, the ships mascot, who attended the meeting. 4 4 4 Bcrea Victory Crew Bans Wipers' Pin-Ups The pin-up girl is on her way out. The photographic female pul­ chritude was started on the road to oblivion with a send-off in the form of a motion passed by the lads aboard the SS Berea Victory at the Jan. 26 meeting, held at sea. The beginning of the end to an American era was pronounced tersely, as follows: "Motion carried that Wipers re­ move pin-up girls from heads as this practice does not look good." Theer will be one moment of silence out of respect for the memory of those choice morsels. 4 4 4 LAREDO VICTORY, Feb. I—Chairman Harvey Hill: Sec­ retary R. A. Wickham. One man in each department to be chosen by delegate to clean laundry. Steward requested those needing mattresses to ad­ vise him now or before ves­ sel reach port. Discussion on payoff and sign on within same day: matter to be left to Pa­ trolman's discretion. One min­ ute of silence out of respect to Brothers lost at sea. •BuiU-tteS.ltt- foanvMion / NBvj YORK4.NY. CUT and RUN By HANK First of all, a shout of congratulations and a sincere wish for continued good health to Jack Parker and his wife, who just gave birth to an eight-pound, four-ounce baby girl, who will be called Linda. Thanks for the cigar, "Pop" Parker . . . That man from New Orleans, the great Percy Boycr, the mustached Bosun and a swell skate in more ways (and saloons) than one, is fresh in town, con­ fessing that The Champ, Moon Koons, must still be in New Orleans, as usual . . . Jimmy Mulligan humorously laments the fact, that after his six-week trip to the islands he only paid off with five dollars and twenty-five cents—which is about enough for four or five heavy meals and a few packs of smokes, eh Jimmy? . . . Eugene "Jimmy" Crescitelli reveals that Brother Johnny Flynn is in town celebrat­ ing and that he has refused to join Brother Flynn in his celebration. Must be some old birthday he forgot to observe or something? . .. Attention Johnny Johnston: Did you know that two of your friends have asked for you on two occasions. One of them was AB-Bosun Kenneth Dickenson. The other was Edward Baggus ... If you want to see a big smile on his face and watch him in his glory then ask Bill Higgs to'get a guitar to play and sing a song called "Union Blues!" 4 4 4 4 Brofher Eddie Kelly, who loves fo go fishing and will keep on frying fo own his own fishing boaf some day, jusf blew info fown from a shorf frip. Eddie says fhe besf European port is Bremen: fhe besf Mediferranean porf is Genoa, Ifaly and fhat Marseilles isn'f so good. Eddie smilingly says fhat Brofher John Flannery is one of fhe nicest guys but he could also haunt a house reasonably. John has no vices, but fhe funny thing about it is, he's just like a woman—he brings all his troubles fo Eddie. The latest accomplishment up John's sleeve is fhe fact that he has bought a sextant and will be frying fo raise himself in fhe future up info fhe topside life aboard ship. Happy climbing, Brofher Flannery! 4 4 4 4 Bosun Bera Smyley just sailed with his shipmate, AB Bill Shorten, who had been beached since the strike in this town and also hospitalized. They sailed with Paddy Walsh and Peg Leg An­ derson on the SS Monroe Keith heading for Lisbon, Portugal . .... Leo Siarkowski and Ozzie Okray came into New York last week from a trip but it seems that they're making another trip . . . Charlie Fischer continues to be a familiar sight in the hall. Is he shipping. Nah, just waiting for his wife to arrive here from England. Yens Nielsen, the oldtimer of an AB, just sailed out with his familiar pipe for a Far East voyage . . . After four years of Army life, oldtimer John J. Giordano, citizen of Brooklyn, is waiting to ship out soon . . . Oldtimer J. D. Lewis just registered for shipping. What's new. Brother Lewis? . . . Does anyone know the name of the fa­ mous "Beachcomber" anchored amongst the coffee beans down in. Santos, Brazil? 4 4 4 4 If happened recenfly on one of fhe Sfreefs of Dreams, other­ wise known as fhe Times Square secfion—which is fhe happy, expensive melfing pof of dollars and sense. Bosun Mike Rossi, fhe smiling, musfached, faxi-driving, saloon-waifer of a happygo-lucky Seafarer—accidenfly met one of his former shipmafes, now a chief in fhe gold deparfmenf. Well, affer fhe usual round of jokes, memories, some convincing conversation and cokes or something, Mike was merrily shanghaied down fhe coast for a frip aboard the Stephen Leacock. headed for Rio. etc. Also aboard is a famous ex-pugilisf. If should be some trip, Mike ... ' If all Ihe Commies in Ihis country got together and went to Russia fo taste fhe Life of Communism as it really exists, they would never be Commies again and frying to rule and ruin cur ' country with their decaying minds and flaming dreams. �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Twelve Friday, February 21, 1947 THE MEMBERSHIP SPEAKS Boxcar Sailors Mastered Every Trick Of The Jungle Dear Editor: What has become of the old boxcar sailor? Today many of our members think this is some kind of drink, but plenty recall the day when a sailor was as much at home on a rolling freight as on rolling deck. In prewar days, when shipping was good in one port, the grape­ vine would carry the word to the dead ports, and pretty soon the job-hungry would be pulling into the local railroad yards from all parts of the country. This was once the only mode of transport a sailor ever used. SKILL NECESSARY In those days, a seaman had to be as expert at catching a grab iron as he was at a monkey's fist. He kept a sharper lookout for the RR bulls than he ever did for white water. If shipping was bad all over, he would take to the road until it picked up. Often he would follow the fruit crop. Many of our piecards can still pick prunes with the best of them. In those days, a sailor could rustle up a chicken or a sack of spuds as quick as John Farm- cannot be arrested for vagrancy. This is due to an old Federal law, which protects seamen out of work from the "no visible means of support" routine. Just show your papers, tell them you are on the way to a ship and you can't be held. (If the judge heard of the law, that is). Perhaps, as jobs get scarcer, some of the boys would like a few lessons in the ancient art of getting into a boxcar without a stepladder. Just apply to one of us Knights of the Road. You'll find us around the Hall arguing about the best recipe for Mulli­ gan. Be sure to bring along an onion or a potato. "Sfeamboat O'Doyle" THE END OF THE TRAIL w V ' 'ji Log'A' Rhythms Ab-sho-looly The things that you say when you're stewed, boys. Are the things you mean when you're not. But you haven't the gall to say them, that's all. Until you make whoopee a lot. Alcoa's MV Manrope Knot as she discharged her cargo of bauxite in Trinidad recently. Crew member Michael Baal "shot" the picture. Bishop Slaps At Labor Critics, Says They Court Dictatorship The things that you say when you're stewed boys. Are the things that are close to your heart. And I'll just bet a ten, if you start something then. It is something you wanted to start! So, here's to the brew as it stews, boys. Last summer, a few ill-advised file workers who recognize that And here's to the stews that it Dear Editor: brews. I'd like to avail myself of the which has been preached in this old men and a few misled com­ columns of the Seafarers Log in country since its inception. Name­ munists made an agreement to hold seamen's wages at a certain an attempt to refute some of the ly, united we stand, divided we level. When a majority of the fall. intimations and statements be­ As for tribute, do you classify American seamen through their ing made by certain columnists. what NAM members pay as tri­ duly elected representatives ne­ I'd like to address the following bute? No, you don't. Why call gotiated higher wages and con­ remarks to David Lawrence, union dues tribute? ' The dues ditions through the shipowners, Westbrook Pegler, and other paid by union members today are this group, known as the Wage AVAST! BATTEM , columnists of the same caliber: used to defray administrative Stabilization Board, ordered the What, may I ask, do you use -ORSOMPW... costs, build welfare, recreational. seamen to work for what they for brains when you think up and the communists had agreed these things you say? I'd like to was enough for a dumb sailor. NoW!-Vo(J use Mr. Lawrence's recent article /It didn't work. Why? Because the LlSTEMT60Si entitled: "National Unions Have seamen are united on a national Own System of Laws" as an il­ basis, and they refused to accept lustration. I this dictatorial mandate. Thus, The courage you get when you're Men of your caliber keep talk­ dnto the lap of a power-mad govplumb soaking wet. ing of monopoly when referring I ernment bureau can be Ihrowhi Ought to be labeled "90 Proof to Labor. However, you consis­ the blame for the greatest strike Booze." tently forget the monopoly en­ in maritime history. —Barleycorn joyed by the National Associa-'; UNITED SEAMEN tion of Manufacturers and such J er himself. He was an expert at Dear Editor: organizations. | Why? Because someone want­ "pie-snatching and carrying the I picked up "this poetry at a bar Also, you forget to mention tht • ed to show his power. Why did banner"—panhandling to you. • in Honolulu. NAM'S assessments that are lev-1 the dictator lose? Because sea­ A favorite trick was to ask the ied against the members to de­ and strike funds. These are very men all over the country remem­ Vic Gardecke, butcher for a piece of meat to go fray the expen.ses entailed but­ necessary, because of the fact, bered what they learned in cle SS Santa Clara Victory with your bread, then ask the gro­ tonholing men like yourself and that it takes money to fight mentary school—united we stand, cer for some bread to go with your lobbying members of Congress money. No union funds find their divided we fall. SignedyMom" meat. You would let some solid into passing such detrimental way into the hands of journalis­ Also the contributing factor citizen see you pick up a butt laws against Labor as those you tic parasites or crooked politi­ By WAYNE McALLISTER (previously planted), and then propose. Who, do you think, en­ cians. Perhaps, that's why you was a large strike fund which when you asked him for a smoke joys the monopoly over our law­ hate us as badly as you do. Con­ enabled men to eat and live while The letters I get. they waited for common sense to he would give you the pack. Ah, makers? gress will probably try to abol­ They are quite a few. come to light. That strike fund hobo days! ish the closed shop and other GOVERNMENT OF THE But the one I like best. was built not by tribute, as you Some sailors became quite weapons with which the slave PEOPLE . . . Is the one sent by you; put it Mr. Lawrence, but by vol­ well-known in the jungles. I be­ The tendency for a good many has been able to arm himself. On untary contributions by members Each word that you write lieve Ropeyarn nearly got elect­ years has been for the govern­ that score I don't doubt you are Is to me like the lights. ed King of the Hoboes once in ment to be the master of the cit­ right. However, they wouldn't of a democratic union. Which brightens my days Last winter another man tried PhiUy, but he had to leave town. izen, rather than his servant. It dare put such a proposition to a And fills lonely nights. Incidentally, the added mobil- is high time that we got back to vote of the people. The landslide the same thing. A bureaucrat ihy which 10,000 freight cars give, the state from whence we start­ against it would be larger than named Krug managed to with­ To me they are treasures. and by which a sailor could get ed: A Government of the peo­ the one for Roosevelt over Lon­ hold over three million bucks To have and to hold. from a lot of hard working out of town in any direction al­ ple, by the people and for the don in '36r The joy that they"bring me miners. I don't remember read­ most instantly, was often a great people. ABUSES PUBLIC Could never be told; ing a single column in protest to Onelp in affairs of the heart. Par­ The right to work and earn a You are right again when you I like to get letters ticularly in the "shotgun belt," it livelihood has never been de­ say that the present Congress this. From Jack or from Tom, However, the Supreme Court was a useful talent to take quick nied anyone in these United was elected on a mandate of li­ But the ones that I love leave without worrying about the States. This right certainly would beralism. However, it has cer- has yet to hand down its de­ Are the ones signed 'Mom.' passenger schedule. be^ denied if your theory is fol­ trainly started to abuse the pub- cision, and it ha,d better be care­ Easy shipping during the war, lowed. Under all foreign isms, He that put it there. You say the ful, for a wrong decision could and juicier pork chops, have con­ the citizen becomes the servent public wants no authority set up well lead to open rebellion. Peo­ verted many of the boys from of the government and does what that can freeze their food supply ple like yourselves, Mr. Law­ riding the rods to riding the cush­ he is told to do. or keep them cold in winter. Yet rence, are certainly no help in If you don't find linen ions. Old time 'bo's who once To remove the closed shop and you criticize the very people who preventing such disasters. when you go aboard your rode the blind and dodged the national unions, would be a dic­ would break that authority, be­ The people of the United States ship, notify the Hall at once. cinder-bull with the best of them, tatorial measure and hasten a cause it already has existed for want true democracy. Most un­ A telegram from Le Havre or today, look down their noses at police state. a good many years. Only recent­ ions already have it, but can you Singapore won't do you any the poor bums who go by in box­ Today, national unions do not ly the government, that same say the same for our govern­ good. It's your bed and you cars. Never mind boys, you'll be have their own system of law. supposedly servant of the pub­ ment? have to lie in iL The laws and rules of a union lic, attempted to take over that back. Ira E. Bishop Few seamen know that they are made by democratic rank and power from those who hold it. Aliom 111. . ATTENTION! �SPIC AND SPAN SIU-MANNED PASSENGER SHIP Seafarers conlribuie to the smooth, safe sailing of the passengers pictured above in the lounge of Mississippi Shipping Company's 10,000-ton passenger-cargo liner, Del Norte. The IBVz knot vessel has accommodations for 120 passengers and 124 SIU crew members. She plies be tween New Orleans and East Coast ports of South America on a 47-day round trip schedule This is not the Lounge for the crew, but since an SIU ship is a clean ship, even the passeng gers' quarters are kept spic and span. The SS De! Norte is the newest of the Mississippi Steam ship Company's passenger fleet, and the above picture was taken on the mciiden voyage. ALIEN SEAMEN'S WAR RECORD RATES CONSIDERATION i)ear Editor: I realize that our Union has made great strides forward the past year, and will make even greater advances this coming year. Our rank and file, should again, as in the past, give our of­ ficials the complete and neces­ sary cooperation, which has gain­ ed for us so many victories, and will win for us so many more. One of these battles will be to extend the waiver granted to alien seamen to facilitate their sailings on American ships. This waiver, I understand, is to ex­ pire in the near future, and when it does expire, it will be disas­ trous for all of us who are es­ pecially desirous of becoming naturalized. HAD LOYAL WAR RECORD Our actions during the war should have spoken of our loyal­ ty to America. At least, we alien seamen should be rated a little higher than the conscientious ob­ jectors who were hustled off to detention camps during the war. Few Americans realize what a Wonderful country they are liv­ ing in and it is usually the new­ ly-arrived alien who is quick to notice the differences between the country of his birth and the country of his choice. Few unions are so democratic as om- SIU. At least if a man should disagree with an elected official, or vice-versa, the prob­ lem is discussed openly on both sides. Thereby heightening an interest, not only in the Union, but in the best course to follow. Also, the solidarity and mutual understanding between the of­ ficials and the rank and file is vastly increased. NOT LIKE SIU In some foreign* unions, if a member should openly disagree with union policy, or with an of­ ficial, he promptly becomes a marked man for the rest of his union life. Due to an outmoded American law, alien seamen are not per­ mitted to ship coastwise. Yet in Galveston and Fort Arthiur, I have seen the Dispatchers tear- Page Thirteen THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, February 21, 1947 Marine Hospital Personnel Lauded By New Orleans Man Dear Editor: I would like to write a short letter in behalf of the U. S. Ma­ rine Hospital in New Orleans. I have been reading the Log for over two years, and so far I have never seen or heard a good word expressed about the hospital here, its nurses or doctors. I know that I speak from ex­ perience, having been here since Nov. 1944. Many men write in conplaining of the conditions but, if all the seamen could only realize that a lot of ailments cannot be checked in two or three days, as in my case it took six months, and then months of treatment and operations. PRAISE My family and myself cannot praise the doctors for all they have done, and the nurses with always a smile or a glad word. Do not think for a minute that they like to see you suffer, as there ara times when that comes to all of us. Other groups in the hospital we don't want to forget are the nurses in the operating rooms, and those who have charge of the SS August Belmont Crewmembers Wrestled Tough Food Problems Dear Editor: The conversation aboard this ship goes something like this: "Hey, Joe, lend me a spoonful of sugar 'til chow time, will ya?" You're not dreaming. Brother, for that is actually what liappens at coffee time aboard the SS Aug­ ust Belmont. The funniest doings I've seen aboard any ship occur on this one at coffee time, chow time, or any time where a bit of sugar is required Whenever the occasion arises, off you troop to your foc'sle to get your half-pound of sugar, or whatever remains of it. Ten days out of Philly, on the return trip, an acute sugar short­ age was the main topic of the special meeting called by the dele­ gate. With the consent of all haiids, enough sugar was set aside for baking bread, "until we hit port," and the remaining 19 pounds was distributed amongst the crew, one half-pound per man. your ration and when it was gone, your coffee was drunk un­ sweetened. This applied only to coffee, because we had run out of tea three weeks earlier. The borrowing occurs mainly at coffee time, when time is short and the man has forgotten to bring his own sugar.' The debt is promptly repaid at chow time, however. This ship signed articles in New York and was stored for a 60-day trip to Norfolk, Lisbon NO HOARDING and back. Instead, due to the This seemed to be the best way coal strike, we lay 20 days in to avoid hoarding. You received Norfolk awaiting coal and then Thank you very much for printing the article headlined, "SIU Corrects Deck Hazard on ing their hair trying to sell mem­ bers on shipping on tankers going coastwise. The main reason for not taking the ships was because New York and Boston were too cold. Aliens meanwhile, could sail only on a few ships that wei'e going foreign, and which hadn't at the time called for any crews. In order to maintain our Union conditions and contracts, we must keep those ships crewed up, and especially the tankers, which were among the most difficult to organize. Thomas "Aussie" Dawes BACON SCARCE The dock workers there don't believe in hurrying, so unload­ ing proceeded rather slowly. We ran out of bacon but managed to get some Swedish bacon that was as salty as the Atlantic, but they would not supply us with other meats. Our meat supply ran low, and we had very little variety on the way back. By the time we finished load­ ing chemically treated wood pulp destined for Philly and New York, we ran out of butter and potatoes. Eggs were rationed one a day per person, and we rereceived no cakes or puddings for dessert. Soup crackers joined the missing list six days later, and coffee lasted until we reached port, with 12 pounds to spare. According to the Steward, none of our very scarce commodities were obtainable in Sweden, due Span Splice," in the Jan. 31 issue to strict rationing there. of the Log. Outside of all this, however, My brother," Johnny Steeber, we had a very pleasant trip. whose picture was printed along Walter Blazer with the article, is the Deck (Editor's note:—At one point Delegate aboard the ship. "We were all very pleased to see his in Brother Blazer's letter, he picture—he was also in the group changed from writing in ink to picture on page 4. a pencil. He added a post­ Each issue of the Log is more script saying "as you can see, I interesting than the one before— even ran out of ink.") from the articles about the ships down to the jokes. Please keep up the good work! Jeanne Steeber Mobile, Alabama (Editor's note: The Log thanks Seafarer Johnny Sleeber's sister for the gracious plug. We promise to "keep up the good work"—in fact, to improve upon it whenever we' can). Plugs Log For 'Good Work' . Dear Editor: headed for Sweden and a 90-day trip. En route, we ran out of "canned cow." We unloaded a half cargo in Gothenburg, then proceeded to Stockholm where unloading was completed. By that time, the evaporated milk supply had been replenished and fresh milk and ice cream had been added to the larder. meals. There are about 16 dif­ ferent diets to be prepared every day, so just let some Stewards try and figure that headache out. Yet in all the time I have been here the food has been good and plenty when a man is fit to have more. OVERWORKED STAFFS In the Log of Jan. 24, Brother Bause said the truth. The facili­ ties of all marine hospitals are overworked, with not enough doctors or nurses, and overtime something they do not know about. Let us give credit where credit is due. let's not forget the ma­ rine hospital at New Orleans and all the persormel. Also a word should be said for our Patrolman R. Birmingham for his unfailing Sunday after­ noon visits with the latest news in the Secffarers Log. Let us hear from all the sea­ men on the good points as well as the bad points in our marine hospitals. There is plenty of good to be found in these hospi­ tals. Charles Tiller New Orleans, Leu (Editor's note: The Log en­ deavors to present both sides of a question, whenever pos­ sible. It has, in the past, pub­ lished favorable articles by hos­ pitalized Brothers. Prominent among these were items by William Bause, in the May 31, 1946 issue, and a group letter from Brothers in the Norfolk Marine Hospital, which ap­ peared Aug. 23, 1946). LAREDO VICTORY A SAFE BET FOR GOOD TRIP Dear Editor: I have a straight tip for the Brothers, and the three Delegates aboard this ship are in complete agreement on it. If you would like to have a pleasant trip, sailing with 100 percent SIU members, and good officers, then the next time you see the SS Laredo Victory on the shipping board in our Union Halls, take this ship and see for yourself. You won't regret it. By the way, if you ever go to Antwerp, and providing you like to drink good beer, pay a visit to Angela's Cafe Rotterdam on Koolkaal St., 6., or Eddie's Black Cat Cafe on Kuipersstraat. You can enjoy fine recordings from rhumba, bolero, and boogie woogie to La Traviata. And there is a chance that you wUl meet some of our Brothers there. Pablo R, Lopez Engine Delegate Photos Of Trip Of San Angelo Victory Wanted Dear Editor: While I was aboard the San Angelo Victory, the boys and my­ self had some pictures taken. I • would like to have duplicates of these shots that covered our trip to "Rio, Montevideo and Buenos Aires. If Bob Petersen, Oiler, or Tiny, the crew messman, still have these pictures in their possession, I would appreciate it very much /|| if they would send me copies of the shots. Vincent Meehan 2940 Tremont Ave. Bronx, N. Y. �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Fourleen Friday. February 21, 1947 Ships, Girls Abound In Miami; Seafarers Are Needed For Both Agent is Charles Starling. the Brothers there is a Hall down here and more guys are needed. THE SIU PATTERN Ever since the Seafarers Inter­ One word of advice to Broth­ national Union Hall opened in The Agent and Patrolman are ers putting into Miami: Don't Miami, Fla., there have been diligently spending their time send any personal laundry ashore numerous questions asked about lining up the port in true SIU unless it is absolutely urgent. By JOSEPH VOLPIAN this Hall. Mostly, what the boys manner. They are having the Hall These laundry men wait in every repaired and painted so that the nook and corner, it .seems. They want to know is where it is lo­ We have heard of more than drivers have to answer for cruel, boys will feel more at home. all have the characteristics of a cated, who is the Agent^ and how They are taking care of the beefs Jessie James, without the gun. It one instance of buckaroo masters harsh, inhuman and unlawful general conditions are in that and doing a good job of it. How­ was reported to me that some in the last few years. And this treatment. This day is when the vessel ever, they had some trouble when men were charged as high as is true, despite the fact that port. pays off at it's destination. Prop­ $1.75 to $2.00 for sponging and there is plenty of legislation in There was a little mixup on the they first started. erly made complaints are lodged the books for the purpose of It seems that the companies pressing a two-piece suit. address sent to the Log, and some with the authorities resulting in As they were about to sail, making any potential "Captain hearings at which all sides get an of the boys were almost across did not want to recognize the the street, but couldn't find it. I presence of the Union, and they some of the men went looking Bligh" remember that his crew opportunity to present their story. chased all over town and was directed the skippers of each ves­ for the laundry man to get their is composed of human beings* — Findings are made on the evid­ walking back when I happened sel to go to the Seamen's Insti­ shirts. I don't know whether they guys like himself, trying to earn ence, and penalties are enforced to discover it. For all you Bro­ tute here and pick up men. Of carried fire axes, etc., or not, but a living the hard way. based on what was done; not thers who want to visit the va­ course, they were brought to a if it had been me I probably Every once in a while we run who did it. cation city and ship out from this screeching halt by the Agent. across a ship's master who ex­ Crews which find themselves I was asked by men about the would have done so. Hall, the address is 1352 First emplifies a total disregard for in the unfortunate position of Ave., N.E., Miami, Fla. The Port sick care there and made it my the rights and privileges of the being under articles with un­ Paul Parsons. business to inquire into condi­ men who ai'e in the unfortunate reasonable officers should be tions. I found that the Agent had position of being subject to his mindful of the fact that the law LEAK ON SEMMES god reports from all concerned. command. is a two-way proposition. MAY BE POOL ERE It gives the master almost dicA person applying for licensing CHINA IS REACHED as a ship master of steam has to tatoi'ial rule during the term of meet requirements by way of the voyage but he and his officers Dear Editor: are accountable for wrongful acts, qualifications and character. Just a few notes as to what has the day of reckoning being reach­ The rules say he must satisfy been taking place aboard the ed ultimately at the final port. the authorities that his ability, Raphnel S e m m e s , Waterman, Of course there are remedies experience and habits warrant since we signed on here in Sa­ which the crew can try to use By SALVADOR COLLS belief that he can safely be in­ vannah for a trip to the far east. while on the voyage. Upon re­ trusted with the duties and re­ Although the ship needed many SAN JUAN — Business in the quest, the master must grant a sponsibilities of master. repairs, we started on what look­ port of San Juan during the past reasonable opportunity for sea­ Like most laws of the United ed to be an uneventful trip, Fri­ week was the best it has been in men to present grievances to the States, provision is made for pen­ day, Jan. 30, but it didn't remain a very long time. Shipping on American Consul for settlement. uneventful for long, as about 350 the other hand was not up to par, alties upon satisfactory proof of By this means, the men may be miles out of Savannah we broke with only a few ships touching bad conduct, intemperance, in­ able to tone down a highhanded capacity, inattention to duty, or down with one boiler out of com­ port. ship's captain during the progress If a person is to be treated as an willful violation of laws of the mission. I think shipping to this port of the voyage so that life will be We limped back into port and out-patient he is cared for by the will improve when the Ponce Ce­ sea. more bearable until the final port reports have it we'll be here ten Public Health Service, but if hos­ The punishment may be sus­ is reached. ment outfit gets the two addi­ or fourteen days for repairs. At pitalization is required, the sea­ There is an old and very true tional ships it has ordered, which pension or revocation of papers. the same time we hope to get the men is sent to the Jackson Mem­ These ., same requirements and saying that "a little knowledge should be around the end of the other needed repairs made. May­ orial Hospital where the best of month. Also Waterman is getting checks are present also in the is often a dangerous thing." be while they're at it they'll fix care is given by competent doc­ Too many skippers regai'd three or four C-2 ships to run in case of all the ship's officers gen­ that big leak down below, 'cause tors and pretty nurses. erally. themselves as legal authorities here from the Gulf. if they don't it will make a nice There were some beefs about after reading a copy of the Ship­ With the addition of these ships TYRANTS PARADISE swimming pool by the time we the ruling of not being allowed ping Code in which certain pen­ hit Shanghai. in these marine hospitals, if a dis­ we should have enough shipping Life aboard ship can be made alties may be imposed for various They'd better get busy and fix charge was less than a month. to keep us busy for quite a while. plenty disagreeable by the pres­ infractions of the law. the leaks we have already as they However, even if you have spent The extra ships shouldn't make ence of one iron-handed officer. SEAMEN'S RIGHTS are coming on faster than they only one day aboard, just request it difficult for the officials, as the But ship life becomes hell when Unfortunately, it does not oc­ can be stopped. Last night the a hospital slip from the master boys on the southern run are this ratio is increased — the ves­ cur to these lunk-headed skip­ good Union men, all knowing the coal oil got loose and squired all of the vessel you happen to be sel whose officers are an iron pers that each seaman under their over everything. And today, the on, and present it to the medical score when it comes to shipboard handed clique with only one ex­ command is entitled to certain unionism. coldest day they've had in officer-in-charge. You will have ception. constitutional liberties. Most of these men square their Georgia in seven years, we have no trouble in obtaining treatment. We have in mind the skipper of Occasionally a group of selfbeefs away themselves, leaving no heat. an oil tanker who just completed esteemed little tin gods get com­ PHONE COMING little for the Agent to handle. We've got a god crew aboard, a four-month voyage, the des­ mand of a vessel, and act as if Many of the men arriving in a real international set-up. There cription of which can be found in CIO RAID the ship were their pleasure are Indians, Jamaicans, Puerto this port, found there was no the pages of this issue of the Log. On the local labor scene, there yacht and the crew their slaves. Ricans, Italian, Spanish, and even phone in the Hall, but one has It is our understanding that the Unreasonable searches are made a hill-billy represented. been ordered and it will be in­ has developed a little tension be­ crew has brought criminal charges The boys aboard all feel they stalled as soon as possible. There tween the CIO and AFL. The at all hours; shore leave is pro­ against this individual who hibited; ship's compartments are can put up with all the incon­ is a reported upsurge in shipping General Labor Confederation, thought he was a law unto him­ converted into prisons; single veniences I've mentioned but here and, in my opinion, there CGT-CIO, is trying to organize self by keeping them in irons in and double irons are polished up; there is one that has us all down. will be a need for many men to everything on the Island and is a number of ports, without re­ The toilets are on the fritz and to man the ships. At present there not stopping with the unorgan­ twelve for one loggings are levi­ ed; laws protecting life and lib­ porting the fact to the Consul or top that off we are stuck in the is a shortage, and there has been ized maritime workers. any of the law enforcement agen­ It is trying to break up the ILA erty are forgotten, and proper mud at the pier. So, with the a request to reinstate Brothers cies. suction pumps working in the in bad standing to man the ves­ and UTM, two affiliates well procedure is circumvented. By so doing, he deprived these The unlicensed crew on a mud they overflow sometimes sels in this port. The request was kijown down here. I don't think men of their civil liberties such and the whole mess sure makes presented to the regular meeting the CGT will succeed in their "Bounty" ship of that type leads as: the right to bail; the right to for rough wading. raiding attempts as the two AFL a dog's life until the voyage ends. held Feb. 12. file writs of habeas corpus; the waterfront unions are sticking to­ The taking away of shore leave The Chief Engineer has said to rights to earn a livelihood; and This Hall needs more publicity. hell with it, along with the Elec­ gether and presenting a solid alone is likely to cause drastic what is the first principle of the I saw many oldtimers here, but action such as jumping ship. But trician who doesn't know where front. American conception of justice, the light connections are for the it is my belief that in the near The nights here are becoming the crew should always remem­ that a man is innocent until future there will be a real short­ boxes. a little cooler now, and it is en­ ber that there is eventually a day proven guilty. age unless some men come down While we are tied up here we joyable to take a stroll at night of accounting for the voyage — As we go to press, this petty to relieve the situation. a Jay when the self-inflated slave are taking in. the town. All the under the big round moon. de.spot is sweating aplenty. A lot of talk is going around native Georgians see us coming and from the taxi cab to the bar about the expected exit of the they soak us extra for being Coast Guard from its position of WE CROSS "yankees." interference in merchant ship­ THE Rl\/Efel& The Skipper we have is ugly as ping. The boys all want to lend NISHT-SI6M a bear. I don't come in contact a helping hand in giving them an UP Al^ SID/ with him so everything is going added push toward the place The Seas Shipping Company CLREW/ marked EXIT. ta be alright. has announced that the dispatch As you can surmise from the from London reporting the tank­ SUN. HONEY AND OH BOY! above mentioned mishaps this is er Belle of the West as being on a real hard luck ship. If she So much for that, but serious­ fife is erroneous. The Company doesn't fall apart, or hit a mine ly, fellows, come on down to the reports the vessel as not being in I should be back in the big city land of sunshine, milk, honey and any difficulty. A United Press about June 1. beautiful girls. Get away from dispatch early this week had Harold Farrington that cold weather up North. Tell listed the vessel as being aflame. Dear Editor: San Juan Slow, But More Ships Are Due To Come 'in I SeasShippingReports Belle Of West Is Safe 'V. .v.-' V-- • •' �THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, February 21. 1947 Page Flfleen Resolution On Panamanian Ships Halt Ship Switch WHEREAS, the American Merchant Marine during World War II was built up to approximately 50 million tons by American tax­ payers. at a cost to ihem of approximately 20 billion dollars; and To Panama Flag, Says Seafarers WHEREAS, the American Merchant Marine today is rapidly decreasing and if nothing is done by the Maritime Commission and (Covtinued from Ptge I) Congress to stop this decrease of American ships we will find our­ to mask their vessels under Pan­ selves with an American Merchant Marine of less tonnage than we amanian registry, and called upon had prior to the war; and By FRENCHY MICHELET Congress to immediately inves­ WHEREAS, in 1936 the Merchant Marine Act was passed by tigate the condition. This is a view of Palermo, fair­ should sure get fat and sassy in Congress, which had for its purpose the building and maintaining This resolution was unani­ est flower in the garden of Sicily, this jointof a large and substantial American Merchant Marine to take mously adopted in San Francisco, as seen by a non-too-observant But then we figure: what the care of the commerce of this country and to establish national deand at a special New York Branch seaman as he wends his dreamy hell, if that old spider can get ;fense; and meeting today, the same resolu­ way along her dusty, sun-drench­ that fat living in it, why, a slug WHEREAS, in the last few months millions of tonnage of tion was passed without a dis­ ed streets. or two of vermouth shouldn't senting vote. (See text of reso­ A short stroll from the docks make a lot of difference at this American built ships, built by the American taxpayers' money, have lution on this page.) been bought by foreign operators and transferred to foreign flags, takes us to a narrow street, lined stage of the game—so we order Besides discussing the change including the Panamanian flag, and also American capital has on either side by the hovels of a bottle without further ado. of registry of American owned transferred a number of U. S. Governmenf boughf ships fo Pana­ the poor. A handsome boy of AH. PEACE vessels, the agenda of the Co­ manian registry: and perhaps six, with dark flashing The stuff is good. It warms us ordinating Committee meeting WHEREAS, today the Republic of Panama has a merchant eyes and agreeable features, deep inside. It's good to sit here also included the welcoming of darts before us chasing an ema­ on this glorious Mediterranean marine tonnage twice as large as it had prior to the war; and Captain William Ash, MM&P, WHEREAS, the Republic of Panama is not a seafaring nation as the representative of'4;his new­ ciated dog. morning and dream of the port and does not by any stretch of the imagination need this type of est ITF affiliate. They tumble pell-mell into a over the distant hill. tonnage in connection with the export and import trade of their Also present at the meting were miserable one-room shack. A gi­ History tells us that Ponce de the following; William Dorchain, gantic peasant woman, presum­ Leon scoured the New World in country; and WHEREAS, American capital and foreign countries who trans­ United States Representative of ably his mother, cuffs both boy search of a Fountain of Youth. ferred their ships under the Panamanian flag obviously did this the ITF; Emmanuel Pithavoulis, and ring hack out again and bonds But we who were born and bred back over her crude stone oven. there know that it's just as apt tor several reasons; namely, to save taxes, to opexale ships with Federation of Greek Maritime cheaper crews, and to avoid regular steamboat inspection service; and Unions; Fred B. Clausen, Danish We saunter a trifle closer and to be found within the precincts WHEREAS, this condition not only weakens the American Mer­ Seamen's Union; J. Scott, Na­ of the Old, for the only Fountain are rewarded with the delicious chant Marine and puts thousands of seamen and American ship­ tional Union of Seamen of Great of Youth on this good green earth aroma of garlic braising in real yard workers and longshoremen out of work, but also weakens the Britain; Einar Johansen, Nor­ lies in the -seeking thereof. olive oil. We sniff and sigh ap­ wegian Seamen's Union, Ernst To follow the sun is to be eter­ national ddfense of the United States of America; preciatively. She turns her lined, NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Seafarers In­ Rabcrg, Swedish Seamen's Union; heavy-featured faee.and nods in nally young in heart.. It was the beloved vagabond poet* of Eng­ ternational Union as an organization petition Congress to immed- W. J. Van Buren, Secretarysmiling agreement. It is the Freemasonry of con­ land who so knowingly dubbed ietely invesfigafe this condition and fake proper steps to safeguard Treasurer of the ITF; and Paul Hall and Morris Weisberger, noisseurs, for an appreciation of Adventure the "True Romance:— ihe American Merchant Marino; and representing the SIU. "Who holds by thee hath heaven BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that it no action is taken by good food makes brothers of us in fee to gild his dross thereby Congress that we inaugurate the policy of boycotting all Pemaall. Food, too, has its romantic And knowledge sure that he manian ships sailing in and out of American ports; and asppcis, but: one must serve one's endure a child until he die." apprenticeship to life ere he BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we also inaugurate the Two grimy bewhiskered Amer­ learns that the aroma of prop­ policy of Closing up all fink halls shipping seamen to Panamanian' BALTIMORE 14 North Gay St; Calvert 4E39 erly braising garlic is every bit as ican beachcombers stagger past, vessels in American ports until such time as Panamanian-flag regis­ 276 State St. sweet as the perfume of the rose. a little the worse for the cup that tered ships running in and out of American ports pay the prevailing BOSTON Boudoin 4455 cheers. "Ya know," one confides She bears her trials with the 10 Exchange St. scale of American union wages and live up to the prevailing man­ BUFFALO to the other, "these foreigners Cleveland 7391 stolid endurance of the animal ning scale of American ships and to adopt the working rules now in CHARLESTON 424 King Street aint bad Joes at all." that browses in the distant fields, force and effect in American union vessels; Phone 3-3680 We Americans are truly a race this woman of the people. CHICAGO 24 W. Superior Ave. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we send this resolution apart. We are the only people Superior 5175 "Perhaps tomorrow," she in the world who go to another Maritime Trades Department of the American Federation of CLEVELAND ...1014 E. St. Clair Ave. thinks, "things may be a little Main 0147 man's country and look upon the Labor for action and introduce this resolution to the Seafarers In­ CORPUS CHRISTI ..1824 Mesquite St. better. Does not the Good Book ternational Union of North America's convention being held in Corpus Christi 3-1509 guy as a "foreigner." say that the meek shall inherit DETROIT 1038 Third St. Chicago in March for the purpose of setting up a policy to^be car­ We once saw three American Cadillac 6857 the earth?" ried out by the East and West Coast seamen affiliated with the soldiers celebrating something or DULUTH 531 W. Michigan St. Perhaps, Madam, but the earth other by shooting holes in a bar American Federation of Labor; Melrose 4110 GALVESTON 30823rd Street will be but a son-y patrimony by mirror in Gran. They got highly BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED that we request support on this 2-8448 the time the quick and the strong insulted because the MP's made by the American Federation of Labor and also notify Congress HONOLULU 16 Merchant St. get around, to handing it over to 'em cut it out. 58777 of our action. HOUSTON 1515 75th Street the likes of you and yours. If a foreigner ever pulled Phone Wentworth 3-3809 JACKSONVILLE 920 Main St. caper-like that in a gin mill in BUREAUCRATS Phone 5-5919 MARCUS HOOK 114 W. 8th St. Two stevedores shuffle along America the "cops would beat Chester 5-3110 on the opposite side of the street his head all the way to MIAMI 1356 N. E. 1st Ave. bound for the docks, evidently, the can. And he'd play hell try­ RAYMOND L. PERRY. Steward MOBILE 7 St. Michael St. where they will earn about one ing to get out again in less than 2-1754 Write to, or call. Special Ser­ NEW ORLEANS 339 Chartres St. hundred lire an hour for work­ 39 years—and a dark night, too. vice Department at New York Magnolia 6112-6113 ACCIDENTAL APPRENTICE Hall immediately regarding your ing cargo. NEW YORK 51 Beaver St. KAnovcr 2-27S4 The lire is theoretically pegged By the way, they tell us that beef with the Hotel New Yorker. NORFOLK 127-129 Bank Street at two hundred and twenty-five the Maritime Commission is still (Continued from Page 1) 4-1083 PHILADELPHIA 9 South 7th St. to the American dollar. But the operating their ridiculous Stew­ EDWARD^ M. PHILLIPS The Commercial and Financial Phone Lombard 3-7651 Italian government's economists ards Dept. Retraining School. Write to Ernest Wainwright, Chronicle, a bankers publica­ PORT ARTHUR . .909 Fort Worth Ave. Phone: 2-8532 are about as trustworthy a tribe There's a tripcard man aboard P.O. Box 717, Norfolk 1, Va. tion, gives the tipoff on the at­ PORTLAND Ill W. Burnside St. as their American counterparts. who has a certificate of gradua­ Beacon 4336 titude of the financiers toward We often wonder by what ab­ tion from this boon-doggling pro­ RICHMOND, Calif 257 5th St. the UFE. JAMES R? WIGHT 2599 struse arithmetic the American ject. He cooks as though he got 105 Market St. In the issue dated Thursday, SAN FRANCISCO Contact C. A. Lester at 76 Mereconomists arrive at those pecu- his culinary education by wapDouglas 5475-8363 February 13, a long write-up is SAN JUAN. P. R. . . .252 Ponce de Leon lar cost-of-living charts that they dering into a chance afternoon rimac Road, Portsmouth, Va. devoted to the fact that the New San Juan 2-5996 S. 4- J. try to palm off on labor every cooking lecture and taking cuffSAVANNAH 226 East Bay St. JACK PEABER York Cotton Exchange is refus­ time we get around to asking for notes on a shortsleeve shirt. 8-1728 "Tiny" E. T. O'Mara would ing to even sit down to negotiate SEATTLE 86 Seneca St. a living wage. We think that'this Union should Main 0290 a contract unless the union agrees We will take the ads of one of immediately take steps to bring like Jack Peaber, Electrician off TAMPA 1809-1811 N. Franklin St. to an escape clause by which M-1323 the large food chains in any news­ this glaring waste of the taxpay­ the SS Celilo to get in touch with members are free to leave the TOLEDO 615 Summit St. him; Ward B, Marine Hospital, paper of, say, the normal year ers' money to the victims' atten­ 440 Avalon Blvd. union during a fifteen day period WILMINGTON of 1939, and compare it with that tion. The Stewards Dept. Re­ Portland, Maine. Terminal 4-3131 each year. VICTORIA, B. C 602 Boughton St. of 1946. training School is an out and out Garden 8331 HAROLD V.^GOHN This is a.trick which is used to If the prices aren't uniformly steal of public funds. It cannot VANCOUVER 144 W. Hastings St. divide the union forces, and in Pacific 7824 Your mother is holding some 25 percent higher than the gov­ be defended except on the char­ ernment's experts say they are, acteristic bureaucratic gj'ounds important mail for you and is this instance it is being employ­ then we will undertake to eat a that it provides jobs for the faith­ anxious that you communicate ed to stall the UFE and force a showdown. with her. dozen hot cakes cooked in the ful. More than 70 percent of the Maritime Commission's Stewards How sad a thing it is that the KARL AGNE HELLMAN Cotton E.xchange employees are the annals of American history. Retraining School by the sorriest scum as well as the cream must The Swedish Consul has been members of the UFE, and they Today our Army and our Navy shoemaker in the house. often rise to the top of the po­ are being denied sufficent funds have agreed, unanimously, to go notified that your mother passed A smiling publican with an litical cauldron. enormous paunch, barely covered It is one of the inevitable evils to protect our precious heritage on strike March 3 unless a new away, and that your father is anx­ ious for you to communicate with by a greasy apron that is evi­ attendant upon the democratic of Liberty, while miserable para­ contract is signed by that date. , Whatever happens, the UFE is him. dently an utter stranger to soap way of life that many of the prin­ sites on the body politic are still assured of the active cooperation 4' 4> apd water, invites us in to sample cipal administrative tasks should able to wrangle enough dough to FRED BRUGGNER hjs wares. fall to the lot of the basets of teach shoemakers a smattering of the Seafarers, whether it is to Please get in touch with the of cooking in order that they help them publish and distribute We preer into the dungeon-like self-seeking men. SIU Port Agent at Marcus Hook, literature, or participation on the iiaj:erior dubiously. If germs acWe are living right smack dab might qualify for nonexistent Pa., immediately. picketline. jobs! tually thrive on dirt then they'in the middle of an era unique in SIU HALLS PERSONALS SIU Again Takes To Street With UFE Leaflets PERSONALS • T r. , ' •>- iSr" �Page Sixteen THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, February 21, 194> A' FIRST IN WAR, FIRST IN PFACE ... .. i ii~- FIRST IN MARITIME! 1+ IS v\o acGidei^'f +hcH"i-he Seotarers Irrternorfional UKIIOH has groLon-frona "fhe original 2,doo members m 1938 ix5"tirie G2,OOOi-hat notu hold SlU books • The SlU has consisten1-|q se"bH^e pace in getting betfer condi1"ipns-For its membership, and thus for the entire uJcfterfrorrt. From the verg -first" dags dotun to i-uinnmg the Isthmian eiectionr ft"' � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource February 21, 1947 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. IX, No. 8 Description An account of the resource Headlines: SIU DEMANDS INQUIRY INTO PANAMANIAN SHIPS; ITF TO DISCUSS ACTION SIU AGAIN TAKES TO STREET WITH UFE LEAFLETS SEAFARERS AND ALCOA SIGN PASSENGER SHIP CLAUSES BUSHEY AGREES TO MEET SHIPMEN AS STRIKE HOLDS PEACETIME CONSCRIPTION SEAFARERS ASKS CONGRESS FOR ACTION ON PROGRAM FOR MERCHANT MARINE STAFF OFFICERS SIGNS MOR-MAC; WINS TWO POLLS GREAT LAKES SEAMEN HELD READY FOR UNIONISM AS SIU PREPARES TO LAUNCH ORGANIZING DRIVE NEW YORK BUSINESS STILL BOOMS; RATED MEN STILL AT PREMIUM OLDTIMES RETURNING TO BOSTON; SHORTAGE OF RATED MEN HITS PORT SAVANNAH LOOKS TO FUTURE AS SOUTH ATLANTIC BUYS FOR MORE SHIPS FOR NORTH EUROPEAN RUN MM&P CHARTERS LOCAL IN DULUTH; WEATHER SLOWS OTHER ACTIVITIES PHILADELPHIA MAKES IMPROVEMENTS IN HALL AND IN SHIPPING SEASON CHICAGO SEAFARERS ARE ANXIOUS TO START ORGANIZING CAMPAIGN SIU COMMITTEE INVESTIGATES NEW HALL IN MOBILE CORPUS CHRIST IS BUSY WITH ORGANIZING WORK SUPPLEMENTARY AGREEMENT BETWEEN ALCOA SS CO. AND THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF N.A. BANDELIER VOYAGE RUGGED ENOUGH FOR ALL JOHN KNAPP DIES IN FRANCE; SHIPMATES AT ROUEN RITES MINE-TORN SIGNAL HILLS STILL IN YARD PARKER COPS SECOND SKATE CROWN IN WEEK WITH WINS IN 440, 880 AND 1-MILE EVENTS ANTINOUS ACCIDENT VICTIM ON MEND SAN JUAN SLOW, BUT MORE SHIPS ARE DUE TO COME SEAS SHIPPING REPORTS BELLE OF WEST IS SAFE Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2/21/1947 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1947 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/d9f4c189b023edbe43583f7d401e157a.PDF 7f6d46141f7a426da1c4a03a70cc170a PDF Text Text Official Organ of the Atlantic and Gulf District, Seafarers International Union of North America VOL. IX. NEW YORK. N.Y„ FRIDAY. FEBRUARY 28. 1947 SlU Leaflets Hearten Wall Street Workers NEW YORK, Feb. "28—^With hundreds of union-wise members of the Seafarers International Union aiding in the operation, the United Financial Employes, AFL, continued its organizing broadside yesterday by passing out union literature to the exploited white collar workers in the Wall ^Street area. Postwar Losses Total 131 Ships One hundred thirty-one ships have been sunk by mines since the end of the war, and 95 have been damaged according to a re­ port issued by Lloyd's of London. In reporting the loss, the Lon­ don insurance firm noted that the sinkings after this war com­ pared closely with those follow­ ing the first World War, when 137 ships were lost in the first 18 months following the end of hos­ tilities. After the first World War, drift­ ing mines continued sinking ships until seven years after the end of the war. The most dangerous waters for larger vessels have been the Mediterranean. 18 ships were lost in the Mediterranean and 14 were damaged. 11 of the vessels were sunk and 11 were damaged in or near Italian and Yugoslav waters. Of the 131 ships sunk, 45 were of more than 500 gross tons and 86 were under that size. Of those ships damaged, 64 were large ships and 31 were small. Shipping was suspended for three hours as the Seafarers join­ ed their brother-unionists of the UFE in bringing a vital message to the underpaid office workers. The sight of the Seafarers tak­ ing to the streets in their behalf has considerably heartened the financial workers and is spurring a strong response to the UFE or­ ganizational drive. Letters from individual broker­ age employes have been coming into SIU headquarters applaud­ ing the Seafarers demonstration of solidarity, and citing the con­ fidence they have instilled among the Wall Street workers. Target of the latest broadside was A. M. Kidder and Company, one of the nation's top moneymaking brokerage firms, which has been fighting desperately the attempts of UFE to bring Kid­ der employes the increased wages and working conditions that come with a union contract. COMPANY CALLS MEETING Prior to the operation, John Cole, UFE vice-president, an­ nounced to the Log that a letter had been received from the Kid­ der outfit requesting union rep­ resentatives to meet with com­ pany offluials at 3;15 this after­ noon. He said that the union would attend the meeting, the purpose Last Stages The National Labor Rela­ tions Board in Washington, acting on the recommenda­ tions of Howard LeBarron. Regional Director, has de­ cided that the NMU's flimsy charges in regard to the Isth­ mian Steamship Company bargaining election warrant a hearing. These hearings will begin on March 24. in New York, but will shift to other places if it is deemed necessary. The original recommenda­ tions called for a hearing within five weeks after the date of the report, but March 24 is the earliest that a Trial Examiner will be available. NEW YORK — Monday, Feb­ ruary 24, saw the start of a new feature in the SIU program of educating the membership in all phases of the Union structure. Beginning with this first dis­ cussion period, sessions will be held weekly, or more frequently if needed, to iron out any diffi­ culties or questions that may come up pertaining to the Ship­ ping Rules. If Monday's meeting is any cri­ terion, these sessions may prove to be a highpoint of the week foxseamen on the beach. Plenty of interest was aroused, and the men were serious in presenting the questions which puzzled them. Paul Gonsorchik, Dispatcher, led the discussion, and Patrol­ men were present to answer any query that went further than just interpretation of the Ship­ ping Rules. NEW YORK, Feb. 26—The CIO Shipbuilders' strike against the Ira S. Bushey and Sons' Brooklyn yards stood at the ci'ossroads today, pending announcement to­ morrow of the company's answer to a union plan for settlement of the four-week-old dispute. , The Bushey decision is expect­ ed to have important bearing on the future course of the strike, which has been supported from the start by the Seafarers Inter­ national Union. Fred Mesita, Chairman of Local 13 of the Industrial Union ~of Marine and Shipbuilding Work­ ers of America, CIO, told the Log that his union insisted on settlehient of the strike solely on the basis of the direct issues, which are recognition of Local 12 as bargaining agent for the yard's Maritime Trades Dept. To Meet In Chicago After SIU Convention Directly following the Convention of the Seafarers International Union in Chicago, the AFL Maritime Trades Department will also meet in the same city to take up any problems of the various unions affiliated to the Depart­ ment. The meeting will be held at the Hotel Morrison, and will commence on March 31. Each member union is allowed to send three representatives, but at the time the Log went to press there was no official knowledge of who would go as delegates from the SIU. Since the Department was first formed in Chicago in August of 1946, great strides haVe been made. In turn the raiding tactics of Harry Bridges were brought to a halt, the Wage Stabilization Board was forced to reverse a de­ cision which would have deprived SIU seamen of increased wages NEW YORK, Feb. 28 — The won through negotiations, and Maritime Trades Council of the Masters, Mates, and Pilots Greater New York will meet on were able to win a smashing vic­ the first Tuesday of each month, tory over the operators. beginning Mar. 4, it was an­ In practically the same period nounced yesterday by Paul Hall, of time the commie-dominated JOHN R. OWENS chairman of the powerful AFL Committee for Maritime Unity watei-front group. was born, did a god bit of dam­ The monthly sessions will be age, and then was scuttled after held at headquarters of the Dis­ the communist party saw that it trict Council of the International would not ever be able to rival Longshoremen's Association, 164 the AFL Maritime Trades Depart­ 11th Avenue, New York City. ment in power. The maritime group will con­ Refusal of the Mai'ine Firemen vene at G p.m., one hour before and the Marine Engineers to be­ the ILA district meeting in the Alert to the threat of what mil­ come affiliated to the group, and same building. itary control can do to workers, Joe Curran's blasts against the The decision to meet regularly the New York Branch of the Sea­ way the CMU was being operated was made at the last session of farers International Union adopt­ {Continued on Page 6) the council. ed a resolution opposing the ex­ tension of the Conscription Law which is due to expire March 31, 1947. •The resolution was proposed by Paul Hall, New Yoi'k Agent, and seconded by Joe Algina and 500 workers, and a working, con­ Freddie Stewart. Senators, Rep­ Charging negligence and ad­ resentatives, and the President of tract. herence to the communist party the United States were notified Bushey was informed also, line, NMU President Joe Curran Mesita said, that the Shipbuilders of this action. told a membership meeting this The text of the resolution fol­ would submit to arbitration the week at Manhattan Center that "outside issues" following con­ lows: he intends to ask the trial and WHEREAS: The present Selec­ tract negotiation. removal of Joe Stack, vice-presi­ The plan was a counter-propos­ tive Service or Conscription Law dent, by the union's national al to the company offer to negoti- is due to expire March 31, 1947, council. and (Continued on Page 3) Bolstered by the backing he reWHEREAS: It has been the reived from the membership experience of the SIU and other when he resigned as co-chairman Labor Unions in the United of the Committee for Maritime States of America and Foreign Unity, Curran said he would countries to have conscription prefer specific charges against used or threatened to be used in At the last regular coast­ Stack in the near futui-e. breaking our strikes. wise meeting of the Atlantic The action of Curran, if he fol­ BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED: and Gulf District, seven dele­ lows through with his threat, will That the SIU go on record as op­ gates were elected to the In­ disperse any remaining belief posing the extension of the Con­ ternational Convention of the that the feud raging in the NMU scription Law and notify our Sen­ SIU. Pictures and story ap­ is window-dressing for the bene­ ators, Representatives and Presi­ pear on page 6. fit of the national CIO. dent of our decision. . Maritime Council To Hold Regular Meetings In N.Y. Seafarers Takes Staud Agaiast Peacetime Draft Shipping Rules Clarified In New Union Feature ShipbaiUers' Pressure Forces Bushey To Negotiate With Uaion (Continued on Page 4) No. 9 Int'l Convention Curran Threatens To Bring Charges Against Joe Stack �Page Two THE SEAFA'RERS LOG Friday, February 28, 1947 m SEAFARERS LOG Published Weekly by the SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Gulf District Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor At 51 Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y. HAnover 2-2784 £ HARRY LUNDEBERG - President 105 Market Street, San Francisco, Calif. JOHN HAWK - -- -- -- - Secy-Treas. p. O. Box 25, Bowling Green Station, New York, N. Y. Entered as second class matter June 15,1945, at the Post Office in New York, N. Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912. GEORGE NOVICK, Editor 267 Phony Transfers Without any publicity, and by a series of undercover maneuvers, the United States merchant marine is being sold to foreign countries. Of course, this does not mean that those foreign countries will benefit. Oh, no, the peo­ ple who will benefit are the shipowners who never ac­ tually lose their ships even when they sell them. Sounds confusing, doesn't it. But confusing or not the shipowners are using this ruse to gyp thousands of United States..merchant seamen out of jobs, and the U. S. Government out of taxes. Here's the way the scheme works. Mr. Shipowner, in the United States, who made plenty of dough during the war, now transfers his ships to a dummy corporation in Panama or Honduras. The profits still go into the same pockets, but U. S. seamen no longer man the ships, and they are cut off from gainful employment. Since the end of the war more thail 100 ships have been quietly transferred to Panamanian or Honduran regis­ try, and more than 4,500 American seamen have been forced out of jobs. What is even worse, foreign seamen have been forced to take jobs on those ships at wages far less than the prevailing scale in the United States, and under conditions that are a throwback to the days of 50 years ago. Hospital Patients When entering the hospital notify the delegate by post­ card. giving your name and the number of your ward. All of this has vast implications for the working stiff who goes to sea to earn a living. On Panamanian and Hon­ duran ships the operators will set low wages and poor con­ ditions and thereby be able to carry cargo for less than companies paying decent wages. American companies will then put up a terrific howl and claim that they are being forced out of business, and that they will have to cut wages These are the Union Brothers currently in the marina hospitals, in order to meet the competition. But the competition is as reported by the Port Agents. These Brothers find time hanging of their own making, and no matter what happens, their heavily on their hands. Do what you can to cheer them up by writ­ ing to them. profits pile up. Men Now In The Marine Hospitals If this situation is allowed to continue, soon the Amer­ ican merchant marine will be only a skeleton. But Panama and Honduras will have thousands of ships, employing thousands of non-union seamen, while standards of Ameri­ can seamen are being beaten down. This is intolerable and seamen who have fought for years to come out of the depths are not going to take this without a stiff fight. Where does the Government stand in this contro­ versy? Well, the Government is doing exactly nothing, and by doing nothing has given the fat boys the go ahead signal. Although millions of dollars will be lost in taxes by such goings-on. Uncle Sam haS kept quiet and watched the merchant ships bemg transferred to foreign registry, or sold to dummy corporations in foreign lands. The seaman has been picked for the role of sucker in all this. But the Government and the shipowners are in for a rude shock. Seamen won't be the fall guys, and they have asserted, through their leaders, that this phony busi­ ness has got to stop. Men who sailed through combat torn waters are not going to sit around and watch their jobs being stolen away from them. If the Government won't put a stop to the racket, then the seamen will stop it with the best weapon in the world—economic action! NEW ORLEANS HOSPITAL V. NORRGARD H. ECHEVARIA W. LEWIS CENTRAL MASON STEVE MOGAN O. M. STIREWALT JACINTO NAVARRO V. FREDERIKSEN JOHN RETOUR ROBERT (BOB) WRIGHT W. BROCE, Jr. JOHN HANLON K. SCHERREBECK R. MULHOLLAND J. W. DENNIS EWARD CUSTER TED (THE KID) THOMPSON W. HEMPEL BALTIMORE HOSPITAL LELAND McMILLIAN LAWRENCE McCUNE LONNIE TICKEL STEPHEN BRADLEY SEBASTIAN CARTER CLIFTON CARTER CHARLES SIMMONS JACK HAMILTON EMMANUEL COTTIS ELMER WALKER ERNEST SIDNEY WILLIAM LAWTON PETER LOPEZ PHILIP BAZAAR THEODORE BABKOWSKI DAVID HORN ROBERT SHEHEE MATHEW CARSON VERNER JENSEN. X X MOBILE HOSPITAL KARL LUNDBERG XXX STATEN ISLAND HOSPITAL R. G. MOSSELLER J. S. WOOD E. E. CASEY W. G. H. BAUSE F. H. DOLAN L. A. CORNWALL F. CORNIER M. BAUCSKI E. D. MILLER M. MORRIS H. BELCHER L. L. MOODY W. BLOOM R. R. LEIKAS R. MCDOWELL Staten Island Hospital You can contact your Hos­ pital delegate at the Staten Island Hospital at the follow­ ing times: Tuesday —1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 51h and 8th floors) Thursday —1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 3rd and 4th floors.) Saturday — 1:30 to 3:30 pj». (on 1st and 2nd floors.) K. KORNELIUSSEN M. J. LYDEN J. H. DANIEL, Jr. S. W. LESLEY C. SULLIVAN. XXX GALVESTON HOSPITAL OLSEN BENNETT GALANE R. V. JONES HUTCHENSON STAEINZ MILKE FLESHER AKIN GRAVES BREASHAR KOW LIM XXX BRIGHTON HOSPITAL E. JOHNSTON H. SWIM R. LORD E. CABRAL A. MABIE R. BROWN T. ALDRIDGE E. BOLEKALA M. MCCARTHY J. TIERNEY • ' �Friday, February 28, 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Three Every Division Of iMaritime Must Be Organized In Guif Area By LINDSEY WILLIAMS still remains that the Gulf is loosely organized and until things Practically every form of mari­ are tightened up there is always time activity carried on any­ a danger. where in the world is found on Where in the past the organi­ the Gulf. This includes every­ zational work has been a series of sharp fights centralized on thing from fishermen to salvage strategic points, we must now crews and from inland water­ By PAUL HALL plan a mopping-up campaign to ways to tidewater. Quite a few months ago the AFL Maritime Trades Depart­ tie all the loose ends together and Many of the men work in the ment went on record to refuse to work any ships belonging to new build a solid functioning appara­ various divisions of maritime companies that signed contracts with the National Maritime Union tus. much more often than they do after that date. We took that stand in view of the raiding by Harry When the Agents' conference elsewhere—thug a towboatman Bridges and his commie CMU. convenes next month, this should will fish for shrimp during the Our resolution meant that AFL Seamen, Longshoremen, Team­ seasons, and end up the year on be one of the principle points on sters, and Tugboatmen would not even go near a ship that signed an off-shore trip. the Agenda and the work of the with the NMU after the AFL Maritime Trades Department made organizers laid out like a battle The chief reason for this is that its position clear. And that also meant that no new shipowner could plan. the Seafarers has penetrated all do business if he tried to make any agreements with the NMU. The Gulf was one of the prin­ different maritime trades, mak­ Our position was not an idle boast. We had, and have, the ing it fairly easy for any organ­ ciple factors in the original or­ strength to lock up any ship or company that violates our resolu­ ized maritime worker to change ganization of the Seafarers, and LINDSEY WILLIAMS tion. See the back page for details on one company that was caught from trade to trade as he desires. will continue to be a great factor SIU. Field Representative in its progress. in the act. In Charge Of Becansp of the rnmparatively What we did in the case of the SS Lawrence Brengle we can do great distances between ports Waterman, with Mobile as its Gulf Area Organizing again. We will do it again if companies persist in signing finky and the interlocking waterways, home port, will shortly be operat­ agi'eements with the NMU. it is necessary for the protection and Houston Bay Towing Com­ ing some 135 ships. The companies are smart in trying to get the NMU to repre­ of each craft that all be organized Mississippi is already operating pany which was operating a com­ sent their employees. They know that NMU conditions are much with a common affiliation. a large number of ships out of pany union. inferior to those of the SIU, and they know that NMU piecards New Orleans and plans to sub­ The volume of dry cargo and With the Seafarers, victory, the stantially increase their number. don't have the time or inclination to fight the membership's beefs. oil transported via the inland company Union Was liquidated waterway system from Florida to and an agreement signed with I Among these are three large NMU Loved By Companies Sure, the Steamship companies would love to have the NMU the Mexican border is greater the SIU. Organizational activity new passenger ships and more get in on the ground floor. But that is not the feeling of the sea­ than the entire tonnage handled in this field is being carried on are planned. Alcoa is putting two men. In every case these men would choose the SIU if they had by sea on either the east or west in all ports from Tampa to new luxury liners on the Island cruise run, and so on down the the chance. Seamen know what the SIU has done for wages and coasts. Brownsville, and progress report­ line. conditions of American seamen and they don't want to be represent­ If this shipping is neglected and ed everywhere. The men on the Gulf never ed by the NMU, a union that is constantly fighting within itself. left unorganized, it could easily j Included in this classification I were, and never will be, satisbe extended through the river ar­ Right now the SIU, and the AFL Maritime Trades Depart­ are the dredges, and the Seafar­ . fied with doing anything half teries, up the east coast inland ment have decided to unfreeze the Lawrence Brengle so that the ers is making steady inroads way. It's always a bang-up job shipowners would not be forced out of business. But that does not waterway system, via canal into' among them. with fhem. To do a job right re­ the Great Lakes out through the mean that other shipowners, or the NMU, can become cocky. quires planning and a thorough TANKERS If the same collusive agreements are entered into by new ship­ St. Lawrence and thus seriously working system. This is the Or­ The offshore trade is not be­ owners and the NMU, they will have to take the consequences of cripple if not break, a general ganizational Committee's job, and ing overlooked, and within the their action. They have sufficient warning, and they know that maritime strike. with the continued aid and supThe Gulf organizational com­ past month an agreement has we, have the power to back up our position. 1 port of the membership it should We reaffirm .our original position. New companies going into mittee of the Seafarers has work­ been signed with a company I be done well. the shipping business will either deal with the AFL throughout, ed on these linking waterways for which, although operating only or they will have to get used to the sight of their ships lying by a long period of time and has a few ships now, will shortly be the docks, with no Teamsters delivering goods, no Longshoremen made steady progress. The major operating a m.inimum of Ifi ships. to load cargo, and no Tugboatmen to warp the vessel out into the operators are under contract. As soon as the final details are One of the best contracts, the deep water. worked out, a full report will be To the members of the SIU, and to the members of the other Mobile Towing and Wrecking Co. made on this new contract. unions affiliated to the AFL Maritime Trades Department, our show being signed only recently. The main field of offshore or­ of strength in this case was all to the good. It proved what we have Because of the great hook-up By HUGH MURPHY ganizing on the Gulf at present known for a long time. Only the AFL has the power to do what which has its main terminal in is on tankers, and the main con­ VANCOUVER, B. C.—Recently we said we could do when we first adopted the resolution. New Orleans, everyone on the centration in the Sabine-Port Ar­ Gulf looks forward with interest when the North Sea, Northland Our Strength Apparent thur and Corpus Christi areas. to the Lakes organizing campaign Transportation Company, ran Through our combined strength we closed up the nation's This woi'k is being closely co­ which will sew things up com­ aground in Seaforth Channel in shipping during our General Strike, and we beat the shipowners pletely on both ends of the sys­ ordinated with the work being during the MM&P beefs. This power will come in mighty handy carried on in the Marcus Hook, upper British Columbia, the tem. for the future, when labor will need all its strength to fight off Philadelphia and New York areas quick thinking and efiiciency of what the Washington fat-boys ai-e cooking up. HARBOR CRAFT and real results should make the crew prevented a panic and Our victories are won solely through economic action. We don't evacuated all 85 passengers, in­ Great progress has also been their appearance soon. go sucking around the big shots when we have a legitimate beef— As a result of this work the cluding women and children, made in the organization of har­ we settle our difficulties at the point of production. And that's without a casualty. why we have built up such a good record for winning our fights. bor craft. Mobile, Alabama, is Seafarers is now in the position to start a campaign for bargain­ one hundred percent organized Since then all of the survivors Other unions are rapidly coming around to our point of view. ing elections on the ships of sev­ and the major tug operators»of have been praising the fine work Lots of union piecards used to laugh at our method, but now they eral tanker companies. Texas are under contract. done by the crew in handling this are laughing out of the other side of their mouths. difficult situation. The crew Despite all the gains that have One of the biggest victories By using our methods we won all our beefs, and by brownnosing, those guys allowed their membership to be cheated out of was the capture of the Galveston been made, however, the fact really did a fine job, and through their efforts prevented what plenty that was rightfully theirs. So now they are all adopting could have been a disaster. economic action, and it's about time. A week or so ago the Olympic UFE Fights Too Steamship Line vessel James S. Even the white-collar workers have come to the conclusion that Drain arrived here after a trip to economic action is the only way to force the bosses to come across Japan. After looking over the with some of their tremendous profits. For a long time office em­ workers was precipitated by the ship it was hard to believe she {Continued from Page 1) ployees were paid off in compliments and double talk, but now company's repeated refusal to ne­ had a crew aboard, as she was they are demanding real money instead of promises. ate and sign an agreement pro­ the filthiest ship that ever hit this Right here in New York the United Financial Employes, AFL, vided "the union would wipe the gotiate a contract with Local 13, port. is putting up a tough fight to force the brokerage houses to cough slate clean of all complaints which has been designated by the The performing by some of the NLRB as 'collective bargaining up some of their dough for the workers. Of course, the bankers against Bushey," Mesita added. crew was a disgrace to the Union. agent. have lots of reasons why they shouldn't do that, but the UFE has The complaints — or "outside Prior to the strike call, repre­ There was nothing for us to do in more reasons why they should. issues" referred to involve ap­ sentatives of Local 13 and the In­ this case but to pick up all per­ Office workers have always been underpaid and overworked. proximately 50 cases of back-pay mits and tripcards and have them Now they are demanding a decent wage, and we in the SIU are awards to Bushey workers hand­ ternational appealed to the SIU payoff. backing their play 100 percent. In their leaflet distribution we ed down on Jan. 7 by the Na­ for aid. We then called Seattle for a The Seafarers membership have assisted them by printing and giving out more than 100,000 tional La_bor Relations Board. new deck crew, which signed on voted all-out assistance to the pieces of literature. And if they have to hit the picketline, we'll Another issue which the com­ CIO shipyard workers, and when and set to cleaning out the filth. be there right alongside of them. That's what union solidarity really means. It doesn't just pany wanted "wiped off" involv­ the strike began on Jan. 30, the She looks like a different ship go for AFL unions—it goes for any honest union that is involved ed reinstatement of two shipyard white-capped men of the SIU now, thanks to the new crew's in a legitimate beef. The CIO Shipbuilders and the AFL Office workers as ordered by the NLRB massed on the picketlines in a efforts to make the ship live up in a ruling made on Dec. 27, 1946. powerful demonstration of trade- to our slogan, An SIU Ship is a Workers are the same to us. Both are honest, both need help, and Clean Ship. , The walkout of the Bushey union solidarity. both got what they asked for. Quick Thinking Prevents Panic Shipbuilders' Pressure Forces Biahey To Negotiute With Union �THE SEAFARERS LOG Pa{i& Four Friday, February 28, 1947 SlU Leaflets Help UFE Deal With Bankers WHAT ttWWK. QUESTION:—What type ship do you prefer to sail on, and why? J. O. SARTINL Steward: Give me those Victory ships any day! They are more modern and have belter equipment to worb with than any other ship : j ifloat. When you have good ;quipmenl it makes work much 3asier and more pleasant. Men who sail on Victories seem to ::ake pains to do a god job 'and •;il <eep the ship clean. Not that ->ther crews don't, it's just that •)n Vic's the men take extra spe:ial care and pride. Speaking :rom the viewpoint of a Steward, I think that it is easier to store food and prepare good meals on H Victory. JAMES WALKER, Second Cook: It may sound funny, but I like the Liberty ships. I know they are slow and pokey, but just be­ cause of that a man can make more money. On a small ship like a Liberty a man gets a chance to meet his shipmates and make friends with them. I've sailed on large ships and each time it was a relief to get back to a Liberty. In the days to come we won't see or even think about those good old tubs, but we should re­ member the part they played in making victory possible during the war, and I like them for that, too. "Bay screamed they would wreck his business," the handbill continued. "Today, profits in his line are higher than ever. And •.eamen's wages are in tune with ,he times." It emphasized that the "only way any worker can better his or her conditions and win increased wages is by collective bargain­ ing," pointing out that the em­ ployes of the New York Stock and Curb Exchanges already en­ joy wage and hour conditions considerably above the Wall WALTER MCLAUGHLIN, FOW: Street level, as a result of their I cast my vote for the Hog union eontract. Islanders. They are the real oldtimers, but they were built to BAD BARGAINING RECORD last. They are riveted all around, Up to now, Kidder has refused and can take a heavy sea without to bargain in good faith. Negoti­ breaking up like the Liberties.' ations bi'oke off about a month All the Hog Islanders I have been ago in the offices of the New on were smooth riding and that York State Mediation Board, means a lot when you are spend­ when company officials stated ing months on a ship. Another that nothing could be gained by thing that makes me in favor of a fact-finding review of condi­ the HI is that they don't have a tions in the Kidder concern. lot of fancy gadgets on them, and Kidder's anti-union philosophy a man doesn't have to spend his time messing around with new was summed up by Ambassador Bay, when he left for his lush contraptions. post recently. He said: CARL WAYNE, Ch. Elect.: This may sound selfish, but I can't help that. I like C-2's or Victories because of the electrical equipment aboard each one. They have electric winches and other equipment that makes a sailor's life more pleasant. On Hog Islanders and Liberties, there is little electrical equipment, and a seaman has to work his head off from bell to bell. There are lots of reasons for liking different types of ships, but the best reason is because work is easier on one ship than it is on another. Operator Puts Blame For The Decline Of Shipping On Wgh' Wages, Ignoring The Enormous Profits By ROBERT MATTHEWS In the February 24, 1947, issue of the "Journal of Commerce," Mr. Frank J. Taylor, President, American Merchant Marine Insti­ tute, has written quite an exten­ sive article in which he says, in effect, that the demands of the Maritime Unions for increased wages and better working condi­ tions will bring about the decline of the American Merchant Ma­ rine. He infers that the increases in seamen's wages has brought about the serious decline in in­ ter-coastal operations. He states further: "While it will be admitted that the cost of living has increased 51 percent since January, 1941, the unions find it convenient to ignore the fact that during the same period seamen's wages have increased more than 125 percent. In other words, seafarers are far ahead in the race against the cost of living. "A general wage increase is the principal demand being put for­ ward by the unions now, and in June, when most of the contracts expire, the unions have already stated that they will seek such things as a 40-hour week at sea, a four-watch system, longer vaca'tions, and the creation of a wel­ fare fund—all items which will further increase the cost of op­ erating American ships." An examination of the cold hard facts is all that is necessary to show up the fallacy of Mr. Taylor's statements. It may be true, as he says, that the cost of living has risen 51 percent since January, 1941. Most sources, however, say it has gone up 72 percent. It is not a fact that seamen's wages have risen 125 percent since 1941. In July 1941, the aver­ age wage for a seaman, based on actual fact, was $107.69 per month, and at this writing, the average wage of a seaman is $185.83 per month. Thus we sec that instead of ris­ ing 125 percent as Mr. Taylor states, the increase over a period of six years is actually only 72 percent. Mr. Taylor conveniently fails to mention that in 1941, when the average was of the seaman was $107.69 per month, this wage in comparison with shoreside work­ ers was decidedly sub-standard. All through the war years, when shoreside workers were getting increases in their wages to meet the increased cost of liv­ ing, the seaman's wages remained static. Now that the war is over, the seaman's average wage is still sub-standard. While the ship­ owner is reaping enormous prof­ its from exorbitant freight rates, they still do not recognize the fact that a seaman is entitled to a decent standard of living. j (Continued from Page 1) of which was not revealed in the letter. Curiously, one of the Kidder partners, Charles U. Bay, present U. S. Ambassador to Norway, is also "a diiecLur of a large shipping line. The UFE handbill distributed vestcrday pointed out that Bay had vigorously objected to "deal­ ing with a seamen's union at first, Mr. William Clayton, UnderSecretary of State, by no means a liberal, hit the nail on the head when he testified before the House Committee on Merchant Marine and Fisheries. He said that in his opinion the profits in the shipping industry are much too large. In fact, he thinks that they act as a restraint and limitation, a limiting factor on world trade. To throw further light on my statement that right now seamen's wages are sub-standard, I cite fi­ gures from the report of the Hel­ ler Committee of the University of California. According to the committee, it is iiecessary for the average worker, in order to maintain a minimum health and decency standard of living for a family of four to have an average an­ nual income of $3545.82. If the average seaman worked for 12 calendar months with no time off at home, (and few sea­ men have work for nine, let alone 12 months a year) he would earn the sum of $2229.96. Take from {Continued on Page H) "I am glad to get away from the strikes. In America, recon­ version has been slowed down by strikes." No mention was made in his statement of the rocketing prices, as a result of which. Ambassadors of high finance like Bay saw their profits zoom to unprecented heights while workers — white collar workers particularly—suf-. fered further drops in their standards of living. Meanv/hile, the militancy of the UFE membership was on the increase. Wednesday night, they voted almost unanimously to back the Cotton Exchange em­ ployes, also members of the AFL union, in their announced inten­ tion to strike should efforts to negotiate a new contract fail. The Seafarers likewise has prom­ ised the financial workers its full support. LAKES SlU REJECTS NLRB MAIL VOTE PLAN By STANLEY WARES CLEVELAND—A meeting was held recently at the Regional Of­ fices of the National Labor Rela­ tions Board here in Cleveland. The purpose of the meeting was to call the companies and unions together for suggestions as to an­ other method of holding elections aboard ships for the personnel. The Regional Director explain­ ed that due to a cut in his staff, the old method of shoreside ob­ servers wooold place an awful burden on his office. One of the field examindfs then went into detail as to the merits of voting by mail. He tried to put across to us the fact that if the voting coiUd be held by mail it would relieve the burden of not only the NLRB, but also the unions and companies involved. Representing the SIU at this meeting were Great Lakes Secre­ tary Fred Farnen and myself, and we immediately ruled out any form of mail vote. We felt, and always have felt, that the only way the seam'en can get a fair and non-interfering election is through the use of shoreside observers and that method alone. ALL OPPOSED Strange as it may seem, the NMU lawyer agi-eed with our point of view, and to top it off, the company dominated Lakes Seamen's Union went right down the line on everything, which is really something for the books. The lawyers for the Lakes Car­ riers Association, and there were quite a few of them present, would not commit themselves on anything, claiming that this was not a hearing, therefore, they weren't representing their clients, but were there on their own and whatever they had to say was only their personal views. A good way to get out from under. After two hours the meeting broke up with the SIU still hold­ ing the view of giving the sea­ men personal representation at the polls. This is a good example of the fact that even though-the Lakes are closed down at least four months each year, the SIU is in there giving its members representation all year around. �THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, Fabitiary 29^ 1947 Page Fiyo I Excerpts From The 'SIU Organizers' Handbook' Talk Seafarers You're aboard an unorganized scow to put the SIU across. One of the best ways is to talk SIU whenever you get an opportun­ ity, but not to the extent of bor­ ing your listeners. Tell the unorganized men that the SIU is organizing all unor­ ganized seamen on one simple point. They can better their wages, working and living con­ ditions by joining the SIU and becoming active Union members in the fight to improve the condi­ tions of all seamen afloat or ashore. You can be a bum organizer or a good organizer. There are two kinds of bum ship's organizers to avoid being like. One is the guy who goes aboard, flips his lid right away, and lets everyone know who he is and what he is doing. The other kind is the strong, silent type who goes aboard, rides the ship for a year, and never lets anyone know who he is or what he believes in. Don't be either kind. A. good prganizer follows neither of these two courses. You should take the middle course, and set a good example by doing your job well, being a good ship­ mate, and not throwing your weight around. Tell the unorganized seamen the truth. Your Union has noth­ ing to hide. Remember that a lot of baloney will result in both you and the SIU being regarded as unreliable. Use facts, but don't try to talk everyone else down. Be logical in your discussion of the SIU's brand of unionism. Talk plain, unvarnished facts. The average seaman intesely dis­ likes the "super militant" blowhard who doesn't know what he is talking about. Give the unorganized man a chance to talk and ask ques­ tions. Let him do most of the talking, after . you have broken the ice, and you supply the cor­ rect answers. Don't brag when you talk about the SIU. Use cold facts and figures. That's what counts. To back up your statements, break out your SIU contracts and compare them with the non-un­ ion conditions aboard the unor­ ganized ship. Conditions under an SIU contract ai-e so far ahead of unorganized conditions that Comment Please The "Organizers Hand­ book" is the latest of the pub­ lications prepared by the Edu­ cation Department of the Seafarers. We'd like to have the opinions of the member­ ship of this booklet, so that future* printings may be re­ vised and improved. there actually is a world of dif­ ference. Use the Seafarers Log as an additional argument to back you up, and study all of the organiza­ tional material which you will receive from time to time. You must be up on your facts and figures. If you don't know the score, how are you going to show un­ organized men the light of union­ ism—SIU style? You must be up on your facts. That's important. New Booklet Reprinted in this page are five excerpts from the "Seafare r 8 Organizers' Handbook," which has just come off the press. Chock full of vital informa­ tion for every Seafarer, the handbook's purpose is to ac­ quaint SIU members with the fundamentals of union organi-i zational e:ffort, and thereby, to make every Seafarer a rank and file organizer. Be A Good Shipmate When you're aboard ship, your shipmates judge you by your ac­ tions. Never make the mistake of talking too much, or you'll be looked upon as a windy guy. Then no one will pay any attention to what you say. Your value as an organizer will be completely finished, and much valuable time and effort will be wasted. On the other hand, don't make the mistake of being a sourpuss who comes off watch, hits the hay immediately, and never Discuss SIU Structure, Conditions, Contracts Your SIU contract is one of the best organizing convincers in your kit. Show it to the unor­ ganized men and explain how their comparative conditions will be im.proved under an SIU con­ tract. Most unorganized ships make damn sure that the men get very little overtime. Your SIU con­ tract provisions covering the pay­ ment of overtime should be an eye-opener to the average unor­ ganized seaman. Everytime you see one of these unorganized men doing a job for which he would be receiving overtime on an SlU-contracted ship, break out your SIU con­ tract and show him the advan­ tages of being an SIU member. Don't forget to stress in your discussions the complete democ­ racy of the SIU and its meetings. In the entire country, there are very few unions which prac­ tice SIU democracy in electing the chairman, secretary and reading clerk from the floor of each meeting. Most unions have their meet­ ing run from the platform by their elected officials with very little rank-and-file participation. That's one of the things that make the SIU the democratic out­ fit that it is. Tell these unorganized men how trial committees, finance committees, auditing committees, and other regular and special committees are elected from the floor at SIU membership meet­ ings. • Don't forget to tell them also that these committees aren't only composed of rank-and-file mem­ bers, but are also run by them free from any interference or coercion from the officials. That's SIU democracy in action! Your SIU constitution is also a good pointer to demonstrate to the unorganized seamen. The provisions of the constitution show how democratically the Seafarers is run, and reveal how little control by the officials is actually ^ercised. Read your constitution through several times, and make those points in it which best illustrate the rankand-file control of the Seafarers. In the back of this Handbook, there are two charts which should be quite helpful to you in demonstrating how the SIU functions and its outside affilia­ tions. One of the charts illustrates the structure of the SIU, its var­ ious districts, and how the mem­ ber on the ship is represented in his beef. The other plainly shows the SIU's affiliation with the AFL, the AFL Maritime Trades Department, and other AFL unions. It's very important to remem­ ber that you must know the Sea­ farers structure, contracts and constitution if you're going to +alk to others about their good points. In your spare time, go through the contracts and constitution and mark those spots which should be of special interest to the average unorganized seaman. Then you will have little difficul­ ty in finding these parts when you want to refer to them. The best way to tell others about the good points of the SIU is to know the score about those particular points yourself. That's the best way! Running The Ship Union Style Tliis is a lot simpler than it sounds. To run a ship union style, it is necessary for the crew to hold regular shipboard meet­ ings. At these meetings, all legiti­ mate beefs should be thoroughly discussed and a record kept of same. An attempt should be made to correct or remedy the beefs aboard ship, but if this is not possible, then bring them ashore to your SIU representative. We'll see if anything can be done about them. Always remember that a union ship is a clean ship. Keep it clean. Any man who throws ship's equipment or gear over­ board, who deliberately smashes in door panels or fouls up his quarters, is not a union man. A good ship is a shipshape ship. The union style is good seaman­ ship, good shipmates, good trip and good payoff. If you want to drink, drink ashore. If you want to perform, then perform ashore. Remember the ship is your home while you are aboard, and should be treat­ ed as such. Hold meetings aboard ship us­ ing the ships meeting agenda contained in the SIU pamphlet "Order—How To Conduct A Un­ ion Meeting On Ship And Ashore." 1. Call the meeting to order. 2. Elect officers — chairman, secretary. 3. Read previous minutes — if any. 4. Ships delegates reports — reports of committees, etc., and action taken. 5. New business. 6. Good and welfare. 7. Adjournment. Remember that these meetings are not held until the ship is or­ ganized so that the majority of the crew supports or belongs to the SIU. In running the meeting, use the union literature contained in the Organizers Kit to the best ad­ vantage. That's what it's in there for—to be read, studi^, and above all, used sensibly.' Also make use of the latest copy of the Seafarers Log, and other organizational material as it IS published. The Log has much useful information in it, and contains a complete, up-tothe-minute record of the Seafar­ ers beefs and victories. It's a damn good organizational source book. speaks to anyone. Everyone will ignore you, and you'll never be consulted in any discussion con­ cerning the crew's beefs. Live aboard your ship in a normal manner, and everyone will regard you as a good ship­ mate. Never try to be the "voice of experience," and an authority or final judge on every subject. Act natural, eat, drink, and talk with your shipmates as you would with your shoreside friends. Your worth as an individual while you are aboard ship is judged by whether or not you are considered a good shipmate. If you aren't a good shipmate, you won't be much good as an or­ ganizer. • Always be ready to lend a help­ ing hand to the new guy who doesn't know what it's all about. These fellows look up to you as an example and as one who knows the score, so repay that confidence with a little assistance whenever it's necessary. Your attitude toward these new guys will pay good dividends when the ship votes, because these men are going to vote fo^ the Union representative that they like best. So, above all, re­ member to be a good shipmate and you'll also be a good or­ ganizer. There's More In addition to the material reprinted on this page from the "Seafarers Organizers' Handbook, the following top­ ics are covered in the new publication:It's Your Union, Brother; Getting a Job on an Unor­ ganized Ship; SIU Beef Rec­ ord — N M U Comparison; Compare AFL Maritime Trades Department and CMU; Handling the Commies and Their Propaganda; Con­ tact Union Hall—Bring Ship­ mates There; Stay With the Ship Until 'Voting Is Over. The booklet concludes with important final instructions and organizational charts. Your Job As An Organizer Any seaman—deck, engine or stewards department — is mea­ sured 'oy his ability to do his as­ signed job. This doesn't" mean the old philosophy of "Work like hell, from bell to bell," and it doesn't mean to a.sk any favors by being a job killer. It means just what it says. Do your job well. If you are shipping as a Cook, try your best to turn out good grub. If you're in the Engine De­ partment and have to pack a pump, cut right on the right end. If you don't turn to when letting go or tying up, you are only put­ ting an added load on your ship­ mates. DO THE JOB RIGHT. Any job you do, do to the best of your ability. As a result, your shipmates will respect you, and you will add to the prestige of the Union. If a beef comes up, j ou will be able to discuss it. in­ telligently and won't have to take any malarkey from tha ship's officers. A seaman who knows and does his job can always speak with au­ thority. His fellow seamen re­ gard him as a good ^shipmate. The oldtimers respect him and the newcomers look to him for assistance in becoming better seamen. Do your job, and don't be a job killer. Remember this al­ ways. It's not how hard you work that counts, but how well you know and do your job, A good Union man is always a good seamajn. 0 vTv\, • ' �Page Six THE SEAFARERS LOG Galveston Asks, IDELEGATES Does Agreement Cover Romhes? By RAY W. SWEENEY GALVESTON—Well here we are again, "Beautiful Galveston by the Sea." Shipping during the past week has been fair here, but due to the fact that quite a few West Coast boys have piled into town under the impression that ship> ping is good, we have found our­ selves swamped with men wait­ ing for ships. So for the time being we have plenty of men around for the jobs that will come in. If you're thinking of hitting Galveston for a ship, it would be a good idea to change your plans and try one of the other ports. The other day Brother Brightwell and I paid off the SS Rich­ ard Rush of the Robin Line and we ran into some difficulty. The Stewards Department had quite a bit of disputed overtime and one item in particular stumped us. It seems that the Master order­ ed the Steward to keep the messrooms sprayed to kill the cock­ roaches. At the end of the trip, three men handed the Steward an over­ time sheet with no dates or time for a total of 57 hours each. The Steward disputed the entire 171 hours and handed it in as disputed overtime with the word "cockroaches" written on the bot­ tom of each sheet. EARL SHEPPARD Friday, February 28, 1947~ TO INT'L CONVENTION Based on the unanimous recom­ mendation of the Ci-edentials Committee, elected to examine the credentials of candidates for election as Atlantic and Gulf Dis­ trict delegates to the Internation­ al Convention of the Seafarers In­ ternational Union, the member­ ship has elected .seven delegates by acclamation. The successful candidates are Paul Hall, No. 190; Claude Simmons, No. 398; Ray White, No. 57; Carl E. Gibbs, No. 2341; Earl R. Smith, No. 20057; W. C. Tanner, No. 44; and Earl Sheppard. No. 203. The Union had previously gone on record to elect seven candi­ dates to the convention starting in Chicago on March 24, 1947, and since only seven qualified men accepted nominations, the committee made its recommenda­ tion in order to save the Union the considerable expense which would be involved in holding a totally unnecessary election. The report was submitted to regular coastwise meetings on Wednesday, February 26, and was adopted. The committee which ex­ amined the credentials consisted of William Higgs, No. 223; Don­ ald E. Woods, No. 34575; Sidney D. Turner, No. 7199; George E. Berry, No. 20225; B. Miller, No. 26202; and William Brown No. 29935. * - ^' 4|5ii|s|s CARL E. GIBBS (Continued from Page 1) also hastened the death of that disruptionist organization. The call to the meeting was signed by John Owens, Execu­ tive Secretary of the Department. Brother Owens is also SecretatyTreasurer of the International Longshoremen's A.s.sociation, The letter calling the meeting follows: Feb. 21, 1947. Mr. Harry Lundeberg, President Seafarers Int. Union of N. A. 105 Market St., San Francisco 5, Cal. Dear Sir and Brother:— The Executive Board has de­ cided to hold a meeting of the Maritime Trades Department at the Hotel Morrison in the city of Chicago commencing March 31, 1947. Each International Union af­ filiated with the Department will be entitled to three repre­ sentatives. You will make your own ar­ rangements and reservations. We are of the opinion that a meeting at this time will be helpful to the general picture. Kindly let me know who will represent your organization. With be.st wi.she.s, I am EARL R. SMITH W. C, TANNER AFL Maritime Group To Meet in Chisago Fraternally yours, JOHN R. OWENS, Executive Secretary, AFL Maritime Trades Dept. CORRECTED SHEETS Brother Brightwell handled the beef and had the men rewrite the overtime with the dates and time the work was performed. He then had the Steward sign and okay each man's sheet and hand­ ed them to the Master. At the time Brother Brightwell was told this would be paid on a supplementary pay voucher. After the pajmff everyone left the ship, including the Patrol­ man, who thought everything was all right. The men, however, didn't re­ ceive their money, as three or four days later, when the ship arrived in Houston, the beef was RAY WHITE raised again with the Houston Agent. I guess the boys were too embarrassed to come to the Hall here and let us know that they did not receive the money. It is my opinion that this is part of the Stewards Department routine duties, and I would like to ask some of the oldtimers to come to my rescue on this. This kind of beef is a new one, By SONNY SIMMONS and I can't find anything in the TAMPA—The anti-labor situ­ agreement to cover it. I hope I can get some answers ation in this town is becoming on this as I'm beginning to see worse by the day. All the local cockroaches in my sleep. newspapers, which have really turned into filth sheets, are laud­ ing the states of Georgia, Ten­ nessee, and Arkansas for their stand to outlaw the closed shop, and it makes a good union mem­ Members who forward ber sick at the stomach to read Iheir membership books to the rotten propaganda that is put the New York Hall for retire­ out daily in the Daily Times and ment are urged to mark the the Morning Tribune. envelope with the notation There is no pro-labor paper in "Attention; 6th floor/' in orTampa, and after years of taking der to insure quicker hand­ it on the chin from city officials ling of the matter. and newspapers, organized labor Muking of the envelope in is thinking seriously about start­ the mimner advised above ing a paper, by and for labor. will save time and will result in prompt return of the book It looks like something might to the eonder. come out of all this talk. There is a committee investigating such New Galveston Hall PAUL HALL CLAUDE SIMMONS It may sound funny in these days of housing short­ ages, but it is true that the Seafarers has a new Hall in Galveston. It is located at 308 Vz—23rd Street, just a block from the old one. The new Hall is a big improve­ ment over the one just va­ cated. Shipping is good in Galveston these days, so if you find yourself dovzn in that Texas Port, make a hee­ ling for the Hall where you can rest comfortably while waiting tor the Dispatcher's call. Tampa Trade Unions Consider Publishing Paper To Combat Anti-Labor Reporting in Daily Press RETIRiNB BOOKS a venture, and their reports to print anything about strikebreak­ ing and scab herding. date have all been favorable. A person living joutside of The SIU has taken the lead in Tampa may find it difficult, if not trying to get all labor in this vi­ impossible, to comprehend what' cinity, and that means about 40,is going on down here. To start 000 AFL-affiliated union mem­ with, the Mayor is owned body bers, consolidated so that the and soul by the corporations here, Chief of Police, the Mayor, and and the Chief of Police is the Tom Watson, the Attorney Gen­ one who pulls the strings that eral, wil have some obstacles make the Mayor dance. The thrown in their paths if they try Chief, by the way, is running for to run again. Sheriff in the next election. The anti-labor Judges down During the SIU Strike, this po­ lice big shot set himself in solid with the corporations by using the police force to break picketlines and escort scabs through them. A good labor paper would be a weapon to expose these phonieis, since the papers now in opera­ tion are firm believers in: a finky policy and so don't bother to here are another problem. They are always on the side of the bosses, and did what they could to give us a hard time during our strike. Then, when the Taxi Drivers, of the Teamsters and Chauffeurs, went on strike, one Judge handed down a ruling that made it a criminal act to talk about the strike, picket, ? or even give as­ sistance to the striking cab driv­ ers. If labor doesn't band together to beat these two-bit politicians, we might just as well give the state to Tom Watson and Com­ pany. By their actions the authorities here have labelled themselves as dictators—even Hitler could do no worse than these people—and they have turned this free communnity into a hell hole. Any man who doesn't support a platform to oust all those fak­ ers hasn't the interests of labor at heart. Labor in politics is pretty bad business, but here we ha'yje either got to clean up a mess or be moved out of here altogether. We have taken our choice, and we are going to fight the laborhaters tooth and nail, ' �THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, February 28. 1947 Page Sevea New Season Brings Its Warning; Union-Wreckers Are Busy At Work By HERBERT JANSEN • CHICAG-O —The first activity of the 1947 sailing season began last week when the SS Gilbert, MS McCool, and the SS North and South America called part •of their crews to work. To most men around here this looked like an early fit-out, but after looking at the ice on the lake, I think they are a bit pre­ mature. Everyone here is anxious to get going, and there is quite a bit of betting as to the fit-out date. The fellows sure get excited when the fit-out time comes, as the pool gets pretty big and its a good slice to the guy that wins. It reminds me of the pools that "used to be held in Alaska, where the guys would bet on the hour and minute that the ice would break up. If a guy hit it right he didn't have to work all year. We received a report this week that the SS Rockwood has been sold to the Kelly Island Steam­ ship Company of Cleveland. Forf WHAT WE NEED IS MO«E HOURS, tAORt Vy|bRk,AA)D LESS PAV merly owned by the Tri-Lakes Steamship Company, she oper­ ated out of hei-e for a good many years, supplying this city with sand for buildings and road im^provements. OLD STANDBY She was an old standby and well known by many Chicagoans. Although she was cursed at times by many, whom she held up and made late for work, she was so well liked that if she wasn't seen for a couple of days we'd receive calls asking what happened to her. As soon ,as the ice breaks, she will leave for Cleveland where she will do the same work she did here for so many years. In looking over my files of last year, I came across a letter dated August 1, 1946, that had been handed to me by a self-appointed Stewards Department Delegate on the SS Theodore Roosevelt. This letter had been prepared by him and read to the members of the Stewards Department, call­ ing for (believe it or not) a re­ turn to the old days of a thirteen hour day, the elimination of cer­ tain jobs and the payment of half wages to those who assumed the eliminated jobs. This joker, whom we later found out was working for a ship­ ping company, went so far with his plot that he duped the de­ partment into backing him up and agreeing to walk off the ship. UNION HISTORY When we got word of what this stooge was trying to pull, wc made tracks down to the ship and called a meeting of the Stewards Department. We told the fellows how they had been taken in and how foolish they would be to follow such a program. We gave them a little history le.sson in the struggle that sea­ men went through to gain the eight-hour day. We told them how the companies fought the eight-hour day for years, sparing nothing to keep the seamen work­ ing long hours for little pay. After the short lecture, we told them if they still wanted to fol­ low the company stiff they could pile off as he had urged them to do. To their credit, not a man piled off. This little story is but a pre­ lude of what we can expect to see in the season coming and every season thereafter. Lettei's such as the one I mentioned, will be circulated among seamen, both organized and unorganized. We will see company stooges masquerading as working stiffs, pulling all kinds of tricks to weaken the union. Tliey will be doing their best to get your good will and cut your throat at the same time for the company's benefit. BEWARE The outfit that will be doing most of this knife-in-the-back work is the Lakes Seamen's Union, bastard child of the Cleve­ land Cliffs Company. They are going to have their stooges out in strength this year to bring sea­ men into their outfit by just such tactics as mentioned above. They will attempt to pit one worker against another; they will peddle cleverly written propa­ ganda and speeches promising seamen everything if they fall in line with them. Don't fall for their phony line. No employer is interested in your welfare, and that includes the Cleveland Cliffs Company. r ATTENTION! If you don'l find linen when you go aboard your ship, nolify ihe Hail at once. A telegram from Le Havre or Singapore won't do you any good. It's your bed and you have to lie in it. NO NEWS?? Silence this week from the Branch Agents of the follow­ ing ports: CHARLESTON HOUSTON NORFOLK JACKSONVILLE NEW ORLEANS BOSTON CORPUS CHRISTI SAVANNAH The deadline for port re­ ports. monies due, etc.. is the Monday proceeding publica­ tion. While every effort will be made to use in the current issue material received after that date, space commitments generally do not permit us to do so. No Hot Water On Diamond Hitch; That Means Hot Time For Chief By JOE ALGINA NEW YORK — You've heard many times about a seaman who got into hot water, well, here's a •story about seamen who wanted to get into hot water and couldn't. Of course, the difference is in the kinds of hot water. On the Diamond Hitch, Alcoa Steamship Company, the hot water was the kind you use for showers, and the Chief Engineer was the kind of guy who didn't give a damn whether the men showered or not. . Being an SlU crew, the men wanted to be as clean as the ship, at least. So they went to the Shipping is Not So Hot And Heavy But Is Stili Good in Baltimore Skipper and he put the heat on the Chief. That worked out okay, except that every time the men needed hot water, they had to follow the same procedure. They waited patiently for the ship to reach New York, and when it did, they blew their tops. First off, they sent for a Patrolman, and when he came aboard •he whole story. He went into action in a hurry, and talked turkey to the Old Man and the Chief. Now the whole matter has been straightened out. But if there is the same complaint when that ship hits another port, that Chief Engineer is going to find himself in hot water, the real boiling kind, that is. BUSINESS STILL GOOD Business and shipping have reached a peak here. If things on the second deck of the Hall. keep going along at this steady We had the floor oiled, the bulk­ gait, we may have to shanghai heads painted and a new head men in order to keep our ships crewed. installed. The Hall now looks the best it Rated men are at a premium, has in a long time. We are going so if you are on the beach, come to continue to make improve­ on up here where you will freeze, ments where we thing they're but where the shipping is good. necessary until the Baltimore Congress has got a bug in its Hall becomes tops. bonnet about economy. They We had a little run-in on the j want to cut down on expenses, waterfront down here last week. i and they are studying the budget At the moment I can't say too to see what they can lop off. much about it, but I will say that , Well, for a start, let them cut we handled the situation nicely.' ^oast Guard. The real credit for the win goes The CG has no reason for to the AFL Maritime Trades De­ standing guard over the mer­ partment, which scored another chant marine in peacetime, and victory on the waterfront. the money that organization is NO SNOW JOB wasting could be put to better use. The snow here in Baltimore By WM. (CURLY) RENTZ BALTIMORE — After several weeks of hot and heavy shipping in the port of Baltimore, things have cooled down a bit. I think, however, it is only a temporary lull. Don't misunderstand me, now, shipping is still fine—it has just dropped from excellent to good with plenty of activity taking place in this port. Along with the continued good shipping, the organizers have been kept busy legging it from ship to ship. There's plenty of organizing work to be done, so if any of j'ou care to do some vol­ unteer organizing, and I know there are many of you, come on down and give the boys a hand— they'll appreciate it. This -week we did a little work Port Buffalo Sends Its Report: Everything Is Really Solid By ALEX McLEAN BUFFALO •The winter is still join the active Lakes fleet this holding its own in this Lakes' year. port with everything solid, and The Lakewood, renamed the that- ain't jive talk. K.. V. Schwartz, is being recon­ All the ships around here are ditioned, converted from coal to solidly imbedded in the ice which oil, and is having new bins in­ now reacl/es out of the harbor stalled. into the blue of Lake Erie for Neil J. Cunningham, well miles. known to most AFL men in this Alth©.ugh the icefield) looks like area died recently in Lackawan­ it will remain around for awhile, na, New York. He was the re­ the newcomers are flocking into gional director of the AFL in the Hall to get the dope on the Western New York, and North­ union and when they can get a western Pennsylvania, having ship. held that post since 1938. The SS Sultana is in drydock Since taking the po.st he work­ here getting a new rudder. This, ed in that capacity handling or­ no doubt, will make the oldtimganizational work, negotiation of ers smile. There will be no ex­ cuses now for her to follow the agreements and grievances. He was the link between AFL acti­ seagulls. vity in this region and the na­ tional office in Washington. LAKEWOOD SOLD The sandship Lakewood, which At present in the Marine Hos­ operated for many years out of pital here in Buffalo are Daniel Buffalo, has bfeen purchased by Kirkpatrick, Francis Campbell, the Schwartz Sand and Gravel Charles Dovey, James Maloney, Co. of Cleveland, and will re- Chris Manaham and B. Oliver. has the city tangled up in knots. All those brass hats do is sit It's really deep. I don't believe around figuring new ways to pull I'll be accused of mixing in pol- a seaman's papers and thereby itics when I say that there is nO| deprive him of his means of livesystem in this town for snow re- lihood. moval or street cleaning. ONLY TO SEAMEN The stuff is still for the most It's hard to imagine the sted part laying where it fell. Maybe the city thinks everyone will be­ workers, the auto worker's, or any come disgusted and go out and other industrial employes being clean the stuff from the streets controlled by the army in times voluntarily. We've received a report that Calmar Line is supposed to buy •eight ships to run in the intercoastal trade. I'd just like to say that here are eight ships that will be running steady, so let's crew them up in a hurry when they come in. They sound like good jobs. Another thing that I'd like to bring to the attention of the members is the fact that if you have nine months seatime on deck you can apply for your AB exam. of peace. Yet that is exactly From the reports I've received what we are supposed to be will­ from men who have taken the ing to accept. I don't know about all the test in Baltimore, it isn't too other waterfront unions, but I do tough. So, it is a good idea to get your AB's ticket now before know that the Seafarers is against the standard is raised to three the CG, and we are not going to give ground in our fight. years deck time. �4 IJ • Hew Cman Line Of Unity Calis For Much Study h,': THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Eight Friday^ February 28^ 1947 UNCLE JOE'S PIC BUSTS PR PEACE Murcia Hook SIU By SALVADOR COLLS the Generalissimo's smile stuck the picture up on the wall during the absence of the NMU officials. The way I got the story, the NMU Patrolman and Agent had noth­ ing to do with it and it was just a stunt. Some stunt. animous in bestowing the presi­ dency on the NMU agent. yhrough the fault of the NMU he has not been paid for the past six weeks, so he had no al­ ternative but to take a card with the panhandlers. Just the other day he hit up two SIU boys for a buck a piece, and they said he cried like a baby when they gave it to him, but they said it was worth the buck just to see him put on the weep­ ing and wailing act. That's about it for this week from San Juan, but Til be back next week with something to re­ port on shipping and bu.sine.ss. Mokes Progress With Tankermen SAN JUAN — The peace and quiet of this enchanted isle was shattered one day last week by By HENRY W. CHAPPELL By BLACKIE CARDULLO the soul-shaking report that a pic­ TOLEDO—When NMU Presi­ ture of Joe Stalin was gracing MARCUS HOOK—Things are dent Joe Curran resigned from a wall in the local NMU Hall. in fine shape in this port with the TOUGH TIMES that communist infested flea bag, ships coming and going, and the The source of the report was the CMU, the inner council of two guys who had been over to Organizers hitting them before I don't wish to dwell on the the NMU was split wide open. they pull the hook. the Hall, and after taking one NMU this week, but things must In spite of the pleas by his ex-j look made a bee-line back here be getting bad for them down Old Man Winter hasn't stopped ecutive board, Curran has made to spread the work. us in our campaign to reach all here in San Juan. Their Agent, this move in an attempt, so he the unorganized tankermen that When I heard the story, I told Kenny Washington has just been says, to achieve unity in the mari­ hit the port, and our efforts are the guys to sober up and stop elected President of the Panhand­ time industry, and to purge the showing definite results. the nonsense, 'cause no one would lers Union. This honorary organi­ NMU of the communist element zation has a few SIU beachcomb­ We are still concentrating on pull such a stunt. that has captured the union and ers in its ranks, but all were un­ the Sun Oil men, and it is a real robbed its treasury. joke to see the <NMU organizers When Joe Curran talks of a try to talk to these tankermen. merging of maritime unions, sev­ The old proverb, "if at first you eral items should be considered: don't succeed, try, try again," Why has he been content to play must have been well absorbed along with these phony commies by them—although they don't all these years, backing their show much spirit. phony moves all along the line? By CAL TANNER First they lose Isthmian, and Why has he cooperated with then they top it off by losing the MOBILE—The port of Mobile and layout with the one in Bal­ the governmental bureaucrats, is in very good shape with ship­ timore, and as everyone knows, Atlantic Refining Election. The when he knew who sponsored latter they lost when they had a ping hitting off at such a good that is a good Hall. these agencies and what their free hand, bucking only the com­ rate that we are suffering a man­ FIRST CLASS SET-UP purpose was? And why has he pany union. power shortage. The Hall will be equipped in a opposed the SIU on almost every I wonder what would have The guys insisted that it was From the way shipping has first class manner, as we have or­ happened if they'd had the SIU issue where sailors' welfare was true, so to satisfy them and my picked up it looks like we will dered new gear and fixtures. at stake? own curiosity I piled into my gas- be suffering that aNyful situation When the guys hit Mobile they bucking them in the fight. I think they'd have more luck DANGEROUS CHARACTERS wagon and rattled down to the of having jobs for anyone who won't believe their eyes after if they'd concentrate on organiz­ NMU hangout. wants them for quite awhile. having been used to the old These things we should bear ing the Old Men's Home. This When I mentioned last week place. I walked into the Hall and took in mind. The phonies who have business of organizing seamen The fellows who regularly ship dictated the policies of the NMU one look—lo and behold—there that we wouldn't kick if we got a seems to be too big a job for for years, and with whom Joe it was! I wiped my eyes, but sudden spurt of shipping, I didn't out of Mobile are on pins and them. Curran has played all the way, Uncle Joe was still up there on think that it would become a needles awaiting the formal tape VICTIMS OF CUPID are dangerous, and any moves the wall looking down at me reality in such a hurry. But, as I cutting and ceremony that we said then, I wouldn't kick and will of course have. Joe Curran makes toward unity from over his moustache. The latest couple to make a I'm not. I'll even take a steady From now on the boys here can will bear watching by the SIU. The real kicker to the deal date with the preacher is Buddy diet of it. go around with their head in the It is not my intention to oppose was that he was right up there and Gertie, who are to take the Well, the committee that was air and shoulders back. There the ultimate unity of all maritime next to a picture of Roosevelt. leap in the near future. We want sent out to inspect the prospec­ will be no sentimental tears shed unions. But it is my intention as to wish good luck and smooth I had seen enough, so I back­ a member of the SIU, to study tracked out of the building and tive headquarters has voiced its over leaving the old dump. sailing to you both. We'll keep As I said last week, we will and analyze all angles of this drove back to the Hall where the approval. Now that we have the a ship standing by just in case problem. I want to be sure that boys were waiting for my con­ green light we're not wasting any take pictures for the Log as soon the little woman starts to show time in getting to work on the as she is ready for occupancy. So never will these NMU mislead- firmation or denial. stand by for the grand opening. you who wears the pants. Don't building. ers, or any other group like them, Lindsey Williams was in town say we didn't warn you, but who I told them it was true, and Painters and carpenters are al­ be in a position to dictate the am I to talk. gave my humble apologies to the ready busy giving it a going over, recently and we were all glad to policies of our union. I wonder where Frank Snyder see him. Lindsey is SIU Field The NMU officials have bitter­ guys whose action I had question­ and from the looks of things it is, and why he doesn't step into Representative for Gulf Area Or­ ly fought the SIU when fair elec- ed. Even now it seems too much won't be too long before we'll be ganizing and he has been doing the Marcus Hook Hall and say hanging out the SIU shingle in iions have been held and won by to believe. a good job. (Ed. note: See article hello to us? our new home. the SIU. The commimist party j The way I hear it, some overby Brother Williams on page 3 Life sure is tough, for a seaman The new Hall compares in size line always comes to the front zealous member infatuated by of this issue.) when he is unable to answer the at this time, and every dirty Well, that's the story from Mo­ old call of the salt water if he trick in their book is thrown at bile for this week. Here's hoping gets the urge. Come on down us. we can report excellent shipping Frank, we promise we won't talk The NLRB is swamped with again next week. you into taking a ship. phony, trumped up charges of collusion, unfair practices, and anything else that will delay the By EDDIE HIGDON certification of the SIU. PHILADELPHIA — Things are the water right next to the ship. CORRECTION We all rushed over to the side The following from the union employees of the Seamen's looking good in the Port of Philly To sum it up briefly, the SIU as far as shipping is concerned. —and who should climb out but Church Inslilule is self-explanatory. Seafarers will not be has to battle the company and Brother William Marks, Plumbersurprised at the actions of the Board of Managers, and will the NMU to win any gains for its We paid off two ships this week, Machinist of the ship. one South Atlantic and one Wa­ know how to act as good Union men. members. For these reasons, I, After climbing aboard he stated as a member of the SIU, will con­ terman and after crewing them that the chow was so good on the SEAMEN! tinue to eye suspiciously any up we had to call New York for ghip he couldn't bear to miss it, The prices of Lodgings. Meals, Laundry, etc. at the Sea­ overtures of unity from Curran ABs as we had exhausted our and as he was unable to get a supply. and company. men's Church Institute have been decidedly increased BUT launch he hired the seaplane. While shipping is good here, In the Jan. 17 issue of the Log OUR WAGES REMAIN FROZEN. Boy, if a guy goes to all that I stated that Fred Bradley, Chair­ the weather is the opposite. As trouble to get his chow, it must The high standards that prevail on American ships today man of the House Merchant Ma­ with the rest of the East Coast, be good. That was the best com­ are as a result of Union organization and collective bargaining. rine and Fisheries Committee, we got a good dose of snow and pliment that could be paid to any was opposed to the newly intro­ have had the shovels out trying bellyrobber. We are trying to follow your example. duced Seamen's Bill of Rights. to clear a path to the Hall. This week I contacted the Cen­ Our Union, the Stationary Engineers, Firemen, Maintenance I have since learned that Mr. This cold weather sure makes tral Trades and Labor Union and and Building Service Union No. 670 CIO seeks the support of all Bradley was misquoted in the the Hall feel like an icehouse. spoke to Joseph McDonough the organized labor lo compel the Board of Managers to negotiate press. Representative Bradley Here's hoping something turns Business Manager. He's a swell has pledged his support to early up in our search for better head­ with us, instead of giving us the brush-off on the excuse that guy and a real union man. He passage of the bill. the Institute is a charitable institution not required by law to quarters. told me he was an ex-seaman and bargain collectively with its employees. While covering one of the ships still felt very much inclined to­ lying out in the stream here, I ward the fellows who follow the Charity begins at home; we are asking for more than experienced something that sea. charity in view of present day prices of the necessities of life. would warm the cockles of any He told me that if at any time Your continued patronage is solicited, for, without Seamen Steward's heart. the CTLU could be of assistance why the Institute? BUT we ask that you let management know While I was taking care of to us he would be more than ?7, in no uncertain terms thid you desire service from Union Em­ things, the crew knocked off for happy to see that we got any aid ployees. chow. Standing on the deck, I we might need. That was good THANK YOUl noticed a seaplane circling over­ to hear, and that's the way it head. After it circled a few times should be with the AFL all over. EMPLOYEES OF SEAMENS CHURCH INSTITUTE it swooped down and settled on Real trade-union solidarity. MEMBERS. OF SEFMBSU No. 670 CIO. Mobile Has Manpower Shortage; New Union Hail Keenly Awaited Philadelphia Has AB Shortage, But There Is Plenty Of Weather THE DOGHOUSE BLUES �• Friday, February 28, 1947 oT- i? THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Nine Seafarers Program For Congressional Action INTERCOASTAL AND COAST­ WISE SHIPPING The great majority of Intercoastal and Coastwise ships today are being operated by the Gov­ ernment, through the United States Maritime Commission, with the exception of a few in­ dustrial carriers; such as Stand­ ard Oil, Isthmian Line, and a few lumber schooners. On this page is the concluding portion of SIU President Harry Lundeberg's message to the members of the House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Committee and the members of the Committee on Commerce. Last week's Log contained the first part of his message in which he criticized the transfer of American vessels to the Panaminian Flag, the Ships Sales Bill, and the present state of American shipping. In his remarks last week, President Lundeberg stated that the blame for the present sick status of the American Merchant Marine can be laid squarely to th^ Maritime Commission, the State Department, and the disinterested part the United State Congress has played. Brother Lundeberg went on to criticize certain gov­ ernment officials who are interested in destroying the present American Merchant Marine by giving it away to foreign countries. This week, President Lundeberg covers the status of inter-coastal and coast­ wise shipping, the Merchant Seamen's Wartime Service Act, the Coast Guard and the various problems confronting the seamen of America today. During the war, the United States Government saw fit to grant full citizenship papers and full rights to any alien who en­ tered the armed foi'ces of our country upon application after serving three months. We believe these alien seamen should be given the same privi­ lege as was granted to aliens who entered the armed forces, or at least given some kind of con­ sideration. According to law, on February 28, 1947, the Government will step out of the picture and leave A Bill could be drafted, intro­ it in the hands of the private op­ duced and passed by Congress, erators, who up to now, have giving these men their citizen­ given no indication that they in­ ship papers after serving on tend to resume private operations American ships for two years; in these runs. The private op­ after the United States Govern­ erators gave as their reason thaf ment was thoroughly convinced, they can not operate at a profit war for various ratings, such as We know these Bureaus can high government salary, func­ that these men were loyal to the with the present rate structure in officers and unlicensed seamen. function more economically un­ tion as a Judge in each port. American principles and policies, competition with the railroads, der the Department of Commerce Chances are these so-called as laid down in our Constitution, We find, at the same time, that who operate today under a more than under any other department. "Judges" would only handle We believe these men are en­ the American Merchant Marine's favorable setup. They have the proper machinery about two or three cases a week, titled to some consideration and ships are rapidly decreasing in The Maritime Commission, ac­ number, so that in many ports to handle these Bureaus, and it if that many; unless they go out Cong! ess should see that they cording to their own figures, is today an unemployment situation should be in their hands. The and create work for themselves. receive it. It must be remembered that if running the Coastwise, Alaska, has arisen among the seamen, Merchant Marine is a civilian op­ Besides paying the salaries, eration and should not be under something is not done for these and Intercoastal ships at a loss. and we know with the rapid de­ which we understand are going a semi-military setup. men shortly, they will be faced to be set at $8,000 a year, they are President Truman has asked crease of American shipping that with, the possibility of not being We took this up last year with also intending to have stenotype Congress to extend governmental in the future we will face a ter­ the then Secretary of Commerce, and clerical service, which will able to sail or work in the United operation for another four rific unemployment problem. Henry A. Wallace; but unfor­ be anothtr unnecessary expense States. A number of these men months, in order to give the In­ We can see no reason for main­ tunately, Mr. Wallace was not in­ to the United States Govern­ have no country to return to, due terstate Commerce Commission taining the training program for terested in developing the Amer­ ment; unless it is to create a few to the reshifting of European bor­ time to investigate the rail and Merchant Seamen under the aus­ ican Merchant Marine and saw more jobs for some bureaucrats. ders. water rate. pices of the Maritime Commission, fit not to fight for the jurisdiction We urgently request Congress This particular system, if it The situation is so bad on the with the thousands of American of his own department. Evident­ to take steps to help these alien goes into effect, will cost the Uni­ Pacific Coast, for instance, that seamen on the beach today. ly, the American Merchant Ma­ seamen get their citizenship pap­ ted States taxpayers several mil­ today there are only 13 coast­ rine and its functions were not of ers and become American citi­ We protested strongly before lion dollars a year, and no one, wise ships sailing up and down the Bureau of Budgets against much concern to Mr. Wallace. His at this stage of the game, has zens, as payment for their serv­ the great Pacific Coast; in a trade, ice and loyalty to our couBlrjr the attempt of the Maritime Com­ interests, no doubt, were else­ raised his voice against it. where not so many years ago, during the war. mission to get 18 million dollars where. there were 90 to ICQ ships op­ We know Congress is interest­ for the coming year for training We also found out that an ad­ COMMENT erating. ed in cutting expenditures wherepurposes. The Bureau of Budgets ditional burden of hundreds of We believe Congress and the allowed the Maritime Commis­ thousands of dollars a year will ever possible. Here is one place We believe the above prob­ Maritime Commission should im­ sion 51/2 million dollars, which we be heaped on American .taxpay­ where they can do a beautiful lems, which we have presented to mediately take steps to rectify absolutely believe is a waste of ers under the President's Ad­ job. Congress can then say they you, are of vital interest to the did their duty by the taxpayers. American Merchant Marine and this condition, so American ships the taxpayers' money. By no ministrative Bill. will again be able to operate in stretch of the imagination, nor We urge Congress to check in­ to the people who serve in it; At the present time, the U. S. coastwise and intercoastal runs. by any type of argument can the Coast Guard maintains what is to this immediately, arid also do and it is to the benefit of our MERCHANT SEAMEN'S WAR­ Maritime Commission state today known as "Hearing Units" or everything in its power to bring country that Congress immed-' that it is necessary to continue "Courts." This particular setup | the functions of the U. S. Steam- iately look into these matters and TIME SERVICE ACT this vast training program. hears cases of seamen who have boat Inspection Service and the rectify some of the injustices, We strongly urge Congress to In a short time, there will be violated their duties, etc. Only U. S. Shipping Commissioner's which we pointed out, and which pass H. R. 476, introduced by five men to each job in the Amer­ minor cases come before these Office back in the hands of the we know are facts. Congressman Peterson of Florida. ican Merchant Marine, and it is courts, because the American Department of Commerce where Our Organization is affiliated with the American Federation of The American Merchant Sea­ senseless to take more and more seamen are under the statutes it rightfully belongs. Labor, with a membership of men have been promised over a men into the Merchant Marine, of Federal Laws, and there are ALIEN SEAMEN 60,000 American seamen. We period of years that they would when figures show jobs are get­ definite penalties laid down for misbehavior and serious offenses have the welfare of the American be taken care of after the war ting scarcer and scarcer. During the war, the American was over. As you know, quite Merchant Marine found itself Merchant Marine at heart, and We believe Congress should of seamen. a number of American seamen take immediate steps to stop any Now, for some unknown rea­ short of skilled seamen and was believe all right-thinking Ameri­ were killed during the war; leav­ further expenditures of taxpay­ son, under the President's Ad­ forced to call upon and use alien cans feel the same way. ing families not properly taken ers' money for training purposes ministrative Bill, this system of seamen to man American ships We call upon Congress to do care. There were also thousands for the Merchant Marine. courts will be run by attorneys, to a certain degree. their utmost to safe-guard the of American seamen who were who will receive life-time ap­ Before these seamen were al­ American Merchant Marine; not crippled during the war, and who U. S. STEAMBOAT INSPEC­ pointments to these courts in lowed to sail on American ships, only for the sake of employment need hospitalization; some of TION SERVICE—U. S. SHIP­ every port in the United States. they were carefully scrutinized for Americans, but also because it them for the rest of their lives, These jobs will be under Civil PING COMMISSIONER'S by the Army, Navy and the Coast is necessary that we maintain a and some who will never be able Service, and in order to qualify, Guard as to their loyalties. large American Merchant Marine OFFICE—U. S. COAST to work again. a man must have a degree of law. as a national defense measure for GUARD HEARING UNITS Many of these men spent sev­ our country. This new system is supposed to At the present time, there is eral years during the war on go into effect June 1, 1947. nothing under the law of the We know how important the At the present time, the func­ American ships, helping the Uni­ land to protect these men and There are many reasons why American Merchant Marine was tions of the U. S. Steamboat In­ ted States fight her enemies. dui'ing the last war. We also their families, and we feel that it this is absolutely unnecessai'y— spection Service and the U. S. They sailed on ships carrying is the duty of Congress to pass Shipping Commissioner's Office contrary to the position taken by troops and ammunition; many of know the important role it played the Merchant Marine Service Act. is under the jurisdiction of the the American Bar Association, them were killed and many were in the first world war. We strongly urge Congress to United States Coast Guard. These who urged passage of this Execu­ There is no reason why our seriously disabled, while serving pass favorably on this legislation. two departments were transferred tive Order. country can not maintain a large under the American Flag. In the fii'st place, a seaman is Merchant Marine in peace time; from the Department of Com­ MERCHANT MARINE TRAIN­ Now, according to the Mer­ when we are always called on to merce to the U. S. Coast Guard, not tried for a crime in these par­ ING PROGRAM chant Marine Act of 1936, which furnish men and ships during ticular courts. As a matter of through executive action of the no doubt will be re-enforced war-time. fact, prior to the war, cases Under the Merchant Marine President, and was only meant to shortly," there can only be 25 against seamen, when they came Admiral Land stated, at one Act of 1936, the Maritime Com­ be a war-time measure. percent alien seamen in non-sub­ up from time to time for disci­ time, that American ships should mission was empowered to cre­ Under the President's reor­ sidized ships, and only 10 per­ carry at least 50 percent of our ate a training program for of­ ganizing program of last year, the pline, were heard by regular cent alien seamen in the Stew­ imports and exports, and that we ficers in the Merchant Marine. President issued an Executive Steamboat Inspectors, who passed ards Department in government must maintain a large coastwise These schools, operated by the Order, which placed the U. S. various fines on them; such as subsidized ships, which means United States Government, are Steamboat Inspection Service suspension of seamen's papers and intercoastal fleet for national there will be several thousand training not only officers, but and the U. S. Shipping Commis­ for certain periods, etc. They security. These memorable words alien seamen unable to sail on could not, at that time, sentence have not been lived up to. We unlicensed seamen. sioner's Office in the hands of American ships because of the a man to the penitentiary; and again bring them to your at­ the Coast Guard permanently; Due to the vast expansion of it still can not be done under law of the land. tention. nothwithstanding the fact that the Merchant Marine during the These particular alien seamen war, thousands upon thousands of. the jurisdiction, of these depart- these new courts; only minor in­ Respectfully yours, men were trained. Today, we | ments have been in the hands of fractions come up before these have served in the American HARRY LUNDEBERG Merchant Marine for a period of find that over one-half million the Department of Commerce for courts. Presidenl. SIU of NJl. years, and most of them sailed Now, why is it necessary to teamen's certificates were issued; a number of years, where they during the war. have an attorney, being paid a Secrelary-TreasM SUP. by the Coast Guard during the!really belong. �Page Ten THE SEAFARERS LOG JPriday, February 28, 1947 SHIPS' lilMUTES AMD MEWS CHERISHED DREAM HAS AN ABRUPT ENDING AT SEA t Tillamook Crew Returns To States \ ^ SIU Crew Whips Dixon Into Shape The SS B. F. Dixon has juSt completed her first trip manned by a crew of Seafarers, and she's beginning to look it. In the throe® of an NMU hangover when she was taken over recently by the A. H. Bull Steamship Company, the vessel is gradually assuming ship-shape condition, reports Brother Julio Evans, one of thfe LEFT: Coastal Stevedore stowaway leaves crewmembers. ship for transfer to passing Coastal Mariner in a "The Dixon looked a little lifeboat manned by Antonio Gonzales. Deck abandoned, when we took her Maint., (pushing off). "Shorty." OS (extreme over from the NMU crew," Evans right) and "Swede," Bosun (in foreground). said. Under the careful handling of the SIU crew, the ship is as­ suming shape, he added. ABOVE: On deck, left to right, are Seafarers The' ship's initial Seafarers Robert Scott. Ch. Elec.. Gonzales and "Shorty." voyage to Puerto Rico was a hap­ py one. On board, headed for the island's capital, were San Juan Port Agent Salvador Colls, his wife and their child. With their ship left high and dry on the beach at Swansea, Wales, 38 members of the crew of the SS Tillamook, a Deconhil Tanker, returned to New York -last week aboard the MS John -^rikson bringing with them tales of the difficulty encountered When they ran aground the night of Nov. 30 last. The boys had Coast Guard trouble, too, pre­ cipitated by the Chief Mate's gun-happy disposition. The crew was returned to the States after considerable effort to float the grounded vessel had hand-cuffed nine of the crew failed and a decision was made^ following their inability to com-' to wait until—with the advent of P^y with his order that they the spring tides—^more favorable change into working clothes and SPECIAL DINNER turn to in "five minutes," Broth­ conditions prevail. In celebration of the trip, the ' The Tillamook had arrived at er Lusko said. The men had al­ able Stewards Department, head­ ready started out for a shoreTwo days after his long-cherished dream of getting -Swansea Nov. 25 to discharge her ed by Steward Sixto Escobar and side eating spot when their 12^cargo oil. On the night of the to the United States appeared probable of realization, a Chief Cook A. Boyle, prepared a hour break came. But the Mate mishap she pulled out for the Dominican stowaway sat disconsloately in one of the life­ meal which was enthusiastically called them back to the ship and outer harbor. As the hook was boats of the MV Coastal Stevedore, awaiting transfer to referred to by Evans as "one of being dropped, the chain broke. gave his impossible order. a southbound ve.ssel that would return him to his native soil. the most luxurious dinners in Drifting in the heavy fog, the SKIPPER A 'GOOD JOE' The stowaway had managed^—— SIU history." ship ran aground on the beach Lusko telephoned the skipper, successfully to board the Steve­ crew into the sea. A short while In support of this claim, Evans at Porthcawl, Wales. Capt. G. G. Guerin, who, the Ray Lusko, Wiper on the Tilla­ Seafarer said, was a considerate, dore and secret himself just prior late, the stowaway was climbing forwarded a copy of the menu mook and Black Gang Delegate, square-shooter, well-liked by the to the Bull line ship's departure aboard the Mariner for the un­ of that dinner, served at sea, Jan. 29. Evans' statement seemed in said that when the tide is out, crew. The Captain came to the from Puerta Plata, Dominican happy return to Puerta Plata. Aside from this incident, the order, too. There were a great va­ there is a 75-yard breach of sand vessel im.m.ediately and ordered Republic, for the return of Voy­ age No. 11, two weeks ago. northern trip of the Coastal Ste­ riety of salads and appetizere. between the stranded vessel and the men released. The success of his illegal entry vedore was uneventful. She left For entrees, there was a choice fit the water's edge. The Mate preferred charges attempt was shortlived, however. New York on Jan. 13, and re­ for a king: Boiled ox tongue, HEAVY DAMAGE I with the Coast Guard, and the The hideout of the Stevedore's turned for the payoff last week. roast Virginia ham, and roast • Heavy damage was suffered by | cases were handled in the rou- unscheduled human cargo was prime ribs of beef. Or if lovers •the tanker, with her rudder and tine, white-washing manner, discovered on the first day out of fowl were present — joast •stearing gear completely smash­ Charges against four of the men at sea. young tom turkey. ed. The screw was knocked off, were dismissed without hearings, The Coastal Stevedore's skip­ Potatoes abounded in every and holes were punched in all The other five received varying per radioed the Coastal Mariner, Send in the minutes of possible variety and preparation. fresh water tanks, Lusko said, penalties, pointing up the imwhich was on her way to Puerta your ship's meeting to the The desserts were fitting, too. Several of the cai'go tanks con- possibility of overcoming charges Plata, requesting that she stop New York Hall. Only in that Cheeses, pies, cakes, ice cream, tained sand which had poured once they have been preferred, and pick up the stowaway when way can the membership act plum pudding and fresh fruit in through the punctures. | In cases like that on the Tillathe vessels met the next day. O n your recOiSunoridaiionS, were among the more prominent Heating and lighting aboard mook, it is extremely difficult to and then the minutes can be The following morning the dessert offerings. the ship was knocked out. The counter charges such as the pisprinted in the LOG for the All hands—and stomachs— Mariner hove into view, and crew was put on alternating 24- tol-packing Chief Mate instituted. benefit of all other SIU gave every indication of being crewmembers of the Stevedore hour shifts, with breaks at 12The 38 Tillamook crewmemcrews. pleased with the Dixon's first trip lowered a lifeboat containing her hour intervals to allow the men bers who returned on the Eriks­ dejected passenger and a boat under the SIU banner. to go ashore to eat. son were lavish in their praise of The crew worked on the beach the treatment they received from stringing lines, so that when the the Eriksson crew, Lusko said. CHRISTMAS DINNER AT SEA tide came in tugs could begin the The Tillamook men designated task of pulling the Tillamook Lusko to tell the Log of their ap­ .from her high and dry position preciation, and their desire "to 'into the water. thank all hands aboard the EriksOut on the West Coast thi.' The Coast Guard troubles arose son for their efforts in making when a gun-toting Chief Mate the return trip pleasant. week was enacted a stirrinf drama of sea rescue chock ful of heroes and sputtering victims Into the rough, storm-swep' waters off San Francisco, a boa' capsized, spilling its blue-clar crew of five. Their cries for heir spurred an intrepid giroup ol teen-aged Sea Scouts into action Giving the old rallying Scout-cry the lads of the sea society daunt lessly fought their way to the soaking victims and towed then ashorg. Back on the safe, dry land thej love so well, the victims—^livf water-logged members of the United States Coast Guard— blushingly gave thanks to their The SS Tillamook sits high and dry on the beach at Porth­ securers. . oxiuer improvisjed holiday decorations which hung from the cawl. Wales, near Swansea, while her crewmembers string lines The boys will probably be care­ overhead, crewmembers .of the SS ^^Brasil Victory dined sumplu-r for the refloating attempt. Job was later abandoned until ful from now on about going too ously while the ship was at Santos, Brazil. spring tides make task easier. near the water's edge. Stowaway On MV Stevedore Stymied On Second Day Out Send Those Minutes They'll Listen To Momma, Now �rUday. February 28, 1847 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Eleven SIU Ship's Minutes In Brief SANDS POINT. Jan. 19— Chairman O. B. Drummond; Secretary Charles J. Harlman. Minutes of previous meeting read and acepted. All depart­ ments report satisfactory work­ ing conditions. Under new business, the following items were reported to be in need of attention: trays for refrigera­ tor, escape panels for foc'sles, ventilation in crew's head. The pantry is to be checked, as well as the eight-to-twelve watch's foc'sles, which has a water leak­ age. & ALBERT K. SMILEY, Jan. 24—Chairman George G. Gordano; Secretary John T. Buck­ ley. Minutes of previous meet­ ing read, and motion carried to post them on bulletin board. Department Delegates reported everything under control. Mo­ tion carried: to have Deck Dele• gate see Chief Engineer about converting one salt water show­ er to fresh water. A lively talk was given to all Brothers to speak up and relieve their minds of anything they didn't understand, and, especially for new members, it was brought out that all should speak their minds, and have no fear of say­ ing what they thought. 4. s. JOSHUA HENDY, Jan. 28— Chairman Henry C. McDilda; Secretary W. J. Stradford. Steward stated that present supply of stores will last until port is reached. Requisition is to be ready for stores. Hospi- lal bunks are to be examined by doctor and Patrolman. Items needed for next crew to be presented to Patrolman. Ar­ ticle in Log stated that "Windy" Joe Oliver. Captain of Hendy, was hard, tough guy. He was squared away since, and is alright to sail with. 4« S. 3/ Following suggestions were made: that quinine tablets be left aboard ship; that all mem­ bers wear shirt while meals are being served; that garbage be moved farther aft. XXX ANACAPA, Dec. 10—Chair­ man Ray Holder; Secretary Bill Rowe. Department Delegates report no beefs. Motions car­ ried; that crewmembers getting off give ship's delegate notice that he can wire for relief; that Wiper take care of showers and heads, and seamen take care of passageways; that messboy be put on probation until he does belter; that an agreement be made for this vessel. Merry Sherwood Men Toast Their Friends The merry lads of the SS Robin Sherwood have rounded out a highly successful voyage. Aside from the little differences which exist p r a c t i c a lly everywhere, everyone got along first-rate. For their cooperation and ef­ forts in making the trip to South and East Africa a good one, Capt. Harry M. Scholder and Chief Mate Broeker drew praise from the crew. "We only wish we had more skippers and Chief Mates such as them," the crew said. "They were 100 percent for the men." Helping considerably in mak­ ing the trip an outstanding one was the Sherwood's Chief Stew­ ard, "who put out good meals throughout the entire voyage. The crew concluded their sign­ ed statement with words to the effect that all had "some hot shore leave in Africa." 4* 3* 4" TRISTRAM DALTON, Feb. 1—Chairman J. W. Puekett; Secretary A. G. Kondarskie.i Delegates report everything running smoothly. Recom­ mended that all hands having They Have Key beefs go with them directly to their respective Delegates; Mo­ To The Problem tions carried; that Fireman not An innovation to eliminate the attending shipboard meetings strange case of the missing foc'sle be reported to Patrolman on ar­ keys is revealed in the Feb. 12 rival in port. List of repairs/ minutes of the SS Evelyn. drawn up as necessary for next The plan calls for the Steward trip. Motion passed calling for to be in charge of all foc'sle keys each Delegate to recommend with each man depositing with full books for his men on ar­ him one dollar on receiving a rival. Recommended that next key. The deposit is to be refund­ crew check slopchests and ed upon surrender of the key at medicine chest thoroughly be­ fore signing on. the payoff. A subsequent motion was pass­ XXX ed to place the deposit money in­ to a treasury to be used as a recreational fund. That sort of opens the door to better things. Bosun Jack Parker and his X if mate Genevieve have announced CORINGA. Jan. 19—Chair­ the acquisition of a small craft, man Fidel Lukban; Seereiazy the first of a fleet they plan to John Mulligan. Motion defeat­ develop. ed to fine men leaving dishes Christened Linda Jean, the and other items in messroom. Motion carried: that cold sup­ Parker craft came off the ways pers be served twice weekly iti on schedule at 12:57 a.m., Feb. all tropical ports; that Dele­ 16, 1947. Tooting loudly, she is gates speak to Master about fix­ now operating under her own ing ventilation system: that steam. Both Jack and Genevieve are Ch. Eng. install pipe installa­ tions back aft for awnings. keeping her steady as she goes. Parker Craft Off The Ways WILLIAM CLAGETT, Dec. 22—Chairman Barney Rogers; Secretary Roland Johnson. Logs made at first of trip were lifted. Ch. Mate still disputes legal overtime. Motions carried: that payoff be held up if legi­ timate overtime is not paid; that an agricultural agent be! brought aboard to inspecf all food listed as bad by Steward; that ship be fumigated as soon as possible; that a repair list be made and turned in to Pa­ trolman. OVERTIME yOt/R TIME MEW SIU OVERTIME SHEETS READV. BE SURE eVERV - XXX JAMES TURNER (Isthmian), Feb. 4—Chairman Henry Twyman; Secretary Charles Hicks. Delegates elected. Requested that bath and face towels be issued at one time. Steward agreeing to this procedure. Sug­ gested action to remedy short­ age of soap and matches. Mo­ tions carried: to have lasli standby clean messhall; one man from each department to clean laundry; to attempt to procure library at first port. Lincoln's Birthday menu was By HANK first-rate by Steward and three cooks who "really know how If any of you brothers are suffering from those landlubbing to put it out." ailments such as: empty pockets, snow blindness, talking to your­ selves, restless sleeping in hotels, empty nights around town, portalto-portal love suits, nose colds and backaches—then come to the Hall. There ain't no doctors here but there are plenty of healthy ships to take you out of financial, psychological and physical misery. In fact, shipping is so good that Dispatcher Paul Gonsorchick doesn't have to wet the counter with occasional crocodile tears in trying to painlessly shanghai any gullible brothers breathing in his face. X X X X "Heavy" Torachuck, who weighs in fhe vicinily of 250 XXX pounds, just arrived from Aarhus, Denmark, on the Felix BRAZIL VICTORY, Jan. 7— Grundy, confessing that the trip was good all around except in Chairman Frank Hughes; Sec­ the romance department . . . Oldtimer Robert Barrett, citizen retary Joseph Barron. Ship's of Brooklyn, is fresh in town. What't new. Brother Barrett, any Delegate K o r o 1 i a contacted more Gulf shipping: for you? . . . Charlie Bush is in after a short Captain for draw on New snorter. Charlie says that the only oldtimer he's seen is Arthur Year's Eve, also issue of cig­ Berg down in Mobile, who was on the Mardi Gras Committee. arettes. Motion carried to ac­ X X X X cept report of Delegates. Mo­ If that poetic Seafarer, Aussie Shrimpton, is still in town, ws tions carried: that food be re­ turned to proper place after would like to ask him if any of his poems ever reached the pages of use; that black gang's showers the Saturday Evening Post, as once rumored? . . . Steve Carr wants be repaired; that Stewards de­ to know from Bud Callahan down there in New Orleans whether partment be given vote of his sure-to-win-and-never-lose system with the four-leggers is re­ thanks for the "wonderful ef­ covering from its recent shock, and whether Jimmy McCullough fort on the Christmas and New had also shared the expense of a total loss? Say, didn't you Year's dinners;" that all heads guys know that a man's best friend is a ship or a dog—never a and showers be disinfected by horse? man on sanitary work; that all 45. 4 X garbage be placed on fantail. Jimmy Stewart of the Third Deck is losing weight rapidly while he's practicing a new song called the "Sugar Blues." Every i 4 Snight he burns the midnight oil, drinking cups of horrible black Atlanta Victory Men sugarless coffee and sadly composing this song in painful disap­ Take Chance On Radio pointed memory of Lindsay Williams, now in New Orleans. It seems Brother Williams forgot a promise he made to sweeten To keep in touch with what's Jimmy's unsweetened life . . . Big Woody Roland, the cook, is going on in the world while they in town confessing that he never did open up his own restaurant are out at sea, the men aboard as he planned several months ago. the SS Atlanta Victory proposed ii. J. i. Marcus Hook News Department: It must have been like an the purchase of a radio from atom bomb going off in Arcus Hook recently, when a sensational contributions by all hands. thing happened to Blackie Cardullo, according to the Big Man him­ The proposal offered an incen­ self. He was dumped when 20 neighborhood kids playfully out­ tive to the men to contribute to­ numbered him. Perhaps you looked like a snow man, Blackie? , .. ward the purchase by recom­ That fine dispatcher. Bob Pohle, known as The Greek Lover of Mar­ mending that the radio be raffled cus Hook, should write a full book about his life. At least the other off at the end of the voyage. dispatchers might buy it, if nobody else . . . Men who invested money in X 4* 4* X the deal would be entitled to Well, Brother E. H. Piniarski is doing something we never chances to win the radio. heard of. He's saving money, which is a harder job to do than Good deal, eh? making the darn stuff, and probably is planning to get spliced or -miMs IS FILLED IN A/VO^ACH INDIVIDUAL CLAIM IS SIGWEDBV -pe -DEPARTTMENT -HEAID .XT'S VOUR WOR< AMD AtONeV. CUT and SUN something? . . . Bosun Bob Hillman, is doing the best he can with the tools he has, we hear. Is that a handicap? . . . There's just one little thing we would like to ask oldtimer Tommy Ryan. Did you get that tractor yet for your farm? A couple of trips more and you'll probably have enough to put at least a deposit down, if not more. X X X X Grin and Wonder Department: We just heard this tale. A Chid! Electrician fired the assistant electiician not long after he can®aboard. The reason? Oh, the man couldn't read blueprints! . . , Washington News Item: "The Veterans of Foreigns Wars Objectecl {Continued on Pufe 13) »• . -..vA ,7*. �THE SEAFARERS LOG P)I9» Ttr^tB FrMay, Fabruwry 28, 1M7 MEMBERSHIP SPEAKS Kamaka Delegate Rips 'Rag Barrel,' Calls For End To Scant Slopchests do we have to put up with such slipshod and run-down slopchests? Don't our conditions count a little? By law, we can, and should demand heavy outer woolen clothing, as well as wool underwear. It clearly states this in the United States Navigation Rules 669 and 670. While I'm not attempting to be a sea lawyer, I'll be damned if I can see all this nonsense about an insufficient slopchest in these days, when there is no need for such an occasion to arise. In the meantime, it comes down to this: The Union has been noti­ fied. This beef will be turned over to the Hall in Boston, our payoff port, and I do hope the Union will use this port, as an example. CAN BE OVERCOME Now, another phase can be worked out at the same time. That is by the Union insisting by per­ sonal contact that Port Captains see to it that slopchests are ade­ quate before the ship sails, or To the Editor: find out the damn reason why! After all, the burden has been un­ duly heavy on the Delegates since the war what with the newcom­ ers and all. These beefs, if taken on any scale, are a little too great for individual Delegates. The Patrolmen will have to press the demands that all stale tobacco and cigs be thrown off at the end of each voyage, that they put good grade articles aboard instead of crap, and that they make sure its sailor's gear suitable for the performance of his accustomed duties in any type weather. We Delegates can do this, pro­ vided there is a more diligent effort on the part of the agents and patrolman, as a whole, to beef this out to the end on each incoming vessel. We have to show the shipowners we mean business. WE WANT A SAILOR'S SLOP­ CHEST!!! "Greek" Beits Ship's Delegate TRIP ON CLARK ASSURES BROTHER SHE'S BLACK CAT To the Editor: I shipped aboard the Waterman Liberty ship Abraham Clark from the .New Orleans Hall Jan. 30. We sailed for Mobile ori the next day. Nothing happened, not even in Panama City, Fla. Log • A - Rhythms Despite the intensely earnest Isthmian Dream efforts on the part of the Jack­ By Tom Baldrick sonville Agent, Brother Jimmy Banners, to get a substantial slopchest, Strachen Shipping, or In Tampa, however, the Clark I'm writing this poem on the If you will. South Atlantic Steam­ was nudged .gently in the stern Thomas Sim Lee, ship, slipped a neat one over on by another Waterman Liberty, An Isthmian ship is a picnic, us. And the SS William K. the Hall Kelly. Then followed you see: Kamaka, shifted to Charleston a very rough trip to Boston for and Savannah with bleary-eyed four days. There were no sights promises on behalf of the same I looked up at the bridge and I or bearings. people to rectify a deficient slopsaw the Captain, One night the "Old Abe" was chest. He was steering the ship while rolling as only a Liberty can roll. But, as usual, it was delayed the AB was nappm'; Our cargo went adrift. So what, all in good time, so that when I saw the Mate who was running says you? Well, the cargo was it opened at sea, it was the sor­ like a deer nine reels of steel wire, average riest excuse for a slopchest I have Bringing to the Bosun a cold weight three tons. We sure had seen in many a voyage. bottle of beer. fun securing them after we As I had pier-headed this tub, caught them on the wet heaving I wanted the facts on the situa­ decks, made more slippery by The 2nd and 3rd Mates, who are tion and I got them at the ship's quite young. having been fish-oiled. meeting. We delved quite Never do scold, just stick out I guess the Abraham Clark is thoroughly into the matter, and their tongue; a black cat after all. I remem­ we learned the following: I saw the Chief Engineer sit ber reading in the Log of the ves­ THE SCORE playing a harp. sel's previous trip. A well-balanced requisition on All the while proclaiming how he Woodie Lockwood the slopchest was turned in to was sharp. the company, after being beefed out by Agent Banners with the THEY WEREN'T CRAZY OVER HORSES I saw the 2nd Assistant, whose Old Man in Jax. Now along here name is Small. somewhere, something happened Teaching the Wipers how to duck —the requisition was obviously work and stall; filed in a handy waste basket. The company then obtained the services of an inferior jobber, and suggested some subsitutions: For heavy wool shirts—NOTH­ ING. Not even a flannel shirt, instead there were eight'cotton sweat shirts. For mackinaws or pea coats—nothing. Some of the boys had to break out their dress topcoats on account of this. The 18 pairs of wool gloves turned out to be cotton fleece-lined af­ fairs with a possible 20 per cent wool content. | Artie overshoes were non-exis­ The Chief and 2nd Cooks were tent, and its a little tough stand­ shooting crap. ing watches in the North Atlan­ While the tired galley boy was tic in oxfords. Tee shirts were taking a nap. at a premium, with six of these for the Black Gang. And not that this is an essential, but the six As I saw all this, I heard someone candy bars alloted each man were screaming— so old that they had turned white It was the Steward telling me to with age. Cigarettes, too, were quit dreaming. Seafarer Blackie Colucci dug into his files of memorable events and came up with this photo of ancient vintage. Just a bunch This poem may not be exactly taken last year when he was a crewmember aboard the Rockland Victory. Meat was abundant of junk that couldn't be sold on true on the hoof, says Blackie. but it was all in the cargo of horses carried to Trieste. In the galley it the beach—but good enough for But I keep hoping and praying was another story, so the lads held up the ship until edible beef was brought aboard. Picture seamen. Isthmian is soon SIU. shows some of the crew horsing around. That's Blackie stretched out in front of the group. Well, we notified the Old Man in the form of the minutes of the meeting regarding the inadequa­ Drop Him A Line cies of his slopchest, and upon ar­ rival in Rotterdam I contacted a To the Editor: Brother Karl Lundberg is in* flying, so I asked him if his out­ the mess rode the rest of the trip Mr. Bovin of the American confit was a first-class airline with with us. There was no food or the Marine Hospital at Mobile. "sulate, whose lukewarm interest Many of us have had exper­ decent planes and service. He as­ coffee served on the trip, and Ala. He would be happy toi hear in the whole business was sick­ iences similar to the one I will sured us it was, and said if it early in the morning we had to from his frierids in the Sea­ ening. That netted us four pairs relate here, but too few of us wasn't, the Union wouldn't al­ pace up and down the plane to of wool gloves. We followed up take the time to pass it on to our farers. If you know Brother low him to solicit business aboard keep from freezing. this action with communications Brothers. I feel that it is my Lundberg. why not drop him ship. Three of us reserved seats EXTRA COST to headquarters and Jacksonville. duty to pass this along to as many a line, now? on a plane leaving that night. The They finally set us down 12 Brothers as possible, so I am JUST TO HELP THINGS fare was the same as that on any miles from Hoboken, N. J., where sending this to you in the hopes Naturally, as luck would have other airline. we had to hire a car to take us to that you might find space for it in it, the William Kamaka was At the airport, a plane rolled New York. smgled out for a run up. into the the Log: up. "There she is, boys." Upon docking in Mobile re­ A small, i struggling airline Baltic to Sweden. Up there the Brothers^ it was quite a dis­ cently, the gangway was barely couldn't possibly give first-class Old Man attempted to get more appointment. Odr "plane" was down when a character scrambled service, when they have to pay gear, which in itself is an admis­ an old Army C-47, with the words aboard and introduced himself as commissions to parasites like this sion that the slopchest was lousy. LONE STAR CARGO CO. paint­ the agent for the United Travel "agent." I have found that the ' Anyway he returned with 12 pairs ed on the sides. The seats were Airways. only people who cater,to seamen vof woolen mittens—for children. two benches facing each other, 'CATER' TO SEAMEN ^ The outcome of our Swedish aiid the baggage went right in are the seamen themselves and their own organizations. This is "We cater to seamen," he said. with the passengers. stay was a draw for all hands to During the flight,' one of the just another glaring example. make their own purchases on the "Is anyone flying to New York?" Jay Blackburn Some of us were planning on passengers became aff-sick, and beach. Now, honestly, Brothers, Charges Airline Took Seafarers For Ride • :4'. . �THE SEAFARERS LOG Fiiday, Febiuavy 28, 1947 LAREDO VICTORY AND CREWMEMBERS Congress Does Not Represent Majority's Views, Says Seafarer To the Editor: A view of Ihe ship-shape SlU-crewed South Atlantic vessel, aboard which cooperation among all hands reached its peak. Most of the lads have been on the Laredo for the past two trips to Antwerp and Rotterdam. Crew and officers hit it off well, and the crack Steward department provides an excellent cuisine" in the best SIU tradition. ' In an off-moment, these members of the Laredo's Black Gang respond to a serenade by Brother P. R. Lopez. Left to right: A. J. Resler, J. H. Heslin, J. A. Seyfert, Lopez, M. Mahony and P. Walsh (kneeling). Page Thkteen Today it is impossible for a worker to get the truth from his commercial newspaper. The pa­ pers are all controlled by rich advertisers, and they are milliondollar businesses, anyway. Only in his union paper can a man get the truth. In view of this, let us consider some of the lies the press keeps telling us. We often hear that the 15 mil­ lion organized workt^rs are only a small part of the nation. This lie is typical. When you remem­ ber that each of these workers has a family of at least three, you realize that organized labor real­ ly represents 60 million Ameri cans. When you add to these thf vast number of workers not ye Sturdy hands of the vessel's Deck Gang in­ clude (kneeling, left to right): E. Butkowski, OS; W. Taylor, Maint.; J. Hulak, AB. Stand­ ing, (1. to r.), are J. Kumierski, AB; J. Michalisin, AB; J. Durmo and J. Lauritzen, AB. Adequate 'Bill Of Rights' For Seamen Held Essential; Ail-Out Support Urged organized, it becomes obvious that labor is by far in the ma­ jority. DISTORTION The papers tell us that because a reactionary Congress has been elected the American pectfde wanted labor slapped down. This is another distortion. Why? The Bureau of Census says there are 102 million qualified voters in this country. Yet only 34 million people voted in the last election, and only 18 million voted Republican. Therefore, we see that instead of the American people being anti-labor, as the papers scream, only one out of nine Americans voted for a hatelabor Congressman. Since when is one-ninth a majority? Why didn't the real majority go to the polls on Election Day. Most of them know that no mat­ ter who wins, he will only repre­ sent the owning class, anyway. Republican or Democrat, there is no difference. Both support the capitalist system. Many people are prevented from voting by rich man's laws like the poll tajc. Others are so busy slaving to keep their families alive they don't have time to worry about politics. WORKERS HAVE POWER While we are still living under this degenerate capitalist sys­ tem (or "free enterprise," as they prefer to call it), these conditions will continue to exist. But even though we cannot exercise our full political power, the workers of America are still the masters. How is this? you may ask. It is because we do all the work. We make everything go. When we stop everything stops. No trains run. nor ships move, no machines go, no communica­ tions are sent. This is the power of organized labor—the strike. The bosses know this and hate us for. Is it any wonder they HARDMPH!OM gEriALF OF THE MAOOPITV WHAT EFECTEDMe-ASOClT IO%,- want to take the right to strike from us? Without this right, a union is only a begging society. How much begging would it take to soften a shipowner's heart? Let's not go into that. If Congress tries to crush la­ bor, as it brags of doing, it will drag the capitalist house of cards down about its head. We of labor have shown too often what we can do if we have to. Steamboad O'Doyle Repine Hints Coast Guard Could Save Face—And Dough To the Editor: prosecutes the sailor with one hand, and poses with the other as his very good friend. They most certainly don't let their left hand know what the right hand is up to. I suppose the poor, mis-guided finks are all right, except that their feet don't match—they're both left-handed. Fred J. Repine (Editor's note:—For more on hands of the U. S. Coast Guard that will soften Brother Repine's heart, we suggest he read the item on page 10. It seems that not only don't the limbs match, they also have holes in them.) You once asked me what I would do if the C. G. (Collectors of Garbage) were to tell me they were going to jump off a bridge. Since then, I have been trying Dear Editor: dered service and were fortunate (Editor's note: The question to figure out a way to convince to survive in good physical and of a seamen's "bill of rights" them that is what they should With some apprehension I have do. Not only to save face, but mental health? has received the continued at­ more so save the taxpayers taken note of an article that ap­ Of what good is the educational tention of the SIU. As far money. peared in the Log, Feb. 7, under provision as contained in the ar­ back as March, 1345, the Port the heading "New Seamen's Bill Evei-yone, except those on the ticle to the latter seamen if they of Rights is Introduced in Con­ don't aspire to continue to make Agents' conference devoted) waterfront, seems to think that gress." the sea their future? Let's be considerable study to the mat­ the shipping commissioner is still Having served two and a half frank and realistic. The re-em- ter, before it presented what it the seamen's only friend. How­ years as a seaman in our mer­ ployment rights provision of the considered to be essential pro­ ever, I ask them, and myself, about the Hearing Units, wliich chant marine I am very much bill is of little benefit to both a visions of such a measure. are run by the same office. I interested in the bill. seaman and a member of the Since passage of the presently can only get one answer—the CG The original seaman's bill of armed services returned to civ­ considered bill lies solely in the rights which died in committee ilian life. hands of Congress, the only ef­ with the adjournment of the 79th Further what militant pro­ fective action in its behalf ob­ Congress, contained provisions gram, outside of "making an ap­ viously must be in the form of such as granting, seamen with pearance" at a hearing when the pressure on the Congress. In wartime service (those awarded bill comes up, has the SIU for­ the past few weeks, represen­ (Continued from Page 11) a continuous service certificate) mulated to secure the passage of tatives of the Union have been tonight to extending war veteran's benefits to former members of similar educational benefits ac­ the bill in Congress? in Washington conferring with the U. S. merchant marine on the groimds that it might undermine corded the GI in the letter's bill the entire Gl bill of rights. National Director Omar B. Ketchum Are you aw^are of the fact sea­ the various Congressional com­ of rights. Also similar civil ser­ said in a letter to members of a House merchant marine subcommit­ mitteemen studying the mea­ vice preference, and the granting men's organizations have made sure. The discussions have been) tee considering the proposal that veteran's benefits should be re­ of loans by the government for appearances before in hearings favorable. Meanwhile, SIU served for former members of the armed forces of the U. S. Empha­ purposes of buying a home, es­ conducted by committees which President Harry Lundeberg has sizing that he intended "no disparagement of the gallant (wartime) kicked around our bill or rights? tablishing a business, etc. urged all Union officials and service of seamen, he added that they received 'substantial benefits' I would appreciate a reply to members to write or wire the during "World War 11." PRESENT BILL ^ ^ ^ "While the present seamen's bill the questions I have raised here. Representatives and Senators of their own states, urging pas­ of rights contains, (as given in New Item—"A training program for young men who de­ David Gruber, the Log) certain provisions of the sage of the bill). sire to make a career in the American merchant shipping in­ New York N. Y. original bill, the present bill dustry has been started in San Francisco by the American Presi­ makes no mention of the bene­ dent Steamship Lines, Henry F. Grady announced yesterday. fits mentioned above. I am not The men will train in the company's home offices for ten months sure whether this is fact, due to and then go to sea as assistants to officers" . . . News Items— "Democrat Senator A. Willis Robertson of Virginia Scdd that esiithe ambiguity of the article Vincent Erato, Business Agent within a few weeks. which states, "the bill calls for for Local 1199-1, International mates of the shipping that the United States can economically Brother Erato, wishes to ex­ practically the same provisions Longshoremen's Association, who press the thanks of the ILA com­ employ during the next few years called for about seven million contained in the old one," and is heading a drive to coUect mittee to Seafarers who have deadweight tons of dry cargo vessels, including four million Ions then follows with an emasculat­ clothing for the orpljaned chil­ thus far contributed to the drive. ear-marked for foreign trade. This privately owned ocean going ed list of benefits. fleet, of about 1,000 ships, would be more efficient and faster, Seafarers who wish to contrib­ dren of Naples, Italy, reports that etc. New construction in the next two years probably will W I am sure, as seamen, we rec­ the drive is showing excellent ute clothing can leave it on the limited to three 22-knot passenger ships and six improved 6-3 4th floor of the New York Hall ognize the readjustment of dis­ results. So far the contributions cargo ships, unless the Maritime Commission's budget is in­ where it is being collected pe­ abled seamen is primary. But have been considerable and a creased, etCw etc. riodically. what of those seamen who ren­ shipment is expected to be made CUT and RUN Appeals For Aid To Orphans �Page Fourieen THE SEAFARERS LOG Paris Commies Break Picketline In Press Strike Friday. February 28. 1947 V V-v r;-' The communists are always in favor of labor — that is unless By FRENCHY MICHELET the working man demands a raise By JOSEPH VOJ.PIAN in pay from his communist em­ Our friend the publican, of man can be truly religious only Considering all the men going wages to the_ end of the voyage ployers. All of the countries en­ whom we told you in the last by helping the helpless and by to sea at the present time, it is a or until he returns to the port of slaved by the Reds know this to Log, has taken such a fancy to being a good fellow to his fellownatural thing that some 6f them discharge, whichever occurs first. their sorrow, but the workers of us that we have been taken to man. We can't for the life of us Under this theory the right to France just got an object lesson the bosom of the family. occasionally suffer illnesses, and see anything pious in gathering maintenance and cure may out­ that .they will remember for a that some others still more unThis is an altogether agreeable in churches and worrying the long time. ^ ,fortunate suffer injuries caused last the voyage. heavens with half-hearted prayA few days ago, on February arrangement when understood in efs. •Toy accidents. SIGNING OFF 13 to be exact, the employes of the literal sense, for the family As a result of these occurrences, Many times when seamen be­ J'Humanite, the commie daily boasts a maid of buxom charms TOO MUCH, TOO LATE various legal questions arise re­ come ill while on a voyage away called Rosalia. newspaper in Pai-is, went on garding unearned wages, main­ from the port of discharge, the There on the distant horizon, To see us ensconced in the best strike. They threw a picketline tenance and transportation. high on Monte Pellegrino, looms Captain upon putting in at a around the office, and everything chair of the comfortable parlor the stately Castello Utveggio. The writer has been approach­ foreign port, desires to put the was very orderly. But on Feb­ over the bar, with the family ed with inquiries concerning man ashore for treatment, and to Some son of the people climbed ruary 17, the situation changed grouped around in bug-eyed rights of seamen under the above sign him off the articles by mu­ and several hundred communists amazement, while we hold forth high on the heads of the herd to conditions, and this article is be­ tual consent. broke through the picketlines on the wonders of New York grasp enough money to build it. ing written to set the members' Somehow, either through na­ and restored telephone service in (where, incidentally, we own Then, just as he got it finished, minds at rest regarding a couple tural caution, or becau.se of the the offices. three' estates, a slew of limou­ came the inexorable Man with of the most troublesome prob­ advice of another crewmcmber sines and the controlling interest the scythe, and cut him down This was the first and only lems. who is a "sea lawyer," the ill man violence reported since the strike in the Empire State Building) like the wheat in its prime. We all l:now the ancient mari­ refuses to sign off articles. would warm the cockles of your His heirs converted it into a started. time rule based on the sound pol­ frigid old heart. hotel that has survived the plague He thinks such action might Employes of the paper are on icy that seamen are entitled to be work to his detriment later by strike for a 25 percent wage in­ of the German locusts and the For the past two issues we have cured at the expense of a ship­ depriving him of some of the crease, which is the same demand been attempting to tell you some­ English who gleaned in their owner for sickness or injury sus­ rights mentioned earlier in this being made by other member thing of the things of interest in wake. tained in the ship's service; and piece. unions of the General Confedera­ this fascinating Sicilian city of Today it stands a gutted vic­ this right extends to any illness or This is not so. As a matter of tion of Labor. While I'Humanite Palermo. But somehow or other, tim of the wrath of war, and a injury sustained in the ship's fact when a seaman leaves a ves­ has campaigned for the wage in­ something is forever luring us off still-imposing monument to mem­ service, whether in a home or sel with a hospital certificate crease, the paper has generally on another tack. ory of the man who planned so foreign port or at sea. from the Master, he loses none been unfriendly to the newspaper However, this little Rosalia here many happy days in its massive In certain circumstances, the of his rights by signing off by strike. really knows the town, so if you halls—while his sands were even law recognizes the seaman's right mutual consent and accepting Officers of the striking union, will tag along with us while she to treatment for injuries suffered wages earned to date of leaving the Union of Newspaper Employ­ takes us for a stroll to the Hotel on land while in the service of the vessel. es, denounced the communists as Neptune, we will attempt to The law protects the rights of strike-breakers, and expressed sketch the things of interest that the vessel. an ill or injured seamen, even regret at such action by a news­ she points out along the way. PART OF CONTRACT though he does not make written paper which represents itself as Palermo, says Rosalia, is a city This right is a part of the sea­ protest at the time he is left at being the spokesman for the of some half-million inhabitants. man's contract and roughly is a port for medical treatment. working class. There was little war damage here, considered to be part of the com­ for the sporadic bombing raids pensation for his labor and serv­ were confined almost exclusively ices. The fact that the cost of to the dock area, where most of cure is not barred, even though the wounds have since healed the sickness or injury was in­ under the ministrations of the curred without fault on the part journeymen of the various build­ then trickling to an end in the of the vessel, is well known to glass of life. ing trades. most seamen. By LOUIS GOFFIN But here we are at the im­ It is also known that they are ON VIA ROMA Most men, during their child­ thrill, a new port, a new sailor's posing portals of the Hotel Nep­ not entitled to treatment at the We are strolling along the Via tune. It has been estimated that shipowner's expense for a disa­ hood, dreamed of the days when, paradise. And they usually found bility which results from their grown up, they would visit the what they desired in the above- Roma now, a splendid road sug­ if all the liquor guzzled in the gestive of the skilled handiwork Hotel Neptune in one day was to own misconduct. Also disregard of many countries of the world. mentioned ports. Today it is a little different. of the early imperial Romans. be poured into a single vessel, the the advice of a physician stops Even in school, while turning resulting zombie would prove payment, from the shipowner, for the pages of the geography book, Most of these ports have been The great stone buildings that the pictures of far-away lands bombed out; the liquor and food adequate to float a scow of no subsequent care and cure. line the upper sections of this ma­ and strange people held out a jestic roadway are inscribed with little draft. The general rule which gov­ mystic appeal that challenged the an occasional vaunt of Mussolini's erns the seaman's entitlement to adventurer iii every boy. LIGHTS AND MUSIC ill-fated government. wages and cure when he falls ill But, alas, when most reached Rosalia is sitting beside us in in a foreign port, is that such in­ One promises that Italy shall a secluded corner of the Grande manhood these dreams were lost, capacitated man is entitled to find her place in the sun. An­ because of the restrictions of Salon. The lights are soft and other proclaims something about low. Some dame on the muted their job or trade. the Italian Eagles ruling the air. radio is raising hell about a guy Seamen, however, do not share But Italy needn't feel too bad what done her wrong, to a tune the fate of shoreside workers who about it all. No one rules any­ that our peasant ears suspects is remain confined within the boun­ thing long on .this troubled old high-brow stuff. But it doesn't daries of their own country; but sphere. We are all of us but meat matter. at a whim can sail to almost any "The bird is on the for the maggots by and bye. country of the globe. wing—all's right with the world!" The first of four vessels being They go, not as bold adven­ Look at the New Caeser. Yes­ Did we tell you that Rosalia is acquired by Waterman Steam­ turers swashbuckling through the terday he battled half the world a doll? Her hair is piled high on ship Corporation has been de­ cities and villages of foreign —today he disputes six feet of her head like a heavenly hay­ are almost nil; and the class of livered and will go into operation lands, but as men earning their women is much different that earth with the ravenous worm. stack for the celestial cattle. about March 10. livelihood taking ships to these If her eyes and mouth were Yet with the present Hie jacet gloria! The newly acquired vessel is lands, and seeing in their reality it was. Here is yet another shrine to] designed for anything sweeter wages and overtime we still have the former Navy attack transport the places described to them as the Virgin niched in the massive than loving, then it must be some a litle bit of a sailor's paradise. Wayne, now reconverted to C-2 children. wall. You find them on all the pastime! She's built like the I note that today there are cargo-passenger status and re­ What memories are brought to plenty of guys who crave Ger­ highways and byways of the other fellow's girl and has accesnamed the Beauregard. mind by the mention of such man and French ports as it was country. series like a ten-thousand dollar The Beauregard is now at the names as Bremen and Hamburg, in the old days. Even though Every home has its little candle- limousine. Todd Shipyard Corporation's Ho- Le Havre and Dunkirk, Bordeaux liquor and food are high, the lighted shrine sacred to the mem­ She is so ambeetious, this little boken yard and when she leaves and Ste. Nazarre, Antwerp and women are still around, and sail­ ory of some departed saint. This darling. She's only 16 and hopes for Bremen, Germany, will carry Rotterdam! ing into good ports makes each is truly a worshipping people. to study medicine soon. It's sweet a full Army cargo. The ship has Oldtimers remember them as a would-be sailor's paradise. They display all the reverence in to dream when one is 16. a deadweight of 9,750 tons, is real sailor's paradises. The best Her little sword is bright with The world changes, history the presence of their relics— 468.9 feet long and has a speed liquor, the cheapest meals, and changes, ,but seamen never hand of a martyred saint, piece the burnishing of a youth im­ of 16 knots. She has accommoda­ in many cases the nicest woman. change. We are today the same of the True Cross—that the Mus­ patient to be about the business tions for 12 passengers. To most men the mention of as seamen have always been. sulman does when he wails to of conquering the world. Vessels two and three are these names means only a dot The world isn't worth the con­ We are the only ones who rea­ Allah over a tooth of the Prophet scheduled for delivery within the on th- map, but to seamen each lized that childhood dream to or a hair from his veretable beard. quering, sweet. But you go ahead next-two weeks. They are the port h .s its own pecular memory visit and see foreign places, and We quarrel with no man for his and have your fun. You conquer Baxter, which is to be renamed for him. we are the only ones who really creed, but neither do we sub­ the world—we'll settle for an LaSalle, and the Sumter to be In sailing to these many lands became the bold adventurers scribe to a single article of any adorable mite of demininity for called Gateway City. seamen always looked for a new visualized by all in childhood. orthodox faith. We think that a our share. Seamen Only Ones To Realize Chiidhooii Dreams Of Adventure New Waterman Ship Sails Soon �Page Fifteen THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday. February 28, 1947 Operator Plays GIfl Tune—Calls Wages'Too High' (Continued from Page 4) TAX REBATES Mississippi Shipping Company •J 3 Vohmteer Organizers Seafarers who were employed on Mississippi Shipping Company vessels and have credit balances in their unclaim­ ed wage account covering overdeductions of Social Security taxes for the years 1943, 1944 and 1945, can now receive money due them by writing to the Mississippi Shipping Company, 1300 Hibernia Building, New Orleans, La. When writing the company mention the money is due for Federal Old Age Benefit overdeductions, and give your Social Security number. Those entitled to rebates and the amout due are listed below. , , ,. ~ ' Trohalakio, H .37 You would think that three war ydars in the United States Navy, from 1941 to 1944, would have been enough, but for Jack Blair it wasn't. Brother Blair re­ ceived his discharge after serv­ PART OF OPERATION ing quite a while in the Pacific Theater, and then he decided to When speaking of the high sail merchant ships to see what wages a seaman makes, the ship­ they were like. Shotwell, Sherword owner likes to throw in the cost Shuler, James B After obtaining his endorse Siekman, Walter E. of feeding the seaman and the ment as an Oiler, Jack got a job .Sijerkovic, Pcdrog overtime payments to make it on Isthmian's East Point Victory Siperkoric, P appear that a seaman makes and it was on that ship that he Skiba, John about twice what he actually got his first taste of unionism. Smith, Charles E In his own words, here is what Smith, Elmer W earns. Blair's impressions were: Smith, Hugh W Under no stretch of the imag­ "On the Eastpoint Victory I en­ •Smith. James H ination can a seaman's room and countered a pro-SIU crew, and Smith, James M board be considered as wages. after a few discussions I decided This is a separate and distinct that the SIU was the Union for Smith, William E JACK BLAIR Smith, William H item of operation the same as fuel me," he recalls. "I've never been sorry I made that decision." costs, depreciation, wharfage and Once the . decision was made. organize on the Eastpoint Victory Smithers, C. W freight handling costs. Jack started moving. He got a soon gave up,, especially after their offer of free NMU books As for overtime payments, if trip card, read^up on the Union Smuckler, Nathan was met with only laughter. the shipowner would put suffi­ Rules, studied contracts, and be­ Soper, Neal W Jack says that Isthmian men cient men in the ships to do the came a volunteer organizer, .... . , Southern, Paul "Organizing for the SIU is are waitrng mipat.ently for the Thomas E work, overtime payments would time when they will be repre­ pretty easy," according to Blair. be a thing of the past. sented by a real rank-and-file Stehowner, Johannes We have attempted to talk with "Afl you have to do is show the union, the Seafarers Internationunorganized men a SIU contract, , Stephens,' Asthon the opei-ators on Adequate man­ "7™Stokes. Frank ning scales. They have repeated­ and they can see for themselves grateful to the SIU because their ly told us that the number of men how much better our conditions wages have been increased due g^oj-y ]y[ carried in the crew of a given are." to the wage gains made by the' SYSTEM OKAY Strickler, Milan ship is the prerogative of man­ Jack's system must be okay, Union. Strilitz, Frank B agement and they have refused Brother Jack Blair is back on thus far to discuss this problem because t|ie Eastpoint Victory went SIU by an overwhelming an Isthmian ship again, and he is Sukia, E. D with us. majority. Fronj the reports which going to continue to sail Isthmian Sullivan, Dennis They say that if a given num­ Brother Blair sent into the Or­ so that the Company will not be ber of seamen were sufficient in ganizing staff regularly, the NMU able to stall for long when the Swift, Phillip A 1932 to keep a ship up, it should hardly had a chance fronr the be­ SIU is certified as the bargaining Tate, Frank S be sufficient today, forgetful that ginning on that ship. agent for the unlicensed seamen Temple, Charles E in 1932 a seaman had to work up The few NMUers who tried to of the Isthmian Line. Tholmer, Harold to 14 and 16 hours a day without Thomas, Ken. H any additional compensation. 4. Torres, Wilson Brother Edmund Larkin, vet­ Totty, John Treo, Raymond F eran of many tanker trips as a this his income tax and, social se­ curity and we see that a seaman has a terrific struggle to provide the bare essentials for his family. SlU HALLS volunteer organizer, has plenty of BALTIMORE 14 North Gay St. good advile on how to get a mes­ Calvert 4539 BOSTON 276 State St. sage across to unenlightened sea­ Boudoin 4455 BUFFALO 10 Exchange St. men. Cleveland 7391 He says, "Tell the tankermari CHARLESTON 424 King Street Phone 3-3680 about the SIU, and about its pol'CHICAGO 24 W. Superior Ave. icie.« and record. That usually Superior 5179 works, but if it doesn't you al­ CLEVELAND ...1014 E. St. Clair Ave. Main 0147 ways have another arrow that CORPUS CHRISTI ..1824 Meequite St. can be used. Tell them about the Corpus Christi 3-1509 DETROIT 1038 Third St. SIU contracts and then they will Cadillac 6857 be impressed, or I don't know DULUTH 531 W. Michigan St. Melrose 4110 tankermen." GALVESTON 308'/2-^23rd Street Well, Larkin does know tanker2-8448 ermen, and his methods have HONOLULU 16 Merchant St. 58777 borne fruit on many voyages. Ed HOUSTON ...1515 75th Street has been sailing tankers for quite Phone Wentworth 3-3809 JACKSONVILLE .... 920 Main St. a long time, and he has always Phone 5-5919 carried the SIU message with EDMUND LARKIN MARQUS HOOK 1'/, W. 8th St. Chester 5-3110 him. MIAMI j;358 N. E. 1st Ave. Ed has also sailed on Isthmian vide nioi'e opposition on tankers MOBILE .......7 St. Michael St. ships, and he know first hand than the NMU does. 2-1754 "The company stiff tries to inthat all the stories about IsthNEW ORLEAN3 339 Chartres St. Magnolia 6112-6113 mian conditions are true. But as Auence the younger men," says NEW YORK 51 Beaver St. HAnover 2-2784 he puts it, "It is our job as Sea- Ed, "by latching on to any beef NORFOLK 127-129 Bank Street farers to correct these conditions and then telling the men that the 4-1083 for seamen, and soon Isthmian Union could not help them out. PHILADELPHIA 9 South 7th St. Phone Lombard 3-7651 also will have decent conditions Sometimes this kind of propa­ PORT ARTHUR ..909 Fort Worth Ave. for guys who go to sea for a liv­ ganda works, but sooner or later Phone; 2-8832 a volunteer organizer has a PORTLAND Ill W. BurnaJde St. ing." Beacon 4330 chance to show what the SIU can Brother Larkin's last trip on an RICHMOND, Calif 257 Sth St. do, and then it's curtains for the 2599 Isthmian scow really was a tough SAN FRANCISCO 105 Market St. one. Not that there weren't some stiff." Douglas 8475-8363 Right now Brother Larkin is SAN JUAN, P. R. .. .252 Ponce de Loon pleasant spots, all of which he re­ San Juan 2-5296 ported in a letter to the Log dated out on a ship practicing what he SAVANNAH 220 East Bay St. February 7, but most of the time preaches, and you can bet your 8-1728 SEATTLE 86 Seneca St. the men had to work like mules bottom dollar that he is spi-ead- TAMPA- Main 0292 and overtime was practically un­ ing the SIU word to all within 1809-1811 N. Franklin St. reach of his voice. And if he has M-1323 heard of, TOLEDO WILMINGTON VICTORIA, B. C VANCOUVER 615 Summit St. 440 Avalon Blvd. Terminal 4-3131 602 Boughton St. Garden 8331 144 W. Hastings St. Pacific 7824 NMU NO BOTHER On unorganized tankers the situation is much the same. There is one major difference, however, and it is that company stiffs pro- his way, he's going to continue shipping on unorganized vessels so that he can keep on doing the volunteer job that has made the SIU the most powerful seamen's union in America. 10.25 Truu, Alex 2.73 Tsronia, P. M 04 Tudar, Nicolae 1.96 Tuple, Steve 1.12 Turner, Arthur 2.28 Vain, Charles 1 12.27 Van Reynolds, Hy 1.37 1.32 Vasquez. Miguel A 5.57 Verecke, Arthur H 5.12 Villar, Frank M. , 2.60 Voorhees, A. H. ... 12 Wagner, Lewis M. 41.44 7.55 Waigaud, Alex 17.10 Walker, William J 3.18 Walsh, J. W 5.78 Walsh, Joseph 3.38 Ward, George G 16.04 Ward, John W 3.37 1.24 5.41 14.71 2.72 ^ Warner, Edward Warner, Sanford L Week, John A Weickgenamt, Albert Wells, Frank 0 3.11 Welsh, James D 97 Werner, Clarence L 6.24 Wiilik, M 3.62 Wilbert, William Jr 4.10 Williams, Egbert B 23 Williams, Ed. B .22 Williams, Lindsey 1.73 Williams, Sam D 24 Williams, Sidney 01 Williams, Stephen Jr 4.81 Wilso, Harry 08 Wisener, Ray D 3.65 Wolf, John R 5.22 Wolowitz, L. W -2.94 Wood, William L Wodbert, Francis B. Wright, William Wright, W. G York, Onus Jr Zorrage, Joseph NEW YORK 2.15 73 6,57 12 51 05 5.69 18.28 1.73 2.83 17.60 .14 7.55 25.48 .05 5.7401.54 16.65 43 18.23 12.01 22 06 12 15 1.06 3.84 59 9.71 06 61 5.83 46 ' .93 4.90 14.40 2.17 1.35 1.20 1.13 3.74 .15 7.03 2.21 .12; .19' PERSONALS SS TILLAMOOK JAMES F. CLARK K. Hellman, $2.00; R. Leikas, $1.00; H. Youngblood, $2.00; C. E. Anderson. Please contact D. E. Webb, 309 " $2.00; E. Vallery. $2.00; Wm. R. Dixon, E. York St., Savannah, Ga., im- ' $2 00; J. Filisky. $2.00; R. Pierce, $2.00; mediately. ' E. Cosby, $2.00; F. T. Hill, $1.00; M. Robinson, $1.00; 1. Leddon. $2,00. 4 4. i SS GADSDEN FLORIAN GLINSKI G. Van Tassel & Crew—$10.00. Please get in touch with your ; SS LAREDO VICTORY H. S. Gillespie, $2.00; F. Vanderavert, mother, Mrs. Rose Glinski, 200 f $1.00; J. Hulak, $1.00; J. Durmo, $1.00; Front St., Stevens Point, Wiscon­ L. BarciEzewski, $2.00; J. Mickalisin, sin. $1.00; J. Lauritzen, $1.00; B. Kalinkos, 4- 4- 4. $1,00; S. Birkeland. $1.00; W. Taylor, FREDRICK W. BROWN $1.00; H. Hill, $1.00; J. Kumierski, Contact Mrs. Anne G. Benton, $1.00; E. Butkowaki, $1.00. S3 IBERVILLE 293 Haverhill Street, Reading F. H. Mabe, $1.00; L. S. Bumatay, Mass. $1,00; Thomas Dennis, $1.00. JOSE VALENTIN ' INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS Your papers, picked up by the ' Edward J. Sheehy. $1.00; H. Piva, $1.60, C. H. Dunn, $1.00; W. Hryszko, Pennsylvania Railroad, are wait­ $1.00; T. R. Edward. $1.00; R. Mor­ ing for you on the 4th floor, New ^ gan, $1.00; R. Gray, $1.00; Ed Bereford, York Branch. $1.00; R, Hind, 11.00. 4- 4. 4. J. Mesner. $5.00; Jamea H. Scott, $1.00; Robert D. Taylor, $2.00; J. Flynn, ALLAN McARTHUR • $1.00; G, W. Champlin, $1.00; L. De Get in touch with Mrs. Shirley Gange, $1.00; W. R. Carroll, $3.00; B. Wessel, Seamen's Church Insti- '' Malloy, $2.00; Pedro Thillet, $1.00; W. tute, 25 South Street, New York 1 E. Scherb, $1.00. GALVESTON INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS D. G. Leach, $2.00; W. J. O'Conner, $3.00; D. F. Scheffler, $3,00: A, L. Purvis, $3.00; E. P. Blanchard, $2.00; SS Fairport, $20.00. SS Richard Rush—$12.00 . J. W. Ray, $2.00; W, W. Stewart. $1.00; P. Cendrowski. $1.00; A. Hedden, Jr., $4.00. BOSTON SS WILLIAM RAWLE A, Smith. $1.00; Joe Samuel, $1.00; Brother Gabor, $1.00. 4, N. Y. > 4. 4. i . CLEMMON H. RADFORD Contact Lena Caton immediately at 435 Belleville Avenue, Brewton, Ala. it ie CLEOPHAS H. DOUGLAS Get in touch with Jessica* • Shain Lavin© immediately, at Room 824, IQO Milk Street, The t Sharaton Building, Boston, Mass. > �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Sixteen Wc ciriiqtjw^ _ J? The resolution on the right was passed by the AFL Maritime Trades Department in answer to the at­ tempted raids on AFL maritime unions by Harry Bridges and the communist-dominated CMU. Today, the CMU is dead. But this resolution is very much alive. Be­ low we print a letter sent by the Ponchelet Marine Corporation, in which it admits that it signed a con­ tract with the National Maritime Union before it even had a ship. The letter also tells of the action taken by the AFL maritime unions: "... THE AFL INTERNATIONAL LONGSHOREMEN'S ASSOCIA­ TION, AFL TUGBOATMEN AND AFL TEAMSTERS REFUSED TO WORK OUR SHIP." Friday, February 28, 1947 M Council Rusviers Ml Raiding BrWg**'™ "Mmmyinn "Me-ting in New York on September 28, the AFL Mari­ time Trades Department went on unanimous record to notiiy •11 shipowners or prospective shipowners, the U. $. Maritime Commision, and the President the United States that in the future When and if any new •hipping companies start up on the Atlantic and Gulf Coasts that they must negotiate with the AFL all the way through. "If any new shipping oper* •tors make labor agreemanU with the National Maritime Union or the American Com. munications Association, then the AFL Longshoremen will refute to work these ships. "This action was necessiiat. ed by the situation now exist­ ing on the Pacific Coast where the CIO communist-domin­ ated Longshoremen refused to work ships belonging to the American Pacific Steamship Company and which are not only manned by AFL unlicen­ sed personnel but are under contract to AFL Unions. "In our opinion, this refusi^ is part of the ClO-CMU plan to force AFL seamen off these •hips and substitule them with CIO-CMU seamen. It is an out­ right attempt by the CIO-CMU to force this company to do •olely WBh MMan. or Friday. Octobor 4, 1946 5^ "We of the AFL Maritime Trades Department do not in­ tend to sit idly by while the CIO-CMU succeeds in their at­ tempt to abrogate an AFL con­ tract with this company, or force them into bankruptcy, thus losing many jobs for AFL members. We fully intend to protect all AFL Maritime con­ tracts with any and all t^ieans at our disposal, and this is fais warning to any individual or group of individuals that we mean business," (signed) John Owens, Executive Secy AFL Maritime Trades Dept. IB* AtMrtean Pcelftc Steamship Company out of As the letter clearly indicates, the AFL Maritime Trades Department completely stymied the NMU when it tried to man and work ships in vio­ lation of the resolution. AFL Sea­ men, Longshoremen, Tugboatmen and Teamsters worked together to show the NMU and the Company that the AFL Maritime Trades Department can back up any stand it may take to halt raiding on the part of other unions. But the Department has no desire to force the steamship owner out of business. Therefore, the SS Lawrence Brengle has been released, pending further study of the situation. Let the shipowners take note. Any attempt, by a steamship company go­ ing into business, to do business with the NMU will be met with the same resistance by the AFL. The exception in the case of the Lawrence Brengle is not to be con­ strued as a pattern for the future. The AFL Maritime Trades Depart­ ment reaffirms its original position, and has the strength to enforce this resolution. W: AFL Maritime Trades Department f; � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource February 28, 1947 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. IX, No. 9 Description An account of the resource Headlines: SIU LEAFLETS HEARTEN WALL STREET WORKERS MARITIME TRADES DEPT. TO MEET IN CHICAGO AFTER SIU CONVENTION POSTWAR LOSSES TOTAL 131 SHIPS MARITIME COUNCIL TO HOLD REGULAR MEETINGS IN N.Y SEAFARERS TAKES STAND AGAINST PEACETIME DRAFT CURRAN THREATENS TO BRING CHARGES AGAINST JOE STACK SHIPPING RULES CLARIFIED IN NEW UNION FEATURE PHONY TRANSFERS EVERY DIVISION OF MARITIME MUST BE ORGANIZED IN GULF AREA QUICK THINKING PREVENTS PANIC OPERATOR PUTS BLAME FOR THE DECLINE OF SHIPPING ON 'HIGH' WAGES IGNORING THE ENORMOUS PROFITS LAKES SIU REJECTS NLRB MAIL VOTE PLAN EXCERPTS FROM THE 'SIU ORGANIZERS' HANDBOOK' GALVESTON ASKS, DOES AGREEMENT COVER ROACHES DELEGATES TO INT'L CONVENTION TAMPA TRADE UNIONS CONSIDER PUBLISHING PAPER TO COMBAT ANTI-LABOR REPORTING IN DAILY PRESS NEW SEASON BRINGS ITS WARNING; UNION-WRECKERS ARE BUSY AT WORK SHIPPING IS NOT SO HOT AND HEAVY BUT IS STILL GOOD IN BALTIMORE PORT BUFFALO SENDS ITS REPORT: EVERYTHING IS REALLY SOLID NEW CURRAN LINE OF UNITY CALLS FOR MUCH STUDY UNCLE JOE'S PIC BUSTS PR PEACE MARCUS HOOK SIU MAKES PROGRESS WITH TANKERMAN MOBILE HAS MANPOWER SHORTAGE; NEW UNION HALL KEENLY AWAITED PHILADELPHIA HAS AB SHORTAGE, BUT THERE IS PLENTY OF WEATHER THE DOGHOUSE BLUES SEAFARERS PROGRAM FOR CONGRESSIONAL ACTION TILLAMOOK CREW RETURNS TO STATES SIU CREW WHIPS DIXON INTO SHAPE STOWAWAY ON MV STEVEDORE STYMIED ON SECOND DAY OUT THEY'LL LISTEN TO MOMMA, NOW PARIS COMMIES BREAK PICKETLINE IN PRESS STRIKE SEAMEN ONLY ONES TO REALIZE CHILDHOOD DREAMS OF ADVENTURE NEW WATERMAN SHIP SAILS SOON Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 2/27/1947 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1947 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/009c17e7f51e41149fe401d4f08e05fa.PDF c70448fa2bdbd38d419dccf52dcbda8d PDF Text Text Official Organ of the Atlantic and Gulf District, Seafarers International Union of North America VOL. IX. NEW YORK. N. Y„ FRIDAY. MARCH 7. 1947 NO BUSINESS AS USUAL It was so quiet in the Cotton Exchange you could hear a pin drop. The reason—these pickets who helped shut down the Exchange in support of the UFE strike. Picketline Shuts Exchange; Cotton HeadsSignWith UFE NEW YORK, March 5—The strike of Local 205, United Financial Workers, AFL, against the New York Cotton Exchange ended within 24 hours after it began when the Exchange, with dramatic suddenness, capitulated to most of the union's demands. A big factor in the Exchange's sudden willingness to sign with the union was the evidence of union solidarity tby the SIU-SUP and other unions. More than a thousand Seafar­ ers, some of whom had journeyed from Baltimore and Philadelphia, marched on the picketline with their UFE Brothers, and with niembers of Local 32-B, Building Service Employes, who came out The militancy displayed in the in sympathy. United Financial Employes beef At a mass rally held in front by the UFE and the SIU left the of the struck Exchange, Paul one-time tough bosses quaking. Hall, Director of Organization, A sample of the changing situa-. stated: "UFE has the full support tion resulting from the swiftlyof the SIU and we will put 6,000 won beef follows: Seafarers on the picketline if Bill McDonough walked into necessary." the UFE office the morning after Just as it appeared that the allvictory, and announced that he night negotiations would be had been fired by the Morgan broken off, the Exchange, on ad­ Davis firm because he refused to vice of its lawyer, agreed to the cross the UFE-SIU picketkne. UFE's compromise offer. The " He was hustled over to the agreement was ratified early this Davis outfit by Dave Keefe and morning in a special meeting, John Cole, UFE president and held in the SIU Hall. vice-president, respectively. LABOR-BAITER LEARNS The UFE officials wei'e intro­ What was most remarkable duced to the boss, who by this about the lawyer's action was lime had the tremors. that he, Maurice Mound, had •"" " "Did your fire this man be­ cause he refused to cross the been called in to help stop the picketline? the UFE men asked. union in its tracks. Mound is also the attorney for the Association The ensuing dialogue: of Stock Exchange Member Boss: "No." Keefe: "Well, is he fired, or Firms and has concerned himself solely with labor-baiting since he isn't he?" was employed. Boss: "He isn't fired." But he became convinced of Keefe (to McDonough): "Take the UFE strength, and knew deoff you coat and go to .work." Wall Street is learning. (Continned on Page 8) UFE Beef Proves Even Tytoons Cm Be Taught No. 10 Seafarers Takes Action For New Pay Increases To Meet Cost Of Living NEW YORK—A jam-packed special meeting, held in the SIU Hall, this week took action designed to bring about pay increases to meet the rising cost of living. The resolution, which was passed, was later concurred in by other special meetings held in all Atlantic and Gulf District Ports. The various contracts which the SIU has with the operators have pro­ visions in them allowing the wage question to be reopened by either party dur­ ing the life of the contract. Other subjects, such as working rules, etc., can­ not be renegotiated until the new agreement comes up for discussion. LAST CALL Seafarers who have noi re­ ceived their clearance for the 1946 General Strike are urged to do so before March 21. the deadline set by the Union. The only authorized ex­ cuses being accepted by the committee are; being away at sea. being in the hospital, in the service, in retirement or being in a foreign country. All excuses must be accom­ panied by proof. Those who lack excuses have until March 21 to square themselves, after that date they will be placed in the 99-year club. Clearance can be, handled in person or by mail to the New York Branch. Bth floor. 51 Beaver St.. New York. N.Y. LEARNING THE Wage increases won last last* year have been wiped out by the rising prices, and unless seamen's wages are increased, seamen will be forced back to the substandard living which was their lot before the advent of the Union. For this reason the resolution was proposed and overwhelming­ The Ameidcaii Merchant Ma­ ly adopted by the membership of rine Staff Officers Association, the SIU. AFL, continued its sweep of bar­ That the members of the SIU gaining elections with a smash­ are not fooling is evidenced by ing victory over the New York the concluding section of the re­ and Cuba Mail Steamship Com­ solution which states that in the pany this week. event the shipowners stall the Tom Hill, East Coast Represen­ Union will take any necessary tative of the AMMSOA, stated steps, including economic action, that his organization breezed in to prevent such occurrences. by a 9 to 1 margin, with the out­ come of the election never in THREE OFFICIALS SIGN doubt. The resolution, submitted by The NMU, co-participater in J. P. Shuler, Assistant Secretarythe election, also had no doubt as Treasurer; Paul Hall, Director of to the outcome, for it gave up Organization; and Joe Algina, and didn't even bother to send {Continued on Page 14) a representative to observe the tallying of the vote. Winning of the Cuba Mail Line UNION LESSON brings to a total of three the elections won by the AMMSOA in the past two weeks. The Pursers recently won elec­ tions with the Atlantic, Gulf and West Indies Steamship Lines and the Puerto Rico Steam.ship Company. The Pursers Union is now in the midst of elections covering United States Lines, Black Dia­ mond Steamship Corp., Newtex Steamship Corp. and the Ameri­ can South African Line. Tabula­ tions of the votes of these elec­ tions will be announced April 1. Pursers Union Sweeps Election In Cuba Mall First Of New Ships Deiivered To Robin Thousands attended the monster demonstration, held during the noon hour. They learned that the United Financial Employes was not alone in its fight. They learned further that the UFE has the support of the entire AFL. This put the clincher on the strike, and soon afterward the Exchange agreed to sit down and bargain with the UFE. By midnight a contract had been obtained. Sure showed the power of union solidarity, and the Seafarers were right in there, pitching all the time. The Sea Dolphin, renamed the Robin Hood, has been delivered to the Seas Shipping Company's Fleet in Baltimore. The Robin Hood, a C-3 type vessel named after a Robin Line vessel lost in the war, is the first of at least four new vessels being gained by the company. �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Two Friday. March 7, 1947 SEAFARERS LOG Published Weekly by the SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Gulf District Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor At 51 Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y. HAnover 2-2784 HARRY LUNDEBERG ------- President 105 Market Street, San Francisco, Calif. JOHN HAWK - -- -- -- - Secy-Treas. p. O. Box 25, Bowling Green Station, New York, N. Y. Entered as second class matter June 15, 1945, at the Post Office in New York, N. Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912. GEORGE NOVICK, Editor Helping Hands The wonderful record of the Seafarers International Union got a new boost this week when the United Financial Workers, AFL, received from us the support that made it possible for this new and struggling union to stand up to the mighty bosses of the New York Cotton Exchange. It is becoming commonplace for other unions to call upon the Seafarers for assistance. They know that if they are honest unions, free from communist domination, that they have a good chance of enlisting our aid in their cause. Within the past few months our men have been ac­ tively participating in the beefs of the LJnited Financial Workers, AFL; the CIO Shipyard Workers, and the Mas­ ters, Mates, and Pilots, AFL. And before that we helped the International Longshoremen's Association when they were threatened by employers from one side and commies from the other. Not only have our active seamen volunteered their ^ services' to the embattled unions, but other sections of our organic structure have been helping out wherever neces­ sary. Our multilith operator and machine have worked overtime turning out propaganda. The Log staff has bat­ ted out reams of publicity and taken scores of pictures, in addition to turning out the Log each week and carrying on other educational jobs. The officials have also thrown their full weight behind ail these undertakings. Hospital Patients When entering the hospital notify the delegate by post­ card. giving your name and the number of your ward. Staten Island Hospital Men Now In The Marine Hospitals What is our reason for supporting all these other unions? No man can say that we hoped for personal gain. These are the Union Brothers GurreniT? in the marine hospitals, In every case, the union involved made its own plans, did as reported by the Port Agents. These Brothers find time hanging its own negotiating, and arrived at its own settlement. So heavily on their hands. Do what you can to cheer them up by writ­ it is obvious that we did not try to make capital out of ing to them. our Brothers' misfortunes. No, the answer goes deeper than that. We did our duty.to fellow trade unionists who were in trouble. That's the long and short of it. We in the SIU firmly believe.in trade union principles. We firmly believe that when one honest, sincere trade union is in trouble, it is the duty of all other honest, sincere trade unions to go to its assistance. Otherwise the entire structure k weakened. Our strike against the Wage Stabilization Board Was helped by the fact that all affiliates of the AFL Maritime Trades Department backed our play. That meant that the licensed officers, the longshoremen, the radio operators, the teamsters, and the pursers, hit the bricks with us and stayed out until the Government backed down. In return, we helped the MM&P, and before' that We went to the aid of the ILA, in October of 1945. And although the Shipyard Workers are not an AFL union, still and all we support them. We know their ;Fecord, and we can see that they are honest and anti-comjmunist. The UFE had us with them until they said, "Okay, fellows, we have settled our beef." That's the SIU way, and that's the only honest trade pnion way. -...-15'. Mm NEW ORLEANS HOSPITAL J. NAVARRO P. DAUGHERTY J. RETOUR G. KRETZER C. MASON S. MOGAN ' W. BROCE, Jr. J. ROONEY E. CUSTER R. 'E. 'MULHOLLAND •H. i-H. HAMILTON J. W. 'DENNIS R. B. WRIGHT •R. B. KINAIRD ^ t, % BALTIMOitE MOBPiTAL 'NATHAN ROBERTSON LELAND McMILLIAN ROBERT SHEBEE THEODORE BABKOWSEI THEODORE iGARROLL •LAWRENCE ^eCUNE JACK HAMILTON PHILIP BAZAAR MATHEW CARSON CHARLES SIMMONS CHARLES BOLTON DAVID HERON BROWNIE KINGREE WILLIAM LAWTON •• -'.-A-1^' .l/'i' ERNEST SIDNEY MANUEL ROMERO GEORGE WILKINS ROBERT RANDLE PETER LOPEZ t i MOBILE HOSPITAL KARL LUNDBERG &•$>$• STATEN ISLAND HOSPITAL R. G. MOSSELLER J. S. WOOD E. E. CASEY W. G. H. BAUSE F. H. DOLAN L. A. CORNWALL F. CORNIER M. BAUCSKI E. D. MILLER M. MORRIS «. BELCHER L. L. MOODY W. BLOOM R. R. LEIKAS R. MCDOWELL K. KORNELIUSSEN M. J. LYDEN J. H. DANIEL, Jr. S. W. LESLEY C. SULLIVAN You can contact your Hos­ pital delegate at the Staten Island Hospital at the follow­ ing times: Tuesday —1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 5th and 61h floors) Thursday —1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 3rd and 4th floors.) Saturday —1:30 to -3:30 pjn. (on 1st and 2nd floors.) GALVESTON HOSPITAL OLSEN BENNETT GALANE R. V. JONES HUTCHENSON STAEINZ MILKE FLESHER AKIN GRAVES BREASHAR KOW LIM i i BRIGHTON HOSPITAL E. JOHNSTON 'H. -SWIM R. LORD R. BROWN E. DOLEHALA ^ SAN JUAN HOSPiTAX JUAN OLIVER WALTER JORGENSON RAYMOND SAUDERS R. ARMSTRONG P. -FELIGIANO R. SEIFO < �Friday. March 7. 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Three Seafarers Ready To Launch Drive To Organize Great Lakes Seamen By EARL SHEPPARD By PAUL HALL The Brotherhood of the Sea came ashore this week and put on a stirring demonstration of trade-union solidarity that left the world's financial capital cock-eyed with amazement. Eight-hundred militant members of the Seafarers International Union and Sailors Union of the Pacific threw a mass-picket line around the New York Cotton Exchange in support of their striking AFI^ Brother.s of the United Financial Employes. The Seafarers locked the joint up tight. The 23-story building was as empty as a shipowner's heart. Used to stalling and pushing people around, the Skippers of High Finance were as paralyzed as their struck cotton market, when they saw the solid lines of Seafarers' early Tuesday morning. It was a sight the financial bosses will never forget. For 75 years, the New York Cotton exchange had been trans­ acting its business daily without a single day's interruption. Evi­ dently, there was no doubt that this record would be continued as Exchange officials stalled in their negotiations for a new contract with the UFE. WANTED LAKES ORGANIZERS In a few weeks the 1947 Lakes season will open and the Union will be in need of good seamen, members of the NMU to take jobs as shoreside organizers, ship's or­ ganizers and patrolmen in the Lakes area. IF YOU HAVE: 1. Two years sea time 2. One year in the NMU 3. Some Lakes experience 4. Capability to handle the job AND ARE INTERESTED IN BUILDING OUR UNION, write to Josh Lawrence, National Di­ rector and Mike Vargo, General Organizer at 1405 W. 9th St., Cleveland 13, Ohio. State your qualifications and experience. This is your chance to participate in the organizing program this coming season. (NMU Pilot) own affairs, because they have special problems which they un­ derstand and can handle far bet­ ter than anyone else. Separate districts do not mean ieparate unions or a division of my sort. The three Seafarers districts, together with affiliated towboat, fishermen and other maritime sections, are all solidly united in the Seafarers Inter­ national. It is the Seafarers Intemationnl which has allocated funds and forces to aid the great Lakes this season. It is important to re­ member that these funds and these forces are being sent in to aid, and not to direct or dictate. The Lakes District has laid down the policy and strategy for the coming campaign, and those who come in from the coast to help out will be guided and gov­ erned by that program. LAKES BOSSES WORRIED The Lakes operators who have long felt secure with their com­ pany union—fink hall—LCA set up, are now beginning to see the writing on the wall, and are mov­ ing heaven and hell to find a way to stop the Seafarers' steady pro­ gress. In the past years they have had everything in their favor—de­ pression, unemployment, confu­ sion and a strong organization of their own. In addition, they have had the great advantage of the big ma­ jority of Lakes seamen depend­ ing upon seasonal employment, of having to save enough during the spring and summer to carry them through the winter. Now they see the picture of Lakes seamen joining an Inter­ national Union and being able to sail anywhere at anytime, thus breaking the stranglehold of sea­ sonal and sectional employment. This picture is a nightmare to the Lakes operators and to the powerful steel trust because, in order to move the tens of thous­ ands of tons of iron ore from the Mesabi range to the steel mills, they must have uninterrupted op­ eration of the ore carriers. To maintain this operation they t 4. it Panic seems to be hitting the First Halt In 75 Years boys on Seventeenth Street. It's When the bigwigs came down to the Exchange Tuesday morn­ not longer "every member an or­ ing, the 75-year record was ended. A bunch of Seafarers had knock­ ganizer" — now they must have ed off the $45,000,000-a-day institution, in the interest of trade- the same qualifications as a can­ union solidarity. One day of this was enough. Not a nickel s worth didate for office; even more qual­ of cotton business had been transacted. By midnight, the ink was ifications, in fact, for the adver­ drying on the UFE contract. And the Seafarers went back to their tisement specifies that they must business of shipping. They had done another good day's work be "capable." Anyway it seems for the labor movement. that in spite of last years debacle For the one day of this highly successful SlU-conducted strike they are going to make some kind the cotton market had been dead. But one stock continued to go of effort to wash their dirty linen up—the Seafarers' reputation had soared still higher in the eyes of this year. the public and the labor movement. In the meanwhile, the Seafar­ Our handling of the strike brought loud praise from the United ers' drive is underway and fast Financial Employes. The SlU-method employed was a wholesale getting in full swing. Actually success. Instead of picketing the one or two floors involved in the the drive has never stopped. beef, the Seafarers strength knocked off the entire 23-story build­ Rank and file Seafarers have been ing. It was done in the usual all-out point-of-production manner. working all winter, and the first The UFE has expressed its deep gratitude to us for the handling ships fitting out found the SIU and organization of this beef. They say they never stop thanking on the job showing the advan­ the SIU membership. That's mighty nice to hear, and the member­ tages of real unionism, and man­ ship can rightly be proud of the latest link they have forged in ning the Lakes boats to do the trade-union solidarity. toughest, hardest work in the But aside from the benefits this swift strjke-victory had for coldest, meanest weather. the UFE and labor in general, it had distinct advantages for the The Lakes are never going to Seafarers itself—advantages that can be gained only in the midst be organized by outside forces. of a big beef at the point of porduction. Twenty-five years sea-service It provided some excellent further schooling in beef-handling doesn't make an organizer, and for many of our younger members. The younger lads got a first the most brilliant spellbinder in hand chance to develop some of their own strike strategy and to the world won't get anywhere accumulate some of the necessary know-how.- This beef, then, was unless he knows the problems of of all-important value to us. Every such opportunity goes into the Lakes seamen. Seafarers Bank of Savvy. When the time comes that we have to The Seafarers' policy has al­ pull a beef ourselves, that accumulating savvy will pay off with ways been, and will always be, dividends. to organize on the point of pro­ duction with active working sea­ Seafarers Push For More Cabbage men doing the greatest amount Tuesday marked another important step for the Seafarers. It of organizing. This is what won was the annotmcement of the membership's decision to request the I in Isthmian, and this' is what will operators to open negotiations for substantial increases in oin- wage win on the Lakes. scales. Notification was sent to the operators following a special THE LAKES DISTRICT meeting in the New York Hall and concurred in by all other ports. SAN FRANCISCO — Running To insure the fullest autonomy unopposed, Harry Lundeberg was We are asking for a substantial increase in the wage scales as we are entitled to under provision of our contracts. We are doing this in the conduct of Lakes affairs, re-elected to another term as Sec­ in an attempt to overtake the spiraling cost of living. Prices of the Lakes District function in the retary-Treasurer of the Sailors foods and other commodities have gone up terrifically since last same manner as the Atlantic and Union of the Pacific. This was Gulf, and Pacific Districts. year, and what we gained then has practically been wiped out. announced in the official returns They elect their own officials, of voting in the annual election Busy Days Ahead For The SIU make their own decisions, handle held during December, 1946, and The push for more cabbage is only the lead-off in a series of their own finances and handle January, 1947. important events for the Seafarers. Our calendar for the coming their own organizational drives. Besides the election of officers, months is heavy with top-rating stuff. There's the National Labor Lakes Seafarers members have two propositions, submitted to Relations Board hearing, scheduled for March 24, in New York, the same priviliges as any other referendum vote, were adopted which should end the NMU's prolonged effort to prevent Isthmian Seafarers member and may reg­ by overwhelming majorities. The seamen from getting union wages and working conditions under the ister and ship, attend meetings first authorized the raising of banner of the SIU, for which these men voted. and speak their piece, in any SIU dues to $2.50 per month, the extra Coming up also is the annual Port Agent's Conference, which hall anywhere. half dollar to be put into a build­ will have a considerable number of important problems to face. The great difference between ing fund to be used exclusively The SIU will be represented, too, at the Washington conference of the NMU setup and the Seafar­ for obtaining and maintaining maritime unions, which will discuss possible joint action to secure ers' democratic structure is simp­ Halls in headquarters and the a beneficial recodification of the maritime laws, and to remove the ly this: In the NMU, the Lakes branches. Coast Guard froni the necks of seafaring men. Then there's the are dominated body and soul by The second proposal favored a Seafarers International Convention, to be held in Chicago. This the overwhelming voting power $10.00 assessment to replenish the will be followed by the conference, in the same city, of the Ameri­ of the salt water membership. strike fund. can Federation of Labor's powerful Maritime Trades Department. The big majority of their offi­ Meanwhile, the Seafarers' all-out drive to bring the benefits cials, and all of their policy, are Other successful candidates of our Union wages and working conditions to the thousands of un- imported from the coast. were Harry Johnson for Assist­ orgahized seaman saling on the Great Lakes will be proceeding The Seafarers International ant Secretary, and Morris Weis­ under full steam. structure on the other hand is ar­ berger for New York Agent. In The next few months won't have any dull moments for the ranged to give the Lakes seamen the most hotly contested race, Seafarers. the fullest power to conduct their Carl Christiansen, incumbent must have a constant and avail­ able manpower supply to crew the ships. They know that once the Lakes seamen are organized their labor monopoly is broken and that they must accede to the Unions' demands for adequate wages, for decent living and working conditions. NO PLAY The Lakes bosses like to point out that, for many years, they maintained a high wage scale. This is a bunch of baloney. Dur­ ing those years the Lakes sea­ men worked two watches and lived in crowded quarters. Things are much different on the Lakes from the .coast. A full night ashore is a rare thing. The boats load fast and discharge fast, with seldom enough time to get ashore long enough for a bottle of beer. Towards the closing months of the season, and in the early months, the Lakes are just as rough, cold and miserable as the North Atlantic, and many a Lakes seaman has died because the op­ erators were too greedy to fit the boats out properly for the season. On top of all this is the fact that the big majority of seamen had to earn enough in seven months to fill out a year. The Lakes season is "all work and no play" and, to compensate for this, a seasonal wage sufficient for a year should and must be paid. The Lakes seaman is the most overworked and underpaid mari­ time worker in America today. The New York Times in the Satui-day, March 1, issue reflects the attention that is nationally being cast on the Seafarers drive in an article which in addition to quoting the Seafarers Leg, States; "According to reports ore shipments from the Mesabi mountain mines this year are expected to exceed the peak year of the war by 2,000,000 tons. To handle the cargoes, it was said, deep-water lighters are being sent back to the * Lakes and a number of new (Coutinmd on Page 7) Lundeberg, Weisberger Reelected By Sailors Union Membership Honolulu Agent, beat out Maxie Weisbarth by twenty-five votes. OFFICIALS NAMED In each port the officials are as follows: San Francisco: Dispatcher, Joe Pohorence; Patrolmen, R. G. An­ derson, A1 Maniscalco, A. J. Pawlick; and Dan Sullivan. Jack Barton was elected Coos Bay Agent. Seattle Agent Ed Coeater was re-elected, and James Burke was the successful Patrolman candi­ date in that Port. Jack Dwyer succeeds himself as New York Patrolman, and the same is true of Harlin Snow as Wilmington Agent. The two new­ ly elected Wilmington Patrolmen are Charles Brenner and Fred Martin. The new Portland officials are John Massey, Agent, and Charles Atkins, Patrolman. Five trustees, A. J. Anderson, Arthur Burke, Harry Johnson, Harry Lundeberg, and Harold Snow, were also elected. �T H E S<E A-E AEI E R « EXkC Pago; Tour mm Baltimore Finds Time To Heip UFE in New York itwiiic... By WILLIAM (CURLY) HENTZ QUESTION:—The Agents Conference will discuss the Seafarers Log in relation to next yearns activities. Wliat suggestions do you have that would improve the Log? ABNER MAXEY. Chief Cook: PAUL DAVIS. Wiper: I'd like io see a sports page in our paper. The baseball season is coming up and when at sea I'd like to be able to keep up with Ihe baseball news. The LOG is the one paper we all read no matler what port we ciome to. and so sport news would be available to us. It would also be a good thing if the LOG carried more educa­ tional stuff. Being away at sea. we have little chance for real union education, and we could learn a lot if the LOG ran articles frequently about such subjects. As far as I'm concerned the LOG is tops, but if you really want suggestions, here .are mine. First, more pictures. Second, more articles from Frenchy Michelet. And it would also be a good thing if we could increase the size of the paf>er to about 20 pages. May­ be we could see advertising to help defray the costs of an en­ larged paper. The LOG carries all the news of interest to sea­ men. and we in the SIU are damn proud of our Union news­ paper. GEORGE BERRY. FOW: I think the paper should be enlarged. If that was done, the jLOG could be used for doing a much better organizational job. Our Union paper is the medium through which unorganized men keep up with what we are doing, and an enlarged paper would al­ low more space for that. Another suggestion would be to print schedules of ship arrivals and departures. That would be inter­ esting to the membership, besides being valuable. The LOG is swell, but with these improvements, it could be even better. Friday, Martlr 7, 1947 JIMMY CRESCITELLI. Ch. Cook: Someone brought up the sub­ ject of a Spanish page. I'm for it. but is it practical? If we start that, then we may have to put in a Swedish page, an Italian page, or what have you. One thing I would like to see in the LOG and t{hat is the full text of the Sea­ men's Bill of Rights, just as it is being discussed now. The LOG should also print a complete list­ ing of all SIU ships paying off each week in Uiiited States ports. The LOG is an excellent paper, . but these improvements might make it even better. BALTIMORE — Shipping this week has . been pretty good, and the Patrolmen have been kept quite busy paying off, signing on, and settling beefs. Recently we have had quite a few talks with Calmar Line of­ ficials, and I believe that we can look forward to better relations with this outfit. The chow and general conditions should im­ prove. Hope that circumstances don't prove me a liar! Down here we heard that an affiliate AFL union, the United Financial Employes, were having trouble with the Cotton Exchange in New York. Six of the boys volunteered to visit New York to give the UFE a hand with its picketing and other strike chores. HOSPITAL NEWS On February 6, the crew of the SS Stephanie turned over $70.00 to be divided among the hospi­ talized Brothers in the Baltimore Marine Hospital, and on Febru­ ary "20, $36.00 was turned over by the crew of the SS Pothier and SS Joseph Hews. In the past few weeks the fol­ lowing Brothers have received the regular weekly benefits from Brother John Taurin, Baltimore Hospital Committee: Francis R. O'Brien, William L. Gillespie, M. J. Walsh (twice), Frank M. Krause, Clyde E Mil­ ler, Charles L. Simmons (twice), T. A. Carroll (twice), Peter Lo­ pez (twice), Matthew Carson (twice), T. Babkowski (twice), John Dudko, Casimir Honorowski, Ernest J. Sidney, W. W. Lawton, C. Cates, E, Cattiz, David Heron, and L. McCune. Determined To End Bad Shipboard Conditions B.C. Seafarers Pass Word On Four Isthmian Crews Hold Meeting In Cakutta Scab Newspaper It's only a hop, skip, and a jump until the notoriously anti­ union IsUunlan Steamship Com­ pany will be forced to sit down across the bargaining table with a* negotiating committee from the SIU. But for unlicensed seamen sailing Isthmian ships, that isn't good enough. They want action now, and they just won't sail any longer under Captain Bligh con­ ditions. Of course, they realize that the job to force Isthmian to bargain is complicated by fhe stooge role ; now being played by the NMU, • but even so they are resolved to ' force some kind of action, and right now. '• Four Isthmian crews, from the ' SS Steel Artisan, the SS Mem' phis City, the SS Beaver Victory, • and the SS Citadel Victory, hap" pened to meet in Calcutta, India. Like seamen do, they exchanged « views. " How's the chow? was one ques' tion. The officers okay? .was an'other? How are the conditions and overtime? twas the way one guy put it. And the answer to iall the questions was, "Pretty poor." So these seamen, from all dif'^rent unions, held a meeting. Represented were the Seafarers International Union, the National Maritime Union, the MEBA, the Pursers, and some non-union characters who learned a good union lesson. BOUSING MEETMG They met in Calcutta, on Feb­ ruary 14, and they had grievances galore. The conditions were de­ plorable, and they agreed that they could no longer sail Isth­ mian ships under the prevailing conditions. They criticized the food, the way the officers overrode all beefs, and especially the fact that Isthmian was stalling and refus­ ing to institute decent conditions aboard their ships. This dissatisfaction led to one result. By a unanimous vote, the seamen present agreed that they could no longer sail Isthmian un­ der poor conditions. They de­ cided that as soon as each ship returned to the continental United States, they would make damned sure that these bad con­ ditions would end. That shouldn't take long. Ex­ cept for the finky tactics of the NMU, the Isthmian Steamship Company would have had to put up or shut up long before this idea, the meeting also agreed to By HUGH MURPHY pass the word about the outcome of this meting, to other Isthmian VANCOUVER, B.C. —For the ships and to . urge each vessel to past nine months, 95 members of take similar action. the Intei-national Typographers. Union, AFL, have been locked out by the "Vancouver Daily Pro­ vince." During this period this newspaper has been printed by scab labor. The Southam Company, owner of the paper, has been spreading lies, rumors and using every con­ ceivable propaganda weapon to discredit the union, even though it is the recognized agent for the men locked out. Where the Typographers once enjoyed a harmonious relation-, ship with the company, they now find a brick wall facing them. when it comes to negotiations for a contract. The company has im­ ported a phony out-of-town outfit to set its type, and says it now' has a union, therefore, no soap. This action has all the ear­ A chance meeling of -four Isthmian crews tin Calcutta, India, marks of union-busting, and as developed info action when the men started to compare notes. union .men, the Seafarers here They found that on all four ships conditions were bad, the of­ refuse to buy this scab sheet, and" ficers slave-drivers, and Ihe food meager and of poor quality. we urge all American seamen to refuse to buy the paper while in What fhey decided then bodes no good for the Isthmian Steam­ Vancouver. < ship Company. The four crews, in a mass meeting, resolved We're behind the Typograph­ that as soon as each ship returned-to the continental United ers in their fight,, so we want .to States, they would take steps to make.sure that Isthmian in­ pass this itip along to all Sea­ farers. stitutes union conditions on all its ships. time. Sooner or later, the NMU will run out of stalling moves, and then Isthniian will have to do business with the SIU. Just so Isthmian will get the �rriday, M«i«h 7/1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Five sa- No Rotary Shipping For ISU Men; Friends^ Reiatives Gome First • m rv e-Ts:^ By HERBERT JANSEN CHICAGO — Shipping for the face. They will never back any­ spring fit-out has started- here one up as long as the LSU is not and we are expecting a call for operated by the rank and file. more men during the coming This would never happen in week. the SIU. This man's rights would After looking around the wa­ be protected all the way down terfront I saw no signs of acti­ the line. He would have job se­ vity on the outside ship» as yet, curity and the right to make a so I guess they will fit-out a little living. He would"t need puU Silence this week from lh« later. with anyone. Branch Agents of the follow­ By SALVADOR COLLS The only qualifier in the Sea­ On the organizing front, the in­ ing ports: dications are that the SIU is farers for a job is to have a book SAN JUAN—In the past week we must live up to our agree-TAMPA strong with the Lakes seamen and be willing to work. we have had a few crewmembers ments. and can expect favorable re­ HOUSTON who thought that hitting Puerto OLD PRACTICE Right now we have four SIU sponse when the drive opens. NORFOLK Rico meant a vacation. I guess ships and one SUP ship in poPt, This pra tice of nepotism, hir­ JACKSONVILLE they thought being drunk, miss­ and there is not a beef hanging I have been talking to some CHARLESTON ing a watch or two, or faking fire on any of them. Other than members of the NMU who state ing relativv..^, has been going on PORT ARTHUR sickness was okay down here, but this, I am soaking up the s\m that there are indications of the within the LaRe Carriers for CORPUS CHRISTI they found they were wrong. NMU falling- apart within itself. years. Some of you oldtimers without envy for anyone, includ­ SAVANNAH Also they feel the NMU's chances who have sailed these ships know I had to pull a few men off a ing Joe Algina and Ray Gonzales. on- the Lakes this year are slim that score. Are you going to let The deadline for port re­ ship or two and put them to I haven't had time to hit the let them do it again? due to their failure last year. ports, monies due, etc., is the beachcombing for a few weeks, night clubs or meet any of the There are plenty of men who Monday preceeding publica­ to teach them that the shipping senoritas. They told me of the conditions tion.- While every effort will rules and contracts mean the after the NMU strike last year, have started shipping on the CAN USE SHIPS be made to use in the current same down here as they do in whereby they worked around the Lakes since the war when they I see by the Log that all ports issue material received after New York or any other port. clock doing penalty work without stopped this practice due to the are doing a lot of shipping. Well, scarcity of men. that date, space commitments If this sort of thing keeps up, any compensation. When they we can use some of it down here generally do not permit us to I'll be a very busy man. Don't They aren't aware of this prac­ on the Enchanted Isle, even with do so. get me wrong, however. I don't tice. It is the job of you oldthe Ponce outfit keeping the Isl­ get a kick but of doing this, but timers to tell them the score. and busy. Tell them how you used to sit The shoregang here is keeping up in one of the Lake Carriers' all the members working, and I Halls and see job after job go do mean all. Sometimes I have out over the telephone while you had to call the ILA and UTM for were getting callouses on your men. fanny. We're getting a preview of the If every man learns the score, By EDDIE HIGDON 1947 baseball season down hero we can stop this phony set-up. with the Yankees doing their; PHILADELPHIA—This port, is job, as is our Dispatcher Harry •When every man ships through a spi'ing training in this citJ^ It union hall, the relatives will have bursting with jobs for men of the Collins. J5 i looks like I'll have to get a year's Finding suitable quarters to get their jobs honestly and Seafarers International Union. bellyful of baseball before April All men with ratings who want still a tremendously difficult job. that's the way it should be. 15th when the season opens. As took it up with a patrolman, he to ship are advised to get over Mighty few worthwhile spots are Rotary shipping from the union only shrugged his shoulders and hall is the democratic way, and to Philly in a hurry. available, and other unions are far as baseball tips are concern­ ed, I'm not talking. walked away. no boot-licking or dough under Men are still needed in Phila­ experiencing the same troubles in this respect that we are. the table is necessary to get a job delphia for the crewing up of two BROWNED OFF FINAL DISPATCH in the Seafarers. Seatrain vessels scheduled to sail These fellows were really Our otherwise bright report March 9 and 12. There are plenty browned off. They had walked of jobs in all three departments. this week is shadowed by the All seamen who have served . the picketlines, believing they Two Seatrain ships have already passing of one of our Brothers. six months on Canadian vessels . were fighting for better condi­ Seafarer Raleigh Begley, who left the Port. where War Risk bonus was tions; but when they returned to The ships will each carry one held Book No. 35605, died in a lo­ work they found themselves paid between Sept. 10, 1939 and Bosun, 3 Quartermasters and AB cal hospital last week. worse off than before, due to the A local boy, Brother Begley April 1, 1944, should apply to tickets, 3 AB Maintenance, 3 AB . sell-out by the NMU in their was well-liked by all who sailed the Director of Merchant Sea­ Car Deckinen, 3 ABs, 3 OS. The lost drive to convert the Lakes with him. Just prior to his death ABs must have full tickets. men, Department of Transport, seamen. he had been aboard an Isthmian Ottawa, Ontario for the Mer­ Full complements are also ship which he left in New York Things are not all love and By EARL R. SMITH chant Seamen's "Special needed for the Stewards and En­ when he became ill. kisses with the men in the Lakes Bonus." gine Departments. The black CHARLESTON — After seeing A floral wreath from his ship­ Seamen's Union either. This week gang will include an Assistant Charleston's name up there in the The application deadline for mates and Brothers of the SIU a former member of that organi­ Electrician at $240 per month. was sent to the funeral. The SIU the bonus has been extended to zation, who sailed on one of their "No News" box for so many So if you want work, head for extends its deepest sympathy to March 31, 1947, by Order-inships, came into the Hall with months, I'm finally going to send in some news from this port. this port. No registering is nec­ Brother Begley's parents. Council P.O. 204. the story as to how he lost his job. essary, just show your book and Unfortunately, this sudden He told me he was being let you've got a job. "We're issuing , out this year because the Cap­ burst of news cannot be accom­ a call to the other ports to pass tain of the ship has a relative panied by a report of good ship­ word of this abundance of jobs whom he is placing in this man's ping. For the past few weeks to the men in their halls. position. The seaman I spoke to shipping has been very slow We had a couple of payoffs this had been with the "company for with practically no activity tak­ week. The Longfellow of the a good number of years, all dur­ ing place in this port. By JOHNNY JOHNSTON Waterman outfit came in here, as ing the time that the going was WitJi about 45 men- on: the did a Bull line scow which was tough for a company due to the beach here, all we ask for is a NEW ORLEANS — Down here any beefs on a ship he has plenty recently turned over by Calmar lack of seamen. in the sunny south the carnival of time to straighten out every-, few ships to call here for crews. out on the West Coast. Both pay­ season is over. The weather is thing before the payoff starts. Now that a relative of someone The bad part of the whole thing offs were clean. good and so is the shipping. connected with the company has is that there are no jobs in sight, With every ship that signs on Prospects are good for next one of his family out of work, but who can tell, maybe things If any of you members want here, we make sure that it has ] week, too. Waterman expects they bounce the first working will pick, up all of a sudden. to get away from the snowballs a bundle of the last two editiona about four or five of their vessels stiff they come across to provide and tough weather, come on of the Seafarers Log. Last week we moved from a berth for their poor kinsman. across the street to our present to pull into this port for payoffs down to the Crescent City and In this way we are sure that within the next few days. enjoy our southern hospitality. Do you think this phony union address. Everyone seems pleased thej- will be distributed to all With all this activity, the Sea­ would back up this' man in his with the new set-up, and it looks The members who are riding places where seamen hang out in | beef? You guessed it right. like it will be more suitable for farers Hall is running along the Mississippi ships on the South foreign ports. It's a good idea They'd just blow smoke in his our needs. It is a nice place, a smoothly. Charlie Bushj newly American run are really on the and insures seamen in all porta | trifle small, but it is just about elected Patrolman has taken over ball. These ships are a Patrol­ of receiving the Log. his duties, and is doing a bang-up man's dream. Everyone that I what we want. Just one suggestion befora I have met since I have been down' signing off: When your ship ar­ I hope the new Hall will in­ here has had everything ready rives in port be sure to have one spire me to write a report on ac­ The Charleston Branch of for the boarding Patrolman. of the Departmental Delegates | tivity in this port more often. In If you don't find linea the SIU has moved its offices All books collected, how much go ashore and call the Hall. fact, I'll even make myself a when you go aboard ypur from Society Street to 424 a man wants to pay, the disputed resolution to try to send in some ship, notify , the Hall at once. That's the only way we can be I King Street. The Charleston overtime set up and the ship's sure the ship is in port and at| news at least every week. A telegram from Le Havre or Agent reports that the new minutes and the repair list were what dock. Singapore won't do you any Hall is a trifle small but suits Perhaps my reports to come always in readiness. good. It's your bed and you Yas suh, the old south is sure! the purpose of Seafarers will be a little brighter concern­ This kind of cooperation helps humming. Come on down, and have to lie in it. shipping out of that port. ing shipping and business in this J the Patrolman; so- if there are say hello. port. NO NEWS?? SIU Agreements Are The Same, Whether In San Juan Or New York If You Want A Job In A Hurry, Make A Beeline For Philadelphia CANADIAN BONUS Do Not Come, Says Qharleston, Shipping Is Slow Mississippi Crewmen On The Ball In N.O.—Have Ships In Top Shape ATTENTION! �Page Six SEAFARERS LOG Friday. March 7, 1947 Thirty Ships Will Be Crewed In Mohile; New Hall Is Ready Ships Coining Out Of Boneyard Leave New York Short Of Ratings By JOE ALGINA By CAL TANNER commence sailing, business will also be in excellent shape. There is still a crying need for rated men, and it looks like that situation will continue. If there are any men in other ports who want to ship out of New York, get in touch with me and I will tell you how things shape up at that time. The SS Yarmouth, Eastern Steamship Company, started on its first trip from New York to Nassau. The Yarmouth is a clean ship, and the men should have a good run. There are still a few minor matters to be squared away, but they will be taken care of when the vessel returns. Due to the inci-ease in shipping, By EINAR NORDAAS this Hall will have a Night Dis­ DULUTH—The maritime coun­ patcher on duty from 5 p. m. to 9 cil at the head of the Lakes got p. m. on weekdays, until 5 p. m. off to a good start at a meeting February 11. . Delegates from Ashland, Superior, and Duluth were present. MOBILE—The Mobile mem­ I is having to call for crews from bership is moving into the new Tampa to Galveston. Normally shipping is good here Hall at 1 St. Lawrence Street j but now it is more than good. this week, getting out of the Waterman and Alcoa are taking creaking, dusty firetrap that has thirty ships out of the boneyard, been the Union Hall too long. fifteen each. The new Hall is large enough Furnishing thirty full crews to hold meetings in, well-ventil­ with no one but "live ones" on ated and strongly constructed. the beach is a tough job in any All of the offices, the recreation language. Several ships have room and Dispatcher's section are been crewed entirely with permit on the same floor, making it easy cards. for the membership and officials NEW YORK—Right after the war ended the shipowners put away a number of ships in the boneyard. Now the tide has turn­ ed and the ships are coming out again. That means that we are busy supplying crews for these ves­ sels. Shipping has therefore been very good, and when the ships By JOHNNY JOHNSTON The Declaration of Policy of the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 leaves no doubt as to the inten­ tions of the United States regard­ ing the transportation of its do­ mestic and foreign commerce. to keep in constant contact with STRAIGHTENING 'EM OUT Let us examine the law, and each other. All isn't a bed of roses, how­ hope that the people of the Unit­ Some furnishings and recrea­ ever. The.se ships have been laid ed States, whose" hard earned tional facilities have already been up for a long time and need a money built our present fleet installed, and in a very short pe­ hell of a lot of work to make will not allow it to fall apart now riod everything from a well them ship-shape, and in proper that the war is over. Here is the stocked library to checkerboards condition for Seafarers crews. way the law reads: and a pool table will be available. All of these ships are going on It is necessary for the Na­ Now since the sales talk about the European run carrying coal tional Defense and develop­ ment of its foreign and domes­ the fine new Hall is over, here's and grain cargoes. This is a cold tic commerce that the United the reason it's being advertised weather run and damned uncom­ fortable if the heat, hotwater, and States have a merchant marine, to the whole membership. (a) Sufficient to carry its do­ Mobile needs men of all ratings foc'sles aren't in the right kind of E. L. Slaugher, ILA Vice-Presi­ mestic water borne commerce and needs them bad. At the pres­ shape. dent, opened the meeting by and a substantial portion of the ent time, and this has been the In addition the Union has to reading the preamble to the AFL water borne export and import case for the past month. Mobile be careful to see that the right Maritime Trades Department con­ foreign commerce of the United equipment, blankets, etc., and stitution, and explained the pur­ States and to provide shipping slopchests with plenty of foul pose of the Department. service on all routes essential weather gear are aboard. for maintaining the flow of such Temporary officers were elect­ The companies want to pull the domestic and foreign water ed, and the next meeting has ships out of the boneyard one day borne commerce at all times, been scheduled to be held in Su­ and (b) Capable of serving as a j perior, about March 15. naval and military auxiliary in St. Paul was the scene of a time of war or national emer­ meeting on February 20, called to Saturdays, and from 10 in the gency, and (c) Owned and op­ rally labor to combat the reac­ morning to 3 in the afternoon on Since last Thursday afternoon, erated under the United States tionary forces in the State Legis­ Sundays and holidays. February 27, pickets have once Flag by citizens of the United lature. The Legislature is now HOOVER'S BRAINSTORM again been marching back and States in so far as may be trying to do away with the closed forth in front of the shipyards of I see by the papers that Her­ practicable, and (d) Composed Ira S. Bushey and Sons. shop, and to pass other anti-labor bert Hoover has a brilliant idea of the best equipped, safest, and laws. The pickets had been removed about giving away 75 U. S. ships most suitable types of vessels, About 600 delegates, represent­ constructed in the United States when it looked as if Bushey to the Germans so that they can ing about 150,000 AFL members' and manned with an efficient would negotiate in good faith, but carry their own UNRRA supplies. in the State, were present. Byj on that day the company made That's an idea no better than citizen personnel. unanimous vote they passed a • It is hereby declared to be the impossible demands and so Local any lie had wlien he was in resolution appealing to all of our| policy of the United States to 13 of the CIO Shipyard Workers and sign them on the next but the White House. the Union has answered "no local unions to voluntarily create; foster the development and en­ hit the line again. It would soon lead to compe­ dice." a special legislative fund, to be' courage the maintenance of All the company wanted, be­ Before any ship is signed on, devoted exclusively to legislative tition, and lowering the standards such a merchant marine. of American seamen. These ships fore they would agree to sit down the ship delegates and the shorematters, both State and National. ^ ^ would not take food, etc., to Ger­ across the bargaining table, was side officials make a full inspec­ There's a 75 year old grand­ LAKES TO BOOM many and then return to the that the union should forget all tion, and if everything isn't up to mother who plans to resume her U. S. without cargo. So they about past disagreements and to Seafarers' standards then the merchant marine career soon, We expect a busy season on the would bring back cargo, and then waive the reinstatement of two ship sits at the dock until the and since she is the only women Lakes this year, with shipments the rat race would be on. men who were ordered taken faults are corrected. of coal and grain starting early, | holding an unlimited license as back by the National Labor Re­ When Hoover was President he a merchant marine Skipper, it is South Atlantic has been trying weather permitting. Coal stock­ lations Board. piles in this vicinity are rapidly said that he was going to put two quite likely that some of the SIU to do some chiseling on repairs The disagreements involved 50 but they have been convinced disappearing, and with six more' cars in every garage and a chick­ members may be on a ship with arbitrations won by the union that the only way they can sail weeks of winter remaining the en in every pot. Well, he failed. her at some time. situation might become pretty' Now that we seamen have a The lady in question is Mrs. in the New Jersey Court of Ap­ the boneyard rustpots is to make little chicken in the pot, and we Mary Converse, who went to sea peals on January 7, 1947. As far them safe and seaworthy. tough. got it by fighting hard, he wants after the death of her husband, as the two men are concerned, About two million tons of ore to give it to Germany. and she obtained her license in i the NLRB also ruled that they MEMBERSHIP COOPERATION more than was shipped during It's a poor idea, and I hope he 1940 after plying 33,700 miles of are to be paid 15 months back the 1946 season will also prob­ The outstanding thing that has sea lanes. ' wages. happened in all the work involv­ ably be transported on the Lakes doesn't get away with it. this year. ed in the shipping boom, moving into the new Hall, the tow boat The shipyards have begun beefs, etc., is the active support work on a couple of ships in the and physical aid of the rank and Superior Yards. We understand By BLACKIE CARDULLO fired by Sun, but we couldn't get to make it legal. But it took a fire file. that on some of the ships, room the connection, so we took a close to do it. is being made for a Bosun. It is Anytime few or many men are MARCUS HOOK—Comes now look at his NMU book. In it was I went through the gate on a needed to do anything, from high-time, as these ships have a new high in low-down stunts, a neat little statement that said: Marcus Hook fire engine, as our been shorthanded since the first but so funny it had everybody in moving furniture to helping con­ This book entitles so and so to volunteer fire department an­ tact ships, a call is all that is steamships were built on the this port straining at the seams. sail with Sun Oil ships only. swered a call early in the morn­ necessary to get more than Lakes. Up to the Hall last week was a ing. Some of the guys were a bit enough volunteers. The Sun guy told us that he Brothers, when you get to the Sun Oil guy, who said he'd like surprised at my presence. went up to the NMU Hall after This membership cooperation Lakes in the spring, remember to ship with the SIU. he was fired, but was told noth­ "What the hell are you doing with the officials also helps on "How long have you been with to stop down at the Hall, and re­ ing could be done. Once he was at Sun?" . one guy wanted to the ships paying off here. member also that our big job in Sun?" we asked him. "Oh, several months," was the bounced by Sun, his union mem­ know. 1947 is to organize the Great Beefs are easier to handlb be­ bership bounced with it. guy's reply. That was right up my alley, Lakes into the SIU. cause of good, able crews and Things are tough all over, but and I answered that I was trying "Okay," we said. "Have you good ships delegates who bring in for NMU stiffs they're always to save it so the SIU could or­ got a union book?" clean ships with everything, from "Sure thing." And with this, tougher. ganize the outfit. protested overtime to repair lists, Sonny from Sun produced a book Things at the moment are mov­ Speaking of the NMU, we won­ written down in good order. entitling him to membership in der if Scotty Ross, the NMU mop, ing along smoothly but quietly the NMU. With the big volume of ship­ out here. Nothing else comes to is still cleaning the bilges. "How come you're not continu­ Last Saturday morning, for the mind except that we'd like to ping going out of Mobile, it is fast ing to sail with the NMU?" first time in my life I went know where Brother Rabbitt becoming one of the biggest and We were wondering why the through the gate of the Sun Oil spends his time these days. the membership here are going to make it the best port in the sudden change in attitude. I company without cops on either What's her name, Rabbitt? Seafarers. More next week. He answered that he had been side of me, and 15 different passes AFL Council Off To A Good Start in Ouluth Shipworkers Go Back On Line As Strike Gees On NMU INVENTS NEW DODGE TO MAKE MONEY , v.l- til �THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, March t. 1947 Page Seven Rateil «tolis Go Begging In Boston; Experienced Stewards Dept. Men Needed For Passenger Ships By JOHN MOGAN (h Vohmteer tkganaers BOSTON—Again this week it can be stated that the Port of Boston is showing some life, es­ pecially for the SIU. Shipping has been excellent, with jobs for rated men going begging; and business has been pretty fair. After many months of waiting the Yarmouth finally sailed from Boston. And sailed very short of experienced Stewards Depart:; ment men. It was hoped that this would be rectified upon her ar­ rival at New York, and late re­ ports have it that she was crewed up okay. The next headache will be the Evangeline, which should be ready in about sixty days. These ships carry a huge Stewards De­ partment, and since most of the department must be men of con­ siderable passenger ship experi­ ence, we had better start lining up a crew at this early date. The SS Wolf Creek paid off here on Sunday, Feb. 23. Every­ body on the ship from the Skip­ per down had some mysterious skin ailment, and all were scrat­ ching like mad. Skin specialists called in for the examinations differed radically in their opin­ ions as to what it was and how serious it might be. "One of the first things you notice about unorganized ships, says George W. Champlin, "is that everything is so petty. The officers are "petty chiselers, the company fights about petty things and tries to chisel on food, and the whole idea seems to be to show the seaman who is boss. Brother Champlin has plenty of evidence to back up his state­ ment. He recently completed a five-month trip on the SS Red Rover, Isthmian Steamship Com­ pany. From what he says, it appears that the company and its repre­ sentatives, the officers, did not hgve the courage to really make it tough for the men, but they did. try their damijdest to make GEORGE W. CHAMPLIN all the unlicensed men uncom­ fortable. Here is an example of how they More would probably have fol­ lowed if the Society For Preven­ worked: "One crewmember went to the tion of Cruelty to Animals had Chief Mate and asked for a cot," not taken the elephants off in Champlin recalled, "and he was Boston. told that when a man takes a "Needs of the men, or pro­ job ashore his employer doesn't tests by the delegates, are not give him a cot, why should he recognized on unorganized ves­ expect a cot at sea." sels," said Champlin. "When an Of course he later obtained a anti-union guy tells you that the cot, but this just shows how the boss will take care of his workers MOTH INVASION officers went out of their way to without a union, tell him that the The Patrolman sat around lis­ give the crew a hard time. only way a boss will give away tening to a lot of conversation Nor was this orneriness used anything is when he is forced to about quarantining the ship; in­ solely against the crew. In Cal­ do so by the union." deed it looked mighty serious for cutta the ship loaded 300 Rhesus Brother Champlin and the monkeys and five cow elephants. other volunteers on the Red The pachyderms became great Rover did an outstanding job. pets, and every man in the crew The NMU was snowed under by became outraged at the poor care more than two to one. which the animals received from And now all Isthmian sea­ the Chief Mate. In all the cold December men are waiting, and not too weather of the North Atlantic, patiently, for the time when the very little protection was given company will be forced to sit them, and on December 22, right down and negotiate with the By R. W. BIRMINGHAM out of Boston, two of them died. Union of their choice, the SIU. Port Miami Holds A Lively Branch Meeting Bill Brown's experiences aboard the SS Cape Domingo, Isthmian, proved one thing very definitely. As far as he is concerned now, the worst enemies of unionism are not the company executives or the company stiffs, but the or­ ganizers for the NMU. "These guys came aboard," said Bill, "and tried to turn the ship's library into Joe Stalin's private propaganda library. By their record, and from what they told crewmembers, they are the biggest finks that ever lived." But the NMU organizers could not do much with the men of the Cape Domingo, and outside of a couple of comrades, the rest of the crew stuck together and made the best of a bad trip. As. is the case in evei-y trip on an unorganized ship, this trip was also plenty rough. The food was poor and scarce, overtime was practically unheard of, and the officers went out of their way to lord it over the' unlicensed per­ sonnel. But all bad things have to come to an end, and so will Simon Degree Mates and Skippers, no overtime, and hungry meals. In the case of the Isthmian Steamship Company, those things are coming to an end very fast, and it is only a matter of time before Isthmian men will be re­ ceiving the benefits of an SIU contract. Not everything was bad oh the trip of the Cape Domingo. In Honolulu the men had a chance BILL BROWN to go ashore, and although Ihey were disappointed with the USS in that place, there were other amusements to make up for it. According to Brother Brown, the Hawaiian Islands are every­ thing they are cracked up to be. Besides having some fun in the spots where the vessel touch­ ed, Bill says the fact that they had a good crew made the trip bearable. But with SIU representation. Bill Brown is sure that all the bad featui-es of sailing Isthmian will be erased. He sailed on an unorganized ship to bring the SIU message to those men, and he is ready to continue for the same reason. MIAMI—Last week we held a pretty good meeting in this sunny Florida port with about 50 mem­ bers- present, which is very good considering this is a small port. Among the items of business was a motion carried unanimous­ ly to have the Agent contact the P&O at the earliest possible time to straighten out the que.stion of loss of clothing through the ship's laundry, and in the event that conditions did not improve the company be held responsible for all losses. Also a motion was passed that the P&O be contacted regarding screening of the crew's mess and the installation of a steam table and an ice box. Charles Starling, the former Miami Agent was given a vote of thanks for the good work he did while he was in this port. Charlie has left to take his elected post of Savannah Agent. Good luck to you in your new job, Chai-lie. We then opened the floor to Good and Welfare and the boys really hit the deck hard. Out of it all developed a good point worth remembering. A member pointed out the fact that the baggage carriers in Ha­ vana are strongly organized, and will, at the asking, give us all the backing that we may ask for in the future. This is something for us to keep in mind if we ever run into any difficulty in that port. After everyone had spoken his piece, the boys lowered their blood pressure and the meeting was adjourned. a while. Then somebody discov­ facts were that merchant seamen ered that the "browntail moth" were "draft dodgers" and seekers had invaded the ship in Vene­ after the "soft dollar." zuela, and had gotten into the Needless to say, this testimony linen. And so, of course, when met with a storm of protest, the linen was next changed, which still continues in the local everybody aboard became in­ newspapers. fected. ' VFW LUKEWARM It was judged as not too seri­ ous; the ship was held up several The VFW spokesman, though days while the crew was treated opposed to the bill as written, tes­ at the hospital and the linen re­ tified that his organization would newed, after which she got away undoubtedly go along with any —with most of the crew still bill to provide rehabilitation scratching out of habit. training and hospitalization for Also on the same Sunday the Merchant Marine veterans. Casa Grande paid off in Portland, In other words, the VFW is in­ Maine. (Saturday afternoon and clined to look favorably on some Sunday payoffs are getting to be phases of the bill, and is temper­ routine.) ate in its opposition to the pres­ This ship paid off in good ent 'oill. shape; but at sign-on the old beef The American Legion, how­ about the coastwise articles came' ever, is decidedly unsympathetic. up again. j The following Brothers donat­ It should be clear to all hands | ed one dollar apiece to the Sea­ that when they take a tanker job farers in the Brighton Marine with straight coastwise articles Hospital: A. Smith, F. Gabor and they are not going to sail protect­ J. Samuel. ed by the SIU transportation So much for this week. We'll riders; then, with this fact in be back in the news next week, mind, they don't have to throw with, I hope, more good news of in for a job on a tanker. excellent shipping. Once on board, however, it is a costly nuisance to have a crew sending for a Patrolman, who is powerless to do anything about the transportation beef. Two Watermans, Antinious and the M. Lamar, paid off this week also. The Antinious payoff was perfect; but a little overtime trouble and the firing of an AB When the SS Daniel Willard developed on the Lamar, which at this writing is in the process paid off - recently in Baltimore, crewmembers donated approxim­ of being settled. ately $50.00 to Seafarers now re­ GOOD PAYOFFS cuperating at the Silver City SanAlso paying off during the itorium in New Mexico. week were the Fort Christiana, The crew also donated an equal Pacific tanker; the Benjamin amount to the Haas-Hatgimisios Coston, Union Sulphur; and the Fund. The crewmembers, and Cannon Beach, Pacific tanker. the amount they contributed are Together with calls from the as follows; ships in transit, these payoffs Obert Morgan, $5.00; Daniel B. made it a pretty busy week, with White, $20.00; Dewey Fillikin, all kinds of jobs to be had. $5.00; Donald Pitman, $5.00; LonIn addition, we had a little ex­ nie Fulbright, $5.00; Lawrence tra-curricular business in the Ganbj', $5.00; W. D. Hayner, $4.00; Anthony C. Parker, $8.00; M. O. Brightwell, $5.00; E. J. Ware, $3.00; L. W. Gray, $5.00; ItsOAl'T KMOiO E. Z. Markham, $5.00; Leon E. KJHiCri vJAy TO TdRW Toupin, ,$5 00; C. M. Sileox, .$5.00; D. D. Lupton. $10.00; Thomas W. Burke, $5.00; John G. Drauch, $5.00; L. Higgenbottom, Jr., $4.00; R. B. Waters, $2.00; H. J. Bouch­ er, $10.00. Wlllard Crew Makes Donations To Hospitalized form of a committee hearing at the State House with regard to petitioning Congress to take ac­ tion on the House bill now pend­ ing in Congress, which bill would extend to rnerchant seamen a mo­ dified GI Bill of Rights. Well, the commies were there in force, and loused up the hear­ ing with irrelative attacks on the "dirty capitalists" who own the ships. The legislative agent for the communist party, and the spokes­ men for the American Youth for Democracy (formerly the Young Communist League) outfit were both threatened with ejection from the hearing. Then, in opposition, came the spokesman for the American Le­ gion, who testified that, since he had sat out the war on a draft board, he knew his facts, and the Seafarers Ready For Lakes Drive {Contimied from Page 3) vessels are being hastily con­ structed." This is a clear indication that the steel trust and other Lakes operators are going to make mil­ lions of dollars, and that they can well afford to pay the Lakes seamen the increases in wages long overdue. It is going to be a boom year for the bosses, and the Seafarers International Union is fully de­ termined to make it a boom year for the seaman or muffle the op­ erators' boom to an inaudible pop. A good job this season means that the LCA is smashed, the grasp of the steel trust broken and the Lakes seamen organiz;ed in the best damn Union in the . 41 world, the Seafarers. . wil �Page Eight THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday. March 7. 1947 UFE Beats Cotton Exchange With SlU Aid Beef-winning Seafarers pause for a moment on picketline to cooperate with the Log photographer. Except for this in­ stance. lines never stopped moving until beef was won. Passengers stepping down from the "El" station across the street from the paralyzed Cotton Exchange were greeted with literciture giving the lowdown on the big beef. Most of those who read the leaflets, or saw the picketlines. were sym­ pathetic to the strikers. (Continued from Page 1) finitely that the support of the SIU-SUP and other AFL unions would not be withdrawn until the beef was settled. So he ad­ vised his client to accept the com­ promise which had been worked out by the UFE and Arthur S. Meyer, head of the New York State Conciliation Service. Briefly, here is what the United Financial Employes won: I. Modified union shop with­ out the escape clause. 2. Check-off of dues. 3. Bonus based on daily vol­ ume of business. 4. Five day week with daily overtime. 5. Free group insurance—paid for by the employer. 6. Last but not least, salary increases ranging from $6.00 to $25.00 per week. In ad­ dition, supervisors are now covered by the contract. The termination date of the new contract is January 31, 1948. This is also a step forward since existing contracts with the New York Stock and Curb Exchanges expire on that datd. As John Cole, Vice-President of Local 205, UFE, said, "That gives us a chance to hit them all together next time if they stall." In a statement following ratifi­ cation of the new agreement, M. David Keefe, President of Local 205, said, "We want to thank all SIU-SUP members who helped us in our beef from the bottom of our hearts. If it hadn't been for your assistance, we wouldn't have won our strike. Thanks a million. Brothers! It's a debt that can't be repaid, but count us in any time you fellows need aid." And that about summed up the feelings of the Cotton Exchange employes who saw how SIU-SUP pressure, plus the aid of other unions, brought quick victory. Crowds line opposite side of Hanover Square after refusing to cross picketlines. After headache Seafarers gave cotton heads, it was suggested street's name be changed to Hangover Square. The Beaver Street side of the Exchange was locked up tight, too. Picketing Seafarers kept up lively chatter, as they shut off operations on the New York market for the first time in 75 years. A couple of Seafarers remove one of Ihe loudspeakers from behind a mail box. Police ordered the removal, but the neversay die SIU men found another spot; for it. Besides loudspeakers. Seafarers were represented by picketsigns. marchers, and SIU M.A.'s directed the entire demonstration. It was a good show— in the true SIU style. Not a Seafarer in sight, as this photo of the Dispatcher's room clearly shows. All hands were out on the United Financial Employes' picketlines—or on the third deck consuming coffeeand. As the sign shows, shipping was suspended so that, all could take part in the beef. A white-capped Seafarer stands fast in front of Hanover Square while a blue-coat loks around'for reassurance. No trou­ ble marked the swiftly-won beef, however. It was an orderly demonstration of power, but the Cotton Exchange heads got the idea and sat down to talk turkey with the UFE. Not to be outdone by the line around the comer. Beaver Street pickets show how effective­ ly they won crowd's support. Wall Street will never forget this spectacular show of UFE-SIU, solidarity. Opposite the picketline stand the many hundreds of people who would not go.through the line for anything. _ �Friday, March 7, 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Nine Picketlines Teach Wall Street To Bargain Philly sent seven of its militants to help out the Financial Employes. With new Agent Eddie Higdon, they did their part on the picketline. Left to right, Eugene Englebert, Wiper; William Perridge, OS; Charles Donley, AB; Arthur Harris, AB; George Ledson, Wiper; seated. Agent Higdon; and Ralph DiPaola, MM. Shut up tight as a drum is the New York Cotton Exchange. The big shots thought they could use scab workers, and in fact made plans to do so if the strike stretched into more thcui one day, but when they saw more than a thousand Seafeurers on the picketline, and heard the promise of many more, they changed their minds in a hurry. After that they were glad to sign a con­ tract with the UFE so that they could go back into the Cotton Exchange business.; These girls work in the Cotton Exchange. For years office workers have been underpaid and overworked, and their at­ tempts to better themselves have constantly met with defeat. But this time the story was different. With the help of the SIUSUP, and other AFL unions, the UFE won a smashing victory over the big shots. Of course, that doesn't mean that they will earn a fortune, but it will make living a mite easier. Paul Hall, Director of Organ­ ization, tells a mass meeting that the SIU will back the UFE, and that "six thousand pickets will hit the line if neces­ sary." But it wasn't neecssary. The Cotton Exchange bosses took the hint. Also present at the mass demonstration was Paul Hutchings. President of the OEIU, AFL, with which the UFE is affiliated. He thanked the SIUSUP, and the other unions as­ sisting the UFE in its beef. Baltimore had some men who wanted to help out also. So they grabbed a rattler and headed for Wall Street. Left to right, Hoss McKinnie, Chief Steward; Thomas Frazier, FWT; John Trust, OS; Eddie Collins, OS; Johnny Arabasz, Organizer; and Ray Queen, Wiper. Mike Hook was along, loo, but not around for the picture. Collins, Arabasz, and Queen are seated. M. David Keefe. Dave to those who know him and work with him, came up from the lower ranks in Wall Street himself. Before the war he was a clerk, but when he came back he decided it was high time for financial workers to get a belter break. He went out to organize, and in a few months he did a fine job. Here he is, left, addressing the monster rally during the strike against the Cotton Exchange. Blackie Cardullo, Marcus Hook Agent, introduced him. J| -•-jl The help of the Seafarers was not confined to the picketline. Our Hall was thrown open to the UFE to use as their strike headquarters, and part of our trusty strike kitchen was set up to serve hot coffee and doughnuts to the strikers. Their meetings were held in our Hall, and they ratified their new agreement with the Cotton Exchange right at 51 Beaver Street. These girls above are right off the picketlines. taking nourishment in the Hall. -''^1 �Page Ten Food Done To Turn On Wm. Brewster THE SEAFARERS LOG 'i • Hiiliiil Friday/ Maxtih T, 1447 Pointing up distinctive fea­ ture of the SlU-contracted ship are these two photos. The. Gadsden, which carries locomo­ tives and tenders fo Europet. iS:. reported to be the only one of its type in operation, A self?contained unit, the ship can load and unload its massive car­ go completely unaided byy shoreside facilities. Photo at left shows engine about to be lowered into hold by Gadsden's own crane. Right: oilrburning locomotive has set down on tracks in No. 2 hold. She will then be slid under the. deck, and crew will lay more track to receive the next load. Photos were taken at Baltimore by Seafarer Bill Robinson prior to a. recent run.. The food served aboard the William Brewster, Alcoa Steam­ ship Company, underwent a little broiling by the ship's crew and officers at a special meeting held Jan. 22 at sea. It seems that the ship's per­ sonnel had been growling under their breath about the prepara­ tion of the chow, so an informal meeting was held to see about ironing out the differences. The Officers, since they too eat the food, were invited to sit in and voice their opinions. The Chief Engineer and the Chief X * i Mate felt that the meat was not done right and the vegetables were only half cooked. The Captain also expressed his feelings saying that he was an easy man to please, but some­ thing was definitely wrong with the cooking. STEWARD EXPLAINS After kicking the ball around The crew of the SS Maiden schedule, and the lack of clean­ awhile, the Steward got up and Victory unanimbusly went on ing gear, soap and matches, the defended himself by saying that record in favor of "full Union three Delegates are to see the roasted meats aboard ship had control of the slopchest," and Chief Engineer and explain the to be pan broiled before roasting. called upon the Seafarers mem­ crew's stand on these matters. bership to cooperate with its of­ That the recreation room be AH-THIS ficials fully in bringing about the retained for its present purpose IS MOCHO addition of "this clause to the and not be converted: to a messpresent agreements." The action room as proposed. was taken at the Jan. 31 ship­ That the sanitary men in the board meeting. Deck, Engine and Stewards de­ Realization of this proposal partment be responsible for keep­ would be another great SlU vic­ ing the recreation room clean tory, the Maiden crew declared. daily, and that Delegates post a The meeting also gave unani­ working Jist, allowing one week mous endorsement to the propo­ of this work for each department sal made by the San Juan branch oh a rotating schedule. and concurred in by the New The meeting was chaired by York Hall, that biographical Albert DeForest, and Jerry Palm­ Relaxing on: Gadsden's rail are Johnny Clapp (left) and sketches of candidates for union er did the recording. Brother Robinson. as the meat is tough. He then office should be run in the Sea­ invited the ship's personnel to farers Log. inspect a pan of potatoes that had ENDORSEMENT just been prepared. The ci'ewmembers looked over the spuds The original motion, as passed and agreed that they were of reads as follows; excellent preparation. "During the calendar months After the inspection of the of November and December, there All hands on the SS WiUiam ' chest — that was the word that I He meant it wasn't English as Steward's culinary efforts, the is to be a photograph and a short Johnson call him "Lulu." It , was recognizable. The rest of spoken, but it was English, never­ crew suggested that the cooks be biographical summary of the can­ wasn't His real name, but he was the message (assuming it was a theless. It was the kind of stuff a little more careful and voted didates running for office, con­ the kind of a beaut whose ac­ message) was an alphabetical that batted around in the Isles that the beef against the cooking taining his efforts and progress tions made the label an appro­ hodge-podge. when Shakespeares was taking of the meat be thrown out. When the atmosphere of ques­ lunch on his mother's lap. in and for the Union, printed in priate one. Meeting was then adjourned the Seafarers Log. or any other He came aboard the vessel as tion-marks cleared, the crew callFrom then on that's how the with all hands in full agreement. periodical organ used by the Un­ Purser on a recent voyage, and guys bought stuff; from the slop­ The report of the meeting men­ ion to contact the membership." everything was okay, until he chest. They'd read the signs, tioned that the results attained In an added motion, the Mai­ opened his mouth. Then every translate them, and tHen buy. HcMQyfcwiMtt/ were satisfactpry to all hands in­ den crew expressed the "hope last man on the Johnson rocked e, Trying to find out what caused cluding Kilroy the ship's dog, that the deliberation and further in amazement—the guy was a this quirk, the Seafarers asked who had no bones to pick. natBcl.as study on this subject at the struggling with syllables that » the Phlutterting, Purser down to Meeting was chaired by Art Agents' conference would not re­ sounded like a cross between a their meeting. COMMOPt Wolch and recorded by Brother sult in change of the wording of Polynesian dialect and Siberian * "1 spent many years mastering Hinds. the above motion." jive. the English language," and 1 can't The crew was of the opinion Aside from the amusement it use common ordinary words," he that in its present form the mo­ afforded the Johnson men, this said, showing signs of being very tion best demonstrated the SlU's speech volcano didn't disrupt much ipsulted. ever-present desire to insure things because nobody paid any It. was learned later that the greater democracy within the attention to his wordy outbursts. word-paoking Purser was taking Union. But the monkey wrench in the ed the Old Man down to have a boxing lessons—beg pardoni we machinery came one day when look at the same. Man and dog, mean he became h; student-of the OTHER MOTIONS the men sat down to chow in the he'd seen a lot of queer things in manly art of self-defense. Other motions carried at the messhall. They noticed a sign his. day-—maybe he could de­ Thatrwas his first show of good meeting included the following; on the bulkhead. What it said no cipher the printed gibberish. sepse. Any guy who spouts like The Old Man did, a double, take. he does had bettet be prepared That in regard to the change one knew, except that it had over in the Wiper's coffee-makmg something to do with the slop- It can't be but it is, he mused. to back up his words. VTalden Men Take Stand For A Union Slopchest Prima Donna Purser Louses Up Language And SS Johnson Slopchest Goes Haywire WTTTI �THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, March 7. 1947 Page Eleven SIU Ship's Minutes In Brief HELEN. Feb. 14—Chairman Blackie Marlin; Secretary Joe E. Thomas. Crew desired to know why beef stew and bo­ logna was served for supper twice before vessel sailed. Crew voted for improvement in meals. A few crewmembers squawked about shortage of linen that was issued to them so a man is to check on entire linen issue weekly. Several! toilets are out of order in all departments. Crew urged to speak their beefs in the meeting and not in the messhall. and to stop using linen to clean their shoes. Delegates to get radio and loudspeaker for messhall. Good and Welfare: All books and tripcards checked. One minute of silence for the broth­ ers lost at sea. spoke on the question of keep­ ing the laundry clean. It was suggested that each depart­ ment arrange the days for using the laundry room. A brother asked that the Engineers be advised or regulating the air conditioning so as to be suit­ able for comfort in crew quar­ ters. Suggestion made for the crewmembers using cups, etc., to help keep the messroom clean by taking them to the pantry. 4 4 4. Mandarin Men Lash At Bosun S. 4. t GEORGE WASHINGTON, Jan. 22—Chairman Crosby: Secretary Tazzani. New Busi­ ness: Motion made to refer to Patrolman for further action any man who refuses to attend meetings. Sentiment of mem­ bership is that such men are not wanted on the ship. Motion made to look into food situation, such as a menu change. Im­ proper cooking and to make fresh fruits and vegetables more available to crew. Motion car­ ried to inform Patrolman of leaking bridge deck. Motioncarried to have something done about lack of ventilation and odor in OS foc'sle. Patrolman to ask to have Radio Opera­ tors moved aft and let OS take the foc'sle. Good and Welfare. Racks for mops and wringer pail not yet made available to Deck Department. Ventilator in crew's head not repaired. Suggestion made to name com­ mittee to talk to Patrolmai^ about pushing all beefs. Action has been too slow. One min­ ute of silence for brothers lost at sea. % % % WILD RANGER, Jan, 6 — Chairman Charles Bush; Secre­ tary Sam Shatkovnick. New Business: Motion carried to make list of repairs and equip­ ment needed. Motion to keep P.O. messroom open at all times for serving meals to crew. Mo­ tion carried to have the Dele­ gates check with Steward when supplies are brought aboard. Motion carried that Delegates be instructed to check books be­ fore leaving New York. Good and Welfare: Many Brothers 1>RcrrfCT-THESIU.^ A Bosun who didn't want to get his hands dirty got the crew's wind up aboard the SS Mandarin recently. The crewmembers thought it was okay when the Bosun told them he was physi­ cally unable to do heavy work. They even tolerated him when he stood around and let the men do all the work. They put up with his absence from the Deck for long periods of time, but when he gave them the excuse that he couldn't work as he did not know the gear, that was too much. They think the Bosun, after two months of coastwise sailing of the Mandarin, should have known something about the gear. Anyone want to teach a class in seamanship to a tired Bosun? 4 4 4 GEORGE SHARSWOOD. Jan. 26—Chairman George Morris: Secretary Peter Davies. New Business: Necessity of fans in the galley was brought to the attention of the members. Brother Smith reports that this item is on the Repair list. Crew expressed disapproval of the Captain's system of rationing cigarettes. Slop chest con­ demned as entirely inadequate. Recreation Hall is filthy. Crew agreed to rotate cleaning. Ra­ tioning of food and cigarettes to be reported to Union and print­ ed in Seafarers Log. with car­ toon of Captain doing same. It was pointed ou that this will bring action from company as they do not like to see theirl ships blasted. Peter Davies to write letter and submit draft to delegates for further sugges­ tions. Motion carried that laun­ dry be kept clean and no mem­ ber leave clothing in basins. Motion carried that depart­ ments rotate, excluding Engine Department, three days a week in using laundry and time table be posted. Motion carried that Captain is to wire Company to have food waiting on dock ir­ respective of day of week of arrival. Motion carried that more adequate medical sup­ plies be placed aboard. MUNCIE VICTORY, Jan. 26 —Chairman Peter Jordan: Sec­ retary Fred Tatro. Good and Welfare: Discussion on plugged head overboard drain lines on lower deck, stuboard side. Cap­ tain assured crew that the con­ dition of the heads would be taken care of when the vessel arrived in port. Request that Steward put in requisition for four new perculators. Carpen­ ter complains that there have not been enough cups left out at coffee time. Motion carried to recommend to Sec.-Treas. John Hawk that where new contract is negotiated between company and union that there be included a clause calling for washing machines to be in­ stalled in laundry rooms of all Union vessels. 4 4 4 STEEL ARTISAN. Nov. 26— Chairman Tannehill: Secretary not given. New Business: Pos­ sibility of opening P. O. mess­ hall discussed because the pres= ent messroom is not sufficient in seating capacity for the en­ tire crew. The Stew'ard how­ ever states that a new messroom for the crew would be a hardship and more work for the messman. Because of the lack of storage space, the P.O. messhall is being used as a storeroom. Good and Welfare; The cook stated that the galley scupper was still plugged up although the First Engineer was notified of it last trip. If tjoo can't CUT and RUN By HANK 4 4 4 FOLLANSBEE, Nov. 10 — Chairman R. J. Zalinski: Secre­ tary D. W. RandalL New Busi­ ness: Oiler presented a beef against the Wiper on sanitary work. It was agreed that he do a better job with his work or his tripcard would be taken from him. Oiler opened discus­ sion about money due to each member for linen and penalty cargo—this situation to be pre­ sented to the Captain by the delegates. Good and Welfare: Motion carried to have a buzzer for the man on standby instead of the whistle as the man on, standby cannot hear it. Second Cook discussed the problem of the Deck Crew using the Stewards Department head and leaving it filthy. Motion carried to obtain another Wiper as ship only carries one. 4 4 4 CAPE HORN. Nov. 4 — (Chairman and Secretary not given) New Business. Motion carried to report the faulty drain system in the Deck De­ partment shower to the Chief Engineer. Motion carried to have sufficient lighting installed in the Stewards and Engine Department showers. Motion carried to have the department Delegates and the Steward, if necessary, cooperate with the Patrolman in Houston in secur­ ing sufficient Steward Depart­ ment supplies. Discussion open­ ed about providing the Engine Department with watch foc'sles and to have this matter placed! before the Chief Engineer. Mo­ tion carried to have no one pay off without a Patrolman being present, and if anyone is found breaking this - agreement he would be subject to charges. Good and Welfare: Chairman requested that all crew mem­ bers keep all crew beefs within the crew and away from the bridge. Baltimore is booming with real good shipping, we^ hear. And Mobile is full of Alcoa ships, according to Tony Pisano, citizeii of Staten Island, who said he didn't wait to indulge in any good times in the Joe Palooka Bar or the Royal Cafe . . . Paul "Haywire" Warren, oldtimer and ex-pie card, just sailed into New York after a short trip to Puerto Rico. Paul, who hasn't visited New York in many years, laughingly remembered an incident in those "salad days" when, just after their payoff from a trip, he and Bull and dis­ patcher Paul, temporarily lost each other, their hotel and theii* money there. Paul is going South, where we presume his wife Clara and his 11-year-old son, Jimmy, are living. Jimmy, by the way, is Bull's best reader of those articles in the Log . . . Our apolo­ gies to Bob Pohle. We wrote that he was The Great Lover of Marcus Hook but the printer either forgot his spelling or his glasses and the word great was drastically changed . . . Oldtimer Edwai'd Eaton, just blew into town and registered for shipping. 4 4 4 4 "Old Chile," otherwise known as Dusan Dei Duisan. just sailed into New York from his home country after spending some pesos and time there. "Old Chile" still carries that familiar mustache with him. too .. . Brother John McCauley just gave us the sensational news (which had been told us many months ago by Steward Vic Milazzo of Rhode Island) about what the state of Rhode Island is giving it's Merchant Seamen. Rhode Island merchant seamen are getting $200 bonus for wartime service. The two men who did all this fine work in passing the lav/ are Senator Greene of R. I. and Joe Pinta. Brother McCauley says that his friend. Senator Greene, remembers him when they were on the hospital ships. Arcadia . . . Bosun "Blackie" Peter Rod­ riguez. just came in from a trip which wasn't so harmonious . . . That electrician. Frank Bosc. is ready for shipping, according to his own words uttered from under his mustache. 4 4 4 4 Joseph Sortino, who lives up there in Connecticut, is ready for shipping, we notice . . . Johnny Meghrian, who sails engineer, says he just finished a four month trip to South America and may soon launch himself into the eternal splice . . . Oldtimer Anthony Demedo, who sails as utility messman, is in town right now for shipping . . . Harvey Hill, with a slightly visible blonde mustache suddenly bloom­ ing under his nose, just sailed aboard the Laredo Victory which has a real fine crew who have been aboard several trips . . . Robert Barrett says that he's going to try to save some spinach and get himself a greenhouse on Long Island, because he was in that busi­ ness before . . . "Rocky" Benson should still be down there in Miami, Florida, where we have a new union hall. How's the sunshine and oranges. Rocky? . . . "Rum and Coke" Willie West just sailed Into town after his usual voyage to South Africa and other parts. Next trip will be better. Brother West! 4 4 4 4 NEWS DEPARTMENT: Of 500 ships now registered in Panama. 142 were transferred from the American flag. Ships under the Panama flag operate with almost no restrictions or requirements of manning, security, wages, union agreements, food scales and quarters, licensed officer personnel or naviga­ tion rules and laws. Panama has no adequate inspection serv­ ice. hence such matters as seaworthiness, qualifications of offi­ cers and crews and manning scale are largely up to the operators and masters. It is difficult to determine the number of Amencan-owned ships now operating under the Panama flag inasmuch as many belong to companies incorporated in Panama and show­ ing Panamanian ownership although the capital may be Ameri­ can. �T H E SE AF ARERS LOG Page Twelve Pridar, March 7/ 194r THE MQIiBERSHlP SPESKS CAPE BORDA BELLYROBBERS Rumor-Mongers^ Disrupters Have No Spot In Seafarers To the Editor: r From left to right, unidentified except for their ratings are the vessel's Steward, Chief Cook and the Night Cook and Baker. The water is the Caribbean. I am a former members of the National Maritime Union, and outside of the communists, the most disgusting thing in that out­ fit was the constant back-biting and slandering that went on. It was so bad that one patrol­ man wouldn't listen to your beef if you were a friend of another patrolman who was his enemy. There is some of that stuff go­ ing. on in the SIU, but not too much. Most of it takes place in gin mills and comes from guys who stay on the beach looking for live ones. It comes from reg­ ular gashounds and screwballs. ROTTEN EXPERIENCE I had personal contact with this sort of thing in Philadelphia right Company Stiffs Still Peddling Bosses' Union-Smashing Bilge To Ihe Editor: Many companies have already started their efforts to defeat our negotiations for the annual wage and conditions contract for 1947. There are many methods that they have been using, but the latest thing that I have noticed is their tactic of spreading dis­ sension aboard ship through prop­ aganda. Their present line is the claim that the companies are un­ able to cope with the high wages of the men in the SIU, and are selling their vessels because they are unable to compete with low­ er-paying foreign vessels. They want us to believe that the SIU is the cause of the pres­ ent wave of ship sales to foraign flags. They do not mention that the only ships that have been sold are government-owned or obsolete company vessels. They will not admit that the American cargoes they carry are far more expensive than foreign, nor will they admit that the com­ panies spend large sums of money gladly for ship operations. Also ^they have made little effort to check different company agents and their deals with shipchandlers. The only ship's expense being criticized is the wage being paid to seamen. GHERNE'S PIECE ON COMMUNISTS RECOMMENDED To the Editor: I have just finished reading an excellent article by Leo Cherne in the March 4 issue of Look magazine. The article, entitled: "How to Spot a Communist," dis­ closes the general characteristics and policies of the typical com­ munist. If you will print this letter, I would like to ask all Seafarers to read • this article- and when they are finished to leave the maga­ zine' around the Hall, or another place where all the rest may see it,. Walter Jones Black Mountain, N. C. To .spread this line, the com­ panies are sending their stooges aboard Union ships with the ex­ press purpose of spreading dis­ sension among the men. These finks in working stiff's clothing start their dirty work by telling you they are Union men. But Brother, peel pff the hide and you'll find the well-known company stiff. Usually I've found these men aboard as department heads, some having the blessing of the company, and others trying to curry favor with the ship­ owners. I have listened to coffee time, and at other times when men get together, and I have learned to break the back of organized labor. Whenever one of these guys ap­ proaches you with a line of antilabor baloney, do not hesitate to report him to the Hall. Tell him it is Tasele.ss to peddle his lies of unrest for" dirty money, as he is wasting his time and yours. Let's all stand together in con­ demning men of this type. They only cause trouble and lost hours of work. By ignoring these guys, they will die a natural death, and we will be able to go forward toward efficient operations, with financial dividends for all. Paul Parsons BREAK THE UNION These companies that have not learned the lesson are not in­ terested in saving anything, in operational expenses if they can gain the satisfaction of whipping labor; So, we• have to contend with the sell-out artists as long as companies insist on attempting MUST STOP IT Brothers, if we want to con­ tinue having a good Union, we've got to put a stop those conditions whenever we learn about them. They have no place in a demo­ cratic union. Characters who pass along empty rumors with the sole purpose of disrupting the efficiency of the SIU don't de­ serve the benefits of Seafarers' membership. Personally, I think thees vicious rumor-mongers and disrupters ought to have a head put on them and run off the wa­ terfront. What we have got to do though is put down these foul-mouthed rumors right at the source. We want no poison spreaders in the SIU. We've got a good Union. Let's* keep it that way. Bill Brown Bosun Hintler To Leave Sea; Will Grunt 'n' Groan A Bit To Ihe Editor: how to pick out these labor trai­ tors with their line of bull. Most of these men are opportunists, who will sell their souls to any company official who will reward them with a few financial crumbs from the well-laden company table. These men have cost the Union, and the companies, many work­ ing hours and plenty of money. Some of the companies have realized this, and have improved their dealings with the Union. Others have not. in the union, hall about six months ago. There were a small gang of chiselers, who ran things to suit themselves, and unfortunate­ ly, their leaders were union of­ ficials. If anyone argued with, or opposed these guys, he ended up with lumps and bruises. I was at the last meeting here in New York and when I heard Philadelphia's new business read, I decided to look the minutes over. So I came up to the Hall and read them. What I saw in these minutes certainly did open my eyes. What I had experienced out there was only a sample. But it is a good, healthy sign when the member­ ship puts a stop to the crap' like the stuff that was going on in Philly. Writing you a few lines while still at sea to let you and the rest of the Brothers know the low down on Rotterdam, together with a few details of our trip. We have with us an Ordinary Seaman, Landry, who went ashore with the rest of the boys for a little fun and while in the Ballahala Dance Hall, was severely cut and beat up by. some of the NMU boys and was taken to the hospital. One knife cut went all the way into his liver. We were fortunate enough to have a good Skipper who allowed him to be brought aboard from the hospi­ tal so he could return to the States. The Skipper's name is Robert Durkin and he has proven himself to be a capable Skipper and a good Union man. So Broth­ ers, watch your step while in Rot­ terdam. We have had a very good trip outside of this cutting, incident. We have a very competent Stew­ ards department. The Chief Steward, Ray Casinova, wouldn't weigh 125 pounds soaking, wet, yet you'- could hear him broad­ casting all over the ship. Little but loud, he was 100 percent for the' crew and did* everything, for us. The Chief Cook, L. IX .Neiil, Pac. Dist. 60, who is another old Log 'A- Rhythms Ode Te a Seaman By "LOLITA" (Editor's note; The foliowingi poem was - submitted by the: wife of a Seafarer. She was; very modest about submitting it to the Log, so we'd like her to know we think very highly of her effort, and that we hope she'll keep sending them in). In the days before I knew, A sailor was just one of the crew, A tough, rough creature Strong of body, and hard of feature; He cared not for home or family. But only to go on a spree; With a girl in every port He never gave marriage a thought. One day, life played a joke on me. Along came a sailor with child­ ish glee, ' Large and powerful, but gentle as a sigh. Bright sunny hair and a clear blue eye. Not a high-pressure salesman with a ready line. But quiet and thoughtful most of the time. Slowly but surely my thoughts turned round 'Til I knew how rare was the love I had found. The books he did read were the best on the shelf. And music, the classics, came second only to myself. So, now I feel it is my duty. To correct folks who are snooty. And tell them the seaman's creed. timer helping to make it a good For kindness is his watchword. trip with his Creole Cooking. In thought and word and deed. Second Cook and Baker, A. Lemoine, was always mixed up in the dough. Our messman was URGES ACTION tops, always on the ball, keeping AGAINST SHIP'S everything shipshape. The Stewards Delegate was PERFORMERS Bryant, and kept everything run­ To the Editor: ning smoothly on his part. The In the last few weeks I have Deck Delegate was Gentry and he did a very good job. We were been reading in the Log of dif­ very fortunate in having two old ferent instances of performers on faces with us, one was Roy Bell, ships, and I agree with others Engine Delegate and Dutch De- that something will have tc be gan. Deck Engineer. Dutch was done about it. unfortunate enough to fall over I will try to give an example a • padeye and break his ankle. of what I mean. It concerns a A speedy recovery to the Dutch­ case aboard one of our contract­ man. Myself, Duke Himler, SUP ed companies. A Fireman got 4416 was ship's delegate, with no drunk and stayed' that way for beefs. five days without sobering up un­ Must sign off for now. Will til he was broken down to Wiper. not write for some time as I am Everything was okay until the quitting the sea for a couple of payoff when, this guy told the months. I am going on a wrest­ Patrolman he hadn't been drunki ling tour in Mexico, for $150.00 The Patrolman took his word per match. So will see all you for it and stuck out a bum beef. Brothers upon my return. Another case occurred in Balr DUIO9< Himler, Bosun timore. All but three of the creW SS'James Smith at Sea Were performers. These charact­ (Editor's note:—We wish the ers will only hurt the Union by Duke great success in the grunt these actions, and Fm hoping and groan game,- and trust he something, will be done about it will keep, us informed- as to by the next time I get in an Am^: his heaving activities. Mean­ erican port. while, keep 'em down, Duke.) Eugene A. Piniartkl �Fridar; March 1. 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG ACTIVITY IN TYIE FAR EAST W^LL STREET WORKER APPLAUDS SEAFARERSVAID To the Editor: Virtual warfare reigns alongside the SS Swathmore Victor? lying at Shanghai. China recently, as crews of Chinese junkboats scramble for old dunnage thrown over the ship's side. As a clerk who works in a brokerage office in Wall Street, may I take this opportunity to thank your Union membership for the fine job that they are do­ ing in helping the poor whitecollar worker in getting or­ ganized. We all know the great contri­ bution that the SIU made during the war, by both helping to win the war, and by combating the communists who are trying to get a foothold here in the United States. Thanks again. M. J. G. BROTHER MAUPIN LEAVER HOSPITAL; ANXIOUS TO SHIP To the Editor: I just arrived home from the windy city of Chicago, where I spent six months as a patient at the Marine Hospital. ' I am preparing a report on con­ ditions there and will send it along as soon as possible. In the meantime, I want to tell the membership about the swell agent we have in the Chicago office—a man who I feel is doing a wonderful job and will continue to do so in the years to come. His name is Herbert Jansen, a young man in years, but an oldtimer in Swathmore Victory crewmembers making ready to leave Shanghai for Hong Kong. Seafarer James "Red" Fisher shot the maritime industry and the these pictures. SIU. Brother Jansen gave me every assistance during my confine­ ment, and also to anyone else, union man or otherwise, to whom he could give a helping hand. He was more than glad to do so. In closing, I extend to Brother SEAFARER OBJECTS TO ALABAMA'S Jansen and his assistant, John (I'm sorry I do not know his last UNEMPLOYMENT TAX DEDUCTIONS name). My sincere appreciation I'm not an active Seafarer at present, having temporarily re­ and thanks for a job well done. tired my Union book in order to finish my education. However, I have a question: Why should a seaman pay the State of Alabama for the privilege of being employed on the ships of the Waterman Steamship Cor­ poration? I think this taxation is entirely uncalled for, as no other state, to my knowledge, enforces thi.s procedure. Some action should be taken to discredit this practice, as the majority of sea­ men do not benefit from this tax, whatever it stands for. George Maslarov Book No. 34481 Delroit. Mich. ANSWER:—The tax you speak of is collected in compli­ ance with the provisions 'of the State of Alabama's unemploy­ Brother Jansen and his assistant ment compensation laws. Under the state law. seamen are re­ both carry their Union books in quired to make contributions to the fund—deductions being their hearts as well as in their made from their wages—are, therefore, eligible for the bene­ pockets. I hope to be strong enough by fits when they are unemployed. March 5 to report to the Chicago The law applies to all companies whose ships are registered Hall ready to turn to for a little in the state, and Waterman falls in this category. Payroll de­ bellyrobbing in the Lakes. How ductions of the tax must be made, regardless of where the ships about it. Herb? pay off. However, seamen are eligible for the unemployment Robert H. Maupin payments whether or not they reside in Alabama. Washington, D. C. m BEEF BOX Beachcomber Picks Up Some Newsy Items To the Editor: As I am at present looking the beach over down here in Mobil&, I might as well give the report on the local beachcombing. At the last membership meet­ ing here the introduction of the Agent-elect Cal Tanner and the Patrolmen was well taken, for there was much applause, and it wasn't bf the studio type. Brother Lindsey Williams, Gulf area organizer, made one of those speeches you hear about, but seldom-hear. He dealt with or­ ganization work—^what has been accomplished, what is being done and what the aims of the Union are. His report was cheered by all present. WILL MOVE This meeting was great. Word was given that a new HaU had been found and that we would be able to move out of the worst of SIU Halls. This is-not hearsay. I personally know that if Mobile had a temperature down to 20 degrees, no one would have been able to stay in the Hall as it would have been impossible to heat .the place. I guess before the next Lpg comes out; the Hall will be moved to Dauphin Street at Laurence, upstairs over the Furniture store. Last week in the port of Mobile, the Seafarers signed agreements with towing companies, and they're the best agreements in the world for wages and condi­ tions. Since the first of the year ship­ ping has been so good that ships have had to sail short a messman, and men coming in for jobs were shipped out in a hurry. Guess that will finish my chat for the .time being. Until I get my bowline ashore, I remain The Beachcomber Page Thirteen Mac Is Bellyrobbingr StiR But Does It In Ritz Style To the Editor: Who said a Seafarer couldn't make the Ritz? Well, here I am as head man of the Ritz—the Ritz Soda Shoppe, Hartford, Conn. That's what comes of one belonging to a good outfit like the Seafarers Interna­ tional Union, which has the best contracts in the business contain­ ing the best working conditions. So, use your heads fellows, and save your money. Maybe some day you, too, can buy yourself an eatery. Of course, this ribbing is all in fun. But what I said about the SIU stands 100 percent. It it wasn't for the Seafarers and what they stood for, I would not have been able to own this place today. ed every one treated the same whether he was licensed or not, and overtime was plentiful on his ship, and with days off for all in port. I understand the Captain has quit the Calmar line and is now retired. It's too bad fellows like this are retired and the Capt. Blighs continue to sail. How is R. Gonzales the P. M? And Paul Hall, C. Fisher and the rest of the old gang? Say Ed, if you can give me any advice on how I can collect that Calmar dough I would appreciate it very much. I'd hate to see them get. away with the dough; they got enough during the war. If you ever get up to Connecti­ cut, stop in at the Ritz Soda Shoppe, and you can have any­ thing you like on the house. Francis E. McGillicuddy Ex-Bellyrobber (Editor's note:—For that retrocative pay, write to Calmar Steamship Corp.. 25 Broadway, New York City, giving full par­ ticulars. If you have any trou­ ble, let us know. Meanwhile, keep puttin' on the Ritz, Frank. Thanks for that invite. Maybe we'll get a chance to take ad­ vantage of it someday.) It took the winning of a lot of beefs plus hard work on the part of the Patrolman and Union of­ ficials to get today's conditions. So, keep up the good work. HAS DOUGH COMING I see by the Log that Calmar is paying that retroactive pay. It's about time. I must have a few hundred coming from them myself. What will be the pro­ cedure in collecting this dough? Also in the Log I notice that Capt.^H. H. Fletcher is still master on the Eliza Wheelock. He's one of the best Skippers I've ever sailed with. I made a trip,with him when he was Chief Mate on the SS Philip F. Thomas, and the boys were all for him. Buck Stephens made a mistake when he said that Capt. Fletcher was the only good Captain Calmar had. I hate to say it about this outfit but give the de-vil his due. Capt. Hans Vige was another man just like Capt. Fletcher. He want- BROTHER GETS BRUSH OFF AFTER SHIPBOARD INJURY Aid For Writers If you are about to write— or have written—-stories of the sea, but are stumped as to how to go about having them pub­ lished, you can toss your wor­ ries over the side. The Log is happy to an­ nounce that seagoing -writers now can have their stories, articles and booJcs read and appraised by people who know the score. An arrange­ ment has been made with a reputable agency of authors' representatives, who will read the material at no cost. If the stuff has possibilities, it -will be brought to the attention of publishers. If you've written something you think is of public interest, or if you plan some literary ef­ fort while at sea, why not avail yourself of this service? Send your manuscript — typewritten, of course—^to Carl CowL c/o Seafarers Log. 51 Beaver Stw New York 4, N. Y. Enclose stamped envelope addressed to your permanent residence to in­ sure safe return in case script is not up to snuff. To the Editor: I was getting down from my top bunk Monday night, Feb. 3, when my foot slipped from the lower bed and I fell, hitting my side a hard blow on the settee in my room. First thing Tuesday morning I sent word of this to the Mate and told him I was unable to turn to. I didn't see anyone all day, so on Wednesday morning I sent word to the Captain that I wanted medical attention. About six p. m. the Purser came in with a doctor, who felt my side, said nothing was broken and put a few turns of gauze around my side and left. The gauze didn't stay on 20 minutes. By Friday morning I was so sore, I could hardly sit up in bed, so I had the Bosun tell the Mate that if I didn't get some atten­ tion I was going to call the American consul. Friday after­ noon I was sent up for an x-ray. Saturday afternoon, the Chief Mate came up and told me I had four broken ribs, and on Sunday afternoon a doctor came down and taped me up—^six days after the accident. Several times I have asked for something to help me sleep, but have been told there is nothing on board. Up to the present time, Feb. 17, an officer or the Purser hasn't been up to see me or inquire as to my condition. Clark R. Pope Okay New York Beef Handling To Ihe Editor: We are taking this opportunity to thank headquarters *for their splendid cooperation in squaring away our beefs when we were in New York. We received everything we put in for, except a few minor items, and we will square those away in :time. Until you hear from us again--rafter the next meetingpublish ;this in the Log. Signed by the Four Delegates "ii �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Fourteen Friday. March 7, 1947 Seafarers Votes To Open Talks With Operators To Raise Wages {Continued from Page I) Acting New York Port Agent, fol­ lows: WHEREAS: The cost of living has increased since the present wage scale was negotiated with all shipping companies con­ tracted to the Seafarers Inter­ national Union of North Amer­ ica. and WHEREAS: Our existing agree­ ments provide for application to open negotiations for changes in the wage scale any time during the life of an agree­ ment, and WHEREAS; It is necessary to open negotiations immediately so that the wage scale can be adjusted to meet the present cost of living, THEREFORE, BE IT RE­ SOLVED: That the Seafarers International Union of North America go on record to im­ mediately open negotiations with all of its contracted .op­ erators for an increase in the wage scale in line with the present cost of living, AND BE IT FINALLY RE­ SOLVED: That in the event the shipowners attempt to stall us on this question beyond a reasonable length of time that we take the necessary steps, including economic action, to prevent such, happenings. When this resolution was pre­ sented, there was an immediate wave of suppoi't. Many Brothers took the deck to give their ideas on the subject, and although they looked upon a strike as some­ thing to be resorted to only if everything else failed, all ex­ pressed themselves as favoring strike action if the operators stall. 194G GENERAL STRIKE The last strike of the SIU, in September, came as a result of a decision by the Wage Stabiliza­ tion Board to refuse approval of increased wage scale negotiated By JOSEPH VOLPIAN As far back as men went to sea for a living, the courts have al­ ways considered seamen as being the "wards of the Admiralty Courts." This theory is an outgrowth of the conditions seamen had to put up with for years until they or­ ganized into unions. In the old days, men were shanghaied, given slop to eat, and vermin infested quarters in which to sleep. They were paid off with peanuts, and there was no such thing as an eight-hour day, overtime or days off. They were fair prey for every unscrupulous person, including shipowners, masters and anyone who came in contact with them. In those days all you had to have to go to sea was a strong back and an iron-lined stomach. Nowadays, a far better and more intelligent fellow goes to sea. He has realized that the best protection for himself and his brother seamen is to form a strong Union, such as ours, which is amply capable of taking care of his working conditions and welfare. Since the war, we have had a great many, young fellows go to sea. We are referring to those who are under 21 years of age. The courts have special rules to protect their interests. If a fellow under 21 years of age is hurt on a ship, he is con­ sidered to be an infant by the com'ts. GUARDIAN APPOINTED He can hire his own lawyer, but cannot agree on a fee. Before suit can be started, the court appoints a guardian "ad litem" to sue for the infant. If the case is settled, the judge has to approve the settlement. If, in" his opinion, the settlement is insufficient, he refuses to okay it. . If the settlement is satisfactory, he determines the value of the work done by the lawyer and sets his fee for him, which in most cases is very reasonable. After the case is disposed of, the money is deposited with the clerk of the court, subject to withdrawal by the infant with the court's consent, or until he reaches the age of 21 years and is considered a man. These precautions are taken by the courts for the sole purpose of protecting the rights and interest of those persons who are consid­ ered infants by reason of the fact that they are under 21 years of age. The courts feel, though we do not agree with them, that a fel­ low going to sea under 21 years of age cannot manage his own business affairs. ON THEIR TOES Our experience has been that the young fellows in our Union are on their toes every minute, and it would be very hard for any one to take advantage of them. However, experience has taught the courts that the aver­ age person under 21 years is im­ mature and can be taken ad­ vantage of by an older person very easily. The courts do not think that an infant is capable of entering into contract or of taking care of his money. In the case of the seaman who is over 21 years of age, he re­ tains a lawyer when he is hurt and agrees upon a fee, and any settlement that is made has to be made with his approval. He does not have to go to the court to set the fee of the at­ torney, nor does he have to have the approval of the court to settle his case. He is considered ma­ ture enough to be able to handle his own affairs. However, in the case of a fel­ low under 21 years of age, the courts have set up these safe­ guards to protect the boy against his own folly. by the Union. The winning of that strike meant the death of the WSB. Any new wages won in the requested negotiations will not be subject to review by any Government agency. In the successful action last year, the AFL Maritime Trades Department got its baptism of fire. Through the successful co­ operation of other AFL Maritime unions America's shipping was brought to a complete standstill. In the face of this, the Govern­ ment was forced to reverse itself. War Department Against Seamen Bill Of Rights •>'Tvi By FRENCHY MICHELET And so we came at length to Marsolova, Rosalia. The blessed the lofty summit of Monte Pelle- sun rides high in the heavens, grino by the torturous road that sweet — tomorrow comes the the Romans had followed in the wind and the rain! days of yore. That great monumental pile of Arabian and Norman architecture History tells us innumerable is The Cathedral. It Was a mos­ tales of the dead and gone gener­ ations that have lived and died there far below where Palermo smiles so sweetly in the Sicilian sun. But History is but a gossipyold crone at best, who weaves her fabric.with a warp of fact and a woof of fiction so we won't bother you with any of her OldWives' tales. Instead, you may sit here be­ side us on this lofty rock and lis­ ten while Rosalia points out the things of interest in the breath­ taking panorama below. That is the blue Mediterran­ que in the time of the Mussulman ean that is lapping so softly on conquest, but Bishop Offimilio the Sicilian shore. She wafted a converted it into a Christian host of conquerors to this sleepy church in 1170. land, but they all sleep with Many a devout Mohammond their fathers now while their has answered the wail of the erstwhile captives wander freedmuezzin who stood in its min­ men over their graves. arets and summoned the faithful That little boat floating so children of Allah to prayer. placidly on the glassy sea is And now for many centuries freighting two lovers to the love­ the priests of Rome have swung ly languid land of Makebelieve. the censer over the heads of the See, through the glasses, how adoring multitudes of Palermo reverently he touches her hand. and her environs. There is a poet beloved of the Perhaps in the not-too-distant beloved far removed who thinks future some New Messiah will that we are all of us islands in rise to preach the godlier religion the sea of life. Only in the spring, and more christian Christians he sings, when the balmy breezes will dole bread from her marble of youth float over our dreamy- alters to the poor and the lame heads, do we feel that our barges and the halt and the blind to the meet and that we are part of a glory of the God enshrined in single continent. their weakened hearts. You who know Brother MichFor, when winter comes—and come it shall—our hearts flee elet so well are well aware that from our hands to the innermost he rarely plays the pundit unless, reaches of our being and we seek of course, he feels called upon to teach Shuler to peel potatoes, so to touch each other in yain. We are all of us islands in the you will surely bear with him in this grammatical mood. lonely dismal waste WASHINGTON—The War De­ partment declared itself against the Seamen's Bill of Rights, when representatives testified recently before a sub-committee of the House Merchant Marine Commit­ tee that it is staunchly opposed to the bill to grant aid for readjust­ ment in civilian life of those sea­ men who rendered wartime serv­ ice. The War Department maintains that it finds no justification for granting seamen and their de­ pendents benefits equal to or greater than those provided for veterans of the present war. In their report to the commit­ tee it was stated: "The War De­ partment is not aware of any ef­ fort, during the present war, by members of the merchant marine,' or their representatives, to have military or naval status conferred upon them with the liabilities, privileges, and emoluments flow­ ing from such status. "Rather, they have apparently chosen to enjoy the usual rights of civilians, to introduce contracts of employment, plus the higher pay, liberal bonuses and free in­ "The unplumbed, salt, es­ surance provided for them during tranging sea." the emergency. It's sweet to bask in the warm "In the event that the Con­ Sicilian sun and dream of what gress should determine as a mat­ the moon may bring in her train. ter of national policy that addi­ The firm, round, dimpled, point­ tional benefits should be pro­ ing arm of Rosalia is richer with vided for members of the mer­ the promise of romance than the chant marine, the War Depart­ soft yielding lips of love. ment would offer no objection to TRANSPORT TO PAST an equitable extension of bene­ There, in that dense clump of fits through amendment to gen­ eral maritime laws especially de­ massive buildings, stands the Church of St. Giovanni Degli signed to protect merchant sea­ Ereimite. Her five -round domes men." stand out from the neighboring Of the national veteran's or­ structures like a bit of the wonganizations, the 'Veterans of For­ derous East miraculously trans­ eign Wars has also put itself in planted by some Alladin-like opposition to the bill, on the genie to the shores of the Western grounds that it might undermine World. the entire GI Bill of Rights. This church was built in the The National Commander of twelfth century by King Rugthe VFW, Omar Ketchum has gero. To see it still standing in stated that he intended "no dis­ all its wonted glory is to bridge paragement of the gallant (war­ the gap of ages, and to conjure time) service" of seamen, but he up in the mind a picture of metaladded that merchant seamen re­ clad knights battling the Saracen ceived "substantial benefits" dur­ infidels for possession of the ing World War II. Christian realms. The only national veterans or­ And there lie the awful Cata­ ganization that has pledged its combs — those ghastly tunnels support of the seamen's Bill of where the upright bodies of Rights is the American Veterans mummified Sicilians grin hide­ Committee. The AVC has been ously at you from either wall. in favor of the measure since it Did Casaer reck of this when was first introduced in the 79th Congress and, being the sole vet­ he stood on the banks of the eran's organization admitting Rubicond and resolved to brave merchant seamen into its ranks, the wrath of Pompey for all the it has fought vigorously for pas­ sunny fields of Italy beyond? sage of the measure. Pour us a drink of that dark AH, LOVE ! To define Rosalia, then—She's as sweet as the first kiss of love, she's as fresh as the dew on the rose, she's the sigh that burdens your heart when the girl of your choice is nigh, she's the wind that winnows through the hair of your darling when Venus rides high in the sky, she's the last lingering sip in the bottle when all of your francs have flown; she's the nap in the lap of the morning when the mate calls you fore and aft at the dawn. Tomorrow we asil from Pal­ ermo after a wonderful ten-day stay. 'While here, we have en­ joyed all the popularity of a leader in his prime; for word that your correspondent is the Chief Steward on the only American ship in port has spread like a se­ cret whispered in your motherin-law's ear. The customs officials would rather cut off their legs up to their ears than to incur our wrath by searching the sacred person of the guy what trots around with the magic keys to the fa­ bulous treasure trove. Daily we bowl up the Via Roma in a hansom carriage drawn by a belching horse who was evidently born and bred to a diet of beans, while the ragged street urchins point qut our comely person to an admiring throng. Oh, well, such is fame! �-Friday, March 7, 1947 V Page Fiffeen THE SEAFARERS LOG BULLETIN ttnclaimefl Baggage — New York PERSONALS Unclaimed articles and packages bearing the fol­ lowing^ names and/or identification tag numbers are being held at the 4th floor baggage room, 51 Beaver Street, New York City. Thc}-^ will be held another 30 days before being disposed of. Seafarers listed below are urged to call at or write to the baggage room for their property as early as possible: CHARLES MEAZZEL Write to Wilson J. Joyner, 1 Maple Street, Charleston, S. C. MONEY DUE JAMES WHITEHOUSE Get in touch with your mother at 307 Tower Street, Eureka, 111. 5. it i CARL R. MARTIN and ALEX. E. SULLIVAN Pick up your souvenirs at the New Orleans Hall. They were left ;here by Spider Korolia. t J. i JOAN F. HISKO Write or call your sons, John and Joseph, at Readington, New Jersey. NORTHERN WANDERER Alcoa Steamship Company Back wages, vacation pay and The bonus claim has been set­ transportation for the crewmem- tled and will be paid as soon as bers of the Northern Wanderer, itineraries from various ships are Alcoa Steamship Company, cov­ secured. Jack Gibbons, J. W. Clowes,* ering the trip from June 16, to Wages for R. S. Burnett, OS, No. 7217 (no name); Chas. J. Young, Paul Yancy, ArAug. 17, 1945, are now being paid. from June 16, 1945 to June 22, Hawley, Mis. Gei'tie Dyart, No. thur Gurtie Milne, John Rekstin, The one-month difference in 1945, can be collected if he writes William K. Vernier, Everette L. 8215: L. Olson, No. 1712. pay, the wage raise and the vaca­ to Mr. Gifford, c/o Alcoa Steam­ tion pay can be .secured by writ- ship Company, New Orleans, giv­ Kenneth Hogan, L. Logan, No. Penn, Walter C. Sweetser, Wal­ ing to Alcoa Steamship Company, | jng him the full details so he can 7310, (no name); No. 7251, (no ter M. Mitchel, Norman O. Dukes. Philip D. Jamison, Leonard E. c/o H. Garland, Pier 45, North' check up and make the payment. name); Mill Bratina; No. 469, (no River, New York. I Other claims for the Northern name); E. McCormick, Mickey Redmon, Alfred M. Robertson, Rpbert B. McCorkel, Pete F. ZaThe difference in transporta­ Wanderer are being handled and Tunnen. tion from Manila to San Francisco i will appear in the Log as soon Carlo Gomez, No. 8142, (no grnniczny, Edward H. Heacox, R. W. "BOB" WRIGHT is also being paid by the Alcoa, ^3 3^^^!^^^ Following is name); G 171, (no name); Lanier fkn-lysle C. Moss, Vicky C. Clark, Harry C. King, Bruel E. Bryan. R. H. Free; John Holm. who is confined to the New Or­ New York office. Each crew-j a list of crewmembers and money Clement Flores, Harold R. leans Marine Hospital, asks his member is entitled to $92.501 Joseph Bolger, Peter Kurkatransportation money over the j due them exclusive of transportamills, No. 126, Joseph Filipsen, Bronk, Jr., Charles Jabour, Carl fi iends to write him there. aniount listed. | tion and vacation pay. C. Grindberg, John B. Wilkes, No. 396, B/A RFIL; Forrest Mci i J. William M. Gray, Harold I. RAOUL PEPIN Kinley, John Asmont. Edward Williams, Ole Kuithll, Stone, Jose Valentin, Anthony Get in touch with your father, William V. Moody, Hlvaro Coti, "Metalica, Jessie Anderson, John L. Pepin, 1826 Govin Blvd. E., Eddie Frank Holec, Lee R. Stayer, V. Wagrath, Gustav Montreal, Canada, immediately. Joseph Hassinger 61.33 $ 64.57 Claude Hart Briggs, Clifton L. Alberton, Theo­ Bocek, Edward Burke. 33.36 Lusius Nickles 46.13 Arthur Woodard William J. Walsh, Harvey J. dore Harrette, Ahmed Abdelha99.47 Anthonj' Coffman 25.21 Harold Gillespie Soule, Eads A. Marcum, James J. mid, Joseph A. Spaulding. 60.81 Henry Williamson 16.17 Harry Dixon Earl Hoffman, William C. Lin- Plcgue, George Berkimer, Morris 59.09 Lynn Paasch 2.73 John C. Anderson gard, John Untich, Allen Bryant L. Shaeffer, Benjamin Green. 82.99 Victor Barker 3.73 Julian Supinski Wallace C. Clifton, J. C. HanHomer B. Broyles, Joseph P. Workman, Hipolito U. Cruz, Wil­ 82.99 Henry Black 34.06 Madison Hodges sell, Manuel Cruz, and Jose Mailiam Char. Leitch, John C. Mc­ Thompson, Juan S. Torres, A. W. 82.03 Robert L. Dice 87.98 James Renfroe Carthy, Hugh C. Malone, Byron Ecker, Howard I. Smith, Forrest sonet: These men, who witnessed Robert S. Burnett 50.93 87.67 Proceso Empefio the accident involving Manuel R. DeForrest, Raymond W. Mer- Gerber, Joseph O. Allard. 74.86 Kenneth Weatherwax 74.24 Jose Pagola Gonzales aboard the SS August rel, Leo M. Emright. Angelo Camerote 76.33 Jack Helms 65.19 In addition to the above, there Belmont, will please get in touch 68.49 19.59 Charles B. Bush are 12 packages bearing no name with Richard M. Cantor, 51 Henry Williamson Kenneth Weatherwax .... 18.67 Pantaloon Mondragon 50.17 or* number. Chambers St., New York City. 12.60 Conrado D..Reyes 50.17 Braxton Adams ^ Rafael Robles 50.70 Gerardo R. Satigan 50.17 BALTIMORE 14 North Gay St. I Will the members who were on 51.00 Herman Saunders 272.53 Gaudioso Pelino Calvert 4539 the SS Duke Victory on July 11, BOSTON 276 State St. 50.70 Manuel Kassavatis 89.99 Falconeri D. Reyes Boudoin 4455 1946, please contact Mr. Sol BerBUFFALO 10 Exchange St enholtz, Court Square Building, Cleveland 7391 Bonus and Unclaimed Baltimore, Maryland. CHARLESTON 424 King Street Wages Subsistence Phone 3-36S0 4. 4. SCHICAGO 24 W. Superior Ave. $ 77.95 $109.25 Crewmembers of Peter LisNEW YORK Superior 5175 150.00 109.25 comb can get copies of pictures SS J. LOWE CLEVELAND ...1014 E. St. Clair Ave. Main 0147 C. E. Surrency. $1.00; J. A. Robert- taken on last trip by writing him 172.50 109.25 CORPUS CHRISTI ..1824 Meaquito St sun, $2.00; J. A. Hughes. $2.00; D. T, 109.25 86.40 at 501 Tasker St., Philadelphia, II. E. Gillcspi ...... Corpus Christi 3-1509 Triiax, $2.00; R. Pennington. $1.00; J. DETROIT 1038 Third St. 97.35 109.25 Pa. Cadillac 6857 A. Pearson, $1.00; E. V. Vliet, $5,00; J J. 155.00 109.25 DULUTH 531 W. Michigan St. R. Miller, $2.00; S. L. Murray, $2.00; P. Mclroso 4110 B. Livingstone, $1,00; W. J. Wilkins, 18.00 40.42 ED BOLEHALA Herman Saunders GALVESTON 308)4—23rd Street $1.00; N. S. Ward. $1.00; G. Wilkerson. 18.30 Your clothes off the Topa Topa J. E. Hassinger ... 2-8448 $1.00; C. DeLoch, $2.00. are in the baggage room, 51 L. H. Nickles 28.42 v.. HONOLULU 16 Merchant St. SS DOROTHY 58777 18.30 Beaver Street. A. K. Coffman ... Crew of SS Dorothy—$3.00. HOUSTON 1515 7Sth Street 72.85 R. Lancaster SS STEVEDORE Phone Wentworth 3-3809 Crew of SS Stevedore—$5.00. 109.25 R. S. Burnett JACKSONVILLE 920 Main St. Phone 5-5919 R. Remmler, $1.00. 18.30 M. KassavetiS MARCUS HOOK 1'/, W. 8th St. SS BANDELIER C. F. Hart 18.30 Chester 5-3110 G. B. Griswold. $2.00; H, V. Keane. MIAMI 1356 N. E. 1st Ave. $2.00; T.'Kanaux, $2.00; A1 Stevenson. SS WM. PATTERSON J. C. Anderson .... 109.25 MOBILE 7 St. Michael St; $2.00; P. Pron, $2.00; E. L. Morris. Willard Workman, $3.00; Geo­ A. Camerote 109.25 2-1754 $2.00; C. Allen, $2.00; R. M. Hill, $2.00; rge Zanzar, $3.00; Fred N. MeNEW ORLEANS 339 Chartres St. M. J. Neth, $2.00; A. J. Stanton, $2:00; Magnolia 6112-6113 nerth, $3.00; Edward J. Rogg, C. >Meo, $2.00; H. Gfebbie, $2.00; W. C. NEW YORK 51 Beaver St. $1.50; Jones Mullen, $7.00; Ma­ Miller, $5.00; H. J, Stocker, $2.00; M. HAnover 2-2784 son Hulett, $2.50; W. F. Burke, NORFOLK 127-129 Bank Street A, Perrin, $2.00, 4-1083 SS MIDWAY HILLS $3.50. Retroactive Pay NOTICE! SlU HALLS MONEY DUE 9 South 7th St. Crew of SS Midway Hills and S. J. Phone Lombard 3-7651 Gallagher, $16.00. PORT ARTHUR ..909 Fort Worth Ave. L. Kapczynski, $2.00. Phone: 2-8532 SS A. BELMONT PORTLAND Ill W. Burnside St. W. S. Blazer, $1.00; R. A. Floyd, Beacon 4336 RICHMOND. Calif. 257 5th St. $1.00; M. Romalho, $1.00; W. J. Black2599 man, $1.00; F. W. Smith, $1.00; G. PecSAN FRANCISCO .....;105 Matket St. chiar, $1.00; J. Markey, $L00; C. StanDouglas 5475-8363 genberg, $1.00; P. F. Savalli, $1.00; SAN JUAN, P. R. . . i^52< Petice ile Leon E. R. Hall, $1.00; R. J. Clark, $1.00: San Juan 2-5996 F. Young, $1,00; P. G. Salino. $1.00; SAVANNAH 220 East Bay St. Fernandez, 8-1728 E. Hernandez, $1,(10; JJ. SEATTLE 86 Seneca St. $1.00; V. Paid, $1.00; J, Gonzalez, $1.00; Main 0290 C. C. Moss, $i:00; M. Bodden. $l;00; TAMPA 1809-I81I N. Franklin St.' P. R. Baker, $1.00; A. R. Swiszczowski, M-1323 $1,00; G. Igrragaray, $1.00; J. R. Ares. TOLEDO 615 Summit St. $1.00; H. W. Forbes, $1.00. WiLlitlNQTON w. <, - :'4«) lA^hita tUvd. SS JOHN BLAIR 'TdMMnal '4-3131 A. Sdrtori, $2.00; F. Vasihetti,'$2:00; VfCtOltrA, 'to.Jc. ... .to02 BtfUifkten St. Tardan 8331 C.' D. Segarra. $r/00;.'J. A. Adam.,:$l;00; VANGOOVER ...;144 W. Haitings Sti E. Bern'dsen, '$2;0O. toaaitic 7324 SS MAE Crew of SS Mae—$8.00. Retroactive Pay Waiting PHILADELPHIA Retroactive Fay NEWTEK SS CORP. Newtex Steamship Cor­ poration is now paying retroaotive pay for the following voyages: V. S. Hood, Voyage No. 4, -April 1 to Jiine 11: C. J. FIniay. Voyage No. 6, July 2B to August 25; and Coastal Skipper, Voyage No. 8, April 1 to May 15. Apply in per­ son -to the -Company office. Pier A2. iTorth 'Rhrer. Dr send a, letter Beeatt!|t«ttied hy suf­ ficient t identifieation. RESTORER The following named crew­ Leonard F. Nix 92.78 members of the cableship Re­ Raymond C. Matthews .... 50.59 25.47 storer can now collect the Timothy O'Brien amounts listed below. The money Jack Martin 131.20 12v61 is due for retroactive pay and Aiitoine L. Paul 78^80 overtime from Aug. 29, 1946 to Lawson Grey James A. Love 103.12 Oct. 31, 1946. 14.87 Ormohci C. Griffin $ 86.97 John W. Cooper 101.*48 Patrick Connor 94.58 Thomas S. Harper William K. Caird 98.89 John Haffie 11.22 11.37 Francis S. Wilson 96.03 James R. Sinclair Roy 'Fredette f'82.69 Nathan S. Frost 488.^ James 'D. -Waldron 80.75 Donald -H. MiiKenzle 8.74 96.82 James B. -Daley -Se.JB Brian 'L. 'Fisher Thomas' Owen-Davies ........ •20;44 Edward Owen 95.08 �Page Sixteen THE SEAFARERS LOG TO seiN6 M m Friday, March 7, 1947 CONTRACTS CONDITIONS SECURITY w I r- : . • i^'v. 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 Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource March 7, 1947 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. IX, No. 10 Description An account of the resource Headlines: SEAFARERS TAKES ACTION FOR NEW PAY INCREASES TO MEET COST OF LIVING PICKETLINE SHUTS EXCHANGE; COTTON HEADS SIGN WITH UFE PURSERS UNION SWEEPS ELECTION IN CUBA MAIL UFE BEEF PROVES EVEN TYCOONS CAN BE TAUGHT FIRST OF NEW SHIPS DELIVERED TO ROBIN HELPING HANDS SEAFARERS READY TO LAUNCH DRIVE TO ORGANIZE GREAT LAKES SEAMEN LUNDEBERG, WEISBERGER REELECTED BY SAILORS UNION MEMBERSHIP BALTIMORE FINDS TIME TO HELP UFE IN NEW YORK DETERMINED TO END BAD SHIPBOARD CONDITIONS FOUR ISTHMIAN CREWS HOLD MEETING IN CALCUTTA B.C. SEAFARERS PASS WORD ON SCAB NEWSPAPER NO ROTARY SHIPPING FOR LSU MEN; FRIENDS, RELATIVES COME FIRST SIU AGREEMENTS ARE THE SAME, WHETHER IN SAN JUAN OR NEW YORK IF YOU WANT A JOB IN A HURRY, MAKE A BEELINE FOR PHILADELPHIA DO NOT COME, SAYS CHARLESTON, SHIPPING IS SLOW MISSISSIPPI CREWMEN ON THE BALL IN N.O.--HAVE SHIPS IN TOP SHAPE SHIPS COMING OUT OF BONEYARD LEAVE NEW YORK SHORT OF RAITINGS AFL COUNCIL OFF TO A GOOD START IN DULUTH THIRTY SHIPS WILL BE CREWED IN MOBILE; NEW HALL IS READY SHIPWORKERS GO BACK ON LINE AS STRIKE GOES ON NMU INVENTS NEW DODGE TO MAKE MONEY PORT MIAMI HOLDS A LIVELY BRANCH MEETING WILLARD CREW MAKES DONATIONS TO HOSPITALIZED PICKETLINES TEACH WALL STREET TO BARGAIN FOOD DONE TO TURN ON WM. BREWSTER MALDEN MEN TAKE STAND FOR A UNION SLOPCHEST PRIMA DONNA PURSER LOUSES UP LANGUAGE AND SS JOHNSON SLOPCHEST GOES HAYWIRE WAR DEPARTMENT AGAINST SEAMEN BILL OF RIGHTS Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 3/7/1947 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1947 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/93f9cf9dfb36cb7b07cf2d44cffd659e.PDF cca28b7c302efd59f735202e993da8da PDF Text Text Official Organ of the Atlantic and Gulf District, Seafarers International Union of North America VOL. IX. NEW YORK. N. Y„ FRIDAY. MARCH 14. 1947 No. 11 tTF ACTS ON PANAMANIAN SHIPS; LUNOEBERG ASKS WORLD BOYCOH ^ NEW YORK—Boycott of Panamanian ships was called for by SIU Pres­ ident Harry Lundeberg to halt the transfer of American ships to Panaman­ ian registry. He called for this action at a meeting of the Coordinating Com­ mittee of the International Transport workers Federation, held on March 10. Present at the meeting were Willy Dorchain, Chairman; Harry Lundeberg, Sm Wins 6 Per Cent Increase In Overtime^ 175 Ships Withdrawn Standby And WageRate From Boneyard For NEW YORK—The drive of the Seafarers Interna­ tional Union for wage increases to meet the rising cost of living, met with quick success as seven companies fell in line with the SIU demands for a six per cent increase. The new agreements, which supplement those signed on NMU Members Back Gurran Against Stack October 23, 1946, were over­ whelmingly accepted by the membership -lin regular meetings held Wednesday, March 12. *SIU; Paul Hall, SIU; Morris*Weisberger, SUP; W. Ash, MM&P; A. Higginbotham, MM& P; E. Raberg, Swedish Seamen's Union; E. Johansen, Norwegian Seamen's Union; R. Clausen, Danish Seamen's Union; and J. Scott, British Seamen's Union. A record for boneyard with­ Paul Hall was appointed Record­ drawals was set during the month er of the meeting. ending Feb. 15, when 175 vessels were taken out of Reserve Fleet The question of vessels being anchorages, the Maritime Com­ transferred out of United States mission announced. jurisdiction was the main point under discussion. So important With the removal of the ves­ sels, the number of laid-up ships is the matter that part of a let­ shrunk to 1,562, with only 52 ter from J. Oldenbroek, General vessels committed to the immo­ Secretary of the ITF, dealt ex­ tensively with the problem. In bilized fleet during this period. part, here is what Secretary The ships withdrawn are head­ Oldenbroek said: ed for delivery to purchasers, for "What have the so-called Pan­ reconversion and for return to ama owners up their sleeves? Is operation under charter. this perhaps an international The James River, Virginia, shipowners' racket? I don't be­ mooring discharged the largest lieve that the Americans will number of vessels, sending out continue to pay American wages, 86, including 55 Liberties, while but that the object is to go down taking in only two. The James to Greek and Norwegian wages, River still moors 529 laid-up ships. (Continued on Page 3) Return To Operation So far Alcoa, South Atlantic, Eastern, Seas Shipping, Bull, Baltimore Insular, and Smith and Johnson, have signed. NEW YORK — The battle be­ tween top-level officials of the To this list will soon be added strife-torn National Maritime Waterman, Mississippi, O v e r Union moved a step nearer to a lakes, and Seatrain, as these showdown this week when a companies have also indicated a membership meeting voted down desire to get on the bandwagon. a motion to reject the charges A straight six percent increase preferred against Vice-President retroactive to January 1, 1947, Joseph Stack by union president has been won on the monthly Joseph Curran. wage scale, and overtime, stand­ Next step in the scuffle will by, longshore, and tank cleaning be decided when Curran's com­ rates. plaint will be heard by a trial Travel subsistence has been committee to be designated by upped fi-om $4.00 to $4.25 per the NMU's national council. Curran had filed charges bas­ day, and five cents per meal has ed on' Stack's disruptive tactics been added to the meal allow­ within the union's national office, ance. These last two gains are the confusion and disunity he effective as of March 11. Organized labor in the United has created among the member­ States received a terrific kick in SIU STILL LEADS ship, and his use of the union the teeth when the Supreme to put into operation the dic­ The arbitration award won by Court last week upheld a lower tates of the communist party, the NMU only provides for an court conviction of John L. Lewis of which Stack is admittedly a increase in the monthly wage and the United Mine Workers, member. and the overtime rate. The five AFL, for contempt. additional points gained by the In so doing, the Supreme OUT IN OPEN SIU proves again the Seafarers' Court opened the way for the The long-smoldering feud in leadership of the maritime in­ use of the anti-labor injunction the NMU broke out into the in spite of established law. dustry. open when Curran resigned his The fine of $3,500,000 against All the negotiations were car­ co-chairmanship of the now de­ the union was reduced to $700,funct Committee for 'Maritime ried on in an atmosphere of hon­ 000 on the conditions that the est bargaining. It was far dif­ Unity.,;; ferent during the previous ne­ miners withdraw their strike In resigning, Curran charged hotice within approximately that the CMU was draining the gotiations when the operators twenty days. NMU's treasury. Sharing the tried all sorts of stalling mea­ Otherwise the original amount chairmanship of the CMU was sures before giving in to the SIU of the fine will be levied. The Harry Bridges, West Coast long­ demands. fine of $10,000 against Lewis re­ shore leader, and like Stack, one The Committee for the Union mained unchanged. of the commies' fair-haired boys consisted of J. P. Shuler, Assist­ The Court itself split on in­ in maritime. ant Secretary-Treasurer; Paul terpretation of the Law. Seven Stack immediately blasted Hall, Director of Organization; voted Lewis guilty of contempt, .Curran for submitting his resig- Robert Matthews, Headquarters while two thought the charge naition. Shortly after, Curran Engine Department Representa­ unsubstaniated. tive; Joe Algina, acting New announced that he was filing Five Justices said that the charges against the NMU vice- York Port Agent; and Johnny Norris-La Guardia Anti-Injunc­ president. Arabasz, organizer. tion Act was not violated by the Supreme Court Mine Ruiing Threatens All Trade Unions HARRY LUNDEBERG Seamen Of 15 Nations Press New Standards For Shipboard Life Urging ratification and en­ forcement of the international treaties setting minimum stand­ ards for seamen, seafarers of 15 nations are pressing their gov­ injunction, and four thought that ernments for immediate action. it was in violation of existing The treaties, or International law, but the miners had to com­ Labor Conventions, were adopt­ ply with it. ed at last year's International Labor Order Maritime Confer­ ence at Seattle, Wash., and call Favoring the $700,000 fine for minimum standards of life were five judges, while four op­ at sea for seamen of all mem­ posed it. Only Justices Murphy ber nations. and Rutledge were consistently The Seattle Conventions cover on labor's side, and Justice Mur­ wages, hours of work, manning, phy's dissenting opinion warned that the decision paved the way social security, medical examin­ for strike-breaking by the Gov­ ations, crew accommodations, ernment on behalf of private food and catering, pensions, paid vacations and certification of employers able seamen and ships' cooks. The Supreme Court's affirma­ The Conference's position was tion of the conviction was re­ ceived with joy by the anti- stated in one of several resolu­ labor forces, in the Congress. tions adopted at the InternationNewspapers all over the United an Seafarers Conference called States picked up the news and by the International Transport heralded it as a body blow at Workers Federation and the In­ ternational Mercantile Marine the power of labor. Officers Association. But while the UMW and other FINE APPROVED labor organizations could see the Morris Weisberger, SIU Vice seriousness of the situation, they President and SUP New York did not believe that the decision Port Agent, represented Ameri­ would discourage or end strikes. can seamen at the conference. �THE S E.AF A R EE'S LOG. Page Two Friday. March 14. 1947 SEAFARERS LOG Published Weekly by the . SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Gulf District Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor At 51 Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y. HAnover 2-2784 i ^ X X HARRY LUNDEBERG ------- President 105 Market Street, San Francis- o, Calif. JOHN HAWK - -- -- -- - Secy-Treas. p. O. Box 25, Bowling Green Station, New York, N. Y. Entered as second class matter June 15, 1945, at the Post Office in New York, N. Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912. GEORGE K. NOVICK, Editor 267 Future Planning The past year has been one of the most successful in the history of the SIU. Seamen's wages and conditions have been bettered consistently, the Government has been forced to back down on a matter involving the Union's right to negotiate wage agreements witli its contracted employers, and the organizing drive of the SIU succeeded in winning a bargaining election in the notoriously anti­ union Isthmian Steamship Company. Not bad for one year. 'But we're not resting on our laurels. Right now the Great Lakes Drive is the big thing, and the Seafarers is going all-out to do the job right. Starting March 17, SIU Agents of the Atlantic and Gulf District meet in New York for their annual con­ ference., It is in these meetings that plans are laid for fu­ ture Union undertakings. This year will be no exception. Many subjects will be discussed, and what is decided will be for the better­ ment and expansion of the SIU. And whatever the Agents Conference decides, and is concurred in by the membership, will be the course of action for 1947. Hospijtal Patients When entering the hospital notify the delegate by post­ card. giving your name and the number of your ward. Blue Print For Tomorrow Staten Island Hospital The Supreme Court took a leaf out of the labor-haters handbook, and handed down a decision in the Lewis-UMW case which might well turn out to be the strikebreaking pattern for the future. Only two Justices, Murphy and Rutledge, stuck by their guns and refused to play politics These are Ihe Union Brothers currently in the marine hospitals, with the liberty of the workers, \vhat Murphy said in his as reported by the Port Agents.- These Brothers find time hanging dissenting opinion is the blueprint for the course the heavily on their hands. Do what you can to cheer them up by writ­ bosses may steer to bring fascism to the Ujiited States. ing .to them. ^ BROWNIE GINGREE For this reason excerpts from his opinion arc printed in NEW ORLEANS HOSPITAL JACK HAMILTON J. NAVARRO this space. LAWRENCE McCUNE P. DAUGHERTY "It becomes apparent that the implications of to­ J. RETOUR XXX day's decisions cast a dark cloud over the future of labor G. KRETZER MOBILE HOSPITAL relations in the United States. C. MASON MARION D. PENRY S. MOGAN "In my opinion the miners remained private em­ MANUEL CARDANA W. BROCE, Jr. C. A. GARNET ployes despite the temporary gloss of government posses­ J. ROONEY R. H. DAVIS sion and operation of the mines . . . the obvious fact re­ E. CUSTER ' W. J. SULLIVAN • mains that this case involves and grows out of a labor R. E. MULHOLLAND A. SABOURIN dispute between the operators and the miners. Govern­ H. H. HAMILTON S. P. MORRIS E. L. MYERS ment seizure of the mines cannot hide or change that fact. J. W. DENNIS R. B. WRIGHT Indeed, the seizure took place only because of the existence R. B. KINAIRD STATEN ISLAND HOSPITAL of the dispute . . . the dispute survived the seizure and is XXX E; E. CASEY still very much alive. And it still retains its private char­ BALTIMORE HOSPITAL S. W. LESLEY acter, the operators on one side and the coal miners on the ARTHUR CAMARA J. S. WOOD other. ANTONIO AMARAL C. H. SULLIVAN : K. KORNELIUSSEN "Moreover, if seizure alone justifies an injunction CHARLES SIMMONS CHARLES PETERS P. SYRAX contrary to the - expressed will of Congress, some future PETER LOPEZ L. A. CORNWALL government could easily utilize seizure as a subterfuge, PHILIP BAZAAR ' F. H. ^ DOLAN M; BAUCSKI for breaking any or all strikes in private industries . , . The ROBERT SHEHEE. ROBERT WISEMAN W. BLOOM workers would be effectively subdued under the impact NATHAN ROBERTSON M.' J. LYDEN of the restraining order and contempt procedings. After MATTHEW CARSON.A. SWENSON the. strike was broken, the properties, would-be, handed TED BABKOWSKL Rj;G:MOSSELLER ERNEST SIDNEY. R.'J. TURNER ' ' back to the .private employer." GEORGE WILKINS G'.. E. MARSHALL These may be prophetic words. It is up to labor to or­ STANLEY HOLDEN M. MORRIS. ganize so that it won't happen here ever again. WILLIAM HOWELL L. NELSON Men Now In The Marine Hospitals You can contact your Hos­ pital delegate at the Staten Island Hospital at the follow­ ing times: Tuesday — 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 5th and 6th floors) Thursday — 1:30 to 3:30 pjn. (on 3rd and 4th floors.) Saturday — 1:30 to 3:30 pan. (on 1st and 2nd floors.) GALVESTON HOSPITAL OLSEN BENNETT GALANE R. V. JONES HUTCHENSON STAEINZ MILKE FLESHER AKIN GRAVES BREASHAR KOW LIM XXX BRIGHTON HOSPITAL E. JOHNSTON H. SWIM R. LORD R. BROWN E. BOLEHALA XXX SAN JUAN HOSPITAL . • JUAN OLIVER WALTER- JORGENSON RAYMOND SAUDERS R. ARMSTRONG P. FELICIANO R. SEIFO ....'U fT't r'CT.i.ra'- • i '• �Friday, March 14, 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Three Voyage Of Murder And Mayhem Spells Unlen Lesson To Soafaror By ED MULVEY I was a fool! On Oct. 12, 1946, I signed on for a trip to Shanghai. We were to take the ship to Shanghai and then return to the USA after re­ ceiving a bonus of $250, plus a month's pay. Bear this in mind: The Union did not have anything to do with this ship, it was all on my own hook, and the company was un­ organized. The scow had been in the re­ pair yards in Boston for a couple of months undergoing repairs. Upon completion of repairs we started out to sea. We lifted the hook at 12:30 on a Saturday, but 24 hours later we were only opposite Provincetown, Mass., just 75 miles from Boston. We did not dare go through the canal as the tide is seven knots and we were only getting four knots out of the scow. So it was the outside route for us. Oh, yes, previous to our leaving here, the Old Man and the rest of the officers had been holding open house on board. Wine, Wom­ en with Song, with the liquor flowing faster than water through the pumps. After four days we dropped an­ chor in New York and the next day we moved to a Brooklyn yard for more repairs. Well, from the first night in Brooklyn the merry-go-round started. Liquor and women aboard again. All the men who signed on in Boston, Deck and schedule. They slept and never the black gang mess and opened missed a meal on board. two cases of whiskey for them­ selves. The Canal Police said: "The Then started the party that was worst crew in ten years to hit to last over a month. The party the canal." moved to the Old Man's cabin No work in all departments. where it continued all night long. The Cooks followed the rest. I then had to step in and cook. No There were few fights—just one need of asking the Old Man to Oiler with a broken arm, but as' do anything as he was gassed up, long as the booze lasted he need­ and there were women in the ed no medical attention. The next morning when the town. Captain of the Port and Pilot The Cliief Mate had a jam with came aboard, no one was able to one of the deck hands and knock­ go to the bridge, as all officers ed him out. A quiet sort of a boy. ,, r Ti/r ^ were still gassed, the Chief Mate weighing ahontl^ ^ ^f about six hours 250 pounds We loaded supplies ^e^e able to moor the ship aboard and again quite a few ,„here the Pilot wanted it. cases of choice whiskey. Then a waiting period began. GASSED UP GANG We were to load 2500 tons of We cast off about 3:30 p. m. sugar. The natives, however, and headed for Peru. We had were on strike, so no work for just cleared the port, when the them or the crew. The Old Man 4 to 8 watch in the engine room gave out a draw and, as liquor refused to go below and fire. was cheap and the exchange was So we dropped the hook and six to one, the men had plenty of waited for the black gang to so- money. ber up. They did the next day The natives of Peru then beand towards noon we got under came witnesses to what the crew way again. All went well and we could do to liquor. The crew made Pimentel, Peru on Dec. 5. | took over Chiclayo and Pimentel We dropped anchor about 8:30 and proceeded to ruin the towns. p. m. At 9 p. m. the Old Man and Cafes were wrecked; houses of the Chief Engineer went aft to! (Conthtued on Page 9) By PAUL HALL No members of a trade union can look at the decision of the Supreme Court in the John L. Lewis and United Mine Workers case and feel comfortable. Although the ruling which upheld the ex­ cessive fines imposed on the miner's union and Lewis will be paid for out of their hard-earned cabbage, all labor stands to pay through the nose. For the decision sets a precedent that can be used against any union. It provides the union-busters with more ammunition to con­ tinue their fight to reduce the trade-union movement to a toothless, flabby-muscled body. These union-busters—the boys who tote the world's wealth practically in their pockets, and their politician pup­ pets in Washington—have been panicked out of their pants at the sight of the healthy, growing trade union movement. They are al­ ready at work to suck the red blood from it. The Supreme Court decision gives them a boost in that direction, by making it possible for all unions to be similarly treated in the future. To the labor movement and to us Seafarers, especially—this latest beef drives home with sledge-hammer force the fact that Labor hasn't any friends in Washington; that we cannot rely on any one to do any pitching for us. Our only friend is our own strength. Let's maintain that strength. UNION-BUSTERS HAVE SCARED SOME With the bosses showing a determination to slap labor down, some labor fakers have shown signs of being scared. They are afraid to make any move they feel will antagonize the big boys. They say: let's not ask for wage increases—it might agitate the bosses. Labor guys who take this attitude might as well take the gaspipe. No matter what demands we have made, or will make, the operators have and will meet with resistance. Nothing was ever stuck up on a silver platter for seamen. If he had never fought for his own welfare—and foughr hard—he'd still be drawing down $30 a month, plus all the crap and filthy conditions that went with it. For labor now to be timid would mean simply that labor would (Continued from Page 1) be weak. Timidity and strength don't go hand in glove. Labor must as a first step, and then if there be strong, alert and aggressive if it is to stay alive. is a slump, to pay the wages Thei-e is no more striking proof of this than the history of the they like." seaman. The old ISU was smashed after the last war as a result of Brother Lundeberg made the a deliberate maneuver on the part of the operators. The shipping point that action must be taken interest—powerful and united at that time, as always—slickly at once to halt the reallocation maneuvered the ISU and its finky pie cards into a bad spot, which of ships to Panamanian and they knew the union was unprepared for. What they plotted was a Honduran registry, and that lockout, but they wanted it to look as though the union was taking while organization of the vessel the offensive. And a lockout is what they accomplished. The re­ is important, it should be hand­ sult was confusion and chaos. Things were fouled up just as the led on a long range basis. operators wanted it. Wages and conditions took a terrific nose-dive. ACTION PLANNED OLDTIMERS REMEMBER LOUSY CONDITIONS The problem of the mechanics of an international boycott was Many of the oldtimers remember the stinking conditions exist­ ing before the seamen revolted against the lousy standards imposed Engine departments were fired, discussed, and it was pointed out that certain preparations would on them. They remember, too, the series of hard-hitting, all-out except the Bosun and myself. have to be made in order to strikes and job actions that had to be pulled before seamen could NEW CREW make the boycott successful. It break out of their slavery. A new crew of an international WILLY DORCHAIN Everything we have today, right down to the last little thing, hue was hired: Swedes, Finns, was further stated that such ac­ tion might cause political and we got by struggle. Those struggles spelled victory for all samen Poles, Danes and whatall. No of the program, the following because we had just beefs, and because we had the strength, the work was accomplished by any of diplomatic kickbacks. sustaining course of proceedings In reply to this line of reason­ determination and the organization to carry the beefs through to the crew, but no meals were was decided upon: the payoff. And we had to carry the pay load on our shoulders. missed as the whole crew report­ ing, Lundeberg said that I'egardless of what sort of diplomatic 1. ITF to be represented at This is not to be taken as meaning that a strike is advocated ed around for them. 6r political kickbacks an inter­ the Maritime CouncU Meeting to at this time, or at any particular time in the near future. The point Again extensive repairs were national boycott might have, be held in Washington, D. C., stressed here is that we Seafarers must not get soft or timid. Our made to engines and boilers, and such action was necessary for starting March 14, 1947. strength lies in our militancy and ability to hit the bricks when supplies for four months were immediate stoppage of transfernecessary. Uppermost in our minds should be the thought that we put aboard. 2. ITF also to be represented ral of American .ships to "dum­ at the SIU Convention in Chica­ must continue—as we have done successfully in the past—to use On Nov. 8,-we left for a trial our economic power when the situation demands that kind of action. run. We made it, but how I can't my" registry. go, as well as at the AFL Mari­ It was the feeling of the group time Trades Department meeting say, as most of the officer's and PROGRAM AND ACTION MUST BE COORDINATED that international boycott is the which will immediately follow The job of the Agent's Conference, which starts March 17, is to hands were gassed up. best method that could be used the Convention. We headed for Newport News lay out the Union program for the next year. But there is a helluva to force an end to the transfer difference between laying out a program and carrying it through. and made it Nov. 11. There, as 3. After above meetings are racket. Last year, the Seafarers formulated a damned good program. Not in Brooklyn, the crew headed over, and a program and action In line with this idea, the Co­ decided upon, the Coordinating all of it was put into effect, however. Mostly, this was because of for the bars. ordinating Committee appointed Committee will be called to meet Some faced the judge there and the press of business, the many and important beefs Seafarers took the American members of the in New York. 'part in, all of which was a heavy drain on our energy, time, and the Old Man had to pay. We Cmmittee to draw up plans and put on a good supply of liquor, strength. 4. Following the completion One other reason for the non-completion of our program was and on the 13th we headed for recommend action on stoppage of the above three steps, an in­ of transferral of American-own­ the attitude of some of our officials who were too busy being 9 to 5 Balboa, C. Z. ed vessels to Panama, or to any ternational conference of sea­ pie-cards, and who therefore, were unable to fully support the We arrived in Balboa on the foreign country not presently men's groups in the ITF will be ~ program. Personal affairs cannot interfere with union business. If 25th. All the way down the Chief recognized as a Maritime power. called so as to guarantee support it does, then the holder of a Union position should give it up. The Engineer had to spend his time This action will probably take on an international scale on any first obligation of a pie-card is to serve the membership and its pro­ at the ffeeze unit as it would not the form of calling for interna­ program adopted. reach 30 degrees—and this was grams completely. tional boycott against Panaman­ Brothers Dorchain and JohanOnly by strict application of this principle of enforcing mem­ the new unit put aboard in Bos­ ian ships, and setting up a sys­ sen were appointed to act as bership policy can we have a wide-awake union, capable not only ton. At Balboa more repairs tem to be used in organizing ITF delegates at the Washington of giving the best representation to the membership—but also in were made. Panamanian seamen. Conference and the Chicago Here the crew made a draw, taking advantage of every opportunity to build the Seafarers or­ To carry out certain features meetings. and all hands went on a no-work ganizationally. Ask International Boycott Of Panamanian Transfers �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page-Four, Friday. March 14. 1947 The Patrolmen Say— Good Ship QUESTION: What suggestions do you have for the Educational Department of the SIU? ALONZO MILEFSKI. Cb. Cook: iCLIFTON WILSON. Ch. Steward: I'm in favor of broadening the "Union Educational Program so that we could all learn how to act to settle our beefs if we are at sea. Lots of times something comes up. and -although we do our best, we could do better if "we knew how to negotiate with the Skipper on our own. That would help the Union by conistantly developing men- who could become officials, of the SIU'. Plenty of beefs come up - that could be settled. • immediately without waiting, for a Patrolmant All we need is the know-how.- •* We definitely need more Un­ ion education. Our members :should -bel taught, more about jthe history of the trade union movement in the United States, land how the Seafarers fit into |all of it. We should get more infotmation on what labor is do­ ing abroadi In addition, the'Un­ ion should issue ' material that could be used aboard ship for holding meetings and classes; on parliamentetry • procedure and public speaking, the Union Conistitution and By-Laws, etc. We could all learn plenty that way. CASWELL WARREN, MM; What we need, is more in the.. LOG on how to function as good., union men aboard ship. , There should. be regular articles on . how to conduct shipboard meet­ ings, and how to follow through on a beef, if at sea where no i Patrolman is available. I also think that the Union should sponsor an up-grading school for the Stewards Department so that ' men could learn new jobs and help to advance themselves. In that way the Union would al­ ways have men available for good jobs. SAM JONES. Chief Cook: I think that books on techni­ cal ' subjects should " be placed aboard. ships i so that men - could study during time off. Books on electricity, engineering, naviga­ tion. and radjp. would be> valu­ able to our members, and they would have an opportunity toimprove themselves while outat sea. The Union should buy; the books and lend them from the Hall, and then the. Pa­ trolmen could pick them up at the end of each voyage. The Educational Department should be in ~ charge of < selecting the books. Lakes Seamen Respond To Seafarers' Appeal As Organizing Drive Swings into Fuii Stride By EARL SHEPPARD With headquarters established in Detroit the Great Lakes or­ ganizing drive hit its full stride this week. Organizers are now working in every major port from Buffalo to Duluth assisted by volunteer rank and filers who have volunteered to ship aboard unorganized ships. In view of the depleted ore piles in the steel area, it is ex­ pected that the season will be in full swing much earlier than usual with an - anticipated great­ er-tonnage handled than- ever before. The: I vast shipments of grain to Europe have just about emp-» tied the elevators in Buffalo and on the Atlantic and , Gulf sea­ boards. Because of this milling is very low. To supply the domestic de­ mands great amounts of wheat will have to be moved to the Buffalo elevators and stored for winter milling. ALL-OUT DRIVE No particular point of con­ centration or specific company has been selected as the organiz­ ing objective. The Lakes Dis­ trict, in consultation with the general International organiza­ tional-committee, is of the opinj ion that the time is ripe to con­ duct an all out drive to organ­ ize every unorganized company. That this opinion is correct has been borne out by the early re­ sponse to the Seafarers' program.. Many hitherto unorganized sea­ men, both ashore and on fitting out jobs, have already taken out Seafarers membership, and doz­ ens of others have signified their intention of doing so as soonas they ship. , COAST SUCCESS One of the great factors in the initial enthusiastic response to the Seafarers' program are the Lakes seamen returning, after sailing , on the coast during the winter. These men are bringing with them •• the first-hand story of what has happened: of the Isth­ mian : victory, of the new. con­ tracts signed, and of the superior working and living conditions aboard Seafarers' ships. A good many of these men have sailed both aboard NMU and SIU ships, and are able to draw a comparison that all the propaganda in the world cannot contradict. Shipping is good in every port on the Atlantic and Gulf, so good that there is a shortage of rated men. In the average port a man can payoff in the morning and ship that, afternoon without even registering. Despite this good shipping plus a new wage increase won this week (described elsewhere in this issue of the Log). Lakes seamen sailing on the coast have responded to the^. Union's request and many are heading for the Lakes to help bring unionism to the place they started sailing". This is the essence and the secret of success in any organiz­ ing drive, the full cooperation and participation of the mem­ bership. This is why, in the Seafarers, every full-time paid organizer is backed up and help­ ed by 50 rank and filers fighting because they are good Union men and want to see their Union grow. This is the reason the Seafar­ ers has never lost & beef. SEAFARERS LOG The Seafarers Log-has assign­ ed a member of the staff to' work on the Lakes this- season and cover all . activities. Full cover­ age-will be given, to both organiz;ational- activity and Lakes- job news. All. lakes- seamen, both organ­ ized and unorganized are invited to send lin jletteis for -publica­ tion. If you see something you like or don't like, or suggestions to aid the drive, write it down and send it into the Log. . All Lakes Seafarers halls will be open to unorganized men. "Visit the Union halls, talk to the organizers and officials, meet the membership. The Seafarers is the union of all Seamen^—all seamen are invited to look it over and judge for themselves. Here are the Great Lakes Halls now open: BUFFALO: 10 Exchange StreetPhone: CLeveland 7391 Alex McLean, Agent CHICAGO: 24 W." Su"perior Ave. Phone; Superior -5175 ' Herbert Jahsen, Agent CLEVELAND: 1014 E.,St.- Clair Ave. Phone; Main 0147 Stanley "Wares,. Agent. DETROIT:" 1038. Third St. Phone: Cadillac 6857 Fred-i Farnen, Secyi-Treas. Earl B. Sheppard, Intl; Representative in charge of organization DULUTH: 531 W.. Michigan St. Phone: Melrose 4110 - Einar.uNordaas, Agent TOLEDO:'. . 615-Summit-St. ; Henry W,- Chappelly. Agent:. ' BOSTON — The. SS Madaket, Waterman, just paid off here, with everyone on board _ hold­ ing a book except one man. The Deck and Engine gangs were high in their praise of Brother Jennings and his Stew­ ards Department, • asserting that e-very meal they put out was tops. Also, they were praised for their cleanliness. The repair list was taken care of here. Brother Dave Fried­ man, . who is making another, trip, had a perfect explanation for every one of the repairs, in­ cluding a request for the re­ moval of the angle irons on deck. The.se were taken care of here, so that the danger of one of the crew breaking his neck tripping over these obstructions is now removed. Brother Friedman was a great help as Delegate, and the fact that he is making another trip • will • mean that another Patrolman can be assured of an efficient helper at. payoff. In fact the only soi-e spot, on this ship was the Mate. I. took up .this subject at length with the Old Man and the com­ pany agent, and I believe hewill do- no more interfering on deck from now on. The replacements shipped from here, |ionly a very few, were all book men. There were no replacements needed for the; Stewards Department, so the next trip of this ship should be a beaut. • Jimmy Sweeney i. Phony Lawmakers NEW YORK — In paying off. the Cape, Borda recently. Broth­ er Guinier and myself noted that a bulletin had been posted signed by the Skipper, which, among other items, stated that any crewmember leaving the ship with a package would be search­ ed by the Mate at the gangway. We challenged both the Mate and the Skipper to show us where they had any right to search the . crew's private gear. We also notified them that if they persisted in this practice, the men could accuse them of stealing stuff out of the pack­ ages the;' were carrying ashore. When they heard that, they decided their plan wasn't such a good • idea after all,' and took the notice down. We believe this will stop some of these hot-shot • character Skip­ pers from- issuing' phony bullet­ ins in the future. These birds should remember there is a law; for everything. Louis; Gofiin MCToRiecoiisid^Eiiil Of Cttastwise Service Following a conference with Gulf Coast operators. Maritime Commission officials have stated that they will reconsider the corruniasion's order abandoning coastwise .shipping service be­ tween Atlantic and Gulf , ports. The Government withdrew f romi: coastwise: shippipg > Qw.Feh^ 28, when, its authority over coastwise shipping was not ex­ tended. If the decision is reversed, the coastwise service could be con­ tinued until June 30, when auth­ ority of the Maritime Commis-. sion to subsidize shipping, in all trades. expires. �Friday, March 14, 1947 THE SEAFA:RERS LOG Page Fire Mobile Shipping Boom Continues; Branch Galls For More Seamen By CAL TANNER MOBIL 3ILE-^The Port of Mobile our arrival on board, someone is at piiresent enjoying one of the got the keys to the Steward's biggest shipping booms it has storeroom, entered, and dumped ever known. In the past two all the dried beans, , peas, rice, weeks we have crewed up 20 grits and flour on the deck; took ships for Alcoa, Waterman and several jars of mustard and South Atlantic. All ships were poured it over the mess, causing delivered from the boneyard, cbout $250.00 of damage. and reports have it that more NO CASE are on the way. Silence this week from the Immediately the Coast Guard Branch Agents of the follow­ • In addition to crowing the ing ports: new additions to the company was called in to investigate. fleets, we have somehow man­ They were only able to get some TAMPA aged to ship the replacements circumstantial evidence - against NORFOLK: to our regular vessels coming one of the ci-ew. We defended JACKSONVILLE the man and had his case into the port. CHARLESTON I During this sudden rush of thrown out. The Old Man then turned the shipping we have shipped every PORT ARTHUR man within a 100 miles that log book over to the Coast CORPUS CHRISTI even Idoked like a seaman. If a Guard and they tried every man SAVANNAH man. is without a job in this that had been logged during the The • deadline for port re­ voyage. port it's his own fault. ports, monies due, etc., is the Several men were called be­ It goes without saying that Monday proceeding publica­ jobs are plentiful, and with the fore the Coast Guard and tried. tion. While every effort will reported 30 or 40 more ships We fought every case and won be made to use in the current coming out of the boneyard in them all except that of one man. issue material received after the next two months we are go­ This man was charged with be­ that date, space commitments ing to fihd ourselves in dire ing drunk and stealing some generally do not permit us to hams. need of men in all departments. At the payoff he was drunk do so. If you are the fussy kind, come down to Mobile. There are and we had his trial postponed more types of jobs and ships to the iollowing Monday^ He refused to have his trial here than Heinz and its 57 vadelayed and asked to be tried rities of fobd. In the midst of this tremen­ then and there. We told him dous task of crewing all these we would not defend him while new vessels, we have found a intoxicated, but he was stubborn few moments to look over our and told us ho didn't need any­ one to act in his behalf as he headquarters to be. By E. H. The plumbers, electricians, car­ was capable of doing it himself. SAN FRANCISCO—This week What the results were of his penters, and painters are putting trial, I don't know but I'm sure the Sailor's Union of the Pa­ he is sorry he didn't take our cific is celebrating its sixtyYou POAJ'T LOOK so HOTadvice. HOWS ABOUT A TRIP second anniversary. To mark Outside of this incident all the payoffs and sign-ons have been the occasion a party was held handled with a minimum of after the weekly business meet­ ing at which free liquor and beefs. At present peace and heavy beer was passed out to all who shipping reign supreme in the were in attendance. It was a very good party with husie.st port in the SIU. NO NEWS?? Shipping Gleans Gut Phllly Hall; Beachcombers Warned To Bypass By EDDIE HIGDON PHILADELPHIA — Ships, ships and more ships. The city of Brotherly Love is really booming, with ships running out of here like a Detroit assembly line. Shipping is so, good that we have been calling New York and Baltimore for more men than we have shipped from this Hall, and the boom looks like it will continue for awhile. We crewed up the four Seatrains, the Seatrains New Jersey, Havana, Texas and New York, and believe me they were one big headache. They carry besides the reg­ ular crew, 3 QMs, 3 ABs, 3 West Goast Branches Gelebrate 62nd Birthday Of Sailors Union the finishing tducnes to the renovation task, and to these critical eyes the - new Hall is really tops. Shipping Keeps Rolling Along In Fine Style In Port Baltimore By WM. (CURLY) RENTZ BALTIMORE — Things in the port of Baltimore have been fashion. I have found that all those rolling along in fine Shipping is prdtty fair here, who have managed to get a peek at the new home of the SIU are' providing you are out to get a more than pleased with the new ship and not out to pick your run and type of ship that you set-up. Naturally everyone is- getting want. We have been keeping, after anxious to move, so,- with'the Calmar and Ore here, as I told lease already signed - and out' of you last week. The company the way, we expect to begin- op­ has agreed to clean these ships erations in our new home in a' couple of days. We signed a up and flo fee,d better, which lease for a year and a half with' should be -an- incentive for you a six months option to.pui'chase fellows on the beach to crew these ships up in a hurry when the building. the jobs come in. We will give the building a We had a shght beef , on one real good going over once we of the Calmar ships last week, move-in, and if at the end of the and satisfied the crew-by . taking six months she meets our re­ up the beefs in a hurry and quirements, we may make a recommendation • to buy the having them straightened out. The messhalls were sougeed place. out, the galley cleaned, new Even though it's a nice spot, mattresses were put aboard for we intend to be sure it allows the whole crew, and it was for expansion, and is practical agreed to have the crew paint for our needs. out their quarters, messhalls, Aside from shipping and the new Hall, we have been cover­ etc., when they got out of the ing a large number of payoffs. shipyard, which should run into One of these, the MV Capstan a few hours of overtime. iREAL EYEFUL Knot, Alcoa, gave us a little trouble. When she pulled in there were only a few minor beefs arising out of friction between the crew and the Steward. These were no problem, but sometime between the time she docked and AWAKENING I see where the NMU is sure having a hard time on account of the intra-union fight that they are having. Curran, after more than ten years, wakes up to the fact that the Commies are out to do a job on the NMU. I've been wonder­ ing if he just woke up to that fact or if he knew it all along and chose to ignore it until late­ ly. when the Commies started stepping on his toes. Then there is Stack, playing hand and glove with Ferdinand "Finky',' Smith and all the rest of the Reds. I can remember the copy of the Pilot on January 13, 1939 that was written by Stack.. rHe. had., quite a bit to say about -the fate' of the NMU. He ended up with the follow­ ing sentence: "I will close with the hope that we will be able to rid our organization (NMU) of such people as 'Woof Woof" Phillips and Ferdinand (Finky) Smith." HOW COME What happened. Stack? Did the commie bug bite you just about then, or did you decide that "Finky" could help you reach the high position in the NMU that you are now in, is that why you switched your tactics and made friends with Ferdy? I also see in the Pilot that the NMU agent in this port is having a squabble with the NMU headquarters. Looks like they are getting jealous of each other. TEAGUE about 300 members present, and from the festive air about the place I'd say everyone had a fine time. There were a lot of speeches, which were well received, and several oldtimers got up and spoke of the "old days" when the SUP was still a pup. Sixty-two years is a long time for a union to he around in this unstable world, and the SUP can be proud of its record in maintaining its clean and re­ spected reputation throughout this time. Things are pretty slow in the shipping department with a number of the men holding cards two months old. We are look­ ing for the situation to pick up soon with jobs for men within a respectable interval of time. Our Agent, Red Simmons, has left the Old Gold Coast for the Agents' Conference, and although he has been gone only a few days, things already seem kind of quiet around here. We kind of miss Red, for when he is around he always manages to liven things up somewhat. Of the ships hitting the port, the General Meggs came in with the crew of the C. McDonnell, which was repatriated from Manila. There were a few beefs and some disputed overtime on the ship, but I cleared the mat­ ter up in short order. This is all from the old Gold Coast at this time, so until an­ other report, steady as she goes. Cardeckmen ABs, 3 Deck Main­ tenance ABs and one Bosun, all holding ABs tickets. So right there we shipped 52 ABs. We really cleaned the Hall out in crewing these ships. In fact, we even shipped out the janitor. With the sudden rush of ship­ ping, the Patrolmen have been keeping their distance from the Dispatcher's Office for fear of being shanghaied. If the Dis­ patcher gets his hooks on those boys, it'll be goodbye Patrolmen. In the payoff department w^ took care of five ships, four SIU ships and one SUP. All beefs were of a minor riature and' handled at the point of pro­ duction. We also contacted six ships in transit and three Isthmian scows for a total of fourteen SHORT STAY Brother Frenchy Michelet, the famous southern cuisine artist from New Orleans, paid off the Thomas Hayward, Waterman, but he hardly touched the beach. We allowed him just 48 hours to visit his usual haunts in this port and promptly bundled him bff to the Seatrain Texas. We know the crew on that ship -will eat well as Frenchy went aboard with his right hand man, Jake Martin, Chief Cook. Future business looks bright with at least three Waterman ships due to paj- off this week, and an Isthmian scow due to call for replacements before the week is out. In looking the Hall over for crews, we nailed the Doorman, Brother Shaynick. and dispatch­ ed him with speed to the Seatrain New York. His place has been taken by Brother Donley, and if things keep going as they are now he will soon turn over his post to another and join Brother Shay­ nick aboard a ship. SCOUTS OUT In spite of the maelstrom of shipping, we are still looking for a new Hall. Our corps of bloodhounds has been severely depleted by the calls for crews, but every edition of the focal press is still given the eagle eye by the many self-ap­ pointed Hall-hunters, and all tips are quickly forwarded to me for immediate investigation. I'm beginning to feel like an a m b u 1 a n c e-chasing lawyer. Everytime a tip comes in, I grab my hat and bounce out of the Hall into the rumble-buggy and sprint for the joint, hoping to beat the other prospective tenants. So far, I've had no luck. I'm not discouraged, however, as something is bound to come up. Brother Tilley, the Patrolman, says if the men on the ships that hit this port will contact the Hall when they arrive, in­ stead of just before the ship is ready to sail, things will be a lot easier for the crew and Brother Tilley. �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Six LCA Anti-Labor Campaign Fiops; Union Men Are Respected By Aii CANADIAN BONUS All seamen who have served six months on Canadian vessels where War Risk bonus was paid between Sept. 10, 1939 and April 1, 1944, should apply to the Director of Merchant Sea­ men. Department of Transport. Ottawa, Ontario for the Mer­ chant Seamen's "Special Bonus." By FRED FARNEN DETROIT — For years Lakes seamen have had to accept from the powerful group of shipown­ ers, commonly known as the Lake Carriers Association, all their working rules, living con­ ditions, and wages. At no time has a committee of seamen ever been asked to at­ tend their meetings and offer suggestions for the improve­ ment of these vital matters. We have simply been told: you will work this many hours, and we will pay you this amount of money. This associ­ ation has never demonstrated any interest in sailors outside of paying them as little as they can. No provisions have ever been offered by this group to take care of us when shipping is slow, or when it is necessary for us to be hospitalized. This powerful group has been outstanding in its efforts to keep the Lakes crews from becoming organized into a union to be­ come strong enough to demand a voice in discussing wages, work­ ing rules, etc. This is not right. ized lines last fall we fought them on every turn. ABOVE BOARD Every move the SIU made in the strike was open and above board. We told them in advance we would not respect any picketlines around unorganized ships and we didn't. We also told them to leave our contracted ships alone, which they didn't do. However, we did respect the lines they had around their contracted vessels. When we opposed their fullseizure plan, they folded up and went home, leaving only the company-sponsored union of Cleveland Cliffs to compete with us on the Midland Line. We won this election by an overwhelming majority despite the protests of the NMU and the Company union, the LSU, which goes to show that the men on these ships realize the SIU is the only sailors' union that will assure them of real union repre­ sentation when such vital issues VOO'IL WAV Oft Ncrr AT ALLI CREATED CHAOS For the past ten years, the CIO sailors' union, known as the NMU, has repeatedly tried to organize Lakes men, and through the bungling of the communist party members, who have seiz­ ed control of the union and its finances, they have only man­ aged to create a state of chaos. By its failures, the NMU is as great a danger to Lakco seamen as are the shipowners. Recent developments within the council of the NMU have jproved to all sailors and the NMU membership, that the SlU has not been guilty of red bait­ ing in exposing the communist element in the NMU. We spoke the truth when we stated that the NMU is inter­ ested only in promoting the communist party line in this country with sailors' welfare secondary. This is not right either. The Great Lakes District of the SlU has not hoasted of its organizational work the past few years. We have not run to the press to proclaim the gains we have won from the shipowners. We have been content to let Lakes seamen see for themselves the better wages, conditions, etc., that we enjoy. In spite of the NMU calling a strike on the Great Lakes for the purpose of taking over the contuol of shipping and force all Lakes seamen into joining the NMU, the SIU still has better working rules and conditions than are found in any NMU contract. This explains how shipping rules and conditions have been on the Lakes in the past few years. When the NMU attempted to take over the SIU Great Lakes district along with the unorgan­ 1.. as wages, working rules and personal welfare, both ashore and at sea, are to be discussed. Although the shipowners have not granted any concessions in the past without being forced to, several gains have been won through the militant action of the SIU. Any thinking person can see that the shipowners can­ not do service without men to op­ erate their ships. It is only through the un'ted efforts of the entire membership that the SIU has been able to get decent wages and conditions for the men on the coasts against the combined opposition of the NMU, the shipowners, and the various governmental agen­ cies. These gains were not won by individuals or small groups; but by the entire union. OLD DAYS GONE The days when union mem­ bers were forced to hold meet­ ings in secret places to avoid the company owned police; and when union officials and mem­ bers were regarded as social out­ casts and undesirables are gone forever. With the exception of a few communist - dominated labor unions, labor leaders and union members are respected members of their communities, recognized as important figures by civic bodies and national organiza­ tions. Their advice is solicited and enlisted on questions of national and international importance. No longer is it a crime to belong to a union. Today it is your duty, if you work for wages, to belong to a union to insure a voice in your welfare, just as it is your duty to vote in city, state and nation­ al elections. Friday, March 14, 1947 By JOHNNY JOHNSTON The largest tanker in the world is the SS Phoenix, Bulk Carriers, Incorporated. When fully loaded she carries 9,000000 gallons, or the equivalent of 900 railroad lank cars full. That would make up a train about seven miles long. The Phoenix is 514 fet long, 40 feet deep, and has a 80 foot beam. She is fitted with 10,000 HP turbines. X t, Anchorage, Alaska, does not have to worry too much in case its electric power is cut off due to storm or other disruption. Liv­ ing in the harbor is a tanker, the Sackett's Harbor, which was split in half during a heavy storm last March. The vessel was ruled surplus material when it was deter­ mined that giving her a new bov/ section would cost about $1,000,000. Tiie stern section of the Sack­ ett's Harbor still has her 6000 HP steam turbines in good con­ dition, and these could be used for emergency power until the city could obtain perrnanent fa­ cilities. ^ ^ ^ On her maiden voyage to Eur­ ope, the United States liner, America, arrived at Cobh, Ire­ land, after making the run from Ambrose Light to Daunt's Light­ ship in four days, 22 hours, and 22 minutes. The time set a new record for the run, beating the old record made by the United States liner Manhattan in 1935 with a run of five days, four hours. The America averaged approximate­ ly 24.5 knots on the voyage, lis. Now that the war is over, the Bell Telephone Company has re­ leased news about the magnetic mine which was sown in Jap­ anese waters by B-29 bombers. These mines were able to count ships, and to explode after a given number had passed. They were immune to mine­ sweepers, and there was no chance of their being detected. Best of all, the mines were timed to become "dead" after a certain length of time, there­ by opening the waters. Same Old Story: New York Busy, Needs Rated Men By JOE ALGINA NEW YORK — The SIU Hall is a regular bee-hive of activity, what with plenty of shipping, Patrolmen constantly on the mbve paying off and signing on, and new wage talks between the The application deadline for Union and the operators. the bonus has been extended to To that activity, add the dem­ March 31, 1947, by Order-in- onstration last week with the Council P.O. 204. United Financial Employes, and you get a good picture of ex­ actly what's going on in this port. For the fburth straight week we are in need of rated men. That means ABs, FWTs, and Stewards. We get calls every day, and we really have to do a job to fill them all. If there are any men in ports By JOHN MOGAN where shipping is not so hot, they should get on the phone, BOSTON — Shipping and or send a wire, and we will business continue on the up­ probably be able to get a ship grade in the Port of Boston, for • them without trouble. with plenty of jobs available and NEGOTIATIONS START not too much competition for This week our Negotiating them. Committee had its first meetings A couple of Saturday after­ with the operators. It is still noon payoffs are getting to be too early to figure out what is routine.' But now Waterman in­ going to happen, but you can forms us that they will have a bet your bottom dollar that the ship a day paying off around shipowners are going to think here for the next couple of twice before they invite the weeks, with the program get­ SIU to go on strike. (Editor's ting started with the payoff of Note: They did.) the Billings Victory in Port­ The operators learned in the land. past that the SIU does not play If these ships should come in for the fun of it, and the gov­ as scheduled, the Port will be ernment found out the same really hard up for men. As it thing last September. We (Jon't' particularly like is now, we have had some strike action, but' if that's what trouble getting certain rated re­ we're forced into, we'll play the placements; so that if there hand our way from then on. should be better than 50 per New ships are constantly be­ cent turnover in these crews, ing added to fleets, and some we'll have to do some hustling. new companies have recently Then, too, the Evangeline gone into operation. I don't see (Eastern passenger ship) will be why the companies take ships ready to crew up between April 1 and April 15, and this should out of the boneyard, or go into prove to be more difficult to business, if they lose rrfoney, as take care of than the Yarmouth. they say they do. Every time the working sea­ All in all, for the next month man asks for a little dough, the or so, Boston should be the place companies holler bloody murder. where a member can go to work And then they turn around and in a hirrry. buy more ships, and make pro­ At this writing there are a fits on every one of them. > number of jobs on the board, r after several calls, with New York short of the same ratings also. Indeed, it appears as If you don't find linen though the good old days are when you go aboard your here again. But where are the ship, notify the Hall at once. men? A telegram from Le Havre or Singapore won't do you any Well, let's hope the good ship­ good. It's your bed and you ping continues, and somehow we know the men will be avail­ have to lie in it. able for the jobs. No Competition For Rated Jobs in Port Boston ATTENTION! NEW SEASON SWAMPS OULUTH WITH SEAMEN By EINAR NORDAAS DULUTH—Spring is in the air and with it comes the yearning to get started on the Lakes, so during the past week more sea­ men have been around the Duluth Hall that we thought were in this part of the country. It is the same story every spring. The desire to be on the move and make that stake all over again gets the best of a man. Well, brother, any fool can make a stake, but it takes the wise hombre to save it. Bids are now being let out for harbor work around Two Harbors. Quite a few improve­ ments are to be made to handle the extra shipping expected to for what ever may come. pass through the port. The ore mines are going full blast, and thiS' end of the Lakes will be already to go when the first ship enters the harbor. The Browning Steamship Company, formerly Overlakes, is at present negotiating for the purchase of a plot in this har­ bor . to unload 'automobiles. They have already bought a 36 acre spot in Detroit, and be­ sides automobiles, the fleet of eight ships will carry bulk car­ goes. When this goes to press, the organizing drive of the SIU will be well under way. Any of you men who will be aboard Lakes vessels and have any ideas or sug­ gestions tto improve the drive— send them in. They'll be given" consideration and study. No item is too small to consider. It is the observation and alerttiess of SIU members aboard the ships that will go a long ways to insuring the drive of a suc­ cessful donclusion. COUNCIL MEETS The Marine Council of (Great­ er Duluth will hold its second meeting in Superior, Wis. on March 18. All indications are that by that time the council will be operating smoothy, ready When your ship ties up at Duluth, come up and visit us, together we can aid the drive in many ways. If we put all our­ selves into this fight we will make it a smashing victory for the SIU on the Great Lakes. �Friday, iMazch 14,1847 T H E E:A F A R ER S L O G Upper left. 4he Slewards Departmenl of the Sea Nymph, Alcoa. This was a 'clean' ship and a* very cleam galley. Left to right, Fred Oliver,''MM,- Utility La Francer Second Cook E. Brown; Galleyman Ed Hudson; Ollie McCall, MM; Chief Steward E. O. Johnson; Chief Cook Maurice Lee; and R. Brown, Night Cook and Baker. - Coffee time at.'iipper .right for the Deck Gang of the SS Sea • Nymph. .No hangovers even if it is camivad time in New Orleans. In the usual order, George Mcintosh, AB; Albert Robillard, AB; D. McLeod, AB; Bosun'Howeir Durante AB W. Logan; George Peters, AB; OS'Dave Loftin; and GardnerMcGuire, AB. Left, another shot of the Sea Nymph Deck crew, this time on Deck where they belong. Ranged along the rail are R. Murray, T. F. Hewitt, G. N. Peters, D. Loftin, H. Duranl, C. Hamilton, W. Lo­ gan, and A. Robillard. Just out of the bon^yard, right, the SS Sam Jackson is to be reconditioned and added to the Mississippi fleet. Gathered in the Bosun's room, we find T. J. Tighe^ AB; A. W. Gatewood, Bosun; D. E. Henry Eschete; and Ralph Piehet. Side left shows- Electrician Johnnie Prescott repairing lighting cluster for Second Cook W. D. Purdy, who goes about his business. On the right are some of the Stewards Department of the Alcoa Pointer. Left to right. Night Cook D. L. Knapp, Steward Johnnie Elliot, Utility Hugh Collons, and Chief Cook James Lomax. The SS. William Brewster also came into the picture, lower left. Joseph Tassin, John Splan, Thomas Ketelf, Ronald Richardson, Eddie Tassin, Ronald Harringan, John Shannon, Ollis Filligan, Henry Milton, and Hendon Frazier, in the usual L. to R. order. Hard at work is the Deck Gang of Waterman's SS Columbia Victory, lower right. J. Gonzalez supervising, and doing the work, Louis Mainera, G. Santiago, A. Johnson, L. Marchetti, and E. Hansen. Page Seven �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Eight r Friday, March 14, 1947 Chicago Says, Do Not Go There Seafarers Talte Stand To Back SIU Supports Until Shipping Booms In April Bill Dennels, Friend Of Labor Donnels, Baitod By Politicians By HERBERT JANSEN WHEREAS: Uncle Bill Donnels, (Wm. L. Donnels), Editor CHICAGO —The spring ship­ was impossible to counteract. It of the Federationist, a Labor paper published in New Orleans, ping season is officially under is still powerful, but with union With the wholehearted conLouisiana, has consistently supported the Seafarers Interna­ way on the Lakes, but don't newspapers giving the true facts tional Union, as well as all bonafide labor unions, and currance of 1250 Seafarers, meet­ come running tp Chicago for a this method no longer will turn WHEREAS: The Seafarers International Union in conven­ ing in Webster Hall, on March ship yet. A few ships are tak­ the working stiffs against their tion in New Orleans on March 27 through March 31, 1944 went 12, the SIU went on recoid to ing crews, but the majority of own unions. Those days are on record unanimously to give Brother Donnels, (Uncle Bill) a the vessels are still shrouded in gone forever. back William L. Donnels, Editor vote of appreciation for the splendid manner in which he hand­ their winter rainment. of the Federationist. This paper, led the opening session of the convention, as Master of Cere­ TRUE FACTS All men who contemplated published in New Orleans, Loui­ monies, and that a copy of this resolution be spread in the min­ I'm sure no one found the true comirig here for a ship had bet­ utes of the convention and that a copy of the resolution be sent siana, has been consistently on ter hold off until around April cause of the company's difficul­ to President William Green, of the American Federation of La­ the side of labor, and Uncle Bill 10. The men we have registered ties printed in any newspaper. bor, and that the Seafarers International Union endorse the Donnels has a fine reputation as here now will take the jobs, due But here in the Uinion newspaper Federationisf, as a consistent Labor newspaper, and to come in during the next few are the true facts. Just as with a firm friend of the Seafarers In­ WHEREAS: Certain politicians are attempting to hurt Bro­ all the bunk handed out by the days. ternational Union, in particular, ther Donnels because of his consistent tight for labor and clean When the Straits of Mackinac -shipowner, the real .situation government by claiming that he does not have the support of and the whole labor movement, open up, the whistle will blow, within the company is printed Labor, THEREFORE in general. and shipping will really boom. for the seamen to get the truth. BE IT RESOLVED: That the Seafarers International Union This will not be the only Right now Uncle Bill is under This week we started contract of North America reaffirm its support of the Federationist, and negotiations with the Clipper smear we are going to face in fire from various local politicians commend Brother Donnels for his untiring and fearless sup­ Line. A little progress was made the days to come. These com­ because of his many battles on port of the cause of Organized Labor, and in some of the provisions asked. panies that are not organized the side of labor, as well as his BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED; That the Secretary-Treas­ Another meeting will be held in will be using propaganda of all fight for clean government. The urer of the Seafarers International Union of North America no­ the near future to square away sorts to combat us in our drive action taken by the SIU is the tify William Green, President, American Federation of Labor; to organize their ships and sea­ the loose ends. opening gun in demonstrating to Steve Queries, President, New Orleans Central Trades and La­ Here's a classic example of men. the labor-baiters that Bill Don­ bor Council; E. H. (Lige) Williams, President, Louisiana State They will promise their em­ what one company pulled in an nels and the Federationist have Federation of Labor; and James W. Barr, Manager, Better Busi­ attempt to discredit the SIU. ployees heaven and earth. They the support of the AFL. ness Bureau of New Orleans, Inc., of the action of the Seafarers In December, 1946, a release was will slur us to any extent pos­ International Union in reaffirming its support of the Federa­ The resolution, submitted by sent out to the newspapers by sible for their benefit. They will tionist. Lindsey J. Williams, is printed the D&C Lines, which operates spend their money to stop us. in the adjoining columns. six passenger ships and one They will spend money, lots freight vessel, stating that the of it, for it is an investment D&C was folding up shop be- in the future. When "they have the seamen down to poor wages, no overtime and no working rules they will reap what they sow now. There is one thing they should come to Houston for repair work will keep it growing and moving By CHARLES HAYMOND know by now. The SIU is one and created that many more steadily forward. HOUSTON — The port facili­ jobs. union that won't be fooled with SIU AND ILA their foul line. They have tried ties here have ntot increased in The International Association Last Saturday the ILA Com­ it with no success, but they will the last five years, but there is of Machinists, Lone Star Marine press and Warehousemen Locals try again. And again they won't a bright future in store for Lodge., 872, respected the picket- 1581 and 1525 completed negoti­ succeed. We are going ahead Houston. The city is growing by lines of the SIU-SUP and all ations with Anderson and Clay­ leaps and bounds; warehouses, other maritime unions during and they won't stop us! ton, the largest cotton opeiators plants and housing projects are the general strike last year. in the world, and a hard outfit being constructed full blast. Upon conclusion of the strike for labor to deal'lairly with. 'tlTTLE LIE All of this means that a larger they tried to return to work but They signed for ten cents per volume of shipping will make were locked out by the yard. cause the SIU was asking for an hour increase for compi-ess work­ use of the port thereby causing increase in wages, and this in­ This happened despite the fact ers and twenty cents fbr dockSend in the minutes of its expansion. The Seafarers is crease would force the company that three years previous the side workers. your ship's meeting to the now firmly intrenched and will Machinists and six other unions to cease operations completely. The Seafarers have always • New York Hall. Only in that grow right along with the port. of the Metal Trades Council had worked closely with the ILA and The press release hit the front way can the membership act page of most of the cities around Shipping has been good right officially been certified as the were supported 100 per cent by on your recommendations, the midwest, including every along, despite the fact that bargaining agents for Brown's them in the general strike. daily paper in Chicago. and then the minutes can be Brown's shipyard has been clos­ shipyard. If these negotiations had end­ It was real ammunition for The big issue then at stake ed in a deadlock, the ILA and ed since September 22, 1946, printed in the LOG for the the anti-labor boys and they thereby causing the diversion of was the recognition of the the SIU would have been on the benefit of all other SIU made the most of it. The inten­ a considerable amount of ship­ unions and the signing of closed picketline together again as they crews. tion was to discredit all unions were last year. ping that would have otherwise shop contracts. and at the same time put a MC AGAIN The organizing campaign di­ crimp in our coming organiza­ At one time the Machinists rected towards the organization tional drive. and the Metal Trades council of all smaller craft is well under released all ships with the un­ way, and will be intensified in TRUTH COMES OUT derstanding that the companies the near future. The truth of the matter came The Seafarers is out to organ­ would not send any more ships out this week when the Man­ ize everything that floats, and to the yard. By EDWARD F. JANASZEK ager of the D&C Lines came is not going to stop until the The Maritime Commission then to Chicago to meet SIU Presi­ TOLEDO —The NMU, appar­ us with safety precautions, we'd stepped in in their usual strike­ job is done. dent Harry Lundeberg. He told breaking role and asigned four ently wanting to place a smoke all be hobbling on crutches. Brother Lundeberg the prob­ We insist on the Captain of ships to the yard, one tanker screen around its shortcomings, lems of his company, and dur­ the ship to see that every safety and the others ATS ships slated ing the conversation he admitted has been giving the SIU free measure possible is installed. for reconversion. ihal the problems thai are fac­ space in the Pilot. That's the only way to be sure The Maritime Commission was ing the D&C Line are not due then informed that, because of The latest, found in a recent of getting it. to the SIU, but are within the Now that fit-out time is here their finky action, no union tug issue, is a picture of the Chicago company itself. Clipper, Wisconsin and Michigan and the ships are getting ready in the harbor would handle any The Watch Hill, V-4 tug of It is very easy for a company's Steamship Company. for the 1947 season on the Great of the hot ships. the Moran Towing and Trans­ Board of Directors to sit down, Lakes, safety devices should be This has been a strike of long portation Company, left Tampa, They neglected to mention and when they find themselves inspected and if necessary re­ duration and is still in progress. Florida this week to undertake in disagreement as to the ills that the SIU will have a con­ placed. Picket lines have maintained by the longest towing job ever un­ of the company, to place the tract with this company when There is no price on a human the Machinists and the Seafarers dertaken by an American tug. cause of their woes at the door the Clipper is ready to ply the life. The companies will install and other unibns have continued The vessel, carying an SIU Lakes this spring. None of this of labor. safety devices as they do not to support the locked-out men crew of 30 men, will travel It is easy for them to release stuff is signed, so we don't know wish to pay the hdspital bills in every way, including financial 13,000 miles to Banka Island in a report to a hostile, anti-labor who to thank for the plug. for anyone injured aboard ship. support. the Netherland East Indies to press, with untrue statements On the other hand in a re­ The season on the Lakes is The port of Houston, although deliver the Stuyvesant, a mam­ and then sit back and let the cent issue, they blame the Coast short, and if a seaman is laid up growing, can never get any­ moth tin dredge to the Dutch labor baiters beat their drums. Guard for the drowning of a for a month or two in a hospital, where as long as outfits like Government there, where it will This device is used often, for seaman, whose death, they say, a big chunk of his season's in­ Brown's are able to ride rough be used for the rehabiliation of Labor doesn't own daily news­ was due indirectly to a faulty come is gone. handed over union members' the tin mines devastated by the papers with large circulations, ladder. Japanese. There is no sense in courting rights. but must aount on the truth be­ injury, so give your ship a real The Seafarers is in Houston to Anothfer tug is expected to RELY ON SELVES ing heard in its weekly news­ look over when you go aboard, stay and wiU continue to fight in leave in the near future for papers. In the SIU we don't rely on and your chances of finishing defense of all legitimate beefs the same destination, to deliver Before the days of the labor the Coast Guard for anything. If the season in one piece will be such as this. It is this policy the other of two such dredges press this line of propaganda we counted on them to provide greatly increased. which has built the Union and ordered by the Dutch. Houston Has Bright Future As A Shipping Port; AFL Unions There Have Record Of Cooperation Send Those Minutes Toledo Seafarers Sends Thanks To NMU For Free Plug In Pilot MoranTug.WatohHill, Undertakes A Record TowingJobToFarEast �THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, March 14. 1947 J Volunteer Organizers Even an Isthmian ship can be a good ship if the crew organ­ izes to make it click. That's the way it was on the SS Harry L. Glucksman, acc|)rding to Edward Stankovich, AB. Brother Stankovich, or Ski, as he is known in the Union, just came off the Glucksman when the ship paid off in Wilmington, Delaware. He had a good chance to watch, and participate in, mili­ tant action to force better con­ ditions than are usual on un­ organized ships. Here's his story. "At the beginning of the voy­ age," he recalls, "everything was fouled up. The food was poor, the quarters not clean, and the overtime was frequently in dis­ pute. We got together and de­ EDWARD STANKOVICH cided to demand our rights. From then on, the situation improvements," said Ski. "Once changed." It must have changed plenty. the company found that the SIU From the time the Glucksman was the chosen representative of left Galveston on November 8, the majority of Isthmian sea­ until the ship reached Wilming­ men, they knew that they would ton on March 2, here are the have to clean things up in a hurry." gains made by the crew; The lesson learned by the QUICK CHANGES First of all, the food became crew of the Glucksman applys more plentiful and more care equally well to other crews on was taken with its preparation. other ships. The situation is Quarters were squared away, rapidly changing in Isthmian, and the rest of the vessel made mainly as a result of pressure ship-shape. Overtime was from the SIU and organized straightened out, and the atti­ crews who sail the ships. In the near future the SIU is tude of the officers changed when they saw that the crew • sure to be accredited as the was prepared to act together if bargaining agent for unlicensed anything happened. ! Isthmian seamen, and when that "Of course, the fact that the happens, the changes in condi­ SIU had won the Isthmian elec­ tions, wages and overtime will tion had plenty to do with the come a lot faster. 4. J. i A new technique in organiza­ tion was tried by Seafarer Ben Taflewitz on Isthmian's Marine Fox, and it looks like the new idea paid off. When the ship was finally vot­ ed, the NMU was swamped by such a majority that it had to challenge the SIU vote in order to save face. All Ben did was to take the NMU literature and put it up on the bulkhead for the whole crew to see. Then he quietly went around, giving the SIU side of the picture. And that was enough. "It was the SIU contracts that were our big selling point," says Ben. "I could prove, in black and white, that the crew would make more money under an SIU contract than they oould with an NMU agreement." Not only that, but Brother Taflewitz outlined how the SIU has led the maritime field for years, and that the NMU has been forced to tag along, ac­ cepting the gains made by the Seafarers. ISTHMIAN VETERAN Ben also sailed on two other Isthmian ships, the Belle of the Seas, and the Sea Fiddler. So when he talks about conditions on unorganized ships, he knows exactly what he is talking about. "On troop ships, the food was okay because the Government paid for it," recalled Ben. "But when the companies had to start paying for the food out of its own dough, they cut down on quality and quantity." Wages on unorganized ships are lower than on Union vessels, „ Voyage Of Murder And Mayhem Spells Union Losson To Soafaror (Continued from Page 3) joy were smashed. The hospitals got a good play and the bills came in for the Old Man to settle. The officers were no different. The Stewards Department fol­ lowed the pattern—no Cooks or Messmen. Not being a drinker, I stayed aboard and had to go into the galley to cook. Yet, though there was no work done aboard, they were all present for meals. There was nothing I could do about it; so I cooked. After a twelve-day stay there, we went to Salaverry where the Peruvian Navy put on 1000 tons of sugar. We then went to Chimbote to shift coal. Once more" the crew took over the town. The same horse play of fights ashore, joints wrecked, hospitals visited for stabbings and the police aboard with bills to collect. December 24th came along, and I prepared turkeys and all the fixings for a real Christmas Din­ ner. For supper that night I served sirloin steak, French fries, fiesh green salad, green peas, cake and fresh fruit. Then the black gang came mid­ ship to me and raised hell about the supper. They said that on other ships they had a big feed and whiskey was given out by the Old Man and the Steward. That's what they wanted from me. I said nothing doing and the fight started. The Old Man came tearing in and fired a shot over their heads, and told them they would not get a thing different than what was there. Well, for a few minutes they were quiet. Then they decided to kill the Chief Mate, because the BEN TAFLEWITZ and overtime is a word that means nothing. Of course, the work is done, but the men rare­ ly if ever, receive pay for actuai or penalty OT. The officers are treated well enough on unorganized ships, but "they sure take it out on the un­ licensed personnel," says Ben. "During the bargaining elect­ ion," he recalls, "the officers picked out the men who stood against the Union, and offered them privileges. They got the only overtime, and they were given more than their share of free time. For the rest of us, it was the hard times all the way. To suit their own purposes, the officers tried to play off the SIU against the NMU." But even that didn't work, and in spite of everything the company did. Isthmian went SIU — and how! Page Nine week before the Chief had tang­ led with one of the Black Gang and, with the assistance of the Chief Engineer, had placed the Fireman in irons. BATTLE ROYAL ' When the man was ironed and in the sick bay, the Chief Mate beat the hell out of him and put the boot to him when he was on the deck. So the boys were out to get him. They stormed into the sal- oon. The Chief Engineer, Second fore any embarrassing questions Mate and myself were there. could be asked. We found the Captain of the We tried" to talk to them, but it was useless and there was an­ Port and after a short conversa­ other fight. We finally cleared tion, a few cartons of cigarettes and some Scotch whiskey, we the saloon, but not for long. sailed. Back again they came, and some of them rushed the Chief BACK TO STATES Mate's cabin, and cornering him We headed for Los Angeles for there they roughed him up a bit. They knew he had a gun and more repairs to the hull and en­ were a bit cautious, but when gine, pulling into San Pedro on they found he had the gun lock­ Jan. 29. On the trip up the Old Man sold the crew all the whis­ ed up the fight went on. The Military Police ashore had been notified that we were hav­ ing a riot aboard, but they were awfully slow in coming aboard, so the battle went on. The Second Mate broke his right hand, and for four hours we fought. The Chief Engineer and myself had pistols, yet no one was shot. The Military Police came aboard about 9 P.M. and we collected up the playboys and off to jail they went. The Captain of the Port of Pimentel finally had a bellyful of the crew's actions, so he went to key they wanted, so a nice drunk work. He contacted Lima and was enjoyed by the crew. had the prisoners placed in cus­ On the 30th the crew received tody of the army. a draw. All hands went ashore After a hearing they were | for a good time, the officers intransported to a penal colony off i duded. On the 31st some of the Callo. There they are supposed crew lugged the Old Man back to spend a few years, after which aboard ship. I decided I'd had they will be repatriated. I enough. But all was not serene yet. The I asked for my money and the next day, Christmas Day, about Second Mate made out my vouch2 P.M., one of the deck hands had i er. With that I left the ship with a fight with the donkey man. He | plenty of money, but terrible received such a beating that he | memories. was out cold. The statement—I was a fool— I stood in the passageway and can now easily be understood, saw the donkeyman beat the I am a member of the Seafarman's head on the deck. I could i ers. I took the job, not through hear iiis skull crack like an egg- the Union Hall, but just for the shell. i sake of sailing. All the Union 1 has fought for in the past, I tossNO MEDICAL AID I ed overboard. The Chief Mate and Skipper' . The Union has fought to elimwitnessed it also, and after the ^^^te such conditions; to give the battle, the Chief Mate and Don- "^en representation and see that key Man carried the deck hand injustices shall be imposed below and dumped him in the upon them. I went through a litpassageway where he lay for 36 making. I hours without any medical at- ^^ked for and I got it. tention. Later he was picked up LESSON LEARNED and put in his bunk. The lesson stamped forever in Six days later he was sent to the hospital in Chiclayo for treatmind is what a fool I was. If ment. A note was sent along ^ can't be a good Union man, sail stating that he was suffering from Union, be Union, live Union, I alcoholism, with no mention be- should hang my head in shame, ing made that he was beaten. I Without the Union to supervise The hospital treated him for i'ho conditions on these ships, and malnutrition and the DTs. The to help us as members of the orSecond Mate was in the same gamzation to steer clear of such hospital room and he told the conditions, it would be one sorry doctors about the beating the sea- ^'nrld to live in. man had received, but they did i ^ really thanked God I reached nothing ' home alive. Whenever I leave The hospital sent him backl^gain you can damn well bet it aboard ship Jan. 4th, and we leftj^iH be through the Union Hall, that evening for Talara to take on water. We arrived in Talara lAlAf A|«|t|AM CloAf on the 6th. I went ashore at once •WMIVI IIIUII rivvl and insisted that the man be rc- if« • • •• 4 moved to a hospital. TgTQ|C51 SfllQC The local authorities then came aboard and lowered him off the| The Waterman Steamship ship in a sling, as he was uncon- Corporation's purchase of 10 scious. We made ready to sail Liberty ships from the Mariand were starting away the next time Commission last week day when a launch came out and brought the company's total informed us that the seaman had fleet to 51 vessels, making it the died, and we would have to put largest now owned by an Amerback for an investigation. lean Company. The Old Man and myself went; The deal was closed in Washashore and identified the body, ington, where a company official From there we went to the Po- is (jompleting arrangements for lice Station to go over his belong- delivery of the ships, most of ings. After that we went to find which are now under charter to out how we could get away be-, Waterman. m I �THE SEAFARERS LOG 'Page Ten Friday, March 14, 1947 SS King's Chief Engineer Generates Cash—For Wipers The Wipers aboard the SS Franklin H. King are ac­ cumulating overtime by proxy. This cash-producing innovation was introduced by the Alcoa vessel's Chief Engineer—though not intention­ ally, of course. The guy is just a victim of his own in­ discretions and the Engine men accordingly reaped the benefits of his wild oat sowing. The proxy set-up didn't last long, however. Monroe Men Scream For Ice Cream A locked stable after the horse has been stolen has more than one application, in the opinion of one Seafarer crew, at least. Taking no chances on the pos­ sibility of a supply shortage de­ veloping at sea, the sweettoothed crew of the SS Monroe shot a motion through the Jan. 7 shipboard meeting, calling for a five-gallon freezer to be placed aboard so that ice cream can be made when the brick runs out. The motion, which was brought up while the vessel was down Argentina way — Buenos Aires—was followed by several others, all dedicated to the im­ provement of shipboard feed­ ing conditions. Three days out of New York. Ihe MV Loop Knot ran into bad weather. Photo at left shows ship's dock awash after choppy sea cascade overrail. Hunk of man in grass skirt in photo at right is John Osmalinski, OS, showing What the welldressed deck man will wear for a tropical run. With cream it's good for breakfast, too. The hows and whys of this* ~ ^ amusing and profitable episode roll. Of the first time. Brother (for the Chief, too—he got a Buckley says: "This bright brass-hat's paint­ good education in the engine's ing with vigor enabled the Wi­ department's working rules) is pers to collect 16 hours of over­ revealed in a letter from the time, for which they thank the Black Gang Delegate, Joseph Madder than a March hare Buckley, who recorded the in­ Chief for his generosity." cident down in Port of Spain, At the turn-about in events after Trinidad. the hep Franklin King men stood TWO MISTAKES firm on the provisions of their Twice the engine officer made contract, the Chief Engineer contributions to the men's pay- "thought he would get even." So, says Brother Buckley, "he pulls the bell-to-bell gag. But an oldtimer could cover that bet, and after two days of strug­ gle, he gave that up." PRESSURE UP DELEGATES TO CHECK First off, it was agreed that the Steward would show his supply order list to the three Delegates before handing it over to the Captain. Obvious intent of this decision was to make sure the Skipper didn't do too much slicing of the meat orders and other foodstuffs. Previously it had been re- "ioy^o h/of ANDA 8A^^L cff, ?iSTACHio/ At left., bumboats containing barrels of lime juice lay alongside Loop Knot in St. Croix. V. I. Venders apparently overestimated thirst and liquid capacity of the bauxite carrier's crew. Now. if that was beer in those barrels . . . Peaceful scene, at right, of colorful St. Croix, was taken from the Loop Knot's deck. Michael Baal. AB, took these photos. Extension Of Alien Seamen Waiver Urged At Waltham Victory Meeting ported by the Chief Cook that many meat items that were brought aboard the ship recent­ ly were short. A hurry call from the Steward to the Port Steward brought some action— and some moi-e meat, but a hurried departure resulted in all deliveries not being made. Two of the Delegates corroborated the Steward's story that because of the quick sailing, he did not have sufficient time to check the stores. Just to make sure the situa­ tion wasn't repeated the Stew­ ard was already at wtork on a list of necessary fruits and vege­ tables to be ordered in the next port. ACTION LOOMS In another motion, the crew went on record to take advan­ tage of a provision in the agree­ ment which covers cases such as theirs. . "If vegetables and fresh fruits are not on board by the third day according to the agreement, the crew has the right to quit working," the motion declared. Harry Engle Hart chaired the meeting,' which was recorded by James Moore. Fully aware of the disaster facing alien seamen when''crew tok up the question of the wartime waiver allowing them to constitute 50 per­ candidates for Union positions. cent of a ship's crew expires March 31, crewmembers of It was decided that many can­ the Waltham Victory have urged immediate action to ex­ didates are unknown to the ma­ jority of the membership, thus tend the date of expiration. Meeting on Jan. 30 at sea the* crewmembers proposed that the der reduces the chances of alien SlU call a conference of all seamen from earning a living on maritime unions to fight for the American ships. "Alien seamen have proven to extension of Title V of the Secbe good union men, struggling on 'War Powers Act. to maintain decent working con­ Title V of the Second "War ditions and they deserve every Powers Act allows American bit of help possible. ships to be crewed with 50 per "The crew of the SS "Walcent alien crews. The provi­ tham Victory thus urges the SIU sions of this act expire on March to call a conference of all mari­ 31, when regulations governing time unions in order to meet an­ the employment of aliens re­ other government attempt to verts to the Merchant Marine •weaken organized labor." Act of 1936. Under the 1936 act, The action by the Waltham aliens are restricted to consist­ ing 25 per cent of the crew on Victory crew is in protest to non-subsibized ships and 10 per the promises made and broken cent on government subsidized by the State Department and War Shipping Administration, ships. both of which informed foreign PROPOSAL born seamen that their requests The proposal, made by Abra­ for visas and other documents ham Marco stated; "There was needed to make them eligible little talk of visas and illegal en­ for American citizenship would try (into the United States) dur­ be attended to after the war and ing the past war when many due credit would > be given ' their hundreds of alien seamen lost service to the cause of victory. depriving them of choosing the man best qualified for the of­ fice. The crew then adopted un­ animously a resolution similar to the one proposed by the San Juan Branch and concurred in by all ports, calling for the background and qualifications of each candidate to be printed in the Seafarers Log. TEXT OF RESOLUTION The resolution, as proposed by Gus Jensen and adopted by the crew, follows: "Whereas: In all SIU elections held to date many of the candi­ dates are unknown to a big ma­ jority of the members thus mak­ ing it impossible for them to vote intellegently. "Therefore, be it resolved: that all candidates list the fol­ lowing information which is to accompany their names in all campaign literature, and to be printed in each issue of the Log their lives because of enemy ac­ Following the adoption of the during^ the campaign: tion. The recent government or­ proposal by Brother Marco, the {Continued on Page 11) But w^hat really cracked the Chief's blQod pressure barometer was his second slip of the trip. With the assistance of the Third Engineer, he cleaned up the the storeroom, built shelves and swept the entire storeroom, Buckley writes. "Generous guy, that Chief," Buckley says, gratefully. "Again we slapped him with 16 hours overtime for the Wi­ pers." The bomb-like effect of this second encounter with the Un­ ion working rules had overtones that rumbled long after the crew's victory was sealed. Buckley reports that he and the other men heard "moaning and gashing of teeth for a week later. "Article 11, Section 33 has become the Chief Engineer's night-mace in this new contract." Although the engine depart­ ment officer's head-on collision with the SIU agreement drew the crew's major attentions; the Skipper had a side-swiping en­ counter in which he came off second best to the contract. The Skipper's meeting with the contract provisions was touched off by his use of a pe­ culiar grab-bag technique to which the crew strongly object­ ed—and successfully. SCREWBALL IDEA "It seems that he has a screw­ ball idea," Buckley writes, that the crew is not supposed to have more than one bar of soap or one box of matches in their rooms, so the wise gent started gathering up all over this amount." The Deck and Steward Dele­ gates went with Buckley to see the old man about these collect­ ing ways. Stressing the irregu­ larity of such a procedure, and waving the Union contract again, the boys convinced the Skipper that charges iof petty thievery could be instituted if the "gathering-up" operation was repeat­ ed. They've had no more trou­ ble on this score. �Friday. March 14. 1947 Page Eleven THE SEAFARERS LOG SIU Ship's Minutes In Brief CAPE TEXAS. Feb. 6 — Chairman M. E. Reid; Secre­ tary T. T. Feeley. Engine Dele­ gate reported a beef concern­ ing overtime between the Oil­ ers and Jr. Engineers over watches. Voted to submit beef to Patrolman for clarification. Motion carried that no one sign off until all disputed over­ time is settled. Repair list made and approved by crew. X 3/ & WILLIAM KAMAKA. Dec. 14—Chairman Betls; Secretary Holden. Deck Delegate report­ ed on system of rotating gang­ way watches. Engine Delegate reported one beef concerning plumbing work which has been placed on the disputed list. Stewards Delegate reported all olray. Old Business: Slopchest tabled to next meeting. New Business: Question raised concening draw answered satis­ factorily. Good and Welfare: All hands to cooperate more in keeping ship clean. This in­ cludes the laundry, heads, etc. Log Available At Antwerp Spot If this situation does not im­ prove there will be a detail­ ed report waiting for the Pa­ trolman at the payoff. 4 t i ALEXANDER CLAY. Jan. 10—Chairman Eugene F. Howlett; Secretary Cullerton. Meetting called for purpose of hav­ ing Steward prepare better menus. Motion carried that Delegates check all books and strike clearances. Motion car­ ried that Steward serve fruit juices and canned fruit more often and serve steak, as too much second meat is being served. Motion carried for Delegates to check on perco­ lator and see if it can be re­ paired and that good ones be purchased when ship reaches the States. Motion carried that toast be served for breakfast. Motion carried that Steward type out menus for the messhall. 4. t 4 ALEXANDER CLAY. Jan. 17—Chairman Cullerton; Sec­ retary Saunders. Report on books, shipping cards and strike clearance made. All in good order except Steward, who has no shipping card.i Steward's story will be check­ ed and if guilty of wrong do­ ing he will brought up on charges. New Business: Mo­ tion carried that ice boxes be cleaned and that mess hall be cleaned and kept cleaned for the remainder of the trip. VENORE. (Date. Chairman and Secretary not given.) New Business: Motion carried that ship have a number of union candidates for union memberbook holders vouch for them, providing they can prove their whereabouts during the 1946 General Strike. Good and Welfare: Suggestion that each department lake care of its own grievances. Question raised what to do about the situation where half of the crew is non­ union and some of that half is carrying on anti-union acti­ vity. Crew decided to hold off action on question until next meeting. Seafarers calling at Antwerp, Belgium, will soon be able to pick up copies of the Log at one of that port's waterfront spots. Arrangements have been made for distribution of the paper at Cafe Martime, Leopold Dock 212, Antwerp. The suggestion to make the Log available at the Antwerp cafe came from the crew of the SS Madaket. The suggestion was" accompanied by high praise for. the cafe's owners, Mr. and Mrs. Alois Verbeck-Jacobs, who, according- to the Madaket men, have been unstinting in their ef­ forts to help seamen whenever possible. "At various times," the Mada­ ket crew said, "these people have assisted various seamen in ob­ taining transportation to their ships, regardless of where the vessel was tied up." The kindly couple have ar­ ranged on innumerable occasions transportation for seafaring men MANDARIN.^Jan. 2—Chair­ going to ships in several of Bel­ man Louis Filippio. Secretary gium's ports—and without kick­ Wiley Carter. Engine and backs, the SIU crew asserted. Stewards Delegates reported no beefs. Deck Delegate's re­ port referred to trial commit­ tee at the pay-off of the vessel. Good and Welfare: Repair list made up and approved. Crew Alien Seamen Aid Urged By Crew (Cofttinued from Page 10) "1. Length of time a full book member. "2. Citizenship. Native born or naturalized, and if the latter, date of naturalization and coun­ try of - birth. "3. Number of trips at sea, as shown by discharges. "4. Number of trips as dele­ gates or other union activities, such as chairman of meeting, etc. "Further, be it resolved: that a copy of this resolution be sent to the SIU Hall in New York for their consideration and ac­ tion; and if adopted by them, that the items mentioned here­ in be followed in all campaigns preceeding elections." decided not to sign off articles until tax exemption be inves­ tigated and all pay vouchers satisfactory to crew. One min­ ute of silence observed for Brothers lost at sea. isybtiR PRDI^TIOA// t % % MANDARIN. Nov. 16 — Chairman Max Beyers; Secre­ tary Wiley Carter. Engine Delegate reported that foc'sles need painting. Stewards De­ legate reported no beefs. Deck Delegate also reported fos'sles needing painting. New Busi­ ness: Motion carried to have Captain inspect foc'sles con­ cerning painting. Good and Welfare: Motion carried that each Department take care of the laundry for a week at a time using men on sanitary work. Steward to issue linen to crew on Saturday at sea. and Friday in port. Motion carried that man on last stand­ by make coffee for crew. Mo­ tion carried that the three De­ legates see Purser for list con­ cerning prices of item in the slopchest at less 10 per cent. All members stood in silence in respect one minute for the Brothers lost at sea. a. it 4. RAPHAEL SEMMES. Feb. 18 —Chairman Roundtree; Secre­ tary Guy Ranallo. Motions car­ ried: That the Steward order a sufficient amount of soap to last the trip; that Engine Room Delegate see First" Asst. about supplying more soap and rags to Black Gang; that the three Departmental Delegates speak to Captain about supplying suf­ ficient amount of preventa­ tives; that delegates inquire as to the reason why more emer­ gency lights are not distri­ buted about the ship and if same can be supplied; that Delegates speak to Engineer about setting aside certain hours that the sanitary pumps be operated for flushing heads; that Steward order a suffi­ cient amount of coke to op­ erate an emergency kitchen unit when, and if. necessary; that the Delegates contact SIU Port Agent and Waterman Agent about replenishing supsufficient amount of light bulbs plies; that Electrician order a io last the trip. Parker Bags Another Medal Competing against some of the top speed-skating talent in the nation. Jack Parker, the Seafar­ er's medal-winning Bosun, grab­ bed second place i nthe half-mile feature event at the Brooklyn Ice Palace last Thursday night. The contest is one of a series spon­ sored by the Middle Atlantic Skating Association as a windup to the indoor season. The indoor racing season closes at the Brooklyn arena next Thursday when the one-mile race title will be sought by an impos­ ing array of ice-speedsters. En­ tered in this event, Parker views YO(;R CONITI?ACT the competition as "rugged."' When he puts his skates away for the year. Jack will be looking to other fields for his shoreside conditioning. High on the list of possibilities at the moment, is the Bosun's plan to compete in speed bicycling contests, in be­ tween shipping jobs. The optimistic Bosun is already looking around for a pair of skates for his one-month-old daughter, Linda, who Parker figures should be ready to cut up some ice with him next season. Linda hasn't yet expressed her­ self in the matter. IF YOO FIND THE coNTfSACT IS eeiMS VIOIATED . . . MOTlFVlHEAeEMT AT THE FIRST (WYOU Hit. CUT and RUN By HANK Bosun Paul "Haywire" Warren knows a lot of good things but the one good thing he knows and talks about right now is the fact that the crew of the Haiti "Victorj' was the swcllest crew of militant oldtimers he ever sailed with. Anyway, before Paul left for the cold country with his easy sense of humor he reminisced lots of wel­ comed fresh news to us about some oldtimers. He doesn t roar when he laughs or whack his knees but he sure smiled wide and senti­ mental-like when he revealed that incident involving himself, "Joe Joe" Tuart (who is down in New Orleans right now) and Johnny Johnston when they engineered the first and best cow agreement through their midwifing experience with some" cows aboard a ship, Tho funny thing about it all was that Paul had the profitable last laugh on his two shipmates when he did collect two hours over­ time (v/hich they wrote down on his sheet without his knowl­ edge) for a midwifing job on a calf born with the squeaky blessing of a handybilly and nicknamed Stormv Weather instead of Handybilly. Paul says he'll miss Lindsay Cobb, who was Deck Main­ tenance. and just went down lo New Orleans . . . Steward A. A. Kessen, nicknamed "Cueball," is staving in New York for another ship and rewarding his sister in Ohio with the weekly Logs to save for him after his trips . . . We don't know if Brother Moon Koons smokes those proletarian cigars for his health, his reputation and associations, or just because they are a habit. Right now he is holding up Joe's Jungle and keeping it lively. However, there'3 unfortunately something new which is keeping him going. It's his bad foot and it sure keeps him going, all right—to the Marine Hospital down in New Orleans . . . "Haywire" says he met one of his shipmates here in New York, Brother Andrew Smith, v/hom he hasn't seen in many years. Brother Smith just came in after a tanker trip, con­ cluded in Galveston . . . And if you didn't know it, you know it now. thanks to Haywire, that Brother "Grindstone" Johnson, who anchors down in New Orleans, originated that famous salty remark on deck "Do the best you can with the tools you have. Carry on, boys, carry .on". FLOTSAM AND JETSAM DEPARTMENT: Brother Frank "Red" Sully must be still aboard the City of Alma, we presume. . . . Woody Lockwood also left for those good old islands of cocacola trees and bottled rum trees . . . Herman Tro.xclair, who be­ lieves in New Orleans and, in fact, anchors there continuously, is in New York right now, with his mustache . . . The Alcoa ship, William Brewster, has a dog aboard \vith the sensational name of Kilroy . . . Raymond Duhrkopp and his mustache is ready to ship out. Your shipmates. Bill Todd and Martin O'Connor are also in town. Brother O'Connor rested two months after his West Coast trip and should be caught up with his pinochle technique, indeed. . . . Oldtimer George Stiles just shipped on the Robin Goodfellow. . . . Steward Paul Parsons is aboard the Cape Alava. How was. that new Hall in Miami, Florida, Paul"? Brother "Happy" Harry. Harper is smiling away a few weeks on our New York beach . . . Mustached Joe Pilutis is waiting patiently for a Far East voyage. . . . That famous cook and writer. Steward Frenc'ny Michelet sailed back into New Orleans to continue his canning business. Say, Frenchy, is there any way of patenting the idea of canning all these Communists who hate the American way of Life and exporting them to Russia orUhe North Pole? �THE SEAF ARERS LOG Page Twelve Friday. March 14, 1947 THE MEMBERSHIP SPEilKS Supreme Court's Decision In Lewis Case Should Unite Trade Unions, Says Member To the Editor: The headlines of all' the news­ papers screamed victoriously, "John L. Lewis and Miners Guilty." How can a real union man help but become angry when our fellow workers are fined and their leader faces the threat of prison because they had the courage to* strike coal mines be­ ing operated by the Govern­ ment. A union grievance that is ser­ ious can cause a great deal of hardship to working men, so it matters little whether the strike is directed against the govern­ ment or a private employer. •We, too, struck against a gov­ ernmental agency back in Sep­ tember, so every SIU man who is a union militant knows that we must show solidarity with our union brothers in the mines. ECONOMIC SOLIDARITY Solidarity must be our slogan, for the economic solidarity of all workers we can force a re­ versal of this Supreme Court de­ cision. The Supreme Court rul­ ing means a renewed use of the injunction as a strike-breaking, union-busting device. The court and the Government are violating their own laws, the Norris-LaGuardia anti-injunction act, because it suits the interests of the bankers and manufac­ turers. Since they refuse to recognize our rights despite the existence of those rights in the constitu­ tion, it is up to us to fight this issue of our right to strike by pulling the biggest strike Amer­ ica has ever seen. By that I mean a national general strike of all unions! MUST ANSWER If we accept this final de­ cision of the Supreme Court without a determined struggle, the bosses will attempt a great offensive. in order to smash our unions. It is very clear that they will have the full help of the government and all its law enforcement agencies. Our most basic right is being atacked and so it is necessary that we use the most powerful weapon we have at our dispo­ Rail-Percher Resisting a terrific temptaion to gag up this shot, we're just going to say that it's Bob Barrett, crewmember aboard the Diamond Hitch. sal, the general strike. A gen­ eral strike would show the po­ litical hacks and the money­ bags for whom they work that we, the union men who control the nation's economy at the point of production, are the able guardians of our own freedom. The Supreme Court and Con­ gress would tremble and reverse itself before the solidarity of Labor united in a mighty exhi­ bition of its economic power at the point of the job. SENSITIVE PRESS The New York Times is very sensitive about strikes against the government and in its edi­ torials goes into lengthy attacks on miners,, and seaman who have struck against government­ al agencies, and teachers strikes against state and local govern­ ments. It is very important to notice too, that the New York Times has wept bitter tears over the Russian workers not having the right to strike. Every day the government is entering into the management and occasionally the ownership of various industries, so if we apply the correct conclusion the Times has reached about Rus­ sia's treatment of her workers, we can see that the logical and horrible result will be an ironheeled dictatorship here in America. Perhaps some of the- Brothers will sSy this letter is too extreme, but if we don't use this power we have in .'our hands now, we shall suffer, a defeat that may well be the beginning of the end of freedom in America. •When the workers of Ger­ many, Italy and Russia lost the right to strike: it was the end of their freedom, so let's take a lesson from their experiences and protect our most fundamen­ tal right. Alexander Man liiM f-. Our Friend, The Coast Guard By TOM BALDRICK Raleigh Begley, holder of Book No. 35605, -who died re­ cently in a hospital in his na­ tive Philadelphia. Brother Begley last shipped aboard an Isthmian line vessel. 'Impartiar Press 'Forgets' Scab Publisher's Foul Play York. Take it easy, you boys up in Boston. I might see you Well, Brothers, organized la­ soon. That's all for now. bor has started to take it on the Charlie Halla chin again. Browsing through (Editor's note. — Except for an old Log I came across an artioJe asking the Brothers to Brother Halla's report and the becme labor reporters in their story of scab publisher Bowles districts when there are labor which appeared in the organ disputes. For over 100 days, the News­ of the newspaper workers, no paper Guild and the AFL typo­ mention was made anywhere graphical workers in Springfield, in the press of incident where Mass., have been on strike the picket was run down. All against the Springfield Daily papers merely dealt with the Seafarers of the Philadel­ News for decent wages. The phia Branch sent the floral cmpany hired a bunch of scabs publisher's arrest as being caused by his driving without wreath, pictured above to Bro­ to turn out the paper. a license.) ther Begley's funeral. SCAB-SHEET A FLOP To the Editor: There's not a red-blooded man in my home town, who has bought an edition yet. A few days ago, the big shot himself, a character by the name of Bowles, the owner, not being able to get a man to drive one of his trucks through the picketlines, took the wheel himself. He hollered to the pickets to got the hell away from the plant and then drove the truck into the gate. One of the pick­ ets, a family man, told him to turn back. He was run down by the truck. Bowles then told the police it was an accident. He was hauled into court and fined $25 for driving without a license. Pretty damn cheap. RICHES HELP I guess if ybu're a rich man and owner of a newspaper plant you can get away with more than a poor working stiff. This sickening, drama was told over Station WSPR, Springfield. It made a lot of people sore, but nothing can be done, it seems. I hear shipping is good so I guess I'll shoot down to New Pilgrim Bidding For Title Of 'Queen' Of Alcoa Fleet To the Editor: Just a line to let you know something, about our ship and all the gtmg here. We have just completed a voy­ age to the islands and Brit­ ish Guiana and are. now bound for New York via Norfolk. The ship was under the command of Captain Christopher Kennedy, who established a friendship with the erewmembers lhat'Story books, encyclopedias and history books cannot teach. The kind of friendship that was built un­ der the master comes from a profound understanding. As a result, we shared many things 'together. JUSTIFIABLE PRIDE We feel proud that, on arrival in Norfolk, the ship was highly praised for • her appearance by officials and • persons who saw the ship coming : in. All stated she was one of the cleanest and best looking vessels that ever entered the port. All departments worked in full aooperation and harmony resulted in the ship's good looks. Log -A- Rhythms The' heads of each department: Cecil Ditto, Chief Engineer; Wil­ liam Whitlow, Chief Officer; and the Purser, Albert McGuire, and myself "all worked in close con­ tact regarding the duties of our separate units, so that woi'k was performed in an efficient man­ ner. BOSUN MANLEY I would also like to mention William : H.' Manley;. the. Bosun and an bid SIU Brother of mine, who : certainly did a good job in making the ship's outside ap­ pearance what it was. High praise was given to my department for ttie clean ap­ pearance of the ship's interior. And the Chief Cook, John S. Burke was lauded for his good cooking, as were his able as­ sistants. You can imagine from the work- accomplished by the three departments that on the "Queen of the Alcoa Fleet," that little or no change among the good old SIU crew was necessary. We-take, this means of saying hello to all our Brothers in I knew a seaman, whose name was Mel, His wife had a baby, he - raised hell; Although he did it in a - -quiet way,. The Coast Guard took his papers away. It was a fast and phony trial. The baby and wife won't eat for awhile; Lincoln freed the slaves, that is true. Can't they free the seamen, too. I sailed with an Oiler—his name was Si, And really,, he was a very fine guyHe used to stand the four to -eight. But one day he was five minutes late. The Coast Guard came on the double. And tried to cause him some trouble. Now going to sea wouldn't be very hard. If we could get rid of the Coast Guard; We'll probably spend our lives at sea— So let's get together, and fight to be free. And if we fight hard, and nobody shrinks. We'll soon get rid of them phony finks. ISTHMIAN SCOW WAS DIRTY —NOT NOW To'- the Editor: I'm a crewmember of the SS James Cannon. I applied at the Isthmian Steamship Lines hiring hall in Baltimore for a job and was sent aboard this scow. When I got aboard the wagon, she was really a dirty ship. Right now with the exception of about three men, the whole crew; is prdiSJU.;..Before iwe.tget. back from this trip, we hope to have .them lined rup for the Union, too. I wish-that the. last crew qauld see, the dirty ship they left us. It has been cleaned up in true SIU style. Part of the reason I'm writing this is to urge my Union Broth­ ers to try their best to get jobs with this company, help line up' the ' crews for the SIU, and also clean up these- buckets- sg that' they--conform to the same clean standards we have aboard our. own .contracted ships. . tLyle L. Ahner New York, and hope to see some of them real soon. We are away down in good old Mobile, but we will ride this ship , again. Luther W. Highsmith Chief Steward Alcoa Pilgrim �Friday. March 14. 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Broths Weighs Mlchelet's To the Editor: as well as for the entire Mari­ time Industry. It is a great or­ ganization that is growing and will continue to' grow. Why is the ! Seafarers growing? Because we have in our ranks a mili­ tant group who believe in the Seafarers. The best wages and conditions in the entire industry are gotten for all who. follow the SIU banner, bar none. No doubt there will be plenty of pro and con discussion on this little matter, and I certainly hope there is. But it looks like an open and shut argument. If the assessment is what the- mem­ bership wants; by all means in-t struct the Secretary-Treasurer to prepare a Referendum Bal­ lot for all hands to vote on.. I am just a newcomer to the. Union, and this is just my per­ sonal opinion. E. B. McCauley Having just read the January 10th issue of the Seafarers Log. I found an interesting article en­ titled "EYcnchy Pens Open Let­ ter to Membership." This open letter was more than well composed, but was a very enlightening piece of work by Brother Michelet—except for one paragraph, on which I disagree with the writer. This I quote: "I know that there are many ihen in this organization who feel, as I do, and who would like nothing better than to have this opportunity to contribute ten dollars to a voluntary fund that they might even in this small manner show their appre­ ciation for all that this Union has done for them. So let's al actively petition for this volun­ tary assessment." Unquote. "Frenchy" has a good point there, but just between me and the fence post, it sounds slight­ ly off. The word voluntary is a swell word, but I like to stickto a referendum ballot, letting all the membership express their attitude on such an assessment. To the Editor: Page Thirteen VIEW OF NEWS FROM MARCUS HOOK Two Seaiazers pose nonchalanily for cam­ eraman in front of the neat, trim Union Hall. At left is Brother Hillman; his companion is unidentified. Getting an early Union start is this picket­ ing youngster, who claimed unpaid wages for running errands. Non-payment was due to an oversight, and beef was quickly settled for 35 cents. Survivor Of Archangel Run Rips False Russian Charge escort from the Russians until we were at the mouth of the White Sea, and we did not re­ ceive air protection until we were 40 miles from Archangel, and that is one hell of a long way from Iceland. Have just finished reading the GOOD TREATMENT' Dec. 27th issue of the Seafarers During the WSB Strike and Log, and in regard to the ar­ the MM&P-MEBA strike quite ticle on page 3 under the heading a number of the members need­ "Eye Witness Answers Soviet ed a feed and a flop. In the various ports, arrangements were Charge of American, British POOR PROTECTION made where the members were Cowardice," I would like very accjommodated in typical Sea­ much to add a word to Brother I would like to point out here Harrison's well-worded letter. farers style—"First Class!" that when I say we, I am speak I, too, was on that trip aboard . Some of the ports put out a ing of the crew of the Ben the Benjamin Harrison, enroute day-to-day loan of three dollars jamin Harrison, because as far i'o the Brothers who were a little to Archangel, Russia, and I be­ as we knew at that time, our's short. The understanding was lieve I am entitled to a word or was the only ship left out of to pay this money back at the two on this subject. the original 37 ships that left At this writing, I am wonder­ end of their first trip. Well and Iceland. I learned later that 12 good. But in the meantime, ing if Captain Andreyev's ar­ made it safely to port, but we sOme Brother says what are we ticle was printed in the New lost seven more on the way The long and short of it was the way this photo was dub­ paying a Strike Fund for? So York Times about the same time home.. bed when received from Marcus Hook. From left to right, the a motion was made and concur- Labor's "good friend," WestThe Benjamin Harrison was lads are T. Ryan. "Lil Abner" Barthes and Brother DiPaoli. fcd on up and. down the coast brook Pegler, was blasting - hell directly astern of the Christo­ not to pay this money back. out of us for being a bunch of pher Newport when that ship Some of the Brothers borrowed commies and social outcasts. was torpedoed on the 12 to as much as forty dollars apiece. Also,. I woud. like to; know just a. m. watch, July 4. I person­ where the hell the Russian navy Upon coming back to the var­ and airforce were during all the ally saw a torpedo strike her­ on the starboard side amidships ious ports to pay back their fireworks? carrying away the starboard little loan, they were told they We did not receive naval lifeboats and forcing the crew did not have to pay a cent back. To the Editor: ed whether or not that was a to take to No. 2 and No. 4 boats. However, they could make a The Rum Tree still blooms on violation of Sec. 6 — Article 2 The torpedo struck this ship in contribution to the Log. Good! AUTO ACCIDENT the Bauxite Trail but somehow of the agreement. Besides that, the fire room, killing the watch its shade seems less beguiling it cuts in quite heavily on the But does a two-dollar contrib­ PUTS HERZOG IN Now -I would like Captain An­ ution to the Log put back the and its aroma less fragrant. Or O.T. inasmuch as there is flothr MAINE HOSPITAL dreyev to explain to me just forty smackers this Brother might is it just old age that makes us ing allowed for covering up or how in hell a ship can pro­ have borowed from the Union To the Editor: think so. Anyway we have tak­ uncovering in the aforemention-ceed through submarine, aircraft treasury? Doubtful! ed Ports. I am sending a word of thanks and surface raider-infested wa­ en the veil for the duration of There are many of the mem­ to the crew and. officers of the the shuttle, providing the 'won't' Then -again there is always, ters,.,without a fire room or en­ power doesn't let us down. bers who got this money who present the danger of open S Jean. They took up a collec­ gine room? It seems like the Deck Depart­ hatches at. sea. Accidents, can. are willing, to pay .it back to the tion for me while I was here in same Fund from which it was occur when the nights, are dark TREATED LIKE DOGS the local <Belfast, Maine) hos­ drawn — in full. And still make and the decks are cluttered with Also, I might add that the pital, with two breaks in my left a contribution to the best Union gear such as hatch beams, hatch leg. I was. brought to the hos­ thousands of survivors of the Trade Journal, the Log. besides. covers, and the usual assortment North Russian run who were on pital after an auto accident. of bull ropes, cleats and pad-, I would like to thank, the the beach, were treated like a WOULD BUILD. RESERVE: eyes. A covered hatch will not members of the Stewards - De­ bunch of dogs by our so-called only remove a lot of gear but Paying this money bafck partment and Steward Tom allies, th& Russians. Captain will cover a hell of a big hole. would build up our depleted- re­ Bowers—all good SIU men. Andreyev refers to the bravery After all, it is a long way to the serves and a ten-dollar vV)lunCaptain Horan — the Jean's displayed by the crew of the bottom of a Liberty Ship and a tary assessment would not be skipper—tried to pull a fast one Russian tanker Donbass in re­ broken neck would be the least necessary. by signing me off articles when maining aboard and sailing that a man could hope for. I have to agree with 'Frenchy' i was still out. He held my ship into port after she was There have been some changes all the -i way 1 through;.!the' i rest- -of hand and had me sign off. I torpedoed. in the ship since we left the his lettdr, because he is 100" tier- told the doctor this, and he made I was approximately a quar­ "Big Port." Two oilers fell by cent right.; the Captain bring the articles ter of a mile from the Don­ bass when she was hit by the ment is having a little difficulty the wayside in Venezuela and The Seafarers International here, and I signed back on. Union has done wonders for me I'll be in the Haill in New torpedo, which was intended for on matters of importance to mised the ship. They were re­ York when I get out. But it the Harrison. Diie to fast them. This 'rust bucket' is sail­ placed in Trinidad by men wait­ will be a couple of months be­ maneuvering, we were able to ing each trip out of Trinidad for ing for just that kind of a break. fore I am able. I'd like to get dpdge the missile and it struck British Guiana with hatches 2, Our regret is that none of our a copy of the Log, if you have the Donbass on the starboard 3 and 4 uncovered. We wonder- SIU brothers were there on the Beach to fill the jobs. The Chief one. side aft, where I would judge Cook also left the ship, but un^ Until I see you fellows, thanks to be the No. 7 or No. 9 tank. ars of war suppies and DELIV­ der different circumstances. He ERING these supplies through for evoiy'.;hing, and tell the crew There was no fire or list and paid off in Trinidad and w. . dangerous waters at great loss and officers of the SS Jean of the ship proceeded. flown to New York to appear as in lives of American seamen— my thanks to them. In closing I might add that a witness. in some kind of a that, Brothers, is the height of K. Herzog for the Russians to insult the Court, case. Waldo County Hospital nationals of a country that was Russian insolence. Earl Cochran. SUP (Five Crewmembexs) giving Russian millions of dolBelfast. Me. Open Hatches Pose Danger, Says Crew Of Bauxite Ship �Page Fourteen THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, March 14, 1947 Poor Feeding And No Coffee Are Chief Beefs At Chicago Hospitaf tionist for the efficiency and con­ out! Merchant seamen are en­ sideration she displays in mak­ titled to a better deal than they ing appointments. In my opin­ are receiving at the hands of this ion, she takes a sincere interest department. How much longer in her position, and performs are we to remain dental guinea By JOSEPH VOLPIAN her duties with the proper atti­ pigs for these little boys in gold tude toward all who pass her braid? All of the 48 States have some claim this exemption as to his desk. The laboratory is a credit to law which permits the wages wages. But, Brother, once you get past the institution. Wages due to an^ employee of In the many of workingmen to be attached the reception desk, the actual times I have come in direct con­ for the payment of judgements. a railroad ferryboat are protect­ I shall attempt to cover every ,, ., . .J ' Dentistry Department stinks out tact with it, I can say I have Under the laws of the United ed by this section. department exactly as it existed , States, merchant seamen's wages never received anything but Persons employed as hunters the day I left, to give credit are specifically exempt from for a sealing voyage by the courteous and competent service. those who are deserving of it ^•u,. such a garnishment proceeding, master, from whom they had J K- cr.A • inadequateness and outright sarand express my own unbiased | ^ ° , I have never, at any time, had with the exception of payments purchased interests in the ves­ casm—especially where merchant to stand in line or wait longer opinion concerning those who are for the support of his wife or sel, agreeing that half their seamen are concerned. than five minutes. This fact is are not. wages might be applied to the The department is absolutely due <to capable and organized children. I can truthfully say the doc­ a disgrace to the hospital. The purchase price, were classified as Not only are his wages ex­ tors and nurses are as good, if head of this department is too management by a man who not empt from the garnishment pro­ seamen and their wages came not better, than can be found occupied parading around in his only considers his position in­ ceeding, but the law also states within the protection of this anywhere. (This does not include "high pressure" uniform and teresting, but also backs it up that it will not recognize any section, forbidding the assign­ the Dentistry Department and gold braid to observe or know with excellent service to the pa­ assignment or sale of his wages ment of mariner's wages. A longshoreman employed in laboratory, which I will discuss what is going on, (in other words, tients. which the seaman may have stowing cargo lon a coastwise The Physiotherapy Depart­ later in this article.) made. he is not doing the work he is steamship was held to be a sea­ ment is small, but staffed with It has been decided by the As health and cure are the first being paid for.) man so that his wages could not courteous arid efficient people. courts that, if a seaman is en­ in importance in any hospital, I I should consider the diagnos­ be attached. It is doubtful, how­ shall discuss those connected ing of the condition of teeth and I have covered everything, gaged in coastwise trade, he is ever, whether this decision with it, first. prescribing of work needed, thus far, but one issue which, I entitled to the exemption from which was made by a lower When I first entered this Hos­ would be his position. However, think, every member should give garnishment of his wages, ex­ state court would be upheld on pital, August 23, 1946, I was a in my case, that was assigned to a vast amount of time and cept in New Jersey and Ala­ appeal. bama. very sick man, if not slightly on one of his "boy scouts." thought to. The wages of a pilot were Many types of maritime work­ the hopeless side and much of As a result, I lost a beautiful Just remember, brother, re­ ers have sought to become class­ subjected to garnishment, it be­ my stay was spent in bed. eye tooth, and the one that should gardless of who you are or where ed as seamen in order to obtain ing held that he was not a sea­ have been pulled i-emains to be you are, you may become just the benefits of this important man within the purview of this done at a future date. When it another patient before you know legal exemption. Briefly, here law. does come out, I will have to it. And by being "just another are a few of the decisions on One federal judge in deciding have a partial plate to fill the patient" in this Marine Hospital, this point: an attachment case in favor of gapat the present time, you are going the seaman, had this to say: COVERED BY LAW to be very hungry and miser­ "Ordinarily, the sailor's only DENTAL GUINEA PIGS Fishermen employed on fish­ This is not the fault of the able! Bear with me, for a few ing vessels are classed as sea­ means of subsistence on shore man who actually extracted the lines more, and I will tell you men and their wages can not are his wages earned at sea. If these may be stopped by an at­ tooth, but our friend who did the why. be attached or garnisheed. tachment suit the instant his At the Marine Hospital, here diagnosing; perhaps, the mistake It has been decided that a ship is moored to the wharf, a in Chicago, we have breakfast at was partially due to the sarcasm Captain of a tugboat is not a new hardship is added to a vo­ and disrespect, he was handing seaman, and therefore can not {Continued on Page 15) cation already subject to its full xCj-to v§. share of the ills of life." However, through the efforts BONUS EXEMPT of competent and efficient doc­ It was recently held in the tors and nurses, I am back on the New York State Courts, in in­ road to recovery. terpreting this section, that a I can find no complaint against bonus payable to seamen, in any nurse or orderly. They treat­ By FRANK BOSE this matter of overtime. If we universally accepted for all work­ addition to his regular wages by ed me in a kind and respectful Shipping activity in this coun­ do, we'll only be cutting our own ers, and it certainly should be for reason of hazardous nature of his manner, and at times, I received try has been on the decrease throats. voyage because the vessel on the seafaring man. far better treatment, than I hand­ since the end of the war. And, which the seaman was employed For the sake of getting a few Seamen have for too long been ed out. as other nations acquire ships and extra dollars over and above our an exception to most of the stand­ was engaged in carrying lendBy this statement, I mean any resume their maritime operations, wages, we are cutting down on ards set for the working men in lease supplies to Russia in time man confined and sick, for any the demand for U. S. ships as the number of jobs that should general. It's time to call a halt. of war, was ebcempt from attach­ length of time, will blow his top carriers is expected to decline be filled aboard ship. We will, ment under this section. MORE MEN over some mole hill which ap­ still further. This decision may be interp­ thereby, increase our chances of Overtime wages that are paid pears more on the order of a! To us of the Seafarers Interna­ being held on the beach. reted to mean that any money off by some of the ships show mountain at the time. due to a seamen arising out of tional this means one important At the moment, the only over­ that if the work involved was thing—that there will be fewer time we should handle is that performed in the ordinary work­ his employment on a steamship, NURSES OKAY The majority of nurses in this and fewer jobs. Since, it seems involving emergency and abso­ ing day—and there is no reason whether in the nature of actual If the why most of it couldn't have been wages, bonuses, or overtime are hospital are oldtimers in their to me, our primary purpose in lutely necessary work. lean times, such as the ones we overtime comes outside of these —four, five or even six more protected by this section. profession. They not only have are facing, is to protect our jobs Any money due a seaman categories, it shouldn't have to be crewmembers could have been a knowledge of psychology, but and to spread employment as arising out of a salvage opera­ performed as overtime. Addi­ know how to use it, at the proper carried at the regular monthly much as possible, it is absolutely tion are also covered by this tional crewmembers should be wages. Multiply this by a few time. To be an efficient nurse is essential that we give serious at­ aboard to handle the work in the hundred or more ships and it| exemption so that they may one thing, but to be a human tention to this problem. course of the regular working could mean a thousand or more be attached or garnisheed to being at the same time requires One of the most effective ways day. satisfy a debt contracted ashore. regular jobs. more on the well-known "ball." of combating unemployment un­ Garnishment proceedings do REGULAR TIME There could be no legitimate And in my opinion the nurses der present circumstances is for Such jobs as cleaning and objection to increasing the man­ not take all of the wages of a each and every one alike, deserve us to push for an increase in the painting, etc., should not be per­ ning scales in this respect by the worker but only a percentage of all the appreciation and thanks I present manning scales. formed after the working day is shipowners. Offhand, it wouldn't his earnings. as an individual can bestow up­ There is no question that most over. If they are considered as involve any extras. The jobs on them, for the kindness and vessels today are carrying insuf­ essential to the normal, routine would be performed at the regu­ care given me. ficient crews. And there is one operation of a ship, they should lar rates of wages established by Someone, who is unfamiliar genuine indication that most be performed by regular crew- the contracts. with hospital routine, will think ships are undermanned—the mat­ members in the normal, routine Let's work toward getting more I have given the nurses an undue ter of overtime. working day. jobs. By turning down a couple The American Liberty Steam­ The amount of overtime that is amount of credit, let me point By working at unnecessary of bucks here and there for we'll ship Corporation will reenter the put that we only come in contact rolled up on many vessels is posi­ overtime aboard ship now, we be allowing months or regular coastwise trade with service be­ with the doctors at sick call, but tive proof of the need for addi­ will be keeping men on the beach. jobs. tween New York, Baltimore, the nurses are with us 24 hours tional hands. And, consequently, we will one Most work aboard ship should Galveston and Houston when it SELFISH VIEW a day and administer all pres­ day be keeping ourselves on the be done in the working day. If |receives the Frank Dale, a C-3 Overtime during lush times is a beach. We should refuse every­ there is more work than the freighter from the Maritime cribed medicine and treatment, swell thing, and it is damned thing but the necessary over­ regular crew can handle in the Commission late this month. before and after surgery. nice to pick up a few extra bucks. time. ordinary working day, then there The ship is expected to sail In many cases an efficient But when things get tougher, the An eight-hour work day at sea, should be more crewmen taken from Baltimore shortly after de­ nurse can mean the difference important consideration is the as­ except for emergency or unusual on to get the job done. livery and, if traffic warrants, between life and death. surance of jobs—jobs for as many reasons, should be sufficient. The correct slant on this over­ the company expects to increase I am not going to elaborate as conditions permit. There is no reason why this time will assure our Brothers and its chartered fleet to four ships on the Dentistry Department, but We Seafarers cannot afford to should not prevail. ourselves of continued employ­ vyith weekly sailings from each I am going to thank the recep- take the selfish point of view on The eight-hour day is almost ment. of the four ports. By ROBERT H. MAUPIN Having just finished nearly six months as a patient at the U. S. Marine Hospital, Chicago, Il­ linois, I feel it my duty and also my privilege which my SIU book gives me, to enlighten the mem­ bership on conditions in this hos­ pital as I saw them. Overtime Work Now Being Done On Ships Shows That More Men Can Be Employed American Liberty In Coastai Trade �T HI: SEA FA RE R SLOG Friday. M&rch 14, 1947 JUST SAIUNG TIME With sailing lime coming close, these crewmembers of Waterman's Haiti Victory lined up near Pier 6, Bush Terminal, so that the LOG photographer could snap them. They've got their gear with them, and they look ready for a long trip. Most of the. crew have been together for a few trips, and they had plenty of good words to say about the ship.; The Stewards Department came in for a major share of the praise, with all hands commending them for the. excellence of the meals. There were enough good words for the three Delegates and the Ship's Delegate, who were all said to be good men when it came to settling members beefs. MONEY DUE Page Fifteen Poorfeeding, No Coffee Are Beefs At Chicago Hospital the food department is under­ {Continued From Page 14) staffed. 7:30 A. M., in the wards for bed I cannot believe this to be the patients: and at 7:00- A. M., for case, a shortage of help is never the mess hall. a good reason for faulty and I think the bed patients have poor management. This hospital the biggest gripe, because they has the best in equipment and all hut have to get on their feeding facilities, plus the ample knees for seconds. Most of the help to take advantage of these time they don't get them, be­ factors. cause if the ward nurse is forced All that is needed is a. sen­ to ask for more food, she gets sible working plan with a man hell fiom the dietician. possessing organizing ability, as In the wards, you are served well as the knowledge of mass one egg, toast, and a howl of feeding to make the plan work. cereal, an apple, (or some other I think the galley and dining piece of fruit.) rooms should be a separate unit Sometimes, the egg is raw and under one direction, and all help at other times cooked to the ex­ assigned to the galley force treme. But brother, if you're should not beT required to carry hungry, you eat it and like it, bed pans and urinals. because there's no more com­ Numerous fellows think the ing from where that came from. orderlies, at times, are not what Why? The dietitian sends up they should be. This fault is not just so much and when that has of his doing, he has so many bos­ ses ho himself never knows what he'll be requested to do next. How, for heavens sake, can . one man carry a food tray, buff the deck, get another a bed pan, and take still another to x-ray, in a wheel chair, all at one time? BAD MANAGEMENT Time in and time out, I've seen this, and I say, it just won't All Army cooks can now claim work! This condition is not the disputed Sunday overtime at of­ fault of the doctors and nurses; fice of Smith and Johnson. they have their hands full giving the right of collective bargaining. patients the proper medical care 4. 4- 4At the recent national conven­ British shipping operators are tion in Shanghai, a program of been devoured, it would take needed. HAITI VICTORY feeling the effects of their own demands based on the Inteima- an Act of Congress to obtain However, it can be contributed (Voyage No. 9) penny-pinching. to incompetence and mismanage­ tional Seafarers' Charter was more! William R. Bates can collect The reduction in the registers adopted. Provisions in the pro­ Of course, if you desire to ment on the part of the mainten­ the 66 hours of overtime for of dockers, which the operators gram call for rules governing make a big issue of the situation, ance director. There is not a tending water by writing, or instigated last year, has boom- wages, working hours, social se­ you may call in the commander thing amiss in this hospital that calling, at the office of Water­ eranged, with all British ports curity, holidays with pay and of the hospital and demand a can not be righted by capable man Steamship Company, 19 now experiencing an acute labor collective bargaining rights, in second egg. If you possess a lit­ business management. Rector Street, New York, N.Y. addition to union recognition. shortage. Before I close, I would like to tle more than average nerve you The short-sighted policy was 1 may inquire why you can't have put in a word for the Red Cross followed in spite of the antici­ some bacon, ham or sausage with Unit, which I think did a bangpated expansion of export trade up job for the boys during the it. for this year, and against the ad­ Holidays, under the direction of Usually this is the case; if you BALTIMORE 14 North Gay St. vice of the dockers union. Calvert 4539 get one egg for breakfast, noth­ Mrs. Jack Gould, who is still do­ Aggravating the problem is the BOSTON 276 State St. ing accompanies it; or minus the ing a grand job. Boudoin 4455 decasualization program, which For the information of those egg- • BUFFALO 10 Exchange St. the union also warned against, Cleveland 7391 who are not familiar with the Sounds a little silly, doesn't it? NEW YORK CHARLESTON 424 King Street since dockers seek work else­ hospital set-up, these ladies do- , The government will pay doctors Phone 3-3680 where when the operators re­ SS..C. MARINER nate their own time and do such CHICAGO 24 W. Superior Ave duce their liability for atten­ O. Fielding. $1.00: M. Cruz. $1.00. cash money to make us well with Superior 5175 things as writing letters, arrang­ SS MONROE medicine and surgery, yet pay CLEVELAND ...1014 E. St. Clair Ave dance pay. ing entertainment, and numerous L. Ellorin & Crew—$10.00. Main 0147 dieticians to literally starve us to 4. 4. 4. CORPUS CHRISTI ..1824 Mesquite St other things for the boys. They SS FORT WINNEBAGO death. Please remember, this ar­ Corpus Christi 3-1509 K. P. Apter, $1.00. shall never be forgotten by any DETROIT 1038 Third St ticle concerns regular diet pa­ Cadillac 6857 SS F. MARION CRAWFORD of us, for we weren't by them. tients only, but special diets and DULUTH 531 W. Michigan St Paul Danza, $2.00: Wm. H. Davidson, Dockworkers in the port of Ant­ Finally, I have discussed this Melrose 4110 soft diets don't fare as well. $2.00: G. A. McComb, $2.00. coffee beef with many of the GALVESTON 308 Vi—23rd Street werp, Belgium, have won an in­ SS W. JOHNSON HUNGRY NIGHT 2-8448 crease in. daily pay, a travelling boys, all we can say is, "We'll Roy M. Thompson. $2.00: C. KatuHONOLULU 16 Merchant St. allowance, and extra pay for Lunch is served at 11:30 A. M., overlook the lousy chow at sup­ lick, $2.00: A. W. Rummel. $2.00: R. C. 58777 HOUSTON 1515 75th Street handling certain types of goods, Wilbur. $2.00: F. J. CBrien. $2.00: G. and in all fairness I am com­ per time ,if we could just have Phone Wentworth 3-3809 under terms of an agreement Fox, $2.00: J. McHale. $2.00: F. B. pelled to admit it is not bad—es­ a decent cup of coffee." JACKSOI^ILLE 920 Main St. Miskosky, $2.00: A. Tapp, $2.00: V. Phone 5-5919 signed by the Belgian Transport pecially, when roast or chops are Williams, $2.00: V. Marko. $2.00. MARCUS HOOK ilV4 W. 8th St. Workers Union and the employ­ served; then, it is well-balanced, SS T. BROWN Chester 5-3110 ers. W. F. Canavan. $1.00: M. M. Wbite- tasty, and as good as you can MIAMI 1356 N. E. 1st Ave. The 13,000 members voted to aker, $1.00: P. Tole. $1.00: S. E. Foley. purchase in any moderately MOBILE 7 St. Michael St. 2-1754 accept the contract negotiated by $1.00; M. H. Enerault, $1.00: W. J. priced restaurant. NEW ORLEANS 339 Chartres St. their union after a month-long: Cally. $1.00: D. O. Coker, $2.00: A. JACK JORDAN Magnolia 6112-6113 However, there is . still room D. Ewing, $1.00. Please get in touch with Char­ NEW YORK 51 Beaver St. strike.-• SS CRAWFORD: for improvement: as I previously HAnover 2-2784 Daily pay was increased by 24 Abdon Sylvera & Crew—$40.00. les W. Jordan at once at Savan­ NORFOLK 127-129 Bank Street mentioned there are times when SS HAITI VICTORY 4-1083 francs, and the travelling-allow­ nah, Ga. you feel those pangs of hunger F. J. Huttick. $2:00. which compensates the PHILADELPHIA 9 South 7th St. ance, 4^ 4^ 4. Phone Lombard 3-7651 and here's the reason. Supper is SS - GRISWOLD workers for time lost in getting PORT ARTHUR ..909 Fort Worth Ave. RAFAEL MATOS J. Woods, $2.00: P.-J. Griffin. $2.00: at 4:30 p. m.: It may consist of Phone: 2-8532 from the hiring place to the job, 8. Kinter. $1.00. Your wife, Paulina Martinez, curry and rice, badly prepared, PORTLAND Ill W. Bumaide St. was set at 10 francs. SS -z. PIKE Beacon 4336 asks that you get in touch with or it may be a few slices of bo­ B. Veinei;, $2.00: W. H. Daniel, $2.00: Handlers of heavy, dirty, dan.-: RICHMOND. Calif 257 5th St. Na hot her at 268 San Augustine Street, 2598 ^ gerous. or healthy materials will Wm. Bartholemew, $2.00: C. A. Mos- logna with potatoes. ley, $2;00: A. L. McLean, $2.00; C. coffee; you drink tea and sup­ San Juan, P. R. SAN FRANCISCO. * * •jj-j^^.'g^ystsas^receive extra pay .for their work. Clark: $3.00: R. E. Leftwich, $2.00; C. posedly are content. 4. 4> 4^ SAN JUAN,. P. R. .. .252 Ponce de Leon Tsapelas:, $2.00: L. £. Travis, $2.00; t, X X San, Juan 2-5996 DUKE HIMLER The real joke, is, you receive J. E. Powell. $2:00: M. Benavides, $2.00. SAVANNAH 220-Bas* Bay St. Get in touch with Walter Bla­ INDIVIDUAL DONATIONSnothing to eat fi'om this meal 8-1726 Charles A. Carr, $1.00; A. D. Verzer of SS Montezuma Castle, at SEATTLE .-... 86 Seneca St;, until breakfast, which is approxi­ Main 0286 China!s 100^000 seamen, includ­ gara, $5.00! R. C. White, $3.00; M. mately 15 hours, except a glass 5225 14th Avenue, Brooklyn 19, TAMPA 1809-1811 N. Franklin St. ing- some .50^000 serving: pn -. Brit- Rzenkowioz, . $5:00; . Walter Swokla, M-T323 of milk, or imitation orange New York. $1.00. sh, United States, and-,other for-r TOLEDO i 615 Summit. St. 4. i 4. James ; McMCnemy, $2.001; Walter juice, at 8:G0 p. m. WILMINOTON . .... .440 Avaion Blvd. eign ships, . will' push efoi?;: inm Love, $2.00!-. .J. C. Anderson, $1.00; GEORGE FORD Tetminal. 4-3131 The reasons for this deplorprovements in- the- wage,-; and W." W;. Sylvesterr $1.00:- L. A. Car­ VICTORIA,'8. C. 602 Bodgkton St: Please write to Clarence Sova, able: condition can be contributed Garden 6331 working; eondifions,-.in -addition to les- JoneSi -$1.00. 511 Duncan Avenue, Cheboygan, only to incompetent manage­ VANCOUVER .... 144 W: Hastings St. their demands for • recognition of BOSTON-! Pacifio 7824 Michigan. ment, whichi no doubt, will :claim the: Chinese :Seamen's Union and D. Rasmussen.--SUP 2426;- $5.00. SS WILLIAMS VICTORY (Voyage No. 10) Penny-Pinching SlU HALLS Belgian Dockworkers PERSONALS Chmese S^men �Page Sixteen Friday. March 14, 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG s« :Vf>:V:-'MW--'-%->i mmmmmMi K-I-X-X'X-XwXWX-XWXv ;:;X-X:X-X<-X-:;X-X-X-X-X-X-; 1»S %WA:« ::::x::¥x:x:x:x:x::::¥x::%:x:x::::¥X::::>;:;:¥::x:x¥::^^ •^liHArSAT/ ••••**X;Xx*X*XvX-X'X yx:X:::XS;:;::WrX^»X-XiXi¥ft%:ftW:^ M m'>VpiT|Ci^ .-y- XvX-X iSKx:;: Sixyx:;: •.•.•.vxixssxSA^ys* ::::;¥x >:ss»X<®«-wx¥»x¥M:x::::¥f^^ ::w>:::x::$:::::::::::$^^ � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource March 14, 1947 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. IX, No. 11 Description An account of the resource Headlines: ITF ACTS ON PANAMANIAN SHIPS; LUNDEBERG ASKS WORLD BOYCOTT SIU WINS 6 PER CENT INCREASE IN OVERTIME, STANDBY AND WAGE RATE 175 SHIPS WITHDRAWN FROM BONEYARD RETURN TO OPERATION NMU MEMBERS BACK CURRAN AGAINST STACK SUPREME COURT MINE RULING THREATENS ALL TRADE UNIONS SEAMEN OF 15 NATIONS PRESS NEW STANDARDS FOR SHIPBOARD LIFE FUTURE PLANS BLUE PRINT FOR TOMORROW VOYAGE OF MURDER AND MAYHEM SPELLS UNION LESSON TO SEAFARER LAKES SEAMEN RESPOND TO SEAFARERS' APPEAL AS ORGANIZING DRIVE SWINGS INTO FULL STRIDE MC TO RECONSIDER END OF COASTWISE SERVICES MOBILE SHIPPING BOOM CONTINUES; BRANCH CALLS FOR MORE SEAMEN SHIPPING CLEANS OUT PHILLY HALL; BEACHCOMBERS WARNED TO BYPASS WEST COAST BRANCHES CELEBRATE 62ND BIRTHDAY OF SAILORS UNION SHIPPING KEEPS ROLLING ALONG IN FINE STYLE IN PORT BALTIMORE LCA ANTI-LABOR CAMPAIGN FLOPS; UNION MEN ARE RESPECTED BY ALL SAME OLD STORY; NEW YORK BUSY, NEEDS RATED MEN NEW SEASON SWAMPS DULUTH WITH SEAMEN PLENTY OF SHIPPING IN PORT NEW ORLEANS CHICAGO SAYS, DO NOT GO THERE UNTIL SHIPPING BOOMS IN APRIL SEAFARERS TAKE STAND TO BACK BILL DONNELS, FRIEND OF LABOR SIU SUPPORTS DONNELS, BAITED BY POLITICIAN HOUSTON HAS BRIGHT FUTURE AS A SHIPPING PORT; AFL UNIONS THERE HAVE RECORD OF COOPERATION TOLEDO SEAFARERS SENDS THANKS TO NMU FOR FREE PLUG IN PILOT MORAN TUG, WATCH HILL, UNDERTAKES A RECORD TOWING JOB TO FAR EAST WATERMAN FLEET TOTALS 51 SHIPS MONROE MEN SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM SS KING'S CHIEF ENGINEER GENERATES CASH--FOR WIPERS EXTENSION OF ALIEN SEAMEN WAIVER URGED AT WALTHAM VICTORY MEETING LOG AVAILABLE AT ANTWERP SPOT PARKER BAGS ANOTHER MEDAL POOR FEEDING AND NO COFFEE ARE CHIEF BEEFS AT CHICAGO HOSPITAL OVERTIME WORK NOW BEING DONE ON SHIPS SHOWS THAT MORE MEN CAN BE EMPLOYED AMERICAN LIBERTY IN COASTAL TRADE Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 3/14/1947 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1947 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/530ed2997c4b84b187c05bcf1030943f.PDF e772bfb930415b1d5c78c572aec0cfe9 PDF Text Text Official Organ of the Atlantic and Gulf and Great Lakes Districts^ Seafarers International Union of North America VOL. IX. NEW YORK. N. Y„ FRIDAY. MARCH 21. 1947 IN SOLEMN SESSION No. 12 Refusal To Disavow CP Makes Maritime Unity impessibie- Agents ly' As an aftermath of the Conference of Maritime Unions held in Washington on March 14 and 15, the Seafarers International Union has gone on record opposing any further paticipation in future meet­ ings with those who refused to vote for the resolu­ tion condemning communists and their fellow trav­ elers as enemies of the trade union movement. The report of the meeting, plus the recommenda• Agents from the Atlantic and Gulf District take a few seconds off so that the LOG photo­ grapher can take a picture. Except for this short break, the officials of the Union kept going at top speed to map plans and programs for the coming year. When they have finished their de­ liberations. their recommendations will be submitted to the membership for approval or disap­ proval. That's the democratic Seafarers way. and that's why the Union is strong and growing. A&G Agents Conference Prepares Plans For Expansion Of Seafarers In All Fields NEW YORK—From 16 ports of the Atlantic and Gulf District, SIU Port Agents are meeting in New York this week to chart the course of the Union during the ensuing year. Attending the meeting are: J. P. Shuler, Assistant Secre­ tary-Treasurer; Paul Hall, Direc­ tor of Organization; John Mogan, Boston Agent; E. S. Higdon, isthmian Hearing NEW YORK. March 19— Hearings started today on the NMU's flimsy charges in re­ gard to the Isthmian Steam­ ship Company bargaining election. Representing the SIU at the hearings are Paul Hall, Morris Weisberger. Earl Sheppard. and A1 Kerr. SIU attornies are Ben Sterling and Henry Kaiser. Mr. Kaiser is from the office of Joseph Padway. AFL at­ torney. Originally the National Lational Labor Relations Board decided to start the hearings on March 24. but moved the date up when the services of Trial Examiner became available. The hearings are being held in the New Yor's offices of the NLRB. but will shift to other places if it is deemed necessary. Philadelphia Agent; Anthony Cardullo, Marcus Hook Agent; William Rentz, Baltimore Agent; Ray White, Norfolk Agent; Earl Smith, Charleston Agent; Char­ les Starling, Savannah Agent; Jimmy Hahners, Jacksonville Agent; Cluade Simmons, Tampa Agent: Cal Tanner, Mobile Agent; Steely White, New Orleans Agent; Charles Haymond, Hous­ ton Agent; Leon Johnson, Port Arthur Agent; D. L. Parker, Gal­ veston Agent; Salvador Colls, San Juan Agent; and W. H. Sim­ mons, San Francisco Agent. Also present are: Joe Algina, Acting New York Agent: Earl Sheppard, International Repre­ sentative in eharge of Great Lakes Organizing; Lindsey Wil­ liams, SIU Field Representative in charge of Gulf Area Organiz­ ing; and Robert Matthews, Head­ quarters Engine Department Rep­ resentative. Many difficulties were faced by the Union during the past year, and the Agents will discuss and study each one so that the lessons learned can be applied in the future. BUSY AGENDA Some of the topics on this year's agenda are carry-overs from the last Conference, such as the unremitting war which the SIU is carrying on against Coast Guard control over merchant sea­ men. The Union is bn record that these controls be turned over to a civilian agency, and it is certain that this topic will be thoroughly discussed by the offi­ cials. Another carry-over topic is the Merchant Seamen's Bill of Rights. This measure has been booted around in Congress long enough, and the Agents are sure to map out some sort of program to assure^ prompt action on the bill. The Seafarers Log. which dur­ ing the past year increased its size to 16 pages, will get its share of the stage to make recommen­ dations designed to widen its scope and circulation. But the keynote of the Con­ ference is expansion. With the Isthmian election over except for (Continued cyti Page 8) NEW ttion that the SIU adopt the above policy, was submitted to the A&G Agents Conference by the three Seafarers' delegates at the conference, Harry Lundeberg, Paul Hall, and Morris Weisber­ ger. Without a dissenting vote, the Atlantic and Gulf District Agents WASHINGTON — Persons in­ accepted the report and the jured while working on a Gov­ recommendation. Besides the SIU representa­ ernment-owned vessel are en­ tives at the meeting, the follow­ titled to recover damages from ing other union delegates were the Government under the Pub­ in attendance: Hill, Pursers Un­ lic Vessels Act of 1925, so de­ ion, AFL; McDonald, Radio Of­ cided the Supreme Court in a ficers' Union, AFL; Ash, Higgen7 to 2 decision on March 11. botham and May, MM&P, AFL; The opinion, delivered by Jus­ Malone, Ramsey, and Gormley, tice Reed upheld the decision of MFOWW, Independent; Curran, the Circuit Court of Appeals, Lawrenson, and Haddock, NMU, which had ruled favorably on CIO; Kaufman, Bryson, and Dicases involving two stevadores voran, MCS, CIO; Hogan, MEBA, injured while loading a govern­ CIO; and Selly, ACA, CIO. ment ship at Staten Island, N. Y. Brothers Dorchain and Johansen, In rendering the decision. Jus­ ITF, were also at the conference. The text of the SIU report and tice Reed said: "We cannot be­ lieve that the Public Vessels Act, recommendation follows: read in the light of its legisla­ On Friday, March 14th, we met tive history, evinces a Congres­ with representatives of the ma­ sional intent only to provide a jority of seamen's union's, li­ remedy to the owners of dam­ censed and unlicensed, including aged propertly." CIO, independent and foreign. Seafarers affected by the Su­ After a lengthy discussion a preme Court's decision, can re­ mutual agreement was reached ceive full particulars of the new on a number of problems facing ruling by contacting Joseph Volall of us. We made no commit­ pian, Special Services Represen­ tments relative to any "united tative, 5th floor, 51 Beaver Street, New York. N. Y. (Continued on Page 1 f) Court Rales US Responsible For Injuries On Ships CONTRACT MAKES GAINS MOBILE — A contract calling for pay increases and optional overtime on Saturdays and Sun­ days, was signed on February 6, 1947, between the Seafarers In­ ternational Union - Towboat Di­ vision, the Gulf Shipbuilding Corporation-Tugboat D i v i s i on, and the Mobile Towing and Wrecking Company. The new agreement will run until February 5, 1948, and is automatically renewable unless either party gives written notice of a desire to terminate the con­ tract. Such notice must be given, in writing, at least sixty days prior to the expiration of the contract. Under the terms of the new agreement, overtime on Satur­ days and Sundays is optional. The boats will be in service weekends, but if an employee does not choose to work, he can be replaced by someone from the Union Hall. Work on those days, plus holi­ days, is paid for at the overtime rate of $1.25 per hour, as is all work in excess of eight hours per day. The contract provides for the orderly settlement of grievances, disputes, and complaints. Three steps have beon set up to amic­ ably adjust anything that might interfere with good managementlabor relations. Two weeks vacation with pay is another feature won by the Union Negotiating Committee which consisted of Cal Tanner, Mobile Agent, and Charles Kim­ ball, Patrolman. The agreement is an example of what can be accomplished in the Towboat field in the Gulf. Full text of the contract ap­ pears on page 4. �m Page Two THE SEAFARERS LOG SEAFARERS LOG Vublished Weekly by the SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Gulf District Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor At 51 Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y. HAnover 2-2784 ^ HARRY LUNDEBERG X X X ------ President 103 Market Street, San Francisco, Calif. JOHN HAWK Secy-Treas. p. O. Box 25, Bowling Green Station, New York, N. Y. Entered as second class matter June 15,1945, at the Post Office in New York, N. Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912. GEORGE K. NOVICK, Editor 267 The Washington Meeting Words are cheap, but it's actions that count. That was proven last weekend when the Washington Conference of Maritime Unions went on record to press for the rejec­ tion of communists from maritime unions. Five AFL unions, the SIU, the SUP, the AMMSOA, the ROU, and the MM&P, plus one independent union, the MFOWW, voted for the resolution. Four unions, all CIO, either voted against it, or refrained from voting at ajh It came as no surprise that the MCS, and the ACA refused to come out in favor of the resolution, but it was shocking that in spite of his alleged fight against the com­ mies in the NMU, Joe Curran voted against the propo­ sition. Friday, March 21, 1947 UFE Votes mi FREIGHT SHIP SCALE To Strike Ail Exchanges DECK DEPAHTMENT Rating The United Financial Workers, who with the help of the SIU recently tied up the New York 'Cotton Exchange, now plan an action which will shut down the entire financial district. An overwhelming strike vote, 1444 to 114, authorized the heads of the union to cancel contracts in the Stock, Cotton, and Curb Exchanges, as well as with sev­ eral brokerage houses, .in order to force A. M. Kidder and Com­ pany to bargain with the union. For months Kidder has been stalling, and a strike just against that company would be inef­ fective since the company could transact its business through other firms. The strike vote was taken in the SIU Hall, 51 Beaver Street, on Thursday, March L3. At the same time a strategy meeting was held which was addressed by Frank Fenton, AFL Director of Organization, and Paul Hall, who fills the same position for the SIU. M. David Keefe, President of UFE, stated that the union won a State Labor Board election at the Kidder company more than five months ago, but the com­ pany has refused to sit down to negotiate. The size of the strike vote is the answer to that at­ titude. Pictures of the strike meeting appear on page 15. Present Wage Hospital Patients When entering the hospital notify the delegate by post­ card, giving your name and the number of your ward. Staten Island Hospital Men Now In The Marine Hospitals There is only one sure method to use, and that is to These are the Union Brothers currently in the marine hospitals, refuse them aid and comfort from the beginning. Any as reported by the Port Agents. These Brothers find time hanging position short of that can lead only to disruption and chaos. heavily on their hands. Do what you can to cheer them up by writ­ Elsewhere in the papfer is the statement issued by the ing to them. Seafarers International Union representatives to the con­ NEW ORLEANS HOSPITAL ference. That statement is a clear analysis of the eyents J. NAVARRO P. DAUGHERTY of the meeting, and clearly explains why the SIU has adopt­ J. RETOUR ed a policy of refusal to hold any further meetings with the G. KRETZER C. MASON men who giye lip seryice to the cause of democratic union­ S. MOGAN ism, but actually shelter the communists and their stooges. W. BROCE, Jr. Big Doings These are big weeks for the Seafarers International Union. This week Agents of the Atlantic and Gulf Dis­ trict are holding their annual conference; next week will be the SIU Convention in Chicago, and following that, the AFL Maritime Trades Department will hold a meeting in thd same city. These events are growing labor union. that future programs ings analyzed for the future. the normal activity of a healthy, It is in meetings and conventions are outlined^ and previous happen­ lesson that can be learned for the r?f The SIU is growing, not only in membership, but in strength. Our ranks are solid, and our union is built on the firm principle that democratic trade unionism is far superior to any set up which includes fascists, either red or black. New Rate Bosun ..: $205.00 $12.30 $217.30 Bosuns Mate—^Day Work , 192.50 11.55 204.05 Bosuns Mate—Watch 180.00 10.80 190.80 Carpenter 205.00 12.30 217.30 Storekeeper 197.50 11.85 209.35 AB Maintenance ....^ . 187.50 11.25 198.75 Quartermaster 172.50 10.35 182.85 Able Seaman 172.50 10.35 182.85 Watchman 172.50 10.35 182.85 Ordinary Seaman 150.00 9.00 159.00 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Chief Electrician $294.50 $17.67 $312.17' Asst. Electrician 227.50 13.65 241.15 Jr. Engineer—Day Work 230.00 13.80 243.80 Jr. Engineer—Watch 205.00 12.30 217.30 Plumber—Machinist 237.00 14.22 251.22 Deck Engineer 205.00 12.30 217.30 Chief Reefer 269.50 16.17 285.67 First Reefer 237.50 14.25 251.75 Second Reefer 218.50 13.11 231.61 Storekeeper 197.50 11.85 209.35 Engine Utility 205.00 12.30 217.30 Evaporator—Maint 190.00 11.40 201.40 Oiler—Diesel .'. 195.25 11.72 206.97 Oiler—Steam 177.50 10.65 188.15 Watertender 177.50 10.65 188.15 Fireman-Watertender 177.50 10.65 188.15 Fireman 167.50 10.05 177.^5 Wiper h. 175.00 10.50 185.50 STEWARDS DEPARTMENT Steward $220.00 $13.20 $233.20 Chief Cook 205.00 12.30 217.30 Night Cook and Baker 205.00 12.30 217.30 Second Cook 185.00 11.10 196.10 Third Cook 175.00 10.50 185.50 Messman 150.00 9.00 159.00 Utilityfnan 150.00 9.00 159.00 The overtime rate for Unlicensed Personnel receiving less than $200.00 per month shall be $1.06 per hour. For all i-atings receiving $200.00 or more per month, the overtime rate shall be $1.32t2 per hour. The full agreement was run last week, and will be run again next week for the bene­ fit of those who missed it. The stand he and Lawrenson took may gain them columns of praise in the pages of the commie papers, but they struck another blow at waterfront unity with their irresponsible action. Having played ball with the communists for such a long period of time, Curran and Lawrenson certainly ought to realize that it is impossible to build any sort of solid organization if the red termites are allowed to attack the foundation. Increase J. ROONEY E. CUSTER R. E. MULHOLLAND H. H. HAMILTON J. W. DENNIS R. B. WRIGHT R. B. KINAIRD XXX BALTIMORE HOSPITAL ARTHUR CAMARA ANTHONIO AMARAL ANTHONY FUSCO' ALBERT HAWKINS JOHN ASHFORD JACK HAMILTON .lAMES McMAHON (G.L.) MICHAEL J. LUCAS MATTHEW CARSON ROBERT WISEMAN LAWRENCE McCUNE ERNEST SIDNEY THEODORE BABKOWSKI GEORGE WILKINS STANLEY HOLDEN CHARLES SIMMONS CHARLES SIMMONS WILLIAM HOWELL PETER LOPEZ XXX MOBILE HOSPITAL MARION D. PENRY MANWEL CARDANA C. A. GARNET R. H. DAVIS W. J. SULLIVAN A. SABOURIN S. P. MORRIS E. L. MYERS XXX STATEN ISLAND HOSPITAL JAMES THOMAS MOORE E. E. CASEY S. W. LESLEY J. S. WOOD C. H. SULLIVAN K. KORNELIUSSEN P. SYRAX L. A. CORNWALL F. H. DOLAN M. BAUCSKI W. BLOOM M. J. LYDEN A. SWENSON R. G. MOSSELLER R. J. TURNER G. E. MARSHALL M. MORRIS L. NELSON You can contact your Hos­ pital delegate at the Staten Island Hospital at the follow­ ing times: Tuesday —1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 5th and 6th floors) Thursday —1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 3rd and 4th floors.) Saturday — 1:30 to 3:30 pjn. (on 1st and 2nd floors.) GALVESTON HOSPITAL OLSEN BENNETT GALANE R. V. JONES HUTCHENSON STAEINZ MILKE FLESHER AKIN GRAVES BREASHAR KOW LIM XXX BRIGHTON HOSPITAL E. H. R. R. E. JOHNSTON SWIM LORD BROWN BOLEHALA XXX SAN JUAN HOSPITAL JUAN OLIVER WALTER JORGENSON RAYMOND SAUDERS R. ARMSTRONG P. FELICIANO R. SEIFO ' �Friday. March 21. 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG HONORED BY ALL Page Tnree Seafarers Offers Lakes Seamen Chance To Ship During Winter By EARL SHEPPARD The thing that is needed is pay Lakes District delegates will atsufficiently large to take care of tend with full voice and vote, the four to five months of en- ^ and Lakes problems will be disforced lay-off. This can be se-' cussed jointly with seamen of all cured only by organizing, and coasts, bringing the wage scales up to . i the proper standard. I ^ large number of questions, recommendations and resolutions RECIPROCAL SHIPPING have already been submitted to Lakes Seafarers members have the convention, and full considerthe benefit of reciprocal shipping ation will be given all communiand, if they so desire, can work'cations either from members or the year around by moving to the' non-members, coast during the winter months. One of the main points of dis­ There is still, however, the cussion will be the setting up of question of transportation and... , the time spent waiting to ship. I shipping rules for the Many Lakes seamen have family' ^reat responsibilities and the four win-Seamen can enjoy equal ter months are actually the only without the loss of time a normal family life can be ^^^hts. enjoyed. | The establishment of such a The moving of an entire family uniform system will create back and forth would involve an greater job protection, and preexpense far greater than the vent Seafarers' members on the average man can afford. G. L. from being victimized by This puts the issue right back seasonal unemployment, where it belongs, on the Lakes. I jn addition the problems of laRegardless of the benefits of re- bor in all sections of the indusciprocal shipping, the only an- tj-y be discussed, and imswer IS more pay and improved mediately following the convenworking and living conditions. vention the AFL Maritime Trades Reciprocal shipping is a Union Department will meet and forbenefit, not anything to relieve mulate plans for a National drive. the shipowner of any claims sea-. The Seafarers International men legitimately have for better i j , jstandards. , Union, already leading the way, .looks forward confidently to the LOCAL AUTONOMY j coming year as the period in The Great Lakes District runs which it will become, together its own affairs and handles its with the AFL Maritime Trades own funds. At the Chicago Sea-, Department, the greatest organfarers International Convention, ized maritime force in the world. Reports from Duluth and Su­ perior state that, although there were still 28 inches of solid blue ice in the twin port harbor ship channels as late as March 15th, with 15 inch ice off Minnesota Point, this season will get under way early. It is expected that the harbors will be open around April 1st, and plans are being made for the biggest celebration yet on the ar­ rival of the first up-lake boat. Many a bottle of champagne will be cracked by the owners and operators to celebrate the grand occasion marking the open­ ing of the season that will make them more millions than ever before. The chandlers, LCA crimps, hotel owners, chambers of com­ A Rare and Striking Photograph of Andrew Furuseth. merce and business of all sorts have something to celebrate. Prices are booming; the fac­ tories and the mills in Detroit, the Calumet area, Cleveland, Buffalo and everywhere else are going full blast. There's riches on them Lakes Brother. On March 21, 1938, the ashes way, Andy Furuseth kept at it For the seaman it's a different of Andrew Furuseth were scat­ with unswerving devotion and story. Since the lay-up last win­ tered on the ocean he loved and unwavering faith. ter, he has had to scuttle for hated, and everywhere he was Slowly, very slowly, others living. mourned by the men whose lot were affected by his unflinching If he saved enough during last had become better mainly due integrity and incorruptible season he was able to hole up all to his untiring work. .standards, and they rallied to winter, but regardless of what he Throughout his long and hon­ his support. Some of them were saved, the chances are a hun­ orable life, Andy had nothing influential figures in the Halls dred to one that it is always gone but respect and reverence from of Congress. before the next season starts. the men who knew that his . So it came about that succes­ A seaman's winter on the every thought and action was sive sessions of Congrdss passed Lakes, unless he is able to sail designed to make American ships laws which made the life of off-shore, is a succession of the best in the world, manned seamen more bearable. The Ma- jumping from one job to another, by men who were competent and guire Act of 1895, the White Act a total loss so far as being a sea­ capable because they were free. of 1898, and the LaFollette Act man goes—and this brings up Nobody ever attributed a sel­ of 1915, all helped to lift the one of the greatest needs of Lakes OTTAWA — What the Seafar­ zed labor, their activities should fish motive to any of his actions; oppressive restrictions which for Seamen. ers International Union knew in be exposed." not even his bitterest enemies so long had made seamen's lives FULL YEARS PAY August 1944, when it revoked the Sullivan named eighteen per­ stooped that low. a virtual hell. There has always been an ef­ charter of the Canadian Sea­ sons, three of them United States Andrew Furuseth was born in His long and fruitful life came fort on the part of the Lake Car­ men's Union, was found out to citizens, who were important in Norway, on March 12, 1854, the to an end in Washington on riers Association to create the be the absolute truth last week. communist activities in Canada. fourth of eight children. At an January 22, 1938. He was at impression that the pay differen­ The charter was revoked be­ One of them is Fred Rose, a for­ early age, due to the poverty that time 84 years of age. tial between the Lakes and salt mer member of Parliament, now of his parents, he was taken in water was sufficient to make up cause the CSU refused to com­ MANY HONORED HIM serving si.x years for espionage. ply with the direction of the to live with a neighboring fam­ for the loss of work and pay in 1944 Convention asking a re­ Tributes to him came from the winter. ily. From the age of eight, he men and women in all walks of worked for his keep. The truth of the matter is that pudiation of the communst party. When this was refused, the life. As a .special tribute, Ma­ this slight additional pay doesn't STARTED EARLY dame Frances Perkins, then Sec­ even come close to making up International took action, and j In his early teens he took to retary of Labor, ordered that his lifted the charter. the sea. After sailing on Nor­ body lie in state in the Depart­ for the monotony of day after Now, almost three years later, day aboard with very little time wegian, Swedish, English, ment of Labor auditorium. An J. A. (Pat) Sullivan resigned as ashore; the discomforts and haz­ French, and German ships, in unending line of mourners came President of the CSU, and is­ 1880 he came to the United to pay their last respects to this ards of the weather at each end sued a statement blasting the of the season, and inhaling wheat States. Here he began his agi­ vaunted fighter. Finding that the Argentine machinations of the commies, chaff, ore and coal. tation for a change in the status Labor movement is no longer Andrew Furuseth came jDf a The steadily increasing cost of within the union, and within of seamen. free but has become a political seafaring race. He had respect living makes it practically im­ the whole Canadian labor move­ In 1887 he was elected secre­ for his trade, and he dedicated arm of the government, the AFL ment. possible for a seaman to save tary of the Pacific Coast Sea­ his life to the advancement of committee pn international re­ enough in eight months work to At the same time, he announc­ men's Union, which later be­ his fellows. lations has stated that no col­ carry him the other four months ed his resignation from the com­ came the Sailor's Union of the laboration between the AFL and No man could do more—many ashore, regardless of how care­ munist party. Pacific. Andy leaped right into the Argentine Confederation of ful he is with his dough. FEARS FOR LIFE the struggle which raged at that do a lot less. Labor is possible as it is pres­ time to free seamen from serf­ His reasons for relinquishing ently constituted. dom. The AFL committee which his post he gave in a prepared statement, which was released journeyed to Argentine on invit­ Until the campaign of Andrew Furuseth, and organized seamen, CARE, the humanitarian, non­ one pound of braised beef, two publicly because he feared that ation of the Argentine govern­ bore fruit, seamen could not profit organization that remits pounds of sugar, two pounds of "an unavoidable accident might ment and the CGT, made clear its strike after signing articles. The food parcels to the needy of Eu­ vegetable shortening, seven occur to myself" if his action denunciation of the labor move­ severe penalties for striking, or rope has announced a new type pounds of flour, two pounds of was disclosed only to the CP ment in Argentina. In its re­ port it stated: quiting the ship, had been un­ package being delivered to the chocolate, one pound of apricots, and the union. "This organization has now "My decision to take this step changed for centuries. peoples of most European coun­ one pound of prunes, one pound of coffee, half-pound of dried was reached when I became con­ been converted from a trade Furuseth made it his self-as­ tries. The new package offered by egg powder, two pounds of dried vinced that the interests of or­ union movement into a political signed task to abolish these pen­ the Cooperative for American whole milk powder and six ganized labor are being sub­ arm of the government. It alties. verted by the agents of com­ cannot elect its officers. . . it Starting in 1893, Furuseth was Remittances to Europe, still sells ounces of soap. does^ not determine its policies munism," he stated. The packages are held in an untiring Washington lobby­ for $10 each, but contains a . . . it cannot carry on collective "I admit having traveled with ist. Until he died, he campaign­ greater variety of foods than the warehouses in Europe. When an bargaining with the employers the communist party. From ed for the emancipation of sea­ ten-in-one army ration formerly order comes into the New York without, (in all these cases) the what I have seen of the under­ office, a duplicate is forwarded men, and he became an out­ offered. sanction of the government. ground activities of that group, to Europe and a package is re­ The caloric content is increas­ standing authority on maritime There has been a wholesale I am convinced that in the in­ leased from the warehouse stock ed to 40,963 per package, and is law. usurpation by the government of terests of Canada, and particu­ for the person designated by the made up of 12 ounces of lunchAlthough many were the dis­ ordinary trade union functions." larly in the interests of organi­ U.S. donor. en loaf, one pound of liver loaf. couragements that came his Furuseth Devoted His Life So Seamen Might Be Free Sullivan, CSU Head, Quits; Calls Union CP-Controlled AFL Condemns Peron Control Of Trade Unions New Food Packages For Overseas �Page Four THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday. March 21. 1947 Text Of New MoMe Tugboat Conlracf This agreement entered into this 6th day. of , February . overtime rate. Provided, however, where the time of 1947. by and between the Seafarers International Union knocking off on one day to the starting time of the of North America, Tov/ Boat Division, hereafter re­ next day is less than eight hours, the starting time may ferred to as the Union, and the Gulf Shipbuilding be delayed for the period of time necessary to give the Corporation—Tug Boat Division and The Mobile Tow­ eight (8) hour rest period. (e) When called to report on Saturdays, Sundays ing and Wrecking Company, hereafter referred to as the Company, and remains in effect until February and/or Holidays to work or standby, there will be a 5th. 1948. Provided, however, that this Agreement guaranteed minimum of four (4) hours. (f) Saturdays, Sundays and holidays when worked shall be considered renewed from year to year there­ after by respective parties hereto; unless either party shall bo paid for at the overtime rate. Section 9. In the event a boat of the Company is hereto shall give written notice to the other of its de­ sire to amend or terminate same. Any such notice sold or laid up, the crew shall be provided first class shall be given at least sixty (60) days prior to the date transportation, wages, and subsistence or the cash of expiration. If such notice shall not be given, this equivalent thereof back to the Port of Mobile. Section 10. In the event a boat of the Company is Agreement shall be deemed as renewed for the succeed­ lost, the crew shall be compensated one hundred fifty ing year, and from year to year thereafter. dollars ($150.00) per man for the loss of clothing and ARTICLE I effects; and shall be given first class transportation, Section 1. The Company agrees that only members wages and subsistance until they are returned to the of the Union shall be employed in all unlicensed rat­ Port of Mobile. Section 11. In the event a vessel is to be laid up in­ ings on all boats owned, operated, or bareboats charter­ definitely or put on idle status, where members of the ed by them. This does not apply to bareboat charters crew are laid off or discharged forty-eight (48) hours' made to other operators. notice shall be given crew members, except when lay up Section 2. The Company agrees to secure all un­ is caused by conditions beyond the control of the licensed personnel through the offices of the Union Company. when said personnel are available. Section 12. The Company shall furnish a sufficient Section 3. The Company agrees to issue passes to the supply of clean linen, towels, face and mechanic soap, Union representatives for the purpose of contacting the linen and soap to be issued weekly, face and bath towels membership aboard vessels of the Company. to be issued twice weekly, providing that linen and Section 4. Step 1. Complaints, disputes or grievances towels are exchanged piece, for piece. of any employee or group of employees shall within Section 13. A sufficient number of lockers shall be three (3) days from the occurrence causing such com­ provided so that each member of the unlicensed per­ plaint, dispute, or grievance, be referred in writing to sonnel shall have one (1) locker of full length with their respective department heads for settlement, and sufficient space to stow a reasonable amount of gear and if not referred within three (3) days, shall be deemed to perisonal effects. have been waived. Section 14. All quarters assigned to the unlicensed Step 2. Complaints, disputes or grievances that are personnel and all mess rooms provided for their use not satisfactorily adjusted in Step 1 within three (3) shall be adequately screened and ventilated, heated days after receipt of such complaint shall be referred and a sufficient number of fans provided to secure in writing by the ship's delegate to the Union Repre­ ventilation. sentative who shall refer if to the Company Representa­ Section 15. All members of the crew shall keep their tive within three (3) days. The complaint shall be re­ respective living quarters clean at all times, but such ferred within 24 hours to a Port Committee. work shall be done by the men during regular work­ Step 3. Complaints, disputes or grievances that are ing hours. not satisfactorily adjusted in Step 2 within three (3) Section 18. In the event a vessel runs aground, this days after receipt of such complaint shall be referred in agreement shall be lived up to regardless of whether writing to a Port Committee, consisting of two author­ the company or the insurance company is paying the ized representatives of the Union and two authorized wages. representatives of the Company. It shall be the duty Section 17. No member of the crew employed on a of the Port Committee to meet within twenty-four vessel shall be required to work ashore except to facili­ (24) hours (Saturdays, Sundays and Holidays excluded) tate work normally done aboard the vessel. Such work after receipt of complaint. In the event the Committee done ashore must be done when vessel is along side of cannot agree within three (3) days, then the Director docks-'or otherwise out of service. of Conciliation of the U. S. Department of Labor shall Section 18. All unlicensed personnel covered by this be requested to appoint an impartial referee whose de­ Agreement shall be. given two (2) weeks' vacation with cision shall be final and binding. There shall be no pay each year. This shalLbe computed semi-annually, slowdown or stoppage of work during the settlement vacations, when due, to begin not more than one (1) of any grievance. week after the company is notified by member, provid­ Any expenses of arbitration shall be borne by and ed proper relief is supplied by the Union. divided equally between the Union and the Employer'. Section 19. When working in Mobile Harbor, meals shall be furnished. When working outside Mobile Har­ ARTICLE II bor, meals and lodging shall be furnished. When meals Section ,1. The Company agrees not to discriminate and lodging are not provided as stipulated each man against any man for legitimate union activities. shall receive $1.00 per meal and '$3.00 per night for Section 2. There shall be -no strikes, lockouts, or lodging. stoppages of work during the life of this agreement. Section 20. Fresh fruit, milk, shore bread and vege­ Section 3. The Company shall furnish safe working tables will be furnished daily. gear and conditions at all times. Section 21. At least twenty-four (24) hours notice Section 4. Representatives of the Union shall be al­ shall be given by the Company before discharging any lowed on board the Company's vessels at any time, member, and no member shall quit work without giving but shall not interfere with men at work imless said the Company at least twenty-four (24) hours notice, and men are properly relieved, the relief getting no extra having been relieved by the Union. compensation. Section 22. In the event any member is fired or Section 5. (a) When members of the crew are re­ laid off through no fault of his own, he shall be furnish­ quired to do extra work because a vessel sailed without ed first class transportation, wages and subsistance or the full complement as specified in this Agreement the cash equivalent thereof back to the Port in which under circumstances where the law permits such sail­ he was hired. ings, the wages of the absent man shall be divided Section 23. The company agrees to recognize the fol­ among the men who performed the work. lowing as holidays: ,New .Year's Day, Mardi .Gras, Wash­ (b) When a member is unable to perform his work ington's Birthday, Memorial Day, Indep>endenee iDay, because of illness or injury the Union will furnish re­ Labor Day, Armistice Day, Thanksgiving Day, and placement. Christmas Day. When any 'Of these holidays fall on Section 6. (a) The overtime rate of pay shall be Sunday, the following Monday will be observed. One Dollar and twenty-five cents per hour (1.25). Section 24. The minimum scale for each crew (day (b) All overtime to be divided as equally as possible and/or night) shall be as follows: (crews designated as within the respective departments. single crew). Section 7. Overtime shall be computed on a full hour 3 Deck Hands basis, any fraction of an hour to be considered as an 1 Oiler or Engine Utility hour. 1 Fireman (on Steam Tugs) Section 8. (a) Eight (8) consecutive hours shall con­ 1 Cook stitute, a, day's work. Section 25. The hours of labor for the crew shall be (b) .Forty (40) hours shall constitute a work week. from 7:00 A.M.,to 3:00 P.M. and for the night crew from (c) Any work performed after eight consecutive 3:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M. Day crews may be assigned a hours shall be paid for at the regular overtime rate. daily starting time between 6:00 A.M. and 8:00 A.M. (d) At no time shall the members have less ithan an with notice to be given at the end of the;previous work­ eight (8) hour rest period from the time of knocking ing day, and their.work day shall commence at the hornoff, if less than eight (8) hours is given they shall be designated and run for eight (8) consecutive hours, with paid straight through until they are knocked off at the crewmembers affording each other proper relief. Section 26. The wage scale shall be as follows: (per month) Deck Hand - - $177.50 Oiler - - - - $177.50 Fireman - - - 177.50 Cook - - - - 177.50 Engine Ut. - - 200.00 Section 27. All members of the unlicensed personnel shall perform the regular and customary duties of thenstations without the payment of overtime, however: (a) When required to moor and unmoor unmanned barges and tows the crew members actually doing the work shall receive $1.00 in each case. When required to handle lines on dock, in docking or undocking ships the crew members actually doing the work shall re­ ceive one ($1.00) dollar for each line, in each case. (b) When firemen are required to blow tubes by hand, shine brass, bright work or floor plates; paint; chip or sougee, clean or repair boilers or fireboxes or auxiliaries; he shall be paid at the regular overtime rate. (c) Oilers, in addition to their routine duties shall assist the Engineer in the repair and maintenance of main engine and auxiliaries, and all other work shall be considered as overtime. (d) Any time crews are required to handle hose for the purpose of furnishing air or steam to a ship for warming up or raising the anchor the men performing this work shall receive the overtime rate, in addition to the rate he is earning at the time he does this work. (e) Duties of the Engine Utilitymen when carried: (1) In addition to his I'outine duties the Engine Utilityman shall be required to assist the Engineer in all en­ gine department repairs and maintenance work, with­ out the payment of overtime. (2) Engine Utilitymen shall be required to have qualifications as Oiler, Watertender and Fireman. (3) Engine Utilitymen shall do general cleaning, scaling, sougeeing, painting, chipping and polishing work in the Engine Department, and take on stores including standing by on water and fuel oil lines, without the payment of overtime. (4) Engine Utilitymen shall be paid overtime when required to clean tank tops or bilges by hand or when required to paint in bilges. However, cleaning bilges, strainers, cleaning away sticks or rags shall be considered part of the Engine Utilityrnan's duties, and shall be done without the payment of overtime. Section 28. (a) Cooks shall be furnished all galley equipment including laundered white mess clothes. When required to chip, scrape, sougee or paint, cooks shall be paid at-the regular overtime rate. (b) When cooks are required to start galley fires befor the regular starting hour he shall receive one (1) half hour overtime. (c) All meals served other than to the official boat's personnel Shall be paid at the rate of fifty cents ($.50) for each meal served after crew members have had their meals, and only on written orders from the Cap­ tain. Section 29. When members of the crew are required to enter tanks of any description for cleaning they shall be paid for such work at the regular overtime rate. Section 30. Saturdays, Sundays and/or Holidays, and during overtime hours the crew shall be required to do only routine work for the safe navigation of the vessel and tow. Chipping shall be confined to daylight hours. Section 31. After authorized overtime has been work­ ed, the officer of the Department on board will present to each employee who has worked overtime a slip stat­ ing hours of overtime and nature of work performed. An overtime book will be kept to conform with indi­ vidual slips for settlement of overtime. Officers and men shall keep a record of all disputed overtime. No claim for overtime shall be valid unless such claim is presented to the Department head on the day the work was performed. When work has been performed and overtime claims are disputed, the Head of the Depart­ ment shall sign a disputed overtime slip thereby acknowledging that work was performed. Section 32. Two or more crews may be carried at the discretion of the Company. 'Section 33. This Agreement is signed subject to the ratification of the membership. If no notice is given to the Company within thirty days (30) after date of signing, it shall be deemed as ratified and in full effect. MOBILE TOWING AND WRECKING CO. Signed:— Richard Walsh SEAFARERS INTL. UNION OF N. A. Signed:— Cal Tanner Charles Kimball GULF SHIPBUILDING CORP.—TOW BOAT DIV, Signed:— ' F.C.Waller SEAFARERS INTL. UNION OF N. A. Signed:— Cal Tanner Charles Kimball �Friday. March 21, 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Five Skipper's Linen Charge Bounces; It All Comes Out In The Wash NEW ORLEANS —We had a little fireworks this week when we ran into one of Waterman's flint-hearted skippers who thought lie was bigger than the law. He learned his lesson the hard way, but what a runaround he gave the crew before we got the mess straightened out! This character had given the crew a- hard time all through the voyage, logging practically every crewmember on the ship for very petty reasons. When the ship hit Manzanillo, Cuba, he really outdid himself in filling the log book. While the ship was tied up there, two Cubans were caught with nine bags of the ship's lin­ en. Whgn apprehended they told Police that two crewmembers had sold them the linen. This was right up the Skip­ per's alley, so Captain Roupe marched the crew ashore and had the two Cubans look them over. After spending half the day diddling around, the two men accused one OS and a Messman as being the guilty parties. The stolen goods amounted to over 100 items each of bedshects, towels, pillow cases and other supplies. All together the stuff weighed half a ton and was valued at $2,000. li' 1^' out that you cannot accuse a man and have him hanged with­ out proving it first. He was a sorry man, but he had it com­ ing. The crew, as a whole, stood by the men and took up a col­ lection to pay the lawyer's fee. The three departments collected over $150.00 and settled every­ thing. CREW HELPED The fellow crewmembers who kicked in five dollars apiece to fight the log-happy Skipper are: Engine Department: Nemburg, Hackett, Shraner, Keefe, Power, Schwartz, Coughey, Goldsmith, A. .Saunders, W. Saunders. Stew­ ards Department: Miller, Bastes, Cossella, Flippin, Randall, Cox. Penez, Sullivan, Willy. Deck Department: Larson, Cole, Bi'uce, Baker. Kiss, Tarply, Duffey, Giliilan. Kale, Jenkins, C. Bruce, Brumley. Brothers McFarland and Jack­ son wish to thank their Broth­ ers, through the Log, for their aid and thoughtfulness in fight­ ing this phony charge through to a successful conclusion. NO NEWS?? Silence Ibis week from Ihe Branch Agents of the follow­ ing ports: TAMPA NORFOLK JACKSONVILLE PORT ARTHUR PHILADELPHIA BOSTON MARCUS HOOK The deadline for port re­ ports, monies due, etc., is the Monday proceeding publica­ tion. While every effort will be made to use in ihe current issue material received after that date, space commitments generally do not permit us to do so. Galveston Shipping Remains Slow; Most Vessels Are In Transit By RAY W. SWEENEY GALVESTON — Bu.siness and shipping in this gulf port re­ mains slow in spite of the many ships that come into the port. The trouble is that most of the ships are in transit and we get their beefs but none of their replacements. One of the ship that we did manage to crew up was the Lucretia Mott which finally sailed for the Far East. .Seeing her off was a real relief -to everyone in this port. The Master was none other than Captain Vande Giift, better known as "One Dollar Vande," derived from his close-fistedness when it comes to handing out a draw. The Mott came in port and paid off Fiiday and received a new crew Sunday. The crew was put on subsistence and the ship did not start feeding until Tuesday morning. Over the week-end the Skip­ per hightailed it to Mobile, leav­ ing no one in charge to pay sub­ sistence. When he arrived aboard the :ship Monday night some of the crew asked him for a draw. Being a big hearted guy, he sayfu "Yes sir boys, You can have a- draw. Here's a buck. I Great Lakes Seamen Are Showing Deep Interest In The Organizing Campaign Of The Seafarers sound basis. When no progress sance, then he automatically By HENRY CHAPPELL is being made, and all other fires himself. In the final SENT TO COOLER run, TOLEDO — The organizational methods fail, we believe that any question under dispute is The two accused seamen were campaign of the SIU on the settled at the membership meet­ promptly thrown into jail. Later, Great Lakes is off to a good economic action is necessary. In the SIU, when a strike is ing. however, the Cubans changed start. Judging from the con­ Creed, religion or political be­ their story and the men were tinuous stream of men coming considered necessary the entire released. When they returned to into the SIU Toledo Hall and membership votes on it. A few lief are your own personal opin­ the ship, the pld Man blew his inquiring about the advantages union officials can never call a ions, and as an SIU member you top and sent them back to the of belonging to the SIU, inter­ strike in the Seafarers because are entitled to them. But the expect all hands here to turn we believe in democratic, rank SIU is strictly a sailors' union, to tomorrow morning and I don't cooler. est of the Lakes seamen has and file control. When SIU run by and for the seamen. The Skipper tried to leave the been aroused to a fever pitch. want you to be ga.ssed up." members vote for a strike, they men behind in Cuba, but the ^ We will not tolerate any group These men arc from all de­ back it to the limit. And we NO CAN DO police told him they had no in the Union that tries to force partments, and formerly shipped have never lost a beef!! charges against the men and he its beliefs on the entire mem­ How he e:<pected anyone to from the Lakes Carriers halls, would have to take them back SIU ADVANTAGES bership. This has occurred in get gassed up on a one-spot is NMU halls and through com­ to the States. other unions, notably the NMU, anyone's guess, but the boys There are many advantages in Well, he brought them back pany sponsored unions. and they have fallen apart as were all aboard and sober the being a member of the SIU. All three of these outfits have to the States alright— with a However, only a few of those a direct result of that political next morning. That'll give you log book that carried three pages prevented Great Lakes seamen advantages will be outlined here. control. an idea of what the crew can from enjoying union conditions. ofvcharges against them. expect in the way of draws for First and most important, we SIU UNION HALLS Here is the last charge against In addition, they have consider­ maintain job security for our the remainder of the trip. The SIU maintains its own ^ them as taken from the log ably retarded the progress of members. In the SIU, you are The Seatrains have started shipping halls, and recreational the SIU in gaining better wages 'book: "Because I believe that shipped in rotation according to running in here again. The facilities are provided. We also R. A. McFarland, OS, and J. N. and conditions. your shipping ticket, issued to schedule calls for one to arrive Ail of these applicants have you when you express a desire have a hospital and death bene­ Jackson, MM, are guilty of em­ here Thursday morning and sail bezzlement of ship's stores, I expressed considerable resent­ to ship. No one ships out of fit fund to provide some protec­ Friday evening. The Seatrain tion in the event of sickness and fine them jointly and separately ment toward the LCA, NMU, turn ahead of you. Havana was the first to arrive death. to the full extent of wages due and LSU. When you're a Seafarer, no and the New York is to follow. As we get sti'onger on the them at the end of the voyage During the past few years, There were quite a few replace­ Lakes, other services and bene­ subject to the findings of the with the sole exception of SIUments on the Havana, but we fits will be added the same as in United States Courts and shall contracted vessels, these outfits had no trouble getting men to other SIU Districts. These in­ request such further penalties as have virtually controlled the take the jobs. clude legal advice, assistance on the Courts may allow." wages, working rules, conditions, We expect a rush of business personal welfare problems, and It looked bad for the men in­ and manner of shipping on the next week when we will have many other items too numerous volved, as the company had the Great Lakes. quite a few ships in port. After to mention. FBI down to the ship before There is no further need of that we expect things to slow she made fast. The Patrolmen exposing to the Lakes seamen Union wages and conditions down, but who can tell for sure. were not allowed in the hear­ how phony the NMU really is. can not be gained on the Lakes ing room and could not talk for This was done by the NMU last by any one man or small groups Brother Parker, the Agent, is of men. They can be gained attending the Agent's Confer­ the men. fall when they tried to tie up when everyone joins together in ence in New York. Here's wish­ the entire Great Lakes in their MACHINERY STARTED a union like the SIU, and fights ing lots of success to the Agents We grabbed a copy of the phony organizational strike. side by side. in their meeting and delibera­ At that time, they tried to se­ charges and headed for the Then, all Lakes men will have tions. Union Hall to start machinery cure^ conditions on their ships Mate or Engineer can fire you All the boys around the Gal­ moving: We contacted a lawyer which the SIU members had al­ simply because they want their a hand in discussing wages and ready enjoyed on SlU-contractconditions. Then, the shipown­ cousin or friend to have your and put him on the FBI. veston Hall are more than pleas­ Then we got hold of the com­ ed ships for four years. Even job. This practice has existed on ers will realize that we mean ed over the six per cent raise pany and showed them where today the NMU cannot show any the Great Lakes for years, hut business, and results will begin negotiated with the shipowners. we had the Skipper up a tree. gains to compare with the SIU not on SIU ships. On an SIU to show. contracts. Drop into the neare.st SIU Hall It's nice to find out that we ship, the job is yours until you If the men were logged someone at any time. The Agent or Or­ have won a raise without the THE SIU WAY quit or become disabled. was going to be sued as we had Our Union secured these con­ However, in order to protect ganizer there will be glad to usual stalling around by the a lawyer. Well, you should have seen ditions through collective bar­ the interests of all the members, talk over your problems and an­ shipowners and the necessity for Captain Roupe's face when the gaining negotiations with the no one person is allowed to set swer your questions. See for Commisioner asked for his log operators, and through economic up his own rules of conduct. yourself how a democratic sail­ us to show them that we meant book and started stamping. Over action whenever necessary. We SIU members are expected to ors' union is run by and for the business when we ask for an every entry he stamped "can­ have never had to pull a phony ive up to the contract which sailors. increase. Then join the Seafarers Inter­ strike, calling everyone finks or we have with the company. celled" in big red letters. It just goes to show that if Any time an SIU crew mem­ national Union, AFL, in winning Yep, old Captain Roupe found scabs, to gain our demands. you follow the SIU you can't go The SIU tries to keep nego­ ber flagrantly violates the union better wages and conditions for that you cannot log a man and wrong. then work him. He also found tiations with our operators on a regulations or becomes a nui­ all Lakes seamen. �Page Six THE SEAFARERS LOG Performers And Gashounds Make it Tough For Good Union Members By JOE ALGINA Cleveland Hall CLEVELAND—The Great Great Lakes District of the SIU has acquired a new hall in the Cleveland area to bo used solely for organizational purposes. Under the joint di­ rection of Steve Conroy and Jerry Lichtman, the new or­ ganizational headquarters is located in the Dredgemen's Club at 26 Carroll Ave., be­ tween 25th and 26th Streets. As usual, the regular SIU haU at 1014 E. St. Clair Ave. is being maintained for the transaction of all official Un­ ion business. Cleveland's new organiza­ tional office is on the West Side, about one-and-a half blocks from the Lake Car­ riers hall. All Lakes seamen desiring to join the SIU or secure information are invited to drop in. The welcome mat is out, and everyone is in­ vited to drop in on Steve and Jerry. Don't forget the ad­ dress—26 Carroll Ave. NEW YORK—We've recently their tail, and Union members had more than a little trouble should not put the SIU in a with performers aboard ship. bad spot by not living up to Some of them have terrorized their agreement. an entire erew, and onee or SHIPPING AT PEAK twice they have even tried to interfere with a Patrolman in Right now we have 50 ships the performance of his duty. in port; the majority of which Now, this column is not to are now signing on. It takes a be construed as asking Seafar­ lot of men to man that many ers to become Sunday school ships, and so we have the same boys. There's nothing wrong old story here—we need rated with a man drinking or raising men. a little hell, as long as he There are quite a few calls doesn't throw his weight around. for Engine Department men, But when a man tries to lord and as always, ABs are at a it over the whole crew, or when premium. Cooks are also scarce, a couple of guys get gassed up so you can see that shipping and try to beat up the sober has really picked up in this hands, then they deserve every­ port. thing that happens to them. We have not been forced to Some men get drunk and pro­ shanghai our doorman or jani­ ceed to wreck company gear. tor, as Philadelphia was forced When they are called on it, they to do, but if the situation con­ say, "What difference does it tinues, that may turn out to be make? This stuff belongs to the a solution. company, not to the Union." That's where they are way off base. The Union fought a long and hard battle to get decent conditions on board ship for merchant seamen. When a man wrecks company property, he is robbing his fellow shipmates of By STANLEY WARES and JERRY LICHTMAN what they fought for. CLEVELAND In response to centered around the success of When a man signs on a ship, contacts with the various AFL AFL Maritime Trades Port he is agreeing to do so much unions in any way connected Councils in various other cities, work for so much money. And with the maritime industry, sev­ and the methods by which they he should live up to his word. eral locals sent their represen­ were operating. When the operators try to stall tatives to the first meeting of All representatives present around, the Union really gets on Cleveland's Maritime T r a d e's agreed that it was necessary to Port Council held recently. set up permanent offices for the Indications are that the AFL national AFL Maritime Trades Port Council in this city will be Department as soon as possible. a huge success, and that we will ELECTION POSTPONED have full participation. Election of officers for the The success of the Council was Port Council on a temporary indicated by the turnout—rep­ basis was held over until the resentatives of the following or­ next meeting. This was done to ganizations were present: Inter­ make it pos.sible for other or­ By J. S. COLLINS national Brotherhood of Team­ ganizations to send representa­ CORPUS CHRISTI — With a sters, Locals 407 and 964; Inter­ tives, and participate in the sudden influx of ships hitting national Longshoremen's Asso­ elections. the port, business has taken a ciation, Local 1317; Masters, The over-all reaction to the turn for the better. Both Cor­ Mates and Pilots, Local 47; Tug first meeting of the Cleveland Firemen, Local 3; International pus Christi and Harbor Island have been the hosts to a good Dredgemen's Association, Local Port Council was so good that number of tankers both in tran­ 5; Steamfitters Union, Local 120; several organizations which did International B r o t h e rhood of not send representatives to the sit and here for payoffs. Electrical Workers, Local 38; and first meeting have since notified We had the Fort George, Casa the Seafarers International the SIU Cleveland office that Grande, Umatilla, Fort Christina they would attend the next and the Fort Erie, all Pacific Union. At this meeting, discussion meeting. Tankers in port this week. What beefs came up on these ships were settled on the spot and everyone was satisfied. The beefs were, for the most part, of a minor nature and just needed someone to show topside what the score was. By WILLIAM J. BRANTLEY With the unusual number of SAVANNAH — Shipping has ing the lowdown on this Gulf ships in port we had to do a hurry up job of getting men for picked up this week in Savan­ Port. these ships, so after shaking nah and it is now a little better We expect shipping to im­ down the gin mills and tourist than good. For the past few prove in the next few weeks as courts we finally got enough re­ weeks it has been running along a lot of ships are being removed at a steady rate and this week from the boneyard and towed placements for these scows. we -are enjoying a little more into port for reconditioning. For TANKERS COVERED shipping than usual. the most part they are Liberties and will be crewed in this port. We shipped some replacements We have also had some unor­ ganized tankers hitting the port aboard two South Atlantic ships, OLDTIMER IN AND OUT and all of them were covered. and ran into beefs in all De­ We talked to the SIU men partments on the ships. We got Oldtimer Jimmie Adams aboard the ships and after put­ everything squared away and breezed into port a couple of ting some copies of the Log the Belmont sailed for Antwerp days ago after spending quite aboard the ships, we left them and the Stockton is expected to some time in the Pacific. There sail within the next few days. he had the never-to-be-forgotten in good shape. The absence of news from experience of having to sail as At the moment the rush of tankers has slackened off, but Savannah last week can be at­ Bosun on an NMU tanker to get we have been informed that tributed to the fact that Brother back to the States. He has man­ there will be another rush of Charles Starling, the new Sa­ aged to recover from his ex­ tankers next week. If it materi­ vannah Agent, was relieving perience somewhat and is now alizes, it will take about all the Brother Arthur Thompson and out at sea aboard the Belmont. We are keeping a weather eye men we have on the beach to the change over caused the lack of news. peeled for the ships due out of crew up the ships. At the moment, Brother Starl­ the boneyard and when see It looks like a guy can get a skip now without any trouble in ing is attending the Agents' Con­ them coming down the river ference, so in his place I'm giv­ we'll let the news be heard. the Gulf. Cleveland Waterfront Unions Start AFL Maritime Council Rush Of Tankers Causes Manhunt in Corpus Christi Activity Is Up, Says Savannah; Boneyard Ships Bue to Hit Port Friday, March 21, 1947 Chicago Shipping Begins To Stir; Men Get Sougee Buckets in Shape By HERBERT JANSEN CHICAGO—This port has fin­ for a living, and trying to better ally started to wake up. Smoke our working conditions and wages is beginning to pour through the in the same manner as any other smoke stacks, and the crews are worker. getting the sougee buckets and SEA BROTHERHOOD scrub brushes out of their holds to ready them up for their sched­ We are aH seamen, whether on uled new coats of paint. the Lakes or deep water, and be­ All of this activity is greeted lieve in the Brotherhood of the by the Brothers around the hall, Sea. We do the same kind of and eager looks cross their faces work on any vessel, no matter in anticipation of inhaling some where -it sails. How can anyone of the fresh air that they missed say that a Lakes seaman is any all Winter. better than a deep water sea­ It's really a great sight to see man, or vice versa? the sudden activity along this There is no doubt, that this type waterfront. One day they're all of propaganda will be thrown at along their winter berths, and us again in the operators' aH-out when you look for them the next attempts to prevent organization day, they've left for different of the unorganized on the. Great ports all over the Lakes. Lakes. After they load up, they come Let's ignore any attempts to slipping back with their cargo to break up our own solidarity in unload here. fighting for the betterment of conditions for all seamen. Crewmembers of the SS Gil­ bert are all at work getting her ready for the coming season. A newcomer aboard the Gilbert will be Jack O'Connor who will^ try to keep the boys happy by serving them the best in food. He's been cooking on the river' dredges for the past few years, and wants to get his sea legs back once again. By VIC CIUFFO CREWING UP CHARLESTON — Slow is the The SS American will be call­ word for shipping in this port ing for her crew this week, and as we have only paid off one they intend to operate her across ship during the past week. The the Lake most of this year. Both ship was an SUP job and there the SS North American and the were no beefs aboard. She paid SS South American will start off in good shape and everyone >• calling for their crews the last was happy. week of this month, and they The Engine and Stewards De­ will be operated on their usual partments on the ship took time runs all over the Lakes. off to come and tell me that the This coming week, the SS Deck Crew was one of the best Lakewood will also be calling for crews that they had ever sailed her crew, and she is expected with. to operate around Chicago for a It is sure good to see someone while before heading for Detroit. appreciate good sailors regard­ We have no information on the less of the union they belong to. changed runs of the SS Roosevelt It makes for more enjoyable and the SS City of Grand Rapids trips if there is harmony in all as yet, but they will not crew up Departments of the ship and this until around the 5th of May. vessel really demonstrated that. Snuffy Smith, the Agent, is up A few years back, it was "the policy of the shipping companies in the north country, attending to try and create differences be­ the Agents' Conference in New tween the Lakes and Coast sea­ York. We're all waiting to hear what the Agents discuss and men. This was their idea of prevent­ recommend for the coming year. ing unionization and any kind of This is a big year for the SIU solidarity among Lakes men, and and we have a good bunch of it worked solely for the benefit of Agents, really on their toes. the operators in pitting one man BEACHCOMBERS GONE against another. We had about fifty men on However, during the past five the beach here last week but years this feeling of distinction they all disappeared. I guess has been broken down consider­ they read of the fast and furious ably. shipping in the other ports and Today, men sailing the Lakes figured that was the place for have found out that there is no them. With the dozen or so men difference between a 25,000 ton ship or a 200 ton ship, whether we shipped ' this week we have it sails on salt water or fresh only a handful of men left water, or if a seaman is from around the Hall, and most of Marine City, Michigan or San them in the Engine Department. Seafarers Leave Charleston For Hotter Ports There are no prospects for Pedro, California. We are all the .same, working ships in this port until the lat­ ter part of the month when two South Atlantic ships are due in. Something may show up in the meantime, but we have nothing definite to look forward to until Send in the minutes of the South Atlantic ships stick your ship's meeting to the their noses into port. New York Hall. Only in that We'll continue to send in the way can the membership act dope concerning the activity in on your reconunendations, this port, but it looks like we and then the minutes can be won't be able to given any en­ couraging news for quite awhile. printed in the LOG for the benefit of all other SIU^ At any rate we will keep our fingers crossed and hope for the crews. best. Send Those Minutes �Friday. March 21. 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Seven The Patrolmen Say— Volunteer Organizers i I? . Exit Performers NEW YORK — Last week we covered two ships, and on each of them we ran into the same By JOSEPH VOLPIAN trouble—disputed overtime. Sometimes a fellow's little ciuelty, conviction of felony, On one ship, the SS Blue Isl­ and Victory, the crew collected woman gets to be a big headache and demon rum (too much, too approximately $2800 in OT that that can't be cleared up with­ often.J the company questioned. The out getting into the law courts. While marriages are contracts same thing happened on the SS In. other words it's a lot easier they have as an added quality J. Fiske, where a considerable to get married than it is to get the fact that public policy is con­ sum of money was finally paid a divorce. cerned; that's why courts must The laws governing divorce be entered in order to end the out to the crew." But Brothers, on the Fiske we differ among the various states agreement. really found a situation. When so much that the situation would Desertion requires an ending we came aboard, we thought we be humorous, if it didn't concern of the marriage relation with in­ were walking on light bulbs. such a vital relationship. tention to desert or abandon plus Upon looking down, we discov­ Take as an example, the neigh­ no consent or misconduct of the ered that the passageways were boring states of North Carolina, party deserted during the neces­ BOB WILLIAMS and BILL HOLLIDAY littered with broken glassware. I where there are at least six dif­ sary period of time. ferent grounds, as compared with An honest offer to return be­ WHAT A MESS They came walking into the uncertainty because you are not South Carolina, whose constitu- fore the period has expired will Log office in a body, four young protected by a contract." The foc'sles were in even t; m provides tha- divorces from end the desertion. Involuntary worse shape. All the wiring lead­ the bonds of matrimony shall not separation cannot form grounds fellows. One of them spoke up NO TIME-OFF ing to the bunk lights had been and said: for divorce because of desertion. "Take, for instance, what hap­ cut; the glass that protects the be allowed. "We understand that you are It's natural, in view of the ex­ pened to us on Lincoln's and light bulbs had been broken; treme looking for volunteer organizers GONE AND FORGOTTEN differences, that one to write about. Well, we're on Washington's birthdays," said locker mirrors and handles were should wonder how this condi­ Everyone has heard of an Enoch an Isthmian ship now, and two Drewry. "We couldn't collect busted, and escape panels were tion came about. Maybe it's due Arden decree. This is not a di­ overtime for those days, and shattered. When we left the to the fact that in the United of us were on one before. How's vorce in the strict sense, but a sometimes when we have to quarters, we were half shot from States the rules are er^irely a that?" dissolution of the marriage be­ work before 8 AM and after 5 the whiskey fumes. "That" sounded okay, and matter of statute law. PM, they dispute that overtime cause of the disappearance of We picked up the tripcards here is the story from Bob Wil­ In other words the rules have either the husband or wife for a also. You can't beat the com­ and books and informed the liams, Bill Holliday, John Drewdeveloped from Colonial days, ry, and Charles Tettcrton. Bob pany because the crew has no crew that their actions were op­ first by legislative enactment and certain period' of time, and the representation." icmaining party thinking that posed to the SIU principles, and sailed as Wiper, and the others "As far as organizing this ship that they would have to clean later through court action. Today the other is dead. are ABs. ® practically all divorces arc grant­ is concerned," remarked Bob The di\orce laws are so ridicu­ "We made the ,SS Cape Junc­ Williams, "that has never been up the ship before we could al­ ed by a court after proper pro­ lous in their present state, and tion in Norfolk on August 1, a problem. Practically all of low the company to pay them ceedings. so mixed up, that the Supreme but we didn't leave until the the crew members are in favor off. Court of the United States can't The entire crew, with the ex­ WHAT A MAZE 31st," Bob stated, "and even of the Seafarei's, and they look really make heads or tails of the then it was easy to see the dif­ forward to the day when the ception of three men, agreed to The situation is so complex to­ laws. ference bet wen a ship that has SIU will represent them offic­ do so. After a while, some of day that any attempt to state Suppo.se a man gets a divorce an SlU contract and one that ially. Even the officers are sec­ the hand.s came over and told general rules is oitly a feeble ef­ in one State, remarries and the us that one of the three men hasn't. Nothing that you could retly on our side, but they can't fort at a bird's eye view of a couple have a child. really get sore about, but a lot do or say anything because of who had refused to clean up patch quilt design. The.v then decide to take a trip was responsible for the mess. of chicken that SIU men aren't the company's anti-union atti­ With a full realization of the across country. In one State the He had pulled a knife on one used to." tude." with the woman will be the legal wife of the tripcarders and stated impossibilities and Of course, not everything is that he would cut the throat of warning to, "beware; the safest and the child legitimate; as soon LITTLE BEEFS "That's right," broke in had on an unorganized ship. any one who tried to pick up way is to ask your lawyer about as the:.' cross the State line, the Brother Tetterton, "it was al­ There are good shipmates, and his book, or the books of his two the laws applicable in any in­ wife is considered to be living in ways little things, and before there is alwaj's the feeling of a friends. Incidentally, those guys dividual case," here goes: sin and the child illegitimate. Most states permit divorce on you knew it, they added up. Like job well done when the union refused to clean up, also. The only remedy for this chao­ All three of the characters various grounds: The usual ones tic condition is a National Uni­ disputing overtime, refusing time message has been passed along off, no representation when beefs to the men who ai'e not members. were brought back to the Hall, are adultery, desertion, insanity. form Divorce Law. "I get a big kick out of talking and charges -^ere preferred cam.e up. In the long run, the officers weren't so bad, but they union to guys who are not mem­ against them. They now have had to carry the weight of the bers," said Tetterton, with a prominent places in the social smile. "The Union means a lot register. anti-union company." It is the duty of a good Union Bob Williams came into the to me, and so I enjoy doing an conversation again. "I was on organizing job, even as a volun­ member to see that' such occur­ rences do not happen, and if the Jeremiah S. Black before I teer." By EDWARD JANASZAK That seemed to be the senti­ they do, to bring the offender or made the Cape Junction, and it was the same story on that ment of all of them. Strangely offenders up on charges. TOLEDO—Already, the organ- built over the past 20 years, and ship. It was better in one re­ enough, it also seems to be the Jimmy Drawdy, Ray Gonzales izational drive which the SIU has consistently fought against spect, and that was that after a feeling of most of the volunteer has started on the Great Lakes Lakes seamen having any saj' in three month trip, thore was only organizers who have .been in­ has begun to show results in wages and conditions. Few Replacements terviewed in the Log office. 16 hours overtime in dispute. this area. Not only have many "But other than that," he con-* The four volunteers expect to SEE SIU SHIPS PORTLAND, Me. — The SS new .members joined up, but the tinued, "you couldn't, tell the pay off the Cape Junction with­ Billings Victory just paid off in unorganized men here are show­ When the Lakes seamen see difference from one to another." in the next few days, and to the this port. She is the first of ing a new interest in unionism for themselves how things are "That's exactly the way I question "Do you expect to sign- ten Waterman ships due to come on the Lakes—the SIU kind of run on SlU-contracted vessels, found it/' said Bill Holliday. on again?", they answered prac­ in here every couple of days to unionism. they'll want those same condi­ "This is my second Isthmian tically in unison, "Not on the load potatoes for Germany. It's also easy to see why the tions on their own boats. And ship, and conditions are similar Cape Junction, but you can ex­ There were very few replace­ NMU has repeatedly met with after seeing the democratic man­ to the first one. The food was a pect us to try another unorgan­ ments made on this ship, with failure in its organizational at­ ner in which the SIU is oper­ little better on the previous one, ized ship. That's the only way nearly the whole crew deciding tempts, and in spite of the huge ated, they'll want the same type but there is the same feeling of to keep the Union growing." to make another trip to Ger­ amount of cabbage they've toss­ of organization for themselves. many. When she returns to the ed away. That's why t h e Seafarers' States after this trip she will Mainly interested in promot­ drive to organize the Great payoff in New York. ing the commie line, this phony Lakes should meet with over­ If the crews on the rest of outfit has only succeeded in whelming success. That's why the Waterman ships hitting this causing a feeling of hate toward any possible LCA or NMU op­ port decide to stay aboard for unions in general. position will be overcome. another trip there, won't be This condition the SIU has al­ Conditions which the Steel much business for Seafarers on ready broken down, and will the beach around here. continue^ to break down as the Trust and other large shipping However, this was an unusual unorganized Lakes seamen see interests have compelled Lakes ship in that respect, and the the benefits of SIU membership. men to work under for the past ships to come will probably be The Lake Carriers Association few years have made these men a different story. is in the same category as the very receptive to the SIU. The story I get from Boston NMU in regard to its treatment It should make it that much is that there is excellent ship­ of the Great Lakes sailors. easier for our SIU members to ping in that port, and it is ex­ This outfit, the LCA, will win the unorganized Lakes sea­ pected to remain that way for probably give the SIU more op­ men over to the SIU side, and another few weeks anyway. position than the NMU, because win the best possible conditions Jinuny Sweeney it is a powerful organization for all Lakes seamen. JOHN DREWRY and CHARLES TETTERTON Organizing Drive Catching On With The Great Lakes Seamen $1 a �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Eight Friday, March 21, 1947 A&G Agents Hold Conference in N.Y. mssm ReportsToGo To All Ports For Approval (Continued from Page 1) im NMU stalling, the SIU is not content to rest on its laurels. Al­ ready the Great Lakes drive is underway, and inroads have been made in that stronghold of antiunionism. _ LARGE SCALE PLANS J. p. SHULER. Assistant Sec­ retary-Treasurer: The wages and conditions gained by the Seafarers Internatonal Union during the past year are the best in the industry. Although 1946 was a tough year for all organized labor, we made ad­ vances. The future looks good, despite hostile legislation, and the SIU is going to stay right in there, fighting all the time for the betterment of wages and conditions for all seamen. EARL SHEPPARD. Interna­ tional Representative in Charge of Organization. At its incep­ tion, the organizing staff of the Union was set up as a unit sep­ arate from the regular Union structure. Wisdom of this move is proven by the fact that we were able to defeat the NMU in the largest election ever held in the Maritime industry—the Isthmian Steamship Company. J. S. WHITE, New Orleans Agent: The strike apparatus can be improved by making a thorough analysis of the strikes and beefs we have gone through, eliminating the weak­ est part of the apparatus and strengthening the others. E. S. HIGDON, Philadelphia Agent: Philadelphia member­ ship has been pretty enthused about the entire organizational program, and especially so about the Isthmian results. The outlook is favorable for organ­ ization of all unorganized com­ panies sailing into the Dela­ ware. and is especially so in re­ gard to the tankers. SALVADOR COLLS, San Juan Agent: We hold regular membership meetings, each of which is sparked by active dis­ cussion, both in English and Spanish. Issues most widely discussed are the organization of shore gangs for the Island ports and the purchase of a hall in San Juan. Organizing work should be started here immedi­ ately; the membership will give its full support and participa­ tion. We get 100 per cent back­ ing from the AFl, unions here. C. H. RAYMOND, Housion Agent: The st^rlke apparatus should always be kept in readi­ ness. All it needs is to have a few kinks ironed out and it will be okay for anything that comes along. There is a pos­ sibility of a strike this year, and we must be prepared when and if it comes. W. C. TANNER, Mobile In the tanker field, SIU or­ Agent: The membership is of ganizers are hard at work. Week the opinion, that the Union's after week, organizing goes on, Organizing Program is good, and the Agents will no doubt but that the goal is too narrow. make suggestions for extending General opinion is that wei and intensifying the SIU cam­ should drive to organize every­ paign among unorganized seamen. thing that is unorganized. This The addition of a Multilith ma­ is due greatly to the fact that chine in Headquarters, during the the entire harbor here is or­ past year, has been of utmost ganized^ under the Seafarers' value to the Union. Mountains banner.^ * of publicity were turned out, not only for the SIU-SUP during the General Strike, but for other un­ ions such as the MM&P, the CIO Shipbuilders, and the United Fi­ nancial Employes. This aspect of SIU publicity is sure to be ex­ amined by the Agents with a view to possible widening of the machine's uses. The Conference will be an ex­ tensive one, with all aspects of the Union thoroughly covered. All signs point to a successful meeting. Decisions reached will be printed in the Log, as soon as they have been approved by the membership. The agenda and pictures of the officials in attendance appear on pages 8 and 9. PAUL HALL, Director of Or­ ganization and New York Port Agent: Regardless of how good a contract is, there is always need for clarification. There­ fore, we feel it necessary for Headquarters to rig a system of some sort for the interpretation and clarification of various dis­ putes that may come up from time to time. These should be sent to all ports immediately. We would then have all ports inlerpretating disputes in a uniform manner, thus avoiding confusion. Our relations with our AFL affiliates in this port are very good. We intend io keep it going that way. At present, we are holding month­ ly meetings of the AFL Port Council. LEON N. JOHNSON, Port Arthur Agent: The member­ ship is thoroughly satisfied with the results of the Isth­ mian election, and is eagerly awaiting a contract. The mem­ bership will not be satisfied un­ til we launch an all-out organ­ izing campaign. We seldom have enough men on the beach to fill the jobs that are avail­ able. C. SIMMONS, Tampa Agent:, Membership's attitude toward the organizing program is very favorable. They think Isth­ mian is the biggest thing the Union h^s ever accomplished, and that we should push with all our effort to get a favorable finding, and immediately enter negotiationf so that we can put our contract into effect on Isth­ mian ships. We should go after the tankers hard. RAY WHITE, Norfolk Agent: The organizational process of the last year has strengthened the Union immensely, and the membership is for its continu­ ance 100 per cent. Approxim­ ately 20 unorganized ships that) we have been working on come into Norfolk regularly. STEVE CARDULLO, Marcus Hook Agent: This is a new branch, but the potentiali­ ties, both from the points of representing our present mem­ bership and establishing an or­ ganizational base for the tank­ ers, are enormous. We cover approximately eight unorgan­ ized ships a week, in addition to the regular work aboard contracted ships. We have worked under the direction of the Organizing Committee, and have assisted organizers when they were assigned down here. EARL R. SMITH, Charleston Agent: The general opinion is' that with prices skyrocketing, wage increases are necessary. Rising prices, anti-labor legis­ lation, etc., show a strong pos­ sibility that we may have to hit the bricks this year. But wl^ether we do, or not. we should be ready for any event­ uality. �Friday. March 21. 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Nine SlU Plans And Policies Drawn For 1947 Conference Agenda 1. Secretary-Treasurer's Report, ' ' 2. Assistant Secretary-Treasurer and Headquarters En­ gine Room Representative Reports. 3. Organizers' Report. 4. Agents' Report and actions on same. .li a. b. c. d. e. f. JAMES HANNERS. Jack­ sonville Agenl: General senti­ ment of the crews on unorgan­ ized lines is favorable to the SIU, and a little concerted or­ ganizational activity should be able to bring them under SIU contract. The AFfc unions have all cooperated with the SIU 100 per cent and gave valuable assistance during the general strike. Boston SNew York h. Philadelphia i. Marcus Hook jBaltimore k. Norfolk 1. Charleston Savannah Jacksonville Tampaj Mobile New Orleans m. n. o. Pq- Port Arthur Galveston Houston San Francisco Puerto Rico 5. Finances of Union. a. Income b. Expenditures c. Recommendations on same Committee— Robert Matthews, Ray White, Earl Smith 6. Strikes a. Analysis of 1946 General Strike b. Possibilities for 1947 Strike c. Recommendations Committee— Paul Hall, Lindsey Williams, Charles Raymond WILLIAM B. RENTZ. Balti­ more Agent: The strike appar­ atus can be improved by mak­ ing it uniform throughout the nation, and by keeping it pre­ pared always, keeping in mind the needs and special charact­ eristics of each port. The mem­ bership and the officials have been paxticipating fully in the organizational drive. CHARLES STARLING. Sa­ vannah Agent: The shipping rules should be changed. There should be no promotions aboard ship. All Bosuns should produce three years discharges before registering. Members should register for one rating only. All beefs here are settled locally. There has never been a manpower shortage here, ex­ cept in a few cases of new ships. 7. Organizational Expansion Program a. Organizational activities of Union b. Recommendations on same Committee— Cal Tanner, Anthony Cardullo, Earl Sheppard 8. Shipping Rules and Constitution a. Shipping Rules b. Recommendations on same c. Constitution d. Recommendations on same Committee— Steely White, .Jimmy Hanners, D. L. Parker I W. H. SIMMONS. San Fran­ cisco Agent: Labor is solid in this port and there is no way to strengthen it. exceut by keeping it as good as it is. The Organizing Program is looked upon favorably by the mem­ bership and the attitude tow­ ards the Isthmian victory is that it is an outstanding ac­ hievement of the Union. 9. Education and Publicity a. Seafarers Log b. General education c. Recommendations on same Committee— W. H. Simmons, Eddie Higdon, William Rentz 10. Contracts and Negotiations a. Recommendations on contracts b. Recommendations on negotiations Committee— Leon Johnson, Salvador Colls, Joe Algina LINDSEY WILLIAMS. SIU Field Representaive in charge of Gulf Area Organizing. Our organizing campaign down in the Gulf has been going like a house afire. There is a great need in that area for the type of representation that the SIU gives its members, and for that reason, the unorganized men have flocked to us. D. L. PARKER. Galveston Agent: There is a general sen­ timent that unless wage in­ creases are made to cover the steadily rising living costs, we should hit the bricks to bring about the necessary increase. There has never been any trouble in getting volunteers to go up to the unorganized com­ panies to try and get jobs. 11. Government Agencies and Legislation a. Coast Guard d. Marine Hospitals b. Alien Seamen e Unemployment Insurance c. Seamen's Bill of f. Maritime Commission Rights Training Program g. Washington Representation for Legislation Committee— Paul Hall, Lindsey Williams, Charles Raymond 12. Buildings and Halls a. Recommendations on same Committee— Cal Tanner, Anthony Cardullo, Earl Sheppard ROBERT A. MATTHEWS. Represenlative: Although quite a few important gains were made last year by the SIU. the coming year promises to be one of the most momentous we have ever faced. Many prob­ lems will come up. But with continued militancy of the membership and the officials. I am sure these problems will be handled as successfully as they have been in the past. As far as contracts are concerned.' emphasis should be on increased manning scales on all ships of all companies. 13. Operation of Union Apparatus a. Headquarters Operation b. Branch Operation e. Manpower as Applied to Jobs d. Membership Action e. Recommendations .on Increasing Efficiency of Present Appaiatus Committee— .Robert Matthews, Ray White, Earl Smith 14. General Proposals ^ Good and Welfare Committee— Charles Starling, Claude Simmons JOHN MOGAN. Boston Agent: Everyone is anxiously awaiting a signed contract with Isthmian. The membership has a very good opinion of the pres­ ent contracts, and feels that things are going very nicely. They maintain that the status quo is good enough until the economic situation undergoes further and more drastic changes. Also, the men think that deck department men should register for specific jobs. JOSEPH A. ALGINA. New York Acting Agent: There is an average of 20 ships paying off weekly in the Port of New York, as well as many ships calling in transit. There are about 40 SIU ships in the har­ bor at all times. As pointed out before, in most instances the disputes that arise from handling these many vessels are settled without too much trou­ ble. �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Ten Friday. March 21. 1947 -SBIPS'· MllllttES AND NEWS . . 1Penalties For Leaving Job Proposed By Scripps Crew ON ICE FOR THE WINTER Aroused by the' action of some members who ''sign on ship and then walk off" before sailing time without noti­ fying the Union Hall· or the Ship's Delegate, the crew of the SS Edward W. Scripps has strongly urged the adoption Gadsden Men Cite Danger Aboard . Ship a stamp " to of specifi c measures . out the practice. then w a lk off, informing no one · · · of t h e1· r mtent10ns, thu s caus m g . . Assert.mg tha t seafarers who c onfusion and hardship on the n , 51o f u con pu 11 th.is stunt ..cause rest of the crew, and ver y o ft e n .· . Fearful of the potential dange1 . . . an d h ardsh 1p among the rest of to sail Posed by the c a rry in g of an ·ex- the crew, ,, tl1e men of the Al- m a k l,n g 1 t n e ce ssary . or to ship a non. short-handed, tra locomotive on deck ' the crew . . . at their coa vesse1 took action I . on man on a p1crhead J ump . of the MV Gadsden instructed its I F cb . 12 s hi' p boar d meet.mg an d · um · "There fore, be it reso 1 ve d·. Delegates to notify the Union of recommend.e . · d t hese pena it·ies: That any member who signs on the protest registered at the Feb. 1. That a fi ne of $50 be im. _ 22 meeti n g, held at sea. The posed on those guilty of a first a ship and the1_1 deliberate ly :V alk s off and . misses . the s�1p meeting also urg e d an investiga- o ffense. . mtent10nally witho ut mformmg tion t o determine whether the 2 That for th e second offense, . the Un io Hall or Ship's D ele­ � additional In offender be bl·ought up charges, and culminating tr ial b efore discussion the v iolated the locomotive safety regulation s. in the decision to advise the Un- committee. on be made to stand a duly elected gate in time to ship a replace- (Continued trial <>n Page 11) The Scripps crew poin t ed out b y editor, crew members pointed out t ha t they felt the ex- vessels which sail short-handed, tra lo co mo ti v e made the ship un- are forced to sign on a non­ ABOVE: ion heavy in particularly safc, I has a c rewmem ber we a t h er , w hen a nxiet y was at a b e c ause walke d off his ship and failed peak. It was also voted at the mee ting that cr e wmembe rs would ac­ draw in American cur­ which w hen the ves�el, rency carne3 locomotives and tenders, was mee t i ng arrives in Le Havrt', France. announced th a t $20 could crew I the limit on dra w s Wc:\S in American the <1t It mo ne y , clr;iw but that .the any Fn:nch currency. sum fo llo w so that the m can be• "Wherea.-s: in job Union security pe-nter ":taking soundings­ beer." a The marooned ves­ won ion is now in the sixth month that an issue fight, and it is the policy of the w�ks trip, and all hands are e x ces s the of• SIU, SIU after a long of what started out io be a fi ve­ fo r our own protection to up at all times was made of the sup- b e r s , and; ration allowance amounts. ma tt e rs "Whereas: It actPd I e qua 1 m'eeting, which Berger Hansen. in pertin ent conditions and fig­ sel's deek gang kill a few min­ utes of their long vigil by pos­ ing fo:r the camera. The W a.l­ hiring was by has SIU reported on were u pon at I I jitters. mem- become a j cussed Tiny i o wa r d the beach for LEFT: it was revealed cit the meeting, habit with a number of Uni on and it was found that all h ands B r o ther s to sign on a ship and would receive the limit of the Other Laarents. hard ply of cigarettes aboard the ship, shipboard in crewmember ure to left of bow is the Car- i n French ports was a viola- insist on our ships being crewed ch e ck sometime resolutwn, a The until writes Loomas RESOLUTION ti on of local law. A of fo�·m w h ic h fol lo w s : hall and of Amer ic an money in $20 replacement April.'' . The denunciation of the p�·ac­ t1ce an d t h? rc:cmmcndat10ns m a de to curb it \Vere drawn . up The Ship's D e l e g a te quoted the by Capta in as sa yi n g a "They tell us we'll stay ice-bound procedure pro pe r the thaw. furnished. $20 cept a to Locked in the ice "duration" at Hals, Denmark, the SS George Wal­ ton anxiously awaits the spring j ump , union man on a pierhead the fo1· chaired by Brother Little was subm itted by Deck Delegate Earl the Cochran. VESSEL REPORTED IN DISTRESS slopchest, The subject that dis cus sion of demnation by perennial opening and ser found that the needs of all seafarers, con ­ re ared the slopchest the Pur­ members of the crew co uId not 'its ugly head once more at the be filled as to n eede d articles of March 12 shipboard meeting heavy gear. He thoughtfully aboard the SS Winfield Scott. gave the Deck Department first ves se l had adequate reasons for j ority The crew of this Bull Line condemning the slopchest aboard the ship and they wasted no time in doing so. However, instead of merely blowing off steam, the c rew choice, since they did of outdoor wo rk . the ma­ "At the moment this trip be­ the present (the crew ) finds the slop - abuses quantity and Standing by when the iug arrived was the British cruiser Frobisher. bound for Hamilton when she received the Gadsden's distren call. The Gadsden, ply the ne€ds of th is crew for a.n SIU-contracted ship, carries locomotives and tenders. for which she is equipped to load and- unload with her own facilities. without assistance from. shorHide machinery. However, Charles as Dade the secretary, records: invoice copy should be listed. If the s e short- and if t his continues, situation, leaned back in the poor slopch e st had condition not of strained the re­ lations ab o ard sh ip . With these conditions well known to the crewmembers they then drew up a plan for correct­ ing the slopchest situation aboard SIU ships. The plan, as report- ed in the minutes states: SHORT ON STUFF "This th at chest almost completely exhaustchecked and approved b Y van- e d, for only a few articles of off ous union representatives as con- size remain." the trip ." UNION'S OKAY ch est · adequate sundry articles to sup- fore sig ning on the ship . their seats and went on to prove 7, taining sufficient numbers of various articles of clothing and etc., to The crew, having put forward for action. pelea about 250 miles off the Bermuda port. the brand of toothpaste, a means · of rectifying the slop­ adequate slopchest and the rea­ ing dangerously. when she was taken on tow by the tug Moso­ the union action shall surely result." sons the crew decided on a plan minutes relate: "Before the vessel's departure, the slopchest was also ber of each article, and brand of sund ry articles, namely write the Log, let your beef be cussion from which the plan was muda. early this week, after sustaining a severe buffeting in copy of the slopchest in v o ic e know n , born, show the results of an in­ bound for Copenhagen, and the we demand ages cannot be straightened out, Events leading up to the dis­ The MV Gadsden (above) is being towed to Hamilton. Ber­ ships, crews cont ai ning sizes, color and n u m­ ar ti cles qual­ Jan. aboard all so as to assure inspecti on of the ity satis factory to the crew. The ship left Mobile , a that signe d by union representatives SIU ships, of getting a slopchest sufficient in placed s u gg est ing less than seventy-five days long, came up wit h a plan for correcting being be put on t he bulletin board be­ and insuring the ship, and other heavy seas. The motorship had lost her propeller and was roll­ the SS Winfield Scott Men Offer Plan To Wipe Out Inadequate Slopchests t o · penned the minutes, which were dis- the verge of "To avoid the insufficiency of "Upon this type slopchest continually In the minutes they went on re cord e xpressi ng their " app r eciation of the treatment an d ac- tions of the Master of the ves­ sel toward the crew." was best unaninous of luck to in The crew wishing Captain the Reese Broadus on his futur� v oyages . Leroy Nicholas held the chair while Charles the proceedings. Dade recorded �Friday, March 21. 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Eleven SIU Ship's Minutes In Brief WILLIAM KAMAKA, Jan. 27—Chairman Glean; Secretary Betts. Delegates reports: Deck: One permit behind in dues and assessments, one trip and one permit behind in assessments. Old Business: Brother Betts made report on action taken on slopchest. Communication sent to Jacksonville Agent and Headquarters and protest to American Consulate in Rotter­ dam over the poor condition of the chest. New Business: Dis­ cussion held concerning draws. Good and Welfare: A warning for all hands to be on the look­ out for WSA "standardized" supplies on ships under contract to the Seafarers. The Second Cook in the interest of all hands will use all possible substitutes fikr the remaining supply of sugar. GEORGE WASHINGTON, Feb. 27—Cheurman Crosby; Secretary Robertson. New Business: Motions carried: to put doorstops on outside doors near Quartermaster's and Bos­ un's quarters. Door on Firemen's head to be repaired; Have more glasses iJut in messhall; put new cups in messhall and throw away all cracked cups; three man committee elected to gel actin on cups and glasses; that Bosun see Mate about leaky quarters. Motion carried for real ash trays instead of phony sardine cans. Motion carried to quit throwing garbage on the fantail and order four gar­ bage cans. When day men dump garbage have wipers dump refuse from engine room. Good and Welfare: Each man wash out his own cup after us­ ing and iny other dishes he may use: have a better grade of coffee put out. One minute of silence for brothers lost at sea. S" S, t CAPE BORDA, Feb. 23— (Chairman and Secretary not given) Complaints were raised about apparent two-pot ship and lack of certain foods in crew mess. Complaint about crew pantry refrigerator need­ ing repairs. Complaint of Deck Department about standby re­ quired to remain on bridge during standby time. Com­ plaint about insufficient issue 4 4 4 of dishes and pantry materials. BARBARA FRITCHIE, Jan. Complaint about need of paint­ 31—(Chairman and Secretary ing foc'sles and messrooms. not given). Floor opened to Motion to ask for for porthole discussion on improvements fans for messrooms. Resolved and welfare of the ship and to bring all complaints before crew. Check was made with Patrolman at payoff. Repair Steward for more glass and sil­ list made up and attached to verware. Everyone agreed to minutes. check on these necessities be­ fore signing on articles again. There was discussion on thd feeding of longshoremen aboard ship. It was decided to feed only the crew. Repair list was was made and turned over to 4 4 4 the Steward. Good and Wel­ GEORGE WASHINGTON, fare: Discussion on cleanliness Feb. 7 — Chairman Brother of the ship and signing on the Hunt; Secretary Charles. New ship. Deck Delate elected to Business: Recommended that replace the one that signed off. Master be approached regard­ 4 4 4 ing placing seamen in dry DEL MUNDO, Feb. 9—Chair­ foc'sles; that sundeck be water­ man Edward Johnson; Secre­ proofed again; that cups and tary James Johnson. Deck dishes and utensils in pantry Delegate reported sixty hours be kept cleaner in future. New of disputed overtime. Steward Business: Motion carried that Department Delegate reports Deck Engineer appear before 300 hours disputed overtime. Patrolman regarding un-union New Business: Motion carried expressions, as this is his sec­ to stick together at payoff and ond offense. Discussion that all get overtime settled before matters discussed at meeting signing off. Anyone drunk at are confidential and not to be payoff be fined $25.00. Good carried to company men, and and Welfare: Discussion on lo­ no false statements such as cation of radio, moving of one were mentioned against the scuttlebutt from passage to mate, or to accuse against any messroom and various improve­ members of the crew. ments. CAPE MOHICAN, Feb. 13— Chairman Ernest Gonzalez; Secretary Mendoza. New Busi­ ness: Motion carried to report to patrolman if we have pen­ alty cargo on fertilizer. Mo­ tion carried to find out if we are entitled to get overtime when the sailing time is changed due to weather or trouble. Motion carried to ask patrolman if the watches should be rotated every trip. Good and Welfare: Motion carried to give some money for a ship­ mate in the hospital in San Juan. 4 4 4 SIMMONS VICTORY. March 5—Chairman Henry Gock; Sec­ retary Roger La France. Busi­ ness of leaving wash room dirty was discussed and all agreed to take turns. Each department to take a week. Question of fixing water fountain as the way it is now it takes ten minutes to get a drink of water. Last trip no voucher was given as no way of knowing what we must give to the government and what we are getting. 4 4 4 ALBERT K. SMILEY, Jan. 24—Chairman George G. Gordano; Secretary John T. Buck­ ley. New Business: Beef about soap and matches and night lunch. Settled it among the crew. Beef of extra shower and toilet. Settled as above to re­ lieve shore patrolman of extra headache. Motion carried to have Deck Delegate see Chief Engineer about changing one salt water shower back to fresh water.' Good and Welfare: Members of this crew request­ ed to refrain from slamming doors and lockers so that men off watch can get their proper amount of beauty sleep. C hairman asks all members to check on all repairs needed and sub­ mit same to their respective delegate who in turn will sub­ mit same to shore patrolman in first port. Back to New Business: The entire crew goes on record to have letter sent to the New Orleans Hall and there have Patrolman contact Waterman Office and demand an itemized statement of account at the payoff. Back to Good and Wel­ fare: A lively pep talk was given to all Brothers to speak up and relieve their minds of anything they did not under­ stand, and to have no fear of speaking up at any shipboard meeting. • 4 4 4 DEL SANTOS, Dec. 8 — Chairman Russel Mills; Secre­ tary MarioQ B. Carter. New Business: Motion carried that messhall be soogied and paint­ (Contimied from Page 10) ed. Motion carried that a ship's delegate be elected to deal with ment, be fined the sum of $50 the Captain. Brother Mills for the first offense; and in the elected as delegate. Good and event the man pulls the stunt a Welfare: Suggestion made that second time, he be brought up all garbage be taken aft and on charges and stand trial be­ dumped 'over the side. Sugges- fore a duly elected trial com­ tin be made that a jury toilet mittee in the port where he be constructed back aft for the misses the ship or the port near­ use of the stevedores. Sugges­ est the Hall." tion made to have each mem­ The Scripps meeting, held at ber of the crew clean out the sea, was presided over by San­ sinks in the laundry after using tos Garcia. Andrew Stephens sinks. served as recording secretary. Scrlpps Crew Votes Penalties •6iiiH.aieS.ttt,yoURtWIQN / DON'T LOSE. YOUR GEAR/ Y CUT and RUN By HANK Many Brothers have beefed about some Brother suddenly blossoming out during the voyage or in port as a drunkard or trouble-maker or work-shirker who so foolishly forgets the neverfoolish fact that he is getting the higest wages and best conditions for being sober on his job and doing his job faithfully as required. These shipping companies don't pay us Brothers all that cabbage so we can forget about our daily jobs, get boozed up any old time and howl about the officers. Our opinion is that all these special characters who don't want to work but still want to get gassed up whenever they feel like it or just walk off the ship on the day just before she sails—just aren't fine shipmates, good sailors or appreciating Union men. 4 4 4 Take a job in a factory or a restaurant and try all that easy monkey business—you won't last, brother, you won't last long indeed. So let's keep our ships moving at all times and do our jobs the only way—which is the right way. Never forget that your job and your Union come first at all times. Going to sea is full of work and good times, the good times coming off In your time off. The Brother who doesn't take his job and his Union seriously is a baby who belongs on the beach for handouts and sympathy and half-starvation. So let's keep sailing our ships and all those unorganized ships—you're really helping those underpaid and overworked and mistreated seamen who aren't unionized. 4 4 4 James Manning came into town with a sunny face after many months down in Florida. Brother Manning who is aboard the Robin Goodfellow with Bosun "Tex" Reingold says that he nearly dropped a lot of sentimental tears for the tug. Watch Hill, when she was laid up, after trying to make a home out of her after five weeks . . . Joseph Marcoux, known as little "Frenchy." is fresh in town after a long absence. "Frenchy" made one or two Far East trips and then anchored a few months in Galveston, with his sense of humor . . . Steward Richar Schwarz just blew into New York with his mustache. No long time no see. Stew, so where have you been? . . . A1 Gordon who came in from a coastwise trip, is out again. Fast shipping, eh Al? . . . Frank Devlin, the oldtimer and Chief Electrician, is anchoring in town right now. How was the Lakes, Frank? . . . Brother H. R. Norwood left Galveston, Texas for a trip to India. Don't hand out too much baksheesh. Brother Norwood . . . C. Flessau, oldtimer who sails in the Engine gang, is in town! 4 4 4 Bill Gale, who came in last week from Florida, just can'f get used fo New York's "greasy spoon" cooking—which means lhaf he's only accustomed to that Floridian way of eating . . . Brother Claude Davis, the oldtimer and Deck Engineer, just sailed into town from that trip to Belgium. We hear that he didn't have his shipmate of a sea-going rabbit with him this last voyage. Could it be that your rabbit has blowed his salty top and perhaps is planning a career in the nearest zoo? . . . A few weeks ago we remember Steward Joe Ryan confessing that he was changing his way of life. Joe is finishing his habit of climbing aboard these tugs—and is going to stretch his voyage into an ocean trip, for a change . . . Steward Eddie Kasnowsy sailed—for Puerto Rico—if "Little Joe" wants to know . . . Robert Barrett must have figured his voice was getting too loud in noisy New York so he shipped out for the clean, open, quiet spaces . . . Steward Vic Milazzo salied too, down to Philadelphia, baoard a lug. �r'"--; »'ir;-;'!nn<:rreq;,gpTf^>sp5j{}>Wh'i^ THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Twelve Friday. March 21, 1947 iH THE MEMBERSHIP SPEAKS Isthmian's Raw Conditions Show Sharp Need For Union To the Editor: This kid from Massachusetts is now on an Isthmian ship She's the Yugoslavia Victory, and believe me, Brothers, she's in quite a mess. fortitude around the corner at Gus' bar. I hear the homesteaders on the SS Carlsbad, Pacific Tankers, have thrown their suitcases and bags over the side. Is that right, Jim? You. too, "Moose," See you boys in Marcus Hook next summer. Charlie Halla Log -A' Rhythms The Five Dollar Millionaires I boarded her March 3 and al most turned around and walk­ ed off. She looked as bad as any ship could look. The decks CALLS COMMUNISM were littered from stem to stern THE ENEMY and occasionally j' o u would OF DEMOCRACY glimpse a patch of fish oil. And To the Editor: the foc'sles! FOUL FOC'SLE When the Mate showed me the 8-12 foc'sle, that did it. All I could see was a mess of pa­ per, dirt, filth, orange peels and empty bottles. He generously told us that we could clean it out on the company's time. We have an affectionate name for the Chief Mate on here—'"Bull Whip" is his handle. He is also known as "Bell-to-bell" Carey. AH I ISTHrtlAfj/ We had no meals or linen the first day, and when I asked the messman for some peanut but­ ter, he just gave me a weird laugh. What coffee time we get on this scow we have to argue for, and it is very little at that. When they started feeding on here the next day (March 4), we received $2.70 for meals. Not a cent was given for rooms, al­ though we slept on mattresses and some of the guys slept on springs. UNION NEEDED You can see, Brothers, that a union is badly needed here. If the NMU would quit its stalling and holding matters up, maybe there will be a change in the standards. Once a week we get a bar of soap cut from one big cake. It looks like laundry soap, and doesn't lather. There is no laundry aboard, and you have to get along as best you can on this score. Ports of call include Manila, Cebu, Iloilo (Phillipine Islands), Saigon, and possibly Shanghai and Singapore. We expect about a five-month trip, so I guess I'll sign off now and get up a little uooKArrr"' By VIC COMBS Conspicuous display in clothes. A fine fur coat, six-dollar hose. A gleaming motor ckr. a jewel. A great big house, a swimming pool— Often—oh. too often—means The owners proud subsist on beans. So. when you chew a two-bit steak. Or cut yourself a piece of cake. Remember there are thousands, yea. Millions, who ain't et today. Despite their yachts, their gleam­ ing pearls. Their tweedy clothes, their chorus girls. Their homes in Florida, their trips To here and there on first-class ships— It's just a bluff, these people shy Would thus escape derision's cry. They cannot, will not. suffer shame. They put up a front; it's all a game. While you. despite derision, try To gulp a second piece of pie. To listen to some of the Con­ Tommy the cat doesn't get a chance to do too much read­ gressmen and other government ing. He insists, nevertheless, that when it comes to picking his bureaucrats, you would think reading matter he's pretty darn choosy, as this photo, taken in that labor is trying to take over the United States government, the New York Hall, readily shows. Otherwise known as "the and is a sinister force that has Great Lover," Tommy is the protege of Seafarer "Red" McKenzie. to be exterminated. They are blasting labor and threatening to do all sorts of things to it and its leaders. All the while this is going on we read very little about what they are going to do about the com­ Having read Donald R. Richberg's article, "Labor munist party, an outfit that ad­ vocates the overthrow of de­ Should Live Within the Law," published in the March is­ mocracy in favor of communism. This is an outfit that should be sue of Readers Digest, I take it for granted he is exercising blasted and outlawed, but where freedom of speech, a privilege some people abuse when are all these so-called super pa­ they speak on subjects they* triots on this issue. agreement we could not main­ know little Of nothing about. tain discipline among ourselves. BEFORE Now I want to exercise my For myself, as a wage earner The communist party has right of the same privilege by and an individual, I never in­ proved many times in the past tend to work under an open that their loyalty stands wholly saying I don't think this jerk shop agreement, and I am also with Russia. Witness the time ever had to work for a living. sure if this guy Richberg, along before Russia was in the war I call him jerk because he says ^ % with Senator Ball and other against Germany — when the in his article that union mem­ puppets of capitalistic combines, U.S. was a 'war-monger." And bers are slaves of the closed shop What Big Eyes—! He also had to roll up their sleeves and also the cry the commies put out and union discipline. earn their living by the sweat By CHARLES KULL that "the Yanks are not com­ states that workers should be of their brows, they would be ing." Also the many commie-in­ free to join or not join a union. the first to thank their lucky With no ice pack on my head. spired telegrams sent to Con­ I snooze in my clean whiteCHOSE TOE SIU stars for the closed shop. gress as petitions to keep us out bed; SETBACK 10 YEARS As a rank and file member, of the war. The nurses are so nice. If the new Republican Con­ Remember, too, the soap box my reply to this outburst of We all look at them twice— orators of the 14th Street square stupidity can only be this: When gress passes an anti-closed shop We're like wolves that have neverjoined the SIU in Feb. law it will mean a setback in preaching that the U.S. had no I first been fed. business in the affairs on the 1943,.out in San Francisco, I had American progress for at least —Written in Marine Hospital. other side. Suddenly, we have my choice of non-union ships. I ten years, if not more. Because Staten Island. N. Y. the American union man is a Hitler's and Stalin's divorce, and laboring man and the laboring XXX poor little Russia is attacked by man is the vast majority of the Germany. Just as suddenly, the How Come? American people who have commie party line took a change. fought long and hard for de­ Now it was the cry that "the By VIC COMBS cent wages and working Condi­ Yanks are coming." I am a funny little guy. tions. AFTER Any kind of anti-closed shop And I don't know why it's so The wires were suddenly red legislation, if if could be enforc­ When my baby wants me to say hot with the same commie-in­ yes. ed—and this I dbubt very much spired messages to Congress to I always feel like saying no. —would start minor civil wars get us into the war and save in every industry in this coun­ Russia. The 14th Street orators try that now operate under a When she thinks I should say no were bemoaning the fate of the closed shop. No union man, who I'm sorry to confess. working man's paradise, and There's something inside of me went to the SIU Hall and asked believes in unionism, is going to telling us to enlist to save it. That makes me say yes. to join. I wasn't forced- into •work next to a scab in peace This, Brothers, is just a little anything. I was allowed to make and harmony. of the background you all know When the union hall is no Readier Cheers a trip, at the end of which I about this two-faced, throatlonger the hiring hall for the Log Editorial' made my decision. cutting commie party. If we maritime industry, I will offer Yet Mr. Richberg,. evidently a my deepest sympathy to any T6 the Editor: know it, why don't our govern­ ment officials know it—if they world-saver, calls this forced man, brave enough or hungry Thank you- fbr the excellent do why don't they do something slavery. As for the union dis­ enough, who is forced to sail a editorial on peacetime conscrip­ cipline he speaks of, I don't about it. shift, under an open shop agree­ think he understands that this tion and' the cartoon in' the Feb. Why is it that organized labor ment. "discipline" is self imposed. It 21 issue of: the Seafarers Log. gets the brunt of these officials' Robert Maupin Keep drumming' away at' conbad tempers. Could it be pos­ consists of rules and' regulations (Editor's note:—Donald Rich­ psca-iption, for if labor, educators, sible that some men will do any­ made and passed by the major­ thing for a vote. Let's get on ity of the membership. berg, who wrote the article farms groups, the churches and their tails Brothers; let's make He should know that if dis­ Brother - Maupin- sO' ably an- , others don't wake up to this we'll be saddled by this hand-maiden sure they don't get so hot on la­ cipline is taken out of any or­ swersclsi:—among: other things^ of Fascism. bor they forget all about the ganization it would fold up like Thanks again. . commie cut-throats. an accordian. Discipline is or­ on®' of thcr country's' biggesf G. Richard Tuttle Bob P'ohle ganization. Without a closed shop corporation Ikwyers.) Seafarer Cracks Argument For Anti-Closed Shop Law •' 'L'.»-.u 'I �Friday. March 21. 1947 NMU GAVE HIM THE RUN AROUND ON THE DOUBLE THE SEAFARERS LVG WAITING To ihe Editor: I-.' II P Shortly before the deadline of the NMU's so-called strike last August, I was employed as an Ordinary Seaman on the SS Richard J. Reiss. I quit this ship at Erie, Pa., in ^ sympathy with their strike, although I was not a member of that organization. Following is a brief summary of the i'un around given me by the NMU officials. After going to Detroit and con­ tacting the NMU Agent, I was told by him that they would is­ sue me a full NMU membership book if I would do some picket duty for them. In addition, they promised me an early job on an NMU-contracted vessel, after the strike was over. I was sent down to the Nicholsen docks at River Rouge, paying •my own transportation. There was nothing provided for us to eat, and we were expected to picket 8 hours a day on air. I had to walk more than a mile to Seafarer Edwin T. Clark, the nearest restaurant, and pay temporarily sporting GI khakis, • for my own meals. is attending an Army radio re­ HUNG UP pair school, in front of which After the completion of the so- this photo was "shot." Brother called strike. Agent McGovern Clark is anxious for the day told me to hang around the hall when he can slip into his dun­ and everything would be taken care of. When my funds began garees and get back to ship­ to run low after two weeks of ping. Meanwhile, he keeps up this run around, I asked him to with maritime events by readgive me a book so that I could go the LOG. to my home in Toledo, try to ship on an outside boat, and do volunteer organizing for the 'SIU Best Union,' NMU. McGovern just laughed at me, Says Seafarer's Dad and said the unions books were To the Editor: closed. He also said that there We want to take this oppor­ was nothing that either of us could about it. That was my gi-ati- tunity to say we enjoy reading tude from the NMU for helping the Seafarers Log, which is sent them out! to our son, Tom at this address. Besides the run around, a full We also greatly admire the Un­ sea bag of my gear was stolen ion's stand on labor questions. from their hall while I was on We think the SIU is the best the picket line. On top of this, I forfeited more than $100 I had Union in the world, and if other earned as a bonus for continu­ unions were as militant. Labor ous service on the Richai'd J. would have no fear of the fu­ Reiss. You can imagine what I think of the phony NMU and ture. F. C. Boland their promises! Davenport. Iowa WilUam C. Peters. Page Thirieen *High Cost' Hoopla Of Ship Owners Applies To All American Industry To the Editor: Similarly shoes can be made cheaper in European, nations than Considering the current discus­ in the United States. So why sions which concern the sale of don't we transfer the shoe in­ American ships to foreign nations dustry to Europe? and the operation of American ships under the Panamanian flag, SEAMEN DESERVE BREAK I have been more than a little Why take a unique attitude to­ dismayed by the absence of log­ ward the Merchant Marine? Ship­ ical and intelligent vociferation. ping is a business the same as any Sailing American ships under other business and the men who the Panamanian flag has been are employed in this business are vindicated by the illogical reas­ oning that American seamen earn HE GETS HIGHER I more than foreign seamen and WAGES THAW WE therefore American shipping BO TOR. AWVTHIMG companies have difficulty in com­ peting for world trade. American seamen do earn more than foreign seamen, but Amer­ ican workers in every industry and in every trade earn more than workers of foreign nations. HOW ABOUT THIS For example, the Japanese can manufacture electric light bulbs cheaper than General Electric. And if the argument which is used regarding the Merchant Ma­ rine is applied to the manufac­ ture of light globes and other articles, either the wages of Gen­ eral Electric employees should be reduced to about 25 cents a day, or the manufacturing of light bulbs should be transferred to Japan and operated under the Japanese flag. entitled to an American stand­ ard of living. The American people have al­ ways subsidized all American in­ dustry, either through tariff bar­ riers, or directly as in the case of the farmer at the present time. The Merchant Marine is one of our most valuable assets and is vital to our national well-be­ ing and safety. In many cases Joining The SIU Will Mean New Day For Lakes Seamen To the Editor: would ship 2nd Mate. Anti-union action were so deeply instilled in them, that they would preach, the open shop and other anti-labor propaganda as it had been preached to them. NEW DAY Many changes have been made since I started to sail on the Lakes, but none of them have people who should be more as­ tute are duped by fallacious rea­ soning. They don't seem to know what time it is. But if the result of all this is the junking of the American Merchant Marine, they will know v/hat time it is then. In this regard I like the letter in the Feb. 21 issue of the Log written by Brother Lundeberg. Hope to see more like it. G. S. Green SIU BROTHERHOOD IS REAL THING, BROTHER FINDS To the Editor: I hope you will find space in the Log for these few lines. I have been sailing with the Seafarers since 1943. At that time I turned in a book with the phony NMU for a trip card with the SIU. Since then I've learned there's a great difference in hav­ ing real brotherhood at sea, and having a bunch of cut-throat commies to deal with. I think the Seafarers is the very best, and I would appreciate it very much if you would put my name on the Log mailing list. I know the folks back home would enjoy reading a real union paper, and from it they can get an idea of the seaman's life. BEWARE 'GATOR JUICE We're just finishing up a 5^month trip down in the land of rum and coco-cola and senoritas. I must say that the 'gator juice they dish out around George­ town and McKenzie is plenty wicked, so fellows, if you hap­ pen to make the bauxite run, go easy on that stuff. It'll make you see things that don't exist. We've had a good trip, but I think everyone is anxious to head for home for a few days. We have very few tripcarders with us, but those we have understand and live up to Union rules and regulations as good Union men should. As for our skipper, I've got to say a word for him—he's A-1. I think any member of the crew of the SS William Brewster will tell you that Capt. C. F. Gemald is really tops. Clyde Keaioa Well, I have been here in To ledo for about five weeks now and I have sent you some clip­ pings from, the paper.s to let you see what they are doing up here In the -first place, the Lake Car­ riers' Association is crying in the press that there is a shortage of AB's. They want to continue the present so-called state of emer­ gency on the Great Lakes. In my estimation, there is no shortage of men on the Lakes. This out­ fit wants to create a surplus of men so that they can cut wages as they always do. There are plenty of men with experience lying around. Many SEAFARER'S WIPE WAR INJURY of them are going to stay ashore in the coming ^season in prefer­ KEEPS BROTHER IN KEEPS THE ence to sailing under the 'finky SS JOSE MARTI LOG ROLLING HOSPITAL 18 MOS. conditions they have to contend with on LCA ships. IS LOADED DOWN To the Editor: To Ihe Editor: TWO^WATCH SYSTEM been granted voluntarily by the WITH GOOD GUYS I had wanted to write sooner Could you please send me a shipowners or LCA. All of our Looking back, I can remember to acknowledge the Christmas copy of last week's ,Log (Feb. To the Editor: gains have been made as a re­ check which I received here. I 28). The paper comes to the The days of the two-watch sys­ tem on the Great Lakes. After sult of united action, and the SIU We, the crew of the SS Joe Marti, could not write sooner for I was has made the most gains of any battening down and getting out house every week, but the issue wish to take this opportunity very sick. outfit on the Lakes . In fact, the on the Lakes, the deckhands had to express our deep appreciation requested is missing. I just got up after having suf­ SIU is the only legitimate Union to go below to pass coal and shoot to Captain Warren C. Kershaw fered a paralytic stroke. I was There is an article in it that I ashes. These were the days in on the Lakes for the unlicensed for his all-out efforts in making in bed for two weeks, and I do have to cut out and send to my which we received the huge sum seamen. this the most enjoyable voyage not seem to be doing so well. It Now the time has come when of $31.50 a month and $37.50 in we ever had. He is, without a husband, Bernard Malloy, who is is 17 months since I entered this all good Union men can do their doubt, one of the best. the Fall. now on the Trinidad run. Every hospital as a result of an injury I met up with a bunch of char­ part. Help organize for the SIU To Chief Mate Louis Longosuffered in action with the en­ letter I get from him keeps reacters such as Black Jack Logan, —the only salors Union on the bardi—thanks for his whole­ emy. njinding me to send the Log Old Captain Seely, and Benam Great Lakes where you are as­ hearted cooperation in behalf of We boys are sure getting a rot­ down to him. of the Hutchinson Line, also sured the best conditions. the crew. In fact, all the officers ten break. So to you Brothers SIU contracts call for better deserve praise. I Fighting Parks of the Steel Trust Of course, there is a little sel­ I say; Keep up the good work. wages and conditions than any Also a vote of thanks for the Line. These guys were not only Don't let those guys in Washing­ fish motive, too—on my part. I existing contracts won by any Stewards department from the bucko Skippers but company read the Log every week from ton get ahead with their unionso-called union on the Lakes. Deck and Engine men, for the stooges as well. They used to front to back, and I enjoy it im­ busting. Don't let them break good work in serving exceUent Don't listen to that "BE LOYAL bring the boys from the farms in mensely. I hate to , miss one is­ our Union. We had a hard time food. To Chief Steward A. E. TO THE COMPANY" stuff. Was the Spring and preach the open sue. to make it what it is today. Lawson, for his fine menus} to the company every loyal to the shop to them. Good jobs were Thanks again for that Christ­ You are doing a swell job with Chief Cook William Walling, for sailors in the depression days, or promised to the farm boys pro­ mas check, and my best to all your paper. Keep up the good his wonderful cooking; aijd any other time? viding they remained "loyal" to the 'Brothers. woi'k. Wishing you every suc­ Don't lose any time. Join the Night Cook Frank Wallace, the company and the LCA. Joseph Kosleisky cess. In the iFall, these fellows would SIU, and get the benefits which his terrific baking throughout the Ward 19. Marine Hospital Sadie Malloy. go to the Lake Carriers' school, all Lakes seamen are entitled to. trip—our thanks. EUis Island. New York Crew of the SS Jose Mazti Brooklyn. N. Y. : and.get their license. Later, they Robert "Baldy" McAdoo. �Page Fourteen THE SEAFARERS LOG Brother Jack Trains Guns On War Department's Views Aid For Writers If you are about to write— or have written—stories of the sea. but are stumped as to how to go about having them pub­ lished, you can toss your wor­ ries over the side. The Log is happy to an­ nounce that seagoing writers now can have their stories, articles and books read and appraised by people who know the score. An arrange­ ment has been made with a reputable agency of authors' representatives, who will read the material at no cost. If the stuff has possibilities, it will be brought to the attention of publishers. If you've written something you think is of public interest, or if you plan some literary ef­ fort while at sea. why not avail yourself of this service? Send your manuscript — typewritten.: of course—to Carl CowL c/o Seafarers Log, 51 Beaver St.. New York 4. N. Y. Enclose stamped envelope addressed to your permanent residence to in­ sure safe return in case script ' is not up to snuff. Friday. March 21. 1947 First Trip To West Coast Has Sparkle For Seafarer To the Editor: with a full belly 1 decided ship­ ping time had come, but the I think I'll entitle this master­ board said, "Not yet chum, stick A Log article on March 7 was piece "The Verbal Picture of around awhile." headed: "War Department a Man Talking to Himself." Againt The Seamen's Bill of MEETING IMPRESSES Never having been on the Rights." West Coast prior to the latter So 1 stuck around and took Just whose War Department is part of Jan., an old East Coast, in my first We.st Coast meeting. this, may we inquire? And what Gulf and Lakes man like my­ At the meeting 1 was deeply assistant-secretarj', or fourth as­ self is bound to learn something impressed by the very efficient, MICHELET sistant-secretary, formerly from new. orderly manner of the chair and Did j'ou road Port o' Call by what Broad or Wall Street cus­ I paid off the Ethiopia Victory how he ran off so much business tomer man's office, wrote those Frenchy Michelet in the March in Frisco, registered at the Hall in a very short time. 7 issue of the Log? Didn't he go war department views? (for which I'm very grateful No one could help but com­ Since they are couched in some all-out lyric about the- girl Rosa­ now) and checked into the Ma­ pare the difference to other lie? When he sings that "wind very severe language, with no rine Hospital for a foot opera­ meetings where the "chatter­ little degree of personal bias, winnowing" and "nap in the lap," tion. At the hospital they gave boxes," and otherwise get the would it not be in order to do that is good writing. How many me the best of care, but the deck and bore you stiff with a a little research as to how such messmen have asked him; "How grub was the usual run of hos­ lot of useless ear-beating, mak­ come a man who can write like a stand was taken? pital fare, not Doo good nor too ing you wish there was a hole you goes to sea? bad. BEARS WATCHING in the floor where you could By the way, where is the fidThe time passed quickly after slip out, have a couple and re­ Let us watch him a little, he dloy door? And why the fiddley? getting acquainted in the place turn after the earbender had who phrases the department's Also if a bosun tells an ordinary and our hospital delegate Sul­ sat down. (your's and mine) views as fol­ to "bring that man on," and the livan deserves commendation lows: "The War Department is ordinary sees a stevedore down If these guys woifld only ap­ for his regular visits. not aware of any effort, during on the dock, and drags him to the preciate the punishment they're After being discharged follow­ the present war, by members of bosun, why is he wrong? doling out to the membership. ing a month's stay, I found a the merchant marine, or their Till next i.ssue, then . . . maybe. place to stay downtown and Unless they're naturally sadis­ representatives, to have military F. M. Jack caught up on my eating. Then tic, they'd no doubt confine their - "speeches" to the great or naval status conferred on them boon of brevity, and how much w'ith the liabilities, privileges more popular they would be­ and emoluments flowing from come. such status. Read at the meeting, and dis­ "Rather, they have apparently cussed all too briefly consider­ chosen to enjoy the usual rights ing its importance, was the re­ of civilians, to introduce con­ have the same one up in the new .secretary here, how she likes the sults to date of efforts made for To the Editor: tracts of employment, plus the Last week was one of the worst Hall with plenty of presure. 1 new hall. Someday, that is, not governmental aid to seamen vethigher pay, liberal bonuses and in my stay in Mobile. Friday, used to curse it at the other hall yet. free insurance provided for them March 7th was a rainy day, so 1 because 1 couldn't get a drink OPEN THE DOOR! during the emergency. of water. "In the event that Congress decided that 1 would go around That takes care of all. No!— 1 believe the membership is should determine as matter of to the Hall to see some of my The doorman. To get by him you going to be better off in the new national policy that additional buddies, and talk with the dis­ must show your book permit. It Hall. Better representation will benefits should bO provided for patcher about a ship that some happened that 1 came up and be possibla too, for at the other members of the merchant marine, of my pals were- on. 1 wanted forgot my book. 1 did not go up hall the dispatcher had the worst the War Department would offer to get the lowdown as to when either until 1 produced it. of a job, if not the hardest 1 have no objection to an equitable ex­ they would hit the town so 1 1 see that Brother Steely White ever seen in all the halls from tension of benefits through could figure how to make my and Brother Lindsey Williams Boston to Port Arthur. money last till 1 could catch a were visiting the Hall this week. BUSY BEE live one. There seems to be few of the oldHe has dispatching, telephone Well 1 headed to the Hall, ar­ timers around, but I'm getting calls to answer, dues to collect, riving by cab and went up to acquainted with some new ones. not counting about 500 questions .see how everything was and Ed., As soon as the weather changes to an.swer in a period of eight you know the dispatcher had 1 think 1 am going to change erans of the war concei-ning pen­ been washed all the way into the hours. Brother Jordan, 1 take I coasts. 1 think I'll switch opera­ sions, hospitalization, etc. Agent's Office. The doorman pleasure in taking off my hat fully believe if the membership tions to the Atlantic. was sweeping water out of the to you. 1 really envy you. 1 am going to see if 1 can get appreciated what could come of Brother Cal Tanner has been Hall with one of those street such a set-up, much more action cleaner's brooms. It was raining quite busy getting everything a resolution passed to get a set would be stressed on this mea­ as much inside the Hall as out­ lined up before leaving for the of bitts placed outside the build­ sure. convention. 1 have not been able ing so 1 can tie up. When I used side. ACTION COUNTS Well anyway, Saturday, the to question him on what he to arrive at the old place there were two fire plugs that were miracle of miracles happened. thinks about the new set-up. I for one hereby volunteer The counter Patrolman, Broth­ useful. I may have to petition They finally slipped anchor of any aid 1 can give to such a amendment to general maritime the old Hall and anchored at er Charles Kimball, has been the city to put up something program. The old wheeze of laws especially designed to pro­ Number 1 South Lawrence Street busy as he is also trouble shooter, similar at the new hall. tect merchant seamen." My shore leave has ran out, so "Let Charlie do it" doesn't put over the Powell Furniture Store. and 1 have not heard him make Could it be stated aside till 1 get my bowline ashore any potatoes in the bin. any comments but good ones. MOBILE MIRACLE TMe shipping situation there that the men of the merchant Lets see now, someday I'm go­ again, 1 say—cheerio my ship­ didn't appear too favorable. So Monday morning I went around marine as a unit had a greater to see the new Hall, and Broth- ing to get the courage to ask the mates. I started hitting the hourly call percentage of casualties of any The Beachcomber "Senorita Bonita," who is the pretty steadily. in war service? While 1 was there I met a Now he who writes this report couple of good eggs, one sea­ differs a lot from the comment man-printer and the other a we have seen framed on the walls pipe line man. Had some good of various seamen's centers and clean fun with them. Ha—• signed by Dwight Eisenhower There's a job coming up on the and Che.ster Nimitz. What wasn't USGC. Highest pay. $50 per To the Editor: board. Better toss in this late done that the War Department month. Extra pay for every year 1 paid a visit to the merchant Jan. card of mine. No good— wanted us to do? Maybe next you have been in the service, if marine inspector's office in San beat out by Dec. 30. Oh well, week we can dig up the view­ you reenlist with us within 90 so it goes. Pedro with a friend of mine to point of the Navy. days, etCi etc. A week later I'm on a tank­ help him over the hurdles in get­ Do you see what 1 mean about NEW MOBILE HALL er and is she an old girl. Here ting his oiler's endorsement. saving the taxpayers' money. So finally the Mobile head­ we are sailing this old buggy The examiner asked him, 1 was in Wilmington in a joint quarters moved out of "AFL Al­ ers take it from me, it was a while they are busy laying up "How do you cool a hot bear­ having coffee, and I fell into ley." That was a street, my miracle that happened in Mo­ good new ships. Does two and ing?" He got the correct answer, conversation with two AFL bar­ hearties. Was there ever a head­ bile. There is as much difference two still make four? This interbut the CG shot back: "Is that tenders who were off duty. One quarters street like it in all as between New York and Bos­ coastal run may be okay at right? Frankly 1 didn't really of them asked me how shipping ton. America? that. From vthe papers the East was in the SIU Hall. So I says to Rain visited the City Thurs­ know." In the morning the big AFL Coast is taking a weather beat­ Now is that any way to run him, a stranger to me, (and me neon sign below the AFL cafe day so 1 decided 1 would try to ing. Here I am enjoying a real the situation? As for me, 1 laugh­ without my SIU pin for one) nice clime. What am I bitching see the Dispatcher (as you know sign loomed up like a shoreside on rainy days there are not so ed and they ran the hell out of "How did you know I was an for. beacon light from at sea. SIU man?" many at the hall). So, not to be the place fast. Well, I'll sign off for now. MARITIME COMMITTEE He says, "You guys wear your Hope the near future will see 1 read an ad in the Los An­ caught again and get wet, I don­ President Truman has appoint­ ned my foul, weather gear and geles Examiner recently, which buttons on your nose." rt^re Seafarers getting in line Ed, do you think you can get to push the Seamen's Bill of ed a five-man committee, to tell went over. The only water I went like this: "Do you want a him, and us, about the future of found in the Hall was what drip­ vacation in Florida? Do you our artist to draw a guy with a Rights. want to have a good time, and button on his nose. I'm curious the American Merchant Marine, ped off me. Book No. 4526 Great Lakes see the world? Do you want to to see what we look like. Brothers, they say the water which is our livelihood. The com(Name withheld on request) Fred Reppine catch smugglers? Enlist in the fountain was no good but they FJittee members are from PaTo the Editor: cific Gas and Electric of* San Francisco, Westinghouse of Pitts­ burg, Chrysler of Detroit, and an admiral from Annapolis. Now who is going to enlighten them? Almon Roth of the big shipping companies' association will write the FOE report. The 'Beachcomber' Uncovers Big Miracle And Some Other Matters In Port Mobile 'How To Cool Hot Bearing' Too Hot To Handle For CG �Friday, March 21, 1947 10 TO 1 IN FAVOR OF STRIKE LU fi ii Page Fifteen THE SEAFARERS LOG Maritime Unity is impossibie Uniess Aii Unions Disavow CP This must not be taken to I is supposed to be for seamen but for the imply that our fight which stinks to high heaven. front" or joint action but merely 9 PRESIDENT'S COMMITTEE outlined at the meetagreed that in principle and in ON MARITIME-The appoint-^he slightest order to obtain the best and the contrary, by refusing to quickest results, the following is­ ment by President Truman of a five-man committee on maritime the communist scab ideosues should be met with a uni­ which excluded any seaman rep-;l°gy union-wrecking tactics form proceedure. enter our discussion, by our in­ re.sentation. No 1. COAST GUARD—Return of sistence that all participants def­ Bureau of Marine Inspection and adequately survey or discuss initely declare themselves as com­ Navigation to its pre-war status maritime affairs without union I mitted to the cause of militant and the ending of C.G. control representation hence the meeting! trade unionism and against com­ went on record that seamen over merchant seamen. should be included on all com­ munist s c a b b e r y, v/e have strengthened our position and 2. MERCHANT SEAMEN'S mittees dealing with matters per­ made real working unity work­ WAR SERVICE ACT—A form of taining to maritime affairs. able instead of creating a con­ the seaman's GI bill of rights, the 10. COMMUNISM ON THE dition for the communist con­ protection, hospitalization, etc, of seamen injured or beached as a WATERFRONT — In order that niving that smashed the CMU. result of war service. The same the definite status of those pres­ We intend to continue our protection for needy dependants. ent could be made clear the SIU fight for this program, strengthsubmitted a. ^ 3. TRANSFERRAL OF AMER­ Representatives proposition condemning the com-! ICAN SHIPS TO PANAMANIAN REGISTRY—Establishing a pro­ munist party members, their fel^y the commies and gram of international boycott in low travellers, etc., as enemies of both trade unionism, the entire travellers. We fully inthe event the practice continues working class and our American ^^e waterfront of inasmuch as the continuance of The intense expression on the faces of the people in the way of life, for the following ^^e leeching government bureau­ transferrals will ultimately re­ above picture was reflected on the faces of all those who attend­ sult in the loss of jobs, the lower­ reasons; crats, the coast guard militar­ ed the meeting held by the United Financial Workers in the a. The record of the Commun­ ists and all other seamen's en­ ing of our present standards and ists in the trade union move- emies. Scabs, crimps, communSIU New York Hall previous to taking a strike vole. By a ma­ widespread unemployment of sea­ jority of more than 10 to 1, they decided to go on strike. See ment and in the Seamen s pimps all look the same men. story on page 2. union movement in this to the Seafarers. 4. REVISION OF ANTIQUA­ country is so lousy and TED SEAMEN'S LAWS — Re­ The program outlined at the scabby and their attempts meeting a good program. viewing the actual laws which It to split and weaken the la­ always has been a good program; date back to the Shanghai era bor movement is so well and establishing a program of re­ we are going to fight to win and known that they have won we will win the fight. Together vision to conform with our pres­ for themselves the just title with the powerful AFL Mari­ ent needs. "tool of the employer." 5. UNEMPLOYMENT INSUR­ time Trades Department and b. The Communist party is other militant affiliates, we will ANCE FOR SEAMEN—The im­ not an American institution. carry on the fight welcoming as mediate tillocation of funds to be Their followers do not be­ allies all those unions and permade available for seamen who lieve in the institutions and sons who serve the cause of ar(> in need of same. the Constitution of this labor and not the Kremlin. 6. AMENDING FAIR LABOR' country, rather they always STANDARD'S ACT TO COVER Signed:—• attempt to tear them down. SEAMEN—Inclusion of seamen HARRY LUNDEBERG They are followers and dis­ in all beneficial legislation, guar­ PAUL HALL ciples of the totalitarian and anteeing the 40-hour week, etc. MORRIS WEISBERGER imperialistic policies of the 7. ALIEN SEAMEN—To fight Soviet Government. Their for citizenship of alibn seamen actions are subversive and who have sailed on American definitely a menace to our flag ships during the war. If no country and our people. citizenship can be granted, we 14 North Gay St. BALTIMORE are on recoid and we reaffirm Calvert 4539 CONCLUSION—With the ex­ 276 State St. that we intend to fight for their ception of the representatives of BOSTON Boudoin 445S right to sail on American ships three CIO unions there were nc BUFFALO 10 Exchange St. Cleveland 7391 until they can become citizens objections to any portion of the 424 King Street under the prevailing naturali­ proposed program. Curran and CHARLESTON Phone 3-3680 zation laws. Lawrenson, NMU-CIO; Selly, CHICAGO ...24 W. Superior Ave. Superior 517S 8. MARINE HOSPITALS—Re­ ACA-CIO, and the three MCS.1014 E. St. Clair A\m CLEVELAND . moval of present restriction bar­ CIO representatives Bryson, Main 014 ring seamen from hospitalization Kaufman and Divoran refused to CORPUS CHRISTI ..1824 Mesquite St Corpus Christi 3-1509 and improving the care and come out against the commu­ DETROIT 1038 Third St. treatment of seamen in.hospitals. After the strike meeting, at which UFE members were ad­ Cadillac 6857 nists. 531 W. Michigan St. Under this point it was brought dressed by Frank Fenton, AFL Director of Organissation, and After considering the entire DULUTH Melrose 4110 out that it would be a good idea meeting and the import it held, GALVESTON Paul Hall, SIU New York Port Agenff the strike poll was 308 Vi—23rd Street to check up on Snug Harbor which we, together with other unions, started. Here are two UFE people casting their votes. 2-8448 16 Merchant St. decided that unity with any per­ HONOLULU 58777 son or group cooperating with, HOUSTON 1515 75th Street Phone Wentworth 3-3809 or giving comfort to the com­ SUP—62 YEARS YOUNG 920 Main St. munist party and their stooges JACKSONVILLE Phone 5-5919 ly, W. 8th St. was impossible. Our position is, MARCUS HOOK Chester 5-3110 therefore, that in the future we 1356 N. E. 1st Ave. MIAMI . could not, in fairness to the 7 St. Michael St. MOBILE 2-1754 cause of true unionism, meet NEW ORLEANS 339 Chartrcs St. with such persons. Magnolia 6112-6113 (Continued from Page 1) SIU HALLS NEW YORK PERSONALS MRS. CAROLINE CALLIGAN Contact Walter E. Gallagher. Asst. Oswego County Veteran's Service Agency. New York State Division of Veterans Affairs, Os­ wego, New York. 4- J. S. AL LOMBARDI Get in touch with John Hunt, 477 Meridian Street, East Bos­ ton, Mass. t. sixty-two years of steady growth was marked by the Sailors Union of the Pacific on March 9. A big party was held in the Frisco Hall following the regular meeting. Tribute was paid to the SUP by representatives of> other unionsi ami' free refroshments were provided for all. t- ALEXANDER STANKIEWICZ Your passport and union book are on file at the Boston Branch. They just came in on the Billings Victory. 51 Beaver St. HAnover 2-2784 NORFOLK 127-129 Bank Street 4-1083 PHILADELPHIA 9 South 7th St. Phone LOmbard 3-7651 PORT ARTHUR . .909 Fort Worth Ave. Phone: 2-8532 ...111 W. Burnside St. PORTLAND Beacon 4336 257 5th St. RICHMOND, Calif. 2599 SAN FRANCISCO . ... .105 Market St. Douglas 5475-8363 SAN JUAN, P. R. . .252 Ponce de Leon San Juan 2-5996 SAVANNAH 220 East Bay St. 8-1728 SEATTLE 86 Seneca St. Main 029O TAMPA 1809-1811 N. Franklin St. M-1323 TOLEDO 615 Summit St. WILMINGTON 440 Avalon Blvd. Terminal 4^181 VICTORIA, B. C 602 Boughto'n St. Garden 8331 VANCOUVER 144 W. Hastings St. Pacific 7824 �Friday. March 21, 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Sixteen mn'THStP... 4- '• iou cAf^'t reu weM APART/ LCA LSU NMU CP * eUT YOU CAN'T MAKf. A MISTAKE ABOUT THE iNn/^NmommcN OF NORTH AMERICA • GREAT LAKES DISTRICT \ rne ONLY ONE ON THE LANES EOR WAGES - CONOmONS-fPOTECr/ON FidiiSjfjL^L J.I � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource March 21, 1947 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. IX, No. 12 Description An account of the resource Headlines: REFUSAL TO DISAVOW CP MAKES MARITIME UNITY IMPOSSIBLE--AGENTS COURT RULES US RESPONSIBLE FOR INJURIES ON SHIP A&G AGENTS CONFERENCE PREPARES PLANS FOR EXPANSION OF SEAFARERS IN ALL FIELDS COURT RULES US RESPONSIBLE FOR INJURIES ON SHIPS NEW TUG CONTRACT MAKES GAINS UFE VOTES TO STRIKE ALL EXCHANGES THE WASHINGTON MEETING BIG DOINGS SEAFARERS OFFERS LAKES SEAMEN CHANCE TO SHIP DURING WINTER FURUSETH DEVOTED HIS LIFE SO SEAMEN MIGHT BE FREE SULIVAN, CSU HEAD, QUITS; CALLS UNION CP-CONTROLLED AFL CONDEMNS PERON CONTROL OF TRADE UNION NEW FOOD PACKAGES FOR OVERSEAS AFL CONDEMNS PERON CONTROL OF TRADE UNIONS TEXT OF NEW MOBILE TUGBOAT CONTRACT SKIPPER'S LINEN CHARGE BOUNCES; IT ALL COMES OUT IN THE WASH GALVESTON SHIPPING REMAINS SLOW; MOST VESSELS ARE IN TRANSIT GREAT LAKES SEAMEN ARE SHOWING DEEP INTEREST IN THE ORGANIZING CAMPAIGN OF THE SEAFARERS PERFORMERS AND GASHOUNDS MAKE IT TOUGH FOR GOOD UNION MEMBERS CHICAGO SHIPPING BEGINS TO STIR; MEN GET SOUGEE BUCKETS IN SHAPE CLEVELAND WATERFRONT UNIONS START AFL MARITIME COUNCIL SEAFARERS LEAVE CHARLESTON FOR HOTTER PORTS RUSH OF TANKERS CAUSES MANHUNT IN CORPUS CHRISTI ACTIVITY IS UP, SAYS SAVANNAH; BONEYARD SHIPS DUE TO HIT PORT ORGANIZING DRIVE CATCHING ON WITH THE GREAT LAKES SEAMEN SIU PLANS AND POLICIES DRAWN FOR 1947 GADSDEN MEN CITE DANGER ABOARD SHIP PENALTIES FOR LEAVING JOB PROPOSED BY SCRIPPS CREW SS WINFIELD SCOTT MEN OFFER PLAN TO WIPE OUT INADEQUATE SLOP CHESTS Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 3/21/1947 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1947 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/29f982aeeaaa392deba9de9046a9fbc7.PDF eae14ef3a245b8daa038985024392fa7 PDF Text Text Official Organ of the Atlantic and Gulf and Great Lakes Districts, Seafarers International Union of North America VOL. IX. NEW YORK. N. Y.. FRIDAY. MARCH 28. 1947 MAKING PLANS FOR THE SEAFARERS \ * ' Panama Transfers, Great Lakes Drive Highlight Convention CHICAGO — Charging that certain people in the State Department, among them Under Secre­ tary William L. Clayton, are "more interested in giving American ships away to foreign countries than helping to,build a powerful merchant mar­ ine," Harry Lundeberg, President of the Seafarers International Union of North America, highlight­ ed the Union's third biennial Convention with a 1!^ Tribute Te Hawk The first Convention of the Seafarers International Union of North America since 1944 is being held this week in Chicago. Representing the Atlantic and Gulf Districts, the Sailors Union of the Pacific, the Great Lakes District, the American Merchant Marine Staff Officers Associa­ tion, and the British Columbia Seamen's union, are the Brothers pictured above. Front row, left to right. Earl Smith. John Mogan. Harry Lundeberg. R. D. Thompson, and Charles Brenner. Sec­ ond row, in the usual order, John Massey. W. H. Simmons, Bob Dombroff. Sonny Simmons. Paul Hall, Morris Weisberger, and Ed Coester. Rear row. L to R. Red Gibbs. Einar Nordaas. Fred Farnen, Cal Tanner. Tom Hill, Herbert Jansen. and William McLaughlin. Agents Conference Proposals Accepted By Coastwise A&G Membership Meetings f No. 13 NEW YORK, March 27 — At regular meetings last night of the Atlantic and Gulf District, the membership approved in full the recommendations of the Agents Conference. Out of the conference came many plans whi'ch will help to consolidate the gains made by the Union during the past year— gains which led the way for all other waterfront unions. In the week-long conference, which ended Saturday, March 22, decisions were reached which will make possible the further expansion of the Union. In this waj', seamen may see their dreams of "one big seamen's un­ ion" come true. Among the decisions reached were proposals to immediately survey the Union's strike appara­ tus, and to make any changes which are needed to bring the apparatus into smooth running order. It was the feeling of the Agents that 1947 might see some sort of economic action on the water­ front, and they wished to see the Union in as good position for any coming action as it was for the 1946 .General Strike. The organizing campaign was "We are indeed sorry io report that John Hawk, Secy.Treasurer of the Atlantic and Gulf District, and First VicePresident of the International is unable to be present with our delegation, because of ill health. Whitey's health for some time past has been bad, and ihe many struggles of the past few years have contributed towards that ill­ ness. It appears he will be out indefinitely, and his ab­ sence will be keenly felt, as we will sorely miss his abil­ ity and great experience. "Under his guidance and leadership our Union has made great strides since our organizational inception in 1938. He has indeed been a bulwark of great strength in our battles with our enemies; the shipowners, bureaucrats and commies alike. "We sincerely hope for his immediate recovery, and his return to action in our be­ half." (From Report to Convention by Paul Hall) Shipping rules were discussed, analyzed, and a suggestion was made whereby the Seafarers and it was decided to allow them could organize any unorganized to stand as they were last amend­ maritime craft. ed by the 1946 Conference. In the matter of education and publicity, the Log was appraised in regard to its organizational use, and was highly praised. More Within the next few days educational features were recom­ the National Maritime Union mended by the conference, and will finish questioning its several new pamphlets and book­ witnesses in its flimsy collu­ lets will be issued in the near sion charges against the Sea­ future. farers. Other matters which were dis­ After the SlU has had a cussed, and decisions regarding chance to refute the charges, them apear on page 9. and all testimony has 'been It was with deep and sincere heard, the evidence will be regret that the Agents accepted OTTAWA -- The Canadian submitted to the headquar­ the application for a leave of ab­ Communist Party, and the CP ters of the National Labor sence from Secretary-Treasurer Relation Board for final dis­ John Hawk. For reasons of health tlie world over, received a body position. Hawk asked for a six months blow last week when J. A. "Pat" Up to this point, the NMU leave, and this was granted by Sullivan, head of the Canadian has submitted little that can the conference. J. P. Shuler was Seamen's Union, quit his job in be termed real evidence— named Acting Secretary-Treas­ disgust over the way seamens' mainly because such evi­ urer. rights were being subverted to dence does not exist. As soon as the sessions ended, the communist cause. Besides the SlU officials many of those pi-esent at the "My decision to take this step and members present at the meeting left for the SIU Conven­ was re .ched," he said, "when I hearings, the Union is repre­ tion in Chicago which convened became convinced that the inter­ sented by Attorney Ben on Monday, March 24. ests of organized labor were be­ Sterling, and by lawyers Some will stay on in Chicago ing subverted by the agents of Kaiser and Glenn, from the after the Convention ends to at­ communism to their own ends." office of Joseph Padway. tend the meeting of the AFL Mar­ This revelation was all the AFL Attorney. itime Trades Department. This is due to start Monday, March 31. more striking because it came Isthmian Hearing request that the Convention adopt a program designed to halt the transfer of American ships to Panamanian- registry. "American capital has trans­ ferred United States governmentbought ships to Panamanian reg­ istry ... to save taxes, to operate ships with cheaper crews, and to Reporting for the Atlantic and Gulf District. SlU. As­ sistant Secretary J. P. Shuler. and Director of Organization Paul Hall, stated that the Union had experienced much growth and a great deal of success since the last Con­ vention. Shuler's report ap­ pears on page 3. avoid regular steamboat inspec­ tion service," President Lunde­ berg said. The statement urged Congress to take proper steps to safeguard the interests of the American merchant marine, and "that if no action is taken . . . we inaugur­ ate the policy of boycotting all Panamanian ships sailing in or out of American ports." This recommendation follows {Continued on Page 14) Canadian And U.S. Communists Have Complete Control Of CSU from a labor leader of long standing, one who has headed the CSU from the day it was founded in 1935, and from one who followed the communist party line for many years. Sullivan never made a secret of the fact that he was sym­ pathetic to the communists, and even went to jail for a stretch from 1940 to 1942 when he was imprisoned with other commies for his anti-war stand. This of course, was when the commies condemned the war as "imperialist." Later, when Rus­ sia was attacked, he became an (Continued on Page 6) �THE SE AE ARERS LOG Page Two Friday, March 28, 1947 SEAFARERS LOG Published Weekly by the SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Gulf District Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor At 51 Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y. HAnover 2-2784 i. s. i. HARRY LUNDEBERG . 105 Market Street, San Francisco, Calif. President JOHN HAWK Secy-Treas., Atlantic & Gulf District P. O. Box 25, Bowling Green Station, New York, N. Y. FRED FARNEN Secy-Treas. Gt. Lakes District 1038 Third Street, Detroit, Michigan Entered as second class matter June 15, 1945, atjhe Post Office in New York, N. Y., under the Act.of August 24, 1912. GEORGE K. NOVICK,' Editor 267 Illegal Transfers It is high time that the Congress of the United States, and appointed officials in high places, came to the realiza­ tion that their job is to represent the majority of the peo­ ple, not the fortunate few with wealth and position. For the past few months the American people have been shocked to hear that the American merchant marine, which was built up at a sacrifice during the war, was be­ ing transferred to foreign registry so that a few U. S. capi­ talists could add to their already overflowing bank accounts. These ships were built by the Government, and paid for out of the taxes of the people. They were operated by private companies during the war, at exorbitant prof­ its, and later bought by these same companies at a small fraction of the original cost or actual worth of the vessels. Not satisfied with this, American shipowners figured out a new dodge. They started transferring ships to Pana­ manian and Flonduran registry so that they could avoid payment of decent salaries to seamen, and avoid paying taxes to the United States Government. Practically ever) action of the shipowners in these "dummy" transfers is illegal. So there must be connivance from highly placed officials who allow such maneuvers to take place. Before the war, the American merchant marine had shrunk to a mere 13 million tons. During the war, it sky­ rocketed to 50 million tons, and many promises were made' that the merchant marine would never be allowed to dis­ integrate again. -"i^oday, only a short time after the end of the con­ flict, the total tonnage has dwindled to 30 million. Those ships which have been transferred to foreign registry are competing in the American trade. They sail These are the Union Brothers currently in the marine hospitals, in and out of American ports, carrying American goods, as reported by the Port Agents. These Brothers find time hanging but there the similarity ends. heavily on their hwds. Do what you can to cheer them up by writ­ Panamanian seamen are sailing those ves.sels, drawing ing to thsm. lower wages than those paid to United States seamen. NEW ORLEANS HOSPITAL JOHN RILEY (G. L.) JAMEg' MeMAHoN (G/ L-.) Regular steamboat inspection, required under. U. S. law, J. NAVARRO WILLIAM RYAN (G.L.) is avoided. In the long run this will mean the loss of many P. DAUGHERTY WILLIAM, GILES J. RETOUR lives due to faulty equipment. CHARLES WENDEL G. KRETZER Etut the main importance to American seamen is that ft t ft C. MASON this business of moving ships from one country to another MOBILE HOSPITAL S. MOGAN like checkers is the opening wedge in a campaign to drive W. BROCE, Jr. MARION D. PENRY down the earnings of U. S. merchant seamen. J. ROONEY MANUEL CARDANA Right now our wages and conditions are the most E. CUSTER C. A. GARNET advanced in the entire world. The seamen of other coun­ R. E. MULHOLLAND R. H. DAVIS H. H. HAMILTON W. J. SULLIVAN tries look to us for leadership. The shipowner would like J. W. DENNIS A. SABOURIN nothing better than to force us to cut our standards so as R. B. WRIGHT S. P. MORRIS to meet the competition of Panamanian seamert. R. B. KINAIRD E. L. MYERS The shipowners, and the Government officials who 4' if' t 4 have assisted in this piece of trickery, are in for a rude STATEN ISLAND HOSP. BALTIMORE HOSPITAL shock. The Seafarers International Union will not just R. G. MOSSELLER JAMES T. MOORE make protest against continuing the practice and let it JOHN McLEMORE P. SYRAX JOHN FOX go at that. K. KORNELIUSSEN Action will follow if Congress does not take steps ERNEST SIDNEY C. H. SULLIVAN EDWARD CAIN JR. to halt the illegal transfer of American ships. A boycott of E. E. CASEY SOLOMON (SUL) HARB Panamanian ships has been asked for at the SIU Conven­ STANLEY HOLDEN M. j. LYDEN H. BEECHER tion in Chicago, and if it is instituted, it will become world­ ALBERT HAWKINS L. L. MOODY wide through the cooperation of the International Trans- ANTONIO AMARAL M. BAUCSKI CHARLES SIMMONS portworkers Federation. M. MORRIS PETER LOPEZ Boycott is a resounding answer to those who would TED BABKOWSKI W. R. BLOOM steal away the seamen's livelihood. Boycott it will be if the J. BOLGER WILLIAM HOWELL L. NELSON MICHAEL J. LUCAS transfers are not stopped. Men Now In The Marine Hospitals Hospital Patients When entering the hospital notify the delegate by post­ card, giving your name and the number of your ward. Staten Island Hospital You can contact your Hos­ pital delegate at the Staten Island Hospital at the follow­ ing tiftiCs: Tuesday — 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 5th and 6th floors) Thursday—^^1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 3rd and 4th floors.) Saturday—1:30 to 3:30 pun. (on 1st and 2nd floors.) III L. A. CORNWALL C. M. HOUCHINS E. CARERRAS H. L. TILLOT M. J. FIELDS JOHN A. DYKES R. RIVERA C. E. SMITH if 4 if GALVESTON HOSPITAL OLSEN BENNETT GALANE R. V. JONES HUTCHENSON STAEINZ MILKE FLESHER AKIN GRAVES BREASHAR KOW LIM 4 if if MOBILE HOSPITAL E. L. MYERS S. P. MORRIS M. D. PENRY �Friday, March 28, 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Three J.P. Shuler's Report To Int'l Convention m M: The Atlantic and Gulf District of the Seafarers Internation Un­ ion, since the last Convention, has been very active. For brevity, as well as clarity's sake, we will deal with these activities seriatuin. MEMBERSHIP, tion all other trade unions to as-1 Workers that are not covered by; tied up approximately 40 ships sist us in this drive. unemployment insurance, we' on the East and Gulf Coasts beThe membership of the Union If no citizenship can be grant­ recommend that the Convention fore the issue was broken, which at the present time .consists of ed our.alien members, we go on of our International be instructed was in favor of the SIU. approximately 30,000 duos pay record once again to fight for to im.modiatcly draft a program Our membership feels that ing members. This includes the their rights to sail American ves­ calling for specific action aimed these various Government Buvarious categories of books, pro sels until they can become citi­ at providing for seamen's unem-'reaus are just as much our enemy bationary, permits and tripcards zens of our country under the ployment insurance, effective as I as the shipowners inasmuch as We have, for some period of time prevailing naturalization laws. soon as possible. CONTRACTS they continually line up on the had our membership books same side of the fence with our MC TRAINING PROGRAM In the fall of last year, we were closed, except under certain con- SEAMEN'S BILL OF RIGHTS T • <• 4U X . 41 operators. For that reason, our able to negotiate contracts which Our organization has actively In view of the fact, as recently i u' „ •, tions. u,. T-.4 membeiship has gone on record were a great improvement over for a number of years fought for reported by our International Qualifications for membership repeatedly for the use of ecoour previous ones. Not only a Bill of Rights for Seamen. Our Officers, the Maritime Conrimisnow are that in addition to 12 . , w , , nomic action wherever possible were we able to raise our wages main objective, of course, has sion was granted million dol+ tu u months on a permit, a man must 10..4. Z ..._ ^ stop to the bureaucratic for all ratings, but the working been to protect seamen who have lars for a training program, we attacks against Union men. rules in all departments were have as well at least one trip on been injured during the war. feel our Union should take im­ an unorganized vessel in which The greatest beef resulting improved to a considerable de­ It is our opinion that these mediate action to stop same. the Union is attempting to or­ from coming into conflict with gree. men should be guaranteed medi­ We should request the AFL Government Bureaus and Agen­ This ha.s' resulted in several ganize. Thus we have been able cal and hospital treatment for as and other affiliates in the Mari­ to at this time prevent over­ cies, etc., was the 1946 General things. First of all, is the reac­ long as they are in need of such time Industry to assist us in makloading of the Organization with ^ ^ Strike which culminated from tion of our membership. They care. There is also the question ing every possible effort to put' ,, ^ r a heavy membership. . : interference on the part of the like our contracts very much, of providing for next of kin of j these characters out of business We are now in the process of Wage Stabilization Board. and as a result, take a much merchant seamen who were in- for all times. We feel this entire greater interest in the Organiza­ making a complete survey of all jured during the war and who set-up should be declared as 1946 GENERAL tion itself than ever before. our available jobs and in the fu­ were direct providers for their phony and every possible effort Secondly, our contracts assisted ture, admission for membership STRIKE be made to discourage the con­ families' welfare. us to some degree in improving will be governed by the number tinuance of it. In addition, there is the ques­ The General Strike was enthu­ our relations with the operators of available jobs under contract. tion of providing compensation As long as such so-called train- siastically received by our memin the business of handling dis­ for seamen injured during the ing programs are in existence, bership; principally because of GOVT. BUREAUS putes. Finally, our new contracts war who find themselves now there is always the fear of them the fact that it was not a surare a great aid in organizing the AND AGENCIES unable to make a living. being used as fink factories .»in prise move, but something that unorganized men under our ban­ Our Union has, along with case of strike. each member of the Union had We reaffirm our Union's pre­ ner. other District Unions in the sea­ vious position on this question. WASHINGTON participated in bringing about. Various points which had been men's field, had many hard strug­ The AFL Legislative Committee I The entire apparatus, the me­ confusing in previous contracts gles with the various Government is now working with us on this chanics and the directives which were clarified in our present Inasmuch as the various Con- governed the strike had been agreement, thereby making it Bureaus and Agencies. As a re­ problem. Our organization has notified gressmen and would be union worked out through a period of more simple to settle disputes. sult of these various disputes, This, in turn, Iras been a saving our recently concluded Agents' all Congressmen and Senators wreckers are now busy in Wash- six months by our Organizers, of energy on the part of the Un­ Conference adopted the follow­ from all coastal ports of our po- ington trying to cram their anti- with membership participation. ion and has enabled us to apply ing proposals on Government sition and our desire for passage labor legislation into effect, this consultation and group meetings. of a bill that will be fair and Committee feels that the SIU j We were faced with problems our energy into other fields in Agencies and Legislation: just. should have representation in' different somewhat from that of the Union itself. COAST GUARD We recommend the continual Washington as soon as possible on ' other areas. During the period The position of our organiza­ pressing of our program for this a permanent basis. of the War, the "shipowner perBINANCES tion towards control by the Coast bill and enlisting the aid of all This Committee recommends the NMU, the commies While the record shows an in­ Guard of the American seamen unions towards achievement of that the subject be taken up at i succeeded by infiltration in crease in available funds in com­ through the U. S. Steamboat In­ this end—A Complete Bill of the International Convention in securing themselves a strong poparison to previous years, this, spection Service, and through Rights for Seamen. Chicago to place such a repre-1 sition both within the MMP and in every respect of the word, is the U. S. Shipping Commission­ sentative in Washington. the MEBA. The CMU was at not a true analysis. MARINE HOSPITALS er's Office hcis never changed. We further recommend to the the height of jte The income of the Organiza­ We recommend that it be We have been, and are actively tion since the last Convention was fighting, for the return of this brought to the attention, as often International Convention that ^lory and the SIU was looked upgreatly increased due to the fact function back to the Department as possible, to Surgeon General they study the possibilities of on unfavorably and regarded by that we caused to be opened var­ of Commerce where it belongs. Parron of the Public Health Serv­ working out a joint program, many as an extremely "small, ineffective" Union. ious new Branches and placed of­ The control of American mer­ ice, of the'many instances where with other AFL Maritime Unions, Although the Seafarers were ficials in them. This was done chant seamen by the Coast Guard seamen because of being on the a system for joint support of such the spearhead of the 1946 Gen­ to prevent "freeloaders" from puts the seamen under control beach over 60 days have been de­ legislative offices and represen­ eral Maritime Strike by winning riding SIU . vessels and paying of a military department of the nied hospital privileges, although tatives in Washington. our strike in short order, we no revenue for the privilege. Government. It takes away cer­ in dire need of same. This, we feel, is very important ^ , , . . found ourselves in the beginning This, however, at the same' time, tain privileges and rights enjoyed ^ In some ports, at the present at this time and unless it ,s done, increased our expenditures. Ad- by seamen. It adds a heavier time, this 60 day ruling has been phonies may slip something over possiblities of ditonal expense was undergone burden on the American taxpay­ extended to 90 days; but even on us. If we are not at all times Unions being taken when we purchased our own er and should be changed. this, in our opinion, is not suf­ informed of what they are shap- over by the comrades. To eliminHalls in the Ports of Boston, Nor­ Our organization has already ficient. ing up in the vvay of trying to immediately lent aU folk and Tampa. Incidentally, put our position before all the We should press immediately destroy the trade union move-' resources to the this is along with our New Or­ members of the Committee on the point that as.Iong as a man is ment in maritime. ' launched an all-out leans Hall which was purchased Merchant Marines and Fisheries in this industry, seeking his liv­ While not going into complete drive against the commie clique before the 1944 Convention, and and has received assurance ing, he should at all times be details on this, we feel it is im-' dominating the MEBA. broii,ght to four the number of through the AFL that it is help­ qualified for treatment at USPHS portant to point out a couple of During the entire course of the our own establishments. and Marine Hospitals, regardless disputes resulting on the East Officers' Strike, we continued this ing us _ •Ills uo in ill our uui fight. iisiiv. One further expense of the Ortransfer of the Steamboat of the length of time on the and Gulf Coasts between our-1 program with the result that ganization over the past two Inspection and U. S. Shipping beach. selves and various Bureaus and within a very short period of years has been that of organiza­ Commissioner's Office back to We further recommend a com­ the results of same. time, the communists within the tional work. This was attributed the Department of Commerce plete survey, as has been going In the Port of New York, after MMP were ousted and a counter­ to Isthmian Steamship Company must be done through an Act of on, by the SIU of all Marine Hos­ long persecution at the hands of balance of power established and later expanded to various Congress. pitals and investigation as to con­ the Coast Guard, the Organiza­ within the MEBA. other unorganized companies This Committee recommends ditions of same. tion finally tried the use of eco­ A great amount of credit must Then too, there wore the very that, in the final analysis, in the In the event of case^ of mis­ nomic action to prevent same be given to the ILA, both Long­ heavy expenses of the 1946 event of failure of the introduc­ treatment or of bad ho.spital con­ and tied up the SS Helen of Bull shoremen and Harbor Workers, Strike. tion of proper legislation to ditions, notice of such treatments Steamship Company. The Com­ who worked closely with us dur­ In spite of these heavy expen­ handle, this matter, that we set are to be called to the attention ditures, however, the Organiza­ forth a proposition to all mari­ of Surgeon General Parron or pany was forced to pay the men ing the entire strike and who, in tion at the present time is in a time unions, regardless of affili­ Assistant Surgeon R. G. Wil­ complete standby wages from the work hours actually were on time they lost their papers to strike as supporting factors sound condition. ation, the possibilities of all un­ liams, Chief Bureau of Medical the time they received them back longer than we were. We find it nece.ssary at this ions using economic action at the Service, Public Health, Washing­ from the Coast Guard as a result It can truthfully be said that time, however, to economize ijoint of production, as in the case ton, D. C. of economic pressure. Since that the General Strike of 1946 was throughout the entire structure of the SS Helen in the Port of We further recommend that our action, no SIU contracted oper­ the primary factor in organizing of our Union so as to operate on New York this past year, if not International Union, take steps ator, or its employees, have nationally the AFL Maritime a full peacetime basis. for the elimination of the Coast to place our entire International called the Coast Guard into any Trades Department, although This has been considered by Guard then at least, the toning Union on record for increased ship's beef. theoretically, it had been in ex­ both the membership and the of­ down of their dictatorial methods subsidies to the Marine Hospitals istence for some time previous. The Operation Division of the ficials of our Union, as well as of so-called disciplining of Amer- and the USPHS, so as to increase WSA during 1946 refused to alIt ^vas the strike that gave birth our Agents' Conference. The re­ can seamen. their facilities and service to U. low the Union and its contracted tu the concept that alone any sults of this consideration was S. Merchant Seamen and, if at operators to use collective barMaritime Union was powerless, ALIEN SEAMEN that a program was laid down in all possible, to their families. gaining to secure a proper rider. that united they were indesOur organization is on record regards to the finances of our UNEMPLOYMENT INSURANCE As a result of this interference tructible. Union, calling for retrenchment. to fight for citizenship for alien The NMU, MCS and certain In view of the fact that the sea­ and meddling on the part of this By following this program, the seamen who sailed on American particular Government Bureau, sections of the MEBA tried to use men are one of the few, if not Organization will be in a solid Flag Ships during the war. We the last, section of American the SIU used economic action and i {Continued on Page 14) reaffirm this position and petifinancial position. �Page Four THE SEAFARERS LOG Groundwork Laid In Lakes Drive; SlU Rank And File Participate Friday, March 28, 1947 Volunteer Organizer do the job, but with a solid basis large "number of :^IU-contracted set up, the rest is simply a mat­ companies. The organization drive on the ter of hard work, with man­ When Fran Krabavac made Seamen in this region have no Great Lakes has now passed its power the backbone of the drive. reason to respect the NMU, the the Zane Grey, Isthmian Steam­ third week — three weeks of so-called union that called a ship Company, as a volunteer OUTLOOK GOOD hard work that have broken the strike up here without author­ organizer eighteen months ago. ground for a real all-out cam­ That's the way it shapes up on ization from the men sailing the he thought he would make one paign to unionize the many men ships. Those men lost their bon­ trip and then ship out on a con­ who sail under shipowner con­ the Lakes. The SIU has the or­ uses, and wages, and received no tract vessel. ^ ganization to dp the job, but it ditions. Today, after eighteen months takes men to contact the ships, material gains in the long run. It hasn't been easy to do the talk to the men, and get the They also have no reason to on Isthmian ships, he is deter­ necessary spadework. The NMU, SIU message across. respect the Lake Carriers As­ mined to continue shipping Isth­ with its selfish strike last fall, sociation, or the other phony mian until the company signs a This may sound like an un­ made lots of Lakes seamen bit­ company unions that exist up contract with the SIU. necessary invitation to most ter. But the Seafarers came in here. Lakes seamen know that He was on the Zane Grey less with a spotless reputation, and SIU members. It probably is, they have been sold nut time but if there are any men with than a month. After that fol­ that has made the majority of and time again by groups that lowed ten months on the Ed­ Great Lakes experience, who the Lakes seamen listen to us want to participate in the drive worked with the bosses and mund Fanning, then seven with interest. on the Lakes, they can do a against the seamen. months on the Sea Hawk. He's The Great Lakes seamen have good job by contacting the SIU This time the story is changed. still on the last named. been assured that the SIU had repi'esentative in the port they This time the seamen have a Brother Krabavac got his sea nothing to do with the NMU want to ship out of. chance to pick a Union that has training sailing Yugoslavian phony strike. It is to our credit a reputation for protecting and ships. Twenty-three years ago There's a big job to be done, that our work has been good fighting for its members. With he started out to sea, just to see and the same spirit that won a FRAN KRABAVAC enough for these men, and they such a choice, it's a good bet what it was like. He enjoyed his resounding election in the Isth­ have received us very whole­ that they will pick the SIU. experiences so much that he up by a United States vessel mian Steamship Company (NMU The next few months will tell heartedly. stalling to the contrary) can the story. The SIU has a good decided to make the sea his and brought to this country. This section needs organiza­ In his native land Krabavac knock over the anti-labor Lakes chance to organize many sea­ career. tion. No flash in the pan could had been a member of the sea­ operators. SUNK BY NAZIS men who haven't had the oppor­ men's union, and so it was nat­ Right now the situation shapes tunity to sail under decent con­ Only once did he come close ural for him to want to join a up in the following manner: ditions. They want to. but they to regretting his decision. That union in the U.S. was when the President KopajSeveral companies have start­ have to be contacted first. "Our union in the old coun­ ed early fit-out operations. Be­ It is our duty to do that job. tic, a Yugoslav ship, was sunk try was a good one," he recalls, cause our men are on the ball, Come, hell or high water, the in the Carribean in 1941. "but not as strong as the SIU. and willing to go all out in the organizing drive will go on — Fran was on that ship, and So I joined the SIU." drive, those ships are now prac­ and to a really successful con­ the survivors drifted for a few tically solid SIU. days before they were" picked SETTLED PERSONAL SCORE clusion! He sailed many ships during The Union will be calling for Charging flatly that anti-closed the war. usually right into the contracts in these companies shop laws were unconstitutional within the near future, or pet­ danger zones, because as he puts it, "I had a personal score because they nullified the "right itioning the National Labor Re­ to settle with Hitler. His troops lations Board for elections. of contract," AFL President Wil­ ovei'ian my country." We know that a fight is in liam Green last week told AFL Brother Fran more than set­ store for us. We are ready and unions that they would be justi­ tled the score. The supplies waiting, confident in the fact TAMPA—Winning a bargain­ day. One of the important sub­ carried on ships manned by fied in ignoring such laws in thai cooperation from the Great ing election in this state means jects for discussion will, be the Krabavac and other merchant states which have enacted them. Lakes seamen has been excel­ absolutely nothing. It's not very organizing of a prograr," design­ seamen made possible the vict­ The statement was made by lent so far. difficult to organize the workers, ed to beat Attorney-General Tom ory over the Nazis in Europe. Green at the convention of the In­ especially into AFL Unions, but Watson when he runs for Gov­ SIU IS CHOICE When the war was •finally ternational Brotherhood of Paperonce the election has been held, ernor. won, Fran still wanted action, so So good has been the help the courts take over. makers, which met in Chicago. Labor never had a more bitter he volunteered his services as .T-.T 11 J i , 1 given us by the Lakes seamen The AFL has already started , \u ^ The injunctions , which have enemy than Watson. He has laid an organizer. He was told to ^ ^ ,, , „ , I themselves, that our organizers test cases of the open-shop law, . J ,u ^ ,u OTTT • been issued in Florida are some­ his plans carefully to advance try to make an Isthmian ship, , . .. I are convinced that the SIU is in Nebraska and several otheroverwhelming choice of the thing to see. No picketlines are himself politically by trading on and if successful, there would be states, but It may take close to allowed, the closed shop has been labor. plenty for him to do. outlawed, and labor is straitjacktwo years before the first chal- -^g The State Federation of Labor JOB WELL DONE lenge reaches the Supreme Court. He was successful, and thus It's impossible to state right etcd if and when a strike is call­ will have to do the big job in campaigning against Watson be­ started eighteen months of hard Until then, 'the AFL v/ill chal­ at the start how good an organ­ ed. The employer hires scab la­ cause the CIO is very small po­ work. lenge the validity of the laws," izing drive might wind up. But Brother Krabavac was on the Green said. "The Supreme Court j if .spirit is any indication, the bor, and the police escort the tatoes in Florida. In Tampa the Seafarers is tak­ Edmund Fanning when the ship has upheld the closed shop and next few months will see plenty scabs through picketlines. They will again so decide." ! of Lakes companies joining the have done it so often lately that ing an active part in the fight was voted in Baltimore, Mary­ it appears that strikebreaking is against Mayor Hixon and his ma­ land. The NMU was sure of this the biggest job for Florida police chine. . one; the NMU organizers had men. We have had some pretty bad already put it down in the win School teachers, the most un­ experiences with Hixon, when he column. derpaid people in the state, and took the lead in breaking the But the work of Krabavac and perhaps even in the nation, are taxi drivers' strike. the others proved too much, and in the middle of an organizing We are going to supply plenty ^^^en the balloting was completNEW YORK — Cheered by a cago convention of the Office campaign here. of cars and drivers to take voters rolled up betpledge of unqualified support Employes International Union, of They are meeting with plenty to the polls and home again on ^er than a three to one majority, from Harry Lundeberg, president which the UFE is an affiliate. of opposition from the press, the election day. "That did my heart good," of the Seafarers International "If there is any place in Amer­ politicians, and civic leaders. said Fran. jg ....... "On unorganized It is no secret that labor Union, the United Financial Em­ ica where high wages and better FII^THY SLANDER • ships a seaman is not treated rallying voters against Hixon, ployes, AFL, stepped up its plans working conditions should pre­ Editorials in the papers ac­ for a strike against the Wall vail," Green said, "it is in the tually slander the teachers, and and it is no secret that the labor- decently, and all that will when the SIU gets a conStreet exchanges and brokerage money-making establishments" of call them malcontents, rabble hating. machine is plenty worried T c*+1-» »VM o tract TtrifV* with Isthmian.' over the outcome. houses and announced April 21 Wall Street. rousers, and worse. All this to Krabavac gave some instances as the walkout date. Prior to his address. Green honest people who arc 'trying The picture is black, but Tom of what he means when he says Lundeberg gave assurances of conferred privately with Lunde­ to obtain decent wages and con­ Watson and the other labor-bait­ that seamen are "not treated SIU backing to M, David Keefe, berg and Keefe. ers have forced us to band to­ decently." ditions. UFE president, when the two met The projected strike stems A Citizens Committee has been gether to beat the people who "First of all, the food is poor, in Chicago last week. from the refusal of A. M. Kidder set up, and they are trying to hate the workers. and scarce," he stated. "Quart­ The SIU official said that be­ and Company to negotiate a con­ show the teachers that a union is From now on its a finish fight, ers are small and they try to cause the UFE was militant in tract with UFE. The street-wide unnecessary. But the teachers and labor is going to keep right crowd >men into the- foc'sles. pressing for its just demands it walkout will cut off the possibility are not going to be mislead by on battling until victory is won. Overtime is just a word on those merited Seafarers support, which of business being conducted for anything that this group prom­ ships, and a man rarely gets ultimately would aid the entire Kidder by the Stock and Curb ises. time enough to eat a full meal." labor movement. exchanges or their member firms. The feeling is that nothing was It was for reasons such as A similiar pledge from William The UFE scored a major vic­ done before the teachers started those that Isthmian voted over­ Green, AFL president, said his tory recently when — with full organizing, and that if their un­ whelmingly for SIU representa­ entire organization would stand SIU support—it struck and par­ ion fails, the civic authorities tion. And it is for such reasons with the financial workers "until alyzed the New York Cotton Ex­ will not increase wages or better that Fran Krabavac became a they win victory," change. The union won a con­ conditions. volunteer organizer, and is going Green announced the AFL tract after one day on the picketThe Florida Federation of La­ to stick at it until a contract is backing in a speech at the Chi­ lines. bor Convention started on Mon­ [signed, sealed, and delivered. By EARL SHEPPARD Green Advises Unions To Ignore Open Shop Laws Florida Labor Gets Ready To Oppose Tom Watson Lundeberg Pledges Int'l Support To UFE In Wall Street Strike '-i-i.Vl �l: Friday. March 28. 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Five Delegates Gather For SIU Convention ( • t; It M'ji 1 11:' Above is the Atlantic and Gulf District delegation to the Convention. Standing, left to right, John Mogan, Lindsey Williams. Sonny Simmon,, Paul Hall, and Red Gibbs. Seated, in the same order. Earl Smith, W. H. Simmons. J. P. Shuler. and Gal Tanner. Fishermen and fish cannery workers had their representation. Left to right, Joe Perry and Lester Caveny, Fish Cannery Workers Union of Monterey, Cal., and John Crivello, Seine and Line Fishermen's Union of Monterey, Cal. The SUP had the next largest delegation to the A&G Dis­ trict. Seated, L to R, Bob Dombroff, Harry Lundeberg, and Morris Weisberger. Standing, John Massey, R. D. Thompson. Charles Brenner, and Ed Coester. The Great Lakes District was well represented by Fred Farnen, Larry Martin, and Herbert Jansen, seated left to right, and Einar Nordaas and William McLaughlin, standing. McLaughlin is from the British Columbia Seamen's Union, f I Vi Delegates came from as far away as Alaska. Above, on the right, is John S. Amayo. President of the Alaska Fish Cannery Workers Union. Beside him s George Issel. representing the Fish Cannery Workers Union of the Pacific. San Francisco Bay Area. The Fish Cannery Workers and Fishermen's Union, San Diego, California, was represented by \ Frank Currier. Business Agent; C. H. Burns. Fisherman; and Lester Ballenger, Secretary-Treasurer. ' �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Six Friday, March 28. 1947 /ts True — Rhode Island Pays Bonus To Soamon Lakes Seamen Sullivan Says Invited To Visit Commies Have UETERATIS' BOTIUS BOARD Buffalo Hall Control Of CSU of trail ^rab&mn ^pisntBtions STATE HOUSE (Continued from Page 1) ardent supporter of the Second Front. In his statement, Sulivan, who was also secretary-treasurer of the Canadian Trades and Labor Congress, ad;nitted that he had been a member of the CP from 1937 until three months ago. The CSU has always reflected the Kremlin line, and it was for that reason that the charter of the union was revoked by the Seafarers International Union in August. 1944. PROVIDENCE 2. FL I. Merchant Marine Application For Bonus Under Chapter 1721, Public Laws of 1944 All Answers Must Be Typewritten or Printed In Ink 1. Name under which applicant entered the aervice 2. Present name (if different) 3. Mailing address (present) —.JLQ. Z^£.ltLillg.-AY9-i—C^nStOO -B,-!-. Na SiTHt Cl^orum r.O. Zmm Sma Sex-Male (3 Female • No. and location of Draft Board where applicant regiatered —S»5 aiTer.ATe. ,—PrnTldwnflH, H. I • Period served in Merchant Marine: i v.,.-!, a. Date of entry into service 5jL._iSli5 Place gaW YOrk b. Date of discharge or relea.- r from service —St ill IP jS.9rTlP9—Place i c. Serial Number Dd you serve on an army transport or merchant ship operated for the United Sutea War Shipping AdminiatiatioD between the dates of December 7.-1941 and September 2, 1945? Yfl8 4. 5. e. 7. t/iP llAlll.KY ttm , IM 8. Name war zene areas where served? 9. Place of birth...-Pro Jlldeaa«.»_JEU.L. JtiHh hkn at h. ATHKM aaMOa .. No ifdUarranaan -Mlddla-gajl.,. 10. Date of birth— MANY IMPLICATED 11. Length of LEGAI. RESIDENCE in Rhode Island IMMEDIATELY PRIOR TO ENTRY INTO SERVICE Sullivan implicated many 12 LEGAL RESIDENCE at time of entry into service -70 Perk^» ATai...,-.-PXOal.diUiaj.,_ R. T. rso. Btrtia Otp or Tova Stato people in his blast against com13. LEGAL RESIDENCES for period of six mcotha immediately prior to entry into service Prn¥l dWIlfia^—R.l. • FROM TO munst machinations in the CSU, and in the Canadian labor move­ ment. He named Fred Rose, a form.er 14. AddreigivenM time of separation from aervice citi member .of Parliment, who was 15. Name and legal addrpsees of parents at time of entry into service _ 1&7.S w. PrQTld(uiga._Bal. sent to jail in the atom bomb plot, as one "of those who used 16. If married at time of entry into service, name and legal addreMoI wife (or husband) fl UTI hmugh the seamen to further the ends 17. Hav?^Tecri>^a^Veter^''bM«urori«i^^ bom this or any other ^te becauae ol service srith the Armed Forcct or the of the communist party. Merchant Marine in World War II? ^ He also named Alderman J. B. If "Yes" what State — —— Salsberg as a party member who PENALTY PROVISION: Ch. 1721, Pub. Laws ol 1946, "Whoever knowmgly makea a false atatement. oral or written, rdtfing to a material fact in supporting a claim under the proviaicns of thia^ ahail bemoni^of not mat than SSCO^ or by transmitted funds to him from imprisonment (or not more than one year, or both.*>^^*^/' ^^ ^ the party in order to finance • the 1937 strike against the lake Subscribed and sworn to before me thir_,.V^^Z5 ; <l»y of——fftbTlWry ship owners. "In the period from 1943 on­ NMsryPyblk wards." Sullivan stated, "the DO NOT WRITE BELOW THIS LINE executives of the seamen, the CERTIFICATE OF APPROVAL same as lots of other unions, It is certified that this application meeU all requuemeoU of ChapiCer 1721 Pulic Laws of 1946 and it ia recjuested that pay. have been gradually in the pro­ ment ol the State Bonus oU200.00 be made to the following person: Cfftificate No. . N^of cess of taking into their ranks, either knowingly or unknowing­ ly, members of the communist party — for instance, in Halifax, AppfOTsd-Stnta Bonus C. H. Meads, who was an Amer­ ican seaman, but who had never sailed in Canada, was drafted in ORIGINAL DISCHARGE OR RELEASE MUST BE ATTACHED HERETO from the NMU and is now in complete charge of the east coast for the seamen and gen­ eral secretary for the fishermen; Some time ago the Seafarers Log ran a story regarding payment of a Bonus to Rhode Island whose wife, at the same time, is merchant seamen who had sailed during the war. At that time there was not too much known about the provincial secretary for the this, but now the Log has first-hand information from a veteran seaman who has already filled out communist party, the necessary application for some of that Bonus money. On this page we have reproduced the CP IN CONTROL application form. Sullivan stated flatly, the same as Joe Cur ran has done in In order to be eligible for ^uch payment, the applicant must be a legal resident of the State the NMU, that the CP placed of Rhode Island, and must have been a resident of that state at the time of entry into wartime men in the national office of the merchant marine service. If those two qualifications are met, then it is just another short step to CSU to direct party work. "In the national office," he filling in the form and- collecting the $200,00. said, "the communist party, of Application forms can be obtained by writing to the Veterans' Bonus Board, State House, course, has taken full control, Providence 2, Rhode Island. where they have placed Jerry McManus in as secretary but act­ ually his work is to direct all political activities within the or­ ganization." Waste of seamen's ,money was another point on which Sullivan By RAY GONZALES The crew may allow the ship find the real cause of difficulty took the commies to task. to sail short of supplies expect­ lying witli the eunipany purchas­ "The executive officers ar i During the past years we have ing to pick up the shortages in ing agent. running all over both Canada fought long and hard to bring and the (United) States, sup­ conditions on our ships to what a foreign port. Therefore, let us cooperate However, when the ship ar­ 100 percent with our Chief posedly to be doing union work. they are today. .... In all those cases, the rives in a foreign country, the Stewards, Chief Cooks and dele­ In every battle we have en­ usual run of Skippers produce gates. seamen are footing the bill. The only work that McManus was tered, whether it was private' a letter from the company tell­ Of course, this does not mean doing was floating money from ship operators, commies or the ing them not to buy any stores that if a Steward is a phony we the NMU into this country and' government brass hat agencies, in foreign ports due to the high should pat him on the back and warn him to be a good boy from laying the groundwork for the we have always won and we cost of food. NMU coming into this country will continue to win our battles We all know that lack of ad­ now on. There is only one good way in order that they could take through the coperation and sol­ equate food causes a great deal idarity of the membership. of dissension among the- unlic­ to handlcthis food situation, and the CSU over." However, things are far from ensed personnel. Let these final words from that is when you arrive aboard perfect yet. After an extensive Sullivan make their own point. The Chief Steward is power­ your ship, call a meeting and "I also stated (at the 1946 con­ survey, I have noticed that food less to cope with the ftgh-handelect a delegate to contact the vention of the CSU) that I was and other supplies put aboard ed policies of many of the com­ Chief Steward,, This delegate should confer undecided whether or not to run our ships, purchased by penny- pany purchasing agents, and he pinching company agents, are of usualy winds up behind the with the Chief Steward and re­ for reelection," says Sullivan. "I was quickly told by Sals­ second or third grade quality. eight-ball. quest him to produce all requi­ In several instances, there The outcome of the company sitions and confirmations. berg that it wasn't a case of The Delegate should check whether or not I wanted to run have not been enough supplies sponsored difficulty usually finds as they, the communst party, put aboard for the expected dur­ the crewmembers slapping these carefully for quantity and had made the decision. Com­ ation of the voyage. In other charges against the Chief Stew­ quality. If he finds any short­ munist party discipline does not words the companies have delib­ ard or voting him off the ship. age or inferior grades, he should I think we should look before Immediately notify the Union alow for individual thought and erately shorted the crew of food we leap, and we would usually Hall, party orders must be obeyed." necessary for the trip. By FRATIK MORAN BUFFALO—Lakes seamen of all ratings, regardless of wheth­ er you have a ship to go to or not, are invited to drop into the Buffalo Hall, meet the local Or­ ganizer, and discuss your ship­ ping problems with him. You will meet plenty of oldtimer.s, and some of the younger Seafarers, who all know and will tell you of the advantages of real unionism, SIU style. In the SIU Hall, there is no waiting around, like there is in the company offices and LCA halls. SIU members register for jobs at the Union Hall where ship­ ping is conducted strictly on a rotary basis. They also have job security, guaranteed b y SIU contracts. Seafarers have preference in shipping on the same boat that they laid up last Fail, if they so wish, and don't have to wor­ ry about the bosses' friends tak­ ing their jobs. Unorganized Lakes .seamen don't know whether they have' a job in the Spring or not. Re­ gardless of whether they laid up some vessel or not, they don't know whether some friend or relative of the bosses will have their job when they look for it at the fit out. SIU contracts mean job security. • SIU CRE'WING UP In the Buffalo and Erie, Pa, areas, the shipping activity has been confined to SIU ships crewing up. The Local Agent for the SIU has bccH quite busy crewing up these boats, so it looks as though the SlU-contracted vessels will lead the parade out of this port when the initial sailing begins from here in the near future. Don't forget, all unorganized men are invited to help organ­ ize their ships into the SIU. Contact the local SIU Halls whenever possible, and give them yoUr suggestions for mak­ ing your ship an SIU .ship. In the SIU, you're backed by 65,000 SIU members, and the 8 million Brothers in the AFL. With this combination and sup­ port, you can't go wrong. Go SIU today! Some Companies Still Try To Chisel On Fooii Unfoi'tunately, in many* cases crews have neglected Lo report such beefs in time for the Pa­ trolmen to take action before the ship sails, or sometimes no­ tification is given just a few hours before she is to pull out. In these cases when a Patrol­ man comes aboard after the crew has held up the ship, and tells the company about the shortage or poor quality stores, the company will always scream "breech of contract!" "You've given us no time to replace the stores. You're hold­ ing up the ship, "We'd give you the stores if you'd notified us in time," •Well, lets see if they really mean what they say. Lets get our beefs into the Hall well in advance of sailing time. If they mean what they say the storerooms will contain first grade food and plenty of it. If they're pulling a fast one we'll pin their ears back! �Friday. March 20. 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Seven Payoffs And Shipboard Playboys Keep Port Pbiladelpbia Active By E. B. TILLEY , PHILADELPHIA — Shipping as was necessar,y here. here is still bouncing along at a There has arisen a misunder­ good clip with a steady flow of standing on .some of the ships ships in and out of the port. that come in here pertaining to The past week ."^aw the paying- feeding while the ship is in port. off of four ships and the signing It seems that some of the Stew­ on of three, in addition to the^ ards Departments think that several ships we contacted in when their ship hits the dock transit. they don't have to work anymore. Silence Ihis week from ihe There were minor difficulties This is bad, for the rest of the Branch Agents of the follow­ By JOHN MOGAN aird beefs on a few of the ships ciew then wants subsistence and ing ports: but they were handled at the the companies yell bloody mur­ BOSTON—Business and ship­ ory and the Fort Winnebago BALTIMORE point of production and cleared der. They say that the food is ping is definitely on the increase (West Coast tanker) and the up in short order. NEW ORLEANS there for the Cooks to use. why in these parts. Upon my re­ four other ships in that port. turn to Boston from the Agent's One of the ships that came in don't they stay aboard and cook SAVANNAH In Boston, two Eastern ships Conference (for a breather be­ (the .Sam Johnston and the for payoff was the SB Chemawa it? SAN JUAN fore going on to Chicago for Falmouth) paid off during the They're right in that respect, of the Beacon Hill Company. Her NORFOLK the- International Convention) I week also, with the SS Sam troubles took a little time to so the in.si.stence of the Stew­ JACKSONVILLE learned that none of the boys Parker also scheduled for Fri­ square away. She had been out ards Departments in knocking had any chance to do any rest­ day, but held over the weekend. PORT ARTHUR on a nine month trip and for off in the galley is leading to ing while 1 was gone. nine months the crow had to put complications which will have to The deadline for port re­ The Falmouth has seen her up with the wild west antics of be ii'oned out. And, too, it appears that the last days as an SlU-contract ports. monies due, etc.. is the a Skipper who thought he was coming week will also be a busy ship — unless we can sign up On the other hand, we are Monday proceeding publica­ a real pistol packin' hot shot. one for all hands, with plenty of the Greeks — and the crew very happy over the cooperation tion. While every effort will ships scheduled to arrive in this certainly piled off her with This yokel, according to the that the ships' delegates are giv­ be made to use in the current area for payoff. crew, used to come out on deck ing us. Almost every delegate much regret. issue material received after Acting Agent Sweeney didn't twirling his 45 around his index calls the Hall as soon as his ship that date, space commitments She was old, she was cramped, get a chance to do any acting but crew and officers got along finger and yelling to the crew (as arrives and we have been cover­ generally do not permit us fo while 1 was gone. He spent the first-rate. if they didn't know it) that he ing them all in true SlU fashion do so. before the pay-off begins. entire time in Portland, which was the Skipper. On the Sam Johnston, there is enjoying some unprecedented Up and down the deck this were a few hours disputed for prosperity — thanks to 100.000 male Annie Oakley would parade some of the black gang, which tons of surplus potatoes. trying to impress the crew with is now payable. And since three ships were his pistol prowess. In the general confusion, an scheduled to pay off in Portland EXPENSIVE JOKES SUP ship (the Springer) came on Monday, (SS Purdue Victory This wasn't so bad, but he had in and paid off without repre­ and SS Ethiopia Victory, both another pleasure, sadistic at that, sentation: but the Delegate in­ By BLACKIE CARDULLO "Waterman and the SS Umatilla, which caused him amusement. formed the Patrolman on his He enjoyed it, but to the crew MARCUS HOOK — Shipping the worker's paradise — for him. a West Coast tanker) . and two others were slated to sign on ,, T , . it meant only the loss of cold is very good down here in the Oh. well, 1 guess his memory (the SS David Burnett, an Hook — so good in fact, that we cash. is short. American-Pacific scow^ and the He would listen attentively to haven't any men left on tiie SS Billings Victory, another To get away from the Pilot beach to put aboard the ships. a crewmember report.his misfor­ With all the boys out on the and the NMU 1 got a hot tip to Waterman) , Brother Goggin ac­ tune in a shoreside caprice with companied Jimmie Sweeney to the ladies, and then send the poor ships I'm getting kind of lonely pass along. All you members Portland on Sunday to try to guy ashore to some sawbones j^^t sitting here looking at the can look for a new Hall to be line this deal up. who would give the guy a shot hoard with no one to talk to, opened soon in Marcus Hook. Well, it would have been of penicillin for a 40-buck fee. j that's the way it is, and Believe me, it is going to be somewhat of a feat, if this pro­ TVT , 11 the victims • .• Ti 1.^ ex-'I who- am I to kick if shipping Naturally didn't s is second to none. Stand by for gram had been knocked off in good. announcement of the grand one day. what with the Umatilla actly throw the Skipper bouquet: opening. According to the NMU Pilot, for this trick, and the guys were berthed over in South Portland Joe Curran is giving Joe Stack a at the pipe-line; but the ship­ P.S. Got a letter today from visit that they paid off in good hard time, and is trying to throw fAHOY ' -AKD I ping commissioner weakened (or Frank Snyder commenting on style, with no overtime disputes, him out on his ear. I AViPPeef so the boys tell me) and the but with a real beef about the It seems as though Curran has the .piece we had about him in Ethiopia was carried over to Steward. reached the point where he this column. He told us he is Tuesday. The MC&S Patrolman ordered doesn't like his colleague any now a salesman for good unionGOODBYE, PLEASE this character to pack up when more. He should remember that made cigars. "Well Frank, just Brother Sweeney remained in the boys told him their beef. when you play with fire you're remember, Blackie smokes cig­ Portland, where he took care of bound to get burnt. GOOD BUNCH the payoffs of the Ethiopia Vict­ ars too. A funny thing about the Pilot The manpower situation would is its conspicuous absence on have been critical were it not the Marcus .Hook waterfront. for the fact that the turnover on ao.Mo' WAIT're SAcr Could it be that they don't want WATER MlT3 THEM CA110U3E.S the Waterman ships was rather the Sun Oil men to see that all light. is not serene with the NMU? hot and bothered about it when The Purdue Victory, for ex­ Could it be that they would the ship hit Philly. ample, signed on with virtually the same crew, only a couple of At the payoff the men who had be admitting that they are hav­ By CHARLES KIMBALL ing difficulty keeping their own the men leaving. been victimized put up a squawk in protest over the 40-dollar ride house in Order let alone bring That will just about deplete MOBILE—Again this week the This ship, incidentally, carried unorganized seamen under their the Skipper had given them; our laid-up fleet here. all book men, and as nice a bunch Port of Mobile can report the wing? however, there wasn't anything of guys as anyone would want best of shipping for any and all Could be. NEW HALL TOPS that we could do in the matter to meet. The crew was also for­ "We hear a lot of talk about comers. In fact, some ships have We have just about settled into tunate in having heads-up Del­ so we settled the beef the best the commies and their activities, our new Hall, and everybody egates, who had everything ship­ sailed shorthanded. way we could and crewed up and most seamen agree that they seems to enjoy coming up here shape for the payoff. the ship. One day last week we had are of the same class as the fas­ and sitting around. In the old She is now on her way to Gal­ As a result, the ship paid off cists — both a menace to dem­ three ships sailing and each need­ Hall, you couldn't pay a man to veston where Brother Sweeney in perfect style, and a vote of ed two Firemen. The Dispatcher sit around. We are going to buy ocracy. will no doubt run into this char­ thanks is due the crew and the However, the Pilot is always and 1 went out and made all the new furniture as soon as some delegates, not only for their acter and have to climb on him blasting the fascists, but remains spots, but our time was wasted. can be found. splendid cooperation, but also very silent whenever communist for a donation to the members Of course, we don't intend to It was as if someone pulled double-dealing is exposed for in the Marine Hospital in the buy this new furniture until the a Paul Revere on us, going on some strange reason. amount of $34.00. Due lo Ihe large number ahead to warn the men on the shipping boom is over, because if we make the boys too comfor­ However. Waterman is expect­ SHORT MEMORY of ships in New York calling beach that the Dispatcher was table, they will never want to ing another dozen or so ships for crews during off hours The other night, the Agent- coming. ship out. into Portland in the next 15 and on Sundays, the New Organizer of the NMU in the We prowled about for quite Just one final word: If there days, and if there should be a York Hall is now operating Hook was down the street in a on a new schedule of hours ginmill blasting a local veter­ some time, but it did very little are any member in Ports where heavy turnover on any of these, good, and the ships finally sailed shipping is slow, get in touch we'll be up against it for men. for registering and shipping. ans organization. shorthanded. with this Port and we can prob­ As it is now, we find it neces­ These boys are all returned The new hours are: From This shipping boom is going to ably find berths for all who need sary to issue too many permits. veterans and a better bunch Monday through Friday from Latest information about the would be hard to find. I guess continue for quite a while yet, as them. 8:30 a. m. to 9 p. m.; Satur­ we have received another notice Our new address is 1 South Evangeline is that she will be this character forgets that they day 8:30 to 5 p. m. and Sun­ crewing up sometime befox-e that 24 more ships are due to Lawrence Street, Mobile 10, Ala­ were the fellows who fought the day from 10 to 3. April 15th. bama. war and hblped to save Russia— come out of the boneyard soon. NO NEWS?? ti ¥ Boston's Future Is Still Bright For Tbe Next Few Weeks, At Least Marcus Hook Is A Lonely Port; Fast Shipping Has Hall Empty ')[i Mobile Asks All And Sundry: Come Down And Get Fast Shipping \ * NEW HOURS �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Eight Few Phony Skippers Anil Pursers Sour Good New York Shipping By JOE ALGINA Unclaimed Gear Members whose gear has been held for more lhan three months in the fourth floor baggage room of the New York Hall are advised to call for it immediately, or notify the Hall where they wish it sent. Crowded conditions make it impossible to hold gear longer than three months. All effects remaining unclaimed after three months will be sent to the owner's home via express collect. Gear without addresses will be disposed of otherwise. Friday, March 28, 1947 Canadian Seafarers Demand Probe Of Ship Transfers To Panama VANCOUVER, B. C. — De­ nouncing the transfer of Cana­ dian vessels to Panamanian reg­ istry as a shipowners' subterfuge "to operate ships with cheaper crews, pay less taxes and to avoid regular steamboat inspection," Seafarers in this port called upon the Government for an investiga­ tion into the practice. forwarded to Prime Minister Mackenzie King and to the Min­ isters of Labor, Transport, and Mines and Resources. The Patrolmen here in New NEW YORK — With forty or fifty ships in port during the York have been kept running past week shipping and business with the large number of ships remain good in the Port of New to be covered. They have made On another front. Brother Har­ York. With this continued run all the ships hitting the port and ry Archibald, Member of Parlia­ of good business, we are still have squared away all beefs. ment and a Seafarer, is pressing pleading for rated men in all There is no rest for the weary for government action in the for the Seatrains have started departments. Parliament, in order to win cor­ We had the Yarmouth in their, runs to the Gulf ports and rection of the injustices to Cana­ during the week on her second will be" pulling into New York dian seamen and the merchant trip and she is beginning to soon. They shouldn't pose too marine stemming from the trans­ In a resolution adopted at the fer of vessels to other flags. shape up very well. All the much trouble, but who can tell Feb. 17 meeting, the membership differences are being ironed out when ships have just started in­ The resolution pointed out that and she will soon be a smooth advocated a boycott of all Pana­ a considerable number of Cana­ to service. running ship. manian and other flag ships, dian ships, built by taxpayers' It takes a little while to get touching Canadian ports, which money, have been transferred to everything running ship-shape fall below prevailing conditions Panama and other registry. This on a vessel just out of cold stor­ condition, it said, has thrown age, but the Yarmouth has had in this country, unless the Gov­ thousands of Canadian seamen, a minimum of difficulties and all ernment takes steps "to safe­ shipyard workers and longshore­ in all she is shaping up nicely. guard the Canadian merchant men out of work. The L. Duster, American By HENRY CHAPPELL marine." Putting the responsibility for Range, brought in a log-happy The resolution was to be sent the situation up to the govern­ TOLEDO—We expect that this majority of large American in­ Skipper when she hit port re­ to the Maritime Trades Depart­ ment, the proposal urged that cently. This guy was a real port will be well represented in dustries belong. If they don't mend their ways, ment of the American Federa­ maritime policy be changed to clock watcher. He inust have the AFL's plan of expansion. In tion of Labor for proper action. prevent continuance of the abuse stood at the gangway with a line with this, we expect to they'll be lucky to have beans The meeting recommended that "until such time as Panamanian stopwatch, for the Patrolmen have a newly formed Maritime to eat! the proposal be introduced at the flag and other foreign registered Trades Port Council operating in found that he was logging the NMU VERY QUIET Seafarers International Union ships running in and out of Can­ this area very shortly. men two for one if they were The NMU still remains very Convention in Chicago for the adian ports, pay the prevailing only forty five minutes late. Already the Dredgemen have quiet up here on the Lakes. purpose of setting up a policy to scale of union wages" and abide promised any support that we TAKE DAY OFF Maybe they can see the hand­ be carried out by East and West by the manning scales and work­ He wasn't content with just may need, and the ILA officials writing on the wall. They are coast AFL seamen. ing rules in effect on Canadian logging the men, for after pull­ are being contacted for their so bankrupt that they have no ships. support. Copies of the resolution, which ing this trick he tried to turn program to offer, and they cer­ is similar in nature to SIU Presi­ The resolution concluded with Brother Bill Sturm, Regional tainly can't criticize the SIU. the logged seamen to. If you're dent Harry Lundeberg's message a request for support from the unfortunate enough to ship with Director of the AFL for this Unless they have changed a to the American Congress, were American Federation of Labor. this kind of Skipper and get area, has been very cooperative lot, they will be in there pitch­ logged for being one ^ hour late, with us in the past, and has ing, trying to see if they can you might as well turn around made it a lot easier for us to and take the full day off as you contact the various unions and make plans for getting things lose a day's pay anyway. SHlffcM/AteC Another guy who thought he started. {ATlM'SeAMS? A number of ships have al­ was God was the Purser aboard the Smith Thompson, South ready begun to fit-out for the - TAMPA — Shipping slowed Port loaded to the scuppers with Atlantic. This jerk wasn't happy 1947 season, and men who have down slightly this week, and its ' giggle juice. unless he had a red pencil in his been home and down to the a good thing that it did. Anyone We were able to get a few of hand writing "disputed" across Coa.sts are beginning to drift who even looks like a seaman the fellows out of the bucket, but back to Toledo. They will all be all overtime. has been shipped, and we could too many have been thrown in This self styled lord of the aboard the ships, soon now. still use men. the pokey where we can't help overtime was a real pain in the True to expectations, the ship­ Some ships have had to leave them. neck to the crew. Not only was owners are stalling around on here short in several ratings, and The police force is composed he opposed to giving the men the contrapt negotiations. How­ with five ships due in here this mainly of young fellows who overtime, but he told the crew ever, these details will be ironed week, it looks very much like want to lead in the amount of that if he had to belong to a out before shipping starts. we won't be able to do anything arrests. That means that they disrupt the SIU's campaign. We union to go to sea he would quit Some of the shipowners' pick up anybody who even looks sailing. Well, for the record I phony proposals are in line with have handled them before, and for them. We have only eight men on the we can handle phonies like them drunk. can say that we'll take care of Ralph Robey's statement to the beach, including Tripcards and again. this guy as far as his shipping press recently. It costs $15.00 a head, .so be Permits. In the long run, only the sail­ out on SIU ships is concerned. cai-eful how much liquor you This guy is Chief Economist ors suffer from the NMU's at­ Waterman Steamship Company It has been bought to my at­ take on when in Tampa. for the National Association of has taken over the coastwise tempts to rule or ruin. But, tention that when the Nampa They don't like organized labor Manufacturers, and follows their these party-line followers don't trade, and two to four ships com­ "Victory was tied up at the Army in Tampa, and the gendarmes care what happens to anyone. ing in each day. Alcoa and Bull Base here in New York for a policies. • know very well that the Seafar­ That's why they constantly are also very active, but Water­ CAN EAT BEANS ers International Union is well man really dominates. Recently, Robey was asked, battle the SIU in our attempts organized. There is talk of Waterman op­ poISHAPE"How is a man to live on the to better the wages, working and L They have it in for us on that erating a passenger vessel to Ha­ living conditions of all seamen. UP BeAunaverage weekly earning of score, so any chance they get, Fuiiy r vana, but this is just rumor. That's why all seamen are fed $45.83?" up with their phony propaganda, Don't believe it until we get more they will really rub it into us. Robey replied, "Let them eat The best advice is to be damnand look to the SIU for the information. beans." We are still having trouble careful here, and do the celebrat­ only honest, democratic leader­ This brainy executive made with fellows who come to this ing someplace else. this statement to the press just ship for all unlicensed seamen. after he had polished off a feed that must have cost $20. Robey also maintains a summer and winter home in West Virginia job of organizing becomes in­ ganized into the SIU long before By EDWARD JANASZAK and New York. creasingly easy. now. But it's easy to see why the TOLEDO—Results are begin­ Robey's remarks remind us of Despite the bad impression NMU has met with such little the French Queen (Ed. note: ning to show in the Seafarers' created on Great Lakes men by success. pay-off, the CID men came Marie Antoinette) who, when current drive to organize all of the NMU's phony organizational aboard to shake her down. These According to my information, told that her subjects had no the unorganized seamen on the strike, the SIU can and will or­ agents in their shakedown took some of their officials are not bread to eat, said, "Let, them Great Lakes. ganize the Lakes. a lot of the men's personal gear even organized themselves. In One factor that we have had Quite a few of the ships up without giving them a receipt. eat cake!" It is phonies like him who to overcome was the resentment here have begun to prepare for addition, the Lakes seamen are ; DECLARE STUFF produce such fertile grounds for created by the NMU as a result the fit-out, and according to what wise to the commie line used by \ I contacted the head of the the commies to work on in this of their phony Lakes strike last we see and hear, more will start the NMU — where the party : comes first and the union mem­ CID and was assured these men country. And he represents the year. in a few days. bers come last. would receive receipts for their NAM, an outfit to which the This made certain men definitely SHOULD BE SIU anti-union, but when they under­ property taken by the CID, how­ Everyone here is confident The majority of the men so far that the SIU drive will be suc­ stand the aims and program of ever, I was told that they would the SIU, they are all for our contacted are reacting very fa­ cessful this year, apd that even- ' get no receipts for contraband. vorably toward the SIU, and are tually the entire Lakes will be Baggage which was checked at Union. So if you buy stuff overseas, As the unorganized Lakes sea­ in favor of our Union. This under the SIU banner. It's going my advice is declare it -to Cus­ the USS Los Angeles has been toms. If you bring weapons transferred to the Seamen's men become acquainted with the should be a good season of mu­ to be a big job; but then, so was back to this country don't ex­ Church Institute, 101 South Har­ SIU's policy of direct represen­ tual benefit to both the Lakes Isthmian. With the help of all | pect a receipt, for it will, be bor Boulevard, San Pedro. The tation on their beefs, our work­ sailors and the SIU. It's hard to understand why SIU members on the Lakes, The your fanny if you're nabbed USS Los Angeles ceased opera­ ing rules, and the way that we these Lakes have not been or- Great Lakes. Too. Will Be SIU! deal with the shipowners, our with the stuff. tion on March 1. Shipowner Stooge Says Seamen Can Get Along On Small Salary Tampa Really Hungry For Seamen; Only Eight Men Are Left On Beach TOLEDO SHOWING RESULTS IN UKES DRIVE NOTICE! �Friday, March 28. 1947 THE SEAEARERS LOG Page Nine Agents Conference Reconiniendations Contracts And Negotiations While it is true that our Union has recently consummated the very best contracts in Maritime history, we see that there are still several small differences in Various contracts. We recommend that at the termination of our contracts which all terminate at the same date, September 30, that these various differences be squared away so that one SIU general contract for all type vcs.sels can be covered in one content. The reason for this is obvious —-^irst of all, saving of expen-ditures—second, to reduce maxi­ mum amount of trouble by hav­ ing all contracts interpreted in the same manner. work on board ship, but have thrown their part of the work on their fellow shipmates. There are further instances of various fellows getting drunk after shipping on a vessel, and thbn deciding not to take such job or even to report back to the Union Hall on same. This practice creates a bad situation by trying to place com­ pany finks on board the vessels on the excuse that the Union has refused to fuimish them a man. There is no question but that these practices must stop. Everything this Union has it owes to fighting for it the hard way, by the use in practically every instance of economic ac­ tion, not only to gain our condi­ tions but hold them. We cannot allow any small group of performers or drunks to throw awaj' the efforts made by these previous struggles by our membership in gaining the finest contracts in the Industry. .Agents' Proposals Out of deliberations at the recently concluded Atlantic and Gulf Agents' Conference came many reports dealing with the Union, its structure, problems and future opera­ tions. On this page are printed some of the reports passed by the conference. The complete reports of the Agents' Meeting have since been submitted to, and ap­ proved by, membership meet­ ings of the A. & G. ports. Shipping Rules, Constitution The Port of San Juan, Puerto Rico, recommended that the Un­ ion purchase voting machines for the .various hails for use in an­ nual elections. This we deem inadvisable in­ asmuch as, first of all, it would entail a teirific expense, and second, the system now used in the SIU as to voting procedure is one that has been in use for a long time, not only by this Union but by many other unions, and has proven to be efficient and honest. Strikes And Strike Apparatus We therefore are not in accord Vvfith the recommendation from the Puerto Rico branch. The Port of New York has recommended to this Conference for action, a proposition calling for each candidate in annual elec­ tions to supply a photograph of himself with details as to Union activities. • While we are in sympathy with such a proposition, we do not feel it is necessary or advisable to amend the Constitution as such. We do recommend, however, that full and proper riotice be gi\"en in the Seafarers Log and various minutes, and that prior to our next annual elections such photographs and biographies shall be supplied by each candi­ date foi- office, along with his cre­ dentials to t)ie Credentials Cornin the Headquarters Of- The 1946 General Strike, in this crack down on this Union as well Committee's opinion, was with­ as all others. On the subject of the various out a doubt the most important This Committee recommends new companies who have been event in the entire history of the that each Port Agent, upon his signed to an SIU clo.sed shop con­ Seafarers. return to his particular Port, tract this past year by the SIU A study of the complete strike make an immediate survey of the Organizing staff, it is to be noted report from each Branch Agent's strike facilities of his Port and that there are several small dif­ report, as well as strike files, give a full and detailed report to ferences in these contracts as re­ Such photographs and biogra­ will show that in every port the the Headquarers Offices of this gards our regular previously con­ phies are then to be run in that SIU, during the period of the Union concerning the local situa­ tracted companies. issue of the Seafarers Log im­ CHECK ON GASHOUNDS Strike, was able to take over and tion. mediately following the findings It is understandable to this Each agent should size up the We, therefore, recommend to complete leadership of the of the Credentials Committee, and Committee the necessity of such the Agents and membership that entire Maritime Industry. amount of gear he has on hand upon issuance of their report. small differences, and we concur The problems, although differ­ for use in ca.se of Strike, such as a close check be made on this and in the .organizing staff signing SHIPPING RULES that all gashounds and perform­ ing in size, according to the size kitchen equipment, cots, etc. these various new companies in We further recommend that ers be brought up on charges be­ of the Port itself, were pretty We have studied various Shipsuch a manner as they did. fore the members on the basis much the same all over, and the upon the receipt of such reports Rules recommendations subWe recommend that these dif­ of tearing down Union condi­ strong and weak points of the that we follow the procedure as mitted from various Ports and laid down last year prior to our Strike Apparatus that showed in ferences be corrected, along with tions and contracts. 1946 General Strike. That is. to have studied same. Most of these our other contracted operators as This Committee further recom­ one Port showed in practically instruct the Director of Organi­ complaints originate not so much previously recommended at the mends, whenever possible, when all Ports. zation of this District and the from the lack of good Shipping termination date of our new con­ other means have failed on the In regards to the possibilities Rules, as from, the lack of proper tracts which is also September 30. proper handling of negotiations, of a Strike in 1947, it seems to be Organizational Staff to immed­ enforcement instead. iately make a complete study of We recommend that Headquar­ that the continued use of eco­ the general consensus of opinion all reports and recommendations We. therefore, recommend that ters Offices be charged with the nomic action be used to maintain of the various Branch Agents, and then make any changes as the Shipping Rules stand as they as well as the membership itself, responsibility commencing as our present conditions. are needed in our Strike Appar­ are and that every official of the soon as this report is acted on, in This, by no stretch of imagin­ that 1947 may see some sort of atus, subject to membership ap­ Union be instructed to see to it keeping files of all disputes aris­ ation, means wildcat action on the economic action on the water­ proval. that they are enforced. ing from, our contracts part of any individual crew, but front. We feel veis stiungly and re­ We further call upon the memThis committee is of the full peat once again that while this bership to assist in this program These files should contain clari­ concerted action through coop­ fications of all disputes arising eration by crew members and opinion that the Organization Committee is certainly not in by seeing to it that any violamust be prepared in the event favor of making and, immediately upon claidfica- shore-side officials. additional j tions or misadministration of the one does become necessary. It expenditures for strike gear, each Shipping Rules by members or To prevent disputes from pil­ tion of such disputes, the mem­ bership should be notifed both ing up, every crew is urged to is well that we remember that in Port should be able to, upon very officals are brought to memberthrough bulletins to all Ports, never payoff a vessel until the some respects 1947 can be com­ short notice, mobilize itself for ship meetings for action, and the medium of the Seafarers all-clear signal is given by the pared with the year. 1921 after all-out economic action. the first World War. boarding patrolmen. We further point out that be­ Log. This like comparison of the cause of our pre-Strike prepara­ B.y the same token, every crew We feel that if this point is various situations calls for the tions in 1946 that we had less adopted, all interpretations of all should be instructed not to sign organization, above everything Secretary-Treasurer, John disputes will be made in a uni­ ship's articles until such time as else, to be very careful and not confusion in administering our strike than any other Maritime requested a six he has been again given the allform manner, and such action be jockeyed into any ill-advised Union. clear signal. . , , , , ,, month's leave of absence due to should result in the betterment This we feel was due to the recoverv, and Thus, by taking care of these moves by the operators. of conditions for our membership. We definitely do feel that, if fact, as stated before, of previous recommends that the full responproblems we can reduce the KEEP CLOSE CHECK Secretarv-Treasamount of contract and negotia­ the opei-ators feel they have suffi­ preparation and this, if nothing^ tions problems by using this cient Government backing, they else, offers a good reason for con­ urer's office be turned over to the On the subject of wage nego­ may attempt in some fnanner to tinued preparation of same. simple process. Assistant Secretary-Treasurer, as tiations, it is to be pointed out per Constitution, immediately, that although we * recently re­ pending the concurrance of this ceived a 6 po.r cent wage increase recommendation. He further through the efforts of our Wage stales that at the end of this six Negotiating Committee, it may It is this Committee's opinion he is to immediately contact the The Committee on Organiza­ months, if his health is not im­ be necessary in the near futui'c, tion and Expansion, submits the that tanker operators hold a key Coast Repiesentati\e. proved and that he needs a in the event prices continue to go This C o m mitt e e further position and are of vital impor­ following points: change in climate, that he will upwards, that we once again open the policy 1. Organizational work and tance to the Organizing and Ex­ recommends that negotiations with our contracted Expansion of the Union is vitally pansion program. adopted in the Isthmian Drive of tender his resignation. We, the undersigned Commit­ operators. necessary. We therefore recommend that issuing membership books with tee. ri-alize that after many years We recommend that our Wage 2. The Union should maintain the Organizing Department be the Initiation Fee and certain of continuous duty to the SIU Negotiating Committee stand in­ a permanent organizing staff. permitted to select and employ Assessments remitted, be con­ that Brother Hawk's health has structed to keep a close check This staff should consist of a Di­ competent tanker organizers in tinued. failed. We feel that Brother on this matter and, if in the fu­ rector of Organization, one East sufficient number to properly The same policy of the remis­ Hawk should be given a vote of ture such a necessity for wage Coast and one Gulf Coast repre­ carry on the necessary organiza­ sion of dues to members sailing thanks for the many years of ser­ unorganized ships to also be con­ increases arise, the Wage Nego­ sentative. tional work in this field. vice to the Organization and that tiating Committee is immediately tinued. The Isthmian election is over The selections should be sub­ he be granted this request of a to make recommendations to the and the victory by the Seafarers It is to be definitely under­ ject to the approval of the Di­ membership of same and com­ means that the last unorganized stood, how-fever, that the remis­ six month's leave of absence im­ rector of Organization and the sions shall be for the organiza­ mediately and that his pay be mence action. dry cargo operator of any great membership. •• tional period only, and that upon continued for this period of six This Committee has been re­ size in the off-shore trade has AGENT RESPONSIBLE certification or the signing of con­ months. ferred several letters and com­ been eliminated. tracts all members shipping shall We further recommend that In Ports where no organizer is munications from ships' meetings, It is therefore recommended do so as on contract ships, and the Assistant Secretary-Treasur­ stationed, the Port Agent is to be dealing with the question of Un­ that the permanent organizing er, J. P. Shuler, immediately as­ that crew members of these ships held responsible for all organi­ ion responsibility on the part of staff handle the business of con­ sume full and complete authority who failed to avail themselves of zational work, and is to submit our membership towards uphold­ tacting all new companies as and duties of the Secretai-ythe opportunity of joining dur­ daily reports of all organizational they are brought in under the ing our contract. Treasurer, as per Constitution, ing the precertification or con­ activity conducted in his port. It has been shown that a few expansion program^ and to take for the successful carrying out of tract period must join in the In the event of any unusual gashounds and performers not such action as is necessary to the Union's program. regular fashion. developments or excessive work. bring them under SIU contract. only have refused to do their Sick Leave Organizational And Expansion Program �im THE SEAFARJSRS LOG jpage Tea Friday. March 28. 1947 •^1 SHIPS' MINUTES AND NEWS SIU Crew Aids Striking Foundry Men SIU Wins Damages And Pension Pilot Butte's For Injured Canadian Seafarer Cook Dies In Turkish Port First-rate Union representation pays off. Take it from Canadian Sea­ farer Alfred Brunet whose per­ sonal experience is another sol­ id indication why the Seafarers International Union's beef-hand­ ling for its membership is tops on the waterfront. A few years ago. Brother Brunet, who has been sailing the coastal vessels of the Cana­ dian Pacific Railroad for many years, suffered a serious injury which impaired the sight of both his eyes. The case came up be­ fore the compensation board in Vancouver, British Columbia. No precedents were upset at the hearing. As usual in cases involving seamen, Brunet got a rough deal. Fortunately, how­ ever, he still had an ace up his sleeve. His Union — the SIU — would put up a terrific fight in his behalf. Brother Brunet headed for the Branch office at 144 Hast­ ings Street, Vancouver. There he saw Brother H. Murphy, SIU Port Agent. Gathering all the Seafarer Alfred Brunet looks over sailing ship model, facts. Murphy decided to pitch a which he recently presented to the Vancouver Branch. Despite battle to win what Brother Bru­ impaired vision as a result of shipboard accident, he still pur­ net justly deserved. He peti­ sues his hobby. tioned for a review of the case. The result was gratifying. But there's more to the~ story ship models, one of which he Everything that Brother Brunet than just the compensation presented recently to the Union. was entitled to was won—and award. Port Agent Murphy says paid to him. And, in addition, he Paying dues in the SIU, Sea­ is being paid a small pension, that Brother Brunet is still sail­ farer Brunet will assert, is the which he will receive for the ing on his ship. And, in spite of his handicap, he is still able kind of security investment that rest of his life. to pursue his hobby of making pays off dividends in many ways. The Brotherhood of the Sea, in the persons of the crew of the SS Caleb Strong, came ashore this week to lend a help­ ing hand to fellow trade union­ ists walking the picketlines. It all came about when a member of the Caleb Strong crew, J. M. "Windy" Walsh, went ashore in Brooklyn and found pickets around a plant near the waterfront. The pickets, he learned, were members of the International Moulders and Foundry Workers, Local 87, AFL, on strike against the Doran Foundry. In the' course of a conversation with the men on the picketlines, "Windy" learned that their union did not have a strike fund and due to the length of the strike the funds of many of the men were exhausted. The pick­ eting foundrymen, he found, were not too concerned with their own welfare, but those men with families were worried about their wives and children. When Seafarer Walsh heard of this he went into a huddle with himself. If a few bucks will help these fellows stay on the picketline, then let's help them out, he decided. Back to the ship he went, and in a short that the men of our plant, who time the whole crew had learn- are out on strike, were badly in need of money not only to feed themselves, but their wives I2K3rtT WITH and children . . . took it upon himself to take up a collection kEPP IT dPl among the crewmembers of the Caleb Strong, which totaled $72, which, as per agreement by the seamen, was to be distributed among married men with chil­ dren who are in need of finan­ cial assistance, which was done. "Words cannot express my ap­ preciation or feeling for this kind deed performed by an out­ side affiliate of the AFL. ed of the situation and contrib­ WISHES TO THANK uted $72 for the families of the "If permission can be granted, strikers. The men then handed the money over to the Union's I would like an invitation for myself and a committee to at­ strike commitee. tend the next meeting of the CREW'S FINE DEED SIU, so we can voice our ap­ In response tjo the demonstra­ preciation and thanks. tion of union solidarity by the "I am writing this letter hop­ crew of the Caleb Strong, Fred ing you will publish it in the Van Hansen, Chairman of the Seafarers Log so as to thank Foundry Workers' Strike Com­ Brother Walsh and all the sea­ mittee, wrote a letter to the SIU men who contributed to the thanking the crew for "this fine prosecution of our strike and deed performed by an outside the aid of our families. affiliated Union of the AFL." Fred Van Hansen He also assured the men who Chairman Strike Comm. donated the money that it had Local 87. IMFWA." been distributed to those mar­ Seafarers aboard the Caleb ried men whoe families were in Strong, who contributed to the need of the assistance. aid of the Moulders and Foun­ Brother Van Hansen also stat­ dry Workers are: J. M. Walsh, ed that he wished to attend the next membership meeting of the Louis P. Sivert, Gordon Hansen, SIU to voice his appreciation E. D. Scroggins, M. S. Spytko, and' thhnks for the fine gesture Allen George, Bob Branch, J. O'Rourke, Joe DiGrazio, Jack by the Strong crew. Th^ text of Brother Van Han­ Branch, Uno Wirkeban, Clyde Patterson, Leon Sizemare, Har­ sen's letter is as follows; old Rency, Jerry Kirzmann, "Dear Brothers: Thurman Little, W. C. Nicholsen "A Brother of your Union, and Fred Pearson. Joseph M. Walsh, upon finding dp*. ;; Seafarer Charles Stawinskie, a Chief Cook, who died sud­ denly while ashore in Istanbul, Turkey, was buried in a ceme­ tery in that city, according to word just received from his shipmates aboard the SS Pilot Butte, which returned to the States this week. . ••S - i; Brother Stawinskie was strick­ en in the company agent's office and died a few moments later. The burial service was attended by the Pilot Butte's skipper and the crew. The late Seafarer, who held Book No. 29911, signed on the Pilot Butte in Galveston, July 1, ,1946, for a trip to New York. There he signed on foreign ar­ ticles, Aug. 1. CREWS PRAISE A statement from his ship­ mates said "he always had the best of intentions, and they were always carried out to the best of his ability." An ardent ad­ vocate of solid unionism, he spoke often of its advantages, the crew said. Extremely modest, and a hard working union man. Brother Stawinskie cared only to be "a regular fellow among seamen," the statement added. The late Charles Stawinskie (left) with a shipmate in the Butte's galleyk Photo at left shows flagdraped casket reposing in Istan­ bul church prior to funeral service. SS Ovid Butler Crewmembers Call For End Of Coast Guard Jurisdiction Over Seamen Scoring the Coast Guard's jurisdiction over merchant seamen as "an encroachment upon the democratic rights of civilian labor by a military force," the SIU crew of the SS Ovid Butler pushed for the return of authority to the Department of Commerce. The proposal was contained in a resolution submitted with a copy of the ship's minutes of the Feb. 23 meeting, held at sea. power over seagoing civilians, the Seafarers declared that they recognize "this as the first at­ tempt toward the regimentation of all American labor." Transfer of control over the In view of the Coast Guard's strenuous efforts to retain its civilian maritime effort to the Commerce department would serve the better interests of the United States and, consequently, the SIU, the Butler crew point­ ed out. In support of the proposed change, the statement recalled that the civilian governmental body once did administer the af­ fairs now conducted by the Coast Guard. It implfed, therefore, that (Continued on Page 11) 1. ."i • •£ �Friday. March 28. 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Eleven SIU Ship's Minutes In Brief ll FAIRISLE, March 2—Chair­ man A. E. IBourgot; Secroiary R. W. Simpkins. New Business: Molion carried io have fresh wafer lanks cleaned and inspecled before new crew signs on for next trip. Motion car­ ried that all crews quarters be painted and all bunks repaired. Also have hooks and mirrors placed in all quarters. Motion carried that all vent systems be checked and repaired throughout crev/'s quarters. Good and Welfare: General discUssiiig by all concerning ship, quarters etc. A repair list made out to be turned over to shore delegate at the pay off. A. J. FORT WINNEBAGO. Feb. 11—Chairman J. O'Malley; Sec­ retary R. Hanna. List of repairs for each department and gen­ eral repair list read. List to be presented to Patrolman. Deck Department beefs heard and it was agreed to present them to Patrolman when ship reaches port. No beefs from Engine or Stewards Depart­ ments. General discussion on cleaning of passageways and messroom. |) / 4- S" t MONROE. Feb. 9—Chairman Hansen; Secretary T. Randall. New Business: Motion carried to have radio removed from chart room and put in radio room so Radio Man can handle it. Motion carried that ship's repair list be read; list ap­ proved. Motion carried that medical chest be checked be­ fore next trip, also slopchest. Motion carried that First Offi­ cer be removed from ship due to his bucko conduct and in­ tolerant attitude. Motion car­ ried that all beefs be settled before payoff. Motion carried that American money be given in foreign ports. Motion car­ ried that two messmen amid ship be removed to spare room aft. Motion carried to remove padeyes from deck to prevent injury to crew. SAMUEL LIVERMORE. Jan. 2G—Chairman C. J. White; Secretary Samuels. New Busi­ ness: To remove soiled towels and soiled clothing from wash­ rooms. Also to remove cups and dishes used at night. Each man to place gear used in scul­ lery. Messboys to serve men going on watch first. To re­ serve four seats at mess table for watch going on. No clothes to be washed in wash basins of wash rooms at anytime. Each Department to use heads and washrooms alloted, and main­ tain cleanliness of same. Butler Crew Proposes End Of Coast Guard's Control under the jurisdiction of the (Canthiued from Page 10) the job was more satisfactorily department of Commerce; and WHEREAS: The disciplinary handled under the previous au­ power granted to the United thority. ^ ^ States Coast Guard over the The Butler men, in their re­ civilian employees in the U. S. solution, called upon the Union merchant marine was a form of membership to pledged all their protection in a period of na­ resources to effect "the removal tional emergency; and of the United States Coast Guard WHEREAS: The period of or any other military organiza­ national emergency has been tion from having jurisdiction • declared officially over by the over our only means of liveli­ President of the United States; hood." In this direction they recommended the election of a and committee of five members to WHEREAS: An attempt is gather data on the Coast Guard being made by the Coast Guard regime in its relations with mer­ to maintain this miliary force chant seamen. The results would over the civilian employees of be turned over to the Secretarj'- the merchant marine; Treasurer, the statement added, THEREFORE, BE IT RE­ for presentation to "the parties SOLVED: That we members of concerned in Washington." the merchant marine recognize The text of the resolution, this as the first attempt in the bearing signatures of the Butler regimentation of all American labor; and crewmembers, follows: FURTHER, BE IT RE­ TEXT OF RESOLUTION SOLVED: That a committee of WHEREAS: We members of five be elected at a joint mem­ Ihe Seafarers Internaficnal Un­ bership meeting in New York ion of Norlh America, as mem­ to gather all data regarding un­ bers of fhe crew of the SS Ovid justifiable actions of the Coast Buller, fully realizing fhai fhe Guard, which proved detri­ marifimfi labor movement id mental to the efficiency of the foremosl in fhe American lamerchant marine in its effort tbor movement; and, to contribute the most to the WHEREAS; We feel that an war effort; and encroachment is being attempt­ BE IT FURTHER RE­ ed up on the democratic rights SOLVED: That upon comple­ of civilian laboro by military tion of the arrangement of this force; and. data, our Secretary-Treasurer present it to the parties con­ WHEREAS; We feel that an cerned in Washington; and encroachment is being attempt­ BE IT FINALLY RE­ ed upon the democratic rights SOLVED: That the entire mem­ of cililian labor by military bership of the SIU pledge its force; and, every power toward removal of WHEREAS: Firmly believing the United States Coast Guard that the better interest of the or any other military organiza­ United States and the life of tion from jurisdictional rights our organization can be served, over our only means of liveli­ as in the past, by an organisa­ hood. tion of seafaring individuals A GUIDE TO THE PORT OF NEW ORLEANS STAY ON, rHE JOB/ Fr?, IREMENMUST STAV yVlTH TWElR PLAhtTlS UmiL RBUBVBV BY RePUGEMe^^r FROM THE HAIL . CUT and RUN By HANK Shipping in Nc-\v York (and .several other ports) is so good that many brothers are wisely and happil.v grabbing those jobs off the boards to avoid all that day-to-day (and even weeks) waiting ai'ound which they know only gi\-es them an unprofitable period of laziness, boredom and decreasing cabbage. So if you hat to be broke, to be lazy, forget about waiting for that special trip to Alaska or Turkey and grab those jobs while shipping is hot and the weather is cool. To avoid getting yourselves fouled up. the ship, and the men on the ships, yoti Brothers should I'ead the shipping rules or have them explained (if it finally comes to that) by responsible people. Another important thing. Before you take any job make certain >'ou want to sail the ship. Ships have to be sailed, not tossed around like bad tomatoes. Be a sailor. Brother, and a good union man, not a luxury-liner baby dreaming of no work, all over­ time and a goldmine with dancing women waiting for you in That foreign port. That ship and the trip can be swell if you stay on it and want to make it that way. So how about it, Brothers, use your common sense—not those half-baked quick-triggered decisions which seriou.sly and foolishly foul up a lot of things. S. 4 Last week we talked with Jimmy Mulligan, his cheerful wife, and Jimmy's shipmate, Charlie Henry. Jimmy v/as sure glad to chew ihe seafaring fat with Brother Henry after their eleven month trip together with another shipmate, Brotnei Bishop, who is not in town right now. Jimmy's wife is so proud of her husband that she said she wouldn't like to hear any bad words about Jimmy, indeed. Especially after St. Patrick's Day. we might say . . . Deck Engineer Claude Davis exhibited to the union hall last week his shipmate of a seagoing rabbit. George, and confessed that this big eared sailor of two years on our ships, couldn't make the last trip because he had a tooth pulled. Say, Claude, does George clean those winch beds for you on the trip or what? . . . Electrician J. McHenry is ready for a long circuit of a trip we presume . . . Laymon Seay, the Oiler, is merrily in town, to grab a ship . . . Ozzie Okray and Leo Siarkowski just came in from a trip to Germany. The trip was okay, they confess. i5iSteward J. J. McGrath i.s presumably ready to ship out after celebi-ating St. Patricks Day. Is it a trip to Glocca Morra in Ireland, you're thinking of, Brother McGrath . . . Little Paddy McCann just came into town from his home town of Jacksonville, Florida. Ah, Paddy, we knew you wouldn't miss the Irish parade for any­ thing in the world—even a ship to Ireland, too . . . Here's some of the oldtimers here in New York right now: Gulfer Chester Jowers; Bosun v., Acabeo: Gulfer O. G. Pederson: Bosun Roland Strom; Dan Bissett: John Bilinski: Bosun Joseph David Rose: K. Kain; F. Nering: J. Stickney: AB F. Borst: Salvatore Volpi: W, J. Newhoff; and A. De Forest. i- "Because many of the members who hit this port find it difficult to find their way around." A. L. "Steve" Stephens, New Orleans Dispatcher forwarded this map of the Crescent City, pointing out the location of the SIU Hall in 339 Chartres Street. It is suggested that Sea« farers clip this and keep it for future reference. S- S- Alcoa Sfeamship Company is charfering 16 more Liberty ships and buying two more C-2s lo bring the total fleet under its control up to 78 vessels. Alcoa's charter fleet will then total 59 vessels and with her 17 company owned ships plus two two C-2s. she will control the operations of 710,000 to ns of shipping . . . The Mississippi Company, which is operating the first and is about lo receive the second of its three passenger liners, has now decided lo build a fourth. Each of these vessels, which are air-conditioned and of advance design, carries about 120 passengers . . . Bull Line has decided to resume its coastwise services and will do so as soon as it can charter the right kind of vessels. �•1 ? THE SEAFARERS LOG Pag® Twelve Triday, March 28. 1947 THE MEMBEBSHIP SPEAHS NMUers Should Get ; Men Aboard William Bryant Lowdown On Cause Warn Of Safety Violations Of Current Battle To the Editor: j result of the internal trouble that exists in the NMU today. Judging from the current is­ In my opinion, all the oldsues of the NMU Pilot, all is not timers who fought the CP on well in the Moscow paradise up both the West and East coasts on West 17th Street. Joseph should come out with articles Stack, who so prominently dis­ telling the younger elements of played his character in this the NMU just what happened in present beef, is a well-known 1939. So that they get .something opportunist who in 1938, was beside the blarney fed them in run off the Houston waterfront lying pamphlets strewn about by'the rank and file. At that the waterfront by paid agents of time I was a member of the the communist party. Pacific Coast Marine Firemen We of the Seafarers Interna­ with Book No. 4015. tional Union are not perfect, be­ What I cannot understand is cause it is human to err. But we why Joe Curran, who knew the can assure you men of the NMU character of Joe Stack, did not that our Union officials are sin­ expose him to the membership cere rank and file men who will before this present split in his work in every way humanly union. Giving Curran the bene­ possible to keep your ranks fit of the doubt, it could be pos­ intact. sible the pressure was too great, Should you NMU men go on because the communist party did believing the lies of such people practically control the editorial as Joseph Stack who seeks to use staff of the Pilot. you principally to feather his own nest, you can then be as­ HAD GOOD PURPOSE sured you will find yourself We of the Seafarers Interna­ sold for 30 pieces of silver. tional Union, who fought people Joe Buckley such as Stack in order to expose them to the members of the NMU —not to tear down the structure of the union, but to make them understand that we have much in common with them as sea­ men—deemed it our duty to assist them in cleansing their ranks of People staying on the shore. such-characters in the hopes that Believe the life at sea. we could create a unified pro­ Is one of fun and frolic, gram to fight the common enemy A great big jubilee. —the shipowner. Three squares a day, a nice clean It is our duty, as union men, to bed clean out the political element Why should they want for that has infested the ranks of the more, ranks of the NMU for the past A seaman's life is wonderful. ten years. For it has always been He sees the foreign shore. the policy of these people to de­ He sits on deck in sunshine stroy that which they cannot And has the ocean breeze. rule. Why should he want more I do not relish the idea of re­ m.oney. hashing old stories. But that is He lives a life of ease. what the split in the NMU is forcing many oldtimers to do in That all sounds swell, my lands­ man friend the attempt to prevent the ship­ But let me put you right. owner from using the NMU as a About the things far out at sea. wedge to smash all unions, as a That go on day and night. Then lend a ear, I'll make it clear. HEADS FOR ITALY The truth about the sea. AFTER 12 MONTHS The way the ocean really is. The way it's bound to be. ON BAUXITE RUN So make a trip on a liberty ship To the Editor: Out on the ocean blue. And by our side, you'll take the I've been on the bauxite run ride for thd past 12 months dodging And we'll show it all to you» tli.e North Atlantic, but at this To ihe Edilor; We have been shuttling down here between the Port of Spain and Georgetown since January. During all this time, the ship has been running with her hatches open when light. This practice has been a source of irritation between the Deck Gang and the Chief Mate. A man going up to the bow on lookout at night, or even walk­ ing about on deck is in danger of falling into one of the holds. Then, too, if we run into any kind of sea, we may shig, water. Can this practice be stopped? As you probably know, on this run the crew handles the hatches and beams. The amount of money from handling afore­ said runs into a goodly sum. So far, we have have made seven Deck Gang aboard Alcoa's William Cullen Bryant. Photo shuttles from British Guiana to submitted to the LOG by Augustin Rodriguez, Dock Delegate. Port of Spain. We have come to the conclusion that had these It is our opinion that a ship the longshore overtime rate. If hatches been properly secured, running two days in open sea the insurance companies con­ we'd have at least $100 more in with its holds open isn't proper­ done such stunts, it is our op­ overtime. Taking this into con­ ly secured for sea. The only inion that they are endangering sideration, we've entered this possible reason for such an ex­ their policies. money on our disputed overtime periment (since that is all it is) Knowing full well the advansheets. We call it 'proxy money.'is to do the Deck Gang out of {Continued on Page 13) Log-A -Rhythms time I am heading back for Italy. Shipping is so good here in Mobile, it's almost a job to keep from getting shanghaied. Johnny Reed shipped on the Alcoa Pil­ grim headed for "rum and cocacola" Trinidad. We left him there on the Pioneer. Blackie Mason is still out on one of Alcoa's Liberties—the Wirt, I think. He is still carving wood into beautiful plaques and getting a beautiful piece for them. Would appreciate it if you would put me on the Log mailing list. Then I won't have to wait until I hit New York to check up on the back copies. Paul Gladden We are two days out and it's just grand The sun is shining bright. We sit out on the hatches. And watch the stars at night. Morning comes without the sun, A bit of fog appears. The blasting ship's old whistle Goes piercing through your ears. The ship begins to roll a bit. The wind is getting strong. The bow dips down just slightly. As we proceed along. Deeper and deeper the bow digs down To cut the waves in twain. From port to starboard rolls the ship An she seem to groan with Men At Sea By CHARLES KULL pain. "Keep on your course you so and so," Howls the mate to the man on wheel. And tries to keep the wave tossed ship Upon an even keel. Now we have hit the storm in full. She rolls and then she dives. As she starts her rolls in rhythm. On degrees of forty-five. ing sea. They do not think of fear. The ocean waves get higher And swash across the deck. That doesn't even stop them. They're wet from feet to neck. Until their work's completed. For them there is no rest. That's when you find a deckhand Is at his very best. Sweat shines his face like brass For he must keep his eyes upon That bobbing water glass. The storm still kepps a-raging. Here's the quarters of the crew Some of them have one port hole And others they have two. But when the sea is rolling high. The port holes must be closed. Unless you want to take a swim. We look in on the Black Gang, While at slumber you repose. The engine room's his place. The quarters are hot and stuffy. The Oiler at the crossheads. And you're tossed by the roll­ Sweat dripping down his face. ing ship. His one hand holds the oil can. You feel as long as you can't The other, the guide rail, sleep A dive into the crankpit. You'll cool off .with a dip. If his grip did fail. The Oiler gets an oil splashing. Its time for chow my hearties. JRight across his face And cookie's on the ball. He cusses out the engineer, As seamen sway the passageway. "Don't let that damn thing To reach the old mess hall. race." Seated at the table. The ship still rolls like heck. The engineer on watch is seated. A towel around your middle. Four hands would not be quite You sway the passage way. Before the butterfly. enough. And go into the shower stall. To keep her from racing. When your grub heads for the And everything's okay When her stern comes up too deck. You turn on the faucet high. At last you get your coffee, And then to your surprise. Now and then he misses. A little left in the cup. You find a bit of messy soap He pulls at it too late. Then comes the mighty question. And the racing of acentrics. Has gotten in your eyes. Just how to drink it up. Splashes up the clean floor While striving to remove it. To port the ship has rolled. plate. You've got t'S time the rolling. Again the Oiler cusses. Next thing you're lying on the And open up y9ur trap. deck He knows it is his job. And if your late a second. And almost knocked out cold. To keep the engine floor plates It's on your chest and lap. clean. The messman must be careful. We don't have any movies. As he reaches for the swab. With firm feet on the deck. We can't go to a dance. Over here we have' the fireman, We only see more water. To make sure that order A boiler oh each side. Don't go down your neck. Which ever way we glance. But sometimes things do happen. Some of our shipmates seem to And when the ship's in trouble think Strange as it would seem. We can't get out and walk. He's here just for the ride. My shipmate got a hair rinse. We always take these chances. Don't you let them kid you. Of gooey cold ice cream. Do you blame us if we squawk? His job is not all hay. Now my friend and landsman, He keeps the fires burning. Out on deck the deck-hands I'm sure you will agree, Secure the ship's loose gear. To keep us under way. A seaman's life is no roses. They brave the storm and wash­ He turns the valve for extra feed. Away out on the sea. •1 �Friday, March 28, 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Thirteen SEA-GOING 'BUGS BUNNY' WON'T, WORK OVERTIME—OR ANYTIME QJf0j.g CoftSt Gllftrd AllSWeF To Its Budgetary Problems To the Editor: Two years ago in Wellington, New Zealand, Deck Engineer Claude Davis, struck up a friend­ ship with "George," a snow-white rabbit. They've been sailing together ever since. "George" allows no one to push him around. In photo above, he stares menacingly at lens held by shaking LOG photographer. At left, the tough hare struggles while his owner. Brother Davis attempts to oblige the lens man. Explaining his white-haired friend's temperment, Davis said: "For two years he's been feeding aboard ships, but no one has been able to get him to turn to yet." According to an item printed recently in a New York news­ paper, the poor mistreated Coast Guard has liad its budget cut from over a hundred million to around ninty million bucks. This reduction, they moan, will severely hamper their life-sav­ ing operations and put a crimp in their program for the coming year. Well, I woud like to make a suggestion in their behalf that will enable them to get along very easily on the ninty million alloted to them, The procedure would be for them to unload three-quarters of the dead wood that has been on their payroll for a number of expenses and carry out the work years. Also, in order to decrease that they were originally organ­ ized to undertake, they should relinquish their control over American seamen. ment agency, namely the De­ partment of Commerce. If they did this they would be able to trim themselves down to a smaller, but more compact outfit engaged only in the work for which they are qualified. They .should realize that it is time that the mess they created in the Merchant Marine needs cleaning, for we all know that the Cdhst Guard is guilty of creating this mess. The Coast Guard should be anxious to return to peacetime operation and leave the duties of handling the Bureau of Marine THIS fJFADWOOP^ BRASS.' A SOLUTION This they can do very easily by turning over their control of the Bureau of Inspection and Inspection and Navigation to the Navigation to another Govern­ people who are more qualified to handle it. If the Coast Guard consoles itself with iceberg patrols and the aiding of navigation, instead the company if we Chief Fleet­ of trying to take unto itself the ricians were to supply our own duties that rightly belong to an­ tools for additional compensa­ other department of the govern­ tion such as is now granted the ment, the taxpayers of the coun­ Carpenters (Article 3, Section 1). try can rest assured that the ninty million appropriated to I suggest that all Electricians, them is ample money to carry including assistants, drop a post­ out their duties and protect the card to Robert Matthews. N.Y. sea lanes, instead of devoting Headquarters. Register your beef the majority of the time and with him and he'll go to town. money to lording over the sea­ men as they have been doing. Book No. 425 Louis Goffin Brother Puts In Plug For The Electricians To the Editor: trican. There is no verbal or written examination given to ob­ The Engineers of most ships tain an assistant's rating." are under the impression that And to quote Commander the ships carry two electriciar.«. Bridges, N.Y. Examiner, USCG: the Chief and 2nd 'Flcctrician "An Electrician's assistant is re­ who also has a Chief's rating. garded by the Coast Guard Ex­ To offset'this wrong impression, aminers as being in the same we must constafttly remind them class as a wiper, with no rethat the Chief Electrician is the .sponsibility but with a little only electrician on board. more money as an inducement The Assi.stant is not an Elect­ for an apprentice to learn the rician, and does not do any eltrade. The Mauitime Commission ectricial repairing except under instituted the idea because it the immediate supervision and should prove more proficient watchful eyes of the Chief Elthan maintaining a government ecti-ician. Always remembei- that school," the Steamboat Inspectors and Examiners will tell you when Remember that the duties of a you possess a rating above wiper Chief Maintenance Electrician is (i.e.. Fireman, Oiler, W.T. Deck to test, repair and/or clean all Engineer, et all.) "You are in- electricial equipment that comes telligently qualified to sign ar- under his heading as such, but tides to assist the Chief Elec- ^ not to operate. Bryant Men Score Dangers Created By Open Hatches {Continued From Page 12) tages and value of a marine newspaper, we hope you can find a spot in the Log for this as soon as possible. We want to warn our Brothers to be on the lookout for such practices. TOUGH BABY Now to get to the Mate. At first he seemed to be a pretty nice guy. He is only 21 years young. We had no difficulties until the overtime started rollng in. Hear this: we worked hard for every shekel. He did not throw us an hour. When we tui-ned our overtime sheets in, he changed the hours and time of turn to and knock off to suit himself. He has disputed nearly evry penalty hour we got. After our Delegate told him to stop playing with the sheets, he sawrfthe light. How he uses the red pencil, and he can use it. We want to remind our Brothei-s to make a duplicate of all overtime, so that if they run across a gent l|ike this one, they'll know what they have, and not what he wants to give them. In closing, we wish to say that on the whole we have a militant crew. For the mterest of men on this run, you can obtain copies of the Seafarers Log at the British Merchant Navy Club in Port of Spain. By the way, when reading a recent issue of the Log, we came across Paul Hall's comment on the pos­ sibilities of a hall in Trinidad. We give him a vote of thanks for bringing this question into the limelight. Such an office, we think, would certainly clear up a lot of beefs on the spot. John Tobin Auguslin Rodriguez SS William C. Bryant P.S. We are scheduled to ar­ rive in New Orleans about March 28. (Editor's note: The matter of open hatches should be taken up with the Patrolman at the payoff.) The assistant is simply a helper, called upon only when the Chief Electrician requires his as­ sistance. If the Engineers want the assistants to carry out the responsible duties of a compet­ ently qualified 2nd Electrician let the company pay for it — then we'll get some of our El­ ectricians off the beach. Another thing. I believq that it would be more economical to Seafarer Says There's No Ship Meaner Than The SS Arosemena To the Editor: Mexicans are known as redbean lovers, and the Chinese are fantical in -their love for rice. What would anybody who had to endure both items for six months be? Please contact the last crew of the broken down Liberty wagon, Justo Arosemena, if you happen to know who it belongs to. We'll keep any information strictly confidential, since we wouldn't blame any company for refusing to acknowledge ownership, although the crew su.spects it is an outfit otherwise known as the 'Coastwise" Pacific Far East Line." Next time I shall have to choose between them and the breadline. Anyway, here goes: NEW ORLEANS SIGN-ON Signed on in New Orleans on Aug. 24 last, and left for Gal­ veston, where we picked up cot­ ton for our dear friends in Kobe, Japan. (Wonder in what form we are getting it back). Arrived there after 30 long, long days at sea, and found out that life is nothing but a great joke, only sometieies one fails to see it. We got the cotton off fast—35 hours, after which we were to go back to the U.S. But out of a clear sky comes a fata mor­ gana—something new has been added. We had to shove off for Honolulu, where we arrived Oct. 28 to pick up a pile of coal to be delivered to China. Then all the fun began. We were starting to run short of practically everything. With the exception of fresh fruit, because they were either rotting away or thrown deep six long ago. We stuck around for three weeks, and finally got loaded— the vessel, I mean. COAL? If it was coal that we goaded, as they claimed it was, then you can formulate your own opinion. io9\ ive'/?e ^_^_La^ED NOW.' The "coal" had been laying on the ground in the port of Hono­ lulu since the days when the Navy was coal-burning. By pure accident—or maybe it wasn't, since we wouldn't sail without fresh meat and veget­ ables—we got some stores aboard. The food situation was really snafu, but we were prom­ ised more stuff—rice—in China.We arrived in Tsingtao Dec. 5, and of course, "no can do," ex­ cept for a little sugar. We stayed there until Dec. 22, when we left for the Philippine Islands, celebrating Christmas at sea. Please, if there are any Brothers who spent any Christ­ mas in German or Jap concen­ tration camps, I should like to compare notes with him. BAGGED BED-BUGS We hung around the P.I. and picked up cholera, also bed bugs. So now, beside the customary rice-beans, we had bed bugs. Finally left and got on our way to home sweet home. Now and then we did get some steaks and chops. Chicken we had enough of. Somewhere I read that Columbus had a big chicken feast after he discover­ ed America. I guess the things we had must have seen that party, for they sure tasted like it. The regular coffee cookies looked like, and tasted like, brown clay, and even the cock­ roaches refused them. All to­ gether. this was an experimental trip. Everybody lost weight. So in case you should ever see the Justo Arosemena with S. E. Millbourne as the Skipper —take your own grub with you. You'll need it! Signed by: Arne Larsen, Carpenter and nine Deck Dept. Men �Page Fourleen THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday. March 28, 1947 J.P. Shuler's Report To Int'l Convention The Organizing Staff within INTERNATIONAL LONGinstai>ce only recently, we as- various booklets, leaflets, pam­ (Continued from Page 3) our Union intend.? further and sited the United Financial Em­ phlets, etc. SHOREMENS ASSN. Among them are: the strike as a CMU football. But full action in the off-shore trade. ployes in their successful strike "Order!—How To Conduct a Un­ We have very good working re­ instead of kicking, they got kick­ ed, with the result that today We feel if we work hard enough lations with the ILA in all Ports, against the Cotton E.xchange in ion Meeting On Ship and we shall bo able to expand to a Atlantic and Gulf Coasts. In most New York. We have been re­ Ashore;" "This Is The SIU;" there is no longer a CMU. largci- point than we now are. Ports, regular meetings are held quested to lend further assis­ "Here's How Brother;" "SIU It is of no use to speak about The actual value in numbers of between the Seamen and the tance. both by President Harry Organizer's Handbook;" "History victories won unless by victories joiis as made accessible to the Longshoremen to iron out various Lundeberg, and - Frank Fenton, of the SIU;" and "Strike and won we can gain a lesson for Union will not be made known problems. We receive coopera­ AFL Director of Organization. In Strike Apparatus." We have the future. The strike w^ bene­ until sometime in the future tion from them in every manner. their coming strike against the found the use of these publica­ ficial for the following reasons: when these newly organized opNew York Stock and Curb Ex­ tions of a great advantage as a RADIO OFFICERS UNION a. It proved and demonstrated ertaors reach their peak of op­ changes. medium of education. the overwhelming strength of the erations and final disposition is This affiliated Union has assist­ We have assisted the Food and AFL on the waterfront. made of Isthmian Steam.ship ed us every time we h&ve asked Hotel Workers, AFL, numerous PERSPECTIVE FOR b. It proved that despite dif­ Company. We intend, and laid for same. We, in turn, have gone times in various Ports and most SIU ATUVNTIC AND ferences, Unions—CIO, AFL and programs accordingly at the to bat for them on any occasion recently in the Port of Tampa, Independent—can and will co­ Agents' Conference, to continue demanded. GULF DISTRICT where our Union backed these operate on issues involving wages an all-out effort aimed at ex­ AMERICAN MERCHANT MA­ people up in several strikes, all Our last three years have been and standards of living. panding our Organization into RINE STAFF OFFICERS ASSN of which they won. very tough ones. We have battled c. It established a precedent of the off-shore field. Good relations exist beween the In the coming year, we in­ the shipowners, the bureaucrats general maritime stoppage of In addition to the off-shore or­ SIU Atlantic and Gulf District tend attempting to establish closer and the commies alike in our at­ work in defense of the demands ganizing work done, we also have and this Union. We have been working unity with our various tempt to keep our Organization of a section of the Industry. been operating into the Inland of some assistance to them in affiliates. In our opinion, it is to alive and make it stronger. The d. It increased the prestige of and Tug unorganized field and some of their organizational xyork immediate future holds no pros­ the Seafarers International Union signed six Inland operators to and they, in turn, have helped our Union's great advantage to pect for easier days for us. We assist all of our affiliates when­ on an international scale. contracts and arc activ'ely work­ us every time possible. know that to live as an Organiza­ ever and wherever possible as a e. It won. ing in other unorganized com­ tion, we must be prepared for the safeguard for the future. BROTHERHOOD OF panies. hard struggles immediately TEAMSTERS EXPANSION AND ahead, In the Atlantic and Gulf PUBLICITY AND It is to be noted that at the Although the Teamsters are not ORGANIZATION District, not only do we expect present time there arc approxi­ officially affilated with our Un­ EDUCATION to have to battle the shipowner, mately 600 actual Tug jobs un­ The Union, as a result of the ion nationally, in many Ports in Our Union is now putting out but also to meet the full might 1945 Agents' Conference held in der contract to the SIU in the the Atlantic and Gulf District of the Communist Party machine. Gulf area. New York caused to be set up an they are affiliated with our Port a 16-page edition of the Seafarers We have met them before and Organizing Staff within our Un­ The Inland Tug Field on the Councils. Cooperation between Log on a weekly basis. While have not yielded one inch to ion. This Staff didn't officially Gulf Coast is one of a peculiar ourselves and this Union, as for this has been a very expensive them. We will not do so in the begin operations as such until nature. The records of previous instance, during our strike, they item for us to' maintain, we feel around July of the same year. SIU Conventions will show that supported us all the way. Our it has been worth every cent ex­ future for as long as the mem­ Their activities cover among the Organization for a period of most recent aid to them was in pended in view -of the results ob­ bership in our Union continue many others. the following years did not develop favorably their Teamsters Strike in Tampa tained. There are several recom­ the good fight that they have points: where we contributed physically mendations to be made to the carried for the last three years, in' this field. Convention pertaining to our ISTHMIAN STEAMSHIP CO. Since the inception of the Or­ and financially in their beef. we believe that not only will we In addition to direct affiliates paper. This will be made at the The details of this Drixe are fa­ ganizing Drive of the Atlantic be able to hold our Organiza­ proper time. miliar to all those present inas­ and Gulf District in 1945, we in the Maritime Trades Depart­ In addition to our weekly tion as is, but to expand it even much as all of the Seamen's Un­ have been able to more than ment, we have very good rela­ paper, the Union has put out further. tions with other Unions, .as for ions affiliated to the Internation­ double the size of our* organized al participated in one way or an­ Tug Fleet, however, we still feel other in this work. After winning we have not made an all-out ef­ the election itself, we have been fort to expand our Organization through several hearings before in that direction. the NLRB. We are now in the Therefore, our Agents' Confer­ final stages of this work and ence proposed that the Interna­ what should be the final hearing tional take up the question of Lakes, Lundeberg stated, "We dian Seamen's Union made an of this entire case is now in ses­ various charters and sub-charters (Continued from Page 1) sion in the Port of New York. issued by the International in close on the heels of a similar have got the National Maritime appeal for help in ousting com­ We should, unless something un­ the Gulf Area. This is to be call for action made by Lunde­ Union, CIO, hanging on the munists from the Canadian Sea­ foreseen happens, as a result of done with the thought in mind berg at a recent meeting of the ropes and it's up to us to knock men's Union, and thereafter this hearing, be fully certified of working out a satisfactory Coordinating Committee of the them out of business completely. bringing it back into the AFL as the Bargaining Agent for Isth­ charter arrangement so that the International T r a nsportworkers It's a tough set-up here on the fold. The charter of the CSU was Lakes, but I'm sure we can lifted by the SIU in 1944 for re­ mian Steamship Company. position of these Tugs within the Federation. fusing to repudiate the commun­ framework of the International President Lundeberg pointed knock it over." AMERICAN-PACIFIC will be clarified. The SIU President referred to ist party. out how the American merchant STEAMSHIP CO. We aLso recommend to this marine has shrunk from a war­ the NMU and Harry Bridges' CSU'S JOB This District's Organizers, act­ longshoremen's union as "politic­ time high of 50 million tons to a Convention that in clarifying ing under instructions from Pres­ This appeal was answered by al auxiliaries of the communist ident Harry Lundeberg, cooper­ those charters thought be given present low of 30 million tons. a promise of cooperation to ex­ He protested that much of this party," and called the leaders of ated with SUP officials along the to the various other unorganized pose the communists in the Ca­ shrinkage was due to the prac­ those two unions "Wagner Act Atlantic and Gulf Coasts in or­ workers in the Gulf Area. It has nadian union, but called on ganizing the first vessels crewed been our sad experience that in tice of American shipping inter­ unionists" who built their unions members of the CSU to take the by this Company. The culmina­ getting to the unorganized off­ ests of transferring their ships to by relying on government help initiative in cleaning out the tion of this was the signing of a shore and inland Tugboatmen in the Panamanian flag so that they from Washington, but who "nev­ party-liners. contract with the SUP, which, the Gulf Area, our Organizers oc­ could be operated under wages er did any real organizing in The fishermen's unions and the as a final result, wound up in the casionally come across fields of and working conditions below their lives." fish canners unions all reported Lundeberg predicted that be­ Coos Bay Beef. In a supporting unorganized workers who are a American standards. great progress in the field of or­ In his legislative report to the cause both the NMU and the action of the efforts already put detriment to reaching our objec­ ganizing. With fishing and can­ fifty Convention delegates, rep­ ILWU are weakened by being into the manning of these vessels, tive. ning reaching great heights, communist-dominated, the ship­ Therefore, the need not only for resenting approximately 92,000 our Union, at the request of our these unions feel that the SIU owners would center their attack affiliates, extended this Coos Bay clarification on Tugs, but to all seamen, fishermen, and fish can­ will enroll thousands of ne-w on them. Beef into various East Coast other allied workers of the Mari­ nery workers, Lundeberg stated members in a very short time, Later the attempt might be Ports. The final result.? of this time Industry, should be con­ that at the rate American ships and become one of the most im­ sidered and studied in the event are being bought, up by foreign made to bust the SIU, he said, beef are known. portant factors in the Interna­ issuance of such charter is made. governments, or being placed un­ "but they won't get away with AFL MARITIME TRADES der Panamanian flag, "it will not it, because we're not Wagner tional. DEPARTMENT The legislative program recom­ be long before the Amei-ican sea­ Act unionists! We did our own AFL AFFILIATES mended to the Convention b.y Assi.sting in forming thi.s new men will be in the breadline with organizing." SAILORS UNION OF THE department of the AFL was William McLaughlin, SIU Rep­ President Lundeberg included an the highest wages in the world, PACIFIC classed as an Organizational ob­ resentative of the British Cana urgent request to Congress to but with no ships to sail." take steps to help alien seamen, jective and was handled as such. LAKES DRIVE REPORT The SUP on the East and Gulf who served through the war, ob­ Through cooperation of our af­ Coasts has at all times cooperated President Lundeberg also an­ tain their citizenship papers, as filiated Unions in the Interna­ in every manner possible with nounced the inauguration of an payment for their service and tional, we were successful in es­ our Union in handling various intensive organizing drive along loyalty to the United States dur­ tablishing AFL Port Councils, disputes. They have, as well, as- the Great Lakes. Harry O'Reilly, Send in the minutes of ing the war. commencing with New York and sited us greatly in all other types AFL Regional Director of Organ­ your ship's meeting to the Other points in the program expanding into every Port on the of our work, particularly .so in ization, promised the complete New York Hall. Only in that called for passage of a Merchant East and Gulf Coasts. way can the membership act cooperation of his office, and to­ the unorganized field. Seamen's Bill of Rights, an end Our Union, in addition has on your recommendations, ward that end offered the SIU MASTERS. MATES & PILOTS to Merchant Marine Training signed other off-shore operators and then the minutes can bo the facilities of Radio Station Program; and for placing the su­ We have close working rela­ WCFL, operated by the Chicago to contract, but are not making printed in the LOG for the pervision of the merchant marine the names of these operators tions with this Organization and Federation of Labor. benefit of all other SIU back under the jurisdiction of known at this time until further we assist one another wherever crews. In discussing the plans for or­ the Department of Commerce. possible. details can be given. ganizing the seamen on the Great Lakes Drive, Panamanian Transfers Highlight Seafarers IntM Convention Send Those Minutes ill] �ii MONEY DUE ShepariT Steamship Company Chun, Paul S. V Clark, Adelbert E. ... Clegg, Harold Corsey, Ernest E Cosgrove, Robert B. . Coutant, Wilbur E Cowen, Thomas DECK DEPARTMENT Cronen, Robert J * , A Cronn, George C Adams, Norman L $ .80 Cummings, Alfred Adamonski, Joseph 10,00 Curtin, Cornelius Alkafer, Raymond F 12.61 Czarnecki, Frank Alman, Eugene E 4.48 D Alder, Edwin E 7.50 D'Angelo, Vito D Anderson, Arne B. 5.07 Davies, Raymond G. . Anderson, F. H 13.94 Davis, Earl Anderson, E. H.# 4.44 Dennis, Donald Anderson, John W 2.54 DeSouza, Henry Anderson, John W 1.26 Dey.senroth, Albert M. Ander.son, Laurilis 2.28 Dixon, John Ander.son, Walter R 22.37 Dgyle, Thomas G Ainold, Clarence W 13.96 Drain, Robert C Arnold, L. R 8.86 Drever, Robert Aiigustyn, Peter 5.14 Dutot, Frank J B Dzura, Mike Bagg, David J 42.38 E Baker, Robert 6.08 Edmondson, Ralph Baker, Walter J 5.04 Edson, Chester Baldi, Salvatore 18.38 Edson, Clarence J Bales, Leon 5.88 Edson, Floyd W Bauer, Robert G 2.95 Ei.ser, Edgar L Baunaeb, John R 1.11 Elrnd. Norman D Behrend, Paul 1.44 Elwood, Lonnie E Bell. Frank R 2.20 Emm-son, Howard F. .. Bell, Raymond 2.20 Ericsson, H Beuecka, Joseph 6.60 Eriksen, Gunnar Benecka, Joseph 26.40 Est by, Fi ederick Benecka, Joseph 59.12 F Bornberg, Philip 3.59 Ferranido, Anthony Beyer, Richard W 5.68 Billingsley, Beverly 2.69 Fetsko, Edward Bishop, Lowell J 73.80 Fisher, Harry Unclaimed, relroactive. over­ time and vacation wages are open on the books of the Shepard Steamship Company. 31 Milk St.. Boston. Massi as list­ ed below: Blanchard, Richard F Boyle, Edward R. Boyle, Edward R. Brandon, Arthur .. Brandt, Eugene W. Brock, Bobby L. .. Bi'ook, Walter W. Buchanen, Seward R. Bukman, Harry G. .. Bushman, George A. C Cain, C. O. . Campos, Alvino Capehart, William R. Caramellino, Fred Carney, Joseph W. Carney, Joseph W Cassada, George Castoro, Paul A. Page Fiiteen THE S E A F 4 R E R S LOG Friday. March 28. 1947 . . . . . 1.47 10.34 3.46 26.40 63.94 3.23 2.95 3.36 4.00 19.07 2.69 2.93 10.41 3.79 2;01 1.34 1.34 3.40 3.59 .20 1.87 7.80 1.44 4.56 2.76 3.13 1.46 1.46 799.99 8.00 12.17 6.58 1.46 16.89 7.83 2.39 9.59 7.56 Fleniken, James C Fletcher, Valwyn Fontes, Robert Frazier, Willie Frederickson, Alf G Gallagher, Richard A Galmarine, Albert Garcia, Joe C Garling, Elmer Gerke, Philip A Gjert.sen, Maurice Gushue, Robert H Hagen, Sigried L Hajer, Erik. Hall, John E Hall. Willis Hallenburg, Gustav H Halse, Hermod L Halvorson, James Hamilton, Allen Han.sell, John C Hansen, Jens A Hart, John W Hawkins, Jack Healy, Leonard N Hejmej. Francis Helms, James R Helterline, Gerald H Henkleman, Norman L Heyes, Frank W Hodgins, James T Hollcy, John A Homer, John Hoogerwerf, Jan Horst, Edward Howard, Roy S Huber, Frederick Hughes, Patrick J. • Hunt. Charles W List Of Official Delegates And Unions At Convention 24.34 19.86 .60 18.13 3.23 8.10 1.19 1.19 2.69 3.36 6.72 2.87 1.38 3.66 16.44 1.44 1.46 25.60 1.38 5.14 2.37 2.54 26.85 3.50 3.10 2.41 21.26 1.44 1.38 1.38 1.35 9.94 9.83 5.37 210.33 1.46 1.44 73.80 48.64 Atlantic and Gulf District: W. C. Tanner, Paul Hall, Claude Simmons, E. Sheppard, Carl E. Gibbs, E. R. Smith and Ray White. Fraternal Delegates: John Mogan, W. H. Simmons, L. J. Williams and J. P. Shuler. Alaska Fish Cannery Workers Union, Seattle; John S. Ayamo. American Merchant Marine Staff OHicers Assn.: Thomas B. Hill. Atlantic Fishermen's Union, Boston: Patrick McHugh, Aus­ tin J. Powers, and John Mogan (proxy). British Columbia Seamen's Union; William McLaughlin. Cannery Workers and Fishermen's Union, San Diego: Lester Balinger, Calvin H. Burns, and Frank Currier. Fish Cannery Workers Union of Pacific, Monterey, Calif.: Joseph Perry and Lester Caveny. Fish Cannery Workers Union of Pacific, San Francisco Bay Area: George Issel. Great Lakes District: Fred Farnen, Einar Nordaas, Larry Martin and Herbert Jansen. Los Angeles Harbor Cannery Workers Union, Terminal Is., Calif.: Andrea Gomez, Ira Nash, Leonard Powell, Antonio Tovar and James Waugh. Sailor's Union of the Pacific: Charles Brenner, Edward Coestcr, Robert Dohibroff, Harry Lundeberg, John Massey, R. D. Thompson and Morris Weisberger. Seine-Line Fishermen's Union, Monterey County: John Crivello. Seine-Line Fishermen's Union: George Penovaroff. Guards and Watchmen's Union, No. 1: Charles Bi-enner (proxy). Inland Division: Charles Brenner (proxy). United Fishermen of Alaska: Edward Coester (proxy). The following unions arc entitled to vote but no delegate or proxy has thus far appeared at the convention: Chinook Can­ nery Workers Union, No. 12; Conanicut Inland Boatmen's Union, New Jersey; East Coast of Florida Fishermen and Seafood Hand­ lers Union, Miami; Fishermen and Seafood Workers Union of the Atlantic Coast, New Jersey; Marine Pursers of the Pacific, Seattle; Marine Chief Stewards of the Pacific, Seattle; Shoalwater Bay Oyster Workers Union, No. 14; SIU of NA Floating Plant Personnel, No. 1, Memphis: Wrangell Cannery Workers Union, Wrangell, Alaska. 24.88 1.50 3.16 1.00 3.64 BALTIMORE 14 North Gay St. 33 RECTOR ST., NEW YORK CITY 35.68 Calvert 4539 BOSTON 276 State St. 2.20 SS EDWARD G. ACHESON Gronbach, $13.63; J. McGrady, Belanger, $7.11; R. K. Biffle, Boudoin 4455 1.60 $13.58; Herbert Crowley, $7,111; BUFFALO H. J. Adams, $12.32; A. Arson- 49c; H. Millet, $4.52. 10 Exchange St. .31 E. A. Gibson, $5.27; Kenneth Cleveland 7391 di, $1.20; J. W. Burchett, $5.93; 4. 4. 4. .39 424 King St. Gordon. $7.11; J. E. Jones, $2.37; CHARLESTON E. J. Carbine, $28.46; D. C. M. SS JOSEPH M. CAREY Phone 3-3680 Dammers, $12.66; A. B. Forsman, H. J. Adams. $8.67; Robert R. E. Jones, $2.37; Owen Kee- CHICAGO 24 W. Superior Ave. 7.90 25c; H. S. Jensen, $15.87; R. G. han ,$3.04; E. R. Kramer, $18.99; Superior 5175 Johnson, $2.50. 7.43 O'Grady, $3.21. Marion Kunicki. $4.74; Henry CLEVELAND ... 1014 E. St. Clair Ave. J. 4. 4. 1.80 Main 014 Lopez, $18.03; Jan Mosden, $7.11; 4- 4- 4. SS CLINTON SEAM CORPUS CHRISTI . . 1824 Mesquite St. 12.84 Fumio Onaka, $12.01; G. G. Van SS RUSSELL A. ALGER W. L. Renn, $11.65. Corpus Christi 3-1509 13.38 Etten, $16.78; G. V. Wright, $2.24. DETROIT 1038 Third St. W. A. Dankel, $11.23; B. Don38.32 4. 44Cadillac 6857 SS SAMUEL^ COLT 3.00 nelas, $9.64; Robert Hill, $6.39; SS WILLIAM LEROY GABLE DULUTH 531 W. Michigan St. E. Kessarotos, 11c; L. Lori, 69c: D. Azarou, $11.02; R. P. Lau3.13 Melrose 4110 E. W. Collins. $16.87; D. E. HigHarold Moon, $9.23; W. B. Ne- ren, $4.99. GALVESTON 308"-—23rd St. bie. $32.30; P. N. Maness, $19.47; sula. 11c; G. Robinson. $8.79; H. Phone 2-8448 4. 4. 4R. A. McFarland, $11.27; E. J. HONOLULU 16 Merchant St. E. Stollings, $5.59; J. Villadson, SS BENJAMIN F. COSTON Swanson, $11.27; F. G. Swofford, Phone 58777 $1.68. A. H. Dodd, $5.16; Walter KaHOUSTON 1515 75th St. $4.31; A. T. West, $16.44. Will Seafarers who were on .4. 4. 4. zmierczak, $35.02; Sal De Maria, Went worth 3-3809 4- 4- 4. SS JOHN BALL the SS Grace Abbott, the SS JACKSONVILLE 920 Main St. $6.11; E. C. Meyer, $13.36. SS GOUCHER VICTORY Phone 5-5919 George Holmes, or the SS Fran­ C. Haller, $11.27; C. Isaacson, 4. 4. 4. MARCUS HOOK 1 W. 8th St. R. G. Rasmaussen, $32.33. cis Morrison, in Zamboango, be­ $8.27; J. B. Johnson, $36.28; A. SS MOSES CLEVELAND Chester 5-3110 SS JAMES W. GRIMES tween December 9, 1945 and Jan­ J. Krain, $4.55; P. Stein, $2.28. Richard Ander.'^on, $6.01; Z. MIAMI 1356 N. E. 1st Ave. J. Foreman, $11.82; V. E. Voix, uary 20, 1946, please get in touch MOBILE 1 South Lawrence St. 4. 4- 4Andrias, $11.99; J. A. Baldwin, with Joe Algina or Louis Goffin SS HENRY WARD BEECHER $9.02; E. Broker, 26c; Ralph Byrd, 53c. Phone 2-1754 NEW ORLEANS 339 Chartres St. 4. 44. in the New York Hall. • H. J. Beeler, $21.93; E. W. $9.08; T. Corbett, $2.29; H. Eliott, Magnolia 6112-6113 SS FREDERICK C. HICKS 4* Bridges, $3.49; L. T. DobSon $2.29; G. Ennett, 61c; W. T. Floyd, NEW YORK 51 Beaver St. A blue suit was left in the Nor­ $1L93; Fred Drechsel, $41.40; J. $5.27; G. Hill, 26c; E. Hojer, $5.71; R. Collier, $1.00; C. DeGraffenHAnover 2-2784 127-129 Bank St. folk Hall in care of Agent Ray H. Maxwell, $21.93; W. D. Par- Charles Hunisicker, $6.01; Don reid, $1.00; A. Dennis, $1.00; G. NORFOLK Phone 4-1083 White. The owner's- name has due, $21.93; S. ProctoiS 7c; K. Kaiser, $14.09; J. Mann, $4.00; K. Jones, $1.26; Dewey Larson, $4.78; 9 South 7th St. been misplaced, and the Agent Sherrebeck, $7:23; K. E. Stall- E. Poley, $6.01; Lawrence Richie, C. Miller, $1.09; E. Owen, $1.00; PHILADELPHIA Lombard 3-7651 is unable to contact him. Owner hammer, $6.69; B. E. Stevenson, Jr., $4.92; E. E. Sexton, Jr., $4.92; E. Persson, $26.56; E. J. Tsuji, PORT ARTHUR . . 909 Fort Worth Ave. please contact Agent Ray White $24.68; H. Tegtmeyer, 5c; A. Edwin Walle, $5.27; H. M. Wein, $10.00; F. Wagner, $21.99. Phone 2-8532 PORTLAND Ill W. Burnside St. at the Norfolk Hall, 127 Bank Yopps, $3.08. $4.92; Alex Wilkins, $6.01. 4' 4* 4* Beacon 4336 Street, Norfolk 10, Va. SS NEWCASTLE VICTORY 4- 4. 4.4. 4. 4RICHMOND, Calif 257 5th St. SS CARTER BRAXTON SS DOMINICAN VICTORY 4. 4. Louis Bernardo, $4.92; Kojineth Phone 2599 105 Market St. The New Orleans Hall is hold­ Edward Brihsbn, $47.35; Dale C. M. Brakefield, $11.95; J. K. Daniels, $10.09; Roland Florea, SAN FRANCISCO Douglas 5475-8363 ing unclaimed baggage and gear Griffiths, $4.27; Anker Hansen, Kain, 87c; F. Davenport, $15.89; $10.09; James Nee, $4.50; Emil SAN JUAN,- P. R. ... 252 Ponce de Leon turned over to the Branch by the $19.80; H. Helms, 75c; William M. E. Gunn, $2.06; H. Henderson, Urban, 96c; Henry Zac, $8.27. San Juan 2-5996 Alcoa Steamship Company. If Isbell, $3.01; William Lndgren, $1.11; R. Kellund, 57c; W. Leary, SAVANNAH 220 East Bay St. tlj^B gear is not claimed within $3.89; J. S. Winget, $2.25. $3.46; J. McCormick, $11.77; Gen. Phono 8-1728 SEATTLE 86 Seneca St. sixty days, it will be given to a F. Miller, $1.72; J. J. Notcha, 4- 4. 4Main 0290 charitable institution. The men SS BENJAMIN H. BREWSTER $3.60; J. C. Thompson, $11.02. TAMPA 1809-1811 N. Franklin St. whose gear is being held are as F. Bednowski, $1.24; A. C. Belt, Phone M-1323 MICKEY HEALEY follows: SS F. SOUTHALL FARRAR TOLEDO 615 Summit St. $5.00; F. Delander, $11.55; J. P. 440 Avalon Blvd. Danny Douglas is anxious for WILMINGTON Dale D. Barnes, Edward Coop­ Gibbons, $3.56; Max Martin, C. C. Bennett, $25.0; C. L. Conn, Terminal 4-3131 er, Gaines T. Shcerma or George $16.45; E. E. Smith, $6.31. $6.16; D. W. Goldy, $1.90; T. P. information about his gear, and VICTORIA, B. C 602 Houghton St. would like you to visit or write McCleary, $17.01. Scherv, John W. Liebel or Riebel, 4- 4. 4. Garden 8331 to him at Kings Park Hospital, VANCOUVER SS CAPE RACE Wetz, Emil Olsen, Walter Comlet, 144 W. Hastings St. Pacific 7824 Box A, Ward 98, Kings Park, Thayadsen, S. Ansley, Justus La ' G. J. Brisby, $7.38; G. Davis, SS CORNELIUS FORD Long Island, New York. $9.33; J. D. Grimp, $3.03; H. C. Edward Abraham, $7.11; Harry Fayette Whidden, L. M. Cooper. A Union Sulphur Company NOTICE! PERSONALS SIU HALLS �Page Sixteen THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday. March 28, 1947 Seafarers Drive Makes Great Lakes Hum Looking north on the Detroit River from the bridge of the SB T. J. McCarthy, in the fore­ ground may be seen the Coast Guard station with a dock load of freshly painted and re­ conditioned buoys. To the right, almost out of sight, is the Belle Isle Bridge with an almost solid ice-pack behind. There's plenty of activity along the Detroit waterfront these days, and plenty of the activity is caused by the intensity of the SIU Organizing Drive in the Great Lakes region. From all indications. Lakes traffic will be even heavier than during the war years, when it boomed to record heights. Some of that well-known Great Lakes ice breaking up in the Detroit River. Navigation on the Lakes has to wait until the major ports are ice free before the shipping season starts. Every bottom that floats will be used on the Lakes this year in the expectation of hauling two million more tons of ore than the record set during the war years. It looks like a big year, for business and for the SIU Organizing Drive. fsSgiiSgf . The brisk wind whistling down the Detroit River makes this job a mighty cold one. One of the SS George W. Mead's crewmembers paints the insignia on the ship's smokestack as part of the general clean-up job before the vessel starts its regular sailing schedule. It's the same story up and down the Lakes, where every available ship is being readied for a big year. Above is an auditing Committee of Great Lakes SIU mem­ bers, elected at the bi-weekly meeting to go over the Union books. Standing, left to right: Harold Casey; an unidentified Seafarer who sneaked into the picture; and Louis Funkey. Seat­ ed is William Cochran. Great Lakes Secretary-Trea­ surer Fred Farnen reports to the membership on the prog­ ress of the organizational drive. According to the various or­ ganizers, THE GREAT LAKES, TOO, WILL SOON BE SIU. This is spring cleaning on a grand scale. The spring season means clean up and paint up for ships as well as for the average home. This SS George W. Mead crewmember is giving the mast a new coat of paint, in preparation for the sailing season on the Lakes. Shown here are SIU members attending a regular mem­ bership meeting in the SIU Hall in Detroit. About ISO Seafarers were present, and this included some of the female members from the Stewards Department of Lakes passenger vessels. i;i � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource March 28, 1947 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. IX, No. 13 Description An account of the resource Headlines: PANAMA TRANSFERS GREAT LAKES DRIVE HIGHLIGHT CONVENTION TRIBUTE TO HAWK AGENTS CONFERENCE PROPOSALS ACCEPTED BY COASTWISE A&G MEMBERSHIP MEETINGS CANADIAN AND U.S. COMMUNISTS HAVE COMPLETE CONTROL OF CSU ILLEGAL TRANSFERS J.P. SHULER'S REPORT TO INT'L CONVENTION GROUNDWORK LAID IN LAKES DRIVE; SIU RANK AND FILE PARTICIPATE GREEN ADVISES UNIONS TO INGORE OPEN SHOP LAWS FLORIDA LABOR GETS READY TO OPPOSE TOM WATSON LUNDEBERG PLEDGES INT'L SUPPORT TO UFE IN WALL STREET STRIKE DELEGATES GATHER FOR SIU CONVENTION IT'S TRUE - RHODE ISLAND PAYS BONUS TO SEAMEN LAKES SEAMEN INVITED TO VISIT BUFFALO HALL SOME COMPANIES STILL TRY TO CHISEL ON FOOD PAYOFFS AND SHIPBOARD PLAYBOYS KEEP PORT PHILADELPHIA ACTIVE MARCUS HOOK IS A LONELY PORT; FAST SHIPPING HAS HALL EMPTY MOBILE ASKS ALL AND SUNDRY: COME DOWN AND GET FAST SHIPPING FEW PHONY SKIPPERS AND PURSERS SOUR GOOD NEW YORK SHIPPING CANADIAN SEAFARERS DEMAND PROBE OF SHIP TRANSFERS TO PANAMA SHIPOWNER STOOGE SAYS SEAMEN CAN GET ALONG ON SMALL SALARY TAMPA REALLY HUNGRY FOR SEAMEN; ONLY EIGHT MEN ARE LEFT ON BEACH TOLEDO SHOWING RESULTS IN LAKES DRIVE AGENTS CONFERENCE RECOMMENDATIONS SIU WINS DAMAGES AND PENSION FOR INJURED CANADIAN SEAFARER PILOT BUTTE'S COOK DIES IN TURKISH PORT SS OVID BUTLER CREWMEMBERS CALL FOR END OF COAST GUARD JURISDICTION OVER SEAMEN J.P. SHULER'S REPORT TO INT'L CONVENTION SEAFARERS DRIVE MAKES GREAT LAKES HUM Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 3/28/1947 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1947 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/30c99f00496ea7436d92d49934110da7.PDF 16d59a6f6940e9ef958f271418d12686 PDF Text Text it Official Organ of the Atlantic and Gulf and Great Lakes Districts, Seafarers International Union of North America VOL. IX. NEW YORK. N. Y.. FRIDAY. APRIL 4. 1947 New fntl Officers Elected At Biennial Convention CHICAGO. Mtfich 28—Harry Lundeberg, secretary-treasurer of the Sailors Union of the Pa­ cific, was today re-elected president of the Seafarers In­ ternational Union by the dele­ gates to the international's third biennial convention. John Hawk, secretary-treas­ urer of the SIU. Atlantic and Gulf District, waa elected sec­ retary-treasurer ^f the Inter­ national. Paul Hall. SIU New York Port Agent and Director of Or­ ganization. was elected first vice-president. Other vice-presidents elected were: Morris Weisberger. SUP New York Port Agent: Mrs. Andrea U. Gomez, of the Los Angeles Harbor Cannery Workers Union; Patrick McHugh. Atlan­ tic Fishermen's Union. Boston; Lester B a 11 i n g e r . Cannery Workers and Fishermen Union of San Diego. Cal Tanner, SIU Mobile Port Agent; Lester Caveny. Fish Cannery .Workers Union of the Pacific, and Edward Coester. SUP Seattle Port Agent. The delegates also unanim­ ously voted to hold the next convention in Baltimore, Md. Seafarers Testify Before NLRB On Isthmian Election NEW YORK — Final hearings in the Isthmian Steamship Lines' election case are now in the sec­ ond week before the National La­ bor Relations Board. Testimony by members of the NMU, which is protesting the results of the elected won over­ whelmingly by the Seafarers In­ ternational Union, has been con­ cluded. Officials and members of the SIU are now testifying before the board. Upon conclusion of the present hearings, all testimony will be assembled and submitted to NLRB headquarters for a final ruling on the case. The NMU has been doing eveiything in Its power to pre­ vent Isthmian seamen from en­ joying the advantages of the representation they chose by bal­ lot. When the results of the elec­ tion to determine a collective bargaining agent for the Isth­ mian men were first announced, the NMU immediately filed pro­ test to hold up certification of the SIU. The case then went before the regional office of the NLRB. The NMU's charges and challenges held no water in the opinion of this body, which ruled that the Seafarers had won the election. The desperate NMU again chal­ lenged the NLRB decision and appealed to the national office for further hearing and review of the case. The hearings now being conducted are a result of latest NMU appeal. With the NMU having shot its last bolt in the way of legal technicalities to withhold from Isthniian seamen the. collective bargaining agent of their own choosing, final judgment now ap­ pears in view. Men who sail the Isthmian ves­ sels should shortly be able to join their Brothers in receiving the best wage and working con­ ditions in maritime under the banner of the SIU. Testimony of seven Seafarers heard this week by the NLRB appears on page 4. SIU Convention Plans Expansion; Gaiis For End To Panama Transfers CHICAGO — The third biennial convention of the Seafarers Interna­ tional Union of North America, AFL, came to an end on Saturday, March 29, after having outlined definite plans for the future of the Union. Without dissent, the delegates, representing over 90,000 seamen, fishermen, and fish cannery workers, voted to boycott Panamanian ships, and to ask similar ac- NIRB To Hold Union Election (h Mothiosen PHILADELPHIA—As a result of SIU action, the unlicensed personnel of the SS Petrolite, a tanker operated by Mathiasen's Tanker Industries, Incorporated, will have a chance to be repre­ sented by the Seafarers Inter­ national Union. For a period of more than three months the Union has been petitioning the National Labor Relations Board for such an election. When the Petrolite ne.xt ar­ rives in a United States port during the month of April, the election will be held, with the choice lying between the SIU and "no union." It is hoped that the Union will win by a large majority. AFL Maritime Trades Dept Holds Successful Meeting in Chicago CHICAGO — With representa­ tives from four AFL Maritime Unions, and observers from other AFL and foreign unions present, the AFL Maritime Trades De­ partment held its second national meeting here fallowing the SIU Convention. The most important item of business taken up by the meeting was the resolution on Panaman­ ian ships adopted by the SIU. Without a dissenting vote, this also became the position of the Department. (See separate story for text of the resolution.) Delegates from the Masters, Mates, and Pilots, the Interna­ tional Longshoremen's Associa­ tion, the International Brother­ hood of Firemen and Oilers, and the SIU were in attendance, with observers from the the Team­ sters Brotherhood, and the Int e r n a t i onal Transportworkers Federation also present. President Lundeberg, Paul Hall, Morris Weisberger, and Ed No. 14 Coester were the elected dele­ gates from the Seafarers. No constitution was adopted at this meeting, but this item is scheduled for action at the next meeting. John R. Owens, Secre­ tary-Treasurer of the ILA, will continue to sej ve as Executive Secretary of the Maritime Trades Department. ELIGIBILITY DEFINED Membership in the Depart­ ment was confined solely to the four Unions having representa­ tives at the meeting, plus the Commercial Telegraphers Union and the International Brother­ hood of Teamsters. The last named, while at pres­ ent not Affiliated to the MTD, gave assurances, through its ob­ servers, that this would be dis­ cussed at the next Teamster Convention. Cognizance was taken of the fact that many organizations, (Cottiimed om Peg* J) ttion from the AFL Maritime ^ Trades Department, and the Internat ional Transportworkers Federation, if the practice of transferring ships to Panaman­ ian legistry is not brought to an immediate halt. At the meeting of the Mari­ time Trades Department, which followed the SIU Convention, this i-esolution was unanimously CHICAGO — With the certain adopted. The Convention started off on knowledge that continuation of the wave of the most successful the shipowners' present practice year in the Union's history. of transferring ships to Pana­ Much progress has been made manian registry would result in since the last convention, both throwing thou.sands of United in organization and in gains for States seamen out of work, the the membership. Third Biennial Convention of the With past progress as a basis, Seafarers International Union of the Convention made many plans North America adopted a resolufor expansion, and the organiza-1 tion calling on the Government tional work among seamen, fish­ to halt such transfers. ermen, and fish cannery work­ Meeting in Chicago, after the ers, as well as in allied fields. conclusion of the SIU Convenwas assured success by the en-1 tion, the AFL Maritime Trades thusiasm of the Delegates. j Department concurred wholeGREAT LAKES i heartedly with the resolution. In the event that the GovernSpecial emphasis was placed on the present organizing drive nient dpes not take the necessary on the Great Lakes. Here, it was' action, the resolution called for a pointed out, the SIU has a great boycott of the fink halls sending chance to unionize seamen who! seamen to these ships, and for have not had the advantages of picketing of Panamanian ships wherever and whenever they an organization before. ^he touched U. S. ports. To bolster the drive This action, if entered into, is Lakes, a member of the Log Staff wa.s as.signed to work full | to be brought to the attention of time with the organizers, and the | the entire American Federation President of the SIU was in­ of Labor and the International structed to notify all ports and Transportworkers Federation. The text of the SIU and AFL affiliates of the necessity for full MTD stand on the subject of support in this campaign. U. S.' ships transferred to Pana­ REI>ORTS READ manian registry appears on Reports of various committees page 6. were read by Brother John Mogan, SIU Atlantic and Gulf Dis­ trict, who was elected reading clerk. These reports, and the ac­ tions taken on each one. follow: To carry on Ibe work of The report of the Credentials returning sick and injured Committee was accepted as read. merchant seamen to health, Reports of the two Executive the Marine Hospital on Staten Board meetings of March, 1945, Island has put out a call for and August, 1945, were tabled blood donors of all types. with certain sections referred to All men who wish to do­ various committees. Before the nate blood to aid their fel­ convention adjourned, these sec­ low seamen can do so by call­ tions were acted upon. ing at the offices of the Sta­ President Lundeberg's Report ten Island Marine Hospital. was accepted with the amend- Marine Bept Backs SIU On Panama Ships Blood Donors (Oomtirmfd on Pout 5) �J'""' Page Two THE SEAFARERS Friday. April 4, 1947 LOG SEAFARERS LOG Vnblishcd Weekly by the SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Gulf District Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor At 51 Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y. HAnover 2-2784 4* S* HARRY LUNDEBERG ... 105 Market Street, San Francisco, Calif. •••1 President JOHN HAWK Secy-Trcas., Atlantic & Gulf District P. O. Box 25, Bowling Green Station, New York, N. Y. FRED FARNEN Secy-Treas. Gt. Lakes District 1038 Third Street, Detroit, Michigan Entered as second class matter June 15, 1945, at the Post Office in New York, N. Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912. GEORGE K. NOVICK, Editor 267 Setting The Pace There's every indication that things arc going to boom on the American waterfront from now on, and most of that booming will be done by the Seafarers International Union of North America. The SIU Convention, which last week finished its deliberations in Chicago, made plans which will set the maritime industry by its heels. Of course, the itcin most under discussion was the question of transferral of American ships to Panamanian registry. This maneuver was scon for v/hat it actually is— a plan by which United States shipowners can thumb their noses at the law, and eventually ruin the living standards of U. S. seamen. To this the Convention answered with a flat "no." Too lon^ have American seamen fought to come out of the rut into which they have been forced by the grasping bosses. They are resolved never to return to the days of pitiful wages, moldy food, and blue sheets. And they didn't keep their distaste to themselves, either. They let the people of the United States, and the World, know cxactl)' hov.^ they feel abcjut the "phony" transfers, and they called upon the President of the United States and the Congress to take steps to halt any more such illegal deals. Then they took a position which has to bring action. If Congress and the President don't put a stop to this business "within a reasonable length of time," then the Convention has gone on record to boycott Panamanian ships wherever and whenever they touch U. S. Ports. The Convention did not confine itself solely to the issue of Panamanian transfers. The Great Lakes Organiz­ These are ihe Union Brothers currently in the marine hospitals, ing Campaign was thoroughly discussed, and all .sections as reported by the Port Agents. These Brothers find time hanging of the International pkdged full support to the drive to heavily on their huida. Do what you can to cheer them up by writ­ make the "Great Lakes SIU, too." ing to them. Organizational apparatus was tightened, and the en­ NEW ORLEANS HOSPITAL ERNEST SIDNEY thusiastic Delegates laid down a program for increased EDWARD CAIN, Jr. GUS KREZTER activity in this field. From the requests for affiliation MICHAEL LUCAS C. MASON which come into the International, the excellent record of MATHEW CARSON STEVE MOGAN SAM TOWSON the SIU has made its Tnark on the American labor move­ R. B. "BOB" WRIGHT JOHN LYTUS N. LONGTINE ment. JOSE AQUIAR ED. DUDEK It will be two more years until another SIU Conven­ WILLIAM JOYE J. J. O'NEILL tion is held—the next one will be in Baltimore, Maryland. E. J. NAVARRE TED BABKOWSKI JAMES McMAHON (G.L.) In that period of time the American labor movement faces J. N. HULL JOHN RILEY (G.L.) great trials. We in the Seafarers arc prepared to fight to C. TYNER protect the gains won so far, and to press for eveft greater C. J. COMPAN 5. i i. WM. H. CAO advantages for the seamen, fishermen, and fish cannery J. STATEN ISLAND HOSP. W. DENNIS workers who make up our International. » ED. CUSTER Men Now In The Marine Hospitals Doing Their Share This week's edition of the LOG carries more about the fishermen and fish cannery workers than ever before. Not too many members of the SIU know that the Inter­ national is composed of fishermen and cannery workers as well as seamen. These other groups in the SIU have done their share in building this Union up to its present high plane. It's a real pleasure to carry news of the activities of our Broth­ ers and Sisters in the International, and it is our hope that they will send us more news, from time to time, to be car­ ried in the columns of the Seafarers LOG. WM. BROCE, Jr. GEO. F. DUFFY ADAM KARPOWICH C. LOCIGNO WM. MEAGHER D. LAUBERSHEIMER G. F. HART H. N. LEAVELLE S. .HAMILTON % X BALTIMORE HOSPITAL JOHN ASHFORD JOHN APPLE JOHN ROX ALBERT HAWKINS ANTONIO AMARAL CHARLES SIMMONS R. G. MOSSELLER JAMES T. MOORE P. SYRAX K. KORNELIUSSEN C. H. SULLIVAN E. E. CASEY M. J. LYDEN H. BEECHER L. L. MOODY M. BAUCSKI M. MORRIS W. R. BLOOM J. BOLGER L. NELSON L. A. CORNWALL C. M. HOUCHINS E. CARERRAS H. L. TILLOT rz. Hospital Patients When entering the hospital notify the delegate by post­ card, giving your name and the number of your ward. Staten Island Hospital You can contact your Hos­ pital delegate at the Staten Island Hospital at the follow­ ing times: Tue.=day—1:30 to 3:30 pan. (on 5th and 6th floors) Thursday—1:30 to 3:30 pan. (on 3rd and 4th floors.) Saturday—1:30 to 3:30 pan. (on 1st and 2nd floors.) M. J. FIELDS JOHN A. DYKES R. RIVERA C. E. SMITH GALVESTON HOSPITAL OLSEN BENNETT GALANE R. V. JONES HUTCHENSON STAEINZ MILKE FLESHER AKIN GRAVES BREASHAR KOW LIM 4. MOBILE HOSPITAL M. D. PENRY MANUEL CARDANA C. A. GARNET R. H. DAVIS W. J. SULLIVAN A. SABOURIN S. P. MORRIS E. L. MYERS �m I 'i Friday. April 4, 1947 AFL Maritime Trades Dept Holds Confab (Continued from Pege 1) other than those noted on the eligibility list, have applied for membership in the various Port Councils. However, it was pointed out that the Department was created solely for the purpose of banding together AFL Maritime Unions for the specific purpose of fight= ing common problems, and for that reason it was thought best to deny membership to any Local union whose International Body was not affiliated to the Mari­ time Trades Department. The Port Councils came in for great praise. In every Port where such a Council has been established, the cooperation of the groups has been of the high­ est, and this factor has contri­ buted to the success of each in­ dividual port undertaking. Since the department was formed, its cost to the SIU, or to the other Internationals, has been virtually nothing to speak of. Charters for Port Councils cost $25.00, this charge being made to cover printing and mail­ ing. Contrast this with the fantas­ tic sums of money expended by the late-but-unlamented Commit­ tee for Maritime Unity. While they spent a fortune and accom­ plished nothing, the AFL Mari­ time Unions won overwhelming victories without draining the re­ sources of any of the affiliated Unions. THE SEAFARERS LOG On The Ball Last week the SUP won the Tankers of Standard Oil of California: a smashing victory. Above is Serge Novp., one of the International Organizers who did the job. White caps off to him, and the others who brought this big company into the SIU camp. Seafarers Makes Expansion Plans; Calls Halt To Panama Transfers (Continued from Page 1) ment to refer parts of it to the various committees for their con­ sideration. The SIU Delegates Report on the London meeting of the Joint Maritime Commission was ac cepted as read. The same ,was true of the Report of the Mari time Section, International Labor Office Conference, held at Seat tie, Washington. In the case of the Report of the International Labor Office meeting of Special Committee on Chief Stewards If your requisition is cut. or if the food is not up to par. notify all three Delegates at once so that the ship will not sail until the matter has been straightened out. It is the responsibility of the Steward to check the stores before the ship sails, and any complaints made far at sea won't do the crew any good if they have to eat short rations or poor food. No Reforms Yet At Neponsit Despite Ballyhoo In Pilot Inspired by a self-appointed new cooks were hired to fill the ho.spital delegate, Alfred Claus­ positions of cooks who had left. en, whom it is rumored has as­ Thus the number of cooks re­ pirations of becoming a Patrol-, mains the same. man in Corpus Christi, the NMU According to the seamen there, Pilot last week printed a story the Chief Dietician, during her claiming that the deplorable visit talked to none of the pa­ food situation at Neponsit Mar­ tients, but devoted all her time ine Hospital has been corrected to conferring with the Hospital and is now satisfactory to the staff trying to discover means of seamen patients. pacifying the patients without However, the deluge of phone making any concrete reforms. calls received by the SIU from The fact that no new cooks burned up patients, both SIU were added and the appropria­ and NMU, point to the contrary. tion was insufficient to raise According to the Pilot story, the standard of the diet is the feeding of the men has been proof enough that nothing was improved through the appropri­ done for the seamen. ation of more money. However, The NMU, which only became the appropriation was only five aware of the problems of sea­ cents per man and that was men in the marine hospitals made at the beginning of last within the past few months after year. the SIU had been fighting for Since the appropriation of the better conditions all along, has money, the cost of food has gone failed miserably in this attempt­ up 50 percent and wiped out ed white wash of conditions at Neponsit. the small increase in funds. It is one more case of the In fact, the hospital is having NMU trying to pull the wool difficulty maintaining even the over the eyes of its member­ low level of food that has been ship and make them believe served the patients. that they are going to bat for As chairman of the Neponsit their sick brothers. hospital committee, Clausen, who Seamen at the hospital have fabricated the story, claimed now received the crowning blow that the Head Dietician from the to the phony Pilot story. Surgeon General's office was This week NMU Secretary called in, studied the situation Ferdinand Smith sent a letter to and made corrections by the ad­ the U. S. Public Health Service dition of three new cooks. thanking them for the reforms The truth of the matter is brought about. that no additional cooks wei-e The seamen at Neponsit are added, but due to the big turn- still trying to find out, what re­ ov^er in hospital personnel, three forms Smith is talking about. Page THree By JOHNNY JOHNSTON Continuous Employment, Entry,, District and the Pacifc District, Training and Promotion, held in I were discussed, and the CommitLondon, it was the Delegates tee on Seamen's Organization wish to refer this report to the and Grievances voted to reaffirm Legislative Committee. the positions taken by the SIU In close order, the Reports of Nation-Wide Seamen's Confer­ the Atlantic and Gulf District, ence, held in Chicago from March the Pacific District, the Great 19 to March 23, 1945. Lakes District, the * Cannery Before the convention adjourn­ Workers Union of the Pacific, ed, elections were held, (see sepa­ Vice-President Morris Weisberg- rate story for results) and Balti­ er, and International Representa­ more, Maryland, was picked as tive Earl Sheppard, were read the site of the next convention. and accepted. Where applicable, AID MINERS' SURVIVORS certain sections of the reports were referred to specific commit­ The sum of $1,000 was donated tees. to the support and maintenance of the dependents of the 111 ALL SECTIONS miners killed in the Centralia, Il­ All other sections of the Intei'- linois, catastrophe, and President national reported before the end Lundeberg was empowered to of the Convention. draft a telegram to President Besides the resolution on boy­ Truman, asking for- the resigna­ cott of ships transferred to for­ tion of Secretary of the Interior eign registry, the Convention Krug. also took stands on other issues After six full days of planning, of interest to the International. hearing and acting on reports. Among these, approval for the' and holding Committee meetings International to loan $40,000 to to implement the interests of the the Cannery Workers and Fish- SIU membership, the Convention ermens Union of San Diego, adjourned Saturday evening, California, this money to be used' March 29. in the purchase of a building in All action taken at the Con­ San Diego. vention is subject to the approval The loan is for the period of or disapproval of the membership four months, which is the time of each component union com­ necessary for the collection of an prising the International. assessment. A complete transcript of the regarding reciprocal convention, when prepared, will Rules shipping and hospital benefits; be placed aboard every SlU-conbetween the Atlantic and Gulf traded ship. The luxurious presidential yacht, the Mayflower, has had a strange and varied career. At one time or another, this vessel has been a fleet flagship, a plea­ sure cruiser, a decommissioned hulk, and an armed escort. But now the ship whose decks were trod by five presidents. King Edward VII of England, and Kaiser Wilhelm of Ger­ many, has been sold for $20,000 and will soon see service as a seal hunter. 4. Upon receipt of the State ab­ For tnose seamen who want to The gallant old ship was vote in the coming elections, here sentee ballot, execute it in ac­ bought by the Navy in 1898 and are seven rules that must be fol­ cordance with instructions which fought several actions in the lowed, otherwise your vote may accompany it. Where permitted Spanish-American War. She was not be counted. A merchant sea­ by State law, as indicated on the at one time Admiral Dewey's man is eligible to vote in the ballot or accompanying instruc­ own flagship. State in which he has voting resi­ tions, the oath may be taken and Theodore Roosevelt took her dence, but he must first obtain attested by a Warrant or Non­ over during his presidency. Fol­ an absentee ballot from the Sec­ commissioned Officer of the lowing this she saw much ser­ retary of State in the capital of Army or Navy, or by Masters, vice, particularly under Cool- the State in which such residence First Officers, Chief Engineers and Pui'sers of vessels document­ idge. President Hoover, however, is maintained. ed under the laws of the United had her decommissioned as an Hold on to the following rules States. economy move. so that there will be no question 5. If the State ballot material The grand old ship served in on procedure when the time is so firmly stuck together when any role that was assigned to comes round to elect new local received that it has to be opened her, and now she waits patient­ and national Government offi­ forcibly, open it in the manner ly at the dock, ready to go to cials: ' least injurious to the material. sea again. After executing ballot, seal S- 5- 4' nstriictions For Obtain- the envelope in the the most prac­ The first shipment of crude ng and Voting A State ticable way and write the follow­ rubber to Gulf Ports since Pearl ing statement on the back of the Harbor came, into New Orleans Absentee Ballot by A envelope: "Envelope flap was on the SS Azalea, which arrived lember of the Merchant stuck when received, requiring on March 18 from Malaya. forced opening before voting." Marine 4- 4- 4. This statement should be signed During the past year we have 1. Obtain a postcard application by the voter and the person ad­ had quite a few members who from any of the sources indicated ministering the voter's oath. thought that they had the right below: 6. Mail the executed ballot (and to salvage if their ship ran Office of the United States Mari- oath if on separate paper) in the aground and they helped to un­ return envelope provided there­ liine Commission load cargo or worked to get the with, free of United States post­ Office of the United States Ship­ ship afloat. That was incorrect, age including airmail, to the ad­ ping Commissioner and led to many misunderstand­ dressee named on the envelope Local Union Headquarters ings. or in the instructions. Here is the law laid down by United Seamen's Service Clubs 7. An application for a State the Courts of Admiralty con­ Seamen's Institutes. absentee ballot may also be made 2. Fill in every item on the by means of a personal letter cerning salvage. postcard, being careful to print mailed to the Secretary of the Salvage is an allowance given your name, the name of your State in whicli the applicant has to volunteers who assist in sav­ ship and operator, the address to his voting residence, or in such ing a ship or cargo or a por­ tion of it. The salvage is based which the ballot should be sent, other manner as may be pre­ on the extent of the prevailing and then sign it with your full scribed by the law of such State. hazard, and the labor and peril name under oath. If a member of the merchant of saving the property. From 3. Mail the postcard (airmail marine desires further informa­ one tenth to one half the value postage free in United States tion with respect to registration, of the goods is paid. The crew mails) to the Secretary of State or his eligibility to vote, he should of a ship can claim no salvage at the capital of the State in write to the Secretary of the for saving their own vessel or which you have a voting resi­ State in which he has a voting dence. her cargo." residence. VOTING RULES FOR SEAMEN �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Four Friday, April 4. 1847 No Collusion Shown At isthmian Hearing NEW YORK—On Monday the National Maritime Union, CIO rested its case before the Na­ tional Labor Relations Board and with the questioning of its witnesses, it became obvious that the NMU had not substantiated its charges of collusion between the Seafarers and the Isthmian Steamship Company. Once the NMU had rested, the SIU took the offensive. Attorney Ben Sterling, and Attorneys Henry Kai.ser and James A. Glenn, from the office of Joseph Padway, who represents the Na­ tional AFL, tore the NMU case to shreds with testimony from many witnesses. The first seven witnesses to be <3uest:oned for the SIU were Mi­ chael R, Baal, Charles Joseph •jDougherty, Joseph A. Torrisi, John Carmello, Raymond Kosch, Homer Leslie Ames, and Roland Julius Strom. . Each was asked specific ques­ tions as to whether or not he had been sent to the Isthmian Steam­ ship Company, for a job, by any SIU official, and to a man they refuted the charge. DIGEST OF TESTIMONY Here is the way their testi­ mony shaped up: Michael Baal was asked whether or not he had been .given a note by the SIU when he went down Jo the company office for a job. When he answered "no," he was then asked whether he gave any sign to the hiring officer that he was from the SIU. Question: (by Mr. Sterling) Did you receive any instructions from anybody at the SIU how to get the job? Answer: No, I didn't. I happen­ ed to be in the Hall and some one asked me there if I wanted to take 'an Isthmian ship. I need­ ed the money so naturally I took the job. In questioning Charles Dough­ erty, it was brought out by Mr. Sterling that the reason Dough­ erty applied for an Isthmian job was because he saw signs in the SIU Hall asking men to "Ship Isthmian" and he therefore went to the company office to fill out an application. He took sick soon after being assigned to the Cape Orange, and did not vote on that ship or any other Isthmian vessel. NO SECRET SIGN In each case the NMU lawyer tried to force an admission from the witness that he had to give a secret sign to the hiring master of the company before he was as­ signed to a ship. But each time 1; the manuever was unfruitful. The questioning of Joseph A. Torrisi brought out that although he had applied for a job at the Isthmian Company office on sev­ eral occasions, he had been uni­ formly unsuccessful. Question: (by Mr. Sterling) Now, were you ever employed aboard any of the Isthmian Com­ pany ships? Answer: No. Q, Have you ever made any ['efforts to try to get a job with Isthmian? A, Yes, several times. Cross - examination by Mr, Kosenfeld, the NMU Attorney, only strengthened the fact that repeated visits to the Isthmian office had not ended up in a job for Torrisi, ~ Testimo'ny by John Carmello TESTIFIED FOR SEAFARERS BEFORE NLRB the Poland Victory, but Strom countered with, "why not? I do not see any crime in that, I have been a union member since 1914, which I have proof of right here." Further questioning failed to disclose anything that might be remotely considered collusion, and the witness was excused. There is no doubt in anybody's mind that the NMU case is built on air, and that the present hear­ ings are being employed only as another stalling device to save face for the union. JOHN CARMELLO LESLIE AMES CHARLES DOUGHERTY followed closely on the same lines of those who preceded him. He reiterated that going up to apply for an Isthmian ship was his own idea, and that his many attempts had been unsuccessful. Question: Did you apply for a job? Answer: Yes, sir. Q. Did they ask if you belong­ ed to any union? A. Yes. Q. What did you tell them? A. I told them I did not belong to a union. Q. Did anybody give you a note to the Isthmian? A. No. Q. Did anybody tell you to hold your SIU pin or button in your left hand or in your right hand? As in all cases when this ques­ tion was asked, the answer was "no." so he had gone down, on his own hook, to see whether or pot he could land a job. When questioning Homer Les­ lie Ames, the NMU Attorney tried to get Ames to state what companies the SIU is organizing at this time. However, Ames and Sterling were too clever for the NMU, and that move was quickly squelched. the same day was assigned to the Poland Victory. Subsequently he joined the Sea Triton and the Sea Fiddler, and each of those jobs was as the result of applying at the Isth­ mian office, NMU CASE COLLAPSED In cross-examination of this witness, Mr. Rosenfeld went over the testimony several times, but each time it became clearer and clearer that the "pattern of col­ lusion" which the NMU is trying to build up, exists solely in the minds of various NMU officials, Raymond Kosch, another SIU member who was refused em­ ployment by Isthiman was also a witness. He testified that he had gone down to the company of­ fice for a job, but had been turn­ ed down. Kosch's reason for trying to ship Isthmian were substantially the same as given by other wit­ nesses. He had seen signs in the SIU Hall "Ship Isthmian," and This dog in the manger atti­ During the cross-examination of this witness, Mr. Rosenfeld got tude of the NMU will not be for­ an admission that Strom organ­ gotten by working seamen of the Ames also testified to the fact ized for. the SIU while on board United States. that when he considered ship­ ping Isthmian he had to go down to the company office himself, wtihout any aid from the organ­ izers, and filled out an applica­ tion. He was successful in landing a job on the George M. Bibb, but paid off after approximately 11 days to take a job on another ship making a longer run. CHARGES UNFOUNDED Again examination proved how unfounded the NMU's charges are. Question: (by Mr, Sterling) Did they (the SIU) tell you to say that you were from the SIU? Answer: No, Q: Did they tell you to wear your pin or hold your pin in either hand? A: No. Q: Did they give you any high sign to anybody at the Isthmian? A: Just told me to go over and ask for a job, Roland Julius Strom, a veteran of 36 years seatime, disclosed that he was put aboard the Poland Victory, an Isthmian vessels, by the War Shipping Administra­ tion. He had registered there in Norfolk on August 23, 1945, and SEAFARERS WITNESSES JOSEPH TORRISI PROUD OF RECORD In an open letter to the NMU membership, printed in the Pilot of March 28, President Joe Curran states that the NMU has lost the Isthmian election, and places the blame for this on the fact the organizers were instructed to or­ ganize for the communist party, rather than concentrate on the Isthmian Line. (See story on page 6 for full details. The hearings before the Na­ tional Labor Relations Board will soon draw to a close, but until that happens thousands of Isth­ mian seamen are deprived of the right to be represented by the Union of their choice, the SIU, RAYMOND KOSCH Radio Watches safety requirements and condi­ tions in force in other countries. The wartime practice of con­ tinuous radio watch has been suspended in Norway, as it has already in several countries, but the substitute plan being put into operation has brought a storm of protest from the country's sea­ men's organizations. Figures issued by the U, S, Maritime Commission for ships of 1,000 gross tons or over, shows that 164 vessels totalling 868,855 tons were on the register of Pan­ ama on June 30 last. Before the war, 130 ships of 719,041 gross tons flew the Panamanian flag. Instead of providing sufficient radio officers to set up the threewatch system, Norwegian ships will have one radio officer. In some instances, the duties of the radio officer will be handled by the Chief Officer. The seamen's protest pointed out that one-and-a-half hours listening watch, which is present­ ly practiced, is insufficient, and poses potentially great dangers. They cited the recent case of the 11 Norwegian seamen who lost their lives in a hurricane. With the war over, ship opera­ tors are not returning to their or­ iginal registry. It is believed the situation might lead to trouble if action is not taken to cut off this escape for shipping interest seek­ ing to operate under sub-stand­ ard conditions. Continuous Employment A plan to guarantee continuous employment to France's mer­ chant seamen has ben drawn up by a joint committee represent­ ing the shipowners and the French Seamen's Federation, The disaster could have been Now being studied by a special averted had there been a con­ sub-committee, the plan, upon tinuous wireless watch on board, final adoption, will become the the seamen's organizations con­ subject of a collective agreement. tend. It is expected that the new A continuous radio watch is re­ scheme, which applies to un­ garded as an absolute safety licensed personnel only, will be measure to Which seamen are en­ made operative when the existing titled. The Norwegian unions reserve pool scheme, together asked how many more lives with the Government requisition would be lost before the neces­ of the merchant fleet, ends on sity of a 24-hour watch was Mar, 1, realized and enforced. Two-fold purpose of the pro­ posals is to deal with: Beating The Law 1, The stability of employment Shipowners who operated their generally, vessels under the Panamanian 2, The special problem of sea­ flag during the war, because the men who cannot be fully em­ American Neutrality Act prohib- ployed until France has brought . ited American ships from enter- her merchant marine up to pre­ . ing the war 2one, are now using war level, but whom the indus­ ' that flag as a refuge from the try does not want to lose. J �r--». Friday. April 4. 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Five Scenes Of Activity From Two Gulf Ports 0, I The busiest place in the Port Arthur Hall is the Dis­ patcher's Desk. Above are two Seafarers inquiring about ship­ ping, and trying to figure out if they want any of the ships listed on the board. With shipping on the upgrade, there are quite a few ships to choose from and these men want to get a ship that's to their taste. Leon "Blondie" Johnson. Port Arthur Agent, now start­ ing his second year in the post. Under his direction Port Arthur has expanded, and much organ­ izational work has been car­ ried on there. Plenty of tank­ ers hit this spot, and that means work galore for Blondie and his staff. Also, in the past two years, the Port has built up its recreational facilities. This is the Port Arthur Hall, from the outside. Oh yes, in front of the Hail are the Sea­ farers who happened to be around when the pictures was being taken. That Texas sun sure makes for good pictures. Although shipping is good in Port Arthur, and the sun is bright a.nd warm, don't make a beeline for there unless you get in touch with the Dispatcher first to find out if there are any jobs available. You can save time and money that way. i i 3^ Shift to New Orleans and the Cuba Victory. On the left, the Stewards Department, consist­ ing of left to right. W. T. Malvenan. H. E. Fossett. L. J. Richey. A. Zeringue. M, J. Dwyer. A. Elchuk. J. Kennair, and E. Smith. Picture on the right is of the Deck Department and shows, left to right, kneel­ ing. E. Metros. J. Satalanotto. R. Ferrara, and A. Hatch. Standing, in the usual order. H. Broussard. R. Lapp. J. Gravitt, A. LeFleur. R. Betters. J. Bellino. N. Funken. J. C. Flippo. and J. Barrios. 4. 4. 4. Dispatcher Harvey Jamerson also acts as Patrolman. Here he discusses some problems with Johnny Ward, who is assigned to the Port as an organizer. Between them they'll cook up some solution, and the upshot of it all will be smooth sailing in Port Arthur. Cooperation of this sort is always found in the SIU. There s always something to do in the bright recreation room. No need to hang out in the beer-joints when you can meet your friends at the SIU Hall, and enjoy yourself while waiting for a good ship. Far cry from the old days when a. sea­ man had little choice between ginmills and the can-shaking in­ stitutes. It's the Union that did it! �Page Six THE SEAFARERS LOG Complete Text Of Resolution On Panamanian Ship Transfers WHEREAS the American Mer­ chant Marine, during World War II was built up to approximately 50 million tons by American tax­ payers, at a cost to them of ap­ proximately 20 billion dollars, and WHEREAS the American Mer­ chant Marine todaj' is rapidly de­ creasing and if nothing is done by the Maritime Commission and Congress to stop this decrease of American ships we wiU find our­ selves with an American Mer­ chant Marine of less tonnage than we had prior to the war; and WHEREAS in 1936 the Mer­ chant Marine Act was passed by Congress, which had for its pur­ pose the building and maintain­ ing of a large and substantial American Merchant Marine to take care of the commerce of this country and to establish na­ tional defense, and WHEREAS in the last few months millions of tonnage of American built ships, built by the American taxpayers money, have been bought for foreign op­ erators and transferred to for­ eign flags, including the Pana­ manian flag, and also American capital has transferred a number of U. S. Government bought ships to Panamanian registry; and WHEREAS today the Republic of Panama has a merchant ma­ rine tonnage twice as large as it had prior to the war; and WHEREAS the Republic of Panama is not a seafaring nation and does not by any stretch of the imagination need this type or tonnage in connection with the export and import trade of their country; and WHEREAS American capital and foreign countries who trans­ ferred their ships under the P i ;amanian flag obviously did this for several i-easons; namely, to save taxes, to operate ships with cheaper crews, and to avoid regu­ lar steamboat inspection services; and WHEREAS this condition not only weakens the American Mer­ chant Marine and puts thousands of seamen and American ship­ yard workers and longshoremen out of work, but also weakens the national defense of the United States of America, now—there­ fore, be it RESOLVED that the Maritime Trades Department composed of 250,000 American maritime trans­ portation workers affiliated with the American Federation of La­ bor hereby go on record demand­ ing that the Maritime Commis­ sion which is charged by Con­ gress under the Merchant Marine Act of 1936 with promoting and safeguarding and building a firstclass American Merchant Marine for economic and National de- Curran Blames Commies For Loss In Isthmian Vote Ever since the end of the Isthmian election, the SIU has maintained that the only object of the NMU in making its flimsy charges of collusion was to stall and save face. This is borne out by Joe Cur­ ran, President of the NMU, in his column in the Pilot this week. Curran charges that the NMU organizers, who were hired lor the Isthmian drive, spent most of their time in assuring that communist party candidates would sweep the NMU elections. Here is what Curran has -to say, word for word: "The communist party was fortunate in that the Vice Presi­ dent in charge of the Organiza­ tional Department of the union was also a member of the na­ tional committee of the com­ munist party—Frederick Myers, and at that time had full auth­ ority to appoint as many or­ ganizers as he needed to organ­ ize the Isthmian Line. "Myers • proceeded to appoint only those organizers who were members of the communist party . . . some of whom did not even have the qualifications of two years at sea. "Dozens of organizers were put on. Thousands of dollars were wasted and as you know by noyr we lost the Isthmian Line. Myers' instructions to these organizers throughout the country were that the important thing was not to organize Isthmian but to or­ ganize the union's election and insure the defeat of non-com­ munists." has a poor record on the water­ front, and with organizers spend­ ing most of their time on con­ tract ships, lining up the vote for the commies? Here's what Curran has to say about this: "Records exist in the union showing that organizers, instead of organizing Isthmian ships, particularly in the Gulf spent much of their time in the union halls, influencing members and going aboard contract ships, smearing and discrediting noncommunist officials and advis­ ing the members why they had to vote for communist candi­ dates." The lie which so many com­ munists use that they are good trade unionists is blasted by Curran in his statement that "communist party officials who were officials of the union, when­ ever it became necessary to at­ tend party functions or commit­ tee meetings, never hesitated to leave their jobs in the union to attend these meetings-." CP CONTROL One more charge by Curran serves to prove conclusively that the NMU is controlled by the commies from top to bottom. "Within the union," says Cur­ ran, "approximately 107 of the 150 elected officials of our union are communists who are more interested in assuring that your union becomes a stooge union of the communist party than they are in. keeping it an in­ strument belonging to the rankand file seameh who built it." That's what the SIU and the NO CHANCE TO WIN Log have always staled. Coming How did the NMU expect to from the President of the . NMU, win the Isthmian election, in it backs up what honest seamen view of the fact that the union already know. Friday. April 4. 1947 Volunteer Organiiers fense reasons, immediately take steps to stop the sale of ships to There were a few Seafarers non-maritime nations, and/or to standing around near, the or­ buyers, either American or for­ eign, who transfer American ganizers room in the New York built or purchased tonnage, to the Hall, and one said to the other, Republic of Panama, or other "I understand that the National non-maritime nations, and be it Labor Relations Board has or­ FURTHER RESOLVED that dered an election on the Mathiawe immediately put this problem sen tanker, the SS Petrolite. before Congress, through the Let's try to niake that ship, so House Committee on Merchant we can be sure she goes SIU." Marine and Fisheries, and the Those words were enough to Senate Committee on Interstate perk up the ears of the Log and Foreign Commerce, and re­ photographer, and before either quest that they immediately take of the men could say "Mathialegislative steps to plug any loop­ holes in the Ship Sales Act which creates a condition of disposing of American tonnage belonging to the American taxpayers in such manner that it depletes the American Merchant Marine and allows foreign or American speculators to grow fat at the American taxpayers' expense, and be it FURTHER RESOLVED that if no action is taken with a reason­ able length of time by Congress and the Maritime Commission on this very important and vital sub­ ject, that the Maritime Trades Department, affiliated with the American Federation of Labor, take steps to close up all fink shipping halls which are used for shipping seamen to Pana­ manian vessels, and further to EDWARD J. RONAN boycott Panamanian flag vessels in all American ports, to wit: sen, too, will be SIU," they were That they be picketed until such up in the Log office, having time as transfers of American their pictures taken and being vessels to Panamanian flag has interviewed. ceased, and until such time as the Thomas P. O'Sullivan, Bosun, condition meets the approval ot the Maritime Trades Department, is a veteran of 27 years seatime. He served for twenty years in and be it the British Navy, achieving the FINALLY RESOLVED that we rating of Chief Petty Officernotify the American Federation Torpedo Gunners Mate. of Labor of our program and His companion, Edward J. that it be widely publicized. Ronan, AB, is a good bit young­ er, both in age and service. Ed started sailing four years ago, and all his time has been on SlU-contracted ships. That is, up until now. Marine Accidents Higher Than AH Other indnstries solved to do their share in this election. O'Sullivan joined the SIU in 1941 mainly because he was fed up with the way seamen were being treated on unorganized ships. ' 'I believe in the right of a working man to lead a decent life," he explained wrathfully, "and I came to the conclusion that the only way to bring that about would be through a strong union." That was about the same sen­ timent expressed by Ronan, who joined the Union as a full book member early in 1944, although he had sailed on a permit pre­ viously. CONFIDENT OF OUTCOME Although O'Sullivan has never sailed tankers before, Ronan has had a bit of experience aboard them. Both of them expect to bring the ship in heavilv proSIU. "The NMU must have realized that they can't organize any­ thing on the waterfront now," said Brother Ronan, "so that's why they withdrew from this election." "The SIU would have swamp­ ed them anyway," was the way O'Sullivan summed up the situ­ ation. Both sailed all through the war. Brother O'Sullivan, who insists by the way that his name means that he is decended from Scottish royalty, was torpedoed twice, each time in the Mur­ mansk run. Ed Ronan was luckier. Al­ though he had his share of dan- FIRST TRY For both of them, it was their first ci-ack at an unorganized • Plying the seas in ships is the ship. most hazardous of all ways of "Why is that," they were ask­ making a living. The number of merchant marine accidents is ed? "How come you decided to fully 500 per cent above the aver­ ship out as volunteer organizers age of all other industries com­ now?" bined. The answer was quick in com­ ing. "I war: t to do somethThg This excessive figure is not the claim of a seafaring union—it for the Union, said Brother was revealed by Rear Admiral O'Sullivan. "The SIU has done Edward H. (Iceberg) Smith, com­ a lot for me, and that's the least mandant of the Third Coast I can do to reciprocate." "Same thing goes for me," Guard District, speaking before the Greater New York Safety chimed in Ed Ronan. Council. READY NOW It should be pointed out that They had both heard of the in spite of this excessive per­ centage of accidents at sea, the conditions and wages prevailing men who sail the nation's mer­ on unorganized ships. They had chant marine are not compen­ also heard the story of how sated on the basis of risks to life much trouble was encountered in the drive on the Isthmian and limb. Stearhship Company, and while Proof of the shipowners re­ fusal to recognize the occupa­ they were unable to do any­ thing at the time,'they were re­ tional hazards involved in is their outcry every time an attempt is made to raise wages commen­ surate with the value of work performed. In view of the overwhelming­ ly greater dangers of making a livelihood at sea, the fight of the Seafarers to win higher wages and better working conditions is more justifiable than ever. THOMAS P. O'SULLIVAN ger, he was never on a vessel that was sunk. The Mathiasen Tanker Cor­ poration only has one ship at the present time, but is expect­ ed to add to its fleet in the near future. Therefore the activities of Brothers Thomas P. O'Sulli­ van and Edward Ronan, will as­ sist the Union in expanding and staying strong. "That's what we want to do," they said. "If each man does his part, the SIU will continue to be the strongest, most milit­ ant union for seamen." From the way organizing is going on now, on the Great Lakes and in other areas, the two Brothers are absolutely cor­ rect. i �Friday. April 4. 1947 1.^ i ' V 'i THE SEAFARERS LOG Shipping Is Bad On Gold Coast; Try Other Ports Page Seven Corpus Christi Is Enjoying Good Shipping By E. H. TEAGUE By J. S. WILLIAMS ^ v.NVi.X SAN FRANCISCO—Things on C'ORPU.S CHRISTI —The past the old Cold Coast arc beginning week wa.s one of good shipping and bu.sines.s in this port with 1o liven up a bit with Agent Rod .several .ships in for payoffs and Simmons back in town. All the replacements. regulars out heic arc glad to In addition to the ships in for see Red back on the job as he is Silence this week from Ihet payoffs, we had quite a few un­ soiiK.'what of a landmark out organized tankers hit port. All Branch Agents of the follow­ NORFOLK — The GI Bill of of the,crew o^each ship should were contacted by the organizers ing porls; here on the coast. Righis went into eiTect Septem­ •b.e an ambassador to other na­ who put our literature and Logs ber, 1940, but today—more than tions, a real representative of BALTIMORE During his absence things aboard. six and a half years later—the the best in America. A wellwent along smoothly with no dif­ BOSTON As a result of the organizers' ficulties of any si^e, and so with Merchant Seamen's Bill of Righis educated seaman is the best SAVANNAH hard work in contacting these gathers dust in the House Mer­ ambassadoi'. things in good older the reins of ships, quite a few of the boys TAMPA the SIU San Franci.sco Hall are chant Marine and Fisheries The Merchant Seamen's Bill aboard saw- the light and signed Committee. GALVESTON of Rights could help make Am­ returned to Brother Simmons. up with the SIU. JACKSONVILLE According Ic the Army-Navy erican merchant seamen the best Shipping, however, had rcWe had the Hood River, Pa­ Bulletin, action on the bill was educated in the world. We can HOUSTON inained slow for the past several cific Tankers, in for a payoff weeks with little or no .signs of postponed to give the Maritime gel all the.se benefits if all of the this v.-eek. Myself and Brother The deadline for port re­ an immediate pick up. What Commission time to prepare evi­ unions will unite in a real allBlackie Ellis, the SUP Agent ports, monies due, etc., is the out drive. ships have hit the port have been dence for the committee. from Galveston, handled the Monday preceeding publica­ This Union should' draft a handled in true SIU fashion with Surely, there has been time to payoff. There were only a few tion. yfhile every effort will all beefs squared away. prepare evidence — time during resolution calling for coopera­ minor beefs aboard and they be made to use in the current which merchant seamen did theii tion in a drive to have the Mer­ were all .settled on the line. issue material received after DON'T COME part for their country in World chant Seamen's Bill of Rights FORTY-THREE BUCKS that date, space commitments If any of you Seafarers are War II while being denied bene­ favorably reported out of com­ One of the beefs was a hang­ generally do not permit us to thinking of coming out to the fits enjoyed by others under the mittee, and copies of the reso­ over from Europe. It seems that do so. lution should be mailed to the sunny clime of the Gold Coast, it GI Bill of Rights. the French Customs found about policy.^cuiiiMiitlee of the SIU. is my advice that you take into three caidons of cigarettes hid Certainly, if any body of men aboai'd the ship and they had consideration the slow state of risked their lives during the laved a forty-three dollar fine shipping before you head west. war, it was the merchant sea­ on the ship. We're glad to see the boys from men. At first the' merchant sea­ The bucko Skipper aboard was far and wide drop into the Hall, men put to sea unarmed, and going to levy a one dollar fine but we don't want to see anyone even at a later date \yithout on each crewmember aboard to get stuck with'a long stay on the heavy armament. Too often their pay the s.hip's fine. beach while most of the other ships were sitting ducks. As .soon as we got the drift By CHARLES KIMBALL ports are booming. The chief protection lay not of what he was trying to pull As soon as shipping takes a in steel and shot but in favor­ MOBILE — The tremendous fic in the port, every beef has we hurriedly straightened him turn for the better, we'll pass able weather and the skill of lead which Mobile took in ship­ been taken care of and settled out. As a result, when the ship the word along through the pages the mariner. The job was not ping is still undiminished and the to the satisfaction of all. sailed there was a new skipper of the Log, so until then, those done with false heroics. R was need for all ratings will continue Delegates Lewis and Morrison aboard and a happy crew. fast and furious ports on the part of the work of winning the indefinitely. are receiving numerous com­ .Another tanker in this week, Gulf and Ea.it Coast are the place war. Thi.s can be attributed to the mendations from the ships' crews the Wolf Creek, Los Angeles for a man with a liankering for Every man in the merchant large number of laid-up ships for their speedy handling of pay­ Tankers, was the opposite of the the sea. ^ Hood River. She had no beefs, marine, like every man in the being placed in active service. offs and beefs. And that's the way things are trenches, in the Navy, in the We are begging for more men to I would like to bring to the a good Skipper and a good crew. this week on the Gold Coast. and attention of the membership, Air Corps, or any other branch dlleviate this condition of the service was conscious of members who can, by any means, ship's delegates in particular, the the risk involved, but did his make this port will spend no idle necessity of having all overtime days after arriving here. sheets, whether approved or dis­ job. The Dispatcher has been so puted, submitted to the shore DESERVE EQUALITY lard-pressed to crew the ships delegates upon the ship's arrival. It is the policy of this port Merchant seamen do not be­ available that I swear there are By ED LARKIN grudge these servicemen their a few more grey hairs sprouting to have a Union official meet the ship immediately upon arrival, privileges under the GI Bill of around his temples. MILW'AUKEE — Organizing Rights, but they do feel that A special added attrav-b-.. to unless other work is more pres­ in this area is getting well un­ they are entitled to similar the Seafarers who come to this sing and requires immediate at­ der way. Quite a few boats By R. W. B.TRMINGHAM privileges. They have won them ".City of Five Flags" is the splcn- tention. around Slrugeon Bay are still MIAMI — Business for the by the same type of service. dor and beauty of the blooming If no Union official is at hand laying idle with fit-outs not month of April in this port' is The Merchant Seamen's "Bill of azaleas, which at this time of upon the ship's arrival, the ship's being started as yet, but the expected to shape up pretty Rights will never get out of year are nature's most ^31'olific delegate should call the Hall at men are hanging around the town. well. It looks better now than at committee if merchant seamen offering. I GLUB -GUS] I understand that some of Another inducement is our any previous time, what with sit idly by without evidencing these boats work the men a 12 new and spacious Union Hall, so, any interest in its fate. the P&O scheduling fifteen trips hour day. with no overtime at don't fail to tread our welcome If we, the men most concern­ during the month to Havana in all. Sure is a nice setup for the mat which 1 hereby lay before ed by its provisions, do not place of the usual twelve. bosses. you. have sufficient energy to work After being aboard one unor­ We expect the first Pan At­ for its passage, we can't expect The officials of the port are so ganized ship in this port, and lantic vessel to dock here on others to champion our cause. busy at times that they have to seeing the men. their conditions, April 20. This ship will be the We have the opportunity to sacrifice the sanctity of coffee and how they live aboard ship, first ship connecting Miami with get this bill out of the commit­ time. It is not uncommon for it's a cinch that they really need the northern ports since the tee where it is pigeonholed, if them to eat their lunches in the AND IT'S rue unionizing. Clyde Line went out of exist­ each of us — and our parents, office, so heavy is the pressure The crewmembers on some of ence. GUT, Too! relatives and others—swamp our of their duties. All they ask is these ships sure take a beating, The Pan Atlantic Company Congressman with letters asking that the boom continues. and the men in the fireroom will be operating this run under for passage of the bill. Our re­ Despite the heavy run of traf­ once and determine when the really work like horses. a temporary permit, pending final quest cannot be ignored. This particular ship is laying .ship will be contacted. action on its application to make a couple of miles from nowhere, MANY BENEFITS The ship's delegate then must Miami a regular port of call. and the men are so broke that be aboard when the Patrolman As the permit has been grant­ Many seamen are not aware they ha\e to stay aboard the makes his contact so as to make ed for six months it will be a of the benefits that can be de­ DETROIT — Great Lakes vessel. his oral and written report. little while before we learn rived from this bill. Under it Seafarers mourned the pas­ Under an SIU contract, this whether or not this run will be they would be able to obtain a Under no circumstances should company would be forced to sing of Brother Tony Sedtke, overtime sheets or written re­ provide or pay transportation permanent. college education or a loan to G859, at the Marine Hospi­ ports be locked up in such a for these men. The first vessel on this run, start business. The educational tal last Thursday, March 27. manner that would defy a Houthe Grange Victory, will leave benefits are probably the best after an illness lasting only These Lakes men in this port dini to produce them in the event are set on an SIU contract giv­ Boston April 13, and will call at part of the bill. one week. He had been ill the ship's delegate is unable to ing them the kind of wages, New York and Philly on the This part is important, not ' for several months, apparent­ be present during the Patrol­ hours and conditions that they way south. ly recovered his health, re­ only to us, but to our govern­ man's visit. sumed sailing once again, and should be getting. They know That's all the dope up to the ment as well. Spokesmen for then suffered a brief re­ By following this simple and that they can rely on the Sea­ minute from this winter vaca­ the Federal Government say lapse. Brother Sedtke joined helpful suggestion, settlement of farers to get them that kind of tion paradise, where just about that this nation should have the the Seafarers in 1939. overtime beefs would be facili­ a contract and that's why they, everyone looking for a sun tan largest merchant marine in the tated greatly. are all for the SIU. world, and that each member got it—at a price. Seamen's Bill Of Rights Needs NO NEWS ? ? Backing Of Seamen Everywhere Mobile Shipping Still Booms; Rated Men Are Still In Demand Milwaukee Gets Under Way Miami Expects Added P&O Runs During April Final Dispatch �Page Eight T HE SEAFARERS LOG Duluth Area Maritime Trades Council Elects Its Officers Friday. April 4. 1947 ANOTHER PORT COUNCIL FORMED By EINAR NORDAAS DULUTH — The Duluth, Ash­ land, and Superior area AFL Waterfront unions were further solidified recently by the elec­ tion of permanent officials for the Duluth-Superior Maritime Trades Port Council. Plans were formulated for un­ ified organizational activity spearheaded by the full scale drive of the Seafarers Interna­ tional Union on the Great Lakes. Elected at the meeting, held in the Superior Labor temple, were . the following officers: Matt Anttila, ILA District Council, Pres­ ident; Clarence Erickson. Super­ ior Coal Dock Workers' Local 1343, Vice President; David Gib­ son, Duluth and Superior Grain Processors' locals. Secretary; Einar Nordaas, Duluth Port Ageqt SIU, Financial Secretary; and Joseph Tucker, Superior Grain Trimmers' Local 1320, Sergeant-at-Arms. Others elected were: Trustees: Art Anderson, Superior, 3 year term; Bert Nesgoda, Duluth, 2 years; and Hjalmar Tast, Ashlandi 1 year. E. I. Slaughter, AFL Organizer and ILA Vice President, v/as elected as Legi­ slation Representative and Or­ ganizational Advisor. ganization. Thomas F. Simpson, temporary president of Local 47, outlined a nine-point program which provides numerous bene­ fits not now enjoyed by unor­ ganized officers on the Lakes. Assisting with the MM&P or­ ganizational drive is ILA Vice President E. L. Slaughter, who stated that the NLRB will be re­ quested to conduct elections for 1,000 eligible bulk' freighter of­ ficers. not now represented by the union. Petitions requesting these elections will be filed on May 1, according to Slaughter. ACTIVITIES COORDINATED Lakes Men Tired OfOldDeaLWant SIU Contract With the formation of the Port Council, waterfront activi­ ties of 22 AFL Unions in the area ranging from Ashland to Two Harbors will be coordinat­ ed. This action supports the cur­ rent efforts of the AFL to in­ crease membership in these By BOB DODD unions. In further actions, the & JERRY LICHTMAN new Council, which represents ASHTABULA — Contacting a over 3,000 members in the area, affliated with the Minnesota and number of Wilson Transit ships Wisconsin Federation of Labor. laid up in the ports of Sandusky, With the permanent organiza­ Ashtabula, Huron and Cleveland, tion of this council and the we were greeted with a good election of such responsible of- reception by the men aboard ficials, AFL maritime activities | these vessels, most of whom are should be coordinated in such a : acquainted with the record and manner that the cause of all AFL achievements of the SIU. Unorganized Lakes seamen maritime unions will be improv­ have been subjected for* years ed. to all sorts of intimidation and In addition, the current organ­ izational drive of the SIU in the pressure by the bosses. They Great Lakes area should be have had no job security whathelped considerably, as will the soever, and were subject to firorganizational campaign of the ing at any time to make room Masters, Mates and Pilots. I for the friends and relatives. They put in long hours of Recently, the MM&P announced a full scale drive to organize overtime work with no extra 1,000 eligible men into their or- Pay> and did all kinds of penalty work between he hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. with no overtime al­ lowed. Now, they want these conditions changed. They want the protection of ASHTABULA — For the an SIU contract which gives convenience of Great Lakes them job security, union rep­ SIU members and for the as­ resentation on their beefs, and sistance of the Seafarers or­ job seniority with the right to ganizing campaign on the fit-out and ship on the same Lakes, the SIU has opened a vessel that they laid up last new hall in the Port of Ash­ Fall. tabula Harbor, Ohio. The QUESTIONS ANSWERED new hall is under the direc­ SIU organizers are contacting tion of Agent Maurice Dole, all of the unorganized boats on who is assisted by Robert the Lakes. We'i-e answering Dodd in charge of organiz­ their questions, and helping ing for the area. them out with their problems, Located at 1027 West Fifth and we'll continue to do so until St., Ashtabula Harbor (some al of the unorganized vessels on five miles from Ashtabula the Great Lakes are under SIU proper), the hall will remain contracts providing SIU wages, open for the balance of the hours and conditions. Lakes sailing season. Tele­ These vessels will be contact­ phone number is 5523. All ed consistently, and we'll see SIU members and unorgan­ that the unorganized men get ized Lakes seamen are in­ Seafar'ers Logs and organiza­ vited to visit the new quar­ tional material that tells them ters. the real facts straight from the shoulder. Ashtabula Hail Shoregang Work Is Plentiful In San Juan By SALVADOR COLLS Above are the officers of the AFL Maritime Trades Council —Duluth, Superior. Ashland Harbors, and vicinity. This Coun­ cil is composed of 22 AFL Waterfront Unions, with a combined membership of approximately 3,000. Reading left to right, Jo­ seph Tucker, Sergeant at Arms; Einar Nordaas, Treasurer; Clar­ ence Erickson, Vice-President; Matt Anttila, President; David Gibson, Secretary; and Bert Nesgoda, Hjalmer Tast, and Art Anderson, Trustees. At the left is Einar Nordaas, SIU Agent at the head of the Lakes Area, and also Vice-President of the Council with E. L. Slaughter, ILA Vice-President who organized the Council. Hurry! Hurry! Hurry! New York Needs Rated Men In Black Gang By JOE ALGINA NEW YORK—It's very sel­ dom that shipping continues to be good for as long a time as it has lately. It seems that each week the shipping business in this port gets better and better. We need rated men in the black gang, and we need them bad. If there are any men do­ ing gin-mill duty in the outports because of slow shipping. New York is the port where they can obtain a ship in a hurry. From the looks of things, this port is going to continue busy for some time to come. We have a Night Dispatcher now, in fact we have had one for the past few weeks, and so we arc shipping men until 9 P.M. at night and on Sundays until 3 in the afternoon. The Alcoa Cavalier, a new passenger ship, just blew in from the West Coast. She will be here for approximately one month, during which time she will be made ready for service. The Caviller is a damn nice ship, and the quarters for the crew are the best I've seen in a long time. GOODBYE, VOYAGER Another Alcoa ship, the Voy­ ager, is being sold to the Ar­ gentine Government. She is an old vessel, but the crew has been happy aboard her, and they are sorry to see her go. We've mentioned this be­ fore, but some men still haven't gotten it straight. Remember, copies of overtime sheets are to be turned into department heads 72 hours before the ship docks. In that way, there's time to iron out anything that may hold up the payoff. 1 see by the newspapers that a certain Captain Conwell, who worked for the American Trad­ ing and Production Corporation, told a convention of safety ex­ perts that American merchant ships are manned by "untrained, irresponsible personnel, ignorant of, or indifferent to, safety prac­ tices." I don't know who this Captain Conwell is, but if he had the intelligence that a man in his position should have, he would realize that accidents are caused mainly by two reasons. One is in the carrying out of hazardous duties at the direction I'DOM'T CARS IFI WEVERGET UP)) of an officer, and the second is caused by circumstances beyond the control of the officers or the unlicensed crew. It is certainly not negligence when an accident takes place because the company wants to save money and refuses to in­ stall simple safety measures. But Captain Conwell refuses to take this into account. Why should'* he, since he is a com­ pany man from the word go? SAN JUAN—Well it's back On the Isle of Rum and Coke for me after a l)u.sy week in New York at the Agents Conference. During my absence Brother Butts held down the port and everything went along rath e r smooth. At the rnonieJil we have the Monarch of the Seas, a C-2 docked at the Waterman Term­ inal. When 1 went aboard 1 found she was shorthanded four men. two ABs, a Fireman and a Wip­ er. 1 fflled the jobs and got in touch with the ship's delegate, and as usual there were no beefs. Shoregang work in this port is really, booming. We sent out 25 men to work on two ships, the Francis and the Arthur Huddell, and we have three more ships expecting men for shoregangs. BEEFS SQUARED AWAY We had the MV Ponce in last week with a few beefs which Brother Butts squared away. We had a few replacements to put aboard the ship, which was done without any difficulty, in fact there were no difficulties at all on the ships. The crew is a good one, keeping her clean and shipshape. 1 have contacted a few unor­ ganized men off the tugs work­ ing around the Island, and with the support of the ILA in Puerto Rico, we are going to go ahead to organize them. The ILA has been organizing the tugmen and, due to the fact that they are unable to crew up the tugs, they are willing to turn them over to the SIU. SUP Brother George A. John­ son died at sea recently about eight miles off the coast off Aguadilla, P. R., while aboard the Alanson B. Houghton. He was bui-ied at Santurce, P. R. His family has been notified and we are sending his gear to the Commissioner's Office in San Francisco as requested by his widow. Good sailing Brother Johnson; here's hoping you find good mates Up there. Seafarers Contract Assures Security, Protection For Seamen By EDWARD JANASZAK TOLEDO — In the short time I've been on the Lakes, there's been a good opportunity to get a fairly complete picture of the set up. Working with a couple of Lakes men has taught me the .score, and talking to these unorganized seamen has thoroughly acquaint­ ed me with their problems. So far in our organizational drive, we've been able to sign up all of the men that we've con­ tacted, or definitely interest them in the benefits of SlU unioniza­ tion. Our activities in this port have been a little slow due to the fact that only a few ships have been fitting out so far. Now they're all preparing for what promises to be one of the best seasbns the Lakes have seen. All of you Lakes seamen who have been sailing on the unor­ ganized boats should drop into your nearest SIU hall. Talk to the Organizer there, and give him your suggestions for needed improvements in your conditions and on your vessel. SIGN PLEDGE CARD Then fill out an SIU pledge card and take out membership in the Seafarers International Union—AFL. When you've signed a pledge card, and designated the SIU as your representative to bargain collectively with the company, you will be as a group, strong enough to demand and receive recognition. Then, and then only,-you can secure the same contract gains as all SIU members enjoy, and you have the guarantee of SIU job security and job protection. �m Friday. April 4. 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG NEW HOURS By JOSEPH VOLPIAN The Constitution of the United States provides that no person shall be deprived of life, liberty or property without due process of law, 1 < t,i i * Should the Hearing Unit offic­ er take a dislike to you for per­ sonal reasons, and decide not to believe you, he can convict you solely upon the unproved state­ ments in the log. "Due process of law" has been The shipping laws provide reg­ construed to mean that a per­ ulations requiring log-entries to son shall have the right to cross- be made by the Captain for cer­ examine witnesses who bear tain offen.ses. These laws state how these testimony against him. entries should be made and Where a witness testifying when they arc to be made. Howagainst a person in any court in evei', if the captain who made the United States refuses to be the entries is not at the hearing cross-examined, his entire test­ to tes^ify, it then becoire.s im­ imony is stricken out. possible to show by cross-ex­ However, in the Merchant amination that the log entries Maiine Hearing Unit where a are improper because of the seaman's papers (his- property) captain's failure to comply with are on trial for an alleged in­ the law as to time of entry or fraction of the shipping laws, we the cii'cumstances surrounding the entrj' in the log book. seem to be in a foreign land. Due to the large number of ships in New York calling for cre^s during off hours and on Sundays, the New York Hall is now operating on a new schedule of hours for registering and shipping. • The new hours are; From Monday through Friday from 8:30 a. m. to 9 p. m.; Satur­ day 8:30 to 5 p. m. and Sun­ day from 10 to 3. All Signs Point To SlU Success On Great Lakes By HENRY CHAPPELL Page Nina Philly ILA Wins Unemployment Pay For Idleness During SlU Strike By E. S. HIGDON PHILADELPHIA — Since the To this the crew got together end of the 1946 General Strike, and told Brother Tilley that they the ILA longshoremen in Philly would only sail if the dog was have been trying to collect unem­ aboard. ployment compensation for the Brother Tilley asked the Mate, time they spent in idleness due | who had ordered the dog put to our strike. This week they fin- ashore? The Mate replied that it ally won their case. was the Captain's order. The Stevedoi-e bosses and the To this Tilley retorted .that it shipowners based their argument was damn funny, for not" ten on the fact that the men are en­ minutes earlier the Captain had titled to collect unemployment informed him that the dog could money only if they are out of stay. work due to causes beyond their It seems in this case the brass control, and although the sea­ got their signals cros.sed, and was men were on strike, the long­ the Mate s face red — the dog shoremen could have crossed the sailed. picketlines and worked if they FIREMAN SAILS had wanted to. Our other Patrolman, Brother "We of the SIU appeared at a meeting called by the Pennsyl­ Colhns, .-ettled ;i beef on the vania Unemployment Compensa­ Muncie Victory recently concern­ tion Bureau at the request of the ing the Chief Engineer. The ILA, and the upshot of the whole' Chief had fired a Fireman be­ matter was that the case was cause he could not speak English well enough to satisfy him. ruled in favor of the ILA. The crew immediately called a The Unemployment division meeting and politely but firmly decided that it would have been told the Chief Engineer that all dangerous for the ILA men to would not be serene if the Fire­ cross the seamen's picketlines. All long.shoiemen who did not man was fired. So, the Muncie cross the picketlines are now sailed and the Fireman is still due to )cceive about S40.00 apiece aboard. I am still scouting around for for their time lost during the a new Hall, but to date I've had strike. no luck. I am beginning to think DOG'S LIFE that there is nothing big enough The other day Brother Tilley for us in this town at the price went aboard the .A.lfred Moore that we are prepared to pay. of the Waterman Line for a sign Shipping has finally slacked on. While he was aboard, the down to a steady flow now, and Mate .spotted the crew's dog and the Hall seems to be filling up immediately called the gang to­ again. For awhile the members gether to tell them that they were afraid to come into the Hall could .stay aboard but tjie dog for fear they would be greeted had to go. with shipping cards. TOLEDO — If the results we have seen here in the last few days are any criterion, the SIU's current campaign to organize the unorganized Lakes seamen sliould be very successful. All indications point to a suc­ cessful season for the SIU in bringing in new members and contracting new companies as The remedy lies in complete the Lakes seamen become bet­ The provisions of the United States Constitution, it seems, abolition of the Hearing Unit ter acquainted with the SIU. Once in a while we run into are unheard of in this august and in giving the powers of some fellow who believes that subpoena to the Shipping Com­ tribunal. all of the gains that the sailors missioner to question the skipper There, the rules of procedure have won since sailing days have alow a log entry (or even a copy on the merits of his loggings. been given to them by the com­ Whenever the merits are trifl­ panies out of the goodness of of a log entry) to be put in evidence against a seaman and ing or unjustified, the Commis­ their hearts. without any further evidence or sioner may cancel the log. These guys don't seem to re­ testimony of any witnesses At present. Commissioners alize that, unless these unorgan­ whatsoever, to establish a case only rule out logs that are il­ ized outfits were scared stiff of against the seaman which de­ legal. unionism spreading among their prives him of his certificate. employees, the unorganized men would never secure any gains. And even if the seamen test­ ifies to the full facts and, by un­ Only when the gains are writ­ contradicted testimony, over­ ten into a contract, in black and comes the charges in the log, he white will' all those gains be per­ has in some cases been con­ manent. Any time an "unorganized victed. company gives their men one .single thing without it being in a These are statements of actual contract, then they can take it occurrences at Hearing Unit away any time their fear of the "trials." By LEON N. JOHNSON By FRANK MORAN union lessens. NO DEFENSE PORT ARTHUR—After being This temporary gain is just a BUFFALO — Unorganized I unless they see the handwriting away to-New York to attend the subterfuge which merely lulls Lakes seamen now have an op- on the wall. You cannot cross-examine a Agents Conference I have re­ the men into a feeling of false portunity to see the SIU mem­ log entry. If the captain who Investigate for yourself, then turned to this old Gulf Port to security. bers and SIU democracy in act­ join the only union for un­ made the log entry absents him­ find everything running along MAJORITY FOR SIU ion through the invitation which licensed men on the Lakes that self from the hearing, because pretty smooth. The vast majority of the Lakes has been extended to them to he doesn't want to be cross-ex­ can and wil do something about There have been several ships seamen that we have contacted visit the SIU Halls m all Lakes bettering your pay and securing amined, the attitude of the Hear­ ing Unit seems to be that "the stop off hei-e in transit, but no in the short time we have been ports. better conditions. payoffs. Among the ships were in action this Spring realize that The Seafarers maintains these Captain can do no wrong." There will be other years the Fort Matanzas, American an SIU contract gives them real Halls for the convenience ot ^, . , . when shipping isn't so good, and His log entry is final as far Pacific: Fort Stanwix, Pacific security and protection. . the unlicensed men wil be fac­ as they are concerned, and they That's why they are anxious reation rooms and ther faciliTankers; and the Milan R. Steing the prospect of watching will accept it whether or not fanik, which is taking on a cargo to get in the SIU, and help us to ^ ties while the boys are waiting their jobs go to the bosses' he testifies as to the facts it bring SIU conditins and con- to ship, of wheat destined for Portugal. friends men while they stand contains or the circumstances Also in was the Salvador Brau, tracts to all Lakes ships. If you'i'e aboard an unorgani­ on t.he docks. under which it is entered. Men on the Midland ships ex­ zed vessel, or have been sailing Arnold Bernstein Steamship This is nothing new to the It seems to me that this is a Company, which is loading coal pressed this feeling last Fall on one. drop into the nearest definite violation of a funda­ for France. All the ships men­ when they voted overwhelming­ Seafarers Hall, see the organ­ L.aices men, a? they have seen it happen many times in the mental right that every Ameri­ tioned were contacted and ly for the SIU. izer there, and ask him any r.ast. And they'll see it hap­ can citizen has, whether he be squared away with all beefs be­ Although there are around GO ouestions you may want to rea merchant seaman or a bank ing of a minor nature. ships in this port, shipping out gaiding .SIU contracts, wages, pen in the future unless they do something I president. of here has been slow so far. hours and conditions. Block thc-se open shop pract­ CB & C But the SIU has so many mem­ Under this practice a Captain He'll be glad to answer your ises by joining the SIU. Then bers in this area now that some questions and see what he can can make a mountain out of a When 1 climbed aboard the Sal­ have managed to get aboard do about solving youi- problems your company, too. will be under molehill, and magnify petty in­ vador ^rau, an unmistakable an SIU oijntract which wdl pi-efractions of the rules into serious aroma of corned beefs and cab­ practically all of the open shop for you. Then you can begin to vent such abuses. charges, or he can even make bage hit my nostrils. There was boats. realize the benefits of SIU Get in the organizing drive In fact, it's damned hard now unionism. entries without any foundation something different about the today by telling your shipmates of truth, and in this way put odor, so I investigated and found to look around any of the sailors' Lakes seamen who have been the burden of disproving these in the galley, the one and only hangouts without seeing several sailing lor a number of years about the benefits in unionism— SIU stvle. SIU members. That's another charges on the seaman. Frenchy Michelet. are already well aware of the indication of the Seafarers rapid­ Feel the sati.sfaction of telling The seaman as a general rule He extehded me an invitation ly growing strength on the Lakes. benefits of real unionism, and your buddies, :.fter your ship are flocking in increasing num­ can not afford to pay a lawyer to stay for dinner, but I had to Dan Dwyer, an SIU oldtimer has b.'^en organized, "J helped bers into the SIU Halls. to defend himself against these decline as business called me on (he Lakes, is working with us organize that ship under the You might as well join the charges. elsewhere. I sure hated to pass now in this port. He was for­ best union contract ever seen on parade, and see for yourself how His guilt is based upon the up that invite, but I'll be back in merly Port Agent in Detroit and these Lakes." easy it will be to organize your log entry and he must prove his domain one of these days to has a lot on the baH. ship under the SIU banner Then reap the benefits of SIU himself innocent. But when the take him up on the offer. Eddie Janaszak, from the East organization. BOOM SEASON I'll close this report with the captain who made the charge is Coast, is also in this port pitch­ on shipping here, ing, and the results of our wellnot at the hearing to back the lowdown This year promises to be a Don't forget, visit the SIU Hall charge up, it is very difficult to which I'm happy to report is so laid organizational plans should boom season on the Lakes for in. your area. Get first hand in­ prove your innocence because good that we are suffering from begin to show as soon as more of the shipping interests, but it formation from the organize- in you have no one lo cross-ex­ a shortage of men. So if you want the crews come in to fit out, and will only be another season for (harge as to now y ur ship, too, to ship, come down Texas way. we contact them. the men who man the boats, can be SIU amine. Ships In Transit Are Keeping Port Arthur Busy Lakes Seamen, Visit SIU Halls And See Democracy In Action �THE SEAFARERS LOG F«ge Tan SHIPS' MINUVES AND NEWS MOHAN'S 'DOCKING AREA' Finds 10 G's, Gets Reward Of 50 Bucks There'll be no mourning among the crew of the SS Fort Frederica-if the vessel's Third Assistant Engineer one day finds himself landlocked. In fact, the Seafarers aboard the ship are in favor of hasten-t bers on his watch," the crew ing that day. charged. Said engineer shot off out of In view of this character's the wrong side of his mouth, and openly stated position, the men the crew took action in the form of a resolution at the shipboard meeting of March 14 to set him straight. According to the ship's /o WO.^GIMMF, minutes, submitted by Chairman A f iMKV CfJGw/ Leroy Clarke and Secretary L. P. I CAM CAbb MY Breaux, the guys have had a OiMM — I bellyful of this character's mouthings. Seafarer George Wetzlcr, a bed­ room steward aboard the SS Florida is a pretty placid guy. It takes a helluva lot to ruffle him as he goes about his job of smoothing out stateroopis. But. his eyes nearly popped out of their sockets on a recent morning at a sight he rarely sees in the Florida's beds. • Fort Frederica's Bucko Target Of Crew's Blast It happened shortly after the This hazardous condition ship arrived in Miami from Ha­ Anca.pa had to contend with vana. Brother Wetzler was cleaning one of the passenger When the lads of the MV Anastaterooms. Neatly wrapped in a capa, a Moran sea-going tug, handkerchief lying on the mat­ speak of walking the planks, tress was a wad of cash big they're not just kidding. The zig-zag pattern of loose planks pictured above is the "dock" SO/\), SOO¥£S? where the Anacapa and another Moran tug, the -Sands Point, have been tying up in Mobile, Ala., for the past month, writes the Anacapa's Engine Delegate, Clyde Riddle. A. ! is what the crew of the MV when they docked at Mobile. Getting ashore or aboard by means of the dilapidated pa^h work structure meant risking their necks each time. Exceed­ ingly dangerous was the task of hauling stores aboard. The Mo­ bile Dispatcher managed to get a promise from the company that stores would be brought along­ side by boat. Finally declared unsafe, the "dock" is now being torn down, says Brother Riddle. . IS A MENACE He and his kind are a menace now, "and will prove to be a much greater menace to organ­ ized seamen in the future," the crew decleared. The resolution grew out of the unsavory remarks uttered by the Third Assistant in regard to his preference of crews. He is re­ ported to have stated befoie wit­ nesses that he would rather sail with "fink crew or an NMU crew in preference to an SIU crew." Good militant union crews are evidently not to his liking. Besides his anti-union re­ marks, the bucko engineer hurled "physical threats and deliberate­ ly persecuted certain crewmem- of the Fort Frederica have re­ solved "that members of the SIUSUP now employed on this ves­ sel shall henceforth refuse to sail any ship on which this Third AST sistant Engineer is employed in any capacity." The resolution concluded with a recommendation "that a motion be placed before the first pos­ sible membership meeting signi­ fying this membership's desire that no SIU-SUP crew shall be furnished any ship on which the aforementioned is employed." Longfellow Crew Can't Eat Ship's Rolls enough to stuff the yaps of three blustering buckos. In short, it contained $10,025 in crispy, crunchy, oh-so-lovely pieces of lettuce. When Wetzler cam.e . to, he gabbed the green stuff and sprinted onto the dock, where the occupants of the richly furnish­ ed stateroom—Mr. and Mrs. An­ thony Messa, of Havana—were waiting for a taxi. He gave them their $10,000 caboodle. He was rewarded with a $50 bill. Dick Birmingham, Miami Act­ ing Agent, who reported this rich item to the Log, didn't say who got the handkerchief. A rolling ship gathers no cake. This sea-going maxim emerg­ ed from the ship's galley aboard the SS Henry Longfellow. It sums up the defense offered by the Night Cook and Baker to charges intended to get a rise out of his cake-making. The matter was rolled out at a special meeting held at sea re­ cently to sift the charges. Specifically, cake was the beef. The crew said they couldn't eat the stuff. "It wasn't baked prop- well done when it was served. But the doughty Night Cook and Baker retorted somewhat logically that the fault was not his. "The ship had been rolling too much, was his^rt reply to the criticism of his tarts. ROLLING SHIP Referring to the four or five nights when cake was absent from the menu, he said that the heavy rolling of the vessel made it impossible to do whatever bakers do when they make cake. When he did make cake the roll of the ship spoiled the rolling of the dough. He couldn't do it pi'operly, he said. Solomon-like, the crew made a wise and notable decision. Since the Longfellow was scheduled to make port the next day, shipmates of the Night Cook and Baker withheld judgment. The ship won't be rolling when we are in port, they said, "and we'll give him a chance to prove himself in baking then." If while in port the man pro­ duces, the whole matter will be forgotten. If not, the crew say they would consider further ac­ tion. SS SMITH TH03IPS0N ICE-BOUND IN DENMARK . TVlis SHIP'S ear // VTU ENOUGH POLLS C»: / fA ' Bourn Men Urge Strike Fund Vote A proposal that a $15 special erly and it was doughy," they strike fund assessment be placed claimed. The crew also brought forth at before the membership of the the meeting that for four or five Seafarers International Union in nights they didn't get any cake the form of a referendum was at all. When they finally got urged at a recent meeting aboard their teeth into one of the Night the SS Benjamin Bourn, Missis­ Cook and Baker's concoctions, sippi Shipping Co. they were disappointed. Recommending that the matter WORKED ALONE be decided by secret ballot, the Bourn crew pointed to the cost The Longfellow men took into to the Union of the strike last consideration the fact that the fall in protest of the War Stabili­ baker worked alone in the galley zation Board ruling. The men from two a. m. until ten a. m. felt it urgently necessary that the But that was no excuse for not strike fund be built up quickly having any cake at all, the crew so that the Union would be pre­ contended, adding that it was no pared for any emergency. excuse for the cake not being ' ? 'LE- - This photo was taken in the Copenhagen harbor in late February, after the vessel had spent about a week in the ice. A Danish ice-breaker cut a path through the frozen waters and enabled the Thompson to make port. Chick Fisher. Deck Delegate, submitted the picture fol­ lowing the payoff in New York on March 17. �Friday. April 4, 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Eleyen SIU Ship's Minutes In Brief I <' CHARLES A. WARFIELD. Feb. 9—Chairman W. K. Harde­ man; Secretary E. L. De Parlier. New Business: Discussioni on signing on and meal sub­ sistence due. Some men have three days, others less. Stew­ ard said Purser knows about subsistence and is including it in payroll. Good and Welfare: Steward suggested that slopchest be looked into, and that it be seen to that some Camel cigarettes be placed aboard. Discussion on misunderstand­ ing that Officers come first on mail, and after they are through, the crew can have theirs. Suggestion that Union get onto the Alcoa Company as to launch service to ships lying at anchor in Trinidad. It seems that the 4-8 watch is being screwed out of shore leave due to the launch schedule. Motion carried that company have steam line or hot water line run aft to fantail so crew can have a place to wash clothes. Under present system crew must lug water back to laundry. TWIN FALLS VICTORY, March 2—Chairman Killman; Secretary not given.) New Bus­ iness: Motion carried that Chief Cook get keys for storerooms. Crew laundry should be open­ ed for crew's use and kept clean by a rotation method by the Stewards, Deck and Black Gang Departments. . Motion carried. Good and Welfare: Black Gang heads and show­ ers should be repaired; every department told to use own heads and showers; Shower nozzle needed for Deck De­ partment shower; Chief Cook complains on food; More dish­ es needed; Sinks need fixing in pantry and galley; Linen to be drawn by one man from each department evety Friday. New Business: Mention made of working rules and overtime on Isthmian ships. Chairman re­ minded each man to keep over­ time sheets. two electricians be given suit­ able quarters aboard this ves­ sel; that rationing of clothes and cigarettes be investigated; that no one use sinks for soak­ ing clothes—buckets are pro­ vided. 4. 4. 4. ROSWELL VICTORY, Jan. 18—Chairman Schevaland; Sec­ retary Sam Kosfeld. Delegates gave their reports. H. E. Perkinson selected Ship's Dele­ gate. Suggested that ship's delegate see if it is possible to get galley stove repaired. Stove in such condition that it is im­ possible to cook complete meal. If stove is not repaired soon, ship will have to go on subsistence until repairs can be made. Sug­ gestion to investigate why man who has been tripcarder for three years has been refused pro book—matter to be brought to attention of SIU patrolman on arrival in States. Suggested that soap be issued with linen according to union agreement. s. 4. iXXX JOSHUA HENDY, Dec. 30-^ GADSDEN, Jan. 26—Chair­ Chairman Henry C. McDilda; Secretary Robert E. Merritt. man M. Shipley; Secretary O. Rowe. Motions carried: to have X X Good and Welfare: Crew agreed Deck Delegate contact the to cooperate in keeping door CHARLES A. WARFIELD, master and have meal hours, slamming and noise in general Jan. 5—Chairman R. N. White; settled in New York; to get down to a minimum. Due to Secretary H. B. Brown. New foc'sle hangers, wash basing the fact that the trip will be Business: Steward brought up plug and new lockers for Stew­ longer than expected, the Stew­ matter of pillows and mattress­ ards department; to install ra­ ard informed the crew that he es. Any members of crew wish­ dio; to have sufficient line on may run short on some perish­ ing to receive or exchange to hand to last for entire trip; to able foods. He stated that re­ become known as he had some contest overtime worked by quisition will be made for these extras on hand. Also brought stowaways painting in the al­ items and promised that every up matter of not receiving some leyways; to have slopchest effort would be made when the stores that he ordered. Good checked by crew delegates so ship reached Antwerp to obtain and Welfare: Discussion as to as to get better assortment of these items. keeping messroom clean, pick­ items. 4. ,4. 4. ing up dirty dishes, etc. Motion 4* X 4carried to purchase, with fine They're In A Stew DEL SANTOS, Jan. 28— money, books and magazines Chairman Clarence Umberger; and give the remainder of the Over Erin Secretary Carl Cruzlic. Dele­ money to brothers in hospital. Green with rage, the brawny gates reports read and accept­ Motion carried to set up ship's lads of the 88 De 8oto burped a ed. Motions carried: to elect fund separate from fine money vigorous protest over the alleged new engine delegate—Irving out of individual donations. Irish stew served them at a re­ Ashbrock elected; to open PC The money to be used for help­ cent m'eal. messhall; that each crew mem­ ing shipmates in distress and The stew itself was harmless ber be given a key for show­ balance to be given to Patrol­ enough, but—shades of the sham­ ers and heads. Suggestion man upon arrival for distri­ rock—the inference that it was made to claim overtime for all bution to hospitalized Broth­ Irish was a masquerade and an work done by shore gang in ers. affront to the legion of Ireland's Buenos Aires. kings—and to the De 8oto men, too. The ship's worthies, being sticklers for pedigree, vehement­ ly charged that the stew served them could not lay claim to being 4. 4- 4. Irish. Only degree of resemblance DE SOTO, Feb. 15—Chairman XXX was that it talked back to them. Archie Korbach; Secretary A1 That should just about drive Stansbury. GEORGE WASHINGTON, Motions carried: March 8—Chairman Crosby; the snakes out of the De 8oto's To get carpenter aboard ship Secretary Robertson, New Bus­ stew. in Honolulu to repair screen iness: motion carried tor a new doors; "to order replacements station bill or revise the old for slopchest shortages in Hono­ one. Give a number and card lulu; that windchutes be or­ to each man with a number and dered; install steam line in place that he is assigned to for laundry; that messroom be fire and boat drill. Motion car­ painted white; that halfhooks 4. 4* 4* ried that scuttle butt be re­ be installed on all doors. paired and the water pressure DEL AIRES, Jan. 19—Chair­ XXX man J. Lecke; Secretary Ste­ be increased. Motion carried ROBERT R. McBURNEY, vens. Minutes of last meeting that forecastle and heads be Jan. 10—Chairman T. A. Lauread and accepted. Delegates painted. Motion carried to re­ mann; Secretary D. Zappi^. gave their reports. Motions pair all broken lockers for all Motions carried: Due to short­ carried: that Engine Delegated departments. Motion to repair age of inside paint, heads, report be turned over to Pa­ all door locks and if impossible showers and messrooms are to trolman and handled as he may to repair them, then install new be painted before foc'sles: to direct; that all hands stick to­ ones. Good and Welfare: Have retain same system of fines for gether and -not payoff until Brothers quit tampering with minor infractions as prevailed everything is squared away the clocks. Gave the Steward on previous voyage; that dirty with Patrolman; that Delegates a vote of thanks for his coop­ linen be placed in front of lock­ of each department make list eration. Decision to refrain er by 6 p. m. Saturday; that of repairs to be handed to heads from bringing friends and exclothes are not to be left in of respective departments: that crewmembers aboard. laundry room overnight. URM VOUR 0^/SRTI^AF Sne'ETS iNi To X^PARTAA&MT HEAOS 72 HOURS SEfoRe VOODOCK M)t> K€e?A WUCAfdCOFY VoURSELr. CUT and RUN By HANK We don't know how many brothers are doing it but we would like to see some of the crew of every ship in all our ports taking aboard a few piles of Logs before they sail—to save them for those favorite bars in foreign ports, for other 8IU ships and especially those unorganized shps. The more the Logs get aiound, the better informed our own brothers are with up-to-date union activities and the better our organizing efforts are helped. How about this, brothers, before you sail, take a few piles of Logs from two or three weeks and save them for distribution overseas? You can't break your back or waste your time doing this little thing for your own Union, your shipmates and those non-union sailors . . . The follow­ ing oldtimers came in from a trip on the American Press: Bosun Luke Collins, who confessed with a smile about gaining five pounds, or more, of weight; "Whiskey" Bill Thomas, who bought a new pair of brown walking shoes which are too tight on his dogs for walking or even standing before the shipping board for those jobs; and AB Earl Larson, who is going straight out again for another voyage while he has the urge, the time and the opportunity while shipping is red hot. 444. The "Champ" of the SUP, Brother Eggie Worth, just sailed in from a trip around the world and was merrily and swiftly shanghaied right out again as Bosun on the Seairain Texas . . . Oldtimer John Campbell probably grabbed a messman's job this week . . . Steward Patrick Nash just registered for shipping . . . Thomas Murphy, smiling citizen of New York, isn't worrying wtih a smile on his face, about not getting the Log he's sup­ posed to be getting. We assured Brother Murphy his Log was being mailed faithfully every week, indeed . . . Bosun Ray Sparrow is in town right now . . . Oldtiiper William Brady just came in from a trip on a ship which lost her foremast getting through the iron curtain of North Atlantic stormy weather. The ship took 18 days without ballast, trying to get to Maine for a load of potatoes , . . Verrill Swearingen, Gulfer oldtimer, is in town right now. Where's your pal, O'Connor, or Brother McCoskey? 4. 4. 4From Italy we received the following letter from our shipmate and volunteer organizer of non-union ships. Jimmy "Blackie" SalibUj aboard the SUP ship, William Gushing: "The weather over here is pretty warm, the sun is always shining and the girls are very so­ ciable. We left Boston and sailed into Trieste. Now we're in Leg­ horn. The trip over was darn good and smooth sailing all the way. I'm in the best of health, still going strong and I'm- thinking of go­ ing native for I'm beginning to talk a little Italian. How are things back home and how is shipping? Good, I hope! I'll probably be in New York around the fifth of .kpril. We have a darn, good Chief Mate and a good crew. I'm Bosun on this SUP ship, too. Gi.ve my regards to Joe and your wife.'' 4. 4. 4We have the results of a contest perfumed (the joke is, the word should be performed, if the girls were not involved) by the girfs of Baltimore and New York to select the pretties? and the cutest brothers in our Union. The winnahs in this harmless fe­ male-clamored male glamor contest are: Pretty Boy Charlie Star­ ling and Cute Jimmy Hanners. Ah, we hope these dames don't start another contest to select the Funny-Face members . . . because we won't print the results . . . Brother Harvey Hill just blew into town from his North Atlantic trip . . . Little Jimmy Crescitelli will probably sail out of New_ York without the million dollars he needs to retire on. With his slightly visible mustache still faithfully hanging on, Jimmy will no doubt shang­ hai his poker-faced shadow of an alter ego. Brother George Berry. Well, two can dream better than one, about a million dollars some day, while out there on the ocean, indeed! �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Twelve Fxida7« April 4, 1947 SPEAKS s O ISTHMIAN MEN DEPLORE LACK OF CONTRACT IN MEMORY OF *THE EMANCIPATOR OF SEAMEN* To the Edilor: We, the crew of the SS Citadel Victory, celebrated Feb. 12. Lin coin's birthday, by holding a meeting with ail other Isthmian vessels which are here in Cal cutta at the present time Throughout the meeting we dis cussed all beefs which we have had, and are having, in our voy­ ages on these Isthmian scows. Log'A' Rhythms Cargo In The Hold By R. E. D. Sitting here in a gin mill. Slowly swallowing beer. Couple of -dollars in my pocket. Know my time to ship is near; My time to ship is near— I can feel it in my soul, I hear it from the juke box, I can almost smell the hold. TOOK BEATING We are quite dis.satisficd by not having an agreement as yet with the Isthmian SS Company. Joining with us for this meeting were the crew of the following ships: Steel Artisan, Beaver Vic­ tory, Memphis City and Alle­ gheny Victory. We who have ridden these scows, and who are riding them at the present time, have decid­ ed that we have taken enough of a beating on these scows by getting poor food which come from two-pot galleys. We object, too, to getting beat out of'a lot of legitimate overtime, which would arouse no question on a union ship because of an agree­ ment between the company and a union. We want union representation and union working conditions. We resent working under the present conditions, whereby company officers can work us as they please without any con­ sideration for the men or their labor problems. After all, we are skilled workers, and on get­ ting union representation we feel we will be treated as such. Now we are treated no better than mules who are to produce without questioning the work­ ing conditions. Signed by entire crew MEMBERS MUST DO PART TO MAINTAIN BEST CONDITIONS To the Editor: If the officials are expected to beat their brains out to find ways and means to get better condi­ tions and higher wages for SIU seamen, then the Brothers have to get together themselves aboard each ship and live up to their contracts to the letter. This is necessary now, more than ever, because with the war over the shipowners are taking over. They are dropping all the wartime skippers, mates and en­ gineers, keeping only the oldtime company stiffs, who are out there . trying with everything at their command to break down the fine conditions seamen have ever known. So Brothers, tripcarders or full books, live up to that contract. Do your work, stay sober, and when the day comes to pay off and you have a "bird-dog cap­ tain" and a mate who are hardtiming you, your Agent or Pa­ trolman can handle them in a wa^ they won't forget. The year of 1946 brought the SIU many victories. Let's make 1947 a greater year! Ray Pulliam Members of the SIU-SUP gather at memorial to Andrew Furuseth in San Francisco on 93rd anniversary of his birth. Floral tributes to the man whose battles won so much for sea­ men the world over came from the SIU. SUP and Local 90 of the Masters, Mates and Pilots. I can see the hatches Full of Cargo for the world. From Trinidad to Timbuctoo, Marib to Mailburd, I see the docks in Baltimore, The piers in Shanghai, And I hear the juke box saying. My time is almost nigh. I've finished up my dollars. And I hear it plainer still. The call is getting stronger And I guess it always will. The juke box is saying. In a sweet and sickly song: possibilities of making Start heading for the water­ and were all set for clear sailings with front;" for then on out, you're all wrong. Honolulu without mishap. We ran at full ahead for tv.'o And I know it isn't wrong. NASTY MASTER days until they had to cut her We have a typical Waterman down as the fans were acting up Skipper on here. One of the fam­ I'm walking along the wharfs. agian. ous 'T - am - God - who-are-you?" Smelling the shipping smells, type skipper. This would-be Cap­ I see the ripple of the tide tain Bligh goes under the name And hear the shipping bells. of William Patterson, and myself And suddenly it comes to me and the rest of the crew feel that Like a flash of gold— there is no reason why members of the Seafarers should have to My time to ship is here. sail with such a character as this For I smell cargo in the hold. phony happens to be. 4* The Chief Engineer is an exSeafarer. That "ex" means exThe Night Before union man as well. Every time I see the Mate and the Captain 'Twas the night before payoff. together they remind me of that And all through his gear song that goes something like He hunted in vain. "There's a ring around your nose For the price of a beer; So Ed, we limped on mio Pan­ and it grows and grows and ama to stay there for two days grows." Not a greenback was stirring. and then off we went again. So Milton B. Williams Not even a buck— far, we have had* clear sailing. The gods were off duty. That send folks good luck; La Semmes Seems A Troublesome Wench Needing Careful Caressing To the Editor: Here's a little note to let you in on the ups and downs of the Raphael Semmes. Well, Ed, this Waterman scow left that fairsized city of New York on a sup­ posedly four month trip to the Far East, with the first stop beng Panama. We left New York on Jan. 31, and things went along swell un­ til! sometim'e on the twelve-tofour watch on the second of Feb­ ruary when our jinx caught up with us. The boilers had lost water and cracked the tubes. So we hauled her around and put into Savannah for repairs. We put in first at one dock and then another until the 16th of February when we left the dock at 3 A. M. We steamed along fine until 7 A. M. when bingo, the fans let ga We drifted around outside within sight of the lightship for 27 hours before we got a tow. Here we really had to hand it to the cooks. The Deck Mainten­ ance cut up an old oil drum for a stove and we rigged up the forge for a frying stove. Then Tony Bender, our Chief Cook, fried us some of the best south­ ern fried chicken any of us had ever tasted. I'd send you some pictures of Tony working at his make-shift galley, but I haven't any de­ veloped at this time. REPAIR MADE We got alongside the' dock around 8 P. M. on the 17th, and repairs were. made. We were supposed to sail on the 21st when the feed pumps broke down. The old Raphael Semmes sure must like the docks in Savannah. Well,. Ed, we finally got clear of Savannah at 8 A. M. on the 22nd and steamed at full ahead for Panama. But if you think we had enough trouble already. Vet Prefers SIU On Lakes To the Editor: The following letter, received from a vet who is now hospital­ ized at the Milwaukee Veterans' Hospital, indicates how the unor­ ganized seamen on the Great' Lakes are going for the SIU's or­ ganizational drive. These men now realize that the SIU is the only Union for them on the Lakes, and are joining up in in­ creasing numbers, now that the opening season is just around the corner. Herb Miller, Patrolman Detroit, Mich. Dear Friend: I arrived here back in Mil­ waukee, and what a trip! I was so lame and sore, but it was the only thing to do—coming back to this town. Am now in the Veterans Ad­ ministration Hospital, and get­ ting along fine. I expect to leave this place on, or about, April I. Would you be kind enough to do me a favor? Please send me that package which I left in Detroit to the enclosed ad­ dress. It contains cooks' aprons, and as I now have the sailing fever once again, I certainly would like to hit the ball. And those aprons would come in very handy. So forward, jump forward, oh Time, In thy flight— Make it tomorrow. Just for tonight. CANADA BRANCH LAUDED BY EWELL CREW To the Editor: Sometime during the com­ ing Lakes shipping season I'll dropping in to Detroit. I'll cer­ tainly drop in to say "hello" to the gang. I also intend to join the SIU, and get a boat out from Detroit. Wilh every good wish for the SIU's organizational drives. We, the sailors of the Richard S. Ewell, wish to extend our ap­ preciation for the maintenance of the Hall in Vancouver, B.C. Brother Murphy, the Port Agent, is a very competent man. He has helped us straighten .out sev­ eral beefs. We left British Columbia, a much happier crew because of his efforts and good results. Gust A. Melin. Signed by 10 crewmembers �Friday, April 4. 1847 THE SEAFARERS LOG Brighton Marine Hospital Stamped Okay By Seafarer Page Thirleen THE CITY OF ALMA VISITS THE CITY OF ANTWERP To the Editor: gardless of race, creed or color, and this is as it should be. In the March 14 issue of the , When it comes to feeding, I Log there appeared an article of have this to say: I have been a comment on conditions in the patient in Marine Hospitals in U. S. Marine Hospital, Chicago. New Orleans, Mobile, and Staten Alter having read Brother MauIsland at one time or another pin's account of conditions there, during the past ten years, and and since I have been a patient this hospital tops them all when here at the Brighton (Mass.) Ma­ it comes to variety of menu— rine Hospital, I think it only fair quality and quantity of well-pre­ to relate my findings of condi­ pared food, and a system of serv­ tions at this place. ice that can't be beat. All per­ In all fairness to the United sonnel in this department know States Public Health Service, it is no more than right that credit their worlc and do it in a pleas­ should be given where and when ing way. This could go on for each and it is deserved, and in this case I every unit throughout the hos­ feel it is most deserving. pital, and no doubt there are Here the entire medical staff, as well as all personnal in any many persons responsible for But the fact way connected with the many such efficiency. is that each and every individual functions of the many depart­ deserves a share in the smooth ments throughout the hospital, arc tops. This holds true for each way they make this hospital func­ and every department. From the tion. I agree with Brother Maupin time one enters this hospital, un­ that the meal hours are not di­ til the day of departure, treat­ vided as many of us would want ment and personal comfort are accorded each and every one re- them to be, but the system in use has proven to be of necessity. To compensate for the long hours KEEP MEMBERS' between supper and breakfast, milk and fruit juice is served to WELFARE TOPMOST, tide one over, as well as aid in SAYS BROTHER body needs. Dear Editor: MEETS REQUIREMENTS Years of medical research in I read the article of W. J. Brady and Louis Coffin in regards to nutritional needs have proven the division of meal hours to meet politics in the Log of Jan. 25. all bodily requirements, and if heartily agree with "Ropeyarn's the diet is properly balanced— answer and I wish to state that as I know it is here—one is very our success is due chiefly to a apt to be and feel much better no-party advocacy. because of it. We are strictly interested in The set-ups in all U. S. Marine] ' the welfare of seamen, in regard to health, wages, and the right Hospitals are very -much alike to work, and not to mind the but the functioning of the insti­ tution is the most important part other fellows affairs. I think we have enough to of the program. We have our worry about in cur own field, x-ray department, the dental, witiiout worrying about the poli­ physio - therapy, occupational therapy and many other units, tics of the nation. such as the work carried -on by We all come from different the Red Cross and the Social parts of America, and if we look Service division, which furnish after our jobs, our homes and health, we'll sure have a big entertainment and the usual ne­ cessities and it can be said that enough job on our hands. We can see the discord in rival all these operate in a most satis­ unions due to politics—-right and factory manner here at Brighton. I'll close in saying that the left wings, and this will destroy them. Let's not mix in politics or opinions expressed are not mine religion, and I think we will alone, as I have talked to many come out on top, if we follow the of the patients here and they original Preamble of our By­ agree that as hospitals go this is laws. Again, I must agree with tops. Edwin D. Johnston "Ropeyarn." Brighton Marine Hospital Charles J. Hartman MARINE ARROW CREW WAS TOPS, MANLEY SAYS S. S- 4. Luis A. Ramirez, FWT. writes that the vessel ran into one of the worst winters experienced in the Belgian port since 1891. A wee drop in temperature would have necessitated use of ice-breakers in river shown at left. Snow and ice impeded land traffic too. but trucks and cars kept rolling onto Antwerp roads from the Ford assembly plant (photo below). Ramirez says things are on the upgrade in Belgium, vrith her ports among the busiest in Europe. Once scarce items axe more in evidence, including gals. Credit goes to Ship's Dele­ gate Red Sullivan, says Ra­ mirez, for .making the Alma a model ship for cleanliness. To the Editor: I should like to correct a mis­ understanding resulting from a story which appeared in the Log of Aug. 9, 1946, concerning a trip I made. In regard to the Marine Ar­ row crew mentioned" in the ar­ ticle, I would like it to be known that these men were one of the finest groups I have had the pleasure to sail with. It was a real pleasure to sail with them. Bill Manley Attention! Passage Of 'Bill Of Rights' Depends On Seamen Backing To the Editor: WILLIAM J. STEWART Friends of William James Stewart will please inform him that his father, William L, Stewart of 304 Book Building, Detroit 26, Mich., is extremely anxious to get in touch with him, and is awaiting word at the above address. All merchant seamen who are interested in a Bill of Rights for the men who sailed the ships during the war, should start making knots and write to their Congressmen, urging him to en­ dorse bill IIR 476. The bill is no\v in the House Merchant Marine and Fisheries Commit­ tee. It doesn't take much time, and you don't have to be a fancydandy with the fountain pen. Just let him know that you are in favor of early and favorable action on the bill. Explain to him that the merchant marine lost more men proportionately than did any branch of the arm­ ed forces. Merchant seamen's pay (bonus included) was on a par with U.S. Navy pay, and we had to buy our clothes, got no family allotments, had to pay our de­ pendent's hospital expenses, and had no time off between trips. We had to pay full fare on trains, buses, etc., whereas the service man had the benefit of furlough rates. Write your Senators and re­ quest them to urge early and favorable action on Bill S. 429. This bill will give the seamen who sailed during the war practically the same rights as the GI Bill gives the "veteran." When and if aboard ship, write to the Chairman of the comittees handling these bills, and have every member of the crew sign his name anJ^ address to it. Bill S. 429 is in the Senate Committee on Interstate and Foreign Commerce at the pres­ ent time. Walter A. Foster The Stanwix May Not Be Pretty, But Crew Finds Her Good Feeder To the Editor: The crew of the Stanwix (it desn't even resemble Barbara) have requested that I forward an article to the Log. So here goes the anchor chain: She'.s not a bad rustbucket (Ed note: You mean the ship, not Barbara, we take it. Right?) for most of the crew are homesteading her and the wi'iter wonders whether they like the continual coastwise run or whether they are staying because Johnny Byrd, the Steward—or Bellyrobber—is keeping all hands so fat that when we do hit port we are too obese to get our gear ashore. BUTTON-BUSTER She's a feeder, and the Chief Pumpmen has threatened to sue .Tohnny for some new clothes if he continues to put on weight. A suggestion to the Pumpman: Cease eating one and a half fried chickens with all the trimmings to the meal, and my advice to you is that the ordering of full houses at each and every meal will most certainly not bring on reduction of the waistline. A very congenial crew, and so help me St. Paddy, there has not been even the semblance of an argument or fight among the members of the crew. Yours truly lias been on board since the early part of February. In other words. Brother Editor, a full belly makes for good feelings among all men. Anyway, isn't that something of a record? The crew is about half SIU and half SUP. This shows that our two great Unions are not on­ ly affiliated with each other, but the membership can and will stick together. There are no beefs aboard, so far, but on our last visit into Baytown, Texas, we informed the Agent in Houston, Brother "Cot­ ton" Haymond, about a few necessary repairs and the re-adjustment of the watch system on deck. We are positive it will be taken care of soon. Here's a good. one on Ray White, Agent in the Port of Nor­ folk, Va, (This is supposed to be factual.) ASPIRIN FOR RAY It seems there was a young lad that kept bothering Ray contin­ ually for about two or three SH& AiM'T SO PORrV, ^sHe scifte GAi^ OOOKI weeks about getting a tripcard. After that length of time, there being a shortage of messmen in Norfolk, Ray issued a TC to the guy. The Bozo thanked him very nicely, saying: "Brother White, do you know that I have had a headache ever since I started trying to get an SIU tripcard. Now that I have one, I have lost the headache." Ray replied: "Lost it hell. Now I have it." This great city that we're nowdocked in is as slow and lazy as "Ole Man River" at ebb tide. And to top that off, the natives around the waterfront have developed the same symptoms. When you ask them how to get any certain place, you must wait 15 minutes before they reply in the slowest drawl. NO NOISE FROM BELOW You don't hear much growling from the Black Gang at meal time. The reason is they have the talle.st messman in the whole SIU-SUP, Sam Vincius. He's 6 feet, 6 inches tall and weighs a mere 247 pounds ringside, and not an ounce of fat on him. You're darned right. Editor, that he and I are buddies. When he dropped 97 simoleons in the dice game a few nights past, the gang immed­ iately nicknamed him "Old 97." Better luck next time. Old 97. There are a few crawfish eat­ ers from New Orleans on board this tub, and they all send their regards to the "Chief Crawfish Eater," Joe "Volpian. Law and order is what we want, Joe. You dish it out in your column, and we know that your word is your bond. There are copies of the Sea­ farers Log coming aboard in all ports, but some of the SUP bpys are wanting West Coast Sailors also. What do you say Morris Weisbergcr—can do? Regards and smooth sailing te all SIU and SUP Brothers, from the crew of the SS Fort Stanwix, and to Brother Editor: Keep the Log going as great as in the past. Bill Utley Stewards Dept. Delegate (Editor's note: Thanks, and to you and the rest of the Stan­ wix crew, continued smooth sailing.) �1/ Page Fourleen THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, April 4, 1947 New Wage Scales Under 6% Pay increase The increased wage, overtime, standby and other rates of pay won by the Seafarers Interna­ tional Union in its drive to off­ set the increased cost of living New Rate resulted in supplementary agree­ ments that arc tops on the water­ Present Wage Increase $217.30 front. DECK DEPARTMENT 204.05 In addition to an "across-the- Bosun $225.00 $13.50 190.80 board" increase of six per cent in Carpenter 225.00 13.50 217.30 the monthly wage, overtime, Bosun's Mate 205.00 12.30 209.35 standby, longshore and tank- STEWARDS DEPARTMENT cleaning scales, the Union, nego­ Chief Steward $325.00 $19.50 198.75 tiated increased travel subsis­ Asst. Chief Steward 225.00 13.50 182.85 tence and meal allowances. Second Steward 220.00 13.20 182.85 Companies which have so far Third Steward 185.00 11.10 182.85 signed the supplementary agree­ Cashier 175.00 10.50 159.00 ment granting the increases are: Checker 170.00 10.20 Alcoa Steamship Company, Inc., Telephone Operators 150.00 9.00 A. H. Bull Steamship Company, Linenkeeper 165.00 9.90 $312.17 Baltimore Insular Lines, Seas Head Cafe Man 182.50 10".95 241.15 Shipping Company, Inc., Eastern Service Bar Man 172.50 10.35 243.80 Steamship Lines, Inc., Smith and Cafe Waiter 150.00 9.00 217.30 Johnson, South Atlantic Steam­ Chief Cook 260.00 15.60 251.22 ship Lines and the American Lib­ Second Cook 220.00 13.20 217.30 erty Corporation. Third Cook 195.00 11.70 285.67 180.44 Also the Waterman SS Corp., Fourth Cook 10.80 251.75 175.00 Mississippi Shipping Co., Inc., Assistant Cook 10.50 231.61 205.00 Overtakes Freight Corp., Newtex Crew Cook 12.30 209.35 Lines, Inc., Arnold Bernstein SS Galley Utility 150.00 9.00 217.30 Co., Illinois Atlantic, American Butcher 222.75 13.37 201.40 Eastern Corp., Calmar SS Co., Baker 250.00 15.00 206.97 195.00 Ore Line, Peninsular & Occiden­ Head Pantryman 11.70 188.15 Second Pantryman tal SS Co. 180.00 10.80 188.15 150.00 9.00 The receiit negotiations amend­ Pantry Utility 188.15 Messman 150.00 9.00 ed the agreements now in effect 177.55 150.00 9.00 . with the above companies, with Gloryhole Steward 185.50 Porters 152.50 9.15 the provisions that: 175.00 10.50 1. The monthly wage scale shall Stewardess Deck Steward 155.00 9.30 be increased by six per cent. $233.20 Office Man 150.00 9.00 2. The overtime rate of pay 217.30 Bath Steward 150.00 9.00 shall be inci'eased by six per 217.30 Night Bellman 150.00 9.00 cent. 196.10 Head Waiter 205.00 12.30 3. The standby rate of pay 185.50 Captain's Waiter 150.00 9.00 shall be increased by six per cent. 159.00 Dining Room Steward ... 150.00 9.00 4. The rate of pay for long­ 159.00 Waiters—Bedroom Stewards.. 150.00 9.00 shore work shall be increased by six per cent. 5. The tank cleaning rate shall be increased by six per cent. (The foregoing increases are all retroaclive lo Jan. I, 1947. The following increases are reloactive lo March 11. 1947): New Rate 6. Travel subsistence shall be Present Wage Increase increased from $4.00 to $4.25 per STEWARDS DEPARTMENT day. $249.10 $325.00 $19.50 7. Meal allowance shall be in­ Chief Steward Asst. Chief Steward 217.30 .... 225.00 13.50 creased from $1.00 to $1.25 per Second Steward 238.50 meal. 220.00 13.20 Third Steward 185.00 11.10 The new wage rates for pas­ 195.00 11.70 senger ships, but which are not Storekeeper $343.44 152.50 9.15 listed will receive wages as Printer-Porter 287.79 Deck Steward 155.00 9.30 listed under freight ships. 263.41 .. . 150.00 9.00 The overtime rate for unlicen­ Asst. Deck Steward 150.00 9.00 sed personnel receiving less than Bath Steward 175.00 10.50 $200.00 per month shall be $1.06 Stewardess $344.50 150.00 9.00 per hour. For all ratings receiv­ Assistant Stewardess 233.20 ^ 150.00 9.00 ing $200.00 or more per month,, Gloryhole Steward 275.60 150.00 9.00 the overtime rate shall be $1,325 Officer's Room Steward 233.20 Porter ... 152.50 9.15 per hour. 206.70 Linenkeeper 165.00 9.90 190.80 Telephone Operator 150.00 9.00 217.30 Night Bellman 150.00 9.00 217.30 Bellman 150.09 9.00 265.00 Head Cafe Man 182.50 10.95 Rating New Rate Service Barman 223.93 172.50 10.35 Deck Department 236.12 Cafe Waiters 150.00 9.00 Bosun : $224.80 159.00 Chief Cook 260.00 15.60 Carpenter 224.80 164.30 Second Cook 220.00 13.20 AB Maintenance 206.25 Third Cook 164.30 • 195.00 11.70 Quartermaster ^ 190.35 169.60 Fourth Cook 180.00 ao.8o Able Seaman 190.35 Assistant Cooks 159.00 175.00 . 10.50 AB Cardeckman 190.35 159.00 Chief Butcher :. 222.75 13,37 Ordinary Seaman 166.50 164.30 Second Butcher 190.00 11.40 Engine Department 206.70 Chief Baker 250.00 15.00 Electrician $253.65 174.90 Second Baker 211.25 . 12.68 Deck Engineer 253.65 159.00 Crew Cook 205.00 12.30 Engine Utility 224.80 Galley Utility 159.00 150.00 9.00 161.65 Oiler—Steam 195.65 150.00 9.00 Messman Watertender 195.65 161.65 195.00 Chief Pantryman 11.70 185.50 Fireman 185.05 180.00 Second Pantryman 10.80 159.00 Wiper , 193.00 170.00 Third Pantryman 10.20 206.70 Stewards Department 150.00 9.00 Pantry Utility 174.90 Chief Steward $245.70 205.00 12.30 Head Waiter 174.90 Chief Cook 224.80 150.00 9.00 Captain's Waiter 159.00 Night Cook & Baker 224.80 150.00 9.00 Dining Room Waiter : 159.00 3rd Cook 193.00 150.00 9.00 Bedroom Stewards f 185.50 Messman 166.50 159.00 Utilityman 166.50 (Continued on Page 11) EASTERN STEAMSHIP LINES NEW FREIGHT SHIP SCALE DECK DEPARTMENT Present Wage Rating Bosun Bosuns Mate—Day Work Bosuns Mate—Watch Carpenter Storekeeper A3 Maintenance Quartermaster Able Seaman Vl^atchman Ordinary Seaman $205.00 192.50 180.00 205.00 197.50 187.50 172.50 Ii2.50. 1|;2.50 loO.OO Increase $12.30 11.55 10.80 12.30 11.85 11.25 10.35 10.35 10.35 9.00 ENGINE DEPARTMENT Chief Electrician Asst. Electrician Jr. Engineer-Day Work Jr. Engineer—Watch Plumber—Machinist Deck Engineer Chief Reefer First Reefer Second Reefer Storekeeper Engine Utility Evaporator—Maint. Oiler—Diesel Oiler—Steam Watertender Fireman-Watertender Fireman Wiper $294.50 227.o0 230.00 205.00 237.00 205.00 269.50 237.50 218.50 197.50 205.00 190.00 195.25 177.50 177.50 177.50 167.50 175.00 $17.67 13.65 13.80 12.30 14.22 12.30 16.17 14.25 13.11 11.85 12.30 11.40 11.72 10.65 10.65 10.65 10.05 10.50 STEWARDS DEPARTMENT $220.00 205.00 205.00 185.00 175.00 150.00 • 150.00 Chief Cook Night Cook and Second Cook .... Third Cook $13.20 12.30 12.30 11.10 10.50 9.00 9.00 Passenger Ships — Overnight Service New Rate $238.50 238.50 217.30 $344.50 238,50 233.20 196.10 185.50 180.20 159.00 174.90 193.45 182.85 159.00 275.60 233.20 206.70 190.80 185.50 217.30 159.00 236.12 265.00 206.70 190.80 159.00 159.00 159.00 161.65 185.50 164.30 159.00 159.00 159.00 217.30 159.00 159.00 159.00 MISSISSIPPI SS COMPANY EASTERN STEAMSHIP LINES Del Norte Type Passenger Ships — Off-Shore Present Wage Increase $235.00 205.00 225.00 $14.10 12.30 13.50 $324.00 271.50 248.50 $19.44 16.29 14.91 .5325.00 220.00 2G0.00 220.00 195.00 180.00 205.00 205.00 250.00 211.25 222.75 150.00 155.00 155.00 .160.00 150.00 1.50.00 1.55.00 19.5.00 165.00 150.00 150.00 152.50 152.50 175.00 150.00 195.00 165.00 165.00 150.00 150.00 175.00 150.00 $19.50 13.20 15.60 13.20 11.70 10.80 12.30 12.30 15.00 12.68 13.37 9.00 9.30 9.30 9.60 ' 9.00 9.00 9.30 11.70 9.90 9.00 9.00 9.15 9.15 10.50 9.00 11.70 9.90 9.90 9.00 9.00 10.50 9.00 DECK DEPARTMENT Eo.sun Bosun's Mate Carpenter : ENGINE DEPARTMENT Chief Electrician Second Electrician Third Electrician STEWARDS DEPARTMENT Chief Steward Second Steward Second Third ( Fourth Crew C Night ( Chief E Second Galley Utility . Deck Steward . Smoking Room Steward Saloon Steward Bedroom Steward Night St Gloryhole Stewards Chief Ste SEATRAIN LINES New Rate $344.50 238.50 233.20 196.10 206.70 161.65 164.30 159.00 159.00 185.50 159.00 159.00 159.00 161.65 174.90 159.00 159.00 159.00 193.45 182.85 159.00 275.60 233.20 206.70 190.80 185.50 236.12 201.40 265.00 223.93 217.30 159.00 159.00 206.70 • 190.80 180.20 159.00 217.30 159.00 159.00 159.00 �THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday. April 4. 1947 Wage Scales Under Recent 6% Increase SlU HALLS BALTIMORE ALCOA STEAMSHIP COMPANY Passenger Ship — George Washington Present Wage DECK DEPARTMENT B„sun $225.00 Carpenter 225.00 STEWARDS DEPARTMENT Chief Steward $325.00 Second Steward 220.00 Storekeeper 195.00 L^nenkeeper 165.00 Bartender : 185.00 Deck Steward 155.00 Lounge Steward 155.00 Stewardess 175.00 Assistant Stewardess 150.00 Captain's Steward 150.00 Head Waiter 205.00 Waiters 155.00 Smoking Room Steward 150.00 Dining Room Utility 150.00 Bedroom Stewards 150.00 Bellman 150.00 Night Waiter 150.00 Crew Pantryman 162.50 Asst. Crew Pantryman 150.00 Messman 150.00 Officer's Bedroom Steward .. 150.00 Glorviiole Steward 150.00 Bath Steward 150.00 Chief Cook 260.00 Second Cook 220.00 Third Cook 195.00 Fourth Cook 180.00 Fifth Cook 175.00 Night Cook 175.00 Crew Cook .' 205.00 Chief Butcher 222.75 Second Butcher 190.00 Chief Baker 250.00 Second Baker 211.25 Galley Utility m. 150.00 Ciiief Pantryman 195.00 Second Pantryman 180.00 Third Pantryman 170.00 Night Pantryman *170.00 Pantry-Utility 150.00 Stewards Utility 150.00 Increase New Rale $13.50 13.50 $238.50 238.50 $19.50 13.20 11.70 9.90 11.10 9.30 9.30 10.50 9.00 9.00 12.30 9.30 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.75 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.00 15.60 13.20 11.70 10.80 10.50 10.50 12.30 13.37 11.40 15.00 12.68 9.00 11.70 10.80 10.20 10.20 9.00 9.00 $344 .50 233.20 206.70 174.90 196.10 164.30 164.30 185.50 159.00 159.00 217.30 164.30 159.00 159.00 159.00 159.00 159.00 172.25 159.00 159.00 159.00 159.00 159.00 275.60 233.20 206.70 190.80 185.50 185.50 217.30 236.12 201.40 265,00 223.93 159.00 206.70 190.80 180.20 180.20 159.00 159.00 ALCOA STEAMSHIP COMPANY Passenger Ships — Cavalier Type Present Wage DECK DEPARTMENT Bosun Carpenter ENGINE DEPARTMENT Second Electrician STEWARDS DEPARTMENT Chief Steward Second Steward Chief Cook Second Cook Larder Cook Third Cook Crew Cook Chief Baker Second Baker Butcher Galley Utility Deck Steward Lounge & Smoking Rm. Std. Saloon Steward Waiter Room Stev.'ard Night Steward Chief Pantryman Ass't Pantryman Night Pantryman Dishwasher Messman Bellman Porter Bartender Gloryhole Steward Linen-Storekeeper Captain's Waiter Officer's Room Steward Steward's Utility Stewardess $235.00 225.00 $271.50 Increase New Rate $14.10 13.50 $249.10 238.50 $16.29 $287.79 $19.50 13.20 15.60 13.20 13.20 11.70 12.30 15.00 12.68 13.37 9.00 9.30 9.30 9.60 9.00 9.00 9.30 11.70 9.90 9.90 9.00 9.00 9.00 9.15 10.50 9.00 11.70 9.00 9.00 9.00 10.50 $344.50 233.20 275.60 233.20 233.20 206.70 217.30 265.00 223.93 236.12 159.00 164.30 164.30 169.60 159.00 159.00 164.30 206.70 174.90 174.90 159.00 159.00 159.00 161.65 • 185.50 159.00 206.70 159.00 159.00 159.00 185.50 • $325.00 220.00 260.00 220.00 220.00 195.00 205.00 250.00 211.25 222.75 150,00 155.00 155.00 160.00 150.00 150.00 155.00 195.00 165.00 165.00 150.00 150.00 150.00 152.50 175.00 150.00 195.00 150.00 150.00 150.00 175.00 Page Fifteen 14 North Gay St. Calvert 4539 BOSTON 276 State St. Boudoin 4455 BUFFALO 10 Exchange St. Cleveland 7391 CHARLESTON 424 King St. Phone 3-3680 CHICAGO 24 W. Superior Ave. Superior 5175 CLEVELAND 1014 E. St. Clair Ave. Main 0147 BOSTON CORPUS CHRISTI .. 1824 Mesquite St. SS BILLINGS VICTORY Corpus Christi 3-1509 R. L. .McKenzie. $2.00; H. C. Michels, DETROIT 1038 Third St. Cadillac 6857 S5.00; A. Mnrtinsen, $1.00. SS DAVID B. BURNETT DULUTH 531 W. Michigan St. C E Gierczit;. $1.00; W. J. McMelrose 4110 GALVESTON 308 tz—23rd St. Waters. $1.00. Phone 2-8448 GALVESTON HONOLULU ......... 16 Merchant St. I.NDIVIDU.AL DON.ATIONS Phone 58777 Steve Harrison. $1.00; W. J. McNeil HOUSTON 1515 75th St. $2.00; D. E. McNeil, $2.00; H. E. HimWentworth 3-3809 kamp, $2.00. JACKSONVILLE 920 Main St. NEW YORK Phone 5-5919 SS ROBIN GOODFELLOW MARCUS HOOK 1'/, W. 8th St. F. E. Parker. $1.00; J. I-.. McLranie. Chester 5-3110 $1.00; G. Cameron $2.00; J. Ackerman. MIAMI 1356 N. E. 1st Ave. $1.00; C. H. Keckley. $2.00; H. G MOBILE 1 South Lawrence St, Coronea.s. $1.00; E. M. Bryant. $2.00; Phone 2-1754 NEW ORLEANS 339 Cliartres, St. A. B. Lynn. $1.00; R. Coleji. $2.00; ij. Kite. $2.00; W. J. Phillips. $2.00. Magnolia 6112-6113 S3 COASTAL STEVEDORE NEW YORK 51 Beaver St. |I J. Luma. $2.00; J. Rodriguez, $1.00; HAnover 2-2784 ' NORFOLK 127-129 Bank St. M. Santiago. $1.00. SS J. FISKE Phone 4-1083 A. E. Burris. $1.00; L. C. Harper. PHILADELPHIA 9 South 7th St. Lombard 3-7651 Lampley. $5.00; J. W. Brackett. $5.00; PORT ARTHUR . . 909 Fort Worth Ave. C. P. Fletcher. $1.00; E. M. Felker. Phone 2-8532 $1.00; V. Rackley. $1.00; J. H. EmerPORTLAND Ill W. Burnside St. ick. $1.00; L. Mite. $1.00; W. F. Hunt. Beacon 4336 R, P. Cierczic, $1.00.. SS CAPE HATTERAS RICHMOND, Calif 257 5th St. F. Molina, $1.00; William J. I lavonr, Phone 2599 SAN FRANCISCO 105 Market St. Jr.. $1.00: J. E. Bonilla. $1.00. SS MAYO BROS. Douglas 5475-8363 H. Lancour. $2.00; C. I ludanich. SAN JUAN, P. R. ... 252 Ponce de Leon San Juan 2-5996 $2.00; E. Canonizrido. $2.00; F. W. SAVANNAH 220 East Bay St. Erlgelt. $2.00; G. H. Proctor. $2.00; T. Phone 8-1728 W. Hill. $2.00; .S. Ahrnham. $2.00. SS KING HATHAWAY SEATTLE 86 Sencca St. A. r .Simpson, $2 25; F. P. Furhs. Main 0290 TAMPA 1809-1811 N. Franklin St. $1.00; R. C. Ennis, $1.00; J. R. Balduc. Phone M-1323 $1.00; H. Vf. Smith, $2.00; F. I.antiere. TOLEDO 61.5 Summit St. $2 00; S. L. Polizzi. $1.00; H. Walls WILMINGTON 440 Avalon Blvd. and Deck Dept.. $15.00; E. \^'entz. Terminal 4-3131 $1.00; B. Haf:..-r. $1.00; P. R, CalcVICTORIA, B. C 602 Boughton St. haugh. $2.00; W. D. Rinehart. $1.00; Garden 8331 J. L. Simpson. $1.00; D. Bissett $.1.00; VANCOUVER 144 W. Hastings St. D. E. Whit.-, $1.00; R. Eigueroa, $2.00. SS T. LOUVERTURE Pacific 7824 C. L. Southwick. $1.0'J. SS BLUE ISLAND VICTORY n. As.sa;d. $15.00: R. L. Rose. $2.00; C. .M. Moss. $1.00; J. H. Gurganus. William E. Halby would like to $50.00; E. H. Gates. $2.00; J. Sheets, have some of his old shipmates $2.00. D. C". Thompson. $2.00: John E. Robertson, $2.00; drop him a line. His address is Rushing. $2 00; J. R. Dixon. $2.00: \V. B. Palmer. Ward "B,' Dade County Hospital, $2.00. K 11. Price. $2.00; V. \V. King, Kendall, Fla. $2.00; t). Yealvs. $2.00; E. II. Thoma- NOTICE! son, $2.00; A. Jensljy. $2.00; L. Smith, $2.00; E, L. Waters. $2.00; O'Connor. $2.00; T. Wheeler, $2.00; B. L. Winston. $2,00; H. S. Winston, $2.00; C. D. Westman. $2.00; L. M. Moore. $2.00; R. C. Beahm. $2.00; J. C. Cambrel!. $2.00; William H. Lewis. $2.00; J. C. Casey. $2.00; N. Okray, $2.00; J, W. Altstatt, $2,00; L. L. Siarkowski, $2.00; T, D. Foster. $2.00; R. N, Mahone, $2.00; A. Frudge, $2.00; J. R, Alsobrook, $2.00. PERSONALS JAMES M. SAVELLE Please write to your family at Silver City, Miss. i i- 5" DANIEL McNULTY Get in touch with your sister, Mrs. Katherine Ebsary, 9 Har­ vard Street, Charleston, Mass. S. 4. 4. RAOUL PEPIN Get in touch with your father, 1826 Covin Blvd. E., Montreal. 4, 4. 4. JACK (J. O.) SMITH Get in touch with your sister, Mrs. Billie Odom, P. O. Box 17, Keyes, California. 4. 4. 4. CLYDE E. SCHMIDT Get in touch with your father, H. L. Schmidt, Sanger, Texas. 4. 4. 4. JOSEPH T. GEHRINGER Get in touch with Margaret C. Gchringer, Capitol Hotel, Mul­ berry Street and Park Avenue, Baltimore, Md. 4. 4. 4. JOSEPH F. WELSH m touch with Mrs. ShirGet in ley Wessel at the Seamen's Church Institute of Now York, 2.5 South Street, N. Y. 4. New York. She has an important message for vou. WITH THE SIU IM CANADA By HUGH MURPHY glad to be back home and are in ist can be duped by such tripe. After many years away from no ways anxious for another trip Sullivan has gone the way of all commies and will be remembered home, the SIU crews who deliv­ to England. Pat Sullivan, longtime commie, and despised by all. ered the twin vessels. Prince Da­ Secretary-Treasurer of the Trades vid and Prince Robert, to their The cableship Restorer, afternew owners in England were and Labor Congress of Canada many delays finally got away on and president of the commie-con- her mission of tending and re­ very disappointed and perhaps little disillusioned by the state of frolled Canadian Seamen's Union, pairing trans-pacific cables. affairs as they existed in Britain has followed the usual line laid The Restorer, at present under down by past bigwig stooges of SIU agreement, is the only ship today. The boys found that after two the Stalinist doctrine by double in Canada paying U.S. wages, years of peace the "Old Sod" was crossing his cohorts in dramatic overtime, and having conditions still a pretty miserable place to fashion. His actions have set the on a par with U.S. vessels. party boys back on their heels. Other agreements must be be. His expose of the role he has brought up to this standard. Re­ Shortages of the bare necessit­ ies of life, coupled with the lack played in the labor movement in ports from the ship indicate that of sufficient fuel, light and gas Canada as a pawn of the party everything is running smoothly, for domestic purposes, as well as and the death grip the party has with the exception of the Stew­ the snow and zero temperatures on a section of the Labor move­ ards Department. made their homecoming very dull ment is not news to most bonaThe quantity and quality of fide trade unionists. food served the crew is not-what and dismal. The desii-e to be on the way It should serve, however, as it should be. This will have to home to Canda was heightened an eye opener to lots of people, be rectified when the ship re­ by these conditions. particularly those who are dom­ turns. This is the first time this ship This was graphically illustrat­ inated by the commies. Sullivan is weak. That's why has been 100 percent organized ed by Brother Bill Ramsay, Chief he was a communist. The party and under Union agreement. It Steward of the Prince David In boys shouldn't be surprised. They may be sometime yet before this cartoons depicting a "Happy know what he was before, and vessel returns to 'Victoria which Scene in a London Pub" and his arrival home in Glasgow where during his association with them. is her home base. Keep her he shows himself leaving Central He did exactly what they expect­ "steady as she goes," fellows. (Pictures of the Restorer, which Station in "Welcome Home Stup­ ed him to do; he wouldn't have been a good communist if he had accompanied this article, came in id." too lata to be used in this issue. Returning to Canada on the done any different. It is incredible that any honest- However, they will be printed Aquitania," the boys had a fairly smooth trip in all, but are thinking and sincere trade union­ next week.) �Page Sixteen THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday. April 4, 1947 J ••?>v % %&Seofarer&h^e¥nd&iom\ Union Great l^kes Pis+nct* ^ � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource April 4, 1947 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. IX, No. 14 Description An account of the resource Headlines: SIU CONVENTION PLANS EXPANSION; CALLS FOR END TO PANAMA TRANSFERS SEAFARERSS TESTIFY BEFORE NLRB ON ISTHMIAN ELECTION NLRB TO HOLD UNION ELECTION ON MATHIASEN MARINE DEPT BACKS SIU ON PANAMA TRANSFERS AFL MARITIME TRADES DEPT HOLDS SUCCESSFUL MEETING IN CHICAGO SETTING THE PACE DOING THEIR SHARE NO REFORMS YET AT NEPONSIT DESPITE BALLYHOO IN PILOT VOTING RULES FOR SEAMEN NO COLLUSION SHOWN AT ISTHMIAN HEARING SCENES OF ACTIVITY FROM TWO GULF PORTS COMPLETE TEXT OF RESOLUTION ON PANAMANIAN SHIP TRANSFERS CURRAN BLAMES COMMIES FOR LOSS IN ISTHMIAN VOTE MARINE ACCIDENTS HIGHER THAN ALL OTHER INDUSTRIES SHIPPING IS BAD ON GOLD COAST SEAMEN'S BILL OF RIGHTS NEEDS BACKING OF SEAMEN EVERYWHERE CORPUS CHRISTI IS ENJOYING GOOD SHIPPING MOBILE SHIPPING STILL BOOMS; RATED MEN ARE STILL IN DEMAND MIAMI EXPECTS ADDED P&O RUNS DURING APRIL MILWAUKEE GETS UNDER WAY DULUTH AREA MARITIME TRADES COUNCIL ELECTS ITS OFFICERS SHOREGANG WORK IS PLENTIFUL IN SAN JUAN HURRY! HURRY! HURRY! NEW YORK NEEDS RATED MEN IN BLACK GANG SEAFARERS CONTRACT ASSURES SECURITY, PROTECTION FOR SEAMEN ALL SIGNS POINT TO SIU SUCCESS ON GREAT LAKES SHIPS IN TRANSIT ARE KEEPING PORT ARTHUR BUSY LAKES SEAMEN, VISIT SIU HALLS AND SEE DEMOCRACY IN ACTION FIND 10 G'S, GET REWARD OF 50 BUCKS FORT FREDERICA'S BUCKO TARGET OF CREW'S BLAST LONGFELLOW CREW CAN'T EAT SHIP'S ROLLING BOURN MEN URGE STRIKE FUND VOTE Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 4/4/1947 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1947 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/e283b2588555169ab109db3712f30b5c.PDF bb19cd90376b28906ae2363db3ab9211 PDF Text Text Official Organ of the Seafarers International Union of North America VOL. IX. Phone Unions Hit The Bricks Aii Over U.S. NEW YORK, N. Y.. FRIDAY. APRIL 11. 1947 SIU SUPPORTS TELEPHONE WORKERS Still dressed in their Easter tinery, over 300,000 men and women, employes of the farflung American Telephone and Telegraph Company, walked out on a strike which started at 6 A.M. Monday, April 7. As in the past, the Seafarers immediately went to the aid of the strikers. The facilities of the third floor of the New York Hall were turned over to the telephone workers, and leaflets were distributed on their picketlines displaying tlie solidarity As soon as the nation's telephone workers went out on of labor. strike, the Seafarers International Union made known its sup­ port of the more than 300.000 people who hit the picketlines. AT&T, which has been des­ The above picture shows the picketline at 104 Broad Street, cribed as the richest company in New York City, with two Seafarers distributing leaflets explain­ the world, went out of its way ing SIU assistance. For other pictures see page IS, to provoke the strike. All sorts of stalling tactics were resorted to, and when the Federal Con­ ciliators were called in, com­ pany representatives refused to submit the most important union demands to arbitration. Main section of the striking workers is composed of the Na­ NEW YORK—Within 24 hours phone workers, which New Jer­ tional Federation of Telephone Workers, an independent, loose­ after the state of New Jersey sey has passed, the Bill had just ly bound group of affiliates with passed a law authorizing jail become law. about 200,000 members. Governor Driscoll had held up sentences and heavy fines for signing the bill to give the strik­ NO SCABBING telephone strikers, the Seafarers ers a chance to return to work to However, other independent International Union, New York escape penalties which range up groups throughout the country Branch, overwhelmingly adopt­ to .$500 per day for each striker, pledged support of the action, ed a resolution which character­ plus 30 days in jail for each day and remained outside the picket- ized the bill as "out and out on strike. lines once the walkout started. strikebreaking of a sort employ­ Full text of the SIU resolutions All telephone service was not ed by Hitler and Stalin to de­ appear on page 15. shut off. In areas where dial stroy their labor movements." The resolution called for full phones were in operation, ser­ vice continued, but it was ex­ support of the "striking phone pected that mechanical difficul­ workers and organized labor in ties might impair most of that New Jersey," and pledged any operation as the strike continued. assistance necessary in the fight All maintainence personnel are to have the law repealed. CLEVELAND — Meeting with included in the strikers. At the same time, another re­ At the height of the action, solution, this time attacking so- Mr. Lee G. Hinslea, general the state of New Jersey passed called "Merchant Marine Vet­ counsel of the Midland Steam­ a bill authorizing jail sentences eran Groups" was also passed by ship Company, at the Cleveland and fines for telephone strikers. the more than 1500 members in Hotel on Thursday, April 3, SIU Vice President Morris Weisber"This bill was passed within attendance at the meeting. gcr and Great Lakes Secretaryfive hours after it was sent to These phony, cadging outfits Treasurer Fred Farnen presented the lawmakers by Governor wei-e attacked fi'oin the floor-, the Seafarei-s' contract demands Driscoll, and provoked some and one operating in the Gulf to the Midland SS Company rep­ comment that the measure had area, called the Merchant Mar­ resentative. been railroaded through without iners of America, came in for a Arrangements were made for sufficient time for consideration. pai-ticular lot of censur-e. a further meeting between both Organized labor immediately the SIU and Midland during the started protests. Among the first CREWS INSTRUCTED week of April 7th, after Mr. to make themselves heard were The membership voted that all Hinslea requested further time the members of the Seafarers International Union, who, in a crews be instructed to keep rep­ in which to study the SIU con­ regular New York Branch resentatives of the Merchant Mar­ tract proposals in more complete meeting, passed a resolution con­ iners of Amer'ica off SIU ships, detail. For the second meeting, the demning the action of Governor and that officials take action to Driscoll and the state legisla­ insur-e that these people do not SIU will be represented by ture, and compared the action have access to Union Halls in Cleveland Agent Stanley Wares, Ashtabula Agent Maurice Dole with the union-busting techni­ any port. At the time the SIU took its (formerly employed on the Mid­ ques practiced by Hitler and Stalin. (Full text of resolution stand on the anti-strike bill, di­ land ships), and Secretary-Trea­ rected solely against the tele­ surer Farnen. appears on page 15.) 1 N.Y. SIU Raps Jersey Law, Merchant Marine Vet Outfit No. 15 A&G Delegates Report On The int'i Convention Decisions And Actions The Third Biennial Convention of the Seafarers In­ ternational Union of North America, convened at 10:30 March 24, 1947 at the Morrison Hotel, Chicago, Illinois, Harry Lundeberg, President of the International Union presiding. President Lundeberg spoke at some length to the delegates, outlining the problems that must be solved dur­ ing the convention in order to$keep the gains made by the Union. Credentials were in for Union delegates representing some 100,000 workers in the seamen, fish­ ermen and fish cannery work­ ers field, and in every port in the United States, as well as Canada and Alaska, reported the Chair­ man of the Credentials Commit­ Adding to their string of re­ tee. sounding victories, the Ameri­ The delegates were addressed can Merchant Marine Staff Of­ by Harry O'Reilly, representative ficers Association, AFL,wound up of William Green, in welcoming elections aboard ships of the the delegates to the city of Chi­ United States Line and the Am­ cago, and pledging the entire erican South African Lines by support of the American Federa­ completely drubbing the NMU. tion of Labor in the organization In .NLRB elections held aboard drive in the Great Lakes region, vessels of the two lines in the which the Seafarers are launch­ last fifteen weeks, the Pursers ing at this time. voted complete rejection of the Omar F. Hoskins, Commis­ NMU by giving them but 16 sioner of Conciliation, United votes of a total of 142. States Department of Labor, Of the 123 votes cast by greeted the delegates on behalf United States Lines Pursers, 81 of the Department of Labor, and favored the Staff Officers Asso­ spoke of the labor relations ciation. while 16 were for the problems in the shipping industry NMU. during the post-war period. On the American South Afri­ can Line, nineteen votes were {Continued on Page 14) cast. The AFL Pursers gather­ ed eleven, five ballots were for no union, two were blank and one was challenged. The NMU failed to pick up a single tally am/ong the Pursers aboard Amsaline ships. Reports on the results of this NEGOTIATIONS BEGIN meeting will be carried in the Tom Hill, East Coast Repre­ next issue of the LOG. Among the SIU demands were sentative of the AMMSOA, statthe following: a 40 hour work ! cd that the Pursers would begin week at sea and in port; over­ negotiations within the next few time rates at $1.25 per hour for days for wage adjustments, bet­ all time worked in excess of 8 ter living conditions, shorter hours daily. 40 hours weekly, hours and increased overtime and for all penalty overtime: a rates on all contracted ships. The victories over U.S. Line flat increase of 10 percent in all base rates; and a 30 day bonus and Amsaline' bring to eight in clause instead of the seasonal number the elections won by the Staff Officers in the last three bonus now being paid. Last of the SlU's demands was months. Some of those recently won one for job security through job seniority, the union hiring hall are the New York and Cuba Mail; Atlantic, Gulf and West and rotary shipping. This last is a must on all Indies Lines and the Puerto Rico Great Lakes unorganized ships Steamship Company. The AFL Pursers are not rest­ because its the only way that the prevailing open shop condi­ ing on their laurels. Right now they are in the midst of a hot tions can be cleaned up. organizing campaign in two lines It's also the only way that the LCA halls can be eliminated as whose names cannot be mention­ ed for obvious reasons. a threat to all Lakes seamen. Seafarers Meets With Midlantl On Demands For New Contract AFL Pursers Win Elections In Two Lines �Page Two THE SEAFARERSlOG Friday, April 11, 1947 SEAFARERS LOG Published Weekly by the SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Gulf District Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor At 51 Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y. HAnover 2-2784 luternatiomd Officers HARRY LUNDEBERG - - - President 105 Market St., San Francisco, Calif. PAUL HALL --------- First Vice-Prcsidpnt 51 Beaver St., New York 4, N. Y. MORRIS .WEISBERGER -------- Vice-President 105 Broad St.. New York 4, N. Y. CAL TANNER - - - - Vice-President 1 South Lawrence St., Mobile, Ala. EDWARD COESTER --------- Vice-President 86 Seneca St., Seattle, Wash. JOHN HAWK - - - Secy.-Treasurer 105 Market St., San Francisco, Calif. District Officials J. P. SllULER - - - Secy.-Treas. Atlantic & Gulf District P. O. Box 25, Bowling Green Station, New York, N. Y. HARRY LUNDEBERG Secy.'-Treas. Sailors Union of the Pacific 159 Clay Street, San Francisco, Calif. FRED FARNEN - - - - Secy.-Treas. Great Lakes District 10.38 Third Street, Detroit, Michigan HUGPI MURPHY - - - - Secy.-Treas. Canadian District 144 W. Hastings St., Vancouver, B. C. Entered as second class matter June 15, 1945, at the Post Office in New York, N. Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912. GEORGE K. NOVICK, Editor 267 On The Move Seamen in the Canadian Seamen's Union have been the victims of one dirty trick after another. The leaders they trusted have betrayed them; the money they poured into the union treasury was used to finance Joe Stalin's schemes in Canada and the United States; and their tenyear long battle finds tliem no better off today than they Were when they first started. The CSU commenced its career with every chance for success. Beginning in the middle of the 1930s, when industrial unionism was on the upswing, the CSU could have grown right along with its affiliate across the bor­ der, the Seafarers. // OS pitat Patients When entering the hospital notify the delegates by post­ card, giving your name and the number of your ward. Stat en Island Hospital Men Now In The Marine Hospitals But the leaders of the CSU refused to stick to honest trade union principles. They tied themselves to the com­ These are Ihe Union Brothers currently in the marine hospitals, munist movement, and as a result the entire seamen's or­ as reported by the Port Agents. These Brothers find time hanging ganization in Canada suffered a severe setback. heavily on their hands. Do what you can to cheer them up by writ­ The SIU of Canada has retrieved some of the ground lost by the CSU. Starting after the CSU's charter had been picked up by the International for aiding and abetting communist trickery within the Union, the Canadian branch of the SIU has made great strides. Conditions have advanced til they are far superior to the conditions enjoyed by members of the CSU. Wages have improved, and in this category the SIU is also far ahead of the'CSU. But it is in the line of service to the membership that the SIU really has outdistanced the communist-dominated CSU. While the officials of the CSU were busily keeping their noses glued to the communist grindstone, Seafarers officials have gone quietly on their way, settling beefs and gaining advances for the membership. During the war, the CSU, like the NMU, played footsie with the government. It took the militancy of the SIU, in the United States and Canada, to stop the ship­ owners from raping seamen in the name of patriotism. Organization' of Canadian seamen into the SIU of Canada will continue; and with more force than ever. The CSU has no real hold on,the rank-and-file seamen, and where the SIU plants its banner, honest seamen are sure to flock. ing to them. NEW ORLEANS HOSPITAL GUS KREZTER C, MASON STEVE MOGAN R. B. "BOB" WRIGHT N. LONGTINE ED. DUDEK J. J. O'NEILL E. J. NAVARRE J. N. HULL C. TYNER C. J. COMPAN WM. H. CAO J. W. DENNIS ED. CUSTER WM. BROCE, Jr. GEO. F. DUFFY ADAM KARPOWICPI C. LOCIGNO WM. MEAGHER D. LAUBERSHEIMER G. F. HART H. N. LEAVELLE S. HAMILTON X X BALTIMORE HOSPITAL CORRIE SHARTZER CHARLES SIMMONS MICHAEL LUCAS MANUEL ROMERO ANTONIO AMARAL STANLEY MALINOWSKI SAM TOWSON TED BABKOWSKI JOHN FOX JOHN RILEY (G. L.) PETER LOPEZ EDWARD CAN JR. HARWEY WALSH JAMES McMAHON (G. L.) XXX STATEN ISLAND HOSP. R. G. MOSSELLER JAMES T. MOORE P. SYRAX K. KORNELIUSSEN C. H. SULLIVAN E. E. CASEY M. J. LYDEN H. BEECHER L. L. MOODY M. BAUCSKI M. MORRIS W. R. BLOOM J. BOLGER L. NELSON L. A. CORNWALL C. M. HOUCHINS E. CARERRAS H. L. TILLOT M. J. FIELDS JOHN A. DYKES R. RIVERA C. E. SMITH You can contact your Hos­ pital delegate at the Staien Island Hospital at the follow­ ing times: Tuesday—1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 5th and 6th floors) Thursday — 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 3rd and 4th floors.) Saturday—1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 1st and 2nd floors.) GALVESTON HOSPITAL OLSEN BENNETT GALANE R. V. JONES HUTCHENSON STAEINZ MILKE FLESHER AKIN GRAVES BREASHAR KOW LIM MOBILE HOSPITAL M. D. PENRY MANUEL CARDANA C. A, GARNET R. H. DAVIS W. J. SULLIVAN A. SABOURIN S. P. MORRIS E. L. MYERS BRIGHTON^HOSPITAL H. SWIM E. JOHNSTON R. LORD L. DONOVAN E. MOFANE �r^ Friday. April 11. 1947 New York April 9. 1947 The recent 1947 A&G Agents' Conference, as well as the Sea­ farers International Union Con­ vention in Chicago, laid down quite an extensive program for our Union. This program covers all prob­ lems confronting the Organiza­ tion, as well as all those problems affecting the Maritime Industry, entirety will be a tough job at the best, and will require full cooperation from all officials and membership alike. The Agents' Conference fore­ saw some of these problems and as a result, adopted the follow­ ing pi oposilion which was con­ curred in unanimously by the membership on a coastwise scale: This Committee, appointed as a Committee on Operation of Union Apparatus, has made a complete study of all other Com­ mittee's Reports and actions taken during the entire sessions of the 1947 Agents' Conference. We realize that the program and policy adopted is an exten­ sive one. It is our opinion that fHE SEAFARERS LOG VBPOfRT/ Page Thre» MeMB^RSHIP ings on any vessel, the crew is t® take immediate action at a regu­ lar crew's meeting to prevent same from occurring again. Such action is to be called to the at­ tention of the boarding Patrol­ man at payoff time. Reinstatements J. p. SHULER, Secrelary-Treasurer Contracts & Negotiations The recent 6 per cent raise in­ crease has been negotiated with the following operators and has become a part of the regular con­ tract: Alcoa Steamship Company, American Liberty Lines, Bull Steamship Company, Baltimore Insular Lines, Eastern Steamship Company, Seas Shipping Com­ pany, South Atlantic Steamship Company, Smith and Joluison, Seatrain Lines, P. and O. Steam­ ship Company, Illinois Atlantic Steamship Company, Overlakes Freight Corporation, Newtex Steamship Company, Waterman Steamship Company, Mississippi Steamship Company, American Eastern Corporation, Arnold Bernstein Steamship Corporation, Arnold Bernstein Shipping Company, Inc., Calmar Steamship Company, Ore Steamship Com­ pany, and Bloomfield Steamship Company. Illinois Atlantic has signed the full Waterman agree­ ment including all 6 per cent in­ creases and working conditions and the agreement is effective as of April 2, 1947. We are now in negotiations with various other SlU contract­ ed operators on this question of 6 per cent and we expect, with one exception, no difficulty in having this raise applied to all contracts with the same retroac­ tive date. Moran Towing Company is the one operator with whom we e.xpect some difficulty in consum­ mating the 6 per cent wage in­ crease, as well as the re-shaping of some of our working rules. To this date, we have not been able to get them in a negotiations meeting for this purpose. It may be necessary in the future for us not only should these programs and policies be lived up to, for the welfare of our organization, but further, we feel that it is vitally necessary that such is done. Recognizing the necessity of this, we finally recommend that the Secretary-Treasurer be given full right and authority to en­ force not only the terms of the official's and membership's du­ ties, as per Constitution, "but also the terms of the policies and pro­ grams as laid out in this Agents' Conference. We recommend that every Port Agent be directly respon­ sible to the Secretary-Treasurer for the full enforcement of the Constitution, Policy, and Pro­ gram, as laid out by this Con­ ference. In the event this is not done, then the Secretary-Treasurer is to immediately notify the mem­ bership of such disregard of SlU Policy and Program and those persons responsible for such vio­ lations. Recommendations to cor­ rect such violations of Union Program and Policy to be made to consider further action of a to the membership by the Secre­ different nature in the event of tary-Treasurer, subject to coast­ this Operator's continual refusal wise action for immediate cor­ to iiegotiate these problems. rections of such violators and NOTIFICATION SENT violations. This operator has been notified R. Matthews of our intentions of further ac­ Ray White tions and we hope this produces E. Smith the desired results. For the benefit of the member­ Several Steamship Companies ship, the Headquarters Offices of which are now inactive, but this Union, as long as it is my which still have in effect SlU duty to remain as Sec.-Treas. of A&G contracts will shortly go the A&G District, shall, in the back into full operation. When future, render full and regular this occurs, it will necessitate the leports to the membership meet­ Union re-negotiating contracts ings, which will be carried ver­ batim in the SEAFARERS LOG. with these people, bringing the:ri This report shall be carried, up to the present wages and con­ first of all, with the intent of in­ ditions we now enjoy. Close contact is being kept forming the membership as to the current union disputes and with these operators and an­ the actions taken regarding same. nouncements will be made once It shall deal next with the con­ they have started back into op­ duct of the Union membership erations and the type of run in and officials as to the following which they will operate. Once these particular compan­ of the Union's policy and pro­ ies are back into operation, it gram on all matters. will bring approximately 30 the number of off-shore contracted companies. This will represent, along with the newly organized companies a gain of approximate­ ly 18 companies over our pre­ war status. A contract dispute recently occured affecting the SS Seatrain Texas. A Union Committee, com­ posed of Joe Algina, J. P. Shuler and Robert Matthews has met several times with the operator on this issue and as a result, sub­ mit the following report and recommendations:. CLARIFICATION, SEATRAIN TEXAS 1 p.m.— 5 p.m.—Reg. day work 8 p.m.—12 Midnight—4 hrs. overtime If he was put on the 12-4 watch: 8 a.m.—11a.m.—Reg. day work 11a.m.—12 noon—Dinner hour 12 noon— 4 p.m.—Regular wa.trh 12 Midnight—4 a.m.—4 hrs. overtime Ships Disputes According to Port Agents' re­ ports, practically all beefs oc­ curring on SlU-contracted ves­ sels have been settled at the point of production. This is the policy of this Union, whcreever possible, to settle all beefs aboard ship. There are occasions when this is impossible, due to the necessity of clarification of contract. At all other times, the crew's dis­ putes are to be handled aboard the vessel before the crew pays off. In the event disputes arise which cannot be handled in this manner, then it is to be sent to New York in care of Joe Algina. After action on such disputes, reports will then be carried in the SEAFARERS LOG in the Headquarters Reports, giving all details of disputes and settle­ ment of same. Crews are hereby notified that under no circumstances are they to pay off at the completion of any voyage until such time as all beefs have been squared away by the Boarding Patrolmen. This applies, as well, to the signing on of vessels. There have been recent dis­ putes arising because of crews signing on before ships stores are on board, and during the voyage, the Steward finds himself Settlement of dispute on S-S Seatrain Texas whei'ein the ship sailed short two Watertender.s and one Oiler, and the Electri­ cian and Deck Engineer were re­ quired to stand watches to re­ place men who were missing. 1. Article 11, Section 23, (Divi­ sion of Wages of Absent Mem­ bers) does not cover this .situa­ tion whatsover. 2. Article III, Section 21. (Boatswain or Carpenter Stand­ ing Watch) covers the Boatswain or Carpenter when they are re­ quired to stand watches due to shoi'tage of seamen. Under this section they receive overtime for all watches stood after 6 p. m. and before 8 a. m. and all watch­ es stood between the hours of 12 Noon Saturday and 8 a. m. Mon­ day. However, in addition to standing watches, they must per­ form their regular duties. Inasmuch as the Electrician and Deck Engineer are classified as Day Workers, both at sea and in port, the same as the Bosun and Carpenter are, we feel that they should be covered accord­ ingly. 3. Article IV, Section 25, sub­ section (b). Hours of Work for Day Workers) provides that "working hours at sea for all men classified as day workers shall be 8 a. m. to 12 noon and 1 p. m. to 5 p. m. Monday through Fri­ day, and 8 a. m. to 12 noon Sat­ urday. Any work performed out­ side these hours to be paid for at the applicable overtime rate, except as provided in Article 11, Section 3." We recommend that Article IV, Section 25, subsection (b) be in­ terpreted to mean that when the with insufficient food stores for Electrician or Deck Engineer are the voyage. The only way to required to stand watches due prevent this is for the Chief to sick or missing men, they shall Steward to make sure of a com­ receive overtime for all watches plete supply of all stores before stood after 5 p. m. and before 8 the vessel signs on. a. m. Monday through Friday NO DICE and between the hours of 12 noon In the event the Steward, in Saturday and 8 a. m. Monday. However, they may be required his opinion, does not find suffi­ to perform their regular routine cient stores he should notify the day work, in addition to stand­ three ships delegates as well as ing the watches, between 8 a. m. the Patrolman. to 12 noon and 1 p. m. to 5 p. m. In line with this, it is to be Monday through Friday, and be­ called to the attendtion of all tween 8 a. m. and 12 noon Sat­ members that no crew under any urday. condition should tolerate any Example:—If he was put on mernber of the crew taking ships stores ashore to sell. It must be the 4-8 watch: 4 a.m.— 8 a.m.—4 hrs. overtime remembered that we have a 9 a.m.—12 noon—Regular work tough enough time getting suffi­ 1 p.m.— 4 p.m.—Regular work cient grub on board without 5 p.m.— 8 p.m.—3 hrs. overtime some performer to carry it ashore If he was put on the 8-12 to sell it for the price of a bottle of rum. watch: In the event of such happen­ 8 a.m.—12 noon—Regular watch The membership went on rec­ ord several times that, in tho event a man is more than 12 months in arrears in dues or as­ sessments, he is not be reinstated in the Union. The basis for this action was that during the War period, many seamen quit going to sea and went to work in shipyards, etc. After the War, when the Union was successful in gaining alltime high wages and conditions, these characters decided they would like to go back to sea and accordingly, many of them ap­ plied for reinstatements while in arrears ranging from one to five years. All Agents and Patrolmen are notified as per membership ac­ tion, under no circumstances are they to collect dues from such people or allow them reinstate­ ment. Recently, there have been in­ stances where such monies have been collected by officials of this Union in direct violation of Un­ ion policy. This practice is to be discontinued at once. In the event that any official of the Un­ ion feels that the man has a legi­ timate excuse for being in ar­ rears, he should submit that rea­ son in writing to the Headquar­ ters Offices of this Union with proof of all details carried in his communication. Such cases would apply prin­ cipally to those people who fur­ nish definite proof of full time hospitalization over a long per­ iod of time. NO FREELOADERS This Union membership has ex= pressed the opinion at numerous times that they did not go out on strike nor engage in the many beefs that this Union has had for the purpose of allowing wouldbe freeloaders from cashing in on the efforts made by the Union at a time when these same free­ loaders were ashore making big dough and keeping their feet dry, all at the same time. Economy Operatilons In line with the economizing program as laid down by the re­ cent Agents Conference, all ports affected by this program have been notified to reduce its ex­ penses ,as per the Agents' Con­ ference and membership action. All Ports who have not com­ plied with the terms of this pro­ gram are hereby notified to take steps at once to guarantee this reduction in operation expendi­ tures. Further, in line with this econ­ omy program, the Ports of Charleston and Miami have both been closed as per instructions. Charleston Agent, E. R. Smith, has been transferred to Savan­ nah as Patrolman and the Port of Savannah now has under its its jurisdiction" all work and ships traffic in the Charleston Area. The Port of Miami has been closed and the Miami Ai-ea and the ships traffic is now being covered from the Port of Tampk. To this date, even though some Ports have not complied with this economizing program, ex(Contimii:d on Page b) �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Foar Friday, April 11. 1947 READY FOR FIT OUT, lakes SlUPetitions NLRB On Huron; Two Other Companies Ready For Vote conditions, conditions of employ­ ment, lay up and fit out, wages, DETROIT—Showing the first overtime, etc., are all specified results of the SIU's current or­ right in the contract. ganizing drive on the Great Lakes seamen don't have to Lakes, the SIU petitioned the depend on the company's char­ National Labor Relations Board ity and good nature when they on Friday, April 4, for an elec­ work under an SIU contract. tion aboard the two ships of the Huron Transportation Company Everything is w r i 11 e n in the the SS John W. Boardman and contract and union representa­ tives make damn sure that the the S.T. Crapo. company lives up to the terms • These two vessels are both of the agreement. used for bulk cement transpor­ SIU job security guarantees tation between the Huron Ce­ an SIU member that he has the ment plant in Alpena, Michigan right to go back to work at the and their Detroit plant. fit out or after the fit out on They carry a total unlicensed the same vessel that he helped personnel of fifty-four ( both tie up the previous Fall. ships), and arc expected to vote He doesn't have to be subject overwhelmingly for the SIU as to anyone's whims. A Seafarer the union of their choice in the knows his rights and gets them. NLRB-sponsored election. Competent union representa­ Crewmembers on the ships of tion under an SIU contract two other companies arc now makes it certain that eveiy Sea­ ready for petitioning, and we farer sailing on an SlU-contractwill see the NLRB about con­ ed vessel secures his full rights ducting elections on them later under the contract. this week. By EARL SHEPPARD All SIU members are guaran­ However, until we do file for elections with the NLRB. we teed full union representation on are not at liberty to reveal any all legitimate beefs. They can't further details on these outfits. be fired except for just cause, and subject to the grievance pro­ Our Great Lakes organizing cedure of the contract. staff is also working on sevei-al Genuine SIU democracy, pre­ other fleets at the present time, vailing in all Districts of the and concrete results are expect-^ SIU, makes it certain that all ed from these companies in the meetings of the membership are' near future. run strictly by the members Just as fast as we secure .themselves. SIU meetings ar,e. pledge cards from 75 percent or run by and for the Seafarers. more of the crewmembers on No individual or clique runs the SIU. Ask any member; he'll tell you. NO POLITICOS Another advantage of btflonging to the SIU is its freedom from any form of political group control. No groups of phonies spouting any "save the workers" philosophy gets far in the SIU. Seafarers show such phonies the door in short order, especially when they owe allegiance to any foreign power, and spout its phony propaganda. these vessels, we will petition The unorganized Lakes sea­ for NLRB - conducted elections men are really ready for SIU aboard them. organization. There's no doubts in the minds of anyone who RESULTS GOOD So far, results in the organiz­ ing drive are very good, and are keeping up to our advance ex­ pectations. With the excellent start made so far in a number of these unorganized companies on our objective list, we expect to acquire a minimum of 3,000 new members in the Lakes Dis­ trict this yeai-—not only mem­ bers, but the jobs for them, too. ' knows anything about the Lakes that at last they are going to be unionized. And, the SIU is the union that's going to do the job. 'We're really on the road to whipping the last great strong­ hold of the open shop in the maritime industry — the Great Lakes. This year we're going to achieve real results in organiz­ ing the unorganized. With the entire weight of the whole SIU, in all Districts, be­ hind us, and with the all-out support of the AFL Maritime Trades Department, it's only a question of time before "The Groat. T.akes, Ton, Will Be SIU!" Bulk carriers on the Lakes preparing for fit out at San­ dusky, Ohio. As soon as the ice clears up on the Lakes, these ships will start hauling iron ore, wheat, or coal. CSU Membership Has Made Little Progress In The Ten Years Under Commie Leadership By GENE MARKEY en by statements made by com­ mie Pat Sullivan in the expose The rank and file members of accompanying his somewhat con­ the Canadian Seamen's Union fusing resignation as president must be a very harrassed and of the CSU. bewildered bunch of men at this It has been disclosed that time. funds supplied by Joe Salzberg, Freshly emerged fi'ora the se- Canada's ace Moscow stooge, were buffeting of torpedoes, fink were in reality the initial in­ manning pools, and endless vestment in a well-engineered reams of government red tape, move by the commies to domin­ made the more miserable by ate lock, stock, and barrel, the pinch-penny wages and living entire Canadian maritime indus­ conditions, Joe Canadian Seaman try. has been hit in the face with yet another dirty blow that must surely be the climax in a series of sell-outs that have left the majority of Canadian seamen high and dry on the beach of lousy wages and "John Bull" conditions. In 1935 two small unions, then operating on the Lakes in op­ position to each other, were combined to form the CSU. The two respective leaders who had previously been very busy hurl­ ing dirty invectives and chai-ges of communism at each other eventually got together at the behest of the communist party and so the CSU was formed. That this unification was brought about by the CP for a purpose, has recently been prov­ CSU SABOTAGED While Ferguson, Lenton, Sul­ livan. Shaw, and "Chairman for the Council of Soviet Friend­ ship" Davis were all busy with the second front and Yalta, the future of the rank and file sea­ men was being left to whatever handouts the Government and the shipowners condescended to give them. These so-called leaders, who sent thousands of dollars of good union money up in the smoke of Joe Stalin's political campaigns, are directly responsible for the low standards existing in most Canadian ships under the juris­ diction of the CSU. With the total of CSU strikes producing nothing better than READY TO GREET SUMMER WEATHER REASON ENOUGH These Lakes seamen are ready for SIU unionization. They've heard about the Seafarers con­ tracts and conditions, SIU de­ mocracy and militancy in action, and they've decided that the SIU is their union. It's not hard to realize why the unorganized Lakes seanren want the SIU. For too long .they have been subjected to the con-, trol and domination of the LakesCarriers Association, and the possibility that they can be fu'ed at a moment's notice to make room for one of the b o s s e s friends or relatives. Now, they want SIU job security, condi­ tions and contracts. JOB SECURITY Under S e a f a r e rs contracts, working conditions, shipboard an eight hour day (in the ripe old year of 1945) and a 'Na­ tional Agreement' that stinks on ice and is not even recognized by the operators or their stooges in the ships, it is easy to see that under commie leadership the Union's funds and moral strength was squandered on Joe Stalin's monkey business instead of consolidating the seamen's future. How successful the commie sellout has been is evident when one looks at a Canadian ship in any port of the world. Living conditions closely parelling the old days, wages that are sub-standard to the North American way of life, and rot­ ten 'discipline' designed to pro­ tect the bosses profits, all en­ forced b5^ shipping laws written in the eighteenth century by a handful of Captain Bligh's who made good as shipowners, are the burdens Canadian seamen still have to carry despite ten years of dues paying. The .systematic robbing of the CSU treasury to provide trans­ portation and exhorbitant ex­ penses for the political fakirs who supposedly repre.sented the seamen, yet in i-eality were run­ ning all over two continents spreading the communist germ of labor sabotage, has resulted in the Canadian seamen being denied the principal objective of their organizing. CSU members should be the judges in an over-all survey of whether they have progressed under the heel of political dom­ ination or not. The SS Crapo, Huron Transportation Company, fitting out for the coming season at one of the Detroit docks. So far. the Company is unorganized, but the SIXJ has petitioned for an elec­ tion. and is awaiting word from the National Labor Relations Board. Pat Sullivan's resignation must surely be reason enough to stir CSU rank-and-filers into recog­ nizing the trickery and duplic­ ity that goes on behind the scenes. His statements as to the mis - appropriation of union funds, a figure running into many thousands of dollars, should cause the average intelli­ gent member to wonder who sanctioned the waste of this money. These men who banded to­ gether to stave off encroach­ ment of dollar hungry shipown­ ers, who joined a union believ­ ing that they were on the way to building a strong org:anization of .seamen in Canada, have been viciously sold out by the piho'niest bunch of parasites who ever infested and contaminated a labor movement. �Fri&T. A^rii n. WkT TRE SE /tF ARERS LOG Page Fiv*- Seafarers Take A Cruise On The Del Sud y' Good food and good service combine lo make Ihe Del Sud a luxury ship for lourists. Here are some of the men responsible for Ihe excellence of ihe service. Left to right. William Porter, William McConville, Richard Reinrich. Waiters, and Henry Curtis. Steward. This masterpiece of Harold Fontan, Chief Baker, won't do to sail around the world in. but it will sure make good eating. The cake shown above is a sample of the type of good food served to the passengers, and the chow for the crew was also top-notch. Off watch and relaxing, these men were caught by the camera's eye in the thick of a card game. Clockwise, reading from far left, are Ralph Subat, John Kelley, Clayton Fusileer, Pete Blanco, and Tony Santiago. Three good men to know are these Brothers taking their leisure above. That's Monk Kelley. Gloryhole Steward in the center, with Jerry Maples, Bartender on his right, and John Brooks, Crew Messman, on the left. This looks like a good way to keep house. Sweep everything under the carpet, and throw the garbage out the window. Well, that last won't work shoreside, but it's okay at sea, as Ben Perez, Utility, shows. With the Morro Castle in the background, crewmembers of the Del Sud take time out from having fun lo pose for a pic­ ture. Front, left to right, Louis Schraedie, Joe Farrara, and Dan King. Rear, in the same order, Louis Bordenave, Boogalie Foster, Ralph Piehet. Monk Esteves, Paul Arnst, and Ben Perez. "Let the Buyer Beware" should be the highsign in Havana's shops. Being very wary as they buy needed items, are left to right. Bill Porter. Red De Priest, and Babe Herold. The storekeeper got into the act. too. �Page Six THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday. April 11. 1947 HQ REPORTS TO MEMBERSHIP (Continued front Page 3) penses of the Organization have dropped considerably and will drop even further within a vei'y short period of time. Headquarter.s Offices are now making plans to reduce its Of­ fice Staff and to consolidate as much as possible the business systems of the New York Branch and the Headquarters Offices. To this date, there have been maintained in the Port of New York two separate SIU business the votes were cast for our Union. The case is now in the hands of the Washington people. With­ in a short time we hope to hear the result, and we are certain that the SIU will be certified as the legal bargaining agent for the thousands of unlicensed Isthmian seamen. The organizing staff of the Union, in addition to the Isth­ mian drive, has been busy in other fi e 1 d s. Approximately twelve contracts, inshore and offshore, have been secured by the Union in the past few months. HARD AT WORK The organizers are also, at this time, attempting to extend the SIU contracts to cover other outfits. For obvious reasons, the names of these outfits and the details concerning the work being done on them, will not be made known until a later date. In line further with the or­ ganizational program laid down by the Conference, Lindsey J. Williams has been instructed by Headquarters to immediately take over full responsibility for the SIU organizational work in the Gulf Area, both of an In­ ternational as well as of a Dis­ trict nature. A full report will be made later concerning this part of our Union's structure. Telephone Workers In the past few weeks we have had to assist the United Financial Employes, AFL; a group of white-collar workers in This is the saga of a spry winning a just beef. young Seafarer who sails on the But the bosses wouldn't deal Great Lakes, and is 76 years with them until the Seafarers young. got out on the picketline and John D. MacNaughton is proud Ghowed the Cotton Exchange of the fact that he's the oldest that the UFE was not fighting Seafarer in point of years who that battle all alone. is still sailing the Lakes, and The nation's telephone work­ he can really spin some color­ ers, 300,000 strong, are now out ful yarns about the old days and walking the picketlines, and the the old conditions before there bosses are standing firm, refus­ was an SIU to bring the ship­ ing to bargain. owners to task for the lousy The National Federation of conditions on their ships. Telephone Workers is as clean a Born in Wilkesport, Ontario, union as can be found. Yet the back in July 11, 1871, Mac is of American Telephone and Tele­ Scottish descent. He first went graph Company, which has been sailing at the young age of 15. described as the wealthiest cor­ on a Canadian river tug, and poration in the world, has forc­ broke in right away as an En­ ed these people out into the gineer. streets. At that time, Canadian laws We are helping the strikers. We did not require boats under 150 have loaned them the third floor tons to have licensed men other of our New York Hall to use for than the Skipper, and that's how their headquarters and for a Mac started as Engineer. During his long and colorful resting place. Until they have settled their strike, we will do nautical career. Brother Mac­ all in our power to assist them Naughton has sailed on every kind of Lakes ship there is. further. They have a just beef, and Starting from the small river they deserve all the support we tugs, he progressed to the largercan give them. It's them today Lakes tugs. Lake Michigan pack­ —and could easily be us to­ et boats, bag rafts, sailing schooners, ore boats, river fermorrow. J. MacNaughton ries, and wound up on the D&C passenger boats. Of all the different craft he was aboard, the bag rafts were operations: that of the Headquar­ really the strangest. These rafts ters and the New York Branch. consist of a million or more feet With the thought in mind of of timber fastened together to eliminating, if possible, this dup­ form a huge boom, and pulled licate work and cost, the files, by a lai-ge Lakes tug. etc., of the two offices are now They could only travel at a being worked together. speed of about a mile an hour Headquarters is placing in from their Georgian Bay ports charge of this combined office op­ of origin to the various Michigan erations a person from the pres­ ports like Bay City, where the ent staff who shall be respon­ huge rafts wei-e unfastened and sible for all of the business work the timber processed. of the Union, i.e., files, etc. Mac sailed for awhile on the Panamanian Boycott It will take several weeks to Schooner Corsican. After he left By PAUL PARSONS The shipowners have thought make this complete change, and her, she was run down by the that they could pull a fast one should result first of all, in great­ Ever since men have earned ganization that is not tried and SS Corsica (her steam name­ er efficiency of operations and on the American seamen. They their living by going to sea true, or has nothing to offer ex­ sake) during a violent storm, secondly, in a considerable re­ felt that they could catch us off these have been vultures lurking cept a place to drink? and all hands were lost. duction of expenses to the , Or­ guard and pull us down into the in every port to graft, filch and Another one of MacNaughton's There are thousands of places ditch with other seamen the exploit them. As the years have to go without paying extra dues ships was the old Osceola, a ganization. rolled on the seaman has be­ or initiations. Lake Michigan packet boat sail­ The membership of the Union world over. come more educated to these The Seafarers know that what are to be notified of the Union's It is my firm belief that all ing between Milwaukee and program for economizing and we win becomes a standard for facts thus making it harder for members should shun these Muskegon. He was on her for should cooperate in every man­ other seamen, in the U. S. and these grafters to operate. places and the men who are its a couple of years. Today, the streamlined Mil­ These so-called friends of sea­ ner possible to fulfill this pro­ in other parts of the world. That's why we didn't fall for men must find craftier ways to waukee Clipper, a n SlU-congram. All crews are to accept as traded vessel, makes the same much responsibility as possible the latest shipowner's gag about operate and have been doing so run as the old Osceola. towards settling disputes to keep transferring their ships to Pan­ since the war ended in Europe After he started sailing for their vessels in a ship-shape man­ amanian or Honduran registry. and Japan. the Detroit and Cleveland Na­ ner. Beefs kept in lino on board The whole phony deal is to One of these is by coming vigation Company, Mac stayed ship will mean that the amount' paying decent wages and aboard and selling phony insur­ with them for 12 years. He was of energy of handling ships disdecent conditions. ance and membership to certain Fair warning has been given with the D&C when he decided pules, will be reduced to a min­ clubs ^— insurance which is not to the President and Congress to retire. And did—for 12 whole imum while at the same time worth a hoot in hades or the years! would be handled in such a man- I United States that unless clubs anything except an added But the old water was in ner as to guarantee crew satisexpense and permit to become are brought to a quick end, we inebriated upon club premises at Jack's blood, and he came back faction. will boycott Panamanian ships Seaman's expense. to the Lakes once more when Detailed r-eports as to the re­ wherever and whenever they there was a shortage of men on Whenever one of these men sults of • this economizing pro­ touch U. S. ports. the Lakes during the war, and approach any of you Brothers gram of the Organization will be That means that the longshore­ with the'so-called protection and representatives. Be sure you Uncle Sam started calling for carried in future Headquarters men, the teamsters, the licensed added enjoyment that this or know what policy you are buy­ retired seamen to resume sail­ reports. officers, the tugboatmen, and that club offers be assured that ing, and what companies sell ing. any other waterfront workers, this representative is only look­ them. He worked on the "Western will cut their arms off before ing forward to the near future Isthmian I am sure that all of our offi­ States for 3 seasons, running be­ they will work on, or touch, one when he can take some of your cials are spending their time in tween Detroit, Mackinac Island, Hearings on the Isthmian boycotted ship. hard-earned money for no pro­ dilligently caring for the men Harbor Springs, and Midland, Steamship Company ended Our action will not be con­ tection whatever. they were elected to care, for, Ontario. And, he says, he'll be this week and were referred to fined to the U. S. Through the and I am also surfe that most of in there sailing as Asst. Electri­ When you are in ports that Washington for final disposition. cooperation of the International them and the membership are cian when the D&C boats start these clubs exist, please remem­ No one will know the outcome Transportvvorkers Federation, of ber you can go in many, many opposed to the tactics and tricks up. until later, but we did our level which the SIU is a member, no clubs and bars to become tipsy I have previously spoken of. LOUSY CONDITIONS best to bring that Company country in the world will work without having to pay monthly It is also my firm belief that Mac remembers the oldtime under our banner. the cargo" of a Panamanian ship dues or initiation fees to do so, in our Halls or on our ships living conditions on the Lakes Our volunteer organizers who after we give the signal. and when they tell you that only these things should not be al­ when there was no SIU to pro­ went aboard these ships did a That's exactly what is going SIU men have joined and are lowed to happen, and if any of tect the seamen. Back in 1899, bang-up job. Many ships were to happen if the Government our pie-cards and such solicit for when he was on the Osceola brought into port to vote down doeisn't halt the "dummy" trans­ joining mark it up as stuff for it or anything else in or around the deckhands wore paid the the line for SIU, and that was fers within a reasonable time. the birds. They tell all union men the the Hall or on working hours huge sum of $15 a month. And caused by the good work of the U. S. seamen especially those in anywhere then these men should 18 Deckhands slept with 4 bunks men who sailed the ships as the SIU, are not going to allow same thing. be halted immediately before between them — did we say volunteers. Too much credit shipowners to whip us back into SIU PROTECTION your and my Brother or Broth­ "slept?" cannot be given them, or to the the wage scales and conditions You are a member of one of ers are exploited. The old messroom was a long men who directed the campaign. that we so readily remember. the best unions that was ever on I am merely passing these narrow place with no port holes. The NMU stalled and stalled. The exact date for the com­ any waterfront and all officials things on to you as a Brother, In fact, it was so hot in there They had to do something to mencement of this boycott will see to it that you are protected knowing the light of these things that the Deckhands filled their excuse the large amounts of be set later. In the meantime in every way possible to be and hoping you can go any­ own tin plates and went out on money spent on communist act­ we are completing our plans for protected by unionism and if where and become as drunk as the hatches to eat. This was on ivities while the drive was go­ the full carrying out of this the Union is not able then no you want without extra expense, the old Goodrich Line. ing on. The SIU spent much beef, if Congress doesn't stop other set is. or haying an insurance not On his deathbed, we are told less money than the NMU, but this crap — and damned soon. Why pay out dues to any or­ worth a damn. {Continued on Page 15) 'MARINERS' GRAFT, INC.' �Fridey, April 11. 1947 I) THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Seven SoQtti Atlantic Vessels Bring GODII Shipping To Port Savannah M'S'SfrS?!® By CHARLES STARLING SAVANNAH^The Port here old joint, waiting to be thrown is enjoying a real pick up in shipping with South Atlantic ships supplying a good deal of it. out at any time. The only bad thing about that is that we don't know which sid6 it will be—in the river or the street. With this fear hanging over our heads I am spurring my search for a new spot to rent. If we don't find something soon, it looks like we may be forced to put up a building so we can stay in busines. With this promise, shipping and business should be very Two of our brothers were re­ good for the next two weeks at leased from the Marine Hospi­ least. tal this week. This leaves us The Frederick Gailbraith paid with four brothers in the hospi­ off on April Fool's Day, and she tal and report have it that the sure fooled us, as she was one majority of them are doing fine. The Brothers here on the of the cleanest and best payoffs beach send their best wishes to I have ever handled. I think the crew of this ship Brother Hawk during his illness, rates a vote of thanks for their and hope he will soon be up and cooperation and maintenance of around. a fine ship. Also they extend congratula­ The Gailbraith signed on the tions to Brother Shuler in his 3rd, and she is now on another new position. They feel sure voyage with the majority of the that Brother Shuler will carry old crew. With most of the old on the same good work. crew still aboard I'm sure that At the moment we have five South Atlantic ships in the har­ bor, and we are expecting three more within the next ten days for payoffs. Mobile Continues Heavy Shipping; NO NEWS?? Another Ship Deluge Is Expected Silence Ihis week from fhe Branch Agents of the follow­ ing ports: By CHARLES KIMBALL MOBILE—The tempo of ac­ tective Union such as the SIU. tivities in the Port of Mobile has On this South Atlantic scow, slowed down but not enough to we came across a unique char­ give the local officials a good acter who should be the com­ breathing spell. pany's president instead of being Chief Engineer. His greatest Payoffs and sign ons are still above nuiinal and every mem­ concern was to operate the ship ber can view the shipping pros­ as cheaply as possible, even if he The deadline for port re­ pect for the coming weeks witli had to violate the contract. This ports, monies due. etc., is the he found unprofitable. optimism. Monday proceeding publica­ The unlicensed crew was un­ Dispatcher Jordan is now re­ tion. While every effort will animous in its recommendation , cuperating from his recent near be made to use in the current that this shipyard-trained Chief nervous breakdown caused by issue material received after extreme shortage of book mem­ be bestowed the title of "Mari­ that date, space commitments time Admiral," as his conduct bers to take jobs. generally do not permit us to and attitude fully qualified him As the shipping forecast is do so. for that position. bright and a deluge of Liberty This Chief, who apparently jobs is anticipated, I am some­ dominated the ship's Master, what apprehensive that our dis­ the next payoff will be as good spent most of his time during the patcher may suffer a relapse. as the last. The monotony of the week was We are expecting the Jefferson somewhat enlivened by the ar­ I City Victory to payoff here rival of a South Atlantic scow around the 14th along with the with above average overtime Zachary Taylor the same week. YEP / I'/VI ' beefs involving about 700 hours By HERBERT JANSEN If any of you fellows would . SHOOThs'G/ overtime and transportation to like a six or seven weeks' trip IRE SUN / CHICAGO—Shipping is on the men's problems and what the New Orleans. to Europe, drop around to our upgrade now in this port, and SIU is doing about them. Hall; you shouldn't have too WON EVERY POINT In the LOG, they never read .much trouble getting the ship in another ten days should be in The SIU, represented by Pa­ full swing. However, there are about some individual trying to you want. not many fellows on the beach boost himself up to high heaven, trolman Jeff Morrison, Brother here, and they should all be or how some political clique is. Phillip Reyes and myself, came NEGOTIATIONS ON shipped out in the very near .seizing control. These things out with flying colors and won This week I started negotia­ never happen in the SIU, where every point we pressed, proving future. tions with the Atlantic Towing Last week, the SS Gilbert the members beefs and problems again the advantages of belong­ Company. I have met with them made her first trip, and the SS get the green light, not the poli­ ing to a militant, honest and pro­ voyage on the bridge, in the for two days and we are mak­ American made her first trip tical beliefs of any individual. chart room and the Master's of­ ing slow progress, but what Easter night. Having some new ONE FOR BOOKS fice. progress we have made has been plates put on her in the South Here's one for the books. While He was virtually in control of Cliicago shipyards, the SS Rockin South Chicago during the the ship's activities all the way, wood will be calling for her from behind the scenes supervi­ crew shortly. Full aft and for'd week, I picked up a beef that sion of the deck force up to decrews are busy getting the SS some of the NMU members had. Seems that these fellows worked terming how many cigarettes a North and South American on the Inland Steel ships, and man could smoke. ready for fhe season. Both of they paid off last Fall while He w,TS nb\-iniisly proficient in them will go to the Manitowoc By W. H. SIMMONS they still had some overtime nruhgation, as he was seen quite shipyards for repairs. There's no news as yet on coming to them. SAN FRANCISCO—Well, I'm often taken sights, apparently to This beef was taken up to when the City of Grand Rapids back in the saddle again after a verify the accuracy of the of­ will call for her crew, and the their union hall for settlement, busy time of attending the ficers' computations of the ves­ MS Daniel McCool has already and some time later these guys Agents' Conference in New York sel's position. made several trips out of Mani­ were notified that their beef was and the Convention in Chicago. STRANGER TO BELOW towoc. She will resume opera­ settled. How? Simply by the After the weather I experi­ The crew's report indicated all in our favor. I am sure that tion on her old run for year.s— men involved contributing half of the overtime that was legiti­ enced in those two windy cities that this chief was seen with a when we do have a signed con­ the Chicago run. mately due them to some com­ it is sure good to get back here sextant in his hand more than tract with the outfit it will be NEW PLANS LAID pany hospital fund! The boys in the sunny Gold Coast where I with a screwdriver or a wrench. on a par with all or most other Now that the SIU Biennial were not asked to do this, simp­ can put my overcoat back in the towboat companies. He suprisingly disappointed Convention is over, and a solid ly told they had to. mothballs. the black gang one day during a Our main trouble at this time foundation laid for our future This could only happen in the Everything went along smooth breakdown of four hours, when is the new law passed in the program of handling the current NMU. Whoever heard of any during my absence and thing.s he went below. I don't doubt State of Georgia—the anti-closed seamen's problems, it looks like maritime outfit collecting money are tip-top right now. Shipping the veracity of the statement by ship law. This phony law is fairly clear sailing ahead. for a company hospital fund? holding us up in our negotia­ Every single item was work­ Don't they know that all .seamen is really on the good end here one of the black gang when he with shipping good in all depart­ said that the Chief had been in­ tions, but we hope to reach an ed out to the last detail, and are entitled to hospitalization troduced to them — such was ments. agreement in the very near fu­ when they go into operation, and medical benefits at any Mar­ ture. Most of the men who have the degree of familiarity between there won't be any slip ups. ine Hospital? him and the black gang. The members have requested That's one of the reasons why This could never happen in been spending time on the beach Two things that this Chief ob­ me to send a vote of thanks and the SIU has never lost a beef. the S4U because all Seafarers have gotten themselves a ship served religiously were the trim­ All indications point to a high­ know their rights, and their rep­ during this burst of shipping. confidence to all Agents for the ming of his Clark Gable mous­ good work they accomplished at ly successful organizing drive on resentatives back them to the CALMAR ADDITION tache and the shining of his gold the Agents' Conference and at the Great Lakes. Daily, seamen last ditch in collecting on these The Calmar Steamship Com­ braid. Oh for the life of a sea­ are coming into this Hall and the International Convention in beefs. Lakes seamen know that, pany took over another ship out taking out SIU books. Chicago. and that's why they are flocking here to add to their slowly grow­ man who has the fortune to live and work with a story book They make no bones about into the Seafarers' ranks. The membership here knows ing fleet. She is the Joseph B. character in flesh and blood, such what they thing of the SIU's set the SIU officials will continue Eastman and she crewed up here as the Chief aboard the George their fine work through the rest up to organize al of the Lakes last Saturday with a fine bunch D. Prentice. of the year as they have in the seamen into the SIU. of fellows. Note for the former crew of These guys are fed up with p>ast. All in all things are moving the Prentice: You will collect the Lake Carriers Association Check the slop chest be­ They also pledged a vote of along nicely out here on the West overtime for the entire time that fore your boat sails. Make thanks to Brother Brantley, for and all the other phony outfits Coast, which is the way I like no gangway watch was main­ sure that the slop chest con­ the good work he accomplished on the Lakes. They started to see it. tained, also Wipers are to collect tains an adequate supply of during my absence at the reading the SEAFARERS LOG, Pardon me now, I'm going out­ and finally found out what the overtime for all weekends when all the things you are liable Agents' Conference. side and soak up some of that licensed real score was on the Lakes. personnel performed to needw If it doesn't, call the HALL TROUBLE good old California sunshine—I their routine work, plus trans­ When they do read anything in Union Hall immediately. still feel a little of that New portation, wages and subsistence As for the Hall here in Sa­ the LOG, they know that they York winter in my bones. are reading all about the sea­ to New Orleans. vannah, we are still in the same BALTIMORE SAN JUAN NORFOLK TAMPA GALVESTON JACKSONVILLE HOUSTON Lakes Seamen Tired Of Bum Deal; Take Out Seafarers Membership Shipping Is On Good Ends On West Coast Check It - But 6ood �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Eight Payoffs, Sign 0ns, And Transits Keep Boston Branch On The Run TOLEDO CENTER FOR SEAFARERS By JOHN MOGAN Friday. April 11. 1947 Toledo Forming AFL Maritime Trades Council BOSTON—Business and ship- ' of all the local seamen to Dr. ping remain very good in the McGillicuddy, and he was duly By HENRY CHAPPELL Port of Boston and the New presented with a handsome radio TOLEDO — Responses which by the hospital delegate at his England area. we have received already from During the past week we had last regular visit. the Lakes seamen have proven The Doctor was deeply touch­ four payoffs, three sign on 3, beyond any shadow of a doubt crewed up a couple of ships ed by this expression of good that these Lakes men really which had been in idle status, will by the Brothers of the SIU, want a union. and had plenty of stuff in trans­ and wishes all hands to know They aso want a voice and it, including a couple of Isth­ he is sincerely grateful for their vote in running their affairs, but kind thoughtfulness. mian ships. not under any company sponsor­ Brother Sweeney did a bit of WILL BE BUSY ed outfit or the Lake Cairier.s hopping around the country, system of representation, where All indications are that this what with the Bessemer Victory the shipowners have the first (Waterman) paying off in Sears- port will continue to be very and final word in all matters Here's a shot of the SIU Hall in Toledo. Ohio. It is located port, Maine; the New Echota busy for the next few weeks. pertaining to wages and condi­ at 615 Summit Street, and is really humming with organiza­ (Pacific Tankers) paying off in At this writing, three payoffs tions. tional activity these days. Agent in charge is Henry Chappell, Providence, R. I.; and the Ir- are delinitely scheduled for the In the Port of Toledo, we are well known to the Lakes seamen. vin S. Cobb (So. Atlantic) pay­ area this week, wth several starting a Port Council compos­ ing off in Portland. probables. ed of all AFL maritime unions, Meanwhile, the Jean (Bull) Plenty of tankers are sched­ just as they have now in Duwas paying off in Boston; the uled to come up this way also, luth, Chicago, Cleveland, De­ La Salle (Waterman), fresh out so there should be no shortage troit, and other major Lakes of the Todd shipyards, is tied of jobs for a good while yet. Of ports. up in Charle.ston with the crew course, we have the same prob­ In the case of any dispute lems as most other SIU branch­ By CHARLES KIMBALL arising which concerns one or es—a shortage of rated men, and all of these affiliated maritime particularly firemen-watertenders. Recently several members activity which this shipownerunions, all unions coordinate HoPffTBlS organization spon­ their efforts and resources in And the only members pres­ wrote to the LOG touching on dominated HeiPS Yoo SET -j^ ently on the beach have only the point of drunkenness and ir­ sored. W-E-L-L? settling the beef. That's real just returned to Boston after responsibility aboard ships. The We fought and boycotted the AFL maritime solidarity! paying off elsewhere, and in no overwhelming majorty of the USS in every conceivable phas" Bill Sturm, the Regional Di­ mood to work for a while yet. membership, recognizing our in­ of its activity. Now that our ef­ rector of the AFL in this area, So, if shipping is slow any­ creasing responsibility propor­ forts are crowned with success has promised his full support where (which I doubt), keep in tionate with our economic gain.s, by the government withdrawing in setting up the Council. In mind that jobs in most ratings are awakening to the indisput­ its financial support, this organi­ addition. Brother Sturm has able fact that performers and ir- zation is striving to keep alive by are available in Beantown. been very cooperative at any responsibles are distinct liabili­ various schemes. time we have asked him for any ties to our welfare, and should assistance of any kind whatso­ SHAKING THE CAN not be encouraged nor condoned. ever. Those, who in the past were Reports from several SIU ships Many new members have reporting that nothing on the inclined to do as they pleased, show that they are circularizing signed up in this port in the vessel is in working conditionbecause they belong to a great ships for donations, and I ven­ past few weeks. In fact, the ma­ no heat in the rooms, no hot and protective union, will have ture a prediction that other jority of the Lakes seamen water in the pipes, a galley a sad awakening when they learn means, such as dances and enter­ whom we have contacted have range that won't function right, that the Union does not belon,g tainment will be staged to raise assured us that they want the no mirroi's or other bathroom to them, and they cannot persist funds. SIU to represent them, an d fixtures, no radio, no clocks, etc. By ROBERT H. MAUPIN in their un-union conduct aboard Wed, after five days here the Our union has no desire of im­ that's why they are signing SIU BUFFALO—Just blew in from ship. La Salle finally got squared pairing or curtailing our demo­ pledge cards hand over fist. Strict observance of our con­ the Windy City, and found the With the progress that we away, and sailed for Portland to cratic pi'erogatives as Americans. organizing campaign going good tracts is necessary to strengthen have made in our campaign to pick up a load of grain, with Every member can, and should, organize all of the unorganized here. Spent a few hours in the our future program for gaining only the radio still to come. Chicago Hall before leaving, and better agreements. Be sober at spend his time or money as he Lakes seamen as SIU members, also talked with Agent Jansen. payoffs, especially so you can sees fit, but it is also fitting that it won't be long before results FINE AND DANDY While I was there, I saw quite clearly figure your pay and in­ I, as an official of the SIU, cog­ begin to show. The gang on the SS Jean had a few Lakes men drift into the telligently argue on any discrep­ nizant of the USS structure and We have already petitioned a very effective system for Hall to find out what it takes to ancy in your voucher. history, should warn the mem­ the NLRB to conduct an elec­ keeping the messroom clean. become an SIU member. Then there is another matter bership that the future existence tion in one fleet, and should be Specified violations of the clean­ This was really good, seeing so that the membership should be and program of the USS is not ready within the next few days liness rules set up at the meet­ many of these unorganized sea­ ever alert to—the activities of conducive to the Seafarers prin­ to hold elections in a couple of ing were punishable by various men wanting to join a bona fide the USS. As all of us know, the ciples, tenets and program, and others. fines. Yes, the Lakes are going SIU union. Guess they're all sick of SIU never officially endorsed, therefore should not be support­ A nice little kitty was thus the phony promises and smelly subscribed or participated in any ed. in a big way! picked up and sent to Cowboy propaganda put out by the ship­ Herzog, who had been injured owners and their finky hiring in an automobile accident .while halls. the crew was seeing the sights After leaving Chicago, I found around Searsport. like night and day. The Topa continues, but that is getting to By JOE ALGINA myself on the same bus with is justly proud of her. The boys telegraphed the to­ one of the Mates from an unor­ be an old story by this time. NEW YORK — If you smell are justly proud of her. tal take from the fines imposed ganized ship. He's carried an Rated men in the deck and en­ All Departments were praised gine departments are urgently to Cowboy at the Waldo County MM&P book for years, just smoke and feel a hot wind com­ Hospital in Belfast, Me. Minutes waiting for the day when he can ing at you from up this way, by the officers, but the crew needed. of the meetings held on board come out into the open and de­ don't think that it's the Atomic went one better and sang the We have not stooped to shang­ the Jean were forwarded to clare himself a union man. Bomb. It's only the crew of the haiing men from the Hall, but SS Mooring Hitch, Alcoa Steam­ Headquarters. that may come to pass sooner There's lots of fellows like him ship Company, raising the roof At the last regular meeting of —both licensed and unlicensed. than we think. to have the ship repaired. the Boston Branch, a communi­ So, watch your step when in When the ship came into this KNOW SIU RECORD cation was received from one of the New York Hall. port, the crew presented the the members who is now a pa­ Calls come for men all day He also told me that a num­ company with a repair list that tient at the Brighton Marine long, and the Dispatchers' of­ ber of his fellow Mates are hop­ stretched from here to there. Hospital. fice is being kept open evenings ing for the SIU to get a real The company thanked the crew In his letter he told us that and on Sunday. Hours are until .hold in the Lakes. They know and then calmly sat on the list. Dr. McGillicuddy was also a pa­ 9 P.M., weekdays, until 5 P.M. of the Seafarers' militant record tient at the Hospital. Many of But the rest period is over, Saturdays, and from 11 A.M. to and that the SIU fights for im­ the members present at the 3 P.M. Sundays. proved conditions for all sea­ and Alcoa has been warned that meeting hit the deck to speak the vessel will not sail until the This arrangement will con­ men. about the old doctor, and to improvements and i-epairs have tinue until the pressure eases. It's a good condition when you reminisce about his wonderful Overtime for Oilers and Stew­ find a bunch of officers recep­ been made, and the ship put in praises of the Stewards Depart­ .treatment of seamen over many ment. ards Department men of the tive to the Union because they apple-pie SIU order. years. When next the Mooring Hitch They claimed that the food on Northern Wanderer is now col­ know what the Union means to As a result, the old tarpaulin heads for the open sea you can the T-T was the best they had lectable at the i'^lcoa Steamship them, too. muster method was used to show Had quite a talk with Agent bet your last dollar that she will ever eaten, and far superior to Company office, 17 Battery the gratitude and appreciation McLean here in Buffalo, also be on a par with all other SIU- anything served in shoreside Place, New York. Dixon, 1551^ restaurants. irs; Gillispie, 47 hrs; Anderson,' Organizer Frank Moran. It's contracted ships. Stop pushing. Brothers, you'll 3 hrs; Chief Cook, 148% hrs; The good old Topa Topa, Wa­ their considered opinion that the port of Buffalo will go 100 terman Steamship Corporation, have to take your turn to ship Second Cook and Baker, 148 1/4 hrs; Saloon Messman, 9 3/4 hrs; percent for the SIU in any elec­ is also in this port, but the dif­ out on this one. The boom iai shipping still Crew's Messman, 138 y2 hrs. ference between the two ships is tions held here. Future Conditions Depend Upon Abiding By Present Contracts Mates Cheer For SIU Success On Great Lakes Alcoa Ship Stays Put Until Repairs Are Made te: •'•Jy- •- VL.; ;.-ul �LH: Friday. April 11. 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG LEARNING THE ROPES Class In SlU Hall Prepares UFE For Strike w NEW YORK — The recent Strike poll of the United Finan­ cial Employes, AFL, showed that the members of the union are overwhelmingly in favor of Strike action that will close down the entire New York fin aneial district. For months now tho union has tried to negotiate with one of the member firms of the New Yorl: Stock Exchange, but has been met by stalling and ob­ stinate refusals. Therefore, a strike notice has already been filed, in accord­ ance with the law, and the union is ready to strike the Cot­ ton, Stock, and Curb Exchanges any lime after April 21. To prepare for this occuirance, classes in the duties of picket captains, area commanders, and various commrttees are being held in the SIU New York Hall, with experienced Seafarers act­ ing as instructors. In the recent UFE Strike against the New York Cotton Exchange, the assistance of the Seafarers was of material aid in bringing the action to a swift successful conclusion. Above, left to right, Robert Strand. C. Lundy. and Howard Hatt. members of the UFE Fi­ nance Committee, making plans for the coming strike against the New York Stock. Cotton, and Curb Exchanges. On the right, a meeting of the UFE in the SIU Hall, discus- i techniques in running a strike. Experienced Seafarers are ac­ tive in telling them how. By E. S. By STEELY WHITE NEW ORLEANS — Our photo­ grapher down here, Art Samson, wanted to take a trip, so we fin­ ally were able to get him on the shakedown run of the Del Sud sister ship of the Del Norte. He didn't have much time to take pictures since he signed on as a Messman and only took pict­ ures when he wasn't washing dishes. On ships like tlie Del Sud, washing dishes is a majortask each day. The Del Sud is a real luxury liner, with good quarter's for passengers and crew. The food is top-notch, and the men are a bunch of swell seamen and swell guys. Although the gang kept Art pretty busy, he still had enough time to take pictures on board ship and while the vessel was docked in Havana. (Those pict­ ures appear on page 5.) Shipping is so fast down here that we don't have time to sleep much less to send long columns to the LOG. We ar-e kept on the go all day, getting the ships out oi ihis port with full crews, and paying off other .ships which come in here after long trips. I hope that next week I will have a chance to write a long re­ port of what is doing here, but from the looks of things, I will have to be satisfied with an­ other short letter. ATTENTION! If you don't find linen when you go aboard your ship, notify the Hall at once. A telegram from Le Havre or Singapore won't do you any good. It's your bed and you have to lie in it. v.: Some Don't Know How To Act With A Good Skipper By BLACKIE CARDULLO Philly Goes Back To Normal, Lensman Ships But Shipping Still Remains Good As Messman For Del Sud Pictures KEPT BUSY Page Nine PHILADELPHIA — After hectic spell of fast and furious shipping, things have cooled off .•somewhat, reverting to a semb lance of normality. This week's roster shows two payoffs so far' and two move cheduled, making a total of fou hips in that department. We also have several transit ships in port and they too will receiv complete coverage. I've got a couple of sore Sea­ farers down here. Brothers Char­ lie Nangle and Gillis. They're both sore at the city offiicals because according to the latest news, the city is going to build one of the most modern piers in the country. Gillis and Nangle think this is wa.ste of the taxpayers' money. They both think that the citj' should build a modern soup kit­ chen for the down-trodden sea­ men. Oh, yes—blondes as wait resses. LOCK IT UP Brother Tilley, our fast mov­ ing Patrolman, is in the lock bus­ iness these days. It seems that when he went aboard the Char­ les Crocker, Atlantic&Pacific, the clank of locks met his ears. Upon inspection. Brother Tilley found that the Captain, Joseph Grady, has the pecular habit of putting everything under lock and key. His eccentric habit comes to light everytime he sees a cloud on the horizon or when he re­ ceived an unfavorable weather report that a storm is brewing. He then orders the Mate to lock all the doors around the deckhouse from the outside with big Yale padlocks and chains. The Captain gave as his excuse for this behavior the fact that the nasty old sailors left the doors open and water stained the decks on his precious passageways. We have studied the minutes of the Agents' Conference in great detail, and to put it mildly the membership is of the opinion that it is the most constructive Hearing Ends NEW YORK. April 8 —With the completion of testimony by HIGDON members of the Seafarers In­ piece of 'A'ork that has ever come ternational Union, the final hearing in the Isthmian Steam­ from any Agents Conference. ship Line case ended yesterday If the program outlined there­ in the offices of the National in succeeds, it won't be long be­ Labor Relations Board. fore the Union will be a power The National Maritime Union, to be reckoned with. which is contesting the SlU's NUTHIN' YET victory in the election, testified earlier in the hearing. Oh yes, the weekly report on The case now goes before the my bloodhounding for a ne'vv NLRB headquarters in Wash­ hall. Sorry mate.s, nothing has ington for the final decision, come to light as yet, but in true which will be rendered on the Seafarer fashion I'm not giving up. Something has got to break basis of the transcript of the hearing, the briefs to be field by one of these days. both sides and the report of the A word to the tripcard men: hearing officer, Arthur Leff. If you want to get your book, The SIU and the NMU have see the Organizer in your port. seven days from the conclusion If you make a trip on an unor­ of the hearing within which to ganized ship you are in line for file their briefs. a book and he -will see to it that j'ou are fixed up. The Patrolmen Say,.. Read Constitution It seems to me that the first duty of a good Union man is to study the Constitution and the Shipping Rules. It is obvious that too many of our members are not doing this, and so in the past few months there have been a number of Trial Committees for men apply­ ing for reinstatement because of arrears on dues and/or assess­ ments. feit all claims to benefits and all other rights and privileges in the Union. He shell not stand suspended until six (6) months in arrears in dues, assessments or unpaid fines. This section shall not ex­ cuse any members for being be­ hind in dues and assessments while employed. Beyide.s the Constitution, which is very clear, membership meet­ ings up and down the coast have Some of the men. have had their booksk since the Union was started, and some of the men have been permit men, prn's, or what have you. Even if the man was not a full book member, there was no ex­ cuse for not knowing the rules of this Union. Here is what it says on page 9, Section 4 of the Constitution: Members more than three (3) months in arrears in dues, as­ sessments or unpaid fines, other than during the period of strikes or lockouts shall for­ been passing resolutions that anyone one year or more in ar­ rears in dues and assessments shall be automatically • rejected from the Union, regardless of his past activity. A word to the wise should be sufficient. Keep your dues and assessments paid up and then you won't have to worry about Trial committees, suspensions, etc. Ray Gonzales MARCUS HOOK — It was a pleasure last week to pay off the Ncwhall Hills, Pacific Tank­ ers. It was a double pleasure to meet again Captain Lanahan, as fine a Skipper as ever stood on any bridge. He is an fildtime member of the SUP, and he is pro-union from the word go. But his at­ titude, and his coopeiation with the crew, did not keep him from having a bad time on the trip. Some men have the idea that they can pej loi rn on board ship, and then expect the Union to back them up. They better get it thi ough their heads that those days are gone forever. When they meet up with a tough Captain, they cry their blues to the Patrolman and the Agent. When they find a good Skippe:-. they hai'dtime him un­ til he gets tough in self-defense. The membership of this Union has gone on record to deal se­ verely with any characters who insist on performing on board ship. The officials will carry out those orders, and the men who perform better take warn­ ing about that. ALL ON THE GO Business and shipping are swell down here. We have an average of three unorganized ships coming in here each day, and at least two or three con­ tracted ships touch here each week. That keeps us pretty well on the run, and we have to stay on tlie ball to keep things mov­ ing smoothly. We are still looking for a new Hall—one big enough for a man as big as I am to turn around without knocking things off tables. When we get one, we will announce it in the LOG, and hope to see some of you down here to inspect our new quarters. Last week an NMU volunteer organizer was fired off a ship after collecting six signed pledge cards. When he went to the NMU office to complain, he was told that there was nothing that could be done about it. What kind of a union do they call themselves? Maybe this guy didn't belong to the right faction, or perhaps it's the left faction, in the NMU. That reminds me. we are col­ lecting money for a fund to send communists to Russia. The catch is that we are buying them only one-way tickets. Well comrades. an\' takers? Unclaimed Gear Members whose gear has been held for more ihan Ihree months in the fourth floor baggage room of the New York Hall are advised to call for it immediately, or notify the Hall where they wish it sent. Crowded conditions make it impossible to hold gear longer than three months. All effects remaining unclaimed after three months will be sent to the owner's home via express collect. Gear without addresses will be disposed of otherwise. �THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Ten Friday, April 11, 1947 MV Gadsden Has Turbulent Trip SS Livermore Making Baltimore Minus Screw Captain Holds Steady Keel Punch Sparks Party Aboard The Helen (Editor's note: The follow­ ing report on the MV Gadsden's recent mishap at sea is by Bill Robinson, OS aboard the ves­ sel. An untiring shutter click­ er, Brother Robinson also took the pictures appearing with the story.) By BILL ROBINSON Revelry reigned unrestrained aboard the SS Helen at sea the The MV Gadsden, , American night of March 19, when the unlicensed and licensed shipmates Eastern s heavy lift locomotive of Seafarer Joe E. Thomas cele- carrier, made another bid for brated in his honor in rollicking Publicity on its last trip from Le fashion. Occasion for the ship- Havre to Baltimore when it lost board merriment was Brother ^^s screw 800 miles off Cape Thomas' birthday anniversary-! H^^^y and had to be towed into an event that bids fair to be re­ the Port of Baltimore. After going through ' every membered by the Bull line ves­ storm the Atlantic could dish up, sel's crew for a while to come. the Gadsden, already three days It was reported that the affair was sparked sparked by by a a concoction' behind schedule, parted with her packed with punch - designed ^^rew at a point about 25 miles and blended by the Stewards De-i"oHh of Bermuda. The mishap Action on Gadsden's deck as hands iurn fo lo rig sea anchor, partment of materials furnished at 9:20 a. m. March 15. RIG ANCHOR following loss of Ihe screw in heavy storm. by various crewmembers and of­ All hands'turned to immediate­ ficers. ly to rig up a sea anchor. The aboard when the cutter blinked a sea to take over the towing job. HILARIOUS NIGHT ship was taking rolls up to 45 message that they had lost their But the tug was having its own Everybody in attendance was receptive mood. Hilarity degrees, but after two hours of end of the cable. | troubles. A few hours out, one in a hard work, the crew rigged and Then the cable fouled on the of her firemen had taken ill, and broke out shortly after the un­ veiling of a spectacular four-tier put overboard a sea anchor which Gadsden's keel and had to be she had to return to port to disbirthday cake, complete "with kept the bow into the seas and jettisoned. The cutter reported Patch the stricken crewmember all the fixings." Secret of the eased'the rolling. that she did not have another to the hospital. No word was In the meantime, "Sparks" cable. So we passed an inch and heard from the tug, until three cake's success aside from its arhad been busy. He had contacted a quarter cable over to them. (days later when the Gadsden reseveral ships, among them the With this light cable the most ceived a report that the tug was THlS. IS THfMosopelea, a Coast Guard cutter speed that the cutter could make sending out distress calls, B ICS'S EST CAKE which was at Bermuda and was three knots. At this slow The tug's navigational instruSAWi which took the Gadsden in tow. rate, the two ships started for ments were fouled up, and she First ship at the scene, how­ Baltimore. wanted a plane to come and ever, was a Victory ship, which Trouble developed a day and a guide her. Later reports stated stood by until it was relieved by half later, when the cable snap- j that the tug was putting in at a British crusier at 2 a. m. the ped. A two-inch cable, which Puerto Rico. next day. The cruiser stood by the cutter had "found" on board, Proceeding slowly but surely, until the cutter arrived at 10 a. m. meantime, was passed to the the Gadsden finally arrived in CUTTER ARRIVES Gadsden, and with the thicker Baltimore after eight days on the With the arrival of the cutter, cable speed was stepped up. tow. The crew piled off to get a all hands again turned to to take TROUBLED TUG real meal, complete with coffee, a line from her. The Mosopelea Meanwhile, a tug had been or- butter, sugar, eggs, etc., all of chitectural perfection, was the sent over five successive mes­ dered and was expected to ren- [ which had been used before the fact that the fruits imbedded in sengers. The Gadsden crew were dezvous with the Gadsden at Gadsden reached port. about to pull the cable it had been steeped in wine and brandy for three weeks. Wine for the steeping job was sonal gear. The evening was one round contributed by Captain Curtis of fun from the time Captain Ol­ Olsen. The skipper later con­ sen and Delegate Blackie Mar-1 fessed the cake was the finest tin cut the first drink—er, rathe he had ever tasted, even if it the first slice of cake to start wasn't the kind mother used to the proceedings. make. Only item missing in the other­ High spot of the evening was wise full evening was revealed reached with the breaking of the ice in the punch bowl. Its con­ in the following lament from tents were a flavorsome and po­ one crewmember: "We had the wine and the tent mixture of ingredients de­ song, but we sure missed rived from the following: Two bottles of port wine con-, women." tributed by Tyree S. Ratcliff. Janeway Pests To Be Bombed (all shining brightly) Brandy, Charley Johnson's contribution to the festivities. And something that looks like "one concertina," according to the The war of man against man is minutes. (The LOG queried sev­ over, but the battle against the eral people as to what sort of seamen's steady shipboard pest liquid that might be. Best an­ continues. swer was one wag's: "Probably John Jillette, Steward of the something that makes you fold SS Edward G. Janeway, will lead up.") Anyway, the Chief En­ the charge on the roaches spotted gineer tossed that into the punch in the vessel's lockers and toilets, bowl. according to the Feb. 23 minutes, GIFTS. TOO with the devastating "bug bomb." Brother Thomas was given sev­ The action, calculated to wipe eral. gifts, including a "beautiful out the enemy vermin, is part of pillow slip" from John Eversely. the crew's program to keep their The Purser presented him with ship clean in accordance with some useful little knick-knacks the Union's slogan that an "SlU that make up a seaman's per- ship is a clean ship." A succes.sion of mishaps aboard the SS Samuel Livermore that would have put an ordinary skipper in a mood to bite a bear left Captain Murry S. Mills less ruffled than a freshly starched collar. For his even disposition in face of the exasperating events, the crew says he rates "honorable mention for being a good skipper," according to word' just received from the vessel, currently at sea. "To begin with," the crew's message says, "the ship broke a few pieces off her screw coming into Denmark through heavy ice." Coming out of Denmark, the Livermore lost an anchor. Things grew even hotter, when the ves­ sel was in Hull, England. There a fire broke out in the midship housing. MORE TROUBLE That's not all. Later in thevoyage, one of the crew. Brother Foster, lost a finger. Also, says the crew's letter, he lost part of his thumb to the Steward. This, they add, gave "us fresh meat for two days." Throughout alt these calami­ ties, Captain Mills remained a reasonable guy. "Under all these conditions," the letter con­ tinues, "the skipper has been the same." "He is a man any member of the crew can talk to at any time within reason." The Livermore men expressed the hope that Captain Mills .sail­ ing days would be many and good. The letter was signed in behalf of the crew by G. C. Gilliken, Ship's Delegate; Nick Mistin, Stewards Delegate; Barney Cuthrell, Engine Delegate, and Charles Foster, Deck Delegate. The cutter Mosopelea which towed the Gads­ den to Baltimore is framed between the pro peller-less vessel's capstans as she maneuvers for position prior to casting the line. Snapped just as the sea anchor was let over the side, photo at left shows hands ducking out of boom's way. Digested Minutes Of SIU Ship Meetings SAMUEL LIVERMORE. Feb. 19—Chairman C. J. White; Secretary Samuels. New Busi­ ness: Motion carried that cold cuts be put out at night and plenty of lunch be put out for men on watches. Also that the messrooms be swept out be­ fore and after each meal and mopped once a day. Motion carried that when the recrea­ tion room is fixed up that a vote be taken to decide if the crew should have ih% coffee time in the recreation room. Motion passed that all fines be sent to the LOG fund. 4. 4. 5. COASTAL STEVEDORE. March 7—Chairman Santiago; Secretary Prudenico. Motion carried to have Delegate con(Continued on Page 11) �w Friday, April 11. 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG SIU Ship's Minutes In Brief (Continued from Page 10) laci Palrolman in regard to in­ spection of drinking water, ice boxes and dry storeroom ow­ ing to illness of two men. Also carried were motions to have ship fumigated, and that screens, and windchutes be provided for all port holes to keep flues away, especially when in port. i S. S, SNAKEHEAD, Dec. 22 — Chairman George Bales; G. E. Broadhurst. Motion carried that slop chest prices be looked into upon return to the States. Crewmembers asked why Cap­ tain should use linen locker for slop chest, and why should passengers sleep in hospital when there is room in the pas­ senger quarters. Also the matter of two passengers be­ ing forced to eat in the crew's messroom. Good and Welfare: All hands pledge to keep their quarters clean and also to give the Stewards Department a vote of thanks for the swell chow that has been served dur­ ing the voyage. 4. A, i SNAKEHEAD, Feb. 16 — Chairman George Bales; Sec­ retary G. Stroecker. Good and Welfare; All three delegates to check repairs for next trip and have copies made for Agent of the Frst United States port. De­ cision to have ship fumigated. A vote of thanks to the Stew­ ards Department for a swell Christmas and New Year's din­ ner, also a vote of thanks to the Skipper Howard (Tugboat) Forbes. puted overtime. New Business: The crew suggests that a list of repairs be made up and also , other things that are needed and that three copies be made up and turn one in to the Cap­ tain, one to the Patrolman and one to the next crew. Motion carried that next crew not sign articles until stores come aboard. 4- 4. 4, Bessemer Skipper 'A Square-Shooter' WILD RANGER, Feb. 12— Chairman Sam Shatkovnick; Secretary G. Clark. New Busi­ ness: Motion to urgently request the union membership to call for a National Conference of Labor for the purpose of de­ vising plans to fight against the anti-labor legislation that is now being considered in Congress. Further, this con­ ference, in order to be effec­ tive, should be made of dele­ gates from the factories, mines, ships, etc. and representing all unions. Much discussion on this mo­ tion with no opposition to its intent. Many were of the opinion that it should be sub­ mitted to the Union for its con­ sideration as it vitally affects the whole labor movement. Motion carried. 4- 4^ 4. Nicholas Nomicos, Cook aboard DEL VALLE, Jan. 12—Chair­ the Bessemer Victory, WatermaJi man Brother Gerdes; Brother Steamship Corp., who took sick Wolowitz. Good and Welfare: when the vessel was in Germany, Motion carried to remove would still be lying in a Bremer- clothes from laundry as soon as haven hospital if it hadn't been dry and to discontinue leaving for action on part of the skipper, clothes under steam line longer than necessary. Motion carried Capt. D. Hillseth. to remove Purser for incompe­ Brother Nomicos and K. Chris­ tence and non-cooperation. A tiansen, AB on the Bessemer V, vote of thanks to Chief Mate reported to the LOG that Cap­ F. Shafer and Chief Engineer tain Hillseth was a "square I. Dana and the rest of the of­ shooter." ficers on board a vote of thanks Nomicos was confined in the along with the Stewards De­ German hospital for five days, partment for their full coop­ wnen the Bessemer was about to eration throughout the entire depart for the return trip to the voyage. It has been a pleas­ States. The skipper did not want ure to make this voyage with to leave the crew man behind such understanding men. Ack­ and had him transferred to the nowledgement of appreciation ship. Nomicos was fully recov­ of Mr. and Mrs. J. Savoca and ered before the Bessemer reach­ family for crew's donation sent ed New York. upon death of their son. Nomicos states that while he was in the hospital, Captain Hill­ seth told the Steward to send the siek man "anything he needed in the way of fruits, juices, etc." 4- 4- 4. 4. JOHN DONALD, (Dale, Chairman and Secretary not given) Good and Welfare: De­ cision that .Ship's delegate check all stores. Deck and Steward Delegates reported disputed overtime. New Busi­ ness: Decision that all disputed overtime to be settled before payoff. Motion carried that Steward be held directly re sponsible for ali shortages in regards to stores. 4. 4- 4ALEXANDER CLAY, Feb. 1 —Chairman Eldon Cuilerton: Secretary A. J. Saunders. Meet­ ing called to try to make con­ ditions more pleasant for the next crew. All delegates re­ port everything in good order with exception of some dis­ 4- 4* JOHN P. MITCHELL, Jan. 5—Chairman Jack Ziereis: Sec­ retary Albert Afaramoff. New Business: Delegates reported everything is okay in their -respective departments. Mo­ tions carried: That crew's mess and pantryman shall sweep and mop the Recreation Room early every morning, and the Deck and Engine Departments shall take weekly turns in keeping the Recreation Room clean: that the 4 o'clock watch shall clean up the messhall: for the good and welfare of the crew and for safeguarding their pro­ visions and stores, each dele­ gate shall make a list of all re­ pairs in his department before next meeting. Entire crew voted thanks to Captain George W. Zeidler, Chief Mate and Chief Steward for enjoyable Christmas. 4- 4. 4. DEL SANTOS, Feb. 22— Chairman J. Vorel: Secretary R. W. Mills. Nev/ Business: Motion carried that dirty linen be placed in some other loca­ tion as it collects roaches. Mo­ tion carried thai new water fountain be placed insde crew's messhall. Good and Welfare: Suggestion to put new light in library. Suggestion to put 16 inch fans in wheelhouse. Sug­ gestion made for all cots to be turned into Steward, so he can order sufficient number for next trip. Suggestion made that cots, irons and utensils be­ longing to crew be kept in crew's quarters. Page Eleven SEAFARER SAM SAYS iLLTHE OVERTIME SHOULD BErVRKEOiN To THE PEPARTM B NTT DELEGATE VVITHINJA PAY OQ TWO AFTER THE WORK HAS BEErvJ DOHB. 72 HOURS BEFORE THE SHIP HITS PDRT THE MEN SHOULD CHECK ' WITH THE DELEGATE TO BE SURE THATALUTHE OVERTIME HAS SEEN TURNED IN AND THAT THE MATE HAS A RECORDCF SAME A/HEN IT IS DISTUTED OR OTHERWISE. CUT and RUN By HANK Shipping continues to be real good here in New York providing you're not going to wait weeks or months for those certain ships going to Turkey, Alaska, etc., for example. Brothers, read your shipping rules—all the paragraphs—before you get fouled up and start blowing your salty top only to discover that you're still in the wrong simply because you didn't read all the paragraphs in the shipping rules or just misunderstand them. Another thing, don't take ships and then quit them before they sail. Furthermore, we think that it is the duty of all full-book men and especially the permit men (who should start appreciating and helping their own union) to see to it that ships do not sail short-handed or be held up one or two days because no man wants the job for such rea­ sons as; the ship is a Liberty, not a Victory or C-2. or she's just going coastwise or she isn't going twice around the world in slow motion. The full-book men should take these important job.s instead of allowing the ships to gel fouled while they are waiting for their special ships. That's good unionism. That's being a sailor. Permit card men should always grab whatever jobs are open to them (no matter where the ship's going or what type she is) and stay on those ship.-;. 4. 4. 4. TULANE VICTORY, Dec. 23 —Chairman Charles Gallanza: 4. 4. Secretary Edmund F. Paul. Bosun Larry Moore, ihe oldlimer, did a bit of humorous New Business: Motion carried reminiscing last week about his salad days (which we're pretty to write a letter to Steely White sure means his younger days), those days which were good in concerning the condition of the some ways and tough in other, about 15 years ago, when he was slopchest aboard this ship, also aboard the SS Walertown. Larry, who was Bosun on this shi;> enclose a price list. The let­ which had just bloomed publicly into the newspapers as a ghost ter requested the Agent to take ship, says that there was many a sailor who left the ship in immediate action on the issue. a hurry v/hen he found out she was the ghost ship Watertown Motion carried to the effect that . , . Happy-faced Carl Lawson blew into town from a. good trip windchutes be made available to Genoa, Italy . . . 'Warren Wyman, famous for tying all sorts and these be ready to come of ships knots, anchored into town last week . . ^ Eddie Mooney, aboard whne the ship docks in the Times Square bartender, just registered for shipping as a N.O. Good and Welfare: Sug­ sea-going bartender. Well, write us a letter, Eddie, explaining gestion that the three depart­ how it feels to be a floating bartender. Anyway, maybe you'B ments get together and set up even write a book on How Not To Be a Sea-sick Brother in a schedule for cleaning up the One Fast Trip. laundry. Decision to investi­ 4gate First Engineer for his finky attitude and discrimina­ Brother W. E. P;u'rott, just shipped out rtx'ently a.s electrician tory practices toward members . . . Bosun Robert Hillman and his familiar cigar shipped last week of his department. on the same ship he got off. Brother Hillman eonfesst^d that he was planning to sh.ip steady out of the port of Mobile . . . Oldtimer Frank Book really did have a new experience in his Seafaring standard of living. He really did enjoy talking about his plane ride from Curacao to Miami recently . . . Steward Fidel Lukban just came in from a trip . . . Alex Ajiderson, the oldtimer, i.s in town right now . . . Rusty Swillinger is all set to go out again for another trip after coming in recently . . . News Item: The Pan Atlantic Steamsliip Company, a subsidiary of the Waterman Lines, announced this week that its four Victory ships in the eoastwiaei service would also add Miami, Florida as a port of call. 4- foUJitWIQN / 4- 4. This is a news ilem, daled March 29fh, which we read in Ihe Journal of Commerce: The Maritime Commission announced lhat 22 Liberty ships had been approved for sale lo citizen ap­ plicants for transfer to Panama or Honduras registry. The com­ mission explained that the vessels to be selected will be those not required for American-flag operation and therefore with­ drawn from the reserve fleet from among those Libertys the commission does not anticipate using for charter operations. �Page Twclre THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, April 11. 1947^ THE MEMBERSHIP SPEAKS Isthmian Ship Has All Earmarks Of A Dirty Scow THE CANADIAN CABLESHIP^ RESTORER IN HONOLULU SPANISH LANGUAGE PAGE IN LOG SUGGESTED To the Editor: With the Isthmian question in the final stages and the NMU having groaned its last feeble protest, there should be no re laxing of the organizing cam paign. Soon, other companies . will be flying the SIU banners, too. This Isthmidh scow, the Yugo­ slavia Victory, is at present dis­ charging in Honolulu, in prep­ aration for its next port of call Manila. There can be no doubt that this is a typical Isthmian ship. I.ousy overtime, the worst of chow, and a finky chief mate, who likes nothing better than putting the boots to all union men aboard. 1-MAN DEPARTMENT In a previous article I gave this character's name inaccur­ ately, owing to the fact that I was misinformed. His name is Bentley. This dynamic streak of lightning is an AB, a Deck Maintenance man, a Bosun and OS rolled into one. If he's not running a winch one minute he's fooling around with some other piece of deck equipment the next. About every five minutes our boy is tearing up the ladder two steps at a jump to see the skip­ per about some Brother who told him off. Ah! how the tears must flow. One thing you notice most here is the petty chiseling of the officers on the men's time. Having next wheel one bright $ To the Editor: Inasmuch as there are among our Brothers a number of Span­ ish-speaking fellows, I would like to suggest that one page of our SEAFARERS LOG be print­ ed in Spanish, so that these Brothers would be well acquaint­ ed with our Union activities. I myself would be very glad to do my share as far as paper work is concerned by typing once in awhile to keep myself trained. William Fontan Crewmembers load cable from Ihe Restorer onto a scow in the Hawaiian port. Under SIU contract, she's on a mission of tending and repairing trans-Pacific cables. The vessel is the only one in Canada paying wages and having overtime and conditions on a par with U. S. standards. Reports from Delegate Dick Arter, who submitted these photos, indicate every­ thing aboard ship is running smoothly* DIXON CREW SETS EXAMPLE IN COOPERATION 't' To the Editor: Sometimes, it is difficult to say what is true, but it is wiser to say it than not, especially if it will do some good. The experiences I have had as result of many years at sea, have taught me that education and common sense are needed, to keep harmony and happiness among seamen. The bureaucrats and big bosses keep things that way between themselves; certain­ ly, we should. Lack of harmony and fellow­ ship could be one of the worst enemies of the membership. In face of this, the crew of the SS, Ben F. Dixon have already start­ ed steps to bring the men closer together. The Delegates have written some material on this matter, and the recommenda­ tions made by them have been carried out by the crew, with a very successful effect upon us. One of our pamphlets, which we keep visible on the bulletin board, reads as follows: THE WAY OF HAPPINESS ABOARD SHIP night, I ambled off deck at 9:40 for my coffee time. In two sec­ 1. Keep in mind the fact that onds flat I was run out on deck everyone aboard likes and appre­ to put in five minutes at fish- ciates you on this vessel. oiling. How I would enjoy mak­ 2. Respect your shipmates, and ing a second trip aboard her yourself, too. when she is SIU! 3. Respect the licensed person­ nel and make them respect you. HAD MEETING 4. Be a clean seamen. One shipboai'd meeting to date, 5. Having lived up to all the held in typical SIU fashion has above, you can smile. netted us an adequate night Brothers, if these lines are lunch, opening of an extra head, printed in the Seafarers Log, I and one extra hour for the san­ am inviting you to write some­ itary to be used for cleaning the thing on the following subjects, foc'sles. Our delegate is Brother or others similar; The Way of S; Brown of Alcoa G. Washing­ Happiness Aboard Ship, Too ton fame. Many Bosses on Deck, How To Being a cold weather boy, this Treat Our Brothers, Your Ship's Pacific is too warm for me. Give Delegate and How to Conduct me Boston in the wintertime, Yourself in the Messroom. Julio Evans eh, Eddie? Charles Halla SS Ben F. Dixon (Ed. Note: The question of a Spanish page had been under consideration for a long time. For the present, at least, plans do not call for this addition. However, if the LOG should ever be increased to 20 pages, one of them will be in the Spanish language.) iiiiiiliilife. . In photo above, the Restorer, which for the first time is 100 per cent organized and operat­ ing under a Union agreement, lies at anchor of Honolulu. At left, some of her crew, with smiles evidently inspired by conditions won un­ der SIU contract, relax at famed Waikiki Beach. Log-A -Rhythms Andrew Furuseth By JACK (AUSSIE) SHRIMPTON The owners paid him but a pittance for his toil. His lonely seamen's trade was full of care; His far-flung travels o'er foreign soil Reaped nothing save black misery and despair. Think of this gaunt and fur­ rowed man—dungaree clad, Rebellious of spirit, cheated, abused, slop-fed; Five and twenty dolla.rs a month was all he had. Save straw filled bunk to serve as bed. Yet from his sweated strength our Union sprang. And Sailors lives look on a ' brighter hue. And we who follow after bless the manr;The fighting founder of the SIU. Andrew Furuseth was his name, as every seaman knows, "Thanks a lot, Oldtimer^—Steady as she goes!" CALLS COMMIES THREAT TO DEMOCRACY To the Editor: The commies in' the United States are on the skids, and its about time. The SIU was the first to blast the communists on the waterfront, and it is doing a good job in trying to maintain democratic in maritime. But, as they say, one man can't do a two-man job. It's time for other sources to aid in removing the commies. Not only are they a detriment to the waterfront, but to the entire labor movement, as well. Any­ one who has seen them at work, as I have, knows their "rule or ruin" tactics spell disaster for any organization that permits them to function. How they work here in the United States holds for Russia too. They have a stranglehold on the Russian people. Communism and democracy are strangers to each other everywhere. Stalin rules as a dictator who is obeyed by the people in the same man­ ner as cattle respond to the whip —by fear only. Blackie Colucci �Friday. April 11, 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG ON AND OFF THE SS WILLIAM SEATON Oil drums being loaded onlo the Alcoa vessel, at the Andrew Street dock in New Orleans, prior to the vessels Southern run last December. 1 Page Thirieen Lakes Carriers' Dizzying Speedup Calls For Dynamos — Not Humans To the Editor: A number of things have been running through my mind lately. Are we such puppets as to let Ball and Taft, and the rest of the labor-haters in Congre.ss pull the strings on us? Look what Sena­ tor Ball of Minnesota is trying to do. I'll bet he got a pretty piece-off from the Steel Trust and all the rest of the big money interests! As for labor's "friend," Taft, he always was against the work­ ers. So was his father before him. Why, oh why, does the working class continue to elect the likes of him to Congre.ss? When are we all going to wake up and use our rights at the polls? Every worker should vote for the men who haven't got the in­ terests of the moneyed people al- Campfoell Refutes NMU Whitewash Of Neponsit To the Editor: Well, Brothers, here I am again, but I just had to make a reply to the writer of the article appearing in the NMU Pilot of March 28. That article stated that the food situation in the Neponsit Marine Hospital had been corrected. The poor fool who made that state­ ment should be kept where he can be watched before he is_allowed to go off half-cocked as he he did in this case. His statement also claims that the head dietician of the Public Health Service came here from Wa.shington. If she was here, none of the patients saw her. If Small boats pull alongside the Seaton in bay about five she was here, she certainly didn't miles off Port of Spain, Trinidad, to receive cargo. Tugs towed take the trouble to get the opin­ cargo-laden boats to shore. Photo taken by Cliff Richway, OS. ion of any of the patients. The article says also that two more nurses and three new cook.s were "added to the payroll." Well, that maybe so, but our beef \ is the food, for which I believe the U. S. government pays for a Purser. I propose that guys the best (whether or not they To the Editor: like him be stopped from further get it, I don't know). When it After reading Joe Algina's ar­ leaves the kitchen, it is unfit for ticle in the SEAFARERS LOG sailing. They only cause dissen­ a healthy person to eat, let alone of March 28, regarding a "few- sion and bitterness among a good sick people. phony skippers and pursers" who crew. I would certainly like to sour good New York shipping, meet this guy and give him some TASTELESS FOOD lessons on "How to get along as Even the worst cook wouldn't my conscience compels me to say a Purser with the crew.". go by the theory that food should a few words on this exalted Lord While I am writing, I might be cooked tastelessly, and just Purser aboard the Smith Thomp­ add that while I was Purser on for the calories. Food should be son. the SS Thomas Hart Benton we First, I would like to know had a good crew on board, that is prepared with the idea in mind that it has to be eaten by many this bird's name. Second, this Deck, Engine and Steward men. people and that it should have so-called Lord Purser, if he ever I can further say that the Stew­ appeal to the palate and tastes of has to go to sea for a living, will ards department really took care those eating it. Just because certainly be out of luck when it of the crew, and can wholeheart­ some foods, such as caiTots, con­ somes to SIU ships. Sooner or edly say that the Second Cook tain calories is no reason for later I think most companies will and Baker, Andy S. Himielinski, plunking it in water and boiling have agreements with the Staff put out the best cakes, pies, bread it without adding something to Officers Association, and this and pastry that the Waldorf-As­ make it appetizing. Food with Lord Purser is not going to be toria could offer. The Deck Dele­ high caloric content can be made a member of it, if I can help it. gate, Alexander D. Cameron was to taste good. All we want is Third, where does this so-called cooperative with everyone at all plain everyday food to fill our Lord Purser get the authority to times, and there were never any red pencil overtime. stomachs. beefs at any time. This beef is concerned with the He is merely there to record Throughout the entire voyage food situation only, and is not overtime, and he is to let the de­ which ran one month and twenty meant as criticism of the doctors partment heads do the disputing, days, everything ran smoothly. and nurses. They are swell peo­ if any. And furthermoi-e, who Boys had plenty of cigarettes— ple and doing their best. But it does he think he is "opposing no beefs • were registered at any seems their hands are tied when overtime for the crew." time. We had about five SIU it comes to doing anything about It is guys (phony is correct) men. in the deck gang and they improving the food. like this who give good Pureers proved to te swell guys with James S. Campbell a bad name with the crew, and whom I'd like to sail with again. Marine Hospital A. .T. DIMaggio, Purser who make people loc;k at you Neponsit, New York twice when they find out you're SS William Sealon Union Purser Red Pencils Character On The Thomson ways at heart. Let's vote for someone who has the interests of the workers close to their heart, for a change. It took LaGuardia and La Follette to bring the coal operators into the open. And, it took a church committee of a Catholic priest, Presbyterian minister, and a Jewish rabbi to bring the Steel Trust to task. They used to work 12 hour shifts in the steel rHEY I DON'T WOU KNOW ' EMOUSH TO S^y HELLO WritM \ ytou UNLOAD f mills, and 24 hours every other Sunday when they changed shifts. They even tried that system on the Lakes. A Britisher brought their system over here in 1908, and it still is on the Lakes. He formed the Lake Car­ riers Association—believe his name was Livingstone. Believe mc they really have the speed­ up on the Lakes down to a tee. Where else in the world can a ship of 13,500 tons be unloaded in from 3'/2 to 4 hours? I was on the SS Emory L. Ford when she loaded 425,000 bushels of wheat in 4 hours at Fort William—one of the fastest loads every put out there. I've been at the coal dock at Berwind— Superior, Wisconsin—where they took 10,000 tons of coal out of the big Davidson in 10 hours. You were lucky if you had a chance to get a cigarette. If you talked unionism, you were a bum! Well, I did, and got results in a way. We unloaded in Ashtabula, and were going to load coal there. When I told the Deckhands, Watchmen and Deck watches not to work down in the holds unless they got 85c an hour, they called up the LCA. What did those guys do? Sent down 12 men at 50c an hour with their meals! We all quit at mid­ night, so I can't ship out of that port any more. Another one when we were still on the old 6 and 6. We got into Lorain and were unloaded at 2:30 a. m. The company sent a whole new crew down to take all the deck department jobs with the exception of my partner and me. When we got the score, we went up to the Old Man and said, "You'd better call for two grind­ ers, too." Boy, you should have heard him roar! The upshot was that he called the Cleveland office, and we all sailed on her. When we got up above, we all quit. And did they have a hell of a time getting men up there. Once more, I was on the black list, but I got out. Anyone who thinks he can get on any of these boats up here needs a little correcting. What do you think they imported the coal and iron scabherders for? Don't forget they beat the coal miners in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky and Illinois, and they can do it to you. All these steel guj-s need it one look at you, and someone to finger you. Then, you are done. Guess I'll sign off for now. Robert "Baldy" McAdoo Barring 'Sally' From Galley Touched Off Brewster Beef To the Editor: This letter is in reference to an article in the Log of March 7. headlined, "Food Done to Turn on Wm. Brewster." As I was Ship's Delegate aboard the vessel at that time, it was my duty to get informa­ tion on the food beef. After checking up continuously for two months, I called a special meeting, so that the beef could be brought out in an airing. I asked all the officers to at­ tend the meeting, so that I could get' to the bottom of this mat­ ter. I asked all for their opin­ ions. They all made statements, including the Captain, which was stated in the article refer­ red to above. The Captain did not say that something was definitely wrong with the food. As a matter of fact, he praised it, as did the crew. The beef was boiled down to the fact that the Chief Cook would not let the Chief En­ gineer come into the galley with his dog Sally to get choice cuts of meat. Sally in the galley. The other officers sided with the Chief Engineer (tail follows dog). As far as the Skipper (Cap­ tain Fernald) is concerned, I'm sure that anyone who has sail­ ed with him, will give him praise, as he is just one of the boys. He is a very good union man, and did not tolerate the officers pushing the crew around. Take a beef to him and it is as good as settled. Hats off to Captain Fernald—he's the type of skipper every sailor dreams of sailing with. "Chiseler" Welch (Editor's note: Thanks. Broth­ er Welch, for the additional in­ formation, which certainly throws more light on the situa­ tion. We hope that Sally Is being kept out of the galley.) PHS DOCTOR [N HONOLULU GETS HAND To the Editor: I have read many an article condemning medical service of­ fered to seamen the world over. Such criticism I know is justifable. However, several of the men from my ship, the SS Jame.® W. Cannon, had to report for medical treatment at the Public Health Sex-vice station in Hono­ lulu. All of us were treated I'oyally, just as if we had paid the doc­ tor a high fee. I thing that such a high grade medical station should be mentioned in our pa­ per. The doctor who treated us so considex-ably is Robert B. DOXT son. Charles H. Johnstcm Deck Delegate �Page Fourteen THE SEAFARERS LOG A&GDelegates Report On Derisions AndArtions Of The int'i Convention (Continued from Page 1) Joseph Borus, Regional Em­ ployment Security Representa­ tive, U.S. Social Security Ad­ ministration, addressed the dele­ gates during the course of the convention, and explained the many phases of the social secur­ ity program. He put at the dis­ posal of your delegation, as well as the other U/nions. various material pertaining to unemploy­ ment insurance tor seamen, fish­ ermen, and fish cannery work­ ers, as it applied, and this mat­ erial will in due course be printed . in our Seafarers Log for the in­ formation of the membership. Samuel Laderman, President of Local 241, International Chem­ ical Workers Union also addres­ sed the convention, stressing the fight that still lay ahead for or­ ganized labor in gaining proper working conditions, and gave an inspired talk to the effect that a Union of organized work­ ers was but a way to better life. the International was then read and referred to the auditing com­ mittee. This report showed the assets of the International to be as follows, (with no liabilities) Friday. April 11. 1947 LENDING A HELPING HAND was carried unanimously by the convention. During the Friday session, Einar Johansen, representing the Norwegian Seamen's Union in the United States greeted the del­ egates on behalf of his Union, and the Norwegian Federation of Labor. He spoke of some of the conditions which prevailed in Norway, and the need for further improvements the world over. Cash on hand and in banks ,$276,466.92 Other assets, including notes receivable fro m various Union Inventories of books and buttons, etc. 23,801.28 Total assets of $300,268.20. AFL GREETINGS Editors Note: These funds do not include any district funds—which Nelson Cruikshank, Director of are in the approximate figure of the Social Security Division of $3,000,000.00 and are handled by the American Federation of the respective districts. Labor brought personal greet­ The auditing committee com­ ing from President William mented on the growth of the In­ Green, and highlighted the soc­ ternational, both as reflected in ial security problems that the the membership figures, and in seamen had to overcome. He the fact that starting out with also stressed the Communist total cash assets of $11,800.00 in Party menace and memorializ­ 1942, and notwithstanding the ex­ ed the SIU for their continued penditure since that time of well fight in that direction. over 8300,000.00 in the field, the Nomination and Election of Of­ assets stood at $300,000.00 in ficers took place on Friday after­ round figures, although during noon, March 28, 1947, the closing the course of the convention day of the convention. COMMITTEES SET-UP much of this was "ear-marked" Harry Lundeberg was re-elect­ Routine business taken care of for various projects undertaken during the first two days proceed­ in the seamen, fishermen and fish ed as President by acclamation, "That's how the SIU helped the Financial Employes m ings of the convention consisted cannery workers field for the as were the following vice-presi­ dents and the Secretary-Treasur­ New York," is the cry as these SUP members hold up copies of of the following; coming period. er: the Seafarers LOG showing the UFE Cotton Exchange Strike. Formation of Committees, Aud­ The reading of reports by the Members of the SUP. the Models Guild, and the Office Workers, 1st Vice-President, Paul Hall, it, Credentials, Seamen's Griev­ Various Unions then proceeded all AFL unions, are cooperating in a drive to organize the office ance Committee, Fisherman-Fish including the report of the At­ Atlantic and Gulf District, SIU. employes of the Tide Water Associated Oil Company in San Cannery Workers Grievance lantic and Gulf District, SIU. Morris Weisberger, Edward Francisco. Committee, Resolutions Com­ the various Fishermen and Fish Coester, from the Sailors Union mittee, Legislative Committee, Cannery Workers Unions, the of the Pacific, and Cal Tanner, Adoption of Rules of Order for representatives from the Canad­ Atlantic and Gulf District, SIU, the Convention. ian Unions, the Atlantic Fisher­ were elected to serve as vice-pres­ During the first day'.? proceed­ men's Union, etc. idents from the seamen's field. ings, a wire was dispatched to Patrick McHugh, (Atlantic All indicated a healthy growth John Hawk, 1st 'Vice-President since the last convention of the Fisherman's Union) Andrea Go­ of the International, expressing International. "You'd think that the NMU "All NMU and unoi'ganized mez, (LA Harbor District Can­ the Convention's regret that due would have learned a lesson by men will have to join the SIU nery Workers) Les Balinger, During the rendering of the re­ this time," said Fidel Lukban, when we are certified as the to illness he could not be present, port from the Atlantic and Gulf (Fishermen-Fish Cannery Work­ "but no, they continue to lie bargaining agent, or they will and on motion of Paul Hall, At­ ers, San Diego) Les Caveny, lantic-Gulf District Director of District, Seafarers International (Cannery Workers, Monterey) about everything just the same." Organization, the following was Union of North America, the At­ were elected by acclamation to What caused this blow-off was entered in the Convention min­ lantic and Gulf Delegation ex­ serve as vice-presidents repre­ the propaganda that the NMU pressed their appreciation for as­ utes: and fish has been spreading up and down sistance extended to them by the senting the fishermen the waterfront to the effect that "We are indeed sorry to report cannery workers field. Sailors Union officials. that John Hawk, Secretary of the John Hawk, (Atlantic and Filipinos, now employed on Isth­ Harry Lundeberg, speaking for Atlantic & Gulf District, and 1st Gulf District, SIU) was elected mian ships, will not be allowed Vice-President of the Interna­ the West, Coast Delegation, of the Secretary-Treasurer, by acclam­ to join the Seafarers when the SIU is certified as the bargain­ tional is unable to be present SUP, stated that the same kind of ation. ing agent for the unlicensed sea­ with our delegation because of cooperation has been received The next convention of the men of that company. ill health. Whitey's health for, from the Atlantic & Gulf District International, which will be in some time past has been bad, and representatives on the We.st "Lies, lies, lies, that's all it is." 1949, will be held in the city of Coast. the many struggles of the past Brother Lukban exclaimed ve­ The unanimous adoption of the Baltimore. few years have contributed to­ hemently. "I started sailing on resolution on the Communist wards that illness. It appears Isthmian ships in 1923, and I SUMMARY he will be out indefinitely, and Party in the seamen's movement joined the SIU without any Your Delegation is of the opin­ trouble. That should answer the his absence will be keenly felt, took place during the Thursday as we will sorely mifirs his ability morning session of the Conven­ ion that this Convention of the NMU." tion. This resolution was pub­ International was a successful and great experience. For Filipinos who might hav" "Under his guidance and leader­ lished in full in the Seafarers one and marked a definite turn­ swallov/ed the NMU lies. Broth­ ing point of the Union's history. ship our Union ha.s made great Log. er Lukban wanted to make cer­ strides since our organizational Also inserted in the official re­ The record clearly shows that tain things clear. FIDEL LUKBAN inception in 1.938. He has indeed cord will be the report of the this Organization has grown tre­ "Finst of all," he said, "Filip­ been a bulwark of great strength Seamen'.s delegates who attend­ mendously since its original or­ inos should know that they have have to get off the ship. They in our battles witlt our enemies; ed the meeting in Washington,, ganization. the same rights in the SIU as should all feel that they have In addition to the routine as any other members. the shipowners, bureaucrats and D.C., recently, during which time a future in the SIU, and that it commies alike. they met with various unions laid out in the above i-eports, "Second, Filipinos who are is their Union." "We sincerely hope for his im­ in the maritime industry in an at­ various other important things That's the answer to NMU members have never been dis­ mediate recovery, and his return tempt Jo have unity in the sea­ were acted on by the convention. propaganda from a man who criminated against, and they all to action in our behalf." men's field on leglislative and Among them was the necessity joined the SIU of their own knows what he is talking about. The actions of two previou.s other mattens. This also was car­ for expansion in all fields, in­ As always, lies are driven out will. Executive Board meetings were ried in a recent i.ssue -of the Sea­ cluding the Canadian Area. Def­ of sight by the truth. presented to the delegates for farers Log. inite action was taken to esa copy on every contracted ves­ acceptance or rejection, and as In connection with the problem tablish leglislative offices in sel. this covered actions by the Board of the Panamanian ships, the pro- Washington, D.C. in the name of In conclusion, this Delegation over a period of three years, due po.sed boycott through interna­ the Seafarers International Union. calls upon every member of our to the postponement of the hold­ tional action of American ships All of these things show that the To carry on the work of Union to continue their efforts ing of the convention in 1946 due under Panamanian flag, through Organization is clearly aware of returning sick and injured to the seamen's strike, etc., this joint action of the Seafarers In­ the problems it is confronted with already made towards expansion merchant seamen to health, business occupied some time of ternational Union, and the Inter­ and a program to handle each of and betterment of the Union. We the Marine Hospital on Staten are quite confident that if these the convention. Island has put out a call for national Transportworkers Fed­ these problems has been made. actions are continued we will blood donors of all types. eration, was adopted both by our Full committee's reports and f LUNDEBERG REPORTS double our size and strength in All men who wish to do­ convention as well as the MTD. recommendations wil be made a short while. nate blood to aid their fel­ President Lundeberg's report President Lundeberg was also available shortly and bound low seamen can do so by call­ was then read, and was assigned instructed to make a survey of copies of the entire Convention signed: ing at the offices of the Sta­ C. Sirrimons to various committees fot action, foreign seamen's unions, wages, proceedings will be made avail­ C. E. Gibbs ten Island Marine Hospital. E. R. Smitfi after it had been concurred in. and conditions, when the oppor­ able to all those members desir­ Paul Hall W. C. Tanner The report on the finances of tunity presented itself, and this ing one, as well as having placed E. Sheppard False NMU Propaganda Backfires; Lies Repudiated By SIU Seaman Blood Donors •'-'tl �THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday. April 11. 1947 P^e Fifteen Resolutions Passed By N.Y. Membership j. Sheehan. $1.00; Henry Sohl. $2.00; C. Sndgrass. $4.00;D, P. Johnson. $2.00; John Barlow. $1.00; E. D. Jones. $1.00; W. C. Kennedy. $1.00; J. .Sobesko. $3.00; Fred Anderson. $2.00; Richard Ander­ son. $1.00; Edward Grzyb. $2.00. SS G- WASHINGTON R. E. Lewis. $2.00. SS SUNSET M. Foster. $3.00; K. A. Pugh. $3.00; D. Dalao. $3.00; M. B. Levy. $3.00; J. D. Barnett. $3.00; R. Hunter. $3.00; A. Manuel. $3.00; H. Ringo. $5.00; J. | Spearmann. $3.00; J. T. Byrd. $3.00; R. WHEREAS; The Governor of and denies the telephone workL. Wegner. $3.00; F. WagstafT. $3.00; New Jersey, Alfred E. Dri.scoll, ers their alienable right as AmeiH. D. Burdette. $3,00. SS LEO DUSTER , , , 1 u ii ican citizens to refuse to work if SS MANDAN VICTORY C. G. llotis. $1.00; j. D. Walker. has railroaded an anti-stnke bill D. M. Martinson. $1.00; Wilbert J. $2.00. .through the state legislature call-i THEREFORE, BE IT REBrudy, $1.00. SS MOLINE VICTORY L. j. Guzzi. $1.00; M. Wilik. $2.00; G. ,l Kirl'sroo"'tor "»««««• V"|SOLVED: That the Seafarers InF. Glock. $1.00; S. Pacewicz. $1.00. S. $1.00; J. E. Davis. $100; Wm. Revfincs to be imposed upon strik-' ternational Unon call upon all V. Ekstrom. $1.00; C. W. Baumgard­ telephone workers should j organized labor to oppo.se with ner, $2.00; IJ. Wykosky. $1.00; R. L. nuid.s. $100; A. Flutes. $1.00; J. E. ing jefUSC tO retum tO WOrk, ' all in its power this vicious antiMiller. $1.00; E. E. Stewart. $1.00; M. Renauld. $2.00; C. K. Kean. $1.00; C. 1 C .Smith, $1.00; j. Corriher. $1.00; G. Em,.nuel. $2^00 ; J. Morawski. $ LOO; W-j ^,^^1 jabor law, and Go.adman. $1.00; j. B. jone.s. $1.00; 1-. Levschner. $1.00; R. H-)pi>er. »2.00. C New Jersey Strikebreaking Law BOSTON Crew of SS Bessemer. $20.00; Crew of SS IrviriB S. Cobb, $3.00. NORFOLK INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS W. H. Gilbert. Jr.. $3.00; G. L. Rus­ sell. $3.00; P. .Spivey. $5.00; C. W. Mariner. $3.00; R. W. Miller. $3.00) S. Olivera, $3.00; \V. D. Wilkins, $3.00; A. J. Gaitlos. $3.00; L. A. Lee. $3.00; W. R, Oclom; $3.00; R. W. Squires. $3.00; 11. P. Rhodes. $3 00; G. Wilson, jr.. $3.00; S. D. Hodge. $3.00; G. C. Lserliart. $3.00; p. L. Goodwin. $3.00; L. W'. Hitchell. $3.00. NEW YORK Nering. $1.00; j. B. Thomassen. $1.00; j. Riabech. $1.00: C. Lee, $1.00; T. Langan. $1.00; j. 1'. Schumaki. $1.00; N. Zeyerino. $1.00; j. Hawkins. $1.00; C. Whitley. $1.00; B. B. Spears. $1.00; H. j. Gromek. $1.00; S. F. Cullison, $1.00; F. T. Moore. $1.00. SS KYSKA 11. Starr.ky. $1.00; C. tlrandler. $1.00; j. P. Palmer, jr.. $2.00; j. Alstn, $1.00; P. A. Murray. $1.00. SS HART E. j. Williamson, $1.00; W. B. Ayconk, $3.00. INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS R. Wiseman. $1.00; G. Abbema. $1.00; L. R. Greenidge. $1.00; Charles I,. .St.ir ling. $1.00. Robert E. O'Neil. $l.0O; L. Taylor. $1.00; W. Woeraa. $1.00; C. jowers. $1.00; O. A. Michael. $1.00; P. F. McDermotl. $1.00; M. K. Clark. $1.00; C. SS WARRIOR W. Baumgardner. $1.00; B. .M. Maye. W. Peterfon. $2.00; L. Goletnbiewski. $5.00; joe Perla, $1.00; W. B. Phillips. $2.00; D. C. Cahoon. $3.00. $1.00; C. C. Reed. $5.00. SS FORT GEORGE SS SMITH THOMPSON O. L. Slepp. $ i .00. Crew of SS Smith Thompson, $19.00. INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS SS NAMPA VICTORY Bill Manley. $2.00; Charles Eberhnrt. A. Cotol, $2.00; M. A. Gonzalez. $1.00. $1.00; Clarence Brumfiel. $2.00; R. M SS T. MEADOWS Stover. $1.00. A. .A. Pole.sel, $1.00. Charles 1 litchens, R. L. Jenkins. $1.00; Ken Ptingle. $1.00; O. Farrara. $1.00; F. A. Diaz. $1.00; A. F. Boyle. $1.00 $1.00; R. J. Stark. $1.00. Thomas P. Eppolilo. $3.00; N. G. SS STRONG Duncan. $1.00. J. O. Glenn. $2.00; R. F. Branch. H. Stillman. $5.00; L. 11. Jones. $1.00; $2.00; O. Ksonbog. $2.00; F. 13. PearC. E. Brown. $1.00; C. D. Suppa. $1.00; .sons. jr.. $2.00; j. L. Ellis. $3.00; j. John F. Sorok;ic. $1.00; G. Kasprzyk. Oliver. $5.00; j. L. O'Rouke. $2.00; j. 1.00. \V. George. $3.00; L. D. Sizemoro. $2.00; P. E. Nicholsn. $5.00; j. A. Slay. $2.00; E. Scroggins, $2.00. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: J. Warner. $5.00; s. J. DeZee. $5.00. ' WHEREz\S: Thc Govemor has SS HALF KNOT | violated the Constitution of the That the SIU give its full sup­ p.. L. Markiey. $2.00; R IT Hauber. unPed States by his actions as port to the striking phone work­ $1.00; Crew of SS Half Knot. $10.00. the Supreme Court of the United ers and organized labor in New SS MOORING HITCH K. S. Svanum. $1.00; S. Walk..-r, $1.00; State.s has ruled that Federal la-j,Jersey to the full e-xtent necesD. B. Militar. $2.00; J. Hudak. $2.00; bor laws take precedence over.sary to fight and destroy this V. P. Rivera. $2.00; L. Langam.' $5.00. state laws, and the national la- law, and SS ROBIN TUXFORD bor laws at prc.sent gfive workers BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED: Crew of SS Robin Cuxford. $50.00. the right to strike, and jThat copies of this resolution be SS A. JACKSON P. J. Lannon, $2.00; S. Frankwitz. WHEREAS: This is out and ' .sent to Governor Driscoll and the $2.00; J. E. Brown. $1.00; L. P. Tabar- out strikebreaking of a sort em-; Telephone Unions of New Jerrini. $2.00; D. J. Smith. $1.00; J. J. ployed by Hitler and Stalin to scy informing them of our stand Vujtech. $1.00; Larry Jones. $2.00; G. destroy their labor movements,' on this action. Crabtree. $6.00; E. J. Laws. $2,011; M. L. Catlin, $2.00; Roy Poston. $2.00; W. L. France. $2.00; C. N, Payne. $2.00; E. \v'. McNamar. $2.00; I. P. Keycs, $2.00; C. Cox. Jr.. $1.00; L. H. Inwood. $1.00; R. D. Denzek. $2.00; C. E. Renn. $2.00; B. O. Wilson. $3.00; C. Macomber. $5.0U SS J. HEWES E. Phillip.s. $2.00. SS GREAT ISAAC Crew of Great Isaac. $12.70. SS CANON BEACH T. W. Lucor-l. $1.00; C. B. S.iwyer. $1.00; T. D. Newberry. $1.00; J. A. Ordman, $1.00. SS C. GILIAM G. Barhighl. $3.00. VOICE WITH A SMILE'' STRIKES SlU HALLS BALTIMORE Merchant Mariners Of America WHEREAS: The Seafarers In­ ternational Union of North Amer­ ica has always been opposed to phony so-called "Merchant Ma­ rine Veteran Groups," and that all officials of this Organiza­ tion stand as being instructed to make every possible effort to see to it that these people are kept off SIU ships and out of SIU WHEREAS: In the Gulf Area, Halls. at this time there is just such a.n outfit calling themselves TiuMerchant Mariners of America, who board SIU .ships and ask SIU-members to pay them $5.00 THOR LARSON initiation and $1.00 per month Get in touch with your wife at dues to become so-called mem­ 1534 Camp Street, New Orleans, bers of their group, and La. WHEREAS: There are people 4 4, S. connected with this outfit who LLOYD D. WARDEN have been previou.sly expelled from the Union as being phony Contact your father by tele­ and other.s who are connected phone, or write him at 1901 with dual Or,ganizations, and Pitcher Avenue, Joplin, Mo. WHEREAS: The real purpose 4 4 4 for this Organization, among REINHOLD HOLM other ones, is to sell phony in­ Please get in touch with Mar­ surance policies, thereby making tha Shanlcy, c/o Hotel Kinney, it nothing but a racket, 410 Eddy Street, San Francisco THEREFORE, BE IT RE­ 9, Calif. Phone Graystone 0894. SOLVED: That we go on record as branding this outfit as being phony and informing all of our membership of this action through the medium of the SeaAnyone who has seen, or who fexers Log, and knows the whereabouts of the PERSONALS 14 North Gay St. Calvert 4539 BOSTON 276 State St. Boudoin 4455 BUFFALO 10 Exchange St. Cleveland 7391 CHARLESTON 424 King St. Phone 3-3680 CHICAGO 24 W. Superior Ave. Superior 5175 CLEVELAND 1014 E. St. Clair Ave. Main 0147 CORPUS CHRISTI . . 1824 Mesquite St. Corpus Christ! 3-1509 DETROIT 1038 Third St. Cadillac 6857 DULUTH 531 W. Michigan St. Melrose 4110 , . 308Vz—23rd St. GALVESTON Phone 2-8448 . 16 Merchant St. HONOLULU Phone 58777 . . 1515 75th St. HOUSTON Wentworth 3-3809 .... 920 Main St. JACKSONVILLE BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED: seamen's papers belonging to Phone 5-5919 That we instruct all crews to Donald McNeil will please forFor all to see, these striking telephone workers carry signs MARCUS HOOK 1'/z W. 8th St. keep these people's representa-1 ward them to the address given Chester 5-3110 giving their reasons for walking the picketline. The Bell Tele­ tives off SIU ships and further, in the papers. MIAMI 1356 N. E. 1st Ave. phone Company may have wanted to bust their union, but all MOBILE 1 South Lawrence St. it got was the "busy signal." Phone 2-1754 NEW ORLEANS 339 Chartres St. Magnolia 6112-6113 NEW YORK 51 Beaver St. HAnover 2-2784 (Continued from Page 6) 127-129 Bank St. NORFOLK Phone 4-10S3 that the head of this outfit, old PHILADELPHIA . 9 South 7th St. man Goodrich was quoted as Lombard 3-7651 saying, "I never pay a Deckhand PORT ARTHUR . . 909 Fort Worth Ave. more than 50 cents a day, and Phone 2-8532 PORTLAND Ill W. Burnside St. feed 'em all on stew." Beacon 4336 These were some of the old RICHMOND, Calif 257 Sth St. Phone 2599 conditions on the Lakes back a . . 105 Market St. few years when there was no SAN FRANCISCO Douglas 5475-8363 SIU. If you don't belieye us, ask 252 Ponce de Leon Mac any time you run into him SAN JUAN, P. R. San Juan 2-5996 He'll tell 220 East Bay St. in the Detroit hall. SAVANNAH Phone -8-1728 you all about the old days. 86 Seneca St. SEATTLE . . . Many of the oldtimers on the Main 0290 1809-1811 N. Franklin St. Lakes remember these lousy TAMPA Phone M-1323 - , . 615 Summit St. conditions and they want no part TOLEDO 440 Avalon Blvd. of them again. That's why the WILMINGTON Terminal 4-31.31 Lakes seamen are going for thc . . 602 Boughton St. VICTORIA, B.C. Garden 8331 SIU in such a big way, and After walking a picketline, there's nothing like a comfortable place to sit. The SIU turned 144 W. Hastings St. VANCOUVER that's why "T:H:E GREAT over the third floor of fhe New York Hall, and the SUP did likewise, so that the striking tele­ Pacific 7824 NOTICE! —a. Meet The Seafarers LAKES, TOO, WILL BE SIU." phone workers would have some place to relax and rest. �Page Sixteen Friday, April 11, 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG 0 Ar^SlU OovfTiracrt" is sung —— (MurguaraKt^ o^^bsecuniij ~sh»p|3m<j Fiqkts—-the besta)orkmt^ Goi\d»tions- unioi^ FepKesenftectiovx —job jwtrfection —uniow democracc/— cmd-tbe su-ppoKtof ^fioopoo A.F.L. imerv>b6ns / ^ 'S£> r% i/ifmjmMAi i/M/M eitSAfT lAf(S$ VfSTKffir � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource April 11, 1947 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. IX, No. 15 Description An account of the resource Headlines: PHONE UNIONS HIT THE BRICKS ALL OVER THE U.S. A&G DELEGATES REPORT ON THE INT'L CONVENTION DECISIONS AND ACTIONS AFL PURSERS WIN ELECTIONS IN TWO LINES N.Y. SIU RAPS JERSEY LAW AFL PURSERS WIN ELECTIONS IN TWO LINES SEAFARERS MEETS WITH MIDLAND ON DEMANDS FOR NEW CONTRACT ON THE MOVE REPORT FROM HEADQUARTERS TO MEMBERSHIP LAKES SIU PETITIONS NLRB ON HURON; TWO OTHER COMPANIES READY FOR VOTE CSU MEMBERSHIP HAS MADE LITTLE PROGRESS IN THE TEN YEARS UNDER COMMIE LEADERSHIP SEAFARERS TAKE A CRUISE ON THE DEL SUD 'MARINERS' GRAFT, INC.' SOUTH ATLANTIC VESSELS BRING GOOD SHIPPING TO PORT SAVANNAH MOBILE CONTINUES HEAVY SHIPPING; ANOTHER SHIP DELUGE IS EXPECTED LAKES SEAMEN TIRED OF BUM DEAL; TAKE OUT SEAFARERS MEMBERSHIP SHIPPING IS ON GOOD ENDS ON WEST COAST PAYOFFS, SIGN ONS, AND TRANSITS KEEP BOSTON BRANCH ON THE RUN TOLEDO FORMING AFL MARITIME TRADES COUNCIL FUTURE CONDITIONS DEPEND UPON ABIDING BY PRESENT CONTRACTS MATES CHEER FOR SIU SUCCESS ON GREAT LAKES ALCOA SHIP STAYS PUT UNTIL REPAIRS ARE MADE CLASS IN SIU HALL PREPARES UFE FOR STRIKE SOME DON'T KNOW HOW TO ACT WITH A GOOD SKIPPER PHILLY GOES BACK TO NORMAL, BUT SHIPPING STILL REMAINS GOOD LENSMAN SHIPS AS MESSMAN FOR DEL SUD PICTURES PHILLY GOES BACK TO NORMAL, BUT SHIPPING STILL REMAINS GOOD PUNCH SPARKS PARTY ABOARD THE HELEN MV GADSDEN HAS TURBULENT TRIP MAKING BALTIMORE MINUS SCREW SS LIVERMORE CAPTAIN HOLDS STEADY KEEL JANEWAY PESTS TO BE BOMBED FALSE NMU PROPAGANDA BACKFIRES; LIES REPUDIATED BY SIU SEAMAN RESOLUTIONS PASSED BY N.Y MEMBERSHIP MERCHANT MARINERS OF AMERICA Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 4/11/1947 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1947 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/0ab7da6f9fbea3f374dcdc50bf59bed6.PDF 0c4dee089614175ac1cd3b6152dae00d PDF Text Text SIU Helps Canadians Strike Ships To Gain Full American Conditions Canadian District's March To Higher Wages Begins Official Organ of the Seafarers International Union of North America VOL. IX. NEW YORK, N. Y.. FRIDAY. APRIL 18. 1947 Phone Strike Gets Helping Hand Of SiU tt No. 16 WE'RE WITH YOU NEW YORK — A milestone in the history of Canadian seamen was marked this week when a Canadian steamship company, operating six ves­ sels, was forced to sign a standard SIU contract, embodying all the provisions of the Waterman agreement. The six vessels were taken over by the India Steamship Company, a Canadian company, and men were shipped from Vancouver to man the ships at the wage scale set up by the communistdominated Canadian Seamen's Union. Two o? the .ship.s are in New r — York, undergoing repairs, and four are in California for the same purpose. Those in New York are the SS Dominican Vic­ J. P. Shuler, Secy-Treas. tory and the SS Lewiston Vic­ Seafarers Int'I Union 51 Beaver StreeL N.Y, tory. No SIU Members in the ter­ The crewmembers of the ships rible disaster in Texas City. berthed in this city wei'e not We are helping in every way satisfied with the wages and we can. conditions under which they D. L. Parker worked, and they called the SIU Galveston Agent to find out what could be done Texas City Disaster NEW YORK — Reinforced by hundreds of white-capped Sea­ farers, the picketlines of the striking telephone workers bore evidence this week of the soli­ darity of labor. While assistance and support of commie-dominated unions was refused, the SIU was called on about it. to help bolster the thin lines of A special meeting of these men to win anything is to pile off the New York telephone em­ was called at the Hall, and at your ship—and whenever you do, When the Canadian seamen called on the SIU for aid. if was ployes who are out on strike as this gathering the crews were we'll be there to help you." given to them immediafely. They held a meeting at the SIU part of a nation-wide action to pledged the full support of the Hall, where they were pledged any help they needed by Paul force the American Telephone OPERATORS UNHAPPY SIU, and its strong maritime af­ Hall. SIU Director of Organization. Hall, back to camera, is and Telegraph Company to bar­ filiates. shown addressing the crewmembers of the two ships. It is expected that internation­ gain with the National Federa­ al. operators and foreign govern­ tion of Telephone Workers, an GATHERING MOMENTUM independent union. ments -will do all in their power By this time events were roll­ And New York Seafarers were ing along in snowball fashion. to break this contract because it not the only ones who were called Taking heart from the promises sets, for them, a dangerous prece­ upon for aid. In New Orleans of the SIU, the Canadian sea­ dent. the unions formed a committee men voted to use economic ac­ to plan the .strike strategy for If the SIU program is e.xtendtion, if necessary, to force better ' the telephone workers, and all wages and conditions on their, ed, all seamen all over the world possible assistance is being given Instructions regarding the ternational implications because vessels. will soon get the same wages and to the strikers. planned boycott of Panamanian forgign ships, once they docked conditions now enjoyed only by It did become necessary for the Meanwhile, the almost two- ships went out to all SIU Ports in an American port, were pre­ the Seafarers International Un­ weeks long strike rolled along this week. If, and when, it be­ vented from moving until the men to use job action, but be­ ion of North America. cause of the solid backing of with seemingly little chance for comes necessary to take such ac­ victory was won. the SIU, it did not last long and For many years the just am­ a settlement. The company turn­ tion to protect the interests of At the time foreign ship.s were the company capitulated to all bitions of Canadian seamen were ed thumbs down on a Govern­ American seamen, the Seafarers hung up during the 1946 General the demands made by the men. subverted to the aims of the ment proposal that all issues in will be prepared to jump into Strike, foreign seamen pledged In a congratulatory message communists who have captured dispute be arbitrated by a single instant action. full support to the SIU, and no at­ following the signing of the con­ the Canadian Seamen's Union. arbitration board, preferring in­ No date has been set for the tempts were made to scab ships This was recognized at the Third stead ten regional boards. tie-up, but since notice has al­ out in violation of the picketlines tract, Paul Hall, SIU Director of Biennial Convention of the Sea­ Organization, said: (A full page of pictures of ready been served on President set up by the SIU-SUP. farers, when a new Canadian "The SIU policy of economic telephone strike appear on Truman and the Congress of the District was set up. Now. however. Panamanian action at the point of production page 5.) Unted States, the boycott can ships in foreign ports will be has always been successful. We Already the move has borne In refutation of this idea. La­ stai t at any time now. are glad to see that you came fruit, and Canadian seamen have bor Secretary Schwellenbach boycotted, and this is a project All AFL Maritime Unions have quoted a report made during the pledged their active support and which has never before been off your ships in good SIU style. taken new hope from the fast We told you that the only way moving militancy of the SIU. war by a telephone panel and in cooperation in this beef, and the attempted. which AT&T had concurred. International T r a nsportworkers The main objective in the en­ This report held that it would Federation, of which the SIU tire beef will be to prevent be "unrealistic to make wage and the SUP are members, have Panamanian ships from moving, adjustments without taking into piomised that Panamanian ships or from loading or discharging account the inter-company rela- will not be worked in any for­ cargo. Once this i^ accomplish­ eign port where the ITF has af­ (Continued on Page 4) ed, it is certain that the ship­ filiates. owners will discontinue their PHILADELPHIA — Another the issue came to a vote, the This means that any action phony practice of "transferring" taken by the SIU will, in a U.S. ships, to Panamanian and company was added to the ever- NMU withdrew. Of course, with its usual dogshort time become worldwide. Honduran registry in order to lengthening string of bargaining in-the-manger attitude, the NMU Never before in the history of avoid paying decent wages and, elections won by the SIU when Last week the membership waited for six months before the merchant marine has there guaranteeing decent conditions a National Labor Relations Board withdrawing, and that deprived of the SIU went on record ben such a wide-spread tie-up to American seamen. election here resulted in a 27 to 2 the men of union conditions for declaring the Merchant Mar­ planned, and if it goes through Every consideration will be victory for the Seafarers. iners of America a phony that much longer. will mark the second time that outfit, and ordered its rep­ The balloting was held on The NMU officials boasted the Seafarers completely stalled shown to the crews of the struck vessels, since the beef is with board the SS Petrolite, a tanker many times that the SIU would resentatives to be kept off shipping on a large scale. the operators, not with the men operated by Mathiasen Tankers, never be able to wlh a tanker SIU ships and out of SIU INTERNATIONAL SCOPE sailing the ships. Arrangements Incorporated. Halls. The MMA purports to election on the East Coast. The be a fraternal organization, Certification is expected on results of this voting should The first time was during the will be made for the comfort of and has been claiming that 1946 General Strike, when, in the men once the ships have April 21, after which negotia­ force them to eat their words. it has been approved by the tions for a contract are expected The result of the bargaining answer to a ruling by the Wage been tied-up. election made the crewmembers SIU. THIS IS A LIE! They to start. Stabilization Board which would Everything is in readiness now have never had SIU indorse­ very happy. Some of them stay­ At one time the National Mari­ have robbed SIU members of for the jump-off. The AFL Mar­ ment. and the membership's wage increases won in negotia­ itime Trades Department, and time Union, CIO, was endeavor­ ed with the ship for a period of action is the answer. KEEP tions with the shipowners, the the International Transport- ing to organize this company, but eight months to insure an SIU THEM OFF SIU SHIPS AND SIU brought all United States workers Federation are prepared it soon became apparent that victory, and to them goes the OUT OF SIU HALLS! shipping to a standstill. to puU the pin as soon as the the members of the crew wanted lion's share of credit in this no part of that union, and before worthwhile achievement. Seafarers gives the signal. Even then the action had in­ SIU Prepares To Tie-Up AH Panamanian Ships Seafarers Wins Union Election On Petrolite, Mathiasen Tanker Attention Seafarers! �Page Two THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday. April 18. 1947 SEAFARERS LOG Published Weekly by the SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Gulf District Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor At 51 Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y. HAnover 2-2784 International Officers HARRY LUNDEBERG ---------- President 105 Market St., San Francisco, Calif. PAUL HALL --------- First Vice-President 51 Beaver St., New York 4, N. Y. MORRIS WEISBERGER - - - Vice-President 105 Broad St., Nbw York 4, N. Y. CAL TANNER ------ Vice-President 1 South Lawrence St., Mobile, Ala. EDWARD COESTER - - - - Vice-President 86 Seneca St., Seattle, Wash. JOHN HAWK ------ Sccy.-Trcasurer 105 Market St., San Francisco, Calif. District Officials J. p. SHUI.ER - - - Secy.-Trcas. Atlantic & Gulf District P. O. Bo.x 25, Bowling Green Station, New York, N. Y. HARRY LUNDEBERG Secy.-Treas. Sailors Union of the Pacific 15') Clay Street, San Francisco, Calif. FRED FARNEN - - - - Sccy.-Treas. Great Lakes District 1033 Third Street, Detroit, Michigan HUGH MURPHY - - - - Sccy.-Treas. Canadian District 144 W. Hasting.s St., Vancouver, B. C. Entered as second class matter June 15, 1945, at the Post Office in New York, N. Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912. GEORGE K. NOVICK, Editor Bosses' Offensive The present Congrcs.'; of the United States could be likened to a bunch of small boys showing off to catch the attention of a pretty little girl. When one boy stands on his head, another docs cartwheels, while the third walks aloitg a fence imitating a tight-rope walker. All for love of the pretty little girl. The men who represent us, supposedly, in Congress, arc much the same. One Senator comes up with a bill to out­ law industry-wide bargaining, another comes up with a mea.sure to prohibit the closed shop, and then another brings out his pet, a bill to combine all anti-labor measures into one bill. All for the love of big business. In the past year the SIU has made vast gains in wages and conditions. It has gone to the aid of the United Finan­ cial Workers, the Office Workers, the Telephone Workers, besides assisting its affiliates in the AFL Maritime Trades Department. None of those gains could have been made, and not one of those unions could have been helped, if the laws which are now being considered in Congress had been in effect. There is a mad rush going on in Congress to pass laws to curb labor. Senators and Representatives partial to labor are, in the minority, and in hearings on the various lav/s, labor-haters have been cordially received while labor leaders have been harassed and brow-beaten. Do these sound like the actions of men elected to rep" resent the majority—people who work for a living— rather than the minority—those wbo employ others and live by exploiting them? -ALII of the bills now being debated could have been written by Hitler, Mussolini, or Stalin. All are designed to rob the worker of his rights, and all are designed to strengthen the hand of the already too-powerful employer. If these bills go through, and the bosses are exerting every effort to make sure they do, it will mark a serious de­ feat in the history of the American labor movement. TJje time for us to fight is right now. The AFL has entered, the battle against restrictive labor legislation with all its forces. AFL affiliates all over the country are going into tliis fight together, and the fight won't be over until the dignity of labor is so well established that big business serving politicians are retired to running errands for the' companies they so dearly love. ' Hospital Patients When entering the hospital notify the delegates by post­ card, giving your name and the number of your ward. Staten Island Hospital Men Now In The Marine Hospitals These are ihe Union Brothers currently in the marine hospitals, as reported by the Port Agents. These Brothers find time hanging heavily on their hands. Do what you can to cheer them up by writ­ ing to them. '' NEV/ ORLEANS HOSPITAL GU.S KREZTER C. MASON STEVE MOGAN R. B. "BOB" WRIGHT N. LONGTINE ED. DUDEK J. J. O'NEILL E. J. NAVARRE J. N. HULL C. TYNER C. J. COMPAN WM. H. CAO J. W. DENNIS ED. CUSTER WM. BROCE, Jr. GEO. F. DUFFY ADAM KARPOWICH C. LOCIGNO WM. MEAGHER D. LAUBERSHEIMER G. F. HART H. N. LEAVELLE S. HAMILTON » » » BALTIMORE HOSPITAL FRANCIS O'BRIEN FRANCIS BRENNAN CHARLES SIMMONS CHARLES MILLER CORRIE SHARTZER BEN PRICE MICHAEL J. LUCAS MANUEL ROMERO PETER LOPEZ JOHN FOX JOHN APPLE JOSEPH PODGORSKI LESLIE BRILHART LEONARD BAILEY ANTONIO AMARAL EDWARD CAIN JR. STANLEY ROWE SALEM COPE WM. BENNETT JOHN RILEY (G. L.) JAMES McMAHON (G. L.) ELLIS ISLAND HOSPITAL W. R. MUIR C. RAMUSSEN J. KOSLUSKY D. MCDONALD B. HOFFMAN J. C. J. R. L. L. J. C. L. NEPONSIT^HOSPITAL R. HANCHEY LARSEN S. CAMPBELL A. BLAKE TORRES CLARK FIGUEROA SCHULTZ L. LEWIS You can contact your Hos­ pital delegate at the Staten Island Hospital at the follow­ ing times: Tuesday—1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 5th and 6th floors) Thursday — 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. , (on 3rd and 4th floors.) Saturday—1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 1st and 2nd floors.) H. BURKE E. FERRER S. i- i STATEN ISLAND HOSP. O. KAELEP M. BAUCSKI E. CARRERAS R. G. MOSSELLER J. A. DYKES K. KORNELIUSSEN C. H. SULLIVAN E. E. CASEY D. NELSON W. R. BLOOM M. MORRIS ^ F. NERING H. R. BELCHER L. JILES P. REYES P. LATORRE J. BOLGEK H. A. ECHEVARIA ^ ^ BRIGHTON HOSPITAL E. DELLAMANO H. SWIM R. LORD E. JOHNSTON E. MOFENE J. LEVACK -D. BURLISON T. MAYNES �Friday. April 18, 1947 THE NO SCABBING ALLOWED SEAFARERS LOG Page Three The Social Security Act, And How It Affects The Merchant Seamen By JOSEPH VOLPIAN The little man with the cap is being told in no uncertain terms that he can't go through the picketline to work inside. This picture was taken at the picketline of the office workers who are striking against the George E. Flinn Company in Brooklyn. Seafarers were called in to help, and as this picture shows, they came through. Striking, Office Workers Get Aid from Seafarers As the fund increases, broad­ er coverage may be expected, probably in the form of disabil­ ity paymdhts. UNDERSTAND LAW NEW YORK — The militant members of the Seafarers Inter­ national Union took on a new as­ signment this week when they went to the aid of the 17 office workers who struck against the George H. Flinn Corporation, contractors for the Brooklyn end of the Brooklyn-Battery Tunnel. Work on the huge project came to an end when the strikers, members of Local 153, Office Employees International Union, AFL, threw a picketline around the job. • The office employees quit work because the Flinn corporation re­ fused to bargain with the union, nothwithstanding the fact that Local 153 had been chosen as bargaining agent by them in a labor board election last October. Even in the face of the com­ plete stoppage of work, however, the corporation continued to stall negotiations, and it was then that the SIU was appealed to. SIU ON HAND A squad of volunteers was dis­ patched to the site of the pro­ ject, where their presence im­ mediately heartened the strikers. The Seafarers wore their tradi­ tional white caps, and carried the picketsigns of the office workers. The striking employees include timekeepers, checkers, and tele­ phone operators. Their demands are for a 44-hour week, a 15 per­ cent wage increase, and a 10 per­ cent night differential. Accord­ ing to a union spokesman, the average wage is now $43.00 for a 48-hour week. The same spokesman indicated that unless the corporation agrees to negotiate within a short time, -x-r-o- will -a similar work stoppage be caUe^'at the ' ManhMtln end of the tunnel. Blood Donors To carry on the work of returning sick and injured merchant seamen to health, the Marine Hospital on Staten Island has put out a call for blood donors of all types. All men who wish to do­ nate blood to aid their fel­ low seamen can do so by call­ ing at the offices of the Sta­ ten Island Marine Hospital. No longer could old people Special Services Representative count on being taken in by their relatives. Social legislation be­ In the early days of American came necessary to fit the needs life, we were an agrarian na­ of the changing times. tion. Family groups were close­ The Social Security Act pro­ ly knitted and security was at­ vides a measure of security for tained by each family taking you in your old age and for care of its own. The burden of your survivors in case of your caring for the aged, decrepit and death at any time. It is operated survivors of the deceased was by the government and has no accepted as a family responsi­ stock-holders to payoff. bility. Your Federal Old Age Bene­ As the nation expanded west­ fit or Social Security tax of 1 ward and machinery began to percent is really the premium replace muscles as a means of on your insurance policy. After production, the family group was benefit payments are made and no longer self-sufficient. The old the cost of administration de­ homestead became a nostalgic ducted, the balance goes into a memory. fund which now stands at seven billion dollars and is growing all the time. Side by side, an office worker and a Seafarer picket together to button up the George E. Flinn Company. • Another example of labor unity. See story on this page for more details. Inasmuch as seamen have theii taxes deducted when their ship pays off, quite often taxes are deducted on money that has been earned in the previous year. For instance, an electrician ships out in May and pays off the following January. His earnings may be approximately $2800 from which $28.00 is de­ ducted for his Social Security tax. He then ships out again in February and returns in Novem­ ber with approximate earnings of .$3500 of which $35.00 is de­ ducted. Thus, he had paid $63.00 in taxes in one year. He may then apply for a refund from his nearest Federal Security Agency and have $33.00 returned to him. The Social Security Adminis­ tration's main offices are in Bal­ timore, Md., and all records are kept there in numerical order instead of alphabetical order. The reason is that there are about 88,000 J. Johnsons in the files and there are no duplica­ tions in a numerical system. However, employers sometimes get the number of your Social Security Card wrong, and as a result someone else may get credit for your payments. You may check your account at any time by sending a card to the Baltimore headquarters asking for a statement of your account. Special po.stcard forms are available at any of their field offices. Merchant seamen, like 70 mil­ lion other Americans, are cover­ ed by the Social Security Act. It is important that the law be understood so that full benefit can be enjoyed. Unlike private insurance, in which the entire premium is paid by the workers, the Social Security tax is paid by both the w o r k e r and his employer in equal parts. This makes it possible for you DO have protection that could not be bought elsewhere for what is paid under the govern­ ment plan. BENEFITS Your share of the cost is 1 At the present time there are percent of your earnings up to $3,000 in any one year. You two kinds of benefits—retirement can get a refund on any amount and survivors. Retirement benefits are pay­ paid in excess of this $3,000. able to the wage earner when he retires at 65 or later. Survivors benefits are payable to his family when he dies no matter at what age death oc­ curs. bring results. Specifically, the retirement At the meeting I was greatly benefits are payable to: 1. The impressed by the genuine feel­ wage earner when he is 65 or ing of common interest which prevailed. The most striking older and stops work; 2. His feature of the meeting was that wife when she reaches 65; 3. His seamen's interests were being unmarried children under 18. Seafarer Watches The ITFAt Work By W. J. BRADY Attending a meeting of the International Transportworkers Federation as a rank and file member of the SIU, I saw for the first time how our interests are protected by our affiliation with the ITF—the world-wide organi­ zation to which the SIU, SUP and MM&P are affiliated. At the invitation of the New York Port Agent, Paul Hall, I attended an ITF meeting in Brooklyn this week, where the ITF took up the issue dealing with the boycott of ships flying flags of non-maritime nations— particularly Panamanian ships. The gathering was presided Willy Dorchain, representative of the ITF to Ameidc^ ^nd representative of the ITF of Belgium. Paul Hall representing the SIU and Morris Weisberger the SUP explained the American aspects of the boycott in a thorough manner. The Norwegian representative, Johansen, was quick to point out that he had already taken steps in notifying his union in Norway to have engines on stand­ by should the boycott take place. Clausen, representing Denmark, and Scott, representing England, both gave strong support to the American position on the pro­ posed boycott. This was added to by the rep­ resentatives of Greece and Sweden. A glance at the countries represented at the meeting show­ ed them to be the leading mari­ time nations in the woidd, and a boycott of Panamanian ships by these unions would be positive to (Cimtinucd on Page 14) (Contiftued on Page 9) MORE SIUBROTHERS �Page Four THE SEAFARERS LOG Fxiday. April 18. 1947 ttWIIK.,. QUESTION: the SIU message? As a volunteer organizer, what was your greatest obstacle in getting acrpss O. E. "BUDDY" BASS, Wiper: I was aboard ihe Sovereign of Ihe Seas which is an Isthmian scow. There wasn't much prob­ lem to organizing on that ship since most of the men realized lhat without a union they were sunk. Isthmian has a long anti­ union record, and the men could see that their conditions and SOTIRIOS FOSCOLAS, OS: I was on tv/o ships as a volun­ teer organizer, and on both it was practically the same story. My first ship was the American Trader, American Trading and Production Company, and the second was a tanker that later signed with the SIU. Most of our trouble on these ships was with ihe NMU. They would come on board and spout a load of bushwah, and then when the crew found out what liars those guys •were they even resented ihe SIU organizers. We had to undo all the harm those phonies did, and after that v/e were able to start our own job. ABOUT FACE wages had stood still, while the it contrasted with the NMU. I rest of the industry had ad­ answered all their questions, but Now this same company is re­ vanced. Every time the SIU wins when an NMU organizer came on, fusing to put into operation all a new contract or a beef, it boboard, he refused to answer most arbitration plan which would comes thai much easier to do a of the questions and that - made take . into consideraton the "in­ good organizing job. Seamen are a bad impression on the men. ter-company relationships" re­ like everybody else, they want to Of course the officers tried to ferred to above. join a movement that is militant give us a hard time, but as soon Scliwellenbach took the com­ and that will win gains for them. as they saw that the men wanted pany to task in very strong lan­ And that's why the record of the to choose their own union with­ guage, but he also found time to SIU is such a good selling point out outside interference, the criticize the telephone workers. in organizing new companies. Skipper and the Mates started There was not^ much he could On the Sovereign of the Seas leaving the crew strictly alone say about them since they have the officers gave us a little trou­ on that matter. I've heard other been willing to abide by arbitra­ ble. They couldn't stop us from volunteers tell about the diffi­ tion since the negmtiations began talking union, but they could and culties they had in doing an or­ many long months ago. Never­ did stop us from making any ganizing job, but with me it was theless, the Secretary of Labor overtime. Our engineer, the First a snap. Maybe on the next ship scored the union for failure to Assistant, took over the Third's I'll have a hard time, but I think realize that "they are working watch, and he took over the du­ ,that the. SIU record speaks for for a public utility which must ties of the Wipers. He was so itself, and for that rea,son the be maintained constantly . . ." busy doing this work thai he CHARLES MISAK, OS:. crewmembers are receptive to us On another front, the telephone failed to do his own, and as a re­ I'm one of those lucky fellows when we tell them our story. workers in New Jersey were sult we almost had a serious ac­ who didn't have any obstacles to Certainly in the past few months granted an injunction prohibiting cident at sea. As it was, we had overcome when I went aboard a we have won plenty of gains for the arrest or prosecution of tele­ to stop in the middle of the ocean ship as a volunteer organizer. seamen, and we have knocked phone strikers under the drastic to make repairs. But that really When the other members of the over quite a number of new com­ new law passed by the state— wasn't an obstacle to organiz­ crew found out that I wanted to ing; in fact it helped us by show­ talk to them about the SIU, they panies. That shows that unor­ after the strike had already ing the men that their best pro- were anxious to hear from me. ganized seamen respect our Un- started. The injunction was handed toction would be a signed and They asked questions about ouriioH' and want the kind of prodown by a Federal Judge, and sealed SIU contract. Union, and wanted to know how teclion we can furnish. was based on a Supreme Coui-t decision which held that the right JOSEPH DINKINS. Oiler: to strike could not be abridged As soon as a fellow makes up by the stales unless such striking his mind that he's going to ship would result in "grave or im­ out as a volunteer organizer, he mediate danger to the commun­ starts to get nervous. I know ity." that happened to me. But once He maintained that this did I made up my mind, I decided to not hold true in this case since go through with it, and so I ap­ emergency service is still being plied for a job on an Isthmian provided. ship. I was turned down a cou­ have stock in the company, in­ On that AT&T ship, the Skip­ stead of being just plain work­ per put pressure on the crew- ing guys like the rest of us. They members to join the NMU. I go around damning all unions •wouldn't do thai, and the Skip­ and trying to talk the men into per made it so hot for me that I voting for the company in a bargaing election. BuV those people was finally forced off the ship. arp npttJnr, j xi. are Another source of trouble on or­ are getting scarcer, and they ' ganized vessels are the company so discredited that hardly anystiffs. Those guys act like they^ body listens to them any more. ple of times, but one day they needed a man in a hurry, and that was me. I was assigned to the St. Augustine Victory. As soon as I came on board I knew that there would be trouble. The Skipper, was violently anti-union, and even more het up against the SIU. He forbade any union talk, and he went all out to make sure that ibis rule was lived up to. bers of the NMU for a couple of Of course, we didn't let him years. I know we did a bang-up stop us, and we continued to talk job on the St. Augustine Victory, about the advantages of the SIU, and the NMU must have felt the and we gave out our Union same way about it because all 36 literature and copies of the Sea- votes on the ship were chal­ campaign was lenged by them. From the way successful that some NMU the men talked to me while I T. j i. j j • XL xx. men on board handed in their was on the ship I'm sure that books and joined the SIU. A few'they voted right down the line of these guys had been mem- for the Seafarers. HOMEWARD Unclaimed Gear BOUND Members whose gear has . been held for more thcui three months in the fourth floor baggage room of the New York Hall are- advised to call for it immediately, or notify the Hall where they wish it sent. Crowded conditions make it impossible to hold gear longer than three months. All effects remaining unclaimed after three months will be sent to the owner's home via express collect. Gear without addresses will be disposed of otherwise. (Cottthmed^from P^ge I) tionships which have always played a part in the wage his­ tory of the Bell System." NO EMERGENCY In regard to emergency long distance service, it came to light that the financial bigwigs in Wall Street, and other money districts the nation over, had made arrangements for long dis­ tance service before the strike started. These financiers have open long distance lines at their disposal 24 hours per day, re­ moving many lines from emer­ gency operation. But even in the face of all these maneuverings on the part of big business, the ranks of. the tele­ phone workers are solid, and the support of all honest labor is strictly on their side. Beside assistance from the SIU, the NFTW received a check for $20,000 from the International Ladies Garment Workers Union, AFL, as "a first practical token" of its sympathy with the strikers. The money was contributed for the special purpose of placing ad­ vertisements in newspapers. NEW HOURS ; - Heading up the Detroit River after. discharging-hjBir first load of aulomphiles at Cleveland, is the SS George VA Mead, a McCarthy ship. Shets an-SIU ship, and a good vessel. Everything thai floats is being made ready on the Great Lakes this year, for what Lakes seamen expect to be the greatest year in history. More cargo will probably be carried this year than during the war. Due to the large number of ships in New York calling for crews during off hours and on Sundays, the New York Hall is now operating on a new schedule of hours for registering and shipping. The new hours are: From Monday through Friday from 8:30 a. m. to 9 p. m.; Satur­ day 8:30 to 5 p. m. and Sun­ day from 10 to 3. �Frfday.'Aprtl'-18.-<d47 PtiE SEAFARERS Pade FifB LOG i 'i' /I Seme people have mors pep than others. After walking the piclretlines, these tc-lephona workers adjourned to the SIU Hall for a spot of jive. Such energy will come in handy in forcing the Bell Telephone Company to bargain honestly. Seme apples hove worms in them, and some unions have scabs to contend wiih. Take this picture above. Note the scabs scurrying out of Ihe telephone office at 104 Broad Street, New York. They've got their heads dov/n and who can blame them. The company paid good money for scabs, up to S25.CJ0 per day, but who wants blood money. ' • • •• ' V'./ -v '' ^ESTEp^jSr - a. y ipjjssp-...? .r '• - '• • Seafarers joined telephone workers on the picketlines in New York. From this point the sidewalk looks like a sea of white caps, and to the strikers it looked like real labor solidarity. Here's the strategy committee for' the New Orleans striking' phorte workers. Left to li^ht. Steely White, SIU New Orleans Port Agent; Ray Gtiidiry, 'Publicity Director, N. O. Coordinate Strike Committee; Jimrriy Mahafdy, slate di­ rector 6f the Southern Federation of Telephone Workers; and Bill 'Ranier, Secretary-'Treasurer of Local 410 of the same union. s I « . .,•> ; ?7r>v.;-cv.-T??tSS'. ^ . aj- Tsc5?-^;.y;;•- ly'.':- "H .• i . ,. • ^ • " In every stale execpf Indiana and Virginia, which have laws preventing utility strikes, telephone workers quit work on April 7, These telegrams were photographed in New Orleans. Posed in front of the telephone company office in New brleans, theise ^iretfy operators hold up the picket signs which 'tell at a glance that they are out on strike. All 6v6r'the nation the story was much the same, but the militant spirit of the lelephohe' workers was still as high'after ten days'6f strike as it was when the action first started. Pictured above are Leona Himmel end Zoe'Seigfried, in the usual 6rder. North or South, picketing is the same. - New Orleans has scabs, loo. Unmindful of the picket, these parasites go into ihe telephone of­ fice to work. Wonder if they realize that they are harming themselves in the long run? ^ �Page Six THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, April 18, 1947 American Legion-Stooge Of Big Business What the American Legion is and what it stands for is no sec­ ret to the working people of the United States. They have pictures, clearly etched in their memories of the many union halls broken into by American Legion mobs, the union and liberal newspapers wrecked by armed goons from Legion chapters, and the distur­ bances caused by the Conven­ tions of this group. The dark days following the end of World War I saw the Legion playing a leading role in cracking heads on the picket- ny and darkness. The huge more than members of the armed tifies as the noted naval and submarine filled seas and then quantities of supplies thaJt forces in , the final analysis. military analyst of the New York make their way back through have already been brought ac­ There were no Government Times. enemy patrolled waters for more ross the Atlantic are a testi­ shared allotments for merchant Although many valiant men men and equipment. monial to the job that has al­ seamen. There were no clothing served in the merchant marine, Some only made one trip be­ ready been done." and uniforms for them either. against them must be measured a fore they went with the ship to At the same time. General There were no wages coming in great many others who "sought the long layoff, but some made Douglas MacArthur said of the during illness or injury for the the merchant marine as a soft many runs, and lived to have "heroes in dungarees," as they berth; they escaped the draft, and their sacrifices and contributions merchant seamen, were then called. they got whacking big salaries to the war effort depreciated by "With us they have shared While members of the armed and bonuses while doing it," says a smearing article in the Amer­ the heaviest enemy fire. On services received furloughs with Baldwin. ican Legion Magazine. these Islands I have ordered pay, seamen took time off withThe men who fought the war, HIS RECORD them off their ships into fox­ whether on land or on the sea, Hanson Baldwin may be re­ had only the highest respect for holes when their ships became membered as the anti-labor col­ the merchant seamen. True, there umnist of the New York Times untenable targets of altack. who. in the midst of the 1946 At our side they have suffer­ Masters. Mates, and Pilots Strike, ed in bloodshed and death. asked in print for a return to the The high caliber of efficiency good old days when Masters and the courage they display­ were able to flog seamen, and the unions had not made a sea­ ed in their part of the invasion man's life a half-way decent one. of the Philippines marked But during the war, his paper their conduct throughout the made far different points. entire campaign in the South­ On March 24, 1945, this influ­ west Pacific. They have con­ ential newspaper joined the tributed tremendously to our ranks of those calling for a Mer­ success. I hold no branch in chant Seamen's Bill of Rights. higher esteem than the Mer­ out pay when they could afford In pungent paragraphs, the Times to do so. And when gear was made the following points; chant Marine Service." lost at sea, through torpedoing or "It is .said that 80 percent of The American Legion Maga­ bombing, the seaman had to re­ those sailing since the start of zine, the official publication of plenish his own supply. No ask­ the war have been sunk at lea.st were a few men, in both camps, lines. In every community, the the American Legion, in an ar­ ing Uncle Sam for more. who were not all they should be, men of the Legion took an ac­ once. ticle appearing in the March, but thej' were few and relations tive and leading part in the CHARGES UNJUST "There is no provision for con­ 1947, issue, takes the merchant strikebreaking that was so Most of the charges contained tinued periodic treatment for between the armed services and seamen to task for daring to re­ prevalent prior to the growth in the articles are unfounded, or these men, even though the GI the merchant mariners were quest a Bill of Rights. and strength of unionism. pertain to only a small number of Bill of Rights holds out the prom­ warm from the knowledge of ATTACKS SEAMEN And they are following out the merchant seamen who kept ise that every veteran of the dangers equally shared. The article is authored by the sealanes open even before the armed services may have free But in the postwar world, the their self-designed roles of un­ ion busters in their activities William Hyatt, and is called, United States had been attacked necessarj' hospitalization for the American Legion has taken up­ since, the end of World War II. "The NMU: Paid in Full." at Pearl Harbor. rest of his life, if he is unable to on itself the task of destroying the good-will between the serv­ Although the NMU is speci­ It is well known that the Only 70 per cent of the United pay for it. ices, and at the same time deprive average soldier, sailor, and ma­ fically picked out for attack, it States armed forces saw service "Also, there is no permanent rine had no anti-union preju­ is obvious that all seamen's un­ overseas in World War H, and pension program for the disabled merchant seamen of the benefits dices. The Services tried to ions are the object of this sneak of these, not more than 75 per­ merchant mariner. The rehabili­ which are granted to any mem­ make the men in the armed for­ attempt to steal from merchant cent ever heard a shot fired in tation program promises well on ber of the armed services, no ces into union haters, but that seamen a decent postwar fu­ anger. These are official figures. paper, but there arc substantial matter how safe or dangerous his job might have been. ture. program proved ineffectual. But the soldiers, sailors and reports that the service is suf­ It .should be remembered that The main line of argument is marines who never met the en­ fering from poor administration When the was over, the American Legion took on the centered on the fact that mer­ emy are not being denied the in many states, and from ignor­ merchant seamen did not have task of baiting unions and chant seamen were draft de­ GI Bill of Rights. No attempt ance of the operation of it, rather to land in enemy territory to be­ come the target of concerted at­ showing veterans how to fight ferred, received good pay and has been made to exclude WACS generally. tack. Every time a ship ventured against labor. It is significant allowances, ate decent food, and or Waves who served their full "The results is that disabled that the largest World War II slept on white sheets. time in the safe shores of the merchant marine personnel who a mile out into the Atlantic and Pacific, it became an immediate veteran's group, the American While this was going on, the United States. need rehabilitation have been prey to the lurking Nazi sub­ Veterans Committee, is strict­ article states, all members of Why then attack merchant, sea­ discharged in large numbers from marine wolf-packs. ly pro-labor, and has attracted the armed forces were drafted. man who were the first to fight? the hospitals and have disappear­ PONDER THE FACTS many union men into its ranks. In this next paragraph may lie ed to become probable charges Let Mr. Hyatt and the Ameri­ on the community as indigents. the answer. We quote from Mr. FOR CURBS can Legion Magazine ponder over Hyatt. "At least there should be an The leaders of the American these facts. Let the memory of Legion have made it almost a ". . no merchant seaman effort to recognize the dignity six thousand dead merchant sea­ of the service and give to the life work to appear before Con­ could sign on a ship without men cause both of them to think thousands of disabled merchant gress on practically every Bill being forced to join a union. twice befoi-e writing and pub­ marine veterans some distinction that would limit the rights of As a result union coffers were lishing such irresponsible .state­ from members of the civilian labor unions, or limit the rights swollen with the tribute exact­ ments. population who have taken no of free people, living in the ed from these thousands of risk and suffered no injury conIf their object is wrecking the young men." United States of America. existing, seamen's unions, they ' nected with war." But it is significant that this In other words, the author of have bitten off much more th.ah WAR SERVICE same organization is struck the article is angry because the they can chew. dumb when it comes to fighting seamen were strong enough to More than 1500 SIU members The same issue of the maga­ against Bills which give as­ force decent demands from ship­ were lost as a result of enemy zine that carried the attack on tounding powers to big business owners who were reaping a for­ merchant seamen also carried an or entrenched wealth and power. tune from the war situation, and article entitled "Why I Joined Right now the American Le- got very little money per month, is even more angry because the The American Legion." This is gion is howling down the trail ate poor food, and slept on .straw unions had made such an im­ an interview with 20 vets who mattresses and in foxholes. pression on men going to sea for against a Merchant Seamen's became Legionnaires. Incidently, the first time that were eager to On the face of it, these com­ Bill of Rights. This legislation, merchant seamen are not eligible similar to the GI -Bill of Rights, parisons are absolutely untrue. join a union at the first oppor­ for membership. would compensate merchant Merchant seamen were subject tunity. It is a subject.^of much con­ seamen for their wartime serv- to the same terrors and hard­ It becomes more and more ob­ jecture whether these men would ship that most of the soldiers, vious as the piece continues that ice. have joined the American Le­ Outstanding Americans, sailors, and marines experienced. the author is not so much in­ gion if they had been aware that among them soldiers and sailors ^ Their lives were no different terested in withholding the bene­ the Legion would stoop low from privates up to Generals from what most Navy men went fits of a Bill of Rights from mer­ enough to attack the merchant and Admirals, have given praise through, except that an armed chant seamen as he is in doing seamen, the men who were the to aciljvities of the merchant battleship or destroyer is a lot his little bit to discredit seamen's first to fight. safer than an unarmed freighter, marine during the war. unions in the eyes of the public. action. In addition, seamen stood or a tanker loaded with high oc­ General Dwight D. Eisen­ From what is known of the One of the most serious, as well side by side with servicemen dur­ tane gasoline. hower said, in 1945, as the most unfounded, charges ing the awful days of establish­ average veteran, it is reasonable High wages is another source made by Mr. Hyatt is that mer­ ing beachheads and fighting off to believe that he would have "In behalf of the men of held his nose and hurried past my command, I thank the of contention in the article. If chant searten entered the mari­ enemy attacks. the Legion Headquarters before The odds against merchant men of the Merchant Marine the author had thought, or want­ time service so as to escape ac­ becoming a party to such a be­ seamen were practically double. for their pledge of full coop­ ed, to delve further into the sub­ tive service. trayal of all that this country ject, he could have found that eration in our common effort In this connection he quotes because they had to transport fought for. merchant seamen were not paid Hanson Baldwin, whom he iden- the troops and supplies through to destroy the forces of tyran- �Friday. April 18. 1947 T H E SEAF ARERS LO G For Small Place, Port Arthur Has Good Shipping This Wilmington Finkherder Is Riding To A Fail By HARVEY C. JAMERSON PORT ARTHUR —There isn't much down here in the way of payoffs, but for a small port this place gets more than its share of ships in transit. Each ship has a few beefs which don't amount to much, but which keep us step­ ping. Much as I hate to say it, in more than a few cases the fault lies with the crew. That doesn't mean only the Iripcarders or per-' mitmen. The full bookmen feel that they can stay drunk and foul up a ship without anything happen­ ing, but as soon as a TC or permRman goes off the beam, the full bookmen call the Hall and ask the Agent or Patrolman to come down and kick the per­ former off. You all know that the agree­ ments of the SlU are the best afloat. To keep them that way we must have a strong Union, composed of men who live up to the Union rules and furnish a day's work for a day's pay. For men with ratings, this Port is a lulu. We have shipped every­ one around here except the cowpunchers and the oilwell diggers, and we still need more men. Come on down here Brothers, and if you don't want to ship, just come in and visit. Page Seven BY CHARLES STARLING i SAVANNAH — Things in the ! Port of Savannah still look on 1 the brighter side, as v/e-are ex­ pecting quite a few .ships to pay­ off within the next month. As I said in last week's report, '.ve hu\ e two paying off this week Silence this week from the By JOHN MOGAN and are expecting about eight Branch Agents of the follow­ BOSTON — Business and .ship­ the bosun, who gave the Patrol­ more within .a month. So, .ship­ ing ports: ping in the port of Boston re­ man a bad time foi' a while in ping .-hould be I'ea! good in the Port of Sa\'annah. mains definitely on the upswing. connection with his beef. NORFOLK However, the bosun was de­ An invitation is open for any As a matter of fact, the Cham­ TAMPA ber of Commerce has been gloat­ finitely high ma.n insofar as of ou:' Brothei'.s to come down ing in the newspaper for .several overtime hours worked was con­ and ship, out at any time. GALVESTON days about the enorm.ous in­ cerned; it was the Sunday We haci quite a beef on the JACKSONVILLE crease in exports and imports watches which gave the ABs l-M'mttmk Point, here in SavanHOUSTON slight edge in total hour.s. through the port. j nah this la.^-'t week, in regard to CORPUS CHRISTI It would bo well to .see this i thi.^ fink herder in the Port of The patrolmen, and particu­ MOBILE larly our traveling man, Jim clause ciarific'd in a special ai'- ' Wilmington. Sweeney, have had a busj' week ticle in the LOG, as the dispute :I Thi.s bird .seems to be shipping CHICAGO does arise from time to time, and of it. DETROIT I all im n that he can get a hold of Brothej' Sweeney was in Provi­ no doubt wil continue to come on any and all ships, without DULUTH dence for the payoff of thtr SB up until each and every bosun ever making an effort to call our TOLEDO knows the score. ports for men. 'Well, we will be starting off This practice must stop, as it The deadline for port re­ the new week with a bang, with is involving some of our book two Watcrmans scheduled for ports, monies due. etc.. is the members who live in the port of payoff on Monday—the Simmons Monday preceeding publica­ Wilmington and also new men Victory in Portland, and the tion. While every effort will NEW starting out to sea who do not Niantic Victory, which was out DESIGNbe made to use in the current know the score. five months, in Boston. RgAR . issue material received after I am writing the SecretaryAlso scheduled for payoffs ENGINE' Treasurer a letter regarding this early in the week are three West that dale, space commitments matter, and am .sure when he Coast tankers. generally do not permit us to contacts Moran Towing and other So once more an urgent in­ do so. vitation is extended to all hands companies in the Poi't of New to come up this way for good York that this practice will stop shipping; it's heartbreaking to immediately. New Eghoto, tanker; in Port­ see a ship go out light a couple -About all that is left to say land for the SS Irvin S. Cobb; in of men, but we've seen them go is that we are having some beau­ Providence for the SS Fort Win­ that way fairly often recently. tiful weather in the port of Sa­ nebago, tanker; in Portland for Lastest dope on the Evange­ vannah. and Brother Smith and the SS Simmons Victory, Water­ line fs that she'll be ready about I are working like the devil right man, which, incidentally was de­ May 1. now. By WILLIAM RENTZ layed owing to a heavy blow out­ BALTIMORE — Like all other thing to do with it. We all I'e- side; then back to Boston for the SIU Ports, this Branch is hav­ membcr Red as New Orleans payoff of the Fort Erie, and on ing its share of trouble in get­ Patrolman for two years, and Sunday, back to Portland for a ting enough rated" rnen, espec­ we all know what kind of a Monday morning payoff of the Simmons Victory. ially in the black gang. swell job he did there. In the meantime, the SS South­ We have been saying for some Let's hope that the ships con­ By W, PAUL GONSORCHIK time that our membership is not tinue coming in here with less land paid off in Boston, with a too large for the number of jobs beefs and fewer gas hounds on lot of stuff hitting the port in NEW YORK—One of the most of the Union. You are the ones under contract, and this situa­ board. Baltimore is bearing transit, most of which had better important items of the Seafarers' ' who will in time run the SIU. tion proves that we were cor­ down on performers as these than a fair share of beefs. structure is the shipping rules. The responsibility for main­ The SS Greenville Dodge These rules, drawn up by the taining a strong union depends characters can cause a lot of rect. This does not mean that we commotion and "tftsruption in a (Grace Lines-SUP) and the SS membership, are part of the SIU's on you; and there is only one Warrior, both in port loading, foundation. should open our books. While port. waj- to insure that: a thorough called on the same day with iden­ we may be a bit shorthanded understanding of the shipping If a man expects to hold on Unfortunately, however, all at the present time, we should to his valuable SIU Book', he tical beefs—performers aboard. members are not living up to the rules. prepare ourselves for the pos­ better be sober at the payoff. FEW AGAINST MANY shipping rules, either through a The shipping rules are not hard sibility of a shortage of jobs It is a damn shame that one lack of knowledge or a desire to to understand. They were drawn It seems that oilers are claimdue to permanent lay-up of some or two men can make a ship mis­ desregard them. up by the membership in terms erable for the majority, and ships. It is hard to understand this every man can understand. Another factor that may add wherever such a condition is It wasn't easy. A gi-eat deal of lack of knowledge, as it has been to lack of jobs for merchant found the Union must crack time and effort •w.^ent into their taken for granted that all mem­ seamen is the transferring of down on the troublesome min­ preparation and the final draft bers are acquainted with the pro­ American vessels to the Panam­ ority. was voted upon and accepted by visions of the rules. anian or Hondurian flag. Now that there is a spurt of the membership. It can be seen now that too I believe we should tie those good shipping, with a consequent much was taken for granted. FOR THE MAJORITY ships up wherever they come scarcity of rated men, there are Here, where an understanding of ^ HA"VSM! HICinto an American Port, other­ A few members do not see eye those who figure they can af­ the shipping rules and constitu­ I'M MOT AIDwise our standards will be driv­ to eye on the rules and will make ford to get fired. MlC-P-feKpORM£Rf tion are a real necessity to the en down and our men put out a practice of disregarding them. But it should be remembered gaining of a livelihood, many sea­ of work. It is too bad that everyone can't that the book or permit might farers show only indifference. At the present time we have see a subject in the same light, be lost also, which is a lot more Where are the oldtimers who the MV Gadsden in Port. She but disregarding anything that serious. should know the rules and by­ is a heavy lift ship belonging to displeases one is not helpful to The Warrior also had a few the American Eastern Company. ing overtime for cleaning centi- necessary repairs due which, ac­ laws of the Union? Have they the Union or the majority of sea­ The SS Mandarin, Robin Line, fruge strainers on C-1 type en­ cording to the crew, were rather forgotten that our Union fought men who voted for them. is also here waiting to be turn­ gines. Ths is always routine duty slow in shaping up. However, for these rules and the strength An important thing about the ed over to the Bloomfield Steam­ and is to be done Without the it was learned that they will be and effectiveness of the Union ship^ng rules is the correct in­ depend on them? ship Company. This is another payment of overtime. terpretation. It is understand­ made okay, and that their new Ben Rees, formerly Dispatcher newly organized company, under AND THE NEWCOMERS able that the rules can be in­ refrigerator for the crew mess in Norfolk, has taken over as SIU contract. terpreted differently, so for this will be delivered before sailing. And the younger Brothers just Stewards Department Patrolman reason I will point out some of CLEAN AND QUIET out of school: Why are the ship­ OVERTIME PROBLEM here. Reliable Ben, or "Old Hoss" the most misinterpreted rules in ping rules so difficult to under­ Another beef which came up The City of Alma, Waterman as he is known, is right on the a subsequent issue of the LOG. recently (on the SS Southland) stand? Steamship Company, paid off ball, as always. In the meantime, if you have It has always been an accepted here on April 5. This was a Permit and trip card men are was in connection with Article 3, any questions pertaining to the good payoff, and we want to being promoted aboard'ship. This Section 12 of the Agreement re­ fact that a knowledge of the shipping rules, ask your Dis­ commend the _ three Delegates is in violation of the Union's garding the bosun being allowed shipping rules is the first prin­ who bought this ship in clean Official Shipping llules, which to make as many hours overtime ciple that must be learned to in­ patcher, Patrolman or any of state, "Section 30 — Wipers as the high man's overtime in the sure smooth operations both your officials for clarification. and with no disputes. We arc here for that purpose aboard ships and ashore. Our old pie-card buddy. Red must not be promoted aboard Deck Department. and we will gladly help you with On the shoulders of you young­ On the Southland, some of Sullivan, was the ship's Dele­ vessel, but must come off and any questions. er Seafarers depends the future the ABs had more overtime than gate, and maybe that had some­ register." Boston Covers All New England NO NEWS ? ? As Shipping Maintains Peak Baltimore, Too, is Having Trouble Finding Men For The Rated Jobs Knowledge Of Shipping Rules Called Basis Of Union Strength �THE Page Eight SEAFARERS Petty Chiseling Cheats Seamen Out Of Launch Service Money LOG Friday. April 18. 1947 ALCOA'S NEW PASSENGER SHIP By EDDIE HIGDON PHILADELPHIA — Last week i informed as to when the launch a situation that we will show up. we had naa a haven't had in a long time, All our members ought to be mean that a launch beef came on the watch for these chiseling up on the Cape Briton, Bull Line, tactics, and when they crop up and that's something which we wait for the launch — otherwise haven't had to contend with in the money spent Cannot be col­ lected from the company. many moons. The ship pulled out into the stream at about 6 p. m. and no launch was supplied by the com­ pany until the next morning. Some of the crewmembers, how­ ever, signaled a launch, and paid $1.00 apiece each way. , . West Coast Gets A New Probiem: Shortage Of Men least eight and J half pounds of coffee on board for each day. However, when it came time to bring supplies on board, damn if By W. H. SIMMONS coffee wasn't found to be short again. So we went to bat with SAN FRANCISCO — Shipping the company and this time ia so good out here that we are enough Java was supplied. experiencing something new for Shipping is very good down us. There is a shortage of all ratings, and we are forced to here. We have plenty of jobs Any move heaven and earth to get and not enough takers. enough men to crew the ships. rated men who want to ship out Last week we had a case in of the City of Brotherly Love are point. The Waterman Steamship invited to come on down here Company took over the Xavier and get acquainted. Victory in Coos Bay. We had the problem of crewing the ship and we only managed it by grabbing men as they came into the meet­ ing, giving them bus tickets and Members of fhe SIU have subsistence money, and sending a long record of supporting them on their merry way. other unions in a just beef. From this instance, and others For this reason, all Seafarers too numerous to mention, it can are urged not to purchase the be seen that the Gold Coast is really humming again. Vancouver Daily Province, However, although we are en­ a. scab newspaper, set up and joying plenty of activity here, printed by non-union labor. our income has dropped off The Vancouver. B. C., slightly. Atlantic and Gulf mem­ SIU Branch is supporting the bers touching any port on the West Coast, can pay their dues. International Typographers SUP representatives are carrying Union, AFL, both morally A&G Dues Receipt Books, and and physically in their eight there is an A&G office in the month old strike. Port of San Francisco. Canadian Seamen When in Vancouver show your contempt for the scabs by refusing to buy a news­ paper put out by strikebreak­ ers. This will help the ITU members to win their strike for better wages and condi­ tions. ~ •: • ^ .'I " - m - •-. - DOUBLE TALK Another beef last week con­ cerned the Skipper of the John Gallup, Smith and Johnson. This character came on board at 5:30 p. m., and ordered all hands to stand by fore and aft. He then They were told by the launch- tried to beat the men put of two tender that if they presented hours penalty time. their receipts to the company When this was brought up to they could collect the money they him at the payoff, he stated in paid him. The company refused front of both Patrolmen that the to pay, and claimed that a launch had been furnished, and some of hree Delegates had never menthe crewmembers had used the tioned the matter to him. So the service going to and from shore. Delegates came up, and then the Captain stated that he had not said anything to the Patrolmen SEA LAWYERS about not hearing from the Dele­ According to the agreement, gates on the beefs. when a ship is out in the stream Some guy. He had a split awaiting a berth, and it is ex­ tongue, and he tried to use both pected to stay there for eight hours or longer, the company parts at one time. The crew also beefed about a must furnish a launch for one shortage of coffee. We got every­ complete trip every 24 hours. thing straightened out, and the The company officials claimed Port Steward promised to put at that they do not have to furnish a launch until the ship has been at anchor for eight hours, and that they can furnish the launch anytime they please, just so long as one complete trip is made each 24 hours. Well, according to the agree­ ment, they are right, but this is awfully damn technical, and cer­ tainly the Delegates ought to be It has also come to my atten­ tion that some of our members are disregarding the Agent in Coos Bay. This shouldn't be since Jack Barton, the Agent, was put in there for both SIU and SUP protection and service. Let's stop by-passing, and go all out to give him a hand. • jj i ; — One of Alcoa's three new passenger-cargo vessels maned by a Seafarer crew, the Alcoa Cavaler is pictured on her recent trial run on the Columbia River at Portland, Ore. The Cavalier, now in New York, will make 17-day trips through the West Indies beginning May 2, while her sister ships, the Corsair and the Clipper, will sail from New Orleans on dates to be announced later. Crew quarters are air-conditioned on the 14,870-ton ships. New York Has Plenty Of Ships, But Men To Sail Them Is Prohiem By JOE ALGINA By JOHNNY JOHNSTON Getting a letter home in the 1800's was not an easy matter for a seamen. The Captain of the ship Mary of Boston, writ­ ing home to his wife in 1808 from Smyrha, comments as fol­ lows: •T send this by a Barbaiy Corsair, such acquaintance as I make here, and perhaps I shall experience as much faith in a Turk as we find in the general­ ity of Christians. He will leave it in Malta, and there I expect it may find someone to forward it on, if possible, to America." A Corsair was a privateer of the Mediterranean, usually Tur­ kish, whose activities often ver­ ged on piracy. i 4 4. There have been many stories told about the ways and means that were used by waterfont characters to relieve the oldtime seaman of his payoff when he came ashore. The most ruthless of all was the boarding-house runner. This character was paid by the Shipping Master before the sea­ man was signed on, thus the man went to sea, with his wages well drawn against. It was common practice for the landlord to charge the sea­ man double what he obtained from the Shipping Master. This meant many days of no pay be­ fore the seaman had paid his debt and was working for money of his own. ATTENTION! If you don't find linen when you go aboard your ship, notify the Hall at once. A telegram from Le Havre or Singapore won't do you any good. It's your bed and you have to lie in It. NEW YORK — This port is still a beehive of activity. Not a day goes by that we don't have plenty of ships paying off, signing on, or being squared away. That goes for tankers, freighters, and passenger ves­ sels. With so many things happen­ ing at once, the Dispatcher and the Patrolmen take a real beat­ ing. A shortage of rated men is making the Dispatcher see things at night; and being kept on the run until all hours is not doing the Patrolmen any good, either. Our new companies, notably Bloomfield and American East­ ern, are adding to their fleets. That means more jobs, and so the pick of ships is good here. On Overtime All overtime must be turn­ ed in to the head of each Department at least 72 hours before the ship is scheduled to dock. But this does not mean to hold the overtime until then. As soon as penalty work is done, a record should be given to the Department head, and one copy held by the man doing the job. In that way there is less chance for things to get fouled up. Last week the SS Francis, Bull Lines, paid off after a fairly long trip. Everything went along in ] fine shape and the crew col­ lected a good piece of cabbage. Same thing on the SS Richard Rush, Robin Lines, in from a trip to South Africa. The sign on of the Waterman's SS Yaka was delayed due to certain repairs i-equested by the SIU. These have been complet­ ed and the ship is ready to leave any day fon Bremerhaven. Four Sea trains are now on the steady lun from New Orleans to New York. This is good news for many Seafarers who like the run. New York is now having a smallpox scare. In order to avert a real epidemic, all inhabitants of the Big City have been re­ quested to be vaccinated. If any Seafarers are contem­ plating coming' to New York, it is wise to be vaccinated before arriving here. In case there are any SIU men who want to be immunized here, many spots have been set up for that purpose. Here are the addresses; all city hospitals; all police stations; all Depart­ ment of Health clinics; and the Health Department's main office, 125 Worth Street. The whole business takes only a few seconds, and it doesn't hurt fellows — they tell me. The Patrolmen Say... NEW YORK—I found the ship that cannot be beat for fine food and an excellent Stewards De­ partment. She is the SS Mclntyre, South Atlantic Steamship Company. When I went aboard for the payoff, while she was in the stream here in New York, my nostrils were assailed by the in­ describable perfume of broiling steaks. It was wonderful. Never have I seen a more contented crew than the boys aboard this ship. Each meal is looked forward ho with the impatierice that accompanies the payoff. The crew found itself unable to bestow upon the cooks all the praise they felt for the fine cooking laid before them and on that point I can back them up— it sure was wonderful. The cooking was wonderful and the Steward treated the crew like kings. There waij nothing* that possibly could be done that wasn't provided for the men at chow time. From the crew and myself a rousing hand of applause to the Stewards Department of the Mclntyre. Jimmy Sheehan �Friday, April 18. 1947 THE Canadian SlU After Raise For Restorer Crew I\ SEAFARERS LOG LEAFLET Marcus Hook Blasts Mineowners Who Put Profits Above Lives By BLACKIE CARDULLO MARCUS HOOK— Everything is shaping up fine in the Port of Marcus Hook — shipping is good, the girls are beautiful, and there is plenty of work to do on the unorganized ships. Any of the boys who would like to come down here and give us a hand organizing will be welcome with open arms. We have at 1 e a s t 10 unorganized ships coming in every week, and the work involved keeps us right on the ball. We wonder if some of those Washington crack-pots and la­ bor-baiting bums, like peg-leg Pegler and his comrades, have read the paper lately—and we don't mean the jokes or the funnies. We're referring to the Centralia mine incidents, where 111 men lost their lives recently. These dead men were the same men who were asking for a raise in pay and a lousy nickel-a-ton royalty to take care of their families in case of acci­ dents such as the one just oc­ curred. These men had to risk their lives time and again to bring about correction of the unsafe conditions in the very same mine. This also includes calling of the Illinois governor's atten­ tion to the conditions. NEW YORK — Representing the Canadian District of the Seafarers International Union, Secietary-Treasurer H. Murphy this week began negotiations with the Commercial Pacific Cable Company to gain the six percent increase recently won on SIU American ships. Operators of the Canadian cableship, Restorer, the company is expected to fall in line and sign up without too much diffi­ culty. The Union demands, identical to those gained from the Ameri­ can operators, call for a six per­ cent increase in wages, overt i m e, standby, longshore, and tank cleaning rates retroactive to January 1, 1947. • Also asked for are increases in the traveling and subsistence rates from $4.00 to $4.25 and the meal allowance from $1.00 to $1.05. These rates call for re­ troactivity to March 11, 1947. The Restorer, now doing cable repair work in the Pacific, oper­ ates out of Vancouver, B.C. with a Canadian crew. Contracted to the SIU Canadian District, she enjoys the highest standard of wages and conditions of any ship in Canada. Negotiations are expected to wind up shortly when the man­ ager of the company returns to New York for a meeting with Brother Mui-phy at the c o m pany's offices. GREED Commie Union Sabotages Auto Union Demands •J- For the second time within a year, the communist-dominated United Electrical, Radio and Ma­ chine Workers of America, CIO, sabotaged the wage-increase de­ mands made by the CIO United Auto Workers on General Mo­ tors with the acceptance early this week of a I5c raise following a secret meeting with company officials. The UAW is pushing for a 23Vic raise for its mem­ bership. Last year, when the UAW was conducting its longest ond most costly strike against GM an<#was holding out for a IQVijc hourly wage increase, the UE signed a pact with the auto corporation for 18% cents in cricumstances strikingly similar to this week's settlement. Terms of the latest UE-GM agreement, which was announced just 24 hours before the opening of a special meeting of the UAW's executive board in New York City, pointed up the in­ tense degree of the " communists' hatred for the auto workers president, Walter Reuther. The UAW head, a bitter foe of the communists' destructive trade-union tactics, has been hamstrung by them in his own union in his fight to better con­ ditions for the membership. In addition to spiking the ef­ fectiveness of their brother un­ ionists' demands, the UE's action, dealt a a blow to efforts of the CIO to bargain on an industry­ wide basis. Page Nine ,KER4 IMT€i:t4«nONAl. ONION CANADIAN PISTRICT • t Reproduced above is the front page of the leaflet, "The Sea­ farers in Canada," the first in a series of organizational litera­ ture to be issued and distributed by the newly-formed Canadian District of the Seafarers International Union. , Addressed to the vast number of unorganized Canadian seamen, the leaflet explains in question and answer form the structure, policies and unparalleled maritime accomplishments of the SIU. There are 111 men dead, hun­ dreds of mourning relatives^—all because of some greedy mine owner, who wouldn't spend a few dollars to make conditions safe. We see w here some lame­ brained jerk wrote into a Phil­ adelphia paper, blasting John L. Lewis for calling a six-day mourning period. This character suggested that Lewis send the miners back to work, and that the men set aside a certain sum of money out of their pay to help support the families of the 111 dead. This stupid individual lias ab­ solved the company of all blame for this tragedy and holds Lewis as directly responsible. If the writer of the vicious letter didn't have a one-track mind he'd realize that Lewis and the United Mine Workers have organized and fought for safer conditions a lot harder than they have for pay increases. When some big shot dies, he gets big headlines and a nation­ al holiday is declared, but when 111 hard working men are reck­ lessly killed, and their co-work­ ers pay tribute to them by de­ claring a mourning period, they are bombarded. We know what John L. Lewis stands for and we are with him 100 percent, if it will just change unsafe working c o n d itions. If some of • these people who are so quick to blast the miners were made to work in these same mines, they would very soon change their tune. As far as I am concerned, I have sailed ships on all oceans and sailed all through the war, from beginning to end, and if these people were to depend on me to mine coal under these horrible conditions to keep them wai'm they would all soon freeze to death. MC School Saves 7 Million Bucks — By Closing American taxpayers will bene­ fit by a saving of $7,000,000 with the closing down of the Pennsyl­ vania Maritime Academy at Morristown. Pa., on May 31. Only 49 cadets are now enrolled in the school. It was also disclosed that work on a $6,500,000 project to establish a shore base at Morrisville already had been halted. The a n n o u n c ement of the abandoning of the training school points up the validity of the aiguments presented by the Seafarers International Union. The Maritime Commission's ti-aining program has long been the object of attack by the SIU, which contends that the entire project is a needless and unwar­ ranted drain on the taxpayers' money. Arrangements are being made for the completion of the train­ ing of the cadets at other east coast maritime academies whose wastefulness far exceeds the ex­ penditures for the Pennsylvania school. How The Social Security Act Affects Seamen {Continued from Page }) Retirement benefits are pay­ able to the wage earner and his wife until the death of both and to the unmarried children until the age of 18. Survivors benefits are payable to the following survivors of the insured; 1. Children (including adopted and stepchildren). These receive monthly payments until they reach the age of 18. 2. Widow, regardless of age, caring for a child entitled to benefits — If she does not re­ marry, she receives monthly payments until her youngest child is 18. Payments stop then, but begin again when the widow becomes 65 and continue until her death. 3. Widow, without child—she receives monthly payments when she reaches the age of 65, pro­ vided she has not remarried. 4. Dependent parents—where the deceased left neither widow nor child who might never be­ come eligible for monthly bene­ fits, his parents 65 or over may receive m o n t h 1 y benefits if chiefly supported by the wage earner at the time of his death. A lump sum death benefit is payable to the widow immediatelj' upon the death of her hus­ band. The regular monthly bene­ fits then begin when she reach­ es 65. There are .special provisions for survivors of men who serv­ ed in the armed forces if death occurred after they left the ser­ vice. Details may be had at any field office of the Social Security Administration. It is important that claims be filed as quickly as possible af­ ter death, as retroactive pay­ ments will not be made for more than three months. In order to qualify for the benefits of S(.icial Security, the wage earner must be fully in­ sured. To gain this status, the wage earner must have paid tax on $50 or more in at least half the number of calendar quarters as there are between January 1. 1937, when the program began, and the quarter when he be­ comes 65, or dies. In no case can he become fully insured unless he has been paid at least $50 in wages in each of at least six calendar quarters. You may become fully paid up for life when your record shows that you have acquired 40 of these $50 quarters—called quar­ ters of coverage. Thus, you are assured of re­ ceiving payments when you be­ come 65 or your survivors may collect benefits in case of death. This does nut mean, however, that your payments will not change. If you continue to work in covered employment after earning the 40 quarters of cov­ erage. your benefits, generally speaking, increase. If you leave covered employment, they de­ creased. CONCLUSION The Social Security Adminis­ tration maintains 450 field of­ fices throughout the United States, all of whom are there to serve you if you have any prob­ lems. From personal contact with the New York staff, we have found them to be very courteous and helpful. They seem anxious to see to it that you get what is coming to you. If you cannot call at one of their offices for assistance, they will go into your individual cas« if you contact them by mail. �Page Ten T H E SEA F A R E R S Friday. April 18. 1947 LOG SBIPS' MINUTES AND NEWS NORTH ATLANTIC STORM MAULED THE MANDAN VICTORY Crew Stages Rip-Roaring Vodvil Show Crewmembers of the SS Wil­ liam Cox shook the mothballs from their stored up talent, when the vessel tied up in Gal­ veston recently, and shaped up a star-studded shipboard show that, at least, was a screaming success. Seventeen sizzling vau­ deville acts, running the entire range from an accordion recital right down to the inevitable strip-teasing bump and grind routine sparked the night's en­ tertainment. There was little doubt as to the Seafarers' versatility when the curtain rang down on the last glittering act. The three passengers who came in on the Cox beat the drums in booming measures for the lads who shuf­ fled across the boards. Their acclaim for the performance was reported by Ray Sweeney, Gal­ veston patrolman. The heavy seas and. gales that played hell with irans-allantic traffic last month didn't skip over the Waterman vessel. In the ruckus the night of March 20. the forward mast was ripped out. went splashing over the side. Damage up forward is seen in photo above. Top n' lift laid across and creased the starboard boom. ; -s . AMONG THE BEST A ten minute intermission fol­ lowed the ninth number — a group singing of "Hail, Hail, Safely tied up at a Brooklyn dock, the Mandan "Victory presents this picture of a vessel minus her mast. After the mis­ hap. the ship heaved to and waited fd«r days for the storm to subside. The Gang's All Here," which was reported heard in some quarters of the borough of the tree and the Lipless bums. Refreshments —FREE—were served as a cour­ tesy of the Stewards Department. Then back on the boards went the spoofing and hoofing mem­ bers of the Deck and Black Gangs for the second half of the production, led off by "Teddy, the Troubador," singing "If I Had A Nickel" under a shower of coins from the responsive audi­ ence. In addition to the song, strip­ per and accordionist, the riotous program included a soft shoe shuffle, the tearful "Frankie and Johnnie" ballad, and a scintil­ lating samba sung and hipped by "Rosie" Terrill. The committee which arrang­ ed and produced the shipboard spectacle was comprised of the following: Arthur J. Moelter, Ch. Eng; Thomas Case, Third Mate; Sylvester Zygarewski, Steward; Thomas Brescia, OS; Andre Touchon, AB; Mar ice Parker, Oiler. The program states the committee was given special assistance by Ludwig Proskauer, apparently a passenger. The program distributed to the audience was as follows: At Seven-Thirty P.M. The Deck and Engine Departments present SEVENTEEN, COUNT EM, SEVENTEEN BIG ACTS OF VAUDEVILLE ! 1 featuring that sensational comedy team MOELTER & CASE and MAESTRO LUDWIG PROSKAUER (on the accordion) PART ONE That great Gershwin Classic "Rhapsody in Blue." poured sweetly from the accordion by .MAESTRO LUDWIG PROSKAUER A Hot Little Numbah, "By Mir Bist Du Schoen," a rendition by TINY. THE SINGING WAITER "A Few Words from one of the special guests of honor".. SlLLY, 2nd MATE The Black Gang Band with "I'm Sure of Everything But You" on his guitar ; MJCKY, THE PITS A Soft Shoe Shuffle to the tune of "Darktown Twisted ladder hangs lonesomely at spot where mast stood solidly before storm look a. hand. No one was hurt. Donald Herlihy. AB. who took the pictures was in the wheelhouse when the accident occurred. He said the ship was traveling light on the return voyage when she ran into the storm's fury. SS Yarmouth's Black Gang Asks Change In Quarters The Black Gang men of the SS Yarmouth, Eastern Steam­ ship Lines have urged steps to procure a change in their quar­ ters to "C" deck aft, charging that the rooms presently assign­ ed to them are crowded, poorly ventilated and . generally un­ suitable. The Engine department men, in a resolution adopted April 1, recommended that officials in the port of New York act in the beef upon termination of the present series of Nassau runs. Conditions in the quarters now a-vailable were likened to those prevailing seven years ago when the vessel Was chartered to the Alcoa Steam.ship Com­ pany. At that time the Seafar­ ers International Union fought successfully to have the Black Gang quartered in "C" deck aft. "Today, after a lapse of seven years," the resolution says, "we again find ourselves forced to occupy the original quarters un­ der even more unsuitable condi­ tions, while the licensed person­ nel have been given new quar­ ters." 'The resolution concluded with a recommendation that "we re­ quest our New York Hall to" contact the Boston branch to insure similar steps being taken in regard to the SS E'vangeline, now in the process of reconver­ sion." Maiden Comes In Ship-Shape With Militancy Marks A Crack Crew the payoff in New Orleans First Meeting On lastAt week, the Seafarers Inter­ national Union's crack, crew aboserd the SS Maiden Victory, Seatrain Ship Waterman Steamship Corpora­ Strutters Ball" by -JOE FRISCO" ZYGAROWSKI Militancy marked the first That International Two-Some in an Intimate Love meeting aboard the SS Seatrain Song, "Take Me In Your Aims" MARIE and GENE New York, one of the four new And now, to that popular show-song. "A Prettye Girl Is Like a Melody," the bumps and grinds of ROSIE, THE STRIPPER Seatrain ships, with the passage "Rainbow at Midnight," guitared and moaned by of several motions calculated to the Deck Gang hill-billy TEDDP. THE TROUBADOUR insure safe and satisfactory con­ Hail, Hail, The Gang's AH Here," Everybody raising ditions on the vessel's coastwise their voices and shaking the Brooklyn Bridge EVERYBODY!! trip. — TEN MINUTES INTERMISSION — The meeting, held April 1, FREE REFRESHMENTS I ! I FREE REFRESHMENTS I I I was chaired by Fred Lewan and (Courtesy of the Stewai^d's Department) Real Elegant Service by TINY THE SINGING WAITER and Arthur L. Smouse did the reThat Continental Concubine MADAME ANDRENEVA TOUCHON I corcling. PART TWO In the interests of safety, the Plunking and crooning "if I Had A Nickel," crew unanimously declared that a return engagement of TEDDY, THE TROUBADOUR the ship would not sail until the By Popular Demand, shuffling to the "St. Louis Blues," in his own inimitable way ZIGGY, THE FRISCO KID cargo was properly secured. Nor Lifting his dulcet voice on the wings of that would it leave until all Stewards Neapolitan melody, "O, Solo Mio" TINY. THE SINGING WAITER stores were aboard. A sizzling South American number, "Ay, Ay, Ay, I Love Under Good and W.elfare, it You Very Much," danced by luscious ROSIE TERRILL was agreed that an effort should Our illustrious Maestro, playing a medley of Russian songs on his accordion MAESTRO LUDWIG PROSKAUER be made to set up a library "Frankie and Johnnie" GENE, THE PURSER aboard ship. Also that a wash­ Rendered by that Hangover from the Gay OO's board should he placed in the At last, THE STAR OF THE. SHOW assisted by MOELTER and CASE laundry room, and that paint A Community Sing: "My Bonny Lies Over The Ocean" should be made available for "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" i he Deck and Engine Depart­ "Hand Me Down My Walking Cane" "Auld Lang Syne" EVERYBODY!] ments. tion, wound up "a very good trip" that was highlighted by an exceptional spirit of cooper­ ation amjong all hands. The vessel called at Bremerhaven and Bremen, Germany, and stopped at St. John's, New Brunswick, and Jacksonville, Fla., before paying off in the Crescent City. Patrolmen who hoarded the ship at the point of. payoff complimented the crew on the cleanliness of their quar­ ters. At shipboard meetings during the course of the voyage, mat­ ters which received unanimous support were Union control of the slopchests and measures to maintain shipboard cleahliness. The crew also concurred in the resolutions adopted at San Juan and New York meetings calling for pictures and biographical sketches of men running for Union office to appear in the SEAFARERS LOG. �I / Friday. April 18. 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Eleven SIU Ship's Minutes In Brief SEAFARER SAM SAYS DEL MUNDO. Nov, 24 — Chairman Johnson; Secretary James Johnston. Discussed matter of payment of overtime. It was decided to check with Patrolman to find out if over­ time was involved owing to fact that deck men were called before sailing time. Deck and Engine Delegates reported all okay in their departments. Slight difficulties in Stewards Department were straightened out to everyone's satisfaction, reported the Delegate. Mo­ tions carried: to see Purser about keeping slopchest open from 2:30 p. m. to 3:30 p. m.. and from 8:30 to 7:30 p. m. to give all hands chance to be served. Discussion on number of men eating in both unli­ censed messrooms. Decided to retain status quo on seating ar­ rangements. FLORIDA. March 2 — Chair­ man Dan Thomas; Secretary Charles Cuminskey. Delegates reported good cooperation from ship's officers. New Business: Motion carried: that Deck Dele­ gate be instructed to see that all members of the Deck De­ partment stand their watches, or get someone to stand in their place if they wish to go home in port. Motion carried: that Delegate have a sign placed in crew's stairway forbidding all persons other than crew mem­ bers from entering crew's quar­ ters. Motion carried: that Deck Delegate be instructed to see Steward and inform him that messmen shall not be al­ lowed to procure native help for the messroom while in port, unless those persons have a doctor's certificate stating that they are free of all communi cable diseases. i. S. S. WALTHAM VICTORY, Jan. 11—Chairman P. A. Tumasi; Secretary P. A. Kenfield. Min­ utes of last meeting read and approved. Discussion on Stew­ ards' stores. Stores will be checked as they come aboard, with motion being carried to make purchases from a dif­ ferent chandler. Motion car­ ried to extend thanks to Third % S- t Mate Sullivan for the work he did for the unlicensed person­ Mandarin Slopchest nel. One minute of silence ob­ Got Under His Skin served for Brothers lost at sea. Thanks to shoreside competi­ i 4, 4. ROBERT R. McBURNEY, tion, Brother Laffler, AB aboard Feb. 19 — Chairman L. A. the SS Mandarin didn't have to Wright; Secretary T. A. Lau- shed his skin to purchase a suit mann. Proceeds of fines are to of underwear at the ship's slop­ go direct to hospitals. Motions chest. But he did get scraped a carried; that sand soap be is- bit in the deal. When he popped in on the Pur­ isued each week; that desk light be installed in 12-4 ser, who was doing business as foc'sles; laundry scrub board be usual at the old seagoing cliprepaired; if possible, to install stand, and ogled the price, he steam pipe in laundry room for figured he'd be trading his shirt boiling clothes. Third Cook for the cotton undies. The tar­ will attempt to change books. iff was $2.40—per pair. ShoreDecided foc'sles will be left side the price was $2.04. clean, with fresh linen on Brother Laffer wasn't going bunks for next crew. to be caught with his pants— ccratinly not without a suit of underwear. So he squawked. The Purser dropped the price somewhat. Laffer squawked some more. The price finally came down to J" S* 4" YORKMAR, (Date not given) $2.25 for the doo-dads. But they Chairman William Speaker; have got to come down still Secretary Arthur Reciniti. De­ more. The price, that is. cided to check fans and replace 4- 4. 4. missing ones. No cols aboard. Steward said they would be put aboard at first opportun­ ity. No hand soap or stoppers for sink. Several necessary re­ BRAZIL VICTORY, Maxch 2 pairs listed for action. Crew —Chairman Daniel Segal; Sec­ decided to call for additions to retary Leo M. Morsette. Delelibrary when the ship hits port. gales reported. New Business: t & t Motion carried to have messDIAMOND HITCH, Feb. 17 rooms and pantries locked at —Chairman Howard Guinier; all times to keep unarthorized Secretary H. Carroll. (Special persons out. Motiop carried to meeting) Deciding whether the have the Delegates go through ship should sail with present crew's quarters and pick up all Chief Engineer. New crewlibrary books not being read. members aboard do not realize Motion carried to instruct head­ the situation—matter explain­ quarters that when improve­ ed in detail. Motion carried ments and changes are made not to sail with present Chief they should become standard Engineer. on all similar type ships. This 4. 4. 4. would eliminate a lot of head­ DEL MUNDO. Jan. 19— aches and beefs. Motion carried Chairman Trewil; Secretary to have N. O. Agent check and Adolph Capote. (Special meet­ see if there is a penalty for ing) Charges by one of the 183 tons of butane and Petro­ crewmembers against a crewleum gas. as crew is uncertain member of another ship were whether or not this is consid­ discussed. Crewmember de­ ered explosives. nied ever making the charges. ROBERT M. T. HUNTER. Feb. 23—Chairman M. Pappadakis; Secretary Tom Williams. New Business: Motion made to donate 50 cents each to send radiogram to Sec.-Treas. con­ curring with his answer to Jo­ seph Curran of the NMU. Mo­ tion carried. Fines set up for various offenses in messroom. Money to be sent to Seafarers LOG. Two plates of night lunch to be put out, one for watches after midnight. Good and Wel­ fare: Suggestion that members refrain from removing toilet paper from one head to another. Arrangements made for each department to clean recreation room. All crewmembers to help keep library clean and in or­ der. RRANGE MUTUAL TIM6-0ff TWROOGH HEADS OF / PEPARTMENTS f X % t ROBERT R. McBURNERY. Feb. 9—Chairman L. A. Wright; Secretary T. A. Laumann. Deck Delegate reported four or five hours overtime. Engine Depart­ ment Delegate reported at­ tempting to get two or three hours overtime for wipers cleaning hot well. Steward De­ partment Delegate reported all okay. Old Business: Motion carried to make all fines one dollar, except laundry which will remain the same. XXX ARTHUR M. HULBERT, Feb. 16—Chairman O. F. Martin; Secretary Haold Evans. List of fines for offenses drawn up all fines to be donated to hos­ pital fund at payoff. The crew as a whole ga.ve credit to the Stewards Department for the splendid work they have done during the hard luck they have been having. A thorough check of the slopchest and medical supplies to be made and all shortages to be ordered upon arrival in the United States. List of repairs and improve­ ments drawn up. 4. 4. 4. EZEK HOPKINS, (Date not given) Chairman A. R. Valasco: Secretary W. T. Barber. New Business: Delegates reported everything running smoothly. All members stood for one minute in silence in tribute for brothers lost at sea: Motion carried to have OS and Wipers clean the crew's recreation room and laundry; to have crewmembers keep the messhall clean from cigarettes and matches. Each person who uses laundry to clean it after use, CUT and RUN By HANK We would like to advise the Brothers who have been and are now using the fourth floor Baggage and Mail Department for their letters, baggage, etc., that after three months these articles cannot be held in New York any longer. However, they shall be sent to home addresses, etc., or if addresses are not given, they shall be disposed of otherwise. So, Brothers, when you come back from your trips and hit the other ports down the coast, before you make an­ other trip make sure you have notified your New York Mail and Baggage Department asking for your mail, etc., and where you want it sent . . . New York shipping continues to be real good and more and more Brothers are coming into the Hall to get away from the hot summer weather which will be baking New "iork soon . . . In fact, shipping is swell down in Mobile, says little Charlie Stevens, who same in from his trip without his familiar cigar. We'll bet a deflated dollar that New Orleans is booming with ships for those Souse American voyages with plenty of cool weather and Latin jazz . . . Brother Herbert Braunstein, whose hometown is Waterloo, Indiana, shipped out for New Orleans and elsewhere. Let's hear from you, Herbert! 4- 4- 4. We would like to extend this shipmate-type of a message. Blackie Koffstein, Bosun on the Captain Knot, says that he has another dog for good old Peg Leg Anderson. Doggone it. Brother Anderson is sure lucky to have a shipmate like that, indeed . Fred Johnson, the oldtimer of a deck engineer, says that he feels like a million dollars now after working seven days on a ship which was finally sold. Now he's going to grab the first deck engineer's job he can and enjoy a trip for awhile . . . Oldtimer Paddy Nash is all set to ship out while his son Eddie Nash just came in from a trip to Nassau . . . Little Eddie KasnowskL the oldtimer of a Steward, really did think of his shipmate, little Joe Ehrhart, whose home town is in St. Louis, Missouri. The LOG is now being mailed every week so little Joe can keep up with current union activities or catch up with what happened during the months he's away on a voyage. Deck Engineer Claude Davis said last week that he was going to ship out with Brother Pete De Pietro who had just came in from a trip to South America. Let's hear from you guys how the trip is getting along ... To Steward James "Skeets"' Coyne we want to let him know that his shipmate Johnny Burke is here in New York, fresh from a trip concluded in Houston Texas. Your pal, Johnny Burke, heard that you were asking for him while you were 4^ ^ 4* ROBIN GOODFELLOW, Mar. in New York. No doubt you two shipmates will meet each other 5—Chairman Bud Bryant; Sec­ unexpectingly in the hall one of these days . . . We received a short retary Cameron. Motion car­ letter from oldtimer John Santos who is taking it easy up there in ried to take up only new busi­ Massachusetts; "I'm writing to say hello and how are all the boys in ness and farewell of the crew. New York. Okay, 1 hope. I'll be seeing everybody sometime in Motion carried to get library June." . . . Brother Blackie Vince Kane, who loves those trips to aboard. Motion carried to elect the islands, just dropped in to say hullo and confessed that he's a departmental committee to anxious to grab a ship down there again. In fact, he'll even fly down investigate stores and slop­ there if he has to. Well, as they say it down in South America, chest. All hands stood in sil­ Blackie, take it easy, boy . . . Brother Lucky Lee Luciano said last ence for one minute for broth­ week that Captain Fi-ancis Buyer is one real swell skipper and it's ers lost at sea. Good and Wel­ a pleasure to sail any ship with a man like him, indeed . . . Brother fare: Quite a few members James J. Sills, who proudly announces that his nickname is "Box­ blew their tops, mostly on edu­ car Kelly," just came in from a trip out of New Orleans and is all set for another voyage out. cation of union members. �Page 'Twalire THE S"E'A^F'A^ii'-E*n"'S Friday. April 18. 1347 LOG TWO CREWMEN AND THE MONROE VICTORY Backs Michelet's Voluntary Plan For Assessment Log'A 'Rhythms To the Editor: I have just read a letter in the LOG by Brother Macauley wherein he, like me, found Frenchy Michelet's open letter full of sound advice for the membership. However, I think that Brother Macauley misundersto od Frenchy's voluntary assessment proposal. Brother Michelet defin­ itely meant that the proposal should be submitted to the mem­ bership for referendum vote. Frenchy is a stickler for consti­ tutional procedure, as anyone who was within shouting dis­ tance of a regular meeting in New Orleans several months ago can testify. I am wholeheartedly in favor of a voluntary assessment as proposed in the open letter. No book member would be obliged to pay it unless ho wanted to from purely militant union prin­ ciples. On the other hand, it could be made obligatory in practice fur all future tiipcard members. Half of these guys arc only going to sea to skim off the cream. As soon as things get tough again, they'll head back for the farm. So why shouldn't they bear some of the costs. The money would be used to con­ tinue the fight for decent con­ ditions for those men who went to sea in the lean and hungry years, and who propose to keep right on going to sea for th'e rest of their lives. If this type of assessment had been in effect during the v/ar years, we would now have an additional two hundred grand in the treasury to fight seamen's battles. Charlie Wilson Baton Rouge, La. (Ed. Note: Michelet's propo sal was made in the following paragraph of his open letter, which apepared in the Jan. 10, 1347 issue of the Log: "Brothers, the financial re­ serves of our organization has been dangerously depleted dur­ ing our recent successful strike (Sept. 1946). The Union was forced to lay out an enormous sum to feed and flop the mem­ bership and to conduct the busness of striking. So I want to take this opportunity to urge all of my brother members tb abtively work for a ten dollar voluntary rehabilitation assessrhent.") Memo To Michelet: We Miss You To the Editor: See by the LOG tha 'Frenchy' Michelet has been 'seen' in ump­ teen more places. That guy get's to'more places than Kilroy. Next time he shows up will you please put some salt on his tail. The garig here would like to make another swell trip with him like the one we all made to Savofma on the Cecil Bean. Jimmy Judd 8E The Gang Here's Why! By "Loliia" In answer lo Vic Comb's, "How Come?" which appeared in Ihs LOG March 21. Your words have a ring as true as slecl, II lells so clearly how you big lugs feel, Bui since you can'l define Ihe reason why— I'd like lo lell you whal I Ihink— al leasl I'll Iry. Jack Tropeano, Wiper and Robert Bell, Messman. The Isthmian ship returned recently to New York after a voyage to Honolulu. Photo above shows vessel lied up in the Hawaiian port. Oldtimer Bids Young Seafarers Carry On In True Union Style To the Editor: I am one of those Seafarers who doesn't have a chance to get the LOG hot off the press, but even at this late date I'd like to answer Brother Henry Sohl on his letter "Strengthen­ ing Ties Binding New and Old Members," (LOG, Dec. 20). Brother Sohl has mixed union­ ism with money loans, and when it comes to new members I believe he has the wrong course. I have sailed with many young members, some were the finest boys I ever met. During the war I taught them to the best of my knowledge, but now I am a sick man trying to teach a bunch of back-riding tripcarders who think the Union is only a place to get a job so they won't starve to death. Many times I've had the hon­ or of acting as delegate, and serving the men was my great­ est pleasure. This trip I had to give the delegate's job up be­ cause it's impossible to be a bo­ sun, a teacher and a father to seven tripcards out of eleven men. TRYING TASK Did Brother Sohl every try to delegate a man to stand gang­ way watch during overtime hours and hear six refusals? Or did he try to teach a guy to splice and have a tripcard tell you its the Bosun's job? But when it comes to sweet overtime they stand in front of me blowing their tops and tell­ ing me "how do you expect us to be good union members un­ less you teach us?" According to them I should stand th' weekend gangway watch because I have no girl in this port or such other bilge water arguments. I suppose Brother Sohl would take it to the Mate instead of straightening it out. Of course, if you take it to the bridge you are a jerk. It doesn't matter how much you try to do the right thing, you're still a bum in their eyes. No Brother Sohl, I don't want you and the young seamen to learn the same way I learned in the 1920.S and up. I have a son, too, who may go to sea and I don't want anyone to kick him around as they kicked me.. Nor do I want him to eat from a tin 'plate covered with dirt and rust or stand watch on and watch off without making a full day. Okay you say, why don't these guys get on the ball? Okay, you see that the young jokers get on the ball then we old jokers will do the rest. The young members should realize that many old jokers died to build a union. To them we owe what we have today. Let's remember and honor our departed brothers es­ pecially those who fell during the 1934-37 struggles. Let you. Brother Sohl, write an article to the LOG about calling on them for their share instead of living on the struggles of the For decades and cenluries beyond our ken. This world has always been ruled by men. And yel behind each man, bolh small or greal, A woman always helped fo de­ cide his fale. When a man is "on Ihe make," He'll do anything for her sake— So I'm willing to wager "Baby" is now his wife. old men who are tired now. And Vic's acting male cause she's After four years of war it kind hooked him for life. of got the best part of our en­ ergy, it's time for the young seamen to start learning. It's SEAMEN'S WIVES time for them to put their hands URGED TO BACK to the job instead of standing TIGHT FOR RIGHTS' by with their teeth in their mouth like a bunch of fools To the Editor: while the old men do all the I want to congratulate you for seamen's work. the interesting articles appearing PITCH IN! in the LOG. I read every page, Pitch in, fellows! You can't and if it does happen that some­ learn with books alone. You thing isn't quite clear, I ask my must get your hands dirty. Give husband, who is a merchant sea­ a hand Brother, ask questions, men. And now a word to the forget the portlight zone just wives of seamen. for a few hours a week. When Calling all seamen's wives: the serang gives you a'job that Now that I have the oppor­ you don't know — tell him, he tunity to get my hands on the will gladly teach you. LOG every week, I realize how Remember your serang is be­ this paper can help you get ac­ tween fog and' fire. He must get quainted with your husband's along with topside and you. Co­ job. To be a seaman's wife means operate with him, and you will more than counting the days have a fine trip and bring in when he will be ashore, and until another SIU ship with fiying you will be saying goodbye to colors. him when he sails away again... We want you to keep on sail­ Stand by his side and help him ing in SIU style, the best ^ind in the fight for his rights! nothing but the best. How about "Mrs. Charles B. Martin it Brother Sohl and all the rest Mobile, Ala. of you young men? V. PEREZ SS Fisher Is Covered All Over With Rust To the Editor: I have read in the LOG that you would like good tips about different ports we hit. Well, if any of you fellows hit' Port of Spain, Trinidad, stay away from" the local doctors. If you need treatment for anything go to the Carribean Medical Center. They have a nice hospital, they give you the best "of service, and the doctors are very good. So much for my trip. We are aboard the SS'Benja­ min A. Fisher, an Alcoa pride and joy (so the Skipper thinks.) There is nothing but rust from stem to stern. The Skipper and Chief Mate- would like to get her all cleaned up but they Won't'turn the Deck Gang to on overtime, because they are afraid 'it will hurt Alcoa's bank­ roll. BELL TO BELL They only work the watch on deck,-end it is stricUy'from bell to bell. The' Chief Mate is so afraid of "his jbb that he lies awake all night thinking about it. SHUTTLE RUN • Since sailing ftdm ' Pensdcola, Florida on the 28th of JanUUry, we have made a trip' to Rdggio, Italy, with coal, and from there we went to Paramaribo, Dutch Guinea for Bauxite. Since then we've made one shuttle run to Port of Spain and back to Par­ amaribo. We don't know whether they are going to keep us down here on 'a shuttle run or send us straight home. I can be safe in saying the crew is praying they will • send us straight home. Well, I guess that is about all I know of to squawk about. I'm sorrry I haven't anything good to say about the trip other than we have a very good SIU crew. -G. "B. Gillispie ' Fbri'-bf' Spain,• B. W.^I. �THE Friday, AprU 18. 1947 S EA^F ARER S LOG AND mSEBALIi W THE EHIliIjPPlNES . Union Men Must Respect Picketlines, Says Brother To. the Editor: This article is in regards to the crossing of legitimate picket lines. We note from time to time in front of stores, restaurants, apartment buildings, small shops and various other places, one or two picket lines marching up and down. Their picket cards clearly state that such and such a local union is on strike for bet­ ter wages and working condi­ tions. SIU-SU? men sparked the. game between the crews of the SS Niantic Victory and the SS Mount Greylock. Seafarers in the photo above are, front row: 3rd and 4th from left, G. J. Miller, SIU, and L. H. Westcott, SUP; back row, left to right, Denny White, SUP; I. P. Martin, SUP; and 4th and 7th from left respectively, Bernard E. Lin lin, SUP and Julien Tomas, SUP. Page Thirteen wages and conditions. Such is not the case. The intent behind the front is to spread false prop­ aganda, and to strengthen the ideology of certain foreign pow­ ers. Let's not be misled. It is al­ ways a good policy to inquire of the pickets just who it is they represent and the object of their beef. If their beef is legitimate we .should back them. If they In spite of this, I have noted, in various cases, many people ignoring these small picket lines and patronizing the struck places. This is, in my opinion, a sorry situation. Strikes, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, should bo supported by all work­ ing people. The crossing of a picket line stamps the violator as a scab in the eyes of true un­ ion men and women. These beefs are legitimate beefs for wag^s and working con­ are simply fronts for commie and ditions and should be respected, fascist oi'ganizations making a regardless of size. Of course, it ' political line, .they should be igis well to remember that poli­ ,nored. SCORES JOB tical commie and phony fascist j Bui to be remembered is the STUNTS PULLED lines are another story. Picket jfact that regardless of how large lines of these types are pui'ely or small a picket line is, if it is BY PERFORMERS for the purpose of misleading there because of a genuine tradeTo the Editor: union people into thinking that union beef, don't cross it! they're out there for increasing Louis Goffin The practice of some men tak­ ing jobs in order to work a few STOPOVER IN THE PHILIPPINES days and then collect port pay is drav/ing a iiot ot resentment from the membership. These men sign off the ship a day or an hour before the ship sails. This practice not o n 1 causes animosity among the members but also between com­ pany and Union. I propose that a stiff fine be imposed on members who pull suc'i stunts if they fail to give a valid excuse for their actions. Seafarer Bill Willridge stretches for an easy putout. (Name withheld on request) Conditions For Unorganized Lakes Seamen Are Far Below The Seafarers' Standards To the Editor: Well, I've been reading in the daily papers lately what a num­ ber of people think of John L. Lewis. Well, here's what another one thinks. John L. Lewis has always been, and always will be for the man who works. Wish we had some men like him in Congress—in the House or Sen­ ate—and then we'd have a little more justice. We're backing Lewi.s 100 per cent. It's about time we Americans woke up, and started to really fight for our rights. Sure, the industrialists give us a raise of 5 to 8 cents an hour, but what happens? Bread goes up a cent a loaf; meat from 4 to 6 cents a pound; rent maybe $5 monthly; clothes go up 15 per cent; shoes 10 per cent; and everything rises from 5 to 25 per cent. Isn't it so? What ,we need is more fighting to have the income tax lifted from the low 'income brackets. I'm no commie! In fact, I hate them and all fascists, and all they stand for. But, there is one "ism" that I believe in—that's Americanism I We've supported some of these politicians for years on the basis of their empty promises. And ever tried to expose these Lakes most of these guys have never ' outfits like the LCA. Why, when done an honest day's work in I left the Lakes to sail on West their lives. Let them go out and j Coast ships for a while, I was struggle, and try to get along on astounded. They had three watches where I'd worked two on the Lakes, two men in a room, fed like a ho­ BOY. MVfZEULF- LOJkS tel, linen changed twice a week, MORt; fOdPcO TM-VN) j Posing in the bright sun in the port of Masinloo are five Sea­ overtime over 48 hours, and re­ farers, crewmembers aboard the SS Fairland. Left to right: lieved the watch for 30 minutes Brothers Baumgardner, Howard, Jonier, Church and Steele. for coffee and smoke anywhere and any place. On the Lakes, some ships have no coffee time or relief from 6:15 A.M. and 12:45 P.M., and no relief at any To the Editor: The headlines says, "Union time on the rivers, depending on Action Denies Vet Job on Ves­ Have you seen the latest type sel." the Skippers. of shipowners' propaganda? En­ GIVE GIs CHANCE If this guy was as American closed is an article from the New as he says he is he wouldn't want Yes, that's why I say give these kids and ex-GIs a chance down Orleans States, which at first to kick another man out of a job what they think we can. Let's in Washington. They can't do glance seems to be about some to make way for himself. If he try, to replace these parasites. any worse than the guys we have GI blowing off. But if you read has such a good background as Another thing, why don't they down there now, and will prob­ he claims in the article, why it over a couple of times you can give these GI kids a chance? ably do a lot better. doesn't he just get a job ashore, Most of these kids in the last so he could be with his two Most of those guys down there see all the holes. The article tries to say that children after being away from war are wise, not like us goofs were sitting around Washington in the first one. They pulled the' while we were going to Russia, this GI is an American, served in them for so long. wool over oui- eyes, but not these J Italy, North Africa, South Pa­ two world wars and can't get a Even so, with an NMU con­ fellows. They're on the ball, and' cific, and Japan. Now they want job as a steward because the tract those companies had the I know, because I've been withj to push us around, and cram the NMU told him their men wait­ right to hire their own Stewards, them in all zones. open shop at us. But, we won't ing to ship out would be given providing he joined the union. A number of outfits like the take that kind of pushing around. first preference. The article says If the company wanted him, they Lake Carriers are behind this We in the SIU have won all of that the guy was told by several could have had him. open shop drive, but they can't our beefs in the past^ and we'll shipping companies that he could P. A. Carlson have a job if the Union would cram their phony propaganda win against these phonies, SS Cape Edmont Robert "Baldy" McAdoo] give him papers. down our throats. No one has Hits Anti-Union Sob Stuff �THE Page Fourteen SEAFARERS Friday. April 18. 1947 LOG Seamen Meet The Queerest Characters Here Is A Whole Boatload Rank And File The Skipper Cut Gapers SeafarerSees ITF At Work By JAMES PURCELL By LOUIS GOFFIN In recollecting my experiences the ship back on its course. I have been reading with in­ in the Third Mate's room—plenty At another time, while clad with seagoing characters, I feel of noise and what have you. terest the articles in the LOG that I cannot overlook the ex­ only in a pair of shorts he acci­ At three o'clock in the morn­ about the various characters who perience I had with a Skipper I dentally locked himself out of his • have been found aboard ships. I ing the Old Man came do'WTi to sailed under many years ago. room. Realizing his predicament •wonder, though, if Louis Coffin break it up. The Third Mate be­ His career has a tragic end, but and "Steamboat" O'Doyle ever gan weeping on the Old Man's (Contmued from Page }) while he followed the sea, he was sailed with a whole shipload of shoulder, pleading with him to acted upon, not by brass or pom­ the source of much shipboard lot them have a little fun. characters at one time. My last ship, about a year ago Up stepped the Bosun and pous politicians, but by men with amusement, and at times, specu­ was just such a ship, so pull up Deck Maintenance. They asked experience at sea and experience lation. I first encountered him aboard a chair while I unravel the an­ the Third Mate for permission to with seamen's problems collec­ the SS City of Joliet in New Or­ tively. throw the Old Man over the tics of these birds. leans during the early '30's. He The first character was an Oil­ side. Just as the shipowners of the er, a collector of saponification Ye Gods! That aquavit is pow­ different countries have the same was skippering the ship and interest, so do seamen the world what a Skipper he was. erful stuff. products. , When I came aboard he was in One day, just prior to sailing Well, to show the Old Man over have a common interest. It for the other side, the boys were they meant to have some fun, was this common interest and the twilight of his career, and knocking off a few bottles of they went below and broke determination of the ITF mem­ his capers were well known to beer in the Oiler's focsle when Soapy out of his sack. Soapy, bers that left a deep impression the regular gang aboard. There was little doubt as to where he someone tried to move a body you see, could play hell out of on me. was destined to wind up, but he out of the way. It wouldn't an accordian. They told him to With attempts by large ship­ still clung to a thread of sanity, he grabbed the knob and started budge. ping interests to transfer tonnage so there was little to do but stay shaking it, but the lock held. DUZ DOES So, tne boys investigated and to Panamanian registry to avoid EVEPVTrii.^G He looked at the door, and then out of his way. discovered it loaded to the gun­ union conditions on their ships, The Officers were not so for­ addressed it yelling, "I am the wales with soap. the role of the ITF becomes one tunate as they had to obey his Master! Everyone has to obey It happened to be the body of of prime importance. orders—orders that at times me . . . that goes for doors too!" one of the Oilers who, being the (Sorry, no "Open the Door, Rich­ courted disaster. INTERNATIONAL ROLE romantic type, used to go ashore One time in particular when we ard" joke). The door however with a few bars of soap, and Just as a seaman's occupation were coming home from North ignored his order. when he found a fair damsel he is international, so are his bosses After a few minutes of this would give her a bar to clean international. For this reason, if useless expenditure of energy, up so he could see what she look­ no other, the seaman's protection he got red in the face and in a ed like. should be international. TWO BLOCKS blind rage he reared back, took If she passed muster she was To Pof?r/ No member of the SIU would a flying leap and threw both feet supplied with soap from then on. against the door. Nothing hap­ This earned him the nickname of start playing and the first time feel out of place attending an pened. he stopped—over the side he ITF meeting. It is just like a "Soapy." bunch of seamen on an SIU ship would go. Over and over again he NO EARLY RISER Soapy played, and no one got discussing their problems—only charged the door with his feet, all Then we had a Wiper whom no any sleep for the rest of the on an international scale. the while cursing and shaking one less than the Chief Engin­ night. All night long he squeezed After the meeting I began to a threatening arm at the obstacle. eer could get out of the sack. It and the sweat rolled off his brow- realize that this powerful group Finally exhausted he lay in a was a regular morning ritual. ike someone had turned a hose is almost unknown to many sea­ heap on the deck, black and blue The Oiler would call him at 7:30 from his many unsuccessful sal­ on him. What a night that w-as! men. The tremendous power of a. m. and again at ten to eight. this organization and the work it Europe, the ship was off the coast lies. GREAT LOVER Then the First Assistant would is doing should be on the lips of of Florida. The Skipper came up His wind-up performance, that Then we had a Purser, and an­ every Seafarer. call him at eight, and the Deck on the bridge and ordered the gave him a one-way ticket to the Engineer at quarter after, final­ swer to a maiden's prayer—Don Some method should be em­ Mate on watch to take the ship local bughouse, came in a New ly the Chief at 8:30. Juan himself. In every port he ployed to spread the facts about in close to the coastline. Orleans movie house. During the With this he would roll out of fell ~ in love and wanted to get the ITF and its work. EXPECTING HIM course of the picture he lit a,ci­ the sack, yawn a few times and married, but he always sailed garette, and after getting in a One of the best v/ays of mak^ When the Mate told him it was then raise hell with the Cooks leaving a broken heart behind couple of puffs he was told by ng the ITF known to the mem­ unsafe, and there was a chance and Messboy for his breakfast. him. the usher that it was against the bers' of the SIU and SUP will that the ship might be ground­ We had a Third Mate who was This voyage, on the return law to smoke. a professional wrestler. He con- trip, we carried some passengers. be through the effectivene.s.s of a ed, he only growled and said he was the Master. Instead of stamping out the Among them was a young refu­ boycott of Panamanian ships. "Besides," he told the Mate, butt, he stuck it in his coa^pockO, HE'SCHIP- I gee, a girl about 21, so the race Just as the 1946 SIU General fjMGPAiHT.' began. Stidke was an education to most "I have some friends living on et. Shortly smoke started pour­ The Purser turned on his Seafarers as to how the govern­ the coast and I want to stay 'hel­ ing out of his pocket, but he charm, but he couldn't speak her ment bureaucrats can be licked, lo' to them. They are expecting ignored the whole matter. Soon the smoke was billowing around language. The only crewmember .so will an international boycott it of mo." him like a smudge pot,.and it was When the Mate, saw that the who could speak to her was of Panamanian ships teach the only the quick action on the part Skipper was serious and the ship Soapy, who was immediately en­ importance of the ITF in beating of the usher that a panic was pre­ was heading dangerously close to the international shipowners. listed as interpreter. vented. Needless to say he was the reefs, he had no choice but Unfortunately she had a broth­ SEE IT IN ACTION soon installed in a .suite at the to grab the Skipper, chase him er on board and every time she Louisiana Retreat. out of the wheelhouse, and put disappeared he would dash all There is no better way of over the ship looking for her. learning about a thing than by NEW ADDITION This got on Soapy's nerves, so it seeing it in action. The Caliber was no soap for Soapy. Of course, of the men I saw representing tinually boasted of his prowess the Purser wanted to marry her the unions of different countries as a wrestler. before wo got in. convinced me that they are of One day the boys had a drink­ One night before we got in, the the same material that gives us ing bout in the Bosun's room. Fir.st Assistant went on watch the strong representation we re­ Among those present were the loaded to the gills, unable to ceive at home. Bosun and Deck Maintenance, stand up. The Old Man heard Our affiliation with the Inter­ young and strong Swedes. about it, rushed down and threw national Transportworkers Fed­ During the course of the fiesta. him out of the Engine Room. eration will demon.strato its the question rose as to the Mate', The First came up on Deck value by an effective boycott of wrestling ability—the next thing'and tried to get the" Deck Gang There I knew the Third Mate was slid­ to lower a boat so he and a sleepy the Panamanian .ships. ing along the alleyway on his Oiler would not have to face can be no question of its success. It now remains for all mem­ nose. charges upon arrival. bers of the SIU and SUP, as It appears the Deck Mainten­ BLONDE SHADOW members of the ITF to make the ance was a rough and tumble Of course, the Old Man had his boycott a real success, if and fighter from the paper pulp coun­ try of Sweden, and he had put faults. He had a blonde passen­ when we decide to hang them the hooks to the Mate before he ger v/ho followed him all over up. the ship. Whenever you .saw one could lift a hand. you saw the other. Well, that do to deserve this." WHAT HAPPENED made it easy for the BR StewWell, he sure did deserve it, for This week the . rew of the SS Petrolite, Mathiasen Tankers, i'he next day the Mate asked ard, because she became the cus- he was possessed of a neat little voted for the SIU to represent them as their bargaining agent. me what happened. I told him 'todian of the Skipper's room. habit of taking pot shots at the It was an overwhelming victory, with the Seafarers garnering he had tripped in the alleyway. With all these capers going on, Deck Gang with his pistol. 27 votes to 2 for the company. This picture was taken aboard the I don't think he knows to this the Skipper would sit in the Sa­ There were more characters on Petrolite, and shows her to be a clean, trim ship. Negotiations day what happened. loon, holding his head in his the .ship, but you'd go mad if I for a contract will start soon, and that's what the men are The next night the party was hands moaning, "What did I ever went any further. * waiting for. �THE Friday, April 18. 1947 W)Hoe'^\jN SEAFARERS Page Fifteen LOG Great takes Seafarers Petitions NLRB For Flections On Five Fleets By EARL SHEPPARD DETROIT — This woek the SIU petitioned the National Labor Relations Board for elect­ v., N. B. Donaho. $1.00; C. A. Kreiss. $2.00; ions aboard the ships of three NORFOLK A.. W. Gowder. $2.00; B. J. French. more Great Lakes fleets. This INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS $2.00; T. Catherine. $1.00; T. E. Mcmakes a total of five unorgani­ D. P. Copes. $3.00; M. P. Powell. Henan. $2.00; A. Olanginbel. $3.00. zed outfits, with 32 ships, so $3.00; J. N. Willmms. $3.00; A. C. NEW YORK far petitioned since the start of Nelson. $3.00; W. E. Culpepper. $3;00; INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS V. E. Vlict. $5.00; W. R. Wil!inn-.s. the Seafarers current organiza­ $3.00. E. J. Clark. $2.00; Judson Lee. $1.00; tional campaign. J. W. Cox, $3.00; M. W. Drury. $3.00; H. Mathisen. $2.00; J. Soyer. $1.00; F. Considerable progress is also M. W. Cfirraway. $3.00; A. R. Beaslcy. Logan. $1.00; Hugo Reinson. $1.00; A. made in several other $3.00; W. B. Smith. $3.00; R. K. llen- Ferrara. $.50; Paul R. Smith. $1.00; J. being dcson. $3.00. Maldonado. $.50; C. Williams. $1.00; A. non-union fleets, and we expect E. Wyler. $ LOO. BOSTON to petition the NLRB on these SS DOROTHY INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS outfits in the near future. R. R. Marion. $2.00; R. B. Taylor. O. Crindahl. $5.00; R. McFarland, As fast as we secure pledge $2.00. $5.00; W. Calhoun. $1.00; M. Evans. cards from 75 percent or more SS GEORGE W. McREARY $1.00. George A. Fowler. $1.00; R. E. Hen- of the seamen, in any unorgan­ GALVESTON nessy. $2.00; G. Vidal. $2.00; J. M. ized fleet, the SIU intends to INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS Hand. $2.00; A. Morales. $3.00; M. petition the NLRB for elections C. E. Finlay. $2.00; W. E. Lavier. Cidroils. $2.00; E. J. Hallinan, $2.00; W. $3.00; R. McDougald. $2.00; J. Caspard. J. Graley. $2.00; M. Garcia. $L00; J. V. aboard those vessels. That way, $5.00; C. B. Kennedy. $2.00; C. C. Ru.ssell. $2.00; H. M. Lamm. $2.00; T. we lose no time in bringing Gross. $3.00; D. E. Erase. $2.00; C. O. Cameron. $5.00; T. A. O'Hanlon. $2.00; SIU .conditions to the Lakes sea­ Cross. $2.00; J. O. Roling. $2.00; W. L. Compton. $1.00; K. E. Morie. men who want them. D. Royles. $2.00; SS Wm. Cox. $19.00; $E00. At the present rate of progress R. A. Derrough. $2.00; SS Stefanik. SS EL MORRO being made in our organization­ $12.00; SS James Jackson. $18.00; F. G. E. Muddleston. $1.00; A. J. Surles. S. Bor^owski. $1.00; T. E. R. Bach. Jr.. $E00; R. Lichon. $1.00; E. Luzier. al drive on the Great Lakes, we $2.00; John C. Spuron. $2.00; C. Wood $1.00; J. R. Albert. $1.00; W. Martin. are confident that the entire ward. $4.00; T. J. Calvert. $2.00; D. C. Jr.. $1.00; E. A. Yancy. $1.00; J. L. campaign will be a successful Lym.-.n. $2.00; 11. E. Vail. $2.00. Yakush. $5.00; R. L. Gunn. $5.00; G. one. Eventually, the Great Lakes W. L. Montgomery. $2.00; F. Fred- M.atrozzo. $1.00. .seamen will make a solid bloc reksen. $2.00; SS Winfield Scott. $17.00; SS MacINTYRE within the Seafarers Interna­ SS Cellio. $8.75; G. Portillo. $1.00; F. Karl Nikander. $2.00; M. E. Jones, H. Post. $L00; SS Hood River. $3.50; tress. $2.00; Lester W. Spence. $1.00; tional Union, AFL. W. E. Taylor. $5.00; SS King Canyon. $2.00; John Anderson. $2.00; J. G. FenToday, as never before, the $I5.50( S. E. Ausmus. $1.00; J. A. Bar- James Roberts. $5.00; S. K. McFarland. Lakes seamen are receptive to one. $2.00. $2.00; L. Welch. $2.00. the union, and their almost un­ C. F. McDowell. $1.00; SS Chas. H. SS TOPA TOPA, animous choice is the SIU. Cugle. $25.00; J. H. Moorse. $2.00; V. J. Smith. $1.00; K. V. Zeits. $1.00; P. Bergeron. $2.00; D. W. Collins. $4.00; They've had a bellyful of the H. Jacobovitch. $1.00. R. W. Clark, $1.00; A. Rocka. $5.00; open shop conditions on tha SS COLABEE E. DiPietro and Crew. $9.00; G. Lakes, and want thhe security Brown. $2.00; 1. P. Gomes. $1.00; H. and protection of an SIU con­ NcUelbladt. $1.00. tract. And, we're going to see SS WILLARD that they get it! ASHTABULA 1027 West Fifth St. SlU HALLS At the request of AFL Organizational Director Frank Fenton and President William Green, we gave all possible assistance to the United Financial Em­ ployes, affiliated with the Of­ fice Emp loyees International Union, AFL. This assistance took the form of leaflet distri­ bution in the Wall St. financial area, picketing of the Cotton Exchange, and the loaning of all our facilities to this union during their beef. It's past history how the UFE won their one day strike against the New York Cotton Exchange with SIU-SUP assistance. It's a part of the record now. and the grateful Office Employees asked SIU President Harry Lundeberg to address their re­ cent Convention in Chicago. PHONE STRIKE Currently, the National Fed­ eration of Telephone Workers is striking all of the phone ex­ changes and facilities in the country in an effort to win their just demands. Although broken up into a lot of smaller corpora­ tions, the Bell System is owned and controlled by the huge A.T.&T. trust. So, the phone workers really have a tough fight on their hands. .SIU members in a number of cities throughout the country are cooperating in every possible way with the phone workers. This cooperation has taken the form of handbill distribution, token picketing, and any neces­ sary support, these union broth­ ers and sisters need. The NFTW is composed of a number of affiliated unions scat­ tered over the country, and is an independent union with more than 280,000 members. There is also a strong possibility that they may affiliate with the AFL some time in the near future. In Detroit, we have offered the striking phone workers J. E. Utz. $1.00. 14 North Gay St. FERRIS BILL SS YAKA Calvert 4S39 B. Thompson. $5.00; M. R. Dorfman. BOSTON 276 StaTe St. As this is being written, hear­ $1.00; L. Bugajewski. $5.00; H. Calzia. Boudoin 4455 ings are being held in the Mich­ $1.00 F. R. Hall. $1.00. BUFFALO • • . ID Exchange St. igan State capital in Lansing Cleveland 7391 on one of the most drastic antiCHARLESTON 424 King St. labor bills ever dreamed up by Phone 3-3680 CHICAGO 24 W. Superior Ave. a reactionai-y legislator. This Superior 5175 ^ biH 's kuowu RS House Bill 217, CLEVELAND 1014 E. St. Clair Ave. MAGNUS OLE SVARTER | introduced by State Main 0147 Get in touch with Rose Cohen Rcrcscntativc Chester A. Ferris CORPUS CHRISTI . . 1824 Mcsquite St. at the Baltimore Hall, 14 North of Wayne County — the county Corpus Christi 3-1509 DETROIT 1038 Third St. Gay St., Baltimore 2, Md. where Detroit is located. Cadillac 6857 i iDrastic provisions of this bill DULUTH 531 W. Michigan St. KURT FAHRNER make it a misdemeanor for any Melrose 4110 J. W. CALLIS Get in touch with your wife at' non-employees of a company to GALVESTON 308>i—23rd St. Receipts belong to you have Phone 2-8448 2352—80th St., Brooklyn, N. Y. picket that company- Ip other HONOLULU 16 Merchant St. been turned in at the Norfolk words, no sympathy picketing in J. 4. SPJxpne 53777 Branch. HENRY E. HICKS support of our union brothers HOUSTON 1515 75th St. 35 4- 4. Contact Mrs. F. L. Ackerman, in another union will be permit­ Wentworth 3-3809 ted if this bill becomes law. JACKSONVILLE 920 Main St. 60.6 W. 37th St., Savannah, Ga. MARVIN HAUF Phone 5-5919 That's why we must fight it. Your check for $25.00 is being MARCUS HOOK 1'/« W. Olh St. held in the Baltimore Hall. Con­ There is no doubt that this GLEN^E.^4ADDEN Chester 5-3110 tact Patrolman Masterson and he Patrolman Masterson, Balti­ legislation is designed solely to MIAMI 1356 N. E. 1st Ave. MILWAUKEE 6.33 So-Ch 2nd St more, is holding your book. Get break up the growing solidarity will send the check to you. MOBILE 1 South Lawrence St. in touch with him. between various international 4- 4- 4 Phone 2-1754 BARNEY SPEEGLE unions in fighting for a common JOHN E. KNIESS NEW ORLEANS 339 Chartres St. You failed to pick up $125.00 Both AFL and CIO Please contact your mother, cause. Magnolia 6112-6113 NEW YORK 51 Beaver St. 1257 Lunt Avenue, Chicago 26, unions have shown an increas- due you on overtime from the ,ng awareness of tire need for Belle of the West, which paid off HAnover 2-2784 Illinois. NORFOLK 127-129 Bank St. la'cor unions to cooperate with in Baltimore. Phpne 4-1083 c-ach other in all ways possible. JOHN^E.^KOENIG 4- 4- 4. PHILADELPHIA 9 South 7th St. This is a must if labor is to surGEORGE D. SMITH Get in touch with your mother, Lombard 3-7651 Please check your last cash vi3e. PORT ARTHUR . . 909 Fort Worth Ave. Mrs. Eugene C. Koening, 3229 receipt. No. 56796, which you re­ Phone 2-8532 South Taylor Ave., Milwaukee 7, SIU COOPERATION PORTLAND Ill W. Burnside St. Wisconsin. ceived in Baltimore. Contact En­ Beacon 4336 In the past, and at this time, gine Patrolman at once. 4. 4- 4. RICHMOND, Calif 257 5tb , St. top, the record of the SIU is LOUIS E. MEYERS Phone 2599 DEWEY & BLAND Contact Mr. V. U. Hainmer- outstanding in, respect to coop­ SAN FRANCISCO 105. Market St. Douglas 5475-.8363 shaimb. Vice Consul, at the.Con­ erating with other unions on Your gear from the Fort MaSAN JUAN, P. R. ... 252 Ponce de Leon sulate General of Denmark, 17 any legitimate beef. Our union tanzas is being held at the Hous­ San Juan 2-5996 has always practised what a lot ton Branch. Battery Place, New York City. SAVANNAH 220 East Bay St. of other unions preach — co­ 4. 4. 4. Phone 8-1728 operation and solidarity. SEATTLE 86 Seneca St. HAROLD L. SMILEY Mqiin 0290 Your family is very anxiqus.to ; Our relations with the CIO TAMPA 1809-1811 N. Franklin St. Shipyard workers have been get in touch with you, Fdione M-1323 SS DOROTHY very successful. This union pull­ 35 A 4. TOLEDO 615 Summit St. All, crewmcmbers. of the SS ed, their mqn out in support of OECAR ANDERSSON WJLMI.NGTON ...... 440.,Ayplpi> Blvd., In Dorothy, Bull Lines, who work­ Terminal 4-i313V ^ A crewmepiber of the SS Wal­ our stride la$t September. VICTORIA, B.C. 602 Boughton St. ter Fleming in June 1944, please return, we have supported them ed April 4, 1947, have eight hours Garden 8331 contact special services office in on any of their beefs, like the overtime due them. Money can VANCOUVER 144 W. Hastings St. strike at the Ira Bushey ship­ be collected at Bull Line Offices, Pacific 7824 Union Hall, New York on an im­ BALTIMORE PERSONALS NOTICE! MONEY DUE portant matter. '.1.1iit/.Liii-'-1,. yard in Brooklyn. 115 Broad Street, N. Y. every possible assistance. On Tuesday, we sent some pickets over to picket with the strikers in front of the Michigan Bell Building on Cass Avenue. Al­ though we didn't have a large number of pickets, due to the fact that most of our boys were either on the ships or assisting in the organizing drive, the Sea­ farers with their white caps and SIU-SUP buttons made quite a showing. They carried several signs containing the printed messages, "AFL SEAFARERS WHITE CAPS OFF TO PHONE WORK­ ERS, SIU - AFL" and "SIU AFL BACKS LEGITIMATE DE­ MANDS OF PHONE WORK­ ERS." Yes, if we let these reaction­ ary Michigan legislators get away with anything like the Ferris Bill then the SIU will no longer be able to support other unions in their legitimate beefs, and these unions will not be able to support us in our beefs. We must do all in our power to prevent any such bills from be­ coming law in any state. It's been too hard to win union solidarity between international unions to allow anti-labor legis­ lation to break up such solidar­ ity. Check To See If P.R. Dockers Are Union Men By SAL COLLS SAN JUAN—Members coming to Aguirre (Jobos) should make certain that the dockworkers and the men working in the holds and on the winches are union men. The scabbing com­ pany which handles the work there refuses to sign a contract w i t h any union representing its employes. The outfit is taking men put of the factories and off the streets to do the longshore work. See to it. therefore, that all men at work there belong to a bona fide union. This can be accomplished by asking for the union delegate before they start woi'king the cargo. 5 If the workers do not belong to a . union, call up the SIU Hall in San Juan. The phone number is 2-5996. The International Longshore­ men's Association recently tried to hit the company for a con­ tract. but was turned down with a flat refusal to negotiate. The outfit works along the same lines as the Calmar Line. It owns the factory and the property for three and a half miles from the docks, and they maintain a rigid guard to see that no one gets anywhere .near its docks. Retroactive Pay MORAN. TOWING CORP. Retroactive wages are now available for payment to all crewmembers of Moran tugs which sailed out of West Coast, ports. A.pply at the company's' office at 17 Battery Place, New York City. �Page Sixteen THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday. April 18, 1947 Hie VICTORY ?AMK/ Ibr thedfirst time in niaritime nistom Cgntidion ^^aausnhkm bekiioia&To secims a cbtitlrcicir tnat gete -QtemAaiei:^«.T<iigges and am<^tions-through. tHe ejg^zlsof^ihe iKTERKAncNAL UNION OFNDRIH AMERICA.. SEAEAREBS IJTlEKNariONAL UNION • •• CANADIAN DISTRICT •VANCOUVER-ViCTORiA-MONTREAI. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource April 18, 1947 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. IX, No. 16 Description An account of the resource Headlines: CANADIAN DISTRICT'S MARCH TO HIGHER WAGES BEGINS PHONE STRIKE GETS HELPING HAND OF SIU SIU PREPARES TO TIE-UP ALL PANAMANIAN SHIPS SEAFARERS WINS UNION ELECTION ON PETROLITE, MATHIASEN TANKER BOSSES' OFFENSIVE THE SOCIAL SECURITY ACT, AND HOW IT AFFECTS THE MERCHANT SEAMEN STRIKING OFFICE WORKERS GET AID FROM SEAFARERS SEAFARER WATCHES THE ITF AT WORK SIU HELPS PHONE STRIKERS KEEP LINE BUSY AMERICAN LEGION--STOOGE OF BIG BUSINESS FOR SMALL PLACE, PORT ARTHUR HAS GOOD SHIPPING BOSTON COVERS ALL NEW ENGLAND AS SHIPPING MAINTAINS PEAK THIS WILMINGTON FINKHERDER IS RIDING TO A FALL BALTIMORE, TOO, IS HAVING TROUBLE FINDING MEN FOR THE RATED JOBS KNOWLEDGE OF SHIPPING RULES CALLED BASIS OF UNION STRENGTH PETTY CHISELING CHEATS SEAMEN OUT OF LAUNCH SERVICE MONEY NEW YORK HAS PLENTY OF SHIPS, BUT MEN TO SAIL THEM IS PROBLEM WEST COAST GETS A NEW PROBLEM: SHORTAGE OF MEN CANADIAN SIU AFTER RAISE FOR RESTORER CREW MARCUS HOOK BLASTS MINEOWNERS WHO PUT PROFITS ABOVE LIVES MC SCHOOL SAVES 7 MILLION BUCKS--BY CLOSING COMMIE UNION SABOTAGES AUTO UNION DEMANDS CREW STAGES RIP-ROARING VODVIL SHOW SS YARMOUTH'S BLACK GANG ASKS CHANGE IN QUARTERS MALDEN COMES IN SHIP-SHAPE WITH A CRACK CREW GREAT LAKES SEAFARERS PETITIONS NLRB FOR ELECTIONS ON FIVE FLEETS CHECK TO SEE IF P.R. DOCKERS ARE UNION MEN Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 4/18/1947 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1947 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/fc89615fc57422f523dce0197311fd09.PDF 056fbd465f24adb0c82d501d1c59d8de PDF Text Text \ZCVt' - - '•^•-•'•,ryyjry--^^y-' ",-'l.'=:*' %ill Official Organ of the Seafarers International Union of North America VOL. IX. Telephone Strikers HoU Firm NEW YORK. N. Y.. FRIDAY, APRIL 25. 1947 INT'L SUPPORT NEW YORK. April 24 — Representatives of foreign seamen's unions spoke before the N. Y. membership meet­ ing last night and endorsed the SIU stand on Panamanian ships and pledged full sup­ port of their organizations. Among the speakers were: E. Johansen. Norwegian Sea­ men's Union; Ernest Roberg. Swedish Seamen's Union; F. Clausen, Danish Seamen's Union; James Scott. British Seamen's Union; M. Pitharoulis. Secretary. New York Branch of Federation of Greek Maritime Unions; Willy Dorchain. American Representative. International Transportworkers F e d e r ation. and Capt. Wm. C. Ash. Secretary-Business Manager, MM&P. Complete story will appear in next week's LOG. No. 17 Green Pledges Support To MID In Panama Beef; Boycott Plans Completed The nationwide strike of the telephone workers is now ending its third week with no weaken­ ing in the solid ranks of those participating in the walk-out. In NEW YORK—From the national office of the American Federation of fact, if anything, they are more united and solid today than they Labor has come assurance that the interests of the Seafarers will be protect­ were when the strike first started ed in attempting to halt the transfer of American ships to Panamanian and on April 7. Expressions of support have Honduran registry. William Green, President of the AFL, in a telegram been received from all sections to .John R. Owens, Executive Secretary of the AFL Maritime Trades De­ of American life. Organized la­ bor is lined up firmly behind the partment, stated that "We will join with representatives of the Seafarers National Federation of Tele­ and Longsroemen's organizations in appealing to Congress to deal with this phone Workers; priests, minist­ ers, and rabbis have gone on rec­ complaint in a practical, constructive, and satisfactory way." (Full text of ord backijig the telephone work­ ers; and the public is also con­ telegram appears elsewhere vinced that the American Tele­ on this page.) phone and Telegraph Company is doing all in its power to keep But if, "in appealing to Con­ the strike going by refusing to The following telegram from William Green, gress," the transfer of ships to bargain on a national level. President of the American Federation of Labor, foreign registry is not stopped, Up to now the company policy was received by John Owens, Executive Secre­ then the Seafarers International has been to divide the union in­ tary of the Maritime Trades Department. Union is prepared to put into ef­ to small, powerless groups. Of­ fers have been made to the a boycott of Panamanian and Your telegram of recent date was brought to fect unions on a local plane only, and Honduran ships wherever and my attention upon my return to office today. whenever they put into Ameri­ the spokesmen for the company Be assured I appreciate importance of question can ports. have insisted that these offers not depend on the approval of submitted in your message. Because of sacrifice BOYCOTT READY NEW YORK—Time almost ran the policy committee of the of interest of American seamen and longshore­ out on the Wall Street financiers During the past two weeks, NFTW. men through transfer of American ships to Pan­ plans have been completed to tie Union officials have dissented on Tuesday, April 22, but just ama and othe countries it becomes our duty to up these ships once the boycott sharply from this view, and stat- when it looked as though the United Financial Workers, AFL, do everything we can to prevent transfer of said : goes into effect. All ports have Five officials of the Tele­ would have to go out on strike ships. We will join with representatives of Sea­ I been notified of the strategy to phone Workers visited the New to enforce its demands, the farers and Longshoremen's organizations in ap­ be followed when the action commences, and in true Seafarers York membership meeting last money men gave in and a strike pealing to Congress to deal with this complaint style, members are ready to pull Wednesday night. George Mey- has been averted—for the time in a practical constructive and satisfactory way. the pin when officially notified to erscaugh. Chairman of the City being at least. We call upon our legislative committee to give do so by the Headquarters Of­ The walkout, planned by the Central Strike Committee, and Joe Leone took the floor to UFE for Monday, April 21, had matter special attention and assist in every pos­ fice. thank the Seafarers on behalf been postponed to allow time When this happens, the boy­ sible way. In addition will give publicity to facts of the strikers for the aid given for mediation. The Mayor's of­ cott will spi'ead to every corner submitted in your telegram through our weekly fice appointed a special media­ by the SIU. of the globe. The International news service. « / tion committee composed of Transportworkers Federation has Grover A. Whalen, representing ed that the only reasons for com­ notified its affiliates, in every Wm. Green, President pany objection to NFTW action the public and also to act as country if, and when, the American Federation of Labor SIU givesthat is an effort to break the national (Continued on Page 4) the signal, they are to union. refuse to work any Panamanian Meanwhile, labor support for or Honduran ships that may put the telephone workers mobilized into their ports. by leaps and bounds. On picketOFFICIALS NOTIFIED lines in every port where the SIU has a Hall, white-capped Copies of the resolution calling Seafarers could be found march­ for a boycott of Panamanian and ing side by side with their union other non-maritime nations ves­ Brothers and Sisters. Other sels, passed by the SIU Conven­ unions sent messages of solidar­ hamas. It has a crew of approx­ minor matters were settled with­ tion, ahd concurred in by the By w. J. MCLAUGHLIN ity and pledges of assistance. imately 85 unlicensed seamen, in a short time. AFL Maritime Trades Depart­ JACKSONVILLE—The mount­ chiefly French Canadian. Then camrf the awakening. All ment, were sent to the President ing discontent of Canadian sea­ Because of conditions even hands on the ship realized that of the United States, the Chair­ men, members of the crew of the worse than the ordinary run of the daily beefs were only a small man of the House Committee on part of the general irritation, and Merchant Marine and Fisheries, The second of Alcoa's three New North Wind, Seaway Lines Canadian vessels, they finally that the underlying causes were the Chairman of the Senate took a stand and brought the Limited, came to a head last new passenger-cargo vessels, the the wages, and working and liv­ Committee in Interstate and Forr Alcoa Clipper, arrived in New week when the crew walked off matter to the attention of the ing conditions provided by Can­ eign Commerce, and the Chair­ local SIU officials. the ship shortly before the hour Orleans this week. She will adian maritime laws. man of the U.S. Maritime Com­ of sailing. Jimmy Banners, Port Agent, make her first voyage frorh that Comparisonof Canadian and mission. and Lindsey Williams, field or­ The New North Wind is a ves­ port on May 23, and will be Copies were also sent to every joined in the regularly sched­ sel registered in Canada, but ganizer for the Atlantic and Gulf American contracts made the uled service to the Caribbean which operates out of this port District, immediately took an ac­ men decide that they, too, want- member of the Senate and the House of Representatives. in the passenger trade to the Ba­ tive interest in the beef, and iCoHtinutd on Page H) by the Alcoa Corsair. Green's Wire To Sec'y Owens Wall St Bows Before UFE; Will Arbitrate Crew Job Attlon Convmes Operator To Bargain With Canadian Seafarers Alcoa Clipper In N.O. ./ �. r.. Page Two THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, April 25, 1947 SEAFARERS LOG Published Weekly by the SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Gulf District Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor At 51 Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y. HAnover 2-2784 International Officers HARRY LUNDEBERG ---------- President 105 Market St., San Francisco, Calif. PAUL HALL - - - First Vice-President 51 Beaver St., New York 4, N. Y. MORRIS WEISBERGER -------- Vice-President 105 Broad St., New York 4, N. Y. GAL TANNER ----------- Vice-President r South Lawrence St., Mobile, Ala. EDWARD COESTER --------- Vice-President 86 Seneca St., Seattle, Wash. JOHN HAWK - - - - Secy.-Treasurer 105 Market St., San Francisco, Calif. District Officials J. p. SHULER - - - Secy.-Treas. Atlantic & Gulf District P. O. Bo.x 25, Bowling Green Station, New York, N. Y. HARRY LUNDEBERG Secy.-Treas. Sailors Union of the Pacific 150 Clay Street, San Francisco, Calif. FRED FARNEN - - - - Secy.-Treas. Great Lakes District 1038 Third Street, Detroit, Michigan FIUGH MURPHY - - - - Secy.-Treas. Canadian District 144 W. Hastings St., Vancouver, B. C. * Entered as second class matter June 15, 1945, at the Post Office in New Y'ork, N. Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912. GEORGE K. NOVICK, Editor -^^267 By Leaps And Bounds V 'eamNSMim While there i.s one unorganized seaman left in the United States, the standards of all U. S. seamen are in danger. While there is one unorganized seaman left in the world, the wages and conditions of all other seamen can be pulled down. This truth is recognized by the members of the Sea­ farers International Union. And, recognizing the truth, the SIU has taken steps to rai.se the standards of other sea­ men, both in the U. S. and out, so that they will no longer constitute a threat to American seamen. The program undertaken to bring this about has called for much activity and expansion. When the SIU was started, less than a dozen years ago, there were few who dreamed that the Union would play such a big part in the labor movement of this country. These are the Union Brothers currently in the marine hospital;,, SIU wages and conditions have continued their climb, as reported by the Port Agents. These Brothers find time hanging and when pay increases were nixed by the Wage Stabliza- heavily on their hands. Do what you can to cheer them up by writ­ tion Board, thousands of Seafarers left their ships and ing to them. WM. BENNETT struck until the Government was forced to reverse the NEW ORLEANS HOSPITAL JOSEPH PODGORSKI ruling. GUS KREZTER JOHN APPLE A campaign of many months was climaxed by an C. MASON MOSES DAVIS overwhelming pro-SIU vote in the Isthmian bargaining STEVE MOGAN ORIEN WHEELER election. This election was won in the face of all the R. B. "BOB" WRIGHT STANLEY ROWE anti-union methods the company could use, and in spite N. LONGTINE MANUEL ROMERO ED. DUDEK ERNEST SIDNEY of the underhand tactics resorted to by the National Mari­ J. J. O'NEILL EDWARD CAIN JR. time Union, CIO. E. J. NAVARRE GUS OENBRINK On the Great Lakes, and in Canada, the SIU organiz­ J. N. HULL JAMES McMAHON (G. L.) ing campaign is bringing many men and companies under C. TYNER JOHN RILEY (G. L.) C. J. COMPAN the Seafarers banner. Where other unions have tried and i S. 4WM. H. CAO iELLIS ISLAND HOSPITAL failed, the SIU is succeeding. J. W. DENNIS W. R. MUIR The issue of ships transferred to Panamanian registry ED. CUSTER C. RAMUSSEN is a burning one these days. The SIU has tried to halt the WM. BROCE, jr. J. KOSLUSKY GEO. F. DUFFY transfers by requesting the Government to take action. If D. MCDONALD KARPOWICH this fails, plans have already been laid for a complete, ADAM B. HOFFMAN C. LOCIGNO worldwide tie-up of Panamanian shipping. WM. MEAGHER STATEN ^ISLAND HOSP. Coupling all the above with the assistance which the D. LAUBERSHEIMER O. KAELEP Union has rendered to Brother unions, such as the ILA, G. F. HART M. BAUCSKI H. N. LEAVELLE the MM&P, the United Financial Employes, the Office E. CARRERAS S. HAMILTON Workers, the CIO Shipyard Workers, and the Telephone R. G. MOSSELLER » » 9^ Workers, it is plain to see that the SIU is not satisfied to J. A. DYKES BALTIMORE HOSPITAL sit still. K. KORNELIUSSEN C. H. SULLIVAN PAUL PAULSEN It is no wonder then that the Seafarers International PETER LOPEZ E. E. CASEY Union is held in such high esteem by all other segments of KARL THORSSON D. NELSON the American labor movement. Our record speaks for CHARLES SIMMONS W. R. BLOOM itself, and is a bright page in the glowing annals of Ameri­ CHARLES PYNE M. MORRIS can labor history. F. NERING WM. KAMMERER Men Now In The Marine Hospitals M Hospital Patients When entering the hospital notify the delegates by post­ card. giving your name and the number of your ward. Staten Island Hospital You can contact your Hos­ pital delegate at the Staien Island Hospital at the follow­ ing times: Tuesday—1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 5th and 6th floors) Thursday — 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 3rd and 4th floors.) Saturday—1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 1st and 2nd floors.) H. L. P. P. J. H. R. BELCHER JILES REYES LATORRE BOLGER A. ECHEVARIA BRIGHTON^ HOSPITAL E. JOHNSTON H. SWIM T. MAYNES R. LORD J. RUBERY D. BURLISON J. LEVACK E. DELLAMANO J. CAREY MOBILE HOSPITAL M. D. PENRY J. G. HARRIS ARCHIE SANDY H. HUISMAN J. CARROLL T. J. FAITER M. COLLIER C. E. FOSTER WILLIAM FAWELEY E. L. MEYERS j. C.'KEEL U. S. MORGAN R. G. VARNON • .c •1 �Friday. April 25, 194V Union Structure THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Thre* In a majority of the SIU Ports, our membership hit the brick.s The combining of the business with these people, and assisted systems of the Branch and Head­ them in maintaining picketlines. quarters Office in the Port of It appears now that these peo­ New York is still in process. ple are really in for a tough go An entirely new business sys­ and unless something favorable tem of the Headquarters Office happens, it looks as though prettv and New York Branch has been soon the bosses are going to try laid down, and the completion of to starve them out. this job will possibly take a cou­ By J. P. SHULER, Secretary-Treasurer We will continue helping them ple of weeks or so. wherever possible, in line with As pointed out in the Head­ The only fund that the Union loading of the Organization with try to bust some of our contracts previous membership action. quarters Report to the member­ can operate from on a day to day an excess membership, such as simply because he either wants The Office Workers Union in ship at the last meeting, once business expenses is the General other Unions are now experienc- to look militant, or is gassed up, Brooklyn, New York, struck the this is completed it will save the Fund. We are now living with­ or is a shipowners' stooge in dis­ Union quite a bit of dough, as in the income of our General guise. • well as making for better Union Fund. M//1V This must—and will—stop im­ operations. We should, in the near future mediately, or those responsible Along with the change in the not only live within the general will answer to the membership . business system, there has also income, but to accumulate for same. been set up a rig to centralize larger amount of dough in this the issuance of various Union Panamanian Boycott fund, t h rough savings to the forms, stationery, etc., to all Union. ports. As reported to the last mem­ The Organization's expenses bership meeting, plans were com­ Shipping during the past few weeks have pleted over the past two weeks been reduced and will be re­ Some ports have recently un­ for a successful prosecution of duced even more. It is pointed dergone a shortage of key rated the Panamanian boycott, once it out to the membership that this men, epecially in the Black Gang ing, is that they must take jobs goes into effect. construction firm handling the Organization's income is not all on contracted ships when they and Deck Department. All Port Agents have been no­ Brooklyn Tunnel job, and scabs are open. tified of the strategy to be fol­ were breaking through their lines In several ports, it was neces­ lowed if and when this action this past week. sary to force permit men to take commences. West Coast Tankers rated Engine Room jobs to avoid We were successful in helping Local Port Committees will set them turn these particular finks issuance of new permits. The Pacific District and the up rules governing the actions All Port Agents are hereby Sailors Union of the Pacific (part in the Ports where this Pana- back. This strike is still in ef­ fect. instructed that, when crews are of the SIU), a while back, spent short on any contracted vessels over $100,000 to organize the and there are no book men avail­ west coast tankers. Organizational Activities able to take these jobs, permit Most of these vessels ,are now The Organizing Staff of the men are to be instructed to take operating from east coast and Union, in addition to their regijthese jobs as needed. gulf ports, and they supply not lar organizing duties, were in­ This is one way we can avoid only a large number of good jobs strumental in assisting Canadian overloading this Union and then for our membership, under the seamen knock over the India SS expendable money, as the ma­ suffering later with a shortage best tanker contract in the indus Company, Ltd., of Calcutta, con­ jority of the monie.'' collected go of jobs. Book members in the try, but in addition, income to sisting of six vessels and signed into special funds which can Atlantic and Gulf District of the the Union itself. them to a closed shop Waterman There have been several beefs only bo spent on special occa­ SIU are hereby notified that the contract. sions, to wit: strike, building, etc. sui'est way we can avoid an over- lately that some fellows riding This contract was signed in these ships, especially from some the name of the Canadian Dis­ of the Texas Ports, instead of trict of the SIU. The story was trying to live up to the contract manian boycott is to be pulled carried in last weeks LOG. on these scows, attempt, as much off. All Port Agents are notified In addition, the Organizers as possible, to hold up these ships to commence no action regarding working in the Port of Jackson­ and completely disregard the the actual tie-up until officially ville with the Canadian Repre­ contract, as negotiated between notified to do so by the Head­ sentative and the Jacksonville the SUP and these operators. quarters Office. Port Agent pulled a short strike This must stop immediately. According to a statement It is submitted that no sect­ This is going to be a big beef against the SS New North Wind, issued on behalf of all the ion of officers should be ex­ Unless it does, it could easily re­ and we must guarantee complete a Canadian Passenger ship, sail­ seafarers unions represented on cluded from the proposals. Pay­ sult in a complete loss to the SUP success of it by good timing and ing from Jacksonville to the Ba­ the National Maritime Board, ment for "nights on board" and of the time and money invested effectiveness of the tie-up. hamas. Further news of this par­ negotiations are now proceed­ rest periods before sailing are in the organization of these west ticular action will be made known ing on postwar wages and con- also included in the officers' pro­ coast tanker outfits, as well as later. Other Union Beofs cause a complete loss of the jobs tions of employment in the mer­ posals. We are demanding that these chant navy. 3. It is proposed that the that they now provide for the In accordance with the resolu­ people sign a regular SIU passen­ The following are the broad amount of annual leave to be Atlantic and Gulf District mem­ tion passed at the last meeting, ger ship contract for this vessel principles on which seafarers established, as such, should be bership. the Atlantic and Gulf District with our Canadian District. Crews are hereby instructed to donated $1,000 to the striking unions have based their claims without regard to the amount The SIU is now filing a brief, of leave that may accrue from cooperate with shoreside offi­ Telephone Workers. This money on the Isthmian case, which is to the shipowners: cials in settling disputes aboard was turned over to their Central 1. Proposals on wages are any other source. before the NLRB in Washington, these tankers and SIU officials Strike Committee in the Port of Payment for leave should be for the establishment of a new D. C. New York and was handled by basic rate and the elimination at basic rates p.lus subsistence Attorney Ben Sterling is hand­ them. allowance. Annual leave should of the war risk money. ling this case, and has handled it along with other NLRB work Rates submitted are related be accumulative. 4. Payment during sickness at of the union. According to the to and fully reflect the needs organizers, he did a good job in of 1947; in addition the exten­ home and abroad was introduced presenting our case before the sion of seniority payments for during the war, and it is now NLRB Examiner in the Port of officers and the introduction of proposed that there should be New York and states in his opin­ "efficient service" payments for proper provision made in the postwar agreement for continu­ ion that the prospects of an early ratings are included. certification look good. The near The Radio Officers have sub­ ing the principle. future will show whether this is 5. Bed and bedding, soap and mitted proposals for revision ^ BALTIMORE — The crews of correct or not. to the sliding scale method of towels, with adequate changes, Sterling has not been reim­ are also proposed to apply to all three ships in port this week payment. conti'ibuted $44.00 for distribu­ bursed for this work and will not 2. The unions are further home and foreign going vessels. are hereby notified to immed­ tion to Seafarers in the Marine be until such time as final dis­ 6. Proper catering arrange­ seeking to embody in the NMB iately put into place any. crack­ Hospital, John Taurin, chairman position is made of this case. agreement the principle of the ments for home trade vessels pot riding these scows who may of the hospital committee, re­ 48-hour week established in form part of the Charter and be advocating disregard for a ported. this involves the provision of Seattle in June 1946. ' Texas Disaster Union contract covering these The SS Robin Wentley men This will necessitate provid­ adequate catering staff in all vessels or any other anti- SIU gave $20.00, the SS Robert McAs reported by telegram last ing extra leave in compensa­ ships. actions on their part. week in the SEAFARERS LOG Burney crew $10.00 and the lads 7. Recognizing the unsatisfact­ tion for the seafarers' 56 hour The Atlantic and Gulf District from Galveston Agent D. L. Par­ on the SS Frederick Granby do­ week, as it is recognized that ory basis of employment in the of the SIU is possibly the only ker, no SIU men were killed in nated $14.00. ships, are at sea on a seven day merchant navy before the war, Union in the entire maritime in­ the Texas disaster. He further Brother Taurin presented each proposals dealing with continbasis. dustry that believes in and prac­ reported that the SIU in that area of the followng Seafarers in the *uity of employment have been On the direct regulation of tices economic action at the point Baltimore hospital with $3.00: is doing all it can to help those hours of duty, the proposals also agreed. Michael Walsh, Edmond L. people in the sections affected These ar^ designed to provide of production to force the opera­ provide for the operation of a tors to live up to contracts and Cain, W. Giles, William Bennett, by this blast. normal working day and the ab­ greater regularity of employ­ contractual conditions. In the event the future does Stan Rowe, C. Storf, O. Wheeler, olition of arrival and sailing ment and some payment to sea­ show that any SIU men were in­ This doesn't mean by any Wlliam J. Anderson, Paul Carlos. day clauses,' with payment for farers while awaiting appoint­ volved, every assistance will be stretch of the imagination, how­ I. Stone, C. Smmons, John Ap­ all hours worked in excess for ment to a ship. ever, that we are going to let given by this Organization to ple, Peter Lopez, W. Sauto and (International Transport ratings and extra leave for of­ the families concerned. some screwball or union saboteur Ernest Sidney. Workers Federation) ficers. "REPORT, British Seamen Negotiating For New Working Agreement Three Crews Contribute $44 Hospitalized �rtWay. April 25. 19^ WallStBnws Before UFE; Will Arbitrate THS Page To"' - *rew SavedAs Great Isaac, ioran WOran Tug, 6, Sinks In Crash . , KEW YORK ,g Gre&t and hot CO ec men. SOCKS distributed J",he New Jer- the eies of clothing --e^djti The ^ ^^%rZ-t v IRCV she was,^. eY coast sooi i. . representing ^,joe presiWilliam A. . Confe'c.°^W^o^• k^'e r s International tioneiy representing labor. '''°'Vn\rof blankets were "T"'the atari of negotiations r,v A M. Kidder, rethe company, A. -hitration. fused to would This obstinate poarOoh^ have led to jkStock, Cuib, union conchanges, since -r^^ug Kidder tended that i^^Xotual bewould have been me cause ol the PPae'b^ty 1 acting business thiougi raf AS sonal effects. i-cturned '%r'5^»0^^o„i^Bandehhnte The Seafaji to Pier 6, East gft^.-noon the Bande.rant ^--'^'°V'^C0.nPany"-'following the SlU V„"* TaTTst".c« New Votk went immediate > and lifeboats Hall to «!"' u io,, representa- for Cuba. •"i'taki "towly the coast HonIn"ecu.°U contponsation tot iZit. day afte,- the crash. N, o •Merman Hardel, Adrian Jonas (laHl. f'sa personal cHoc'a Sealarets Adrian j, „ orew -whoso P Mossnran, aro.pp. Thoy wore » ""'.'"""rhfram"'"'the time of tne r- The Patrolmen Say- r fertSoMo'tnsa engine TTe generousity of fhrshi;-- adoard the Jflorts of "j,''jBe'"rash''were 'To"ate™When he spotted ° tug he signalled for eed astern. Seafarer [•ooklyn, ^•^••. as on r°TfhVc°reTo^he members ° j^r their """-5r;r!o:n r, ;",tireVlislon oe- ^,,o tie room wheri ttec trrcd. told «hc ^^^ ho ex- ro„h our bomes core able a'm '"T", ther was plenty of loded as thei team" caused by ^othhead and ng through the b^ ;plashing up on „ "The lights w geafarer, "™''.T,t -tm on •oi' "and I T poriside bulkI looked to Ibe P m head and saw watei at me. rieht out of • T hot-footed It , i,;- he there and went up on Albert McCabe. °»»- fiund our families Alfonso (Sandy) Sandino Feustino (Tino) Pedraso Isaac's -9-%7"";,^erienced crash occurred. occurred; exp__ ggrs crash his first mishap m r .hoard Moran tugs. • Usten. you cmP^T'hf sriX '"-ecrew— The orewmeinhm — ^hXy'can't stand 1 contacted the under mutual Stock """" V i"S^ csn-t stand a 1 mission to P^\|. could fly m -n; io -that he could t.y oTrikc. -e a strike. Jbey They iuri J ^ d-Cial. I For 1947 Season "" On " 6reat Lak •or lUf ,ckes to blast furtfkAAIt The -ar i5« .„.m lin Iff K21L nmving to 1 down the ttXc^sSn:,^mgh— murk shrouded opera.T criW calmly inwer- campaign on on the Lrihrs ^ As- and a quick payo man, he was met with torrent want. of abuse. 1 "Sure, I'R draw," cause it m .,nd every commod^ won't 1 should close u^yuld close. R best liberal eduea- rZrrto bottoms in ' * the large -Mlir number pue to th ,1 ships in ,j hoots Iwhff fnhois about_^J^^/-Tc 'T "on S»rf«s. tha H.W " " scbedvlP of bouts on a new sbippitg. for hours are: From The new '"""^p^day from p. day from 10 f° ®' of the iron or every ten b:rofofXm:fn the united States. STOCK PILING , a FViat 75,000,000 _ JaSirrrbehreught why. Be- e Arnerican rich. P.T'! Snck have. Assuming "NP' "f tfcoast Guard and Exchange and it (charges to^tbe Coas^^^^^ ,„hange^ah^ I you'fr forfeit all wages ma e change and th wouldn't wringing its ^uring the voyage. ,, at- ton Exchanges clos ^^^^^^ make one hit of a g^s exshocked by ^be Cap as _ the L^ude, the ,.5 cabin, business unufactured, peddling Lemher left tbe to country. Tf'er the When Y^hen the worn g"^ „Mtimers ol^^timers ^any automobiles ma would crew, some of the r e w"ouun-t he one "r'auSy no'ided the dbocd- The r ^as aboard ^^^^ard events, of events. pound less 01 ^rti"t-iefs ^meTab aold- "f^°pgeulating, gambling tell it. 1 war dispatcMU |this ficial this speculat™^^^e,^ spe ^^^^dn't hurt Sif'andffte/a short lecture t^.-oir^nCQ IS. f^Lrp^ii. mAT.r.'uirtbrTB UnclGiiGcd 663** trrm%eratim^^^^^^ aS^ii f 1 teU ^ y ^ ^ industry wil carry micieub - - - »b= '.3 -:. "1„rr:f ^ _J 1receivingeverything you LCA is . While tbe LCA ^^ hands over tbe hug McCabe saW the ckpcctaUo^^^^ „a,urally, proi»s. pected to D&C Lines, which a tale of Seafarers jage drive them out ..anrTthe. -TTUrngT^ -CA, the BadTo'a pSetime „cord record - -' T, ThVir clothing. ed to handle a P freight, son on Lake Erie. nus parts ^^as of 160 ''^bllioii tm ^3 man ^ seas and an increase ^vhich was the ugh on the made e men ^biveic^^ Bandeirante, hig^esryca: in peacetime hisicir way cearchlightaear bi uided by hei umhed Jacob's ''"H is expecWd^^that,^^^^^^^^^ The rded the .Normonths m jjg.„ ;Sa? ?«i^"er where they B.P9%b ^ J'isid to call with a f°'""J?„ing the record York Hall notify '.oaf the lakes bad 589 HEW HOURS I tract yy'idm „ p p o r t was also T»Tr Mv noiTiina- i oniion and one NEW ^ORK meanest 1 pledged for this seamen 'es%o tbe Master of thousand whKc •skipper goes „ jfjc Tankers, were ready fo necessary, the SS Echota ^.^^^Nines as oon n His treatment o for Another hoo ^n her who bad credit employes moi^^ Former leaving the ship tbe unexpected ^ .^uardia, to a man /ntiustea York ^ f ular Sunday command of a g into speaking on the employes of When the Echota Paied mto in transit, ' one o c^tnck. Cotton, i.„„oiicp Bayonne. tn « . J o^ telosvsn'i brothers re^jvo ^irn fSe'l-k Chant:'hrms can-t from bis fam J died -and stand a strike. r,d'lc''buNed the following "DON'T BE AFRAID" rs. C?"- W^^w^uld like to lake McCabc of Qiler who tug's en- BEHIND THE SCENES ' ma; was probably inThe comPOPy " fluenced to oac happened ^''Tange and with the Cotton Exchang . SlU assistance. ^"e ^ ^ ^bnland el50whove^ ach.eve^ .World's w oria s Meanest SEATBAIN HAVANA CBEW —« was The following message was at the Galveston received e Seafarers Branch from who were enabled "J ^te's^hoTn" but the freight- 1 channels. company 1 Later, howevei, ^^.ged to ! changed its mmd ,„e make concessions wnicn J'cceptable to the unron. —— ' II0 TIC E1 °"he3, the Ban- n reSrt:ofDun and^Bradstree. Pl'^"7.;/the nights sleep, rtoSc.°anw/hu:.. with made ready 1° ^..jth two BOTdSante at 10:50 P>ta. The ,hove the water holes in 7:30 the next hne. stood b j^^„,an morning , «ead, arrived Woloo" in a tug. the Ttmidad^^Uty ship ^„hich the thick fogcrewmembers to toko o Thomas M. ^ towing. None of Worst Great Isaac 1 Maritime ,^Yere serious > vernie The Great Isaac a casualty ^ N.C.. ^vho Cross of Asn ^.^^ht "cnng a life- sounded . Al(rD.''whiWside, -e veceivcd ito^aP.,.^Cn«» heftippfefCem-'lhSS one hU. u,,, r);rr%7--> - "So don't be you're going t B ^^^i, ig ber got bB P^,^;^uneral. the national ecoplane m tim captain told ness of nr • the Due to it can be one case where nomy 01 the Q,. the the crewmernbei, , affected plainly seen fba having health or fbe -industry wouldnt cipating thejIea'U one bttle iota. public senthe tuinea^^^ With this type l^f«f'-VW.Sh:it Coast Goard funerak to attend his i^nut timent oxpre^ I knowledge fbat tha [ How low can a man SI •Tmwded bonatifirmly hohm prepared another? i, impossible » All ,,,„ .tory hod a happy Although riheko the J The company was to strike. The :rmL-th. will -apTam that things riurne^^ out l „ reverse .men, sU-ongiy lorcalio «versh'^1.; sTm^s^Tthrtrrbt rtX*o:^->.omovl. ,e owner, horn \ j.d. In e.„T,Te« collect krollect. , •„ Ltiil stands as the WO express v«»«4>ni Gaar ^SwiM. lest SkiPPor. «,iU be disposed *)f J / „ean-ltho Now York's finan- intrenched m 1 oonaaloslcial district. •;-k �Friday. April 25. 194T T HE S E AP ARERS LOC Page Fire Keeping Up Momie Of The 'Hello Girls' A picket line is the same sll over. It's walking up and down, around and around, covering the same route all day long until the strike is over. The two pictures above are of the telephone workers picket- lines, reinforced by white-capped Seafarers. On the left. New York, and on the right, Detroit. Members of the SIO on the Great Lakes took time out to demonstrate with their Brothers and Sisters who are Gree.t Lakes Seafarer Andy Heis demonstrating that' well' known unionsolidarity with an attractive Sister unionist from the striking Detroit Telephone Workers Union. More than 20 Seafarers marched on the line with the strikers;; It did a lot to keep their morale at a high pitch. trying to force the American Telephone and Telegraph Company to bargain honestly. It's a hard pull, but the telephone workers are assured of SIU support until the strike is over. The sign carried by the Seafarer in the picture says "White Caps Off To The Phone Workers." That's the way SIU members feel about the courage of the-men and women who, with little real union experience, are putting up a good fight against one of the richest corporations in the world. % % % Besides New York and De­ troit, Seafarers are also adding their might to other picketlines set up by the phone workers. Pictured here are scenes in New Orleans where a Coordin­ ate Strike Committee has been set up with SIU officials play­ ing a prominent part in the planning and strategy. On the right, leaders of the. picketline stop a minute to have their pictures taken. It was one of the few times they halted their marching all day. Left, a pret­ ty picketer stands near the bronze plate of the southern subsidiary of AT&T. The names of the companies are changed in different parts of the United States, but the control is the same. The unions have had to put up a real battle to keep their ranks solid, but in the face of many obstacles they are determined to fight this issue through to a successful conclu­ sion. i, 4, i. �Page Six THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, April 25. 1947 Houston Lives Up To Its Name As The 'Port With A Future' By CHARLES HAYMOND HOUSTON — The officials in this Port are getting a slight, .but well earned rest, after a few weeks of hectic shipping. So many ships have been crewed up down here that Hous­ ton is known to the Brothers who ship out of here regularly as the "Port With The Future." The activity of the past few weeks has slowed down some­ what, but when least expected the mad rush will start all over again. Let it, as we are always ready for anything that happens. So many of the oldtimers are coming in now that the Hall is beginning to look like a junior Snug Harbor. of bushes and stuck a rod in his ribs. He asked the seaman for his money, and the fellow answered that he didn't have any dough. The • thug then asked, "What union do you belong to?" The man answered, "The NMU." Whereupon the bandit shrug­ ged his shoulders, and said. Aw. hell, the tin can shakers have already held you up. Here's a buck, sailor. Go have a beer on me." There's more truth than poe­ try to that one. An oldtimer in from Balti­ more last week informed every­ one that on April 7 he had marked 30 years as a seaman. Another oldtimer stepped up quietly and informed all present that he had started sailing in 1905, and in all that time had never belonged to any but AFL Unions. On leaving the Hall, he turn­ ed to the fellow who started the whole business, and said, "So long, youngster." Brothers, what does that make us who have been sailing for only ten to fifteen years? LCA Floods Lakes With Now Men NO NEWS?? In Attempt To Stop Seafarers Silence this week from Ihe Branch Agents of the follow­ ing ports: BALTIMORE SAN JUAN SAVANNAH CHICAGO JACKSONVILLE CftARLESTON MOBILE By HENRY CHAPPELL TOLEDO — Despite the var­ ious moves of different legislat­ ive bodies, nati'onal and state, and despite all kinds of anti­ union propaganda in the press and on the radio, the SIU organ­ izational drive rolls merrily along. Proof of this lies in the fact that the SIU has already pet­ itioned the NLRB to conduct elections in five different com­ panies. Once these unorganized Lake.s seamen see hovv SIU ships are run, and how SIU crewmembers are protected by SIU contracts, job security and competent union representation, they want to be­ come SIU members. They want contracts with everything written down, not the empty promises of the ship­ owners which are constantly broken. Most of these unorganized Lakes outfits find out what the SIU men are receiving in the line of pay, and then they come out with the same. However, all of this is chiselled back from the men in the overtime that they are gypped out of, and the inferior conditions under which they are forced to work and live. Only an SIU contract guar­ antees SIU conditions. HUNTER HUNTED The Brother with the Pepsodent grin, Mickey Wilburn, the The deadline for port re­ Dispatcher, turned up a real Sad ports, monies due, etc., is the Sack recently. It seems* that Monday proceeding publica­ Mickey and a few of the Broth­ ers decided to go coon hunting. tion. While every effort will The Brothers got the coons, be made to use in the current but Mickey was treed by a LCA SCHEME issue material received after North Pole Kitten, and a sharpIn a desperate effort to sty­ that date, space commitments shooting one at that. He got a mie the Seafarers' organizational generally do not permit us to dose of perfume that was not program on the Great Lakes, do so. manufactured in Paris. the Lake Carriers Association Even after bathing in Life­ has resorted to the usual tac­ buoy Soap, when he came into tics of going inland, advertising the Hall the next day 28 Book in the local papers, and trying members, 17 tripcard men, and to recruit men for their ships. one permit man took a whilT of They cry about the shortage the aroma and slowly left the The long distance phone strike of men on the Lakes and tell pear that there wll be any ap­ By JOHN MOGAN building. preciable let-up to the current is still on, and the local girls of the high wages which may BOSTON — Shipping and boom. The only break we are are doing all right. A tarpaulin muster was taken, be earned, as bait for their and enough money was collected business continue to boom in getting is that some of the Another strike close by the hooks. to buy five ounces of Christmas the Port of Boston and in the Waterman ships, which were The LCA wants a surplus of outports up this way. The Sim­ scheduled to get their cargoes Hall is that of the Warehouse­ men, who have been picketing men on the Lakes so that they mons Victory and the Billings in Maine ports, have been di­ the Quincy Market for some can hammer down the wages of Victory (Watermans) paid off verted and will take on pota­ time, with no signs of a break the organized men, cut their in Maine ports, the former in toes and wheat in Boston in­ yet. conditions, and break the union Portland and the latter in Sears- stead. But the telephone strike has if possible. This is an old port. This development will not an­ a direct effect on the SIU in scheme of the Steel Trust and The Niantic Victory and the noy Patrolman Jimmy Sweeney, that the bills for the Union other open shop operators, and Wacosta Victory (both Water­ who has been up in Maine so branches this month should be will fail through the active op­ man) paid off in Boston. Both much recently he has acquired practically nil. position of the SIU. of these latter ships had been what would pass for a State of Well, that about ends the re­ The SIU can and will force out four months, and the beefs Maine accent. port from Boston from this the LCA to live up to all safety were piled high on them. Then, also, the passenger ships week. So long as everything laws and government regulations However, everything was set­ on the Yarmouth run will be - VcteofiT goes as well with shipping and whereby certain lengths of ser­ tled satisfactorily, including a starting soon (the Evangeline is business as during the past few vice time must be proven before ^ . ... ,., beef on the Wacosta concerning now on delay), plus the excur­ weeks, it is still safe to. adver­ new men can perform certain Night perfume, which was Iiber. , , ..r „ • J J TT 1, I the Mate working on deck with sion boats to Nantasket and the tise to the membership that one duties aboard the ships. ally sprinkled around the Hall. ' . . i « loo A VAA, u J iv/r- 1 the gang — for a total of 188 moonlight sails. can almost take his pick as to A little was showered on Mick- , The SIU was in the vanguard hours. So it looks like a busy sum­ type of ship, run, color of mate's of fighting for these safety laws, ey. The old Tristam Dalton (Bull) mer season for everybody. hair, etc. and we'll make sure that no ALL POLITICIANS was rechristened the Rosario, And for a special few, it can phony outfit like the LCA takes Everybody in this neck of the j called for a full crew and sailed also be advertised that the nags them away from us and enwoods runs for Senator, but — but short about four men. All/ ^A\/ORir^ are running at Suffolk Downs! dangers the lives of the seamen. The Jean (Bull) is berthed in even in this land of Lee (Pass the biscuits, Pappy) O'Daniel, a St. Johns, N.B., still calling for an Oiler. new record has been set. All the other stuff in transit In this district a State Sen­ ator was called to meet the seems to be sailing light and. Great Redeemer, and so a spec- unfortunately, even after the ial election has been set to fill Patrolmen determine that there are jobs available, and say jobs the vacancy. By FRANK MORAN Well, Brothers, here's the rub. are posted on the board, there BUFFALO—The vessels which ships were not what they were Forty-five candidates announced are still no takers. were ready to inaugurate the led to believe. their intention of running for JOBS GO BEGGING 1947 failing season from the Various members of these office, two dropped out, leaving Rated jobs are still going beg­ Port of Buffalo have been forced crews, notably among the un­ a field of one female, and fortyThe manpower problem with two rolling pin catchers—males ging on the ships which paid regard to rated men in becoming to remain at their Winter moor- rated men, have been forced to off here. ngs for a while longer owing to quit their jobs because of the to you. At this writing it doesn't ap- acute. How long shipping will a shortage of fuel. slave driving tactics employed Not one of the candidates has continue at its present rate is come out openly and endorsed Impatient ship Masters, who by the lords and masters of naturally a question mark; but these vessels. labor. Perhaps they believe, if transfers to foreign registry would have made an early at­ JOIN SIU like O'Daniel, that the working are forbidden — and these trans­ tempt to force a passage through These fellows constantly drop man can get along okay on a fers of American ships are be­ the ice barrier at the breakwall, Department Delegates into the SIU hall to find out pair of overalls and $1.50 per ing fought by the Maritime have been prevented by the should check to see that all what they could do about it. We day. Trades Council and will be shortage of bunker coal. overtime is turned in 72 hours pointed out to them that by They ought to be ashamed of fought to a finish — there is no before the ship is scheduled To plow a passage into Lake joining a fighting organization themselves fbr pretending that reason to believe the SIU will Erie and then run out of fuel like the SIU-AFL and helping to dock. But this does not labor doesn't exist. The AFL is suffer any hardship. mean to hold the overtime half way to then destination to bring these ships under the down here to stay, and is be­ until then. POSITION SOUND. was a situation which the Skip­ Seafarers' banner, that they can coming more and more import­ pers would not care to face. As soon as penalty work We have not been as reckless remedy these conditions. ant in the picture. is done, a record should be as other unions in the issuing Somewhat heartened by look­ In covering the local water­ PITY NMU MEN given to the Department of books, , so that our position front here, we've run into a ing over different SIU contracts Here's a story we heard that head, and one copy held by today is a sound one — provid­ number of disillusioned crews which cover Lakes companies, we would like to pass on. It the man doing the job. In ed we can fulfill dur present who have found out that steam- these unorganized men left the seems that a seaman was walk­ that way there is less chance agreements. This is our prob­ boating on the Great Lakes and SIU hall resolved that the next ing down a dark street when a for things to get fouled up. lem at the moment, and a prob­ the conditions under which they ship they shipped on would one gunman jumped out of a clump lem which is fairly easy te solve. work and live on unorganized day shortly be in the SIU. No Sign Of Shipping Slump In New England Area I J Ships Ready To Move At Buffalo; Wait Only For Full Fuel Supply On Overtime �Friday, April 25. 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG TWO VIEWS OF THE SEATftAIN NEW YOHK Page Seyea Write, Don't Go Off To Buffalo For A Berth By ALEX McLEAN BUFFALO—Although we still have miles of ice from Buffalo Harbor far into the blue of Lake Erie, the vessel.*! here are all humming with activity. AH hands ore aboard, and they're rarin' to go. All forward and aft end men aie aboard the four Browning ships at Erie. Pa., and .Sonoma is crewed up at Port Colborne, Ontario. These pictures of the Seatrain New York were sent in from Philadelphia, where the vessel was crewed up. Four Seatrains are in operation at this time, plying between New Orleans and New York. All four ships crewed up in Philadelphia, since the work of converting them was done in Chester, Pa. But there is little likelihood that any one of them will ever see Philly again. Soon Havana, Cuba, will be added to the run, and that sounds like a good trip for all Seafarers who like the land of rum and coke, end then into New Orleans for that famous cook­ ing. ' USS Tries Canshaking In Philly But Past Record Is Against Them GOOD FEEDING The fit out crew is now aboard the SS Canadian, and Steward Freeman Bradley should be able to turn out some fancy cooking on his new oil burning range. By EDDIE HIGDON PHILADELPHIA — There was a little fire in the United Sea­ men's Service hotel here last week, and the USS officials are trying to put the arm on seamen to raise money for repairs. We can all remCmber that the USS played ball with the NMU, and has always been antagonistic toward the SIU. In order to got a loan from that outfit a man had to get a slip signed by the Port Agent, certifying that the applicant is a deserving meniber. The USS was informed time and again that signing such slips was against the policy of the SIU, but they always had a smirking smile for a reply. Good Shipping Gleans Out Port Arthur If some of ihe rated men in some of the other ports would drop me a card with their name and address. I might be able to ship them in the near future. This doesn't mean to pack up I your gear and head for Buffalo. Contact me first, and I'll let you know the details. Now the shoe is on the other foot, and we would like to see how they feel being told that the SIU "men, will not allow bumming aboard SlU-contracted ships. When the USS was at the height of its power, it didn't need the SIU, and all over the world the Pilot was given a place of honor, while the LOG was buried or thrown out. The best idea is for SIU mem­ bers to keep their dough in their "LONGING FOR THE SEA" could bg the name of ibis picture. And Daniel Flintjer, shown above, may be doing ex­ actly that. Dan is an oldtime seaman, who is retired at this lime. He is a professional photographer, and took the two pic­ tures above and pictures for the Philadelphia Branch. Now the problem is, who took this picture of Dan Flintjer? • The bod}' of Brother Edward Kolukusky, Book No. 3901, was removed from Buffalo Harbor, and was shipped to his parents' home at Kingston, Pa. Payment of the S200 Burial Fund was made to his parents. As for the .SIU organizing cam­ paign in this Port, it is going along nicely under the able hands of Frank Moran, assisted by George llendrick. These fellows are doing their job so well that yours truly, is kept busy all day long answer­ ing one stock question, "Is this where I can join the SIU?" It means that most of the young sailors are union-minded, and are going for the union of their choice—the SIU! Great Lakes Seamen Responding To Invitation To Visit The Seafarers' Hail In Cleveland pockets, and let the chiselers do their can-shaking someplace else. Lakes completely organized un­ Kelly Island. They're regulars. By STANLEY WARES By LEON N. JOHNSON We have contacted all the un­ der the SIU banner. The SS Arrowhead, flagship of PORT ARTHUR — Most of ions along the waterfront in re­ CLEVELAND—With the first the Cleveland and Canada SS With SIU contracts. Lakes our business down here consists gards to the Panamanian busi­ month of the SIU organizing Company, .should be ready and seamen will have job security, of ships in transit which come ness, and their response is very drive now a matter of history, calling for a crew about the first' competent union representation, in to load or unload. Every heartening. We can expect their the response of the unorganized of next month. She'll start her job seniority, and the many good now and then, however, we get wholehearted support, especially Great Lakes seamen has been so daily run to Canada on May 15, conditions that come with an a big run on jobs, and before from the Longshoremen. good that it's a sure sign that and will be another addition to SIU contract. we kn,ow it every man on the Shipping is still good, and in it won't be too long before every the many Lakes vessels sailing Travelling along the river here beach has shipped. common with most other SIU ship on the Lakes will be sail­ under the SIU banner. That's the way it was in this Ports, we are short rated men. ing with SIU crews and under in Cleveland, you sure can tell As our organizing campaign that the 1947 season is well un­ past week, and from the looks SIU contracts. We expect to payoff three wins more and more jobs and der way. Out of the thirty odd of things, that's the way it's ships early next week, so if any­ Taking us up on our invitation ships laid up here all winter only members, it will be the exception going to continue for quite some body in the outports wants to to visit SIU halls and see for for a ship not to be an SIU con­ a handful remains. time. ship, Philly is the place for him. themselves how the SIU oper­ Some SIU contracted vessels tracted one. We're really on our Of course, we still have lots ates, and asking as many ques­ ALL SET ON BOYCOTT are visiting here quite regularly way now, and nothing's going to of ships that come in and go out tions as they like, is the very The crew of the Cape Breton, now. Among these are the Mead stop us from making the Lakes without taking on a man such thing that quite a few unor­ as the SS Murry M. Blum, the Bull Line, can collect 8 hours ganized seamen have been doing bringing autOT"from Detroit, and an SIU stronghold, with every the sand boats—the Hvdro and Lakes seaman a Seafarer. SS George Chaffey and the SS overtime for Good Friday, as it lately. Maiden Creek, which paid off in was a Longshoremen's holiday The door is still open for you I in Philadelphia. Call at the Bull Beaumont. fellows who haven't dropped in Line office in New York for the The SS Victory Loan blew in on us as yet. Stop by your near­ here after crewing up on the money. The beef regarding stowaways est SIU hall, and pay us a visit. "West Coast, and most of the By J. S. WILLIAMS Still up to their old tricks of crew got off and headed back working on deck of the SS Henry CORPUS CHRISTI — Between ers, and the Celilo, Pacific Tank­ W. Beecham, Waterman Steam­ luring young men to the Lakes home. To meet this emergency we ship" Corhpany, has also been with phony promises of good pay this Port and Brownsville, I ers, here in transit. Both ships had to scour every "relaxing settled. This money can be col­ and jobs, the Lake Carriers Asso­ have been kept moving as fast were covered and everything is shipshape aboard them. spot" in town, but we finally lected by writing to the com­ ciation is creating a surplus of as a weathervane in a high An Isthmian ship was in, and succeeded in getting together a pany's New York office, 19 Rec­ unrated men. wind. The William Carson put the entire crew is pro-SIU, just tor Street. full crew. After they get these fellows to in at Brownsville, and she final­ waiting for the big day when Now the town is deserted, at Brother Tilley, our Patrolman, the lakes, the LCA drops them ly set off for Germany with no the, SIU will be declared the least so far as merchant sea­ claims that the R. N. McNeeley, like a hot potato, and leaves beefs aboard. official winner of the bargaining men are concerned. We need South .'^.tlantic Steamship Com­ them on their own. The Miner C. Keith, Water­ election. men, so why not come down to pany, was the cleanest payoff SIU SECURITY man, also lit out for Germany With all that's happening, Port Arthur to ship out. that he has ever seen since he there isn't much time to write all squared away. The only way tkat this phony That last sounds like the became an official. He wants to reports, but we wil try to do In the tanker line, we had the Chamber of Commerce i^iel, commend the Delegates and practice can be stopped, and better, in the future. Wolf Creek, Los Angeles Tankstopped for good, is to have the doesn't it? crew. \ Corpus Christi Kept On The Hop �Page Eight THE SEAFARERS LOG Shipping Maintains Its High Pace In New York; Seafarers Have Their Choice Of Ships And Runs Friday, April 25. 1947 Gets Medal Douglas Crew Takes Action On Performers larger ship to handle the run New Orleans for an idenfinite ' to Bermuda when they start up period. NEW YORK — For over a again next year. With the wholesale withdraw­ month we've been reporting By JOHNNY JOHNSTON The Evangeline, Eastern, will al of ships from the boneyards, good shipping and a shortage of NEW ORLEANS — The SS rated men. Well, the flurry of be out of Boston and in opera­ some of the companies have Stephen Douglas, Mississippi tion about May 1, so, we can, called for crews for ships fresh shipping is still riding at high Steamship Company, paid off out of lay-up. Instead of hav­ expect her to absorb most of tide and the call for rated men here last week, and the crew ing the ships cleaned up and the Washington's Stewards De­ in the Deck and Engine Depart­ had everything in order and made shipshape, they want the partment. ments still stands. ship shape for the next gang. crews to sign on the same day The other Eastern vessel, the If you want to look them It wasn't left up to the heads they report aboard. over, New York is the place Yarmouth, is good for another of the departments to tell some Ships fresh from the boncyard where there is a good variety of two or three trips on the Nassau members of the crew that the ships and destinations to choose run and then she will be laid are always dirty and filthy and men who were going to stick insufficiently stored. How thej' from, so come on down and up in Boston for twenty days. with the ship would not sail expect us to take ships out in look over the bill of fare on the During her lay-up the Black with performers and gashounds. second deck. Gang quarters will be changed. such condition is beyond me, At the payoff, a meeting was Down on the waterfront, at This has been an old beef with but they keep right on trying held, and these so-called ship­ the point of production, the Pa­ this company, as the present to have us do it. Above is Thomas DiFazio. mates who got drunk in every trolmen have been kept on the quarters are small and during They should realize that we Chief Steward, with the medal poit and left their work to be ball paying off and signing on rough weather the portholes cannot go for our members cmd citation he was awarded done by other crewmembers cannot be opened for fresh air. signing on these scows until ships. for meritorious service during were told to hit the dock. they are cleaned up, and that We had the Purdue Victory, Some of them thought that the war. SAME FOR SISTER takes a hell of a lot more time Waterman, in port during the they would be able to make past week, and she was a fine another trip, and they felt that The Boston Agent is seeing to than one day. example of an SIU ship — no it that the same repairs will be they were getting a raw deal. SHIPPING RULES beefs and in fine shape. The A few of them are oldtimers Patrolmen reported that it was who have the idea that their Although the shipping rules a pleasure to pay her off. full books entitle them to do as are supposed to be thoroughly they please. But they found out understood by everyone, misAlso paid off during the week diffei-ently. takes and misunderstandings was the Span Splice, Alcoa. still occur at times. There were a few minor beefs ACTION URGED that were cleared up in quick Recently it was brought to Every ship that comes in here By RAY WHITE time. Other wise the Span my attention by the delegates of has something in the minutes Splice was in fine shape, and a ship in transit that a Patrol­ about fining the gashounds who NORFOLK-—Shipping in Nor­ 100 percent better than the last man told a man he could lake a folk is still booming. The lack stagger aboard ship just about time she paid off in New York. promotion without making a of rated men is a big problem, the time the shipping commisfull trip. but to date we have been able siont r is ready to leave. BACK TO GOVT. They come on roaring drunk, This was checked and it was to crew every ship efficiently The George Washington, which found to be an error, and that enough so they could be sailed. and then they demand that the Alcoa has been operating under the Patrolman had not made the The coal ships are beginning Patrolman foi'ce the Skipper to charter, is being turned back to promotion. to move again after a slow pay them off. the Maritime Commission by Brother Red Hancock was the No rated man can be piomot- down for the past two or three the company. The old ship has' made on the Evangeline before ed aboard ship unless he has months. Ship Delegate on the Douglas, seen a long string of operators she comes out of Boston. and he can be proud of the job made a full trip. If he is un­ This is good news to many of since the days she was run If none of the ships mentioned rated he must clear through the the local boys who usually have he did. down the ways for Eastern The New Orleans Branch als..above sound appealing to you, Dispatcher in the Hall. two or three gals waiting for Ste&mship Company in 1923. wants to take this opportunity to there will be a number of tank­ If these simple rules ai-e fol­ them in the foreign ports where thank Brother Hancock and The reports here have it that ers coming into New York dur­ lowed there shouldn't be any these ships touch regularly. Freimanis for the radio they Alcoa is looking around for a ing the coming week, so you There are four or five Moran trouble with this section of the donated to the Hall. men who have a passion for shipping rules. tugs sailing out' of here fre­ tankers will have plenty of jobs quently. These are good jobs, I've received a notice from the to choose from. homesteading them. Arnold Bernstein Steamship Of course, this doesn't apply The Seatrains have changed Company that the retroactive their Gulf port of Texas City pay covering the six per cent to the newcomer who happens since the terrible explosions and increase will be ready for pay- to snag one. He usually comes disaster. The Seatrains now find | ment on May 1, so hold off all back to the Hall complaining it impossible to hit that port applications to this company un- that somehow it's tough to keep food down after the vessel leaves and will make their stops at til that date. By STEVE CONROY the dock. That the "Brotherhood of the Maj'be these Brothers need ASHTABULA — With our or­ some of J. P. Shuler's seasick Sea" is not just a slogan, but is ganizational drive going along as a principle carried into practice? pills. per schedule in this port, the un­ by Seafarers at every turn was SAD. SAD STORY organized Lakes seamen are comdemonstrated once again this ,^ing in and signing up every day. Speaking of that brings back week with reports of contribu­ We just answer their questions, to mind a story, and 1 will use tions for the welfare of less for­ and show them how the SIU op­ a little bit of space to tell it. By PAUL WARREN tunate Brothers confined in mar­ erates, and they're convinced J. P. and 1 were on the same ine hospitals. DETROIT—Results of the Sea­ SS Wyandotte. These six ves­ ship, and after sailing, the pas­ that the SIU is their union, too. In Mobile, the crew of Al­ farers' intensified organizational sels will all be voted in the sengers rang continually for sea­ These fellows are really in­ coa's John H. Hollister turned in drive on the Great Lakes are near future. sick medicine. Shuler soon got $34.00 to be distributed among terested in SIU job security. beginning to pour in as crew tired of this, so he took .some their hospitalized Brothers. THEIR OWN CONTRACTS When it's pointed out to them after crew, aboard the ships of aspirin tablets, rubbed the name Crewmen contributing, according that SIU contracts give them the companies which we have al­ Tentative proposed contracts off, and sold them to the pas­ to the list received, were as fol­ right to fit out the same vessel ready petitioned the NLRB to have been circulated among the sengers. that they laid up the previous conduct elections on, register members of all Wyandotte and lows: Brother Eagleton, Rudy The surprising part of the Fall, they can sec one of the their approval of the SIU in no Huron ships, and they are being Keyvik, Cornell, Paedae, Silox, main benefits of SIU unionism. asked to criticize, suggest, or add story is that all the passengers H o r t o n , Christopher, Jordan, uncertain terms. to these proposals in any way felt a lot belter after taking the Campbell, George, Gill, Marshall, Most of them make some sort We are fully confident that the pills. That's "Doc" Shuler, all Ray Harris,' James Harris, J. F. of remark about the uncertainty SIU will win elections aboard they see fit. right. Under the Seafarers form of Dixon, Gavard, Crewes, Felix, of jobs aboard the open shop the ships of the Huron and Wy­ The affairs- of the Poi't are in the Chief Cook, Steve, J. H. ships, and how they are pushed andotte Transportation Compan­ union democracy, employees of good shape. We are now com­ Booker, Hickman, Burkett and around and forced to work un­ ies by a vote of 75 percent or the various unorganized com­ panies will help draft their new pleting plans to put into oper­ B. Musto. der poor conditions. better in favor of the SIU. contracts, and will be represent­ ation the recommendations of Also in Mobile, Seafarers R. They also remark about the Crewmembers of these ships ed on the negotiation commit­ the Agents Conference. Graham and W. J. Terry, serv­ Seafarers' full union representa­ have expressed themselves many Shipping for the future looks tees which sits down across the ing as a committee, collected tion of all members in their times as being in favor of a good, so come down to Norfolk $13.75 in behalf of men in hos­ bargaining table from the man­ beefs. short speedy election for the agement once the SIU is certi­ if you want to ship in a hurry. pitals from the following: L. Our Hall here in Ashtabula SIU with an SIU contract be­ fied as the bargaining agent. Galco, Newsome, D. M. Essary, Harbor, at 1027 Fifth, is now ing negotiated as soon as hu­ Raymond Graham, W. J. Terry, These unorganized Lakes sea­ functioning completely in all re­ manly possible thereafter. That's men will be a credit to the SIU "V. S. Marger, E. L. Meyers, R. spects, and we want all Seafar­ what they want, and that's what as new members, and certainly If you don'l find linen G. Varnon, "William Touley, E. ers and unorganized Lakes sea­ we're going to .see that they get! deserve a pat on the back for when you go aboard your L. Harvey, M. D. Penry, J. G. men to drop in on us at any time. There are two ships in the their militant rejection of the Halter, J. G. Harris, James Car­ ship, nolify the Hall at once. We're set up to service the Huron fleet—the SS S. T. Crapo LSA open shop conditions. Once roll. A telegram from Le Havre or members, and non-members are and the SS John W. Boardman. they're iri the SIU, they don't The Port of Boston reports Singapore won't do you any invited to drop in, a.sk any ques­ In the "Wyandotte fleet, there are have to worry any more be­ contributions from Brothers F. good. It's your bed an(l you tions, look the place over—and four vessels—the SS Alpena, SS cause they'll have SIU contract Bonnell and R. Matthews for have to lie in it. jojn up, if they wish. Conneaut, SS Huron, and the protection. men in the Marine Hospital. By JOE ALGINA Coal Ships Add To Norfolk's Shipping Boom New SIU Hall Functioning Well in Ashtabula Mobile, Boston Men Remember Hospitalized Unorganized Lakes Seamen Help Draw Up Proposed SIU Contracts . ATTENTION! �Friday, April 25, 1947 Marcus Hook A Fertile Field For The AFL By BLACKIE CARDULLO / THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Nine- Tatnpa Labor Girds For Fight With Open-Shop City Officials By SONNY SIMMONS Volunteer Organizers TAMPA — This labor-hating have all the men we need to man state of Flojida is trying to lead the ships down here, so each the country in the number of time we have to crew up a ves­ anti-union injunctions that are sel, it's a nip and tuck affair. being granted. But somehow, when the ship Through the Attorney General, sails, there are always sufficient Tom Watson, any injunction that men aboard to sail her. limits labor's rights is automat­ Of all the Branches, Tampa ically granted, even if it violates has the longest waterfront to the principles of the Constitu­ cover. Miami is 280 miles, Boca tion at the same time. Tom Watson, whose activities are well,known to the readers of the LOG, is continually harp­ ing on the advantages of the open shop. Every time he makes a speech before a Chamber of Commerce group, the newspa­ pers give him big quotes, and ne really eats it up. He has his eye on advancing himself to the Governor or may­ be even Senator, and he is sat­ isfied to this b.y stepping on the backs of the working men. If he achie\'es his ambition, labor in this state should hang its Gi ancle is 110 miles. Port Tampa 17 miles. Seddcn Island is an head. We ai'e banding together for out of the way place that has a finish fight, and everybody no transportation, so when talk­ from Tom Watson down is going ing about Tampa lemember the to have a battle at the next long stretch of waterfront. elections. Now there are several ships That means that Mayor Hixon. making the Seaboard docks for the Chief of Police, and all the phosphate, and that is a bad spot other guys who have given labor to get to. but we manage to a hard time here, are going to make e'cety ship that touches this Port. be fought tooth and nail. A long boyhood friendship MARCUS HOOK—From rer^'dmade Robert Morris, Oiler, and ing the reports of the success of Gilbert Clark, FWT, decide to the SIU in Marcus Hook in or­ go to sea together, but it was ganizing the seamen and in gain­ good militant unionism that ing the support of the towns­ made them decide to ship out people during our strike, one on an unorganized vessel. would believe that this is a solid Robert started sailing three union town. years ago, during the war. He The unfortunate truth is that made many runs to England and it is far from being that. Italy, and took his share of the Although the people in general sub attacks and bombing raids. are very sympathetic to us and He still has his fingers crossed are union-minded, in reality, the when he remembers how much number of unionists in Marcus luck was needed to come Hook is very small. There is a through all that without being crying need for unions in this wounded. city by the sea. About a year ago Bob went In Marcus Hook, the bartend­ home for a vacation. Like most ers and waitresses are unorgan­ ized, which is strange—for these groups are usually solidly union­ ROBERT MORRIS ized. In Wilmington, Del., the taxi It's sure true that an SIU ship drivers are without a union, in is a clean ship." fact, in Wilmington there are no OLD SALTS NOW unions of any importance out­ When questioned about their side of the Longshoremen and future plans, both stated defin­ Teamsters. itely that they expect to con­ This area is fertile ground for tinue sailing for many years to unions. The -people are definite­ come. ly interested and they showed "I can't quit," said Bob. "I their true spirit when, during tried to after a trip a while the 1946 SIU General Strike, all back, but I found myself back establishments from the highest on a ship within a few weeks, to the lowest threw open their and I was happier than when I NEW SCHEDULE INTO THE CAN facilities for our use. was on the beach." There is a definite need for The P&O Florida is down to The Chief of Police wants to "It's the same with me," chim­ the AFL in this town, and if ed in Gil. "After one trip I de­ run for Sheriff, but he has made such a schedule that it will be the AFL should come in here it cided that I would miss the sea it a practice to toss workers necessary to make her only would be the best thing that into the can for taking a few every two weeks, instead of if I ever left it now.'' ever happened to these people. Both Bob and Gill have prov­ beers, and his record of pushing every week as in the past. GILBERT CLARK It's a cinch the unions would en themselves to be good sea­ around pickets will lose him This will mean a big saving receive complete cooperation in seamen he comes from a little men, and good SIU members. plenty of \'otes' in the coming for the organization now that their organizational drive. town, far inland. In ths case it They both are certain that the election. the Miami Hall has been closed He sees the handwriting on SIU is the best Union for sea­ is Eldorado, Illinois. down. To make the Florida, WHERE, OH WHERE the wall, and he is a very un- takes three days, one going men. and they are prepared to He got to talking to his buddy, Shipping, wc are happy to re­ happy guy. there, one spent doing the job, port. is excellent. We're in need Gilbert Clark, and was so en­ do all in their power to in­ Port busine.ss is hitting on all and the third day for the re­ crease the strength and power thusiastic about the life of a of men, but where they will twelve cylinders now. We don't turn trip. come from is beyond us, for it seaman, that when he left to of the Seafarers. ship |out again, his buddy was We're sure glad to be able to seems good shipping is the story with him. cut it down to every other week in eveiV port. They went to Norfolk where from here on in. An example of the acute short­ All hands down this way are age of men in Marcus Hook is Gilbert got a tripcard, and then enthused about the outcome of illustrated by the case of Char­ he started waiting around for a ship. Bob could have sailed any the Agents' Conference and the lie Simmons. time since he had a full book, Convention. Isthmian is also Charlie came into town for a By ED LARKIN but he preferi-ed to wait for his a popular topic of conversation, week-end vacation from the Bal­ partner. MILWAUKEE — The Port of If this had been an SIU ship. and with the many sm.all com­ timore Marine Hospital, but he panies that have come under our Milwaukee looks okay, and the the men would have received couldn't convince the Dispatcher TRY FOR ISTHMIAN ships are starting to come in now. overtime for their work, and I banner in the past months, the that he was just in town on a Finally they had a long talk, visit. As a result the Dispatcher and the upshot was^ that they Crews aboard the ships in the doubt that they would have had fellows have plenty to talk Harbor will be glad to s'tart mov- to paint the stack. Since the about. tried his darnest to shanghai decided to try for an Isthmian ing again, and to get on the move Trust ships aren't organized, 19 Charlie aboard a ship. ship so as to be together, and do is their main objective. men quit their jobs. ASK CHARLIE what they could to organize Organizing is going well here. Police in this town have been I've always been telling you Isthmian. I ran into a poor unorganized giving the boys off the ships a Their first couple of attempts what a swell town Marcus Hook bad time. Here's the way it guy off the SS Ireland of the is. Some guys may have doubt­ were met by failure. But they works out: The ships are laid up Wilson SS Lines, one of the ships ed it, but if you doubt it ask kept right at it, and finally one near Jones Island, and the onlv docked here, and he was forced Charlie Simmons. As for the day they were assigned to a shTp By W. H. SIMMONS near place that the fellows can to pay out over $75 for dental girls — ask Charlie Simmons by the Isthmian representative go to down a few is on East Bay bills. " SAN FRANCISCO — Shipping in Norfolk. again. When I asked him "Why didn't in this old Gold Coast port is Street. During the trip, which was to For some time it has been Well, the cops wait until every­ you get a hospital ticket from still good, and anyone wanting evident that wo need a new Hall India and return, the two volun­ one is beginning to feel good, and the Old Man or the Chief En­ to ship can come on out. in Marcus Hook, but it looks teers signed up a total of six He replied that the then they come down to make gineer?" Business in general, however, like we will be doing business men. One, who had been an the pinch. It costs around $5 to company wasn't responsible for jg pretty slow with activity havNMU member, was so impressed in the same spot for awhile. such things. ing tapered off a bit. We're All attempts at finding a new by the facts given him by Bro­ get out once they pick you up. After working for Wilson for These men are not bothering any­ looking for better times to show Hall have been fruitless. 'Some ther Morris, that he turned in some time this was the kind of up shortly. one, and they are down on the his NMU book, and signed an people think an apartment is waterfront by themselves. It treatment that he received. He In this port this week was hard to find, but let them try to SIU pledge. had to work all day. go to the the .SS Cornell Victory, a Water­ should be stopped. Since then both men have find a Shipping Hall in a town In addition, there's been a few dentist at night, and foot the bill man tub in from Baltimore with of no great size like Marcus made another trip together, and men followed back to their ships, himself. a good militant crew aboard. here are Bi'other Clark's reac­ Hook. and when they come to a de-1 Well. I told Inm about SIU,She also brought in a few beefs On the organizational front we tions: "Boy," he said, "what a dif­ serted spot, they get jumped on; representation, and how we settle which we have to iron out. are contacting about two or It seems as though the Skip­ three Isthmian ships a week. We ference between organized and and rolled for the few measly' our beefs. Now he is one of us. It won't be long now until bucks they have left. per wants to get rich quick, esunorganized ships. Now we have are keeping them well covered The Steel Trust has about 19 these open shop outfits are forced pecially on his slopchest prices. a voice in our own affairs, and with literature and copies of the ships laid up at Jones Island, and to treat their men like human Coupled with this beef is one we are not at the mercy of the latest SEAFARERS LOG. As they really work the hell out of beings. They've been pushing the on the food, rated by the crew officers or the company." long as Isthmian sails ships into their men. During a .snowstorm unorganized men around for too as being bum—nothing to cause Bob echoed this, and added, this port, you can rest assured any excitement, however. We'll the other day, they had the Black long now, and the SIU will make "It seems to me that on organ­ that we will cover them. P.S. Hello Muggins. How are ized ships the men take more Gang painting the stack. It fi-' certain that they clean up these square away these Cornell Vicyou doing? Why don't you write of an interest in the woi-k, and nai'v got so bad that the men conditions when we have them tory beefs in the good old SIU 1 under an SIU contract. ' style. in keeping everything shipshape. quit. and say hello? Unorganized Milwaukee Seamen Get The Business From All Sides Frisco Shipping Is Still Good �THE Page Ten SEAFARERS LOG Friday. April 25, 1947 SHIPS' MINUTES AND NEWS Crew Puts Out Blaze On Nordhoff At Sea DECK GANG ON THE SS MALDEN VICTORY A raging fire in the No. 4 freight hold of the SS Charles Nordhoff while enroute to Trinidad recently was brought under control by an efficient crew of Seafarers before aid arrived from Norfolk, Va. A boarding party from the?———— „ „ , shifted, were sent out immcaCoast Guard cutter Cherokee, jg^gjy which had been dispatched from FOUGHT FURIOUSLY the Virginia port, found the fire Meanwhile, the SIU crew ba'had been extinguished when it tled the flames furiously witn went aboard the Nordhoff at 3 water and live steam. Also stored in the No. 4 hold a. m. April 5, the morning follow­ ing the outbreak of "the blaze. were 65 drums of grease, 220 The cutter met the troubled ves­ drums of lubricating oil, about sel as she lay anchored off Old 2,000 pieces of pipe and four heavy motor trucks. Point Comfort. One of the Coast Guard cut­ NONE HURT ters dispatched to the Nordhoff No casualties were reported in gave up and returned to its base at Cape May, N. J., when she the incident. found it impossible to reach the The Coast Guard cutter Agassiz, sent from Norfolk to aid the A^^oa vessel before it arrived at^ Nordhoff, met the burning ship, ^ irginia capes. 50 miles off Cape Henry and I A deyelopriient w-hich occurred escorted her into Thimble Shoal,^he Nordhoff was being where the Cherokee took over. towed into port added a light touch to the sea drama. When it The 7,176-ton Nordhoff, oper­ was thought the fire had reated by the Alcoa Steamship kindled an alarm was sounded Company and carrying five pas­ and five fire-fighting vessel sengers and a crew of 39, was were called to ship's assistance. bound from New York to Trini­ Tears welled in the eyes of the dad and Venezuelan ports when Nordhoff men at the thought of the fire broke out among 320 more damage to their ship. bags of carbide, in the No. 4 On investigation the suspected hold, it was reported. blaze turned out to be steam Among the crack crew which brought the Waterman vessel in ship-shape from voyage No. 2 for the payoff in New Orleans were the men pictured above. Front row, left to right: Jerry Palmer, Deck Delegate: Sulo Salimen, OS: Tony Skilman, AB and I. Glendez, Bosun. In the rear, left to right: Joe Schweinfus, Deck Maintenance: Don Rood, AB: W. Wilmot, AB: W. Loll, OS, and Gerald Byrnes, AB. Brother Palmer reported a highly successful trip. At the payoff the men were compli­ mented on the clean condition of their quarters by the New Orleans Patrolmen. Comparison Reveals Slopchest Inequities Their theme The crew aboard the Smith- pants too long." Radio calls for help, reporting coming from about 30 tons of Thompson, South Atlantic, isn't song is; "Chandler, you made the that the cargo between decks had I onions in the hold. yelling, "Sam, you made the prices too high." According to the minutes of a shipboard meeting held recent­ MEMENTO OF MEETING WITH DANISH LIGHTHOUSE ly, the crew unanimously raised their voices in protest by expres­ sing fheir complete dissatisfac­ tion with the tariffs asked for commodities on the slopchest list. At the meeting the crew went on record as being "dissatisfied with the volume and prices of slopchest goods and the lack of sufficient warm clothing for a winter trip." ACTION The 7,607-ton Waterman vessel, the SS Blue Island Victory, pictured shortly aiter she plowed into the concrete base of the Drogden Lighthouse in the Oeresund, south of Copenhagen/ Den­ mark, last winter. Coal Ship McBtirney Had 'Wonderful Trip' The honorable mention award of the week goes to the crew of the coal ship, Robert R. McBurney, Overtakes Freight Corpora­ tion, which has just c mpleted a voyage to the coasts- of sunny France. The crew, bemoaning the fact that seldom do they see a writeup of a coal ship, mention that they had a wonderful trip, ex­ cellent cooperation from all de­ partments and topside, and no fights or beefs aboard when the ship hit the states. With honors being bestowed upon "the officers, unsurpassed for merit of courtesy and coop­ eration," and garlands to the "swell eggs in the Stewards De­ partment,". the crew assures one Not content to just register their disapproval, the crew de­ cided to do something about the sad state of affairs. A motion was passed to "bring the slop­ chest prices to the attention of the shipping commissioner befoffe the pay off, and if possible, get a refund on the overcharge. " With the adoption of this new and untried tactic of beating the ship" eard swindle pn slops, the crevv voted to send a copy of the inventory to the SIU headquar­ ters in New York. Interestingly enough, with the receipt of the Smith-Thompson slopchest list, the crew of the Roswell Victory also submitted a copy of the slopchest prices aboarji their ship. A comparison of the two lists gives an interesting picture of the inequities in supplying ships, for while the prices asked aboard the Smith-Thompson are high, the prices aboard the Roswell Victory are even higher on some items. and all that anyone sailing aboard the McBurney can be certain of an excellent trip. The shipboard delegates, who had much to do with the fine state of affairs aboard the Mc­ Burney, were Thomas Kustas, EXAMPLES Engine; Douglas B. Patterson, A few examples point this up Acting Stewards Department, very well. Aboard the Smithand John 8. Clapp, Deck. Thompson, shoe laces sell for four cents, while aboard the Roswell Victory the shakedown is a dime—a difference of 60 per cent. On the Roswell Victory sou'westers are ten per cent high­ er and dungarees are up 15 per cent. Palmolive shave cream was listed at 25 cents on the Thomp.son and at 35 cents on the Ros­ well Victory—a difference in thissmall item of 25 per cent. The reason for protests aboard ships over the slopchest prices then becomes apparent: Why the great differences in slopchest prices when wages, hours and conditions are the same on all SIU ships? Abraham Baldwin Towed Into N.Y. Minus her rudder, which she lost 1900 miles east of New York on March 24, the SS Abraham Baldwin was berthed at Pier 6,. East River, last week after being towed into port by the ocean go­ ing tug Edmond J. Moran. The Moran tug reached the helpless Liberty ship and took her in tow on March 30. Another Moran tug, the Point Cabrillo, also arrived in New York with a propeller-less ship which she towed from a point south of the Azores. �Friday, April 25, 1947 THE SEAFARERS Page Eleven LOG SIU Ship's Minutes In Brief [SEAFARER SAM SAYS:] FIRMORE, March 4—Chair­ man Wheeler Fields; Secretary Edward Miller. Beef registered pertaining to the lack of many items in the stores. Good and Welfare; Fine drawn up for various offenses in messhell. Money collected to go to broth­ ers in the Marine Hospitals. Motion carried that coffee go­ ing to bridge and engine room should be obtained from Stew­ ard during his working hours. The coffee that is set out in the messhall shpuld be left there for the watches. Discussion and opinion that the Stewards Department is undermanned. Messman is obliged to do sani­ tary work and then handle food. Motion carried that the Steward post a date and lime for the exchange of linen to avoid confusion. i a. t GADSDEN. Feb. 12—Chair­ man Earl Cochran; Secretary T. Little. Delegates reported some disputed overtime in their departments. Old Business: Motion carried to have Engine Delegate find out why wash­ ing machine was not repaired. To report back at next meet­ ing. Motion carried to have Engine Delegate find out why bunk lights were not repaired as requested last trip. New Business: Motion carried to have a list compiled by the three delegates of all repairs, replacements, and beefs and to present same to the union upon arrival in the states. Motion carried to have laundry and recreation room cleaned by each department in rotation of two days for each department. Motion carried to elect a com­ mittee to investigate the sup­ ply of cigarettes so as to in­ sure an equal distribution of same. 4- S. 4. WILLIAM JOHNSON. Dec. 15 — Chairman Roy Tompson; Secretary John J. Bluitt. New Business: Officers are to keep out of crew messhall and crew to keep out of saloon. Food situation is getting pretty bad with no chief cook or chief steward aboard. Special com­ mittee sent up to see old man about this. Motion made and carried to keep recreation room clean at all times and the ra­ dio to be shut off at 10 P.M. 4. 4. 4. ROSWELL VICTORY, Feb. 6—Chairman Harrill; Secretary T. E. Carmichael. New Busi­ ness: Motion carried that the Steward request the Captain or Chief Mate to give the cooks a reasonable time before chang­ ing of the meal hours. The Cooks only had twenty minutes notice before the meal has been changed on the day of question. Motion carried to investigate how it is possible for a fireman to be promote'd to Asst. Elec­ trician by the New York Pa­ trolman aboard the ship with­ out having the job returned to the Hall to be posted for regu­ lar .shipping call. Point of in­ formation: Has a man in a de­ partment the right to make as much overtime as the highest man in the department? "An­ swer: The man who is low on overtime usually has the op­ portunity to get an equal amount of overtime as long as he is willing to work for it and not turn down overtime when it is offered to him. 14 4 F. MARION CRAWFORD, Feb. 28 — Chairman Peredne; Secretary. John J. Brady. New Business: Vote of thanks and appreciation to Captain Charles J. Bunch for his many consid­ erations and cooperation shown to the entire crew. Motion made and carried that Chief Engineer be investigated for strike clearance, discrimination and lack of cooperation toward licensed and unlicensed person­ nel. Motion carried that no one sign on until Chief Engineer is pulled off the ship. Good and Welfare: Motion carried that each member of the unlicensed crew donate $2.00 to the SEA­ FARERS LOG. Motion carried that each crewmembers donate .$1.00 to the boys in the Marine hospital. Vote of thanks given the Stewards Department. 4 4 4 Life On Yaka A Bowl Of Scrambled Eggs Aboard the SS Yaka, the lads were getting their eggs with a roll—a 10 degree roll, that is. The men raised no objection to the roll, but the eggs were alwaj'^s scrambled, and they were getting a bit tired of the mixup. Variety is the spice of life, they recalled, and it goes something for the eggs, too. At the April 3 meeting they adjourned temporarily while the four delegates inspected the gal­ ley to determine the reason for the constant scramble, since the ship's roll didn't appear great enough to be the cause. They reported back to the meeting that the egg pans were too shallow. The meeting was resumed. 4 4 4 F. MARION CRAWFORD, Jan. 26 — Chairman Peredne; Secretary John J. Brady. New Business: Motion carried that a drain and steam line be install­ ed in the laundry, also that drinking fountain in engine room be moved to a more suit­ able location away from the hot well. Motion carried that new sheets, pillow cases and galley equipment such as coats, aprons, be put aboard. Good and Welfare: Motion carried that keys be provided to all crew quarters so that each crew member will have a key. MANROPE KNOT. March 15 — Chairman H. O. Braman; Secretary T. C. Deale. Motion that all crew quarters be in­ spected by patrolman and to be clean for a new crew. Motion that ship be fumigated. Motion carried that electric stove be put in galley. 4 4 4 JOSEPH N. TEAL, Feb. 19— Chairman Purdy; Secretary Charp. Motion carried that the Night Cook and Baker make more pastries and bake bread more often. Motion made to have the bosun issue the sea suds that are in the forepeak. Bosun says forepeak is not locked and he can get it out without it being issued. One minute of silence for Brothers lost at sea. ITtASY OH-WB f MfSS/vitA// SeAB«kR6R. ReiAX/V4D€NJ0yvbUR. MCAU, ,^MO LET TME MESS/MAW CAJJOV HIS 008. 4 4 4 GADSDEN. Feb. 12—Chair­ man Earl Cochran; Secretary T. Little. Old Business: Motion carried to have engine delegate find out why bunk lights and washing machine were not re­ paired as requested on last trip. Motion carried that a commit­ tee be elected to investigate the supply of cigarettes so as to insure an equal distribution of same. Motion carried to write a letter to the Union request­ ing thai they contact the com­ pany in regard to the carrying of an extra locomotive on deck. It was pointed out that it felt the extra locomotive makes the ship unsafe. 4 4 4 CHARLES NORDHOFF, (date not given) Chairman R. W. Grimm; Secretary (not giv­ en). Motion carried to keep people topside and out of crew's quarters. Motion carried that night Cook and Baker bake nothing but bread. Mo­ tion carried that meat block be cleaned every time it is used. 4 4 4 MANROPE VICTORY. Mar. 2 — Chairman H. O. Braman; Secretary T. C. Deale. Motion carried to insulate bulkhead next to galley stove in engine room shower. Motion carried that laundry be cleaned once a week by each department tak­ ing turns. Motion carried that all cots be assigned to each man and he is responsible for same. Motion carried that LOGS be sent to SIU ships on the baux­ ite run in care of Alcoa offices. Port of Spain, Trinidad. 4 4 4 JOSEPH H. HOLLISTER. Feb. 25—Chairman Joseph Jor­ dan; Secretary Seymour A. Heiniling. Brother Jordan gave an enlightening and education­ al talk on the history of the SIU for the benefit of the younger and new members. New Business: Various fines laid down for offenses in the messroom. Fine money to be donated to brothers in the mar­ ine hospitals. Motion carried to give a voluntary contribution to the SEAFARERS LOG at the pay off. All hands using recreation room for card games, etc., to clean it up after finishing. CUT and RUN By HANK Brother, the Monday past was sure a tough lesson in how to survive through a picket line jinxed with the worst weather any April month ever had. It had everything bad—a tough wild wind, uncomfortable rain and real winter-like weather which hit your dogs with pain. The most impressive and successful thing about the day was those phone strikers with their smiling faces and constant jabbering, as they marched around, now- and then shout­ ing all together "scab" or booing at those who entei-ed or left the building. When the rain joined the picket lines those girls blev/ up their umbrellas or covered themselves with large cellophan.3 bags—while the rest just walked and talked wuthout protection. Well, you should have seen the happy, unexpected smiles and the respect and pride fill those strikers when they saw us Seafarer's join them with our white caps, our leaflets and our cheerful en­ thusiasm—even in that day's miserable weather—to help them fight their deserving strike. A strike for better wages, conditions, etc., against the greedy, powerful bosses who keep laughing in their precious prayers and daily jokes but sweating out their hopes that through lost wages, weary days of picketing, etc., the strike would bi-eak up with the strikers grabbing whatever wage increase was offered. 4 4 4 Honestly, the way those girls maintained their lines—cheer­ fully and proudly—without regret or shame or weariness, cer­ tainly showed us sailors how strong and worthwhile we must have looked to all unions and landlubbers when we hit our own bricks on all waterfronts last year. Well, once again we SIU Brothers have shown and helped others to understand that a tough fight for something which is right is something to be proud of and long rentembered. We are proud that we have helped some honest unions, regardless of union affiliation or noti to gain more dollars and sense of job security, etc., in this new new American life of greedy profits, fantastic prices and the worthless value of a dollar in buying food, clothes, etc. Before we change the subject we hope some Brothers read this column so that we can remind them of their weak and worth­ less loyalty to their own union. We've seen some Brothers who came to the hall to ship out, walk right out of the building again just to avoid the tough business of grabbing a white cap, a pile of leaflets and go out for a few hours on a picket line, etc. In time we hope they may regret their precious laziness and worthless loyalty to SIU unity, action and principles and sen­ sibly realize just what it means to help other honest unions in their tough fight. Or what it will be to suddenly receive help from other unions when our own jobs are threatened by powerful forces, such as the companies, the elected politicians in Washington representing the people (and the workers in all unions are the people) and whatever finks there may be trying to fill our jobs while we're fighting. 4 4 4 From Baltimore "Paint Pot" McGee, we received the following letter: "I saw your write-up of Brother Paul "Haywire" Warren so I decided to drop you a line. 1 don't know his New Orleans address so please say hello to him for me. Also best wishes to Cal Tanner and the boys in the new Mobile Hall. Here's hoping Brother Charlie Simmons has left the hospital and is in shape to ship again." . . . ' Thanks for your cheerful letter, "Paint Pot," and write again about the boys if you have the time in ports . . . Well, good old Brother ~ Mike Gison, who sails Bosun, just came in with his humorous sense ' of humor from a real good trip to Italy. Mike further confesses that there's nothing new otherwi.se and hasn't seen any of our ship­ mates for some time. �THE SEAEARERS LOC Friday, April125. 1947 ' THE MEMBERSHIP SPEmtS House Union-Busting Bill Seen As Work Of The NAM Active Seafarer A bill lias just been passed by the House of Represen­ tatives to prohibit unions from national strikes or indus­ try-wide bargaining. The bill also bans the closed shop. Beef-Settling Simplified By Clean Shipboard Record To Ihe Edilor: Sitting in the office of the Baltimore Branch of the SIU listening to Brother Ray White handle.,, beefs, the thought arose in my mind that it would be a good union principle to ship out on the ship that seemed to offer the best reason for an investiga­ tion. As it is. Union officials have enough trouble paying off ships without- trying to clear up many beefs that could be handled by the crew members. charge him with stealing—round one went to the SIU. While discharging at various ports, we had picked up two woi-kaways, both SIU members. The Captain in his usual arrog­ ant manner placed them in the rope locker back aft where they slept on army cots. We the delegates approached the "Great Almighty" and asked him why he didn't permit these men to sleep in spare rooms top-side op­ posite the radio shack. His ex­ cuse was that these men were not officers. We did finally make arrangements to sleep them in the crews quarters. At the j^rt of Georgetown we lost our good record. A mem­ ber of the Stewards Department screwed up the detail giving the The authentic champions of^ this bill are, of course, Senators Commie at every nook and cor­ Taft and Ball, neither of whom ner turn around and actually has ever had to associate with breed un-Amcricanism by trying peoples outside their own restrict­ to fight labor, chain and hand­ ed sets and probably think that cuff it at every turn by antimen who earn their living by labor bills that are unfair to the sweat of their brow are labor and John Q. Public, the prehistoric animals that have consumer. These so-called friends of America are the obstacles that never been educated. These men who voted for this we, the working men, have to anti-labor bill do not care hurdle in order to conquer com­ On Jan. 8th I took it upon my­ whether it is legal or not as long, munism. self to ship aboard the 88 as they succeed in .robbing lab­ FRIENDS OR EXPLOITERS Franklin H. Kin^, Alcoa Steam­ oring men of their just rights. ship Company, bound for South Robert H. Maupin, who takes No man can successfully Why, if national bargaining and strikes are illegal, is it legal preach his friendship to the his unionism seriously, gets on American ports with general for the National Association of laboring man and for fair play the ball for the SIU whenever cargo, with a return cargo of Manufacturers to operate as it for all in general in America as there is an opportunity. Re­ bauxite for New Orleans. does nationally and internation­ long as he is a bedfellow of cently released from the Chi­ A CHARACTER ally, setting a price of its own those who exploit the small man cago Marine Hospital, he cam­ Leaving the port, of Baltimore to inflate industry every time and woman by greedily taking, paigned for improved condi­ about Jan. 10th as Oiler and by laws that they enforce, that tions there and in other mid­ workers obtain a raise in salary? Black Gang Delegate I studied which does not belong to them. west Marine Hospitals. Brother The National Association of this character before approach­ Maupin has also been very ac­ Manufacturers has been more re­ If we are to have open shop sponsible for inflation than the in unions then let us have open tive as a volunteer organizer for ing him on any subject pertain­ unions possibly could have been. shops in every other organiza­ the Sesrfarers in the present ing to union rules. My first per­ Whenever a strike was called tion, club and lodge in America. Great Lakes organizing drive. sonal contact with this imitation of Captain Bligh came about there was the threat that price If we are to negotiate locally, when he started entering the controls would be broken not by then the monopolies, chains, today in anti-labor bills. crew's quarters removing soap the unions but by the NAM, by NAM and other national organ­ In the light of all these things and matches claiming they buying its way out of strikes, izations should be restricted to that we see as the truth, I am should not have such an accum­ by raising the consumer price actual ownership in small lo­ sure that we will stand together ulation gathered as it was on every article whether affect­ calities. with right and truth as our allies against his principles to see ed or not. If the Supreme Court deems to combat and conquer those such waste. After explaining to Captain a bite on the crew. So TRAGIC RESULTS one legal, then all should be that rob bread from our tables this high and mighty scissor- on the voyage home we were It is my firm belief that if legal so that, no unfair play can and clothing from our backs and bill that we had signea a con-rac* approached by "Great Almighty" this bill is allowed to pass fully be bought to bear by sheer from our homes and children. with the Alcoa Steamship Com­ Triestram who had become a These evils can pass away also pany for these articles and that worried little boy-scout with the then the working men every­ weight of numbers and financial where in the United States will backing against any minority if we fight hard enough. should he fail to desist in this offer that should we drop the be in the future robbed and such as is being done against us Paul Parsons practice we would be forced to charges against him, ho would forget what he had on the crew cheated of his rightful salary by member. Calling together a joint having laws and injunctions im­ meeting we decided to call Cap­ posed upon him that will be un­ tain Bligh's bluff and carry the bearable. beef into port leaving the Union It is also my firm belief that By I. H. PEPPER decide on the matter. if the unions are not allowed In the port of New Orleans to progress nationally then neither should other sets such The most memorable night I know "There's a friend of mine here I want you < to meet)' it was decided that Captain Triestram would be kept off all ' as the NAMj Chambers of Is the night I drank with Panama Joe. "Few folks ever see him, so this is-a treat." Alcoa ships and never be per­ Commerce and monopolies that And as I live through the years to come He went to the porthole and opened it wide, I'll remember that stuff he told me was rum. have not been mentioned in any A shaggy green sea-monster stepped down inside, mitted on any other SIU contract ships. The entire unlicensed bills by these labor haters. Eight bells it was. and the night was black. He was mostly green with pink in spots. crew signed this petition, in­ There are many national con­ When I started helow for my midnight snack. And speckled all over with lavender dots; cluding the First Asistant Eng­ cerns and chains too numerous On the way down I met Pftnama Joe. He looked at me and laughed 'til he cried— ineer whom the MEBA can be to mention which are allowed to And that was the start of my tale of woe. He was slightly on the hysterical side. proud of for his militant action operate freely without being in protecting the licensed offi­ molested, and with those that He held a' green bottle in the crook of his arm cers contract and standing on operate nationally and treat And told me a nip would do more good than harm, his hind legs like a man fight­ labor justly I am sure we have I asked him what manner of liquor he had; ing for his union principles. no fault to -find. But let the With a wink he answered. "Come along, m* ladl" Whenever you meet John Moll union operate nationally and as First Assistant or Chief Eng­ every Tom, Dick and Harry in So into his foc'sle with him I went. ineer aboard ship, grab the job, reactionary and top-flight circles Puzzled and wondering what this all meant. for you will be sailing with a who is born with a silver spoon From out of his locker we each took a glass— real union brother who has in his mouth yells to the top of The stuff that he poured was the color of grass. fought on the picket lines in his lungs about inflation, de­ I looked at the bottle, it bore r. t a mark. I asked what he saw so funny in me; every strike since 1934. It's too pression and slowing of produc­ As to what was inside, I was still in the dark. He wasn't so handsome himself, you see; damn bad we don't have more tion. Brother, you and I knovr He must have observed my quizzical look— Said he, "You're the funniest color of human licensed men like John Moll on the reason they do is because "Rum. my boy, rum," he said, and a long drink being the job. they think maybe they will not he took. I've ever had the rare pleasure of seeing." When crew members learn make as many millions if we the self-discipline, stay on the job, workers make one more dollar I waited a moment to see him re-act. With a nod of his head and a swish of his tail. per day or week. His eyes got a twinkle that before they had He dashed .through the door and jumped over the diink on their own time, keep their noses clean and bring the lacked. TROJAN HORSE MOVE rail; ship back to port in ship-shape Said he could feel it clear down to his toes. You and I know full well I rushed from that iCoc'sle straight to my bunk. condition, we can clean out some that the open shop means an So I lifted my glass. "Well, down now she goes!" You'll never believe I was not the least drunk! of' these so-called Captain' opening into lOur circles to the It's hard to describe how it felt going down. Blights. foes of labor whereby the It was something as smooth as a green satin gown. I looked in the mirror first thing when I woke. For your clean record on the There was no cause at all for his hideous joke, union's back may be broken It tasted like nothing I'd tasted before. voyage will always prove who I was normal in color as a man could be— from within. If we have open But it tasted so good I wanted some more. is at fault when you are sailing Not even a spatter of green on me. shop then so should the NAM with an arrogant, fault-finding and other anti-labor organiza­ After several drinks and a few more to follow. I breathed not a word of what I had ^een— scissor-bill such as we just show­ We took what we found to be the last .swallow. tions. The laughing sea monster or rumdhat was green. ed- up to the entire SIU mem­ Here is another one for you. "Thanks for the drinks," I said. "Now I must go." All things being equal there's one thing I know, bership and the Alcoa Steamship These men who yell red and "Oh not on your life!" said Panama Joe. I've had my last drink with Panama Joe! Company. Joseph S. Buckley Log-A -Rhythms THe Saga Of< Panaina Joe �Friday. April 25. 1947 THE SE: A FA RE RS Organization Of All Ships Is Answer To MC's Scheme CARTOON STORY OF LESSON LEARNED BY BESSEMER MEN ••V-x'--• -jf.. - »;• rt/witNs ' Mms. #»?£• /' -VP To the Editor: I ' urrue m^f/\...., . ? • Cd«e -OHC ^yy'sf :(JOT Pft«K5 BUTTS - PHtfWC eeysVd W«»u TrtCM- I,— more being turned out? ^ ^ ypii- ':' :V-X-" WE a, we mu lllg-fccr -yo« v»At. ' .kreeP THSf jPSCK: out A T»F kj«lT - TH «t^ aftO V.f - p: • : "Steamboat" O'Doyle Belgian Lauds SIU Policy To the Editor: f Of course, none of these "cap­ tain's boys" intend to make the sea their life anyway. They are only out for a free education and the degree King's Point hands out. Many of them have admit­ ted this within my hearing. I doubt if two per cent of them^ ever make a single trip aftei they get their cap and gown. How will we, who follow the sea for a living, advance in our chosen profession if all oppor­ tunities and jobs are handed over to these guys. As it is, the CG makes it almost impossible for the man "with time" to get a license, by asking ridiculous, the­ oretical questions that only a classroom grind could answer. But then, the cadet corps is con­ trolled by the CG, isn't it? So the little "midshipmen" are coached by instructors who know only too well what the questions will be, You've really got to admire the bureaucrats of the Maritime Commission. Whenever you think you have them stopped, they dive still deeper into the cesspool of political finkery and come up with another pearl. For instance: By a peculiar coincidence, at the very time the seamen's un­ ions became strong the Mari­ time Service was created. Its purpose was a force of finks for strike-breaking. For the last 10 years it has been held in readi­ ness for an opportune moment to smash the seamen's unions. However, something happened that the scab-admirals hadn't figured on. The mates and en­ gineers at last became organized into militant unions. Officers would no longer go through a picket line to move a hot ship. How could you crush a seamen's strike without captains and throt­ WHAT TO DO tle-jockeys? Obviously, some way had to be figured out of this What is the remedy? I think dilemma. it is to unionize every American ship, from the Captain on the ANOTHER BEAUT Therefore, another dive into the raw sewage of shipowner corruption. This time they came TCXCAJ OA) THAT up with a beaut. The right cars were whispered into, the right phone calls were made from low­ er Broadway to Capitol Hill—and presto! the "Merchant Marine Ca­ det Corps" was born. The idea was so simple it was beautiful. They were already training finks to replace the un­ licensed—why not train finks to replace the officers too? There­ fore, what do we have? A com­ plete standby of Merchant Ma­ bridge to the Wiper in the bilge. rine—a full complement of Then let all maritime unions re­ scabs, licensed and unlicensed, fuse to accept or sail with these ready and willing to take over spongeboys. This action would when the time arrives. lick them off the seas, and quick­ That there is no use for these ly strangle their Coney Island crumbhouse cadets is easily Annapolis. If it were impossible proved. Where can they get jobs when all officers must come from for them to get on a ship. These are drastic measures, the officers' unions and they can no longer get into the unions? yes. But a drastic remedy is bet­ The shrinking number of jobs has ter than a drastic death. The last hit the officers even worse than time the sailors' unions were bro­ it has us. Today it is common to ken by organized government see Firsts and Seconds sailing finking it took 13 bitter years to as Thirds. Soon we will see rebuild them. Is there anyone many Mates back in the foc'sle, who would like to live that 13 as in prewar days. With a sur­ plus of gold braid, why is still years over again? 'sr«y^-8£99^r/<icfR vie-roRy-^: ' ' ' Page Thirteen LO G I have received two copies of the SEAFARERS LOG, and I want to say that I agree 100 per cent with your Union and your views. I was a chief engineer during the last war and on my return to Belgium, I could see how the political parties were using the union for their own ends. I rebuilt a union in April, 1946, without politics. I have had a hard fight, and I am still fight­ ing. I have connections in Brus­ sels, Gent, Ostend and a few other places, but it will take a while before we are as strong as you are,. Political parties control every­ one here in Belgium and it will take a lot of hard work to break it. I started a paper last October and I will forward a few copies. I entirely agree with the ar­ ticle by Lindsey Williams in the SEAFARERS LOG of Jan. 17. The same thing has happened here and is still going on. I was planning an internation­ al seamen's union during the war. Up to now I have made contact with France and Hol­ land. I don't know who sent the SEAFARERS LOG to me, but I would like to continue to receive it, and to exchange information on the working conditions of the seamen. Maxcel Convents Antwerp, Belgium 'Hates To Miss' Issue Of LOG To the Editor; Will you please send the LOG to me at my new address in Starke, Fla. Up to now I had been getting it in Mobile and would like to keep leceiving the paper. I hate to miss one issue. You are doing a swell job with the paper. Keep up the good work. I'm wishing you every success. Hagnvald Tyssor �THE Page Fourteen Texas City Totally Razed; Seafarers Gives Assistance By RAY SWEENEY GALVESTON — The Texas City area has been completly de­ molished by an explosion and fire which started on a French . ship, the Grande Camp, which was loading ammonia nitrate and cotton. The fii-e started sometime dur­ ing the night, and Texas City firemen were called to the scene as soon as it was discovered. Scores of people were allowed to come on the docks to watch the Bremen in action. At 9:12, there w?s a blast in the hold of the ship, and three minutes later, the Monsanto Chemical Plant, right opposite where the Grande Camp was docked, exploded and caught fire. This explosion rocked the en­ tire waterfront, including Gal­ veston. Other cities in the area felt the shock. The Monsanto Chemical Com­ pany was the size of a normal twenty-story building. Practic­ ally the entire office force was killed, and no one yet knows the total of other employees dead and injured. SPREAD FAST The fire spread fast as this area has oil lines all over the waterfront. Pieces of burning steel were hurled as much as five miles through the air, and this caused other fires to start. Soon the entire city was a mass of flames, and the air was full of the cries of the dying and in­ jured. Within a short time all the hospital beds were filled to ca­ pacity, in both Texas City and Galveston. Doctors, nurses, and ambulances were rushed from Houston. Every kind of con­ veyance was used to rush in­ jured people • to some place where they could get first aid. The SIU immediately offered its assistance. Some members MM&P Petitions 6 Lakes Fleets For Elections NEW YORK, April 24—Simul­ taneous with the drive of the Seafarers International Union to organize all unlicensed personnel sailing on the Great Lakes, the Masters, Mates and Pilots is con­ ducting an all-out organizational drive in behalf of the Lakes' li­ censed officers. The officers' union announced yesterday that it had petitioned the National Labor Relations Board for elections in six major fleets, involving 140 vessels. The move to set the machinery in motion to establish a collec­ tive bargaining agent for the Great Lakes licensed men was revealed to the SEAFARERS LOG by Stanley Barr, interna­ tional vice-president of the MMP, and Tom Simpson, presi­ dent of the Cleveland branch. Companies in which the MMP requested NLRB-conducted elec­ tions, and the number of ships operated on the Great Lakes by each, are as follows; Pittsburgh (Steel Trust), 63 ships: Interlakes (Pickands - Mather), 36 ships; Bethleherh Steel, 12 ships; Wil­ son, 12 ships: Interstate (Jones and McLaughlin), 4 ships, and Hanna, 13 ships. were assigned to direct traffic, while others pitched in as fire fighters and rescue workers. A few days later the High­ flyer, a Lykes Brothers ship, blew up, and the men on a Bay Towing Company tug, SIU, were injured as they attempted to get the ship away from the dock. Ths e.xplosion was more sev­ ere than the first one, but no one was killed since it was expected, and all hands were warned to stay out of reach. TOWN DEMOLISHED The whole town is wrecked. Not a house remains standing, and not a window is unbroken. It is doubtful that this city will ever be of any other use than kindling wood. Besides the hundreds killed, other losses are put at a figure well up into the millions. The oil loss alone will be more than 1,500,000 barrels. We in the Seafarers Interna­ tional Union of North America want to take this opportunity to extend our admiration to the people of Texas City who picked themselves up from the ruins, and pitched in to aid the living, bury the dead, and dig the city out from under the rubble caused by the explosions and fires. SEAFARERS LOG Friday, April 25, 1947 The First Ship, First Accident Hit Port Duluth By EINAR NORDAAS DULUTH—With the arrival of the A. A. Augustus of the Hutch­ inson Fleet, the first ship in, DuBy JOE VOLPIAN luth-Superior Harbor is again We are in receipt of a letter so. It just happens thai customs humming with spring shipping. from a member who complains men are just as unlikely to know The Augustus is gaining that that he has been badly mistreat­ the law as the cop on his beat. honor must have opened her en­ ed. It seems that while at an OBEY LAWS gine up a few notches in making Army Base the military intel­ When a ship ties up in any her way to this northern port, ligence came aboard and confis­ cated some German razors, let­ port, the crew is lequired to re­ because when she tied up nine ter openers and a dagger which spect the laws of that port. If men of the after gang piled off— he had in his locker along with they have a curfew law, the crew can't blame them for piling off a must be off the streets when the record-happy ship. a brand new Air Corps jacket. curfew rings. Most of the other ships that The ship's articles specifically If the law enforcement agen­ are coming into the port now state that no dangerous weapons cies of that port have evidence are to be brought aboard: Ra­ that contraband is aboard, they will, no doubt, have to go to the zors, letter openers and daggers may search the ship from stem shipyard for minor repairs, due to the difficulties they have at are considered dangerous wea­ to stern. this time of year in bucking the pons. The Air Corps jacket is a If the Captain thinks that a ice in Whitefish Bay—the .stuff part of the uniform of the Army member of the crew has contra­ Air Forces and is not an item band in his locker that may cause is really thick there. to be bartered, bought or sold. As usual with the opening of a fine to be placed on the ship, or the season the accident rate be­ This member has been labor­ a weapon that may endanger the ing under the misapprehension lives of the rest of the crew, it is gins to rise. The first fatal acci­ that only the U. S. Customs au­ his duty to confiscate it, other­ thorities have the right to con­ wise, his company may be sued fiscate his property. In fact, the for his negligence if another deputy customs inspector who member of the crew is injured was assigned to his ship told him with the weapon. WITNESS USUAL It is customary, however, that he have a witness when he goes through the man's gear. The FBI may come aboard' and con­ duct a search if they have reason to believe that a Federal offense has been or is about to be com­ mitted, such as violation of nar­ cotic laws, smuggling of arms or dent of the season occurred a cou­ sabotage. ple of days ago on the Steamer Police can even enter your Joliet of the Cleveland Cliffs home. They are supposed to have Company. While she was tied a search warrant, but they have up here, a mooring cable slipped been known to crash into homes off the post on the dock and hit By JACK PARKER and business establishments with­ the Mate standing at the rail. He NEW YORK — Some of the out a warrant. was killed instantly. By JOHNNY JOHNSTON members of this Union have a Lawyers tell us that they can't mistaken idea as to the use of PLAY IT SAFE Very recently, Commander S. do that to us, that the Constitu­ the baggage room. Therefore, tion guarantees us protection Before the season is over many the room, which is none too big L. Patton, USMS, wrote an ar­ against illegal search, and that we to begin with, is now overcrowd­ ticle which should be read by can resist such entry; however, it men will be killed and injured ed with gear. every American. He points out is kind of tough to resist night­ due to shipboard accidents, and so many of the accidents will be We have a pile of gear that that our merchant navy, while sticks and guns. unnecessary. Play it safe on has been left with us for lengths it was lauded to the skies dur­ We have no objection to sou­ board ship and be sure. of time ranging up to two years. venir hunting either as a hobby ing the war, is now being treat­ The original limit on leaving The regular meeting of the or for the' purpose of making gear is three months, and we now ed like a . step-child. Here are some extra dough; however, if new Maritime Council was held have the problem of making some of the things he said: you violate laws in so doing, it at our Hall on Tuesday, April room for incoming bags and "Already too much loose talk is not a Unon function to defend 15, and all member unions voted bundles. unanimously to support the SIU has begun to flow regarding the you. Where a man had his address ' transfer of many of our fine The Union's job is to get the organizing drive on the Great on his possessions, we sent them war time built liners and ships best wages and conditions pos­ Lakes. to him Railway Express, COD. to allied nations. Already some Among other motions passed sible for its membership and it Where only the name and book Americans, quick to forget the looks like a pretty fair job is was one to indorse the passage of number was given, we checked magnificent job our merchant the Senate Bill to increase bene­ being done on that score. through Headquarters file for marine did in the World War II, fits for injured harbor woi'kers. ENOUGH TO DO the home address, and then sent have begun to talk in terms of Brother Slaughter, vice-presi­ At the present writing, a fi­ the baggage the same way. seeking passage on foreign op­ dent of the ILA, gave an outline nancial retrenchment program is 30 DAYS MORE erated vessels. of anti-labor bills now pending being carried out whch entails If any members have gear in in the Wisconsin and Minnesota "A quick analysis of the ques­ laying off .some patrolmen and the baggage room, it will be legislatures. Letters were drawn tion at hand brings a realization agents, the extra work to be held for another thirty days be­ up and sent to these bodies pro­ that something must be done to taken over by those being re­ fore being disposed of. If un­ testing the unfairness of the check this and must be done tained. able to appear in person, send measures. immediately. Americans don't a letter to the baggage room, Your representatives don't hap­ giving instructons on how to dis­ buy foreign cars, or foreign pen to be magicians, too. They REPORT IN pose of the articles. Give a des­ clothes. Most Americans want are competent men elected to de­ Several SIU men have shipped cription of the baggage in ques­ to support their nation's indus­ fend your interests against at­ tries and most Americans want tacks by ship operators, bureau­ out on unorganized ships, but tion, and the check nurnber. From now on, when checking to travel American. Apart from crats, politicians or pied pipers have failed to report to the Hall gear, the top half of the check this they owe it as a duty and of any hue. These are Union as to what ship and line they are must be filled in with the mem­ obligation to the more than 6000 functions, and it is best that we working on. It is very important ber's home address. Then, if it dead merchant seamen asleep in concentrate our strength on es­ for th& success of the drive that we know what ships are covered. is left over three months, it can the deep. Those silent heroes sential goals. made the supreme sacrifice in be sent COD to the address So, Brothers, drop us a line or If you get in trouble for a law order that others might have violation, outside Union jurisdic­ come down to the Hall, and give given. Next week we hope to list the freedom of travel." tion, get a lawyer or take the us the dope to insure complete items of baggage which have Commander Patton has the rap, but don't expect the Union coordination and cooperation all names but no addresses attach­ right idea for the future of Am­ officials to become involved in down the line. ed. But some have no identifi­ erican shipping, and with more beefs that are disconnected from cation at all, so the absent- good articles in the same vein, it Union functions. minded professors better get could be brought home to the They have plenty of work to busy and send in descriptions of American people that their mer­ do taking care of duties which their gear, and instructions on chant marine could serve them are properly their responsibility where to send it. to the entire membersliip. in peace as well as in war. Baggage Room Crowded With Unclaimed Gear �THE Friday, April 25, 1947 SEAFARERS MONEY DUE Union Sulphur Company Page Fifteen LOG Job Action Convincos Operators To Bargain 33 RECTOR ST., NEW YORK CITY BOSTON $3.69; Stanko Martihoff, $21.58 SS BEN HOLLADAY INPIVIDUAL DONATIONS the almost feudal conditions (Continued from Page I) W. Hallett. $2.00. Don Cameron, $2.95; C. Cub T. Mehora, $1.88; A. W. Newman od the advantages which Seafar which prevailed on the ship. bage, $7.53; L. Donia, $3.93; J $71.44; A. Parkola, $3.86 Henry NORFOLK ers enjoy. Last week it was decided to INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS Gorten, $2.40; A. W. Good, $4.40 Scott, $29.31; K. Vehara, $5.18. Developments moved fast after pull the pin. The Maritime A. Z. Wllllama, $3.00; F. N. Bailey, R. Greenwood, $2.95; K. Hoden that decision was made. Pledge Trades Department was informed • t 4. $3.00; A. Mellssaratos. $3.00; J. O, SS WILLIAM W. McKEE $2.95; J. C. Hubcr, $2.35; L. P, Wood. Jr., $3.00: J. L. Paramore. $3.00; cards authorizing the SIU to rep that job action was in the wind, C. Baker, $5.76; F. Bolden, F. P. Burr. $3.00; J. A. McKenzie. $1,00; resent them were signed 100 per and the full support of longshore­ Kelly, $2.69. P. J. McDonald, 67c; O. Mor­ $1.68; J. Espinda, $1.49; Duffy SS Arizpa, $12.00. cent by the crew, and a compre­ men, teamsters, taxi drivers, and gan, $3.29; R. Nicholson, $2.95; J Mapes, $27.06; J. Parks, $5.08; hensive check up was made of ship repair men was pledged. NEW YORK INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS Olson, 76c; K. Thomas, $2.40; James Rooney, $31.28; J. Town, every phase of working and liv­ Cal Tanner, Mobile Agent, also David Weilmunster, $1.00; Wm. ing conditions. R. Vokes, $5.04; R. Walker, $1.04; $4.85. came into the picture, and the Cray. $2.00; Fred Willis. $1,00; M. M. J. Watson, $1.04; J. T. Wil­ A member of the local Branch SIU officials had the situation 4. 4. 4. Mitchell. $5.00. SS ROBERT NEWELL made a trip on the ship, sailing under control from the start. liamson, 67c. SS RICHARD RUSH T. Baran, $2.02; J. Coats, $1.91; as messman. He paid off, after i. i. t Strike placards were drawn up R. Kcakbey. $20.00; J. A. Perez, $2.00. J. R. Davis, $3.00; R. Weaver, 10 days, and collected $19, after declaring that the company was SS JOSEPH A. HOLMES SS G. SHARSWOOD B. L. Robbins. $2.00; J. Smith. $2.00; having worked an average of 18 Floyd Cummings, $1.50; E. $2.86. unfair to the seamen of the SIU P. A. O'Niell. $2.00; E. E. llan.son hours a dajL Dunphy, $8.60; T. Dunphy, 18.18; .t 4. 4. Canadian District. When the $1.00; C. P. Thompson. $1.00; M. R. SS FRED C. STEBBINS This first hand report was of crew walked off the ship, the W. Fast, $9.01; D. Fitzpatrick, Reeves. $2.00; M. Gulp. $2.00. T. Garber, $4.69; G. Magoulas, great advantage in making clear action was a complete success. $9.02; N. Holopoff, 73c; D. Mor­ SS F. H. KING .85; L. L. Marsden, $31.56; Fred j. H. Emory. $1.00; W. V. Click. ton, $2,29; G. Hunt, $9.02; J. ANXIOUS PEOPLE $2.00. Janchcwitz, $5.73; Hershel Johns, Olson, $10.52; D.Caron, $4.10. SS MONROE Anxiety soon spread among $1.22; T. Poirier, $5.35; A. Rog4. 4. 4. C. J. Mvchner. $2.00; Clen McCuIloch, SS TELFAIR STOCKTON the passengers. Some were on hammer, $6.96; Joan Ruan, $5.60; $2.00; E. F. Benson, $1.00. H. J. Adams, $1.00; A. J. Dana, board, but couldn't get their bag­ F. J. Sylvia, $8.60; V. C. War­ SS SEATRAIN HAVANA GUSTAVE A. MATTSON T. Mehcnan, $1.00. ren, $7.38; W. Warren, $9.02; E. 75c; Robert Erickson, 75c; Dale It is important that you get gage on. some had sent their Griffith, $3.01; George Kelsey, Cabral, $10.52. in touch with Cezar Tyjewski, baggage ahead but now couldn't $5.29; E. J. Laitinen, $1.64. S- 5. It 1725 Thii'ty-first Avenue, Seat­ get on the ship themselves. With excited and angry pas­ SS THOMAS F. HUNT 4. 4. 4tle, Washington, or Tompings, sengers on one side, and a 100 SS WILLIAM WOLFSKILL Robert Broadus, $5.27; D. L. Rn.al & Tompkins, Attorneys. 1:6 per cent job action on the other, WILLIAM J. O'DONNELL J. R. Hamilton, $6.65; J. M. Burdick, $21.32; D. J. Caron, John Street, New York 7. N. Y. the company was finally con­ Pick up your papers at R. A. $12.05; John Jesonis, $2.70; C. F. Hicks, $2.69; Wm. James, $2.01; vinced of the gravity of the situa­ Lawson, $17.03; Z. F. Mynes, Arthur Johanson, $2.76; F. H. Nichols, brokers office, in Phila­ ANYONE S. LAMEGO tion, and they took stops to sott.le Knott, $3.36; II. F. Murphy, $7.65. delphia. $22.14; R. Owen, $5.63. Your wife is very anxious to the matter. it 4. Shear from you. The president of the company, SS THOMAS JOHNSON 5. t i. Eric Wharton, had flown in from A. M. Brickhouse, $3.88; J. K. JOHN L. MAHONEY Miami and, after the sailing had Cole, 25c; G. W. Harding, $4.40; Get in touch with A. J. Kelle- been held up for three hours, Bengt Hedberg, $10.12; 11. E. her. D. C., 6 Pleasant Street, Mai­ signed a statement that the com­ Hicks, $3.64; H. Johnson, $8.80; den, Mass. pany would be willing to nego­ M R. C. Johnson, $29.31: ' George ' itsIdavian, Arthur J 1.46 tiate if the crew would return to Mangels, Rudolph W 2.41 Kittlcy, $4.40; J. F. Mangeri, WILLIAM MAJOR WEST Idavian, Ai'thur J. .74 Mansell, Cecil A the ship. This was accepted. 4.82 Write to your mother, Mrs. C. Igaz, William F 1.59 Mansfield, Marshall M. . A standard SIU passenger con­ 4.84 S. West, 512 Maycox Avenue, tract was drawn up, and is now Irwin, Frank 6.71 Marten, Austin W 1.44 Ive, Robert ready for presentation to the 13.14 Masel, Edawrd 3.13 Norfolk 5, Virginia. company. i S. i Mason, Gordon O 63.94 J ASHTABULA 1027 West Fifth St. WILFRED J. SHEA There is a parallel between May. Askar 18.34 BALTIMORE 14 North Gay St. Jacobsen. Ernest W. 73.80 these activities in Jacksonville, Calvert 4539 Your mother writes: "Please 2.69 4.74 McCarthy, Joseph B BOSTON 276 State St. Jaeome, Walteiand the proposed AFL boycott of contact me as soon as possible at 8.80 2.69 McGec, Dexter Botidoin 4453 Jairett. Paul E. . Panamanian shipping. 315 Saratoga St., East Boston, 1.44 BUFFALO 10 Exchange St. Jensen. Erland M. 31.73 McLinden, Richard E. . As a result of the concerted, Mass. Lost your address in mov­ 6.52 Cleveland 7391 Jock, Josepti 17.00 McNoIlagc, John support given the Canadian Dis­ ing. Activity in your case. Must CHARLESTON 424 King St. Medlin, Jack R 1.80 2.54 Joffrian. Eugene trict of the SIU, shipowners are Phone 3-.3680 see N. Y. doctor for exam." Mecks, Joseph A .74 73.80 CHICAGO 24 W. Superior Ave. Johnson, Albert learning, to their sorrow, that 51.12 Superior 5175 Johnson, Donald R. .. 8.98 Meeks, Joseph A the search for cheap labor is HAROLD^ NITZ Mcleck, P. J 9.65 CLEVELAND 1014 E. St. Clair Ave. Johnson, George R. .. 8.98 1.07 Main 0147 Get in touch with Nathan more costly in the long run. Johnson, Guthrie C. 3.46 Menefee, Dale W Seamen everywhere are learn­ CORPUS CHRISTI . . 1824 Mesquite St. 8.94 Berk, Counselor at Law, 270 53.54 Mickler, Charles B Corpus Christ! 3-1509 Joki, Ale.x ing that action at the point • of 2.18 Broadway, New York 7, N. Y. 5.87 Miles, Milton M DETROIT 1038 Third St. Jones, Jack C production is the only way to 1.44 ^ S, Cadillac 6857 Joyce, David 7.77 Miller, Harm achieve lasting gains. i 2.69 WILLIAM "BLUEY" CAMP bULUTH 531 W. Michigan St. Judson, Harry 4.80 Miller, Kermit Pious resolutions and the tech­ Melrose 4110 Miller, R 11.45 f Write F. "Darkle" Willis, Box GALVESTON 308'/z—23rd St. K ^ Moellinger, Melvin 20.77 2243 Custom House Station, New nicalities of maritime laws will Phone 2-8448 Kahuhu, Phio P 44.00 Moller, Kaj 19.00 Orleans, La., or Union Hall, 339 never produce one pound of HONOLULU 16 Merchant St. steam on a ship whose Black 74 Mongone, Albei't 1.07 Chartres St., New Orleans. Phone 5S777 Kale, Ulrich H Gang is on the picketline fight­ 1.34 Moore, Warren B 1.11 HOUSTON 1515 75th St. Kecnan, Robert A ing for increased wages a»xd a Wentworth 3-3809 King, Irvin T 2.91 2.53 Morgan, James J. ... CHARLES^:. BRADY better standard of living. JACKSONVILLJE . . 920 Main St. Kobayashi, Masayoshi .... 5.58 5.62 Morgan, William A. Write to John C. McCullough. Phone 5-5919 3.16 Route 2, Box 38. Atmore, Ala. Kucharski, Ryszard 32.27 Murphy. John J. Jr. MARCUS HOOR I'/z W. 8th St. Chester 5-3110 N L MILWAUKEE 6 33 So-Uh 2nd St 2.20 2.93 Nancurrow, Richard D. MOBILE 1 South Lawrence St. La Calla, Roscoe J 9.24 1.07 Napolitano, Joseph Phone 2-1754 La Londe, Dayton Jr NEW ORLEANS 339 Chartrcs St. Law, James R 5.73 3.66 Nelson, Harold W SS JOHN HATONE Magnolia 6112-6113 Lawton, James B 1.20 35.94 Nester, Jack NEW YORK 51 Beaver St. The following men are due 31.66 Lewis, Joe B 3.67 Nielson, Hjalamer HAnover 2-2784 lodging, overtime and subsis­ 26.40 2.95 Noel, Henry A NORFOLK 127-129 Bank St. Lizewski, Olexartder J tence: Lee Parker, OVj hrs.; over­ Lockler, James J 7.20 Phone 4-1083 Norris, Saurgeun D 2.37 NEW YORK, April 24—The time; J. Y. Sepulveda, 9t2 hrs.; PHILADELPHIA 9 South 7th St. Lorber, Roy 1.38 Atlantic-Gulf coastwise service Lombard 3-7651 and L. T. Shelander, 5'j hrs. Lowell, Kenneth H 44.94 of the Pan-Atlantic Steamship PORT ARTHUR . . 809 Fo'rt Worth Ave. 1.34 Oden, Richard R. Newell and C. Kinzel are Phone 2-8532 Corporation, a Waterman sub­ 2.93 due just overtime of O'Donnell, Kenneth R. .... hrs. PORTLAND Ill W. Burnside St. sidiary, has been expanded by 74.74 each. The money can be collect­ Oland, John Beacon 4336 the addition of the three Vic­ 3.66 ed by contacting the offices of Olsaniewski, Edwai'd RICHMOND, Calif 257 5th St. tory ships, first of which is 16.14 Waterman SS Companj' in Mo­ Phone 2599 O'RoUrke, Albert MALLIE CATON scheduled to sail from this port SAN FRANCISCO 105 Market St. 5.14 bile, Alabama. O'Rourke, Albert Your papers are being held for Douglas 5475-8363 tomorrow. The additions bring .. 2.95 Ottcson, A. J 4- i- i SAN JUAN, p. R. ... 252 Ponce de Leon you in the Philadelphia Hall, the total to seven ships now op­ 1.11 Owen, Robert R CAPE BRETTON San Juan 2-5996 You can call for them anytime. erating in this service. SAVANNAH 220 East Bay St. 8 hours overtime for Good Fri­ P Operating out of New York jPhone 8-1728 day, a longshoremen's holiday WALLACE D? HAND 16.44 Panelli, Aladine exclusively, the new vessels will SEATTLE 86 Seneca St. 7.43 can be collected at the Bull Line sail every Friday for Miami, Main 0290 Please come to headquarters or Panter, Bruce A TAMPA 1809-1811 N. Franklin St. 2.63 office in New York. Tampa, New Orleans and then send your book in so that it can Pariani, Albert • Phone M-1323 3.36 4. .4 4. to Mobile, Panama City and Paul, Richard R be straightened out. TOLEDO 615 Summit St. SS HENRY W. BEECHAM 2.95 Port St. Joe. Peek, Fred L S, S. Si WILMINGTON 440 Avalon Blvd. The four ships now on coastal 11.73 The beef on stowaways work­ Pellegri, Rudolph Terminal 4-3131 E. E. WITZKE VICTORIA, B.C 602 Boughton St. 26.40 ing on deck has been settled. runs will leave for the Gulf You overpaid $5.00 on receipt Percival, James Garden 8331 83.59 Collect at, or by writing to. Wa­ from Boston and Philadelphia number 36213. You can obtain Perowa, Joseph VANCOUVER 144 W. Hastings St. 6.80 terman SS Co., 19 Rector St., with calls at the same ports list­ Petersen, Christian Pacific 7824 refund by contacting Patrolman ed for the new ships. New York. 1.46 Jimmy Drawdy, New York Hall. Peterson, Edwin H PERSONALS NOTICE! Shepard Steamship Company 31 MILK STREET, BOSTON, MASS. SlU HALLS MONEY DUE NOTICE! • Pan-Atlantic Adds 3 Ships To Coastal Fleet �Friday, April 25. 1947 (WITH A 41Am tfir>iHG) OF JRAYMOMD M. AVARS WAS VDl(;^^^OR€AMI^EeOWM.S.S(M) Gcrr siy neodE cAiscts WAS TH?CO 8V THP CONWANV weMT TO -me MMV WlNMd DOING/," SAID-me NMU 3UTNOWHE!S GOTATPIPCWROWITH i- Tlte SIU-THC UNION-THATFIGHIS US MeMSGRs'seefs AU,-IH6MAV UP ANO DOVIM UNG / � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource April 25, 1947 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. IX, No. 17 Description An account of the resource Headlines: GREEN PLEDGES SUPPORT TO MTD IN PANAMA BEEF; BOYCOTT PLANS COMPLETED TELEPHONE STRIKERS HOLD FIRM WALL ST BOWS BEFORE UFE; WILL ARBITRATE CREW JOB ACTION CONVINCES OPERATOR TO BARGAIN WITH CANADIAN SEAFARERS BY LEAPS AND BOUNDS BRITISH SEAMEN NEGOTIATING FOR NEW WORKING AGREEMENT THREE CREWS CONTRIBUTE $44 TO HOSPITALIZED CREW SAVED AS GREAT ISAAC, MORAN TUG, SINKS IN CRASH RECORD SHIPPING IS FORECAST FOR 1947 SEASON ON GREAT LAKES KEEPING UP MORALE OF THE 'HELLO GIRLS' HOUSTON LIVES UP TO ITS NAME AS THE 'PORT WITH A FUTURE' LCA FLOODS LAKES WITH NEW MEN IN ATTEMPT TO STOP SEAFARERS NO SIGN OF SHIPPING SLUMP IN NEW ENGLAND AREA SHIPS READY TO MOVE AT BUFFALO; WAIT ONLY FOR FULL FUEL SUPPLY WRITE, DON'T GO OFF TO BUFFALO FOR A BERTH USS TRIES CAN SHAKING IN PHILLY BUT PAST RECORD IS AGAINST THEM GOOD SHIPPING CLEANS OUT PORT ARTHUR GREAT LAKES SEAMEN RESPONDING TO INVITATION TO VISIT THE SEAFARERS' HALL IN CLEVELAND CORPUS CHRISTI KEPT ON THE HOP SHIPPING MAINTAINS ITS HIGH PACE IN NEW YORK; SEAFARERS HAVE THEIR CHOICE OF SHIPS AND RUNS DOUGLAS CREW TAKES ACTION ON PERFORMERS COAL SHIPS ADD TO NORFOLK'S SHIPPING BOOM NEW SIU HALL FUNCTIONING WELL IN ASHTABULA UNORGANIZED LAKES SEAMEN HELP DRAW UP PROPOSED SIU CONTRACTS MOBILE, BOSTON MEN REMEMBER HOSPITALIZED MARCUS HOOK A FERTILE FIELD FOR THE AFL TAMPA LABOR GIRDS FOR FIGHT WITH OPEN-SHOP CITY OFFICIALS UNORGANIZED MILWAUKEE SEAMEN GET THE BUSINESS FROM ALL SIDES FRISCO SHIPPING IS STILL GOOD CREW PUTS OUT BLAZE ON NORDHOFF AT SEA COMPARISON REVEALS SLOPCHEST INEQUITIES ABRAHAM BALDWIN TOWED INTO N.Y. COAL SHIP MCBURNEY HAD 'WONDERFUL TRIP' HOUSE UNION-BUSTING BILL SEEN AS WORK OF THE NAM BEEF-SETTLING SIMPLIFIED BY CLEAN SHIPBOARD RECORD ORGANIZATION OF ALL SHIPS IS ANSWER TO MC'S SCHEME TEXAS CITY TOTALLY RAZED; SEAFARERS GIVES ASSISTANCE THE FIRST SHOP, FIRST ACCIDENT, HIT PORT DULUTH BAGGAGE ROOM CROWDED WITH UNCLAIMED GEAR PAN-ATLANTIC ADDS 3 SHIPS TO COASTAL FLEET Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 4/25/1947 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1947 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/cefd34972188b80579288a0d4c5de626.PDF 553e99458f2f432ee05ad517c4057f39 PDF Text Text Official Organ of the Seafarers International Union of North America VOL, IX. NEW YORK. N. Y,. FRIDAY. MAY 2. 1947 STRAIGHT FROM THE SHOULDER Wilh no hedging, these representatives of other seamen's unions vowed all-out support to the Seafarers' planned boy­ cott of Panamanian ships to halt the transfer of United States shipping. Speaking is Captain William Ash, Masters. Mates, and Pilots; while looking on are James Scott, British Seamen's Union; and E. Johansen, Norwegian Seamen's Union. For other piicures, see page 5. No. 18 Foreign Seamen's Unions Piedge Aid To Seafarers in Panamanian Boycott NEW YORK—World-wide support of the Seafarers International Union's plan to halt the vicious transferral of American ships to Panamanian and Honduran registry is virtually assured, should the signal fx? given. In a stirring demonstration of international waterfront solidarity, representatives of .seamen's unions and five major maritime nations voiced their organiza­ tions' endorsement and pledged full support of the SIU stand, which calls for boycott of vessels flying Panamanian and Honduran flags when they READY FOR ANYTHING ~^put into American ports. Canadians Win Raise, 30 Day interim Pact JACKSONVILLE — The crew of the SS New Noi'thwind, Seaway Lines Limited, came back from a nine-day trip to find that they were covered by an interim agreement, and that a straight thirty dollar increase, across the board, was already in I'ffcrt. Another stipulation ofT^— the interim agreement is that a plished without the cooperation contract. must, be negotiated of the affiliated unions of the within 30 days. Signers for the Maritime Trades Department in Union were Lindsey Williams, in the Jacksonville area. The untiring efforts of Atlantic charge of Gulf SIU organizing; James Manners, Jacksonville and Gulf officials also contributed Port Agent; and W, J, McLaugh­ in great measure to success of the lin, representing the SIU Cana- Canadian Brothers. With chin up. Joseph Beirne. President of the National More and more, the strength din District. Federation of Telephone Workers, addresses a strike meeting of the AFL Maritime Trades De­ This wage gain, the outcome of in the SIU Hall in Baltimore. He was pledged the support of partment is becoming known as the job action reported in last a workers' force, appreciated by the Seafarers on the pickelline and followed that offer by stat­ week's LOG, meant a great deal seanaen and waterfront workers, ing that he was more optimistic than at any time since the to the crew, as was evidenced by strike started. and respected by the operators. the celebration which took place after the vessel docked and the good news spread around. The speed with which the com­ pany came to terms was final proof to the crew that only or­ ganization, on the ship and However, the management fin­ jobs, as well as considerable DETROIT, April 29—Members ashore, can gain advantage for of the Great Lakes District of ally saw the light of day, and income if the D&C failed to op­ workers. the SIU, assembled in Detroit at realized that the Seafarers was erate, the Union stood firm in ANOTHER SHIP COMING a special meeting yesterday, ra­ not going to give them any The unlicensed personnel on tified by an almost unanimous special concessions, and weaken the New Northwind is Composed vote the newly negotiated D&C the entire passenger ship wage structure on the Great Lakes. mainly of French Canadians, agreement. The SIU has just signed a Negotiations had been drag­ with a sprinkling of Nassauvians. More than 200 Lakes Seafar­ new agreement with the In June the "company expects ers were present to register their ging on since last Fall and, at Moran Towing and Trans­ every meeting between the SIU to add another ship to the run, overwhelming approval of the portation Company covering with accommodations for 200 new 44 hour week and other negotiating committee and man­ its fleet of sea-going tugs. gains secured for the D&C sea­ agement re|)resentatives, they passengers. For full details of the con­ claimed that they would not he This is planned despite the men. tract. which establishes the Ever since last Fall, the De­ able to operate in 1947 if the company howls that it is playing highest wage scales in the hide-and-seek wilh bankruptcy troit and Cleveland Navigation company had to pay any wage maritime industry for off­ Company had been pleading increases. operating one ship. shore opierations. see story The SIU Canadian District poverty in an effort to prevent Despite the fact that the SIU on Page 3. realizes full well - that this job the SIU from gaining their legit­ stood to lose over a thousand could never have been accom­ imate contract demands. The seamen's representatives, who issued their approval of the plan at the April 17 New York membership meeting, were: Einar Johansen, Norwegian Seamen's Union; Ernest Roberg, Swedish Seamen's Union; F. Clausen, Danish Seamen's Union; James Scott, British Seamen's Union, and Manuel Pitharoulis, Secre­ tary of the New York Branch, Federation of Greek Maritime Unions. Additional support would come from the world-powerful Interna­ tional Transportworkers Federa­ tion, it was announced at the meeting by the Organization's representative in the United States, Willy Dorchain. The meeting was addressed also by Captain William C. Ash, Secretary-Business Manager, Lo­ cal 88, Masters, Mates and Pilots of America, which, like the SIU, holds membership in the ITF and the American Federation of La­ bor's Maritime Trades Depart­ ment. Meanwhile, as the SIU tight­ ened its plans for a pK)ssible showdown on the Panamanian {Continued on Page 5) lakes SIU Okays 44 Hour Week D&C Contract Moran Signs its minimum demands on the company. Before finally capitulating to the SIU demands, the D&C at­ tempted to spearhead a passen­ ger ship combine to force the SIU to negotiate a single con­ tract or on a single pattern with the D&C, Boh-Lo, Georgian Bay and C&B lines. This plan failed when the Sea­ farers representatives told the combined shipowners at a meet­ ing held in Detroit on April 25 that the Union would not re­ treat from its minimum terms.. Last Saturday, April 26, D&C General Manager Emory Hatch (Continued on Page }) �Page Two THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, May 2, 1947 The Itnc'ttp ^ SEAFARERS LOG Published Weekly by the SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Gulf District Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor At 51 Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y. HAnover 2-2784 International Officers HARRY LUNDEBERG . . .President 105 Market St., San Francisco, Calif. PAUL HALL First Vice-President 51 Beaver St., New York 4, N. Y. MORRIS WEISBERGER - Vice-President 105 Broad St., New York 4, N. Y. GAL TANNER Vice-President 1 South Lawrence St., Mobile, Ala. EDWARD COESTER . . . Vice-President 86 Seneca St., Seattle, Wash. JOHN HAWK - Secy.-Treasurer 105 Market St., San Francisco, Calif. District Officials J. p. SHULER - - - Secy.-Treas. Atlantic & Gulf District P. O. Box 25, Bowling Green Station, New York, N. Y. HARRY LUNDEBERG Sscy.-Treas. Sailors Union of the Pacific 59 Clay Street, San Francisco, Calif. FRED FARNEN - - - - Sec.y.-Treas. Great Lakes District 1038 Third Street, Detroit, Michigan HUGH MURPHY - - - - Secy.-Treas. Canadian District 144 W. Hastings St., Vancouver, B. C. Entered as second class matter June 15, 1945, at the Post Office in New York, N. Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912. GEORGE K. NOVICK, Editor ^ 267 Solidarity Forever There's an old union song, dating from the days when a picketline was a prelude to long months in the hospital and worse, that sums up the true ideas of Seafarers' union­ ism. The song goes liice this: Hospital Patients When entering the hospital notify the delegates by post­ card, giving your name and the number of your ward. Solid aril y forever, Solid a ril y' fo rci c r, Solidarity forever, For the JJniou makes us strong. Staten Island Hospital Those words, or thoughts like the ones expressed in the above words, are never far from the minds of the members of the Seafarers International Union. The song has been sung on picketlines in every state of the United States, and it symbolizes the actions of the merchant sea­ These are the Union Brothers currently in the marine hospitals, men in the SIU, who set the pace for the American mari­ as reported by the Port Agents. These Brothers find time hanging time industry. heavily on their hands. Do what you can to cheer them up by writ­ Men Now in The Marine Hospitals Through the direct economic action of the militant men who make up the membership of the SIU, standards of all American seamen have risen. Wages are at an alltime peak, and conditions aboard SIU ships are the envy of other U. S. seamen, as well as merchant mariners the world over. All this has been achieved by solidarity. The unity of the AFL Maritime Trades Department made possible the SIU victory in the 1946 General Strike—the most complete tie-up of shipping that has ever been seen. And this same unity, only on a bigger scale, will be called into play in the battle to force an end to phony transfers of American ships to Panamanian registry. The solid ranks of the MTD will be augmented by the seamen of other countries; of Denmark, England, Sweden, Greece, Norway, and where the International Transport workers Federation has affiliates. When the SIU calls for action, it will be an international team that will fight the battle through to the end. Many unions have preached solidarity. The SIU has actually gone about practicing it. That's why we can count on the organized strength of maritime workers all over the world to back us up in our coming beef. Our solidarity has paid off, is paying off, and will continue to payoff well into the future. It's the real trade union way. ing to them. NEW ORLEANS HOSPITAL GUS KREZTER C. MASON STEVE MOGAN R. B. "BOB" WRIGHT N. LONGTIME ED. DUDEK J. J. O'NEILL E. J. NAVARRE J. N. HULL C. TYNER C. J. COMPAN WM. H. CAO J. W. DENNIS ED. CUSTER WM. BROCE, Jr. GEO. F. DUFFY ADAM KARPOWICH C. LOCIGNO WM. MEAGHER D. LAUBERSHEIMER G. F. HART H. N. LEAVELLE S. HAMILTON % % % STATEN ISLAND HOSP. H. R. BELCHER E. E. CASEY V. PLACEY T. P. O'SULLIVAN R. G. MOSSELLER E. CARRARAS M. BAUCSKI D. NELSON G. H. STEVENSON F. NERING V. ALVAREZ F. G. CRUZ P. AMATO J. A. DYKES E. B. HOLMES C. A. MILLER H. SELBY NEPONSET^ HOSPITAL HUGH BURKE J. S. COMPBELL LINDEN CLARK JOHN T. EDWARDS J. FIGUEROA E. FERRER J. R. HANCHEY C. LARSON L. L. LEWIS L. TORRES S. S. t . BALTIMORE MARINE HOSP. CHARLES SIMMONS CHARLES PAYNE CARLOS LEE JR. ALEXANDER DUDDE EDWARD CAIN JR. ERNEST SIDNEY STANLEY ROWE AUGUST OENBRINK WALTER SIBLEY You can contact your Hos­ pital delegate at the Staten Island Hospital at the follow­ ing times: Tuesday—1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 5th and 6ih floors) Thursday — 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 3rd and 4th floors.) Saturday—1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 1st and 2nd floors.) WM. KEMMERER RAYMOND NOE MANUEL ROMERO GEORGE MILLER OSCAR PAYNE JOHN WEBB JOHN RILEY (G. L.) JAMES McMAHON (G. L.) ELLIS ISLAND HOSPITAL M. MORRIS W. B. MUIR D. MCDONALD C. RASMUSSEN B. HOFFMAN J. KOSLUSKY % ^ ^ CHiq^GO MARINE HOSP. LOUIS JOHNSON STEVE SCHULTZ HENRY LALLY % % BRIGHTON HOSPITAL E. JOHNSTON H. SWIM T. -MAYNES R, LORD J. RUBERY D. BURLISON J. LEVACK E. DELLAMANO J. CAREY �Friday, May 2. 1947 THE SEAFARERS BELONGING TO SIU PAYS OFF Wearing happy smiles, these crewmembers of the SS New Northland celebrated the thirty buck across the board raise negotiated for them by the SIU Canadian District. Story appears on pa.ge I. Information from Jacksonville gave name of ship as the New Northwind. We're con­ fused now, but we hope to clear up the name by the next issue. Great Lakes District Okays D&C Pact, 44 Hour Week (Continued front ?a^e 1) signified a desire to sit down with SIU representatives in a last minute endeavor to arrive at an agreement satisfactory to both Union and company. Present at the meeting in the company offices were Mr. Hatch; company attorney Mr. Bullard; Gi-eat Lakes Secretary-Treasurer Fred Farnen, and International Repro.sentative Russell Smith. After a meeting lasting more than 3 hours, terms of the set­ tlement were.finally decided, re­ duced to a memorandum agree­ ment, and Union representatives agreed to take the agreement back to the membership for either ratification or rejection. It was ratified almost unanim­ ously, with only 3 dissenting votes. 44 HOUR WEEK Among the provisions of the new contract are the following: men in the Deck and Engine Departments receive the same pay for 44 hours that they form e r 1 y received for 56 hours; week-end overtime for Satur­ day afternoons and Sundays is paid -at the .overtime rate of $1.00 per hour; all penalty over­ time as outlined in the contract is paid at the rate of $1.25 per hour. In the Stewards Department, members arc paid at the rate of 1 e.xtra day's pay for every 7 days worked, which actually amounts to an increase of al­ most 15 percent in their base payAll fit-out, lay-up and winter work is to be paid at the rate of $1.60 per hour for the rated men, and $1.40 per hour for the unrated men in the Deck and Engine Departments. Work of a like nature per­ formed by Stewards Department members is to be paid at the rates of $1.60, $1.40, $1.25, and $.93 per hour for the 4 wage brackets in this department. All work over 40 hours in any week will be paid at time-andone-half. This provision includes all standby work, which actually I' '• • .. means any work performed out­ side of the regular sailing sea­ son, including fit-out and lay-up. This is a decided increase over the old set-up. OTHER CONTRACTS ATTENTION! All Canadian seamen on Coastwise vessels should never neglect to pick up their discharges on leaving a ves­ sel. When you register at the Hall for a ship and have no discharges to show, or prove your rating, or length of serv­ ice, you only handicap the Dispatcher. In addition you cause yourself inconvenience and perhaps unemployment. LOG Page Thre« New Moran Contraet Sets Top Wage Stale NEW YORK, May 1 — Faced with the possibility of economic action in the event of contin­ ued stalling, the Moran Towing and Transportation Company ca­ pitulated yesterday to the de­ mands of the Seafarers Interna­ tional Union's negotiating com­ mittee and signed a contract em­ bodying the highest wage scale in the maritime industry for off-shore operations. Negotiating and signing the agreement for the Union were J. P. Shuler, Secretary-Treasur­ er, Atlantic and Gulf District, Joe Algina, Acting N. Y. Agent, and Steve Cardullo, Marcus Hook Port Agent. R. M. Fox signed for the company. Under terms of the record contract. Seafarer crews of Mo­ ran tugs will be paid top wages that include all monetary gains in effect on other SlU-contracted vessels, plus the six per cent cost of living increase retroac­ tive to Jan. 1, 1947, negotiated with other companies last March. Up to the time of the negotia­ tions, which v/ere concluded yes­ terday the company had repeat­ edly refused to open discussions for a new contract. It had been stalling since the signing of the interim agreement last fall. Two weeks ago. Brother Shuler notified the company that membership was getting fed up with company's continued delays and favored action. Shuler's no­ tification apparently took effect. In addition to the high wage provisions, other features of the new agreement are: 1. An "inequity increase" of $10 per month for Able Sea­ men and a $15 per month for i Wipers both retroactive to June 15, 1946. 2. An increase in the Stewards Department manning scale, one man being added. 3. Standby rate of pay while in port is $1.53 per hour for an eight hour day. Overtime rate for standby work is $2.30 per hour. The agreement also calls for increase in the travel, meal and subsistence allowances prevail­ ing in all SIU contracts, and are retroactive to March 11 last. (Text of the Supplemental Agreement appears on Page 14.) Low Cost Glasses Now A vafiaUe To Seafarers ".See these new glasses," said Bi other B. "I'm proud of them, and they only cost me $35.00." Another Brother who happen­ ed to be listening to the conver­ sation, looked up and said, "Don't crow until you've been wearing them for a few weeks. I bought glasses myself, and after a little while they did more harm than good to my eyes." After that the conversation became general, and plenty of the Brothers aired their beefs about glasses. To make the story short, here are some of the criticisms: Too high a price on glasses. This was voiced by practically everyone who could make him­ self heard. Terms of the D&C agreement will serve as a pattern for other operators in the passenger ship service, although these contracts will all be negotiated and sign­ (Continued on Page 4) ed on an individual basis. Bob - Lo Excursion Company, and the Chicago and Buffalo SS Company have already signified a willingness to sign like agree­ ments. The Chicago, Duluth and Georgian Bay Transit Company MONTREAL, Canada — The ed out at a press conference in strategy, with the CSU being, in is expected to go along with the effect, nothing more than an Canadian District of the Seafar­ Montreal. pattern. arm of the party and the seamen The decision to form a Cana­ Other agreements covering the ers International Union of North exploited in its behalf. Milwaukee Clipper, and various America has inaugurated its dian District was made by SIU Emergence of the SIU's Can­ Delegates representing 91,000 excursion and passenger ship drive to win improved wage and adian District will provide the maritime and allied workers of working conditions for Canada's operators on the Lakes are now ! spark Canadian seamen have North America when they mot seamen with the establishment in the process of being negoti­ been waiting for. It will set up a recently at the SIU's Third Bien­ of a Branch office in this port ated. militant plan of action for gain­ nial Convention in Chicago. Secretary-Treasurer Fred Far­ city. nen expressed h i s satisfaction The Convention's decision was ing higher wages and better The branch, located at 1440 over the D&C contract in this Bleury Street, was opened last prompted by the desperate plight working conditions, and will call manner, "Certainly, we didn't Thursday, and is being directed of Canadian seamen who have for settling of beefs at the point get everything that we asked by a Canadian Seafarer, ...Gene been foundering without organ­ of production — the methods which have proven so highly suc­ for. But we have no. apologies ization. Markey. cessful on the American water­ to offer for the pattern estab­ In addition, requests have been front. Woi-king with Markey are H. lished on the Great Lakes pas­ pouring in by the hundreds from Murphy, Secretary-Treasurer of Already the Canadian District senger vessels." Canadians who wished to be­ has demonslraled samples of Farnen continued, "We broke the Canadian District and Van­ come organized and affiliated what it can win for Canada's un­ the 56 hour week on these ships couver Port Agent, and William with the SIU, whose militant organized seamen. Within the and got a 44 hour week. This McLaughlin, organizer and Vic­ reeord of accomplishment in be­ past few weeks—while it was in itself is a substantial gain toria Port Agent. half of its membership stands amounting to an average in­ The Canadian District's drive unparalleled in waterfront his­ still in the state of organization— the District forced signing of a crease of $52 monthly for all will be aimed at organizing tory. Deck and Engine employees not everything in Canada that floats. contract by the India Steamship The Canadian District is set­ Company covering the Canadian counting the penalty overtime. Activities of the Montreal office Next year, we expect to have will be coordinated with those ting out to elevate the standards crews of six vessels and giving a 40 hour week on all SlU-con- of the Vancouver and Victoria of wages and conditions on Can­ them the same wages and work­ ada's waterfront to a level com­ ing conditions enjoyed by Amer­ tracted Lakes vessels just like branches. parable with those enjoyed by ican Seafarers. we're demanding on the freight Robert A. Matthews, SIU Head­ Seafarers in the United States. ships this year. That's our goal." Similar contracts were nego­ quarters Representatve, who is Up to now, seamen of the tiated by the Canadian District temporarily in Montreal to aid in country to the North, have been wth a number of other shipping setting up the machinery that —in the great majority—unorgan­ firms, including the Seaway will produce better wages and ized. They have been subjected way Lines Limited, in which all conditions .for Canadian seamen, to filthy conditions shabby pay. unlicensed crewmembers of the Check Ihe slop chest be­ emphatically stresses the purpose company's SS North Wind, op­ fore your boat sails. Make COMMIE SELL-OUT and nature of the newly-formed erating under Canadian registry, sure that the slop chest con­ district. The communist - dominated received a $30 a month increase tains an adequate supply of Canadian Seamen's Union has i in wages. Steps were also taken all the things you are liable FOR CANADIAN SEAMEN failed its membership miserably.' to bring the vessel's shoddy con­ to need. If it doesn't, call the "This Union will be of, by, and Waterfront advances were made ditions up to Seafarers standards Union Hall immediately. for Canadian seamen," he point­ secondary to communist party, —the best on the waterfront. SIU Canadian District Opens New Haii In Montreal, Begins Organizing Drive Check it - But Good �Page Four THE NMU Tries To Freeioad On SlU St Lakes Drive SEAFARERS LOG Friday. May 2, 1947 NFTW OFFICERS SPEAK By EARL SHEPPARD DETROIT—At a recont meet­ idcnt of the National Maritime ing held in the Local NLRB oi- Union as saying the Union is com­ ficea, the NMU representatives munist-dominated and that you expressed grave concern because must be a member of the com­ the SIU had failed to notify them munist party or you cannot hold that we had petitioned for elec­ office in the union and he backs tions to be held in the Huron, up his quote by shoving the Wyandotte, Hanna and Wilson Pilot in your face and showing it to you in writing, you as an or­ fleets. It seems that wo really hurt ganizer haven't a leg to stand the feelings of these sensitive on." In the same Pilot under Joe souls by not telling them where, when and why the SIU was or­ Curran's name, the following ap­ peared, "Tiierc can be no com­ ganizing on the Great Lakes. As far as we arc concerned, in promise with corrupt political our current organizational cam­ machines, grou'ps or cliques, paign on the Great Lakes, there whose loyalty is first to outside is no such thing as a National organizations before our union's welfare." This, from the presi­ Maritime Union. Maryland's telephone strike leaders addressed a meeting in Baltimore, held at the SIU Hall. Certainly, when the Lakes sca- dent of the NMU who has closely Also present was Joseph Beirne. President of the National Federation of Telephone Workers. In mcm themselves have repudiated followed the commie line for ten the usual order, Jim Yewell, State Strike Director; Walter Petry, organizer; Joseph Beirne; Tom this outfit time and again, and years, and who openly referred Hooper, Assistant State Strike Director; and Bob Beveridge, President of the Telephone Equip­ state overwhelmingly that they to Joe Stalin as "Comrade Sta­ ment Workers, and a member of the National Policy Committee. are interested in joining the SIU, lin" when he visited Ru.ssia! and only the SIU, why should When the leopard changes lus we concern ourselves with a spots, we'll believe that Joe Curbankrupt outfit which spends all ran and his group of eye-wash of their time in fighting among artists have changed their poli­ themselves and trying to cram tics! But enough of the NMU. their phony politics down the sea­ It's already taken up more space men's throats? in the LOG than it rightfully de­ We have no interest in fighting serves, but we've got to keep the BALTIMORE Sparked by the Ho told the meeting that Sea­ the NMU, mentioning the NMU, record straight. announcement that white-capped farers would join the telephone or considering them in any way LAKES PICTURE Seafarers would join them on workers on the pickctlinc. whatsoever. We're a militant the picketlines, Baltimore's tele­ trade union and not interested Good progress is being shown One of the local officials. Miss phone strikers held a rousing in any phony "save the world" in the overall Lakes picture of Helen Smith, President of the strike rally in the SIU Hall, 14 political program tied to the the Seafarers drive to organize Telephone Clerical Workers, re­ North Gay Street, on Sunday, Moscow bandwagon. Our sole the unorganized on the Lakes. lated her experiences with the April 27. interest is in bettering the hours, We've already petitioned for elec­ company. wages, working and living con­ tions in the following fleets: Joseph Beirne, President of She told of starting work for­ ditions of all seamen. the National Federation of Tele­ Huron Transportation Com ty-two years ago at a salary of phone Workers, came down from pany—2 ships $3.00 per week. She ended her FREE RIDE New Yoi-k to address the meet­ militant speech by stating that Wyandotte Transportation Com­ ing. Officials of the various di­ If the NLRB wants to spend pany—4 ships she would be the last one to visions also had their say. part of their time and part of stop picketing. their scarce funds in notifying M. A. Hanna Company — 13 Baltimore Agent William Rentz One of the leaders of the ships HIGHLY OPTIMISTIC the NMU every time the SIU pe­ Baltimore telephone strikers is pledged all out support to the titions for an election, that's up Wilson Transit Company — 12 Miss Audrey Smith, above. She strikers, and volunteered the use Beirne told the audience that ships to them. Then, if the NMU wants told a packed meeting that "if of the SIU Hall every night in "tonight we can be more op­ to indulge in their favorite pas­ These companies are practical­ scabs pass your picketlines, it's the week until the walk-out timistic than at any time before time of trying to get a free I'ide ly solid for the SIU, and we are your own fault." ends. April 7. on the Seafarers coat-tails, they fully confident that they will "We have a note of optimism can do so. register an overwhelming vote from our own people and the Every time the SIU petitions for the Soafaier.s when the NLRB Labor Department that seems to the NLRB, the NMU can certain­ holds their elections. indicate that before tomorrow ly try to intervene on the ballot. Complete details on the Huron is finished, there will be at least That's their privilege, but let election appear elsewhere in the a wage proposal by AT&T." them spend a little time and ef­ LOG. As regards the other three This is all part of the Union (Conthtiwd from Page 3) fort doing some organizing on companies, meetings ai'e being He told the group that anyone Examination not thorough Optical Plan, located at 152-154 their own. going back to work before the held this week to determine the Fourth Avenue, New York City. Of cour-so, that's practically an election dates and the election enough. Many men who pre-, strike officially ended would scribe eye glasses haven't mod­ Many unions are already mem­ impossibility, as none of the stipulations. strengthen the company's posi­ ern equipment v/ith which to bers of the Plan, and all are loud Lakes seamen want anything to tion, and reduce the bargaining Now that the first part of our in their praise of the service. The do witlr a bankrupt outfit like organizational- program is just work. power of the union. Poor quality work. Some unions involved figure that theirs. about over, that part which dealt thousands of dollars have been Members of unions not on Chester Young, new NMU vice with the fit-out of the ships, we men showed glasses that were saved so far. strike are continuing to respect president pro-tem, in charge of are ready to start the second wavy, and were probably in­ picketlines, and telephone ser­ Total number of members in juring their eyes beyond re­ organizing—he took Joe Stack's phase of our all-out campaign to the participating unions exceeds vice in Baltimore and the rest place after his whitewashed exit completely organize the Great pair. of Maryland is far from normal. 150,000. Slow service. Seamen on the from office—said a mouthful in Lakes so that all Lakes seamen beach don't stick around long the Pilot of April 25. BEST OF EVERYTHING will carry an SIU book. and they can't afford to wait "When you have a young, raw With the ships in full move­ The Union Optical Plan is recruit whom you are trying to ment throughout the Lakes, it be­ for glasses and miss a ship. housed in modern offices. On organize, and he quotes the pres- comes necessary to redistribute ALL OVER NOW the premises are located the WASHINGTON, D. C.. May our organizational staff to such These criticisms were so gen­ scientifically equipped examina­ 1—On invitation from Wil­ ports as they will now be need­ eral among the membership, that tion rooms, and the completely liam Green, President of the ed in. a recent New York membership equipped lens grinding labora­ American Federation of La­ Certainly, with the swell start meeting authorized Secretary- tory. This means no long waits bor, committees from the Members whose gear has that we have already made, we Treasurer J. P. Shuler to investi­ for glasses. AFL and CIO begin meet­ been held for more than three have every intention of seeing gate the field to see if arrange­ ings today to seek the pos­ All members of the SIU, and months in the fourth floor this drive through until all Lakes ments could not be made with sible unity of all of Amer­ their families, are entitled to the baggage room of the New seamen are organized as mem­ a cooperative optical outfit that ica's organized labor. services. The Special Services York Hall are advised to call bers of the Seafarers. would give the Seafarers memDepartment is now preparing a Faced with the heavy for it immediately, or notify The vast majority of these un­ ber,ship competent examinations bulletin giving complete details. threat of anti-labor legisla­ the Hall where they wish it organized Lakes seamen are well and glasses at moderate stand­ tion, President Green, in call­ Until the bulletin is issued, if sent. aware what the SIU stands for, ardized foes. ing the meeting, stressed the there ai-e any seamen, or mem­ Crowded conditions make and that's the Union of their And Brother Shuler reports fact that the need for unity bers of their families in the New it impossible to hold gear choice! These men are sick and that from now on Seafarers can was never greater than toda.y. longer than three months. All tired of the open-shop conditions be examined by competent reg­ York'area, in need of optical service Joe Volpian, SIU Special The unity meetings in the effects remaining unclaimed prevailing on the Lakes for years. istered optometrists (and medical Nation's Capital, are the Services Representative, is the after three months will be Now they want SIU job se­ eye specialists where necessary). third of such meetings since man to see at 51 Beaver Street. sent to the owner's home via curity, contract protection, job If eye glasses are indicated, they the inception of the CIO in express collect. Seafarers who are examined at seniority, union representation, will be supplied at a very reason­ 193B and the first in over five Gear without addresses Marine Hospitals may bring their and all the other benefits of SIU able cost; and other eye treat­ yea,rs. will be disposed of otherwise. membership. prescriptions to the Union Optical ments are available when re­ They'll get it, too! Plan to be filled. quired. Telephone Strikers Rally In SIU Baltimore Hall Low Cost Glasses Now Available To The Seafarers Membership AFL, CIO MEET Unclaimed Gear �Friday, May 2, 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Five Foreign Seamen Pledge Aid To Seafarers (Continued from Page I) quustion, ovidcnco appeared that the Union was causing Washing­ ton big-wigs to keep their ears to the ground. The Maritime Commission an­ nounced that it will pay closer attention to ship sales "under the ilag of convenience"'—refer­ ring to Panama. The Commission revealed an awareness that ships were being bought under Panama registry to beat taxes here, and to cloak ownership for political or other reasons. Tiie "other rea.sons" refer to the .shipowners' scheme to avoid payment of decent wages to American seamen, a factor which the commission and all Washing­ ton has so far failed to take a stand on. At the SIU's membership meet­ ing, Paul Hall, New York Port Agent, introduced the seamen representatives, all of whom spoke briefly. tinued, decided also to terminate tions from American seamen and, all contracts with Panamanian consequently, from seamen the .'^hips. One of the two ships was world over. immediately put back under the "Danish seamen will not allow Norwegian flag, he said. bread and butter to be taken The commiiteo then advised away from American seamen," Through the all its men not to accept jobs on j F. Clausen said. Panamanian ships, and invoked |ITF, the Danish maritime movethe aid of the country's long- linent will go along with its Amci .shoremen "to back the fight if it ican brothers, he added. comes," the Norwegian seamen's He recalled the e.xcellent re­ lepresentative concluded. lationships welded between the Terming the Panamanian two seamen of both nations dur­ transfers "modern piracy," Ern­ ing the war, and hoped for its est Roberg, of the Swedish union, continuance. declared the traffic must be stop­ BRITISH AID ped before Panama accumulates a big fleet. Jame.s Scott, speaking for the In pledging his union's sup­ British Seamen, said the Seafar­ port, he scored the deliberate rob­ ers would receive the full sup­ bery of decent wages and condi­ port of his union. He said the British Sc-arncn's Union had al­ ready i.ssued a statement concern­ ing its stand on the Panamanian situation. "'\Ve are rootiirg for the SIUSUP in its fight to beat the evils of the Panama ship transfers," declared Manuel Pitharoulis, of tire Federation of Greek Mari­ time Unions. "We fought side by side for demociacy,' the Greek seamen's representative .sard "and now we must fight .side by side for a de­ cent standard of living." Willy Dorchain, of the ITF, i-ecalled that the Seafarc-r s was the first North American affiliate oi his organization. He asserted that the ITF's Job is to raise the Brother Johansen stated that a coordinating committee con­ sisting of four unions represent­ ing all types of personnel had met in Norway recently to dis­ cuss the possibility of action, ad it was decided the licensed and unlicensed personnel "would go along in the fight to stop the transfers" to Panama. That meeting, Johansen con- F. Clausen, of the Danish Seamen's Union, stated that the members of his union are prepared to go down the line' with the SIU in the Panamanian beef^ All we've got ta do is give lhe~-word. BOSSES' CONSPIRACY Poiiiting to the elfectiveness and .succe.s.s of all pievious SIU actions in .'•x-ttling its beefs, New York Agent, Paul Hall, main­ tained that it could be done again in tl'.e current Panamanian scheme. Hall blasted the ship transfers as repiesenting more than a de­ vice o: a few shipowners to beat Arnei'ican seamen out of a decent wage. "We ai"e fighting a conspiracy on tlie part of international capi­ tal against all seamen," Hallcharged. Concluding his remarks, he remarks, he \'oiced confidence that legardless of the opposition, the Seafarers would win the beef if it comes. ACTION IN NORWAY "The Swedish Seamen's Union will be with you," said Ernest Roberg, who speaks for the union in the United Stales. It sure feels good to know that the SIU has that kind of back­ ing throughout the world. standard of woiking conditions the world over. Doi'cnain a.sserted that the ITF must take action on the ship transfers in the same manner the SIU takes action—in militant fashion. Also present at the SIU meet­ ing were officials of the strik­ ing telephone workers. They thanked the Seafarers member­ ship foi' their staunch support on the picketlines and for the con­ tribution of .SI000.00 In the tele­ phone workers strike fund. The regular New York Branch meeting on April 23 heard representatives of foreign sea­ men's unions pledge support to the SIU if, and when, Panamanian ships are boycotted. Here is a view of crowded Webster Hall, as it looked to the speakers. Willy. Dorchain. who represents the International Transportworkers Federation in the United States, outlined what action the ITF is prepared to make the Pananuuiian boycott nationwide. In the background.- left, io right, Fkeddie Stewart, Jtecording Secretary; AI Kerr, Chairman: Les Ames, Beading Clerk; and Paul Hell, New York Port Agent. From the Federation of Greek Maritime Unions also came a pledge of support in the Panamanian boycott. M. Pith­ aroulis, Secretary of the New York Branch, made this known at the meeting. While preparing for our own troubles, the SIU found lime to lend a helping hand to the tele­ phone workers. Joe Leone, member of the New York Strike Committee, attended the meeting to thank the SIU. �Page Six THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, May 2. 1947 SeafarersNeeded To Help Tanker, Gt Lakes Drive Progress Sg Far Proves G.L. Men Want Seafarers BY RAY WHITE By FRED FUSS NORFOLK — Shipping has slowed up considerably in Nor­ folk for the time being. Only two ships payed off here last week, but in spite of this fact we shipped quite a few men to ports south, and to ships in transit. By SONNY SIMMONS The Moran tugboats still hit TAMPA—Shipping is still at a Norfolk pretty regularly, al­ peak here with four ships in port, though two or three of them two for Waterman, one for Bull are now on foreign voyage. and a West Coaster. The Hood River. Pacific Tank­ Silence this week from the The news is that we are due ers, came in April 23rd for pay­ Branch Agents of the follow­ off. In boarding her I found for eight more in the next two ing ports: that quite a few of the freight days, most of which will call for ship boys were aboard. That replacements. NEW ORLEANS is good. SAN JUAN If this proves true we will end As the Isthmian drive is over, up with an empty hall. SAVANNAH with a sweeping SIU victory, ~ HOUSTON ABs are moving fast. As a we now have to turn our power result we have had to ship acting JACKSONVILLE on other unorganized fields. ABs on most of the ships that CHARLESTON The main object of this drive call for them. MOBILE on the East and Gulf Coasts will Pati-olman Dick Birmingham be tankers. In order for this The deadline for port re­ to be a successful operation, as just got back from Miami and re­ ports, monies due, etc.. is the was the Isthmian drive, it will ports every/thing shipshape in that port. The Florida calls for Monday proceeding publica­ be necessary for each and every member to take an active part. very few replacements, as the tion. While every effort will The first and main thing is to present crew is well settled be made to use in the current sail tankers, organized or un­ aboard. issue material received after It is only necessary to contact organized, reporting your act­ that date, space commitments ivity to the Union Hall or Or­ her twice a month now, which generally do not permit us to ganizer in whatever port you is a great relief and a big cut in do so. expenses to us. hit. This will help build up a Since closing the Hall in nucleus of tanker men of which, Miami, the Tampa Branch has at present, we are somewhat been able to remit quite a bit to The ship chandlers are having short of. Of course you will Headquarters. The closing of the a bad time of it, too, since they have to forfeit some of the Miami Branch should net us a went through our picketlines dur­ conditions and wages that are $1200 monthly saving. ing the strike. Some of the ships enjoyed under SIU contracts, We just shipped Uncle Otto on coming- in are taking on six but the object is to bring all the Rosario (formerly the Tris- months supplies of stores. This unorganized companies under tam Daltan) as Night Cook and is true especially of Waterman. the banner of the SIU, so that Baker. But instead of buying from the we all may enjoy a secure fut­ chandlers, the Port Captain or­ Some of the younger members ure. ders a truck and driver from n As the membership knows at will now have a chance to see a u-drive-it company and makes present, the SIU is in an all-out real oldtimer at work. They can the rounds to buy everything get some good pointers from him. - .rive to organize the Great needed. Needless to say, -this Lakes, and we have some of the COPS STILL AT IT makes the chandlers very un­ most capable organizers in the We're still having gendarme happy. field in that area. Borden's Dairy and Watts' Ba­ If any of the Brothers plan trouble in Tampa. These people to take a Great Lakes cruise, are still stinging under the effects kery are the only ones doing a upon arrival there be sure and of the SIU General Strike. They regular business here. These two contact the Organizer as your haven't forgotten it, and any time companies were broad minded assistance will be a great help a seaman has a couple of beers enough to see the writing on the he is as good as in the cooler. in this drive. wall and have benefited by it. Ship Chandlers In Tampa Are Still Learning Hard Facts Of Life—Do Not Scah On Seafarers NO NEWS?? Passenger Ships Next Target For SIU Organizers In Chicago By HERBERT JANSEN CHICAGO — Shipping this week is again on the upgrade. Quite a few of the boys are showing their faces around the Hall after hibernating in the Chicago area for the Winter months. stands for, the type of contracts we have, and the way SIU mem­ bers are represented in their beefs. For too long these Lakes sea­ men have been getting a dirty deal from the open-shop ships. During the next couple of Now they want unionization, and weeks, the outlook is that ship­ nothing but the SIU will satisfy ping will be very good around them. They've heard how SIU mem­ the Windy City in all depart­ bers give their beefs to the Pa­ ments. trolman, and get prompt settle­ Paying it's first visit to this ment of all just beefs. They port for several years, the SS | realize that they don't stand a Penobscot was at South Chicago chance of being fired if they during the week. She came in make a legitimate squawk when without any beefs, and cleared they're covered by an SIU con­ fer Erie, Pa. with a load of tract. That's protection, Brothcorn—biit only after quite a bit er! of delay at the shipyards where At the present time, we are in she was having some new plates the midst of contract negotia­ put on her. tions with the passenger boat Now that the organizational operators. The outcome of these drive is going full swing on the negotiations will be out in a Lakes, all indications here are short time, and everyone will that the seamen are going for see that the SIU is again lead­ the Seafarers in a big way. They ing the fight with the best con­ have learned what the ^ SIU tracts in the industry. Cv. Also, Mr. Saffold and Hamilton Brothers have bought four LCIs from the government. These ships will be placed under Hon­ duran registry as soon as they are converted. Crenshaw, the other large ban­ ana importer, is still getting a lot of bananas in port from ships un­ der foreign registry. A day never passes without at least 15 or 20 foreign flag ships in port, all carrying scab crews. TOLEDO — The fact that the SIU is able to petition the Na­ tional Labor Rolations Board for elections on several Lakes fleets bears out our repeated statements that the Lakes sea­ men want to be represented by the SIU in preference to any company union or the Lake, Car­ riers. The SIU is not attempting to sell the Lakes men a bill of goods that will later prove to be worthle'ss. We are no Johnny-come-lately Union trying to sell the dreams of any group of Utopians, or any group of poli­ ticians owing their allegiance to a foreign power. These people here feel safe in Our Union, the Seafarers In­ not having to do business with a ternational Union, is run by and union due to the anti-closed shop for the seamen. No one group law in this state. or clique controls the SIU pol­ The anti-closed shop law is be­ icies. fore the State Supreme Court Our policies are formed as a now, but it is doubtful if a fa­ result of democratic union meet­ vorable decision will be handed ings, and our program is for down. When it hits the U. S. the best wages, hours, working Supreme Court we expect it to be and living conditions in the in­ declared unconstitutional. dustry. Take a look at the SIU con­ tracts. Compare them with any Organizing the tugs in this in existence on the Lakes. You area is no obstacle. We can will admit that they're the tops. knock them over in a couple of Today, the SIU is in the midst days, but it is no good as we can of dn all-out drive to bring all have nothing but an open shop unorganized Lakes seamen into contract, and that would be worse the SIU as members. We want to bring the same kind of con­ than no contract at all. tracts and conditions into exist­ Patrolman Birmingham, re­ ence for all Lakes seamen as ports that the CIO has taken hold are now enjoyed by SIU mem­ in Miami. There has been little bers. TUGS A PUSHOVER or no union activity in that city. The teamsters are wide open for a drive, as well as the hotel em­ ployees. There is not one hotel in Miami under a union contract, and only a few of the bars have signed up. When the Lakes are organiz­ ed under the SIU banner, you can walk into your SIU Hall and feel confident that when jmu register for a job that you will get that job without slipping some crimp a fin. You don't have to worry about any cousins or friends of the We will have a report to the boss cutting you out on your LOG every week now. For a job. while we were going full speed SIU contracts and union rep­ day and night, but it looks like resentation cover you at all Too bad that Tampa Marine we'll have a breather for awhile. tmes when you're in the SIU. and Barrows Ship Chandlers couldn't be as smart. They made a few sales to the ships in port flying Honduran flags, but now they are unable to sell stores to the big ships. Fires Put Out, But Texas City Is Ghost Town Of Smoking Ruins YES, NO BANANAS By R. W. SWEENEY Mr. Saffold, Mr. Crenshaw and our old friends, the Hamilton GALVESTON—Texas City is a her place as a "Port of Opporcity of death and disaster. The 'tunity." Several prominent stage, fires have been extinguished, but screen, and radio stars gave a the smouldering ruins still hide benefit performance here Mon­ the bodies of over 100 persons day night, and the response was listed as missing. very fine. The crew of the SS Andrew Confusion reigns. The dead Jackson, Waterman Steamship number more than 500, and the Company, paid off and took up a job of identifying the bodies eoncollection of $61.00 which was tinues. A large funeral serviee was held last week, but even turned over to the relief fund. The fire and explosion con­ since then no day passes without tinue to be the main topics of in­ a stream of funeral processions. terest, but for Seafarers in the The business district is com­ other ports, here is some real pletely torn up. Some buildings news about shipping. We are have been designated as safe, but still busy, both with ships in the majority have been marked transit, and those paying off. condemned. Rated men are as badly needed As to the future of Texas City, here as in any other SIU port. a town that mushroomed to We are kept on the run, and with amazing size as the result of the doing volunteer work to help war boom, nobody could ven­ clear up the Texas City debris, ture a guess. Oil companies state we just don't have time to write that more refineries will be built, a longer report. Maybe next and that Texas City will resume week. Brothers, never got to sell their bananas. None of their bananas have been put in our refrigera­ tors or on our ships either. At the moment we have one Panamanian ship in port. She is undergoing a big repair job in the Tampa Shipyard. 1 1 �Friday, May 2. 1847 THE Record Of Teleiihone Company Shows Operators Have Good Beef By BLACKIE CARDULLO SEAFARERS LOG On Overtime Department Delegates should check to see that all overtime is turned in 72 hours before the ship is scheduled to dock. But this does not mean to hold the overtime until then. As soon as penalty work is done, a record should be given to the Department headi and one copy held by the man doing the job. In that way there is less chance for things to get fouled up. Page Seven Needed: Rated Men For SlU Ships And Organizers Te Aid In Drives By JOE ALGINA MARCUS HOOK—The tempo On closer observation gf these NEW YORK—Shipping is still to take the jobs on the unorgan­ of shipping has slowed some­ scabs, we noticed some of them maintaining a rapid pace in the ized ships — our oiganizing job what in the past week, but what were pretty shabbily dressed, Port of New York. .Jobs are has not ended and volunteers are we lack in shipping we are run down heels and stockings plentiful and a good selection of still needed to finish the job. making up for in contacting the with runs. As it happened to .ships is offered. unorganized ships in the area. be raining, there were three Trying to get the men to take these jobs is an almost impos­ The organizing drive is going girls under one umbrella and With the tempo of shipping sible task, so when in the Port of full blast with more and more only two out of ten had rain­ still on a high level, the number New York, drop in and see the of the Sun Oil boys coming in­ coats. of men taking unorganized ships organizers. to our Hall on their own ac­ has fallen off. We .still need men FIGHT TOGETHER There's a job to be done, and cord to join up. The organizing the more men who turn out to of Sun Oil looks very good and You could quite well under­ take these ships, the better will we hope, before long, to an­ stand that they couldn't afford be the future for all Seafarers. nounce the progress in this long anymore — not on $130 per The majority of Robin Line battle. month, yet these very same peo­ vessels are now paying off in ple can't see that by joining in The Sun Oil drive has been Ealtimore. If any of you hear the strike and fighting altogeth­ keeping us busy, but not too By EDDIE HIGDON Capetown or Durban calling, Bal­ er they could get their wages busy to keep abreast of the most timore is the place to get a ship. important labor activity of the raised enough to live like hu­ PHILADELPHIA—The steady ting out to the meetings is the The S.S C u !• r i e r. Waterman, man beings instead of just ex­ stream of ships through the Port only way to leain the function day—the telephone strike. signed on down south and head­ Let's just take a look at the isting. of Philly is still holding strong. of the Union. ed for Europe. Somewhere along Tell me what Bell Telephone record of the Telephone Com­ Plenty of ships are ere wing up CHANGE CARDS the line she broke down and was pany, or shall we say, let's big-shot doesn't spend $130 per here, but we seem to have If any tripcard men are still towed into New York for repoint out the record to some of month just to operate his big enough men for most of the jobs carrying "A" cards, these are to pair.c. If she remains in port for these politicians who want to limousine. Which reminds me— except among ABs. be exchanged for the blue P-3 any length of time, the crew hang every member of the tele­ • I once worked one day on a At the moment we seem to be permit as soon as possible at any aboard will be paid off. phone union. farm. After a hard day's work having a slight problem with SIU Hall. NIP AND TUCK First, let's take the average I asked for my pay. The farm­ some of the tripcard and permitMake sure that you take along telephone operator's wages and er gave me a dollar. When I men. Most of them never bother With New York still short of all the receipts from the various cost of living for one month and asked why only a buck he said to come to the membership meet­ rated men in the Deck and En­ ports where you iaave been pay­ compare them. The wages aver­ that was all he could afford. ings, and on Thursday morning ing dues, so it will be easier for gine Department, the ships call-" age about .$130.00 a month. I told him to keep the dollar there is a grand ru.sh to re-regi.s- the Patrolman to fill out your ap­ ing for crews are find init nip and tuck to have a full comple­ as he needed it. more than I did. tered. plication for the permit. BARE NECESSITIES ment for sailing. This, boys, is not so hot. How I also told him that if he could­ When asking for a duplicateIn addition to the good ship­ The living conditions and ex­ n't pay more than a dollar, he do you ever expect to learn any­ book, many men pay the dollar penses next. R o o m rent and .shouldn't hire anyone but should thing about the Union when you but forget to fill out t'ne blue ap­ ping, some of our new-dy organ­ ized conipanies are taking ships board figure out to about $60 do the work himself. nevei' attend the meetings? At plication. out of the boneyards. (unless 3 or 4 live together to the meetings there is always Just paying the buck is not The same can be said for the The Bloornfield S t e a ni s h i p make it cheaper), plus about Bell Telephone. They say they some kind of a beef on the floor, enough, for by filling out the ap­ $30 for lunch and carfare. These and by attending the meetings can't afford a raise. Very well, plication you then carry the du­ are the barest of the bare ne­ then if they can't afford to pay you will know the score when plicate slip as your book until Wf A/E^7W0 cessities. something comes up and it con­ a decent wage, they should do the new one arrives. With the With the remaining .$40, there the work themselves and not cerns you directly. OW^t slip you can register and take a must be paid insurance, medical hire girls at starvation wages. Let's get together on this. Get- ship. care, clothing, etc., which canThe application notifies the of­ fice where you want the hook sent. If no application is made, (lE(?E!-Go YOURSELF A you will never receive a book, as STEAK j headquarters needs the slip to is­ sue the duplicate. Branch Meetings Are A Must For Tripcarders And Permitmen Mistakes In Interpretations Of Shipping Rules Are Clarified By PAUL GONSORCHIK V not be done. This anyone can see, but not the Telephone Com­ pany. I've often wondered how tele­ phone operators keep their girl­ ish figures, now I know. Let's look at the Bell Tele­ phone Company's record: Thousands of telephones being installed, added work for the operators, added money for the Company, but no added pay for the operators. Telephone tolls have been doubled since the war, which all goes to show that Bell Tele­ phone can well afford to give these girls a raise. We were up in Chester, Pa., observing the telephone striker's picketlines. There were six girls on the line and we saw opera­ tors walking right through the line—out-and-out scabbing. Attention Agents All applications for SIU burial benefits must be mailed to: JOSEPH VOLPIAN Special Services Dept. Seafarers Intl. Union 51 Beaver Street New York 4, N, Y. NEW YORK--Recently I point- and not within 24 hours of quited up the fact that a large ting or being fired. number of Seafarers are un­ ASSIGNMENT CARD aware of the provisions of the In addition to shipping rule shipping rules, or are laboring 14, the back of the assignment under a misunderstanding of slip lists four rules pertaining their application. to reporting aboard, and if dis­ To clear up some of the dif­ satisfied with the job or fired, ficulties and give the correct in­ how to regain your shipping terpretation, it is necessary to card. illustrate some of the rules most 1. You must report to the ship frequently misinterpreted. with gear within four hours af­ Probably the most misunder­ ter clearing with the medical stood shipping rule is number examiner. 14, which reads: 2. If dispatched between 8 "Members who have shipped, A.M. and 4 P.M., rejection of or later quit or get fired, and the job must be reported to the who do not report back to the Dispatcher within one hour af­ Dispatcher within 24 hours af­ ter boarding the ship. ter shipping, shall lose their or­ 3. If dispatched after 4 P.M. iginal date." or on week-end and the job is The statement, "members who rejected, watches must be stood have shipped and later quit," until Dispatcher's office opens means, naturally, that you take and receives notice of your re­ a job off the board from the jection of job. Dispatcher, clear with the com­ 4. Failure to observe above pany office, and report to the rules, means that you will be ship, where after working a few dropped to bottom of the ship­ hours you decide to quit or get ping list. Second offense will fired. In order to get your shipping bring a ten dollar fine. Most members observe the card back, you must report back to the Dispatcher within 24 rules and report back to the hours or lose your card. Hall within a few hours, but Some men think there is a there are others who don't. 'When three day trial period, during shown the rule, they say: "Gee, which a man can return to the didn't know anything about Hall within 72 hours and reclaim it." his shipping card, as long as he When this happens, it is too reports back within 24 hours of late to do anything about it. So, quitting the ship. my suggestion is read the ship­ This is hot so. The shipping ping rules, and understand them. rules state that you must re­ If all of us do this, there won't turn to the Hall within 24 hours be any hard feelings of unnec­ of being dispatched to the job, essary loss of shipping cards. .CVi Kvij BON VOYAGE Brother Bush, Patrolman here in Phillj', quit last week and shipped out as Bosun on a Water­ man scow. Good luck, Charlie. Everybody wishes you the best and that includes the girls at Sonia's. Brother Walt "Nose" Gardner paid us a visit last week. We sure were glad that he came in as the mail rack was beginning to sag with his correspondence. About 29 letters came for him in about 5 weeks. The Deck Department of the Henry W. Beecher: The beef re­ garding the Skipper working stowaways has been settled. You can collect eight hours each byapplying to the Waterman Office, 19 Rector Street, New York. Waterman Line also has money waiting for Brother Julio Perez of the Haiti Victory, which can be collected at the same office. Weir, the newspapers report that the cost of living has gone up another two percent. And some people wonder why Labor is not satisfied with wages as they are. ¥U; Company is taking one out next week, and several other of the new companies will follow suit shortly. This means more jobs for the SIU, and will increase the short­ age of rated men. When these ships start calling for men, it will be any one's guess where the necessary rated men will come from. A large number of letters have been coming in lately from crewmembers complaining about fel­ lows quitting ships at the last minute without getting a re­ placement from file Hall. This is of real concern to the other crewmembers, for it results in a hardship on tliose left hold­ ing the bag. It not only makes for more work for them, but gives the shipowner a chance to . put his own men aboard. This practice has been discuss­ ed, shouted about and condemn­ ed. It has to stop. It's no use to continue hollering about it, it's up to the' members to take it up­ on themselves to put an end to it. Send Those Minutes Send in the minutes of your ship's meeting to the New York Hall. Only in that way can the membership act on your recommendations, and then the minutes can be printed in the LOG for the benefit of all other SIU crews. �THE Page Eight SEAFARERS LOG Friday. May 2, 1947 Question On The Interpretation Of Contract Conies Up In Boston Baltimore Branch Offers Members A Variety Of Ships And Runs By JOHN MOGAN By WILLIAM RENTZ BOSTON— Shipping continues other the various members of the BALTIMORE—We have plenty They are strictly no benefit to to be excellent in the port of Bos­ Deck Dept. had been told by of shipping and no takeis, and the Union, and they exist solely ton, although business fell off some Patrolman that the Stew­ that's where the rub comes in. to get themselves and others into somewhat over the last few ards Dept. could not paint, that trouble. If they are on a ship, Lots of rated men are on the they could sougee only. weeks. someone else has to do their beach, but they do not want to work, and when they are ashore, And Article 5, Section 13 of The SS Tonto (Pacific Tanker) ship unless they get a certain they get gassed up and try to paid off in Portland, Maine—this the Agreement was quoted in run, or they insist on going with tear the city apart. ship was out six month, had support of the argument. This By JOHNNY JOHNSTON I was held by the Patrolman to plenty of beefs, loggings, etc. a certain Mate or Chief Engineer. They show up for the payoff The Coast Guard was elimin­ mean that the members of the Although she looks only slight­ smoked to the gills, and prompt­ As a result we have to take in ated from the situation and the Stewards Dept. can refuse to ly better than the wreck of ly proceed to foul everything up. tripcard men to make sure that Patrolman and the Skipper man­ paint, but that they could paint the Hesperus, the four-masted If they are paid off one hour aged to iron out the beefs with­ if they choose. Like the clause schooner SS Chiquimula has be­ the ships sail on time. With ship­ short, or even fifty hours short, I in the Agreement about the out outside assistance. come the best-known landmark ping as good as it is, the mem­ they don't even notice it, but a Bosun being high man in the on the old Spanish Trail, popular bership doesn't give a hoot about few days later they come howl­ In Boston the SS Madaket Deck Dept. (referred to in these southern link between Florida the new men coming in, but ing to the Patrolman to collect (Waterman) paid off, ,with the columns last week), this clause their money. and California. only disputes arising in the Deck when shipping gets tight, as it j about who is eligible to do the Department. Among the last of what was will, then there will be plenty of This wastes a lot of time that painting might also stand some once a huge and colorful fleet These were ironed out satisfac­ clarification in the LOG. could be put to better use in see­ of sailing vessels plying the wa­ howls about having to sweat out ing that other members get torily; but an argument develop­ (Editor's note: The question ters of the seven seas, the Chi­ a shipping list. ed on this ship with respect to everj'thing that is coming to has been put into the hands of quimula is now moored close to the right of the Stewards Dept. them. The best way to prevent any Headquarters' experts, and the the shore at the Eastern end of • such thing is to start taking those to do any painting aboard. matter will be clarified in next We have eliminated some of of Cochran Bridge, which spans jobs now, without being too par­ As a result of this argument, week's LOG.) these characters, but there are Mobile Bay. the members of the Stewards ticular. It is for the good of the still more around that have to It seems as though the number Dept., who could have picked up The Chiquimula was originally Union, since we do not want to be weeded out. Don't get the plenty of work painting out of­ of performers are increasing with an auxiliary schooner, one of be overloaded when the boom is idea that I am a Prohibitionist. ficers' quarters, did no painting— the spurt of good shipping and throe such vessels built by M. C. over. All I'm trying to bring out is that the Union will have to clean and the Deck Dept. didn't have Keith, of the United Fruit Com­ if men want to drink, they should house. Nearly every ship nowa­ pany, in 1917. Launched in Seat­ WATCH SCAB CABS the time during the trip. do it away from the Hall, and days is carrying one or two so- tle, Washington, she was put into The Admiral Cab Company in not on shipboard. PAINTING PROBLEM called "tough guys" who figure service hauling railroad rails and their Union books arc licenses to steel to the Company's banana this town is on strike, and the When they come in from a trip, Now the basis for the argu­ company has hired scabs to keep let them wait until after the pay­ bother their shipmates. plantations in Central America. ment was this: some time or the taxis moving. That means off before they start investing in In 1921 she was ordered to St. ON CHARGES that no Seafarers would ride in whiskey stock. Andrews Bay, Florida, where The Steward on the Stone her motors were removed and To show how busy the port is, River was apparently one of she was converted to full sail by here are listed a small portion of these. It is strongly recommend­ installing topmasts. the flock of ships that hit this ed by the crew that this Brother She weathered many storms place during the past week, and not be allowed to ship until the and hurricanes during the years where they are heading: SS Stone River gets back to the she was in the West Indies trade, Warrior Point—Pacific Tank­ States and the boys get the op­ and finally laid up in Mobile ers, Aruba and Antwerp; William portunity^ to press their charges. Bay after steam ran the sailing By ED LARKIN Clagett — American Pacific, Hol­ (Nole to Brother Mogan and vessels off the seas. MILWAUKEE—Things here in the crews of the SS Fort Fredland; Mae — Bull Line, Tampa Captain James Buffett, who is town are shaping up okay, and erica, SS Tonto, and the SS well-known by the oldtimers and Boca Grande; R. Lowery • — the men on the ships we have al­ Stone River. Pope tmd Talbot, Antwerp; Nel­ riEy,F|NKY! who sailed out of the Gulf, was ready petitioned are damn glad son Aldridge — South Atlantic, RACE You TO In line with established pol­ the Skipper of the Chiquimula that they are finally going to Italy; William Allen White — •!»£ UN\OW HAU! 'from 1924 to 1927. icy, we have deleted the items have a chance to vote for the SIU Quaker Line, Denmark; Ben Dix­ referring to charges placed J. S. i as the imion of their choice. on—Bull Line, Puerto Rico; Can­ The port of New Orleai# l ank- the scab cabs, and as far a.s the against the Chief Electrician of Having talked this over with ton Vest—Pope and Talbot, Inthe former ship, the member ed fourth in the nation in the' drivers are concerned—well, let a number of the men topside, tercoastal; Arizpa — Waterman, on the SS Tonto, and the Stew­ amount of waterborne trade dur­ it'go, the LOG Editor would only I know how they feel when it Coastwise and then Europe; ing the year 1946. Only New ard of the Stone River. cross out any words I could use Roswell Victory — Robin Lino; comes to the SIU. They know Too many times, the LOG York, Baltimore, and Philadel­ about those strikebreakers. that they won't have to ride the South and East Africa. phia, in that order, exceeded crew in order to get work out has discovered that charges the tonnage of shipping weight I would like to say a word You can get an idea of the ac­ of them. Especially, not when against an individual have not handled at N.O. during the year, about the performers we have in tivity from ju.st these few ships they are paying legitimate over­ been pressed and, therefore, giving the Crescent City clear the outfit. Something should be time to the men who are entitled guilt not established — or that title to leadership in the Gulf. done to these people to see to it listed. Come down to ship out of the charges have been dismiss­ to it. The total tonnage handled was that they straighten up and fly "Baltimore, if you have a rating, Here's the case of an Oiler. ed. and choose your run. right. 5,286,400 long tons. A Brother's reputation and He has to wash rags, mop the decks, and if he has any spare character may very easily be time, he paints, sougees, chips, ruined forever by a public no­ and bosses the Coal Passers. Un­ tice that charges are placed der an SIU contract, that Oiler against him; and notice thai She was still feeling the ef­ times are gradually changing By EINAR NORDAAS would get a nice little piece of the charges were dismissed or fects of her crash with the and soon jobs will not be so DULUTH—Shipping has def­ wharf, when along came the plentiful. cabbage for his legitimate over­ not entirely substantiated may not be noticed by all the mem­ initely started at the head of the Sonora and plowed into her. time. TIME WILL COME The poor Oiler has to make 20 bers who read the first item. Lakes, but it is by no means SHIPYARDS BUSY Whenever charges are prov­ good as yet. We find ourselves minute rounds, work his head They will begin to see the off, and for what? Not even ed and punishment set by the light when the shipowners start Both ships then had to unload membership, the LOG will short only of Wheelsmen, with their cargoes and proceed to the laying them off and hiring nonthanks from the shipowner. The only thing he gets is his gladly publish the finding as a unrated men here in large num­ shipyard for repairs. As a re­ seamen friends and the friends 10 per cent bonus at the end of warning to the membership to bers. sult of all the knocking around of friends in preference to the The ice, which is still greatly the ships are taking, the ship­ regular seamen. the year, provided he rides the beware of the anti-union char­ in evidence, and the strong cur­ yards are being kept busy. ship for at least six months. And acters involved.) Here's hoping they won't have he really deserves that, when you Note to the crews of the SS rents have been the cause of to wait that long before they The ships that spent the win­ consider how much overtime he Niantic Victory and the Wacosta; several accidents at this end of get the score. ter in Duluth have all pulled has lost over the sailing season! Deck Department members have the Lakes. Several ships have When all seamen are organ­ Now is the time to sign those division of overtime for stow­ limped in here, badly in need out for the season's trade with ized under an SIU agreement SIU pledge cards! Now, is the aways and Mate working on of repairs after a tussle with the exception of the barge Mag­ such practices will be elimin­ na, which is due to pull out at the Lake Superior ice. time to apply for membership deck, respectively. ated. All jobs will come off the the end of the week. This overtime, although ap­ in the SIU! Sign and join, and The ice isn't solely responsible board with each man taking his the provisions of an SIU contract proved, was not paid on the regu­ for the damages done some of Organizer Christian Fuss ar­ turn on the shipping list wheth­ lar vouchers, as most of the crew the ships up here, as the Joseph rived in town during the week er he registers at the various will follow in short order. Then, when the Great Lakes assumed. Therefore, all those Wood and the International are and has been busy contacting halls on the Great Lakes, or at are solidly SIU, it'll be the end of sharing in this overtime may ob­ both in for repairs following the unorganized ships in port. the deep water halls. the Lake Carriers halls and of tain their money by writing to their collision in the area of He reports excellent response When the election comes up from the seamen to our organ­ on your ship in the near future, all open-shop conditions on the the Waterman office, 131 State Whitefish Bay. Street, Boston, attention of Mr. Great Lakes. and you want to choose good Another accident occurred izing drive. Then, and only then, will the E. Kiernan. conditions, security and top There are, however, a few when the steamer James A. FarThe Evangeline is delayed once rell struck the west end of the men, mostly beginners, who are wages, cast your vote for the Great Lakes seamen become full fledged recognized citizens, and more, and the most optimistic es­ north pier of the Duluth ship not aware of the excellent rec­ union that will get you every­ not the orphans of the labor timates have her coming out of canal as she was leaving the ord of the SIU. They seem to­ thing that's coming to you—the tally indifferent to the fact that SIU. movement that they are today. the shipyard around May 5. harbor. Lakes Seamen Are Signing SlU Pledge Cards Collisions And Accidonts Mar Week In Duluth I. 11 �Friday, May 2. 1947 THE SEAFARERS Volmteer Organizers LOG Page Nino Rescue Tug Is Battered By Hurricane "It was obvious from the beg­ ever forget him. He acted like Bearing scais sustained as she inning," he said, "that the SIU Isthmian was going broke, and successfully battled her way is a much more democratically couldn't afford to pay over­ through a roaring hurricane, the run Union, and that SIU mem­ time. sea-going tug Farallon limped in­ bers are much better ,seamcn and His officers were afraid of him, to the Port ol Falmouth, England, shipmates." and alwaj's asked him before last week, with sevei'al injured, The fourth member of the making any decision. For that one of whom. .Seafarer Haroid party, William Adams, Wiper, reason, the ship was usually dis­ Mitchum, was ru.«hed to a Facame aboard in Colombo, from organized, and no one knew mouth hospital. which he was repatriated. He what was actually happening. The Farallon was battered as had been part of the crew of the "The officers acted like kids he was going to the rescue of Beaver Victory, and after an CULVER STEVENS another SlU-crewed vessel, the appendicitis opei-ation waited on in kindei'gaiten," was the way GEORGE MEANEY 7,176'-ton SS Caleb .Strong, whose the beach foi- another Isthmian George Meaney put it. "If the Some weeks you have to boat ship. Mate wanted to break t>ut some favoiite qustion. "What <\ii \'()U rudder had been swept away. your brains out trying to get a men he would first go to the thnk of the SIU?" The Caleb Strong cancelled her story from the many Seafarers SUP MAN Both of them wanted to be SOS two hours after having sent Skipper. The Skipper would re­ who have sailed as volunteer heaid on this one. fuse, and that would be that." it. Adams is an SUP member, organizers on the steamship lines "The strength of the SIU is The tales about the voyage The .Moran tug ran into the and has sailed as volunteer or­ which the SIU has organized. well known to all .seamen." they ganizer twice before in his two could go on for hours, and in stated. "And now. with the way hurricane's fury 250 miles off In fact, that's the usual story. years of sailing time. fact they did in the telling. But Landsend. The small craft's the Seafaiers has been helping Last week it was different, and But Meaney and Stevens arc they all add up to just one other unions, our reputation is bridge and navigational instrufour men off the SS Argonaut, m.ents were smashed by the 100the I'eal oldtimers. Meaney start­ thing — It will all be changed reaching all other workers." Isthmian Steamship Company, foot waves whipped up by the ed sailing in 1909, following in when Isthmian goes SIU offici­ Stevens and Meaney chimed in came into the LOG office to tell hurricane. the tradition of the rest of his ally. with, "The Union is doing very their stories. family. Mitchum and the tug's skipper, During most of the conver­ well. If everybody continues to Only three of them are really During the war, he sailed sation, Adams and Egga sat do his best, it will become the Capt. Ralph Thompson, were in­ volunteers. The other is a young headlong into the danger waters. quietly, listening to Meaney and best union of seamen in the jured when the first of two waves fellow who has sailed Isthmian When questioned about this part Stevens. As the interview drew world. That's the waj' we want cascaded over the whole super­ before, and realizes that with of his life, he brushed it aside to an end, we popped out our it." structure, smashing windows and SIU representation, sailing on impatiently with the remark, admitting tons of water. that company's ships will be a "Just put down that I made The captain remained at the much more pleasant task. wheel house until he had to be three trips to Rusia, three voy­ cairied below because of heavy Right after the MM&P strike ages in the South Pacific, and loss of blood from severe cuts in­ four in the Mediterranean. SIU was over. Culver Stevens, DM, flicted by the flying glass. members will know what, that and George Meaney, Bosun, Brother Michum suffered a means." were undecided about what to iractured rib and sevei'e cuts. Stevens served for awhile in do. It took only a short dis­ < 'V As the watei' swept o\'er the cussion, before they both came the Army, getting his training in if 1,117-t.on tug. .Seafarer Donald Field Artillery. He was dis­ to the same conclusion. Lupton was washed through the And that's how they happened charged to go back to sea, and ship's coiridoi' for 15 feet and in whei'i to go down to the Isthmian got plenty of fighting down an e-ight foot companionhis ship was attacked in the office to ship out. way to the main deck with the Mediterranean. steering wheel still in his hand. "When we saw how the Before going into the Army. William Miller, the Third Officer, .strength of our Union won our Stevens had been a member ol recoN ered the wheel and restored strike," said Meaney, "and then the NMU. When he was dis­ it to the .steering column. how we helped out the MM&P, charged, he made one more trip we wanted to do even more for on an NMU vessel, and that "The vessel answered to her the benefit of the SIU. So we broke the camel's back. helm and the ship was turned made believe we were anti­ rtfl-n to the sea \vhile we counted He complained about how the union, and soon we were on the our damages and casualties," communists were running the JOHN EGGA WILLIAM ADAMS Miller said. Argonaut." union for their own benefit and It was a good act they put on, not for the good of the mem­ and they convinced the company bership. shipping agent that they COMMIES ATTACK wouldn't have anything to do with unions, especially the SIU. He got the regular answer rc.served for those who criticize the NMU leadership. For weeks Sailing Isthmian was an old he was the subject of all sorts story to Brother Meaney, since of attacks, so he finally gave he started with the company up in disgust and came over to as far back as 1924. Brother the SIU. Stevens also has a few Isthmian "I've never been sorry I mad(> scows behind him. that decision," he claimed. "At On the ship they met up with the beginning I felt bad about John Egga, who sails as AB. leaving some of my buddies who John started going to sea be­ don't have any use for the com­ cause his friends spoke so well mies either, but now I realize of a seaman's life. Now, after I that if they want to clean up eighteen months, he agrees with their union, they can do it. So I'm happy where I am." them. About the trip on the Argon­ It didn't takg him long to figaut, all four are in complete uge out the difference between agreement. They think that it the SIU and the NMU, or be­ was a hard-time ship, and that tween SIU men and NMUers. only an SIU contract can help the men who sail Isthmian. OLD STORY NEW HOURS Due to the large number of ships in New York calling for crews during off hours and on Sundays. Ihe New York Hall is now operating on a new schedule of hours for registering and shipping. The new hours are; From Monday through Friday from 8:30 a. m. to 9 p. m.; Satur­ day 8:30 to 5 p. m. and Sun­ day from 10 to 3. "We did the work, all right," said Brother Stevens, "but get­ ting paid for it was another story. The day men only aver­ aged 56 hours overtime for the trip, and the ABs averaged 125 hours OT. That's like when I first started shipping on Mer­ chant and Miners ships back in the 1930's." STINGY SKIPPER The Captain of the Argonaut made an impression on the crew, and it is doubtful that they will NMU Has Plenty Of Slogans About Other Things But Not A Word On U.S. Ships Russia Won't Return NMU seamen who read the They haven't seen fit to do duran ships competing with Am­ either one. but the NMU has re­ erican vessels. We're waiting to Pilot, and those that read the mained strangely silent about hear the first bleat R-om the MMU LOG foi- real news about what j that. And the Russians have an- about the Russian ships. goes on in a seaman's life, know I swered all American questions j What's the odds we don't hear that the Pilot has been saying I on this score with stalling or a single word? some few things about the trans­ silence. fer of U.S. ships to Panamanian > j RUSSIA QUIET and Honduran registry. j On four separate occasions, beOf course, they have a good I ginning with last March 18. the Members of the SIU have beef there, but on another beef matter has been brought to the they have fallen down miserablv. attention t)f the Russians. On a long record of supporting For anyone who knows the his­ that date, the then Ambassador other unions in a just beef. tory of the NMU, and its tie-up to Russia. Walter B. Smith, wrote For this reason, all Seafarers with the communist party, such a letter to Russian Foreign Min­ are urged not to purchase the a fall down is understandable. ister Molotcrv, asking for a reply 'Vancouver Daily Province, It seems that Russia, the coun­ "as a matter of urgency." There a scab newspaper, set up and try to which many of the NMU has been no reply as yet. printed by non-union labor. officials owe their first allegiance, Nor have there been replies to The Vancouver, B. C., also has a number of American any of the thiee subsequent SIU Branch is supporting the ships, running under just the queries. International Typographers same conditions that Panamanian Meanwhile, the Russians are Union, AFL, both morally and Honduran .ships are prey to. and physically in their eight But do the comrades question apparently using American ships, month old strike. this? You know the answer to Russian crewed, to compete with Amci-ican crewed vessels. that one. When in Vancouver show In fact, at one time, the Rus­ your contempt for the scabs For over a year now, the U.S. by refusing to buy a news­ State Department has asked the sians attempted to bust an SIUpaper put out by strikebreak­ Soviet Union for the return of 95 SUP picketline in Baltimore dur­ ers. This will help the ITU ships which were loaned to Rus­ ing the height of the SIU strike against the Wage Stabilization members to win their strike sia for wartime use — part of Board. for better wages and condi­ lend-lease. These were to be tions. bought or returned by Russia at There's a lot of howling going the end of hostilities. on about Panamanian and Hon­ Canadian Seamen �Page Ten THE SEAFARERS Friday, May 2, 1947 LOG SHIPS' BilMUTES AMD MEWS New London 'Breeze' Blows News Straight To Crewmen • • The Breeze that the lads aboard the Pacific Tanker SS New London receive from time to time is not a wind current — it's an appropriately named, refreshing little news sheet published "by and for the members of the crew as time permits and "ews^.^ accumulates." egg blue denim, prepared by the Each edition of the Breeze gen­ Houston Tent and Awning Com­ erally carries from four to six pany, and wore a lovely corsage pages of news and banter about of oil stains courtesy of the No. the crew and its activities, the 5 tank, ship, and intere.sting items about The account concludes with the various ports of call. It is ^ mention of the singing of the inprinted on 8V2 by 131^ inch paper evitable "Happy Birthday" vocal, and is apparently run off by the which the Breeze says "was ou\ hectograph process—a hectograph of this world—it was hell." being a gelatin pad for making Other features of the March 4 multiple copies. issue dealt with the storms and heavy seas encountered in the MARCH 4 ISSUE current voyage, crew advances in The March 4 issue, which was foreign ports, notice of Sunday distributed at sea as the New night bingo games for the crew, London was off the Azores Is­ etc. lands, gives a detailed descrip­ Each issue gives an "orchid" tion of the m.akeup of the Azores, to a New London crewmembsr its climate and principal products for doing a bang-up job." Deland the major points of interest. bert Jetton, Saloon Messman re­ Although at press time the par­ ceived this honor in the March 4 ticular port of discharge in Eng­ Breeze. land wasn't known, the Breeze, anticipating it to be London, re­ leased a first-rate roundup as a guide for the crew in the event they hit that port. Not having a society editor, the Breeze nevertheless reported one of the shipboard top social events—a birthday party tender­ ed in honor of one of the crew. In language and style that would make reporters of the swank go­ ings-on of the shoresided society stiffs green with envy, the Breeze recounted breezily the high­ -•> S •• i iill-' aaseftsf-C •:wii All was serene on the voyage which ended at the payoff in Baltimore on March 5. reported Gilbert Parker, OS, shown at wheel in photo at right. ABOVE, three of the Deck Gang handling lines as the Meredith prepares to go through locks in Antwerp, Bel­ gium, the Meredith Victory's destinaton. Mugging with coffee mugs, from left to right, Pete, Sam and LaChance obligingly hold still for the cameraman in photo at loft. Much of the good photography aboard the Mere­ dith Victory stems from the skill of Brother Parker, one of the SIU's lens enthusiasts. Crawtord Men Propose Plan To Remove Slopchest Evils The growing storm of protest against,the abuses and inequities of shipboard slopchests rumbled more loudly as crewmcmbers of the SS F. Marion Crawford voiced lights of the affair, v/hich took place in the "elaborate Gag and Vomit Grill of New London." RE,AL FORMAL The reports says, "While the entertainment was supposed to have been informal, a number of Mr. Chadbourne's (his party) friends insisted on formality and washed their faces for the occasion. "The host," continues our ship­ board society story, "came attired Cold, Ice Slowed Down The Thomas Hyde And Put The Freeze On Crew's Romancing By GEORGE LEIDEMANN, AB instead at the open ports of Crewing up in New York on Haugesund and Kopervik. The Jan. 3, the SS Thomas W. Hyde, first American ship to dock in an Overlakes Liberty, shoved off these two small ports in over a for Newport News to pick up year, the arrival of the Hyde caused something of a stir, and 8,300 tons of coal for delivery to the crew received a warm and Oslo, Norway. cordial demonstration of friend­ This was the beginning of our ship from the townspeople. nightmare. We passed the frozen Winter being at its peak, the port of call at Oslo and called Brothers all agree the atmos­ phere wasn't exactly ideal for \ romance. But despite the cold, the fair sex was friendly and un­ derstanding. Both towns were dry, but leave it to the Seafarers to find his "aqua vitea" (booze to you!). Our cargo discharged, we (Continued on Page 11) unanimous approval of a resolu-^ It was brought out further at tion calling for posting of the Crawford meeting that the Manifest listing all slopchest ar­ plan for posting of the slopchest ticles" in the crew mcssroom be­ list would implement enforce­ fore the slopchest is supplied and ment "bf the motion made at a recent New York membership signing of the Ship's articles." meeting that all slopchest sup­ Declaring that their experience plies bear the union label. has shown that seamen have Text of the Crawford crew's been victims of the inadequate resolution follows: supplying of slopchest, the Craw­ TEXT OF RESOLUTION ford crew said the move was de­ "Whereas, Experience has signed to effect better balanced stocks "and insure the quality of shown that seamen have been victimized by inadequate sup­ supplies." plying of the slop chest, and also AN AMENDMENT by paying unreasonable prices for shoddy materials, and The action stemmed from a "Whereas, In order to insure motion of Brother Kordakis seek­ ing effective action on slopchest equal distribution of sizes, and supplies. The resolution reached in the quality of supplies "Therefore, Be It Resolved, the floor following an amend­ ment, introduced by Brother That prior to supplying the slop­ Burns, that the original motion chest a Manifest listing all slop­ be reworded for action at a regu­ chest articles be po.sted in the lar New York membership meet­ crew messrpom for crew inspec­ ing. All hands agreed to his tion, before signing of the ship's articles." proposal. �Friday. May 2. 1947 J THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Eleven SIU Ship's Minutes In Brief CAPE BRETON, March 20— Chairman James Humphries; Secretary Mandagoc. Motion carried thai each man clean laundry and lounge after using. Motion carried that a special meeting be called in case the laundry is found dirty and to find out who did not clean it up after using. Good and Wel­ fare: Discussion was had on the shortage of cups and glasses. The steward promises to order some as soon as possible. Sug­ gestion that the men clean up the pantry after using the night lunch. WALTER ^COLTON. Feb. 1 —Chairman J. Cerda; Secre­ tary P. G. Fox. Delegates re­ ported everything in order. New Business: Motion carried to have all hands try not to leave any dirty linen laying around. All soiled linen to be put in bin down below in linen locker. Suggest standby to clean up messhall and all hands to return dirty cups to sink in scullery. Messboys to be more careful with cups, glasses and dishes, also sink outside of gal­ ley is not to be used as ash tray. 4. J. 4. SEATRAIN TEXAS, March 30—Chairman Ed. Gibbs; Sec­ retary D. Dragoo. Motion car­ ried that the delegates check with the union and the com­ pany as to why the ships are sailing short handed. Motion carried that the heads, quar­ ters and mess be painted when needed. Motion carried that water tanks be checked for fuel oil and rust. Motion car­ ried that suitable rooms be made for Stewards depart­ ment. 4-4-4. SNAKEHEAD, April 15 — Chairman G. Stroicher: Secre­ tary E. Tart. Delegates reports accepted. Everything reported okay in their departments. New Business: Motion carried to contact N. Y. Hall concern­ ing the pier head jump made by a tripcard. Good and Wel­ fare: All hands pledged their support in cleaning laundry and mess room. 4- 4- 4. NIANTIC VICTORY, Dec. 21 —Chairman D. J. Sheehan; Secretary W. H. Chadburn. Sug­ gestion made that all food­ stuffs be kept out of crew's lockers as going into hot cli­ mate will draw flies to the food. Motion carried to make Satur­ day linen day. Motion carried to see that crew and officers Cold, Ice Make Going Tough For The Hyde And Her Crew On the business side, the Deck (Continued from Page 10) Department had its hands full steamed through the ice-bound j with the Chief Mate, who was port of Kristiansand, where we 'often referred to as "the eager loaded sand ballast below and on beaver in the eager beaver coat," deck in preparation for the voy­ because he was seen so frequent­ age home. As we inched our way ly on deck working in a fur coat. out of the harbor the thick ice The Deck gang had to show Mr. caused some damage to the old Mate from lime to time that it girl. An inspection revealed a 'could take orders from Bosun Ed bent rudder and a broken pro­ Callaghan and do its job in seapeller. men-like fashion. The Hyde's skipper, Captain I Schiavonc, the Bellyrobber, Christensen, changed her course I did the best, he' could to make the and we headed for the Clyde I two months' supply of stores, River anchorage to undergo re­ plus the small amount purchased in Liverpool, last a long three months. In keeping the -crew contented, he had the able as­ sistance of Frank "Baby-Babj' Rosso. Under the supervision of the First Ass't., J. G. Sidlo; the Sec­ ond, Jack Pierce: and the Third, Palmer, John Molini our Engine Delegate, calmly took everything in stride when he wasn't buck­ ing the pangs of the North At­ lantic and the sneers of the Chief Engineer—a Cal^nar character. Enough said! Cooperation of the Black Gang pairs. However, the Glasgow I was tops, bringing the ship into shipyards were unable to accom­ New Orleans in better condition modate us. So we were sent to than they found it. Liverpool, where we got the good A clean payoff was the Hyde's old runaround for 22 days. answer on April 17. Hank AdaThe crew did its best to give mowicz, the Deck Delegate, re­ the Lime Street glamour girls a ported all beefs settled satisfac­ run for their shillings. Later, torily, as did Brother Moline, En­ however, these dolls developed gine Delegate, and Dan Clifford, somewhat of a dislike for the Stewards Delegate. We're hoping that in the fu­ Hyde's men—or the men's hides ture the older members of the —being that we had learned the SIU will explain a few things on score. All hands agreed that most of these Lime Street "comman­ the advantages of strong \miondos" are only looking for some ism to tripcarders and non-union sucker and a one-way ticket to men. The Union is growing. Let's keep it growing. the States. are treated alike at the slopchest. Good and Welfare: All present stood in silence for one minute in respect for depart­ ed Brothers. Suggestion that Steward secure nuts and can­ dies in Panama for Christmas Dinner. 4. 4. 4NIANTIC VICTORY, March 15—Chairman Morris Norris; Secretary Danny Sheehan. Delegates' reports accepted and field. New Business: Motion carried to give the Electricians a vote of thanks for taking care of toasters, fans and per­ colators. Motion carried to give the Steward a vote of thanks for ordering fresh stores and taking care of the men in the hospital. Engine Delegate states muc^ overtime is being disputed by the Captain after being okayed by the First and Chief Engineers. Good and Welfare: Discussion on every­ thing in general. Feeling was that cigarette ration should be increased as there are plenty of cigarettes and they will get stale. POM'T MAKe IT rouOH F6R ^ YOORSELF! ^^ 1 KOfRihio UP YOUR BEEFS AT THE FbRT OF PAY-OFF; DOM'T TAKE THEM TO A^iaT>^ER PORT WHERE THE UNION OFFiGlALSARE NOT ACQUAINTED WllH YOUR PARTICULAR SET-UP AWD HAVE To SPEKJD MUCH MORE TIME BEEORE THEV CAN GET SQUARED AWAY. IT'S YOUR TIME AMD YOUR MONEY - SO SETTLE Y&UR BEEFS AT THg ^ PoiHT OF PROPUCflOA// CUT and RUN By HANK 4. 4. 4. MIDWAY HILLS. March 5— Chairman Wagner; Secretary Charles Johnsen. Good and Wel­ fare: Motion carried that the same rulings of the previous trip be retained concerning fines and offenses. Ships' dele­ gate was requested to see the First Assistant Engineer about the water conditions in the 12-4 cabins. Crew was given a warning about smoking on deck. 4. 4. 4. MIDWAY HILLS, April 5— Chairman Wagner; Secretary E. Spear. Deck Delegate re­ ported requisition for repairs to be ready for submission to proper authorities. Engine and Stewards delegates reported all running smoothly. Good and Welfare: Motion carried that all linen be turned in on pay day before the crew leaves the ship. Motion carried to stand firm ajid not sail the ship un­ til all repairs are made. 4. 4. 4. JOLIET VICTORY, Feb. 25, Chairman Joe Wright; Secre­ tary Ray McCannon. Numer­ ous complains registered on the food situation. Steward charged with catering to the topside. Good and Welfare: Motion made that duplicate repair list be secured for the head of each department and a slip be placed in each messhall .calling for ad­ ditional repair items. 4. 4. 4. MOLINE VICTORY, March 9—Chairman Milina; Secretary Corriher. Several members spoke on the fruit juice situa­ tion complaining that during the trip they had fruit juices only six of seven times. Stew­ ard produced the bill of fare to prove that juices were served more times than stated. Dele­ gates reported all smooth in their departments. All hands stood in silence for one min­ ute in memory of lost brothers. Every week that this LOG comes out there's plenty of infotmation important to every Brother—information which is essential to his job as a sailor and to his job as a union man. This is why we urge everj- Brother to read every page. Don't miss anything. Don't depend on the other guy to tell you what's cookin, etc.—he might, be just like you because he forgot to read every week's LOG or lazily missed a few pages. So, while you're resting your drj- an­ chor in port to be sure to read j'our Union paper, new pamphlets, etc., and when you've grabbed a ship just wrap your arm around a few week's bundles of the latest LOGS and save them for distribu­ tion in those foreign ports—for SIU ships, all those unoragnized ships and those favorite bars. Furthermore, to coil a phrase—your ships are your homes—keep them clean at all times—even when the Old Man doesn't make a daily inspection. You won't have all kinds of beefs, fines, and roaches on your ships if you perform your jobs—doing your work which always includes keeping your quar­ ters. passagewaj's, clothes, etc. in clean shape ... If you guys want to make a home on those coast-wise ships then here's two varieties. Pan-Atlantic Steamship Company will have three "^^ictory ships operating exclusively from New York, sailing every Friday afternoon for Miami, Tampa, New Orleans then to Mobile. Panama City and Port St. Joe. 4. 4. 4- The four vessels now in this Irade will operate to the Gulf from Boston and Philadelphia for the following ports: Miami, Tampa, New Orleans, Mobile, Panama City and Port St. Joe . . . Well, we're not going to beat around the bush about it. We'll just say that Brother Pete Bush, one of our shipmates and an oldtirner, is anchored in our town . . . Another shipmate in town right now is Edgar Kurz ... So is Bosun Bera Smyley, just back from a trip to Lisbon, Portugal . . . Brother John Murray, whojust came in from a five week trip confessed that he'll be grab­ bing the first job he can—no matter where the ship's going— coastwise or foreign. Well, there's a brother who doesn't waste his time on the beach, waiting for those special trips . . . Brother Frank Szczepanski is now sailing up there in the Lakes. Bon season to you Frank! Meanwhile, the LOG will be going to your home up there every week, as you requested. 4. 44. ODD STREETS AND TOWNS SOME SEAFARERS LIVE IN; James McFarlane—in the town of Rice Lake . . . Frank W. Christy —on Tuxedo Avenue . . . Joseph F. Schumsky—on American Avenue . . . John H. Stone—in the town of Cocoa . . . Gordon Dalman—on Cherrj- Street in the town of Holland . . . We appreciated receiving a postcard from Brother Ste\ e Girolmo while his ship took a breath­ ing spell down in Capetown, South Africa. Steve writes; "Just ar­ rived and am having a good time. Give Paul and Benny my regards. Tell Benny I'll drop him a line in the next port. So long for now" . . . Brother Raffaele Garofalo is in this town right now—all ready for a voyage . . . Deck Engineer Weaver Manning arrived two weeks ago. Brother Weaver asked us to let his shimate Joe James know about his presence in town and to look him up. However, if we re­ call correcth% Brother James shipped recently, forgetting to teU us what ship, though ... To oldtimer John L. Cobb down in New Orleans: Your LOG is now being sent weekly, as you requested. 4. 44NEWS ITEM: Only prompt governmeni action will prevent complete cessation of merchant shipbuilding in the next 12 months in the U. S., H. Gerrish Smith, president of the Ship­ builders Council of America, declared recently. He said that on the basis of present contracts, not a single ocean-going merchant vessel will be under construction after the first quarter of 1948. �THE Page Twelve SEAFARERS Friday, May 2. 1947 LOG THE MEMBERSHIP SPEAKS iiilJte Captain And Catfish Cause Ruckus On Bauxite Vessel To Ihe Edilor: This letter is from the Deck Department of the SS Roy K. Johnson, Alcoa Steamship Com­ pany, at present shuttling baux­ ite from Paranam, Dutch Guiana, to Port of Spain, Trinidad, and is concerned with the exploits of the vessel's skipper, nicknamed by the Deck Gang, "King Cat­ fish." BALTIMORE MARINE HOSPITAL GRUB CALLED BAD To ihe Editor; He had his feelings hurt about a week ago, when he had dis­ covered that some character had thrown a dead catfish into his ventilator, causing a very bad smell within a couple of days. Calling up the three Delegates, he issued his verbal proclama­ tion that if we didn't go below and find out who threw the cat­ fish into the ventilator he would not only be extra rough with the Deck Department but he would refuse the whole crew a draw while at anchor. Then he came out with the latest of sob stories, impressing us with the fact that while in port he had been- letting the Deck men knock off to wash up, sometimes as early as 4:30 p. m. on day work, and that they then turned around and put down overtime for the Second Mate knocking himself out doing sail­ or's work. Thus far, this skipper has been an ideal Captain. He has been so kind as to inflict nine logs on five sailors. He has hired Dutch shoregangs to wash down the decks when leaving port, so as to beat us out of overtime. He has made the round of the^foc'sle to grab the sailor's refreshments; and he has done about every other petty thing that a man of his caliber can dream up. After reading the write-up in the Log about the New Orleans Marine Hospital, and what a job the Union did in getting all the beefs there straightened out, I figured it was about time that something was done about this one in Baltimore. The patients who go to the messhall for their "garbage" can verify this. Anytime you ask for seconds and thirds here you are informed that there isn't any. If you blow your top, the dietician tells you to try and get the same meal on the outside for less than a dollar. The doctors and nurses, here, however, are the best. They're always ready to smile. Of course, We should pay off in New Or­ now and then they may give a patient a snappy answer, but leans about May 5, at which time that's to be expected because we will have quite a few of the they're really overworked the Captain's escapades to talk over with the New Orleans Patrolmen. same as the galley gang. (Name withheld on request). J. W. Horn, Deck Del. C. Brewer Marine Hospital T. Kiiski Baltimore, Md. | Log-A-Rhythms TWO OF THE HOSPITALIZED SEAFARERS Above, John Dykes lifts his head from slrecher • at London airport a few moments before he took off on last lap of 11,000 mile trip rem Karachi, In­ dia to U. S. for medical treat­ ment. Brother Dykes, a Cook on Isthmian's SS Henry Glucksman, developed a spinal paraly­ sis in Karachi in December. In a plaster case from his hips down, he was flown the entire distance and is now in Staten Island, N. Y., Marine Hospital undergoing treatment. Smiling and in good spirits, Victor Placey, (photo right) AB, spends his 27th day in Rouen, France, hospital. He fell 21 feet from deck of the SS Ben­ jamin Goodhue to stone dock below, sustaining a broken hand and elbow. The Legend Of The 3rd Engineer By BILL ROBINSON On the good ship A. A. Roney Sailing up and down the coast. There was one who was a phony— My God! How he could boast! Third Engineer was his handle. And Jonesy was his name— Though he couldn't hold a candle His boasting was his fame. REFRAIN: I'm just the ornriest engineer that's in the fleet. Just to watch me work is quite a treat, I can handle any throttle (Just as long as I've my bottle) There's not a ship afloat I can't beat. Oh, the night was dark and dreary As the Roney lay in port And the Third was mighty weary As he took another snort. And his thoughts grew slower madder 'Til he's sure he heard a bell; As he staggered down the ladder. You could hear our hero yell: REFRAIN: "Half-asternl" old Jonsey shouted, "Stop!—Slow—and Full Ahead! "I swear I'll not be routed"— But the beUs wer& in his head; The dock lines strained and partedThrough the night of wind and rain/ Out to sea ihe old ship started. While one heard this wild refrain: REFRAIN: Quick the AB and the Oiler, Jumped out upon the dock; The Fireman left his boiler— And the Night Mate died of shock So Jonesy sailed the old tub out. Alone on board was he. While faintly you could hear his shout Come back across the sea. Brothers Mold SIU Good Will To the Editor: Just got back from Puerto Rico, where Brothers J. A. Rod­ riguez, Miguel Torres and myself have been since we paid off a ship in Ponce about a month ago. We owe thanks to Facundo's REFRAIN; Airways ticket office, which oc­ cupies the office topside of our At times when stars are hiding Union Hall in San Juan, for the And you're far away from land excellent service and attention You can see the ship a'gliding the owner and his wife gave in Steered by an angel's hand; arranging passage for the three of us back to New York. They secured places for us aboard one of the best planes ^they have, for they always give merchant seamen a break. They also paid my wife's taxi fare from the airport back to our home in Puerto Rico. Words are And when that ship comes sailing not adequate for the service and With ghost-lites on the mast. attention shown us on board the You may hear that eerie wailing plane. From the far distant past. We had everything we wanted at the stopovers in Mayaguez, REFRAIN: Miami, and in North Carolina. At I'm just the ornriest engineer that's in the fleet, the airport in North Carolina, Just to watch me work is quite a treat, where we arrived late at night, I can handle any throttle all the passengers were taken to (Just as long as I've my bottle) the restaurant. ' The proprietor There's not a ship afloat I can't beat. had to be awakened-and his help St.------; had all gone home. The 30 pas­ sengers had to be fed and fed quickly, so when the guy threw up his hands you couldn't blame him. That's where we jumped in. We took off our coats and started serving everybody every­ thing they wanted from eggs to steak. And we let them know they were getting SIU service. They were, all very thankful, be­ cause some of them didn't speak English. We told them not to thank me, but that they should thank the Seafarers International Union. Of course, we also gave them a bit of a pep talk, building the SIU's good will. George Litchfield Miguel Torres J. A. Rodriguez �THE Friday. May 2. 1947 Suggests Union Expand Educational Facilities SEAFARERS LOG Page Thirieen SS SEATRAIN HAVANA RE ENTERS THE GULF Times like these are when we need to educate some of our new­ The crev*7 of this vessel, an er members who do not even un­ Alcoa Liberty on the "rum and derstand trade union terms and bauxite" run, recently became the machinery of such. Even the acquainted with the six per cent newer members added during the wage and overtime increase. We war are not entirely enlightened wish to acknowledge such with a vote of thanks to the negotiating as to the pitfalls of the situation committee. Such increases in now facing them. A suggestion to the Editor, wages and overtime mean more would be to print the New York pork chops to otTset the rising meeting in the LOG. The follow­ cost of living. ing week's editions could print The ere w , furthermore, pro­ one of the ports' meetings, based tests such bills introduced in Congress by such labor haters as upon the value of the meeting, then a return to the main Ball, Case and Taft. Also the branch's meeting for the next tax bill introduced by Knutson, edition. which will liavc little cfTcct upon Also a "Letters to the Editor the working man, but will re­ page" whei-e individual letters duce the taxes paid by Capital to which deal with the improve­ an enormous extent. ment of conditions, wages, etc., NEED FOR EDUCATION could become known to the Trade union education is need­ membership. Such lettei-s should be accept­ ed in our lanks very seriously The Educational D e p a r t m ent ed on, their ability, not only on should gear itself to a new high. improvements, etc., but on trade Two views aboard the Seatrain vessel, whirh recently called at the Port of Galveston on its It is the writer's belief that the union principles, and the politic­ first trip to the Gulf since termination of its war service. Seafarer A. Van Dyke. Deck Delegate SEAFARERS LOG should be ex­ al situation relating to the labor on the Havana, one of the four new Seatrain ships, stated that he and shipmates "can sure unions. panded and many new features say we have had the best representation given by a Union, barring none," I think there would be a quick added. In addition, trade unionists reaction from the membership to should be hired as writez's, or let off steam and encourage im­ more articles from our officials provement. Lee DeParlier, on all points of the labor situa­ have settled the past ones, and and we got to gabbing. He said To the Editor: SS Charles A. 'Warfield tion. It is not the writei-'s wish the futui-e ones will be settled that he and hundreds of others (Ed. note: The LOG already 1 have read in the columns of in the good old American way. didn't like their officers. to complain to the Editor as to how the LOG is compiled, but has a "Letters to the Editor the LOG letters written by for­ When asked why the member­ SIU HELPS lessons should be learned fi'om page"—in fact, two pages (12 mer members of the NMU. I ship did not vote incompetents Anyone with an ounce of grey other labor papers and journals. and 13) are invariably devoted was particularly interested in out of office, he said, "We can't, I am unhappy to state that in to letters from the membership. the reasons given by some of matter knows that the American they are the big bosses." many aspects the LOG is like a LOG policy is to encourage them for their desertion of the standard of living is the highest Imagine oizr SIU tolei-ating on earth, so far superior to the any big bosses! high school paper. If necessary such letters from the Brothers. unholy outfit. From the statements of these funds are not available to en- Brother DeParlier evidently This NMUer also told me they laige and impi'ove the LOG, an agrees with this principle. So. men, and from what we see in had to play ball with a few big asse.s.sment should be raised by what do you say. fellows, let's the press, all is not hai-monious shots otherwise they would be keep those letters rolling in.) ^ in the Moscow camp. And thei-e the membership to do so. discriminated against. What is other evidence that unionism kind of a setup is that? is not the only doctrine preach­ Well, it won't be long. A ed from the alters of Joe Curhouse divided against itself must ran's red temple. surely fall. Soon there will only The misleadors of the NMU be left Hari-y Bifidges, Earl have too long been using labor's Browder, little Joey Curran — lars profit. In the first three cloak to conceal their real pur­ To the Editor: oh yes, and Joe Stalin, the real months of this year they made pose, which is to tear down all big boss. An anti-labor Congress is at American institutions and des­ 22.5 millions in profits. Joseph J. MaJone, Steward present engaged in making bills While basic prices are sky- troy our way of life. No wonder SS John Gibbon designed to ruin the free Am­ high by business profiteering, a decent citizens are becoming erican labor movement. \ big-business Congi'ess is trying nauseated and are deserting in next best that a compaifison is t These bills would ruin rotaiy to desti-oy the ability of the droves. absurb. And it is the aim of the shipping by abolishing the clos­ The SIU is first, and all the SIU to do its pait to maintain worker to maintain his economic ed shop. "The shipowners would needs. With the workers it's a time, strictly an Americazr or­ these standards. This is it. Brothers! be free to pack the ships with question of bread and butter, ganization. We have had labor When in France last voyage, Right on these pages is a finks and destroy union solidar­ disputes in the past, we will an NMU Steward came aboard not diamonds and mansions. good place to blow your top. ity. A. Goldfarb have them in the future. We my ship (he wanted something). If you've got a beef or some It would outlaw many strikes suggestions you think will be for decent conditions. Workers of benefit to your Union and would be stampeded back to your Brothers, why not have it printed in the LOG? If you haven't any steam to blow off, there must be something you've found in­ who is anti-union, too. The en­ the Oilers to start painting the To the Editor: LABOIZ teresting on your trip that I'm writing to the LOG to let gine room has not been painted overhead in the engine room. BlUyou'd like to pass along for the rank and file know about for sometime, pi'obably to keep Proper equipment for the stag­ others to read about~char= the high pressure Chief Engin­ down the overtime, and it is a ing could not be found. So I acters you meet in the fareer we have aboard the SS very filthy looking engine room. told the First that asking the flung coirners of the earth, Charles A. Warfield, an Alcoa Maybe the reason he is having men to work under unsafe con­ joints you've found worth ditions was out. I told him the ship. seeing and those you feel it Oilers would be willing to paint Although he goes out of the advisable for your Brothers if they had planks for the stag­ MEBA Hall on union wages, he NOMORe WALKINO to avoid. Why not let all ing, but that we couldn't take is an anti-union man. He goes THE PLAN)K.-NOW hands profit by your exper­ a chance on breaking a leg. -tHEV JUST into the engine room with his iences? us CRA\A)LlH«0tX5H First replied that if the men substandard conditions by high pressure and a chip on his 'EM WITH PAINT.' Maybe you're pretty good wouldn't take the chance on shoulder. And I thought high threats of fines or imprisonment. at turning out a poem—okay painting the overhead, they Labor is on the verge of losing pressure went out with the end then, let's have it. Pen and couldn't paint at all. of the War era. its hard-won liberties. ink sketches are welcome, With that phony remark, I This Chief Engineer is forever The SIU should take the lead too. If you've got some told the Firemen not to paint in effectively protesting the un­ talking about and against the photographs of your ship, or any more either. In this Union union, and he is bad medicine fair methods of Congress. Lit­ shipmates or any "shots" we work together as good union erature and petitions should be to young men just starting to taken in the various ports men and seamen should, and not passed out all over. Congress­ sea. He also has his say all o'call, send them along. We'll against each othei-. men should be informed that over the ship, whch makes for return them. This is an example of how an the SIU will print lists of their a miserable trip. Not only does it painted now is that the com­ Just mail your material to engineer, who is against labor voting records in labor legisla­ he try to run all three depart­ pany told him to clean and paint the Editor, Seafarers Log, 51 and all the conditions we have tion. These lists should be sent ments, but he also wants over­ it up this trip. Beaver Street, New York 4, fought for and won, attempts to to unions in the various Con­ time cut down in each of them. N. Y. How about doing it destroy good unionism by anti­ The First turned the Firemen I have had a few words with gressmen's districts. NOW! union talk and action. room and In a previous wartime year, this character, as well as with to painting the fire Frank J. Kane U.S. Steel made 45 million dol­ 'the First Assistant Engineer, about one week later, he asked To the Editor; Factional Split Spells Disaster For NMD Rotary Shipping Menaced By Congressional Measure Let's Have 'Em SS Charles Warfield's High Pressure Man Aims To Crack Whip In AH 3 Departments • �THE Page Fourteen SEAFARERS LOG Sometimes Characters Have Reasons For Being That Way Supplemental Agreement Between Seafarers International Union Of North America By LOUIS GOFFIN ATLANTIC & GULF DISTRICT. and the United States Maritime Commission Moran Towing & Transportation Co., Inc., General Agent This supplemental agreement granted, retroactive to June 15,: United States Maritime Commisinade and entered into this 30th'1946, to continue through Decem- sion with a joint request by the parties thereto that it be ap­ her 31, 1946: day of April, 1947. proved by the United States The wage scales and overtime New Monttily Increase Base Pay Maritime Commission. rates now in the contract dated February 1, 1944 and the adden.5187.50 For— Able Seaman . .510,00 dums thereto, between the ,Sea177,50 Wiper 15.00 farers International Union of UNITED STATES MARITIME North America, Atlantic 8c Gulf 4. Utility Man. As soon as COMMISSION District, and the United States quarters are made available, a Maritime Commission, Moran Utility Man shall be added to Moran Towing & Transportation Towing and Transportation Co., the complement of the Stewards Co., Inc. Inc., General Agent, covering V- Department, the rate of pay to be General Agent 4 Ocean Towing Vessels are the same as that of the messmen. R. FOX, Vice President hereby cancelled and the wage This addition will not bo made scales and overtime rates set later than: forth herein shall be substituted, j^^e 15, 1947 on coastwise For— All other terms and conditions employed V-4 Ocean Towing lEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL .shall continue in full force and Vessels. UNION OF NORTH AMERICA effect pending completion of ne­ (b) On foreign employed V-4 gotiations to amend the general Atlantic & Gulf District Ocean Towing Vessels at the rules. time of the next signing of J. P. SHULER articles, 1, Wages. Effective January S. CARDULLO 1, 1947, the monthly rates of pay 5. Travel, Subsistence and of Unlicensed Personnel, when Meals. Travel subsistence shall the respective ratings are car­ be at the rate of $4.25 per day; ried, shall be as follows: and meal allowance shall be 51.05 for breakfast, $1.05 for din­ Deck Department ner and 51.05 for supper. The in­ Boatswain 5251.75 crease in travel subsistence and Able Seaman 198.75 meal allowance shall be retroacOrdinary Seaman 161.65 tive to March 11, 1947. Engine Department 6. Standby Work. When men 5312.17 Company for 212.27, standby work m port by the day 188.15 board and lodging are not I furnished to them on the ship. Stewards Department they shall be paid at the rate of 51.537 per hour. Their regular Steward Cook 5241.15, g Second Cook 225.2o A.M. to Noon and from 1 P.M. to Messman 161.65 5 P.M. Monday through Friday. Electrician Oiler-Diesel Any work performed by them outside their regular hours of work shall be paid for at the rate og $2.301-2 per hour. Men hired to perform standby work shall perform any work that shall be assigned to them by their su­ perior officer, and they shall not 3. Inequity Increases. The fol- gg subject to any working rules lowing inequity increases-shall be]set forth in this agreement un­ less they shall be required to keep steam in the boilers or oil winches. When standby work in any particular department is to be performed, an effort shall bo made to obtain men with rat­ ings in such department if they Two top leaders of the Am­ are available and are competent erican Federation of Labor, to perform such work. Any President William Green, and , ,man so hired for standby 2. Overtime. The overtime rate, effective Januaiy 1, 1947, for Unlicensed Personnel receiv­ ing less than $200 per month, shall be $1.17 per hour, and for those receiving $200 or more per month, $1.43 per hour. Green Backs Drive To Admit 400,000 Displaced Persons Secretary-Treasurer George Meany, have both gone on record as favoring House Bill 2910, which provides for entry of 400,000 displaced persons o v e r a four year period. The bill is based on a resolu­ tion adopted unanimously at the last AFL Convention in Chica­ go, and is an emergency mea­ sure which will not change ex­ isting immigration laws. In announcing his support, Mr. Green stated, "It is my firm con­ viction that the United States Government should admit at least 400,000 of thc.se peoplevictims of all forms of religious and political persecution. This is even less than half of the number of immigrants who could have legally entered our ports, but did not do so because of the war." ordered, ^e guaranteed not less than accordance with the rates of pay outlined in this section. .Standby work shall be under­ stood to mean work performed I by extra" men who are not membei's of a regulai' or skeleton crew. 7. This agreement is signed su'oject to the approval of the Final Dispatch BROTHER MATTHEW CARSON No. 7445 Born in Scotland, Oct. 1882, became full member of the SIU in June 1941. Past away on March 29, 1947 in good standing. Wa.s buried by the Union. Friday. May 2. 1947 I've sailed with all kinds of characters in my day. Good ones, bad ones, funny ones and some not so funny. In fact, aboard ship almost any guy who picks up his peas with a knife is called a character. He had a rough department to handle, for no one knew much about cooking. His Chief Cook was a lumberjack and all his food tasted like wood shavings. Things were rough, and if it hadn't been for the Second If a guy djoes a few things Cook and Baker, we would have out of the ordinary, the label, starved, "character," is quickly pinned on SOMEONE AFTER HIM him, without any of us bother­ When we hit our European ing to learn why he is a "char­ ports, the Steward stayed acter." aboard. He never went ashore, Who knows, if we were bur­ but spent his time off in his dened with what may be on his room. When the Skipper sug­ mind, or lack of it, our actions gested that he go out and get might not be far different. some air, he refused, stating, Such was the case with a "Someone is out to knock me Steward I once shipped with. off!" He was a real character, at least We'd sailed with characters that was the label we quickly before, but when we heard this, attached to him. we started keeping an eye on It all happened aboard the SS Eglantine, sailing out of New Orleans in the early '30s. The Steward was new aboard, and as soon as the ship left port we all noticed the re was something kind of queer about the guy. He always kept to himself and vvhen off duty he stayed in his room with the door locked. DateSetForHuron Election; SlUHelpsNMUGetOnBailot DETROIT, April 25—SIU In­ ternational Repre.scntative Earl Sheppard today signed a con­ sent election agreement at the Local NLRB office for an elec­ tion to determine the union bar­ gaining agent for the Huron Transportation Company's unli­ censed personnel. In a move designed to expe­ dite the election and overcome any possible delays. Brother Sheppard agreed to the inclusion of the National Maritime Union CIO on the ballot as the intervenor. At a prior meeting in the NLRB offices on April 18, the NMU had requested that they be granted one week in which to prove that they had suffici­ ent strength aboard the two Hu­ ron ships to .secure a place on the NLRB election ballot along with the SIU, Both the SIU and company representatives agreed to this request. On the 25th, the NMU repre­ sentatives submitted what they claimed were 8 pledge cards and several membership record cards, purporting to be from members aboard the Huron ships. How­ ever, on checking these cards with a payroll list as of April 15, NLRB Field Examiner Rob­ ert Wiener found that none of these names were on that list! Despite this lack of proof of any representation, the SIU agreed to allow the NMU on the ballot rather than have the election held up by any of their familiar stalling tactics. After all, what docs the SIU have to lose with the NMU on the bal­ lot, when better than 90 percent of the Huron seamen have al­ ready signed SIU pledge cards asking for the protection of SIU representation and SIU c o ntracts. to the business of agreeing on the appropriate bargaining unit and the election stipulations. Final agreement by all parties —SIU, NMU and Huron Trans­ portation Company—was reach­ ed on the following terms for the election; the bargaining unit is to include all unlicensed per­ sonnel with the exception of the Pursers, Radio Operators and Head Conveyormen. Voting will be conducted aboard the two Huron ships—the SS John W. Boardman and the SS S. T. Crapo—in the crew's lounge for­ ward on the vessels. Other stipulations were: the payroll period of eligibility to be the period ending April 30, 1947; and the date of the elec­ tion is to be after May 15 and before June 11, 1947. The reason for the election • date being set so far ahead is that the company requested this time in which to line up their schedule so that they could have both vessels stop at Detroit for election purposes at the same time. This was finally agreed to by all parties. him. We were sure the guy was imagining things, so we be­ gan waiting for something to pop. We weren't disappointed in that, for about 80 miles south of the Azores, on our trip home, we woke up one bright Sunday morning to find no Steward around. We searched the ship fore and aft, and found not a trace of him. The Skipper ordered the ship around and we went over the course we had traveled dur­ ing the night. A few miles back we found what we were all afraid of: Floating on the water was his apron and somewhere way down deep he had joined thousands of other seamen who had found a grave in the deep waters of the Atlantic. PUZZLED CREW Naturally, we were all puzzled why the guy had knocked him­ self off. No one could get to him way out in the pecan to do a job on him, so we waited un­ til the ship got into New Or­ leans, and there we got the story. It seems that the guy had a beautiful doll for a wife, and he had found out she was two- SIU CONFIDENT Earl Sheppard, in charge of all SIU organizing on the Lakes and the other organizers who have contacted members of the Huron ships crews, express com­ plete confidence that the seamen on these vessels will vote for the SIU by a topheavy major­ ity. Some estimates go as high as 95 percent for the Seafarers, Huron seamen want job secur­ ity, contract protection and com­ petent union representation. At the meeting in the NLRB offices, the Regional Board was represented by Field Examiner Robert J. Wiener; the NMU by General Organizer Michael VarELECTION STIPULATIONS go and Detroit Agent Clyde After the SIU agreed to in­ Drake; and the SIU by Inter­ clude the NMU on the ballot, national Representatives Earl the assembled group got down Sheppard and Russell Smith. timing him while he was at sea. The guy pleaded with the babe to be good, but she was getting ready to dump him and just laughed in his face. Can you imagine a guy knock­ ing himself off over a dame? We couldn't either, so we looked up his widow. She turned out to be a beau­ tiful blonde, done to perfection. After our look-see, we could al­ most see how the guy couldn't live without her. In fact, we felt kind of sorry for the guy. And, we found the answer to why this "character" acted as he did. �THE Friday. May 2. 1947 SEAFARERS MONEY DUE Shepard Steamship Company Unclaimed Baggage — New York Last week an article in the LOG called attention to the fact that there is a considerable amount of gear, not bearing the owners' addresses, which has been held in the 4th floor bag­ gage room of the New York Hall at 51 Beaver Street for longer than the three-month limit. Since then the addresses of the owners of several of these packages have been traced, and the gear has been sent to them C.O.D. However, gear is still being held that does not bear the names or addresses of the owners, and since all unclaimed bag­ gage will be disposed of 30 days from last week, it is urged that all claimants write to the Hall immediately and give a com­ plete discription of their gear and where it may be sent. Only three weeks remain before the deadline. Below is a list of names of those for v/hom baggage will be held for that period. If your name appears below, send a description of your gear, and the address to which it may be sent. If your name doesn't >appear, and you have gear at the New York Hall, send the necessary information immediately. COATE, N. V. ARMSTRONG, G. ARNOLD, GEORGE HUNT, MERC STAMFORD, JOHN P. WERNICK, ABE FITGERALD, JOSEPH SMITH, A. OVIAL, VALLY MICHUIEWICZ, JOHN BLUMLER, TED RARPOWICH, ADAM MECHNIEUMAZ PETERSON, ELLAR MARCIGLIO, ROBERTS ROMAIN, CHARLES GRESHAM, ARTHUR L. HARRIS, KEN D. REARDON, CARL HARVY, DAVID R. SIMMONS, STEVE M. CHOWOZ, PAUL L. WOLFE, W. McIVES, W. MACGAN, ROBERT BLACKBURN, ATHOL LAW, F. "WARD, W. L. SLY, RAYMOND BURK, H. DAVIS, REUELL PRULO, R. PYLE, OSCAR M. DEFRANCH, SYRIL STOVE, AGIL DOTY, G. E. B. F. R. MURRY MANUEL, FLORES EDUIE, JOHN M. GERNER, V. WESTPHEL EDWINDARUCO, D. JOHNSON, EDGAR WATKINS, J. WARD, WILLIAM L. LEWIS, JOE DAVIS L. DAVIS, P. H. AUGER, BOB CASPAR, JOHN OLENO, JOHN NEUGENT, S. H. JENNINGS, NORMAN DeVITO RABITZ, H. J. SANTO, WALTER COX, KENNETH MILLER. O. SEA JOHNSON. ROBERT LESS. TIMOTHY MACALINE, H. ASHTABULA 1027 West Fifth St. BECKLEY, RICHARD BALTIMORE 14 North Gay St. WHITE, F. E. Calvert 4539 BLUE, MONTE BOSTON 276 State St. Boucloin 4455 DUBE, JOSEPH BUFFALO 10 Exchange St. LISTERMAN. CLARENCE Cleveland 7391 CABAN, JOSE CHICAGO 24 W. Superior Ave. WATTIGEY, E. Superior 5175 NICOLL. GEORGE CLEVELAND 1014 E. St. Clair Ave. SlU HALLS Page Fifteen LOG ol NORFOLK MILK STREET, BOSTON, MASS. 3.66 Stray, Curtis E 1.38' Stromme, Earl 7.34 Stuhr, Olaf J Sullivan, Stephen F 45.44 BOSTON Q Suozzo, Joseph J. Sanlouzans. $2.00; B. F. Gordy. Quinnett, Wayne 5.41 Suseoff, William J $1.00; INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS Swanson, Raymond C R SS TONTO Swanton, Joseph J Radcliffe, .John 4.97 Headly. $5.00; Smith, $5.00; ArrowRahm, Theodore 19.51 T wood. $2.00; Baker, $2.00; Kerweide.. $2.00; McCormack, $3.00; Woodruff, Ramscl, W 10.00 Thomason, Richard M $1.00; KoBtrivas, $2.00; .Anderson. Rastad, Harold 45.92 Tietze, Kenneth E. : $5.00; Games, $2.00; Noss. $2.00; War­ Rawlins, James H 1.34 Tietze, Kenneth E ren, $2.00; Kyle. $5.00. Reeser, Harry 1.46 Tillotsen, C. W NEW YORK Rizzo, Anthony 5.46 Tomita, Hawe SS BEAUREGARD Roberson, Richard 3.13 Tucker, Walter B D. F. Worster. $2.00; P. Re.nd. $1.00. Roberts, Manuel E. Jr 3.21 U SS ETHIOPIA VICTORY 3.16 Urban, Oswald F,. W. Auer. $1.00; C. L. Downs. Robertson, Daniel H 1.03 $4.00; C. Shiner. Jr.. $1.00; J. A. .M-nr- Robinson, Kenneth J V tln, $1.00; P. N. Froorn, $1.03. Rynberg, Frank R 74 Versosa, Primitive 0 SS GOODHUE Ryniker, Loren F 1.87 Violente, Anthony J S. A. Honorwski. $1.00; J. A. ParS Vitro, Robert E homski, $1.00; W. A. Dedeo. $1.00; W. K. Terry. $2.00; J. F. Delaney, $2.00. Sadlowski, John E 3.36 W L. Vlahos, $1.00. Savolainan, Laurie P 4.01 Wagner, Burton E SS ANTINOUS Scarbrough. Richard 11.46 West, John R A Remijn. $3.00; J. M. Harria, $1.00. Scott, Bergin H 1.87 White, James W SS W. F. PERRY 27.86 Willard, Wallace G D. H. Garrigues. $12.00; D. Wengei Scott, Samp and crew of^S W. F. Perry. $10.00. Skarrlegaard, Hans M 4.01 Williams, Carmond L. .. SS SPAN SPLICE Smiechowski, Theodore .... 1.38 Williams, Luther B Stanley Jandora, $2.00; J. C. Steeber, 11.00 Williams, Thomas E $5.00; R. J. Kipp. $5.00; M. Katrausky. Snow, George M 1.44 Wilosevich, Ljubo $1.00; F. Szczepanski, $5.00; L. Benilez, Sprouse, Watson H. $1.00; R. C. Wilhite, $1.00; J. V. Brook-s. Stark, Warner .... 5.62 Y $1.00; T. w. Kendig, $1.00; T. Mc- Stein, Peter 4.76 Young, oFrank G Nicholas. $5.00; M. B. Franciose, $2.00; Stevens, Herbert 9.19 R. J. Griswold, $2.00. Stinson, Richard . ..10 Zajac, Charles SS PERDUE VICTORY Strautmanis, Otto L. W. Borreson, $1.00. 2.72 Ziaja, Albin .. J. L. Arnolds. $1.00; J. R. Wiiiats. $1.00; C. Johnson, $3.00; C". L. Elkin.. $3.00; J. Coyle, $3.00; I. L. Gentry, $1.00. Philips, Lyle B Posey, Otis Prince, J. T Prince, J. T 1.44 3.13 8.06 23.96 8.00 2.26 27.04 3.36 7.34 10.26 34.61 1.44 4.68 1.44 2.96 29.14 32.24 2.76 13.80 66.87 .60 2.41 .50 3.60 16.57 1.09 2.69 6.99 2.41 Retroactive Wages Smith & Johnson SS Corporation 60 BEAVER ST., NEW YORK 4, N. Y. SS COASTAL ADVOCATE Begley, Raleigh Corneaux, Arnold Dayton, Paul Felker, Edwin Kumke, Wm. H Landry, Paul M. Martinez, N. J Mattsson, Emil 11. McRae, Philip W Neri, Filipi Thorsen, Henry Roupe, Gosta E Scherzer, Edw Shulman, Abo Enyder, Howard Spencer, Edw Tallev, Sirroth Woackler, Gilbert 4.20 17.74 .94 7.00 .94 .94 8.88 Thomas, Edwin M Tiske, Donald R Vaage, Torbjorn 6.44 87.82 73.06 $ 69.23 .92 14.74 SS FRANK C. EMERSON 26.30 Davis, J. H 10.26 36.28 Flack, J. C 94 54.26 Hanley, James E 1.20 41.42 SS EDWIN T. MEREDITH James, R. K 10.26 Main 0147 23.60 Johnson, 'Robert 13.45 CORPUS CHRISTI . . 1824 Mesquite St. $ 26.60 15.20 Conkle, Clarence 94 Corpus Christi 3-1509 ! 29.40 Martin, Oliver F .94 Croctor, George H. DETROIT 1038 Third St. Martinez, Francisco 7.04 29.40 20:06 Martin, Thomas E Cadillac 6857 4.66 Margvaiat, Edgar 24.96 McGuffy, J. E Tho three Oilers who paid off DULUTH 531 W. Michigan St. 1.96 MS COASTAL DEFENDER Melrose 4110 the Madaka in March can collect McRae, John 29.40 McHenan, Thco. E 33.56 GALVESTON 308%—23rd St. their overtime 29.40 Murphy, Johnson, L by writing, or Erwin, Willard W ? 6.06 PeiTv, Dennis E Phone 2-8448 Stevens, Bert 19.14 calling at Waterman Steamship Evans, Lawson SS JAMES M. GILLIS 6.06 HONOLULU 16 Merchant St. Phone 58777 Company. 19 Rector Street. New Gambler, Joseph 33.39 SS ELROY ALFARO Ackiss. Elwood $ 3.9S HOUSTON 1615 75th St. York. The "imaginary line" beef Martinez, E. F 6.54 Bliksvar, Alfred R 15,40 Wentworth 3-3809 has been settled. $ 22.36 Padilla, E 10.26 Adrian, Philip C Kellogg, Charles M 3.51 JACKSONVILLE 920 Main St. 94 Radsavitch, Peter M 2.79 Barron, Joseph F Phone 5-5919 Kershaw, Charles C 1.46 S. i. 94 Ramos, Hipolito 6.06 Bell, Leroy MARCUS HOOK 1% W. 8th St. Walker, James E 3.43 Chester 5-3110 94 HENRY W. BEECHER Schminke, Victor E 5.14 Bryant, Ernest W Wichartz, Julius W 3.43 MILWAUKEE 613 So-iHi 2n.d St 9.80 9.98 Carr, Melvin J The beef regarding the Skip­ Vandiver, Thomas MOBILE 1 South Lawrence St. Garcia, Pedro 94 per working stowaways has been Phone 2-1754 SS EDW. G. JANEWAY Goeman, L. P 112.82 The Deck Department NEW ORLEANS ..... 339 Chartres St. settled. 5.20 Magnolia 6112-6113 can collect eight hours each by Blanton, Wilbert 6.36 Hall, John P NEW YORK 51 Beaver St. applying to the Waterman OfHary, Samuel H 94 Bonich, Rudy 5.36 HAnover 2-2784 Kearsey, Eric F 3.62 BILL BOWMAN tices, 19 Rector .Street, New York, Hitchcock, C. A 60 NORFOLK 127-129 Bank St. 12.60 Littleton, Robt. L 18.20 Kublik, George Phone 4-1083 N. Y. Please contact Special Services .46 in person or by mail. Important. PHILADELPHIA 9 South 7th St. Miller, Charles A 94 Lallave, Domingo 4. JLOmbard 3-7651 McNichols, Thomas J. ... . 20.52 Okray, Norman 21.14 4" i' t PORT ARTHUR .. 909 Fort Worth Ave. Minichillo, Louis . 7.00 O'Neill, George S 16.80 HAITI VICTORY HENRY E. HICKS Phone 2-8532 .94 21.00 Neilsen, Neils PORTLAND Ill W. Burnside St. Money due Julio Perez can be Phillips, Robert Your wife is very anxious to .94 84.99 Parker, Jack Beacon 4336 collected at the Waterman Of­ Roosberg, Bernard hear from you. Price, Charles . 1.40 RICHMOND, 'Calif 257 5th St. fices, 19 Rector Street, New York, SS EDW, K. COLLINS 4» 4 4* Phone 2599 Revelle, Thomas E 1.40 SAN FRANCISCO 105 Market St. N, Y. KRISTEN SVANUM Sykes, Wm. E 94 Albritton, James 5$ 9.33 Douglas 5475-8363 4. 4. 4Get in touch with William Thorsen, Carl J 7.00 Balazo, Gustave 94 SAN JUAN, P. R. ... 252 Ponce de Leon Standard, 291 Broadwav, New Woodfall, Charles 4.20 SS WARD HUNT San Juan i-5996 Boulden, Marvin 9.34 York. SAVANNAH 220 East Bay St. Six hours of overtime due the Davis, Harry 94 SS FITZHUGH LEE Phone 8-1728 4 4. 4 Deck Department can be col­ Eakert, Bernard 94 SEATTLE 86 Seneca St. CHARLES V. DIX lected at the Bull Line Offices, Copeland, Joseph 9.46 Filers, James P 94 Main 0290 Get in touch with your parents, 1.40 TAMPA 1809-1811 N. Franklin St. 115 Broad Street, N. Y. Ensor, James 3.22 Herd, Paul R Phone M-1323 .46 Jamesport, Missouri, Route 1. Jenkins, Henry 17.28 Jeff, John W S. 4. TOLEDO 616 Summit St. 4 4 4 80.20 Kennedy, James 94 Lawton, Wm. M WILMINGTON 440 Avalon Blvd. M. CARL WELLS Naffziger, Charles 15.40 Macgregor, Wm 6.06 SS DIXON Terminal 4-3131 A communication from your Paugh, Dorsey 5.14 Marsden, La Verne 7.94 VICTORIA, B. C 602 Boughton St. Luis German Figueroa and mother states that you are des­ Garden 8331 Richards, Robert H. 63.88 Newman, Guy W 6.06 Federico Reyes can collect overVANCOWVER 144 W. Hastings St, perately needed at home. Con­ Santo, Michael J 88.08 Pau.gh, Dorsey 19.54 PacIAc 7824 lime money at the Bull Line Of­ tact her at once. Theodore, Phillip .94 Pope, Clark R 2.34 fices, 115 Broad Street. MONEY DUE PERSONALS I �Page Sixteen THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday. May 2. 1947 The LOG Visits The Cavalier Crew .• • • • • so. Coffee lime, and some crewmembers gather in the Messroom to gulp a cup of java. Left to right; K. Ostling, Carpenter; Anthony Skillman. OM; Robert Larsen. AB; G. Bryan. DM; Alcides Lugo. MM; James Lupo. MM; and Richard Novak. Stewards Utility. This is the floating palace, the Alcoa Cavalier. The last word in luxury, and furnishing excellent quarters for the crew, too. The Cavalier will make the Southern cruise run, sailing out of New York on a seventeen-day schedule to the Islands. Sounds as though it will be a popular run with Seafarers. Ship leaves on first trip May 2. With trays held high. Waiters Carmelo Sousa, left, and Max­ well Brooks, right, show how they are going to carry the food to the dining room. Don't drop anything. Brothers! How about one on the house? After going all over the ship to snap pictures, a long cold one would hit the spot. These men are experts in their field. That's Bill Benish with the polishing rag. Ray Griswold pouring a shot, and Ed Mocney mixing one. Above, left. Evert van Tongeren. FWT. watches his gauges and the camera at the same time. He was the only member of the Engine Department available when the picture was taken, but he won't have to do all the work himself when the vessel leaves for the first cruise. Directly above is a view of one of the crew foc'sles. Two to a room, with double portholes and plenty of locker space. It's sure a far cry from the old days. The Waiters and Bellboy lined up. left, in the Dining Room, didn't wait to have their names taken after the photoflash went off. Anyway, they are part of the Stewards Depart­ ment of the Cavalier, and from watching them in action, it is certain that the passengers will be well taken care of. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 2, 1947 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. IX, No. 18 Description An account of the resource Headlines: FOREIGN SEAMEN'S UNIONS PLEDGE AID TO SEAFARERS IN PANAMANIAN BOYCOTT CANADIANS WIN RAISE, 30 DAY INTERIM PACT LAKES SIU OKAYS 44 HOUR WEEK D&C CONTRACT SOLIDARITY FOREVER NEW MORAN CONTRACT SETS TOP WAGE SCALE LOW COST GLASSES NOW AVAILABLE TO SEAFARERS SIU CANADIAN DISTRICT OPENS NEW HALL IN MONTREAL, BEGINS ORGANIZING DRIVE NMU TRIES TO FREELOAD ON SIU GT. LAKES DRIVE TELEPHONE STRIKERS RALLY IN SIU BALTIMORE HALL SEAFARERS NEEDED TO HELP TANKER, GT. LAKES DRIVE SHIP CHANDLERS IN TAMPA ARE STILL LEARNING HARD FACTS OF LIFE--DO NOT SCAB ON SEAFARERS PROGRESS SO FAR PROVES G.L. MEN WANT SEAFARERS PASSENGER SHIPS NEXT TARGET FOR SIU ORGANIZERS IN CHICAGO FIRES PUT OUT, BUT TEXAS CITY IS GHOST TOWN OF SMOKING RUINS RECORD OF TELEPHONE COMPANY SHOWS OPERATORS HAVE GOOD BEEF NEEDED: RATED MEN FOR SIU SHIP AND ORGANIZERS TO AID IN DRIVES BRANCH MEETINGS ARE A MUST FOR TRIPCARDERS AND PERMITMEN QUESTION ON THE INTERPRETATION OF CONTRACT COMES UP IN BOSTON BALTIMORE BRANCH OFFERS MEMBERS A VARIETY OF SHIPS AND RUNS LAKES SEAMEN ARE SIGNING SIU COLLISIONS AND ACCIDENTS MAR WEEK IN DULUTH RESCUE TUG IS BATTERED BY HURRICANE NMU HAS PLENTY OF SLOGANS ABOUT OTHER THINGS BUT NOT A WORD ON U.S. SHIPS RUSSIA WON'T RETURN NEW LONDON 'BREEZE' BLOWS NEWS STRAIGHT TO CREWMEN CRAWFORD MEN PROPOSE PLAN TO REMOVE SLOPCHEST EVILS COLD, ICE SLOWED DOWN THE THOMAS HYDE AND PUT THE FREEZE ON CREW'S ROMANCING SOMETIMES CHARACTERS HAVE REASONS FOR BEING THAT WAY DATE SET FOR HURON ELECTION; SIU HELPS NMU GET ON BALLOT THE LOG VISITS THE CAVALIER CREW Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 5/2/1947 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1947 Periodicals Seafarers Log http://seafarerslog.org/archives/files/original/eb474cd112b785efe21703dee0143ab9.PDF 8aecde21ab0c90c00443a5534c16f4bf PDF Text Text Official Organ of the Seafarers International Union of North America VOL. IX. Lee Crew Wins Extra Pay Award SAN FRANCISCO—A decision which may have great bearing on the future treatment of sea­ men who are on board ships , in foreign poi'ts when articles ex­ pire, was recently handed down by the Shipping Commissionei- in this port. Slating that, "After careful consideration it is my belief that there was justification for dis­ charge of the crew of the SS Richard Himry Lee with pay­ ment to them of one month's ex­ tra wages . . . had conditions at Shanghai permitted that action by the Consul," the Commission­ er, Lt. Commander S. H. Waring, USCGR, awarded one month's extra wages to the seamen who signed articles on June 1, 1945, at New York. This action climaxed nine months of arbitration, during which the Calmar Steamship Company tried every legal means to pievent payment to the men. The vessel left New York on June 6, 1945, and after many stops, was in Shanghai on May 31, 1946, when the articles ex­ pired. On June 3 members of the crew presented to the Amer­ ican Consul a request for dis­ charge on the grounds that the voyage had been unnecessarily prolonged. NEW YORK. N. Y.. FRIDAY. MAY 9. 1947 Montreal Hall A new Hall has been established for Seafarers in Montreal. Canada. Gene Markey is the new Port Agent. Address of the Hall is 1440 Bleury Street, and all crews coming in to Montreal are asked to see Brother Markay at the Hall as soon as pos­ sible. This refers in particu­ lar to Alcoa crews. Pass this news along so that other Brothers will know where in Montreal they can find out the latest Seafarers news. No, 19 Coast Guard Disrupts All Maritime Industry, SlU Tells Congressmen WASHINGTON—Appointed by J. P. Shuler, Secretary-Treasurer of the Atlantic and Gulf District, to present the Union's position, .Joseph H. Volpian, Special Services Representative last Friday appeared before a House Sub-Com­ mittee to register the opposition of the SIU to House Bill 2966, which would extend the power of the Coast Guard over merchant seamen. Known as a bill "to amend the Administrative Procedure Act to authorize commissioned offi~ "" ^' ccrs of the Coast Guard to preside at the taking of evi­ dence in proceedings under section 4450 of the Revised Statutes," H R 2966 would empower CG officers to serve as judge and jury in the As far as conditions on Pan­ cases of merchant seamen amanian ships arc concerned, charged with infractions of Lowey has plenty to say. Two stewpots a r e maintained, and the law. Panamanian Scows Are Hell Ships, Says Seaman Who Has Sailed Them This is the story of Denny Lowey, an English AB who comes from a long line of- Eng­ lish seafaring men. Denny has been sailing since 1937, right through the heart of the war year.s. There was a time when ships were torpedoed as soon as they hit open water, and Nazi sub­ marines were thicker than the fog which hides London skies during most of the year. Through it all, Denny and his fellow shipmates, allied with the men of the United States mer­ chant mai'ine, kept the sea-lanes of the world open. CREW CHARGES Soon the tide of battle turned, Two of the allegations made by and there was no longer the the crew were as follows: same terrific fear of a Nazi vic­ 1. This application is based tory. Then the big money men, DENNY LOWEY on the grounds that the crew in the United States and Eng­ has completed the ^ agreement. land started to lay their plans and for defrauding the U. S. for breaking the seamen's unions Government of tax money. {Continued on Page 4) American ships, built by Am­ erican labor, paid for by hardearned American taxes, and sail­ ed throughout the war by Amercan merchant seamen, were "transferred" to Panamanian and NORFOLK — Steps are oeing Seamen's Union with a view to Honduran registry. That's where Denny Lowey, taken by the local American securing greater employment for and hundreds of other English Federation of Labor Port Maii- Norfolk members of the Inter­ seamen, came into the picture. national Longshoremen's Asso­ time Council to throw picket- ciation. ASSIGNED TO HELL lines in front of all docks in the Denny was a member of the The meeting accepted a pro­ event of a boycott of Panaman­ posal by Daniel Alston, chair­ Merchant Navy Reserve Pool. He ian .ships. The Council will be man, that a treasury be set up was assigned to a Panamanian prepared to act on immediate to cover local expenses and in­ ship, belonging to the Panama notice. Transport Company. cidentals. Plans were drawn up at the It is significant that now the A communication from the April meeting of the Council, MTD, emphasizing "that only PTC has stopped masquerading following discussion of the de­ AFL unions in the maritime under a fake name and openly cision on the Panamanian situa­ trades shall be recognized mem­ admits being part of the Stand­ tion reached at the national bers of the Port Maritime Coun­ ard Oil of New Jersey. conference of the AFL Maritime cil," was read at the meeting. Denny says he first became Trades Department in Chicago In addition to Brother White awere of this recently when the recently. > officials of the local group are Franz Klasen, the ship he was Ray White, SIU Port Agent Brother Alston, President, and on, had the old company name and Vice President of the Coun­ N. B. Dillard, Secretary, both of scraped off the bow, and the cil, suggested a meeting with the the ILA. The council meets the new company name, Esso, re­ place it. local representative of the Greek third Monday of each month. Norfolk Maritime Trades Council Prepares For Panamanian Action the unlicensed men are frequ­ ently fed tlie leftovers from the officers meals. Overtime is unheard of, and although the men are forced to do extra work, it is usually call­ ed "safety of the ship," and no e^ttra pay is collected. Quarters are overcrowded. with 3 and 4 men sharing one foc'sle. The officers, of course, have larger rooms, and only one man to a room. Public hearings on the bill were held last week, and in ad­ dition to Brother Volpian, Capt­ ain William Ash. SecretaryBusiness Manager of Local 88, MM&P, also testified in oppo­ sition to the proposed legisla­ tion. The full text of statement follows: Volpian's The Seafarers International Union of North America numbers approximately 90,000 unlicensed seagoing personnel whose sole means of livelihood are derived from their service on Merchant vessels, which sail on all oceans and the Great Lakes. Our membership has a very real interesi in the proposed bill H.R. 2966. BUCK-PASSING The men are under the pro­ tection of no flag^. The British Consul tells them that the Pan.amanian Government is respon­ sible for them, and the Pana­ manian Consul passes the buck right back. The writer has been in When a man'* is injured, he is at the mercy of the company. charge of the Special Services (Continued on Page 3) {Continued on Page 14) AFL Longshoremen Swamp ILWU In Seattle Bargaining Election -SEATTLE, Wash.—The Inter­ national Longshoremen's Asso­ ciation, AFL, scored a sweeping victory here over the CIO's Long­ shoremen's group, known as the ILWU. The showdown came when the CIO unit sought an NLRB elec­ tion to determine the bai-gaining agent for the foremen and checkers, jurisdiction over which the AFL union has exercised for years in all ports of Washing­ ton, except those on the Colum­ bia River. The result showed foremen, 102 for the AFL union and only 14 for the CIO group; checkers. 152 for the AFL and only 13 for the CIO. Reporting the results to AFL President William Green, E. M. Weston, president of the Wash­ ington State Federation of Labor, said that the Federation's suc­ cesses in fighting off anti-labor legislation and in making the Washington Workermen's Com­ pensation Law one of the best in the Nation, in addition to other gains by affiliated unions, a strong feeling had been appar­ ent recently among some CIO members that they should "get into the main body of the labor movement." �Page Two THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday. May 9. 1947 SEAFARERS LOG Puhlished Weekly by the SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Gulf District Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor At 51 Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y. HAnover 2-2784 International Officers HARRY LUNDEBERG President 105 Market St., San Francisco, Calif. PAUL HALL First Vice-President 51 Beaver St., New York 4, N. Y. MORRIS WEISBERGER Vice-President 105 Broad St., New York 4, N. Y. CAL TANNER . . . Vice-President 1 South Lawrence St., Mobile, Ala. EDWARD COESTER Vice-President 86 .Seneca St., Seattle, Wash. JOHN HAWK - Secy.-Treasurer 105 Market St., San Francisco, Calif. District Officials J. p. SHULER - - - Secy.-Treas. Atlantic &: Gulf District P. O. Bo.x 25, Bowling Green Station, New Yorli, N. Y. HARRY LUNDEBERG Secy.-Treas. Sailors Union of the Pacific 50 Clay Street, San Francisco, Calif. FRED FARNEN - - Sccy.-Treas. Great Lakes District 1033 Third Street, Detroit, Michigan HUGH MURPHY - - - - Secy.-Treas. Canadian District 114 W. Hastings St., Vancouver, B. C. Entered as second class matter June 15, 1945, at the Post Office in New York, N. Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912. GEORGE K. NOVICK, Editor 267 Not Forgotten Every week, to every M.arine Hospital where a mem­ ber of the Seafarers International Union may be under­ going treatment, a Union Brother goes to see him. And he doesn't go empty-handed. He takes with him money for cigarettes, copies of the LOG, other Union literature, and the best wishes, of the membership for the ailing Brother's speedy recovery. Being a member of the SIU is more than just belojiging to a union. The motto of the Seafarers is "The Brother­ hood of The Sea," and aboard ship and ashore, this ideal is constantly in the minds of all good Union members. On this same page is printed weekly a list of Brothers in the various Marine Hospitals. This is done so that shipmates and buddies of the hospitalized Seafarers can know of their whereabouts and drop them cheering mes­ sages. .But even these items.already mentioned do not sum up the extent to which the Union will go to insure com­ fort and good care for ailing members. Any Brother who has been, or still is, in a Marine Hospital, knows that when the hospital representative comes around, he is ready and v.dlling to listen to all com­ plaints. Complaints that range from the quality and quan­ tity of the food, to the type of treatment, to the infrequency of treatment. And after listcjiing to the beefs, the representative doesn't stop there. He goes to bat on every legitimate gripe. It is publicized in the LOG, and Headquarters starts wheels moving with letters to higher authority in Wash­ ington. By such means, many intolerable situations have been cleared up, and conditions in many Marine Hospitals have been improved. Within the past year alone, this program has resulted in better conditions, better food, and more efficient treat­ ment for hundreds of seamen, since even seamen who are not members of the SIU benefit when the Union carries the ball, So, Brothers, if you find out that you've got to go to the hospital for a while, don't fear that you'll be forgotten by your buddies. They'll write to you when they can, they'll see to it that you are supplied with smokes, and they will be=- ready at any time to make certain that you are receiving good care. You won't be forgotten! Hospital Patients When entering the hospital notify the delegates by post­ card, giving your name and the number of your ward. Staten Island Hospital Men Now In The Marine Hospitals These are the Union Brothers currently in the marine hospitals, as reported by the Port Agents. These Brothers find time hanging heavily on their hands. Do what you can to cheer them up by writ­ ing to them. STATEN ISLAND HOSP. H. R. BELCHER E. E. CASEY V. PLACEY R. G. MOSSELLER E. CARRARAS M. BAUCSKI D. NELSON G. H. STEVENSON P. AMATO J. A. DYKES E. B. HOLMES C. A. MILLER H. SELBY W. R. BLOOM J. MOLINO F. NAGY J. BURGOS N. NEILSON J* it BALTIMOP.E MARINE HOSP. ALEXANDER DUDDE CHARLES SIMMONS CHARLES PAYNE CARLOS LEE JR. JOHN WEBB JOHN RILEY (G.L.) JAMES McMAHON (G.L.) ERNEST SIDNEY PETER LOPEZ MANUEL ROMERO GEORGE MILLER WM. KEMMERER RICHARD HANSEN 4-4-4. NEPONSET HOSPITAL HUGH BURKE J. S. COMPBELL LINDEN CLARK JOHN T. EDWARDS J. FIGUEROA E. FERRER J. R. HANCHEY C. LARSON L. L. LEWIS L. TORRES 4-4 4NEW ORLEANS HOSPITAL GUS KREZTER C. MASON STEVE MOGAN R. B. "BOB" WRIGHT N. LONGTINE ED. DUDEK J. J. O'NEILL E. J. NAVARRE J. N. HULL C. TYNER C. J. COMPAN WM. H. CAO J. W. DENNIS ED. CUSTER WM. BROCE. Jr. GEO. F. DUFFY You can contact your Hos­ pital delegate at the Staten Island Hospital at the follow­ ing times: Tuesday—1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 5th and 6th floors) Thursday — 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 3rd and 4th floors.) Saturday—1:30 to 3:30 p.m. (on 1st and 2nd floors.) ADAM KARPOWICH C. LOCIGNO WM MEAGHER D. LAUBERSHEIMER G. F. HART H. N. LEAVELLE S. HAMILTON 4- 4- 4TV AV A « At • 1 J A A %. A * J^ V ELLIS ISLAND HOSPITAL M. MORRIS W. B. MUIR D. MCDONALD c. RASMUSSEN B. HOFFMAN J. KOSLUSKY 4. •V **' 4. •*» CHICAGO MARINE HOSP. LOUIS JOHNSON STEVE SCHULTZ HENRY LALLY X % % BRIGHTON MARINE HOSP. E. JOHNSTON H. SWIM E. MOFIENE E. DELLAMANO J. LEVACK D. BURLISON P. KOGOY J. MORRISON -i, �Friday, May 9, 1947 T H L Moran Agreement It was reported a couple of meetings ago that the Union was having some trouble in persuad­ ing Moran Towing and Trans­ portation Company to open neg­ otiations pertaining to increasing wages and overtime rates. We were successful last week in negotiating with the Moran Towing and Transportation Com­ pany what are at this point the highest wages ever achieved for oft'-shore vessels by any Union. A complete story on this was carried in last week's issue of the SEAFARERS LOG, giving the full wage scale and copy of agreement reached. Membership meetings, both ashore and on ship, have repeat­ edly dealt with the question of slop chests. Practically every crew has complained of the inferior qual­ ity and high prices of merchan­ dise carried in slop chests on board SlU vessels. This question has ben referred to Headquarters for action by the membership. A letter was sent last week by your Head­ quarters Offices to all SlU con­ tracted operators, requesting the names of the ships chandlers who supply slop chests for their particular vessels in all ports. LOG by Headquarters Offices. The Atlantic and Gulf District is fortunate in not having over­ loaded its membership roles in comparison with available con­ tracted jobs. It is to our Union's advantage that we keep it that way. A survey is now being made of the possibility of future jobs for the Atlantic and Gulf Dis- SNiN of the Ports of New York, Balti­ of the SIU. A full and detailed more, and New Orleans, where report will follow as to the out most transfers have been taking come of this. place. Headquarters R e p r esentative Robert Matthews last week was Organizing sent to the Port of Montreal, Mathiasen and Sag Harbor Tankers, Inc., have been notified of the SIU's desire to negotiate WHeRe'S 'EM a contract as a result of the re­ ICE-BOATS? cent National Labor Relations Board Victory of the SIU in rep­ resenting their unlicensed per­ sonnel. The date for the com­ mencement of such negotiations will be made known shortly. [ Earl Sheppard, Atlantic and Gulf District Organizer, who has been placed in charge of the Organizing Drive for the Inter­ national in the Great Lakes Area, was recently in the Port of New York consulting the Atlan­ tic and Gulf District Organizers, pertaining to the drive in the Great Lakes Area. Canada, along with International Organizer Gene Markey, for the establishment of an SIU Hall for the Port of Montreal, Canada, with the thought in mind of laying a program to enable the International to expand the While here, he requested scope of operations of the Cana­ Headquarters Offices to notify dian District of the SIU. all Atlantic and Gulf Ports, in Gene Markey will be in charge the event of a request for help of the Montreal Branch. All SIU by the Great Lakes Staff, that crews are to make it their busi­ the officials and membership are ness to cooperate with him in to cooperate in every manner every possible manner while in possible. that area. The Agents Conference of this The Organizing Staff of the year recommended that the in­ Atlantic and Gulf District has land boats in the Gulf Area be recommended t o Headquarters placed under the jurisdiction of Offices that the issuance of Isth­ the Director of Organization and mian Organizing books be tem­ his Staff. porarily suspended for the pur­ This has not been done to date pose of allowing for retrench­ inasmuch as there has been some ment of the Organizing Program confusion regarding this situa­ of the Union. tion and it was impossible to Exceptions to this rule are to turn this over to Gulf Area Or­ ganizer L. J. Williams until this be made only upon recommenda­ tions by Organizers after a man situation has been cleared up. My presence is necessary in applying -^for membership has the Gulf Area in the near fu­ shown sufficient amount of sea ture and, while there, this prob­ time while acting as volunteer lem will be ironed out with Or­ organizer for the SIU. A full program and details for ganizer Williams and New OrISans Port Agent Steely White, the governing of admission of who up to this point has been in membership will be issued by charge of that particular section Headquarters shortly. In the uNmi/m.? Panamanian Scows Are Hell Ships, Says Seaman Who Has Sailed Them SIU-SUP Probationary Members It has been called to the at­ tention • of the Headquarters Office.s that in a couple of Ports recently, probationary members, both SIU and SUP, were told they came under SIU shipping privileges, under the same rules as applied to tripcaid and permit men and have pulled them off ships. This is incorrect as all book members, regardless of whether they are probationary or full book members, are entitled to meantime, no official is to take applications for new members. Attorney Ben Sterling has completed the brief for the SIU in the Isthmian case. This brief will be presented to the Nation­ al Labor Relations Board in Washington, D. C., shortly. More details of this case will be car­ ried as soon as disposition is made of .same. By J. P. SHULER, Secretary-Treasurer Once we have this available information, outfits supplying such slop chests in the SlU con­ tracted vessels will be notified that unless all merchandise put trict of the SIU. Once this sur­ on board all contracted SlU ships vey is completed, a policy can be is Union made, fair priced, and good quality, that SIU crews introduced to govern transfers from District to District. will refuse to allow them to In the meantime, however, all furnish slop chests for any SlU hands should be aware of the vessels. fact that since the action taken This is a matter that will take \ at the Joint East-West Coast some time, as the Organization Agents Conference in Chicago, in has to be careful so that it 1945, regardless of which Dis­ doesn't become involved legally trict issued a man's book, he in this beef. is qualified for shipping rights, This matter will be handled no matter in which District he by Headquarters, and a commit­ is on the beach. tee will be elected in the future This matter of transfers is called to the particular attention WHOSE'S 'AT„ to survey all findings and make i-ecommendations in order to put a stop to some of these high­ jacking -ships chandlers from robbing ships crews on slop chest items. Page Three "REPORT/ the same shipping privileges. Port Agents are hereby noti­ fied that in the future, they are not to remove any SIU or SUP probationary members from con­ tracted vessels on the basis that they are entitled only to tripcard and permit men shipping It is to be noted that further privileges. meetings will take place in the District Transfers near future between the Union It is recommended that no and Moran, dealing with clari­ transfers be accepted from other fications of various points of the Districts into the Atlantic and working rules in this contract. Gulf District until further notice Slop Chests SEAFARERS (Continued from Page 1) "And y ou know what that means," said Lowey. Most of the men on these transfer•red ships have never seen a Panamanian port. They sign-on and -off in English ports, and do most of their sailing between United States and Far Eastern harbors. So bad was it on the Klasen, which was the fourth Panaman­ ian ship Lowey sailed on, that he had a nervous bi'eakdown and was sent to the hospital. Upon release from the hospital he was offered another trans­ ferred ship, but instead of sign­ ing on, he headed right for the New York SIU Hall. The rate of pay is far inferior to American standards. ABs are paid about $95.00 per month. Firemen the same. Oilers collect around $100.00, and Bosuns only slightly more. NOT SCABS Besides being resentful about their pay, these men realize that they arc jeopardizing the stand­ ards of American seamen. If there should be a boycott of Panamanian ships, the men now sailing the vessels would come right over to the SIU side, according to Denny. Here he received a warm re­ ception, and his story was heard with great interest. While Denny was in the hos­ pital, his shipmates appealed to the National Maritime Union, CIO, for aid. In fact, represen­ tatives from the Joshua Macy, another such ship, also were in on the meeting. They were promised all sorts of help, but nothing ever came of it. That's why the Seafarers, helped. He's right now, on Denny came to and he has been on an SIU ship a tripcard, and he is free of the fear that turned him into a nervous wreck on Panamanian ships. HERE'S TRUTH If there are any Congressmen who think that the many stories about conditions on Panamanian ships are exaggerated, here is first hand information. And it's only one of many such stories which have been told to officials of the Seafarers International Union. Denny Lowey and others were put aboard Panamanian ships inn o c e n t of the conditions on them, innocent of the fact that they would be owned by U.S. capital, and innocent of the fact that they would be helping to break down what U.S. sea­ men have fought for so long. They don't like it, and they want to do something about it as quick as possible. That's Denny's story, and he knows what he's talking about. Union Expenses Expenses in some ports have not been reduced to the point that was recommended by the Agents Conference. An example of this not having been done is shown in the past New Orleans Minutes, where a motion was carried that further expenses be allowed to operate than those laid down in the proposals of the Agents Confer­ ence. A further example was shown in the Port of Savannah where a motion was carried to have a secretary for the Branch, although the membership had ruled by overwhelming major­ ity on the actions of the Agents Conference to eliminate same. The Port Agents in these re­ spective Ports have had this called to their attention, and the membership is hereby notified of this failure to comply with Union policy as per recommen­ dation of the Agent Conference. In the event that membership rules are not complied with by these two ports shortly, the membership will be given defin­ ite recommendations to elimin­ ate these problems. Financial reports from various ports, as submitted to Headquar­ ters, show that some heavy "building expenses" are submit- ted. Headquarters recommends that in the future no Ports spend money for "building expenses" until the proposed expenditures have been submitted for entire coastwise action as per the Con­ stitution. On another matter of expenses, a bill has been sent to Head­ quarters for payment for a multilith machine in the Port of New Orleans. The bills submit­ ted total over $2,000.00, includ­ ing the cost of the machine and various supplies. This bill will not be paid ^ Headquarters until such time as the membership knows the score on it and has the chance to make a decision, as per the Con­ stitution. The last Agents Conference in­ structed the Secretary-Treasurer and the Headquarters Offices to see to it that the Union's pro­ gram in all matters, and that applies specifically to the Union's economizing program, be exer"cised by all Port Agezits. It further provided that in the event it was not done, that vio­ lations of such policy were to be brought to the attention of the membership. This has been done. In order to prevent such in­ fractions in the future, it is rec­ ommended that the niembership (Continued on Page 8) �THE Page Four SEAFARERS LOG Wyandotte And Huron Crewmen Are Selidly Behind Seafarers Friday, May 9, 1947 Active Seafarer. On top of this, they receive as thei'e is a militant Seafarer $1.25 an hour for all penalty left we'll continue to win the DETROIT—With the election overtime as specified in the con­ best wages, hours, working and •on the two Huron ships sched­ tract. livipg conditions afloat! uled for sometime between May Stewards Dept. members now Let's look at the record some 15 and June 11, and the election get an extra days pay for each more! aboard the four Wyandotte ships seven days worked, and have Back in 1942, the SIU first probably being held within the had their overtime rate increased gained the 40-hour week for fit next two or three weeks, crew- from 5 to 15 cents an hour. out and lay up. Yet, the NMU members aboard these unorgan­ For all fit out, lay upland win­ brags that they gained it through ized Lakes vessels arc lined up ter work. Deck and Engine men almost to a man for the Seafar­ get $1.60 an hour for'the rated their phony strike in 1946! It's in the records. Check 'em for ers International Union, AFL. men and $1.40 an hour for the yourself. Stewards Dept. Bob King is working out of unrated men. We could go on for hours Alpena contacting these ships' men get paid $1,60, $1,40, $1.25, pointing out where the SIU and crews, and I'm doing the con­ and 93c according to their month­ SUP have led the maritime in­ On the picketline and on the tacting in the Detroit area down ly pay rates, and the low bracket dustry for years, but we realize Wyandotte way. Besides those includes bellhops and maids. ship, Salvatore Garofolo is an All time over eight hours in that most Lakes seamen know active, valuable man. During personal man-to-man contacts, a the score, and that's why they're number of my very good friends one day or 40 hours a week is going so strong for the Seafar­ the 1946 General Strike he was on the.se ships are in constant paid at time-and-one-half. ers. in the New York Port, but he D & C gains have been nego­ correspondence with this office. tiated with the Bob-Lo, Geor­ has participated in other beefs NO PHONY PROGRAM As a result of these contacts, gian Bay, C & B, and other pas­ in other sections of the coun­ both in person and via mail, we If we were like the NMU, we'd senger and excursion lines under try. Happy sailing, wherever have built up a fine relationship come out with a phony 1947 pro­ SIU contract. between the six Wyandotte and gram and say that the SIU was you aire. Brother. Huron crews and the SlU. FREIGHTER CONTRACTS going to get all unorganized In addition to signing up al­ The SIU is now negotiating Lakes seamen a 50 per cent wage most 100 percent as far as SlU with Midland, the sandboat op­ increase, a 30-hour week at sea pledge cards are concerned, a erators, and all of our bulk and in port, the 6-watch system, large number of these boys have freighter operators. These con­ and 180 leave days with pay a Crews of vessels putting in But we're not like the taken out SIU books. This is tracts have not been completed year. at Manila, P. I., are warned furthei- proof of how they feel as yet, but among our demands NMU. to be on the look out for a about the SlU. Sure, we want all Wyandotte, are the 40-hour week, substan­ former member, James Har­ tial wage increases, increased Huron, Hanna and Wilson sea­ PHONY PROPAGANDA rington, who last paid dues overtime rates, and improved men, as well as others we are petitioning for, to vote for the in December 1945. This man Several of these boys have working rules. sent in some of the NMU's cur­ When we finish these negotia­ SIU. But the SIU will not try has been going a.board SIU rent line of phony propaganda tions in the near future, the re­ to' insult their intelligence by ships saying he is a friend that they are mailing to Wyan­ sults will be printed in the LOG, handing them any line of bilge of Union officials, and using dotte and Huron crewmcmbers. and the record will once again about our 1947 program! it as a means of soliciting Our program is, as always, to Seems as though they're using show that the SIU has .set the funds. His claim of friend­ get the best wages, hours, over­ the mail route due to the rugged pace on the Lakes as always. ship is entirely false, and We expect to get the 40-hour time, working and living condi­ reception given a couple of their Seafarers should bear in organizers. The Huron and week, and the SIU will be the tions in the maritime industry. mind that he is in bad stand­ Wyandotte seamen told these Union to do the job. SIU con­ Check the record to see if we ing in the Union. NMUers in no uncertain terms tracts and conditions have always haven't always secured our aims, that they wanted no part of them topped the industry, and as long then vote for the SIU! • L. or their phony union. These fellows are really getting a big kick out of the NMU's empty promises to get them a 25 per cent wage increase, a 40-hour week at sea and in port, the 4-watch system, and 90 leave days a year with pay. DETROIT—This is- the real Members of the NMU who sail part of their regular work day These are their promises, now story of the NMU's finky sell ouf on the carferries are now ready with no overtime pay. This let's look at the' NMU's record of their own members sailing the to disown their own so-called means that working conditions as to what they actually got com- Great Lakes carferries. This is union for selling them out. are now actually worse than they - pared to what the SlU has se­ the truth which they didn't dare were before the new contract They were built up to high cured in its contracts. to print in the items in the Pilot hopes by the NMU's avowed in­ was signed. Let's look at the contracts regarding the carferry settle­ Here's the real payoff! NMUtention of securing them a $100 which the NMU negotiated for ment. We challenge them to re­ ers sailing the carferries were monthly subsistence rate instead the carferries. The carferries fute one word of this article! asked to ratify the new contract of the $60 now being paid, seven formerly worked a 7-day week While the SIU has been carry­ days pay for five days work, and by means of secret ballots three with 30 leave days a year. Under ing on a battle to secui-e the 40numerous improvements in the days after the companies had the terms of the new NMU con­ hour week for the Lakes freight­ working rules and working condi­ asked them to clear up their tracts the men work a 6-day, ers, the NMU sold its members back leave days. tions. 48-hour week with 52 leave days down the river by signing a 48In other words, the NMU had Here's what the carferrymen a year. hour week contract with no ap­ agreed to this sell-out contract actually got under their new con­ So the NMU actually gained preciable gains for the carferries. before the men had a chance to tract: a 6-day, 48 hour week with just 22 leave days a year, with At the same time, the SIU con­ vote as to whether they would seven days pay (actually being no increase in wages, no overtime cluded the best passenger agree­ accept it or not! an increase of only 22 leave-days pay for the seventh day, and ment ever made on the Lakes This is the outfit—the NMU— a year, as they were already get­ lousier working conditions. when the D & C pattern of a 44which is now circulating litera­ ting 30 leave days annually, and Is that the kind of a deal that hour week for the passenger could take these leave days in ture among the unorganized they'd give the Huron and Wyan­ ships was established. groups of five or six for fishing Lakes seamen, telling them of their marvelous program! dotte seamen if they were fool­ or hunting trips). Now, it's man­ Is it' any wonder that these ish enough to vote for the NMU? datory that they take a day off same Lakes seamen laugh when The same kind of a sell out that each v/eek. the NMU even mentions the mar­ the car ferry men got! In the new ferry agreements, Department Delegates velous gains they are going to there are no provisions for over­ should check to see that all D & C CONTRACT secure for all unorganized men time work on the seventh day, overtime is turned in 72 hours on the Lakes? Now, the SIU is not bragging and if the men should have to before the ship is scheduled Sounds like the old wobbly about the D & C contract, but work on this day they would to dock. But this does not "Pie in the Sky." let's look at what we won as com­ only receive straight time for it. mean to hold the overtime pared to the carferries. The SIU doesn't brag about until then. Contrast this to SIU contracts where the members secure $1.00 what we are going to do for all As soon as penalty work In the Deck and Engine Depts., to $1.25 per hour for overtime Lakes seamen some distant day is done, a record should be men now work a 44-hour week during sailing season, and time- in the future. All we are asking given to the Department for the same pay as they received head, and one copy held by and-one-half doing standby work. is that the unorganized Lakes for a 56-h6ur week. Their maflIhe man doing the job. In There was no change whatso­ seamen compare the SIU con­ datory monthly increase for that w&y there is less chance ever in the working rules. In tracts and conditions with any week end overtime amounts in for thing.<> to get fouled up. fact, the men are now_asked to others on the Lakes. Compaz-e, cold cash to an increase of $52 a do all kinds of penalty work as then choose—the SIU! month. By PAUL WARREN AnENTION! NMU Cannot Afford To Print True Story Of How It Sold Out The Carferry Workers On Overtime Lee Crew Wins Extra Pay Award (Cotitinued from Page I) entered into on June 1, 1945, under whose terms the vessel was to be returned to a final port of discharge in the Con­ tinental United States at a date not later than June 1, 1946. This has not been done. On the con­ trary the voyage has been un­ necessarily prolonged and is now being continued contrary to agreement. 2. As an indication of the inefficiency of these organiza­ tions, (vessel, owners, and Mas­ ter) it might be noted that wo have spent seven months out of the last nine at anchor in var­ ious ports and that we are still carrying cargo which was brought from England last September and never dis­ charged. Another charge made by the crew was that the slopchest was never adequate and failed to con­ tain shoes, socks, underwear or work gear, and that fresh food was supplied for only 20 days out of the 250 days preceding the date the application was filed. AGREEMENT MADE In his decision the Commis­ sioner pointed out that although denials were made by the 'WSA, the Maritime Commission, and the company, that the vessel was kept out and the voyage pro­ longed through inefficiency and lack of diligence on the part of the owners and the Mastei-, such was not the case. In his findings he placed all blame for failure to complete the voyage within 12 months direct­ ly at the door of the owners, and that it constituted a breach of contract. On the strength of the applica­ tion, the American Consul, with the agreement of both parties, extended the articles for another 60 days, with the proviso that the "seamen of the SS Richard Henry Lee waive no rights to all wages and extra wages remain­ ing due and unpaid: that their interests and rights under lawful agreements are in no way pre­ judiced by this extension." At that time the ship was un­ der the jurisdiction of the "War Shipping Administration, and the WSA approved the plan of ex­ tending the articles so that the ship could bo sailed to San Fran­ cisco, and agreed to abide by the Commissioner's ruling in regard to the request for ope month's extra wages for all members Of the crew. It took nine long months be­ fore the arbitrator reached a de­ cision, but that ruling bids well to become another strong plank of seamen's rights. Heretofore seamen have not been able to collect extra, as a general practice, for voyages which extended beyond the tei'm of the articles. Attention Agents All applications for SIU burial benefits must be mailed to: JOSEPH VOLPIAN Special Services Dept. Seafarers Intl. Union 51 Beaver Street New York 4, N. Y. 1 �Friday. May 9, 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG I Page Five Mobile SIU Aids Phone Strikers Seafarers Mass On Picketlines With Striking Phone Workers By CAL TANNER M OBILE—starting with April 30, the Seafarers of this port have marched side by side with the striking telephone workers. Not that SIU aid had not been offered previously; it's just that the phone workers' Strike Committee had not wanted any outside help. liut on April 29, after a request from the strik­ ers, we called a special membership meeting and voted to support the National Federaton of Tele­ phone Workers morally, physically and financially. Early the next morning, white-capped Sea­ farers massed on the picketlines with the tele­ phone workers. Many of them asked for white caps, saying that they thought it a great privilege to wear the badge of the militant seamen. A great many warm friendships have been started, and the strikers are learning a lesson in trade union solidarity. MATCHED STRENGTH these gatherings as possible. This procedure has raised the morale and stiffened the backbone of the strikers. Girls representing the telephone workers now accompany the Patrolmen to payoffs to take up do­ nations for the .Strike Fund, and in true SIU fashion, our members have contributed hand­ somely. For the record, it should be noted that the various AFL organizations have given generously of their time and effort. All of the Business Agents have assisted in all possible ways, and the unions have either already contributed to the Strike Fund, or have signified that they will do .so at the next regular meeting. Last, but not least, many of the cafes which sea­ men patronize have extended credit to the strikers. APPRECIATION The best appreciation of the support being given by the SIU came from the publicity charman of the telephone strikers. He said, "SIU support will, in my opinion, be the deciding factor in settling the strike in favor of the workers. Since our first appearance on the picketlines, wc have matched the strikers pickets with ours. Many of our men concede that lines maintained by the telephone workers are as fine and orderly as any they have ever seen, and are definitely in the best tradition of the SIU. "We believe the presence of a strong union like the SIU on our picketlines will have a deciding in­ fluence on the management." Meetings are being held twice daily, and with the help of Scott Walters, AFL Organizer, we are arranging to have speakers at as many of Words like these mean a great deal to us, and we're happy that we can bo of assistance to these people. Those signs carried by fhe Seafarers, "SIU SUPPORTS TELEPHONE WORKERS," means just what it says. The SIU went to bat for the strikers, morally, physically, and financially. So did other AFL Unions in Mobile. The Mobile SIU Hall was put et the disposal of the striking telephone workers, and they made good use of it. Meetings were held there frequently, and it became one base of operations. As shown above, the strikers and the Seafarers made friends, and with the SIU on their picketlines, the telephone workers were sure of militant support. Picket signs of the National Federation of Telephone Work­ ers, the NFTW, are up front, but the Seafarers can be seen on the same line. This picture was taken in front of the main tele­ phone building, and shows the strength of the line. That policeman on the right is minding his own business. And the picket* ers are minding theirs. Veteran Seafarers reported that the picketlines were orderly and solid, in the best SIU fashion. Here's a picketline that's solid SIU. On the first day of Seafarers participation, the seamen massed on the line to bolster the morale of the strikers. It sure helped the spirits of the em­ battled workers. This line looks like an all Seafarers picketline, but that may be because some of the telephone workers put on white caps as a tribute to the militant j SIU seamen who came to help them out. £{( �Page Six THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday. May 9. 1947 Cleveland-Cliffs And Phony LSU Work Together Watch For Men Hired From Miami Fink Hall By SONNY SIMMONS TAMPA—Even with plenty of ships touching this port, we have kept trouble down to a minimum. But in every sunny day, we alwavs prepare for rain, and sOj **•••••• what happened last week came P||0|^g |{|Q0 gy |LA as no surprise. The Mate of the SS Columbia By SALVADOR COLLS Victory called from Miami and SAN JUAN — Things here on additional ports after they leave said that the ship needed a Deck Maintanance man, and that the the Enchanted Isle are popping Venezuela. We have been getting excel­ Skipper was going to hire one' fast. This port can use men in from the Seamen's Institute. {all ratings with plenty of jobs lent cooperation from the Inter­ national Longshoremen's Asso­ A little bit of palaver, and the available in all departments. ciation down here. Mate was convinced not to do so, | In addition there are jobs They are going to negotiate but to come to Tampa one man available on the shoregangs for their contracts with the under­ those of you who wish to soak up short. standing that all companies that the Puerto Rican sunshine. When the ship arrived in this More work on the shoregangs have contracts with them must port, I checked and found that can be expected as I expect to also sign joint agreements with the Captain had hired a Wiper sign shoregang contracts with the SIU. This is due to the fact from the fink hall, so I pulled about six or seven companies if that if we signed them by our­ him off in short order. everything goes along as it is selves we would never have One of the Firemen, although now. ' enough men for the jobs. an SIU member, had also shipped It seems that the boys coming I want to thank the ILA for from the Institute. It was too I down here really like the Island, the fine cooperation they have late to do anything about that,'^^ ^ given us both at work and in but I have Wired ahead Ne^ negotiations. I have tried be­ Orleans, and the matter will be few takers. fore to negotiate contracts of this taken care when the ship arrives Of course, I don't blame the nature, but it has been an im­ there. boys for wanting to enjoy the possibility to meet with any of It would be a good thing for pJeasures of San Juan, as there's the companies as they wanted to Delegates to make sure that no plenty to do and it can be done deal solely with the ILA. men are hired in Miami, since So, at the present time, we are it's a 99 to 1 shot that any men negotiating jointly for shoregang who sign on in Miami come from jobs, and we expect, in the near the fink hall. future, to get a combined charter between the SIU and ILA. PORT ACTIVITY More Shoregang Work Expected In port now there are two Wa­ terman ships, with two more due soon. Bull Lines have one, and Pacific Far East has one. The Waterman Port Captain tells us that Bcveral ships will be com­ ing in soon to load phosphate for Japan. That's all right with us —the more the merrier. Rated men have no trouble shipping out of here. In fact, we are in need of ABs, Cooks, and Firemen. Even an OS or an MM has no difficulty making a ship. Sounds good, and we hope it keeps up. Silence this week from the Branch Agents of the follow­ ing ports: NEW ORLEANS SAVANNAH JACKSONVILLE CHARLESTON MARCUS HOOK GALVESTON MILWAUKEE CORPUS CHRISTI SAN FRANCISCO ASHTABULA BUFFALO DULUTH CHICAGO CLEVELAND The deadline for port re­ ports, monies due, etc., is the Monday proceeding publica­ tion. While every effort will be made to use in the current issue material received after that date, space commitments generally do not permit us to do so. Seafarers Continue To Establish New Gains On The Great Lakes By HENRY CHAPPELL here for less than most places. This week, two more men join­ ed the Beachcombers Club, but unlike most, they weren't par­ ticularly desirous of® coming ashore into the ranks of the club. TOLEDO—With the exception of a few odd ships in the ship­ yards, all of the some 50 ships that were laid up in this port during the past Winter months have already started on the 1947 Lakes season. 1947 should really be a banner season on the Lakes, and the shipownei's should reap an exceptionally high harvest of profits on the seamen's sweat. As usual, the Lake Carriers As­ sociation is laying back to see what the SIU gains in the way of wage increases and shorter hours before they establish any new scale. The SIU is the leader on the Lakes, and they all wait to follow our lead. This year is no exception. The SIU has already gained the 44-hour week on the Lakes passenger boats along with num­ erous other gains. Now, we're after the 40-hour week in the bulk freighter field, with corresponding wage in­ creases and improved conditions over the 1946 contracts. After we break the 40-hour week on the Lakes, other outfits will probably come along and claim that they did the job. Con­ fidentially, we don't give a damn as long as all seamen benefit by our fight. We're not in this business for publicity, but to win the best conditions possible for our mem­ bers. That way all seamen will bene­ fit, because the LCA and other outfits will have to follow our lead. They always do. DOUBLE TROUBLE They were .on the Coastal Mariner where they ran into a bit of trouble, one for taking a cou­ ple of days off and giving the Steward a hard time, and the other for not standing his gang­ way watch. Both men were logged, but I By HAY WHITE had the log pulled with the un­ NORFOLK—Shipping in Nor­ derstanding that the men would pile off the ship. folk is booming again. The lack Another beef I've been hand­ of rated men is still the problem, ling, of a little different nature, but so far we have managed to is going to cause someone to burn crew the ships efficiently enough a little before it gets settled if to sail. the case is proven to be true. There is still a steady traffic of One of the crew aboard the SS of SUP ships hitting this port. Marina claims he was beaten up Eight paid off last week. Al­ by the Skipper and he has two though, they were fairly short" witnesses to the act. The crewtrips it made deck shipping good member and the two witnesses and the Acting ABs had a field came down to the Hall and filled day. out sworn statements to the fact. The usual run of ships in tran­ We expect to see some action on sit is about the same. The main this in a few days. problem aboard these ships is This week I handled the pay­ that the crew signs on without off of the MV Ponce and squared proper stores or repairs. The away a lot of beefs that had ac­ Membership was notified through cumulated. We have increased the last issue of the LOG not to sign on until the ship was holidays for the Ponce crew I from nine to around twenty, and the repair list taken care of. This should eliminate the prob­ which the crew was naturally very happy to hear. lem. LONGER TRIP The affairs of the port are in good shape. There are no beefsI believe they will have a good 40-HOUR FIT-OUT pending and shipping for the payoff when they come back Back in 1942, the SIU was the coming weeks looks good. Come,'from their present trip, as they first to secure the 40-hour week on down to Norfolk and Ship on figure it will take over two for fit-out and lay-up. However, anything from a tug to a tanker, 'months with stops at a couple of it wasn't until the Fall of 1946 Norfolk Has Steady Flow Of Shipping NO NEWS?? that other seamen on the Lakes secured this gain originally won by the SIU. That's what gives us a real bel­ ly laugh, when we read some of this lying propaganda put out by so-called unions on the Lakes. They even claim credit for the 40-hour fit-out and lay-up week. But the Lakes seamen know who won these gains back in '42—the Seafarers! Through the fighting efforts of the SIU, many gains have been won on the Lakes—and many more gains will be won before we're through! If we could win these victories on Ihe Lakes with approximately 5,000 dues paying members, how much more could we win with the Lakes 100 per cent organized? Just answer that one yourself. DETROIT—One of our Great Lakes Seafarers, whose name is being withheld due to the fact that he is now working aboard an unorganized ship, was in the other daj' and gave us a few de­ tails concerning the non-union conditions aboard the SS Joliet of the Cleveland-Cliffs Line. According to this Brother, con­ ditions on the Joliet are really lousy. This outfit is under con­ tract to the phony Lake Sea­ men's Union. In fact, he says that conditions are the woi'st of any Lakes vessel that, he'd been on in quite some time. This scow was docked at the C&O docks in Toledo, and he went aboard her at the fit-out. The pump was drawing filthy water from the creek and crewmembers were forced to show.-r in oily, scummy water or else go without showers at all. The big-hearted ClevelandCliffs management issued one face towel and one bath towel each week to the Joliet crewmembers. In addition. Cliffs seamen were forced to clean their own quarters, change their own linen, and make up their own beds. NO OVERTIME SHIP Firemen cleaned the back heads without any overtime. Oil­ ers were painting and chipping at all hours of the day and night at straight time. These were only a few of the non-union conditions on this Cleveland-Cliffs ship. •\Vhile they were at the dock, a lousy night lunch of bologna with no butter was the usual practice. Oilers were told that they had to learn the different lights on the rivers, channels and other points so that they could record the engines' RPMs and note their position. These were only a few of the rotten open shop conditions ex­ isting on a supposedly organized ship. Is it any wonder that Cleve­ land Cliffs seamen are really fed up with the phony LSU, and are looking for a decent union con­ tract and decent union condi­ tions? Stick around, boj^s! You'll soon have the kind of conditions, con­ tract and Union representation that you want. You'll soon have them because the SIU is on the march. Soon, THE GREAT BOSSES UNIONS LAKES TOO, WILL BE SIU,' Here's another idea to mull! and there won't be any open over in your mind. The ship­ shop conditions on the Lakes. owners and the various big shots of industry' have their unions, don't they? Sure, they have the -National Association of Manufac­ turers, U. S. Chamber of Com­ merce and the various city cham­ Alcoa's newest luxui-y liner, bers, Committees for Economic the SS Alcoa Clipper, has ar­ Development, and othSr outfits rived in New Orleans which too numerous to mention. will be her home port from On the Lakes, we have op­ now on. The Clipper features erators' unions like the Lake wide use of aluminum, which Carriers Association, ^he Propel­ saves greatly on weight. ler Club, and various regional It has made it possible to re­ and trade groups. If these guys tain 75 percent of the cargo can see the benefits of unionism, space aboard the ship, while even if it is their own variety, outfitting accommodations for 98 why can't the unorganized Lakes passengers. Aluminum is also seamen benefit by their example? practical since it does away with Y'es, in union there is strength. salt water corrosion. And on the Lakes that strength The Clipper is capable of do­ lies in the Seafarers Internation­ ing 21 knots, which will' make al Union, AFL. That's the only her one of America's fastest pas­ course to follow. senger vessels. Alcoa Corsair Ready For Maiden Voyage �Friday. May 9. 1047 New York Has A Busy Week On Waterfront THE SEAFARERS LOG AROUND THE WORLD ON THE LAFITTE Page Seven Shipping Boom In Port Boston Undergoes A Slight Recession By JOHN MOGAN BOSTON—It must be reported couple of weeks, and a case of that the shipping boom in New grippe kept me in bed for three England has come to an end—' da3-.s. Everything went along NEW YORK — With business temporarily. We've just finished .smoothly in my absence from the and shipping maintaining its the slowest week we've had hall. steady pace, the Patrolmen have around here in a long time, and Shipyard delays in connection had a good crop of payoffs and the outlook for the next week is with the Evangeline .stalled off sign ons in the past week. not so hot either. for a while the inevitable head­ Of the many ships contacted One pay-off which was .sched­ aches in getting this scow this week some were found in uled to start the week off was straightened out. Incidentally, fine shape while others had beefs cancelled, so the time is past due there appears to be enough men galore, but they were all handled when the boys .should be notified a-^'ailable to man the Eva around in the usual SIU style and made that shipping will be slow in shipshape once more. Boston. But unfortunately, by One of the ships that had a the time this article hits the good share of beefs was the SS printed page, the outlook may be Hastings, Waterman Line. She Starling al Baltimore, the SS Jean LaFitte, Waterman, made altogether different. pulled in after a five months trip a round the world voyage. Pictured above are, left to right, However, strangely enough, to the Far East, and at the pay Henry C, Thornton. DM; Harold Spencer, AB; Fred Umhollz, bad as shipping was this past off there were a lot of beefs to DM; James Marshal, DM and Deck Delegate: and Denny Wells, week, it was still necessary to is­ handle but the whole crew was Bosun. The ship was out four months, and a good crew made the sue permits in order to get the there, all sober and very coop­ trip enjoyable. The Deck Gang especially came in for a lot of ships out. erative. praise. The Chief Mate tried to foul things up, but more about The Fort Winnebago paid oil All three Delegates were on him next week. in Portland on Friday. All the the ball with everything in or­ replacements that were wired in der, all books collected and from the ship were obtained and everything lined up for the Pa­ dispatched to Portland; then, af­ trolman just the way they like ter the pa\-off, when the ship the hall at the pi'esent time—but to see it. was .scheduled to get away, the one never knows how many men OVERTIME BEEF Mate up and fires three of his will actually take the jobs once The major beef aboard con­ By WILLIAM RENTZ deck gang, thus delaying the ship they are posted. cerned the Oilers relieving the BALTIMORE—Shipping in the We also have a few ships run­ until we could get the replace­ Firemen so he could go below to As predicted here recentlj'-, the ments up there on Saturday. the lower engine room to clean port of Baltimore ha.s slowed ning to Denmark and Italy as Nantasket Steamship owners In a case like this the Union fuel oil suction strainers. On this down just a little from the -tor­ well as the Bull Line tubs run­ certainlj' cannot be blamed for bought out the Provincetown ex­ beef they collected a total of 720 rid pace it has been maintain­ ning to Puerto Rico and coast­ the delay, rather, the Mate who cursion run, and are bringing up hours overtime. There were a ing, but it still hasn't slowed wise to Tampa and Boca Grande. would blow his top at the last a brand-new ship to place in op­ few minor beefs concerning the down enough to make the crew- In addition we have the usual run minute when the ship is rcad.v to eration around May 30. Since we of Tankers in and out, so, you can Electricians which were put in ing of the ships an easy task. already have a contract with the see shipping is booming out of sail, should get the rap. order in short time. The slight slowdown has given Nantasket people, the ProvinceLACK OF MANPOVv'ER Skipper Hugh Brown of the the Dispatcher a chance to catch this port. town run is automatically Then, too, we had the Willis Hastings, is a former SIU mem­ his breath and spray his throat, The baggage man in this port Vickery, American-Pacific, come brought into the SIU orbit. ber who has retired his book, but he'll get little rest for his would like to notify all members in here short three men on deck. This also severs the last con­ and he cooperated with the crew vocal cords for a while. The gang called the hall and nection that the fink New Bedand Patrolman all the way. It stated they wanted a full crew on 0!d outfit had in Boston. Hence, While on the subject of ship­ would be a pleasure to have more I leaving Boston. The beef was the advent of good weather will ping and crewing ships, I'd like Skippers like him around. Life taken up v.dth APL, who wanted bring to the Avenue a -sizable to bring to the attention of the can be a hell of a lot easier if to sail light for the return trip to number of pretty good summer members, especially those that New York, and it was finally- jobs for SIU members who want ship out of Baltimore, the fact agreed that the three men would to homestead it for the summer. that they are letting themselves be put on here. and the Union down by not tak­ .So much for this week. Will So what happened? Three men ing these Ore Line ships. be back next week with news are dispatched, more trouble de­ of increased activity on the Bos­ The Ore Line contract is not velops. and others in the crew ton waterfront—we hope. the best that we have, but it isj pile off—the ship sails to New a hell of a lot better than riding' York short four men on deck! unorganized scows, or for that A check on the ships in transit' matter, a lot of NMU contracted very often reveals they are sail­ ships. ing short-handed, and of course that there is baggage on the the companies and agents are SOME BRAND NEW racks dating back three and four notified that the needed men Several of these wagons are years. Unless the owners claim practically brand spanking new, the gear or send a letter asking must be put on. Then, just often enough to make us look bad, the and are reputed to have just for such luggage to be held, it there is just a little cooperation about the best crew's quarters will be disposed of to some char­ jobs stay^ on the board for a cou­ MIAMI—Hope.s that this city ple of days and the vessel gets given, and the Skipper went all afloat. There are just a few of itable institution. will emerge as an important away—still shorthanded. the way with us on that. the old Ore boats left and these East Coast port were increased And that's the story from Bal­ The weather up this way has Another ship that wasn't as should not be neglected either. with the arrival recentlj' of the been pretty lousy for the past timore this week. pleasant as the Hastings was the If your beef is that the con­ SS Grange Victorjv first ship to Fort Erie, Pacific Tankers. Three tract is just a little below the call in Pan-Atlantic Steamship times the crew went aboard for average SIU contract, all the Coi'poration's n e w 1 yscheduled the sign on, and each time they more reason for you to ride these cargo service to Miami. had to refuse to sign articles. ships so we can bring the con­ By JERRY LICHTMAN The vessel put in amidst much GOT THE DRIFT tract up to par. fanfare, with local officials and SANDUSKY — Our organizing selves. The ship had come in with a representatives of the Waterman So come on, fellows, let's not Unorganized Lakes seamen are drive on the Great Lakes con­ long list of beefs and repairs, leave the jobs up to someone else. Steamship Company of which and the company had done noth­ Let's ride these scows and line tinues to move at a rapid pace tired of being orphans as far as Pan-Atlantic is a subsidiaiy — ing to clear up the matter. After them up as they should be lined as ship after ship lines up for the hours, working and living con­ expressing optimism over Mi­ ditions are concerned. They're SIU. the third refusal, I guess the up. ami's future as a port of call. tired of fitting out on the run, company got the drift, for they Having talked to many hun­ The line has already instituted painting, chipping scrubbing, all The Rosario, formerly the Triswent ahead and made the neces­ dreds of Lakes seamen in my a regular twice-weekly schedule sary repairs and squared away tam Daltan, left here for Norfolk organizational activity in this at their regular rate of pay. Now linking the East ports with they're looking to the SIU for and then for Denmark. the beefs. port and various other Ohio ports, Miami and the Gulf, including The crew then signed on and Plad a Waterman wagon sail­ I can truthfully report that these some changes. one direct New York to Miami Now that the Lakes seamen the ship got out of port. ing for Norfolk also, after which men are going for the SIU iii sailing. realize what an SIU contract The Yarmouth, Eastern, is she is going to Gdynia, Poland. a big way. Local enthusiasm for this means, they're all for us. They in port now on the last leg of her Ted Babkowski is aboard her as The vast majority of the un­ know that job security, job sen­ famed resort city's entry into last trip before to Boston for re­ well as several other good SIU organized Lakes seamen whom iority, competent union repre­ the maritime picture culminated pairs. There she will meet her men. She should come back in I have contacted, are fed up with, sentation, and overall AFL pro­ in a cocktail party in the Col­ sister ship the Evangeline which as clean as a whistle. the rotten open shop conditions tection come with an SIU con­ umbus Hotel for the SS Grange hasn't gotten away on her run which have prevailed on these tract, and they won't settle for Victory's 34-man SIU crew and STEADY RUNS as yet. Lakes for many years. steamship line officials. anything less. We still are covering the Alcoa Calmar Steamship Company is Coming from Boston, the They see SIU contracted ships Just like that well-known hat ships on their steady Bauxite run now. paying retroactive pay and Grange "Victory unloaded about and talk to Seafarers crews about slogan on the radio, the Lakesand the Ore ships on the Cruz the money can be collected at Grande run. The Joshua Hendy, 1,000 tons of freight and took the conditions and contracts men believe, "Don't take less the company offices or by writ­ ing to 44 Whitehall Street, New South Atlantic, was in and left which all Seafarers enjoy. Then than the best; don't take less than on about 300 tons for discharge at New Orleans. they want the same for them- the SIU!" for North France. York, N. Y. By JOE ALGINA Baltimore Boosts Ore Ships — They Have 'Best Quarters Afloat' Grange Victory Makes First Stop At Miami Lakes Look To SIU For Changes /..I/; �Page Eight THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday. May 9. 1947 Headquarters Reports To Membership (Cotjthiued from Page 3) ried in this issue of the SEA- pearances of various Union Rep­ meeting. These reports are to ficials in all branches, as well resentatives will have on this be then mailed to all ports in as by the membership. immediately take interest in this FARERS LOG, on Page 1. problem and take action to put^ The membership should make | committee. Such a thing is un­ time to make it possible for all By adoption of such rule, it A&G Port holding meetings to would make Headquarters en­ a stop to unnecessary spending | it their business to see that they predictable. of the Union's money. The only predictable thing is act on the same report on the forcement of Union policy and the fact that the SIU will con­ same night. program more simple, in addi­ Coast Guard tinue to fight with all its power It is to be remembered that tion, of course, to allowing the —AND FUfilhERany form or degree of military the Secretary-Treasurer's Office membership in all the outports MORE... The Union's position regard­ control over our members by of this Union was charged by the benefit of acting on Head­ ing the necessity of removing any branch of the Armed Forces. the Agents Conference with the quarters Report at the same the Coast Guard from control full responsibility of seeing that meeting, as does the membership of the Merchant Marine is the Union's policies and pro­ meeting in the New York Educational Program grams known to all SIU members. are executed by all of­ Branch. We have unequivocally oppos­ The membership has referred ed the military having control the problem of Union education of any part of civilian workers to this Office. Ships' libraries since the very inception of their are now being assembled which tyranny over the Merchant Ma­ will be put on board every SIU rine. contracted vessel. This library In line with this consistent will contain bound volumes of By G. "TEX" SUIT SIU policy of anti-military con­ read and digest this entire re­ the SEAFARERS LOG for the trol, Headquarters Offices as­ port. HOUSTON — The old saying,' commies are still in the .street, In addition to the SIU making entire year of 1946. signed Joe Volpian, Special Ser­ '"While the cat is away, the rats and the rank-and-file is-in charge, In addition to these bound vol­ vices Representative, to appear known their position to this Con­ will play," could be appropriately who knows what the turn of umes of the LOG will also be in behalf of the Union and pre­ gressional Committee in regards applied to the NMU officials in events will bring. History is carried various other Union pub­ sent our position to the Con­ to the Coast Guard, various this port. For while the memagain repeating itself, but I bet lications—some of them already gressional Committee on Judici­ other Maritime Unions did the bership was away, the local agent Uncle Joe isn't fiddling while off the press—others now in ary in Washington, D. C., on I same. Boyes and his trustworthy Pa- his dream boat burns. The di.sMay 2, 1947. There is no need for any the process of being set up. These libraries will be made trolman, instead of attending to rupters will get another assault This full verbatim report as wishful thinking as to the available to every ship's crew, union matters, were found to be! plan mapped out and storm the given by Brother Volpian is car- amount of effect that these apdevoting their time to a com­ local NMU bastion once more. but will not be available to in­ munist pow-wov/. The embattled rank-and-file has dividual members desiring one. When the word got" around, the a job cut out for them, but here's This is because of the limited numbers of the bound 1946 membership called a .special hoping they come out the victors. LOGS that the Union has on meeting and after an all day ses­ hand. There will be a cost of sion,, decided that the two party approximately $10.00 to each line boys should be allowed full By E. S. HIGDON ship's crew that these libraries time to the cause, and in the fu­ ture they would not have to PHILADELPHIA—For months joying the atmosphere and cli- are placed on. This will cover bother with petty things such as now we've been looking for a mate of the City of Brotherly actual cost of putting up this union business. new Hall in this fair city, but, Love. The boys, I am told, stop- gear. They also decided that the of­ The necessity of charging each so far we've drawn a complete' ped off for a meal before dropficials should be replaced with blank. That new Hall is still as ping in at the Hall. Rumor has ship's crew for this library is men who would attend to union far from sight as it was when' it that they were afraid they evident, inasmuch as it will matters and not the latest swerve we answered the first For Rent would be handed a registration mean a saving of thousands of in the party line. They then ad. card and with it an assignment elected two new officials. Everything that we've looked card. Maybe they're right, at is priced out of our range,' The newspapers and newsreels ORDERS COME most places asking twice what these days are sure giving a big Thing.s were looking good for they wanted a couple of years play to the teachers, telling us the anti-disruptionists, when Fer­ By JOHNNY JOHNSTON ago, so it looks like we'll be all about the starvation wages dinand "the fink" Smith wired working out of the same loca- the teachers are getting. It realthe local Moscow boys telling It is interesting to note that tion for some time to come. ly strikes us funny, however. them to start their disrupting although under the ancient The one place we find things that they aren't saying one word tactics. The cue was quickly code.s, "Article XIII of the laws moving is out there on the point about the poor striking teletaken and a .special meeting was of Oleron" of merchant seamen's of production. We paid off sev- phone operators out on the pickcalled stating that the ouster of rights, the seaman was entitled eral ships and all beefs were etline. the CP boys was unconstitu­ to maintainance and care, he settled in the SIU manner. | We are fully in agreement that tional. still could be put to death for Also moving along is the ship- the teachers deserve more pay The commies also said the desertion. ping boom we've been enjoying and all the publicity they can membership had no say in the Later he was subject to brand­ for several weeks. This port has get, but it makes one wonder dollars to the Organization, and matter as to who was to be the ing and imprisonment. Being a been so short of ABs that we've about the minds of the press, will limit to actual cost to each officials. They produced a tele- transient with practically no member of a crew 25c or 30c. been calling New York for men. radio and movies. gram from Ferdinand stating that voting power, he was victimized The Hall J. Kelly, Waterman, Could it be that it is healthier Headquarters will notify all it was his decision and not the | and exploited. The shackles of which has been idle for a couple to support the teachers, who will members when these libraries membership's to decide whether' serfdom clung to him, and in. of months, is going to take a get their raises from the state are available for placing on or not an official is to be re­ some countries still cling. crew soon. She is at present in than it is to attack a giant cor- board SIU ships. lieved of his position. It was undoubtedly the friend­ drydock getting repaired, and poration like the Telephone Upon hearing this, an appoint­ ship and affiliation of the Inter­ will be ready for sailing in a Company? On Headquarters' Report ed Patrolman took the floor and national Seamen's Union and the short time. NO MENTION TOP SHAPE American Federation of Labor, Another thing has us puzzled. The Headquarters Report in and their great leaders, FuruOne of the ships paid off this ^ Everyone is blowing his top the past has been submitted first [MONOTONOUS, seth and Gompers, which caused week was the Petrolite of the ^ about priorities for the veteran. to the membership at the regu­ ISN'T IT ? the passage of the Seaman's Act Mathiasen Company. She was: Even the Civil Service is boast- lar meetings of the New York and raised the seaman's statu,s iii very good shape and the ,ng about the many vets they Branch, and acted on, and then from that of serf to freeman. whole crew was pleased with the have on their payrolls. referred to the outports through SIU victory in the Mathiasen el- [ The climax, however, is reach- the medium of the New York ection. The crew was anxious ed when the Federal Housing minutes for final action two I Administration broadcasts for weeks later. housing space for veterans. Recently, after action was ta­ Members whose gear has Again, make no mistake, we're ken by the New York member­ been held for more than three behind the vets, but it seems ship, this Headquarters Report months in the fourth floor strange that no mention is made has been run verbatim in the baggage room of the New of the need of housing for sea­ SEAFARERS LOG with later said the membership was within York Hall are advised to call men. I and final action taken by the its rights by removing the com­ for it immediately, or notify Well, I guess the seamen, ac­ outports. mies. the Hall where they wish it cording to the FHA, will have to It is necessary in the future sent. Then the local disrupters again sleep in the park — correction that full coastwise action on please—the families of the sea­ Headquarters Report be taken tried to take over the meeting Crowded conditions make and have the new officials men. it impossible to hold gear by a majority of all Branches Ring the chimes for an ex­ holding meetings before publish­ thrown out of the meeting, but longer than three months. All ceptionally clean pay off on the ing the Headquarters Report in this plan backfired and the local effects remaining unclaimed disrupters were forcibly ejected to learn when they would have Alexander Graham Bell. We are the LOG. after three months will be from the premises. an SIU agreement. "Very soon, bowing our hats to the Stewards sent to the owner's home via Therefore, it is recommended , Brothers. Department in particular for the to the membership that in the express collect. TWO UP iWalter Gardner and Charles fine chow they served. No won­ future Headquarters Reports be At the moment the score Gear without addresses Bush got off the Robert Inger- der the crew was on the ball at completed Saturday night be­ stands two to nothing in favor will be disposed of otherwise,gg. soll in Norfolk and are now en- the pay off. fore the following Wednesday of the membership. The two NMU Rank And File In Houston Rovolts Against Commio Piocards Outlook For New Hall In Fhilly Is Poor, Shipping Remains Good Unclaimed Gear �Friday. May 9, 1947 THE THEY MAN ISTHMIAN'S CITADEL VICTORY SEAFARERS LOG Page Nine Buckos Have A Real Field Day On Isthmian's Citadel Victory By D. D. STORY The Ciladel Victory's Deck Gang: Kneeling, left to right. W. Thompson. Deck Maint.; Miller. OS; Harry Monahan, OS; and T. Bruder. AB. Standing, left to right. A. Rosendale. Carp.; S. Dawe, AB; H. Murranka, AB; D. Story. Bosun; W. Kavitt. AB; R. Sigwart. AB; C. Loades. AS; and Smokey Ouwenall. Deck Maint. has never worked a day in his life. Yet this man was expected (Ed. note:—The writer of the to be able to supervise the up­ following article is an oldtimer keep of a seagoing vessel. I want in the SIU. He has been riding the Union and also Isthmian to Isthmian vessels since the start know why this ship was return­ of the campaign). ed to the States in such filthy What I tiiought would prove to condition. be a .successful voyage on the It was a common occurrence to Lsthrnian scow, the SS Citadel start at least 10 jobs in a single Victory, turned out just the op­ day, and finish none. The Mate posite. Having aboard a strictly stated that he was aboard ship bucko Skipper and a kindergar­ to .save money for the company ten King's Point stiff for a Chief —which he certainly did in con­ Mate did not help matters in the nection with overtime. least. He failed to give the crewThe Mate, who is supposed to members a record of legitimate come from a well-to-do family. overtime. His excu.se was that ii .slipped his , mind and that he would make it up later. Having a little confidence in his word, we agreed to let it go at that. But by the end of the voyage, he .still had not brought the overtime record up to date, and we had to take our own action. Isthmian "bible" and rli.sregarded. was violated For example, the 8-to-12 Jun­ ior Engineer was ordered to rerelieve the 4-to-8 watch for sup­ per because, according to the chief—and I quote—"The lav/ require.s four men to be on watch down below at all times." Came the time when a Junior was sick and nobody was oicleied to take hi.y place. Questioned on this, the Chief replied, "The Junior Engineer OMB-riVO-THeEEFOUR -YEP, . THAT'S mwi! ANCIENT RULE In the matter of overtime, the bucko Skipper ruled that work­ ing overtime on Sundays hy day workers was strictly out. I be­ lieve we of the Union stopped working Sundays without over­ time years ago. does, nothing rip watch anyway." In this wtiy be saved the com­ pany some 60 hours overtime and the previously mentioned lav/ cea-^ed to exist. Perhaps .some authoiily can The tnrival in Haifa came on tell me where the Isthmian line a Saturday at 8 p. m., and the found the guy we had foi- a Stew­ ship was anchored till the next ard. He ceitainlv kne\v how to day awaiting pilot and berth. The Junior Engineers were dismissed, the Chief claiming that port tim.e was in effect. I DRILLED A1£WU WHAT I LOVE .. Rotten shipboard conditions didn't prevent the crew from celebrating New Year's Eve. In photo above they are shown in Alexandria. Egypt, night spot, where they drank a toast to "happy days," Girl in foreground is unidentified, but she looks okp.y from here. The Patrolmen Say... Farewell, Washington Honesty Is Best NEW YORK—Farewell to the SS George Washington. For quite a number of years, for Eastern and Alcoa she sailed to and from the West Indies and Nova Scotia with full SIU crews. During the war she was the only passenger ship that wasn't converted into a troop transport, but was used to ferry construc­ tion workers to the various bases in the Caribbean. During these many years she was a faithful servant to her op­ erators and her crews stuck to her through all kinds of condi­ tions and times. However, she hasn't been turn­ ed out to pastui-e yet, for we un­ derstand she will operate under the Spanish Flag, which means she is due for some terrific beat­ ings under her new masters. We hate to see her go, but like anything else, nothing stays on forever. In her farewell, it is truly unfortunate that her final days under the SIU banner were marred by pretty shabby treat­ ment of the crew by the Alcoa Company. In my opinion the treatment given the final crew was pretty lousy, when the company, in its anxiety to get rid of the ship, really did a job on the crew that had sailed the ship trip after trip, some of them for years. It isn't necessary to go into the details of their actions, but if the Alcoa heads read this item, they should know what I am referring to. Louis Goffin MOBILE—Here in the Port of Mobile in the past two weeks I have come across a recuiTance of an old, old story that seems to be coming back into use. That is the practice of some seamen to payoff at the Com­ missioner's Office to avoid pay­ ing debts owed their shipmates. Some guys, it seems, can't face the music and payoff their debts after some guy has been good enough to stake them to a sawbuck or so, .so they pull this wellworn maneuver to get out of it. It is a practice that should stop, but it is useless to preach on honesty. The guys that take this easy way out sometimes learn to their sorrow that it wasn't the easiest way after all. Most guys have memories like elephants when it comes to money loaned and many a guy has re­ ceived a sore lip from a guy he forgot he ever knew, but hap­ pened to borrow a five spot from five years before. For certain fellows I want to make this warning: there are people looking for you and they aren't carrying flowers. Some day you'll run into your creditor and you'll think the boom fell on you. Whiiey Lewis 4. i, It Senseless Performing NEW YORK—Aboard the Bes­ semer Victory, Waterman Steam­ ship Company, I ran into an inci­ dent that is a sorry reflection on the SIU. Due to the action of some per­ former or performers, the repu­ tation of the whole Union mu.st •suffer. The night before the Bessemer paid off, the door of the Chief Cook's room was broken in, his locker smashed, his electric ra­ zor stolen and several articles of clothing were maliciousl.v ripped and torn up. Not content with this damage, the same was done to the room of the Second Cook. The locker lock w^as smashed, clothing rip­ ped up and a^ expensive wu'ist watch stolen. 11 was impossible to attach the blame to anyone, but it had to be an SIU member or members who committed the act. Whoever did it, no doubt, had a load on, but such actions can­ not be passed off as the innocent amusement of a drunk. He wasn't too drunk to pass up a wrist watch and electric razor. A seaman's life is tough enough at times with every guy out to skin him, but no trick is lower than stealing from your shipmates and senselessly de­ stroying their clothing. Not only did this performer mess things up for the crew that was aboard the ship, but the ship was due for a quick turn around and had to sail without the re­ pairs being made to the wrecked locks and lockers, thus working a hardship on the new crew. Jimmy Drawdy In this way the Juniors were chiseled out of four hours over­ time for the Sunday morning watches. However, as the Oiler and Fireman claimed overtime for standing the 8-to-12 watch in port (Saturday night), the Chief very smugly told them that officially the .•^hip was still at sea. DOUBLE-TALK Whenever watches were set on weekdays, the Juniors were equal to the rest of the gang. If, however, watches were set on a Satui'day afternoon, or Sunday, they had to wait until standbj' It w^as quite a problem to dis­ was rung on the telegraph be­ cuss the matter of better food fore going on watch, thereby with him. That high pre.ssure hat cutting down on the overtime. meant more to him than trying To complete the picture thus to make a better spread on the far given, the ship was equipped chow tables. He claims to be exwith a First Assi.stant Engineer navy, but we, the crew, are in sailing on his first merchant ves­ favor of taking away the "ex" sel (he was navy stuff). and forgetting he was ever on a Holding a Chief Engineer's li­ merchant vessel. cense, he was unable to hold a Old Bucko has the navy idea wiench or fit a pipe. This poor himself. If a member of the crew helpless thing tried to make good reports to work late, the old man his mistakes and lack of know­ gets the Purser to type up the ledge hy having the Oilers do log immediately, instead of wait­ maintenance work during day ing to see if the man has a legiti­ and night watches at sea. follow­ mate excuse. ed by cleaning up decks and Bucko never calls up the man, floorplates. which, on a union but gives the log sheet to the ship, is Wiper's work. head of the department, who is Despite working under these supposed to get the man to sign conditions, which were coupled it and thus come in for an auto­ with food shortages. I could not help noticing the excellent spirit matic fine. among the SIU members and the LOUSY ALL AROUND way they kept up the perfor­ mances of their duties. The Engine Department has it The day the contract is signed little better than the deck men. and Isthmian has working con­ They were totally at the mercy ditions we can all say to those of the Chief Engineer, who claim­ who organize^d, and helped to or­ ed to be a union member. In ganize, this fleet: practice he did everything con­ "Thanks boj's, you've done a trary to union rules. Even the gi-eat job!'' make a menu look good. Maybe he thought we were goats and could eat the paper. At lea.st it might have been better than the slops he dished out. to the crew. �•a If . Page Ten THE SEAFARERS Friday, May 9. 1947 LOG SHIPS' MINUTES AND NEWS Crewtnetnbers Of Steel Mariner Score Rugged Isthmian Lash-Up FOUR STALWARTS ON THE BARTLETT (Ed. note:—The following ac­ screen doors in either the toilets tention if he had a broken neck. As a matter of fact, an AB, count of some of the irials or the galley. When the Car­ aboard the Isthmian ship. Steel penter suggested to the Chief who is a Christian with the first Mariner is substantially as it Mate that screen doors (which name of Aaron, had to change was submitted by five crew- were plentiful) be put up, he was his name to Douglas in order to members: A. Jorgensen, Aaron told to mind his own business. get medical attention. This, fel­ low Seafarers, in a country hav­ ROYAL EDICT D. Kizziah, Nicholas Sarouku. In Arabia, His Majesty the ing two delegates to the United S. J, Kasmirsky and Domenic Master issued an edict that there Nations assembly in New York. Diser). If you happen to cover the would be no more visits to the The same country which recently waterfront and the gentle breezes doctor. Expenses were too high, received a 40 million dollar lendcoming off Sandy Hook waft a he opined. So our Carpenter, lease gift, manipulated by the strong odor of barnyard manure who had a sliver in his finger, Standard Oil Company and sup­ and chicken, don't get excited. It's which was swollen twice its plied by American taxpayers. only Isthmian's Steel Mariner natural size, had to cut his fin­ SIZZLING SPOT arriving, ending another typical ger with a razor blade. But that As for the climate, you must only was the beginning. Isthmian trip. The Carpenter had a busted or be prepared to withstand terrific The aroma springs from the bridge, and the chicken odor strained lung and had doctors heat, for a temperature of 130 likewise. When we say chicken, to prove it. He stayed in bed one degrees is common. In Bauda day, and was told by his highness Shapur, Persia, which is a col­ we don't mean fricassee, either. that he was faking, that if he lection of mud huts, there is no The voyage itself could have ' didn't turn to for eight hours of doctor and no feminine com­ been fairly pleasant if the Cap­ I labor, he would be logged four pany. Native warm beer is $1.25 tain and Chief Mate had taken I for one, or be paid off in Bom- a quart, and they feature a na­ the trouble to learn a few things tive firewater called vodka, which • bay. about the seafaring business, and Our Chief Engineer spends it is not. if they had paid a little atten­ Beer is good in Barsa, Iraq. most of his time checking up on tion to safe working and sanitary Sometimes it's Danish or Dutch, the Carpenter, and is now "prac­ conditions. It would have helped, and it's 60 cents a bottle—always ticing medicine." The Deck too, if the Chief Engineer would warm, of course. Aberdain, Per­ Engineer had been sick a couple act more like a human and less of days,so he went to the Chief. sia, an oil place, has some nice like a small edition of Captain swimming pools, Said the Chief Engineer, "Stick clubs and Bligh. where you can remain—if you be­ out* your tongue." 'UNHOLY TRIO' The Deck Engineer complied. have—and drink Canadian beer These three characters were "Hmm, hmm," said the Chief. 60 cents the large bottle. aptly called "the unholy trio," "It looks all right. You can work There is good service at a In photq taken aboard the SS Josiah Bartlett are, standing and charges against these gentle­ tomorrow." lovely British Seamen's Club in from left to right, Dick Cummings and Ed Dworanczyk; kneel­ men are being drafted, and will As this ship is likely to sail Karachi, India. Just don't set ing, Jack Woturski and Walt Gardner. stick. the Persian Gulf for the next five out alone, and don't go off walk­ Like ostriches, these gentle­ years, it is only fair that you ing. The natives are very hos­ men are hiding their heads in Seafarers should know what you tile—all India is a smoldering the sand. They refuse to see the are up against besides the offi­ volcano. handwriting on the wall, and cers who belong back at the "old Bombay is not what it used realize that a new era is dawn­ Homestead." to be. Italian beer there is one ing for Isthmian seamen—name­ We were 69 days in the whole dollar a quart, the joints arc of Arabia without shoreleave. In closed from 3 to 6 p. m., and clos­ A fire of undetermined origin, which broke out in Saudi, Arabia the Standard Oil ing time three nights a week is Company, in conjunction with its 9:30. Prohibition is expected the fore-end of the No. 4 hatch tween-decks of the SS native hirelings, prevents crews commonplace, j Ben F. Dixon in the port of Baltimore last Tuesday, was from getting shoreleave. The While we were there, 40 persons Seafarer crew Captain is told here that if there were killed. after a two-hour battle. is a Jewish crcwmcmbcr on the This is all from our pen. Don't Effective and coordinated ef­ ship he could not get medical at­ say you didn't know the score. fort on the part of the crew kept One of the most difficult the flames from spreading and tasks in connection with writ­ 'POWDER PUFF' AND FRIEND damages, therefore, were slight, ing is finding a spot for pub­ it was reported by Julio Evans, lication. The task, however, Deck Delegate aboard the ves­ has been made easier for Sea­ sel. farers who have written—or Shortly after discovery of the are about to write—stories blaze at 3:15 a. m., the Dixon or articles with a salt water ly, SIU working and sanitary con­ men had the situation under con­ tang. ditions, among other things. trol but hoses on board were in­ An arrangement has been Either those would-be Himmeffective in fighting the flames made with a reputable lers and Hitlers have seen too which licked at the overhead of agency of authors' represen­ many movie versions of sea life, the hatch. Shoreside apparatus tatives, who will read your or they have read too many sowas summoned and firemen re­ material without any charge. called sea stories, because they sponded with goose-necked hoses If the stuff has possibilities don't seem to have any sea ex­ that quickly doused the stubborn it will be brought to the at­ perience. The tragic part of deal­ flames. tention of publishers for pos­ ing with such characters is that The fii'e was discovered by sible sale. it is difficult to explain to young­ Jose Rey, Fireman, who was on So if you've been holding er members or permits why it is the 12-to-4 watch, after he no­ back your literary efforts for necessary to pound the bricks ticed that the oil tanks were lack of proper contact, get so that the same characters can close to the boiling point, and out that old typewriter and win better working conditions. that strange noises were coming get going. Short stories, ar­ Samples of some of the skip­ from the tanks, reported Evans. ticles, book-length manu­ pers one-way attitudes are well SOUNDED ALARM scripts will be read carefully demonstrated in the following: No cargo was in the hold, and by the agency. In Bombay he engaged a dozen fire was confined to the dunnage Send your manuscripts— workers to scrape his parquet stored there. typewritten, of course — to decks (so, essential, of course) Throughout most of the inci­ Carl Cowl, c/o Seafarers Log, but. on his periodical inspection dent, Esteban Castro, a member 51 Beaver Street, New York tours he blandly ignored a mid­ of the Deck Gang, kept the ship's 4, N. Y. Enclose a stamped ship . toilet which hasn/t been siren screeming, alerting crews envelope, addressed to your cleaned except once in five of nearby vessels, which stood by Sam Carlisle, AB aboard the SS Meredith Victory, held permanent residence to in­ months. until the blaze was out. There "Powder Puff," the ship's mascot, so that Gil Parker could sure safe return in case script Two of the toilets are close to make this photo. were no casualties. is not up to snuff. the galley, but there are no Blaze Aboard Dixon Doused By Crew In 2-Hour Battle Good Deal t �Friday, May 9. 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Eleven SIU Ship's Minutes In Brief THOMAS MacDONOUGH. Jan. 2—Chairman Jerry Thexlon; Secretary jCyril A. Scott. Delegates reported all in order. Repair list of Deck and Engine Departments was read and ap­ proved by all. Agreed to have ship fumigated, and Pairolmen check the slop chest when he comes aboard. Steward asked crew if they were satisfied with meals and feeding in general. Grew gave approval stating that all are well pleased with the feeding and realize that Steward cannot please all but he has done an excellent job. Discussion on the penicillin racket being pulled by shoreside doctors. Repair list at­ tached to minutes. THOMAS HYDE, Feb. 2 —Chairman John Milini; Sec­ retary Henry Adamowitz. New Business: Motion carried to im­ pose a $2.00 fine on any mem­ ber of the crew who uses cups as ash trays. Good and Wel­ fare: Motion carried that rec­ reation room be kept cleaner. Motion carried to move library from gear locker to recreation room. Steward asked that due to shortage of towels, crew should not use them for soogie rags as there were plenty of rags for the asking. Sugges­ tion made that departmental delegates see the Skipper in reference to getting draws in American currency in Norway, if possible. 4i. SNAMPA VICTORY, Feb. 16 —Chairman B. Goodman: Sec­ retary S. T. Wilusz. Delegates reported everything okay. New Business: Motion carried to have gunners' mess turned into recreation room for the crew and to have the chairs in that room depaired. Motion car­ ried to have the drinking foun­ tain repaired. Motion carried to have the Radio Operators pay more attention to »>iuning in the radio so that the crew can have the benefit of the speaker in the messroom. Mo­ tion carried to ask the Captain to have a foc'sle card put up. 4' CITY OF ALMA, Feb. IBChairman Red Sully; Secretary J. McConeghty. Delegates re­ ported all in order in their de­ partments. New Business: Mo­ tion carried to obtain the slopchest prices from the Steward and they be given to the Patrol­ man when the ship reaches the States. Motion carried that glasses be put in the port holes that need them. Good and Welfare: Suggestion that crew make arrangements with de­ partment heads so the men can have a day off in port. Recom­ mended that clothes be re­ moved as soon as possible from laundry tubs as they lend to smell up the place. 4. 4. MV TAG KNOT, March 11— Chairman Harold Taylor; Sec­ retary (not given). Chairman appointed delegates to act as committee to carry out and re­ port on all recommendations made at the meeting. New . Business: It was pointed out that running a steam line into the laundry was impractical on this type ship. Decision made that more night lunch be put out for men coming off watch. Many complaints were aired concerning the food and its preparation. Steward promised his cooperation in righting the matter. Various ship repairs necessary were listed and ap­ proved. Discussion over the water taJten on in the Canal ^one. 4, 4 4 SMITH-THOMPSON, March 13—(Chairman and Secretary not given). New Business: Mo­ tion carried to have radio loud­ speaker returned to the recrea­ tion room from Second Mate's cabin. Good and Welfare: All hands are to return AMMLA books and magazines to recrea­ tion room before leaving ship. All bunks to be stripped and rooms left in clean SIU condit'on. 4 4 4 CHARLES WARFIELD, March 22—Chairman D. L. De Parlier; Secretary R. N. White. New Business: Motion carried that more prompt and concientious medical treatment be given the crew by Pursuer. Good and Welfare: Suggestion that crew use recreation room for card playing and not use the mess until the recreation room is full. Recommendation that officers and crew have the same privileges at the slopchest and purchases be made at the same time by both crew and topside. Crew stood in silence for one minute in reverence for broth­ ers lost at sea. 4 4 4 ALCOA PLANTER, March 31 —Chairman Russel; Secretary Henry B. Snelling. New Busi­ ness: Crew asked for explana­ tion from the Steward for the sudden shortage of fresh foods. The Steward claimed he put in a requisition for more stores than were put aboard, yet he reported to the N. O. patrol­ man that he was not short. Crew recommended an inves­ tigation of the matter. 4 4 4 VOMATILLA. (Date and chairman not given) Secretary J. McGroder; New Business. Motion made to contact patrol­ man in Marcus Hook in regard to the antics of the Steward aboard. Ship's Delegate elected. Motion carried to have a meet­ ing once a week at a conven­ ient hour. 4 4 4 JOHN JAY. (Date, Chairman and Secretary not given) Spe­ cial meeting for the purpose of discussing the unfitness of a member of the Stewards De­ partment to perform his duties. Crew decided he cannot handle the work in the Stewards De­ partment and recommended that he be switched to the Deck or Engine Departments on pro­ bation. 4 4 4 ALCOA PAGASIS, March 6 —Chairman C. Bailey; Secre­ tary E. Bankston. New Busi­ ness: Discussion concerning more fresh fruit; butter and dif­ ferent canned vegetables. Stew­ ard said that requisition was messed up on this voyage. Mo­ tion carried that next trip the Steward notify the delegates of each department of matters like this. Motion carried that all tripcard and permit men be cleared through the Hall be­ fore making another trip. Mo­ tion carried that each delegate see that his department leaves clean foc'sles. •DON'T 0IVE UP THE SHIP/ E CHIEF ^nEMARD SHOULD HOT LEAV9 HIS SHIP UNTIL RELIEVED BY ANOTHER CHIEF STEWARD. 4 4 4 NIANTIC VICTORY, April 12, Chairman Morris Norris; Secretary Joseph Garello. Dele­ gates reported and previous minutes read. Old Business: By HANK Repair list for next voyage read and it was suggested that it be For the benefit of the membership we keep filling most of this posted for next crew to see. weekly column with our advisory-educational type of writing— New Business: Agreed by all which we hope does wake up and steer some guys right in their that no one pay off until each various journeys through this seafaring life. It's easily realized member is completely satisfied that most of the Brothers will remain SIU .sailors for a long time with the payoff. Motion carried —if not for the rest of their desirable salty li\-es. Thus the im­ to give Stewards Department a portant thing for all Brothers will be the essential chain of educa­ vote of thanks. Good and Wel­ tion absorbed (on ships, in union halls and meetings), the militant fare: Discussion on splitting actions performed individually and collectively and the sensible Firemen's overtime on donkey stretch of thinking done as time, trips and events roll along. Every watches. Agreed by Firemen SIU man has a big responsibility, which serves in many directions at meeting to divide equally all —as a sailor, as a shipmate and as a union man. Hs mental and donkey watch overtime. One physical behavior is his best shipmate—-ashore and asea—and upon minute silence observed for lost it stands the security of the spirit, the progress, the respect and brothers. strength of the SIU. 4 4 4 4 4 4 WARRIOR POINT, March 3 Naturally, it has to be said, it isn't enough just to be a steady —Chairman James F. Byrne; paying member and perhaps be proud of being SIU, too. You Secretary James Gamble. Stew­ have to live that pride—performing it in the expected and sen­ ards Delegate resigned and new sible manner—in the small ways as well as the big. From such delegate was elected in his militancy, strength and all kinds of victories the proud reputa­ place. One member raised sev­ tion of the SIU has reached the desires of nearly all Isthmian eral objections to the election seamen as well as our neighboring Canadian seamen who have of the new delegate, but all long suffered and struggled to find a safe, honest, strong union. charges were denied and dis­ Well, these Isthmian and Canadian seamen have found that proved. Chairman called for type of union. It's the SIU—which has been and always will be an end to the petty bickering settling all beefs, protecting the membership and holding the and asked for cooperation highest wages and best conditions on all waterfronts. among the members of the 4 4 4 Stewards Department. Brother Salvatore Frank i.s drying his anchor right now clown there in the port of Mobile . . . Jim.my Millcan says that his ship­ mate, mustached Percy Beyer, the New Orleans man, shipped out as a volunteer organizer . . . Brother Paul M. Hodges just came in from a short trip to Rotterdam and asked us to print the folloNving important message to his brother, Walter J. Hodges: Get in touclt with your mother. She has been worried about you. Hasn't heard from you in four years. She's living now at 1317 East Bolton Street, Savannah, Georgia . . . Little Joe Ryan, the happy Steward, 4 4 4 TULANE VICTORY, March would be even happier if he could hear from his best friend. Miss 19—Chairman Louis Fuselier; Kay Mandick, if it's possible ... Joe says that any possibly forth­ Secretary John Zimmer, Dele­ coming letter or letters could be addressed to this hall c/o Fourth gates reported no beefs in their Floor Mail Dept . . . Two happj' cooks and shipmates are in town departments. New Business: right aboard a ship. That's Brother Casey Jones and Brother Red Ship's Delegate elected. Dis­ Hall ... To Brother Abe Sprung we have a message for him: Con­ cussion on the employment of tact your sister. She's seriously ill. Signed, M. G. , . . Brother Nick native help in the galley. De­ Calzia would like to hear from Bill Stock and Joe Razel at the cision was to the contrary. Mo­ New York Hall. tion made that any member un­ •5 -4 ^ able to do his work due to be­ Brother Roberf Barreff, the electrician, just came in from a trip. Brother Barrett says that his shipmate. Cliff Wilson, stayed ing intoxicated be brought up down in the Port of Port Arthur, Texas . . . Oldtimer Jimmy on charges. Motion defeated. Brooks just came in from a trip to Germany. Jimmy suffered List of fines drawn up for minor a serious injury to himself and is going down to the hospital offenses in the messroom. Good in Mobile to see what can be done. Good luck to you. and Welfare: Discussion on the Jimmy, and swift sailing out of the hospital, too . . . Last week use of the steam table. Stew­ we heard from oldtimer John Campbell that his best shipmate. ard stated that the use of the John "Whitey" Hawkins sailed out of New York recently— steam table had not worked without John Campbell, of course . . . We heard that those Iwo out satisfactorily. Decision to good shipmates. Peg Leg Anderson and Blackie Gardner, met put booklet "Here's How Broth­ each other recently down in New Orleans—and shipped together er" on the bulletin board for Brother George Meaney. the volunteer organizer amongst the study by all. All members Isthmian seamen, confessed to us that all the talking he did to stood in silence for one minute these Isthmian men during this last trip really convinced these in remembrance of departed men they were lucky. brothers. CUT and RUN ..-a- �Page TwelTe THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday. May 9. 1947 THE MEMBERSHIP SPEAKS Crew To Cool Off Engineer; He Made Tropic Run Hotter To Ihe Editor: This is to advise you of the un­ fair working conditions handed to us by our Chief Engineer, and by his stooge, the First Assis­ tant. This vessel, the SS Snake Head, left the Port of Baltimore on Oct. 31, 1946. At no time since leaving has the Chief En­ gineer or the First given any consideration to the welfare and working conditions of our depart­ ment. Neither of them has made an inspection to see what conditions existed in our quarters and head, which are in faulty condition and badly in need of repair and paint. The rooms of these two men were painted during the early days of our trip. We have been out six months and have made four runs iti and out of the Persian Gulf. This in­ cludes three trips through the Red Sea and Suez Canal, and two trips to Japan through the Ma­ lacca Straits and the South China Consequently, the First's reason stinks. On several occasions, the Chief has logged and broken men from their ratings. For instance, a FWT to a Wiper, with Wiper's wages, and a log; an Oiler to a Wiper, also with Wiper's wages. At times, he has threatened men with physical "persuasion" if they in any way questioned his orders. He also went so far as to state to an Oiler, whom he broke, that he would put him ashore at the first American-controlled port, or into the hands of an American consul with charges that would get him five years im­ prisonment. THE SS WARRIOR POINT AND HER STURDY STEWARD , 's" The Pacific Tankers vessel unloading high octane gas at the oil docks at Le Havre. COMPLAINTS UNAVAILABLE Now, I don't think our Union goes for that kind of talk or treatment. I have personally gone to the Chief on ^11 these complaints, but to no avail. He "''mXiiM'Ui'Viiiix-i told me that as Chief Engineer •iiir''" he was running his department the way he wanted, and would continue to do so, regardless of anyone or anything. The old "Captain Bligh" crap. Although we were in Balti­ HPylTHiSiS more about three weeks, neither the Chief or First Assistant En­ NiO CHOKING gineers saw fit to obtain strike G-G-Gl/AtAB AiP-f MATTER! clearance. They have been chal­ I'M CH-CHOy.ihiGl lenged for clearance but could not produce. The Chief continu­ ally contrasts this vessel with the way things were run on his Isth­ mian ships. Kindly notify all ports so when this vessel arrives in the States it will be contacted by a Pa­ trolman who will square these Sea. The run also calls for two two characters off. Thanks! steward James B. Byrne stops at Ceylon. Fred Hohenberger, Eng. Del. shows what the well-prepared TERRIFIC HEAT and Unlicensed Engine crewmeniber aboard the War­ Throughout all these tropical Personnel. SS Snake Head rior Points will wear during runs, the fire room skylights Yokohama. Japan fire and boat drill. have been battened down with strict orders having been given not to open them. The subse­ quent high temperatures are un­ bearable and unneces.sary, al­ To the Editor: fellow Seafarers who have the though the Chief claims it is an They say there is a first time misfortune to get on this sulphur absolute necessity in order to ob­ for all things, and this is my run know there is a good place tain maximum efficiency. The first time in attempting a letter where they can enjoy them­ First claims that it is also to to the best damned paper in the selves. keep rain off the boilers and out country so have mercy for the Signed by D. A. Wall and of the fire room. Eight other men of the mistakes. The Engineer on watch has his SS Mae I have noticed in the LOG Oiler go to the stack deck three that there is usually something or four times a watch to trim the about places that fellows have BROTHER WANTS ventilators. We feel it would be found which give seamen a the responsibility of the En­ break, and I generally make an A TRANSLATOR gineer on watch to see that the attempt to find them when I FOR HIS MAIL skylights are closed if it rains. hit poi-t. Well, I have found one almost at home, and though it To the Editor: I've got a few minutes to spare is in a hard-to-get-to, out of the LOG Liked way place, it is the best I have tonight, so I'll drop you all a few lines. Just got my back In Canada had the luck to find. copies of the LOG. Keep up It is the only one that I have To the Editor: ever seen that will, on the next the good v/ork. Would you be good enough to day, call a fellow in and say Sure was glad to hear about add my name to the mailing list "here's your change" from the the Hall in Marcus Hook. Say for your paper, which I con­ twenty that you paid for the hello to Blackie for me. Any sider one of the better Union last round. Tlie change was well of you fellows who sailed the publications. over $15. Now, how about that? Pacific Tankers oil scow White We would be glad to recipro­ The place is called John's Sands with me during i946 can cate if you are not already re­ Tavern and is located at 137 drop me a line, if you care to ceiving copies of our publica­ South Wood Ave., Linden, Texas. at the address below. If you can read Dutch (no I would like to suggest that tion, Steel Labor. John's be one of jthe places joking) let me know, as I have Margot Thompson where LOGS are available. The a few letters I would like trans­ Assistant Editor manager has said he will be lated for me. Steel Labor, Dave (Red) Harvey. F2/c glad to have the paper there Canadian Edition Co. 5701 Seabee Tadien United Steel Workers of for the men who come in. Port Hueneme. Calif. We hope you will let the other America. CIO •r Mae Men Get A Square Deal Warrior Point Gets Going After A Troublesome Start To the Editor: I have just finished reading the article in the LOG about the Fort Stanwix, and wish to back it up 100 per cent. Another fellow and myself got off her in Texas before she went to Norfolk, and we say, without a doubt she is the best feeding ship afloat,' including the fancy passenger ships. It's getting to be quite a habit for Sam the Messman to donate to the dice game. As for the crew on the Stan­ wix, without a doubt they arc one of the best afloat. The Chief and the First Assistant Engineer are also very good men and doserve a vote of thanks for being behind the Black Gank 100 per cent. Parker and myself got this scow the SS Warrior Point in Houston when there were plenty of jobs open; in fact, the Galveston Pa­ trolman made all the bars and gin mills in Galveston to fill out the crew. The Steward was pulled off an­ other Pacific Tanker in the ship­ yard to take this one, but he turned out in bad standing with the crew. LIQUID STORES We ran out of fresh milk and vegetables about three days out of Houston. When we got to Charleston, the crew was expect­ ing more to be brought aboard, but nothing doing. When we got to Wilmington, the crew told him to be sure and get some. He got some alright, but it wasn't stores—it was gin in quantity. Our main unit went out on us and we proceeded to Norfolk for the shipyard there. We layed at Norfolk for five days and the Steward was still drinking and giving flimsy excuses about the milk and stores. We tried to get a Patrolman aboard, but wove told they were too busy to get to us. We then proceeded to Balti­ more for the shipyard, out of bread, milk, vegetables and a few other items. By this time the crew was getting damn tired of excuses instead of action. After laying in the stream for three days, all full book mem­ bers started signing to vote the Steward off. Somehow or other he got wind of what was going on and paid off before we could get to him. We now have a Steward who has everything ship shape and stores aplenty. Although we are short a messman and a wiper, we are pulling out today and it looks like we will sail without them. About seven different book men went to the Baltimore Un­ ion Hall trying to get a Patrol­ man aboard to settle a few beefs and be at the payoff. We were told: "Sorry, loo busy." or "We'll be down tomon-ow." NO ACTION Since we have been here llo'.v 14 day.s, we are wondering what is the matter with the Patrolme.n here. The crew has asked me to find out what the matter is, as it has always been the SIU-SUP policy to see that union men in good standing board a union ship are taken care of. We are bebewildered as to what is going on. Thanks to Joe Volpian, of the SIU Special Services Department, for collecting $256.00 in back pay and $92.50 transpoitation from Overtakes. It was beginning to look as though the company was never going to come across. To all the gang on the Fort Stanwix, a hearty hello. We sure miss that sailor's dream of good food , which is served aboard the good ship Stanwix. Floydale Teague Raymond E. Parker SS Warrior Point Texas Reader Finds Log Interesting To ihe Editor: I want to congratulate you for the interesting articles appeaiung in the LOG. I read every page now that I have the opportunity to get it every week. Keep up the good work, and I hope to see many more on the way. Mrs. J. A. Sanchez, San Antonio, Texas �friday. May 9. 1947 THE SEAFARERS YOU GUYS AFRAID OF A BOX CAR? THEY LOG ASK Men of tthe Seatrain Texas' Stewards Department (photo left) are just as puzzled as the Deck Gang (photo below), when it comes to figuring "why we have to keep smling shorthanded." Word from Brothers Dragoo and Gibbs. Deck and Engine Delegates, respectively, points out that Seafarers have ridden on box cars, so "why not sail with them?" "One of your best contracts is with this company," the Broth­ ers add. "Higher wages and guaranteed time off." "If you are looking for ad­ venture and a woman, we don't have them. But it's smooth sail­ ing and a helluva good Stew­ ard's Department, so let go of these 60-day old cards and well see you next trip." Let's Have 'Em This'is it. Brothers! Right on these pages is a good place to blow your top. If you've got a beef or some suggestions you think will be of benefit to your Union and your Brothers, why not have it printed in the LOG? If you haven't any steam to blow off, there must be something you've found in­ teresting on your trip thai you'd like to pass along for others to read about—char­ acters you meet in the farflung corners of the earth, joints you've found worth I HAVE A-EK-) - A-?om lyin CG Invades Foreign Ports To Police Civilian Seamen To the Editor: SEND IT TO THE LOG! i To the Editor: seeing and those you feel it advisable for your Brothers to avoid. Why not let all hands profit by your exper­ iences? Maybe you're pretty good at turning out a poem—okay then, let's have it. Pen and ink sketches are welcome, too. If you've got some photographs of your ship, or shipmates or any "shots" taken in the various ports o'call, send them along. We'll return them. Just mail your material to the Editor, Seafarers Log, 51 Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y. How about doing it NOW! ALL WILL CHANGE Do you know that the mates and engineers who are appoint­ ed from the company offices would scab if there were a strike? However, these conditions will be changed when all the lines are organized, So, fellows, get on the ball, and help organize the poor mis­ guided stooge, who says, "the Lake Carriers will take care of me," but who is on the beach during hard times. Mates do not take ABs or Or­ dinary's jobs. Firemen and Oil­ ers ai-en't bumped off the job by engineers when you belong to the SIU. So protect yourself. Brother, and look ahead! Don't be a chump for the Lakes Carriers or their affiliates. Don't be a sucker! Join the SIU! "Baldy" McAdoo I am happy to report, that has changed drastically, after a dele­ gation went to see the "old man." It is the crew's wish that such a man be forced to either aban­ don such practices or get off all SIU ships, as his type is detri­ mental to the Union. The writer feels that the WarBut here is the situation on field has a very good crew. An the Purser, who is strictly one of old timers named Bill Fahn is the topside crowd. It is his con­ Bosun, and yom-s truly is serangtention that he is the company's ing the Stewards Department. representative same as the masE. L. de Parlier, Steward tor. Recently the company raised SS Charles Warfield the Pursers* wages to $264 a Puerto La Cruz, Venez. month, with overtime at $1.60 per hour for work performed on Sat­ COOLING OFF IN urday afternoon and Sundays. This move was made to dis­ courage the organization of Pur­ sers into our affiliate, the Mer­ chant Marine Staff Officers As­ sociation. The Purser feels he will get more out of playing up to the company than by uniting and getting demands in an hon­ est fashion. This man (as the minutes will ^Handful verify) is an unmitigated com­ By VIC COMBS pany and master's stooge, and chief informer. It is his practice to open the slopchest at a sign Last night I held a hand in mine. from any officer, and issue them It was so small and sweet whatever they wish in any quan­ I thought my heart would surely tity. Especially is this true in break. regard to cigarettes, which he So loudly did it beat. rations to the crew, while offi­ cers may buy choice brands by No other hand into my hetirf the case. Can such fondness bring. More than the liitk hand I held He has in the past been very last nightlackadaisical about medical treat­ Four Aces and a King ment to the crew, a situation, 1 Evidently they are going to maintain one of these poor man's Hitler in every port in the world to meet merchant ships. They will tell you where you can go and what you can do, and pull your papers on the spot if you don't like it. A new Coast Guard policy is coming to light which makes all their other attempts at despotism look good. Reports have been coming in from all over the world, from Shanghai to Marseil­ les, of CG officers being kept in foreign ports with the sole job of FOREIGN INVASION waiting for American seamen to It isn't enough they persecute come in. Then the CG men will ride herd on them and "keep us in our own country — now them in line," as long as they are they'll be waiting for us in every foreign port, where we won't there. have the protection of out Union, or even a lawyer available to de­ LAKES CARRIERS fend us, a right they claim to STILL PULLING guarantee. FAST ONES They are going to the incred­ ible length of pulling papers for To the Editor: things not even remotely con­ Well, the Lakes Carriers are nected with ships. There have still pulling their fast ones. been cases of papers pulled be­ One of our Brothers and three cause a man got in some ginmill deck hands, w^ho had come all beefs miles from the waterfront, the way from Cleveland, were on or became involved with the the steamer Calumet. They came French gendarmie—offenses that aboard about noon a day ahead are purely within civil jurisdic­ of when they were to start work. tion. Next they will be pulling The Steward told them they papers for beating your wife. could bring their gear aboard, but What is an outfit whose sole ll^that they couldn't eat on the ship purpose is guarding the U. S. —not until the next day when Coastline doing outside the threethey turned to. So you can see mile limit, thousands of miles what the shipowners' stooges will give you. And these are the kind of people we are bucking. GOTTA fwmrr Of course the skippers have a (X'SeCVSFRoM, lot to do with it, as well as the THc$tVJ0ml mates and engineers. They have posted watchmen at the ladders to keep off the ships organizers and guys who are looking for jobs. The dock cops will also give chase. You fellows who have never been up here don't know what it is like. Pandering Purser Mars Warfield's Good Setup There are no serious beefs aboard the SS Charles Warfield, an Alcoa Liberty, which is on the Venezuelan and bauxite run. We have a good skipper and a good mate, and there has been no com­ plaint on the chow or the depart­ ment serving it. Page Thirteen THE ISLANDS Log - - Rhythms^ Crewmembers of the SS Wolf Creek kill some time and a few bottles of brew down in an Aruba refreshment parlor. Photo was taken by Emory Smith, who Is—rather appropriately— Pumpman aboard the vessel. from the nearest U. S. coast? The answer is obvious. It gives them hundreds of soft jobs in good ports all over the world. SOCIAL CLIMBERS They can strut about in local society, enjoying the climate and the girls, throwing their weight around in a way they never could get away with at home. In or­ der to furnish the government with some excuse for supporting them in this idleness, they sneak around every ship that comes in, trying to find or stir up trouble as an excuse for being there. It is to their interest to make trouble; in fact, it is necessary for them to stir it up if they are going to keep their soft rackety Their phony navy never leaves the U. S. anyway, so if they ai'e ever going to see as much of the world as the seamen they push around, some such scheme as this had to be dreamed up as an ex­ cuse for them to go abroad. But they are not merely pulling papers in foreign ports. They actually pull the man off the ship right there and let him find his way back to the States as best he can. The worry to his family, the months of pay lost, being broke in a foreign country—what the hell do they care for all that? They're the United States Coast Guard, aren't they? And you're just a coinmon seaman. "Sleamboal" O'Doyie �Page Fourteen THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, May 9, 1947 Take Coast Guard Out Of Maritime: SlU receive by ter to all parts of the Country to which every free American is the Coast and it is a virtual impossibility entitled. to procure witnesses in his own KANGEROO COURTS behalf. More "brass" in the Coast In addition to action by the Guard means that they must The investigating officer then find some excuse to justify keep­ takes over the role of examining Master and the Coast Guard, the ing these officers in the Seivice. officer or prosecuting attorney. seaman may also be prosecuted In short, it is desirous of main­ He choses his own hearing of­ by the Criminal authorities ' of taining its hold on the Merchant ficer or judge. No jury is chosen the United States. In the cases Marine to keep these men in and he is not tried before a jury in which we represented the sea­ their positions. All this means of his peers which is a constitu­ men, we have learned that the that the taxpayers will be re­ tional right of which he cannot proceedings are a mockery and have resulted in nothing but quired to spend unnecessary mil­ avail himself. contempt by the seaman for the lions of dollars because not only The Hearing Officer acts as are these extra officers required, judge and jury and in many Coast Guard. The hearings are but likewise, a full office force cases becomes the District At­ conducted in the fashion of a SIU-CONTROLLED DISCIPLINE provided for every infraction of "kangeroo" court and the man must be maintained, such as torney. the rules. In addition, if the is actually railroaded. The pun­ stenographers and clerks, all of The Union is very much interest­ offense is serious, the Master If the Master who entered the ishment depends upon the whim which has heretofore been hand­ ed in disciplining its members for can place the man in irons and notation in the log book is not infractions of the rules and laws feed him on bread and water led by the Department of Com­ present, the log book then is al­ of the Hearing Officer and for aboard vessels as are the Coast for as long as he sees fit. The merce at a fraction of what it lowed in evidence and becomes the same identical offense two hearing officers would differ Guard and the Operators of the Master may restrict a seaman to would cost if the Coast Guard prima facie proof of guilt. The greatly in the punishment which ships. We have set-up in our the vessel and not allow him took over. accused has not been given an they mete out. Constitution where anybody who shore liberty to which he would It is well known that the opportunity naturally of being The hearings that are conduct­ is charged with misconduct be entitled when the ship United States Coast Guard is a faced by his accuser and of ed in foreign countries usually aboard a ship can be tried and reaches a foreign port. Military organization. It was course, cannot cross-examine the result in a severe suspension or punished according to the grav­ formed for the purpose of saving log book, all of which is contrary actual revocation of the seaman's If in the event a seaman miss­ ity of his offense. We realize that lives at sea along our coasts. It to the letter and spirit of the papers. He is advised that he es his vessel, he immediately forwhen a seaman doesn't perform has clone a commendable job and Constitution. \^ery often, the has the opportunity of procuring his duties as he should, it places ^ feits all his pay together wdth in the writer's opinion, it should Master who makes the entry in his own counsel but whei-e, for an extra burden on his fellow, all his personal belongings. No devote all its time and attention the log book, gets his informa­ crew members and at the same where else in the world are to just this service as no other tion from a third party and instance in Korea, can you get a lawyer who is familiar with time injures the reputation of such strict penalties imposed, for group can perform these duties therefore the entry itself is no­ the laws, both civil and mari­ those infractions. the Union of which we are all as well as the Coast Guard. thing but hearsay evidence time, of the United States? lie proud. If a person who works ashore which again is contrary to all is, therefore, by force of circum­ NO MILITARY CONTROL The writer has been going to fails to appear on his job for law as we practice it in the stances, deprived of adequate .sea since 1923 and has sailed in a day, all he loses is his day's From what we have read and United States. representation; the black gang or engine room pay. If he decides to quit the learned, there is no civilian oc­ The burden of proving guilt At the conclusion of the hear­ department of ships during this job for some reason, he doesn't cupation or industry under the is not placed upon the accuser ing, the accused is permitted an time. He has come to know sea­ forfeit his back pay or his per­ authority of a military organi­ as is done in all proceedings, but appeal but to whom is the ap­ men, being one himself. He is sonal belongings but is entitled zation during peace time. It is immediately the burden of proof peal made but the local appeals familiar v/ith the duties of the to them regardless. The law also repungnant to all our concepts shifts to the accused to prove board, which is comprised of officers and the problems that provides that the Master is in of freedom and liberty. The that he is not guilty. Coast Guard officers, and in the exist aboard ships and therefore sole command of the ship and all founders of this Country have many cases that we have" ap­ can without fear of contradic­ his crew is answerable to him. rightly placed the President of EXAMINERS INCOMPETENT pealed there have been an in­ The law, while being very the United States, a civilian, as It has been our experience finitesimal number reversed. If strict in its provisions, has been Head of the Armed Forces, as that the men who act both as the accused still wants to appeal adequate to handle all problems it is well known that the at­ examiners and hearing officers, further, he can go to the Com­ that arise on a vessel. In addit­ titude of the Military is far are not fitted for these jobs mandant of the Coast Guard in ion, a seaman is answerable if different from that of the civ­ either by temperament, training Washington. he commits a felony to the Fed­ ilian. or experience. They are not fa­ We know of very few in­ eral authorities and is subject There is an almost indescrib­ miliar with the problems that stances' where the Commandant to severe fines and imprisonment able caste system amongst the arise on a merchant vessel. Those has reversed both the local ap­ if he violates the law.Armed Forces. The officers look few who have gone to sea have peal board and hearing officer. At the inception of the last down on the ordinary soldier or had service on a military ship, It appears that the Coast Guard wai-, the late President of the sailor and in the same way, the which is entirely different from likes to take care of its own and United States, realizing that vict­ officers of the Coast Guard have that of a merchant vessel and in reversing one of its officers, ory could not be attained except shown no sympathy to the Mer­ it seems highly unfair to have it feels that it suffers a smirch with the cooperation of the Mer­ chant seamen. a man sit as judge and jury in on its reputation. chant Marine and to expedite ' During the war, the Coast tion, speak upon Maritime mat­ the transfer of war goods to our CG BREEDS RESENTMENT Guard set up what it called ters from the viewpoint of the allies, placed it under the juri­ "Hearing Units" for the purpose Instead of bettering condi­ unlicensed personnel. sdiction of the Navy. of further disciplining seagoing tions on board ship, the Hearing This was not done to dis­ personnel in addition to the pen­ The Merchant Marine has al­ Units have resulted in a great ways been a civilian occupation cipline seamen because discipline alties provided by law as out­ lack of discipline and resent­ long before our government wa.s has always been maintained on lined above. ment not only among the unli­ formed. The only time it might Merchant ve.ssels, but it was censed personnel, but also among These Units work somewhat in have been considered an arm done primarily for the purpose this fashion. An officer would the officers. of the Military was during the of the movement of ships where examine the log book and speak The Merchant Marine has al­ last two wars when it came un­ the Military authorities deemed to the officers of the vessel con­ ways been .self-sufficient and has der the jurisdiction of the Navy. they were necessary. cerning any infractions. Assum­ always done a good job in main­ It differs from a military organi­ ing a seaman was guilty of com­ taining order and discipline COAST GUARD GREED zation in that there is no draft­ ing aboard ship an hour late, aboard merchant ships. The of­ ing or enlistment among the The Coast Guard, likewise, this would be entered in the log ficers are familiar with the men. which is regularly attached to book and the man would be fin­ the trial of a merchant seaman problems of their crews, having A seaman can sign for one the Treasury Department, was ed by the Master. The inves­ when he is not familiar with the come up from the ranks them­ trip and at the termination of also put under the jurisdiction of tigating officer would thcr issue customs and usages which per­ selves. the voyage quit or make another the Navy and the Navy turned a subpoena to the man notifying tain aboard merchant vessels. Seamen, while on board ship, In addition to being logged by are under the direct supervision trip as he sees fit. If his super- the Merchant Marine over to the him to appear at the office of or officer doesn't choose to em­ Coast Guard. the Coast Guard. In the mean­ the Master for an infraction of and control of their officers who, ploy him for a further trip, he With victory won, the Coast time, his wages would be held the. rule, he is also tried for the in our opinion, are adequate to can let the man go. There are Guard was turned back to the up contrary to law as provided same offense before the Coast mete out punishment for infrac­ no provisions made for pensions Tieasury Department, but is re- in the statutes that seaman re­ Guard and this places him in tions of the rules. This has or any other benefits that a sold- fused to relinquish its hold on ceive his pay within forty-eight double jeopardy. The argument woiked fairly well from time ier or sailor would be entitled the Merchant Marine but in­ hours after the vessel discharges that the Coast Guard uses is that immemorial and there is no rea­ to as a result of being a member stead, is trying to keep it under its cargo. He would then appear the Master confines his punish­ son why this practice should be of the Armed Services. its own jurisdiction. There is befoie the investigating officer ment to a fine or in some cases, changed to satisfy the greed of a very good reason for this at­ who just reading the log book, to imprisonment on board ship the Coast Guard. CIVILIAN MERCHANT MARINE titude. determines if the man should be whereas the Coast Guard pro­ We therefore, respectfully, for ceeding is not against the person tried. the reason outlined above, ask The United States Merchant During the war, the Coast nor against his money, but this committee to disapprove of Marine has always been under Guard became top heavy with If he finds in the affirmative, this proposed bill. the jurisdiction of the Depart­ Admirals, Captains, Commanders he then issues a set of charges against his- papers. Respectfully submitted, This is the grossest fiction that ment of Commerce. This ,in our and Lieutenant Commanders. or an indictment and informs JOSEPH H. VOLPIAN. opinion, is the proper place Some of these people are desir­ him that he can get counsel and can be imagined because if a Special Services •where it belongs because all the ous of holding on to their posi­ that he can subpoena his wit­ seaman's papers are either sus­ Representative activities of the Merchant Ma­ tions, knowing full v/ell that nesses. By the time this advice pended or revoked, he is cer­ Seafarers International rine has been in aiding the ex­ they could not get comparable is given to the seaman, his ship- tainly hit in the pocket becaOse Union of North America change of goods through water salaries and conditions in civ- mates, having been paid off, scat- he cannot pursue his livelihood {Continued from Page 1) ; home commerce from one counDepartment of the Union since try to another and from one 1913. His office is at the Union coast to the other, headquarters in the City of New The Congress has passed cer­ York. Part of his duties as Spe­ tain laws which have been on cial Services Representative is our books for many years, to go before the Coast Guard whereby adequate provisions Hearing Units on behalf of ac­ have been made to enforce dis­ cused seamen. He has appeared cipline. For instance, if a crew in at least 200 cases of alleged member without permission misconduct before the Coast stays ashore one day from the Guard. The writer is present at vessel, the Master is allowed to the request of his Union to op­ "log" or fine him two days' pay pose the passage of the above for the day he missed. bill. There is a logging or penalty ilian life as they being officers in Guard. �THE Friday. May 9, 1947 SEAFARERS Page Fifteen LOG BULLETIN PERSONALS TOMMY KEYES Get in touch with Ray Shapnick at the Philadelphia Hall, 9 South 7th Street. 3. S. i Retroactive Wages Smith & Johnson SS Corporation HOUSTON 60 BEAVER ST., NEW YORK 4, N. Y. INDIVIDUAL JAMES J. DONOHUE Seay, John B SS JOHN A. DONALD SS JOHN GALLUP Contact Joe Kornek at 1404 Es­ Bianco, Sabastiano S 1.40 Sheets, James K $ 11.20 Biggerstaff, J planade Ave., New Orleans or Blankenship, C. P 1.40 Tetterton, Charles B 24.77 Coulter, J. G Attorney Samuel Segal, 11 Broad­ Carver, Ernest E 1.40 Wright, L Catudal, C. E 11.20 Crowell, E. R way, New York. 1.40 Darville, Richard E 17.74 SS JOSEPH LEE Fontenot, G 1.40 J- S- iEnyart, Elbert H 94 Houchins, Clarence M. 1.40 Davey, Wm JOHN ROSS Gaskins, R. J 13.23 Malmstrom, E 1.20 Davis, Harley M No. 859640 Gillen, Paul 2.34 Pruszka, Norbert 53.42 Gi-esham, Arthur 11.20 Rahas, F William J. R. Simpson of the Jowers, J. C 71.73 Groenevald, Wm. J 24.77 Shaffer, J Briti.sh Merchant Navy Welfare Carver, Ernest E 1.40 Haccke, Oscar W. 11.20 Shaffer, George Office, 3 State Street, New York Catudal, C. E 1.40 Hock, Raymond J. 17.74 Smola, E. A 4, N. Y. is anxious for you to con­ Darville, Richard E 4.20 Hudson, Wilbur .... Enyart, Elbert H 94 Stinehelfer, E tact him. 1.40 Johansen, Henry .. Gaskins, R. J 13.23 Swank, E. B i* 3" 4.19 Meszaros, John J Gillen, Paul 2.34 JUAN ANTONIO SANCHEZ Morris, Chester R. .. SS JOHN B. LENNON Jowers, J. C 11.20 Nilsson, Svend A Please get in touch with your Kosow, Bery E 9.54 Amrned, Hassin $ 11.90 Nye, Dow M mother or wife as soon as pos­ LaMorte, Sabastian 3.26 Bayley, A. W 60 Pierce, John sible. Martin, J. J 11.20 DcVere, L. E 6.90 Pigg, Leonard E 33. 3. Mulling, Willard 18.67 Grassi, John 46 Rushing, Elmer W. .. Oliver, Marvin 30.07 Heaton, Thomas M 7.36 RALPH MALOY Szyllowski, Leonard Patterson, Frederick 20.18 Hill, John 24.48 I am mailing seven dollars to Rankin, Whitney G. . Waters, Ernest L 6.06 Kansas, J. 29.84 you at 132 Barrow Avenue, Pel- Van Bysterveld, H. D. 9.66 McGuffy, Albert E 34.30 SS JOSHUA SLOCUM ham, Ga.—Mickey. SlU HALLS ASHTABULA BAl.TIMORE 1027 West Fifth St. 14 North Gay St. Calvert* 4539 BOSTON 276 State St. Boudoin 4455 BUFFALO 10 Exchange St. Cleveland 7391 CHICAGO 24 W. Superior Ave. Superior 5175 CLF.VELAND 1014 E. St. Clair Ave. Main 0147 CORPUS CHRISTI . . 1824 Mesquite St. Corpus Christi 3-1509 DETROIT 1038 Third St. Cadillac 6357 DULUTH S31 W. Michigan St. Melrose 4110 GALVESTON 308'/z—23rd St. Phone 2-8448 HO.NOLULU 16 Merchant St. Phone 58777 HOUSTON 1515 7Sth St. Wentworth 3-3809 JACKSONVILLE 920 Main St Phone 5-5919 MARCUS HOOK IVs W. 8th St Chester 5-3110 MILWAUKEE 613 3o-Vh 2nd St MOBILE 1 South Lawrence St. Phone 2-1754 Arnold Bernstein SS Corp. 17 BATTERY PLACE Room 143 New York, N. Y. SS WILLIAM COX (Voyage No. 1) Pedro Gonzales, Isabelo Gar­ cia, John Saiad, LeRoy Jackson, Alfred Ortiz, Fealameno Palume, Anton Kula, Charles Saviano, Lyle A. Brannan, Jerome Fleck, Herman Pedersen, Alberto Gu­ tierrez, Mauri O. Karlssen. John A. Wernboe, William Wild, Joe V. Alvarez, Francis J. Fischer, Rober Williams, Sylves ter Zygarowski, John W. Prze lecki, Harold G. Relaford, Ignasio Tirado, Chas. M. Kavanaugh George Litchfield, William Her nandez, Robert J. Laliberte. Bedell, Charles Cruz, Juan Dirkmeyer, Frank J. Egan,,James R Edler, Aske Hudson, Walter R. Jones, David L Martin, Robert A McCarthy, Charles Morris, E. J Mulholland, Robert E. Simond.s, Theodore L Tamboory, Peter Tuum, Alexander V. Van Splunter, J. M. 9.30 5.10 24.28 32.66 .94 .94 .46 1.40 .94 .94 .94 .46 7.47 .46 6.44 4.20 7.47 7.47 .46 7.47 7.4 S 1.87 1.87 1.87 3.74 1.61 1.40 1.87 1.87 1.87 6.63 1.87 1.87 2.01 12.14 139.98 DONATIONS J. Jillette. $1.00; .1. L. Waldermar, $2.00; A. Lavaie, $2,00; G. Ray. $2.00; B. Roasberg. $1.00; L. A. Schop, $1.00; O. Uusmann. $2.00; V. Tommassa, $2.00; S. Melensky, $1.00; T. W. Har­ ris, $2.00; I. Vante, $2.00; E. C. Sharer, $2.00; J. H. Boyles, $1,00; R. N. Web­ er. $1.00; W. Manning, $2.00; A. Tuum. $1.00; J, H. Hopkins, $2.00; F. Carrol, $2 00: F. Osterman. $2.00; G. Mitchel. $2.00; C. Wallender, $2.00; S. Wakeland, $3.00; J. Thomas, $1.09; L. W. Glass. $3.00; C. Schuessler, $3.00; C. Ahtlanen, $2,00; R. M. Raines, $4.00; C. W. Williams. $3.00; J. W. Marrs. $3.00; J. McMains, $2.00; J. G. Newman. $2.00. NEW YORK INDIVIDUAL DONATIOr>iS H. Put, $1.00; B. Baker. $2,00; L. F. Smith. $1.00; L. J. Wade. $4.00; A. Amelia, $1.00. C. A. Richardson. $1.00; C. L. Martin, $1.00; A. E. Swenson. $5,00; Mary Rutledge. $2.00. SS LA FARGE J. Friel, $2.00; J. Dimacis, $2.00; P, C. Adrian. $3,00; A. Guittare. $2.00; Crew of SS La Farge. $22.00. SEATRAIN NEW JERSEY Patrick. .Anderson. Gray, Olive, Hayes, Watson. Dennis. Huckins, Townsend, Lester. Miiens. Swift, Schuler, Hackson, Third Mate. Total $21. Crew of SS Seatrain New Jersey, $21.00. w. SS GEORGE WASHINGTON » G, Flood. $1.00. SS ELIZABETH Mohrman. $2.00; Davis, $1.00. W. J, George J, Virden, Arthur P. Gilbert, Ar­ thur H. Chaplin, John Babect. SS JOHN JAY T. L. Stinnette. $2.00; W. E. BlanS- A. i chard. $2.00; A. Schamhora, $2.00; P. John H. Makarewich, Erasmo Copernica. $2.00; Willie C. Williams. Flecha, Jei'ome Millen, Frank $1.00; D. L. White, $1.00; C. Starke, $5.00, Nacklicki, Pedro Vasquez, Wal­ SS POINT CABRILLO ter Pedersen, Ernest Pelowski, J- Merke!. $1.9 1; H. E. .Miller, $1.00. Andre Yance, Frank Vitale, Jo­ SS MATTHEW B. BRADY seph Pearson, William F. BlakNORFOLK ley. Campbell, Persons L 7.94 F. R. Rom.iller, $1.00; G. B. Williams. Douglas, Peter 7.94 $2.00; C. C. Cornett. $1.00; 2. K. .t t Emery, Edgar H 3.26 Ciucias. $1.00; R. H. Smith. $3.00; J. T, SS JOHN GIBBON Harmstead, George L 7.94 Ball. $3,00. (Voyage No. 2) 7.94 Emil Aunio, James O'Connell Mazurkiesioz, Henry Jan Rani, James Less, James SS M. MICHAEL EDELSTEIN 76.09 Lamb, William Young, Orville Arshankuni, Andrew Cianci, Luigi 138.84 Guernsey, Marcel Rialland, Ben­ J. it S. 104.50 LOST jamin Rabinowitz, Adeline Ta- Reeves, James A SS WILLIAM COX vares, Clark Inman, Athanasious One seamen's wallet, contain­ SS MUHLENBERG VICTORY (Voyage No. 2) Staikopoulos, -ilnaxagoras Anaging Union receipts, discharges, Axel W. Andersen, Clayton M notou, Henry Anderson. Almeida, L $ 74.34 personal pictures and papers MO.N TREAL mo Blevry SJ; NEW ORLEANS 339 Chartres St. Kelley, Darold F. Wilson, George Robert Gray, Norbert Pruska, Carter( Merritt W 46 somewhere aboard SS Cape San Magiiulia 0112-6113 W. Starns, Harold A. Townsend Dimitri Bartoi, Dalton Simon, Driggers, Eddie T 1.87 Diego during latter part of March NEW YORK 51 Beaver St Edgar H. Starns, Andre C Martin Steffen, Rudolph Bibow, Eriksson, F 14.29 1947. Return to Ervin Catrwright, HAnover 2-2784 Touchon, Anton Kula, Teddy M Joseph Malone, Peter King, Be2.41 Box 306, Stuart, Oklahoma. Makila, Esko NORFOLK 127-129 Bank St. 2.79 Phone 4-1083 Hiott, Thomas Brescia, Robert nigno Bantista, John Gray, Jean Nieves, Rosario P PHILADELPHIA 9 South 7th St. Prothero, Alberto Gutiercz, John Majerus, Edward Do Mello, Vic­ Ortiz, Silvestro O 2.79 Lombard 3-7651 A. Wernboe. ; 2.79 tor Mylnok, Donald Woodside. Oswald, Wm. G Will William Coe Stewart PORT ARTHUR . . 909 Fort Worth Ave. Maurice Parker, Harold J. Pyle, Chauncey T 2.34 i i. i Phone 2-8532 please get in touch with his Radzvila, Frank A 14.46 PORTLAND Ill W. Burnside St. Larson, Sidndy Pickett, Roger SS JOHN GIBBON folks as soon as possible. His Schram, R. G 82.00 Beacon 4336 Johnson, John C. Hart, Bernard (Voyage No. 3) family is worried about him RICHMOND, Calif 257 5th St. Williams, Sylvester Zygarowski, 2.34 Andrew George, Marcel Rial- Serrand, Rosendo since he WE^S seen in Texas Phone 2599 George A. Simon, Virgil L. Hard­ land, Terrance Jone.s, Jesse Cum- Stoneburg, Nigel F 2.34 City, Texas, on the day of SAN FRANCISCO 105 Market St. ing, George Georgevich, James Sullivan, Melvin H 2.34 bee, Emery C. Sims, Orville Douglas 5475-8363 the disaster. Any one having 4.20 SAN JUAN, P. R. ... 252 Ponce de Leon R. Akin, Walter E. Harris, Hugh Guernsey, James H. Nelms, Ade­ l^agner, John R information about him get San Juan 2-5996 D. Terrill, Eugene R. Beckley. Waters, E. L 5.60 line Tavares, Thomas H. Morillo, word to his folks through SAVANNAH 220 East Bay St. Webber, Ramond J 2.79 it i. it Roy J. Jones, McLauren Eustace, the Galveston SIU Hall, Phone 8-1728 Walter Filipponi, Adolphus Gra­ SS ORBIS SEATTLE 86 Seneca St. SS NEGLEY D. COCHRAN ham, Richard Warson. Main 0290 (Voyage No. 16) TAMPA 1809-1811 N. Franklin St. $ 3.74 Herbert R. Kreutz, Norbert Brown, Robert D Salvator Volpi, Gustaaf Van JERRY THE OILER Phone M-1323 Bottom, Malcolm C 5.60 Pruszka, Dimitri Bartoi, Dalton Thillo, Jose Soares, Michael ConTOLEDO 615 Summit St. DeCosto, Wm. R 23.80 who was on the SS Algic from WILMINGTON 440 Avalon Blvd. busione, Luis Moreno, Julian Ja- Simon, Wessley Bentley, Rudolph 7.47 May to September, 1946, please' Terminal 4-3131 ranilla, William Frew, Melvin Bibow, Joseph Malone, Ronald Lee, Roy R 3.74 get in touch with E. E. Casey at VICTORIA, B. C 602 Boughton St. Davis, Dan Krickovich. V. Frye, Mack E. Greenwald, Owen, John F Garden 8331 19.60 Marine Hospital, Staten Island, Stanley Kurosz, Joao M. Gon- John Gi'ay, Jean Majerus, Ted B. Schenck, Lester J. ... VANCOUVER .... 144 W. Hastings St. This is very im­ 7.00 New York. Nettles, Victor Mylnek, Edward Smith, Louis H Pacific 7824 calves, Pedro Almocera, Santiago portant! 7.47 Thompson, Francis E. Colon, Daniel F. Kelleher, Walter De Mello. NOTICE! �Page Sixteen THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday. May 9, 1947 rf TANKtRWf t". crtiES sewicf 1 TIM ES lai 1 I I I I I f I I I I L . AND ENJOY TME THE EEST CONDITIONS IN MARITIME! • • « IHESEAWRfRS INTERNATIONAL UNIOM � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource May 9, 1947 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. IX, No. 19 Description An account of the resource Headlines: LEE CREW WINS EXTRA PAY AWARD COAST GUARD DISRUPTS ALL MARITIME INDUSTRY, SIU TELLS CONGRESSMEN PANAMANIAN SCOWS ARE HELL SHIPS, SAYS SEAMAN WHO HAS SAILED THEM NORFOLK MARITIME TRADES COUNCIL PREPARES FOR PANAMANIAN ACTION AFL LONGSHOREMEN SWAMP ILWU IN SEATTLE BARGAINING ELECTION NOT FORGOTTEN WYANDOTTE AND HURON CREWMEN ARE SOLIDLY BEHIND SEAFARERS LEE CREW WINS EXTRA PAY AWARD NMU CANNOT AFFORD TO PRINT TRUE STORY OF HOW IT SOLD OUT THE CARFERRY WORKERS SEAFARERS MASS ON PICKETLINES WITH STRIKING PHONE WORKERS WATCH FOR MEN HIRED FROM MIAMI FINK HALL MORE SHOREGAN WORK EXPECTED IN PUERTO RICO BY SIU, ILA SEAFARERS CONTINUE TO ESTABLISH NEW GAINS ON THE GREAT LAKES CLEVELAND-CLIFFS AND PHONY LSU WORK TOGETHER NORFOLK HAS STEADY FLOW OF SHIPPING ALCOA CORSAIR READY FOR MAIDEN VOYAGE NEW YORK HAS A BUSY WEEK ON WATERFRONT SHIPPING BOOM IN PORT BOSTON UNDERGOES A SLIGHT RECESSION BALTIMORE BOOSTS ORE SHIPS--THEY HAVE 'BEST QUARTERS AFLOAT' GRANGE VICTORY MAKES FIRST STOP AT MIAMI LAKES LOOK TO SIU FOR CHANGES HEADQUARTERS REPORT TO MEMBERSHIP NMU RANK AND FILE IN HOUSTON REVOLTS AGAINST COMMIE PIECARDS OUTLOOK FOR NEW HALL IN PHILLY I SPOOR, SHIPPING REMAINS GOOD BUCKOS HAVE A REAL FIELD DAY ON ISTHMIAN'S CITADEL VICTORY CREWMEMBERS OF STEEL MARINER SCORE RUGGED ISTHMIAN LASH-UP BLAZE ABOARD DIXON DOUSED BY CREW IN 2-HOUR BATTLE Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 5/9/1947 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1947 Periodicals Seafarers Log