https://seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/e81bc1c6cbf84c73e3680f2c82e594ff.PDF c37152fcb41ef4519beb9cd55b35fa0e PDF Text Text -•'" •! •t' y^'' Official Organ of the Atlantic and Gulf District, Seafarers International Union of North America Vol. VIII. NEW YORK, N. Y.. FRIDAY. MAY 10. 1946 TELLING THE SAD STORY No. 19 Kyska Seaman Dies; Shipmates Say Captain Couid Have Saved Him Seafarer Arthur A. Flaws is dead today, his shipmates say, because the Captain of the Waterman ship Kyska re­ fused to put him ashore when he was deathly ill and refused to transfer him to another ship with a doctor aboard until it was apparent he was dying. Members of the crew of the Kyska have written to Flaws' mother, Mrs. John Flaws, at Shenlin, Wis. advising i-her to bring charges of criminal negligence against the master of the Kyska, Captain Jacob Jacobson. They also are advising her to SIU President Harry Lunde- bring a civil suit for damages berg will serve as United States against the Waterman Steamship delegate to the ILO Maritime Company. Conference in Seattle this June, They say that the Captain's it has been announced by AFL concern for fuel oil and the com­ President Wm. Green. Andrew pany's time is the reason AB MacDonald, Chairman of the Arthur Flaws is not alive today. Radio Officers Union has also Flaws became ill at Antwerp, been certified by the govern­ an hour before the Kyska tossed ment as another delegate. With the exception of Russia, her lines for New York. When all the major powers will be rep­ Captain Jacobson ordered him to resented at the meeting of this turn to, he was unable to do so. world labor organization which The Captain, members of the was created along with the Lea­ crew aver, threatened to bring gue of Nations in 1919. Each him up before the Coast Guard government sends two represen­ on charges. PLEA REFUSED tatives for the seamen and one The Captain's attitude i-emainfor the shipowners. Deliberations are scheduled to begin on June ed the same through the Chan­ 6, and will continue for about nel. He refused the plea of Deck two weeks. (Continued on Page 3) LundebergToTaikFor U. S. Seamen At ILO These are a group of shipmates of Arthur A. Flaws, who died through lack of care aboard the SS Kiska. telling the story to Assistant Secretary-Treasurer J. P. Shuler, From left to right are; Edward M. Carlson. Acting AB (ship's delegate); Charles M. Carlson. Wiper; John Maloney. OS; Robert Grigsby. OS; L. P. Phillips. Deck Eng.; and J. P. Shuler. SlU BACKS AFL ORGANIZING CAMPAIGN The full str&ngth of the Ameri­ can Federation of Labor will be mobilized to support the southern organizing drive at the spring meeting of the AFL Executive Council in Washington, begin­ ning May 15. The AFL drive will push tow­ ard a goal of a million new members within a year. The Executive Council action will be spurred by the giant Southern Labor Conference, to be held in Asheville, N.C., May 11 and 12. More than 5,000 dele­ gates already have registered for the conference, which will thrash out organizing problems. AFL Regional Director George Googe said he expected more than 8,000 to attend the confer­ ence. He declared AFL Unions in the South were aroused to a fighting pitch by the threats of the CIO to "invade" AFL territ­ ory. NMU Challenges Vote On Hoard; Move Seen Admission Of Defeat NEW YORK, May 9—Register­ ing heavily for the Seafarers as the Union of their choice, the Isthmian Line ship, William D. Hoard voted yesterday in the Port of Philadelphia. Estimates of observers gave the SIU ap­ proximately 92 percent of the total ballots casts, with the bal­ ance going to the NMU. Immediately, the NMU official observers challenged the entire vote of the Hoard's crew. It was quite evident that this challenge was made because the NMU fig­ ured that they didn't have a chance of winning on that ship, and therefore decided to try to have the entire vote thrown out. GOONS FAILED This maneuver was in line with similar ones made on a number of other strongly proSIU Ships which the NMU also ch allenged. However, it won't succeed. This overwhelming support of the SIU substantially proves the estimates of the Hoard's voting preference made in the Log some time ago. The NMU at that time laid claims to having the major­ ity aboard her. In the Log issues of of January 18 and February 1, a story and an editorial revealed terroristic methods by which the NMU goons had sought to force Hoard crewmembers into their outfit. Election results were clearly an answer to, and a repudiation of, these NMU goon squad tactics by Isthmian seamen. Voting in the Port of New York, the Eastpoint Victory was estimated to have favored the Seafarers with a percentage of 70 percent, There is the possibil­ ity that with the inclusion of some doubtful votes that this margin would be even higiier (see story on the Eastpoint on page 16). Isthmian's Sea Stallion voted at Savannah, and the SIU is be­ lieved to have garnered about 51 percent of the total ballots. A {Continued on Page 16) Officials of the Seafarers In­ ternational Union, which . has been carrying the ball against the NMU's scabbing tactips throughout the country, said they were glad to see that other AFL Union leaders had become aware of the threat of the finking com­ munist-dominated CIO unions. At Washington, an AFL spokes­ man said the Executive Council is expected to call upon all af­ filiated unions to assign addi­ tional organizers to southern cities and have them work as teams with the AFL's own in­ creased staff in the field. SIU leaders said they would be glad to have the Union's or­ ganizers work in concert with the A charge of conspiracy to keep AFL organizers. There is little Boston fisherman locked out was likelihood, however, that the hurled at trawler owners by Pat­ Seafarers will augment its or­ ganizing staff in the South, since rick J. McHugh, secretary-treas­ the SIU has been at full organiz­ urer of the Atlantic Fishermen's ing strength ever since the cam­ Union of the SIU, in a bristling paign to bring Isthmian into the statement placing full responsi­ bility for the tie-up of the fish­ fold began. ing trawler fleet on the boat SIU PREPARED owners. SIU Vice-President John Hawk The lockout, now in its nine­ said: teenth week, was a result of own­ "The AFL doesn't need to er action, McHugh stated. He worry about the SIU going along pointed out that on Dec. 27, 1945, for a free ride, however. We'll hundreds of fishermen reported pull our share, just as we have to the vessels at their pier ready always done. The fact that the to sail on the basis of the "50-50 SIU already has a strong and lay" then in effect but owners militant organizing staff in the ordered the men to take their be­ South makes us just that much longings and leave the boats. It better prepared to aid in the was then that "the lockout be­ over-all drive than the Unions gan," McHugh said. which are starting fx'om scratch." "CRACK UNION" Many members of the AFL Executive Council will attend the "Soon after the lockout began, Southern Labor Conference, a high official of the Federated where they will have an oppor­ Fishing Boats of New England tunity to study all phases of the and New York told a meeting of the boat owners, 'now is the time (Continued on Page 5) Boston SIU Fishermen Look-Out Called Conspiracy To Kill Union to crack the fishermen's union'," McHugh revealed. "The boat owners have admit­ ted that this statement was made," he asserted. "They did everything to force a ticup of the trawlers in Glou­ cester and New Bedford, all of which operate on a 60-40 basis, or better. Fortunately for these ports, they were unsuccessful," the SIU official added. "These are the same owners who are now weeping crocodile tears for the Port of Boston, even as they engaged in a campaign of vilification of the Union and its leaders." McHugh commented that the lockout is unpopular with the owners. He said, "If Mr. Rice (executive secretary of the own­ ers' association), who has ex­ pressed admiration for democra­ tic processes, will take a secret ballot of his own group, he will find a majority are willing to pay the "60-40" and end the lock­ out." �THE SEAFARERS Page Two LOG .... •. Friday, May 10, 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 X i, i 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 Unity Smokescreen The enormous amount of propaganda which is coming out of San Francisco about the Maritime Conference seems to be a lot of sm,oke to cover up the real activities. Despite the slirill cries of Harry Bridges and Joe Curran about ••maritime unity" there is very little of that precious com­ modity on view at the conference. The first break in the solid ballyhoo front came when the Marine Firemen, Oilers, Watertenders and Wipers ICMFOWW), and the Marine Engineers Beneficial Asso­ ciation (MEBA), repudiated the official announcement that they were sponsoring the conference. Both unions maintained that they were sending observers only, not dele­ gates. hit Unity received a second beating when Curran's candi­ date for secretary of the convention was licked by Bridges' candidate. This did not sit so well with Curran, who al­ ready sees the handwriting on the v/all. He knows that if he is out-maneuvered by Bridges he will lose his dominant position on the waterfront. Curran also lost the next round in the struggle for power. Harry tried to force the other participants in the meeting to take strike action by June 1. Curran advo­ cated a more cautious policy, but was out-voted, and he also unsuccessfully opposed the formation of a strike com­ mittee of thirty-five members as too unwieldy. As a sop to Joe, and in order to keep him in line, Bridges appointed him as temporary chairman of the com­ mittee, and he was elected permanent chairman when the committee started to work. The real issue at San Francisco, however, is not unity. Nor is it the formulation of plans to strike for higher wages and better conditions, although the ILWU and the NMU could certainly stand an increase in wages to bring their scales up to the level attained by the IEA and the SIU. No, the real issue is an attempt by the ILWU and NMU to gobble up the smaller uiiions so as to fortify their tottering position on the waterfront. For those who expect real maritime unity as a result of this conference, we fear that only disappointment will be their reward. What kind of unity can result from an •^amalgamation of the NMU and the ILWU? The NMU leaders have a long record of scabbing and ^company collaboration, and with ILWU leaders have faith­ fully followed every turn and twist in the communist party : line. Can the seamen and waterfront workers of the United _ States expect, or receive, honest leadership from laborfakers such as Bridges and Curran? The answer is no. I The MEBA and the MFOWW seem to have learned to be cautious and to doubt that unity can be achieved by a maritime federation dominated by Bridges and Curran. It is only a matter of time before all maritime workJ ers learn the same thing. But by that time it may be too late. You can t fight a shark after you have been swallowed. 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. GALVESTON HOSPITAL J. A. DYKES TROMBLEY R. V. JANES E. J. M. MAXFIELD H. M. BOMAR R. W. BANTA M. J. WILLIAMS A. E. EDEFORS D. VAN AALST J. A. SNEDELLA McCLINTOCK DUGGAN R. HALLORAN XXX BRIGHTON HOSPITAL G. PHINNEY, JR. ED. JOHNSTON FRED HOHENBERGER H. GILLAN H. W. PORTER HANS I. HANSEN P. CASALINUOVO E. P. BELKNER J. COXWELL. S. F. PUZZO J. HANLEY T. ROBERTS JOE FLAHERTY , L. W. GRAY .... f ' GEORGE VOORLOUMR XXX BALTIMORE HOSPITAL FLORENZ PASKOWSKI WILLIAM SIEJACK WILLIAM FIELDS OLGOT BOGREN ARTHUR VIPPERMAN SIROTH TALLEY FRANK RICHARDSON XXX STATEN ISLAND HOSPITAL V. SHAVROFF 0. HODGES C. MIDDLETON J. LITVAK L. A. CORNWALL L. A. FAULSTICK 1. LOWE R. HANSON H. TILLMAN R. G. MOSELLER F. MATEO , C. W. GOODYN W. B. MUIR W. G. H. BAUSE C. KUPLICKI W. B. COPELAND P. E. SMITH J. J. SWYKERT 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.) L. R. BORJA L. L. MOdDY W. W. McCLURE J. L. WEEKS J. BRODDUS J. GUFFITT N. ROMANO XXX NEW ORLEANS HOSPITAL AMOS BAUM R. M. NOLAN H. C.nUSE E. A. NONNAN FLOYD E. ANDERSON W. C. CLARK J. DENNIS JOHN AUINN C. HONOROWSKI FR ANK A. ALEMIDA SKYLLBERG EDWARD CUSTER W. F. LEWIS E. ZIEMONS E.» M. EVANS LEONARD CAHILL R. D. LUSKO WILBER MANNING I ,•T �Friday. May 10. 1946 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Ti,ree U. S. Shipowners Made Enormous Profits Through Charter Hire By RAY WHITE brought out in Mr. Bernard's ar­ it is certainly food for thought; An article of supreme interest ticle could not go on forever, or especially at this time, when we to every seaman should be the else we would be a bankrupt na­ are faced with the issue of hold­ one published in this month's is­ tion, and the fabulous sums of ing up our earnings to a living sue of "THIS MONTH" by Allen taxpayers' money spent by the wage for everyone, and capital Bernard entitled "Plunder of a Maritime Commisison and the is pitted against labor the whole Nation." The writer, who of WSA has had to be curtailed. world over, and the big com­ Of course, as you know now, panies are "squealing" if an in­ course is aware of the gross prof­ By PAUL HALL its made during the war, was the companies will be able to re­ crease is asked. amazed at some of the stati.stics place this floating stock lost dur­ Speaking of excess profits, let The course which initiated the educational program, "Parlia­ quoted, and I would like to pass ing the war—for a great part us think and act now in a man­ mentary Procedure and Public Speaking" will be concluded shortly. great hulk.s fit only for the bone- ner to hold our hard-won gains These classes, held Monday evenings in the recreation hall, have been them on to other brothers through yard—with a staggering aggre­ together against the big com­ the Log. well attended, both by union officials and the general membership. Mr. Bernard calls the attention gate amount of profit gleaned panies that have profited so Debates, foruiiis and symposiums were featured in addition to of the general public to the Char­ from insurance paid for loss of much, whose bank accounts are the conduct of regular business meetings. Many of those who at­ ter Hire situation in 1939 when vessels and the staggering profits swelled with taxpayers' money, tended the classes had seldom or never taken the floor at a meeting war broke out in Europe. made in the Maritime Commis­ swelled with the lend-lease hut are now "speaking their piece" in a forceful manner. money paid to them in this "In such a crisis, the Merchant sion "Charter Hire" practice. These classes have been a good starter and have proven the Marine Act of 1936, provides that PLENTY MORE scheme so cleverly designed by desirability of expanding the program to encompass greater fields. all privately-owned United States I have only pointed out here the U. S. Maritime Commission a very few of the facts brought and its cohorts the War Ship­ Classes will continue to be held in the recreation hall but these vessels are liable to requisition out in Mr. Bernard's article, but ping Administration. are of course limited to the men on the beach. In order that this for title or hire by the Mari­ program may reach the entire membership, a series of educational time Commission." outlines and study material has been prepared for use aboard ship. He goes on to say that the An index of reference material will be included with each of Maritime Commission did not these outlines and this material will be made available in the union intend to adhere to the formula in deciding the price to be paid libraries in the major ports. for vessels requisitioned for Strikes and Strategy title. 16 TIMES MORE One of the principal topics of discussion today is that of (Continued from Page I) Sparks told them he was in touch "strikes." The general idea put forward by the employer controlled He further states that in many Delegate Edward M. Carlson that with other ships in the vicinity. press is that job actions, in fact any kind of union resistance to the incidents, the Commission and he see Flaws and take his tem­ They delegated Carlson to go bosses, constitutes a strike, and that all strikes are practically a its dependency, the WSA, paid perature. to see the Captain again, to de­ revolution. up to 16 times the book value of Aboard the Kyska was J. V. mand that Flaws be transferred To avoid this misconception and equip the membership with a these vessels. Best, who had shipped as Deck to a ship which had a doctor Typical of these, purchases are Maintenance. Best had gone to aboard. Carlson did. The Cap­ working knowledge of the subject, a comprehensive study has been assembled covering the entire field from job actions to the general listed below, and I quote Mr. Al­ a Maritime Commission School tain still wasn't interested. strike. This includes such subjects as Strike Structure; Committees len Bernard: and he had shipped before as Two days out of New York and Their Functions; Strike Funds; The Union Apparatus and the SS Rafael Semmes Purser and Pharrnacist's Mate. Flaws' already critical condition Built in 1920 Carlson asked the Captain if Best Strike; Negotiations; Arbitration; Policy and Strategy; The Govern­ Owner Waterman SS Co.. could attend the sick man. The took a decided turn for the worse. ment Role in Strikes; Lockouts; and How and Why Strikes Are He was dying, obviously. Book Value $ 41,045 Captain reluctantly agreed. Called. ALL TOO LATE Price paid by MC 723,600 Best found Flaws' temperature Politics and Politicians Mr. Bernard cites many con­ Finally the Captain acted. He was 103 degrees. He also found crete examples such as the one wirelessed the Grace Line's Ste­ Although the Seafarers does not participate in politics it is an insufficient supply of sulfa above throughout his article, phen's Victory, which had a doc­ drugs and only one vial of peni­ nevertheless affected by politics and politicians, as for example in which he backs up with sta­ tor aboard. The Stephens Vic­ cillin. He reported his findings the machinations of the WSA and other government bureaus. tistics. However, this one con­ tory had been just about two This phase of the educational program will deal with the struc­ crete example will give you an to the Deck Delegate. Carlson hours away aU the way across. ture of the various political groupings, a synopsis of their program dea of the excess profit made went to the Captain again. "Flaws is awful sick, sir," he But in the two hours before the and policies and their relationship to the trade unions. by the Shipping Companies dur"His temperature's 103. doctor came aboard Flaws died The basic idea of this course is to enable the membership to ng the state of emergency that said. Couldn't we wireless shore and —a day and a half out of New recognize politics and politicians for what they are. existed before the war and dur­ The doctor tentatively ask them to send a boat out for York. ing the fighting days of the war. him." diagnosed his illness as strep Organization throat or diptheria. PLUS INSURANCE NEAR PLYMOUTH The payoff aboard the Kyska This course has been used throughout the Isthmian organiza­ Mr. Bernard also brings out the He gestured toward Land's wasn't a happy thing this time. tional drive and will now be expanded to include the broader phases excess ra^ of insurance that was of organization such as Industrial Organization; Inner Union Organi­ paid the companies by the Fed­ End England, which loomed haz- ^he crew members didn't head ^^e gin mUls right afterward. zation; International Organization; and Organizational Propaganda. eral Government, it. a ship were ily to starboard. "Plymouth isn't I , They hung around talking it over. sunk or lost through enemy ac­ Captain Jacobson turned away gomeone suggested a coUection Pamphlet Material tion, and I quote below from Mr. from the_ Delegate without com^ jje collected $26 In connection with the general educational outlines, a number Bernard's article a concrete ex­ ment. The ship continued on its —willing dollars, they were. course. of pamphlets are being prepared for the use of every member of ample: Someone else suggested that Flaws' condition grew worse. they should have the Captain the union. Approximately ten of these will be issued this year and SS Antinius....Waterman SS Co. four will be off the press within the next five or six weeks. Built 1920, Sunk 1942 He was delirious most of the brought up on charges. They $ 4ff,543 time. Best couldn't seem to help discussed that for a good while. These pamphlets will be elementary and intended to serve as a Book Value 728,250 him. stimulus for a more intensive study of the subjects. The first four Insurance Paid They decided that a Coast Guard Now and then, in the course of hearing board—staffed by offi­ I suppose that there are among will be Union Solidarity; Do's and Don'ts for Members; Settling Beefs: An Outline of Delegates' Responsibilities and Duties; and you who will read this article routine inspection, the Captain cers, and with officers' preju­ men who have sailed this ship; would look in on him. But he dices—would not look sympa­ Shipboard Meetings; Why and How. probably there are among you made no suggestions, never seem­ thetically toward charges brought Union Leadership men who remember her sinking, ed to take an interest in the by crew members. and will realize the exaggerated mortally sick man. One of the main objectives of the educational program is to NOT ENOUGH value given this ship in the POPULAR MAN train as many members as possible so that they will be prepared They decided that the worst amount of insurance paid. The crew was incensed. Ar­ to assume leadership in the union. that would happen to Captain All of us will, I am sure, ap­ thur Flaws was a popular man It is just as important to have a trained leadership aboard ship preciate Mr. Bernard's reference aboard ship. He was clean-cut Jacobson under such circum­ as ashore, often more important. Job actions have played an im­ to the discussion pro and con of and 22, a guy who always had stances would be the suspension portant role in the development of the union and in the days to your wartime bonuses, and how been friendly and good to have of his papers for a short period come, until such time as the entire maritime industry is organized, they were considered exhorbitant around. Some of the crew mem­ of time. They agreed that such they will continue to be one of the principal factors. during the period of their exis­ bers W/'nt up to the radio room. gross negligence should bring a more severe penalty than that. These actions largely depend upon single crews. If they are tence, but this article brings out So they decided to put the haphazardly conducted they have little or no chance of success but the terrific bonus to a shipping whole thing in a letter to Mrs. company if the ship were lost. if they are capably led they will seldom or never fail. Flaws, to advise her to bring a ". . . it must have been a The same applies to organization. In reviewing the Isthmian civil suit for damages and to ask , campaign thus far we find that the greatest asset of the Seafarers strong-minded owner who didn't her to place criminal charges pray every night that his ship has been the man on the job, the ships organizer. against the Captain. Without a single exception, the full time shoreside organizers be sunk before dawn." In order to better express the Then a half dozen of the crew HONEYMOON OVER have come from the ranks of the unpaid ships organizers. scope of its operations, which will members came up to their Union, These men, on the whole, went into the organizational drive Now, of course, the war is include the ownership and char-, They said they wanted their SIU unprepared except through their own personal experience and en­ over, and the companies have be­ ter of dry cargo vessels as well Brothers to know what kind of a thusiasm. They have done a job, a damn good job, and they are gun to tighten their belts, as it as the operation of tankers, the deal their shipmate had gotten; helping in the educational program to give the entire membership were, and in tightening they are Los Angeles Tanker Operators, they wanted them to know how beginning to put the squeeze on Inc., has announced the change Waterman's old line masters re­ the benefit of their experience. AN EDUCATED MEMBERSHIP IS THE LEADERSHIP OF labor, on the little man, because of its name to the American Pa­ acted to a choice between fuel and time—and a man's life. a^profiteering scheme such as is cific Steamship Company. THE UNION. Kyska Seaman Dies, Couid Have Been Saved, Says Crew L A. Tanker Changes Name �Page Four I. ft • •I V THE SEAFARERS LOG MEBA Only To Observe At 'Unity' Convention Messman Back '.T- • •... x- fv.'.- v.?.*-- • • • -r- - .i -W. The mass of ballyhoo and 71st Convention which is to be propaganda that surrounds the held in the city of Los Angeles "Unity" Maritime Convention the third Monday of January \ which started in San Francisco 1947." With this action, the MEBA OA May 6, has been split by the takes its place alongside the statement of S. J. Hogan, Presi­ MFOW which has also gone on dent, National Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association (MEBA). record to send only observers, In a letter to the members of with no authority to pledge or the MEBA National Executive commit the union to anything. Corimiitlee, dated April 1, 1946, Mr. Hogan makes it emphatically clear that he attended the orig­ inal meeting on February 4, as an observer, and that he will Seeifarer Samuel Ellison has attend the May._6 meeting in the seen a lot of the world from same capacity. By LEON N. JOHNSON shoreside as well as shipside in EMBARRASSMENT CHARGED PORT ARTHUR—Shipping has the last couple of years. He He further charged that the been somewhat slow this past Conference had caused his office week but we were able to ship did a hitch in the Army Quar­ much embarrassment in that several men in various rates on termaster Corps that took him literature had been placed aboard to Italy, France and Germany, the PoLrera, an L. A. Tanker. ships indicating that the MEBA However, we expect shipping and rode- several ships as a GI supported the Maritime Confer­ to pick up in the next week, en­ passenger. Brother Ellison ence. abling us to get some of the local joined the SIU in 1941, and "It is my intention," Mr. Ho­ beachcombers back to the high sailed as a Messman on several gan states in his letter, "to pro­ seas, which will probably leave SIU-contracted ships. Then test at that convention the send­ us with a shortage of rated men. Uncle Sam came along, and he ing out of such data because it We have some none-rated men, wore khaki until three months is misleading insofar as the Na­ but what we really need is some ago. Brother Ellison is happy tional MEBA is concerned. Each good ABs, FWTs, Cooks and to be back in the SIU fold. "I of my colleague members of the never knew how good it was to Stewards. committee who attended the Feb­ ride the ships until I got to rid­ V/e have been having a little ruary 4, 5, and 6 Conference made ing them as an Army passenger." difficulty in getting to the ships it perfectly clear that we were when they come in to the oil there as observers, and I have in docks, as some of these oil com­ this office the transcript of the panies are hard customers when varbatim record of said confer­ it comes to getting on their docks. ence." But T hope to have things fixed The essential difference be­ up in the next few days, so that tween democratic imions, and the the Agent and the Patrolman will ones supporting this so-called have no trouble in making the "unity conference" is shown by ships. Mr ' Hogan's statement that any SAME PLACE action on the proposals would have to wait until the MEBA As yet we haven't been able to meets in their 71st Convention in locate a hall, so we are still lo­ The 1934 West Coast victory January 1947. cated in the Merchants Bank stimulated the organization of The leaders of the NMU, the Building. The housing shortage seamen everywhere. On the East lEWU, and the other commie- in this port is terrific and rents Coast our Union, long dormant, dominated unions, will need no are worse. There are plenty of suddenly awakened. Unfortun­ such approval to put into effect hotel rooms, though, at reason­ ately our officials continued to anything they decide on at the able rates for the boys that want sleep. present conference. to come down here and ship. The Sailors Union of the Pa­ There are some lovely girls and cific, not satisfied with the dor­ AIR CLEARED ; f. The air-clearing statement, slot machines down this way. I mant East Coast leadership, which Mr. Hogan will deliver at have my hands full trying to hold opened independent union halls down the other local piecard, on the East Coast and led the the conference, is as follows: "Mr. Chairman and Member of Harvey Jamerson, with all the way in the education of the East the Convention:—^I appear before pretty stenogs roaming around Coast seamen. you representing the National this building. However, he could Inspired by the 1934 victory Marine Engineers' Beneficial As­ use a little help with both, so and the success of numerous job sociation as an observer, the same come on down boys and give actions, the Atlantic and Gulf position that myself and my com­ Brother Jamerson a helping hand. seamen poured into the Interna­ This port while still a small tional Seamens Union by the mittee were in at the conference of February 4, 5, and 6. Anything one, is growing by leaps and hundreds. Union halls were that might be arrived at cannot bounds and will someday out­ crowded and meetings were held be approved by the National rank most of the other Gulf Coast for the first time since 1921. MEBA until they meet in their ports. Old timers, who had paid their dues and maintained their mem= bership and the shell of the union structure throughout the bitter years since 1921, worked at I- -'h Company knows that it must top speed to rebuild the ISU. r^l The Captain of the Buntline have a representative present at SHIPOWNERS' FRIENDS Hitch put handcuffs on a man the payoff. Well, I paid off the The stumbling block lay in because he refused to work over­ MV Bell Ringer last week, and we waited for two hours with­ the officialdom which no longer time on cleaning the icebox, an out anymore showing up. Final­ understood the problems of the unnecessary job. I told the Skip­ per that this was not the custom ly the Purser called the company. seamen, an officialdom which in As luck would have it, he many instances had grown cor­ because a-man does not have to overtime unless the work contacted Captain (NO!) Perkins, rupt through collaboration with who said that he did not give a the shipowners. is necessary. Against this officialdom and The Contain countered by tell­ damn, he wasn't coming to the * in the interests of good unionism, ing me tiiat the crew wanted the ship for anybody. work done and that was the reaThis happened on May 1, and loosely knit rank and file groups were formed, led from the begin­ the ship has not paid off yet. flon he ordered it done. The men are losing all this ning by active paid up members PAYOFF HOLDUP 1:-^ time, and it happens frequently. of the ISU. I surely made a bum out of The liquidation of the Com­ the Skipper when I called in All crews should stick together Uie crew and the Shipping Com­ and we will be able to correct munist MWIU created a con­ missioner. The crew denied this. We ivill have to make them dition which we have yet to what the Old Man said, and even pay for the time, and then they completely overcome. Furnished with the initiation the Commissioner told him off in will get a man on the ship tootsweet. fee by the communist party, doz­ front of everyone. ens of pre-trained party mem­ S. CoUs The Waterman Steamship An Invitation To Port Arthur Sleeping Beauties if The Patrolmen Say.., Trouble, Trouble Friday. May 10. 1946 Bridges Tops Curran In First Bid For Power At 'Unity' Convention Harry Bridges pounded out a win over Joe Curran in their per­ sonal fight for control of the "one big union" now being cook­ ed up in San Francisco. Bridges' candidate, Louis Goldblatt, was elected convention secretary over Hoyt Haddock, Curran's choice for the job by more than 200 to 20. This is the first of the many battles to come as the two boys jockey for position. Meanwhile, who were the candidates offered by these mari­ time leaders? The strange thing about this is that neither of the candidates are representative maritime workers. Louis Goldblatt is SecretaryTreasurer of Bridges' union, but must have slipped in through the back door. Formerly he was CIO regional Director in San Francis­ co. For the past fifteen years he has been a familiar figure in communist social circles on the West Coast. The Log has a state­ ment showing that he led a goon squad which dumped an AFL member at an office workers' dance. He gained his present office by passing himself off as a ware­ houseman but there is no evi­ dence that he ever worked at the job. He is neither a seaman or longshoreman and in no way qualified to represent maritime workers, in fact his only knowl­ edge of the industry is through association as a professional or­ ganizer with workers in the in­ dustry. Mr. Haddocks record is even worse, if that's possible. He first appeared on the scene about fifteen years ago as the President of the American Radio Telegraphers Association. Later he showed up as an organizer for the Circus and Carnival Em­ ployees, APL. These jobs weren't so bad, but Mr. Haddock had greater abilit­ ies whicfi were recognized by the Standard Oil of New Jersey —so he accepted a job in their marine personnel department. In 1939 Joe Curran made a tour of the Guff with Mr. Haddock. It may be a coincidence but the Standard Oil tanker sell-out fol­ lowed immediately after. This didn't finish Mr. Haddock, however, and since that time he has had a number of jobs rang­ ing from salesman to legislative representative of the NMU in Washington. There is a strange affinity between Haddock and Curran, but evidently Joe wasn't able to payoff this time. bers joined the ISU and immed­ iately launched a campaign to seize control of the rank and file movement and thus either rule or ruin the entire ISU. The wreckers were at work. than anyone else), a strike of At­ lantic and Gulf seamen was called by the rank and file of the ISU. NOT GOOD RECORD Feverishly they set about look­ ing for a "leader," an East Coast edition of their west coast stooge, Harry Bridges. They found him in the person of a "Company man" Bosun on the "California," a hard working, not-too~brilliant stiff who was called "No Coffee Time Joe," This was Joe Curran, now President of the CIO Na­ tional Maritime Union. Curran had been a stewpot member of the MWIU who had never engaged in a single job action. Later he joined the ISU but here too his record shows no mark of distinction. It does show however, that he was dropped for non-payment of dues. Here we have the picture of a "leader" who has never explain­ ed where he was in the 1921 and 1923 strikes, and who on the record was a "freeloader," in 1934 and '35, suddenly emerging as a "leader" of the seamen. In April 1936, following a beef on the "California" in which Joe Curran, was the spokesman (he . poke more with Ma Perkins POLITICAL STRIKE This strike was confined large­ ly to the locale of New York, al­ though ships were tied up for varying periods of time in all ports of the Atlantic and Gulf. The big trouble with the strike was that it was political rather than economic in nature, spon­ taneous rather than organized, premature in all aspects. The action of the spring of 1936 was the result of shrewd calculation of the communists and designed to seize control of both the East and West Coasts. The West Coast agreements had until September 30, 1936 to go. The newly formed Maritime Fed­ eration of the Pacific was in the throes of internal warfare with the communist faction led by Harry Bridges striving to domin­ ate the rank and file unionists, led by the SUP. A strike of the Pacific Coast seamen at this time would have violated the newly-won contracts and created the chaos which in­ evitably would have led to the communists seizing full control. GIVE AID Despite the fact that their, con­ tracts were jeopardized, unions on the West Coast rendered finan­ cial aid to the strike of the Spring of 1936. In a tumultuous meeting held in Manhattan Center, New York City in the Spring of 1936, the striking seamen rebelled against the communist leadership of Cur­ ran and company and voted to go back to work and await the expiration of the West Coast agreement on September 30th. (Continued Next Week) �Friday. May la 1946 TEE SEAFARERS LOG Page Fiye SEAFARERS BACKS AFL DRIVE ITHIITK QUESTION:—What has been the reaction of Isthmian men with whom you have discussed the election ? ROBERT SCHLAGER. OS— Mosl oi the Isthmian men I've spoken to seem to be in favor of the SIU. They say that they can see the difference between the SIU and the NMU and they don't want any part of the NMU. It's a bread and butter proposition with them. The SIU offers bet­ ter wages, better conditions, and a more democratic union, and that is what they want. The NMU organizers get very little atten­ tion from Isthmian men. Every time the SIU wins a beef, the Isthmian men become more de­ termined to come into our union. trols, without the crippling (Continued from Page I) amendments adopted by the program adopted by the dele­ gates representing 1,800,000 work­ House. ers in 12 Southern states. Failure of Congress to act promptly for the lifting of mini­ CIO DRIVE DOOMED mum wage levels probably will Commenting on implementa­ draw a stiff rebuke from the tion of the program, Regional Executive Council, which has Director Googe said: "The CIO's 'invasion' effort is doomed to failure. "In the first place, the Federa­ tion already is strongly entrench­ ed in the South and will repel any raids. MFOW Will Remain Neutral In Isthmian Fleet Election "In each city in the South with a population of 10,000 or more the AFL had a Central Labor Union. In each State there is a highly regarded State Federation of Labor. These local officials, together with the representatives of the various International Unions, will soon show^ these unscrupyjous invaders that we are capable of handling our own af­ fairs." claims of the NMU that the Marine Firemen, Oilers, Watertenders, and Wipers Association were backing them in their cam­ paign on the Isthmian election re­ ceived a rude jolt recently. In a resolution adopted in a headquarters meeting on April 18, the MFOWW vigorously affirm­ ed that it is an independent union, not affiliated with either the AFL or the CIO, and wauld In addition to the Southern or­ therefore maintain a "hands off" ganizational strategy, many other policy insofar as the Isthmian important matters are due to election is concerned. come up at the Executive Coun­ cil meeting in Washington. The lesolution follows: "Therefore be it resolved, that the official attitude of the Ma­ rine Firemen's Union in the Isth­ mian Line election is to adopt a hands off policy and let the Na­ tional Maritime Union and the Seafarers International Union fight it out themselves, and that we so notify both unions of our stand." Both unions have beej]^ noti­ fied, and any claims by the NMU that the MFOWW is backing them is not founded in truth. POLICY DRAFT The AFL political policy for the 1946 Congressional elections NATHAN F. BARKSDALE, will be drafted, with the objec­ Quartermaster— TAMPA — The NMU flying tive of electing members favor­ I met a couple of Isthmian men salesman, who scurried aboard in Mobile and they told me that able to Labor. and left quantities of literature they were going to vote SIU. Decisions will be made on out­ on the Flying Eagle in Tampa They were impressed by our de­ standing legislation now pending recentl}^ should be interested to mocratic principles, good living in Congre.ss and on government leai-n that his material has been conditions, excellent overtime policies affecting Labor. received and properly filed. provisions, but most of all by The Council will be asked by He apparently was reluctant to the record of SIU militancy for President William F. Green to act remain and witness the reception seamen's rights. They had sailed for the continuation of price con­ accoi-ded his efforts, for when on NMU ships at one time or an­ the men, whose interests he holds other and they knew the score. so dearly, returned and spotted These men, and I think they were the samples of generosity the representative of most Isthmian donor was nowhere in sight. men, wanted to be represented Our library contributor from by a union that would fight for the NMU had an unwitting ac­ 4hem, not for communist prin­ complice, an inspector who had ciples. Recruiting and "can shaking" come aboard the Eagle to inspect for the communist party charges the ship's lifeboats. Several were leveled against the First membei-s took the inspector out and Second Assistant Engineers in the boats. The field was clear of the SS Robert M. T. Hunter, for the NMU literature-lugger. He by crewmembers when the streaked aboard, performed his South Atlantic ship returned to task, then skidded off down the this country. gangway. The lifeboat inspection over, Fred Holdman and C. B. "Bud­ dy" Bregg, crew delegates, the crewmen repaired to the charge that Lawrence Harris, crew's mess. There they spotted First Assistant, and D. Massey, the i-eading mattex-—a stack of Second Assistant, were active in Pilots and a bundle of magazines disseminating communist prop­ called Porkchops. On the bulletin board were aganda on board the vessel, and tacked a couple of postex's, the also x-ecruited crew members to attend communist party meet­ truth of which were highly questioxxable—"We (the NMU) settle ings in foreign ports. your beefs." The two delegates report that The men steamed unappreciaalthough the First and Second tively. Whitey Lewis, Electrician, Assistant Engineers tried their his blood boiling, nearly hit the harde.st, they had little success overhead. in their attempt to collect money "We've got a beef hex-e," the for "commie front" organizations, men agreed. "And we'll settle or in putting over communist it right now," said Whitey. "Fol­ propaganda. low me," and he grabbed one EDMUND ERIKSEN. OS— of the bundles, the men follow­ If there is anybody in favor of ing him with the remainder of voting for the NMU, they must the beef. be keeping very quiet. All of the They headed back aft for the Isthmian men that I have spoken garbage cans, the temporai-y reRep. Clai-e Hoffman (R., Mich.) to can't wait until th0 election is positoi-y, and deposited all the wants a new law that would over so that the SIU can start ne­ px-inted refex-ences until they make unions and companies alike gotiating a coniract for them. could file the stuff more per­ legally liable for bi-eaking a con­ manently. The Isthmian men tell me that tract. Anatole Fi-ance gave the they want to be able to hire "It may interest our anonymous answer to that one when he re­ through the Union Hall, and ob­ benefactor , to know," Whitey marked on "the majestic im­ tain the good conditions and high Lewis told the Log. "the be­ partiality of the law which per­ wages that SIU men enjoy. Most havior of the Tampa Bay sea­ mits rich men and beggars alike of all, they want to be in a Union gulls was very unusual the next to starve under bridges." that will give them a chance to day. The poor birds were flap­ say what they want to, not what ping around dismally and puk­ the leaders want them to. ing. And their .squalling cries sounded like 'Porkchops, Porkchops.' " This action by the MFOWW followed a statement by that union that they were opposed to the "one big union" move of Cxirran. Bridges and Company be­ cause "it is and will be commiecontrolled and cannot benefit the membership of the MFOWW." As a consequence, the MFOWW is now represented at the Mari­ time Conference in San Fran­ cisco by only rank and file ob­ servers and not by any officials. SiiiP NMU Literature Makes Gulls Sick Ship's Engineers Recruited For CP CLIFF MECUM, Chief Cook— The Isthmian men that I ap­ proached didn't need any selling on the SIU. They said that even if the SIU initiation fee cost more than the NMU, they would still join the SIU and vote SIU. They would mention- the SIU record on settling beefs, and on obtaining high wages and conditions. That is why we are winning the Isth­ mian election today. Very few of the men were anti-union, but they were practical enough to want a strong, democratic union to represent them. I used to be in the NMU, and I know that the NMU doesn't fill the bill. p. „„„ SQUIBS... Make Isthnlan SIU! ri 'w' 111. continuously advocated such leg­ islation. Besides legislative matters, the Council will consider the trend of court decisions affecting Labcar and will draft programs for ex­ tended Labor aid to returning veterans. MEETING OBSERVERS Coal Barons Try To Starve Miners The big guns of the Nation's reactionary press were turned on the United Mine Workers' strike this week, as coal barons set their propaganda sights on its effect on px'oduction. Throughoxxt the country, industi-y-dominated pa­ pers screamed about plant clos­ ings. Meanwhile, labor haters in Congress begaix—at the instiga­ tion of mine owners—a new cam­ paign to break the strike: They introduced legislation that would knock out the UMW's chief de­ mand—establishment of a health and welfax-e fund. The bills introduced by two labor-baiting Virginia Democrats call the health and welfare funds requested "payment of royalties to a union." They prohibit such payment, with $10,000 fines for violations. STOP PAYMENTS In Tennessee it became appar­ ent-that mine owners ax'c x-esorting to starvation tactics. Sixtyseven operators stopped the State Unemployment Commis­ sion froxn paying $15.00 a week unemployment compensation to 3,500 strikers by challenging the constitutionalit.y of the law. Govex-nment, r e 1 i g i o xx s and community leadex-s joined with the UMW in protesting the stax'vation tactics. "Now that they're desperate enough to try starvation," said one UMW official, "they're only one step away from the old flog­ ging law by which the bosses were able to whip men and chil­ dren into the pits." . �Friday. May 10, 1946 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Six SlU Helps RR Patrolmen Win Beef By RAY SWEENEY Ships Tie Up In Port Savannah By ARTHUR THOMPSON SAVANNAH ^We waved good/ bye to one of our friends. The ' Fluorspar was sold to the Greeks and she's sailing under the Pan­ amanian flag and she's now call­ ed the "Fryxos" (you pronounce it). She just went down the river blowing her top, saying goodbye to the South Atlantic SS Co. which operated her for many years. Many of our oldtimers who sailed aboard her will mourn her loss. She'll probably never be up this way again. We understand the same fate awaits the three other Hogs own­ ed by .the South Atlantic. The Schoharie is in drydock now and the Tulsa and Shickshimiy all are, according to reports, bound for other homes when they are sold. ROUNDY—ROUND Did you ever hear the story of the little girl who wasn't there? Well, here it is. We got a tele­ gram from the NLRB last Satur­ day notifying us that an elec­ tion was to be held on Sunday at 2 p. m. aboard the Isthmian's Horace Wells. • . Among other things, we were asked to meet Miss Christine Davis who was to arrive by train at 10 o'clock for the election. We don't know Miss Davis nor she lis. Aside from that, Savannah has two railroad depots and we were not told which ore she would be at. While we were wondering what what to do we got anothver telegram advising us that the election was postponed to the fol­ lowing day. Now we are aware of every ship entering or leav­ ing the port of Savannah, and Monday morning we checked and found that the Horace Wells was stiU in Charleston. We also discovered, by our . own means, that the election is to be held in Charleston and not Savannah. The NLRB didn't e^^'vCiis this information But then it's a government-run or­ ganization and such lack of co­ operation is expected. ' , But we still wonder if maybe Mi.ss DaVis is standing forlornly at some railroad depot waiting ^ ior us. SHIPPING BAD The shipping situation in Sa­ vannah is getting rather serious. We have at least a dozen ships in and they are all operating with skeleton crews awaiting orders. As fast as a ship comes in and pays off it ties up. We have a top heavy shipping list again and the boys want to ship out but nothing is going out except the Fluorspar, X mean Fryxos and she's got a Greek crew aboard. We've got another .South At­ lantic, the Robert Fechner, pay­ ing off tomorrow and she will probably tie up, too. The river is getting so full we won't have room for many more. HO NEWS?? Silence this week from the Branch Agents of ihe follow­ ing ports; CHARLESTON MOBILE SAN JUAN HOUSTON GALVESTON—It looks as if this port is open for business again. The Railroad Patrolmen, Local 23228—AFL, went on strike here Saturday, April 27, and tied up the entire waterfront. The only exception was the Todd Drydocks which was left open until Monday morning. At that time a picket line was placed at the Todd ferry, which is used to transport workers to and from the yard, and the tie-up was complete. When this happened the Gal­ veston Wharf Company, against whom the Patrolmen were strik­ ing, threatened to serve an in­ junction against the union busi­ ness agent. He could not be found, so on Tuesday the com- Boston Staggers Through A Very Hectic Week By JOHN MOGAN BOSTON—The Port of Boston has just had a very hectic week, and the delegates working out of this port an even more hectic time. Eighteen SUP and SIU ships were handled. And despite riders and transportation beefs galore, everyttiing went off smoothly to the satisfaction of all concerned. Brothers Parr and Sweeney spent the week in Portland, Me., where thirteen ships were av/aiting to be paid off at the same lime. No more than half of them were alongside a dock, so that the Patrolmen made the equiva­ lent to a trans-Atlantic voyage journeying out to the stuff in the stream and back to the dock. Then, when the brothers got back to their hotel rooms, and put their feet into soak, delega­ tions from the various ships would arrive to cut up touches far into the night. Altogether, the following ships were hit one or more times in the course of the week; Fort Donaldson and Fort Hoskins (Pa­ cific Tankers); Stony Creek and Gervais (Los Angeles tankers); Wallace Tyler (Smith & John­ son); Murray Blum (Mississippi); Charles Keefer (So. Atlantic); William Tilgham (Bull); William Phips (Eastern); Ovid Butler (Alaska Packers); Joseph Holmes (Union Sulphur); Clifford Ashby (Bull); and Josiah Bartlett (East­ ern). SIU SERVICE The latter two have not paid off at this writing; and two or three more are ready to berth as soon as space allows. At Provi­ dence, R. I., the Louis Kossuth (Bull) is paying off today, after requesting a Patrolman for yes­ terday. This kind of work is expensive to the Union, as ships arriving in outports necessarily raise hell with the telephone bill, and dele­ gate's expenses rise accordingly. But no one is going to be nig­ gardly, for first and foremost is the fact that SiU men are en­ titled to 100 perecent representa­ tion, whether they dock in New York or in the Painted Desert, Arizona. By a strange coinci­ dence there wasn't a single pay­ off in Boston itself all week. A couple of Isthmian vessels are due today. Whether they have been voted or not is still a question which will be answered shortly. The boys who organized and voted the Hawkins Fudske are breezing into town, after hav­ ing done a good job. All maintain that it was a sweh trip, and only occasionally did it occur to any of them that they were not riding an SlU-contract ship. Many shipped over, which is gratifying in view of the need to keep SIU men on these regular run out of Boston to Holland and return. The new, fast ships will be used; and they will be crewing up and paying off here weekly. Eastern, however, still is await­ ing the pleasure of WSA in re­ gard to their passenger ships. It looks as though the Novies will be running dory service to Bos­ ton befor.e Eastern gets going. We finally have received au­ thorization from the Civilian Production Administration to go ahead with repairs and renova­ tions to the building. Now to get a contractor to handle the job for us, and the shingle will be out on the new quarters by next month. There were times during April, when hundreds of members were ships until the voting is com­ around the Hall, when we wished that we were already set up. A pleted. On May 9, Waterman starts a guy could get severely bruised just trying to get into the office! Port Baltimore Still Humming By WM. (CURLY) RENTZ BALTIMORE—Things continue to hum here in Baltimore. Ship­ ping is still very good and the men are getting the jobs they want. As we go down the home­ stretch in the Isthmian campaign, our organizers are throwing their all into the final effort. They have been doing a fine job thus far and the results are showing it. It looks as though the Isth­ mian ships will be sailing under the SIU banner from the scores that are coming in. The following brothers, Ed­ ward M. Rydon, Bernard Rooseberg and Nigel Stoneberg should call at the Baltimore office and see Johnny Hatgimisibs regard­ ing transportation vouchers from the Smith and Johnson company. We are holding the vouchers here. Contributions totaling $16 were collected on the SS Clarence King to be distributed to the SIU men ill in the Baltimore Marine Hos­ pital. The following hospitalized men received $1.25 each for their per­ sonal expenses; Algot Bogren, Joseph Tousaint, Arthur Vipperman, Whiler Fields, William Rumbol, Moses Morris, Paul Combs, William Siejack, James Kelly, E. J. Dellamano, Tver Iversen, Florenz Paskowski and Wil­ liam Ross. However, it didn't take long lo clean out the Hall after the ships in Portland started paying off. The first three days of the week saw over a 100 members dispatched, with plenty of jobs stiU on the board. Our big headache is to get Pumpmen and Pumpmen-Ma­ chinists, as the West Coast tank­ ers are coming into this area regularly now, and calls for pumpmen are very frequent. Then, too, of every 100 members on the register, it figures that only 40 will have ratings. This port is also getting plenty of West Coast cargo carriers, in addition to the tankers. In Bos­ ton right now are the following SUP ships; Carrier Pigeon (Wa­ terman); Mt. Whitney, Central Victory, Marion Bovard, Benja­ min Goodhue (American Hawaaian); J. S. Pillsbury (Grace Lines); J. .Hawthorn (Hammond SS). It should be another busy week coming up, according to advance reports. If there are black gang men anywhere who want to be sure of getting a job without waiting more than 24 hours, this is the spot for them. Besides, spring is here! pany threatened to serve indi­ vidual injunctions against each picket. Immediately the Business Agent notified the SIU of the ac­ tion which these capitalists in­ tended to take. A special meet­ ing was called, and all of the Brothers in attendance voted to assist the Patrolmen in their dis­ pute. All 83 volunteered to replace any picket who had an injunc­ tion served against him. Of course, Galveston is a small town, and the word soon got around as to what we had done. Later that same day, the com­ pany signed an agreement with the strikers giving them what they had requested in the first place—recognition of their Union. The company did its level best to try to make non-union men out of a bunch of old timers who have served at their jobs for a long time. I am enclosing a copy of the letter which the Patrolmen sent us in appreciation of our assist­ ance. Gentlemen; I wish to express our most grateful thanks to all members of your organization for the assistance rendered Railroad Patrolmen's Union 23228—AFL in our recent difficulty with the Galveston Wharf Company. We know that without the all-out assistance we received we would probably have lost this strike. In the event our assistance is needed in the future, please feel free to call upon us. This ought to teach people that they cannot make scabs out of honest men. We have been kick­ ed around long enough. Social Life Only, In Phllly By J. TRUESDALE PHILADELPHIA — The coal strike has made Philadelphia a dead port. There is not much doing here at the present. How­ ever, we have had a few tankers in here to help us out They sort of broke up the stillness around the waterfront. There is an SUP .ship in port now with a fine bucko Mate aboard, who thinks, sadly enough, that he is one tough guy. From all appearances it seems as though he will bo on the beach for a long time, a fact which will bring forth very few tears. Well, right now we have a lot of oldtimers around. Blackie Gardner is doing the town and seems to be enjoying himself. You know how it goes. When shipping is slow, the social life gets the play, etc. The boys must have activity in one form or another. We can report something for the boys. The recreation room is ready and everyone is pretty happy about this Philadelphia Hall now. We all agree that nothing is too good for the mem­ bers of the SIU. A good bunch deserve good accommodations. Though things are not so hot here at present, we're hoping that it won't be long before we will be able to get some steam up. Perhaps vejy soon John L. Lewis will bring the coal opera­ tors around. Then things will start stirring and we'll see ^me activity in this port. �"-..Or-"-.-"'., Friday. May 10. 1946 THE Islands Run Booms New Orleans SEAFARERS LOG File Cabinet For NMU Literature By C. J. BUCK STEPHENS igi: T .,v -v " * Page Seven Gt. Lakes Ships Laying Up NEW ORLEANS — Plenty of I'm enclosing a snap shot of ships and plenty of good shipping the final resting place of the By ALEX McLEAN down on this end. It looks like Pilots and NMU leaflets that BUFFALO — Buffalo shipping the grain will start moving pretty were placed aboard the SS Fly­ interests expect to start laying up soon and the ships that are an­ ing Eagle of the Mississippi Ship­ most of the lake freighters they chored at the point will start ping Company by some NMUer. have in operation in about two •moving. As soon as they start The gang was pretty hot about weeks as a result of the strike intaking crews the Hall will take the whole affair because they the soft coal mines. on the appearance of a morgue. came aboard and left the gear in The number of vessels operat­ Alcoa will take a full crew for the Mess Hall while they were ing in the ore fleet on the lakes a new ship next week to go on attending a fire and boat drill. has been cut from last year's 270 I'll close now hoping that re­ their regular Island run. to 64 this year, due to the strike. We heard from a round-about gardless of what the OPA does Here is a warning to any sea­ This is the repository for NMU literature left aboard the source, but pretty reliable, that in the future, I hope and pray man who plans to visit our city Flying Eagle by a swift-footed NMU organizer. It made even all Liberties which do not have that they put the 5c beer back of good neighbors: If you intend into circulation. the reinforced decks and sides the gulls of Tampa Bay sick. (See story on page 5. col. 5.) to go on a drunk, don't go heavy will head for the boneyaid re= weather on the streets! gardless of their condition. Coast The waterfront police precincts Guard orders: they are not sea­ have just received orders to worthy. They sure took long charge drunks under Section By LOUIS GOFFIN enough to find it out, after sea­ Hatteras, we informed the crews want tj thank these men and 1221 of the city ordinance. This men have hauled millions of tons section provides for a maximum JACKSONVILLE — There is that they were entitled to trans­ the delegates. of cargo across the North Atlan­ portation, wages, and subsistence, V7e have been spending a little sentence of six months in the more shipping in this port, at tic in them. and were required to leave the time trying to contact the ILA penitentiary and is to now be in­ the present time, than there has ship. We also told them that if and Tea.msters Agents regarding voked in place of the section From the latest report, Bull been at any time since 1938. The they wanted to re-register for the the proposed AFL Maritime which fixes the maximum penLine and Alcoa will give us quite sudden influx of busine.s.s has a bit of business on their regular Council, but we have not had alty for a drunk-disorderly charge at a $30 fine. any luck. runs out of here. Between the forced us to put on a temporary Brothers John Petersen and bauxite, sugar and fertilizer Patrolman. We certainly hope This is due mainly to the fact Paul Warner are in the Marine plant here, there will be quite a that this situation continues for that the primary elections will Hospital. few runs out of here for the a long time to come. take place on May 7, and all those An SIU member in good stand­ We have been on the lookout Islands. Agents are busy trying to make ing, Brother Herman Franson, ON THE BEACH for larger quarters, as this place sure that only candidates favor­ Book No. 2224, died in his sleep Waterman has just about got will only accommodate a hand­ able to labor will get elected. aboard the SS G. W. Mead. His her run to the Islands on sche­ ful of men, but so far we haven't shipmates made a collection for dule and the boys that enjoy been successful in finding a new We are sure, however, that we a floral piece which was sent, the San Juan girls and Puerto home. will be able to get together after along with the bodv, to his final JRican rum should head this way Right now we have two ships the elections are over. resting place at Cleveland, Ohio. and sweat it out on the beach in here crewing up. Both of here for one of those runs. them, the SS John Gallup and I am wondering whether the SS John Gorrie, have been Frenchy Michelet made his run chartered to Alcoa, and are leav­ same ship, they could come up to the Islands or not? He left ing very soon for the old bauxite to the Hall, but few availed them­ By JOE ALGINA here headed for the wide open run to Georgfetown, Trinidad, selves of this. Texas spaces—and a ship for and Canada. There is a possi­ SOLID BEEF NEW YORK—After an eight Quite a few of the Moran tugs bility that these ships will pay Islands. An SUP ship, the SS William month trip, the SS O'Gara, Cal- are being laid up and this will This wetk was the first that off in New York. Garson, Grace Line, paid off mar Lines, returned to New York, leave only six tugs in service. we have had any sign ons to here, and we had one beef which RATINGS SCARCE This means a loss of plenty of amount to anything. We have came from the entire crew. They only to run into trouble with Mr. jobs, and the men who are laid Getting crews for these wagons been having lots of beefs and demanded that the Steward be Cantillo, the Calmar watchdog. off as a consequence can do the payoffs, but we had a rest from has been tough. We have very unloaded. We are sure that this Cantillo refused to pay off the Union a service by coming to the few rated men on the beach, and sign ons until this week. will be done before this appears crew because he disputed all the Hall and shipping out on unor­ The biggest mystery of the so we have been calling on Tam­ in the Log. overtime which had accumulated ganized vessels. week around here is where in pa and Savannah for men. We On most of the payoffs in this The men could obtain only onehope that we will be able to com­ the hell did they get the coal SINKING SHIP port, we have been receiving the third of their pay on demand, on down in Texas to load the SS plete full crews when these ships May 3, but we collected the re­ complete cooperation of all crew The steady stream of dissatis­ George H. Dern? She is to leave sign on. members. This helps to make mainder, including all overtime, fied NMUers continues. Every Since both the Gorrie and the here today to go on loading berth payoffs smooth and serene. We on May 6. day they come into the New York in Texas for coal to Denmark. Gallup signed on north of Cape Hall and ask about giving up That is the $64 question? John L. NMU membership and joining might have to move into Texas the SIU. territory. Most of them say that they are FINAL DISPATCH fed up ringing doorbells for One of our old members has Stalin, and they want to join an passed away; Peter 'Scotty' Calioutfit that will represent them kis. He had no known relatives firm owned a large number of R. Carpenter Co., for our rein­ in their beefs. To all of them By HUGH MURPHY here in the USA, so between the ships which travelled in different statement has proved to be in we tell the same story—go back Seafarers and the Crew of the VANCOUVER, B. C.—We all zones and called at all the chief vain. Finally, we have unani­ and clean up your own union. SS Florida, of which he was a know how the shipowner pits one ports of the world. Consequent­ mously resolved to solicit the One man came in this week member, he was put away. Later we found out that he group against the other because ly, they provided am.ple oppor­ assistance of your Union by al­ and said that he wanted to get may have had some sister or of racial or religious beliefs. The tunity to us in acquiring expert lowing us to join the Union over out of the NMU before it was in tfie different there. We regret to state, owing gobbled up by the ILWU. He brother in the States, so if any seamen of the Fiji Islands have experience been pushed around plenty by branches of work in which we to racial discrimination, no Union claimed that Bridges is smarter one knows about his relatives Sir Walter Carpenter, who oper­ in this Colony has never been than Curran, and so Bridges wiU were employed. please communicate with me, as ates the .ships from the Fijis to established. win in the battle for power which soon as possible. Rest in Peace, PROVED CAPABLE ports in North America. He pays "We humbly appeal to you, is sure to come. Scotty. the munificent sums of from 15 "At the termination of the war, therefore, to kindly state the We have always heard that shillings to 36 shillings per month ABOLISH RMO we were instructed by Messrs. tei-ms and conditions by which the NMU classed all companies for the various classifications. W. R. Carpenter Co., to obtain we may join your Union. Copies Many men have said recently that were not NMU contracted as What a racket in slavery! our discharge as soon as possible of the prospectus, regulations that the WSA "fink halls" should being un-organized. As we know However, the seamen of Fiji in our own island. This was very and application forms, etc., would now be abolished. With so many they have an all-out drive on the have determined to stop Sir Wai­ disappointing indeed to our boys be very welcome, as they will ships being laid up, there is no Isthmian Line; but believe it or especially after they had served throw light on the subject and need, if there ever was, for these not. Brothers, it looks like they ter's litle racket and make him their country and the United Na­ enable us to arrive at a wise de­ hiring halls for scabs. Now is are trying to move in on all kick through with decent con­ tions with great loyalty and cour­ cision. We should be very glad the time for us to take final ac­ ditions. They have decided to companies. age through the most critical to receive them, preferably by tion against these union-busting get organized into a seamen's stages of the war. airmail or by the first direct boat bureaucratic procedures. union. "Our boys had proved them­ to Fiji. Shipping in the port of New FIJI LETTER selves most capable and experi­ "Trusting that we have made York continues at the sameIn a letter which we have re­ enced seamen. They carried out our position clear and that you The deadliile for port re­ rapid pace and as far as ABs are ceived from a group of seamen their various duties with great would give us your most sympa­ ports, monies due. etc.. is the concerned, we have more jobs in the Fijis it would appear that initiative and patriotism. They thetic consideration in our unfor­ than men to fill them. Monday proceeding publica­ the need of organization among served as (1) Deck hand.s, (2) tunate plight." tion. While every effort will The continued good weather all seamen of the world is defin­ Stewards, and (3) Firemen, etc., I remain, be made to use in the surrent has turned the sidewalk in fi-ont itely great. The letter follows: under the most trying conditions (signed) Vereto Tabakanaca issue material received after of 51 Beaver Street into a re­ Ex-Bosun, Admiral Chase. "We respectfully beg to inform and have acquired great skill in that date, space commitments viewing stand where the seamen Our organization is the answer. you that during this recent war their various occupations. generelly do not permit us to "Our situation is a very de­ We will gladly give all support on the beach can stand and look we served in the merchant navy do so. So play safe—send plorable one since all out at­ to such a move. at the beautiful girls who work through the agency of Messrs. your copy in. on time. tempts to cooperate with the W. Take note. Sir Walter! W. R. Carpenter Co., Ltd. This in the neighborhood. Look, I said. Jacksonville Has Best Shipping In Eight Years NMUers Still Coming To SIU WITH THE SIU IN CANADA Notice To Agents �THE SEAFARERS Fziday, May 10. 1S46 LOG I ^•••:••••^:^;Vv:;:;;;.v.v.^:.:;;;x•i^:•v^^^;-:^;¥:-;•:;•x^:;:v:•^;•^^^V:v^^^^ iiii HAVE ALREADY VOTED AND 47 HAVE KOTED OVERWHELMINGLY FOR 5s«i s ' I- r€i il ,»• THE SEAFARERS/THE SlU HAS RECEIVED, 75% OF THE VOTEil - * •*.' -V 's''/ •, f ' DOYOURJ08 I m A 0000 SMtPAAME 3 . sJ-U. , jw''.-"• •rjVi' • ?.lft •- 4 SFiOW'AMU COMPARi S3<R : COmKACtS AND COKOfTONSi" 5 • 05scus$ s,iu: 3mwcTURr, 4 RUN SHIP UNION STYIF mm nm * Li.'b m-?* •/ • i. t" ll V.»'S>' • KfS' V-,, , <.a^. Is ';'• •'/'A: ES'f.;':, Es bf': • /, B:- '• " '.:• m^'y- • L"i V• • 5')»V#. ••'».•• •••• ;tafJ*if»'V,,..,:.. A- ... 5^,isv'V''-T''A'•' • •' • fIfS;. i»l f >•)' .V .f Kf?4l mier'rjr.',:1 .e' f •'• •••yi, •.••.»»•»• J* - ' V . :5gvR',', :.. Ey.'-iEi.-i J "'f.v»..-''jA.»>'.i-.'';-' • • . . .'t- ' t® .'i.!*''.'.. - 'A! > T ". F'4 �HE SEAFARERS LOG Page Nin» Seafarers' Waterfront ActjoiT^ Winning Over NiMU's Deception By EARL SHEPPARD The NMU is strangely silent on the question of the Isthmian Line these days. Not so long ago they were boasting that they were winning hands down but now, outside of the usual slogans, the Isthmian Line is hardly mentioned in the Pilot. The big cry today is "unity" and "strike." They make no claims any longer of being able to offer the unorganized man anything but an "oppor­ tunity" to help them with something in the future. At present they are meeting in a convention m San Francisco, but here again another of their vaunted schemes has fallen flat. DECEPTION EXPOSED In all of their propaganda they have claimed that the MFCWW and the MEBA were fully sup­ porting their unity convention. The result of these false claims were that Vincent Malone Sec­ retary of the MFOWW, withdrew and that the organization has announced that anyone attending is there only as an observer. The same holds true with" the Marine Engineers who have gone even farther, and have announced through their President that they will protest the use of their name as indorsing and supporting the convention. Without even sending the ILA a letter, they have announced the support of "a group of ILA members." The whole thing has been a series of lies and deception: NOT A SINGLE AFL UNION IS PARTICIPATING IN ANY MANNER IN THEIR PHONY MANEUVERING. The truth of the matter is that the whole thing has now narrowed down to a small CIO group who represent only a small section of the maritime and transport industry. MFOWW ADOPTS RESOLUTION At the headquarters meeting of the Marine Firemen Oilers, Watertenders and Wipers Asso^ation of the Pacific (Independent), held in San Francisco April 10, 1946, the following resolution was submitted and adopted; WHEREAS, The Isthmian Steamship Company is at present the battleground of an organizational fight between the National Maritime Union (CIO) and the Seafarers International Union (AFL) and WHEREAS, Statements have been made that the Marine Firemens Union is backing one or the other of each contending Union, and WHEREAS, The Marine Firemens Union is in­ dependent of national affiliation, and is not af­ filiated with either the CIO or the AFL THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That the official attitude of the MARINE FIREMEN'S UNION in the Isthmian Line election is to adopt a hands off policy and let the National Maritime Union and the Seafarers International Union fight it out themselves, and that we so notify both Unions of our stand. MOTION SECONDED TO CONCUR. CARRIED, (Headquarters Meeting April 18, 1946) Here again we see the dividends of lies and deception. The NMU has dong claimed the full support of the West Coast Firemen, who now have openly repudiated these claims and proven the lie to NMU claims. 3IU ACTION WINS RESULTS The Seafarers in the meantime is busily work­ ing fi om day to day to improve the present agree­ ments and gain still better conditions. Many issues are being negotiated daily such as run jobs, stand by jobs, laid-up ship pay, improved riders, overtime clarification, increased manning scales. wage increases, working conditions, improvement of quarters, etc. These things are the things seamen are interest­ ed in, the things that affect their daily existence. The Seafarers will go the limit to gain everything possible as has been shown throughout its history. This is why a union is necessary, that is whyv the Isthmian Seamen are voting SIU. Instead of a bunch of meaningless blood and thunder shouts of strike the SIU keps on the job every day' winning issue after issue and improving condi­ tions daily. ISTHMIAN LINE BEEFS The Isthmian Line working rules stink to high heaven, and it is a shame that any union minded man has to work under them. On every ship every section of these rules should be compared with Seafarers' agreements and proposals drafted for the Isthmian agreement that will be negotiated at the conclusion of the voting. In the meantime the closest attention should be paid to shipboard beefs. As yet it will be im­ possible in the majority of cases to settle these beefs on the basis of Seafarers' agreements, but the very least that can be done is to try. When a beef develops it should be written down in complete detail, and brought in to the nearest SIU Hall. Every attempt will be made to bring about as good a settlement as possible. Aboard ship these beefs should be handled in a clear-headed, common sense manner. By doing this, many improvements in Isthmian conditions can be brought about and the future negotiations made easier. EDUCATION ABOARD SHIP Before so very long all men sailing Isthmian; ships will be Seafarers' members. The strength of a union is gauged by the understanding and ability of its membership. Pamphlets and other educational material are* available in all SIU Halls. The Seafarers aboard Isthmian ships should take this material together with copies of the Log. aboard all Isthmian ships and hold regular discussions with all members of the crew. All ships should have regular department dele­ gates, and the affairs of the crew members should be discussed and attended to just as if the ship were sailing under a closed shop agreement. The delegates on Isthmian ships should be selected by the entire crew and not by the Union members alone. All members of the crew should participate in the meetings and regular minutes should be kept and sent into the Union for dis­ cussion at Union meetings and publication in the Log. Crew members should be encouraged to send in letters and articles to the Log and to visit the Union Halls while ashore. It is the old Union members' responsibility to see that the new and future members of the Union learn as much about unionism as possible. WRITE THE NEW AGREEMENT The job now is to stay on the Isthmian ships and help prepare for the negotiating of an agree­ ment.^ The writing of this agreement will be the crowning point of a long liard fight, it is the goal for which the long struggle has been waged. The men sailing- Isthmian have proven their ability to organize the fleet and there is no doubt as to their ability to write the best agreement in maritime history. The entire membership of the Seafarers owes them a debt of gratitude for a good job, well done. Here Is The Isthmian Fleet—Which Is Voting For The Seafarers Ships Stiii To Be Voted These Ships Have Voted Alamo Victory, Argonaut Vic­ tory, Baton Rouge Victory, Bea­ ver Victory, Cape Martin, Cape Grange, Carleton Victory, Claremont Victory, David D. Field, Eastpoint Victory, Francis Drake, Gabriel Franchere, George M. Bibb, George Reed, George Uhler. Grange yictory, Hawkins Fudske, Horace Mann, Horace Wells. \ , -'•Hi J. Sterling Morton, James Ives, James McCosh, Jeremiah S. Black, Joaquin Miller, John Con­ stantino, John Barton Payne, John Mosby, John Wanamaker, Kelso Victory, Lynn Victory, Mandan Victory, Marine Fox, Mary A. Livermore, Memphis City, Mobile City, Montgomery City, Nicaragua Victory, Norman E. Mack, Ocean Telegraph. Sea Fiddler, Sea Flasher, Sea Scorpion, Sea Stallion, Sovereign of the Seas, St. Augustine Vic­ tory, Steel Mariner, Steel Ranger, Stephen Girard, Thomas Cresap, Thomas Kerns, William McCracken, William B. Ogden, Wil­ liam Glackens, William N. Byers, William Whipple, Winthrop L. Marvin, William D. Hoard, Zane Grey. Anniston City, Anson Jones, tory, Michael Pupin, Mom'oe Vic­ Junction, tory, Pere Marquette, Peter V. Clyde L. Seavey, -Edward Fan­ Daniels. Red Rover, Robert C. Grier, ning, Enslcy City, Fraiicisco MoSamuel Mclntyre, Sea Hydra, Sea ranzan, Frank Wiggins, Golden Lynx, Sea Phoenix, Sea.Triton, West, Hubert Howe Bancroft, Steel Engineer, Steel Inventor, Jacob Perkins, James L. Breck, Steel Motor, William Eaton, Wil­ Kathleen Holmes, Kenyon Vic­ liam H. Allen. Atlantic City, Cape .'t•; �?^t*-_=JM S'-l*,ayui« P«ge Ten THE SEAEAREKS LOG Friday, May ID, 1946 SmPS' MIMVTES AMD MEWS Jackson's Business: Monkeys Seafarers Visit Parisian Family Crew Hoists That Protected Kin From Nazis Steward's TC On Cape Pillar There was plenty of monkey business aboard the Waterman's Andrew Jackson on its last trip That isn't unusual, but on this one some of it actually concerned monkeys, the minutes of the March 31 shipboard meeting re­ veal. The monkeys (not the ones who shipped as officers) were part of the cargo. They were being sent to the U. S. for use in medical research. They es­ caped at Suez and created a small riot aboard ship, which, the minutes report, was enjoyed by all. The escape of the simians (monks, to you) and their conse­ quent japes upset one of the pas­ sengers, who turned out to be a lieutenant commander in the Coast Guard. Despite the fact that he was a passenger, this worthy took the matter into his Own hands, restricted the ship and questioned the crew about the incident. About the only thing he achieved was a sugges­ tion from one of the crew that he question the monkeys. MATE CLEARS IT Perhaps because he was afraid one of the monkeys would ask for a draw, the Captain was a stickler for protocol. Anyone who wanted to see the august Skipper had to be interviewed first by the Chief Mate. And then Captain Pedersen would take his "own sweet time about putting out a draw or letting the boys go ashore," the minutes say. Hi fe- J. Hansen, chairman, and T. Joseph, recording secretary, re­ port that the ship was a bum feeder. There was a shortage of stores and Steward Cornett was accused of chiseling, selling food in foreign ports, and making a profit at the crew's expense when buying. In addition, there was the problem of passengers getting the food that should have gone to the crew, no extra food having been provided for passengers when she was provisioned. Due to the shortage of fresh stores, the crew members always were complain­ ing of stomach disorders. Luckily for the health of the crew, S t e w a r d Comett was left ""behind in Suez. Early on the trip he threatened Messmen with a gun and a knife. The crew decided to take steps to see that his book is revoked and to see that all bad meat and aereals be taken off the ship when she docks. The minutes say, further: "You all know Morgan Hiles— well, we had one of his proteges for Chief Mate. Roughhouse Lawrence is his name. He's one of those 'I'll log you, I'll put you in irons' boys. He wanted to turn sick men out on the deck, Seafarer Bill Johnson stands wUh Salonge. M. Charles Couderc and Mme. Coudere on the balcony of the Coudere home in Paris, for Jack Kuberski to take their picture. This is where Jack's brother watched the Germans pacing while the Couderes were hiding him. At right. Bill and Jack squat on the deck of the Rob­ ert G. Ingersoll; with them, from left, are Bill Bois. Third Assist­ ant. and Bob Haskins. Second Mate. to the home of M. Charles Cou­ dere, a Paris attorney. There John was joined by six others from his plane, who had been smuggled into Paris by var­ ious routes and methods. For a week they remained hidden in Coudere's home, while Nazis goosestepped in the streets be­ low. Then, one night after pass­ ports had been forged for them, they began the underground movement southward. They reached Spain. They were in­ terned. They escaped. They reached Gibralter, and were sent back to the States. WARTIME SECRET It wasn't until after the war was over that Jack learned ail of these details from his brother. Just before he left the States, he said, John had asked him to look up the Couderes if he got to France. The Couderes' welcome couldn't have" been more enthusiastic. They entertained them as hon­ ored guests, and said they had FIRST PLANE DOWN prayed for the safety of John and his fellow crewmembers. M. On the train to Paris Jack told Bill the story of his brother's escape. John's plane was the first B-17 shot down in the Paris area. That was back in June, 1943. John wandered about the countryside for a while, then ap­ pealed to a priest for aid. The Dear Editor: priest sent him to Mile. MaryWe would like to tell you vonne Dobry. She hid him for a about one of the crew members day or two, then smuggled him here on the Charles B. Aycock, claiming they weren't sick. He a guy we are very fond of, but claims he can tell whether a man who always provides a laugh is sick or not just by looking at every time he sits down to a his eyes. meal. I wish it to be known that he BUBBLE BOY is very little expense to the "We all think he has a few Mississippi Shipping Company. bubbles in his barometer. He eats only two or three full "Where does Waterman get all houses each meal. And I do mean these "do or die" mates?" full houses (ask Chief Cook Wil­ Another beef was a shortage of liam B, Aycock). "Full House linen. The ship left New York Joe," as we call him orders only with only a two-week supply, al­ six eggs. The Cook sends 12 and though the shortage was reported to the Port Steward, who prom­ they aren't wasted. I want to add that we mean no ised more. The minutes end with some­ offense on Joe's part; that's why we're not mentioning any names. what wistful commentary: "We had a good gang and a The joke isn't on him; it's on us. swell thne—ashore. The Crew Seafarer Jack Kuberski paid a long-anticipated visit last month, and in so doing made a French family very happy. For himself he gained a warm feeling of real frendship and the conviction that the French are the finest and most hospitable people in the world. With him, and equally impressed, though less immed­ iately concerned, was Seafarer Bill Johnson. Jack and Bill were Messmen aboard the Robert G. Ingersoll. Last month they put into Le Havre, and Jack made up his mind to see the Coudere family in Paris, who had helped his brother John escape from the Germans after his plane had been shot down near Paris dur­ ing the occupation. The Skipper of the Ingersoll, Captain Von Bemmel, proved to be a good egg when he heard Jack's story, and gave Jack and Bill three days off to make the trip. TULL HOUSE JOE' ALWAYS IS BACK FOR A LITTLE MO' Coudere had been a big factor in the Paris underground throughout the occupation, they learned. Jack got a big thrill out of standing on the balcony over­ looking the street. John had peered out of the windows that led onto that balcony and watch­ ed the German guards pacing the street below. VISITING FIREMEN Salonge, the Coudere's daugh­ ter, took them to see the Eiffel Tower and other points of in­ terest in Paris. ' Though their food was pitifully scant, the Couderes managed to serve the Seafarers some royal meals. They didn't want to accept the bacon, butter, coffee and sugar that Jack brought to them, though these were luxuries that they hadn't seen for months. When Jack and Bill left they wanted to do something for the Couderes. No, said the proud family, there wasn't anything they wanted. Finally, Salonge said she'd like a copy of Gone With The Wind. So Jack and Bill are looking up the Margaret Mitchell opus. The Couderes gave them a bot­ tle of cognac for John. So far they've kept it intact, but they hope they get around to seeing John soon. BROTHER NEEDS AFFADAVITS ON COYLE CONDITIONS Dear Editor: Due to the fact that I have just been discharged from the hos­ pital and am not fit for duty and the Company denies all liability, I find it necessary to obtain wit­ nesses as to the actual conditions that existed while I was em­ ployed and where I became side so please print the following: Affidavits from former Coyle line employees as to the actual conditions that existed such, as: No. 1, working over 12 hours a day without the payment of overtime; No. 2, no heat fur­ nished in the deck hand quarters or v/heelhouse; No. 3, any other inhuman, unlawful or irregular practices that might have been observed. The above statements are de­ sired by Percy F. Hicks, 330 Chartres St., New Orleans 16, La. ^ The Steward aboard the MV Cape Pillar has been charged with incompetence by the crew, which has recummendod thai his tripcard be held for action by the Union as soon as the ship hits port. Chief Cook told the crew of discussions with the Captain, in which it was jointly decided that the Steward was incapable of carrying out his duties. The ac­ tion took place at a shipboard meeting at sea, nearing Panama on April 14, and was reported by Recording Secretary Philip Smith. The meeting had contemplated rescinding the Steward's tripcard while at sea, but decided on the aformentioned course. There were several beefs about lack of supplies. The Steward, however, reported that most of his requests had not been filled. There also were complaints about the attitude of the Messmen, whom the Steward said he had warned repeatedly of their short­ comings. Also up for discussion was a long list of items which need re­ pair, under good and welfare. Juicy Discussion Is Held Aboard Tho SS Warrior The subject of food monopo­ lized the major portion of a mem­ bership meeting aboard the SS Warrior recently, with discussion centering around night lunches and fruit—fresh and juices. Night lunches lacked variety from the beginning of the voy­ age, the minutes say. But the Steward promised to do better. The fruit situation was a bit more complicated. Passengers were served fresli fruit, fruit juices and ice cream for dessert but the crew dessert was monot­ onously restricted to apricots. The Steward's answer was that the Captain issued orders to give the fresh fruit to the passengers. He said company orders prevented him from putting out fruit juices. One of the crew reported that he saw a passenger with a can of fruit juices but he was told that it might have been brought on by the passenger. The Steward assured the crew that they would get juices in port and he called on the men who had made the last trip with him to verify his gtenerosity. These men replied that the short­ age then was just as acute as it is now. Wanna try that last question over again. Steward? �Friday. May 10. 1946 THE S E At' ARE RS LOG Page Eleven Digested Minutes Of SlU Ship Meetings SEAFARER SAM SAYSBUTTON GWINNETT. Feb, 9—Chairman Bill Thompson; Secretary Edward J. Clark. The ship's delegate gave a lec­ ture to tripcarders on becom­ ing good union men. Good and V/elfare: cots to be purchased, each man paying $2.50. to be refunded upon return of cots; sufficient milk and ice cream to be purchased to last in port and ten days out at sea; new coffee urn and supply of coffee; new .-^an and toaster for messhall; installation of new lockers re­ quested; fumigation of ship; new screens purchased and screen doors repaired; head drains, galley drains and show­ er doors repaired; crew agreed to cooperate in keeping messhall clean. t % X He Wants To Shoot; He'll Get The Chute A trigger-happy tripcarder aboard the MS Crown Knot had all hands from the Master down in a constant state of jitters on a recent South American voyage. It was in the otherwise quiet little Peruvian town of Mollendo that the TC man gave a hair- one leaving dirty cups on ta­ bles.. placing feet on chairs and radiators, throwing cigarette butts or matches on deck or for disorderly conduct in messroom; coffee to be made in big um at meal and coffee times and the small percolator used for watches at night. Good and Welfare: Steward reported slight possible shortage of cof­ fee and cream and asked the crew to conserve: the Oiler to get coffee for the Engine De­ partment from Steward; crew agreed to conserve night lunch­ es for the watches. New busi­ ness: The Clialiiuait gave a pep talk on Unionism; the Chief Cook to take over Dele­ gate duties. The following tripcarders were voted into the Union: John Martin. Robert Page. John Leskun. David Shuler. John Sealock, Joseph Ferren. Eugene Behrends. O'Neil Creteau and Charles Splear. Murray Smith. Second Cook and Baker, has been ap­ proved by the members of the SIU aboard this ship, but he is a former NMU member and they wish this case investi­ gated. ^ raising, near-tragic exhibition of gun play. It happened on the calm evening of March 14. In spite of the peaceful back­ ground, the gun-toting sailor pulled a revolver on Charles Mattinak, who was dead ahead—but very much alive—of the muzzle. The tripcarder squeezed the trig­ ger six times. Mattinak remain­ ed standing. The gun was empty. The TCer charged Mattinak, and beat him over the head with the revolver butt. The crew of the Crown Knot wants this dangerous character off the .ship, The next, time, they say, the gun may be loaded. And they're not shooting any blanks there, Brother. XXX BUTTOM GWINNETT. Mar. 1—Chairman Bill Thompson; Secretary M. Polise. Good and Welfare: The Steward delegate reported there was just one week's supply of meat aboard. Crew was asked not to sail un­ til sufficient stores are put aboard, and not to take ahy lines from the tugs. A petition, signed by 18 members of the crew, will be taken to the Cap­ tain about this. BUTTON GvflNNETT. Mar. 6—Chairman John Porter; Sec­ retary M. Polise. New Busi­ ness: Deck Engineer gave a lec­ ture to tripcarders on having them become good Union mem­ bers. Good and Welfare: Cap­ tain ordered opening of slop chest; crew was told to be care­ ful in using the water to avoid rationing; clothes were found hanging too long in the fiddly. XXX GEORGE G. CRAWFORD. Jan. 22—Chairman S. Watson; Secretary W. Tralle. Motions carried: Ten cents fine for any­ 3> ^ BELLE OF THE SEA, Chair­ man Don; Secretary Phil. New Business: Overtime disputed for extra meals served by three Cooks, two saloon Messmen and two crew Messmen. Motion carried to take disputed over­ time up with Patrolman. The beef about Third Cook doing crew Messman's work will al­ so be taken up with Patrolman. Ouestion arose whether Second Cook and Baker gets overtime for baking bread in port? Un­ der good and welfare, motion was carried for the Delegate to keep a list of all repairs made when in port. XXX SS WARRIOR. March IBChairman J. Jones; Secretary Vincent Fadoul. All delegates reported the Union status of all members. Motions carried: The fresh water tanks to be cleaned and cemented, and pur­ ifiers in the water fountains; a bigger supply of juices, fruit and vegetables and a reason­ able variety of food for the voyage; the ship to be fumi­ gated in port; to provide an­ other utility man for the Stew­ ard's Dept. because this man is seriously needed and firm mea­ sures were advised. Since there was a dead man placed in the ice box below, a thorough fu­ migation of this box was strongly advised. XXX RICHARD BASSETT. April 8—Chairman Anthony J. Stauton; Secretary Edward V. Subler. A long list of repairs was made and it included: repairing electrical equipment in all quarters; install screens on portholes and order several toasters and percolators. It was suggested that each mem­ ber give .his book to the dele­ gate and make a donation to the Log. XXX THOMAS J. LYONS. April 7—Chairman C. Simmons; Sec­ retary J. Pullen. Beef on the repair list being turned in to the officers and the Union and was not taken care of. To have the Second Cook snap out of it and bring this ship in clean. It was suggested to give a pep talk to the Tripcarders and an­ swer all their questions. Beef was discussed thoroughly whether it was overtime to be held on the ship for 36 hours without shore leave. It was de­ cided that the Captain is start­ ing to dispute overtime as he did with 800 hours in New Or­ leans. The ship is now laying up at anchor without several Mates and Engineers. XXX FLOYD GIBBONS. March 13 —Chairman Joe Mabazinsky; Secretary H. G. Spinello. A list of ship's rules was passed by the crew and posted in the mess hall. All violators to be fined and the delegate to col­ lect the sums. The crew was advised to keep books in good condition; all departme nts agreed to cooperate in cleanli­ ness and have their quarters and passageways painted. t Here's A Skipper Who's A Ripper Someone better stop feeding the Skipper of the ,SS Nielson Richter raw meat or whatever makes him so wild. He wants to fight at the drop of a seaman's hat. On one occasion four Deck De­ partment men went ashore for 45 C^T AND RUN By HANK Yes sir, the Brothers who know Johnny Meghrian, have started counting revolutions and shout­ ing congratulations. He just got his Third Engineer's papers! Wanna take the 8-12 watch, Johnny? . . . Militant Fred (Ski) Sweder is beaching it for awhile with standby jobs until his wife recovers from her illness. We hope it will be soon. Fred wants to know where Paddy Nash (or is it Paddy Walsh?) is right now! ... If Rusty Jowers happens to read this column we want to tell him that when he comes into New York, he should go and see Baltimore Ski, for old times sake Jimmy O'Neill dropped into our hall to greet his pals, after mak­ ing a trip on his Third's license! minutes. When they returned, the belIico.se bucko let go with a hot blast of abusive language and called on one of the men to go on the dock with him for a round of fisticuffs. Then he predicted a dark future for the boys. It be­ gan to cloud up the next day. He logged three of the four men. On the evening of March 24, • » * the ship's minutes say, one of the logged men was standing the We don't imagine that one of bridge watch. "Coffee," said the our oldtimers, Percy Boyer, will Skipper. "Bring me some coffee." have another humorous experi­ "Overtime," replied the man on ence like the one he had two watch. "For bringing coffee I weeks ago! . . . From out of New Orleans, a welcomed man, want overtime." The Captain boiled over. He indeed, has been Steely White, called the seaman "terrible honorably visiting our town . . . names," spit on him, and threat­ We wonder if Ray White and ened a beating, according to the Harry Simmons remember Those minutes. The man was sent aloft Good Old Days, with all that in the dark to do some unneces­ Fresh and Ready Rum—and no sary work. Coca-Cola? . . . And so it went. We just hope « * * that one day somebody doesn't Bob French paid off about acepl one of the Captain's fistic two weeks ago and treated his challenges. We'd hate to think pals swell. Well, a glad hand of him having to go on a diet is better than an empty one. we of soft mush for the rest of his always say . . . Jimmy Cosmo sailing days. sure went up fast. He's Sec­ XXX ond Mate now—and his ship­ ROCKLAND VICTORY, Feb. mates wish him good luck . . . 26—Chairman J. N. Engles; George Semko and Gene BaSecretary C. M. Calevich. Mo­ lonibini. Pennsylvania boys, are tions carried: To have the getting set for another voyage cleaning of the laundry divided —but a real long one this time! between the departments and * m * the horse-tenders; to have the "Red" Connoi'S, who is organiz­ crew quietly eat their meals in­ stead of sitting around and ing on the Isthmian ship, the Mctalking; to remember not to Cosh, still has his Third's papers. overlook the letter sent to Will you ever use them, "Red?" headquarters concerning the . Last week, Pete King, the Agent and Patrolman in Hous­ Cook, came out of sick bay! It's ton. Texas, until action has good to see you again, Pete! . . . been taken by the membership; When we say Tom Collins, we the repair of lockers and port­ don't mean the drink. We mean hole screens, and the fumiga­ Brother Tom Collins, who just tion of the ship. blew in . . . We were talking with James Johnston, who shipped aboard the Flagstaff Victory. He was hoping to get clarified the duties of Junior Engineers and Electri­ cians. Did you finally get them, James? . . . We wonder if the friends of Pete Barbellos know he was married last trip in Cape­ town? The lucky lady was Sally Sullivan, who is now en route to the U. S. A. . . . T. C. Deale, Oiler, is making his fourth trip on the William Tilgham. His pals, John "Spatz" Hertling, Johnny Boland and Bosun Keenan Langham, nick­ named Alabama, didn't stay on this time . . . Our jovial friend, Tommy Thompson, was reminisc­ ing about the days when Joe LeWicki used to write a column like ours. Does anyone know how Joe is getting along now? . . . We lieard that Bud Priest is sailing as an Engineer now. Omar Ames jusi came in. Talking with Bud Garrity and others. Omar told us he can't forget the swell dance they had aboard the Frosiburg Vic­ tory in Liverpool! . . . E. Kelly, who ships in all ratings, was confessing last week about how he wished he could own a small fishing boat, which isn't a bad idea at all... Bosun Strom, who has been doing good work or­ ganizing Isthmian ships, is on the Sea Fiddler now. This ship has an Engineer named Duane Valentine, who fired a man in Frisco because he was an SIU organizer! . . . We're certain we saw Steward M. J. Lucas last week in the Hall. We remember him from the Tulsa, South Atlantic ship. How's everything. Stew? . i . Buddy Callahan, formerly in Philly and in the New York Isth­ mian Organizing Drive, is now in Detroit, taking care of a tough job organizing the Great Lakes seamen ... If Frenchy Michelet {Contimiat an Pa^e 14) �- "tm THE rage Twelae SEAFARERS LOG Friday. May 10. 1946 TBE MEMBERSHIP SPEAKS 1 SEAMEN'S HOUSE PRAISED BY SIU BROTHER Dear Editor: I would like to bring to your attention the work that is being done by the Library for Seamen in the Seamens House been in New York. This orgnization un­ like the USS is not on the whole a profit hoarding society; in fact several of their clubs and hotels that I have seen abroad have showed signs of dire need and yet they have not overcharged for services rendered in their little missions in the far corners of Europe. The Library for Seaman here is in a respect the same way. Mrs. Appo, who started her work here in 1941, has since that time kept a record in clippings from newspapers a very complete rec­ ord on the American Merchant Marine and marine matters. This has been a very tedious job, as one can see. Mrs. Appo re­ leases her time very generiously to explain in detail here work and the working idea of the library, •wage scales, letters to labor, mer­ chant marine losses in the war, great battles the seamen took part in during the war, sub­ marine warfare, and many other clippings of importance that would help the younger members who have just entered the Mer­ chant Marine to understand more thoroughly the splendid job done by the seamen during the war. Also the complete history of the SIU is on hand, along with one of the most complete collec­ tion of books for study, all the latest books on marine naviga­ tion, engineering, practical sea­ manship and hundreds of other well known informative books, fot those that want to know more about their job aboard ship and with the kind assistance of Miss West and Miss Appo who are al­ ways ready and happy to show complete cooperation. Other attractions are the latest fictional books, popular maga­ zines and all can be checked out. If it is possible to put in a word for the people of this or­ ganization that have for nearly a century been by the side of sea­ men even when they were not the heros in dungarees, namely The Seamen's Friend Society, of 550 West 20th St., New York. Jerry Palmer DELEGATES FIND CAPTAIN, MATE SWELL HOMBRES Dear Editor: We the undersigned delegates of the Flying Arrow, expressing the feelings of the crew, find the . Skipper and Chief Mate a swell jgg and an Oldtimer, respec'tively. We want all the Union members to know that if they ever sail under Captain Glen Webster or Stanley Carr, that th^:^e got a sure thing. We would like to have this pt^Hted in the Log. Charles E. Ports. Deck Delegr-V'; Benjamin McGarey. Engine Deiegae; Hanry E. Fursell, Stewjard Delegate. SIU ORGANIZES SHIPS OF DESERT! Perhaps it would be exaggerating to say that the SIU actually is organizing the camels—ships of the desert—but at least we can say that the brilliance of the SIU now hangs over the pyramids. The chap at upper left is Seafarer Joseph Pilutis. OS, who recent­ ly returned from a trip to India, Ceylon and Egypt aboard the Andrew Jackson. The montage was made during his appoint­ ment in Sahara. NMU 'EXPERT' GETS UNEXPECTED SIU ANSWERS Dear Editor: I have been a member of the SIU for quite a long time. It has been by pleasure to watch it's growth from a small group to a well organized and power­ ful marine Union, improving the working conditions of it's mem­ bers and getting better pay for all concerned. While stumbling around on the New York waterfront, .sev­ eral days ago, I ran into a char- acter who professed to know all the angles of "Political Philo­ sophy" and was an expert on Industrial Unionism." After having the usual rounds of drinks in several South Street gin mills, our discussion drifted into the pros and cons of Unionism and politics. Having already sized up this character as a phony from the beginning, I decided to be a good listener for a while, and did I get an earful of pure bull . . . You know what! According to his line, the NMU is a first class, rank-and-file in­ dustrial union. Now get this: "The NMU is democratically run FOR THE BENEFIT OF IT'S MEMBERS." Well, Pal—I mean. Dear Editor—^I guess I must still be a little off my box, for that is what this poor crackpot did to me when he made this crack. It really gave me a shock from which I have not fully recoverd as yet. It became necessary at this point to swallow the remainder of a drink, and douse myself with another before I fainted. I re­ minded him that democratic rank-and-file Unions were run "BY THE MEMBERS" and "NOT FOR THE MEMBERS BY THE OFFICIALS," such as is the custorfc of the NMU officialdom. Well, believe it or not, yours truly was immediately treated to another drink by this NMUer. I guess it surprised him so to find someone who didn't immediately swallow the old "commie line" that it also knocked him off his feet. With another drink in­ side of me, I really got warm and you would have thought that the old time soap box was back in full swing. I pointed out that the NMU did not organize on an industrial ba­ sis, that they allowed the MCS and the MFOWW to ship the Stewards Dept. and the Black Gang, and that further they made no attempt to organize other workers in the maritime indus­ try into one Industrial Union. I also reminded him that President Joe Curran openly declared that the NMU was run by a gang of commie racketeers, and unless the rank-and-file did something about it the NMU was in great danger of being destroyed. The drinks began to come slow­ er after this declaration, so I de­ cided it would be a damned good idea to point out to this bewild­ ered wick the advantages of be­ longing to a REAL RANK-ANDFILE SEAMEN'S UNION such as the SIU. and how it was run. I mentioned the fact that the of­ ficials of our Union were nom­ inated in the branches and were elected by referendum ballot, and pointed out to him that this was not so in the NMU, where all of the officials are elected at the socalled convention. I also pointed out that these conventions were composed mainly of commie stooges who go through the mo­ tions of okaying those proposed by the commie machine, and not allowing shose proposed by the rank-and-file even to be men­ tioned, let alone be elected. Another character approached our table, and had a whispered conversation with this boy won­ der on Industrial Unionism. He was probably the local GPU agent, and led him away before he became contaminated by good, .sound SrU common sense. J. Greenhaw HERE'S ANSWER TO SOBERSIDED SEAFARING SOTS Dear Editor: Enclosed are some excerpts from a letter 1 received from my broth­ er in St. Paul, which I think will be of interest to the Seafarers who take pride in their drinking, and haven't fallen for this talk of Alcoholics Anonymous, which thinks all seamen should stand around like sober little saints. My brother Muir writes that he is working as a roofer now, and probably will fall off a roof some payday and break his drunken neck. He says he hopes, if this happens, he will wake up in a drunkard's heaven, where: "There are river of beer, gin springs, artesian wells full of whiskey, lakds of rum. When it rains it will rain brandy. When you milk a cow you'll get 200 proof alcohol (Grade A, Raw). "There will be a liquor store every other door, with brew­ eries in between. Sidewalks will be made of felt, slot ma­ chines in the street with whis­ key jackpots; juke boxes that play when you stick an empty beer bottle in them. There will be streams of wine run­ ning down the gutter. "When it rains, it rains cham­ pagne. "There will be a Polish fun­ eral every hour. When you go into a restaurant the menu will have: wheaties and whis­ key, coffee made of finest beer, steak smothered in wine, pie a la rum, barbecued pork in stright rye, champagne ice cream. Southern style fried chicken with corn whiskey and gin gravy. "The only law in the coun­ try would be: any person caught sober between 6 a. m. and 5:60 a. m. will be deported at once. "There would be a town hall where the drunks all could meet every day and tell each other of the nightmares they had the night before, with cases of whiskey for the prize winners, "There would a school to teach bartenders to mix drinks, the University of Bourbon, and Log -A' Rhythms THANKS, UNCLE SAM! By Mrs. W. L. Knowlton In memory of my son. Carl A. Bennett, who went down with his ship in 1942. We are the men of the Merchant Marine; We are the men who sailed the ships; We took the guns to the battle scene; We sailed them through the tidal rips. We are the men of the Merchant Marine. Now there's a stamp to honor our name, A stamp with the shape of a Liberty ship Proclaiming to all in the future the fame Of seamen who sailed on the final trip. We are the dead, sailing on just the same. Now, Uncle Sam, from the seas where we lie We give our thanks; from the deeps of the green We hope in our hearts that no other men die Sailing the ships of the Mer­ chant Marine. For we, too, sail on with the Merchant Marine. Dear Editor: I wish to submit this short poem to be published in the Seafarers Log. I am a volunteer worker here in the Marine Hos­ pital at Galveston, Texas. I take the Logs to merchant mariners here every week and turn in their names to the Union. The Agent here knows me quite well, for I have been doing this work since I lost my son on the Alcoa Pilgrim on May 27, 1942, in the Caribbean. This poem is dedi­ cated to the memory of my son. Yours for service to the Mer­ chant Marine. Mrs. W. L. Knowllon BROTHER FINDS USS CLUB THAT IS 'REALLY FINE' Old Port School of Rye for Boys. "We'd have a circus, such as Hiram Walker, Bourbon and Sherry combine. Music fur­ nished by Tommy Sot and his Whiskey Jug Band. There would be Ginny Rum Lee, the fan dancer, who uses beer bot­ tles for fans. "There would be doctors io check on your nerves. If you weren't nervous enough, they would put you on a diet o£ straight whiskey until you got Dear Editor: In recent editions of the Log I have read many comments on various USS Clubs. I wish to call your attention to a very fine one that I have been to not long ago. I am referring to the USS Club in the Carol Hotel in New Orleans. I am sure that all of you who have been there will agrge with me. Edwin Schenkman well (delirious). You'd use beer labels and stoppers to pay him." "D. T. Delirious." Well, Brothers, there you have it. My brother may irot get to heaven, but the sobersided sons of guns who write to the Log won't ever get ot his heaven. "• Eric Ivey Upchurch / �THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday. May 10. 1948 JOffN STEVENS ON WAY TO BONEYARD NEW AIR SERVICE OFFERS PLANES FOR CHARTER TO SIU Dear Editor; We, of the Willis Air Service Inc., can offer the members of your Union air transportation to any and all parts of the United States. In no time at all, after hitting the beach, the follows can be on their way home in a DC-3 at a price that is within theii means, First, allow me to introduce th^ Willis Air Service, Inc., to yc!u and your men. We are an all veterans organization from the President on down to the mechanics. Each member holds an equal amount of shares, there­ by making it his own company. It all started when a group of pilots in the Pacific made their dreams into a reality. Immedi­ ately upon arrival in the States, steps were undertaken to incor­ porate the members. This was accomplished in October of 1945. These three pictures made by Seafarer Ernie Murphy. Sec­ ond Mate aboard the John Ste­ vens, show graphically why the old Liberty is headed for the boneyard. She has been rammed nine times since she was launched in 1941, the last time in Bolivar Roads off Galveston on February 13, after she was loaded and ready to go to Rotterdam. Coincidentally. she was the thirteenth Liberty to hit the harbor. Brother Mur­ phy reports that the tripcarders aboard her had their lifejackets on second after she was hit and were hollering for lifeboats! In a harbor, yet. 11 Priests Praise Delegate And Crew Dear Editor: Operations began in December and since that time we have flown throughout the United States, Nassau and Puerto Rico. Our immediate future calls for regular operating contract flights to Cuba and South America. We operated a fleet of Douglas DC-3s with veteran pilots and mechanics. Our qualifications for pilots are as follows: They must have 3000 hours of multi-engine time, plus a C. A. A. Green In­ strument rating, which is the highest qualification possible to obtain. Under the C. A. A. regulations bur Chai'ter prohibits scheduling regular flights, which is the only restriction on passenger traffic. However, by calling us at our New York office, at 130 William St., we can arrange a charter flight to fly you men to your homes. Don't delay—call WOrth 2-7836. Unless you do so, there might not be room for you on our next plane to California or any of the other states. Raymond J. Gambon. Sales & Traffic JOCELYN TRIP, FINEST EVER, BROTHER SAYS Dear Editor: I have just come in off a 10 month and 18 day trip aboard the Henry Jocelyn of the Calmar lines. Our first port of call was Naples, then back lluough the Panama Canal and out ot the Far East. It was one of the finest trips I have ever made, with no real beefs in either the Deck or En­ gine Departments. The Stew­ ards Department, however, had a -300 hour overtime dispute, which was settled at the payoff. But other than the fact that the Chief Engineer threw his weight around a bit, all went well. He will not, by the way, sail SIU again! Among those handling, the pay­ off were Paul Hall, J. P. Shuler, and Tex Suit. Yes sir, it was a very satisfactory trip! Fred L. Pitfman •-ft:. Paga ThirtMm As book members aboard the SS Button Gwinnett, we are sending this letter signed by only the book members. We feel that Bill Thompson, Book No. 18, has all the qualities of a topnotch Union man. He has continually helped all the crew members aboard this ship on any problem thatf arose. Never once did he fail course our Chief Engineer re­ the crew in getting action on the fused to let him be fired at the different matters that arise dur- above request. (Signed) Charles A. Miller, a trip. In our opinion he under­ stands unionism 100 percent and Edward J. Clark, John E. sees to it that everyone receives Hurny, Richard Bairlein. Rob­ a square deal. On sevearl occa­ ert T. Burns, Manuel Polise, sions throughout the trip he Henry Woods, John Faria, straightened out Purcell Powless, Pavils Kronthings for mem­ berg. bers and told the individual YOU CAN GET LOG just what was IN DENMARK PORT, right. Enclosed is a THANKS TO TILLEY letter received Dear Editor: from the priests I would like to tell you and who came from the rest of the SIU Brothers of Italy with us as the trip of the Edward C. Janepassengers. The way to Aarhus, Denmark with a crew not only gave cigarettes, to­ load of coal. A good time was had bacco and razor blades to these by the crew. priests, but donated $76.00 to We had eight days in this port them. and while here I made contact Dear Bill Thompson. with three place to have the Sea­ farers Log mailed to. First is the Ship's Delegate: Regitzs Hotel where you can get As you have been the rep­ resentative of the crew, so we address to you thanks for the Trie P«6C/ gifts we received from your PL6AS€... hands. In these gifts we've seen all the bounty of your heart, as well as your friends'. We will never forget you, because you are the first Americans we have known in our lives, and you have left in our hearts an impression you can never guess. We wish you and all the men our best greetings for Easter, and at the same time we assure a good room and enjoy your stay you that our masses on Easter and pick up a Log and read Sunday shall be celebrated ac­ about all that is going on back Second is the Teater cording to your intention, ask­ home. ing from God the best blessings Cafeen, whei-e you can see a for you, for the Gwinnett's crew good floor show and have that good loking blond on one arm and for all your relatives. (The letter is signed by 11 while you sip beer with the other. The third is the Rico Italian priests.) Restaurant where you can take Regardless of criticism or con­ your blond and really enjoy home demnation by captains or other cooked food and anything you officers Brother Thompson never want to drink. The place isn't a backs down on any argument. clip joint as Mr. Hans Neelsen Even after being fired by our keeps the prices down to suit all Captain in Texas he didn't back seaman. down o r stop fighting for us. Of Earnest B. Tilly. USS NOW SERVES AS COLLECTION AGENCY FOR NMU The Stevens has had many an SIU crew aboard her. At left, a tarp hangs over one gaping hole in her side; center, more beat-up plsLtes, and right, a couple of girders holding her together amidships. COFFEYVILLE CREW LIKES OFFICERS FOR THEIR SUPPORT We, the former crew members of the SS Coffcyville Victory (South Atlantic), wish to express through the Log the sentiments of the entire crew in regard to the militant stand taken by the ship's officers in supporting the crew in their many beefs against the bucko Skipper Ramm and Chief Engineer George Edlund. These two birds are gentlemen of the first water outside of just being no good in general. They opposed the crew members in anything and everything that's good and decent for seamen. The officers we wish to com­ mend are Chief Mate Daniel Dalton. First Assistant; Walter Getherfert, Second Assistant; J. J. Heck, Third Assistant; Jgmes Stacey, and Junior Third Edward Hickock. These men are aU mil­ itant seamen, and hold books in the ranks. We wish them good sailing wherever they may go. Please send a copy of this let­ ter to the MSBA and the MM&P. Delegate Lukban. Chief Stew­ ard; George Belie, Asst. Electri­ cian; Gustave Wirter, Chief Elec­ trician; Reece B. Oliver, Chief Electrician. CREW OF E. G. HALL WARNS MEMBERS ABOUT ENGINEER Dear Editor: The entire crew is hereby going on record to the fact that Mr. Aury Hutchins, Night Engineer on the E. G. Hall, Alcoa, in Searsport, Maine, is strictly a laborhating rabblerouser, and can show no proof of any kind of Union membership. The officers aboard this ship report they have found the En­ gine Gang very faithful and com­ petent in their jobs, in spite of the false tales this Hutchins tried to tell them about certain mem­ bers of this Department. Mr. Aury "Hayseed" Hutchins, seems to think the only way to get along with Union seamen is to threaten them constantly that he will call in the Coast Guard. Print this in the Seafarers Log. so that our membership going in­ to Searsport, Maine will know about this fink in advance and take steps to keep the company from hiring such, no good, in­ competent, non-union help. Signed by 19 crew members .. . /. v-V. ;: Dear Editor: I am writing this little note in reference to the United Seamen's Service, Inc. The only thing I can truthfully say that's good about this outfit is they gave me thi55 .Statinnery I'm writing on. Tonight, I walked into the USS Club and was asked for my last discharge, when it couldn't be furnished, due to leaving it in my room. I asked if my Union book would do the trick and she •said "Yes." My dues were paid up to and including February. She said I couldn't come in because I was behind in dues. I said "What the heck was my union dues to do with going in?" She said that was a union rule! Then I blew my top. I said "That's no rule from the outfit I belong to. You're talking about that phony NMU." I must have been talking pretty loud because a crowd had gathsred. I told them I would write my Union and bring public and Union attention to this matter. I gave her hell for about three minutes. Well, ansrway, to make a long story short, I must have sounded very convincing for when I walked out, about half -the pleace cleared out. Here is some dirt about the NMU. I belonged to that outfit in 1943. After a short trip to England, I was sent my induc­ tion papers. I immediately brought them to the hall on 17th Street and was told they were very sorry they couldn't help me. He said "We have too many men in the union to bother with one man." Very much disgusted, I ripped up my book and threw it in his face, and told him what he could do with it. I served six and a half months in the Army and was told "It was a mistake drafting me," and if I wanted a discharge I could get one, providing I go back to sea. And that I did. I am in San Pedro now and the only boat that can be had in this port is the ferry, to and from Terminal Island. Stay clear of this port, brothers. So long now. Frank (Cookie) Chiaia CREW OF GORRIE THINKS SKIPPER IS REALLY TOPS Dear Editor: We, the entire crew of the SS John Gorrie of the South At­ lantic Steamship Co., wish to ex­ press oin- deepest thanks, and highest praise for the outstand­ ing Skipper of this vessel. — Harry Cavalier knows what the word crew means, because he himself came up the hard way, through the foc'sle. Maybe some of the oldtimers remember him. <!: as a AB on the old Waterman, scow, Yaka. He was a member of the SIU until I94I when he re­ tired his book when he became Master. Crew of Ihe SS J<^ Gorrie �THE Pag© Fourteen SEAFARERS LOG Friday, May 10. 1946 Analysis Of The Strike Wave BROTHER RAISES OLD QUESTION OF SHIPPING RIGHTS OF TRIPCARDS Dear MR. Editor; I'm calling you MR. because it scsms that I have no right whatsoever to call you BROTHER. They call me a Trip Card Member down at the Union Hall. I joined the Seafarers International Union on January 10, 1946, on that same day I got my first ship, it was anchored at Norfolk, Va. The only reason I got that ship was because the book mem­ bers thought it was too far to travel down to Norfolk to get a ship, so, I, being a trip card member and being my first ship, took the job as an Ordinary Seaman on that ship. Out at sea I learned all about this Union, and a little bit about the other Unions (Maritime), and from what I learned and - - from what I found out myself, I found out that the SIU is a swell Union, it's more than that, it's a DAMN good Union. It's Democratic as all hell and it has no equal, yes, IT'S ALL TRUE. I signed off that ship. The Ida Straus, Miss. Lines in New Orleans on the 19 of March, 46, I got home on the 24th, I reg­ istered the 26 of March at the Union Hall, and as of this date and other date to come I WILL STILL BE WAITING FOR A SHIP. Up 'till April 23, I had $25 paid on my trip card, on that day I paid an additional $26 in assessments and dues. As of April 23, my trip card is ALL paid up. So, that day, I exchanged my old trip card registration card for a new one, I lost my registration date of March 26 for a card with the date, April 23 stamped on it along with a shipping number, No. 1294, when I paid that money and got a shipping number, I thought I had a better chance of shipping out, but nope, that shipping merely gave me priority over other trip cards shipping in my raing as Ordinai'y Seaman, Now what the HELL good does tha do me when I haven't seen one trip card shipped out as OS during the time that I have attended the hourly calls down at the Union Hall. I swear to God, I've ben down to that Hall so many times in the past month that I feel as if I live there. Today, April 26, I went to the information window down at the Union Hall and asked Johnny Johnston what the deal was on that shipping card with 1294 stamped on it and TC 15565, written on it. He said that gives me priority over trip cards and that book members still have first choice. He also said, "You're only a TRIP CARD member, you don't belong to the SIU until you get your book." Tliat really makes me mad, I paid a total of 51 bucks to the Union and one donation to the Log. If I'm not in the damned Union, WHY THE HELL AM I PAYING GOOD MONEY FOR? Just to enter the Union Hall and be al­ lowed to look at the names of the ships on the board? WHY can't I get a ship, I guess because I paid $51 to a Union that doesn't even exist? I ask you again WHY can't I get a ship? I have nothing against the Union, I want you to understand, except that stinking damned system you have on shipping trip card members. The Union as a whole is a DAMNED good one, I have no doubts, about that. I'm not going to ask you to print this in the Log, because I know you wouldn't do it anyway. Sincerely, Anthony J. Dllrbano p'-—- Dear Sir and Brother: This is with reference to your status as a tripcard member of this Union. It is regrettable that you feel as though the Union has done nothing for you and although I cannot quite agree with you, I certainly understand your viewpoint. You must remember that the Union and its actions are made primarily for the protec­ tion of the Union members. It is my opinion, however, that the set-up regarding tripcard men will be changed in the near future because of such beefs as yours. Next time you are down the Hall, why not drop in and present your beef in person and I am quite sure some of these points can be explained to you. Fraternally yours. The Editor. CUT life'• II-- AND RUN (Contimmd from Page 11) cooks food as poetically and humorously as he writes, he'll have plenty of sailors beach­ combing the South American coast with him . . . • « * That was Bosun O'Sullivan having a loud nautical cony^fsation with Kenny Marston last week . . . We would like to tell Martin O'Connor, who just came back after organiging the W. Whipple, that James Pren- Slim, is in town and shipping out! . . . • * * It's good to see the shape of dergast, nicknamed Chicago Paddy Walsh after his recent trip and we hope that Paddy don't keep on looking so sad about something. After all, Paddy Han­ son, who just came out of the hospital last week with his everloving pipe and a wish for a cup of coffee, always carries a smile with him. Perhaps he keeps re­ membering those good old times when he was young and fast? . . . In the years following the of the workers and evidenced the out on strike on January 15, over strikes of the 1936-1937 period, type of solidarity that caused 80% of the electrical production the United States passed through capitalists and politicians to be­ of the nation was tied up. an era during which few labor- come frantic. In Stamford, Con­ An interesting sidelight on management agreements were necticut, and Bloomfield, New the whole situation was thrown reached without government aid Jersey, both communities, includ­ by the upsurge of independent or interference. Both labor and ing thq public officials, gave unions. The National Federa­ management looked to the gov­ whole-hearted support to thestriktion of Telephone Workers, with ernment for leadership. Few ers. This was duplicated in prac­ over 250,000 members, has had unions took any action which tically eyery town and city in sporadic work stoppages to en­ was not appealed to the govern­ which a strike was taking place. force its demands for a 30% in­ ment for mediation. MAINTAIN PRICES crease in wages, and negotiations In the latest crisis, the Tru­ The third and most significant were only recently successfully man Administration has failed advance was in the argument, completed. to provide the leadership which advanced by the Oil Workers and COMMIE POLITICS labor and capital have come to the Auto Workers, that industry The communists, of course, expect, and from that seems to could raise wages without in­ have played a role in all the.se stem the breakdown in labor creasing prices. The UAW, un­ disputes. Concurrent with the management relations. der the leadership of Walter end of the war and the change of This dependence on govern­ Reuther, went even further. The Soviet foreign policy, the com­ ment help made for an era of union took the position that abil­ munists started a militant effort union politicians, not union lead­ ity to pay was an integral part to eradicate the bad impression ers. When the war drew to a of collective bargaining, and that they had made during the war close, these officials had to pro­ labor wanted "to make progress years. vide leadership, or stand the with the community and not at The first blow was struck in chance of being replaced by more the expense of the community." the removal of Earl Browder who militant men. In spite of the phony company symbolized connivance with the TAKE-HOME DROP position that the UAW's request capitalists. Following this, they Of course, the entire strike for a look at the books (to es­ fomented many wildcat strikes wave does not stem from this tablish ability to pay) was really in unions which v/ere unprepared cause. Some of the origins lie a step towards socialism, many to take action, and in general in the economic upheavals that thinking Americans agreed with carried out disruptive practises. accompanied the end of the war. the union, and a fact-finding Some of the strikes were to­ The cut-back in production, and board, appointed by the Presi­ tally political and were aimed at the resultant decrease in take dent, also took the same position. giving the Soviet Union a free home pay, made the worker eager The UAW strike could have hand on the European continent. for any action that would help been settled much quicker had On one occasion they settled a him to earn more money. the union been willing to accept strike in order to discredit the The comparatively high wages the wage increase asked for with­ Auto Workers. This took place of the war period had left their out limiting the company's right when the electrical workers of mark on American workmen and to raise prices on finished goods. the General Motors Corporation they wanted to know why indus­ WAGES ONLY came to terms with the company try could not utilize them fully The steel strike, on the other for an I8V2C increase when the during peace, as they had been hand, concerned itself solely with stated demands of the UEW was used during war. the question of wage increases for I9V2C, the same as the de­ The factors that created the and tacitly gave industry the right mands of the UAW. This settle­ strikes were three-fold. First, to raise prices as much as the ment was characterized by the the cut in hours of work and market could stand. Consequent­ GM-UAW negotiating committee the resultant decrease in over­ ly, although the Steel Workers as a rank betrayal of the Gen­ time and take home pay. Sec­ were as deserving of more money eral Motors strikers and of the ond, unemployment and the pros­ as any part of the labor move­ UE membership. pects that the situation might be- ment, public support was not as LITTLE INFLUENCE com.e even more widespread and solidly behind them as it was I far-reaching. Third, the fact that behind the Oil Workers and the On the whole, however, the technological improvements had Auto Workers. communist party has had little tended to make a certain percen­ In the cases of both the steel influence on the militant poli­ tage of workers unnecessary. and auto strikes, Henry Kaiser cies of the unions. It has These, coupled with the Ad­ was the first to break the solid attempted to capitalize on the ministration's failure to take the capitalist front. Two days before situation, but they have had lit­ initiative in conciliation and in the steel strike started, he signed tle success in recruiting new cushioning the shock of recon­ with the union for a wage in­ members in the labor movement. version touched off the closest crease of I8V2C as suggested by The communist collaboration with thing to a general strike that the the President's fact finding board, the employers during the war United States has ever known. and during the GM-UAW nego­ does not lead workers into be­ tiations, he signed with the Auto lieving that the communists can BEEFS GREW The voluntary no-strike pledge Workers for the same type of give effective leadership to the working class during the turbu­ which labor gave during the war wage increase. lent period of reconversion. The electrical workers conflict made it impossible for the unions Especially noteworthy was the to handle grievances expeditiously was the most violent and hard and at war's end, many locals fought of all the major work stop­ defeat the communists encoun­ The union successfully tered in the UAW elections in At­ had hundreds of grievances piled pages. up which clamored for attention. mobilized public support, but lantic City. Here Walter Reuther, The strikes, as conducted dur­ even so, anti-picketing injunc­ an outspoken foe of communist ing this period, set a new pat­ tions were handed down, and influence in trade unions, was tern. There was little attempt, violence marked the attempts of elected as president, in the face by employers, to break the strikes the company to instigate back-to- of all-oui communist support of the incumbent, R. J. Thomas. by violent methods. Except in work movements. When the United Electrical Workers went The conflicts which have taken the electrical field and at the place have caused great appre­ Yale and Towne Company in hension. Strikes are the indica­ Stamford, the picketing was of tion of a defeat m the economic peaceful nature. system. The knowledge that we Labor and management knew face a major depression justifies that labor was strong enough to the attempt of labor to consoli­ close the plants, and both sat date its position for the coming around the conference table to struggle. battle the issues there and in the Unless we learn as a nation, public press. Labor had definite­ how full employment can be ly come into its own, and was guaranteed to those who wish to being dealt with accordingly. work, we face chaos and worse. Another fact which proved that Only militant unionism has labor was a force to be reckoned shown the ability and willingness with was the way most communi­ to solve the 'problems of unem­ ties supported the strikers and ployment and exploitation. were not taken in by the phony you*? SlU Plhl — back-to-work movements and The responsibility for full emtue BAtee OF A n&wnG other labor baiting tactics which plo3mient and prosperity must UNION ... UNION ! employers have used from time be shared by labor, capital, and government. immemorial. In communities clear across the Up to now, only labor has vol­ nation, people rallied to the side unteered to carry its full shhre. Make Isthmian SIU! �Friday, May 10, 1946 THE SEAFARERS LOG r- MONEY DUE Edward M. Rydon, Bernard Rooseberg and Nigel Stoneberg. Call at the Baltimore branch of­ fice and see Johnny Hatgimisios regarding transportation vouchers from the Smith and Johnson Co., which are being held for you. sion of 550 extra meals, payable at the Waterman office. 4 i 4. SS SEA STURGIS Frank Ross, SUP messman has 19 hours of overtime payable at the Waterman office. Billy Butler, SUP messman. % All your overtime records have SS ROBERT G. INGERSOLL been checked and you have re­ J. Martinez. You have a divi­ ceived all money due, you. NORFOLK BOSTON R. Ferreira, $5.00; R. B. Jester, $2.00; INDIVIDUAL DONATION P. E. Powell, $2.00; F, G. VanDusen, S. White, $1.00. Total—$1.00. $2.00; E. D, Jenkins, $2.00; R. C. Beahm, $2.00; L. L. Cason, $2.00; S. E, NEW YORK Shepheard, $2.00; W. A. BiKham, $2.00; SS CARLE EYE S. C. Pruett, $2.00; R. L. Mudd, $2.00; Paul L. Blair, $1.00; B. H. Scott, G. Hernandey, $2.00; E. A. Reid, $2.00; O, M. May, $2.00; R. W. Anderson, $2.00; Ira Williams, Jr., $2.00; L, Mineur, $1,00; R. Dillon, $1.00; W. R. Buck, $2.00; W. M. Leech, $2.00. P. S. Morris, $2.00; H. E. Nesbit, $2.00; H. Nettelbladt, $2.00; SS Cable $2.00; T. C. Milton, $2.00. Total—$41,00 Eye, $10.00; C. Stephens, $2.00; D. Mentzes, $2.00; D, Davenport, $2.00. Total—$27.00. PHILADELPHIA O. McLean, $1.00; J. Mncey, $2.00; J. Cragg, $6.00; W. Hoover, $2.00; L. Hubbell, $2.00; J. Tuck, $2.00; W, Shoaf, (Crew of Port Christina) $11.00; H. Thurman, $1.00; J. Green, $20.00; Paul F. Fritz, $1.00; H. Kecanda, $2.00; W. Hollansworth, $5.00; J. Krauskopf, $2.00; H. Rasmussen, $1.00; T. Hol­ land, $2.00; J. Graham, $2.00; W. Pow­ ers, $1.00; H. Hastings, $1.00; O. Fraisser, $2.00; R. Horn, $2.00; K. Kohn, 10.00; W. Kohn, (Crew of SS Tonto) 16.00 B. Hall, $2.00; C. Garza, $3.00; A. Green, $1.00, Total—$IOU.UO. NEW ORLEANS ..T. J. Lewis, $10.00; Crew of SS Coastal Herald, $8.00; Crew of SS Peter Zanger, $17.00; Crew of SS Brazil Vic­ tory, $21.00. Total—$S6.00. JACKSONVILLE SS JOHN GALLUP C. p. Blankenship, $2.00; A. P. Smith, $2.00; G, M. Williams. $2.00; R. Kuntz, $2.00; C. Taylor, $2.00; W. A, Belcher, $3.00; G. Dawis, $2.00; H. C. Rembliss, $3.00; A. Patten. $3.00; H. B. Patterson, $2.00; H. Terrell. $2.00; J. Martin. $3.00; J. W. Reeves, $2.00; L. R- fadea.u, $2.00; V. E. V. DTndia. $3.00; J. Kirk, $1.00; J. Messick. $2.00; J, O, Messick, $5.00; H, L. Hostrodt. $2.00; F. B. Rosenbaum, $1.00; J. S. Chamona. $2.00; H. Davis. $5.00; D. G. Socenson. $2.00; J. L. Hunt, $3,00; J. W. Davis. $2.00, Total—$62.00. SS JOHN GORRIE W, A. Adamson. $2.00; J, V. Sim­ mons. $.1.00; S. Mosakowski. $5.00; G. Mather, $2.00; J, J. Mallon. $5.00; H. Junge, $2,00; J. Chiorra. $3.00; Fox, $2.00; D. E. Mclntyre. $2.00; Lindsay, $2.00; J. Abrams. $2.00; Grezgocwski, $2.00; J. Luvanos, $5.00; H. E. Schmidt. $5.00; W. Easmont, $2.00; O. L. Kirkland. $1.00; W. E. Dirlam. $5,00; A. J, LaNoco, $1.00; F, Luzziettl, $1,00; W. F, Barth, $2.00; A. W, Rummil, $2.00: A. Strherolini. $2.00; I. Toran, $2.00; J. Redden. $2.00. To­ tal—$60.00. INDIVIDUAL DONATION W. D. Crawford, $5.00. Total—$5.00. :x SS J. LOW G. E. Monroe, $5.00: M. J. Dambrowski, $2.00; Henry Chenel, $5.00; Joseph Boutin, $2.00; Franklin Wood, $1.00; John Zadakis, $2.00; M. C. Edward, $2.00; Aud L. Mclntyre, $1.00; M. A. Robinson, $3.00; Joseph E. Senneville, $2.00; L. K. Helie, $1.0Q; H. H. Power, $3.00; B. A. Ashwansky, $2.00; M. D. Tsokas, $2.00; R. E. Crowley, $2.00; T. Mastaler, $2.00; R. J. Gonthier, $2.00; N. D. Parsons, $2.00; Arthur J. Dutour, $2.00; Edward Babbitt, $2.00; Joseph T. L. Dupere, $3.00; Thomas Dineen, $2.00. Total—$50.00. SS AIKEN VICTORY A. Allie, $1.00. Total—$1.00. SS FROSTBURG VICTORY E. Snyder, $1.00; C. J. Leger, $1.00; J. A. Rascik, $1.00; K. Korneliusen, $2.00; B. Lesselroth, $1.00; E. Barron, $1.00; J. Figg, $2.00; G. Jensen, $1.00; G. Pepry, $1.00; D. J. Dennis, $1.00; C. Ciatras, $1.00; D. Ciccone, $1.00; R. Morrow, $1.00; D. R. Nicholson, $1.00; J. L. Swann, $1.00; P. A. Crecca, $1.00; C. Hardwick, $2.00; A. G. Diaz, $2.00; J. Stombough, $2.00; J. G, Alses, $1.00; W. A. Brown, $2.00; John SS R. M. PEARSON B. B. Tippins, $4.00; G. Guiseppe, Schaefer, $2.00; E. Malkiewicz, $1.00; $3.00; M. Raddin, $3.00; D. Laner, $2.00; L. P. Doleac, $2.00; Thomas Stewart, G. L. Sheppard, $2.00; A. W. Salter, $2.00; J. Podesta, $2.00; R. Kidd, $1.00. Jr., $4.00; L. G. Warren, $5.00; W, L. Total—$37.00. Skippard, $2.00; J. G. Daley, $1.00; R. SS MADOKET DeLaeacquutaux. $2.00; A. G, Howe, J. M. Nelson, $1.00; M. Lopez, $2.00; $4.00; 3. D. Laney, $1.00; C. J. 11111, A. DelVoIle, $2.00; B. McKee, $2.00, $.1.00; S. J, Towson, $1.00; G. Stout, J. Keesley, $2.00; C. Wright, $2.00; $2.00; C. B. Mltchan, $1.0,0; C. W. Gar­ B. Turk, $1 00; J. Hall, $2.00; E. Sigon, rison, $2.00; E. Veal, Jr., $2.00. Total $2.00; J. M. Harris, $2.00. Total—$18.00. —$42.00, E. Glassford, $2.00; G. Peterson, $2.00; J. Walker, $2.00; R. Prolazick, SS WM. BREWSTER $3.00; D. L. Beck, $2.00; A. Wm. Pac J, K, Gatlin, $20.00; Joe B. Holden, key, $2.00; L. Kubik, $2.00; D. F. $1.00; John D. McDaniel, $1.00; Charles Walters, $3.00; R. Geiszler, $3.00; H. E. L. Blackburn, $1.00; C. R. Lane, $1.00; Murphy, $2.00; W. J. Miller, $2.00; A. Wm. S. Baum, $1.00; R. C. Tate, $1.00; J. Coogan, $3.00; A. Dans, $2.00; A. R. M. Tate. $1.00; R. L, Hughes, $1.00; E. Majewski, $5.00. Total—$35.00. J. Story, $1.00; E, O, Gates, $1.00; W. SS COLABEE T. StricUlin. $1.00; j, E, Burreh $1.00; J. Rocco, $1.00; J. Petkac, $1.00; H. Thomas McPherson, $1.00; Madison Total—$3.00. Blount, $1.00; Rob Ferguson, $2.00; Schwartz, $1.00. John Spruill, $1.00; Hamilton Dailoy, SS RICKETTES $1.00; E. O. Johnson, $1.00; J. L. WalJames Mele, $2.00; J. Distefano, $2.00; lace, $1.00; Thomas Dennis, $1.00, Total G. Passaretti, $2.00; SS Rickettes, $2.00. —$4.1.00. Total—$8.00. SS ALGIC P. Cretello, $2.00; C. Dawson, $2.00; W. Stewart, $2.00; R, E, Brower, $2,00; A. K. • Jockel, $2.00; H, Lichtenstein, $2.00; L, R. Kramer, $1.00; E. J, Leslie, $2.00; John Vatland, $1.00; E, S. Schroeder, $1.00: H. Strackhan, $1.00; L. H. Barsh, $1,00; P. R. Dahlor, $1.00; H. X. Mcz, $2.00; A. V, Steele, $1.00; M. Wright, $2.00; R, L, Harrell, $2.00; J. C, Tarklngton, $1.00; R, N, French, $1.00; L. W, Peppett, $2.00; R, E. Lansdell, $2.00. Total—$33,00. I# ~ '•lii SS ROBERT M. T. HUNTER The below named can collect at South Atlantic office. New York. E. F. Potts, 5 hrs.; D. A. Natsch, 5 hrs.; W. R. Hynes, 3 hrs.; H. Kowalski, 4 hrs.; B. Viano, 3 hrs.; J. Cnagey, 2 hrs. 4 4 4 BEN GORDY Your transportation for the trip you paid off by mutual consent in Charleston can be gotten from Bull Line, 115 Broad Street, New York City. SS GREELEY VICTORY J. Demuth, $1.00; Robert Wreden, $1.00; Charles Gansis, $1.00; John Alstatt, $1.00; Edward Lewis, $1.00; John Walz, $1.00; Henri Hillion, $1.00; Isadore Flaherty, $1.00; R. D. Donahoe, $1.0;; Joseph Guerrino, $1.00; Gil­ bert Isnor, $1.00; Frederick Ghiotto, $1.00; Augustu Leitc, $1.00; A, J. Wright, $1.00; O. Silva, $1.00; Thomas A. Chatfield, $1.00; Fred Yauch, $1.00; A. J. Brewster, $1.00; Sherwin Gorowsky, $1.00; Domenic Taglieri, $1.00; Rober A. Therrien, $1.00; L. R. Girard, $1.00; A. A. Erdmann, $1.00; Leo C. Tuttle, $1.00; Wm. McNulty, $1.00; Total—$27.00. Melvin Tuttle, $1.00. Page Fifteen PERSONALS SlU HALLS ANTHONY SILES Get in touch with Anthony Gniewpowski, R. 702 Indiana Ave., Glassport, Pa. 4 4 4 DEAN E. HORMEL Get in touch with Attorney Richard M. Cantor, 51 Chambers Street, New York City, regard­ ing your claim against the SS Wiliam Pepper, 4 4 4 ALPHONSE LANDRY Your claim has been settled and you are requested to contact your lawyer, Silas B. Axtell, 15 Moore Street, New York City; 4 4 4 RAYMOND GUIDRY Contact your mother in New Orleans at once, 4 4 4 HAROLD PHILLIPS Please get in touch with Miss Mary W, K, Miller, St, James Apts., 530 N. Charles St,, Bal­ timore 1, Md. 4 4 4 HOWARD L. WING A settlement is waiting for you. Contact Richard M. Can­ tor at 51 Chambers St,, N, Y. C., immediately. NEW YORK BOSTON BALTIMORE PHII AnFI.PHTA NORFOLK CHARLESTON NEW ORLEANS SAVANNAH MOBILE SAN JUAN, P. R. GALVESTON 2-8448 TAMPA 1809-1S11 Franklin St. M-1323 JACKSONVILLE 920 Main St Phone S-irSig PORT ARTHUR HOUSTON 44S Austin Ava. Fhonct 28532 7137 Navigation Blvd. Phone Wentworth 3-3809 RICHMOND, CaUL SAN FRANCISCO SEATTLE PORTLAND WILMINGTON HONOLULU BUFFALO CHICAGO CLEVELAND DETROIT DULUTH VICTORIA, B. C VANCOUVER SS SKAGWAY VICTORY John Hane, $2.00; Abdon Sylvera, $1.00; Robert W. Randle, $2.00; C. H. Graham, $2.00; Charles DeLoch, $2.00; Sebastian Corregal, $2.00; Omar F. Col­ lins, $2.00; M. Dodge, $2.00; J. L. Jones. $1.00; W. T. Horsfall, $1.00; D. W. Hartwig, $2.00; L. Linion, $2.00; C. N. Walker, $2.00; D. D. Roberts, $3.00. Total—$26.00. 51 Beaver St. HAnover 2-2784 330 Atlantic Ave. Uberly 4057 14 North Gay St. Calvert 4539 9 South 7th St. Phone Lombard 7651 127-129 Bank Street 4-1083 68 Society St, Phone 3-3680 339 Chartrea St Canal 3336 220 East Bay St 3-172ft 7 St. Michael St 2-1754 45 Ponce de Leon San Juan 2-5996 305 22nd St. 257 Sth .St 59 Clay St. Garfield 8225 86 Seneca St. Main 0290 111 W. Bumside St 440 Avalon Blvd. Terminal 4-3131 16 Merchant St 10 Exchange St Cleveland 7391 24 W. Superior Ave.. Superior 5173 1014 E. St. Clair St. Main 0147 1038 Third St Cadillac 6857 531 W. Michigan St Melrose 4110 602 Boughton St 144 W. Hastings St NOTICE! R. Myers, Second Cook on Buntline Hitch: Patrolman Colls has $75.00 for you from Mike and Johnny. 4 4 4 SS ALEX STEVENS The following men of the crew C. Lowe, $1.00; K. J. Rasna, $2.00; of the SS Plattsburg, to whom N. Brothers, $1.00; C. Murello, $1.00; E. Naulty, $1.00; L. Sou-sa. $1.00; J. Steward William Kaszubaski owes M. Lodford, $5.00; F. Torres, $1.00; D. money, are requested to call at C. Blalock, $2.00; Waiter Taylor, $2.00; room 646 Times Square Hotel, O. Stuart, $2.00; G. J. Wanka, $2.00; 43rd and Eighth Ave,, NYC.: Jules Barbarin, $1.00. Total—$22.00. j Joe Bolsalvotti, Ralph Russo, SS BLUE RIDGE VICTORY I R. L. Davis, $1.00; H. F. Justice, Barton Troutman, Bill Wingo, $1.00; A. D. Filiberto, $1.00; R. H. Buell Davison, Andries Rodri­ Sinclair, $1.00; J. C. Hoban, $10.00; guez. Guy Walter, $2.00; C. R. Craig, $2.00; K. R. Weddington, $2.00; B. J. Espy, $2.00; Robert Tharp, $2.00; Einar Blakstad, $2.00; Morris E. Southard, $2.00; J. Buckley, $2.00: Allen F., Williams, $2.00; C. W. Fouchey, $2.00; T. B. Black, $1.00; E. L. Stakebake, $2.00; Berrim .Walker,^ $2.00; Vincent R. Valen­ tino, $1.00; R. M. David, $2.00; R. W. Hoglund, $2.00; R. E. Entsminger, $2.00;. Julian Lewis, $1.00; Gerald Lemmage, $2.00; P. Richter, $2.00; James T. Klette, $2.00; A. Aubin, $2.00; John A. Russell, $2.00; R. M. Douglas, $2.00; J. A. Nickerson, $1.00; David H. Nel­ son, $1.00; Ed. Boikland, $10.00; G. M. Gigantelli, $2.00; C. Moonan, $1.00; S. Meyer, $1.00; W. Stoveland, $2.00. Total—$77.00. SS R. HUNTER T. Thompson, $1.00; J. W. Ryan, $2.00; W. Haynes, $1.00; B. Vi^no, $2.00; S. Smrynski, $2.00; D. Higgins, $2.00; C. B. Bregg, $2.00; H. Kowal­ ski, $2.00; L. Alvar, $1.00; R. F. Van Bennel, $1.00; C. E. Hargroves, $2.00; J. R. Gnagey, $1.00; D. A. Natsch, SS F. H. HASSLER J. B. Harrison, $1.00; W. T. Frank­ $2.00; N. Toskce, $1.00; K. Scheprelin, $2.00; D. J. Monteleone, $1.00; F. beck, $2.00; K. S. Fornes, $1.00. Total R. Raiford, $1.00; R. Persinger, $1.00; —$25.00. G. P. Raeburn, $1.00; L. C. McNair, SS SHICKSHINNY $1.00; G. D. Mumford, $1.00; P. C. James Nolan, $1.00; R. J. Kipp, $3.00; Pearson, $1.00; L, M, Voliva, $1.00; R. Khrly, $2.00; V. Acabeo, $2.00; C. Gayler, $1.00; M. Swain, $1.00; P. Guerra, $2.00; George Karajsz, $2.00; E. A. Boyd, $1.00; E. J. Boyd, $1.00; C. Hosleta, $2.00; H. Ptibnl, $2.00; R. S. L. Brown, $1.00; B. Elotz, $1.00; Heffley, $2.00; J. D'Agostino, $2.00; P. S. Plesnarskl, $1.00; R. Butler, $1.00; M. Dashukie, $2.00: S. Mank, $2.00; S. Salagio, $1.00; E, C. Bell, $1,00. J. Robles, $2,00: W. Kehrwiedor, $2.00: L. Fitch, $2.00; A. Lotzgesell, $2,00; Total—$21,00. E. Bevan, $12.00; V. Dominquez, $2.00.; A. Melendez, $2.00; C. Hancock, $2.00; G. Kourkounakis, $2.00. Total—$52.00. SS OTIS HALL J. M. Lord, $2.00: J. Flynn, $2.00; R. Casale, $3.00; F. Dotti, $2.00; G, C, Crautt, $2.00; R. W. Gienier, $2.00; J. J. Connell, $2.00; L. L. Dixon, $2.00; F. Thomas, $3.00; W. Flemming, $2.00; L. -Strong, $2.00; E. Rockwood, $2.00; R. B. Frazier, $2.00; R. D. Bryant $1.00; F. J. Morrissez, $3.00; J. Savio, $2.00; J. R. Martin, $2.00; C. D. Conte, $2.00; J. E. Radigon, $17.00; T. Gard­ ner, $2.00; H. U. Hansen, $2.00; SS Otis Hall, $4.00. Total—-$63.00. INDIVIDUAL DONATIONS Robert Urioste, $1.00; Leonard Widelock, $1.00; V. Puetvaro, $2.00; George Krause, 50c; J. Troast, $1.00; E. IL. Yates, $1.00; Albert Dufner, $1.00; W. R. Morris, Jr., $2.00; T. F. Maher, $2.00; H. H. Johnson, $2.00. Total—$13.50. John Pope, $1.00; O. Uusmann, $1.00'; Mohamed Halm, $1.00; S. Roman, $1.00; Rafael Vazquez, $1.00; Albert H. Stt-, mac, $1.00; R. Hampson, $1.00; Thomaa Boland, $1.00; Stephen Mangold, $1.00; F. Misakavicz, $1.00; Rudolph Michaiek, $1.00; E. Laychak, 50c: R. Nortbjt>p, $2.00; Clifford E. Headrick, 5Go; Pedro Morales, $1.00; F. A, Edyvean, $1.06; George Elot, $2.50; A. A. John^dil, $1.00; Walter Almond, 50c; B. Percello, 50c; Charles Englesma, $1.(ML Total—$21SO. GRAND TOTAL—$968.00. 3.1 �77 T H E SEAFARERS LOG Page Sixteen Bosun Dominic Di Sei, volun­ teer ships organizer aboard the Eastpoint, reported a successful two-and-a-half months trip to Tenerife, Dakar, Monrovia, Luanda, Lobito, Matari, Takarati, and return. At the completion, the boys all had a bellyful of West Africa. Unlike a number of other Isth­ mian ships, the Eastpoint was for­ tunate in having a good comple­ ment of officers skippered by Captain Fitzsimmons. According to the crew, the Skipper was good on draws with the men able to gel their cabbage on short notice. "LINE" CROSSING Twenty men, including the Chief Engineer, had never been across the Equator before, so it was necessary to give them the works on the trip down. Initia­ tion ceremonies were conducted by the Bosun acting as Father Neptune and, traditionally, the gang all had the day off. Need­ less to say, they all had a good time, including the initiates. After docking at New York's Pier 45, North River, upon her return, the Ea.st.point. wa.s con­ tacted by the NMU's hired watertaxi. They came out to see that the boys received the latest prop­ aganda, and asked for an NMUer, AB Bozarra. For some unknown reason, probably because he knew how pro-SIU the Eastpoint was, this individual declined to show himself. CLEAN PAYOFF Standing right near the Bosun when the launch hailed their ship and asked for him, he still stayed in the background and refused to poke his nose out. The crew all got a kick out of his Yehudi act, and razzed him unmercifully. All overtime in the Deck and Stewards Departments was okay­ ed at the payoff with only one Friday. May 10, 1946 ISTHMIAN'S EASTPOINT VICTORY The Eastpoint Victory Is SiU By 70 Percent Continuing the pattern set by the overwhelming majority of ' Isthmian crews, seamen aboard the Eastpoint Victory recently voted in New York approximate­ ly 70 percent for the Seafarers and with a few doubtful votes which could bring the SIU per­ centage even higher. /X beef being raised in the Engine Dept. All in all, it was an ex­ ceptionally clean payoff for Isth­ mian, due in part, of course, to the shipshape ^manner in which the men kept their overtime sheets a la SIU, and to the fact that they got overtime they were entitled to. Bosun Di Sei intends to re­ main on the Eastpoint, because he realizes that, though the vot­ ing over on his ship, only part of the job of organizing Isthmian is accomplished. After the elec­ tion comes the bargainin.g nego­ tiations for a contract, and ne­ gotiations are only as strong as the men behind you. So these men are going to keep their ship strong until they have a signed contract with the Isth­ Here's another Isthmian ship which went strongly for the Seafarers in the voting held in New mian Lines as proof of their York recently. Frustrated in his attempts to get aboard, the photographer was forced to grab this militant strength and solidarity. picture from the stern of another ship docked ahead of the Eastpoint. Lend A Heiping Hand Crew Cleans Up Gabriel Franchere-Twice To Build Overseas Distributien Of Leg Dropping in to the Log office the other day, ships organizer SHE WENT 87 PERCENT FOR SIU The question, "Why can't we Arthur Hayston of the Isthmian get copies of the Log in foreign Line ship, Gabriel Franchere, ports," is irequently asked the Log staff. The problem certain­ gave us the story on how the ly exists, due to the closing of crew cleaned up that ship on the APO and FPO services, but with recently concluded voyage— the cooperation of the member­ twice. Once was when the crew ship a solution can be reached. members, following the lead of The first step in aiding in the the other Isthmian ships, voted world-wide distribution of the for the Seafarers by approxi­ Log is to put the paper aboard all Seafarers' ships. On arrival in a mately 87 percent while docked foreign port, these copies should at Mobile, Alabama. be taken ashore and left in ginThe first time, according to m.ills, cabarets, clubs, and other Hayston, was when the crew gathering places. found the ship in a filthy condi­ Another is to notify the Log tion upon going aboard. Several office of places in foreign ports men went to see the Captain, where seamen gather. Bundles complaining about the matresses of the Log can be sent to those and the general condition of the spots, and they will thus be ship. As a result, new matt.»-esses available to incoming seamen. for the entire crew were secured. After a week of hard work on the As one member put it, "The Here's part of the crew on Isthmian's Gabriel Franchere which part of everyone, the ship was in voted 87 percent for the Seafarers when she voted at Mobile recently. Log is our paper—let's make it fairly good condition with all of the best-read and most-widely Front (reading from the left); A. Hayston, ships organizer, R. Parent. the foc'sles spick and span. distributed union paper in the Turkettle, and J. Hamsen. Middle row: B. Sincroff, F. Valesek, L. world." GOOD TRIP Larson, J. Wade, E. Stcinach. Rear: W. McNutt, N. Phillips, J. Bur» We can do it—if every Sea­ "We had a good trip," declared gess, G. Rate, J. Collier, and D. Krenzenski. farer cooperates. Hayston, "although t;;e skipper. Captain Axtman, was quite strict. In fact, after we called a meet­ ened to charge us with mutiny if MONTGOMERY CITY CREW ing at sea, the Skipper threat- we held any more meetings. But, that didn't bother us too much." NMU Hints At Isthmian Defeat lost, six are in the doubtful col­ (Continued from Page I) couple of doubtful votes were es- umn, and the balance of 50 ships tunated, with the balance going range from 51 percent to 100 per­ cent -for the SIU. to the opposition. This vessel had been pointed - In the face of these outstanding out by NMU organizers as one odds, the NMU has done an about of their strong ships. face from the extreme confidence Completion of the balloting on they were s'nouting from the the Hoard made a grand total rooftops a couple of months ago, of 58 Isthmian ships which have to the present excuse-making already voted, or almost two- policy as displayed in the NMU thirds of the entire fleet. Four Pilot. more ships are due in port within The following is a direct .quote the next few days, so the total from the Pilot of May 3rd: "The not voted is rapidly dimishing, Isthmian Company has been and another couple of months feverishly conspiring with the should see the complete fleet, in­ SIU to steal the election from the Union." cluding stragglers, all voted. The score, with 58 ships com­ Another quote: "Isthmian has pleted, still gives the SIU a vote hired directly from SIU halls for in the neighborhood of 75 per-' months ... but no matter how cent of the total number of bal­ the results of the election stack lots. In terms of ships, only two up . . . fight company-SIU col­ of the 58 have definitely been lusion!" About three days out of Gal­ veston,. Hayston said that one of the crew members sustained an accident. He was unable to work with a badly injured shoulder, and, later, examination showed that he had compound fractures in two places. * As far as Hayston knew, this man received no medical atten­ tion other than superficial care. Further action is expected in his case. When we asked Hayston what condition the Franchere was in now, at the conclusion of her trip, he asserted that she looked perfect as far as cleanliness and conditions were concerned. The Captain was so pleased that he Snapped while aboard their ship, these Isthmian seamen of the wanted the entire crew to sign on again. However, most of them Montgomery City are proud of the fact that their ship voted 65 per­ had other ideas, and wanted to cent in favor of the Seafarers when she was voted while docked at Philadelphia, head for home. ... - Vpi � 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 10, 1946 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. VIII, No. 19 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: KYSKA SEAMAN DIES; SHIPMATE SAY CAPTAIN COULD HAVE SAVED HIM SIU BACKS AFL ORGANIZING CAMPAIGN LUNDEBERG TO TALK FOR U.S. SEAMEN AT ILO NMU CHALLENGES VOTE ON HOARD; MOVE SEEN ADMISSION OF DEFEAT BOSTON SIU FISHERMEN LOCK-OUT CALLED CONSPIRACY TO KILL UNION UNITY SMOKESCREEN U.S. SHIPOWNERS MADE ENORMOUS PROFITS THROUGH CHARTER HIRE L.A. TANKER CHANGES NAME MEBA ONLY TO OBSERVE AT 'UNITY' CONVENTION BRIDGES TOPS CURRAN IN FIRST BID FOR POWER AT 'UNITY' CONVENTION MFOW WILL REMAIN NEUTRAL IN ISTHMIAN FLEET ELECTION NMU LITERATURE MAKES GULLS SICK SHIP'S ENGINEERS RECRUITED FOR CP COAL BARONS TRY TO STARVE MINERS SHIPS TIE UP IN PORT SAVANNAH BOSTON STAGGERS THROUGH A VERY HECTIC WEEK PORT BALTIMORE STILL HIMING SOCIAL LIFE ONLY, IN PHILLY ISLANDS RUN BOOMS NEW ORLEANS GT. LAKES SHIPS LAYING UP JACKSONVILLE HAS BEST SHIPPING IN EIGHT YEARS NMUERS STILL COMING TO SIU SEAFARERS' WATERFRONT ACTION WINNING OVER NMU'S DECEPTION HERE IS THE ISTHMIAN FLEET--WHICH IS VOTING FOR THE SEAFARERS JACKSON'S BUSINESS: MONKEYS SEAFARERS VISIT PARISIAN FAMILY THAT PROTECTED KIN FROM NAZIS CREW HOISTS STEWARD'S TC ON CAPE PILLAR JUICY DISCUSSION IS HELD ABOARD THE SS WARRIOR ANALYSIS OF THE STRIKE WAVE BROTHER RAISES OLD QUESTION OF SHIPPING RIGHTS OF TRIPCARDS THE EASTPOINT VICTORY IS SIU BY 70 PERCENT CREW CLEANS UP GABRIEL FRANCHERE - TWICE LEND A HELPING HAND TO BUILD OVERSEAS DISTRIBUTION OF LOG Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 5/10/1946 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1946 Periodicals Seafarers Log