Media
Issue Date
1939-03-24
Volume
1
Issue Number
6
Plaintext
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*ers' Log
Seafarers' IiiCernational Union of North America
Official Organ of the A tlantic and Gulf Seamen
BROTHERHOOD
OF THE
SEA
VOL. I xNEW YORK, N. Y., FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 1939 ^ 446 No. 6
NMU OFFICIALS FOSTERING
GOVERNMENT ffi^ENTATION
Accuse SIU of Selling Jobs But Cut
NMU initiation Fee to Sell
Only Membership Books
Tile NMU Pilot, followiiitr in tlie footsteps of the Voiee of
the Federation, has ijooie to jrrent pains, and no little expen.se.
to make much of .the fact that one Japanese by the. name of
Kenjiro Suzuki was is.sned a hook in the SIU. Although ad
mitting that he was once a member of the NMU, they con
veniently neglected to mention that he had never secured a
job Avhile he Avas a member of that organization.
They baldlj' .state that the SIU has "Jobs for Sale", and
that Ave joined this man on the strength of tiie promise that
Ave Avoidd get liim a .job on a ship so that he could get. back
to his native land. Although it, is hardly necessary for us
to deny this utterly ridiculous statement, ne\'ertheless, we
feel that we should offer a Avord of explanation.
NOi PROMISES MADE
When Suzuki fir.st applied for admittance to the SIU. he
Aves refused. Not only once.—^but on several different oeha-
sions. HoAvever, he persisted, and although he AA'as told that
the SIU has no ships running to Japan, he insisted that he
desired to be a member of our organization, as the NMU had
done nothing for him in all the time he had been a member.
He Avas eventually issued a book, for a mere transfer fee, and
•Was not charged a full initiation, and shortly tliereafter, Avas
fortunate enough to ship out on a ship bound for the West
Coast.
What happened Avhen he got there, Ave don't knoAA', but
it is quite evident that the comrats saAv their chance to put
out some phoney propaganda, Avhieh, as usual, Avas a lot
of distorted fact.s.
NMU BARGAIN RATES
NOAV,—^while the NMU officials are accusing the SIU of
having "Jobs for Sale", the NMU National Council has de
cided to make a drive on the SIU membership, particularly
in the Gulf District, by reducing the initiation fee from $25
to $10. IT'S NOT JOBS THAT THE NMU IS SELLING,
BUT MERELY A MEMBERSHIP BOOK, WHICH GUAR
ANTEES EXACTLY NOTHING! Over sixty percent of their
own membership are on the beach, and they want to take in
more members! THEY DON'T EVEN HAVE ANY JOBS
TO SELL!
NMU NEEDS MONEY
Their treasury (?) i.s depleted, and they are badly in need
of funds. What simpler way of getting money than to de
clare a bargain on membership fees? As a matter of fact,
even at $10, it isn't any bargain!
Of course, they intend to intensify their membership drive
on SIU members who are employed aboard ships. The
strategy of such a move is very easily seen. THEY DON'T
WANT THE MEN:—THEV WANT THE SHIPS, AND THE
MONEY THEY MAY REALIZE BY SELLING CUT-RATE
MEMBERSHIPS IN THEIR OUTFIT!
And then they have the supreme gall to state that the
Seafarers' International Union is selling jobs! What sublime
hypocrisy! They don't even have any jobs to sell, but are
actually planning on making an attempt to buy the jobs right
out from under the men AVIIO already have them!
WIND UP ON SHORT END
We've said it before, but Ave'll have to say it again,—that
they, tried this same stunt on the Waterman ships, but as
soon as the men on the ships got Avise to them, their so-called
membership drive flopped! When the Avould-be militant com
rats and stooges, in the guise of "rugged individualists" in
the NMU took it upon themselves to try to terrorize the
Watermen seamen off the ships, the Waterman men really
fouAd out what the score AA-as. But Avhen it ended up, the
comrats Avere on the short, end of the score!
PHONEY PROGRAM
So, hurry up boys,—get your NMU books fresh oft' the
press at bargain rates, Avhile they last! This i.s po-sitively our
- . (Continued on Payc Four)
THIEVES SNATCH
CURRAN PIE!
Bad Gunmen Take Dougli
Meant for Pie Cards
On Friday, March 17th, two
armed bandits accosted George
Young, a clerk in the employ of
the National Maritime Union, as
he was entering NMU Headquar
ters at 126 EleA'enth Avenue, New
York City, and seized a $27."t.00
payroll intended for the otficials
and office staff of tliis CIO affiliate.
It is reported that the "Curran
Baking Company, Inc.," the C.P.
unit which exerci.ses complete con
trol over NMU policies and poli
tics, and whose world-famed slo
gan of "Our pie is famous for its
fruit" is beginning to irk the
NMU membership, was highly in
dignant ovei' the theft. Joe and
his hirelings are .said to refer to
the robbery among themselves a.s
"the snatch of our snatch."
So annoyed was Curran, Chief
Baker of the NMU pie, affection
ately referred to as "Little Jackie
Horner" because of his unfailing
accuracy in snaring the most' lus
cious plum, that, he is alleged to
have stuck out his tongue in sheer;
spite at several reporters assigned
to cover the holdup. "Tsk! Tsk!"
clucked Curran, "a legitimate
stickupl And after all the trou
ble I went to prying that dough
out of the. boys! Personally, I
don't give a damn—there's more
where that came from —but the
technique of these two -vodmen
sickened me. Now when me and
the boys work our regular week
ly snatch—" "Charley McCarthy"
Tommy Ray coughed strategically
at this point, and Joe calight him
self in time.
"Oh well!" as one loyal NMU'er
was heard to remark upon hear
ing of the robbery, "'What the
hell's the difference! Joe and his
crowd don''t use gims, "but, as I
said already, what the hell's the
difference?"
NOTICE!
TO ALL MEMBERS OF
THE AFLSU NO. 21420,
AND OF THE SIU. ON
BOARD ISTHMIAN S.S.
LINE VESSELS.
Upon arrival in all ports
where SEAFARERS' IN-
TERNATIONAL UNION
offices are maintained, kind
ly contact the Hall and
make arrangements to hare
the Agent or Patrolman
meet you on the dock, or at
some other convenient
place.
In order that you may
keep yourself acquainted
vdth the progress of your
Union, and know what is
going on, it is necessary
that you contact your rep
resentatives at Svery op
portunity.
CALL YOUR UNION
HALL!
PROGRESS REPORTED BY
GUiJ HUOQUARTERS
Maritime Transportation Council Functioning;
Gulf Members Oppose Fink Hall and
Govern 111eiit Training Plan >
NCAV Orleiuis, March 21—'The NLllB has advised us that
applieation has been receiA'ed to elian<?e the proposed ballot
from the ISU to the Seafarers' InternatioTial Union of North
America, vs the NMU, or no union.
The latest advices are that the NMU has asked that their
<-name be withdrawn from the bal
lot. The Labor Board should cer-
WARNS AGAINST
DOCK SHIPPERS
IN PUERTO RICO
tify the SIU right now—at once!
But, of course, they will stall a
while longer, and give the com
pany a chance to play their hand.
Teaiiisters' Election
This election for a collectlye
bargaining agent will go over at
least three to one for the AFL.
A^ent Reports Many Men i We doubt that the CIO will even
send representatives to the polls. Sneaking Aboard Ships
In Outlying Ports
From Agent E. G. Moreno in
San Juan, P.R., comes a few words
of warning to the members .sail
ing in and out of the Island ports.
In a letter to I he LOG under date
of March 16, he has the folloAving
to say:
"Just a few lines for your LOG
to put some of our men wise, and
enlighten some ships' officers by-
advising them that they can't' pull
any tricks on the SIU of NA.
""When a vessel arrives in San
Juan very few men quit their
jobs, and still fewer are given a
chance to do so. "Why? Well,
there are various reasons, and
here they are:
"1. Many of our Union book
holders who have some relative
or fnend who are friendly with
various ships' officers, and who
want to beat the other man. to the
job by asking the mate or en
gineer to allow the relative or
friend ship in his place, some
where outside of San Juan, so that
Moreno can not do anything about
it.
Ship Off Docks
"2. Many of the supposed-to-be
seamen, who have certificates but
no discharges, and who are not
admitted to the Union, have con
nections with some of the ship
owners' offices, find attempt to
ship through such channels in San
Juan.
"3. Men who only cause the
Union trouble, and are no longer
wanted, or have been expelled
from it, and all other phonies are
shipping off the docks In the out-
of-town ports.
"Well, all these little birds, with
the help of the big birds on the
ships, are getting back into the
Union, and on the jobs, with hard
luck stories, and excuses from
mates and engineers, who claim
that they don't have time to call
the Hall in San Juan because the
ship left on a Saturday or a Sun
day, or any other phoney excuse.
Then theee phonies who manage
to ship out this way, secure SIU
books when they get to the main
land.
Refuse MemhorsMp
, "This Branch is asking that all
Agents, Organizers and Patrolmen
refuse to take any of these birds
into the Union. By this I mean,
(Continued on Page Four)
After the Maritime Transporta
tion Council lefnsed to allow CIO
teamsters to deliver cargo to the
docks, the bottom dropped out of
the CIO drive.
The barge lines are next. They
will make a united frpnt of the
AFL on the waterfront, v/ith the
exception of the NMU. They will
not last long in such an isolated
position. Where will their sup
port come from? They do not
know. Of course, the pie-card
artists in the NMU will hold out
to the bitter end.
S.S. Oratano
This vessel sailed with a full
West Coast crew on deck and be
low—the* same as the Ormee. Ar
ticles read to pay off in Seattle
with .$125 to cover pullman trans
portation, with lower berth, plus
$6.00 per day subsistence. Wages
for four days' traveling time will
be paid in addition. On both
ships, the NMU furnished the
stewards' department. Only one
member of the MC&S got a job.
even though there are many of
them ashore. It seeme that the
MC&S Union is willing to give
their jobs away.
The Point Ancha .was in this
last week. Like all others in the
S&H, they got fresh milk by de
manding it. A little job action
will get all the chow on these
ships that you want.
Maritime Commission
The men in the Gulf have
passed resolutions to fight the
Fink Hall and Training Ship pro-"
grap^. Any member of the SIU
who'-^hips through a fink hall any
where will be expelled. The same
applies to training ships.
The boatswain on the SS Del-
norte was taken off the sh'n^
under charges, by a special meet
ing. Members of the crew pre
ferred the charges. He is charged
with advocating the Fink Hall
and Training Ships. At Monday's
meeting, a trial committee was
elected to try this case.
The Deck Delegate and one Or- -
dinary Seamen were taken off the
ship for working for time off. All
overtime is cash. Any one violat
ing this part of the rules will be
removed from the ship.
Mississippi Shipping Co. clarifi
cation: On sailing, all hands will
be kept on deck until the ship is
completely squared away. Col
lected ^overtime at seventy cents
an hour for shoring up cargo.
"Red" Dean
• III
1.
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fffF-V-• •'i' ' c/ V.
THE S E A F A R E R S ' LOG
••v- ^•:j»rt7o«?r"^-v.
Friday, Mai-ch 24, 1939
:T-
4. *' , Published by- the
SEAFARERS' INTERNATIONAL UNION
OF NORTH AMERICA
Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor - ,,„.
HARRY LUNDEBERGi Acting President
- n !?teuart Street, San Francisco, Calif.
i
Atlantic District
HEADQUARTERS
New York ...2 Stone Street
•"ERANCHES
Boston .1 Rowes Wharf
Providence ......465 So. Main Street
Philadelphia ..6 North 6th Street
Baltimore .212 East Pratt Street
Norfolk 307 East Main Street
San Juan, Puerto Rico 55 Tetuan Street
Gulf District x
HEADQUARTERS
New Orleans .309 Chartres Street
-DRAMCHES
Savannah .....;. '.218 East Bay Street
Jacksonville — 136 Bay Street
Miami 809 Ni E. First Avenue
Tampa 206 Franklin Street
Mobile 55 So. Conception Street
Houston 1407 - 75th Street
Great Lakes District
_ HEADQUARTERS
Detroit 1038 Third Street
ADDRESS ALL CORRESPONDENCE CONCERNING THIS
PUBLICATION TO:
"THE SEAFARERS' LOG"
P. O, Box 522 Ghurch Street Annex
New York, N.Y.
a
News Items
MEMBERS MUST BACK UP DEMANDS
FOR WAGES AND CONDiTIDNS
Phoney Propagarida Being Circulated
With Intent to Discredit Men
Negotiating Agreements
It ha.s been bx'ouglit to the attention o£ New York Head-
quarter.s that certain individuals have been circulating vicious
propaganda to the effect that the members of the Atlantic
District Emergency Board, who are at present engaged in
negotiating an agreement with the Eastern Steamship Com
pany, are not sincere in their desire to secure a really gooc
agreement uutli that Company.
The statement has been made, by the scandal mongers,
that the Emergency Board is entirely too radical arid drastic
in their demands, and that they don't care what g6rfe-d$ an
agreement they get.
We would li^^e to point out right here that the members
—of the Emergency Board have already demonstrated that they
are perfectly able, and more than willing to get the very
best agreements possible.
BAdK t7P DEMANDS
Certain persons, whose names we know, have asserted that
soine members of the Board are entirely" tod mililaht, and
that they are asking too much of the shi|)o'wiiers. SINCE
WHEN HAVE T^[E SEAMEN EVEIt GAINED ANYTHING
THROUGH THE BENEVOLENCE OF THE SHIPOWNERS?
The only way the seamen have ever gained anything was
through MILITANT ACTION, AND BY MAKING THEIR
DEMANDS, AND BACKING THEM UP YO THE LIMIT.
The men on the Eastern S.8. Co. .ships were asked to sub
mit to the Emergency Board any points which they thought
should be incorporated in the agreement, and they did so
willingly. THHKl E]\[ERGENCY BOARD HAS NOT MADE
ANY EXORBITANT DEMANDS OF THE EASTERN S.S.
qO,,r^^iliEY HAVE ASRED ONLY FOR WHAT THE MEN
DK THE SMIPS WANT, AND ARE JUSTLY ENTITLED
TO. WHAT'S WRONG WITH SUCH A PROCEDURE AS
THAT?
PHONEY POVERTY PLEA
The shipowBsrs, particularly oh this coast, have chiseled
on the seamen for a good many years, and it is indeed high
time 'that the seamen Were given a break. The Eastern S.S,
Co.,—like all the rest of them,—^put up the plea of poverty,—
that they aren't making any money,—and expect the seamen
Philadelphia, Pa., Marrfi 18—
Shipping good here for A.B.'s
Black gang Is moving very slowly
but we hope to have ft move at
a better pace lit the near future.
The Merchants & Miners Lines
will, we hope, soon come to terms
Mr. Blaisdell has promised to do
a favor for the hoys on his ships
and see that they all sign up
with the S.I.U. of N.A. Well, we
hope>so, as we are sure tired of
hearing the same story over and
over again.
These lAds would be eating
curry and rice three times a day
if it wasn't for the sCanfen'i
labor movement. They realise
this, but are a little headstrong,
and soem to be a sort of a lost
brigade. Brothers Reddle and
Coliine have to act as shepherds
for these lambs, and it is to be
hoped that they will soon have
them in the fold. SoOner or later
they will have to colne home,—so
why not now? If they could only
see that it is Organized Labor
that has gotten them the condi
tioiis they have now, and realize
that the ship-owners never gave
them something for nothing. If
our patrolmen get a little song
and dance every time they go
aboard, how are we ever'going to
show these guys the light? We
wish to say to the men on the
M&M ships:—TALK WITH THE
AGENTS AND PATROLMEN
WHEN THEY COME ABOARD.—
BE REGULAR,—YOU HAVE ALL
TO GAIN!
Now, to the Brothers who have
at some,titne or another shipped
out of Philadelphia, and knew the
old set-up,—^no ships, and nO
jobs. We want to say that times
have changed here. The Patrol-
man now gets out and covers the
waterfront,—no more 333 Market
Street,—and those who have
shipped out of here know old
number 333. It was the stamping
grounds;- on a rainy day, for the
patrolmen. We . want to say that
our Agent, Brother Reddie, and
Patrolman Collins are on their
toes. They make the waterfront
on rainy, days as well as on clear
ones, and they .not only settle
beefs to the satisfaction of the
crews, but they bring jobs back
to the Hall as well.
Our" Dispatcher is a little off
key, but don't let him scare yoii
when he sticks his head out of
the port hole. He is O.K. and Is
just one of the boys.
The boys oh the SS Suwied
gave the boys-on the beach here
a few Ijucks, so thank yon bro
thers, thank you!
Baltimore
Highlights
Notice:
Ships' Delegates: Demand
that all replacements produce
a "properly filled out assign
ment card from" the Dispatcher
at the Union hall.
Baltimore — Shipping slowed
down somewhat during the past
week, but Shows signs of getting
back to normal this week. From
down in the region of lower
Broadway, where Patrick the
Whale(n) holds forth, there ema
nates, along with the usual smells,
an atmosphere of profound gloom,
due, we believe to the sight of
the SIU men shipping out a sixty
per week clip, while if Paddy
ships that many in a month, a
general holiday is declared;—or
should we say assessment instead
of holiday ?
With the Bull Line, Ore Steam
ship, Calmar Line, Merchants and
Miners, Atwater, Cuba Distil
leries, and a couple of the smaller
lines safely tucked away for the
SIU, Agent McKay is looking
around for fresh fields to conquer,
these days, and from the gleam in
his eyes when he glances over in
the general direction of the Con
tinental Oil, and Chesapeake Line
piers, we have a hunch that
something in the nature of a
minor whirlwind is about due to
swoop down on these ships any
day now!
Another Port Council meeting
is scheduled for this coming Wed
nesday in the office of Pres. Joe
McCurdy of the Central Labor
Council. A big attendance of the
waterfront organizations is as
sured, and we are confident that
the council will be functioning as-
a permanent body by the end of
the month.
Along with the 35,000 members
of the Tenant Farmers Union, and
several other organizatioa's pull
ing out of the CIO this past week,
we note the CIO radio operators
have at long last seen the light,
and are quitting the ARTA in
droves, to get into the CTU, and
recover their sanity with an or
ganization which is to the radio
operator what the SIU is to the
seamen;—a lifeline out of the
morass of dictatorship and in
trigue in which they have, been
floundering for the past couple of
years.
Maybe seamen are a bad influ
ence or something, but we note
that less than three months after
the Coast Guard boys received
orders to study the make-up and
personnel of the Merchant Marine,
they are agitating' all over the
place for an increase in wages.
Perhaps this maritime training
stuff might work both ways, and
instead of the Coast Guard show
ing us how to run a ship, we'll
show them how^ to get their
wages boosted. Thinking it over,
we've always noted that although
oiir picket lines were tops in mili
tancy, they weren't so hot in a
sartorial sense, and perhaps a
coupir of Admirals on picket duty
would give them some class".
Isthmian is still a tough nut to
crack in this port. With the.
patrolmen barfed from the ships,
contacting is done by meeting the
men on the docks, and due to the
presence of numerous stooges,
such contacting is generally un
satisfactory. One of these days.
the teamsters and loagshoremea
are going to ^suddenly stop wo^fc
dto^h Isthmian way, and then
watch how fast our friend the
lieutenant spreads the carpet, and
bows our patrolmen aboard thesq
ships. •
Rumors of a strike of the li
censed officers aboard the Mep-
clia"nts and Miners ships, sched
uled for April 1, are sO far uncon
firmed. The offifficers in this line
are members of the United Li
censed Officers, and want a ten
percent increase in "W'age.s, with
every eighth week off on full pay^
However, the Company has just
installed motion picture equip
ment aboard their ships, and wo
hear that the'ULO will .compro
mise and renew the old agree
ment, If the officers are allowed ,
to see the movies once a week.
BaltiDiore, March 20—Shipping
picked up considerably this week,
and business was good. Of the
tlilrty-six American Flag ships
entering port during the week,
twenty-one of them carried SIU
crews, and the patrolmen were
kept busy.
Last Monday's regular business
meeting approved the appoint
ments of Brother A. "Wingate to
the Dispatcher's Job, replacing
Brotlier Roberts who resigned be
cause of ill !i.?alth, and Brother
John Lui to regular patrolman In
this port.
Claiming that the NMU is ship
ping its members on "West Coast
ships, the local branch of the
"West Coast Cooks and Stewards
are planning to move in with the
MFOW in their new Hall at 850
East Pratt Street. The" phone
number of the new MFO'W Hall is
Calvert 2339.
Beefs were plentiful during the
week, which, in itself -is good
news. A UnioiUWith a peaceful,
satisftod membership, is a Union
that is losing its grip. -A fighting,
kicking membership makes up the
backbone of any organization. It
keeps the officials on their toes/
and alert to any attempts of the
employers to put over a fast, one.
But' there are beefs, and it should
be remembered that they usually
take up a lot of the patrolmen's
time—which is O.K. if the beef is
bona fide. However, there have
been a few lately that caused a
lot of trouble and disruption.
to feel sorry for them! If they are losing money, as they
claim, then why in Hell do tRey continue in business?
; All shipoivners engaged in the coast-nLse trade on- this
coast are anticipating a very good year becau.se of the Fair
here in New York, and there is no good reason in the world
why the seamen should pot share in these profits!
MEMBERS MUST BUPPDRT ^
J# Wages s-re not the only thing "which must he .taken into
^;;!^<msideration, as working and living conditions are not en-
tirely up to standard. THE MEMBERS HAVE ASKED
FOR CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS, AND THE EMER
GENCY BOARD W,ILL DO EVERYTHING IN THEIR
POWER. TO GET THEM FOR THEM! However, it must be
remembered that their power is ONLY AS STRONG AS THE
BACKING GIVEN THEM feY THE MEMBERSHH' I .
WE CAUTION THE MEMBERSHIP NOT TO LISTEN
TO AEY OP THIS PHONEY PROPAGANDA WHICH IE
BEING CIECULATED. THE EMERGENCY BOARD DOES
EAVE YOUR INTERESTS AT HEART, AND WILL GO
THE LIMIT FOR YOU!
WILL YOU GO AS FAR FOR THEM?
REMEMBER THAT IN UNITY THERE IS STRENGTH!
PULL TOGETHER AGAINST OUR COMMON ENEMY,
AND BACK UP YOUR DEMANDS!
which, upon investigation proved
to be nothing else but the airing
of personal grudges between mem
bers of the crew. Perhaps a bit
of investigating by the ship's dele
gate and a committee of the crew
into some of these beefs, before
thej^ were turned over to the pa
trolman, might save a lot of time
and trouble for the boys.
Wednesday, in the office of the
Baltimore Federation of Labor,
the second meeting of the Port
Coijncll was much better attended,
although the ILA were stiil con
spicuous by their absence. On be
ing contacted as to why his or
ganization was not represented at
the meeting. Brother Jim Kelly of
the ILA said he didn't feel like
getting info it, because it would
be a "headache." It's too bad,
Jim—but did you ever know any
thing connected with the labor
movement that wasn't a headache?
Ask some of the shipowners?
Some of/Our brothers are get'
ting a little bit choosy these days
in the matter of tUking jobs. Sev
eral times of late the Dispatcher
has had a hard time filling a job,
because the boys in the Hall all
passed it up in hopes of some
thing better coming along. In do
ing this, they are, of coarse, cut
ting their own throats, by forc
ing the officials to sign up new
members. What goes on a ship
eventually hds to Cdme off, and
one of these dliys you'll wake up
to find the shipping list so full
that It will be months before you
get to the top.
J-:'.-
jay, Mardi 24. 2939 THE SEAFARERS' LOG
^11>1CE and ERE m
New Orleans, March 21 — Just
lad a talk with a member of the
rew of the SS Ormes, a run Job
0 Seattle, for tlie Alaska Trane-
ortation Company, who returned
:o New Orleans.
I was told fha^a fireman and
ah oiler, upon arrival of the SS
Ormes in San Pedro, contacted.
Agent Quinn to ship out of ths
IWW liall in New Orleans.
Lo and behold! Reminds me of
'35 and '36, when the commies
were sabotaging with those rotten
scandal sheefs on Clay Street.
Commies may try to wreck the
only Union in the Gulf—the StU.
1 believe that the veal W. C. Fire
men will stick with us through
thick and thin.
Eventually the W. C. Firemen
will rid their Union of the dis
rupters who want everything but
unity of the seamen.
There is supposed to be a letter
here in the Gulf, that San Pedro
Branch of the Firemen will start
the move to ship out of the IWW
hall instead of the SIU hall in
New Orleans. I have my guess
that none other than Bill Patton,
brain-trust of the NMU, ex-Secre
tary of the IWW, New Orleans,
would try such tactics to split the
W. C. Sailors and Firemen. No!
No! No! How can a sailor, or
fireman, or messboy, or whatever
he sails at, when he sails—-Which
is once in every ten" or twelve
years—be the brains of the de
funct NMU?
Your guess Is as -j^od as mine.
I believe the Firemen should try
to visit some of the SHl ships in
this port and look the crews over
with one of the Delegates; and I
aWdure you that he will find
damned'good militant crews, and
they will back up the SIU to the
last man!
So, Firemen, take a good .look
for yourselves! 'To Hell with the
braintrusts, and on t'o a powerful
SIU!
Fraternally,
John B. Patton, SUP
by'
6
New Orleans, March 21 — The
SS Delnorte sailed from Bere last
Saturday for South-America. Well,
I suppose that you know that "two
for one" Captain Smith is still on
board lier. This "two for one"
Smith is Hell—he would log his
wn brother!
One of the men had an hopr
overtime coming to him, and he
tried to hold it back, just to see
if this man would make a squawk
about it. 'This I'two for one" Cap
tain Smith does not' like to pay
"overtime.
The company has n ine sh ins,
and eight of them are O.K. But
it they keep this chiseling "two
for one" Captain in the company,
they will have plenty of grief; as
the crews who sail with "two for
one" Smith have a miserable
voyage.
i
I':
.'1:^
New Orleana, La., 'March 14—
During the week there were quite
a few ships in port. The crews
are all getting better conditions
than formerly. Also, they , are
vdlling to go to bat to improve
conditions and overtime.
The Isthmian Line had better
get wise. We are going to Or
ganize these ships. Many of these
crews are afraid of the cmnpany,
but when they leam that the
Union can and will back them, up,
they are 100 percent union-mind
ed. The" cooperation of the other
waterfront uniOns is a big factor
in our favor in organizing these
ships.
Steady as she goes.
Eugene Nobles, Gulf No. 29
New Orleans, ^a., March It-
It being imperative that I return
to,the Coast, it was necessary
that I resign.
Things are in good shape at
present, with the exception that
in the past week we have seen
the Waterman ships return to
their old tactics of one and two
watches tieing up and letting go.
On the Maiden Creek, the deck
department refused to get oft to
enforce the use of all hands, so
they wanted to settle the beef in
Mobile. WHAT IN HELL IS
THE MATTER ^NYWAY? Let's
have a little cooperation or find
out why. DON'T LET CONDI
TIONS GO BACK! PU*.« in there
and keep punching! What the
Hell is the matter with you?
Thanking you fofTiast coopera
tion.
Red Carolan, GUP No. 3142
TO THE MEMBERSHIP:
Dear Brothers;
Just a line to thank you for the
splendid cooperation shown to
Brother Gunnison and myself
during our recent trouble in
Tampa. Through the support of
you who donated to our . defense
fund, and the rest of the members
who were with us in every possi
ble way, we were able to beat the
phoney irap that the anti-labor
forces were trying to put over on
us.
The anti-labor union phonies'
main Idea is to frame the labor
men who can't be bought off, if
they canit be controlled by these
same phonies.
TliiB is one time that' they found
out that they had a brilliant mili
tant organization to fight. Instead
of dust a couple of lonesome sea
men. And when you brothers
showed your solidarity by your
donat'ions, they realized that they
were heading into a real battle,
and so the phoney charges were
dropped by the man who has done
the most to disrupt the labor
movement in the Florida district
Thanking you brothers for your
Support, and assuring you that it
makes me proud to be a member
in such an organization.
Fraternally,
Ralph Hart, SUP, No. 4417
New Orleans, March 26—Bror.
ther Clive C. Allison passed away
at thie Marine Hospital, New Or
leans, on RfarcU 14, f939. He had
been in the hospital about a year.
Brother Allison was well liked
by ail.
Brothers J. J. Hughe, E. A.
Boyd, Bill Luberg, "Vance, S. H.
Ham and McCaleb acted as pall
bearers.
Dispatcher's Report
New Orleans, March 21—Ship
ping is very good.
This iveek, shipped 14 SUP men,
10 MFOW men, and 23 SIU men.
Making a total of 47 men, leav
ing very few West Coast men on
the beach here.
L. J. Bollinger, ditipatcher,
SUP No. 3859
Jacksonville, March 14 — The
Cornelia of the Bull Line came
in this nibrning, and I must say,
in true Union style. It seems as
though the members are begin
ning to understand that a real
Union is backing them up.
One thing a few; of the mem
bers should understand,' and that
is, if for any reason a member
should go to a hospital, or oh his
vacation, he should report tb the
Union Hall before and after. A
lot of hien are failing to do this,
and are holding the delegates re
sponsible for them being pulled
off the ship. So brothers, take
- Mobile, March 21—Shipping has
been very good tills past week,
with all department's turning over
at a good clip.
Tlie usual beefs" aboard f.lie
ships. The crew of the SS Bien
ville had their quarters shifted
from aft to midships, and at sail
ing time, all hands seemed very
well satisfied. This is a step in
tbe right direction, as there will
be no more barked shhis from
climbing over deck-loads at night,
now.
Ice boxes of the latest, design
are being placed aboard these ves
sels aa they come in. If a few
moie of these companies would
get wise and put boxes aboard,
they would find out that fiiey pay
for themselves in a short time.
Brother C. H. Peers, Book .No.
4415, passed away at the Marine
Hospital on Wednesday morning,
March 15. He was buried at the
Magnolia Cemetery. Brother SIU
members acted as pall bearers,
and there was a surprisingly good
turn out. This Brother was an
active Union man for a long time,
and will be missed by quite a
number of the old time seamen.
This A.M. the initial meeting
was held to start a Maritime
Trades Council in the Port, of Mo
bile. All those attending were
very enthusiastic, and at next
week's meeting a definite program
will be laid out. More on this
later.
Just an incident which shows
that without the Union, at least
one more seaman would be on the
bricks from now on:
Whsn ths SS West Madaket
was signing on yesterday, there
was an A.B. shipped from ths
Hall to this scow. He vvas an
elderly brdtjier, who has sailed
for years, and is a real old time
'seaman who knows his stuff, and
can do it. The mate looked him
"over, and decided that he was
too old, and might not Jump when
told, so he refused him. The
Delegates went in and held a
lengthy conference with this
mate, and It ended up by this
Brother being signed on.
Maybe some day these mates
will Wake up and realize thai we
mean it when we say UNIT'V!
at least say that we did our best.
"Tlie men who sail these ships will
go for a united program, but they
will .steer clear of anything less
than tliat!
Mobile, March 21—rAccording to
the local press, the Isthmian-S.S.
Co. are going to start an inter-
coastal service from this port to
the "West Coast". The first ship is
supposed to be the Steel Inventor,
arriving here on April 13.
Now. if this should turn out to
be a fact, then we need the passes
which we have been yelling for.
Today, the 'Selma City was in, and
when the patrolman and the or
ganizer went down there, they
couldn't get aboard. It's impos
sible to contact the crew or do
any good, unless we do get' these
passes. I helieve that if we force
the issue here in the Gulf, and
also on the East Coast, plus the
West Coast, there is no doubt that
the company will come coco.
The action which took place on
the Atlanta City, in New Orlean::,
when Dean and the boys lined up
that crew, should show all hands
that it can be done, and that if
should be Jone NOW!
The Steel Inventor hit the coast
with the members of the crew
clamoring for representation, so,
all In all, if there is anything to
lose, let's lose it now, as we can
heed,, and do not forget to report
to your nearest Hall when going
on a paid vacation or to .a hos
pital.
Fred Laurilano
Mobile, Ala., March 7—Well,
well, the NMU boys are still in a
dither over these "unorganized"
.ship.s, such as the Waterman Line,
etc., etc. According to the Pilot,
these ships are keeping the boys
awake night's. It does us all good
to see that the boys are interested
in the seamen, and want to make
sure that they all get what is com
ing to them. For "unorganized"
ships, they sure are raising plenty
of Hell and getting conditions
plus! It seems to me that I have
heard plenty about Waterman
ships being tied up for this and
that. What I would like to know
is whether this is a spasmodic
outburst, or is it a real sign of
true democracy? Do the members
on the ships and ashore pay their
dues just so as to be able to sail
these same "unorganized" ships,
or do they really take an interest
in the Union affairs? Well, if
they don't—then I am one guy
who 6 ire is being fooled!
At each and every meeting the
members check all bills and ac
counts, and If they find some
thing that they don't savvy, then
they sure as Hell don't OK them.
Maybe some of the officials in
the NMU don't savvy this sort of
thing. (.Note the Auditing Com
mittee's report in the Pilot.)
Our friends, the NIJRB, have,
according to the Pilot, consented
to another election on the Seatvain
Line ships. Now, isn't that just
ducky! I wonder if. by any
chance, there was somebofiy who
saw Bomebody, and decided that
this SIU means business—so we'll
just create a little confusion, and
if we can't have them, we'll make
sure that no one else does. May
be not, maybe yes!
Note to Joe Curran:—If ( look
long enough in the Pilot I gener
ally find at least one thing each
week, that you say, with which I
agree. Sometimes I sure have to
look hard, but this time it Jumped
right at me. it was about this
picket card waving. Strange as it
may seem to a lot of good honest
Union men, if we don't Stop ...ss
picket card Stuff, and do it soon,
we win be weakening ourselves to
where it will take twice as Ibnff
to get together. So, how about it,
boys? Let's have a little less of
this old hooey!
One thing I'd like to voint out
in passing, is the difference ^ in
points of view. The Pilot, each
week, points out how Pho^ey Uie
officials of the SIU are. If they
are right, then the majority of the
Gulf members are all wrong. Tli^^
members elected WilUain "Scotty
Ross to go to Florida and set up
the machinery for negotiating an
agreement with the P&O
and just before they start the old
crap' about domination, he had or
ders from the members what to
go after, and What to do. On this,
he did a fine job, and his report
hafl been submitted.
"What I'm getting at was his ac
tion in Tampa. Upon his arrival
there, he found that notldiig had
been done about the two Brothers
who weue Being framed by ex-
Agent Epps. Brother Ross imme
diately swung into action, guaran
teed a lawyer his fee to repr^ent
tliese brothers, convinced Eppa
that his trumped - up charge
wouldn't stand up in court, and
had the two men clewed in jig
time. Now, if these are the ac:
tions of a phoney, thdn let's hnve
lots of them, as we can sure as
Hell use tliem!
Full Ahead, Steady as she goes.
W. A. Armstrong^ SUP No. 2983
Miami, Fia., March 15—rArriyed
here last Tuesday night and found
that the crew of "the SS Florida
had pulled something which had
failed. Upon investigating, X
found this job-action to be more
or less of a mess. The black-gang
came off at six o'clock, and asked
the other departments to follow
them. The other department^
not knowing what the beef was
for, felt that, having acquired dem
ocracy by pledging themselves to
the SIU, they were entitled to
their constitutional rights. Theg
immediately held a meeting, at
which the beefs were brought out:i
the fresh milk was not fresh, but
was a mixture, and the black-gaag
had a kick about their quarters«
Inasmuch as the company had
not been notified about the milk,
and the quarters would be changed
as soon as tlie material was OH
board, the rest of the crew felt if
was a bum beef, and refused to
bade it up at the time. However,
some of the black-gang stayed
ashore, and the company put re
placements aboard, and sailed the
ship. Upon the vessel's return,
the Union took the stand that in
asmuch as a man has the right to
quit, and that the company had,
in times past, fired men on short
notice, therefore these men were
justified in quitting, as they had a
good reason to do so. Also, the
company had not made any effort
to procure men through the Union
Hall. 'These men who took the
ship out had to get off, and gpod
Union men were shipped in their
places, from the Union Hall. Those
of the gang who came off, having
preference. ;
"Visited the SS Elizabeth of the
Bull Line when she was in here
this week, and upon asking tor
the ship's delegate, found &at
there was none. "We immediafely
appointed them, and explained t«
those of the crew aboard the, ship
the necessity of getting tog^sr,
pulling together, and of holding
meetings regularly.
The SS Evangeline left for the
North, and the season is drawing
to a close. One thing that the
port of Miami needs is A.B.'s, fire
men and oilers. There is a port
age here which makes' it difficult
for the union officials to get pien
paid off, who want to get paid off,
We have here with us a NMU
organizer, with the business office
and hall in the Seamen's Church
Institute. This is where the men
are shipped from. There is an
other place called the Concha Ho
tel and Restaurant which does
some more shipping for the NMU
(The Party gang.)
Joseph Anton, former patrol
man in Miami, is another bird
honoring, "I got a raw deal," and
is in Key West trying to disrupt
and cause general confusion. Lit
tle Joe is now running around ad
mitting how he screwed men out
of jobs, and what a great friend
of the P & 0 Company he is. For
a few paltry dollars, this faker
sold his soul, and can look no
Union man in the face. Just an
other guy who doesn't sem to un
derstand that the SIU is here to
stay. He'll learn
J. Gunnison
Miami, i\rarch 21—"The Port of
Miami had tliMr first meeting in
months, and the hr'^thers were
very much interested lu being
able to run their own business.
They had been bullied mid brow
beaten by former Epps men, and
are now realizing that the SlU
is a democratic organization.
This week we boarded the Es-
(Continned on Page Four}j
l •• 4| • •• **• I : . I'il
urn
•ii: \
i
'MM
-•if
w.
T H E - S E A E A R E R S ' L OO Friday» March 24,
m-r
1
r5v>
Ji- '
ir
tfy.-iW'
I4MU OFFICIALS FOSTERING
^GOVERNMENT REGIMENTATION
(Continued from Puye One)
last offer (Unless we make another). Joiii the NMU and sit
around on the beacli from now on! Or-ship out of the Fink
Halls," or join the Maritime Commission Truinin*? Scllool!
These are the things,you can hope for from the NMU. Their
officials are aiding and abetting the Maritime Commission's
Fink Halls and Training Schools and Ships, and are attempt
ing to ram this phoney program down the throats of their
membership. THE NMU, BACKED UP BY THE CP, IS
POSTERING THE REGIMENTATION OF THE AMERI
CAN SEAMEN, AND BY SO DOING, ARE DELIBERATE
LY PLOTTING THE DEATH OF ALL MARITIME
UNIONS!
IP YOU BELIEVE IN SUCH A PROGRAM, THEN JOIN
THE NMU!
WHAT CAN THE OFFICIALS OF THE NMU DO FOR
THE SEAMEN THAT THE SIU CAIN NOT OR WILL NOT
DO!
SELL INTO SLAVERY
The officiaLs of the NMU are doing their best to sell the
American Seamen hack into sea-slaverg, through Government regi
mentation, via the route of subjection to the Maritime Commission
Fink Halls and Maritime Commission Training Schools and Ships!
THE SIU CAN NOT, AND WILL NOT APPROVE, NOR
ALIGN THEMSELVES WITH ANY SUCH PROGRAM
WHICH CALLS FOR GOVERNMENT REGIMENTATION,
AND THE VERITABLE SELLING OF THE AMERICAN
SEAMEN INTO SLAVERY!
Scatrain Havana'
Wants No Part of
NMU or Commies
BOSTON
News Bits
Boston, Mass., March 13—The
SS Cristobal of the Panama Rail
ways was launched this week.
This is the second of the.se ves
sels to slide down the ways.
Trial of F. Shaw was held at
Monday's meeting, and he was
found guilty of the charges. Proof
was offered that he was at one
time a delegate for the NMU on
the West Coast.
, We are working on the ESSCO
agreement, and there are plenty
of beefs. But when the employers
raise the cry of alien agitators,
against the Union organizers, Just
remember that all Americans are
either immigrants', or the sons
and daughters of immigrants.
Here is a little data we picked
up regarding the NMU in Boston,
after the crash of the Hand Rub
ber Co., when 4,500 workmen
turned from the CIO to the AFL.
Instead of sneering at attempts
th reform capitalism, they (the
commies) have become so thor-
•oughly convinced that Socialism
their own sakes and for the wel
fare of their families and their
country. So, come on down the
line with a REAL UNION,—the
SIU.
Every word that has been said
here is said in deadly seriousness,
and with a fuii sense of respon
sibility. We, the seamen, are
passing through a very severe
crisis, and we extend the hand of
brotherly cooperation to the great
mass of American seamen, for one
big UNION!
Providence
Votes
Providence, March 21—Brother
Benigo Oliveria, Book No. 1494,
died suddenly, on Sunday, March
12, in his room at 174 South Main
Street. According to the medical,
examiner, death was due to na
tural causes.
He was buried on Friday, March
17 by the membership here, who
will pay for the funeral by volun
tary contributions. We are try
ing to get in touch with his rela
tives in Corruna, Spain.
The crews of the SS H. D. Whit-
Is the only system under which' William C. At-
the working people can perma
nently better their lot, that they
regard every benefit gained with
in the framework of the capitalist
system as a step towards Social-
Ism, and simply and solely
cause it is a benefit, and makes
the world a better place in which
to live.
With this in mind, the com
munists now approach all honest
seamen and point out the urgent
need for extending cur political
democracy into an economic de
mocracy, and the fact that even
what democracy we have is seri
ously threatened by Fascist-mind
ed reactionaries.
Are we going to stand for all
this,—and for how long? Don't
forget that Hitler rose to power
in the same sort of a crusade
(against communism). Surely, in
the face of this terrible menace
which hovers over our American
eeamen, we should'all rise above
our common differences, and join
hands in one big Union,—the SIU,
—^foir our, common good, and meet
this just as we would meet some
terrible natural calamity. It is
the duty of every American sea
man to join a bona fide tabor
union, for mutual protection and
progress. They mpst organize for
water took up a collection to go
towards defraying the expenses
of the funeral. The Wliitton crew
giving a total of $16.40, and the
Atwater crew $5.90.
We wish to thank these bro
thers for their kindness in help
ing in this matter.
Frank Berry, Agent
March 18, 1939.
Havana, Cuba,
Dear Brothers:
A word from" the good ship Sea-
train Havana on the chances of
the NMU taking over. In the
March 10 issue of the SEAFAR
ERS LOU you have an article con
cerning the NMU on the Seatrain
Lines, Inc. Well, I would like to
tell you of only a few things
which have taken place here in
the i)ast three weeks. We get
fresh milk every morning—of
cour.se, we
for it. hilt with the support of
(he whole crew, it was easy. And
that's the way we do everything
o» here. I am telling you that. 1
do not believe there is a ship of
stronger Seafarers' afloat,—and do
they hate the NMU! No greater
hate has any Union man than than
a true Seafarer, for the NMU.
Wliy?
Because they know what tlie
NMU stands for. When you go to
a meeting, you can not talk, and
if yoii do, one of the comrat's
votes you down, and you may
wake up in the _ hospital with a
broken skull—and lucky to get
out' of it alive.
Their phoney agreements stink
to high heaven, and if you say
that you will not accept an agree
ment like that—well. Brothers,
your life is in youi- own hands!
How the' men in the NMU can
ever put up with the lieing, stink
ing, conniving comrats in that or-
ganizatioiT is beyond my powers
of imagination.
The NMU comrats must think
that we, the members of the Sea-
trains, are as stupid or dumb as
they are. They may stand for
getting "No - Coffee - Time" Joe
lousy agreements jammed down
their throats, but we don't want
any part of them. Why?
Because we are SEAFARERS',
and men, "and as long as we hhve
good militant men as leaders in
all ports, as we have now, we need
never fear of having any phoney
agreements jammed down our
throats. You men of the Gulf
District know the agreement we
got from the Mississippi lihe—
well, they are getting one ready
MARITIME COMMISSION
Shipping;^ Comimseioner to Register
Unemployed Seamen in Puerto Rico
Ac('()rdii\<r to iiifonnalion forwarded from Sa'ii Juan, P. R.,
the acting Sliipping Commissioner, Mr. Alejatulro Rubio, has
opened a Phnk Hall in that port. It is declared to be a sort
of registry foi' unemployed seamen wlio arc looking for work
on American vessels, or rather, those under the control of'
the U.S. Maritime Commission. The claim is that this is be
ing done in order to avert friction with the seamen's Unions
had to argue a little who are at present snpp]> ing the unlicensed personnel to
privately own^ ships.
Mr. Rubio's- communication to the unem]»loyed seamen
states that in conformity with Section "4508 of the Revi.sed
Statutes ofThe TJnited States, the office of the Sliippihg Com-
mi.ssioner in the Custom House at San Juan will maintain a
registration of the names and addresses of all iniemployed
seamen. This registry, it is claimed, is maintained for the
convenience of seamen seeking jobs, and also for captains of
vessels who desire to employ seamen. It is fiirther .stated
that .ships otficers will have the privilege of personally select
ing men from this registry in the Commissioner's office.
So new they have a Fink Hall in San Juan! Just one more
step in the program of regimentation fostered by the ship
owners and their stooges! Let the bona fide seamen in Puerto
Rico take actiou against this vicious evil without delay!
DON'T LET IT GET A GOOD START! IF YOU DO, YOU
ARE JEOPARDIZING YOUR OWN JOBS, AND THREAT
ENING YOUR VERY EXISTENCE. REFUSE TO SHIP
FROM THIS FINK HALL, AND WARN OTHERS TO
STAY AWAY!
MIAMI
THANKS!
Just previous to last Mon
day night's joint meeting, the;
members of the Engine Depart
ment of the SS Manuela made
a donation of $7.50 to the Hos
pital Cigarette Fund.
A couple of days later, the
Deck Department Delegate
from the same vessel, came
into headquarters office, > and
gave a $10.00 donation from
his department, for the same
fund.
The boys on the Manuela
have always been very gener
ous, and we thank, them for
their generosity. Thanks a
million, felfows, and we assure
you that the boys in the
Marine Hospitals will appre
ciate your kind gesture.
for the Seatrain Lines which is
every bit as good, if not better,
and all the men on here go for it.
That is the way the Seafarers' ac
cept Agreements—they have to be
good br no smoke!
Fraternally,
E. J. Thompson, Gulf No. 59
Deck, Delegate,
Seatrain Havana
West' Coast Sailor please copy.
Warns Against
Dock Shippers
(Continued from Page One)
do not issue books to them. If a
man is shipped from the Hall
here in San Juan without a book,
it will be only because of the fact
that there is a shortage of men
here, and he will he given a ship
ping slip from this Branch.
"This Branch wgnts to let
everyone know that the same cir
cumstances prevailed oh the SS
Millinocket, coming down to
Puerto Rico from New York.
ONLY MEN WITH UNION
CLEARANCES WERE OI-gEN
BOOKS!
"With best wishes, I remain
Fraternally yours,
E. G. Moreno, Agent
(Continued from Page Three)
tiada Paln\er, a car ferry at Port
Everglades, and found a wiper
and a cook who shipped off the
dock. These men were taken off,
and good Union men took their
piece.
On checking up, we find the
crew to he militant Union men.
They have things to he straight
ened out, which will he taken
care of through good membership
meetings and militant actions.
The SS Joseph R. Parrott will
go into commission, and will take
a crew of bona fide SIU men.
Visited a couple of Bull Line
ships, and find that the phony
contract is getting to be a pain in
the heck to the men on the ships.
We have with us for awhile, a
NMU Organizer, who stays in the
Seamen's Church Institute. Some
SIU members went down to see
what was what, and found the
NMU members busy combatting
bed-bugs, etc. The Church Insti
tute here is just a nice little
racket for the fellow who runs it.
CURRAN FINDS
ANOTHER WAY
TO Sm MONEY
Proposes That Medals Be
Given Members Showing
Heroism at Sea
'No-Coffee-Time" Joe, the well-
known, hut not' 6o well like presi
dent of the NMU, now announces
(o all and sundry that members
who have shown heroism in sea
disasters will he honored by be
ing presented with a medal by the
union.
The yachts are laying up for
the season, and the men are com
ing to' the SIU for information.
When asked why Hiey came here,
they said that they had been told
this was the organization that did
something for the men besides
just collecting dues.
The Black Gang's quarters on
the SS Florida are now being
fixed up, and new fans will short
ly be installed In all crew quar
ters.
Elect a Ship Delegate
Are You a Good Member?
Be Proud of Your Union
Donation Acknowledged
The SEAFARER S' LOG
wishes to thank the members
of the crew of the SS LOS-
MAR for their kind donation.
These Brothers turned in thir
teen dollars (13.00) to the
Patrolman to be used to help
defray the expense of publish
ing the LOG.
Thanks again Brothers! Be
assured that your donations
are very much appreciated.
A
"'-'•'Mm
We can't deny the nicety of such
a gesture,- but' if strikes' us that
it is just another way of spend
ing the membership's money. The
NMU is so far in debt that they're
swimming in red ink. and there're
trying their best to raise the dues
so that the organization can con
tinue to exist financially. And
now they want to spend somt
moie money for some nice little
medals for their heroes! Well,
the heroes can't eat those medals,
and they won't' bring much In a
hock shop. The nice little scroll
with which they also plan to pre
sent them is also highly indigesti
ble. If they really want to do
something worthwhile for these ^
boys, why don't they give them a
cash award? Of course, perhaps a
medal for heroism is a nice sort
of a trinket to have, but nine
times out of ten it will sooner or
later be lost.
While we believe in ''giving,
heroism due recognition, we be
lieve that it should he done in a
more practical way. We've known
many men who were decorated for
bravery in the World War, but we
don't believe that their medala -
did much about feeding them ;
when they became hungry.
Oh well—if "No-Ooffee-Time" '
doesn't care how he spends the ,
NMU membership's money, why-
should we worry about it? The
question is—how much longer are
they going to have any' to spend? ;)•
- '.Vi
e-
• t;•
i
•v)
\(i
*ers' Log
Seafarers' IiiCernational Union of North America
Official Organ of the A tlantic and Gulf Seamen
BROTHERHOOD
OF THE
SEA
VOL. I xNEW YORK, N. Y., FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 1939 ^ 446 No. 6
NMU OFFICIALS FOSTERING
GOVERNMENT ffi^ENTATION
Accuse SIU of Selling Jobs But Cut
NMU initiation Fee to Sell
Only Membership Books
Tile NMU Pilot, followiiitr in tlie footsteps of the Voiee of
the Federation, has ijooie to jrrent pains, and no little expen.se.
to make much of .the fact that one Japanese by the. name of
Kenjiro Suzuki was is.sned a hook in the SIU. Although ad
mitting that he was once a member of the NMU, they con
veniently neglected to mention that he had never secured a
job Avhile he Avas a member of that organization.
They baldlj' .state that the SIU has "Jobs for Sale", and
that Ave joined this man on the strength of tiie promise that
Ave Avoidd get liim a .job on a ship so that he could get. back
to his native land. Although it, is hardly necessary for us
to deny this utterly ridiculous statement, ne\'ertheless, we
feel that we should offer a Avord of explanation.
NOi PROMISES MADE
When Suzuki fir.st applied for admittance to the SIU. he
Aves refused. Not only once.—^but on several different oeha-
sions. HoAvever, he persisted, and although he AA'as told that
the SIU has no ships running to Japan, he insisted that he
desired to be a member of our organization, as the NMU had
done nothing for him in all the time he had been a member.
He Avas eventually issued a book, for a mere transfer fee, and
•Was not charged a full initiation, and shortly tliereafter, Avas
fortunate enough to ship out on a ship bound for the West
Coast.
What happened Avhen he got there, Ave don't knoAA', but
it is quite evident that the comrats saAv their chance to put
out some phoney propaganda, Avhieh, as usual, Avas a lot
of distorted fact.s.
NMU BARGAIN RATES
NOAV,—^while the NMU officials are accusing the SIU of
having "Jobs for Sale", the NMU National Council has de
cided to make a drive on the SIU membership, particularly
in the Gulf District, by reducing the initiation fee from $25
to $10. IT'S NOT JOBS THAT THE NMU IS SELLING,
BUT MERELY A MEMBERSHIP BOOK, WHICH GUAR
ANTEES EXACTLY NOTHING! Over sixty percent of their
own membership are on the beach, and they want to take in
more members! THEY DON'T EVEN HAVE ANY JOBS
TO SELL!
NMU NEEDS MONEY
Their treasury (?) i.s depleted, and they are badly in need
of funds. What simpler way of getting money than to de
clare a bargain on membership fees? As a matter of fact,
even at $10, it isn't any bargain!
Of course, they intend to intensify their membership drive
on SIU members who are employed aboard ships. The
strategy of such a move is very easily seen. THEY DON'T
WANT THE MEN:—THEV WANT THE SHIPS, AND THE
MONEY THEY MAY REALIZE BY SELLING CUT-RATE
MEMBERSHIPS IN THEIR OUTFIT!
And then they have the supreme gall to state that the
Seafarers' International Union is selling jobs! What sublime
hypocrisy! They don't even have any jobs to sell, but are
actually planning on making an attempt to buy the jobs right
out from under the men AVIIO already have them!
WIND UP ON SHORT END
We've said it before, but Ave'll have to say it again,—that
they, tried this same stunt on the Waterman ships, but as
soon as the men on the ships got Avise to them, their so-called
membership drive flopped! When the Avould-be militant com
rats and stooges, in the guise of "rugged individualists" in
the NMU took it upon themselves to try to terrorize the
Watermen seamen off the ships, the Waterman men really
fouAd out what the score AA-as. But Avhen it ended up, the
comrats Avere on the short, end of the score!
PHONEY PROGRAM
So, hurry up boys,—get your NMU books fresh oft' the
press at bargain rates, Avhile they last! This i.s po-sitively our
- . (Continued on Payc Four)
THIEVES SNATCH
CURRAN PIE!
Bad Gunmen Take Dougli
Meant for Pie Cards
On Friday, March 17th, two
armed bandits accosted George
Young, a clerk in the employ of
the National Maritime Union, as
he was entering NMU Headquar
ters at 126 EleA'enth Avenue, New
York City, and seized a $27."t.00
payroll intended for the otficials
and office staff of tliis CIO affiliate.
It is reported that the "Curran
Baking Company, Inc.," the C.P.
unit which exerci.ses complete con
trol over NMU policies and poli
tics, and whose world-famed slo
gan of "Our pie is famous for its
fruit" is beginning to irk the
NMU membership, was highly in
dignant ovei' the theft. Joe and
his hirelings are .said to refer to
the robbery among themselves a.s
"the snatch of our snatch."
So annoyed was Curran, Chief
Baker of the NMU pie, affection
ately referred to as "Little Jackie
Horner" because of his unfailing
accuracy in snaring the most' lus
cious plum, that, he is alleged to
have stuck out his tongue in sheer;
spite at several reporters assigned
to cover the holdup. "Tsk! Tsk!"
clucked Curran, "a legitimate
stickupl And after all the trou
ble I went to prying that dough
out of the. boys! Personally, I
don't give a damn—there's more
where that came from —but the
technique of these two -vodmen
sickened me. Now when me and
the boys work our regular week
ly snatch—" "Charley McCarthy"
Tommy Ray coughed strategically
at this point, and Joe calight him
self in time.
"Oh well!" as one loyal NMU'er
was heard to remark upon hear
ing of the robbery, "'What the
hell's the difference! Joe and his
crowd don''t use gims, "but, as I
said already, what the hell's the
difference?"
NOTICE!
TO ALL MEMBERS OF
THE AFLSU NO. 21420,
AND OF THE SIU. ON
BOARD ISTHMIAN S.S.
LINE VESSELS.
Upon arrival in all ports
where SEAFARERS' IN-
TERNATIONAL UNION
offices are maintained, kind
ly contact the Hall and
make arrangements to hare
the Agent or Patrolman
meet you on the dock, or at
some other convenient
place.
In order that you may
keep yourself acquainted
vdth the progress of your
Union, and know what is
going on, it is necessary
that you contact your rep
resentatives at Svery op
portunity.
CALL YOUR UNION
HALL!
PROGRESS REPORTED BY
GUiJ HUOQUARTERS
Maritime Transportation Council Functioning;
Gulf Members Oppose Fink Hall and
Govern 111eiit Training Plan >
NCAV Orleiuis, March 21—'The NLllB has advised us that
applieation has been receiA'ed to elian<?e the proposed ballot
from the ISU to the Seafarers' InternatioTial Union of North
America, vs the NMU, or no union.
The latest advices are that the NMU has asked that their
<-name be withdrawn from the bal
lot. The Labor Board should cer-
WARNS AGAINST
DOCK SHIPPERS
IN PUERTO RICO
tify the SIU right now—at once!
But, of course, they will stall a
while longer, and give the com
pany a chance to play their hand.
Teaiiisters' Election
This election for a collectlye
bargaining agent will go over at
least three to one for the AFL.
A^ent Reports Many Men i We doubt that the CIO will even
send representatives to the polls. Sneaking Aboard Ships
In Outlying Ports
From Agent E. G. Moreno in
San Juan, P.R., comes a few words
of warning to the members .sail
ing in and out of the Island ports.
In a letter to I he LOG under date
of March 16, he has the folloAving
to say:
"Just a few lines for your LOG
to put some of our men wise, and
enlighten some ships' officers by-
advising them that they can't' pull
any tricks on the SIU of NA.
""When a vessel arrives in San
Juan very few men quit their
jobs, and still fewer are given a
chance to do so. "Why? Well,
there are various reasons, and
here they are:
"1. Many of our Union book
holders who have some relative
or fnend who are friendly with
various ships' officers, and who
want to beat the other man. to the
job by asking the mate or en
gineer to allow the relative or
friend ship in his place, some
where outside of San Juan, so that
Moreno can not do anything about
it.
Ship Off Docks
"2. Many of the supposed-to-be
seamen, who have certificates but
no discharges, and who are not
admitted to the Union, have con
nections with some of the ship
owners' offices, find attempt to
ship through such channels in San
Juan.
"3. Men who only cause the
Union trouble, and are no longer
wanted, or have been expelled
from it, and all other phonies are
shipping off the docks In the out-
of-town ports.
"Well, all these little birds, with
the help of the big birds on the
ships, are getting back into the
Union, and on the jobs, with hard
luck stories, and excuses from
mates and engineers, who claim
that they don't have time to call
the Hall in San Juan because the
ship left on a Saturday or a Sun
day, or any other phoney excuse.
Then theee phonies who manage
to ship out this way, secure SIU
books when they get to the main
land.
Refuse MemhorsMp
, "This Branch is asking that all
Agents, Organizers and Patrolmen
refuse to take any of these birds
into the Union. By this I mean,
(Continued on Page Four)
After the Maritime Transporta
tion Council lefnsed to allow CIO
teamsters to deliver cargo to the
docks, the bottom dropped out of
the CIO drive.
The barge lines are next. They
will make a united frpnt of the
AFL on the waterfront, v/ith the
exception of the NMU. They will
not last long in such an isolated
position. Where will their sup
port come from? They do not
know. Of course, the pie-card
artists in the NMU will hold out
to the bitter end.
S.S. Oratano
This vessel sailed with a full
West Coast crew on deck and be
low—the* same as the Ormee. Ar
ticles read to pay off in Seattle
with .$125 to cover pullman trans
portation, with lower berth, plus
$6.00 per day subsistence. Wages
for four days' traveling time will
be paid in addition. On both
ships, the NMU furnished the
stewards' department. Only one
member of the MC&S got a job.
even though there are many of
them ashore. It seeme that the
MC&S Union is willing to give
their jobs away.
The Point Ancha .was in this
last week. Like all others in the
S&H, they got fresh milk by de
manding it. A little job action
will get all the chow on these
ships that you want.
Maritime Commission
The men in the Gulf have
passed resolutions to fight the
Fink Hall and Training Ship pro-"
grap^. Any member of the SIU
who'-^hips through a fink hall any
where will be expelled. The same
applies to training ships.
The boatswain on the SS Del-
norte was taken off the sh'n^
under charges, by a special meet
ing. Members of the crew pre
ferred the charges. He is charged
with advocating the Fink Hall
and Training Ships. At Monday's
meeting, a trial committee was
elected to try this case.
The Deck Delegate and one Or- -
dinary Seamen were taken off the
ship for working for time off. All
overtime is cash. Any one violat
ing this part of the rules will be
removed from the ship.
Mississippi Shipping Co. clarifi
cation: On sailing, all hands will
be kept on deck until the ship is
completely squared away. Col
lected ^overtime at seventy cents
an hour for shoring up cargo.
"Red" Dean
• III
1.
i • • -' '' -•' ' •• ''i''
••A".
V
, -::-X -'
"ir- rrniTiiijrnx'v >
fffF-V-• •'i' ' c/ V.
THE S E A F A R E R S ' LOG
••v- ^•:j»rt7o«?r"^-v.
Friday, Mai-ch 24, 1939
:T-
4. *' , Published by- the
SEAFARERS' INTERNATIONAL UNION
OF NORTH AMERICA
Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor - ,,„.
HARRY LUNDEBERGi Acting President
- n !?teuart Street, San Francisco, Calif.
i
Atlantic District
HEADQUARTERS
New York ...2 Stone Street
•"ERANCHES
Boston .1 Rowes Wharf
Providence ......465 So. Main Street
Philadelphia ..6 North 6th Street
Baltimore .212 East Pratt Street
Norfolk 307 East Main Street
San Juan, Puerto Rico 55 Tetuan Street
Gulf District x
HEADQUARTERS
New Orleans .309 Chartres Street
-DRAMCHES
Savannah .....;. '.218 East Bay Street
Jacksonville — 136 Bay Street
Miami 809 Ni E. First Avenue
Tampa 206 Franklin Street
Mobile 55 So. Conception Street
Houston 1407 - 75th Street
Great Lakes District
_ HEADQUARTERS
Detroit 1038 Third Street
ADDRESS ALL CORRESPONDENCE CONCERNING THIS
PUBLICATION TO:
"THE SEAFARERS' LOG"
P. O, Box 522 Ghurch Street Annex
New York, N.Y.
a
News Items
MEMBERS MUST BACK UP DEMANDS
FOR WAGES AND CONDiTIDNS
Phoney Propagarida Being Circulated
With Intent to Discredit Men
Negotiating Agreements
It ha.s been bx'ouglit to the attention o£ New York Head-
quarter.s that certain individuals have been circulating vicious
propaganda to the effect that the members of the Atlantic
District Emergency Board, who are at present engaged in
negotiating an agreement with the Eastern Steamship Com
pany, are not sincere in their desire to secure a really gooc
agreement uutli that Company.
The statement has been made, by the scandal mongers,
that the Emergency Board is entirely too radical arid drastic
in their demands, and that they don't care what g6rfe-d$ an
agreement they get.
We would li^^e to point out right here that the members
—of the Emergency Board have already demonstrated that they
are perfectly able, and more than willing to get the very
best agreements possible.
BAdK t7P DEMANDS
Certain persons, whose names we know, have asserted that
soine members of the Board are entirely" tod mililaht, and
that they are asking too much of the shi|)o'wiiers. SINCE
WHEN HAVE T^[E SEAMEN EVEIt GAINED ANYTHING
THROUGH THE BENEVOLENCE OF THE SHIPOWNERS?
The only way the seamen have ever gained anything was
through MILITANT ACTION, AND BY MAKING THEIR
DEMANDS, AND BACKING THEM UP YO THE LIMIT.
The men on the Eastern S.8. Co. .ships were asked to sub
mit to the Emergency Board any points which they thought
should be incorporated in the agreement, and they did so
willingly. THHKl E]\[ERGENCY BOARD HAS NOT MADE
ANY EXORBITANT DEMANDS OF THE EASTERN S.S.
qO,,r^^iliEY HAVE ASRED ONLY FOR WHAT THE MEN
DK THE SMIPS WANT, AND ARE JUSTLY ENTITLED
TO. WHAT'S WRONG WITH SUCH A PROCEDURE AS
THAT?
PHONEY POVERTY PLEA
The shipowBsrs, particularly oh this coast, have chiseled
on the seamen for a good many years, and it is indeed high
time 'that the seamen Were given a break. The Eastern S.S,
Co.,—like all the rest of them,—^put up the plea of poverty,—
that they aren't making any money,—and expect the seamen
Philadelphia, Pa., Marrfi 18—
Shipping good here for A.B.'s
Black gang Is moving very slowly
but we hope to have ft move at
a better pace lit the near future.
The Merchants & Miners Lines
will, we hope, soon come to terms
Mr. Blaisdell has promised to do
a favor for the hoys on his ships
and see that they all sign up
with the S.I.U. of N.A. Well, we
hope>so, as we are sure tired of
hearing the same story over and
over again.
These lAds would be eating
curry and rice three times a day
if it wasn't for the sCanfen'i
labor movement. They realise
this, but are a little headstrong,
and soem to be a sort of a lost
brigade. Brothers Reddle and
Coliine have to act as shepherds
for these lambs, and it is to be
hoped that they will soon have
them in the fold. SoOner or later
they will have to colne home,—so
why not now? If they could only
see that it is Organized Labor
that has gotten them the condi
tioiis they have now, and realize
that the ship-owners never gave
them something for nothing. If
our patrolmen get a little song
and dance every time they go
aboard, how are we ever'going to
show these guys the light? We
wish to say to the men on the
M&M ships:—TALK WITH THE
AGENTS AND PATROLMEN
WHEN THEY COME ABOARD.—
BE REGULAR,—YOU HAVE ALL
TO GAIN!
Now, to the Brothers who have
at some,titne or another shipped
out of Philadelphia, and knew the
old set-up,—^no ships, and nO
jobs. We want to say that times
have changed here. The Patrol-
man now gets out and covers the
waterfront,—no more 333 Market
Street,—and those who have
shipped out of here know old
number 333. It was the stamping
grounds;- on a rainy day, for the
patrolmen. We . want to say that
our Agent, Brother Reddie, and
Patrolman Collins are on their
toes. They make the waterfront
on rainy, days as well as on clear
ones, and they .not only settle
beefs to the satisfaction of the
crews, but they bring jobs back
to the Hall as well.
Our" Dispatcher is a little off
key, but don't let him scare yoii
when he sticks his head out of
the port hole. He is O.K. and Is
just one of the boys.
The boys oh the SS Suwied
gave the boys-on the beach here
a few Ijucks, so thank yon bro
thers, thank you!
Baltimore
Highlights
Notice:
Ships' Delegates: Demand
that all replacements produce
a "properly filled out assign
ment card from" the Dispatcher
at the Union hall.
Baltimore — Shipping slowed
down somewhat during the past
week, but Shows signs of getting
back to normal this week. From
down in the region of lower
Broadway, where Patrick the
Whale(n) holds forth, there ema
nates, along with the usual smells,
an atmosphere of profound gloom,
due, we believe to the sight of
the SIU men shipping out a sixty
per week clip, while if Paddy
ships that many in a month, a
general holiday is declared;—or
should we say assessment instead
of holiday ?
With the Bull Line, Ore Steam
ship, Calmar Line, Merchants and
Miners, Atwater, Cuba Distil
leries, and a couple of the smaller
lines safely tucked away for the
SIU, Agent McKay is looking
around for fresh fields to conquer,
these days, and from the gleam in
his eyes when he glances over in
the general direction of the Con
tinental Oil, and Chesapeake Line
piers, we have a hunch that
something in the nature of a
minor whirlwind is about due to
swoop down on these ships any
day now!
Another Port Council meeting
is scheduled for this coming Wed
nesday in the office of Pres. Joe
McCurdy of the Central Labor
Council. A big attendance of the
waterfront organizations is as
sured, and we are confident that
the council will be functioning as-
a permanent body by the end of
the month.
Along with the 35,000 members
of the Tenant Farmers Union, and
several other organizatioa's pull
ing out of the CIO this past week,
we note the CIO radio operators
have at long last seen the light,
and are quitting the ARTA in
droves, to get into the CTU, and
recover their sanity with an or
ganization which is to the radio
operator what the SIU is to the
seamen;—a lifeline out of the
morass of dictatorship and in
trigue in which they have, been
floundering for the past couple of
years.
Maybe seamen are a bad influ
ence or something, but we note
that less than three months after
the Coast Guard boys received
orders to study the make-up and
personnel of the Merchant Marine,
they are agitating' all over the
place for an increase in wages.
Perhaps this maritime training
stuff might work both ways, and
instead of the Coast Guard show
ing us how to run a ship, we'll
show them how^ to get their
wages boosted. Thinking it over,
we've always noted that although
oiir picket lines were tops in mili
tancy, they weren't so hot in a
sartorial sense, and perhaps a
coupir of Admirals on picket duty
would give them some class".
Isthmian is still a tough nut to
crack in this port. With the.
patrolmen barfed from the ships,
contacting is done by meeting the
men on the docks, and due to the
presence of numerous stooges,
such contacting is generally un
satisfactory. One of these days.
the teamsters and loagshoremea
are going to ^suddenly stop wo^fc
dto^h Isthmian way, and then
watch how fast our friend the
lieutenant spreads the carpet, and
bows our patrolmen aboard thesq
ships. •
Rumors of a strike of the li
censed officers aboard the Mep-
clia"nts and Miners ships, sched
uled for April 1, are sO far uncon
firmed. The offifficers in this line
are members of the United Li
censed Officers, and want a ten
percent increase in "W'age.s, with
every eighth week off on full pay^
However, the Company has just
installed motion picture equip
ment aboard their ships, and wo
hear that the'ULO will .compro
mise and renew the old agree
ment, If the officers are allowed ,
to see the movies once a week.
BaltiDiore, March 20—Shipping
picked up considerably this week,
and business was good. Of the
tlilrty-six American Flag ships
entering port during the week,
twenty-one of them carried SIU
crews, and the patrolmen were
kept busy.
Last Monday's regular business
meeting approved the appoint
ments of Brother A. "Wingate to
the Dispatcher's Job, replacing
Brotlier Roberts who resigned be
cause of ill !i.?alth, and Brother
John Lui to regular patrolman In
this port.
Claiming that the NMU is ship
ping its members on "West Coast
ships, the local branch of the
"West Coast Cooks and Stewards
are planning to move in with the
MFOW in their new Hall at 850
East Pratt Street. The" phone
number of the new MFO'W Hall is
Calvert 2339.
Beefs were plentiful during the
week, which, in itself -is good
news. A UnioiUWith a peaceful,
satisftod membership, is a Union
that is losing its grip. -A fighting,
kicking membership makes up the
backbone of any organization. It
keeps the officials on their toes/
and alert to any attempts of the
employers to put over a fast, one.
But' there are beefs, and it should
be remembered that they usually
take up a lot of the patrolmen's
time—which is O.K. if the beef is
bona fide. However, there have
been a few lately that caused a
lot of trouble and disruption.
to feel sorry for them! If they are losing money, as they
claim, then why in Hell do tRey continue in business?
; All shipoivners engaged in the coast-nLse trade on- this
coast are anticipating a very good year becau.se of the Fair
here in New York, and there is no good reason in the world
why the seamen should pot share in these profits!
MEMBERS MUST BUPPDRT ^
J# Wages s-re not the only thing "which must he .taken into
^;;!^<msideration, as working and living conditions are not en-
tirely up to standard. THE MEMBERS HAVE ASKED
FOR CERTAIN IMPROVEMENTS, AND THE EMER
GENCY BOARD W,ILL DO EVERYTHING IN THEIR
POWER. TO GET THEM FOR THEM! However, it must be
remembered that their power is ONLY AS STRONG AS THE
BACKING GIVEN THEM feY THE MEMBERSHH' I .
WE CAUTION THE MEMBERSHIP NOT TO LISTEN
TO AEY OP THIS PHONEY PROPAGANDA WHICH IE
BEING CIECULATED. THE EMERGENCY BOARD DOES
EAVE YOUR INTERESTS AT HEART, AND WILL GO
THE LIMIT FOR YOU!
WILL YOU GO AS FAR FOR THEM?
REMEMBER THAT IN UNITY THERE IS STRENGTH!
PULL TOGETHER AGAINST OUR COMMON ENEMY,
AND BACK UP YOUR DEMANDS!
which, upon investigation proved
to be nothing else but the airing
of personal grudges between mem
bers of the crew. Perhaps a bit
of investigating by the ship's dele
gate and a committee of the crew
into some of these beefs, before
thej^ were turned over to the pa
trolman, might save a lot of time
and trouble for the boys.
Wednesday, in the office of the
Baltimore Federation of Labor,
the second meeting of the Port
Coijncll was much better attended,
although the ILA were stiil con
spicuous by their absence. On be
ing contacted as to why his or
ganization was not represented at
the meeting. Brother Jim Kelly of
the ILA said he didn't feel like
getting info it, because it would
be a "headache." It's too bad,
Jim—but did you ever know any
thing connected with the labor
movement that wasn't a headache?
Ask some of the shipowners?
Some of/Our brothers are get'
ting a little bit choosy these days
in the matter of tUking jobs. Sev
eral times of late the Dispatcher
has had a hard time filling a job,
because the boys in the Hall all
passed it up in hopes of some
thing better coming along. In do
ing this, they are, of coarse, cut
ting their own throats, by forc
ing the officials to sign up new
members. What goes on a ship
eventually hds to Cdme off, and
one of these dliys you'll wake up
to find the shipping list so full
that It will be months before you
get to the top.
J-:'.-
jay, Mardi 24. 2939 THE SEAFARERS' LOG
^11>1CE and ERE m
New Orleans, March 21 — Just
lad a talk with a member of the
rew of the SS Ormes, a run Job
0 Seattle, for tlie Alaska Trane-
ortation Company, who returned
:o New Orleans.
I was told fha^a fireman and
ah oiler, upon arrival of the SS
Ormes in San Pedro, contacted.
Agent Quinn to ship out of ths
IWW liall in New Orleans.
Lo and behold! Reminds me of
'35 and '36, when the commies
were sabotaging with those rotten
scandal sheefs on Clay Street.
Commies may try to wreck the
only Union in the Gulf—the StU.
1 believe that the veal W. C. Fire
men will stick with us through
thick and thin.
Eventually the W. C. Firemen
will rid their Union of the dis
rupters who want everything but
unity of the seamen.
There is supposed to be a letter
here in the Gulf, that San Pedro
Branch of the Firemen will start
the move to ship out of the IWW
hall instead of the SIU hall in
New Orleans. I have my guess
that none other than Bill Patton,
brain-trust of the NMU, ex-Secre
tary of the IWW, New Orleans,
would try such tactics to split the
W. C. Sailors and Firemen. No!
No! No! How can a sailor, or
fireman, or messboy, or whatever
he sails at, when he sails—-Which
is once in every ten" or twelve
years—be the brains of the de
funct NMU?
Your guess Is as -j^od as mine.
I believe the Firemen should try
to visit some of the SHl ships in
this port and look the crews over
with one of the Delegates; and I
aWdure you that he will find
damned'good militant crews, and
they will back up the SIU to the
last man!
So, Firemen, take a good .look
for yourselves! 'To Hell with the
braintrusts, and on t'o a powerful
SIU!
Fraternally,
John B. Patton, SUP
by'
6
New Orleans, March 21 — The
SS Delnorte sailed from Bere last
Saturday for South-America. Well,
I suppose that you know that "two
for one" Captain Smith is still on
board lier. This "two for one"
Smith is Hell—he would log his
wn brother!
One of the men had an hopr
overtime coming to him, and he
tried to hold it back, just to see
if this man would make a squawk
about it. 'This I'two for one" Cap
tain Smith does not' like to pay
"overtime.
The company has n ine sh ins,
and eight of them are O.K. But
it they keep this chiseling "two
for one" Captain in the company,
they will have plenty of grief; as
the crews who sail with "two for
one" Smith have a miserable
voyage.
i
I':
.'1:^
New Orleana, La., 'March 14—
During the week there were quite
a few ships in port. The crews
are all getting better conditions
than formerly. Also, they , are
vdlling to go to bat to improve
conditions and overtime.
The Isthmian Line had better
get wise. We are going to Or
ganize these ships. Many of these
crews are afraid of the cmnpany,
but when they leam that the
Union can and will back them, up,
they are 100 percent union-mind
ed. The" cooperation of the other
waterfront uniOns is a big factor
in our favor in organizing these
ships.
Steady as she goes.
Eugene Nobles, Gulf No. 29
New Orleans, ^a., March It-
It being imperative that I return
to,the Coast, it was necessary
that I resign.
Things are in good shape at
present, with the exception that
in the past week we have seen
the Waterman ships return to
their old tactics of one and two
watches tieing up and letting go.
On the Maiden Creek, the deck
department refused to get oft to
enforce the use of all hands, so
they wanted to settle the beef in
Mobile. WHAT IN HELL IS
THE MATTER ^NYWAY? Let's
have a little cooperation or find
out why. DON'T LET CONDI
TIONS GO BACK! PU*.« in there
and keep punching! What the
Hell is the matter with you?
Thanking you fofTiast coopera
tion.
Red Carolan, GUP No. 3142
TO THE MEMBERSHIP:
Dear Brothers;
Just a line to thank you for the
splendid cooperation shown to
Brother Gunnison and myself
during our recent trouble in
Tampa. Through the support of
you who donated to our . defense
fund, and the rest of the members
who were with us in every possi
ble way, we were able to beat the
phoney irap that the anti-labor
forces were trying to put over on
us.
The anti-labor union phonies'
main Idea is to frame the labor
men who can't be bought off, if
they canit be controlled by these
same phonies.
TliiB is one time that' they found
out that they had a brilliant mili
tant organization to fight. Instead
of dust a couple of lonesome sea
men. And when you brothers
showed your solidarity by your
donat'ions, they realized that they
were heading into a real battle,
and so the phoney charges were
dropped by the man who has done
the most to disrupt the labor
movement in the Florida district
Thanking you brothers for your
Support, and assuring you that it
makes me proud to be a member
in such an organization.
Fraternally,
Ralph Hart, SUP, No. 4417
New Orleans, March 26—Bror.
ther Clive C. Allison passed away
at thie Marine Hospital, New Or
leans, on RfarcU 14, f939. He had
been in the hospital about a year.
Brother Allison was well liked
by ail.
Brothers J. J. Hughe, E. A.
Boyd, Bill Luberg, "Vance, S. H.
Ham and McCaleb acted as pall
bearers.
Dispatcher's Report
New Orleans, March 21—Ship
ping is very good.
This iveek, shipped 14 SUP men,
10 MFOW men, and 23 SIU men.
Making a total of 47 men, leav
ing very few West Coast men on
the beach here.
L. J. Bollinger, ditipatcher,
SUP No. 3859
Jacksonville, March 14 — The
Cornelia of the Bull Line came
in this nibrning, and I must say,
in true Union style. It seems as
though the members are begin
ning to understand that a real
Union is backing them up.
One thing a few; of the mem
bers should understand,' and that
is, if for any reason a member
should go to a hospital, or oh his
vacation, he should report tb the
Union Hall before and after. A
lot of hien are failing to do this,
and are holding the delegates re
sponsible for them being pulled
off the ship. So brothers, take
- Mobile, March 21—Shipping has
been very good tills past week,
with all department's turning over
at a good clip.
Tlie usual beefs" aboard f.lie
ships. The crew of the SS Bien
ville had their quarters shifted
from aft to midships, and at sail
ing time, all hands seemed very
well satisfied. This is a step in
tbe right direction, as there will
be no more barked shhis from
climbing over deck-loads at night,
now.
Ice boxes of the latest, design
are being placed aboard these ves
sels aa they come in. If a few
moie of these companies would
get wise and put boxes aboard,
they would find out that fiiey pay
for themselves in a short time.
Brother C. H. Peers, Book .No.
4415, passed away at the Marine
Hospital on Wednesday morning,
March 15. He was buried at the
Magnolia Cemetery. Brother SIU
members acted as pall bearers,
and there was a surprisingly good
turn out. This Brother was an
active Union man for a long time,
and will be missed by quite a
number of the old time seamen.
This A.M. the initial meeting
was held to start a Maritime
Trades Council in the Port, of Mo
bile. All those attending were
very enthusiastic, and at next
week's meeting a definite program
will be laid out. More on this
later.
Just an incident which shows
that without the Union, at least
one more seaman would be on the
bricks from now on:
Whsn ths SS West Madaket
was signing on yesterday, there
was an A.B. shipped from ths
Hall to this scow. He vvas an
elderly brdtjier, who has sailed
for years, and is a real old time
'seaman who knows his stuff, and
can do it. The mate looked him
"over, and decided that he was
too old, and might not Jump when
told, so he refused him. The
Delegates went in and held a
lengthy conference with this
mate, and It ended up by this
Brother being signed on.
Maybe some day these mates
will Wake up and realize thai we
mean it when we say UNIT'V!
at least say that we did our best.
"Tlie men who sail these ships will
go for a united program, but they
will .steer clear of anything less
than tliat!
Mobile, March 21—rAccording to
the local press, the Isthmian-S.S.
Co. are going to start an inter-
coastal service from this port to
the "West Coast". The first ship is
supposed to be the Steel Inventor,
arriving here on April 13.
Now. if this should turn out to
be a fact, then we need the passes
which we have been yelling for.
Today, the 'Selma City was in, and
when the patrolman and the or
ganizer went down there, they
couldn't get aboard. It's impos
sible to contact the crew or do
any good, unless we do get' these
passes. I helieve that if we force
the issue here in the Gulf, and
also on the East Coast, plus the
West Coast, there is no doubt that
the company will come coco.
The action which took place on
the Atlanta City, in New Orlean::,
when Dean and the boys lined up
that crew, should show all hands
that it can be done, and that if
should be Jone NOW!
The Steel Inventor hit the coast
with the members of the crew
clamoring for representation, so,
all In all, if there is anything to
lose, let's lose it now, as we can
heed,, and do not forget to report
to your nearest Hall when going
on a paid vacation or to .a hos
pital.
Fred Laurilano
Mobile, Ala., March 7—Well,
well, the NMU boys are still in a
dither over these "unorganized"
.ship.s, such as the Waterman Line,
etc., etc. According to the Pilot,
these ships are keeping the boys
awake night's. It does us all good
to see that the boys are interested
in the seamen, and want to make
sure that they all get what is com
ing to them. For "unorganized"
ships, they sure are raising plenty
of Hell and getting conditions
plus! It seems to me that I have
heard plenty about Waterman
ships being tied up for this and
that. What I would like to know
is whether this is a spasmodic
outburst, or is it a real sign of
true democracy? Do the members
on the ships and ashore pay their
dues just so as to be able to sail
these same "unorganized" ships,
or do they really take an interest
in the Union affairs? Well, if
they don't—then I am one guy
who 6 ire is being fooled!
At each and every meeting the
members check all bills and ac
counts, and If they find some
thing that they don't savvy, then
they sure as Hell don't OK them.
Maybe some of the officials in
the NMU don't savvy this sort of
thing. (.Note the Auditing Com
mittee's report in the Pilot.)
Our friends, the NIJRB, have,
according to the Pilot, consented
to another election on the Seatvain
Line ships. Now, isn't that just
ducky! I wonder if. by any
chance, there was somebofiy who
saw Bomebody, and decided that
this SIU means business—so we'll
just create a little confusion, and
if we can't have them, we'll make
sure that no one else does. May
be not, maybe yes!
Note to Joe Curran:—If ( look
long enough in the Pilot I gener
ally find at least one thing each
week, that you say, with which I
agree. Sometimes I sure have to
look hard, but this time it Jumped
right at me. it was about this
picket card waving. Strange as it
may seem to a lot of good honest
Union men, if we don't Stop ...ss
picket card Stuff, and do it soon,
we win be weakening ourselves to
where it will take twice as Ibnff
to get together. So, how about it,
boys? Let's have a little less of
this old hooey!
One thing I'd like to voint out
in passing, is the difference ^ in
points of view. The Pilot, each
week, points out how Pho^ey Uie
officials of the SIU are. If they
are right, then the majority of the
Gulf members are all wrong. Tli^^
members elected WilUain "Scotty
Ross to go to Florida and set up
the machinery for negotiating an
agreement with the P&O
and just before they start the old
crap' about domination, he had or
ders from the members what to
go after, and What to do. On this,
he did a fine job, and his report
hafl been submitted.
"What I'm getting at was his ac
tion in Tampa. Upon his arrival
there, he found that notldiig had
been done about the two Brothers
who weue Being framed by ex-
Agent Epps. Brother Ross imme
diately swung into action, guaran
teed a lawyer his fee to repr^ent
tliese brothers, convinced Eppa
that his trumped - up charge
wouldn't stand up in court, and
had the two men clewed in jig
time. Now, if these are the ac:
tions of a phoney, thdn let's hnve
lots of them, as we can sure as
Hell use tliem!
Full Ahead, Steady as she goes.
W. A. Armstrong^ SUP No. 2983
Miami, Fia., March 15—rArriyed
here last Tuesday night and found
that the crew of "the SS Florida
had pulled something which had
failed. Upon investigating, X
found this job-action to be more
or less of a mess. The black-gang
came off at six o'clock, and asked
the other departments to follow
them. The other department^
not knowing what the beef was
for, felt that, having acquired dem
ocracy by pledging themselves to
the SIU, they were entitled to
their constitutional rights. Theg
immediately held a meeting, at
which the beefs were brought out:i
the fresh milk was not fresh, but
was a mixture, and the black-gaag
had a kick about their quarters«
Inasmuch as the company had
not been notified about the milk,
and the quarters would be changed
as soon as tlie material was OH
board, the rest of the crew felt if
was a bum beef, and refused to
bade it up at the time. However,
some of the black-gang stayed
ashore, and the company put re
placements aboard, and sailed the
ship. Upon the vessel's return,
the Union took the stand that in
asmuch as a man has the right to
quit, and that the company had,
in times past, fired men on short
notice, therefore these men were
justified in quitting, as they had a
good reason to do so. Also, the
company had not made any effort
to procure men through the Union
Hall. 'These men who took the
ship out had to get off, and gpod
Union men were shipped in their
places, from the Union Hall. Those
of the gang who came off, having
preference. ;
"Visited the SS Elizabeth of the
Bull Line when she was in here
this week, and upon asking tor
the ship's delegate, found &at
there was none. "We immediafely
appointed them, and explained t«
those of the crew aboard the, ship
the necessity of getting tog^sr,
pulling together, and of holding
meetings regularly.
The SS Evangeline left for the
North, and the season is drawing
to a close. One thing that the
port of Miami needs is A.B.'s, fire
men and oilers. There is a port
age here which makes' it difficult
for the union officials to get pien
paid off, who want to get paid off,
We have here with us a NMU
organizer, with the business office
and hall in the Seamen's Church
Institute. This is where the men
are shipped from. There is an
other place called the Concha Ho
tel and Restaurant which does
some more shipping for the NMU
(The Party gang.)
Joseph Anton, former patrol
man in Miami, is another bird
honoring, "I got a raw deal," and
is in Key West trying to disrupt
and cause general confusion. Lit
tle Joe is now running around ad
mitting how he screwed men out
of jobs, and what a great friend
of the P & 0 Company he is. For
a few paltry dollars, this faker
sold his soul, and can look no
Union man in the face. Just an
other guy who doesn't sem to un
derstand that the SIU is here to
stay. He'll learn
J. Gunnison
Miami, i\rarch 21—"The Port of
Miami had tliMr first meeting in
months, and the hr'^thers were
very much interested lu being
able to run their own business.
They had been bullied mid brow
beaten by former Epps men, and
are now realizing that the SlU
is a democratic organization.
This week we boarded the Es-
(Continned on Page Four}j
l •• 4| • •• **• I : . I'il
urn
•ii: \
i
'MM
-•if
w.
T H E - S E A E A R E R S ' L OO Friday» March 24,
m-r
1
r5v>
Ji- '
ir
tfy.-iW'
I4MU OFFICIALS FOSTERING
^GOVERNMENT REGIMENTATION
(Continued from Puye One)
last offer (Unless we make another). Joiii the NMU and sit
around on the beacli from now on! Or-ship out of the Fink
Halls," or join the Maritime Commission Truinin*? Scllool!
These are the things,you can hope for from the NMU. Their
officials are aiding and abetting the Maritime Commission's
Fink Halls and Training Schools and Ships, and are attempt
ing to ram this phoney program down the throats of their
membership. THE NMU, BACKED UP BY THE CP, IS
POSTERING THE REGIMENTATION OF THE AMERI
CAN SEAMEN, AND BY SO DOING, ARE DELIBERATE
LY PLOTTING THE DEATH OF ALL MARITIME
UNIONS!
IP YOU BELIEVE IN SUCH A PROGRAM, THEN JOIN
THE NMU!
WHAT CAN THE OFFICIALS OF THE NMU DO FOR
THE SEAMEN THAT THE SIU CAIN NOT OR WILL NOT
DO!
SELL INTO SLAVERY
The officiaLs of the NMU are doing their best to sell the
American Seamen hack into sea-slaverg, through Government regi
mentation, via the route of subjection to the Maritime Commission
Fink Halls and Maritime Commission Training Schools and Ships!
THE SIU CAN NOT, AND WILL NOT APPROVE, NOR
ALIGN THEMSELVES WITH ANY SUCH PROGRAM
WHICH CALLS FOR GOVERNMENT REGIMENTATION,
AND THE VERITABLE SELLING OF THE AMERICAN
SEAMEN INTO SLAVERY!
Scatrain Havana'
Wants No Part of
NMU or Commies
BOSTON
News Bits
Boston, Mass., March 13—The
SS Cristobal of the Panama Rail
ways was launched this week.
This is the second of the.se ves
sels to slide down the ways.
Trial of F. Shaw was held at
Monday's meeting, and he was
found guilty of the charges. Proof
was offered that he was at one
time a delegate for the NMU on
the West Coast.
, We are working on the ESSCO
agreement, and there are plenty
of beefs. But when the employers
raise the cry of alien agitators,
against the Union organizers, Just
remember that all Americans are
either immigrants', or the sons
and daughters of immigrants.
Here is a little data we picked
up regarding the NMU in Boston,
after the crash of the Hand Rub
ber Co., when 4,500 workmen
turned from the CIO to the AFL.
Instead of sneering at attempts
th reform capitalism, they (the
commies) have become so thor-
•oughly convinced that Socialism
their own sakes and for the wel
fare of their families and their
country. So, come on down the
line with a REAL UNION,—the
SIU.
Every word that has been said
here is said in deadly seriousness,
and with a fuii sense of respon
sibility. We, the seamen, are
passing through a very severe
crisis, and we extend the hand of
brotherly cooperation to the great
mass of American seamen, for one
big UNION!
Providence
Votes
Providence, March 21—Brother
Benigo Oliveria, Book No. 1494,
died suddenly, on Sunday, March
12, in his room at 174 South Main
Street. According to the medical,
examiner, death was due to na
tural causes.
He was buried on Friday, March
17 by the membership here, who
will pay for the funeral by volun
tary contributions. We are try
ing to get in touch with his rela
tives in Corruna, Spain.
The crews of the SS H. D. Whit-
Is the only system under which' William C. At-
the working people can perma
nently better their lot, that they
regard every benefit gained with
in the framework of the capitalist
system as a step towards Social-
Ism, and simply and solely
cause it is a benefit, and makes
the world a better place in which
to live.
With this in mind, the com
munists now approach all honest
seamen and point out the urgent
need for extending cur political
democracy into an economic de
mocracy, and the fact that even
what democracy we have is seri
ously threatened by Fascist-mind
ed reactionaries.
Are we going to stand for all
this,—and for how long? Don't
forget that Hitler rose to power
in the same sort of a crusade
(against communism). Surely, in
the face of this terrible menace
which hovers over our American
eeamen, we should'all rise above
our common differences, and join
hands in one big Union,—the SIU,
—^foir our, common good, and meet
this just as we would meet some
terrible natural calamity. It is
the duty of every American sea
man to join a bona fide tabor
union, for mutual protection and
progress. They mpst organize for
water took up a collection to go
towards defraying the expenses
of the funeral. The Wliitton crew
giving a total of $16.40, and the
Atwater crew $5.90.
We wish to thank these bro
thers for their kindness in help
ing in this matter.
Frank Berry, Agent
March 18, 1939.
Havana, Cuba,
Dear Brothers:
A word from" the good ship Sea-
train Havana on the chances of
the NMU taking over. In the
March 10 issue of the SEAFAR
ERS LOU you have an article con
cerning the NMU on the Seatrain
Lines, Inc. Well, I would like to
tell you of only a few things
which have taken place here in
the i)ast three weeks. We get
fresh milk every morning—of
cour.se, we
for it. hilt with the support of
(he whole crew, it was easy. And
that's the way we do everything
o» here. I am telling you that. 1
do not believe there is a ship of
stronger Seafarers' afloat,—and do
they hate the NMU! No greater
hate has any Union man than than
a true Seafarer, for the NMU.
Wliy?
Because they know what tlie
NMU stands for. When you go to
a meeting, you can not talk, and
if yoii do, one of the comrat's
votes you down, and you may
wake up in the _ hospital with a
broken skull—and lucky to get
out' of it alive.
Their phoney agreements stink
to high heaven, and if you say
that you will not accept an agree
ment like that—well. Brothers,
your life is in youi- own hands!
How the' men in the NMU can
ever put up with the lieing, stink
ing, conniving comrats in that or-
ganizatioiT is beyond my powers
of imagination.
The NMU comrats must think
that we, the members of the Sea-
trains, are as stupid or dumb as
they are. They may stand for
getting "No - Coffee - Time" Joe
lousy agreements jammed down
their throats, but we don't want
any part of them. Why?
Because we are SEAFARERS',
and men, "and as long as we hhve
good militant men as leaders in
all ports, as we have now, we need
never fear of having any phoney
agreements jammed down our
throats. You men of the Gulf
District know the agreement we
got from the Mississippi lihe—
well, they are getting one ready
MARITIME COMMISSION
Shipping;^ Comimseioner to Register
Unemployed Seamen in Puerto Rico
Ac('()rdii\<r to iiifonnalion forwarded from Sa'ii Juan, P. R.,
the acting Sliipping Commissioner, Mr. Alejatulro Rubio, has
opened a Phnk Hall in that port. It is declared to be a sort
of registry foi' unemployed seamen wlio arc looking for work
on American vessels, or rather, those under the control of'
the U.S. Maritime Commission. The claim is that this is be
ing done in order to avert friction with the seamen's Unions
had to argue a little who are at present snpp]> ing the unlicensed personnel to
privately own^ ships.
Mr. Rubio's- communication to the unem]»loyed seamen
states that in conformity with Section "4508 of the Revi.sed
Statutes ofThe TJnited States, the office of the Sliippihg Com-
mi.ssioner in the Custom House at San Juan will maintain a
registration of the names and addresses of all iniemployed
seamen. This registry, it is claimed, is maintained for the
convenience of seamen seeking jobs, and also for captains of
vessels who desire to employ seamen. It is fiirther .stated
that .ships otficers will have the privilege of personally select
ing men from this registry in the Commissioner's office.
So new they have a Fink Hall in San Juan! Just one more
step in the program of regimentation fostered by the ship
owners and their stooges! Let the bona fide seamen in Puerto
Rico take actiou against this vicious evil without delay!
DON'T LET IT GET A GOOD START! IF YOU DO, YOU
ARE JEOPARDIZING YOUR OWN JOBS, AND THREAT
ENING YOUR VERY EXISTENCE. REFUSE TO SHIP
FROM THIS FINK HALL, AND WARN OTHERS TO
STAY AWAY!
MIAMI
THANKS!
Just previous to last Mon
day night's joint meeting, the;
members of the Engine Depart
ment of the SS Manuela made
a donation of $7.50 to the Hos
pital Cigarette Fund.
A couple of days later, the
Deck Department Delegate
from the same vessel, came
into headquarters office, > and
gave a $10.00 donation from
his department, for the same
fund.
The boys on the Manuela
have always been very gener
ous, and we thank, them for
their generosity. Thanks a
million, felfows, and we assure
you that the boys in the
Marine Hospitals will appre
ciate your kind gesture.
for the Seatrain Lines which is
every bit as good, if not better,
and all the men on here go for it.
That is the way the Seafarers' ac
cept Agreements—they have to be
good br no smoke!
Fraternally,
E. J. Thompson, Gulf No. 59
Deck, Delegate,
Seatrain Havana
West' Coast Sailor please copy.
Warns Against
Dock Shippers
(Continued from Page One)
do not issue books to them. If a
man is shipped from the Hall
here in San Juan without a book,
it will be only because of the fact
that there is a shortage of men
here, and he will he given a ship
ping slip from this Branch.
"This Branch wgnts to let
everyone know that the same cir
cumstances prevailed oh the SS
Millinocket, coming down to
Puerto Rico from New York.
ONLY MEN WITH UNION
CLEARANCES WERE OI-gEN
BOOKS!
"With best wishes, I remain
Fraternally yours,
E. G. Moreno, Agent
(Continued from Page Three)
tiada Paln\er, a car ferry at Port
Everglades, and found a wiper
and a cook who shipped off the
dock. These men were taken off,
and good Union men took their
piece.
On checking up, we find the
crew to he militant Union men.
They have things to he straight
ened out, which will he taken
care of through good membership
meetings and militant actions.
The SS Joseph R. Parrott will
go into commission, and will take
a crew of bona fide SIU men.
Visited a couple of Bull Line
ships, and find that the phony
contract is getting to be a pain in
the heck to the men on the ships.
We have with us for awhile, a
NMU Organizer, who stays in the
Seamen's Church Institute. Some
SIU members went down to see
what was what, and found the
NMU members busy combatting
bed-bugs, etc. The Church Insti
tute here is just a nice little
racket for the fellow who runs it.
CURRAN FINDS
ANOTHER WAY
TO Sm MONEY
Proposes That Medals Be
Given Members Showing
Heroism at Sea
'No-Coffee-Time" Joe, the well-
known, hut not' 6o well like presi
dent of the NMU, now announces
(o all and sundry that members
who have shown heroism in sea
disasters will he honored by be
ing presented with a medal by the
union.
The yachts are laying up for
the season, and the men are com
ing to' the SIU for information.
When asked why Hiey came here,
they said that they had been told
this was the organization that did
something for the men besides
just collecting dues.
The Black Gang's quarters on
the SS Florida are now being
fixed up, and new fans will short
ly be installed In all crew quar
ters.
Elect a Ship Delegate
Are You a Good Member?
Be Proud of Your Union
Donation Acknowledged
The SEAFARER S' LOG
wishes to thank the members
of the crew of the SS LOS-
MAR for their kind donation.
These Brothers turned in thir
teen dollars (13.00) to the
Patrolman to be used to help
defray the expense of publish
ing the LOG.
Thanks again Brothers! Be
assured that your donations
are very much appreciated.
A
"'-'•'Mm
We can't deny the nicety of such
a gesture,- but' if strikes' us that
it is just another way of spend
ing the membership's money. The
NMU is so far in debt that they're
swimming in red ink. and there're
trying their best to raise the dues
so that the organization can con
tinue to exist financially. And
now they want to spend somt
moie money for some nice little
medals for their heroes! Well,
the heroes can't eat those medals,
and they won't' bring much In a
hock shop. The nice little scroll
with which they also plan to pre
sent them is also highly indigesti
ble. If they really want to do
something worthwhile for these ^
boys, why don't they give them a
cash award? Of course, perhaps a
medal for heroism is a nice sort
of a trinket to have, but nine
times out of ten it will sooner or
later be lost.
While we believe in ''giving,
heroism due recognition, we be
lieve that it should he done in a
more practical way. We've known
many men who were decorated for
bravery in the World War, but we
don't believe that their medala -
did much about feeding them ;
when they became hungry.
Oh well—if "No-Ooffee-Time" '
doesn't care how he spends the ,
NMU membership's money, why-
should we worry about it? The
question is—how much longer are
they going to have any' to spend? ;)•
- '.Vi
e-