Issue Date
1951-03-09
Volume
13
Issue Number
5
Plaintext
Official Organ of the Atlantic and Gulf District, Seafarers International Union of North America
VOL. XIII NEW YORK. N. Y.. FRIDAY. MARCH 9. 1951 No. 5
Natl Policy On Draft Neais
Meanwhile, Keep In Close
Contact With Local Board,
Dushane Warns Membership
liit'l Convention
Opens March 26
In San Francisco
Delegates from the various
I^stricts of the Seafarers Interna
tional Union will convene in San
Francisco on March 26 for the
organization's fifth biennial con
vention.
Representing the Atlantic and
Gulf District will be the follow
ing delegates: Paul Hall, Lloyd
Gardner, Lindsey Williams, Cal
Tanner, Frenchy Michelet, Wil
liam Rentz, Harold Fischer and
Jeff Morrison.
_ Among the other Districts to
be represented are the Sailors
Union of the Pacific, Great Lakes
District, Canadian District, At
lantic Coast Fisherman, West
Coast Fisherman and Cannery
Workers, and the Marine Allied
Workers.
PROGRESS REPORTS
The convention will hear re
ports from the various District
delegates on the progress and
activities of their respective un
ions since the last International
meeting, held two years ago in
Baltimore.
It is expected that the conven
tion will also fox'mulate a pro
gram to coordinate activities of
the seagoing sections of the In
ternational in face of the pres
ent emergency.
One of the highlights of the
A&G report will be a review of
the operations of the Seafarers
' Welfare Plan, one of the very
few successful welfare projects
for union members administered
independently of insurance com
panies.
A phase of the International's
activities in the past two years
that is expected to draw special
attention is the progress made
by the Canadian District, which
began its successful fight to elim
inate communist control from
Catiada's waterfront shortly be
fore the last SIU convention was
adjourned.
Never To Be Forgotten
On March 12. not only Seafarers, but seamen throughout
the world will honor the 97th anniversary of the birth of
Andrew Furuseth. "the Abraham Lincoln of the seas." Seamen
all over the world benefitted from the successful efforts of
Furuseth to raise the merchant seamen out of their virtual
slavery. He will live forever in the heaxts of the men who
go down to the sea in ships.
Pending action on a policy of draft deferment
for active merchant seamen by national Selective
Service Headquarters, Matthew Dushane, the SIU's
Washington representative, yesterday reminded all
Seafarerregistrants to keep their local boards in
formed of each change in address effected by
changes and termination of shipboard employment.
Meanwhile, the SIU representative continued
to press for a draft stay to insure manning of the
nation's rapidly expanding fleet by skilled hands.
Dushane's advice to SIU men^
registered for the draft was based
on information he obtained at
meetings in the nation's capital
this week with national and
state Selective Service officials.
Directors of the Selective Ser
vice systems of seven key states
who were present at the sessions
said that, according to advices
from local boards, many sea
men were failing to notify them
of all changes in shipboard em
ployment. They pointed out that
this is the registrant's responsi
bility under the law.
Gangway Watch
For Ihe proteclion of the
crew's gear and the ship's
equipment, and for the pro
tection of the SIU agree
ment, men standing gangway
watches should remain at
their post, in the same man
ner as the' Fireman below
must stand his watch. Gang
ways cannot be covered from
the messhall or foc'sle.
The gangway watch is as
much a part of our agree
ment with the shipowners as
the wage scale, and must be
fully observed at all times.
This notice refers particular
ly to ports in East and
South. Africa.
Crews On 92 Vessels Vote
To Reaffirm Union Poiicy
Ship Inspection Waivers Okayed
The Coast Guard Commandant
has; issued an order allowing
waiver of navigation and vessel
inspection regulations in the in
terest of national defense.
According to terms of the or
der, applications for waivers may
be made by an ajuthorized rep
resentative of a United States
Government agency or a repre^
sentative of the shipping com
pany whose, vessel is involved.
Applications must contain cer
tification that waivers of com
pliance* with navigation and in
spection laws are necessaiy in
the'' interest of national defense.
The Coast Guard order sets
forth fully the procedures for ef
fecting the individual waivers.
Returns from SIU ships pre
viously unreported show virtual
ly unanimous endorsement of the
Union's policy in dealing with
the matters of unloading cargo
in foreign ports and time off
in war areas.
Of the 53 vessels reporting
since, the last tabulation of re
sponses to the Union's request
for crew action, 1,696 crewmem
bers went on record in favor
of turning to in any num'oers
called for when cargo has to be
discharged abroad, in compliance
with the terms of the SIU agree
ments. Only three men disap
proved.
A similar vote—1,696 for and
3 against—was cast in favor of
the policy of not attempting to
make a shipboard beef in situa
tions where time off is not al
lowed in war areas. Instead, the
crews will document the beef
and forward it to Headquarters,
and will collect any overtime
involved under terms of the con
trdfct at the payoff.
So far 92 ships have taken
action on the two matters, with
a total of 3,134 crewmen endors
ing Union policy, as against five
who registered disapproval.
The two matters on which
crew attitudes were sought stem
med from the importance of
carrying out the Union's end of
the contracts.
Typical of the situations to be
avoided was one which devel
oped aboard a • contracted ship
some time ago, concerning the
number of crewmembers who
(Continjied on Page 13)
Open Weekends
Due lo the increased tem
po of shipping, the New
York Hall will be open on
Saturdays and Sundays, for
emergency shipping. Every
one. even those not interest
ed in pierhead jumps, is in
vited to come down and use
the recreational facilities of
the HaU.
The meeting with the Selec
tive Service officials followed a
series of sessions earlier in the
week, attended by members of
a committee appointed recently
by Vic.eAdmiral Edward Coch
rane, Federal Maritime Adminis
trator.
Dushane is the SIU's repre
sentative on the committee, rep
resenting labor, management and
the Maritime Board. After sev
eral meetings this committee
laid out a rough plan for effec
tive handling of a draft defer
ment policy for active seamen,
designed to assist Selective Ser
vice Headquarters in instituting
a national policy.
KEY PORTS
The committee then met with
the Selective Service group, in
cluding the directors of seven
key states, embracing some of
the key US ports. Present were
the state directors from New
York, New Jersey, Maryland,
Texas, California, Oregon and
Washington. ^
Dushane and his .fellowcom
mitteemen presented their rec
ommendations to the draft offi
cials, pointing out that they had
been devised to simplify and "
provide uniformity in the pro
cedure, required by law, by
which seamen are responsible for M
keeping their draft boards in
formed.
The SIU representative re
ported that the proposal for de
ferring active seamen contained
the following methods for aid
ing in compliance with terms of
the draft law:
1. Upon registering for a job
assignment the seaman would
so notify his draft board by post
card, which would be signed by
(Continued on Page 3)
Page Two THE S E AF A RE RS LOG Fi;iday. Marcrh 9, 1951
SEAFARERS LOG
Published Every Other Week by the
SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION
OF NORTH AMERICA
Atlantic and Gulf District
Afiiliated with the .American Federation of Labor
At 51 Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y.
HAnover 22784
Reentered as second class matter August 2, 1949, at the Post
Office in New York, N.Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912.
267
Steady As She Goes
Sixtysix years ago—on March 6—a group of aroused
seamen gathered at the Folsom Street wharf in San Fran
cisco to make 'plans to block the shipowners' scheme for
cutting wages to $20 a month. They agreed that the only
effective way to protect themselves was to form a union.
Tke $34 that was raised among the 222 men present was
to be used to rent a hall for a meeting the next night,
when a constitution and bylaws were unanimously
adopted.
Thus was born the organization that was to become
the forerunner of the Sailors Union of the Pacific, and
later of the Seafarers International Union, which was
chartered by the SUP in 1938 under the banner of the
American Federation of Labor.
No advance in behalf of the American seamen has
been accomplished without struggle, and the SUP's long
history is dotted with accounts of strife and violence, pre
cipitated by the constant attempts of West Coast ship
owners to smash trade unionism among seagoing workers.
Within a few months of its inception, the new or
ganization of seamen, known as the Coast Seamen's Union,
had a membership of 2,202. The union began expanding
almost immediately and a branch in San Pedro was
Opened.
The task of organizing and keeping the union operat
ing was a rugged one. Seemingly insurmountable obstacles
V^ere everpresent. The shipowners were united in oppo
sition to the new seamen's group and they were aided and
abetted by the sordid institutions that have always re
tarded the progress of seamen everywhere—the ^crimps,
the shipping masters and the scheming boardinghouse
keepers.
A year after the Coast Seamen's Union was founded,
a rival group, the Steamship Men's Protective Association,
was organized, and interorganization disputes complicated
liiatters further.
In 1887, the Coast Seamen's Union elected as its
head Andrew Furuseth, whose name was later destined
to become synonomous with seamen's rights. Four years
later, the rival organizations amalgamated, adopting the
name of the Sailors Union of the Pacific.
The progress made by the SUP since its humble be
ginning should instill great pride in every man who holds
membership in that organization. Despite constant at
]W tacks from every hostile source, the SUP has emerged as
the one stable, effective force for seamen on the West
Coast.
When the SUP issued a charter to the Atlantic and
Gulf Coast District, under the banner of the Seafarers
International Union, in 1938, it laid the groundwork for
what has become the most powerful grouping of maritime
workers in the nation.
The Seafarers International Union is steeped in
glorious tradition, but the future of the Districts united
under, its banner is loaded with wonderful prospects. The
'A&G District, like its West Coast affiliate, is determined
that the traditions begun by the SUP back in 1885 on
the West Coast will be kept alive in a continuing march
of progress for all men of the SIU. .
On the occasion of the SUP's 66th anniversary, the
Atlantic and Gulf District extends its heartiest congratu
[• lations and sincere good wishes for continued successes.
,The Brothers in our West Coast, affiliate are assured of
the full cooperation of the Seafarers of the A&G District
in attaining, ever greater progress for all men of the Sit.!.
To the SUP we say, "Steady as she goes."
MANHATTAN BEACH
FRED W. GRIMES
JOSE DE JESUS
E. LOPEZ
H. TUTTLE
J. H. ASHURST
£. FERRER
JOHN T. EDWARDS
JOHN DRISCOLL
VIC MILAZZO
MATTHEW DRUNO
PETER VORKE
R. A. BLAKE
JOHN PADZIK
A. LOMAS
R. F. LARSEN
T. P. SULLIVAN
B. T. KNEW
X X X
FORT STANTON
SILVESTER WALKER
WILLIAM J. MEEHAN
HARRY THURMAN
GIDLOW WOODS
DONALD P. MCDONALD
X X 'X'
STATEN ISLAND
L. BLIZZARD
J. SLAMAN
EUGENE E. MILANESI
S. GLYPTIE
P. PRON
G. BRAXTON
K. C. CROWE
T..CONNELL
C. COLLETTI
F. CHRISTNED
R. GUZMAN
S. C. CUNNINGTON
B. ZIEUNSKI
FRANK B. STRELTTZ
J. B. GARRISON
J. FIGUERAU
K. SKARI
R PELASOJA.
C. RAMOS
R. CONWAY
C. HUNEYCUTT
XXX ^
WELFARE ^ISLAND
THOMAS COYNE
; X X X
GALVESTON
P. W. DORSEY
S. C. TURBERVILLE
JOSEPH LEWIS
ANGELO MACIEL',
NEW ORLEANS
C." A. BROWN
M. F. BUSBY
W. O. CARA '
R. CRUZ
R. ELLISON
E". H. FAIRBANKS
A. W. GATEWOOD
G. C. GIERCZIC
E. E. GROSS
L. A, HOLMES
• D. D. KELLY
G. KRETZER
H. F. LAGAN
LEO LANG
A. MARTIN
M. MCDONALD•
K. RAANA
CLAUDE RAY
C, R. SANDERSON
S. S. SCHIEFFLER
ROBERT W. THOMPSON
L. TICKLE
T. E. MAYNES
XXX
VEERS HEAD
Salisbury, Md.
MICHAEL J. LUCAS
XXX
BOSTON
R. LUFLIN
E. GARDNER
FRANK DIRKSMEYER
A. N. CLENDENNING '
A. D. LEVA
XXX
NORFOLK
PAUL L. PAINTER
ALBERT W. BRICKHOUSE
XXX
SAVANNAH
EGBERT C. BENNETT
IVEY PEACOCK
H. HENZE
XXX
MOBILE
GEORGE W. MURRILL
TIM BURKE
EMMANUEL LORD
X X X m
SAN FRANCISCO
THOMAS A. BENSON
E. PRITCHARD
JAMES HODO
C. L. MOATS : . •
JAMES R. LEWIS ; :
E. ROBINSON
C. W. JOHNSON
H. HILL
J. C. LONG
H. L. MC GRATH
H. HOWARD
E. DANBACH
J. S. PRESHONG
D. J. GORMAN
XXX
BALTIMORE
WILLIAM H. GOVE
H. LANIER
BENJAMIN F. BISHOP
GEORGE REGISTER
ASHLEY T. HARRISON
T. H. SULLIVAN
ARCHIE WRIGHT
JENNING J. LONG
m
Men In Hospitals
Seafarers who want to be
eligible for the Welfare
Plan's weekly hospital bene
fits should make sure they
have their Union books, sea
man's papers and copies of
their last discharges with
fhem upon entering the hos
pital.
Union Patrolmen will pay
the sevendollar benefits to
eligible members for each
full week of hospitalisation
during their weekly . visits.
Failure of a hospitalised Sea
farer to have the above
mentioned papers with him
will prevent the Patrolman
from making the benefit
payments.
Hospitalised members who
have not yet filled out bene
ficiary cards for the Wei
fare Plan cu obtain them
from the Hosjpital Patrolmen.
'• fcJiT'siss
Friday. March 9, .1951 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Three
NY Baggage Room Closing Shipping Rules Are Made By Membership
And They Must Be Followed At All Times
Here's' a Seafarer who is on the balL In anticipation of
that anxiously awaited day when the Headquarters Branch
will move into the spacious, wellequipped building in Brook
lyn, this Brother is checking his gear out of the fourth floor
baggage room of the Beaver Street quarters.
Because preparations are already under way for the big
job of moving in the near future, no more baggage is being
checked at the present building. Headquarters asks that the
members bear with it in meeting the problem, by temporarily
checking gear at the doghouse or similar places providing
storage facilities.
Meanwhile, all men who have baggage in the Beaver
Street building are urged to call for it at the first possible
opportunity. Compliance with this request will facilitate the
moving job, lower transportation costs and reduce the chances
of any geeur being misplaced in the course of th^ operation.
By EARL SHEPPARD
NEW YORK—Shipping for the
past two weeks in New York has
been fair in some ratings, and
tough in others. Altogether we
paid off 22 ships: the Suzanne,
Kathryn, Frances, Puerto Rico
and Beatrice (Bull Line); the
following Seatrains: New Jersey,
New York, and Havana; the
Chicasaw, Azalea City, John B.
Waterman, Hurricane and Fair
isle' (Waterman); Coe Victory
and Longview Victory (Victory
Carriers); Lake George (US Pe
troleum) ; Steel Traveler, Steel
Chemist and Steel Recorder,
(Isthmian); Greeley Victory
(South Atlantic), and the Sea
Dream (Colonial).
In addition to the payoffs, we
handled the following signons:
Steel Artisan, Steel Designer
(Isthmian); Robin Doncaster
(Robin Line); Lafayette (Water
man); Coe Victory and Long
view Victory (Victory Carriers);
Sea Comet (Zenith); Seastar
(Mercador), and the Strathport
(Strathmore). We had numerous
ships intransit, which were vis
ited by Patrolmen while they
were in port.
One of thd ships paying off,
the Greeley Victory, had a beef
pending on the matter of carry
ing a cargo of gas in drums.
This will be settled for the crew
in a matter of a few days. Other
than this, all ships paid off with
the beefs settled at the payoff.
We have experienced no
National Policy On Draft
Deferment Is Seen Coming
(Continued from Page 1)
a person of authority, such as
the Union Dispatcher.
2. Upon obtaining employment
and boarding a ship, the sea
man would notify the board as
to the name of the ship, and
the date employment began,
along with other pertinent in
formation. The (flfrd would be
signed by the Master of the ves
sel.
3. Upon termination of the
seaman's employment, the Master
of the vessel would notify the
draft board of the date of ter
mination.
Upon registering again for an
other job assignment the same
procedure outlined above would
be followed through. The SIU
repre'^ntative explained that in
this way a simple routine would
be esl|iblished and could be com
plied 5with easily by those sea
men iaoncerned.
Dushane said that another rec
ommendation made to the Se
lective Service officials was that
seamen should be allowed one
day ashore for each week em
ployed, with a maximum of 30
consecutive days permitted
ashore between shipboard jobs,
in order to maintain his defer
ment status.
These proposals are now being
studied by the Selective Service
officials. It is expected that they
will add their own recommenda
tions, at which time General
Lewis Hershey, national director,
will call the two groups together
with a view tp consolidating the
Wo plaps. Such a meeting may
be called sometime next week.
One thing that was plainly
evident from the mating with
the di aft officials, Dushane re
ported, was that any policy of
deferment that may be estab
lished will affect only bonafide,
active merchant seamen and most
likely those above the entry rat
ings.
The Union representative add
ed that from his conversations
with the Selective Service
people, he learned that many
seamen had failed to stress the
vital nature of the industry in
which they are employed and the
qualifications which they possess
fcfr service in the industry. •
According to the various di
rectors, many men simply state
on their questionnaires that they
are seamen, and that's all. Local
boards in many cases do not
have a full perspective of the
national defense setup and there
fore cannot properly understand
the role of the merchant marine
in the emergency.
In cases of skilled, active mer
chant seamen who are placed in
1A status, Dushane recommend
ed that they ask for reclassifica
tion and explain fully the essen
tial nature of the merchant ma
rine in the present emergency,
and the registrant's skills and
experience as a seagoing worker.
trouble in manning the various
ships that have hit this port.
However, we would like to sug
gest to the membajship that
those nien who have enough
seatime should go and get the
next highest rating in their par
ticular department.
This, of course, is in line with
the policy of the Union, made
several months ago, to assure us
of having enough rated man
power within our own member
ship so that we can handle not
only our old contracted com
panies, but whatever new com
panies our Organizers can se
cure.
Several members have been
asking whether they can get
their shipping cards extended.
It must be pointed out that the
shipping rules do not allow any
extensions on shipping cards
past the 90day limit set in the
rules.
Here are pertinent excerpts
from the shipping rules:
"4. No member shall be given
a shipping card for another mem
ber, nor have another member's
shipping card stamped. The Dis
patcher shall not ship any mem
ber presenting another's card,
nor shall he honor the card of
any member not presenting his
own card.
"5. No shipping card shall be
issued to any member prior to
his paying off any vessel.
"6. No member shall be given
an open shipping date for any
reason.
"7. All shipping cards must be
stamped after the regular meet
ing. Any member wishing to
leave the meeting must ask the
permission of the membership
to do so through the Chair. If
the membership extends this
privilege, the member may leave
the meeting and have his ship
ping card stamped. Dispatcher or
Doorman shall check men in at
meetings until 7:30 p.m. and
members coming after that time
shall not receive credit for at
tending the meeting.
"8. (a) Any member on the
regular shipping list who has a
shipping card more than three
months old must reregister on
the shipping list and take out
a new shipping card and date.
• » *
"9. Members of the Seafarers'
International shall have prefer
ence over Permitmen at all
times, regardless of shipping
date."
The Shipping Rules were
adopted by you, the member
ship, and must be followed. Any
time you think it should ' be
changed, the Constitution pro
vides the way.
Men in the Marine Hospital in
New York are advised that Joe
Algina makes the rounds every
Tuesday and Thursday at 12:30,
so be on the lookout for him.
The Hospital is a big .place, and
Algina can't spend all his time
running all over the place look
ing for a man. It's for your own
benefit to be on the spot—so be
there.
As for mail for the hospitaliz
ed—if you want your mail for
warded to you just drop a line
to the Hall.
Finance Committee Going Oyer The Records
Members of the Quarterly Finance Committee, whose ̂topoxt
checked the Union's financial records in Headquarters. Left to
Garrison, Mike Rossi. Oliver P. Oakley end Joseph W. Arras.
appem on pages 45. as they
right: Bill Thompson, John
Kenneth Collins,
HQ Bookkeeper,
Dies Suddenly
Kenneth Collins, assistant ^
bookkeeper at SIU Atlantic and
Gulf District Headquarters in
New York for the past three
and a half years, died suddenly
on February 23. He was 28 years
old.
Shortly after he complained
of feeling ill on February 22,
Collins was admitted to the
BeekmanDowntown Hospital,
where he passed away 36 hours
later.
VERY POPULAR
A conscientious and compe
tent worker, with a mild and
pleasant manner, Collins was
exceptionally popular with mem
bers of the Headquarters staff
and rankandfile Union mem
bers who came in contact with
him. News of his sudden pass
ing stunned his many friends
in the SIU.
In line with the policy es
tablished recently by the Union
membership, the Union paid the
same benefits to Collins' widow
as are paid to beneficiaries Of
deceased SIU members under
the Seafarers Welfare Pljm.
The late Headquarters em
ployee's body reposed at the Wal
ter B. Cooke Funeral Home in
the Bronx. Funeral services were
held on February 27 in St. Si
nfon Stock R.C. Church, East
182nd Street, where a Requiem
Mass was offered. Burial was in
St. Raymond's Cemetery, the
Bronx.
SEAFARERS PRESENT
Serving as pallbearers were
the following Headquarters per
sonnel: Paul Gonsorchik, Frank
Bose, Paddy McCann, Stan Bob
rowski, Emilio Hernandez, Fren
chy Ruf, A1 Bernstein and Al
Kerr.
Among the other SIU members
attending Collins* funeral were
Mike Rossi, BiU Thompson, Wil
liam Sparta, Louis Cafone, Troy
Hutchens, John Snyder, John
Karpen, Anthony Savino, Tim
Leaijy, L. Gooch, E. Ely, T.
Semblewski and P. Ganung.
Collins leaves his widow, Pa
tricia, and two children, Joan,
years old, and Michael, nine
months, with whom he lived at
2386 Grand Avenue, Bronx, New
York City. Also surviving are
his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas
Collins.
] Page Four THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, Mardr 9, 1951
Recommendations Of Finance Committee
li^
We, the undersigned 'duly elected Quarterly
Finance Committee, elected at a Special Meeting
in New York on February 20, 1951, to audit the
Quarterly Finance Reports for the 3rd Quarter
of 1950, do hereby state that we have,checked
the bank statements for all funds under the con
trol of the SecretaryTreasurer against the week
ly financial reports and the reports of the Certi
. fied Public Accountant, for the 3rd Quarter of
1950, and have found that the funds were prop
erl}^ accounted for and in good order.
RECOMMENDATIONS
We, the Quarterly Finance Committee, find
that the Headquarters Offices of this Union have
been taking all steps possible to see that the
expenses of our Union remain at a minimum.
Therefore, in line with the previous action
taken by the Quarterly Finance Committee, we
recommend the following steps be taken to as
sist Headquarters Offices in carrying out of this
policy of the Union;
1. This Committee, after having investigated
all the facts in relation to the passing of phony
Union books, which were supposed to be bona
fide SIU books, by different individuals, rec
ommends that Headquarters Offices change the
present Union book of the Union.
In revising the books of the Union, the Com
mittee further recommends that in so doing.
Headquarters Offices take all necessary steps to
prevept any further possibility of our Union
books being duplicated. It is suggested that the
color of the book be one of the steps taken in
the carrying out of this procedure.
It is further recommended that the book
should be revised in such a manner'to fit the
needs of the organization at the present time.
% As the membership, was informed by the
SecretaryTreasurer in his last two reports, some
"smart" operators tried to' go into the business
of counterfeiting Union books. As the Union sys
tem of keeping membership records is foolproof,
it was just a matter of days until these char
acters were thrown in jail in the port of New
Orleans and their books confiscated. They are
now in jail awaiting trial.
Since Headquarters was running short of
printed Union books and was about to order a
new supply, it seems advisable to make a change
at no additional cost as to the color and makeup
of the book.
2. We have examined the ballot boxes in which
the ballots were kept and have destroyed the
. ballots as per Article XII, Section 12, of the
Union constitution.
0 This is the routine procedure under the
Union constitution.
3. We have made a thorough inspection of the
building that has been purchased by the Union
in Brooklyn, and this Committee feels that the
Union has made a wise investment. At the pres
ent time, the building in, which we are now lo
cated here in New York has been sold. How
ever, it has been sold to, the bank next door, with
whom we have an account.
After checking the finances of the Union, we
find that the building fund of the Union, at the
present time, has approximately $14,000.00 in it
in cash and owed to it from other funds. There
fore, we recommend that Headquarters Offices
be given the power to loan the building fund
whatever monies will be necessary from the
strike funds for the completion of the building
in Brooklyn.
After having gone through the building in
Brooklyn, room by room, been shown the blue
prints of same, seen the progress being madg on
the building, we have attached hereto our report
and its' recommendations.
0 This, the Commitiee felt, was a very good
hoveslmenl, as the bnilcfing sheiild have a return
that will enable the loan io he r^aid in a per
Pn this and the following page we print two
sections of the report of the Quarterly Finance
Commitiee, elected on February 20, ISSh On
page five is their report on the new building in
Brooklyn, commenting on the work already done
or contracted for, and some of the things that
still remain to be done. On this page are the
recommendations of the Committee. Following
each one are the summaries of the discussions,
and the reasons why the Committee made each
particular recommendation. The members of
the Committee were:
Michael Rossi, 209 John Garrison, 48684
Charles Mehl, 35828 Bill Thompson, 18
Joseph Arras, 458 Oliver P. Oakley, 46151
iod of time. Borrowing the money from the
strike funds will in the long run save the mem
bership money.
4. This Committee has been advised by Head
quarters that it will be necessary to transfer
funds of the Union from the banks where they
are now deposited to a bank in the vicinity of
the new building in Brooklyn. This Committee
therefore recommends that Headquarters Offices
be empowered to look for a bank in Brooklyn
that will have all the facilities necessary to
handle the accounts of the Union.
0 This is in the way of a physical convenience,
as otherwise the bookkeepers would have lo
make daily trips to our present bank in Man
hattan, wasting the Union's time and money.
5. This Committee, after having checked the
records of the Headquarters bookkeeping system,
recommends that the two strike funds of the
Union be incorporated into one fund, purely for
bookkeeping purposes.
0 The two Strike Funds, to all intents and
purposes, are one anyway, and combining them
in the Union records will eliminate the present
complicated bookkeeping procedure.
6. After the Union moves into the new build
ing in Brooklyn; it will be necessary that the
Union coinduct several , businesses within the
building itself. This Committee recommends that
the staffing of these different businesses be left
to the discretion of Headquarters Offices of the
Union.
0 Men employed by the various enterprises
in the new building will be members of the
Union, wherever possible. Hpwever, should a
specialized skill be required—say, for example,
an accountant,, etc.—the way should be left open
for the Union to go afield to get that skilled
man.
*1. It is recommended by this Committee, in
order that the Union will not be in violation of
the laws of the State of New York, that the
Union have a building corporation set up. The
purposes of this building corporation will be to
operate the new building and the enterprises
contained therein.
0 This section is necessary in order 10 con
form with the law, just as the Sailors Union had
to do with their new building. In addition, the
setting up of a building corporation will sep
arate the legal liabilities of the building and the
Union.
8. It is hereby proposed that Article XXI, Sec
tion' 2, of the Union constitution be amended to
read as follows:
"The initiation fee shall be one hundred ($100)
dollars, and shall accompany the application for
membership, and the dues shall be four ($4.00)
per mbnth, payable in advance."
• study of fiio itamndittl: xs^pbirta will
show, the finances of the Union are In very good
shape and we are living in the black..However#
the Committee pointed out, the SIU is the only
maritime Union whose dues are as low as $3 a
month. The Committee felt that, with the mount
ing costs due to higher prices for everything and
the increased cost of servicing the members and
the many wage increases and fringe benefits—
the Welfare Fund, etc.—that was won for the"
meihbership since the last dues increase in 1946,
an increase in the dues at this time would bol
ster the General Fund for any contingencies that
might come in the future;.
9. It is recommended by us, after studying the
constitution, because of the TaftHartley Law
that the present constitution of the Union should
be changed in some respects. Therefore, we rec
ommend that the constitution be streamlined,
take into account the laws of today, accepted
regular Union policy, and at the same time
should not be too detailed so as to enable the
Union to act in a more businesslike manner.
Therefore, we .recommend that Headquarters
be given the power to appoint a constitutional
committee to draw up a draft of a new constitu
tion and submit this for consideration by the
membership in ^e usual manner. We further
recommend, that in drawmg up this draft, that
the committee review the present assessments
and the way that they are made. We think that
the present assessment system of the Union can
and should be changed.
0 The Constiiulion has not been amended
since 4946, and many things have happened since
then—the TaftHartley Act is a prime example
—thai make some sections obsolete or unwork
able. In addition some sections should be clari
fied and new sections put in. The Hospital As
sessment, for one, is an assessment that is obso
lete, as its function is being taken care of by
the Welfare Plan. A.lthough the membership
voted .a few years ago to halt collection of this
assessment, it is still officially part of the Con
stitution, and should bo removed.
10. In closing, we would like to recommend
that the Headquarters Offices of the Union be
empowered to give those officials and employees
of the Union that it is felt justified in doing so,
a raise in pay. This raise to take effect upon the
proper clearance by any governmental agency
that may have controls over same, and after our
membership has approved of such raise.
It is to be pointed out, that the majority of the
officials of the Union have not had a raise in
proportion to the raises obtained by the mem
bership. During the past 5 years the member
ship has had many increases aboard ship, in
addition to which, the representatives of the
Union are paying more taxes on what money
they do receive than does the average member
aboard ship. In granting any raise to officials or
employees of the Union, it is felt that the amount
so granted should be left in the hands of the
Headquarters Offices, due to the fact that this'
office, more than anyone else, is in a position to
know what amount of an increase should be
granted.
0 Officials and employees of the Union, the
Committee noted, liave had no increase in salary
since June, 1947, since 'which time the cost of
living has risen over and over again. In this same
period, the membership has had many wage in
creases, to compensate for the rising prices. It
was felt that, while an increase was necessary,
no specific aum could be recommended, as the
Wage Stabilization Board has not yet come up
with a final wage ceiling, the labor members
having resigned in protest against management's
attempt to keep it low. In any event, the final'
recommendation bv Hcs^dquarters will be refor
vod to the membership for action.
ij
i
i
Friday' March 9, 1951 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Five
Report Of Committee On New HQ Building
.^^11
V7e, the undersigned duly elected jnembers of
the Quarterly Finance Committee, who were
instructed by this membership to make a check
on the progress of the alterations to our new
building in Brooklyn, hereby submit the follow
ing report:
Your Committee has reviewed all previous
actions by this membership that have been taken
from time to time and officially noted in the *
minutes of the regular Headquarters meetings*
of the Seafarers International Union.
The Committee finds that the Union purchased®
the Brooklyn building in April,1950, and then
engaged the firm of Lama, Proskauer & Prober,
licensed architects, to draw up plans for altering
the building for our use. This contract was made
on a regular ten percent fee of the cost of alter
ations, as per the New York State architectural
code, We find that the firm submitted a number
of plans which the Building Committee hashed
over until finally the firm came up, on October
1, 1950, with what the Committee felt was a
suitable plan for our needs.
A list of specifications were then drawn up
from these plans, and six leading contracting
firms .were invited to bid on the work to be
done. After the bids had been submitted and
studied by the Committee, an exhaustive study
of the financial standing of the bidders was
made. Our architects were then called in and the
Building Committee's investigations were discus
sed at length.
We find from photostatic copies of the bids
contained in the official minutes of November
15th, 1950, that the bids ranged in price from
$95,000.00 to $72,863.00. We find that the archi
tect and the Building Committee recommended
to the membership that they accept the bid of
the second lowest bidder, the Leeds Construc
tion Company for $86,200.00. The Building Com
mittee then made this recommendation to the
membership in an exhaustive analysis of all bids
at the following meeting. This recommendation
was concurred in by the membership and the
Leeds Construction Company bid was accepted.
We find from a study, of a pla'n of October 1,
1950, that the Committee recommended to the
membership that, in view of the scarcity of
metals, the Union immediately get bids for the
contemplated aluminum windows and let a con
tract for same, in order to take care of any antic
ipated shortage of this metal. The low bid for
the windows was $5,860.00, and the Committee
was instructed by the membership to let the bid
for this figure.
On December 20th, 1950, we find that Head
quarters Building' Committee recommended to
the membership at the regular meeting that the
firm of Cole & Liebmann, architectural deco
rators, be engaged to assist us in laying out the
decorative features of our new building and to
sketch a bar and cafeteria. The membership con
curred in this recommendation and the firm was
engaged for the flat fee of $2,500.00.
'On January 17th, 1951, it was found that one
of the heating plants, which theUnion had con
templated retaining in the building, was anti
quated and should be replaced. Mr. Liebmann,
the architectural decorator, recommended con
siderable other changes, such as enlarging the
cafeteria and bar, replacing a wood wainscoting
throughout the building with modern plaster,
and a number of other changes to more fully
utilize the available facilities. Bids were called
for this additional work and were submitted to
the membership, who recommended that the
work be let.
At a meeting of January 31st, 19*51, we find ^
that the Committee recommended to the mem
bership that a moving picture of all the phases
of this work be made, and the membership corb
curred in the recommendation.
We find further that the architects, in pro
viding new piers to support the massive_ steel
that was necessary to support the building after
the walls had been removed, showed the foun
dation and soil condition to be such as to require
twofoot piers. After the concrete flooring was
removed and excavation commenced, it was
found that the old piers went down over six
feet. The Building Department required these
old piers to be removed with pneumatic drills
.and new piers installed at the same depths. This
was an extra which the Union was obliged to
pay for on a yard basis.
We find that Frenchy Michelet, the Seafarers'
representative on this job, has authorized a
number of additional necessary repairs from time
to time such as mending of the fence, the fire
escape, etc.
We have examined the building proper and
find that a number of things remain to be con
tracted for, such as, cafeteria equipment, bar
equipment, additional tiling in cafeteria, with
the same in the bakery, refacing exterior of the
building, etc. In checking the records we find
that the membership had authorized the Build
ing Committee to call for bids on these phases
of the work, but that the bids have not yet been
submitted by the various contractors.
From an examination of the site of the building
we find that the plaster that is intended to re
main is in veFy bad condition, and that the wir
ing which is not being replaced is in equally
poor shape. There are a number of other items
which should be replaced, if we are to have a
building that will hold up over the years. We
realize that the Building Committee is trying to
keep the cost to a minimum. However, w;e feel
that it is to the interest of the membership in
the long run, if we replace these things now
while everything is torn up, rather than wait for
trouble to develop at a later date, and necessi
tate the calling in of a contractor to tear out
what is now being done in order to get at the
trouble.
In view of all the foregoing it is recommended
that the Building Committee be instructed by this,
membership to call for bids for these items and
any other replacements necessary, in their opin
ion, to give us a comparatively new building
when alterations are completed.
The New Building
Before "And After
Above is a prealteration view of Ihe building
which is now being transformed into the mag
nificent new HeadquartersNew York Branch as
represented by the architect's sketch at right.
Upon completion, the beautiful exterior will be
snatched by the good looks and utility of the
structure's interior, and Seafarers using the
v^aried and complete facilities that will be avail
able will find accomodations second to none any
where. The galley, cafeteria, shower rooms, rec
reation quarters, auditorium, bar and all the
rest of the many facilities are designed to be the
last word in comfort and convenience. At the
left corner is the street entrance to the Port O'
Call Bar, which will be colorfully decorated with
'waterfront themes. At the right corner is the
slopchest, where a full line of all gear needed by
Seafarers will be available at moderate costs. _
. .. .1.
mmm.
Page Six THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, March 9. 1951
New Orleans Shipping Improves;
Branch Backs Municipal Workers
By LINDSEY WILLIAMS
NEW ORLEANS—Shipping ac
tivity has been on the upgrade
in this port during the past two
weeks.
Since the last membership
meeting there were eight pay
offs, 10 signons and about 35
ships visiting the port intransit.
The outlook for the next two
weeks is very good, with eight
scheduled payoffs due in the
port. It is likely that other ves
sels will be coming in for pay
off, as the ships under Army
charter are not listed and we do
not get the information concern
ing their arrival until they are
in port, or a day or two out.
SANITATION STRIKE
As the membership in New
Orleans knows, the city's Sani
tation and Parkway Workers are
on strike and they are having
a rough time. The Commission
Council is doing all in its power
to break the strike, and has
gone as iar as using prisoners
to pick up the garbage under
police protection.
We are, of course, supporting
i
'Draft Follies'
Befflos New Run
In PMIadelphia
By STEVE CARDULLO
PHILADELPHIA — Surpris
ed? Philadelphia is back on the
ball again. You can look for our
LOG entry every issue. I know
this makes you happy.
Shipping has been on an even
keel for the past several weeks.
We look forward to keeping it
at a fair pace for the coming
twoweek period.
One of our main beefs in the
port of Philadelphia is the draft
board. One case we had—and we
got a kick out of it—concerned
a ship that was due to sail and
was short two ABs.
We had two ABs in the Union
Hall who were to report to the
draft board at once, and could
not take a ship. Now—the ship
was due to sail for the Far East.
The Coast Guard would not clear
the ship until we got two ABs.
Two ABs in the Union Hall were
wanted by local draft board.
DIZZY GAME
They just kept juggling back
and forth. Draft board wanted
them and the Coast Guard
wouldn't clear ship. So we kept
referring back and forth one to
the other. If this makes sense—
we have none.
Looks like all the Philadelphia
boys are coming back from Ko
rea. It's good to see old "familiar
faces: Jimmie Doris, Eddie Lamb
and Danny Picerelli.
Jimmy Doris tells us he had
quite a trip back on the plane.
They had a nice trip. Can you
imagine ten SlU men in a plane?
They wanted to see the Old
Man about a draw. They tried
to check the Oiler on the plane
to see if he was strike clear.
On finding out there was no
Oiler they tried to get the Skip
per to sign a contract with the
SIU manning scale for that
plane. From what I understand
of the opposition they got from
this, they intended to string a
picketline around the plane.
the demands of the striking
workers. At present it appears
that a majority of the people
of New Orleans are also in sym
pathy with the strikers, but the
city administration will not grant
an increase in pay in spite of
public sentiment. The strikers
have very little money and we
have pledged them financial
support.
The city claims the strike is
over and that shortly there will
be regular garbage pickups. But
from all indications it will be
quite some time, unless they re
hire all the men who are out
on strike.
It was amusing to read the
article in a. New Orleans paper
telling of five men from the
house of detention who got gas
sed up while out on a garbage
pickup detail.
These guys unloaded a truck
full of garbage right in the street
when they pulled the wrong
lever on a packertype garbage
truck.
At any rate we're all hoping
the strikers win their beef and
real soon.
ON KROO BOYS
Since the last meeting, we have
met with the Mississippi Ship
ping Company in regard to Kroo
boys on the West African run.
Mississippi is trying to put an
other ship on this run, but in
order to do so it will have to put
on additional Kroo boys to speed
up the sailings of these ships.
We have reached an under
standing with the company, and
the Hecommendations we made
were discussed with various
members, who regard them as
okay. As a result, no overtime
will be taken away from the
crewmembers.
What the Kroo boys may and
may not do while the vessels are
at sea was outlined at our last
membership meeting here.
Tex Morton, the "Thorny Rose of Texas,"
carries his own tableclothes aboard ship.
While on the Robin Locksley recently, he
offered the crew the use 6t his own linens
when the ship ran out of clean clothes. .On
the serious side, Tex shows his realization
of his obligations to the Union and accepted
the Engine Delegate's job. . . . The Uniqp's
Lake Charles representative tells the New
York Organizers that he shipped twenty
three men aboard tankers in that small
southern port in four days. . . . The Domin
ican Republic Chamber of Commerce will
undoubtedly ban the LOG from that coun
try but, nevertheless, this is to advise you
that several complaijits have been coming
in about the wooden souvenirs being brought
there. These trinkets—lamps, dolls, etc.—are
made of lignum vitae, which cracks when
it hits the cooler temperatures of North
America. So, beware.
In case you are interested department—
The five largest freight operators under con
tract to the SIU, in their proper order, are:
Waterman, Isthmian, Bull, Mississippi and
Alcoa. ... If you are tired of it all, do as
a couple of crewmen aboard the 88 Tain
aron did: Drink some denatured alcohol.
Only one out of ten thousand will try it
but, you'll undoubtedly agree, why try it
at all. It's a shame that people must learn
some things the hard way. , . . Walter Cher
esko is about the twelfth member to send
us teasing post cards from the Miami Beach
area. If they revert to shipping deck boys,
I believe I'll ship and enjoy one of those
Florida vacations myself. . . . Bhipmeht of
cargoes in German f^g vessels during 1950
doubled the amount carried in 1949. Nearly
fifty percent of all goods passing through
West German harbors was carried in Ger
man ships.
The two new 8eatrains being built in the
8un 8hipyard, which we Commented about
Watch Your Book
NEW YORK —The most im
portant possession an SIU mem
ber has is his Union Book, which
guarantees him top wages, the
best working conditions and the
best representation in all mari
time.
To the oldtimer it is a remind
er that he had a hand in rais
ing the American seaman from
the lowest rung in the industrial
ladder to a place where his con
ditions are as good as any shore
side worker.
To the newer member it is a
constant reminder that he ijs one
of the "Brotherhood of the Sea,"
and that what happens to him
is the concern of every other
member of the Seafarers.
Most — 1 guess all — of the
membership feels the same way
as 1 do, yet some few treat their
book — the physical manifesta
tion of their membership — as
if it meant nothing. By that I
mean that some of the member
ship are completely indifferent
to what happens to their book.
They are constantly losing it,
misplacing it or tearing it. Then
they come down, very contrite.
and ask for a duplicate. Some
have had as many as six dup
licates.
Duplicates are easy to get —
they only cost a doll^ (and I,
for one, am in favor of charging
morel^but what these careless
characters don't seem to keep
in mind is that if their lost books
fall into the wrong hands, it
will let a flock of free loaders
into the shipping, Hall to grab
jobs. They'll be found out in
short order, of course, but mean
while they cause confusion.
So, Brothers, keep your good
eye open, and hold on to your
books. However, since accidents
—and rollings—do happen, mem
orize your book number, sd that
you can notify Headquarters,
which can trace the book, and
issue you a duplicate.
Louis Goifin
X %
Goodbye, Mr. Chips
NEW YORK—On Tuesday of
this week, Customs Port Patrol
officers boarded the Steel Rover
for a routine search. Noticing
one of the crewmembers was
unduly nervous while they were
searching his foc'sle, they shook
him down and found some heroin
and opium in his pocket.
In no time at all, the place was
swarming with officers, like flies
on cheesecake in midsummer.
But this guy was the only one
involved, and he's all set for a
narcotics rapv If he doesn't
shave until hie gets out of jail,
I'd hatg to be the guy to cut
his beard.
But even if he gets away with
it—and I'll give odds on that
possibility—oiie thing is certain:
He's through with the SIU. Any
man caught with the possession
of narcotics, is automatically
brought up on charges, and it's
the 99 for him.
Ted Babkowski
some time back, will be named after the
8tates of Louisiana and Georgia. Drool, all
you 8eatrain homesteaders. ... ILA steve
dores drew the first pension payments
under the terms of a recent. agreement.
Thirtysix members become eligible on
March 1. . . . Merchant seamen (that's us)
suffered more slips and falls than any other
type of accident of the 3023 accidents re
ported. ... If you do not pick up your mail
within ninety days after it is postmarked,
it must be sent back to the post office.
Don't think that this rule stops the Draft
Board from locating you, if you are out
for more than three months.
Heard a rumor around the Hall the other
day that shipping was picking up. . . . Buddy
Benson having trouble persuading the US
Government from putting him into the "My
Buddy" classification. ... In preparation
for it's new "modus operandi" in the mod
ernized Brooklyn headquarters, the Union
has consolidated the various departments
on the different floors of the present New
York building, and will get a practical idea
of what kinks may arise. In this manner
the Seafarers will be loaded for bear when
we get into our new Headquarters.
This sounds like a broken record, but the
importance of getting higher endorsements
cannot be overemphasized. If you have the
seatime, the ability or the experience neces
sary, go up for the higher rating. If you are
"draftable," that rating should be a must.
. . . WARNING—^If you are paying off on a
voucher, get the Captain's signature on that
voucher and take it with you to the com
pany office for payment. For cry in' out
loud, don't put your signature on the vouch
er and leave it with the Captain. Don't
laugh, it's been done. . . . And just for
laughing (or should I say sneering) at this
column, you'll hear no more from m"e—for
two weeks.
Another Tough Law
Now Being Readied
To 'Reward' Laber
WASHINGTON—The Associat
ed Press reported that "strong
sentiment was reported building
up in the House armed services
committe for a tough labor law
designed to prevent wartime
strikes."
The law is sponsored by Rep..
Howard W. Smith, Dixiecrat
from Virginia, who coauthored •
the World "War II SmithCon'
nally AntiStrike bill.
The bill would take away all
seniority rights and all existing
lawgranted privileges of work
ers who engage in a strike or
other form of work stoppage
which the President, by proc
lamation, says would be harm
ful to the national defense pro
gram.
While the soldiers are away
fighting for a free America',
characters like Smith want to
change the rules for living in
the great land the GIs are de
fending. So when Smith and his
kind wrap themselves in the
American flag to attempt to get
passage of this law or a similar
act, remember what they are
actually doing is chipping away
some of the. freedom which
workingmen's sons are dying to
protect on the battlefield. , , >
I I
h'.
Friday, Mai^h 9, 1951 THE S E AT ARE RS LOG
Pi
page Seven
• • "• f.', • .
• : • :• ,: .• f
• \ .'•
. • M'i' '• • • "'
WHAT
tTHIMK
QUESTION: The Union intends to. decorate the bulkheads of the bar in the new HeadquartersNew
with murals depicting famous scenes in ports throughout the world. Which one, or ones, do you think should be
York building
represented?
AL WHITMER, AB:
Capetown belongs on any
mural of that kind. At the
tip of Africa;, it is a colorful
spot that is a port of call for
many, many ships of most na
tions. New York also rates'a
spot, possibly with a view of
the famous skyline or some
feature of the harbor. New
York rates because it is known
as the greatest port in the
world, and no mural of the
kind mentioned would be com
plete without New York be
ing represented. A good view
of the Gatun Lodes in the
Panama Canal Zone .ought to
..be'included, because it is such
a valuable thing to all mari
time nations, especiedly the
US.
ENRICO TIRELLI, AB:
Miami is my choice. I think
it is a beautiful port—the comr
bination of skyline, weather
and color is almost unbeatable.
When looking at it, coming in,
with the Causeway seeming to
hsmg in midair—^well, it kind
of takes your breath away. As
second choice, there's Tokio.
Fujiyama looks down upon
you, and it's impressive. And,
of course, in both cases the
.people in the ports arean im
portant part of the attraction.
You can just remember the
past friendliness as you near
the port, even though you
can't see the people yet.
CLYDE LANDRY, Ch. Elec.: CALVIN JAMES. Messman:
I like the sight of Capetown,
with its Table Top, and Hon
olulu's Diamond Head. Oh yes,
how about the Fiji Islands?
They make a beautiful scene
and could be shown as seen
from an ai^roaching ship,.
with the snow white sand and
the attractive colors of the
water. I think that Capetown's
Table Top Mountain is one of
the best scenes I've enjoyed.
The pictures could show the
Mountain with a cable car ap
proaching it. It certainly is one
of the world's most colorful
spots, as most seamen will no
doubt testify. It belongs on
any waterfront mural.
I like Colombo. Ceylon, be
cause of the interesting effect
it gives when you enter the
harbor. I believe it's the only
port where the ships are tied
up in a line, giving the effect
of a definite organized pattern.
The port is a quiet one. but
a really beautiful one for sea
men who are interested in
some of the sights instead of
the women. (Okay, smile if
you want to.) Seeing its pic
ture on the bulkhead in our
new HalL will serve to remind
me of the wonderful times that
were had there. It certainly
is a good idea.
W. TSCHUSCHKE. Oiler:
I'd suggest Diamond Head
Mountain in Honolulu, a good
looking spot that is one of the
Hawaiian Islands, most out
standing points of interest. I
believe that Honolulu is a
port with which most Seafarers
are familiar. Capetown's Table
Top Mountain would also make
a good scene in the mural.
New York with its thrilling
skyline, that is familiar to
practically every seaman in
the world, certainly belongs in
the picture. However, even
though I am a New Yorker.
I'd rate Table Top Mountain
over the New York skyline
as a point of scenic interest
to seamen.
HANK SHEPETA, AB:
I'd like to see a view of
Sydney, Australia. Coming into
that port you get a sight of
the bridge over the bay that
never fails', to remind me of
the Golden Gate in Frisco. I
guess Table Top Mountain in
Capetown would belong in a
waterfront mural. It should
also have the Manhattan sky
line, which is what everyone
knows New York for. And
here's one I don't think should
be omitted from the mural—
the Statue of Liberty, because
that's the thing a seaman
looks for first when his ship
is coining inleNew York. It's
piractically the symbol of New
York harbor.
J. (Dutch) SERCU, FWT:
Two places that ought to be
on the mural are Table Top
Mountain and Lion Mountain
in Capetown—they can be seen
for. long ways out at sea. They
would suggest a clean atmos
phere. For tropical, beauty on
our own East Coast, I don't
think you can beat San Juan,
and it could be easily pictured
on a mural. It lays right in a
basin, surrounded by hills, and
has a climate that California
would find hard to beat..Naples
offers another goodlooking
spot—perhaps a view of the
cable car going to the top of
the mountain on which there
are a monastery and museum.
GEORGE (Red) BRADY. AB: R. HEMINGSON. AB:
We ought to take familiar
waterfront sights from the
ports wherever we have SIU
Halls. For example, for San
Francisco we could have a
scene of the Golden Gate
Bridge. For New York, a view
of the skyline. Down in New
Orleans, there's the French
Quarter that is so well known
to people everywhere. For
Mobile, we could use a view
of the bay. There are plenty
of spots risewhere in the
world :that are goodlooking,
but this country .too Longhas
been, playing up the beauty
of the rest of the world. Let's
start recognizing the beautiful
sights of our own country.
I'd say Yokohama, with Mt.
Fujiyama in the background,
ought to be on the kind of
mural being considered. There
are twin breakwaters in the
harbor that have lighthouses
on each end of the walls, and
this picture has always struck
me as one of the most colorful
waterfront scenes that I have
seen anywhere. Narvik. Nor
way. is another. Situated in a
fjord. with snowcovered
moimtains on all sides, it is
another place that would make
a good scene. I've always
thought some .spots in Port
Said were good looking, but
there are always too many
coca colu signs around. '
MICKEY McFALL. Wiper;
I think a picture of Balti
more's Sparrows Point, as it
appears from • a ship coming
up the bay. would be good to
have on the mural. Another
one thai should be shown is
Table Top Mountain in Cape
town. because that's one spot
that is known to seamen every
where. Down in the Panama
Canal there's a sight familiar
to many. Before hitting the
locks you can see the water
fall. This scene is used quite
a bit in advertisements. Cer
tainly, the mural should have
a view of the New York har
bor and the Brooklyn Bridge,
especially since our new Hall
will be right close to it.
Page Eight THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, Mardi 9, 1951
ExSeafarer Killed
In Action On
Korean Battlefront
/
Weldon Lee Bassett, former member of the SIU's
Atlantic and Gulf District, was killed in action on the
Korean battlefront while serving in the United States
Army, the LOG learned this week.
Bassett's death as a result of
action last December
Clark And ClarkeSiU Vets
enemy action last December is
the first one reported of a form
er Seafarer. However, two SIU
crewmen, George Miller and
Lewis W. High, were slain last
October by North Korean snipers
along the road between Inchon
and Seoul. According to reports
at the time, Miller and Hughes,
who were in the crew of the
Citrus Packer, were ambushed
while riding in a jeep, after their
vessel had unloaded a cargo of
ammunition in Inchon.
SAILED IN WAR
Bassett sailed with the SIU
diuring World War II and held
, Book No. 27406, which was is
sued to him on August 30, 1943
in the Port of New York. He
sailed in the Deck Department.
Shortly after leaving the Sea
farers, he was drafted into the
Army and served out his hitch.
Upon getting his discharge, Bas
sett returned to his home in
Blue Earth, Minnesota, where he
worked until he was recalled as
a result of the Korean conflict.
Bassett is survived by his
wife, Eva, and his oneyearold
son, who make their home in
Blue Earth. Bassett was bom in
the Minnesota town on June 20,
1923.
The news of Bassett's death
was passed along to the SEA
FARERS LOG by Alan Jaquish,
a former! shipmate.
"I am sure that anyone who
sailed with Lee Bassett will feel
the same as I—^that we have
lost a fine Union Brother and a
swell shipmate," Jaquish said.
Jacquish, who retired his Book
No. 33006 and now resides in
Fair Hills, New Jersey, also said
that he intends to visit the SIU
Hall now under construction as
soon as it is completed.
He added that the new Brook
lyn building is a symbol of the
Union's growth and is a long
step from the quarters the SIU
occupied on Stone Street, where
he got the tripcard that started
him sailing on SIU ships.
Dredge Men Vote
Ship's Fund To
Shipmate's Widow
The proceeds of the Sand
chief's ship's fund, augmented
by crewmembers' personal con
tributions, has been turned over
to the widow of John Rusinko,
who worked as Pumpman aboard
the sand dredge until his death
a couple of weeks ago.
Ship's Delegate Vic D'India
said that the $245 in the ship's
fund was unanimously voted to
Mrs. Rusinko. A collection net
ted another $102 and D'India
forwarded a check for $347 to
the late crewmember's wife.
Rusinko's death shocked ,his
shipmates, all of whom found
him a fine shipmate. Marty
Breedhoff, his roommate on the
Sandchief, was particularly sad
dened by Rusinko's death.
"Johnny was a capable sea
man, and a good Union man,"
Marty said. "He was personable
besides, which made him just
about as good a shipmate as
you'd expect to find anywhere."
Joe Lightfodt,
SIU Deck Man,
Dies In New York
Seafarer Joseph B. Lightfoot,
who died in the Manhattan
Beach Marine Hjospital, New
York, on January 6, was buried
in his home town of Savannah,
Ga., according to word reaching
the LOG this week.
A member of the SIU • since
1941, Lightfoot • had been a pa
tient for a long period at the
Although not related these two sturdy Seafarers have been
dubbed the "Clarke twins" by shipmates on the Del Sud.
They're John (Scotty) Clark (left) and L. (Windy) Clarke. Ac
cording to Ship's Delegate L. B. Brown, who submitted the
photo, the twins have about 80 years of seatime between them.
"Scotty." a Watchman, has been in the SIU since its inception.
His other half has been around quite awhile himself.
Voice Of Dke Sea
By "SALTY DICK"
The title of "best dressed seaman" may now go to
Moses Milano. ... I hope Moon Kouns doesn't get sore
at me, but everytime I see him I think of Santa Glaus.
For those who play the horses.^Z T T"!
The editors of the various ships'
papers published on SIU ves
sels are doing a wonderful job.
Latest to join the circle is my
good friend Bill Champlin, who
edits the MarLog.
Ralph Boyd has probably sub
mitted more pictures to the SEA
FARERS LOG than anyone I
know. As a photographer he
rates tops.
Parting Of The Ways
Edward Burke (left) accepts good wishes of Seafarer Robert
Benjamin during furlough visit to New York Hall. Burke, who
entered Army in September, 1950, says he has run into many
SIU men now wearing khaki. He and Benjamin have been
longtime SIU friends. ,
I suggest they see Ivan Burning,
exjockey. He knows his horses,
yet he never places a bet on
them. Smart guy. . . . A1 Tocho
keeps more medicines in his lock
er than the Walgjreen Drtig
Company, I betcha. . . . Have you
ever seen a mustache in techni
color? If you haven't, take a
look at "Taxi" Smith.
George (Heavy) McFall drives
a Packard around town, but he'll
never drive it near a junk yard.
If he does, he'll probably lose
it. . . . Let's keep our Union
Halls clean, as we do our ships.
And ourselves, for that matter.
We have the best maritime Ub
ion in the field, and we should
aim to keep it so.
A busy person is Miss Spen
cer of the New Orleans Hall.
Yet she's never too bu.sy to help
anyone. . . . Did you know that
one of the deepest parts of the
Atlantic Ocean is near Puerto
Rico? Now I know why a cer
tain Cook throws his old socks
overboard in that area.
William Smith is fast becom
ing a farmer in a big way. He's
raising chickens in Alabama on
a large scale. . . . When your
ship is in port where there is
an SIU Hall, drop around and
find out what's going on—and
attend shoreside meetings.
Our friend, "Little Joe" Kot
alik is now operating a package
liquor store on the Airline High
way in New Orleans. And he's
given a ship's name to his bus
iness—^the Del Norte.
Kenny Eckholm is reported to
have had a job as a head waiter
in an exclusive hotel in Rio.,..
JOSEPH B. LIGHTFOOT
Fort Stanton, New Mexico, Mar
ine Hospital before being trans
ferred to Manhattan Beach.
m
He joined the SIU in New
York on June 8, 1941, and held
Book No. 7453. He sailed in the
Deck Department.
Lightfoot was born in Savan
nah on February 8, 1917, accord
ing to records at Union Head
quarters. He listed his mother,
Mrs. J. T.' Lightfoot, 119 West
Jones Street, Savannah, as his
next of kin.
"They're of the best. No reason
why we shouldn't use them,"
he figures.
Union Oldtimer Advocates
Periodic Medical Checkups
A Seafarer rates the same interest and attention to
his seaworthiness as the ships he sails, in the opinion of
Claude Fisher, Union oldtimer.
"Our men ought to have medit
cal checkups perodically to see
how they're ticking," says Fish
er. "Ships are inspected regular
ly and there's no reason why
we shouldn't do the same."
Fisher practices what he rec
ommends, too. When he paid off
the Beatrice, on which he served
as Stewards Delegate, on Febru
ary 5, he went into drydock at
the Staten Island Marine Hospi
tal, where he got a complete
looking over.
"It was like an assembly line.
I went through a thorough check
by the staff." He had words of
praise, too, for Dr. Henry Gel
fond, the nurses' and "Mike," the
technician, saying that they "all
do a sincere job."
The healthwise Fisher be
lieves that an ounce of preven
tion takes little time. Facilities
are available for Seafarers at the I
Marine Hospitals, he points out. ' CLAUDE FISHER
• • • ".• *>;7Tr:^jrrT:'''\ riy'r ''"ft*';
Friday, March 9, 1951 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Nine
Digested Minutes Of SiU Ship Meetings
CARROLL VICTORY (South
Atlantic). Jan. 23—Chairman, D.
Story; Secretary, John CanlxelL
Discussion on butter; decided not
to use it at all. Motion carried
to draw up a resolution concern
ing draws. Delegates reportec
some disputed overtime to be
squared away in the States.
Jan. 30—Chairman. John Can
irell; Secretary, A. Tremer. Spe
cial meeting called to discuss
bulletins from Headquarters on
unloading cargo and time oif. On
unloading cargo considerable dis
cussion held on who has prefer
ence in working cargo in for
eign ports. Headquarters to be
asked for clarification. LOG ar
ticle concerning Stewards De
partment duties given to Stew
ards Delegate so his department
could hold a meeting on the
matter.,
S. '4 4.
FORT HOSKINS Cities Serv
ice), Feb. 4—Chairman, Stephen
Bogucki; Secretary, Frank Flan
agan. Delegates reported all in
order. New depai tmental dele
gates elected. Brothers with sug
gestions for new Union Hall
asked to list them on form posted
on bulletin board. Suggestion
made that man on sanitary duty
should distribute linen to his
department, rather than having
each man responsible.
1 & »
WINTER HILL (Cities Serv
ice), Jan. 31—Chairman, S. Tur
ner; Secretary, Percy Mays. Del
egates reported all okay. Discus
sion on new Coast Guard papers.
Ship's Delegate read Headquar
ters communication concerning
time off and unloading cargo.
Entire crew voted support. Mo
tion carried to work toward in
creasing the milk supply to that
carried on other SlUcontracted
ships.
» & »
GOVERNMENT CAMP (Cities
Service), Jan. 23 — Chairman,
John Annal; Secretary, B. Jarvis.
Delegates reported the number
of books and permits in their
departments. Motion carried to
have one man from each depart
ment clean the recreation room
daily.
t, % %
ABIQUA (Cities Service), Jan.
27—Chairman (not given); Secre
tary, Charles Hampson. Dele
gates reported number of books
and permits in their depart
ments. Motion carried to find
out why Baltimore Patrolman
did not meet ship until she had
been in port 12 hour's. Letter
read on alien registration. Dis
cussion on validated papers.
?BR UNION POZ-ICY, WH^N PAY/NS
VOBS OR ASSesSMBAiTS THROUfSN THB
/V1AIL.S , PLHA^E ENCLOSB ElT/^ER YoUR.
BOOK OR P£«?MIT ALONS l/ViTTH
CHECK QR A^OMBY ORDBR COVBRIHG-
^OOR PAVAIENT .
new building tabled. until next
meeting.
4. & &
MONTEBELLO HILLS Pacific
Teuikers), Jan. 14—Chairman, A.
Brown; Secretary, Leon Baker.
Delegates reported no beefs. Mo
tion, carried to concur with Head
quarters letter on time off and
unloading cargo. Brother Joe
Bush claims his Arabian friends
lave been using his name for
testimonials without his permis
sion, and he wants to go on
record that he has not given
them his permission for such.
i ft
ALAMAR (Calmar), Feb. 4 —
Chairman, Elbert Hogge; Secre
tary, Daniel Biedronski. Dele
gates reported a food beef. Dele
gates reported number of books
and permits in their departments.
Repair list to be made up by
all departments. Discussion on
use of bedspreads for tablecloths,
ft ft ft
SEATRAIN NEW JERSEY
(Seatrain), Feb. 11 — Chairman,
Bill Frederick; Secretary,' Joseph
Malone. Delegates reported no
beefs, listed the number of books
and permits in their departments.
Suggestion made that Steward
have ventilator screens in mess
room cleaned. Bulletin read from
Headquarters on unloading car
go and time off. Suggestions for
ft ft ft
GREELEY VICTORY (South
Atlantic), Jan. 27—Chairman, A.
Williams; Secretary, H. Schuch
man. Ship's Delegate reported
that draw lists to be handed in
so money can be paid in Frisco.
Baker requestea mixing machine
for galley. Crew asked to co
operate with sanitary men by
keeping gear off the deck..
Feb. 11 — Chairman, Barney
Kinter; Secretary, H. Schuchman.
Check to be made on Chief El
ectrician to see if he went to
hospital in Fi'isco. Letter from
Headquarters on time off and
unloading cargo okayed. Motion
carried that ship should not have
sailed without a Chief Electri
cian, or 2nd Electrician should
have been promoted. Discussion
on $50 fine for missing ship,
ft ft ft
ALCOA CLIPPER (Alcoa),
Feb. 11 — Chairman, Repaid
Roberts; Secretary, Frank Plop
pert. Ship's Delegate reported
that lodging will be paid to all
men due it because of welding
work in Mobile. Motion carried
to have a night man relieve the
Fireman and Quartermaster in
the first and last ports of call
in the US. Discussion on buying
of athletic equipment.
BATTLE CREEK VICTORY
(Dolphin SS Corp.Triton). Jan.
23—Chairman, L. Taylor; Secre
tary, Lonnie English. Delegates
reported the number of books
and permits in their departments.
Captain to be seen about paying
of port payroll .
Feb. 12—Chairman, J. Caruso;
Secretary, J. Lynch. Delegates
reported all okay, except in
Stewards Department, where
Pantryman left ship and threw
additional work on department
members. Crew concurred with
communication concerning "time
off and unloading cargo.
^ ft ft ft
SEABEAVER (Colonial), Feb.
8 — Chairman, Buddy Benson;
Secretary, Jack Ryder. Delegates
reported number of books and
permits in departments. Motion
carried to have Patrolman check
the Stewards Department facili
ties on the ship so he can see
conditions. Union education dis
cussed.
ft ft ft
MOTHER M.L. (EagleOcean
Transport), Feb. 14 — Chairman,
James Ward; Secretary, James
McLinden. Delegates reported
all in order. Communication read
concerning time ashore and un
loading cargo read. "Guide for
Stewards Department" read.
Both communications accepted.
Suggestion made that the Stew
ards Department guide be pub
lished as a pamphlet for all
Stewards Departments.
ft ft ft
SEAWIND (Sealraders), Jan.
27—Chairman. R. Strahn; Secre
tary, E. Boyd. Delegates' reports
accepted. Motion carried that a
better quality and variety of
night lunch be put out. Steward
requested to have fewer starches
in menus. Motion carried that a
record be kept of disputed en
gineroom overtime for Patrol
man.
ft ft ft
ROBIN TUXFORD (Robin),
Jan. 1 Chairman, Joe Brooks;
Secretary, John Logan. Beefs
concerning no shore leave in
Fort Dauphin tabled. Discussion
on division of overtime among
the deck men. Motion carried to
install pilot light on washing
machine.
Jan. 14 — Chairman, John
Elliot; Secretary, Guernsey. Dele
gates reported no beefs. Bosun
reported that coffee beef would
be taken care of.
Jan. 28 — Chairman, Joe
Brooks; Secretary, William
Kumke. Delegates reported beefs
in overtime and painting of
foc'sles. Delegates to collect
money for the upkeep of wash
ing machine. Suggestion made
that all crewmembers receive an
itemized slip at payoff stating
wages and overtime. Suggestion
made that men should not send
clothes to National Cleaners in
Durban, as they are gyp artists,
ft ft ft
CHILORE (Ore), Jan. 28 —
Chairman, H. Collier; Secretary,
T. Hansen. Delegates reported
number of books and permits
in their departments. Chairman
read communications from Head
quarters, which were unanimous
ly adopted by crew.
• ft ft ft
SEATRAIN NEW YORK (Sea
train), Jan. 28 — Chairman, R.
Sweeney; Secretary, John Mon
ast. Ship's Delegate read com
munications from Headquarter^
on time ashore and working car
go. Motion carried to inquire
about transportation from the
Edgewater dock to the 60th
Street bus line. Suggestion made
that Dispatchers check all books
for fines before shipping.
ft ft ft
FEDERAL (Trafalgar), Jan. 27
— Chairman, C. Collins; Secre
tary, J. Thomas. Delegates re
ported number of books and per
mits in their departments. Head
quarters communication read and
approved unanimously. Vote of
thanks given the Stewards De
partment for the fine work they
are doing.
ft ft ft
CUBORE (Ore), Jan. 21 —
Chairman, G. Seneff; Secretary,
Edsel Luzier. Delegate reported
all in order. Letter from Head
quarters regarding time off and
unloading cargo read and ac
cepted. Black Gang overtime
from Panama to be turned over
to Patrolman.
Directory Of SIU Halls
SIU, A&G District
BALTIMORE 14 North Gay St.
William Rentz, Agent Mulberry 4540
BOSTON 276 State St.
Ben Lawson, Agent Richmond 20)40
Dispatcher Richmond 20141
GALVESTON 308^4—23rd St.
Keith Alsop, Agent Phone 26448
LAKE CHARLES, La.... 1419 Ryan St.
Keith Terpe, Agent
MOBILE I South Lawrence St.
Cal Tanner, Agent Phone 21754
NEW ORLEANS 523 Bienville St.
Lindsey Williams, Agent
Magnolia 61126113
NEW YORK 51 Beaver St.
HAnover 22784
NORFOLK 127129 Bank St.
Ben Rees, Agent Phone 41083
PHILADELPHIA 337 Markr't St.
S. Cardullo. Agent Market 71635
SAN FRANCISCO 450 Harrison St.
Lloyd Gardner, Agent Douglas 25475
SAN JUAN, PR....252 Ponce de Leon
Sal Colls, Agent
SAVANNAH 2 Abercorn St.
E. B. Tilley, Agent Phone 31728
SEATTLE 2700 1st Ave.
Ray Oates, Agent Seneca 4570
TAMPA 18091811 N. Franklin St.
Ray White. Agent Phone 21323
WILMINGTON, Calif.,. .440 Avalon Blvd.
Jeff .Morrison, Agent Terminal 42874
HEADQUARTERS. .51 Beaver St., N.Y.C.
SECRETARYTREASURER
Paul Hall
ASST. SECRETARYTREASURER
Earl' Sheppard
HEADQUARTERS REPRESENTATIVES
Joe Algina Robert Matthews
Joseph Volpian
SUP
HONOLULU 16 Merchant St.
Phone 58777
PORTLAND Ill W. Burnside St.
Beacon 4336
RICHMOND,Calif 257 5th St.
Phone 2599
SAN FRANCISCO 450 Harrison St.
Douglas 28363
SEATTLE; 86 Seneca St.
Main 0290
WILMINGTON..,.,^. ..440 Avalon Blvd.
Terminal 43131
Canadian District
MONTREAL 463 McGill St.
M.Arquette 5909
HALIFAX 128!/2 Hollis St.
Phone 38911
FORT WILLIAM. .1 18H Syndicate Ave.
Ontario Phone 33221
PORT COLBORNE 103 Durham St.
Phone 5591
TORONTO 86 Colborne St.
Elgin 5719
VICTORIA. .6I7!4 Cormorant St.
Empire 4531
VANCOUVER 565 Hamilton St.
Pacific 7824
SYDNEY 304 Charlotte St
Phone 6346
HEADQUARTERS .463 McGill St.
Montreal MArquette 7377
ft ft ft
IRENESTAR (Maine Sleamship
—Triton),. Dec, 17—Chairman, L.
Gillis; Secretary, J. Vorke. Del
egates reported all in order. Re
pair list made up and approved.
Three departments to alternate
in» keeping recreation room and
laundry clean.
Jan. 2 — Chairman, L. Gillis;
Secretary, J. Vorke. Delegates
reported disputed overtime and
the three day's room allowance
for time ship was in drydock.
Ten items presented to Captain
for repair. Motion carried riot to
payoff untU all beefs are settled,'
ft ft ft
YORKMAR (Calmar), Nov. 19
—Chairman, F. Engle; Secretary,
W. Trolle. Delegates reported all
okay. Repair list made up and
approved. Steward reported he is
doing the best he can to put
out first class meals.
CAMAS MEAIJOVS (US Pe
troleum Carriers), Jan. 21 —
Chairman, Marion Luska; Secre
tary; W. Murphy. Delegates re
ported. all in order. Suggestion
made that mail can be mailed
out through company agent and
charged to the" slopchest. Discus
sion on fire and boat drill sta
tions.
ft ft ft
FORT BRIDGER (US Petro
leum Carriers), Feb. 11—Chair
man, Gardner; Secretary, B. Mig
nano. Delegates reported no ov
ertime beefs. Motions carried to
comply fully with Headquarters
request concerning upgrading
and suggestions for new build
ing. Steward asked to get a
better grade of ice cream in
Italy.
ft ft ft
HURRICANE (Waterman),
Feb. 12—Chairman, Daniel Ticer;
Secretary, Paul Whitlow. Dele
gates reported all in order. Head
quarters communication on time
off and unloading cargo brought
to crew's attention and adopted
unanimously. Suggestion made to
check with Union as to whether
(Continued on Page 14)
Page Ten THE SEAFARERS LO& Friday. March 9, 1951
iSi:
SeaMinded Guys Warned
On Buying Worthless Info'
To Ihe Editor:
I am writing you this letter
because I would like to have
some information concerning a
certain "Seafarers Guide," put
out by another outfit out to get
money from men who are in
terested in finding out how they
• pan go to sea.
I have a brotherinlaw who,
sometime ago, heard an urgent
call over the radio and saw it
in the papers, saying' that the
country needed men to man its
ships, so he wrote into this out
fit for information.
They sent him a pamphlet
called the "Seafarers Guide"
with all kinds of "info" on how
to get into the merchant marine.
I've read it over several times
and to me the dope they give is
so damned exact that it sounds
to me like a phony deal, some
thing like the Merchant Mar
iners Club of America that ex
isted around 1945 and 1946.
My brotherinlaw also sent
three dollars to this outfit to
get papers by which he could
sail. As yet, he hasn't received
any further word.
I would appreciate it if you
would look into this and notify
all Seafarers through the LOG
that it is a phony deal.
William P. Grabenauer
(Editor's note: Every once
in awhile, we hear of me^
spending good dough for a
lot of highsounding talk put
out by outfits that say they'll
tell you how you can learn
how to become a seaman and
how to get your seamen's
papers—all for a "small sum."
The best thing for anyone in
terested in going to sea is to
steer clear of this particular
type of salesman. Actually,
this outfit cannot issue sea
men's papers. All it can do is
tell you to go to the Coast
Guard for the papers, and you
don't have to pay for that
kind of information. As for
teaching anyone how to be
come a seaman by sending
them a booklet to look over—
well, it's just plain silly.)
Bridge Came
. Frank Gages, DM, tops off
Jim Rawlins (left). Bosun, and
A1 Sandino, DM, as they chip
paint with electric guns on
bridge wing of the SS Sea
irain New York. Lurking near
by at the time was camera
man and shipmate Glen Vin
son.;.;:.
Seafarer Hughes
Recalled By
US Marine Corps
To the Editor:
In case any of my former
shipmates have been wondering
why they haven't seen me aroimd
any of the Halls lately, it's be
cause I have been reactivated in
the Marine Corps.
The last shipboard job I had
was. ah organizing job on a Mar
Trades ship, the Eileen. We sail
ed for Korea and it looks as
though it won't be long before
I'll be there again. But I don't
believe it'll be on a ship. If it
is, however, I hope it is an SIU
ship.
We have a pretty good bunch
of men in the SIU and I hope
they continue to' do the work
they have been doing. I also hope
that I have the .privilege of sail
ing with them again under as
good conditions when I get out.
BE SEEING YOU
I really had it smooth sailing
while being an active member
of the SIU. If I get stationed in
any of the ports, I will be look
ing forward to meeting some of
the boys.
Well, I better close now, it's
Washington's Birthday, but there
isn't any overtime in this organ
ization. But there will be again
for me if you guys continue to
have job protection.
While I'm at it I'd better say
hello to some of the boys like
Jack Wooten, George Bauer,
Pete Hoagy, Ski Walecki, A1
Belt and all the boys in Balti
more.
Roy Hughes
Quartet From The Puerto Rico
Since actions supposedly speak louder than words, it ap
pears that this foursome on the Bull Lines' passenger ship are
content with the shape of things as they relax during stopover
in Trujillo City. Left to right: Sid Bernstein, Deck Steward;
Dom Pasqua, Bath Steward; Allen Friend, MM, and Ray
Garafola, QM»
Cavalier Crewmen Suggest
Steward Uniform Allowance
'Old Man' Diamond To
Ride If Things Get Worse
To the Editor:
Please send the LOG to me at
Gallatin, Tenn. I am moving
there from my present home in
Baltimore.
Keep up the good work in
keeping our Union free of com
mies and of all kinds of fascism.
Give aU the boys my regards,
and if things get any worse this
"old man" will call for his book
again.
Until then, my best wishes to
the SIU. I eagerly .await the
LOG at all .times.
To the Editor:
Herewith is a copy of a reso
lution drawn up aboard the SS
Cavalier:
Whereas: Each job in the Stew
ards Department dealing directly
with passengers, requires special
pants, shoes, socks, ties, etc., and
Whereias: With each different
job these items vary somewhat,
and
Whereas: On each different
passenger ship the Steward has
his own varying ideas on what
should be worn, the expense to
be met by each man out of his
own money eats into his take
home pay for these items, and
Whereas: Other jobs are al
lowed a uniform allowance for
the same amount of required
clothing, therefore
Be It Resolved: That this rec
ommendation be forwarded to
Headquarters by this Ship's Del
egate for consideration and if
approved to be given to the next
negotiating committee to enter
into the contract.
Jack Parker
W. G. Black
W. .C, Eubanks
.. Mike RomaUio
Galveston Payoff Job
Suits Sea Cloud Crew
To the Editor:
Just a few lines to say. we of
the crew of the SS Sea Cloud
paid off in the Port of Galves
ton, and that we sure got goad
representation from Port Agent
Keith Alsop and Patrolman C.
(Whitey) Tannehill.
We had a good trip and we
all signed on again for another
trip. Tell all the boys hello and
the best for* this year.
Joe Banson
Engine Delegate
Take Treatment
At First Sign
Of Flu: Korolia
To the Editor: >"
s
Well, Brothers, here I am da
the good' ship Del Monte, after
being beached for over fiv^
uaonths.
I am writing this letter in the
hospital on the Del Monte and
I would like to call to all SIU
members' attention that there
seems to be a flu epidemic run
ning around and that it can
spread easily.
So be careful if you get a sore
throat, or if your bones start to
ache, or if you've been sneezing
frequently.Go get your temper7
ature taken to see if you have a
fever, as that is one way in
which you can tell if you have
the flu bug.
TAKE SHOTS
If and when any ship you're
aboard brings up the matter of
taking shots for the flu, take
them, as there is nothing to it.
You get one shot every 48 hours
until you've had six shots. Then
you get a booster. Taking these
shots is protection for all corin
earned, because if any ship ar?
rives in port with several cases
of the flu there may be no shore
liberty. The ship may be quar
antined.
If you get anyone of the ailr
ments I have mentioned above,
and you confine yourself to bed,
you'll probably be okay in twq
or three days.
On this ship we have one jof
the best.. Pmsers afloat, none
other than Jerry Lurie, who , is
known by thousands of seamen.
We get good treatment and a
diet ,of juices and soups. Yes,
Brothers, if you catch the bug
in time, you'll be okay in notht
ing flat. But if you allow .it tq
go along without doing any
thing about it, you can run into
serious trouble.
By the time this is publishedi
I'll be making the rounds in
Brazil, checking on all my se
noritas after an absence of 14
months. Happy sailing to all! .
Spider Korolia
Log'A'Rhythm
Incident Of French Shore Leave
By "Chanvig"
You know we Paolians stormed France
Some miles or so away;
Call it what you will, or romance,
What it's worth, or gainsay
The time of leave is short ashore.
Things are many to do;
Dewey and I in pair made for
Shopping to do and brew.
The clock had us licked, for its hands
Had no dbows to bend,
And, as ours did, our parched demands
Did fuller time distend.
Till at last I turned to Dewey
And urged to do pur chores.
And later quaff the foam brcwey
,;.. WhiUtt^:; tp;t^^
"Rightj" he said, "we've letters to send ;
And other things to do, r
So many days at sea we spend, .
And hours ashore are few, 1
It's hard to crowd our time so close, J
But hurry and we'll see • , ;
If—wait, perhaps to ask I s'pose r r ,
The whereabouts of places, we r i"
h^ot quite incoherent, but near,
I smiled a silly, smile ,
As walked toward us did appear . > ?
An old la,dy of style. / '
He spoke to her, made gallant bow,
Kissed her cheeks with French grace, i
Amazed, I asked, "Post office now ?
• ^Helh no! Her daughter's place."
I'l
[,'J
K] ;J
Friday, March 9, 1951 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Eleven
Think It's Easy?
m
Body building enlhusiasis on Salem Maritime group behind
barbell for photo by Brother Deri. Men are identified as (left
to right) Ed, AB; John. Wiper; John: Bill. AB; Ray, Pumpman;
Harvey, AB; Smitty, Wiper, and Reynolds, OS.
Seamen's Forward Strides Held Impossible
Without Aggressive Union Representation
To the Editor:
I just got through reading the
article by Bunker in the last
issue of the SEAFARERS LOG
on conditions that existed for
seafaring men about 100 years
ago.
The thing that impressed me'
in' the article, along with how
rugged it was to make a living
at sea, was that a gogd many
of those conditions could exist
today—if it weren't for'the fact
that we are organized in a strong
body.
The article says that Richard
Dana, who wrote yarns about
seamen, helped get several mari
time laws in those days that
gave the seaman a lot of rights
he never had. Dana also recom
mended that shipowners get out
and see that their ships were
put in decent shape and made
into' fit places for seamen to
work and live.
UNION DID IT
I agree with Bunker that these
seamen's rights and Dana's rec
ommendations didn't mean any
thing until seamen got them
selves union representation.
If we didn't have the strong
organization with the onthe
spot representation that we have
today, we wouldn't have come
such a long way in the past 100
years. As a matter of fact the
biggest gains made by seamen
have been made in the last 10
or 12 years, and mostly in the
last five or six.
A lot of guys who have come
into the SIU lately might have
the idea that the present high
wage scale that we have, the
manning scales, the detailed
working agreements and all the
rest just came about gradually.
Just for the record, I'd like
to remind them that we have a
chance to enjoy a decent liveli
hood and some security only be
oause the SIU was strong enough
to fight foro— and win — these
things.
• ' Sure, we've got refrigerators on
ships today and a lot of other
It's easy when you know
how. Bill holds the 115lb. bar
beU over his head to demon
strate his knowhow — and
muscles.
Ship's Delegate Deri is as
adept with the barbell as he
is with the camera. With one
hand. too.
student Cook Hails SIU's
Steward Training Program
To the Editor:
Just a line asking that you
change my mailing address from
Vandalia, Mo., to New Haven
Conn. I sure do enjoy reading
the LOG. Keep it coming.
J'm on the beach here in New
Haven, at least temporaiily. I'm
attending the Restaurant In
stitute of Connecticut, which is
really okay. They have a lot on
the ball there. It is for sure that
you can't take eight to sixteen
months of cooking instruction
without learning something.
I think that the Stewards De
partment training school pro
gram being set up by the Union
is a darn good idea. I'm all for
it.
A couple of suggestions I'd
like to make:
One is that the ships' minutes
all have the date on them (only
a few do), and perhaps even
state where she is bound.
Also that the Branch meetings
state how many men actually
attended that meeting. If this
was done, it would be easier to
figure out how many men were
there waiting for. jobs. As it is,
you only know how many reg
istered and shipped in the past
two weeks. . ~
Bill E. Doyle
(Ed. hole: All ships' minutes
appearing in digest form in
the LOG give the dates on
which the meetings were held.
Also, the last sentence of each
Branch's minutes contains the
number of men in attendance
at the meetings, as a check iof
any issue of the LOG will
show. If at any time any of
this data d.oes not appear, it
is because it was not given in
the original minutes.)
No Delay In Shipping Out
When Filing For New Papers
To the Editor:
There were several things in
the January 26 issue of the SEA
FARERS LOG that I didn't fully
understand.
On the front page, in the ar
ticle "Go After Your Rating,"
it said: "the Maritime Adminis
trator is seeking draft deferment
for rated men only."
During the year previous to
my retirement in April 1949, I
sailed as Second Electrician. (I
am married and an expectant
father.)
Are Second Electricians con
sidered to be deferable rated
men? Or does the term "rated
men" apply only to Chief Elec
tricians? Are Firemen and Oil
ers also deferable?
In the article headed "Coast
Guard Procedures For Getting
Endorsements," on page 3, it was
stated that application forms for
validated papers are available
at any Coast Guard office. In
order to ship out, will it first
be necessary for me to acquire
validated papers?
Could I apply in writing for
them now, before I ship out,
and pick them up after the trip
Say Uncle
is over? If I must have the vali
dated papers before I can get
a ship, could I fill out the form
at home, wait 60 days, then go
to New York to pick them up?
Earl Huebner
Clinton. Iowa
(Ed. Note: So far. no blank
et deferments have been es
tablished by Selective Service,
discretion in the matter of
deferments still being in the
hands of the local draft'boards.
The SIU is pushing for a na
tional policy of deferment for
seamen, the latest representa
tion having been made by its
Washington representative a
short time ago. as was reported
in the last issue of the LOG.
The term "rated rpen" referred
to applies to all ratings sail
ing above Ordinary Seamen.
Messman and Wiper. The sec
ond question—on getting vali
dated papers — was answered
on page 8 of the last issue of
lhe_ LOG. as follows: "Members
returning to sea can sail with
their old papers. However,
they must apply for the em
ergencytype o f document
when they signon aboard
ship. After they have been
screened and approved, they
will be issued the new papers.
Ihey do r.ot lose any time
waiting for the validated
papers.")
things that they didn't have in
those Jays. But those refrigera
tors wouldn't be any better
stocked than the food barrels
were 100 years ago, if we didn't
have Union organization and rep
resentatives to keep fighting the
operators to improve the feed
ing and other conditions on board
ship.'
TOUGH CUSTOMERS
Shipowners are no different
from any other group of bosses.
They're in business to make a
profit, and they'll give the people
working for them as little as
they can. They give only what
they have to give.
Seamen haven't got any more
rights today than they had 20
years ago. But any SIU man
today would consider a sea
man's life of 20 years ago as a
dog's life.
The difference in conditions of
then and now is only that to
day we have Union organization.
Seamen's rights—no matter how
nice they look on paper—don't
mean a thing if you're not strong
enough to back them up, and
to fight for them. The average
seaman wouldn't have a chance
as an individual against a ship
ping company. <
UNIONISM PAYS OFF
The Seafarer today gets what
he is entitled to these days be
pause he has enough sense to
know that his strength lies in
his Union. The shipping com
panies have learned that the
Seafarers are here to stay and
that they can deliver their end
of a contract. They know the
SIU will fight to get its mem
bership a decent living and de
cent shipboard conditions in re
turn.
I don't know whether I got
my point across. Anyway, I think
that when we read about condi
tions that existed for seafaring
men many, many years ago we
ought to remember that there
were no unions then.
I really enjoyed reading that
article in the LOG. I just hate
to think how it might be today
if I had to sail without the
benefits of membership in the
SIU.
M. (Blackie) Colucci
Ship To Shore
Mutual admiration is written all over the faces of Sea
farer Luden Robert* Elie and his niece, Laurice McCarthy.
Laurice's parents are Mr. and Mrs. Charles McCarthy of New
Britain. Conn.
RINEHARTS DONATE
BLOOD REGULARLY
TO AID SEAMEN
To the Editor:
I receive the SEAFARERS
LOG every two weeks and I
sure enjoy reading it, as it keeps
me informed about the Union
while my husband, "Reds" Rine
hart, is at sea.
He is now Deck Engineer
aboard the SS Anniston City.
When he is home, we make it
a rule to go to the Baltimore
Marine Hospital and donate blood
for merchant seamen.
He hasn't been home since
September, but I still go every
two months to donate blood,
which I credit to the SIU.
Mrs. Gertrude Rinehart
Baltimore. Md.
After six years of sailing on
SIU ships. Cecil B. Miles has
turned to footslogging for the
US Army. Here he is during
maneuvers somewhere near
Camp Atterbury. Indiana,
where he's temporarily sta
tioned.
Page Twelve THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, March 8, i9SI
I :J
Senate Report On CS Drive
Reveals SIU Won Rough Go
SIU Sweetlieait
To the Editor:
Reading about the Senate La
bor subcommittee's report on the
hearing held in the Cities Ser
vice case got me to thinking
about a few things.
The Senate committee recom
mended that Congress investi
gate the employment practices in
the unorganized sections of the
maritime industry, and its rec
ommendation was based on what
it found out in the Cities Ser
vice hearings, according to the
story in the LOG.
The committee feels that things
are pretty rugged in the unor
ganized tanker field. Cities Ser
vice was one of the leaders of
the labor spy setup until the
SIU brought it under contract.
So I was thinking that we
must have plenty on the ball if
we were able to bust through
all the obstacles that were put
in the Union's way and to come
but with an agreement with a
major tanker company.
I wonder if all of us who are
sailing the ships have ever taken
time out to think of what a
struggle it was to get CS under
the SIU banner.
BEAT NMU
I really think that sometimes
our membership doesn't fully ap
preciate the tremendous job that
was done in that fleet, especially
since the company had said that
no union would ever make head
way in its fleet. Remember, too,
that the company had been suc
cessful in smashing the NMU's
attempt to organize its seamen
on two occasions.
Diuring the thick of the fight,
when the company seemed to be
getting away with its stalling
and firing, and all the rest of its
maneuvers, I recall that there
were even a few of our own
men who felt that the SIU was
banging its head against a stone
wall. It might have looked that
way at times, but the Union cer
tainly must have known whatit
was doing.
After all, I also remember that
during the Isthmian campaign
there were guys in our Union
who said that the company
would never be organized, and
that we were wasting our time
ana energy in trying to win a
contract. But we nailed that one,
too.
I've felt right along that when
the SIU sets out on a course, it
will make port.
The success of the CS cam
paign, like the Isthmian cam
paign and the many other prob
lems tackled by our Union,
proves that we can do a job—
no matter what obstacles are
stuck in our way.
I guess the answer is that
we've got a membership that
will stick together through thick
and thin and see things through.
It proves that a united member
ship, plus good planning and
strategy, can accomplish most
anything.
Albert Lee
Warns Against
Peddling Liquor
To Guys In Khaki
To the Editor:
While in a Korean port re
cently, I saw a seaman sell some
whiskey to a soldier. I don't
know which imion the salesman
belonged to, but that's besides
the point. There's a lesson in it
for all of us.
My experience is that there
aren't many guys in our Union
who'll go in for this type of
salesmanship, but one g\iy can
be enough to ruin everything.
Selling whiskey to servicemen
would be a harmful thing to our
members, because it would be
bad publicity for the Union.
What hurts our Union, hurts our
membership and viceversa.
If any of our men were caught
selling liquor to GIs in^ Korea,
all of our good work—and the
Army has already acknowledged
the job we are doing on several
occasions^would be covered up
by the bad publicity resulting
from a few irresponsible guys.
TYPICAL GUYS
No SIU man likes to get a
raw deal, and the typical GI is
just like the typical Seafarer in
this respect.
Let's not jeopardize continued
recognition of the job Seafarers
are performing in getting the
goods to the front lines. If you
see anyone selling whiskey to a
soldier in Korea it's your duty
to see that the practice is stop
ped.
This, of course, doesn't mean
that if a seaman has a bottle he
shouldn't give a GI one or two
on the house—if no rules will be
broken. If the situation were re
versed, you'd appreciate it.
Whiley Held
Fund's 500G Bond Purchase
As Confident Move
This winsome lass has been
voted one of the sweethearts
of the Del Norte by Seidarers
aboard the Mississippi ship.
She's Shirley Louise Camp
bell, whose dad is Coolidge
CampbeU, AB. Sweet choice,
• we'd say. .
1
• 1
11;,
if
Every Seafarer A Reporter
Every Seafarer aboard ship is right where the news
is breaking. What goes on aboard SlUcontracted ships
and the activities of their crewmembers can make interest
ing reading.
All you have to do to translate these activities into
stories or reports to be read by the rest of the member
ship is to jot down the facts and forward them to the
SEAFARERS LOG. If you can turn out a good yarn,
that's fine. But if you think you can't, then all you need
do is write down the details and we'll take care of the rest.
Pictures heighten the interest of a story, so if you
have snapshots taken on your voyage, send them along
too.
Let's make every Seafarer a reporter. Submit your
stuff to the SEAFARERS LOG, 51 Beaver Street, New
York4, N. Y.
ARMY COULD USE
PATROLMAN, SAYS
PRIVATE BECAR
To tho Editor:
I want to have the LOG sent
to me while I'm in the Army.
As you know, a lot of us SIU
men are being taken in the
Army, and most of us who love
the sea miss it and our old ship
mates very much.
The Army is no joke, es
pecially for men who have been
used to good SIU representation.
I sure wish at times that I had
a Patrolman here to straighten
out a few things.
But one of these days, I'll be
able to go back to the job I
love. In the meantime, please
send me the LOG so I can keep
informed and not be ignorant
of what's happening on the sea
faring front.
Pvt. Stephen Becar,
ER13313211
5th E.T.C., T.O.S.
Aberdeen Proving Ground,
Maryland
To the Editor:
If I have to say so myself,
when the SIU does something it
does it right. That news about
the Welfare Plan investing $500,
000 of its reserves in Govern
ment bonds proves my point.
By putting that much dough
in bonds issued by the United
States Government, the SIU Wel
fare Plan has done more than
just make sure that its money
will draw interest which, by the
way, was a smart enough move
in itself.
I believe that this bond pur
chase is typical of the sound ap
proach m^e by the SIU in meet
ing practically any situation it
faces. *
The SIU has a record in, fight
ing the communists as enemies
of democracy that I think is sec
ond to none. The investment in
Government bonds carries this
fight just a bit fiu^ther. It shows
that we believe firmly in the fu
ture of our country and its de
mocracy.
It shows, too, that we pay
more than lip .service, and that
we have faith in the future of"
our democratic institutions. I, for
one, am particularly glad that the
SIU trustees made the very wise
decision that they did when they
moved for purchase of US Gov
ernment bonds.
As a result, our welfare as
seamqn is tied in with the wel
fare of the nation. We know darn
well that there is no future fo;:
any union man under any kind
of system that isn't democratic.
The way I look at it is this
way: We Seafarers are always
ready to do our share in fighting
to preserve the kind of setup we
have in this country. I think
we've showed that much already.
And I'm sure that we're ready
to do that much, and more, once
again if our country is ever in
danger.
Not only that, we're certaiil
that the democratic way will al
ways win out and, as our pur
chase of Government bonds
shows, we're willing to stake a
huge hunk on the future Am
erica, and on our belief in it.
That story of the Welfare
Plan's investment was about the
biggest and best news I've read
anywhere in a long time. Makes
me feel even more proud to call
myself a Seafarer.
Jim Allerlon
Dushane's Draft Stay Plea
Wins Approval As 'Good Job'
To the Editor:
I'm not of draft age so what
I have to say is strictly from the
standpoint of seamen in, general.
In the last issue of the SEAFAR
ERS LOG I read with great in
terest of what our Washington
representative, Matthew Du
shane, has been doing to try to
get Selective Service officials to
set up a policy of defermept for
merchant seamen.
Dushane's argument in favor
of such a policy packed the real
meat of the situation, and the
proper Government representa
tives would be very wise to pay
attention to his recomrhendations.
Like Dushane said, the prob
lem of manning the country's
merchant ships is a national one
and it seems that' local boards
are not hep to it, otherwise they
wouldn't continue to. dtaft skill
ed seamen throughout the na
tion.
As the SIU's representative in
Washington, I think that Du
shane rates a vote of thanks, not
only from the seamen, but from
the nation as a whole, for work
ing in what certainly is the best
inte^:ests of our national defense
effort. He's been right on the
ball.
Robert Cromwell
Tole Kisses Princess Rita's Hand Once,
Receives Six Salaants From Hubby Khan
To the Editor:
This is my first letter to the
LOG by way of. giving a big
buildup to a wonderful trip.
We sailed from New York on
the Robin Wentley last Decem
ber 5 for the African run, went
all the way around and are now
on the way back to Capetown.
The Wentley softball champs
played three games in Mombasa
taking the first game from the
team of the SS African Mo'On.
In the other two games, played
with a local British team in the
same port, we broke even.
Also in Mombasa, on or about
January 18, in the patio of the
Palace Hotel, I kissed the hand
of the beautiful Princess Aly
Khan, better known as Rita
Hayworth.
The Khan himself bowed six
times and gave me a big' smile,
so I have the idea I must have
done the correct thing.
In Mozambique, the devotees
of Izaak Walton aboard this ship
caught enough fish for every
body.
I made one trip with this com
pany about three years ago, and
on that trip studied and memo
rized the Constitution of the
United States. this trip, in
my spare time, I have written
it out, not once but twice. I
was going to give one copy of
it to the Seamen's Club in* Dur
ban but we missed that port this
'time.
I almost forgot to mention
that this is a fine ship with a
fine crew. Or as I was informed
by a British brigadier in Mom*
basa, "a happy ship." And as
Edward G. Robinson commented
in a movie, "with everything
first class."
Phil Tole
Here's Chick
Bosun Chick Troche ofthe SS Arizpa strikes a ifghting
pose, but with a smile on his face, for the ship's cameraman.
Despite the stance. Chick >s. a congeniaS guy, « good sailor,
good shipmate and good Union man. What more could you ask?
r
Friday. March 9, 1951 THIS SEAFARERS LOG Page Thirl'
Crews Back
Union Policy,
Returns Show
(Continued from Page I)
were to turn to for the discharg
ing operation in a foreign port.
The unloading in question was
made necessary by the emerg
ency confronting the nation and
its allies. Because of the gravity
of the international situation,
and the consequent need for
continuing an uninterrypted flow
of supplies to the democratic na
tions and the US Armed Forces,
the SIU urged all hands to turn
to as requested.
OBSERVE CONTRACT
In messages to all contracted
ships throughout the world, the
SIU pointed out that the Union
contract makes provisions for
this type of cargo work and
stressed the need for sticking
to the agreement.
. The question of time ashore
was brought up by the Union be
cause some crews in war areas
may feel that they are being de
prived of some " of the traditional
rights they enjoy under normal
circumstances. Going ashore, was
one of these.
HANDLE BEEFS PROPERLY
The Union advised, therefore,
that if such, a beef, or similar
ones, should arise, crewmembers
should not take time off on
their own, or to make a ship
board beef out of it. Ship's Dele California to New York
gates were urged to discuss the Alaska,
problem with the Skipper and if
the beef was not disposed of
satisfactorily at that point, it
would be handled at the pay
off in the usual manner, with
overtime being collected where
called for by the contract.
The two important points were
explained fully in communica
tions forwarded to all SIU ves
sels along with the airmailed
copies of the LOG. The replies
showing the overwhelming ap
proval of the recommendations
have been arriving at Headquar
ters continually since then.
Union Wreckers Warned
The SIU ii on record that charges will be placed agaiaat
men guilty of being the following:
PILFERERS: Men who walk off ships .with crew's equip
ment or ship's gear, such as sheets, towels, ship's stores, cargo,
etcw for sa]||9 ashore.
WEEDHOUNDS: Men who are in the possession of or
who use marijuana or other narcotics on board an SIU ship
or in the vicinity of an SIU Hall.
GASHOUND PERFORMERS: Men who jeopardize the
safety of their shipmates by drinking while at work on a ship
or who turn to in a drunken condition. Those who disrupt the
operation of a ship, the payoff or signon by being, gassed up.
All Seafarers, members and officials alike, are under
obligation to place chitrges against these types of chsuracters.
Polio Went On Rampage in '50;
March Of Dimes Girds For 1951
FBI Bjrector Asks People
To Join In Security Watch
J. Edgar Hoover, director of
the Federal Bureau of Investiga
tion", called on all Americans to
day to mount guard on the na
tion's internal security, but
warned against "witch hunts."
He said the country's enemies
were stirring and that every
loyal citizen had a share of re
sponsibility in protecting the
Polio str^ick again in 1950. For
the third consecutive year, in
fantile paralysis went on a ram
page across the nation, striking
more than 30,000 men, women
and children.
Only once before—in 1949—had
polio attacked with greater vio
lence. The toll of that tragic
year was still being counted as
the fresh onslaught began.
Hospitals and clinics were still
crowded with polio patients
from previous epidemics who
were depending upon March of
Dimes aid for continuing treat
ment.
Then, on top of this staggering
load,came the new cases. Dozens,
at first. Then hundreds. Then
thousands and more thousands,
as the epidemic swept the coun
FUNDS NEEDED
Before 1950 was over, March
of Dimes funds had assisted in
some measure more than 54,000
polio victims of this and other
years—at a cost of $20,000,000.
And that Wasn't enough.
The National Foundation for
Infantile Paralysis, for the sec
ond successive year, was forced
to operate at a deficit.
Polio played no favorites in
1950. Every section of the coun
try suffered heavy attacks.
Texas, the battleground of ma
Shipping Very Good In
And Looks Bright For
Mobile
Future
By CAL TANNER
MOBILE — Shipping in this
port for the past two weeks has
been very good, what with the
crewing up of two ships from
the laid up fleet, plus the regu
lar scheduled ships that paid off
and took replacements.
After checking with Water
man and Alcoa, it looks like it
will cpntinue to be good for the
coming two weeks with the fol
Ibwing ships due in to payoff
and to take replacements: The
Alcoa Pointer, Alcoa Pilgrim, Al
coa Runner, Alcoa Corsair, Iber
ville, Monarch of the Sea and
the Morning Light. The Chicka
saw is due but is intransit.
SEEKS WAIVER FOR ABS
Since the last report we have
been up to see the Commander
qnd Commissioners of the Coast
Guards, to se if we can get a
waiver for the men who' have
blue AB Tjpkets. At the present
time they will not sign on but
one, and we are trying to get
them to sign oh more than one
to be prepared for the future.
We have plenty of ABs on the
beach, but it looks like they all
want to ship as Bosun—so if
there are any ABs who are try
ing to get out in some other
port, and aren't making the
grade, we will be glad for them ^ ..
to take a trip South and we will hardhit areas. There were no
jor epidemics for six of the last
eight years, was hit harder
than ever before.
Virginia, with a long record
of light incidence, suddenly
found itself the focal point of
a raging epidemic.
, Maryland and' Iowa watched
their case records climb to un
precedented heights. But, whe
ther records were broken or not,
it was evident that the entire
nation still was being battered
by a polio wave higher than any
in our previous experience.
The last three years have been
the three blackest polio years in
the nation's history. Cumulative
incidence for this period reached
the monstrous total of 100,000
cases—almost as many as the
entire case load for the preced
ing ten years.
Fortunately, wherever polio
hit, a Chapter of the National
Foundation for Infantile Paraly
sis was on the spot, ready to
help the patient, his family, and
the entire community, as neces
sary.
The local Chapter was the
first line of defense against the
disease. Its chief weapon was
money — money contributed by
the American people to the an
nual March of Dimes.
March of Dimes money, ad
ministered by 2,822 National
Foundation Chapters serving the
entire nation, has paid bills for
patient care totalling $47,000,000
during the last two years.
EXPENSIVE FIGHT
Under the pressure of succes
sive epidemics 873 Chapters in
45 states were broke by mid
October of 1950 and had to turn
to their national office for fin
ancial assistance.
Before the year was over. Na
tional Foundation headquarters
had sent out more than $7,500,000
in supplementary aid to these
see that they get out.
UPGRADING
We would like to advise all
men who have enough seatime
to get a raise in their rating to
do so at once.
We are still trying to get de
ferments for the men in the
draft age who are holding rat
ings above Wiper, Messman and
Ordinary Seaman.
Some of the men on the beach
are: Andy George, E. D. Moyd,
Tim Burke, S. Finer, R. Stanley
and M. Morrison.
In the marine hospital are the
following Brothers: George W.
Murrill, Tim Burke and Emman
uel Lord. Seafarers in Mobile
should make it their business
to drop in once in awhile to say
heUo. If you're ^oard ship, or
in another port,' write them —
it's good medicine to know you
have not been forgotten by your
shipmates.
United States against spying and.
sabotage.
Hoover issued his caU in a
statement, on national security
prepared for The Associated
Press at its request.
"As our mobilization program
becomes a reality, we must ex
pect that those who would like
to weaken America will move
into action," he said. "The com
munist party has become moire
and more an underground or
ganization."
WATCH FOR THESE
The FBI head said the public
should be alert to report direct
ly to the FBI all information
relating to:
1. Allegations of espionage, sa
botage or subversive activities.
2. Foreign submarine landings.
3. Suspicious parachute land
ings.
4. Possession and distribution
of foreigninspired propaganda.
5. Theft or unauthorized pos
session or purchase of large
quantities of firearms, ammuni
tion or explosives, or shortwave
transmitters and receivers.
6. Poisoning of public water
supplies.
7. Chartering of airplanes for
flights over restricted areas.
8. Fires and explosions of an
unusual nature affecting any
phase of the defense program.
9. Suspicious individuals loit
ering near restricted areas.
10. Possession of radioactive
materials.
In inviting every one to be on
the alert. Hoover cautioned citi
zens against attempting to con:
duct their own investigations or
engaging in gossip or idle rumor.
MUST GUARD LIBERTIES
"The protection of the nation's
internal security is a twofold re
sponsibility," he said. "It must
encompass not only the safe
guarding of the nation's secrets
and vital areas, but also guar
antee that the civil liberties of
the citizen himself will not be
violated.
"Vigilante action and 'witch
hunts' only contribute to hys
teria. The task at hand must be
carried out in a calm and or
ganized manner if the resiilts
are to be effective."
Hoover pointed out that Presi
dent Truman, in a directive is
sued July 24, 1950, also request
ed individual citizens and pa
Other personnel furnished on
the same basis included more
than 100 physical therapists and
approximately 120 nursing con
sultants.
March of Dimes money ship
ped more than $1,000,000 worth
of iron lungs, hot pack machines
and other vital equipment on
spot notice from seven equip
ment depots strategically located
throughout the nation.
ALLOUT WAR
Up to midOctober these de
pots had rushed into epidemic
zones 521 respirators, 299 hot
pack machines, more than 200
cribs and beds, and a heavy
volume of miscellaneous hospi
tal supplies and equipment.
March of Dimes money did
double duty throughout 1950,
paying for longterm care and
rehabilitation of thousands crip
pled in previous years while at
the same time fighting the new
epidemics.
From May through August, Na
tional Headquarters sent out
more than a million dollars a
month to replenish Chapter funds
exhausted by the double burden.
If polio strikes again in 1951,
we must be prepared to strike
back. Epidemics cannot yet be
prevented. We can no longer an
ticipate "light" polio years. More
people are being stricken, more
patients need care, more money
is needed than ever before.
The nation's 10 worst polio
epidemics:
1949 42,173 cases
1950 over 30,000 cases
1948 27,902 cases
1916 27,363 cases
1946 25,698 cases
1944 .r. 19,029 cases
1931 15,780 cases
1945 13,619 cases triotic organizations to help by
1943 12,450 cases reporting suspicious circum
1935 10,839 cases stances to the FBI.
more reserves for patient care.
Every last penny had been spent.
March of Dimes money paid
hospital bills for thousands of
families who could not meet the
high cost of polio care unaided.
Four out of every five of the
stricken needed—and received
financial assistance from the Na
tional Foundation and its Chap
ters.
• March of Dimes money paid
for nursing care, physical ther
apy, transportation, wheelchairs,
braces and crutches whenever
necessary. Help was given to all
who needed it, without regard
to age, race, creed or color.
March of Dimes money paid
salaries, travel expenses and
maintensmce of more than 1,600
desperately needed nurses re
cruited for the National Founda
tion by the Red Cross for emerg
ency service in highincidence,
areas in 87 atntes.
Notice To AH SIU Members
The SEAFARERS LOG as the official publication of the Sea
farers International Union is available to all members who wish
to have it sent to their home free of charge for the enjoyment of
their families and themselves when ashore. If you desire to have
the LOG sent to you each week address cards are on hand at every
SIU branch for this purpose.
However, for those who are at sea or at a distance from a SIU.
hall, the LOG reproduces below the form used to request the LOG,
which you can fill out, detach and send to: SEAFARERS LOG, 51
Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y.
PLEASE PRINT INFORMATION
To the Editor:
I would like the SEAFARERS LOG mailed to the
address below:
Name
Street Address
City Zone.. State
Signed
Book No.
• I
Page Fourteen THE SEAFARERS LOG Fridar, March 9, 1951
Digested Minutes Of SiU Ship Meetings
V (Continued from Page 9)
ammunition carried can be con
sidered penalty cargo. Crew ask
ed to fill out beneficiary cards
as soon as possible.
KATHHYN^ (Built. Feb. 18 —
Chairman. Alan MacDonald; Sec
retary. Peie Caludia. Delegates
reported on disputed delayec
sailing. Discussion on lack ol;
. penalty hour for work done in
Puerto Rico. Motion carried to
warn crew when trash is going
to be dumped, so ports can be
closed. Bosun criticized for un
equal distribution of overtime
in deck gang.
X, X
AMES VICTORY (Victory Car
riers), Feb. 11—Chairman, Earl
Spear; Secretary, S. Scott. Dele
gates reported number of books
and permits in their departments
Secretary read communication
from Headquarters concerning
crew suggestions for new build
ing. Suggestion made that repair
lists be submitted before end o
voyage.
& ft &
SEATHUNDER (Colonial), Jan.
13 — Chairman, Walter Reidy;
Secretary, K. Brittain. Delegates
reported all okay. Steward ask
ed to have fresh bread made
more often. Crew asked to co
operate in keeping ship clear
during passage of Suez Canal.
Jan. 28—Chairman, W. Reidy;
Secretary, I. Smilowilz. Delegates
reported all in good shape. Mo
tion carried to bring charges
against the men who jumped
ship. Linen to be exchanged
piece for piece.
ft ft ft
ROYAL OAK (Cities Service).
Jan. 24 —Chairman, Edgar An
derson; Secretary, H. ZirkeL
Delegates reported number of
books and permits in their de
paitments. Members advised to
read new clarifications posted on
bulletin board. Ship's Delegate
reported that the company has
admitted that messmen are over
WMked, and has agreed some
what to our demands.
Feb. 7 — Chairman, Clifton
Green; Secretary, Richard Heel
er. Delegates reported number of
books and permits in their de
partments. Suggestion made that
parts for washing machine be
obtained by the company. Ship's
Delegate reported question on
collecting overtime when sailing
board is changed.
ft ft ft
STEEL DESIGNER (Isthmian),
Dec. 30—Chairman, Mike Rossi;
Secretary, Hector Conrad. Dele
gates reported some disputed
overtimq_ in deck; other okay.
Chairman discugsed rusty water,
and suggested that tanks be
thoroughly clean. Vote of thanks
given Electricians for splendid
work done on washing'machine
and ice box.
Feb. 4—Chairman, Mike Rossi;
Secretary, Hector Conrad. Dele
gates reported all in order. Crew
praised for fine cooperation dur
ing trip. Discussion on Headquar
, ters letter concerning time ashore
and unloading cargo. Unanimous
adopted.
ft ft ft
STONY CREEK (American
Tramp Shipping Development),
Jan. 29—Chairman, J. Manfredi;
Secretary, O. Payne. Ship's Del
egate reported that ci'stoms had
fined the ship 25,000 francs for
Go Affer Your Rating
With the nation tightening its defence preparations,
the role of the merchant marine is daily becoming more
vital. For this reason it is imperative that every Sea
farer stand ready to ship in the rating for which he is
qualified and in which he can be of the greatest service.
In this connection. Headquarters continues to point
out that many men qualified by experience and skill
have not applied for endorsements for high ratings.
Men who dp not seek higher ratings for which they
are qualified are, in effect, causing a waste of heeded
skill.
TKe Maritime Administrator is seeking draftdefer
ment for rated men only. Consequently, men, who are
drafted because they have not obtained the ratings for
which they are qualified, will not be serving in jobs in
which they can be of greatest service to our nation.
If you have the qualifications, apply for upgrading.
Do it today!
cigarettes. Motion carried that
Ship's Delegate check with the
American Consul to see if there
are any American seamen avail
able as replacements. Motion car
ried to accept Headquarters com
munication concerning time off
and unloading cargo. Motion car
ried that Ship's Delegate write
Headquarters for overtime sheets
and copies of the agreement,
ft ft ft
ABIQUA (Cities Service), Feb.
4—Chairman, Carlton Richards;
Secretary, K. Skonberg. Dele
gates reported number of books
and permits in their departments.
Crew told to be dressed proper
y at mealtime. Welfare cards
handed out to the crewmembers.
ft ft ft
BRADFORD ISLAND (Cities
Service), Feb. 14—Chciirman (not
given); Secretary. R. Chamber
leun. Ship's Delegate reported
that none of the promised paint
ng was done. Letter was sent
i;o Union Headquarters concern
ing shore leave in Mexico. Sug
gestion made to have 160 quarts
of milk put aboard in Marcus
dook, New repair list drawn up
and approved.
ft ft ft
LAWRENCE VICTORY (Mis
sissippi), Jan. 14 — Chairman.
Donn Wilson; Secretary, John
Coccellato. Ship's Delegate re
ported crew, as being three men
short. Ship's Delegate to see
Captain about picking up re
placements in Yokohama and
promoting Engine Utility to 2nd
Electrician.
ft ft ft
MICHAEL (Carras), Jan. 7—
Chairman, Anderson; Secretary,
Demitreadis. Ship's Delegate
reported that crew me.ssman had
deserted and a report will be
ter. Suggestion made that all
foc'sles and galley be painted.
Jan. 26—Chairman, R. N. Air;
Secretary (not given). Delegates
reported no beefs. Captain re
ported to disputing some over
time and lodging. Discussion on
voting on questions of time off
and unloading cargo. Ship's Del
egate to ask Captain to put up
foc'sle card and slopchest list,
ft ft ft
ANNISTON CITY (Isthmian),
Jan. 4—Chairman, Lester Long;
Secretary, A. Anopol. Ship's Del
egate read to crew letter from
Headquarters on unloading cargo
and denial of time ashore. Crew
voted unanimously to support
letter. Voted to put washing ma
chine ashore in care of Mr.
Flynn, to be put on any Isth
mian ship without a machine,
ft ft ft
CATAHOULA (Cuba Distill
ing), Jan. 27 — Chairman, L.
Lays; Secretary, L. Stephenson.
Ship's Delegate reported he still
had not received answer to let
ter on mattresses and food sup
ply. Motion carried to adopt
Headquarters message on time
off and unloading cargo. Vote of
thanks given A. Capote, Ship's
Delegate, for collecting money
for Brother Luis Torres, who
lost his child recently. ,
noise and bar from future games
all loud squawkers. Discussion
on seasoning of food. Motion car
ried to put out food moderately
seasoned and let crew season to
taste.
ft ft ft
ALCOA POINTER (Alcoa)
Jan. 28 — Chairman, Willie
Young; Secretary, Avery Hatch.
Delegates reported all running
smooth. Concurred with Head
quarters communication concern
ing unloading cargo and time
off. Beef raised about Stewarc
cutting down linen and taking
cookies from messroom. Crew
instructed Steward to have
box of cookies available in the
messroom at all times. Steward
asked to cooperate fnore and
work toward gieater crew har
mony.
ft ft ft
MV SOUTHERN CITIES (Sou
thern Trading), Feb. 13—Chair
man, Walter Terry; Secretary,
Bob Brown. Discussion on repair
list to be made up before ship
hits ' shipyard. Suggestion made
that dates be made for future
meetings. New men to be in
structed on sanitary work by de
partmental delegates.
SANDMATE (Construction Ag
gregates), Feb. 15—Chairman, Ed
Bender; Secretary, John Cole.
Delegates reported all in order.
Motion carried that a curfew of
11 p.m. be placed on television
programs, except in case of a
special event. Motion carried
sent to Headquarters in the mat that card players softpedal their
ft ft ft
SALEM MARITIME (Cities
Service), Feb. 3—Chairman, Roy
Bruce; Secretary. Prokopuk. Del
egates reported on books and
permits in their departments.
Motion carried to have 120 quarts
of milk put aboard at each end
of trip. Beef registered on fact
that milk containers have been
found not filled. Motion carried
to donate $20 to LOG for bound
volumes.
ft ft ft
GOVERNMENT CAMP (Cities
Service), Feb. 4 — Chairman,
John T. Armal; Seaetazy, J.
Parker. Delegates reported on
book^ and permits; Stewards De
partment Delegate reported some
disputed overtime. Motion car
ried that 120 quarts of milk, in
stead of 80, be put aboard. Pe
tition to be drawn up on milk
situation. Suggestion made that
more night lunch be put out.
ft ft ft
REPUBLIC (Trafalgar), Jan.
14—Chairman, E. Wallace; Sec
retary, Floyd Starkey. Delegates
reported number of books and
permits in their departments. The
Deck Department agreed to let
the Stewards Department men
paint their own rooms, as the
Deck Gang had all the work it
could handle. Vote of thanks
given the Stewards Department
for the fine food. Suggestion
made that ship's fund be, started
with a 25 cents donation from
each crewmember.
Jan. 21—Chairman, F. Starkey;
Secretary, WiUiam Prince. Ship's
Delegate reported there was a
performer aboard who will have
to get off in Port Arthur. Engine
Delegate reported 12 hours of
disputed overtime; other depart
ments, okay.
ft ft ft
FRANCES (Bull), Feb. 5
Chairman, R. Prideaux; Secre
tary, A. Sanchez. Ship's Dele
gate reported that Patrolmatx
will be seen about better sailing
board time. Communication from
Headquarters read and accepted.
How To Increase The Strength Of The SiU
Elect the most capable man as Delegate.
If you are elected Delegate, accept your job seriously. You are the Union's rep
resentative aboard ship.
It is part of your duties as a good Delegate, and a good Union man, to acquaint
yourself with our literature and contracts, especially the contract under which you
are sailing.
Hold Union meetings regularly.
Hold educational meetings to instruct, not only permits, but also bookmen who
are in need of a refresher. • '
Make certain there is a sufficient supply of Union literature aboard your ship.
Cooperate with your shipmates and your Delegates.
See that the Union contract is lived up to by both sides. ^
If anyone wants to perform and jeopardize our contracts let them first read the
improved working and living conditions we've gained over the years. If they still
insist on being bad actors—^bring them up on charges!
ft ft ft
EDITH (Bull), Feb. 4—Chair
man, J. Johns; Secretary, W.
Barth. Delegates reported all in
order. Repair list made up and
approved. Motion carried to
have sufficient funds in treasury
to be able to call a repairman
down to give washing machine
a general overhaul.
ft ft ft
INES (Bull), Feb. 2 — Chair
man, H. Orlando; Secretary, F.
Loriz. Delegates reported a few
hours of disputed overtime.. Mo
tion carried to have a report
made up on the OS who missed
the ship in Trieste. Motion car
ried to refer to Patrolman mat
ter of painting foc'sles. Vote of
thanks given the Purser for his
line cooperation with the crew.
ROBIN LOCKSLEY (Robin),
Jan. 20—Chairman, Steve Ber
geria; Secretary, Vernon Porter.
Delegates reported no beefs. En
gine Delegate moved that the
messroom tables have glossy sur
faces and should use table doths.'
Lockers to be inspected for need
ed repairs. Short talk on the im
portance of filling in overtime
sheets properly was given by
the Engine Delegate.
ft ft ft
VENORE (Ore), Jan. 29 —
Chairman, M. Faircloth; Secre
tary, E. Tucker. Delegates re
ported on books and permits in
their departments. Ship's Dele
gate to confer with. Captain con
cerning the Skipper's desire to
charge $5 for windscoops. Crew
voted in favor of two Headquar
ters communications concerning
time off and unloading cargo.
ft ft ft
ALCOA PENNANT (Alcoa),
Jan. 24 — Chairman, E. Fields;
Secretary, J. Hicks. Decision
made to purchase washing ma
chine in States after a talk with
the Captain. Motion carried to
accept communication from
Headquarters. Repair list made
up and accepted. Vote of thanks
given Chief Steward for Christ
mas tree and presents.
ft ft ft
ALCOA CORSAIR. (Alcoa),
Jan. 28 — Chairman, Major Cos
lello; Secretary, J. Roberts. Del.
egates' reports accepted. Ship's
Delegate reported that Chief En
gineer stated that, if crew is to"
use fan room for storing movie'
films, it will have to be kept^
clean. Motion carried to contact
a film rental house for the best
deal on films.
|1
ri
• iyiil
I
fliday, THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Fifteen
Minutes Of A&G Branch Meetings In Brief
BOSTON—Because of a lack
of a quorum, the regular meeting
could not be held.
The Dispatcher gave his re
port on shipping, and the meet
ing was adjourned..
» » »
NORFOLK — Chairman. Ben
Rees, 95; Recording Secretary,
James A. Bullock. 4747.
The Chairman explained that,
in view of the fact that there
was no quorum, "a regular meet
ing could not be held. Instead
a special meeting was calted to
check the shipping cards, and to
hear the Dispatcher's report. The
meeting was adjourned with 20
members present. ~
SAVANNAH—No meeting was
held due to a lack of a quorum.
% X
TAMPA—No meeting was held
due to a lack of a quorum.
Agent White reported that
everything was running smooth
ly, and that shipping has boom
ed for this port.
XXX
SAN FRANCISCO—No regular
meeting was held due to a lack
of a quorum.
XXX
GALVESTON—Due to a lack
of a quorum no regular meeting
was held.
The Agent gave his oral re
port, dealing with the present
excellent state of shipping in
Galveston and the prospects for
the future. He was followed by
the Dispatcher, who reported the
shipping figures for the past
two weeks.
MOBILE—Chairman, L. Neira,
26393; Recording Secretary. J.
Carroll, 14; Reading Clerk, R.
Jordan, 71. '
Previous Mobile minutes were
read and accepted. Secretary'
Treasurer's financial reports and
Headquarters report to the mem
bership were read and accepted.
Minutes from other Branches
holding^ meetings were read and
concurred in. In his report.
Agent Tanner said that the pros
pects for shipping in the port
were very good. He pointed, out
that sometimes very short no
tice is given the Branch for crew
ing contracted ships, and he
asked the members to cooperate
by taking the jobs as they come
up. He reported that the Union
is still working trying to get
draft deferments for men with
ratings. Motion carried to accept
Agent's report. Membership vot
ed to take an ad in the annual
yearbook of the ILA's South
Atlantic and Gulf Coast Con
vention. Dispatcher's and Patrol
man's report was accepted. Un
der Good and Welfare, various
subjects of concern to the Union
ASC Shaping From Feb.
REG. REG. REG. TOTAL
PORT DECK ENG. STWDS. REa
Boston..... 31 9 12 52
New York .: 138 120 76 334
Philadelphia...... 33 19 30 82
Baltimore 124 94 68 286
Norfolk...„. 30 37, 18 85
Savannah 4 18 11 33
Tampa 6 4 2 12
MobUe 42 45 30 117
New Orleans 63 59 80 202
Galveston 68 34 27 129
West Coast 40 32 37 109
GRAND TOTAL. 579 471 391 ' 1,441
14 To Fob. 28
SHIPPED SHIPPED SHIPPED TOTAL
DECK ENG. STWDS. SHIPPED
23 13 12 48
100 109 100 309
18 29 12 59
111 90 73 274
18 17 8 43
38 34 26 98
26 27 24 77
51 35 32 118
114 77 124 315
59 60 41 160
98 87 82 267
656 578 534 1,768
were discussed. One minute of
silence was observed for depart
ed Brothers. Meeting adjourned
with 350 present.
XXX
BALTIMORE—Chairman, Wil
liam Rentz, 26445; Recording
Secretary, G. A. Masterson, 20297;
Reading Clerk, Leon Johnson,
109.
Previous Baltimore minutes
and financial reports were read
and accepted by the membership.
Secretary Treasurer's financial
reports for .February 3rd and
10th were read and accepted.
New Business from other
Branches holding meetings were
concmred in. Motion carried that
all ships' minutes be forwarded
to the SEAFARERS LOG for
publication. Eight members were
excused from the meeting for
pertinent reasons; other requests
for excuses were referred to the
Dispatcher, Headquarters report
to the membership was accepted.
The following reports were made
and concurred in by the meet
ing: Agent's, Patrolmen's, Dis
patcher's and Hospital Commit
tee's. Under New Business, a
motion was passed calling upon
all the members to live up to
the constitution and behave as
good Union men should. At this
point the meeting stood in si
lence* for one minute in memory
of our departed Brothers. There
being no Good and Welfare, the
meeting was adjourned with 240
members present.
XXX
NEW YORK—Chairman, Earl
Sheppard, 203; Recording Secre
tary, Freddie Stewart. 493S;
Reading Clerk, John Arabasz,
29936.
Minutes of all Branches, ex
cept those lacking quorums for
last regular meetings, read and
approved. Motion carried to ac
cept SecretaryTreasurer's finan
cial report. Motions, carried to
concur in reports of following:
Quarterly Finance Committee,
Credentials Committee and Head
quarters Reinstatement Commit
tee. In his report Secretary
Treasurer Paul Hall announced
that the 5th Biennial Convention
will be held in San Francisco on
March 26 and that the eight men
nominated as delegates had been
cleared by the Credentials Com
mittee, which would report later
in the meeting. He announced
that Kenneth Collins, popular
member of the bookkeeping staff
had passed away due to a heart
attack on February 23, and in
accordance with previous action
taken by the membership, his
widow was paid the sum of $500.
Brother Hall also discussed other
Union issues. Motion carried to
accept the report. Earl Sheppard,
Assistant Secretary Treasurer,
reported on the state of shipping
in this port. He called upon those
men who have sufficient seatime
to go after their next highest
rating. Sheppard discussed dif
ferent beefs that were settled in
this port. Communications from
members seeking to be excused
from meeting were referred to
the Dispatcher. Charges were
read and motions carried to refer
them to an elected Trial Com
mittee.
XXX
PHILADELPHIA — Chairman,
Sieve Cardullo, 24599: Recording
Clerk, E. Abualy. 7047; Reading
Clerk, J. Doris, 23177.
Minutes of previous Philadel
phia meeting read and approved,
as were minutes of other Branch
es holding meetings. Agent Car
dullo gave his report. He men
tioned the state of shipping, par
ticularly as far as Cities Service
tankers were concerned. Dis
patcher reported on number of
fnen registered and shipped dw
ing the last twowek period.
There was one minute of silence
in memory of departed Brothers.
In Good and Welfare, several
Brothers hit the deck and spoke
on the necessity of all members
cooperating in keeping the Hall
clean. The meeting was adjourn
ed with 50 members present.
XXX
NEW ORLEANS — ChairauL
Leroy Clarke, 23062; Recording
Secretary, Herman Troxclair,
6743; Reading Clerk, Buck Steph
ens, 76.
Motion carried to concur in
Secretary Treasurer's financial
report. Minutes of other Branch
meetings read and accepted. Port
Agent announced that shipping
has been on the upswing since
the last membership meeting,
with 8 payoffs, 10 signons, and
about 35 vessels intransit during
the past twoweek period. He al
so said that the prospects for
the next couple of weeks were
good. The strike of local sanita
tion workers was explained to
the membership and the Agent
asked the meeting to go on rec
ord in support of the strikers'
demands. Communications from
those asking to be excused were
referred to the Dispatcher. Mo
tion carried to concur in Head
quarters report to the member
ship as read. Meeting adjourned
at 7:55 PM, with 212 members
present.
'^sr»mk
Shipboard Promotions
From time to time word comes to Headquarters that a
crewmember has been promoted to a higher rating or trans
ferred to another department aboard ship. This is in definite
violation of the Union's' shipping rules, which says very
spediicslly (Rule number 29):
"No man may be promoted or allowed to transfer from
one job to another on board ship, except in case of extreme
emergency. This is to apply where there isn't sufficient lime to
dispatch a man from the Union Hall before a ship is scheduled
to leave, or the Hall cannot furnish replacements as required.
Any member guilty qf breiiking this rule shall lose the job
.immediately and shall be fined no less than $25.00 for such
offense."
In port, notify the Hall immediately if a man is needed,
and one will be dispatched. If an emergency occurs, too far
away to be handled by a nearby Hall, and a man must be
promoted or transfered, a fuir report should b^ made to Head"
quarters, stating the circumstances and the men involved.
HERBERT JOHN DONELON
Contact your draft. board.
XXX
RUDOLF CEFARATTI
Your mother, Mary, is anxious
to hear from you.
XXX
FERDINAND W. HECK
Write to Helen McGuiness, 908
Freeman (or Fillman) Street,
Bronx 59, New York. She wants
to hear from you before she
moves from New York.
X X X '
FREDERICK FARTHING
Write your mother at Maben,
Mississippi,
XXX
OTIS J. HARDIN
Write • your cousin, Mrs. L. L.
Hardin, 4014 East Powhattan
Avenue, Route 8, Box 751, Tam
pa 4, Florida.
XXX
SS LUCIUS Q. C. LAMAR
Will following men — Frank
Paschang, Otto R. Oswald, Bur
ton C. Hilliard, Richard J. Cong
don, John H. Morris, Peter Karn,
Robert E. Porter, Jr., Samuel
Foster and Hugh R. Hallinen—
please commxmicate with Freed
man, Landy and Lorry, 1415
Walnut Street concerning suit of
Paul Tansky against this ship.
X X X
JOHN LEE NUGENT
Please contact your local draft
board immediately.
XXX
FRANKLIN T. ANDREWS
Your mother, who is ill, and
your sister are extremely^ an
xious to get in touch with you.
They ask that you write to your
sister and to your uncle in
Brooklyn as soon as possible.
TRAY THOMAS
Get in touch with your sister,
Mrs. T. B. Gamage, 1020 Albany
Avenue, Waycross, Georgia.
XXX
JOHN DE AHRGO
Your gear from the Longview
Victory is at the 4th deck. New
York Hall.
X X X
JOSEPH B. HAYNES
Please write to Charlotte in
New York.
XXX
RAYMOND PERRY
Write your wife, Leila, at 10
Upland Avenue, Dorchester,
Massachusetts.
X X X
CARL JOSEPH KOZIOL
Your mother, Anna, 419 East
6th Street, New York City, wants
to hear from you.
JOHN J. GIANCOLA
Write your parents in Chelsea,
Massachusetts.,
XXX
EUGENE T. OTdARA
Write Mrs. J. J. O'Mara, An
derson, Missouri.
XXX
JORGEN JORGpiSEN
Get in touch with your wife,
Emily, at 5011 Fourth Avenue,
Brooklyn, New York.
XXX
VAZQUES (SS Wanda)
Your gear will be left in the
Tampa Hall.
XXX
RICHARD MERRITT
Write to Pfc. Earl J. De San
tis, 1112991, Co. C, 1st Bn, 7th
Marines, First Marine Div, FMF,
c/o Fleet Post Office, San Fran
cisco, California.
D
The men listed below can col
lect their retroactive wages, in
the amounts listed by contacting
Construction Aggregates Corpor
ation, 1 East 42nd Street, New
York City:
C. Kimbal, $48.50; E. Sommer,
$48.50; C; A. Roberts, $8.00; W.
Bolon, $17.50; F. R. Otvos, $22.50;
P. Drews, $33.00; W. Hall, ,$39.00;
P. Copeniti, $17.00; J. Stewart,
$5.00.
O. B. Jones, $28.00; J. Matkos
ki, $28.00; C. Hampton, $4.50; M.
Fields, $9.50; C. Mehl, $6.50; M.
Montaibo, $23,50; H. Fairbum,
$21.00; F. Barthes, $26.00; E.
Goodman, $29.00; J. Dubrosk^,
$30.50.
t t S"
CITIES SERVICE SEAMEN
Overtime checks for the fol
lowing men are being held by
the Organizers, 6th Floor, 51
Beaver Street:
John S. Orosz, William Joy,
A. Carrano, Marion Butcher,
Charles Goodwin, Gilbert Lind
fors, Joseph Dodge, John Hunt,
Ed Wilech, Leo Gwalthney, Jdm
Bell, Eniest Bossert. .
Page Sixteen
0
THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, March 9, 1951
lir
IvHe'.
Ill
i
The Camera Eyes Cantigny Crew
From the moment the Cities Service tanker fleet*
came under the SIU banner, Seafarers crews have beeii
diligently working to get the ̂ hips into typical, shipshape
SIU style. Among the lads who are on the ball in this
respect are the Union men aboard the SS Cantigny, which
even boasts the usual shipboard photographer.
The Cantigny's man with the camera is Antonio Da
Costa Goncalves, who submitted the photos appearing
on this page. The CS tanker was preparing to sail when
Goncalves was readying the photos for the mail, so, he
explains, *T didn't have much time to go into detail
about life on this ship." However, he feels that his pictures
will give a fairly good idea of how his shipmates are
getting along together.
Cantigny crewmembers thought it appropriate for the
life ring to bear the name of their Union and hastened to
display it prominently. In this photo, taken by Goncalves
are, rear row (left to right): J. Trodeau, AB: M. Muniz, Wiper;
J. Kovachik, OS; Pat Marinelli, Deck Maintenance; M. Escobio,
Second Cook; J. Tiecher, AB, and A. Britan, AB. Seated
(left to right) are J. Dimaggio, AB; Joe Arabasz, Wiper, and
R. Shockovsky, Deck Maintenance.
Goncalves felt that this trio of Union men was'representative of the typically conscien""
tious, competent Seafarer aboard the CS tanker—and mighty good subjects they appear to be.
They are (left to right) Brothers J. Tiecher, AB; J. Trodeau, AB, and Pal Marinelli, DM.
It appears that no collection of shipboard photos would
be complete without a shot of the traditional coffee time
enjoyed by SIU men aboard all contracted ships. Goncalves
raised himself to a vantage point to peer down into the mugs
of E. Mosakowski (left). Deck Maintenance; Louis Santo
(center). Machinist, and Joe Arabasz, Wiper.
3
/V\
H: 1
'm
I
VOL. XIII NEW YORK. N. Y.. FRIDAY. MARCH 9. 1951 No. 5
Natl Policy On Draft Neais
Meanwhile, Keep In Close
Contact With Local Board,
Dushane Warns Membership
liit'l Convention
Opens March 26
In San Francisco
Delegates from the various
I^stricts of the Seafarers Interna
tional Union will convene in San
Francisco on March 26 for the
organization's fifth biennial con
vention.
Representing the Atlantic and
Gulf District will be the follow
ing delegates: Paul Hall, Lloyd
Gardner, Lindsey Williams, Cal
Tanner, Frenchy Michelet, Wil
liam Rentz, Harold Fischer and
Jeff Morrison.
_ Among the other Districts to
be represented are the Sailors
Union of the Pacific, Great Lakes
District, Canadian District, At
lantic Coast Fisherman, West
Coast Fisherman and Cannery
Workers, and the Marine Allied
Workers.
PROGRESS REPORTS
The convention will hear re
ports from the various District
delegates on the progress and
activities of their respective un
ions since the last International
meeting, held two years ago in
Baltimore.
It is expected that the conven
tion will also fox'mulate a pro
gram to coordinate activities of
the seagoing sections of the In
ternational in face of the pres
ent emergency.
One of the highlights of the
A&G report will be a review of
the operations of the Seafarers
' Welfare Plan, one of the very
few successful welfare projects
for union members administered
independently of insurance com
panies.
A phase of the International's
activities in the past two years
that is expected to draw special
attention is the progress made
by the Canadian District, which
began its successful fight to elim
inate communist control from
Catiada's waterfront shortly be
fore the last SIU convention was
adjourned.
Never To Be Forgotten
On March 12. not only Seafarers, but seamen throughout
the world will honor the 97th anniversary of the birth of
Andrew Furuseth. "the Abraham Lincoln of the seas." Seamen
all over the world benefitted from the successful efforts of
Furuseth to raise the merchant seamen out of their virtual
slavery. He will live forever in the heaxts of the men who
go down to the sea in ships.
Pending action on a policy of draft deferment
for active merchant seamen by national Selective
Service Headquarters, Matthew Dushane, the SIU's
Washington representative, yesterday reminded all
Seafarerregistrants to keep their local boards in
formed of each change in address effected by
changes and termination of shipboard employment.
Meanwhile, the SIU representative continued
to press for a draft stay to insure manning of the
nation's rapidly expanding fleet by skilled hands.
Dushane's advice to SIU men^
registered for the draft was based
on information he obtained at
meetings in the nation's capital
this week with national and
state Selective Service officials.
Directors of the Selective Ser
vice systems of seven key states
who were present at the sessions
said that, according to advices
from local boards, many sea
men were failing to notify them
of all changes in shipboard em
ployment. They pointed out that
this is the registrant's responsi
bility under the law.
Gangway Watch
For Ihe proteclion of the
crew's gear and the ship's
equipment, and for the pro
tection of the SIU agree
ment, men standing gangway
watches should remain at
their post, in the same man
ner as the' Fireman below
must stand his watch. Gang
ways cannot be covered from
the messhall or foc'sle.
The gangway watch is as
much a part of our agree
ment with the shipowners as
the wage scale, and must be
fully observed at all times.
This notice refers particular
ly to ports in East and
South. Africa.
Crews On 92 Vessels Vote
To Reaffirm Union Poiicy
Ship Inspection Waivers Okayed
The Coast Guard Commandant
has; issued an order allowing
waiver of navigation and vessel
inspection regulations in the in
terest of national defense.
According to terms of the or
der, applications for waivers may
be made by an ajuthorized rep
resentative of a United States
Government agency or a repre^
sentative of the shipping com
pany whose, vessel is involved.
Applications must contain cer
tification that waivers of com
pliance* with navigation and in
spection laws are necessaiy in
the'' interest of national defense.
The Coast Guard order sets
forth fully the procedures for ef
fecting the individual waivers.
Returns from SIU ships pre
viously unreported show virtual
ly unanimous endorsement of the
Union's policy in dealing with
the matters of unloading cargo
in foreign ports and time off
in war areas.
Of the 53 vessels reporting
since, the last tabulation of re
sponses to the Union's request
for crew action, 1,696 crewmem
bers went on record in favor
of turning to in any num'oers
called for when cargo has to be
discharged abroad, in compliance
with the terms of the SIU agree
ments. Only three men disap
proved.
A similar vote—1,696 for and
3 against—was cast in favor of
the policy of not attempting to
make a shipboard beef in situa
tions where time off is not al
lowed in war areas. Instead, the
crews will document the beef
and forward it to Headquarters,
and will collect any overtime
involved under terms of the con
trdfct at the payoff.
So far 92 ships have taken
action on the two matters, with
a total of 3,134 crewmen endors
ing Union policy, as against five
who registered disapproval.
The two matters on which
crew attitudes were sought stem
med from the importance of
carrying out the Union's end of
the contracts.
Typical of the situations to be
avoided was one which devel
oped aboard a • contracted ship
some time ago, concerning the
number of crewmembers who
(Continjied on Page 13)
Open Weekends
Due lo the increased tem
po of shipping, the New
York Hall will be open on
Saturdays and Sundays, for
emergency shipping. Every
one. even those not interest
ed in pierhead jumps, is in
vited to come down and use
the recreational facilities of
the HaU.
The meeting with the Selec
tive Service officials followed a
series of sessions earlier in the
week, attended by members of
a committee appointed recently
by Vic.eAdmiral Edward Coch
rane, Federal Maritime Adminis
trator.
Dushane is the SIU's repre
sentative on the committee, rep
resenting labor, management and
the Maritime Board. After sev
eral meetings this committee
laid out a rough plan for effec
tive handling of a draft defer
ment policy for active seamen,
designed to assist Selective Ser
vice Headquarters in instituting
a national policy.
KEY PORTS
The committee then met with
the Selective Service group, in
cluding the directors of seven
key states, embracing some of
the key US ports. Present were
the state directors from New
York, New Jersey, Maryland,
Texas, California, Oregon and
Washington. ^
Dushane and his .fellowcom
mitteemen presented their rec
ommendations to the draft offi
cials, pointing out that they had
been devised to simplify and "
provide uniformity in the pro
cedure, required by law, by
which seamen are responsible for M
keeping their draft boards in
formed.
The SIU representative re
ported that the proposal for de
ferring active seamen contained
the following methods for aid
ing in compliance with terms of
the draft law:
1. Upon registering for a job
assignment the seaman would
so notify his draft board by post
card, which would be signed by
(Continued on Page 3)
Page Two THE S E AF A RE RS LOG Fi;iday. Marcrh 9, 1951
SEAFARERS LOG
Published Every Other Week by the
SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION
OF NORTH AMERICA
Atlantic and Gulf District
Afiiliated with the .American Federation of Labor
At 51 Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y.
HAnover 22784
Reentered as second class matter August 2, 1949, at the Post
Office in New York, N.Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912.
267
Steady As She Goes
Sixtysix years ago—on March 6—a group of aroused
seamen gathered at the Folsom Street wharf in San Fran
cisco to make 'plans to block the shipowners' scheme for
cutting wages to $20 a month. They agreed that the only
effective way to protect themselves was to form a union.
Tke $34 that was raised among the 222 men present was
to be used to rent a hall for a meeting the next night,
when a constitution and bylaws were unanimously
adopted.
Thus was born the organization that was to become
the forerunner of the Sailors Union of the Pacific, and
later of the Seafarers International Union, which was
chartered by the SUP in 1938 under the banner of the
American Federation of Labor.
No advance in behalf of the American seamen has
been accomplished without struggle, and the SUP's long
history is dotted with accounts of strife and violence, pre
cipitated by the constant attempts of West Coast ship
owners to smash trade unionism among seagoing workers.
Within a few months of its inception, the new or
ganization of seamen, known as the Coast Seamen's Union,
had a membership of 2,202. The union began expanding
almost immediately and a branch in San Pedro was
Opened.
The task of organizing and keeping the union operat
ing was a rugged one. Seemingly insurmountable obstacles
V^ere everpresent. The shipowners were united in oppo
sition to the new seamen's group and they were aided and
abetted by the sordid institutions that have always re
tarded the progress of seamen everywhere—the ^crimps,
the shipping masters and the scheming boardinghouse
keepers.
A year after the Coast Seamen's Union was founded,
a rival group, the Steamship Men's Protective Association,
was organized, and interorganization disputes complicated
liiatters further.
In 1887, the Coast Seamen's Union elected as its
head Andrew Furuseth, whose name was later destined
to become synonomous with seamen's rights. Four years
later, the rival organizations amalgamated, adopting the
name of the Sailors Union of the Pacific.
The progress made by the SUP since its humble be
ginning should instill great pride in every man who holds
membership in that organization. Despite constant at
]W tacks from every hostile source, the SUP has emerged as
the one stable, effective force for seamen on the West
Coast.
When the SUP issued a charter to the Atlantic and
Gulf Coast District, under the banner of the Seafarers
International Union, in 1938, it laid the groundwork for
what has become the most powerful grouping of maritime
workers in the nation.
The Seafarers International Union is steeped in
glorious tradition, but the future of the Districts united
under, its banner is loaded with wonderful prospects. The
'A&G District, like its West Coast affiliate, is determined
that the traditions begun by the SUP back in 1885 on
the West Coast will be kept alive in a continuing march
of progress for all men of the SIU. .
On the occasion of the SUP's 66th anniversary, the
Atlantic and Gulf District extends its heartiest congratu
[• lations and sincere good wishes for continued successes.
,The Brothers in our West Coast, affiliate are assured of
the full cooperation of the Seafarers of the A&G District
in attaining, ever greater progress for all men of the Sit.!.
To the SUP we say, "Steady as she goes."
MANHATTAN BEACH
FRED W. GRIMES
JOSE DE JESUS
E. LOPEZ
H. TUTTLE
J. H. ASHURST
£. FERRER
JOHN T. EDWARDS
JOHN DRISCOLL
VIC MILAZZO
MATTHEW DRUNO
PETER VORKE
R. A. BLAKE
JOHN PADZIK
A. LOMAS
R. F. LARSEN
T. P. SULLIVAN
B. T. KNEW
X X X
FORT STANTON
SILVESTER WALKER
WILLIAM J. MEEHAN
HARRY THURMAN
GIDLOW WOODS
DONALD P. MCDONALD
X X 'X'
STATEN ISLAND
L. BLIZZARD
J. SLAMAN
EUGENE E. MILANESI
S. GLYPTIE
P. PRON
G. BRAXTON
K. C. CROWE
T..CONNELL
C. COLLETTI
F. CHRISTNED
R. GUZMAN
S. C. CUNNINGTON
B. ZIEUNSKI
FRANK B. STRELTTZ
J. B. GARRISON
J. FIGUERAU
K. SKARI
R PELASOJA.
C. RAMOS
R. CONWAY
C. HUNEYCUTT
XXX ^
WELFARE ^ISLAND
THOMAS COYNE
; X X X
GALVESTON
P. W. DORSEY
S. C. TURBERVILLE
JOSEPH LEWIS
ANGELO MACIEL',
NEW ORLEANS
C." A. BROWN
M. F. BUSBY
W. O. CARA '
R. CRUZ
R. ELLISON
E". H. FAIRBANKS
A. W. GATEWOOD
G. C. GIERCZIC
E. E. GROSS
L. A, HOLMES
• D. D. KELLY
G. KRETZER
H. F. LAGAN
LEO LANG
A. MARTIN
M. MCDONALD•
K. RAANA
CLAUDE RAY
C, R. SANDERSON
S. S. SCHIEFFLER
ROBERT W. THOMPSON
L. TICKLE
T. E. MAYNES
XXX
VEERS HEAD
Salisbury, Md.
MICHAEL J. LUCAS
XXX
BOSTON
R. LUFLIN
E. GARDNER
FRANK DIRKSMEYER
A. N. CLENDENNING '
A. D. LEVA
XXX
NORFOLK
PAUL L. PAINTER
ALBERT W. BRICKHOUSE
XXX
SAVANNAH
EGBERT C. BENNETT
IVEY PEACOCK
H. HENZE
XXX
MOBILE
GEORGE W. MURRILL
TIM BURKE
EMMANUEL LORD
X X X m
SAN FRANCISCO
THOMAS A. BENSON
E. PRITCHARD
JAMES HODO
C. L. MOATS : . •
JAMES R. LEWIS ; :
E. ROBINSON
C. W. JOHNSON
H. HILL
J. C. LONG
H. L. MC GRATH
H. HOWARD
E. DANBACH
J. S. PRESHONG
D. J. GORMAN
XXX
BALTIMORE
WILLIAM H. GOVE
H. LANIER
BENJAMIN F. BISHOP
GEORGE REGISTER
ASHLEY T. HARRISON
T. H. SULLIVAN
ARCHIE WRIGHT
JENNING J. LONG
m
Men In Hospitals
Seafarers who want to be
eligible for the Welfare
Plan's weekly hospital bene
fits should make sure they
have their Union books, sea
man's papers and copies of
their last discharges with
fhem upon entering the hos
pital.
Union Patrolmen will pay
the sevendollar benefits to
eligible members for each
full week of hospitalisation
during their weekly . visits.
Failure of a hospitalised Sea
farer to have the above
mentioned papers with him
will prevent the Patrolman
from making the benefit
payments.
Hospitalised members who
have not yet filled out bene
ficiary cards for the Wei
fare Plan cu obtain them
from the Hosjpital Patrolmen.
'• fcJiT'siss
Friday. March 9, .1951 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Three
NY Baggage Room Closing Shipping Rules Are Made By Membership
And They Must Be Followed At All Times
Here's' a Seafarer who is on the balL In anticipation of
that anxiously awaited day when the Headquarters Branch
will move into the spacious, wellequipped building in Brook
lyn, this Brother is checking his gear out of the fourth floor
baggage room of the Beaver Street quarters.
Because preparations are already under way for the big
job of moving in the near future, no more baggage is being
checked at the present building. Headquarters asks that the
members bear with it in meeting the problem, by temporarily
checking gear at the doghouse or similar places providing
storage facilities.
Meanwhile, all men who have baggage in the Beaver
Street building are urged to call for it at the first possible
opportunity. Compliance with this request will facilitate the
moving job, lower transportation costs and reduce the chances
of any geeur being misplaced in the course of th^ operation.
By EARL SHEPPARD
NEW YORK—Shipping for the
past two weeks in New York has
been fair in some ratings, and
tough in others. Altogether we
paid off 22 ships: the Suzanne,
Kathryn, Frances, Puerto Rico
and Beatrice (Bull Line); the
following Seatrains: New Jersey,
New York, and Havana; the
Chicasaw, Azalea City, John B.
Waterman, Hurricane and Fair
isle' (Waterman); Coe Victory
and Longview Victory (Victory
Carriers); Lake George (US Pe
troleum) ; Steel Traveler, Steel
Chemist and Steel Recorder,
(Isthmian); Greeley Victory
(South Atlantic), and the Sea
Dream (Colonial).
In addition to the payoffs, we
handled the following signons:
Steel Artisan, Steel Designer
(Isthmian); Robin Doncaster
(Robin Line); Lafayette (Water
man); Coe Victory and Long
view Victory (Victory Carriers);
Sea Comet (Zenith); Seastar
(Mercador), and the Strathport
(Strathmore). We had numerous
ships intransit, which were vis
ited by Patrolmen while they
were in port.
One of thd ships paying off,
the Greeley Victory, had a beef
pending on the matter of carry
ing a cargo of gas in drums.
This will be settled for the crew
in a matter of a few days. Other
than this, all ships paid off with
the beefs settled at the payoff.
We have experienced no
National Policy On Draft
Deferment Is Seen Coming
(Continued from Page 1)
a person of authority, such as
the Union Dispatcher.
2. Upon obtaining employment
and boarding a ship, the sea
man would notify the board as
to the name of the ship, and
the date employment began,
along with other pertinent in
formation. The (flfrd would be
signed by the Master of the ves
sel.
3. Upon termination of the
seaman's employment, the Master
of the vessel would notify the
draft board of the date of ter
mination.
Upon registering again for an
other job assignment the same
procedure outlined above would
be followed through. The SIU
repre'^ntative explained that in
this way a simple routine would
be esl|iblished and could be com
plied 5with easily by those sea
men iaoncerned.
Dushane said that another rec
ommendation made to the Se
lective Service officials was that
seamen should be allowed one
day ashore for each week em
ployed, with a maximum of 30
consecutive days permitted
ashore between shipboard jobs,
in order to maintain his defer
ment status.
These proposals are now being
studied by the Selective Service
officials. It is expected that they
will add their own recommenda
tions, at which time General
Lewis Hershey, national director,
will call the two groups together
with a view tp consolidating the
Wo plaps. Such a meeting may
be called sometime next week.
One thing that was plainly
evident from the mating with
the di aft officials, Dushane re
ported, was that any policy of
deferment that may be estab
lished will affect only bonafide,
active merchant seamen and most
likely those above the entry rat
ings.
The Union representative add
ed that from his conversations
with the Selective Service
people, he learned that many
seamen had failed to stress the
vital nature of the industry in
which they are employed and the
qualifications which they possess
fcfr service in the industry. •
According to the various di
rectors, many men simply state
on their questionnaires that they
are seamen, and that's all. Local
boards in many cases do not
have a full perspective of the
national defense setup and there
fore cannot properly understand
the role of the merchant marine
in the emergency.
In cases of skilled, active mer
chant seamen who are placed in
1A status, Dushane recommend
ed that they ask for reclassifica
tion and explain fully the essen
tial nature of the merchant ma
rine in the present emergency,
and the registrant's skills and
experience as a seagoing worker.
trouble in manning the various
ships that have hit this port.
However, we would like to sug
gest to the membajship that
those nien who have enough
seatime should go and get the
next highest rating in their par
ticular department.
This, of course, is in line with
the policy of the Union, made
several months ago, to assure us
of having enough rated man
power within our own member
ship so that we can handle not
only our old contracted com
panies, but whatever new com
panies our Organizers can se
cure.
Several members have been
asking whether they can get
their shipping cards extended.
It must be pointed out that the
shipping rules do not allow any
extensions on shipping cards
past the 90day limit set in the
rules.
Here are pertinent excerpts
from the shipping rules:
"4. No member shall be given
a shipping card for another mem
ber, nor have another member's
shipping card stamped. The Dis
patcher shall not ship any mem
ber presenting another's card,
nor shall he honor the card of
any member not presenting his
own card.
"5. No shipping card shall be
issued to any member prior to
his paying off any vessel.
"6. No member shall be given
an open shipping date for any
reason.
"7. All shipping cards must be
stamped after the regular meet
ing. Any member wishing to
leave the meeting must ask the
permission of the membership
to do so through the Chair. If
the membership extends this
privilege, the member may leave
the meeting and have his ship
ping card stamped. Dispatcher or
Doorman shall check men in at
meetings until 7:30 p.m. and
members coming after that time
shall not receive credit for at
tending the meeting.
"8. (a) Any member on the
regular shipping list who has a
shipping card more than three
months old must reregister on
the shipping list and take out
a new shipping card and date.
• » *
"9. Members of the Seafarers'
International shall have prefer
ence over Permitmen at all
times, regardless of shipping
date."
The Shipping Rules were
adopted by you, the member
ship, and must be followed. Any
time you think it should ' be
changed, the Constitution pro
vides the way.
Men in the Marine Hospital in
New York are advised that Joe
Algina makes the rounds every
Tuesday and Thursday at 12:30,
so be on the lookout for him.
The Hospital is a big .place, and
Algina can't spend all his time
running all over the place look
ing for a man. It's for your own
benefit to be on the spot—so be
there.
As for mail for the hospitaliz
ed—if you want your mail for
warded to you just drop a line
to the Hall.
Finance Committee Going Oyer The Records
Members of the Quarterly Finance Committee, whose ̂topoxt
checked the Union's financial records in Headquarters. Left to
Garrison, Mike Rossi. Oliver P. Oakley end Joseph W. Arras.
appem on pages 45. as they
right: Bill Thompson, John
Kenneth Collins,
HQ Bookkeeper,
Dies Suddenly
Kenneth Collins, assistant ^
bookkeeper at SIU Atlantic and
Gulf District Headquarters in
New York for the past three
and a half years, died suddenly
on February 23. He was 28 years
old.
Shortly after he complained
of feeling ill on February 22,
Collins was admitted to the
BeekmanDowntown Hospital,
where he passed away 36 hours
later.
VERY POPULAR
A conscientious and compe
tent worker, with a mild and
pleasant manner, Collins was
exceptionally popular with mem
bers of the Headquarters staff
and rankandfile Union mem
bers who came in contact with
him. News of his sudden pass
ing stunned his many friends
in the SIU.
In line with the policy es
tablished recently by the Union
membership, the Union paid the
same benefits to Collins' widow
as are paid to beneficiaries Of
deceased SIU members under
the Seafarers Welfare Pljm.
The late Headquarters em
ployee's body reposed at the Wal
ter B. Cooke Funeral Home in
the Bronx. Funeral services were
held on February 27 in St. Si
nfon Stock R.C. Church, East
182nd Street, where a Requiem
Mass was offered. Burial was in
St. Raymond's Cemetery, the
Bronx.
SEAFARERS PRESENT
Serving as pallbearers were
the following Headquarters per
sonnel: Paul Gonsorchik, Frank
Bose, Paddy McCann, Stan Bob
rowski, Emilio Hernandez, Fren
chy Ruf, A1 Bernstein and Al
Kerr.
Among the other SIU members
attending Collins* funeral were
Mike Rossi, BiU Thompson, Wil
liam Sparta, Louis Cafone, Troy
Hutchens, John Snyder, John
Karpen, Anthony Savino, Tim
Leaijy, L. Gooch, E. Ely, T.
Semblewski and P. Ganung.
Collins leaves his widow, Pa
tricia, and two children, Joan,
years old, and Michael, nine
months, with whom he lived at
2386 Grand Avenue, Bronx, New
York City. Also surviving are
his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Thomas
Collins.
] Page Four THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, Mardr 9, 1951
Recommendations Of Finance Committee
li^
We, the undersigned 'duly elected Quarterly
Finance Committee, elected at a Special Meeting
in New York on February 20, 1951, to audit the
Quarterly Finance Reports for the 3rd Quarter
of 1950, do hereby state that we have,checked
the bank statements for all funds under the con
trol of the SecretaryTreasurer against the week
ly financial reports and the reports of the Certi
. fied Public Accountant, for the 3rd Quarter of
1950, and have found that the funds were prop
erl}^ accounted for and in good order.
RECOMMENDATIONS
We, the Quarterly Finance Committee, find
that the Headquarters Offices of this Union have
been taking all steps possible to see that the
expenses of our Union remain at a minimum.
Therefore, in line with the previous action
taken by the Quarterly Finance Committee, we
recommend the following steps be taken to as
sist Headquarters Offices in carrying out of this
policy of the Union;
1. This Committee, after having investigated
all the facts in relation to the passing of phony
Union books, which were supposed to be bona
fide SIU books, by different individuals, rec
ommends that Headquarters Offices change the
present Union book of the Union.
In revising the books of the Union, the Com
mittee further recommends that in so doing.
Headquarters Offices take all necessary steps to
prevept any further possibility of our Union
books being duplicated. It is suggested that the
color of the book be one of the steps taken in
the carrying out of this procedure.
It is further recommended that the book
should be revised in such a manner'to fit the
needs of the organization at the present time.
% As the membership, was informed by the
SecretaryTreasurer in his last two reports, some
"smart" operators tried to' go into the business
of counterfeiting Union books. As the Union sys
tem of keeping membership records is foolproof,
it was just a matter of days until these char
acters were thrown in jail in the port of New
Orleans and their books confiscated. They are
now in jail awaiting trial.
Since Headquarters was running short of
printed Union books and was about to order a
new supply, it seems advisable to make a change
at no additional cost as to the color and makeup
of the book.
2. We have examined the ballot boxes in which
the ballots were kept and have destroyed the
. ballots as per Article XII, Section 12, of the
Union constitution.
0 This is the routine procedure under the
Union constitution.
3. We have made a thorough inspection of the
building that has been purchased by the Union
in Brooklyn, and this Committee feels that the
Union has made a wise investment. At the pres
ent time, the building in, which we are now lo
cated here in New York has been sold. How
ever, it has been sold to, the bank next door, with
whom we have an account.
After checking the finances of the Union, we
find that the building fund of the Union, at the
present time, has approximately $14,000.00 in it
in cash and owed to it from other funds. There
fore, we recommend that Headquarters Offices
be given the power to loan the building fund
whatever monies will be necessary from the
strike funds for the completion of the building
in Brooklyn.
After having gone through the building in
Brooklyn, room by room, been shown the blue
prints of same, seen the progress being madg on
the building, we have attached hereto our report
and its' recommendations.
0 This, the Commitiee felt, was a very good
hoveslmenl, as the bnilcfing sheiild have a return
that will enable the loan io he r^aid in a per
Pn this and the following page we print two
sections of the report of the Quarterly Finance
Commitiee, elected on February 20, ISSh On
page five is their report on the new building in
Brooklyn, commenting on the work already done
or contracted for, and some of the things that
still remain to be done. On this page are the
recommendations of the Committee. Following
each one are the summaries of the discussions,
and the reasons why the Committee made each
particular recommendation. The members of
the Committee were:
Michael Rossi, 209 John Garrison, 48684
Charles Mehl, 35828 Bill Thompson, 18
Joseph Arras, 458 Oliver P. Oakley, 46151
iod of time. Borrowing the money from the
strike funds will in the long run save the mem
bership money.
4. This Committee has been advised by Head
quarters that it will be necessary to transfer
funds of the Union from the banks where they
are now deposited to a bank in the vicinity of
the new building in Brooklyn. This Committee
therefore recommends that Headquarters Offices
be empowered to look for a bank in Brooklyn
that will have all the facilities necessary to
handle the accounts of the Union.
0 This is in the way of a physical convenience,
as otherwise the bookkeepers would have lo
make daily trips to our present bank in Man
hattan, wasting the Union's time and money.
5. This Committee, after having checked the
records of the Headquarters bookkeeping system,
recommends that the two strike funds of the
Union be incorporated into one fund, purely for
bookkeeping purposes.
0 The two Strike Funds, to all intents and
purposes, are one anyway, and combining them
in the Union records will eliminate the present
complicated bookkeeping procedure.
6. After the Union moves into the new build
ing in Brooklyn; it will be necessary that the
Union coinduct several , businesses within the
building itself. This Committee recommends that
the staffing of these different businesses be left
to the discretion of Headquarters Offices of the
Union.
0 Men employed by the various enterprises
in the new building will be members of the
Union, wherever possible. Hpwever, should a
specialized skill be required—say, for example,
an accountant,, etc.—the way should be left open
for the Union to go afield to get that skilled
man.
*1. It is recommended by this Committee, in
order that the Union will not be in violation of
the laws of the State of New York, that the
Union have a building corporation set up. The
purposes of this building corporation will be to
operate the new building and the enterprises
contained therein.
0 This section is necessary in order 10 con
form with the law, just as the Sailors Union had
to do with their new building. In addition, the
setting up of a building corporation will sep
arate the legal liabilities of the building and the
Union.
8. It is hereby proposed that Article XXI, Sec
tion' 2, of the Union constitution be amended to
read as follows:
"The initiation fee shall be one hundred ($100)
dollars, and shall accompany the application for
membership, and the dues shall be four ($4.00)
per mbnth, payable in advance."
• study of fiio itamndittl: xs^pbirta will
show, the finances of the Union are In very good
shape and we are living in the black..However#
the Committee pointed out, the SIU is the only
maritime Union whose dues are as low as $3 a
month. The Committee felt that, with the mount
ing costs due to higher prices for everything and
the increased cost of servicing the members and
the many wage increases and fringe benefits—
the Welfare Fund, etc.—that was won for the"
meihbership since the last dues increase in 1946,
an increase in the dues at this time would bol
ster the General Fund for any contingencies that
might come in the future;.
9. It is recommended by us, after studying the
constitution, because of the TaftHartley Law
that the present constitution of the Union should
be changed in some respects. Therefore, we rec
ommend that the constitution be streamlined,
take into account the laws of today, accepted
regular Union policy, and at the same time
should not be too detailed so as to enable the
Union to act in a more businesslike manner.
Therefore, we .recommend that Headquarters
be given the power to appoint a constitutional
committee to draw up a draft of a new constitu
tion and submit this for consideration by the
membership in ^e usual manner. We further
recommend, that in drawmg up this draft, that
the committee review the present assessments
and the way that they are made. We think that
the present assessment system of the Union can
and should be changed.
0 The Constiiulion has not been amended
since 4946, and many things have happened since
then—the TaftHartley Act is a prime example
—thai make some sections obsolete or unwork
able. In addition some sections should be clari
fied and new sections put in. The Hospital As
sessment, for one, is an assessment that is obso
lete, as its function is being taken care of by
the Welfare Plan. A.lthough the membership
voted .a few years ago to halt collection of this
assessment, it is still officially part of the Con
stitution, and should bo removed.
10. In closing, we would like to recommend
that the Headquarters Offices of the Union be
empowered to give those officials and employees
of the Union that it is felt justified in doing so,
a raise in pay. This raise to take effect upon the
proper clearance by any governmental agency
that may have controls over same, and after our
membership has approved of such raise.
It is to be pointed out, that the majority of the
officials of the Union have not had a raise in
proportion to the raises obtained by the mem
bership. During the past 5 years the member
ship has had many increases aboard ship, in
addition to which, the representatives of the
Union are paying more taxes on what money
they do receive than does the average member
aboard ship. In granting any raise to officials or
employees of the Union, it is felt that the amount
so granted should be left in the hands of the
Headquarters Offices, due to the fact that this'
office, more than anyone else, is in a position to
know what amount of an increase should be
granted.
0 Officials and employees of the Union, the
Committee noted, liave had no increase in salary
since June, 1947, since 'which time the cost of
living has risen over and over again. In this same
period, the membership has had many wage in
creases, to compensate for the rising prices. It
was felt that, while an increase was necessary,
no specific aum could be recommended, as the
Wage Stabilization Board has not yet come up
with a final wage ceiling, the labor members
having resigned in protest against management's
attempt to keep it low. In any event, the final'
recommendation bv Hcs^dquarters will be refor
vod to the membership for action.
ij
i
i
Friday' March 9, 1951 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Five
Report Of Committee On New HQ Building
.^^11
V7e, the undersigned duly elected jnembers of
the Quarterly Finance Committee, who were
instructed by this membership to make a check
on the progress of the alterations to our new
building in Brooklyn, hereby submit the follow
ing report:
Your Committee has reviewed all previous
actions by this membership that have been taken
from time to time and officially noted in the *
minutes of the regular Headquarters meetings*
of the Seafarers International Union.
The Committee finds that the Union purchased®
the Brooklyn building in April,1950, and then
engaged the firm of Lama, Proskauer & Prober,
licensed architects, to draw up plans for altering
the building for our use. This contract was made
on a regular ten percent fee of the cost of alter
ations, as per the New York State architectural
code, We find that the firm submitted a number
of plans which the Building Committee hashed
over until finally the firm came up, on October
1, 1950, with what the Committee felt was a
suitable plan for our needs.
A list of specifications were then drawn up
from these plans, and six leading contracting
firms .were invited to bid on the work to be
done. After the bids had been submitted and
studied by the Committee, an exhaustive study
of the financial standing of the bidders was
made. Our architects were then called in and the
Building Committee's investigations were discus
sed at length.
We find from photostatic copies of the bids
contained in the official minutes of November
15th, 1950, that the bids ranged in price from
$95,000.00 to $72,863.00. We find that the archi
tect and the Building Committee recommended
to the membership that they accept the bid of
the second lowest bidder, the Leeds Construc
tion Company for $86,200.00. The Building Com
mittee then made this recommendation to the
membership in an exhaustive analysis of all bids
at the following meeting. This recommendation
was concurred in by the membership and the
Leeds Construction Company bid was accepted.
We find from a study, of a pla'n of October 1,
1950, that the Committee recommended to the
membership that, in view of the scarcity of
metals, the Union immediately get bids for the
contemplated aluminum windows and let a con
tract for same, in order to take care of any antic
ipated shortage of this metal. The low bid for
the windows was $5,860.00, and the Committee
was instructed by the membership to let the bid
for this figure.
On December 20th, 1950, we find that Head
quarters Building' Committee recommended to
the membership at the regular meeting that the
firm of Cole & Liebmann, architectural deco
rators, be engaged to assist us in laying out the
decorative features of our new building and to
sketch a bar and cafeteria. The membership con
curred in this recommendation and the firm was
engaged for the flat fee of $2,500.00.
'On January 17th, 1951, it was found that one
of the heating plants, which theUnion had con
templated retaining in the building, was anti
quated and should be replaced. Mr. Liebmann,
the architectural decorator, recommended con
siderable other changes, such as enlarging the
cafeteria and bar, replacing a wood wainscoting
throughout the building with modern plaster,
and a number of other changes to more fully
utilize the available facilities. Bids were called
for this additional work and were submitted to
the membership, who recommended that the
work be let.
At a meeting of January 31st, 19*51, we find ^
that the Committee recommended to the mem
bership that a moving picture of all the phases
of this work be made, and the membership corb
curred in the recommendation.
We find further that the architects, in pro
viding new piers to support the massive_ steel
that was necessary to support the building after
the walls had been removed, showed the foun
dation and soil condition to be such as to require
twofoot piers. After the concrete flooring was
removed and excavation commenced, it was
found that the old piers went down over six
feet. The Building Department required these
old piers to be removed with pneumatic drills
.and new piers installed at the same depths. This
was an extra which the Union was obliged to
pay for on a yard basis.
We find that Frenchy Michelet, the Seafarers'
representative on this job, has authorized a
number of additional necessary repairs from time
to time such as mending of the fence, the fire
escape, etc.
We have examined the building proper and
find that a number of things remain to be con
tracted for, such as, cafeteria equipment, bar
equipment, additional tiling in cafeteria, with
the same in the bakery, refacing exterior of the
building, etc. In checking the records we find
that the membership had authorized the Build
ing Committee to call for bids on these phases
of the work, but that the bids have not yet been
submitted by the various contractors.
From an examination of the site of the building
we find that the plaster that is intended to re
main is in veFy bad condition, and that the wir
ing which is not being replaced is in equally
poor shape. There are a number of other items
which should be replaced, if we are to have a
building that will hold up over the years. We
realize that the Building Committee is trying to
keep the cost to a minimum. However, w;e feel
that it is to the interest of the membership in
the long run, if we replace these things now
while everything is torn up, rather than wait for
trouble to develop at a later date, and necessi
tate the calling in of a contractor to tear out
what is now being done in order to get at the
trouble.
In view of all the foregoing it is recommended
that the Building Committee be instructed by this,
membership to call for bids for these items and
any other replacements necessary, in their opin
ion, to give us a comparatively new building
when alterations are completed.
The New Building
Before "And After
Above is a prealteration view of Ihe building
which is now being transformed into the mag
nificent new HeadquartersNew York Branch as
represented by the architect's sketch at right.
Upon completion, the beautiful exterior will be
snatched by the good looks and utility of the
structure's interior, and Seafarers using the
v^aried and complete facilities that will be avail
able will find accomodations second to none any
where. The galley, cafeteria, shower rooms, rec
reation quarters, auditorium, bar and all the
rest of the many facilities are designed to be the
last word in comfort and convenience. At the
left corner is the street entrance to the Port O'
Call Bar, which will be colorfully decorated with
'waterfront themes. At the right corner is the
slopchest, where a full line of all gear needed by
Seafarers will be available at moderate costs. _
. .. .1.
mmm.
Page Six THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, March 9. 1951
New Orleans Shipping Improves;
Branch Backs Municipal Workers
By LINDSEY WILLIAMS
NEW ORLEANS—Shipping ac
tivity has been on the upgrade
in this port during the past two
weeks.
Since the last membership
meeting there were eight pay
offs, 10 signons and about 35
ships visiting the port intransit.
The outlook for the next two
weeks is very good, with eight
scheduled payoffs due in the
port. It is likely that other ves
sels will be coming in for pay
off, as the ships under Army
charter are not listed and we do
not get the information concern
ing their arrival until they are
in port, or a day or two out.
SANITATION STRIKE
As the membership in New
Orleans knows, the city's Sani
tation and Parkway Workers are
on strike and they are having
a rough time. The Commission
Council is doing all in its power
to break the strike, and has
gone as iar as using prisoners
to pick up the garbage under
police protection.
We are, of course, supporting
i
'Draft Follies'
Befflos New Run
In PMIadelphia
By STEVE CARDULLO
PHILADELPHIA — Surpris
ed? Philadelphia is back on the
ball again. You can look for our
LOG entry every issue. I know
this makes you happy.
Shipping has been on an even
keel for the past several weeks.
We look forward to keeping it
at a fair pace for the coming
twoweek period.
One of our main beefs in the
port of Philadelphia is the draft
board. One case we had—and we
got a kick out of it—concerned
a ship that was due to sail and
was short two ABs.
We had two ABs in the Union
Hall who were to report to the
draft board at once, and could
not take a ship. Now—the ship
was due to sail for the Far East.
The Coast Guard would not clear
the ship until we got two ABs.
Two ABs in the Union Hall were
wanted by local draft board.
DIZZY GAME
They just kept juggling back
and forth. Draft board wanted
them and the Coast Guard
wouldn't clear ship. So we kept
referring back and forth one to
the other. If this makes sense—
we have none.
Looks like all the Philadelphia
boys are coming back from Ko
rea. It's good to see old "familiar
faces: Jimmie Doris, Eddie Lamb
and Danny Picerelli.
Jimmy Doris tells us he had
quite a trip back on the plane.
They had a nice trip. Can you
imagine ten SlU men in a plane?
They wanted to see the Old
Man about a draw. They tried
to check the Oiler on the plane
to see if he was strike clear.
On finding out there was no
Oiler they tried to get the Skip
per to sign a contract with the
SIU manning scale for that
plane. From what I understand
of the opposition they got from
this, they intended to string a
picketline around the plane.
the demands of the striking
workers. At present it appears
that a majority of the people
of New Orleans are also in sym
pathy with the strikers, but the
city administration will not grant
an increase in pay in spite of
public sentiment. The strikers
have very little money and we
have pledged them financial
support.
The city claims the strike is
over and that shortly there will
be regular garbage pickups. But
from all indications it will be
quite some time, unless they re
hire all the men who are out
on strike.
It was amusing to read the
article in a. New Orleans paper
telling of five men from the
house of detention who got gas
sed up while out on a garbage
pickup detail.
These guys unloaded a truck
full of garbage right in the street
when they pulled the wrong
lever on a packertype garbage
truck.
At any rate we're all hoping
the strikers win their beef and
real soon.
ON KROO BOYS
Since the last meeting, we have
met with the Mississippi Ship
ping Company in regard to Kroo
boys on the West African run.
Mississippi is trying to put an
other ship on this run, but in
order to do so it will have to put
on additional Kroo boys to speed
up the sailings of these ships.
We have reached an under
standing with the company, and
the Hecommendations we made
were discussed with various
members, who regard them as
okay. As a result, no overtime
will be taken away from the
crewmembers.
What the Kroo boys may and
may not do while the vessels are
at sea was outlined at our last
membership meeting here.
Tex Morton, the "Thorny Rose of Texas,"
carries his own tableclothes aboard ship.
While on the Robin Locksley recently, he
offered the crew the use 6t his own linens
when the ship ran out of clean clothes. .On
the serious side, Tex shows his realization
of his obligations to the Union and accepted
the Engine Delegate's job. . . . The Uniqp's
Lake Charles representative tells the New
York Organizers that he shipped twenty
three men aboard tankers in that small
southern port in four days. . . . The Domin
ican Republic Chamber of Commerce will
undoubtedly ban the LOG from that coun
try but, nevertheless, this is to advise you
that several complaijits have been coming
in about the wooden souvenirs being brought
there. These trinkets—lamps, dolls, etc.—are
made of lignum vitae, which cracks when
it hits the cooler temperatures of North
America. So, beware.
In case you are interested department—
The five largest freight operators under con
tract to the SIU, in their proper order, are:
Waterman, Isthmian, Bull, Mississippi and
Alcoa. ... If you are tired of it all, do as
a couple of crewmen aboard the 88 Tain
aron did: Drink some denatured alcohol.
Only one out of ten thousand will try it
but, you'll undoubtedly agree, why try it
at all. It's a shame that people must learn
some things the hard way. , . . Walter Cher
esko is about the twelfth member to send
us teasing post cards from the Miami Beach
area. If they revert to shipping deck boys,
I believe I'll ship and enjoy one of those
Florida vacations myself. . . . Bhipmeht of
cargoes in German f^g vessels during 1950
doubled the amount carried in 1949. Nearly
fifty percent of all goods passing through
West German harbors was carried in Ger
man ships.
The two new 8eatrains being built in the
8un 8hipyard, which we Commented about
Watch Your Book
NEW YORK —The most im
portant possession an SIU mem
ber has is his Union Book, which
guarantees him top wages, the
best working conditions and the
best representation in all mari
time.
To the oldtimer it is a remind
er that he had a hand in rais
ing the American seaman from
the lowest rung in the industrial
ladder to a place where his con
ditions are as good as any shore
side worker.
To the newer member it is a
constant reminder that he ijs one
of the "Brotherhood of the Sea,"
and that what happens to him
is the concern of every other
member of the Seafarers.
Most — 1 guess all — of the
membership feels the same way
as 1 do, yet some few treat their
book — the physical manifesta
tion of their membership — as
if it meant nothing. By that I
mean that some of the member
ship are completely indifferent
to what happens to their book.
They are constantly losing it,
misplacing it or tearing it. Then
they come down, very contrite.
and ask for a duplicate. Some
have had as many as six dup
licates.
Duplicates are easy to get —
they only cost a doll^ (and I,
for one, am in favor of charging
morel^but what these careless
characters don't seem to keep
in mind is that if their lost books
fall into the wrong hands, it
will let a flock of free loaders
into the shipping, Hall to grab
jobs. They'll be found out in
short order, of course, but mean
while they cause confusion.
So, Brothers, keep your good
eye open, and hold on to your
books. However, since accidents
—and rollings—do happen, mem
orize your book number, sd that
you can notify Headquarters,
which can trace the book, and
issue you a duplicate.
Louis Goifin
X %
Goodbye, Mr. Chips
NEW YORK—On Tuesday of
this week, Customs Port Patrol
officers boarded the Steel Rover
for a routine search. Noticing
one of the crewmembers was
unduly nervous while they were
searching his foc'sle, they shook
him down and found some heroin
and opium in his pocket.
In no time at all, the place was
swarming with officers, like flies
on cheesecake in midsummer.
But this guy was the only one
involved, and he's all set for a
narcotics rapv If he doesn't
shave until hie gets out of jail,
I'd hatg to be the guy to cut
his beard.
But even if he gets away with
it—and I'll give odds on that
possibility—oiie thing is certain:
He's through with the SIU. Any
man caught with the possession
of narcotics, is automatically
brought up on charges, and it's
the 99 for him.
Ted Babkowski
some time back, will be named after the
8tates of Louisiana and Georgia. Drool, all
you 8eatrain homesteaders. ... ILA steve
dores drew the first pension payments
under the terms of a recent. agreement.
Thirtysix members become eligible on
March 1. . . . Merchant seamen (that's us)
suffered more slips and falls than any other
type of accident of the 3023 accidents re
ported. ... If you do not pick up your mail
within ninety days after it is postmarked,
it must be sent back to the post office.
Don't think that this rule stops the Draft
Board from locating you, if you are out
for more than three months.
Heard a rumor around the Hall the other
day that shipping was picking up. . . . Buddy
Benson having trouble persuading the US
Government from putting him into the "My
Buddy" classification. ... In preparation
for it's new "modus operandi" in the mod
ernized Brooklyn headquarters, the Union
has consolidated the various departments
on the different floors of the present New
York building, and will get a practical idea
of what kinks may arise. In this manner
the Seafarers will be loaded for bear when
we get into our new Headquarters.
This sounds like a broken record, but the
importance of getting higher endorsements
cannot be overemphasized. If you have the
seatime, the ability or the experience neces
sary, go up for the higher rating. If you are
"draftable," that rating should be a must.
. . . WARNING—^If you are paying off on a
voucher, get the Captain's signature on that
voucher and take it with you to the com
pany office for payment. For cry in' out
loud, don't put your signature on the vouch
er and leave it with the Captain. Don't
laugh, it's been done. . . . And just for
laughing (or should I say sneering) at this
column, you'll hear no more from m"e—for
two weeks.
Another Tough Law
Now Being Readied
To 'Reward' Laber
WASHINGTON—The Associat
ed Press reported that "strong
sentiment was reported building
up in the House armed services
committe for a tough labor law
designed to prevent wartime
strikes."
The law is sponsored by Rep..
Howard W. Smith, Dixiecrat
from Virginia, who coauthored •
the World "War II SmithCon'
nally AntiStrike bill.
The bill would take away all
seniority rights and all existing
lawgranted privileges of work
ers who engage in a strike or
other form of work stoppage
which the President, by proc
lamation, says would be harm
ful to the national defense pro
gram.
While the soldiers are away
fighting for a free America',
characters like Smith want to
change the rules for living in
the great land the GIs are de
fending. So when Smith and his
kind wrap themselves in the
American flag to attempt to get
passage of this law or a similar
act, remember what they are
actually doing is chipping away
some of the. freedom which
workingmen's sons are dying to
protect on the battlefield. , , >
I I
h'.
Friday, Mai^h 9, 1951 THE S E AT ARE RS LOG
Pi
page Seven
• • "• f.', • .
• : • :• ,: .• f
• \ .'•
. • M'i' '• • • "'
WHAT
tTHIMK
QUESTION: The Union intends to. decorate the bulkheads of the bar in the new HeadquartersNew
with murals depicting famous scenes in ports throughout the world. Which one, or ones, do you think should be
York building
represented?
AL WHITMER, AB:
Capetown belongs on any
mural of that kind. At the
tip of Africa;, it is a colorful
spot that is a port of call for
many, many ships of most na
tions. New York also rates'a
spot, possibly with a view of
the famous skyline or some
feature of the harbor. New
York rates because it is known
as the greatest port in the
world, and no mural of the
kind mentioned would be com
plete without New York be
ing represented. A good view
of the Gatun Lodes in the
Panama Canal Zone .ought to
..be'included, because it is such
a valuable thing to all mari
time nations, especiedly the
US.
ENRICO TIRELLI, AB:
Miami is my choice. I think
it is a beautiful port—the comr
bination of skyline, weather
and color is almost unbeatable.
When looking at it, coming in,
with the Causeway seeming to
hsmg in midair—^well, it kind
of takes your breath away. As
second choice, there's Tokio.
Fujiyama looks down upon
you, and it's impressive. And,
of course, in both cases the
.people in the ports arean im
portant part of the attraction.
You can just remember the
past friendliness as you near
the port, even though you
can't see the people yet.
CLYDE LANDRY, Ch. Elec.: CALVIN JAMES. Messman:
I like the sight of Capetown,
with its Table Top, and Hon
olulu's Diamond Head. Oh yes,
how about the Fiji Islands?
They make a beautiful scene
and could be shown as seen
from an ai^roaching ship,.
with the snow white sand and
the attractive colors of the
water. I think that Capetown's
Table Top Mountain is one of
the best scenes I've enjoyed.
The pictures could show the
Mountain with a cable car ap
proaching it. It certainly is one
of the world's most colorful
spots, as most seamen will no
doubt testify. It belongs on
any waterfront mural.
I like Colombo. Ceylon, be
cause of the interesting effect
it gives when you enter the
harbor. I believe it's the only
port where the ships are tied
up in a line, giving the effect
of a definite organized pattern.
The port is a quiet one. but
a really beautiful one for sea
men who are interested in
some of the sights instead of
the women. (Okay, smile if
you want to.) Seeing its pic
ture on the bulkhead in our
new HalL will serve to remind
me of the wonderful times that
were had there. It certainly
is a good idea.
W. TSCHUSCHKE. Oiler:
I'd suggest Diamond Head
Mountain in Honolulu, a good
looking spot that is one of the
Hawaiian Islands, most out
standing points of interest. I
believe that Honolulu is a
port with which most Seafarers
are familiar. Capetown's Table
Top Mountain would also make
a good scene in the mural.
New York with its thrilling
skyline, that is familiar to
practically every seaman in
the world, certainly belongs in
the picture. However, even
though I am a New Yorker.
I'd rate Table Top Mountain
over the New York skyline
as a point of scenic interest
to seamen.
HANK SHEPETA, AB:
I'd like to see a view of
Sydney, Australia. Coming into
that port you get a sight of
the bridge over the bay that
never fails', to remind me of
the Golden Gate in Frisco. I
guess Table Top Mountain in
Capetown would belong in a
waterfront mural. It should
also have the Manhattan sky
line, which is what everyone
knows New York for. And
here's one I don't think should
be omitted from the mural—
the Statue of Liberty, because
that's the thing a seaman
looks for first when his ship
is coining inleNew York. It's
piractically the symbol of New
York harbor.
J. (Dutch) SERCU, FWT:
Two places that ought to be
on the mural are Table Top
Mountain and Lion Mountain
in Capetown—they can be seen
for. long ways out at sea. They
would suggest a clean atmos
phere. For tropical, beauty on
our own East Coast, I don't
think you can beat San Juan,
and it could be easily pictured
on a mural. It lays right in a
basin, surrounded by hills, and
has a climate that California
would find hard to beat..Naples
offers another goodlooking
spot—perhaps a view of the
cable car going to the top of
the mountain on which there
are a monastery and museum.
GEORGE (Red) BRADY. AB: R. HEMINGSON. AB:
We ought to take familiar
waterfront sights from the
ports wherever we have SIU
Halls. For example, for San
Francisco we could have a
scene of the Golden Gate
Bridge. For New York, a view
of the skyline. Down in New
Orleans, there's the French
Quarter that is so well known
to people everywhere. For
Mobile, we could use a view
of the bay. There are plenty
of spots risewhere in the
world :that are goodlooking,
but this country .too Longhas
been, playing up the beauty
of the rest of the world. Let's
start recognizing the beautiful
sights of our own country.
I'd say Yokohama, with Mt.
Fujiyama in the background,
ought to be on the kind of
mural being considered. There
are twin breakwaters in the
harbor that have lighthouses
on each end of the walls, and
this picture has always struck
me as one of the most colorful
waterfront scenes that I have
seen anywhere. Narvik. Nor
way. is another. Situated in a
fjord. with snowcovered
moimtains on all sides, it is
another place that would make
a good scene. I've always
thought some .spots in Port
Said were good looking, but
there are always too many
coca colu signs around. '
MICKEY McFALL. Wiper;
I think a picture of Balti
more's Sparrows Point, as it
appears from • a ship coming
up the bay. would be good to
have on the mural. Another
one thai should be shown is
Table Top Mountain in Cape
town. because that's one spot
that is known to seamen every
where. Down in the Panama
Canal there's a sight familiar
to many. Before hitting the
locks you can see the water
fall. This scene is used quite
a bit in advertisements. Cer
tainly, the mural should have
a view of the New York har
bor and the Brooklyn Bridge,
especially since our new Hall
will be right close to it.
Page Eight THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, Mardi 9, 1951
ExSeafarer Killed
In Action On
Korean Battlefront
/
Weldon Lee Bassett, former member of the SIU's
Atlantic and Gulf District, was killed in action on the
Korean battlefront while serving in the United States
Army, the LOG learned this week.
Bassett's death as a result of
action last December
Clark And ClarkeSiU Vets
enemy action last December is
the first one reported of a form
er Seafarer. However, two SIU
crewmen, George Miller and
Lewis W. High, were slain last
October by North Korean snipers
along the road between Inchon
and Seoul. According to reports
at the time, Miller and Hughes,
who were in the crew of the
Citrus Packer, were ambushed
while riding in a jeep, after their
vessel had unloaded a cargo of
ammunition in Inchon.
SAILED IN WAR
Bassett sailed with the SIU
diuring World War II and held
, Book No. 27406, which was is
sued to him on August 30, 1943
in the Port of New York. He
sailed in the Deck Department.
Shortly after leaving the Sea
farers, he was drafted into the
Army and served out his hitch.
Upon getting his discharge, Bas
sett returned to his home in
Blue Earth, Minnesota, where he
worked until he was recalled as
a result of the Korean conflict.
Bassett is survived by his
wife, Eva, and his oneyearold
son, who make their home in
Blue Earth. Bassett was bom in
the Minnesota town on June 20,
1923.
The news of Bassett's death
was passed along to the SEA
FARERS LOG by Alan Jaquish,
a former! shipmate.
"I am sure that anyone who
sailed with Lee Bassett will feel
the same as I—^that we have
lost a fine Union Brother and a
swell shipmate," Jaquish said.
Jacquish, who retired his Book
No. 33006 and now resides in
Fair Hills, New Jersey, also said
that he intends to visit the SIU
Hall now under construction as
soon as it is completed.
He added that the new Brook
lyn building is a symbol of the
Union's growth and is a long
step from the quarters the SIU
occupied on Stone Street, where
he got the tripcard that started
him sailing on SIU ships.
Dredge Men Vote
Ship's Fund To
Shipmate's Widow
The proceeds of the Sand
chief's ship's fund, augmented
by crewmembers' personal con
tributions, has been turned over
to the widow of John Rusinko,
who worked as Pumpman aboard
the sand dredge until his death
a couple of weeks ago.
Ship's Delegate Vic D'India
said that the $245 in the ship's
fund was unanimously voted to
Mrs. Rusinko. A collection net
ted another $102 and D'India
forwarded a check for $347 to
the late crewmember's wife.
Rusinko's death shocked ,his
shipmates, all of whom found
him a fine shipmate. Marty
Breedhoff, his roommate on the
Sandchief, was particularly sad
dened by Rusinko's death.
"Johnny was a capable sea
man, and a good Union man,"
Marty said. "He was personable
besides, which made him just
about as good a shipmate as
you'd expect to find anywhere."
Joe Lightfodt,
SIU Deck Man,
Dies In New York
Seafarer Joseph B. Lightfoot,
who died in the Manhattan
Beach Marine Hjospital, New
York, on January 6, was buried
in his home town of Savannah,
Ga., according to word reaching
the LOG this week.
A member of the SIU • since
1941, Lightfoot • had been a pa
tient for a long period at the
Although not related these two sturdy Seafarers have been
dubbed the "Clarke twins" by shipmates on the Del Sud.
They're John (Scotty) Clark (left) and L. (Windy) Clarke. Ac
cording to Ship's Delegate L. B. Brown, who submitted the
photo, the twins have about 80 years of seatime between them.
"Scotty." a Watchman, has been in the SIU since its inception.
His other half has been around quite awhile himself.
Voice Of Dke Sea
By "SALTY DICK"
The title of "best dressed seaman" may now go to
Moses Milano. ... I hope Moon Kouns doesn't get sore
at me, but everytime I see him I think of Santa Glaus.
For those who play the horses.^Z T T"!
The editors of the various ships'
papers published on SIU ves
sels are doing a wonderful job.
Latest to join the circle is my
good friend Bill Champlin, who
edits the MarLog.
Ralph Boyd has probably sub
mitted more pictures to the SEA
FARERS LOG than anyone I
know. As a photographer he
rates tops.
Parting Of The Ways
Edward Burke (left) accepts good wishes of Seafarer Robert
Benjamin during furlough visit to New York Hall. Burke, who
entered Army in September, 1950, says he has run into many
SIU men now wearing khaki. He and Benjamin have been
longtime SIU friends. ,
I suggest they see Ivan Burning,
exjockey. He knows his horses,
yet he never places a bet on
them. Smart guy. . . . A1 Tocho
keeps more medicines in his lock
er than the Walgjreen Drtig
Company, I betcha. . . . Have you
ever seen a mustache in techni
color? If you haven't, take a
look at "Taxi" Smith.
George (Heavy) McFall drives
a Packard around town, but he'll
never drive it near a junk yard.
If he does, he'll probably lose
it. . . . Let's keep our Union
Halls clean, as we do our ships.
And ourselves, for that matter.
We have the best maritime Ub
ion in the field, and we should
aim to keep it so.
A busy person is Miss Spen
cer of the New Orleans Hall.
Yet she's never too bu.sy to help
anyone. . . . Did you know that
one of the deepest parts of the
Atlantic Ocean is near Puerto
Rico? Now I know why a cer
tain Cook throws his old socks
overboard in that area.
William Smith is fast becom
ing a farmer in a big way. He's
raising chickens in Alabama on
a large scale. . . . When your
ship is in port where there is
an SIU Hall, drop around and
find out what's going on—and
attend shoreside meetings.
Our friend, "Little Joe" Kot
alik is now operating a package
liquor store on the Airline High
way in New Orleans. And he's
given a ship's name to his bus
iness—^the Del Norte.
Kenny Eckholm is reported to
have had a job as a head waiter
in an exclusive hotel in Rio.,..
JOSEPH B. LIGHTFOOT
Fort Stanton, New Mexico, Mar
ine Hospital before being trans
ferred to Manhattan Beach.
m
He joined the SIU in New
York on June 8, 1941, and held
Book No. 7453. He sailed in the
Deck Department.
Lightfoot was born in Savan
nah on February 8, 1917, accord
ing to records at Union Head
quarters. He listed his mother,
Mrs. J. T.' Lightfoot, 119 West
Jones Street, Savannah, as his
next of kin.
"They're of the best. No reason
why we shouldn't use them,"
he figures.
Union Oldtimer Advocates
Periodic Medical Checkups
A Seafarer rates the same interest and attention to
his seaworthiness as the ships he sails, in the opinion of
Claude Fisher, Union oldtimer.
"Our men ought to have medit
cal checkups perodically to see
how they're ticking," says Fish
er. "Ships are inspected regular
ly and there's no reason why
we shouldn't do the same."
Fisher practices what he rec
ommends, too. When he paid off
the Beatrice, on which he served
as Stewards Delegate, on Febru
ary 5, he went into drydock at
the Staten Island Marine Hospi
tal, where he got a complete
looking over.
"It was like an assembly line.
I went through a thorough check
by the staff." He had words of
praise, too, for Dr. Henry Gel
fond, the nurses' and "Mike," the
technician, saying that they "all
do a sincere job."
The healthwise Fisher be
lieves that an ounce of preven
tion takes little time. Facilities
are available for Seafarers at the I
Marine Hospitals, he points out. ' CLAUDE FISHER
• • • ".• *>;7Tr:^jrrT:'''\ riy'r ''"ft*';
Friday, March 9, 1951 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Nine
Digested Minutes Of SiU Ship Meetings
CARROLL VICTORY (South
Atlantic). Jan. 23—Chairman, D.
Story; Secretary, John CanlxelL
Discussion on butter; decided not
to use it at all. Motion carried
to draw up a resolution concern
ing draws. Delegates reportec
some disputed overtime to be
squared away in the States.
Jan. 30—Chairman. John Can
irell; Secretary, A. Tremer. Spe
cial meeting called to discuss
bulletins from Headquarters on
unloading cargo and time oif. On
unloading cargo considerable dis
cussion held on who has prefer
ence in working cargo in for
eign ports. Headquarters to be
asked for clarification. LOG ar
ticle concerning Stewards De
partment duties given to Stew
ards Delegate so his department
could hold a meeting on the
matter.,
S. '4 4.
FORT HOSKINS Cities Serv
ice), Feb. 4—Chairman, Stephen
Bogucki; Secretary, Frank Flan
agan. Delegates reported all in
order. New depai tmental dele
gates elected. Brothers with sug
gestions for new Union Hall
asked to list them on form posted
on bulletin board. Suggestion
made that man on sanitary duty
should distribute linen to his
department, rather than having
each man responsible.
1 & »
WINTER HILL (Cities Serv
ice), Jan. 31—Chairman, S. Tur
ner; Secretary, Percy Mays. Del
egates reported all okay. Discus
sion on new Coast Guard papers.
Ship's Delegate read Headquar
ters communication concerning
time off and unloading cargo.
Entire crew voted support. Mo
tion carried to work toward in
creasing the milk supply to that
carried on other SlUcontracted
ships.
» & »
GOVERNMENT CAMP (Cities
Service), Jan. 23 — Chairman,
John Annal; Secretary, B. Jarvis.
Delegates reported the number
of books and permits in their
departments. Motion carried to
have one man from each depart
ment clean the recreation room
daily.
t, % %
ABIQUA (Cities Service), Jan.
27—Chairman (not given); Secre
tary, Charles Hampson. Dele
gates reported number of books
and permits in their depart
ments. Motion carried to find
out why Baltimore Patrolman
did not meet ship until she had
been in port 12 hour's. Letter
read on alien registration. Dis
cussion on validated papers.
?BR UNION POZ-ICY, WH^N PAY/NS
VOBS OR ASSesSMBAiTS THROUfSN THB
/V1AIL.S , PLHA^E ENCLOSB ElT/^ER YoUR.
BOOK OR P£«?MIT ALONS l/ViTTH
CHECK QR A^OMBY ORDBR COVBRIHG-
^OOR PAVAIENT .
new building tabled. until next
meeting.
4. & &
MONTEBELLO HILLS Pacific
Teuikers), Jan. 14—Chairman, A.
Brown; Secretary, Leon Baker.
Delegates reported no beefs. Mo
tion, carried to concur with Head
quarters letter on time off and
unloading cargo. Brother Joe
Bush claims his Arabian friends
lave been using his name for
testimonials without his permis
sion, and he wants to go on
record that he has not given
them his permission for such.
i ft
ALAMAR (Calmar), Feb. 4 —
Chairman, Elbert Hogge; Secre
tary, Daniel Biedronski. Dele
gates reported a food beef. Dele
gates reported number of books
and permits in their departments.
Repair list to be made up by
all departments. Discussion on
use of bedspreads for tablecloths,
ft ft ft
SEATRAIN NEW JERSEY
(Seatrain), Feb. 11 — Chairman,
Bill Frederick; Secretary,' Joseph
Malone. Delegates reported no
beefs, listed the number of books
and permits in their departments.
Suggestion made that Steward
have ventilator screens in mess
room cleaned. Bulletin read from
Headquarters on unloading car
go and time off. Suggestions for
ft ft ft
GREELEY VICTORY (South
Atlantic), Jan. 27—Chairman, A.
Williams; Secretary, H. Schuch
man. Ship's Delegate reported
that draw lists to be handed in
so money can be paid in Frisco.
Baker requestea mixing machine
for galley. Crew asked to co
operate with sanitary men by
keeping gear off the deck..
Feb. 11 — Chairman, Barney
Kinter; Secretary, H. Schuchman.
Check to be made on Chief El
ectrician to see if he went to
hospital in Fi'isco. Letter from
Headquarters on time off and
unloading cargo okayed. Motion
carried that ship should not have
sailed without a Chief Electri
cian, or 2nd Electrician should
have been promoted. Discussion
on $50 fine for missing ship,
ft ft ft
ALCOA CLIPPER (Alcoa),
Feb. 11 — Chairman, Repaid
Roberts; Secretary, Frank Plop
pert. Ship's Delegate reported
that lodging will be paid to all
men due it because of welding
work in Mobile. Motion carried
to have a night man relieve the
Fireman and Quartermaster in
the first and last ports of call
in the US. Discussion on buying
of athletic equipment.
BATTLE CREEK VICTORY
(Dolphin SS Corp.Triton). Jan.
23—Chairman, L. Taylor; Secre
tary, Lonnie English. Delegates
reported the number of books
and permits in their departments.
Captain to be seen about paying
of port payroll .
Feb. 12—Chairman, J. Caruso;
Secretary, J. Lynch. Delegates
reported all okay, except in
Stewards Department, where
Pantryman left ship and threw
additional work on department
members. Crew concurred with
communication concerning "time
off and unloading cargo.
^ ft ft ft
SEABEAVER (Colonial), Feb.
8 — Chairman, Buddy Benson;
Secretary, Jack Ryder. Delegates
reported number of books and
permits in departments. Motion
carried to have Patrolman check
the Stewards Department facili
ties on the ship so he can see
conditions. Union education dis
cussed.
ft ft ft
MOTHER M.L. (EagleOcean
Transport), Feb. 14 — Chairman,
James Ward; Secretary, James
McLinden. Delegates reported
all in order. Communication read
concerning time ashore and un
loading cargo read. "Guide for
Stewards Department" read.
Both communications accepted.
Suggestion made that the Stew
ards Department guide be pub
lished as a pamphlet for all
Stewards Departments.
ft ft ft
SEAWIND (Sealraders), Jan.
27—Chairman. R. Strahn; Secre
tary, E. Boyd. Delegates' reports
accepted. Motion carried that a
better quality and variety of
night lunch be put out. Steward
requested to have fewer starches
in menus. Motion carried that a
record be kept of disputed en
gineroom overtime for Patrol
man.
ft ft ft
ROBIN TUXFORD (Robin),
Jan. 1 Chairman, Joe Brooks;
Secretary, John Logan. Beefs
concerning no shore leave in
Fort Dauphin tabled. Discussion
on division of overtime among
the deck men. Motion carried to
install pilot light on washing
machine.
Jan. 14 — Chairman, John
Elliot; Secretary, Guernsey. Dele
gates reported no beefs. Bosun
reported that coffee beef would
be taken care of.
Jan. 28 — Chairman, Joe
Brooks; Secretary, William
Kumke. Delegates reported beefs
in overtime and painting of
foc'sles. Delegates to collect
money for the upkeep of wash
ing machine. Suggestion made
that all crewmembers receive an
itemized slip at payoff stating
wages and overtime. Suggestion
made that men should not send
clothes to National Cleaners in
Durban, as they are gyp artists,
ft ft ft
CHILORE (Ore), Jan. 28 —
Chairman, H. Collier; Secretary,
T. Hansen. Delegates reported
number of books and permits
in their departments. Chairman
read communications from Head
quarters, which were unanimous
ly adopted by crew.
• ft ft ft
SEATRAIN NEW YORK (Sea
train), Jan. 28 — Chairman, R.
Sweeney; Secretary, John Mon
ast. Ship's Delegate read com
munications from Headquarter^
on time ashore and working car
go. Motion carried to inquire
about transportation from the
Edgewater dock to the 60th
Street bus line. Suggestion made
that Dispatchers check all books
for fines before shipping.
ft ft ft
FEDERAL (Trafalgar), Jan. 27
— Chairman, C. Collins; Secre
tary, J. Thomas. Delegates re
ported number of books and per
mits in their departments. Head
quarters communication read and
approved unanimously. Vote of
thanks given the Stewards De
partment for the fine work they
are doing.
ft ft ft
CUBORE (Ore), Jan. 21 —
Chairman, G. Seneff; Secretary,
Edsel Luzier. Delegate reported
all in order. Letter from Head
quarters regarding time off and
unloading cargo read and ac
cepted. Black Gang overtime
from Panama to be turned over
to Patrolman.
Directory Of SIU Halls
SIU, A&G District
BALTIMORE 14 North Gay St.
William Rentz, Agent Mulberry 4540
BOSTON 276 State St.
Ben Lawson, Agent Richmond 20)40
Dispatcher Richmond 20141
GALVESTON 308^4—23rd St.
Keith Alsop, Agent Phone 26448
LAKE CHARLES, La.... 1419 Ryan St.
Keith Terpe, Agent
MOBILE I South Lawrence St.
Cal Tanner, Agent Phone 21754
NEW ORLEANS 523 Bienville St.
Lindsey Williams, Agent
Magnolia 61126113
NEW YORK 51 Beaver St.
HAnover 22784
NORFOLK 127129 Bank St.
Ben Rees, Agent Phone 41083
PHILADELPHIA 337 Markr't St.
S. Cardullo. Agent Market 71635
SAN FRANCISCO 450 Harrison St.
Lloyd Gardner, Agent Douglas 25475
SAN JUAN, PR....252 Ponce de Leon
Sal Colls, Agent
SAVANNAH 2 Abercorn St.
E. B. Tilley, Agent Phone 31728
SEATTLE 2700 1st Ave.
Ray Oates, Agent Seneca 4570
TAMPA 18091811 N. Franklin St.
Ray White. Agent Phone 21323
WILMINGTON, Calif.,. .440 Avalon Blvd.
Jeff .Morrison, Agent Terminal 42874
HEADQUARTERS. .51 Beaver St., N.Y.C.
SECRETARYTREASURER
Paul Hall
ASST. SECRETARYTREASURER
Earl' Sheppard
HEADQUARTERS REPRESENTATIVES
Joe Algina Robert Matthews
Joseph Volpian
SUP
HONOLULU 16 Merchant St.
Phone 58777
PORTLAND Ill W. Burnside St.
Beacon 4336
RICHMOND,Calif 257 5th St.
Phone 2599
SAN FRANCISCO 450 Harrison St.
Douglas 28363
SEATTLE; 86 Seneca St.
Main 0290
WILMINGTON..,.,^. ..440 Avalon Blvd.
Terminal 43131
Canadian District
MONTREAL 463 McGill St.
M.Arquette 5909
HALIFAX 128!/2 Hollis St.
Phone 38911
FORT WILLIAM. .1 18H Syndicate Ave.
Ontario Phone 33221
PORT COLBORNE 103 Durham St.
Phone 5591
TORONTO 86 Colborne St.
Elgin 5719
VICTORIA. .6I7!4 Cormorant St.
Empire 4531
VANCOUVER 565 Hamilton St.
Pacific 7824
SYDNEY 304 Charlotte St
Phone 6346
HEADQUARTERS .463 McGill St.
Montreal MArquette 7377
ft ft ft
IRENESTAR (Maine Sleamship
—Triton),. Dec, 17—Chairman, L.
Gillis; Secretary, J. Vorke. Del
egates reported all in order. Re
pair list made up and approved.
Three departments to alternate
in» keeping recreation room and
laundry clean.
Jan. 2 — Chairman, L. Gillis;
Secretary, J. Vorke. Delegates
reported disputed overtime and
the three day's room allowance
for time ship was in drydock.
Ten items presented to Captain
for repair. Motion carried riot to
payoff untU all beefs are settled,'
ft ft ft
YORKMAR (Calmar), Nov. 19
—Chairman, F. Engle; Secretary,
W. Trolle. Delegates reported all
okay. Repair list made up and
approved. Steward reported he is
doing the best he can to put
out first class meals.
CAMAS MEAIJOVS (US Pe
troleum Carriers), Jan. 21 —
Chairman, Marion Luska; Secre
tary; W. Murphy. Delegates re
ported. all in order. Suggestion
made that mail can be mailed
out through company agent and
charged to the" slopchest. Discus
sion on fire and boat drill sta
tions.
ft ft ft
FORT BRIDGER (US Petro
leum Carriers), Feb. 11—Chair
man, Gardner; Secretary, B. Mig
nano. Delegates reported no ov
ertime beefs. Motions carried to
comply fully with Headquarters
request concerning upgrading
and suggestions for new build
ing. Steward asked to get a
better grade of ice cream in
Italy.
ft ft ft
HURRICANE (Waterman),
Feb. 12—Chairman, Daniel Ticer;
Secretary, Paul Whitlow. Dele
gates reported all in order. Head
quarters communication on time
off and unloading cargo brought
to crew's attention and adopted
unanimously. Suggestion made to
check with Union as to whether
(Continued on Page 14)
Page Ten THE SEAFARERS LO& Friday. March 9, 1951
iSi:
SeaMinded Guys Warned
On Buying Worthless Info'
To Ihe Editor:
I am writing you this letter
because I would like to have
some information concerning a
certain "Seafarers Guide," put
out by another outfit out to get
money from men who are in
terested in finding out how they
• pan go to sea.
I have a brotherinlaw who,
sometime ago, heard an urgent
call over the radio and saw it
in the papers, saying' that the
country needed men to man its
ships, so he wrote into this out
fit for information.
They sent him a pamphlet
called the "Seafarers Guide"
with all kinds of "info" on how
to get into the merchant marine.
I've read it over several times
and to me the dope they give is
so damned exact that it sounds
to me like a phony deal, some
thing like the Merchant Mar
iners Club of America that ex
isted around 1945 and 1946.
My brotherinlaw also sent
three dollars to this outfit to
get papers by which he could
sail. As yet, he hasn't received
any further word.
I would appreciate it if you
would look into this and notify
all Seafarers through the LOG
that it is a phony deal.
William P. Grabenauer
(Editor's note: Every once
in awhile, we hear of me^
spending good dough for a
lot of highsounding talk put
out by outfits that say they'll
tell you how you can learn
how to become a seaman and
how to get your seamen's
papers—all for a "small sum."
The best thing for anyone in
terested in going to sea is to
steer clear of this particular
type of salesman. Actually,
this outfit cannot issue sea
men's papers. All it can do is
tell you to go to the Coast
Guard for the papers, and you
don't have to pay for that
kind of information. As for
teaching anyone how to be
come a seaman by sending
them a booklet to look over—
well, it's just plain silly.)
Bridge Came
. Frank Gages, DM, tops off
Jim Rawlins (left). Bosun, and
A1 Sandino, DM, as they chip
paint with electric guns on
bridge wing of the SS Sea
irain New York. Lurking near
by at the time was camera
man and shipmate Glen Vin
son.;.;:.
Seafarer Hughes
Recalled By
US Marine Corps
To the Editor:
In case any of my former
shipmates have been wondering
why they haven't seen me aroimd
any of the Halls lately, it's be
cause I have been reactivated in
the Marine Corps.
The last shipboard job I had
was. ah organizing job on a Mar
Trades ship, the Eileen. We sail
ed for Korea and it looks as
though it won't be long before
I'll be there again. But I don't
believe it'll be on a ship. If it
is, however, I hope it is an SIU
ship.
We have a pretty good bunch
of men in the SIU and I hope
they continue to' do the work
they have been doing. I also hope
that I have the .privilege of sail
ing with them again under as
good conditions when I get out.
BE SEEING YOU
I really had it smooth sailing
while being an active member
of the SIU. If I get stationed in
any of the ports, I will be look
ing forward to meeting some of
the boys.
Well, I better close now, it's
Washington's Birthday, but there
isn't any overtime in this organ
ization. But there will be again
for me if you guys continue to
have job protection.
While I'm at it I'd better say
hello to some of the boys like
Jack Wooten, George Bauer,
Pete Hoagy, Ski Walecki, A1
Belt and all the boys in Balti
more.
Roy Hughes
Quartet From The Puerto Rico
Since actions supposedly speak louder than words, it ap
pears that this foursome on the Bull Lines' passenger ship are
content with the shape of things as they relax during stopover
in Trujillo City. Left to right: Sid Bernstein, Deck Steward;
Dom Pasqua, Bath Steward; Allen Friend, MM, and Ray
Garafola, QM»
Cavalier Crewmen Suggest
Steward Uniform Allowance
'Old Man' Diamond To
Ride If Things Get Worse
To the Editor:
Please send the LOG to me at
Gallatin, Tenn. I am moving
there from my present home in
Baltimore.
Keep up the good work in
keeping our Union free of com
mies and of all kinds of fascism.
Give aU the boys my regards,
and if things get any worse this
"old man" will call for his book
again.
Until then, my best wishes to
the SIU. I eagerly .await the
LOG at all .times.
To the Editor:
Herewith is a copy of a reso
lution drawn up aboard the SS
Cavalier:
Whereas: Each job in the Stew
ards Department dealing directly
with passengers, requires special
pants, shoes, socks, ties, etc., and
Whereias: With each different
job these items vary somewhat,
and
Whereas: On each different
passenger ship the Steward has
his own varying ideas on what
should be worn, the expense to
be met by each man out of his
own money eats into his take
home pay for these items, and
Whereas: Other jobs are al
lowed a uniform allowance for
the same amount of required
clothing, therefore
Be It Resolved: That this rec
ommendation be forwarded to
Headquarters by this Ship's Del
egate for consideration and if
approved to be given to the next
negotiating committee to enter
into the contract.
Jack Parker
W. G. Black
W. .C, Eubanks
.. Mike RomaUio
Galveston Payoff Job
Suits Sea Cloud Crew
To the Editor:
Just a few lines to say. we of
the crew of the SS Sea Cloud
paid off in the Port of Galves
ton, and that we sure got goad
representation from Port Agent
Keith Alsop and Patrolman C.
(Whitey) Tannehill.
We had a good trip and we
all signed on again for another
trip. Tell all the boys hello and
the best for* this year.
Joe Banson
Engine Delegate
Take Treatment
At First Sign
Of Flu: Korolia
To the Editor: >"
s
Well, Brothers, here I am da
the good' ship Del Monte, after
being beached for over fiv^
uaonths.
I am writing this letter in the
hospital on the Del Monte and
I would like to call to all SIU
members' attention that there
seems to be a flu epidemic run
ning around and that it can
spread easily.
So be careful if you get a sore
throat, or if your bones start to
ache, or if you've been sneezing
frequently.Go get your temper7
ature taken to see if you have a
fever, as that is one way in
which you can tell if you have
the flu bug.
TAKE SHOTS
If and when any ship you're
aboard brings up the matter of
taking shots for the flu, take
them, as there is nothing to it.
You get one shot every 48 hours
until you've had six shots. Then
you get a booster. Taking these
shots is protection for all corin
earned, because if any ship ar?
rives in port with several cases
of the flu there may be no shore
liberty. The ship may be quar
antined.
If you get anyone of the ailr
ments I have mentioned above,
and you confine yourself to bed,
you'll probably be okay in twq
or three days.
On this ship we have one jof
the best.. Pmsers afloat, none
other than Jerry Lurie, who , is
known by thousands of seamen.
We get good treatment and a
diet ,of juices and soups. Yes,
Brothers, if you catch the bug
in time, you'll be okay in notht
ing flat. But if you allow .it tq
go along without doing any
thing about it, you can run into
serious trouble.
By the time this is publishedi
I'll be making the rounds in
Brazil, checking on all my se
noritas after an absence of 14
months. Happy sailing to all! .
Spider Korolia
Log'A'Rhythm
Incident Of French Shore Leave
By "Chanvig"
You know we Paolians stormed France
Some miles or so away;
Call it what you will, or romance,
What it's worth, or gainsay
The time of leave is short ashore.
Things are many to do;
Dewey and I in pair made for
Shopping to do and brew.
The clock had us licked, for its hands
Had no dbows to bend,
And, as ours did, our parched demands
Did fuller time distend.
Till at last I turned to Dewey
And urged to do pur chores.
And later quaff the foam brcwey
,;.. WhiUtt^:; tp;t^^
"Rightj" he said, "we've letters to send ;
And other things to do, r
So many days at sea we spend, .
And hours ashore are few, 1
It's hard to crowd our time so close, J
But hurry and we'll see • , ;
If—wait, perhaps to ask I s'pose r r ,
The whereabouts of places, we r i"
h^ot quite incoherent, but near,
I smiled a silly, smile ,
As walked toward us did appear . > ?
An old la,dy of style. / '
He spoke to her, made gallant bow,
Kissed her cheeks with French grace, i
Amazed, I asked, "Post office now ?
• ^Helh no! Her daughter's place."
I'l
[,'J
K] ;J
Friday, March 9, 1951 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Eleven
Think It's Easy?
m
Body building enlhusiasis on Salem Maritime group behind
barbell for photo by Brother Deri. Men are identified as (left
to right) Ed, AB; John. Wiper; John: Bill. AB; Ray, Pumpman;
Harvey, AB; Smitty, Wiper, and Reynolds, OS.
Seamen's Forward Strides Held Impossible
Without Aggressive Union Representation
To the Editor:
I just got through reading the
article by Bunker in the last
issue of the SEAFARERS LOG
on conditions that existed for
seafaring men about 100 years
ago.
The thing that impressed me'
in' the article, along with how
rugged it was to make a living
at sea, was that a gogd many
of those conditions could exist
today—if it weren't for'the fact
that we are organized in a strong
body.
The article says that Richard
Dana, who wrote yarns about
seamen, helped get several mari
time laws in those days that
gave the seaman a lot of rights
he never had. Dana also recom
mended that shipowners get out
and see that their ships were
put in decent shape and made
into' fit places for seamen to
work and live.
UNION DID IT
I agree with Bunker that these
seamen's rights and Dana's rec
ommendations didn't mean any
thing until seamen got them
selves union representation.
If we didn't have the strong
organization with the onthe
spot representation that we have
today, we wouldn't have come
such a long way in the past 100
years. As a matter of fact the
biggest gains made by seamen
have been made in the last 10
or 12 years, and mostly in the
last five or six.
A lot of guys who have come
into the SIU lately might have
the idea that the present high
wage scale that we have, the
manning scales, the detailed
working agreements and all the
rest just came about gradually.
Just for the record, I'd like
to remind them that we have a
chance to enjoy a decent liveli
hood and some security only be
oause the SIU was strong enough
to fight foro— and win — these
things.
• ' Sure, we've got refrigerators on
ships today and a lot of other
It's easy when you know
how. Bill holds the 115lb. bar
beU over his head to demon
strate his knowhow — and
muscles.
Ship's Delegate Deri is as
adept with the barbell as he
is with the camera. With one
hand. too.
student Cook Hails SIU's
Steward Training Program
To the Editor:
Just a line asking that you
change my mailing address from
Vandalia, Mo., to New Haven
Conn. I sure do enjoy reading
the LOG. Keep it coming.
J'm on the beach here in New
Haven, at least temporaiily. I'm
attending the Restaurant In
stitute of Connecticut, which is
really okay. They have a lot on
the ball there. It is for sure that
you can't take eight to sixteen
months of cooking instruction
without learning something.
I think that the Stewards De
partment training school pro
gram being set up by the Union
is a darn good idea. I'm all for
it.
A couple of suggestions I'd
like to make:
One is that the ships' minutes
all have the date on them (only
a few do), and perhaps even
state where she is bound.
Also that the Branch meetings
state how many men actually
attended that meeting. If this
was done, it would be easier to
figure out how many men were
there waiting for. jobs. As it is,
you only know how many reg
istered and shipped in the past
two weeks. . ~
Bill E. Doyle
(Ed. hole: All ships' minutes
appearing in digest form in
the LOG give the dates on
which the meetings were held.
Also, the last sentence of each
Branch's minutes contains the
number of men in attendance
at the meetings, as a check iof
any issue of the LOG will
show. If at any time any of
this data d.oes not appear, it
is because it was not given in
the original minutes.)
No Delay In Shipping Out
When Filing For New Papers
To the Editor:
There were several things in
the January 26 issue of the SEA
FARERS LOG that I didn't fully
understand.
On the front page, in the ar
ticle "Go After Your Rating,"
it said: "the Maritime Adminis
trator is seeking draft deferment
for rated men only."
During the year previous to
my retirement in April 1949, I
sailed as Second Electrician. (I
am married and an expectant
father.)
Are Second Electricians con
sidered to be deferable rated
men? Or does the term "rated
men" apply only to Chief Elec
tricians? Are Firemen and Oil
ers also deferable?
In the article headed "Coast
Guard Procedures For Getting
Endorsements," on page 3, it was
stated that application forms for
validated papers are available
at any Coast Guard office. In
order to ship out, will it first
be necessary for me to acquire
validated papers?
Could I apply in writing for
them now, before I ship out,
and pick them up after the trip
Say Uncle
is over? If I must have the vali
dated papers before I can get
a ship, could I fill out the form
at home, wait 60 days, then go
to New York to pick them up?
Earl Huebner
Clinton. Iowa
(Ed. Note: So far. no blank
et deferments have been es
tablished by Selective Service,
discretion in the matter of
deferments still being in the
hands of the local draft'boards.
The SIU is pushing for a na
tional policy of deferment for
seamen, the latest representa
tion having been made by its
Washington representative a
short time ago. as was reported
in the last issue of the LOG.
The term "rated rpen" referred
to applies to all ratings sail
ing above Ordinary Seamen.
Messman and Wiper. The sec
ond question—on getting vali
dated papers — was answered
on page 8 of the last issue of
lhe_ LOG. as follows: "Members
returning to sea can sail with
their old papers. However,
they must apply for the em
ergencytype o f document
when they signon aboard
ship. After they have been
screened and approved, they
will be issued the new papers.
Ihey do r.ot lose any time
waiting for the validated
papers.")
things that they didn't have in
those Jays. But those refrigera
tors wouldn't be any better
stocked than the food barrels
were 100 years ago, if we didn't
have Union organization and rep
resentatives to keep fighting the
operators to improve the feed
ing and other conditions on board
ship.'
TOUGH CUSTOMERS
Shipowners are no different
from any other group of bosses.
They're in business to make a
profit, and they'll give the people
working for them as little as
they can. They give only what
they have to give.
Seamen haven't got any more
rights today than they had 20
years ago. But any SIU man
today would consider a sea
man's life of 20 years ago as a
dog's life.
The difference in conditions of
then and now is only that to
day we have Union organization.
Seamen's rights—no matter how
nice they look on paper—don't
mean a thing if you're not strong
enough to back them up, and
to fight for them. The average
seaman wouldn't have a chance
as an individual against a ship
ping company. <
UNIONISM PAYS OFF
The Seafarer today gets what
he is entitled to these days be
pause he has enough sense to
know that his strength lies in
his Union. The shipping com
panies have learned that the
Seafarers are here to stay and
that they can deliver their end
of a contract. They know the
SIU will fight to get its mem
bership a decent living and de
cent shipboard conditions in re
turn.
I don't know whether I got
my point across. Anyway, I think
that when we read about condi
tions that existed for seafaring
men many, many years ago we
ought to remember that there
were no unions then.
I really enjoyed reading that
article in the LOG. I just hate
to think how it might be today
if I had to sail without the
benefits of membership in the
SIU.
M. (Blackie) Colucci
Ship To Shore
Mutual admiration is written all over the faces of Sea
farer Luden Robert* Elie and his niece, Laurice McCarthy.
Laurice's parents are Mr. and Mrs. Charles McCarthy of New
Britain. Conn.
RINEHARTS DONATE
BLOOD REGULARLY
TO AID SEAMEN
To the Editor:
I receive the SEAFARERS
LOG every two weeks and I
sure enjoy reading it, as it keeps
me informed about the Union
while my husband, "Reds" Rine
hart, is at sea.
He is now Deck Engineer
aboard the SS Anniston City.
When he is home, we make it
a rule to go to the Baltimore
Marine Hospital and donate blood
for merchant seamen.
He hasn't been home since
September, but I still go every
two months to donate blood,
which I credit to the SIU.
Mrs. Gertrude Rinehart
Baltimore. Md.
After six years of sailing on
SIU ships. Cecil B. Miles has
turned to footslogging for the
US Army. Here he is during
maneuvers somewhere near
Camp Atterbury. Indiana,
where he's temporarily sta
tioned.
Page Twelve THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, March 8, i9SI
I :J
Senate Report On CS Drive
Reveals SIU Won Rough Go
SIU Sweetlieait
To the Editor:
Reading about the Senate La
bor subcommittee's report on the
hearing held in the Cities Ser
vice case got me to thinking
about a few things.
The Senate committee recom
mended that Congress investi
gate the employment practices in
the unorganized sections of the
maritime industry, and its rec
ommendation was based on what
it found out in the Cities Ser
vice hearings, according to the
story in the LOG.
The committee feels that things
are pretty rugged in the unor
ganized tanker field. Cities Ser
vice was one of the leaders of
the labor spy setup until the
SIU brought it under contract.
So I was thinking that we
must have plenty on the ball if
we were able to bust through
all the obstacles that were put
in the Union's way and to come
but with an agreement with a
major tanker company.
I wonder if all of us who are
sailing the ships have ever taken
time out to think of what a
struggle it was to get CS under
the SIU banner.
BEAT NMU
I really think that sometimes
our membership doesn't fully ap
preciate the tremendous job that
was done in that fleet, especially
since the company had said that
no union would ever make head
way in its fleet. Remember, too,
that the company had been suc
cessful in smashing the NMU's
attempt to organize its seamen
on two occasions.
Diuring the thick of the fight,
when the company seemed to be
getting away with its stalling
and firing, and all the rest of its
maneuvers, I recall that there
were even a few of our own
men who felt that the SIU was
banging its head against a stone
wall. It might have looked that
way at times, but the Union cer
tainly must have known whatit
was doing.
After all, I also remember that
during the Isthmian campaign
there were guys in our Union
who said that the company
would never be organized, and
that we were wasting our time
ana energy in trying to win a
contract. But we nailed that one,
too.
I've felt right along that when
the SIU sets out on a course, it
will make port.
The success of the CS cam
paign, like the Isthmian cam
paign and the many other prob
lems tackled by our Union,
proves that we can do a job—
no matter what obstacles are
stuck in our way.
I guess the answer is that
we've got a membership that
will stick together through thick
and thin and see things through.
It proves that a united member
ship, plus good planning and
strategy, can accomplish most
anything.
Albert Lee
Warns Against
Peddling Liquor
To Guys In Khaki
To the Editor:
While in a Korean port re
cently, I saw a seaman sell some
whiskey to a soldier. I don't
know which imion the salesman
belonged to, but that's besides
the point. There's a lesson in it
for all of us.
My experience is that there
aren't many guys in our Union
who'll go in for this type of
salesmanship, but one g\iy can
be enough to ruin everything.
Selling whiskey to servicemen
would be a harmful thing to our
members, because it would be
bad publicity for the Union.
What hurts our Union, hurts our
membership and viceversa.
If any of our men were caught
selling liquor to GIs in^ Korea,
all of our good work—and the
Army has already acknowledged
the job we are doing on several
occasions^would be covered up
by the bad publicity resulting
from a few irresponsible guys.
TYPICAL GUYS
No SIU man likes to get a
raw deal, and the typical GI is
just like the typical Seafarer in
this respect.
Let's not jeopardize continued
recognition of the job Seafarers
are performing in getting the
goods to the front lines. If you
see anyone selling whiskey to a
soldier in Korea it's your duty
to see that the practice is stop
ped.
This, of course, doesn't mean
that if a seaman has a bottle he
shouldn't give a GI one or two
on the house—if no rules will be
broken. If the situation were re
versed, you'd appreciate it.
Whiley Held
Fund's 500G Bond Purchase
As Confident Move
This winsome lass has been
voted one of the sweethearts
of the Del Norte by Seidarers
aboard the Mississippi ship.
She's Shirley Louise Camp
bell, whose dad is Coolidge
CampbeU, AB. Sweet choice,
• we'd say. .
1
• 1
11;,
if
Every Seafarer A Reporter
Every Seafarer aboard ship is right where the news
is breaking. What goes on aboard SlUcontracted ships
and the activities of their crewmembers can make interest
ing reading.
All you have to do to translate these activities into
stories or reports to be read by the rest of the member
ship is to jot down the facts and forward them to the
SEAFARERS LOG. If you can turn out a good yarn,
that's fine. But if you think you can't, then all you need
do is write down the details and we'll take care of the rest.
Pictures heighten the interest of a story, so if you
have snapshots taken on your voyage, send them along
too.
Let's make every Seafarer a reporter. Submit your
stuff to the SEAFARERS LOG, 51 Beaver Street, New
York4, N. Y.
ARMY COULD USE
PATROLMAN, SAYS
PRIVATE BECAR
To tho Editor:
I want to have the LOG sent
to me while I'm in the Army.
As you know, a lot of us SIU
men are being taken in the
Army, and most of us who love
the sea miss it and our old ship
mates very much.
The Army is no joke, es
pecially for men who have been
used to good SIU representation.
I sure wish at times that I had
a Patrolman here to straighten
out a few things.
But one of these days, I'll be
able to go back to the job I
love. In the meantime, please
send me the LOG so I can keep
informed and not be ignorant
of what's happening on the sea
faring front.
Pvt. Stephen Becar,
ER13313211
5th E.T.C., T.O.S.
Aberdeen Proving Ground,
Maryland
To the Editor:
If I have to say so myself,
when the SIU does something it
does it right. That news about
the Welfare Plan investing $500,
000 of its reserves in Govern
ment bonds proves my point.
By putting that much dough
in bonds issued by the United
States Government, the SIU Wel
fare Plan has done more than
just make sure that its money
will draw interest which, by the
way, was a smart enough move
in itself.
I believe that this bond pur
chase is typical of the sound ap
proach m^e by the SIU in meet
ing practically any situation it
faces. *
The SIU has a record in, fight
ing the communists as enemies
of democracy that I think is sec
ond to none. The investment in
Government bonds carries this
fight just a bit fiu^ther. It shows
that we believe firmly in the fu
ture of our country and its de
mocracy.
It shows, too, that we pay
more than lip .service, and that
we have faith in the future of"
our democratic institutions. I, for
one, am particularly glad that the
SIU trustees made the very wise
decision that they did when they
moved for purchase of US Gov
ernment bonds.
As a result, our welfare as
seamqn is tied in with the wel
fare of the nation. We know darn
well that there is no future fo;:
any union man under any kind
of system that isn't democratic.
The way I look at it is this
way: We Seafarers are always
ready to do our share in fighting
to preserve the kind of setup we
have in this country. I think
we've showed that much already.
And I'm sure that we're ready
to do that much, and more, once
again if our country is ever in
danger.
Not only that, we're certaiil
that the democratic way will al
ways win out and, as our pur
chase of Government bonds
shows, we're willing to stake a
huge hunk on the future Am
erica, and on our belief in it.
That story of the Welfare
Plan's investment was about the
biggest and best news I've read
anywhere in a long time. Makes
me feel even more proud to call
myself a Seafarer.
Jim Allerlon
Dushane's Draft Stay Plea
Wins Approval As 'Good Job'
To the Editor:
I'm not of draft age so what
I have to say is strictly from the
standpoint of seamen in, general.
In the last issue of the SEAFAR
ERS LOG I read with great in
terest of what our Washington
representative, Matthew Du
shane, has been doing to try to
get Selective Service officials to
set up a policy of defermept for
merchant seamen.
Dushane's argument in favor
of such a policy packed the real
meat of the situation, and the
proper Government representa
tives would be very wise to pay
attention to his recomrhendations.
Like Dushane said, the prob
lem of manning the country's
merchant ships is a national one
and it seems that' local boards
are not hep to it, otherwise they
wouldn't continue to. dtaft skill
ed seamen throughout the na
tion.
As the SIU's representative in
Washington, I think that Du
shane rates a vote of thanks, not
only from the seamen, but from
the nation as a whole, for work
ing in what certainly is the best
inte^:ests of our national defense
effort. He's been right on the
ball.
Robert Cromwell
Tole Kisses Princess Rita's Hand Once,
Receives Six Salaants From Hubby Khan
To the Editor:
This is my first letter to the
LOG by way of. giving a big
buildup to a wonderful trip.
We sailed from New York on
the Robin Wentley last Decem
ber 5 for the African run, went
all the way around and are now
on the way back to Capetown.
The Wentley softball champs
played three games in Mombasa
taking the first game from the
team of the SS African Mo'On.
In the other two games, played
with a local British team in the
same port, we broke even.
Also in Mombasa, on or about
January 18, in the patio of the
Palace Hotel, I kissed the hand
of the beautiful Princess Aly
Khan, better known as Rita
Hayworth.
The Khan himself bowed six
times and gave me a big' smile,
so I have the idea I must have
done the correct thing.
In Mozambique, the devotees
of Izaak Walton aboard this ship
caught enough fish for every
body.
I made one trip with this com
pany about three years ago, and
on that trip studied and memo
rized the Constitution of the
United States. this trip, in
my spare time, I have written
it out, not once but twice. I
was going to give one copy of
it to the Seamen's Club in* Dur
ban but we missed that port this
'time.
I almost forgot to mention
that this is a fine ship with a
fine crew. Or as I was informed
by a British brigadier in Mom*
basa, "a happy ship." And as
Edward G. Robinson commented
in a movie, "with everything
first class."
Phil Tole
Here's Chick
Bosun Chick Troche ofthe SS Arizpa strikes a ifghting
pose, but with a smile on his face, for the ship's cameraman.
Despite the stance. Chick >s. a congeniaS guy, « good sailor,
good shipmate and good Union man. What more could you ask?
r
Friday. March 9, 1951 THIS SEAFARERS LOG Page Thirl'
Crews Back
Union Policy,
Returns Show
(Continued from Page I)
were to turn to for the discharg
ing operation in a foreign port.
The unloading in question was
made necessary by the emerg
ency confronting the nation and
its allies. Because of the gravity
of the international situation,
and the consequent need for
continuing an uninterrypted flow
of supplies to the democratic na
tions and the US Armed Forces,
the SIU urged all hands to turn
to as requested.
OBSERVE CONTRACT
In messages to all contracted
ships throughout the world, the
SIU pointed out that the Union
contract makes provisions for
this type of cargo work and
stressed the need for sticking
to the agreement.
. The question of time ashore
was brought up by the Union be
cause some crews in war areas
may feel that they are being de
prived of some " of the traditional
rights they enjoy under normal
circumstances. Going ashore, was
one of these.
HANDLE BEEFS PROPERLY
The Union advised, therefore,
that if such, a beef, or similar
ones, should arise, crewmembers
should not take time off on
their own, or to make a ship
board beef out of it. Ship's Dele California to New York
gates were urged to discuss the Alaska,
problem with the Skipper and if
the beef was not disposed of
satisfactorily at that point, it
would be handled at the pay
off in the usual manner, with
overtime being collected where
called for by the contract.
The two important points were
explained fully in communica
tions forwarded to all SIU ves
sels along with the airmailed
copies of the LOG. The replies
showing the overwhelming ap
proval of the recommendations
have been arriving at Headquar
ters continually since then.
Union Wreckers Warned
The SIU ii on record that charges will be placed agaiaat
men guilty of being the following:
PILFERERS: Men who walk off ships .with crew's equip
ment or ship's gear, such as sheets, towels, ship's stores, cargo,
etcw for sa]||9 ashore.
WEEDHOUNDS: Men who are in the possession of or
who use marijuana or other narcotics on board an SIU ship
or in the vicinity of an SIU Hall.
GASHOUND PERFORMERS: Men who jeopardize the
safety of their shipmates by drinking while at work on a ship
or who turn to in a drunken condition. Those who disrupt the
operation of a ship, the payoff or signon by being, gassed up.
All Seafarers, members and officials alike, are under
obligation to place chitrges against these types of chsuracters.
Polio Went On Rampage in '50;
March Of Dimes Girds For 1951
FBI Bjrector Asks People
To Join In Security Watch
J. Edgar Hoover, director of
the Federal Bureau of Investiga
tion", called on all Americans to
day to mount guard on the na
tion's internal security, but
warned against "witch hunts."
He said the country's enemies
were stirring and that every
loyal citizen had a share of re
sponsibility in protecting the
Polio str^ick again in 1950. For
the third consecutive year, in
fantile paralysis went on a ram
page across the nation, striking
more than 30,000 men, women
and children.
Only once before—in 1949—had
polio attacked with greater vio
lence. The toll of that tragic
year was still being counted as
the fresh onslaught began.
Hospitals and clinics were still
crowded with polio patients
from previous epidemics who
were depending upon March of
Dimes aid for continuing treat
ment.
Then, on top of this staggering
load,came the new cases. Dozens,
at first. Then hundreds. Then
thousands and more thousands,
as the epidemic swept the coun
FUNDS NEEDED
Before 1950 was over, March
of Dimes funds had assisted in
some measure more than 54,000
polio victims of this and other
years—at a cost of $20,000,000.
And that Wasn't enough.
The National Foundation for
Infantile Paralysis, for the sec
ond successive year, was forced
to operate at a deficit.
Polio played no favorites in
1950. Every section of the coun
try suffered heavy attacks.
Texas, the battleground of ma
Shipping Very Good In
And Looks Bright For
Mobile
Future
By CAL TANNER
MOBILE — Shipping in this
port for the past two weeks has
been very good, what with the
crewing up of two ships from
the laid up fleet, plus the regu
lar scheduled ships that paid off
and took replacements.
After checking with Water
man and Alcoa, it looks like it
will cpntinue to be good for the
coming two weeks with the fol
Ibwing ships due in to payoff
and to take replacements: The
Alcoa Pointer, Alcoa Pilgrim, Al
coa Runner, Alcoa Corsair, Iber
ville, Monarch of the Sea and
the Morning Light. The Chicka
saw is due but is intransit.
SEEKS WAIVER FOR ABS
Since the last report we have
been up to see the Commander
qnd Commissioners of the Coast
Guards, to se if we can get a
waiver for the men who' have
blue AB Tjpkets. At the present
time they will not sign on but
one, and we are trying to get
them to sign oh more than one
to be prepared for the future.
We have plenty of ABs on the
beach, but it looks like they all
want to ship as Bosun—so if
there are any ABs who are try
ing to get out in some other
port, and aren't making the
grade, we will be glad for them ^ ..
to take a trip South and we will hardhit areas. There were no
jor epidemics for six of the last
eight years, was hit harder
than ever before.
Virginia, with a long record
of light incidence, suddenly
found itself the focal point of
a raging epidemic.
, Maryland and' Iowa watched
their case records climb to un
precedented heights. But, whe
ther records were broken or not,
it was evident that the entire
nation still was being battered
by a polio wave higher than any
in our previous experience.
The last three years have been
the three blackest polio years in
the nation's history. Cumulative
incidence for this period reached
the monstrous total of 100,000
cases—almost as many as the
entire case load for the preced
ing ten years.
Fortunately, wherever polio
hit, a Chapter of the National
Foundation for Infantile Paraly
sis was on the spot, ready to
help the patient, his family, and
the entire community, as neces
sary.
The local Chapter was the
first line of defense against the
disease. Its chief weapon was
money — money contributed by
the American people to the an
nual March of Dimes.
March of Dimes money, ad
ministered by 2,822 National
Foundation Chapters serving the
entire nation, has paid bills for
patient care totalling $47,000,000
during the last two years.
EXPENSIVE FIGHT
Under the pressure of succes
sive epidemics 873 Chapters in
45 states were broke by mid
October of 1950 and had to turn
to their national office for fin
ancial assistance.
Before the year was over. Na
tional Foundation headquarters
had sent out more than $7,500,000
in supplementary aid to these
see that they get out.
UPGRADING
We would like to advise all
men who have enough seatime
to get a raise in their rating to
do so at once.
We are still trying to get de
ferments for the men in the
draft age who are holding rat
ings above Wiper, Messman and
Ordinary Seaman.
Some of the men on the beach
are: Andy George, E. D. Moyd,
Tim Burke, S. Finer, R. Stanley
and M. Morrison.
In the marine hospital are the
following Brothers: George W.
Murrill, Tim Burke and Emman
uel Lord. Seafarers in Mobile
should make it their business
to drop in once in awhile to say
heUo. If you're ^oard ship, or
in another port,' write them —
it's good medicine to know you
have not been forgotten by your
shipmates.
United States against spying and.
sabotage.
Hoover issued his caU in a
statement, on national security
prepared for The Associated
Press at its request.
"As our mobilization program
becomes a reality, we must ex
pect that those who would like
to weaken America will move
into action," he said. "The com
munist party has become moire
and more an underground or
ganization."
WATCH FOR THESE
The FBI head said the public
should be alert to report direct
ly to the FBI all information
relating to:
1. Allegations of espionage, sa
botage or subversive activities.
2. Foreign submarine landings.
3. Suspicious parachute land
ings.
4. Possession and distribution
of foreigninspired propaganda.
5. Theft or unauthorized pos
session or purchase of large
quantities of firearms, ammuni
tion or explosives, or shortwave
transmitters and receivers.
6. Poisoning of public water
supplies.
7. Chartering of airplanes for
flights over restricted areas.
8. Fires and explosions of an
unusual nature affecting any
phase of the defense program.
9. Suspicious individuals loit
ering near restricted areas.
10. Possession of radioactive
materials.
In inviting every one to be on
the alert. Hoover cautioned citi
zens against attempting to con:
duct their own investigations or
engaging in gossip or idle rumor.
MUST GUARD LIBERTIES
"The protection of the nation's
internal security is a twofold re
sponsibility," he said. "It must
encompass not only the safe
guarding of the nation's secrets
and vital areas, but also guar
antee that the civil liberties of
the citizen himself will not be
violated.
"Vigilante action and 'witch
hunts' only contribute to hys
teria. The task at hand must be
carried out in a calm and or
ganized manner if the resiilts
are to be effective."
Hoover pointed out that Presi
dent Truman, in a directive is
sued July 24, 1950, also request
ed individual citizens and pa
Other personnel furnished on
the same basis included more
than 100 physical therapists and
approximately 120 nursing con
sultants.
March of Dimes money ship
ped more than $1,000,000 worth
of iron lungs, hot pack machines
and other vital equipment on
spot notice from seven equip
ment depots strategically located
throughout the nation.
ALLOUT WAR
Up to midOctober these de
pots had rushed into epidemic
zones 521 respirators, 299 hot
pack machines, more than 200
cribs and beds, and a heavy
volume of miscellaneous hospi
tal supplies and equipment.
March of Dimes money did
double duty throughout 1950,
paying for longterm care and
rehabilitation of thousands crip
pled in previous years while at
the same time fighting the new
epidemics.
From May through August, Na
tional Headquarters sent out
more than a million dollars a
month to replenish Chapter funds
exhausted by the double burden.
If polio strikes again in 1951,
we must be prepared to strike
back. Epidemics cannot yet be
prevented. We can no longer an
ticipate "light" polio years. More
people are being stricken, more
patients need care, more money
is needed than ever before.
The nation's 10 worst polio
epidemics:
1949 42,173 cases
1950 over 30,000 cases
1948 27,902 cases
1916 27,363 cases
1946 25,698 cases
1944 .r. 19,029 cases
1931 15,780 cases
1945 13,619 cases triotic organizations to help by
1943 12,450 cases reporting suspicious circum
1935 10,839 cases stances to the FBI.
more reserves for patient care.
Every last penny had been spent.
March of Dimes money paid
hospital bills for thousands of
families who could not meet the
high cost of polio care unaided.
Four out of every five of the
stricken needed—and received
financial assistance from the Na
tional Foundation and its Chap
ters.
• March of Dimes money paid
for nursing care, physical ther
apy, transportation, wheelchairs,
braces and crutches whenever
necessary. Help was given to all
who needed it, without regard
to age, race, creed or color.
March of Dimes money paid
salaries, travel expenses and
maintensmce of more than 1,600
desperately needed nurses re
cruited for the National Founda
tion by the Red Cross for emerg
ency service in highincidence,
areas in 87 atntes.
Notice To AH SIU Members
The SEAFARERS LOG as the official publication of the Sea
farers International Union is available to all members who wish
to have it sent to their home free of charge for the enjoyment of
their families and themselves when ashore. If you desire to have
the LOG sent to you each week address cards are on hand at every
SIU branch for this purpose.
However, for those who are at sea or at a distance from a SIU.
hall, the LOG reproduces below the form used to request the LOG,
which you can fill out, detach and send to: SEAFARERS LOG, 51
Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y.
PLEASE PRINT INFORMATION
To the Editor:
I would like the SEAFARERS LOG mailed to the
address below:
Name
Street Address
City Zone.. State
Signed
Book No.
• I
Page Fourteen THE SEAFARERS LOG Fridar, March 9, 1951
Digested Minutes Of SiU Ship Meetings
V (Continued from Page 9)
ammunition carried can be con
sidered penalty cargo. Crew ask
ed to fill out beneficiary cards
as soon as possible.
KATHHYN^ (Built. Feb. 18 —
Chairman. Alan MacDonald; Sec
retary. Peie Caludia. Delegates
reported on disputed delayec
sailing. Discussion on lack ol;
. penalty hour for work done in
Puerto Rico. Motion carried to
warn crew when trash is going
to be dumped, so ports can be
closed. Bosun criticized for un
equal distribution of overtime
in deck gang.
X, X
AMES VICTORY (Victory Car
riers), Feb. 11—Chairman, Earl
Spear; Secretary, S. Scott. Dele
gates reported number of books
and permits in their departments
Secretary read communication
from Headquarters concerning
crew suggestions for new build
ing. Suggestion made that repair
lists be submitted before end o
voyage.
& ft &
SEATHUNDER (Colonial), Jan.
13 — Chairman, Walter Reidy;
Secretary, K. Brittain. Delegates
reported all okay. Steward ask
ed to have fresh bread made
more often. Crew asked to co
operate in keeping ship clear
during passage of Suez Canal.
Jan. 28—Chairman, W. Reidy;
Secretary, I. Smilowilz. Delegates
reported all in good shape. Mo
tion carried to bring charges
against the men who jumped
ship. Linen to be exchanged
piece for piece.
ft ft ft
ROYAL OAK (Cities Service).
Jan. 24 —Chairman, Edgar An
derson; Secretary, H. ZirkeL
Delegates reported number of
books and permits in their de
paitments. Members advised to
read new clarifications posted on
bulletin board. Ship's Delegate
reported that the company has
admitted that messmen are over
WMked, and has agreed some
what to our demands.
Feb. 7 — Chairman, Clifton
Green; Secretary, Richard Heel
er. Delegates reported number of
books and permits in their de
partments. Suggestion made that
parts for washing machine be
obtained by the company. Ship's
Delegate reported question on
collecting overtime when sailing
board is changed.
ft ft ft
STEEL DESIGNER (Isthmian),
Dec. 30—Chairman, Mike Rossi;
Secretary, Hector Conrad. Dele
gates reported some disputed
overtimq_ in deck; other okay.
Chairman discugsed rusty water,
and suggested that tanks be
thoroughly clean. Vote of thanks
given Electricians for splendid
work done on washing'machine
and ice box.
Feb. 4—Chairman, Mike Rossi;
Secretary, Hector Conrad. Dele
gates reported all in order. Crew
praised for fine cooperation dur
ing trip. Discussion on Headquar
, ters letter concerning time ashore
and unloading cargo. Unanimous
adopted.
ft ft ft
STONY CREEK (American
Tramp Shipping Development),
Jan. 29—Chairman, J. Manfredi;
Secretary, O. Payne. Ship's Del
egate reported that ci'stoms had
fined the ship 25,000 francs for
Go Affer Your Rating
With the nation tightening its defence preparations,
the role of the merchant marine is daily becoming more
vital. For this reason it is imperative that every Sea
farer stand ready to ship in the rating for which he is
qualified and in which he can be of the greatest service.
In this connection. Headquarters continues to point
out that many men qualified by experience and skill
have not applied for endorsements for high ratings.
Men who dp not seek higher ratings for which they
are qualified are, in effect, causing a waste of heeded
skill.
TKe Maritime Administrator is seeking draftdefer
ment for rated men only. Consequently, men, who are
drafted because they have not obtained the ratings for
which they are qualified, will not be serving in jobs in
which they can be of greatest service to our nation.
If you have the qualifications, apply for upgrading.
Do it today!
cigarettes. Motion carried that
Ship's Delegate check with the
American Consul to see if there
are any American seamen avail
able as replacements. Motion car
ried to accept Headquarters com
munication concerning time off
and unloading cargo. Motion car
ried that Ship's Delegate write
Headquarters for overtime sheets
and copies of the agreement,
ft ft ft
ABIQUA (Cities Service), Feb.
4—Chairman, Carlton Richards;
Secretary, K. Skonberg. Dele
gates reported number of books
and permits in their departments.
Crew told to be dressed proper
y at mealtime. Welfare cards
handed out to the crewmembers.
ft ft ft
BRADFORD ISLAND (Cities
Service), Feb. 14—Chciirman (not
given); Secretary. R. Chamber
leun. Ship's Delegate reported
that none of the promised paint
ng was done. Letter was sent
i;o Union Headquarters concern
ing shore leave in Mexico. Sug
gestion made to have 160 quarts
of milk put aboard in Marcus
dook, New repair list drawn up
and approved.
ft ft ft
LAWRENCE VICTORY (Mis
sissippi), Jan. 14 — Chairman.
Donn Wilson; Secretary, John
Coccellato. Ship's Delegate re
ported crew, as being three men
short. Ship's Delegate to see
Captain about picking up re
placements in Yokohama and
promoting Engine Utility to 2nd
Electrician.
ft ft ft
MICHAEL (Carras), Jan. 7—
Chairman, Anderson; Secretary,
Demitreadis. Ship's Delegate
reported that crew me.ssman had
deserted and a report will be
ter. Suggestion made that all
foc'sles and galley be painted.
Jan. 26—Chairman, R. N. Air;
Secretary (not given). Delegates
reported no beefs. Captain re
ported to disputing some over
time and lodging. Discussion on
voting on questions of time off
and unloading cargo. Ship's Del
egate to ask Captain to put up
foc'sle card and slopchest list,
ft ft ft
ANNISTON CITY (Isthmian),
Jan. 4—Chairman, Lester Long;
Secretary, A. Anopol. Ship's Del
egate read to crew letter from
Headquarters on unloading cargo
and denial of time ashore. Crew
voted unanimously to support
letter. Voted to put washing ma
chine ashore in care of Mr.
Flynn, to be put on any Isth
mian ship without a machine,
ft ft ft
CATAHOULA (Cuba Distill
ing), Jan. 27 — Chairman, L.
Lays; Secretary, L. Stephenson.
Ship's Delegate reported he still
had not received answer to let
ter on mattresses and food sup
ply. Motion carried to adopt
Headquarters message on time
off and unloading cargo. Vote of
thanks given A. Capote, Ship's
Delegate, for collecting money
for Brother Luis Torres, who
lost his child recently. ,
noise and bar from future games
all loud squawkers. Discussion
on seasoning of food. Motion car
ried to put out food moderately
seasoned and let crew season to
taste.
ft ft ft
ALCOA POINTER (Alcoa)
Jan. 28 — Chairman, Willie
Young; Secretary, Avery Hatch.
Delegates reported all running
smooth. Concurred with Head
quarters communication concern
ing unloading cargo and time
off. Beef raised about Stewarc
cutting down linen and taking
cookies from messroom. Crew
instructed Steward to have
box of cookies available in the
messroom at all times. Steward
asked to cooperate fnore and
work toward gieater crew har
mony.
ft ft ft
MV SOUTHERN CITIES (Sou
thern Trading), Feb. 13—Chair
man, Walter Terry; Secretary,
Bob Brown. Discussion on repair
list to be made up before ship
hits ' shipyard. Suggestion made
that dates be made for future
meetings. New men to be in
structed on sanitary work by de
partmental delegates.
SANDMATE (Construction Ag
gregates), Feb. 15—Chairman, Ed
Bender; Secretary, John Cole.
Delegates reported all in order.
Motion carried that a curfew of
11 p.m. be placed on television
programs, except in case of a
special event. Motion carried
sent to Headquarters in the mat that card players softpedal their
ft ft ft
SALEM MARITIME (Cities
Service), Feb. 3—Chairman, Roy
Bruce; Secretary. Prokopuk. Del
egates reported on books and
permits in their departments.
Motion carried to have 120 quarts
of milk put aboard at each end
of trip. Beef registered on fact
that milk containers have been
found not filled. Motion carried
to donate $20 to LOG for bound
volumes.
ft ft ft
GOVERNMENT CAMP (Cities
Service), Feb. 4 — Chairman,
John T. Armal; Seaetazy, J.
Parker. Delegates reported on
book^ and permits; Stewards De
partment Delegate reported some
disputed overtime. Motion car
ried that 120 quarts of milk, in
stead of 80, be put aboard. Pe
tition to be drawn up on milk
situation. Suggestion made that
more night lunch be put out.
ft ft ft
REPUBLIC (Trafalgar), Jan.
14—Chairman, E. Wallace; Sec
retary, Floyd Starkey. Delegates
reported number of books and
permits in their departments. The
Deck Department agreed to let
the Stewards Department men
paint their own rooms, as the
Deck Gang had all the work it
could handle. Vote of thanks
given the Stewards Department
for the fine food. Suggestion
made that ship's fund be, started
with a 25 cents donation from
each crewmember.
Jan. 21—Chairman, F. Starkey;
Secretary, WiUiam Prince. Ship's
Delegate reported there was a
performer aboard who will have
to get off in Port Arthur. Engine
Delegate reported 12 hours of
disputed overtime; other depart
ments, okay.
ft ft ft
FRANCES (Bull), Feb. 5
Chairman, R. Prideaux; Secre
tary, A. Sanchez. Ship's Dele
gate reported that Patrolmatx
will be seen about better sailing
board time. Communication from
Headquarters read and accepted.
How To Increase The Strength Of The SiU
Elect the most capable man as Delegate.
If you are elected Delegate, accept your job seriously. You are the Union's rep
resentative aboard ship.
It is part of your duties as a good Delegate, and a good Union man, to acquaint
yourself with our literature and contracts, especially the contract under which you
are sailing.
Hold Union meetings regularly.
Hold educational meetings to instruct, not only permits, but also bookmen who
are in need of a refresher. • '
Make certain there is a sufficient supply of Union literature aboard your ship.
Cooperate with your shipmates and your Delegates.
See that the Union contract is lived up to by both sides. ^
If anyone wants to perform and jeopardize our contracts let them first read the
improved working and living conditions we've gained over the years. If they still
insist on being bad actors—^bring them up on charges!
ft ft ft
EDITH (Bull), Feb. 4—Chair
man, J. Johns; Secretary, W.
Barth. Delegates reported all in
order. Repair list made up and
approved. Motion carried to
have sufficient funds in treasury
to be able to call a repairman
down to give washing machine
a general overhaul.
ft ft ft
INES (Bull), Feb. 2 — Chair
man, H. Orlando; Secretary, F.
Loriz. Delegates reported a few
hours of disputed overtime.. Mo
tion carried to have a report
made up on the OS who missed
the ship in Trieste. Motion car
ried to refer to Patrolman mat
ter of painting foc'sles. Vote of
thanks given the Purser for his
line cooperation with the crew.
ROBIN LOCKSLEY (Robin),
Jan. 20—Chairman, Steve Ber
geria; Secretary, Vernon Porter.
Delegates reported no beefs. En
gine Delegate moved that the
messroom tables have glossy sur
faces and should use table doths.'
Lockers to be inspected for need
ed repairs. Short talk on the im
portance of filling in overtime
sheets properly was given by
the Engine Delegate.
ft ft ft
VENORE (Ore), Jan. 29 —
Chairman, M. Faircloth; Secre
tary, E. Tucker. Delegates re
ported on books and permits in
their departments. Ship's Dele
gate to confer with. Captain con
cerning the Skipper's desire to
charge $5 for windscoops. Crew
voted in favor of two Headquar
ters communications concerning
time off and unloading cargo.
ft ft ft
ALCOA PENNANT (Alcoa),
Jan. 24 — Chairman, E. Fields;
Secretary, J. Hicks. Decision
made to purchase washing ma
chine in States after a talk with
the Captain. Motion carried to
accept communication from
Headquarters. Repair list made
up and accepted. Vote of thanks
given Chief Steward for Christ
mas tree and presents.
ft ft ft
ALCOA CORSAIR. (Alcoa),
Jan. 28 — Chairman, Major Cos
lello; Secretary, J. Roberts. Del.
egates' reports accepted. Ship's
Delegate reported that Chief En
gineer stated that, if crew is to"
use fan room for storing movie'
films, it will have to be kept^
clean. Motion carried to contact
a film rental house for the best
deal on films.
|1
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fliday, THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Fifteen
Minutes Of A&G Branch Meetings In Brief
BOSTON—Because of a lack
of a quorum, the regular meeting
could not be held.
The Dispatcher gave his re
port on shipping, and the meet
ing was adjourned..
» » »
NORFOLK — Chairman. Ben
Rees, 95; Recording Secretary,
James A. Bullock. 4747.
The Chairman explained that,
in view of the fact that there
was no quorum, "a regular meet
ing could not be held. Instead
a special meeting was calted to
check the shipping cards, and to
hear the Dispatcher's report. The
meeting was adjourned with 20
members present. ~
SAVANNAH—No meeting was
held due to a lack of a quorum.
% X
TAMPA—No meeting was held
due to a lack of a quorum.
Agent White reported that
everything was running smooth
ly, and that shipping has boom
ed for this port.
XXX
SAN FRANCISCO—No regular
meeting was held due to a lack
of a quorum.
XXX
GALVESTON—Due to a lack
of a quorum no regular meeting
was held.
The Agent gave his oral re
port, dealing with the present
excellent state of shipping in
Galveston and the prospects for
the future. He was followed by
the Dispatcher, who reported the
shipping figures for the past
two weeks.
MOBILE—Chairman, L. Neira,
26393; Recording Secretary. J.
Carroll, 14; Reading Clerk, R.
Jordan, 71. '
Previous Mobile minutes were
read and accepted. Secretary'
Treasurer's financial reports and
Headquarters report to the mem
bership were read and accepted.
Minutes from other Branches
holding^ meetings were read and
concurred in. In his report.
Agent Tanner said that the pros
pects for shipping in the port
were very good. He pointed, out
that sometimes very short no
tice is given the Branch for crew
ing contracted ships, and he
asked the members to cooperate
by taking the jobs as they come
up. He reported that the Union
is still working trying to get
draft deferments for men with
ratings. Motion carried to accept
Agent's report. Membership vot
ed to take an ad in the annual
yearbook of the ILA's South
Atlantic and Gulf Coast Con
vention. Dispatcher's and Patrol
man's report was accepted. Un
der Good and Welfare, various
subjects of concern to the Union
ASC Shaping From Feb.
REG. REG. REG. TOTAL
PORT DECK ENG. STWDS. REa
Boston..... 31 9 12 52
New York .: 138 120 76 334
Philadelphia...... 33 19 30 82
Baltimore 124 94 68 286
Norfolk...„. 30 37, 18 85
Savannah 4 18 11 33
Tampa 6 4 2 12
MobUe 42 45 30 117
New Orleans 63 59 80 202
Galveston 68 34 27 129
West Coast 40 32 37 109
GRAND TOTAL. 579 471 391 ' 1,441
14 To Fob. 28
SHIPPED SHIPPED SHIPPED TOTAL
DECK ENG. STWDS. SHIPPED
23 13 12 48
100 109 100 309
18 29 12 59
111 90 73 274
18 17 8 43
38 34 26 98
26 27 24 77
51 35 32 118
114 77 124 315
59 60 41 160
98 87 82 267
656 578 534 1,768
were discussed. One minute of
silence was observed for depart
ed Brothers. Meeting adjourned
with 350 present.
XXX
BALTIMORE—Chairman, Wil
liam Rentz, 26445; Recording
Secretary, G. A. Masterson, 20297;
Reading Clerk, Leon Johnson,
109.
Previous Baltimore minutes
and financial reports were read
and accepted by the membership.
Secretary Treasurer's financial
reports for .February 3rd and
10th were read and accepted.
New Business from other
Branches holding meetings were
concmred in. Motion carried that
all ships' minutes be forwarded
to the SEAFARERS LOG for
publication. Eight members were
excused from the meeting for
pertinent reasons; other requests
for excuses were referred to the
Dispatcher, Headquarters report
to the membership was accepted.
The following reports were made
and concurred in by the meet
ing: Agent's, Patrolmen's, Dis
patcher's and Hospital Commit
tee's. Under New Business, a
motion was passed calling upon
all the members to live up to
the constitution and behave as
good Union men should. At this
point the meeting stood in si
lence* for one minute in memory
of our departed Brothers. There
being no Good and Welfare, the
meeting was adjourned with 240
members present.
XXX
NEW YORK—Chairman, Earl
Sheppard, 203; Recording Secre
tary, Freddie Stewart. 493S;
Reading Clerk, John Arabasz,
29936.
Minutes of all Branches, ex
cept those lacking quorums for
last regular meetings, read and
approved. Motion carried to ac
cept SecretaryTreasurer's finan
cial report. Motions, carried to
concur in reports of following:
Quarterly Finance Committee,
Credentials Committee and Head
quarters Reinstatement Commit
tee. In his report Secretary
Treasurer Paul Hall announced
that the 5th Biennial Convention
will be held in San Francisco on
March 26 and that the eight men
nominated as delegates had been
cleared by the Credentials Com
mittee, which would report later
in the meeting. He announced
that Kenneth Collins, popular
member of the bookkeeping staff
had passed away due to a heart
attack on February 23, and in
accordance with previous action
taken by the membership, his
widow was paid the sum of $500.
Brother Hall also discussed other
Union issues. Motion carried to
accept the report. Earl Sheppard,
Assistant Secretary Treasurer,
reported on the state of shipping
in this port. He called upon those
men who have sufficient seatime
to go after their next highest
rating. Sheppard discussed dif
ferent beefs that were settled in
this port. Communications from
members seeking to be excused
from meeting were referred to
the Dispatcher. Charges were
read and motions carried to refer
them to an elected Trial Com
mittee.
XXX
PHILADELPHIA — Chairman,
Sieve Cardullo, 24599: Recording
Clerk, E. Abualy. 7047; Reading
Clerk, J. Doris, 23177.
Minutes of previous Philadel
phia meeting read and approved,
as were minutes of other Branch
es holding meetings. Agent Car
dullo gave his report. He men
tioned the state of shipping, par
ticularly as far as Cities Service
tankers were concerned. Dis
patcher reported on number of
fnen registered and shipped dw
ing the last twowek period.
There was one minute of silence
in memory of departed Brothers.
In Good and Welfare, several
Brothers hit the deck and spoke
on the necessity of all members
cooperating in keeping the Hall
clean. The meeting was adjourn
ed with 50 members present.
XXX
NEW ORLEANS — ChairauL
Leroy Clarke, 23062; Recording
Secretary, Herman Troxclair,
6743; Reading Clerk, Buck Steph
ens, 76.
Motion carried to concur in
Secretary Treasurer's financial
report. Minutes of other Branch
meetings read and accepted. Port
Agent announced that shipping
has been on the upswing since
the last membership meeting,
with 8 payoffs, 10 signons, and
about 35 vessels intransit during
the past twoweek period. He al
so said that the prospects for
the next couple of weeks were
good. The strike of local sanita
tion workers was explained to
the membership and the Agent
asked the meeting to go on rec
ord in support of the strikers'
demands. Communications from
those asking to be excused were
referred to the Dispatcher. Mo
tion carried to concur in Head
quarters report to the member
ship as read. Meeting adjourned
at 7:55 PM, with 212 members
present.
'^sr»mk
Shipboard Promotions
From time to time word comes to Headquarters that a
crewmember has been promoted to a higher rating or trans
ferred to another department aboard ship. This is in definite
violation of the Union's' shipping rules, which says very
spediicslly (Rule number 29):
"No man may be promoted or allowed to transfer from
one job to another on board ship, except in case of extreme
emergency. This is to apply where there isn't sufficient lime to
dispatch a man from the Union Hall before a ship is scheduled
to leave, or the Hall cannot furnish replacements as required.
Any member guilty qf breiiking this rule shall lose the job
.immediately and shall be fined no less than $25.00 for such
offense."
In port, notify the Hall immediately if a man is needed,
and one will be dispatched. If an emergency occurs, too far
away to be handled by a nearby Hall, and a man must be
promoted or transfered, a fuir report should b^ made to Head"
quarters, stating the circumstances and the men involved.
HERBERT JOHN DONELON
Contact your draft. board.
XXX
RUDOLF CEFARATTI
Your mother, Mary, is anxious
to hear from you.
XXX
FERDINAND W. HECK
Write to Helen McGuiness, 908
Freeman (or Fillman) Street,
Bronx 59, New York. She wants
to hear from you before she
moves from New York.
X X X '
FREDERICK FARTHING
Write your mother at Maben,
Mississippi,
XXX
OTIS J. HARDIN
Write • your cousin, Mrs. L. L.
Hardin, 4014 East Powhattan
Avenue, Route 8, Box 751, Tam
pa 4, Florida.
XXX
SS LUCIUS Q. C. LAMAR
Will following men — Frank
Paschang, Otto R. Oswald, Bur
ton C. Hilliard, Richard J. Cong
don, John H. Morris, Peter Karn,
Robert E. Porter, Jr., Samuel
Foster and Hugh R. Hallinen—
please commxmicate with Freed
man, Landy and Lorry, 1415
Walnut Street concerning suit of
Paul Tansky against this ship.
X X X
JOHN LEE NUGENT
Please contact your local draft
board immediately.
XXX
FRANKLIN T. ANDREWS
Your mother, who is ill, and
your sister are extremely^ an
xious to get in touch with you.
They ask that you write to your
sister and to your uncle in
Brooklyn as soon as possible.
TRAY THOMAS
Get in touch with your sister,
Mrs. T. B. Gamage, 1020 Albany
Avenue, Waycross, Georgia.
XXX
JOHN DE AHRGO
Your gear from the Longview
Victory is at the 4th deck. New
York Hall.
X X X
JOSEPH B. HAYNES
Please write to Charlotte in
New York.
XXX
RAYMOND PERRY
Write your wife, Leila, at 10
Upland Avenue, Dorchester,
Massachusetts.
X X X
CARL JOSEPH KOZIOL
Your mother, Anna, 419 East
6th Street, New York City, wants
to hear from you.
JOHN J. GIANCOLA
Write your parents in Chelsea,
Massachusetts.,
XXX
EUGENE T. OTdARA
Write Mrs. J. J. O'Mara, An
derson, Missouri.
XXX
JORGEN JORGpiSEN
Get in touch with your wife,
Emily, at 5011 Fourth Avenue,
Brooklyn, New York.
XXX
VAZQUES (SS Wanda)
Your gear will be left in the
Tampa Hall.
XXX
RICHARD MERRITT
Write to Pfc. Earl J. De San
tis, 1112991, Co. C, 1st Bn, 7th
Marines, First Marine Div, FMF,
c/o Fleet Post Office, San Fran
cisco, California.
D
The men listed below can col
lect their retroactive wages, in
the amounts listed by contacting
Construction Aggregates Corpor
ation, 1 East 42nd Street, New
York City:
C. Kimbal, $48.50; E. Sommer,
$48.50; C; A. Roberts, $8.00; W.
Bolon, $17.50; F. R. Otvos, $22.50;
P. Drews, $33.00; W. Hall, ,$39.00;
P. Copeniti, $17.00; J. Stewart,
$5.00.
O. B. Jones, $28.00; J. Matkos
ki, $28.00; C. Hampton, $4.50; M.
Fields, $9.50; C. Mehl, $6.50; M.
Montaibo, $23,50; H. Fairbum,
$21.00; F. Barthes, $26.00; E.
Goodman, $29.00; J. Dubrosk^,
$30.50.
t t S"
CITIES SERVICE SEAMEN
Overtime checks for the fol
lowing men are being held by
the Organizers, 6th Floor, 51
Beaver Street:
John S. Orosz, William Joy,
A. Carrano, Marion Butcher,
Charles Goodwin, Gilbert Lind
fors, Joseph Dodge, John Hunt,
Ed Wilech, Leo Gwalthney, Jdm
Bell, Eniest Bossert. .
Page Sixteen
0
THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, March 9, 1951
lir
IvHe'.
Ill
i
The Camera Eyes Cantigny Crew
From the moment the Cities Service tanker fleet*
came under the SIU banner, Seafarers crews have beeii
diligently working to get the ̂ hips into typical, shipshape
SIU style. Among the lads who are on the ball in this
respect are the Union men aboard the SS Cantigny, which
even boasts the usual shipboard photographer.
The Cantigny's man with the camera is Antonio Da
Costa Goncalves, who submitted the photos appearing
on this page. The CS tanker was preparing to sail when
Goncalves was readying the photos for the mail, so, he
explains, *T didn't have much time to go into detail
about life on this ship." However, he feels that his pictures
will give a fairly good idea of how his shipmates are
getting along together.
Cantigny crewmembers thought it appropriate for the
life ring to bear the name of their Union and hastened to
display it prominently. In this photo, taken by Goncalves
are, rear row (left to right): J. Trodeau, AB: M. Muniz, Wiper;
J. Kovachik, OS; Pat Marinelli, Deck Maintenance; M. Escobio,
Second Cook; J. Tiecher, AB, and A. Britan, AB. Seated
(left to right) are J. Dimaggio, AB; Joe Arabasz, Wiper, and
R. Shockovsky, Deck Maintenance.
Goncalves felt that this trio of Union men was'representative of the typically conscien""
tious, competent Seafarer aboard the CS tanker—and mighty good subjects they appear to be.
They are (left to right) Brothers J. Tiecher, AB; J. Trodeau, AB, and Pal Marinelli, DM.
It appears that no collection of shipboard photos would
be complete without a shot of the traditional coffee time
enjoyed by SIU men aboard all contracted ships. Goncalves
raised himself to a vantage point to peer down into the mugs
of E. Mosakowski (left). Deck Maintenance; Louis Santo
(center). Machinist, and Joe Arabasz, Wiper.
3
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