Issue Date
1957-09-27
Volume
19
Issue Number
20
Plaintext
.7 •
SEAFARERS LOG
•OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THl SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UN ION * ATLANTIC AND GULF DISTRICT • AFL-CIO »
PHS THREATENED
BY ECONOMY MOVE
-Story on Page 3
Spirit remains high, among SIUNA
oldtimers in the American Coal
beef, as Carey J. Beck, SIU engine
utility (top), gives victory high-
sign on Harry L. Glucksman. ABs
Robert Dunkelberger, SUP; Joe
Savoca, SIU, and SIU bosuns T.
Cepriano and E. Anderson gather
in messhall. Cepriano replaced
Anderson on the ship. (Story on
page 5. Feature on page 8.)
r'
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"I •
-•I
Pkfe Two SEAFARERS LOG September 27, 1957
Mr; 'Efhits' Plays 'Position' No Break In Bull Strike;
Court Sessions Continue
On Co, Injunction Move
The SIU's strike against Bull Line was in its sixth week today with picketing contin
uing on three fronts despite company moves for an injunction. Seafarers now have picket-
lines up in Baltimore and San Juan, as well as New York.
A second company try for^'
- AIMU PILOT-sepr i2, les;
an injunction is still under
study following a hearing
Wednesday before a court-appoint
ed referee. A similar hearing is
scheduled for Monday on a Bull
Line petition to bar picketing by
the Masters, Mates and Pilots and
the Marine Engineers Beneficial
Association.
The licensed officers went out
on strike in separate wage dis
putes with the company two days
after the SIU strike was called on
August 19th. All three unions have
had their own picketlines up since
that time.
All but a handful of the com
pany's ships are still in operation
and are expected to be tied up on
arrival. The Ines heads the list
of ships due back from offshore
voyages and should be in New
York this weekend. The others
Curran Now Admits Blacklist
After vehemently denying that he or the National Maritime Union had anything to
do with the American Merchant Marine Institute's industry-wide blacklist, NMU Pres
ident Joseph Curran now blandly admits its existence in the latest issue of the "Pilot."
What's more, Curran concedes'*'
that individual companies
have been blacklisting NMU
members for many years now.
NMU's action in such instances,: wrote that the matter was taken
Curran says, consists of taking a "P ^^'th the NMU, which entered
"trade union position"—whatever
in this position in the face of
AMMI President Ralph Casey's
written statement to the steamship
companies to the contrary. Casey
says,
union
he means by that.
Curran's latest on the subject
in the September 12 "Pilot" fol
lowed weeks of indignant denials
that he had anything to do with
the blacklist machinery set up by
the AMMI and the Marine Index
Bureau. The latter is an investi
gations agency used by company
agents in dealing with seamen's in
jury claims. Curran had persisted
Ask Curran Boot
From Ethics Body
Objections are increasing
within AFL-CIO Maritime ranks
to NMU President Joseph Cur
ran's membership on the AFL-
CIO Ethical Practices Commit
tee. Additional unions are
raising questions following the
stand taken by the SIU, the
IBL and others that Curran is
unfit to serve on the committee.
The objectors point to several
lections by Curran which reflect
unfavorably on him and could
be used to embarrass the com
mittee and undermine its au
thority. They cite as examples
Curran's open support of the
AFL-ousted International Long
shoremen's Association against
the AFL-CIO, his cooperation
with steamship management in
the blacklisting of seamen, his
intimate relationship with the
president of United States
Lines, as reflected in his mem
bership on the so-called mari
time "labcr-managemcnt com
mittee," his endorsement of
sweetheart contracts and paper
locals as in the District 50-
American Coal Shipping set-up.
Under those circumstances,
they point out, an accused indi
vidual brought before the com
mittee could raise embarrassing
questions about the, fitness of
one of the judges.
y
/
into negotiations and amended its
employment clause to pave the
way for the blacklist as "a corrol-
lary to this revised employment
clause ..."
Denounced Casey
Curran even carried his pretense
to the point of writing Casey a
letter "denouncing" him for setting
up the blacklist—all this after
NMU had agreed to it in negoti
ations.
Now, Curran openly admits, not
only is there a blacklist but, as the
LOG had pointed out many times,
it existed for years on the basis of
individual company action. The
companies, Curran says, "simply
kept files on the man and when he
came down to the ship for employ
ment, they rejected him ... the
shipowners were in the habit of
maintaining a lifelong penalty
against men guilty of only one in
fraction of their rules."
Of course, the industry-wide
blacklist means the companies
have refined the whole operation
by setting up a central bureau for
that purpose. The Idea was sim
plicity itself. In the SIU and af
filiated unions there were pioneer
ing moves in past years in the area
of industry-wide vacation and wel
fare plans as the most efficient
system for the benefit of the mem
bership. The NMU, by making
use of the industry-wide formula
for the shipowners' purpose has
earned itself the dubious distinc
tion of being first (and only) with
an industry-wide blacklist.
Curran Kids Membership
In attempting to excuse this
procedure to his membership, Cur
ran declared that "when we receive
such letters [notices of biacklist-
ing—ed.] from the companies, the
union attempts to determine the
facts and takes a trade union posi
tion on them."
What Curran doesn't teii his
membership is that no other union
in maritime would permit any
company to operate' any kind of
blacklist. They realize that sea
men, being hired out of the union
hall several times a year in the
normal course of events, are par
ticularly vulnerable to loss of live
lihood if a company could arbitrar
ily reject them. A true trade un
ion position is "no blacklist al
lowed."
Instead, responsible union pro
cedure is to set up union machin
ery for dealing with performers
and foul-ups. Such machinery,
under the control of rank-and-file
membership committees, assures
protection against personal grudges
of ships' officers or company ad
ministrators.
Whatever Curran means by a
"trade union position" (and judg
ing from his "trade union posi
tions" on the ILA and District 50,
that's a pretty elastic term in his
book) it is obvious that NMU men
have been blacklisted in the past
and are being blacklisted today,
with the consent and approval of
the NMU.
Curran's Excuse
As would be expected, Curran
excuses the whole system by claim
ing- that it is aimed at the "per
formers" of whom he says, "We
want to see them elfminated from
the industry."
It doesn't take much figuring
for any seaman to realize that all
a shipowner has to do to get rid
of militant union men is to label
them "performer" and make them
walk the plank. Curran found the
blacklist mighty handy in the past
to deal with some of his opposition
on the ships. It is a powerful
club to have around whenever any
crewmember talks back on a beef
or speaks critically of the NMU's
policy.
Who is
Herman E. Cooper?
what is his role in the trade
union movement?'
These questions wfil be de
veloped in future issues of
the SEAFARERS LOG.
are the Arlyn, Hilton and Suzanne.
The remainder of the Bull Line
fleet is idled either in Norfolk or
in one of the struck ports. In ad
dition, the Dorothy is laid up in
a Chester, Pa., shipyard, and the
cablelayer Arthur M. Huddell is
Inactive at Port Angeles, Wash.
Unable to get the SIU's peaceful
picketing barred by an injunction
in its first attempt in Brooklyn
Supreme Court, Bull Line is trying
again with, a petition. Following
preliminary hearings. Justice James
S. Brown named former Justice
John MacCrate of the Appellate
Division as a referee to hold fur
ther hearings on the amended Bull
Line petition. One hearing has
already been held this week.
The strike began following a
breakdown of negotiations that be
gan last June between an SIU
committee and the company. The
talks got underway after the SIU
moved to reopen its agreement on
wages and other monetary matters
under the • standard reopening
clause in SIU contracts. Negotia
tions reached an impasse over
Union demands for parity with the
West Coast on overtime and pen
alty rates plus a 20 percent across-
the-board wage increase, all re
troactive to July 1, 1957.
Picketlines went up two days
after the 60-day strike notice re
quired under the Taft-Hartley Law
expired on Saturday, August 17.
The membership had previously au
thorized strike action in the event
the wage talks broke down.
Separate negotiations by the
MM&P and MEBA bogged down
on the officers' demands for a six
percent general wage increase plus
additional compensation for the
mates and engineers under a June
15, 1957 wage review.
First ship affected by the strike
was the Frances, which was tied up
on arrival the day the strike began,
and then the Kathryn, Beatrice and
Elizabeth. The Carolyn and Jean
were struck in San Juan two weeks
ago. Ships' radio officers and purs
ers, as well as longshoremen and
teamsters, have all respected
various union picketlines.
the
Second US
Gas Turbine
Vessel Sails
A converted Liberty ship
powered by the world's largest free
piston gas turbine sailed from New
York last month for operating tests.
The gas turbine ship William
Patterson, which is propelled by a
6,000-hp engine, will carry military
cargo to Northern Europe during
the experiment. It is the fourth
Liberty in the Government's $12
million experimental conversion
and engine replacement program,
and the second powered by a gas
turbine.
Power for the Patterson is sup
plied by six free piston gas gen
erators, or "gasifiers" on a common
piping, and a turbine. The gas gen
erator produces hot gases for the
turbine, which supplies shaft horse»'
power.
The gasifiers can use Bunker C
and other low grade fuels, and have
high thermal efficiency. General
Motors, which developed it, be
lieves that the plant \Wll be approx
imately 20 percent more efficient
than equal size steam or centrifu
gal gas turbine installations.-
The Maritime Administration be
lieves that the free piston plan of
fers "exceptional possibilities" for
future applications.'
Turn Back
45 Vessels
To Reserve
WASHINGTON —One-third of
the 134 Government-owned ships
bareboated by private operators
last year are already back in lay-up
or heading back to the boneyard.
The current cargo slump will
re-idle 45 ships operated by ten
companies under the charter pro
gram. None of them are operators
under contract with the SIU.
An additional seven ships now
being used by the Military Sea
Transportation Service will be re
delivered in the near future, leav
ing a total of 87 still under charter.
About half of them are carrying
Government - sponsored cargoes.
The rest are split between the coal
trades and berth operators.
The companies, covering all
coasts, and the number of ships in
volved, are as follows: American
Export, 6; Arrow, 2; A. L. Burbank,
2; Greece, 1;. Isbrandtsen, 10;
Luckenbach, 4; Lykes, 6; Marine
Transport LJne, 4; Pacific Atlantic,
1; Pope & Talbot, 5; T. J. Steven
son, 1, and Stockard, 3.
Strike Ends
At Union Oil
SAN FRANCISCO—Members of
the Sailors Union of the Pacific
have started manning vessels of
Union Oil's Pacific Coast Trans
port fleet after the company signed
a contract with the Radio Officers
Union settling their 11-week strike.
The ROU struck the company in
June. The union sought wages in
the Union Oil fleet on a scale with
those paid in other fleets. The
contract grants immediate wage
and benefit increases, with parity
being achieved by a second wage
increase on January 1.
SEAFARERS LOG
Sept. 27, 1957 Vol. XIX No. 20
PAUt IlAlL. Secretary-Treamrer
HEBBERT BRAND, Editor. BERNARD SEA
MAN. Art Editor. HERMAN ARTHUR, IRWUC
SPIVACK, AL MASXIN, JOHN BRAZIL, Staff
Writers. BILL HOODY. Gulf Area Repre
sentative.
Publishad blwaalcly at tha haadquartara
of tha Seafarars Intarnatlonal Union, At
lantic A Gulf District, AFL-CIO, 675 Fourth
Avanua, Brooklyn 32, NY. Tel. HYaclnth
9-6600. Entered as second class matter
at the Post Office In Brooklyn, NY, under
ha Act of Aug. 24, 1912.
September 27, 1957 SEAFARERS LOG Pace Thre*
Back Door Attack Hits PHS
1 •
Savannah, 3 Other Hospitals
Threatened In Economy Move
How To Help The Hospitals
The latest threat to the Public Health Service hospitals
can best be answered if Seafarers, members of their fam
ilies and friends let Congress and the Administration know
where they stand. The SIU is convinced that closing of
the Savannah hospital, should it take place, would be fol
lowed by further cutbacks in the Public Health Service.
Write now to the officials an€ Congressmen listed below
as well as to your own Senator and Representative.
Marion B. Folsom, Secretary, Department of Health,
Education and Welfare, Washington, DC.
Dr. Leroy Burney, Surgeon General, US Public Health
Service, Washington, DC.
Sen. Lister Hill, chahman, Senate Committee on Labor
and Public Welfare; Senate Office Building, Washington,
DC.
Sen. Warren G. Magnuson, chairman. Senate Interstate
and Foreign Commerce Committee, Senate Office Build
ing, Washington, DC.
Rep. Herbert C. Bonner, chairman, House Committee on
Merchant Marine and Fisheries; House Office Building,
Washington, DC.
Rep. John E. Fogarty, chairman. House Subcommittee
on Labor, Health, Education- and Welfare; House Office
Building, Washington, DC.
Wage, Pension
Benefits Gained
in Pacific Pact
SAN FRANCISCO-Joint negotiations by the three unions
of SIU Pacific District with West Coast shipowners has again
paid off for the membership, this time in increased wages,
payments, logging * f)ension
imits and'pre-shipping medi
cal examination facilities.
The new pension which will ap
ply to the members of the Sailors
Union of the Pacific, the Marine
Firemen, and the Marine Cooks
and Stewards have been ratified
by the respective memiberships.
Under the new agreements
wages .were increased $20 to $37 a
month with cargo and freight han
dling penalty rates going up ac-
Seattle Slows,
Ratings Ample
SEATTLE—A proposal was made
at the last membership meeting,
reports Jeff Gillette, port agent,
concerning the possibility of haying
a patrolman stationed in Portland,
Oregon, to service vessels docking
In that area. As it now stands the
patrolmen have to work out of the
Seattle hall and spend most of their
time traveling anywhere from the
Canadian border to Coos Bay.
It has been a slow period on the
shipping front. Although registra
tion has dropped off slightly, the
port has plenty of rated deck and
steward department men.
The SS Wild Ranger, Fairport,
Yaka (Waterman) and Ocean Joyce
(Ocean. Trans.) paid off during the
past two weeks. The Wild Ranger,
Fairport and Ocean Joyce signed
on again while the Yaka went into
temporary lay-up. She is expected
cut again in approxiniately two
v/eeks.
The Texmar, Seamar (Calmiar)
and Rebecca (Intercontinental) put
into port to be serviced.
cordlngly. Overtime rates for en
try ratings was increased to $2.25
an hour while they jumped to
$2.98 cents and hour for rated
men.
Under the new scales, a bosun
on a passenger ship will make $707
a month while a bosun on a small
freighter wil draw $574 a month.
AB watch-stander rates are now
$478 per month.
Payments under the three-union
combined pension plan were in
creased by 25 percent, bringing the
maximum payment up to $125 a
month. Also accepted was the
abolition of two-for-one loggings as
of the first of October.
In addition to wage and pension
increases, the operators agreed to
pay five cents a day per man to
build medical clinics. The clinics,
which will be named the Harry
Lundeberg Memorial Clinics, will
furnish pre-hiring medical exam
inations to all union members re
turned to jobs. Examinations by
the clinics will be accepted by all
of the contracting companies.
It was also announced that a
joint approach would be held with
the Internal Revenue Department
to work out a more equitable sys
tem of taxing seamen's wages. The
Department now considers wages
as earned when paid. But in some
fields, especially the maritime in
dustry, this results in a seaman
being taxed in one year for money
earned during an earlier period,
often pushing.up the tax-rate ac
cordingly.
Some recommendations to rem
edy this situation, outside of a
Government ruling, . would be to
have the company pay a seaman
his. earned income before the end
of the tax calendar year, or to
adopt a pro-rata payment system.
WASHINGTON — A renewed attack on Public Health Service hospitals for
seamen has been launched by the Bureau of the Budget. After allowing this
yearns appropriation for the hospitals to go through without a murmer of oppo
sition, the Bureau is nowt
sharpening^ the ax for next
year.
The first step in the cam
paign is a move to shut
down Public Health hos
pitals in Savannah and three
other cities. The move is in
the form of a "survey" which
will "determine the most effective
and economical means of providing
medical care for its beneficiaries
now receiving care through Serv
ice hospitals located in Chicago,
Detroit, Memphis and Savan
nah . . ."
The announcement adds "The
new studies will be made as a re
sult of a suggestion by the Bureau
of the Budget that perhaps other
medical, care facilities in these
areas could provide satisfactory
medical care more economically."
PHS Now Target
While the Service announcement
tried to soften the blow by stating
that "no immediate changes are
contemplated in the existing pro
gram," SIU headquarters is con
vinced that the PHS hospitals are
now the target for Administration
forces who are out to shut them
down.
The point of the proposed sur
vey is to determine whether sea
men and others eligible for PHS
care could be treated more cheaply
by entering into contracts with
private doctors and private facili
ties. If the survey were to come
up with figures "proving" a saving,
it is expected that tremendous
pressure would be brought to bear
to bring about abolition of the
present PHS program.
Union reaction to the latest at
tack on the hospitals was swift.
"The SIU serves notice," Secretary-
Treasurer Paul Hall declared,
that it will oppose very strongly
any renewed efforts to whittle
away the PHS medical care pro
gram for seamen. Destroying Pub-
Under fire once before, Savonnoh PHS hospital is one of four
such facilities which could be closed if survey ordered by Bureau
of Budget finds that private treatment is "cheaper." i
SCHEDULE OF
SIIT MEETINGS
SIU membership meet
ings are held regularly
every two weeks on Wed
nesday nights at 7 PM in
all SIU ports. All Sea
farers are expected to
attend; those who wish to
be excused should request
permission by telegram
(be sure to include reg
istration number). The
next SIU meetings will be:
October 2
October 16
October 30
November 13
lie Health Service facilities for the
sake of paper savings is the falsest
kind of economy which will only
result in added costs to the Gov
ernment and the shipowner in the
long run."
Cut Rate Medical Care
Experts on medical care and
hospital administration agree that
it would be practically impossible
to provide services the hospitals
now offer under the proposed con
tract system. What it would mean
is that existing medical services
to seamen would be sharply cut
back because an adequate private
program would cost far more than
the present cost of the hospitals.
The real target of the survey then,
is reducing or doing away with
medical services for seamen.
The high cost of private medical
services for seamen has been con
firmed by the experience of PHS
in cases where seamen have been
hospitalized elsewhere because of
an emergency. (See story adjoin
ing).
Once before, in May, 1953, the
Savannah hospital was the target
of the economy ax when Mrs. Oveta
Gulp Hobby, then Secretary of the
Department of Health, Education
and Welfare, proposed closing the
Savannah, Fort Stanton and Cleve
land hospitals. The last two were
shut down, but a vigorous SIU
campaign saved the Savannah hos
pital.
It was admitted at the time by a
Department spokesman that clos
ing of the Savannah hospital would
be a serious reduction of medical
services to US seamen since it is
the only such facility existing be
tween Norfolk and New Orleans.
Lundeberg Intervened
After the Savannah closings were
rescinded, Mrs. Hobby came up
later in the year with a proposal to
shut down all medical treatment
facilities for seamen. That proposal
blew up a storm of protest in mari
time quarters. The Hobby plan was
dropped in 1954 after the late
Harry Lundeberg, SIU of NA presi
dent, had a conference on the sub
ject with President Eisenhower at
the White House.
Now the Budget Bureau seems
bent on resuming a piecemeal at
tack on the hospitals in the hopo
that such a move would stir up less
opposition than the whoiesala
shutdown.
Aside from providing medical
care to seamen. Coast Guardsmen
and to several groups of Federal
employees, the PHS hospitals have
served as training centers for MDs,
specialists and technicians, many
of whom later go out and serve tha
community in private practice.
Closing of the hospitals wou'd add
to the serious shortage of such
training facilities. The hospitals
have also made notable progress in
many medical research areas.
Emergency?
Notify PHS,
Crews Told
Seamen who are hospitalized in
emergency cases in facilities other
than those of the Public Health
Service are urged to contact the
PHS as soon as possible so that a
transfer can be arranged.
The rules of the Service permit
the hospital to take financial re
sponsibility for seamen's care at
other facilities in genuine emer
gencies. However, the Service is
anxious to reduce such situations
to a minimum. In many instances,
the cost of such emergency treat
ment at private facilities haa
proven to be excessive.
Consequently, ship's officers,
crewmembers and others are urged
to contact the nearest PHS facility
immediately in an emergency to
prevent hospitalization of seamen
at other facilities or to secure
transfers as soon as possible. The
PHS maintains ambulance services
for such cases.
In New York, the hospital tele
phone Is Glbrall^r 7-3010.
ri
rzge rour SEAFARERS LOG September 27, 1957
St. Louis MTD Council Chartered
Charter for newest MTD port council is presented in St, Loujs^ by
Harry O'Reilly, executive secretary of the AFL-CIO Maritime
Trades Department (right), to council president John Nabor,
secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Local 688. Looking on (I. to r.)
are council secretary Edward Adams of the Masters, Mates I
Pilots and Edward Weber of Firemen A Oilers Local 6, council
vice-president.
Pocket-Size 'Bug'
Is Business Must
Minature tape recorders that can be carried in a pocket
are becoming a popular itepi among business and labor
spies the "Wall Street Journal" reports. The "Journal" calls
tape-recorder eavesdropping a-*^
"rapidly growing develop
ment" in the business world
and cites tiguics showing that one
manufacturer of a midget recorder
tripled liis sales in two years.
The midget recorders, the paper
«ays, "arc finding much use in
give-and-take labor negotiations."
It quotes a New York ".security
consultant" (ex-lie detector special
ist for the Armed Forces) as re
porting that they sometimes are
planted in rooms "where labor
negotiators are planning sti-ategy."
In addition, recorders find a
multitude of uses in the business
tr.
arena whether it is spying out in
formation about a competitor's
plans or making sure the prices
quoted by salesmen are on the
level. The recorders are so effi
cient that the chairman of a New
York State legislative committee
said that "wire tapping is small
potatoes."
A typical unit, one of the small
est available, is less than seven
Inches long, four inches wide and
IVi inches deep. It can pick up
sound from 20 feet away and re
cord 20 minutes' conversation.
Other, larger-sized ones can easily
be carried in a briefcase and cover
a 60-foot range. A tie-clasp usually
serves as a convenient place to
hide the mike.
It seems _the only way to make
sure conversations are not being
"bugged" is to hold meetings in
bathing suits in a rowboat 40
yards from shore. But somebody
had better cheek that rowboat
first.
'Worker' Down
To Four Pages
The New York "Daily Worker,"
voice of the Communist party in
America has become a victim of
capitalism and is forced to make
"drastic changes" in its fight for
suiwival. The newspaper is now go
ing to publish only a four-page
edition, four days a week.
In a front page editorial, tlie
Worker announced that "constantly
falling circulation and a virtual
ban on advertising" with "mount
ing publication costs," were major
causes behind the cutback.
The paper, which had been the
official organ of the US Communist
party since 1924, has "reached bot
tom" financially. Instead of its
usual eight-page, five-day-a-week
publication, the paper will now
come out with a four-page edition,
Monday through Thursday, and its
12-page weekend edition on Frid-
days.
According to figures quoted in
the editorial, the paper's deficit is
approaching the quarter million
mark while its income for the past
year is running $50,000 below last
year's. A major setback was the
failure of the paper's spring fund
raising drive to meet expectations.
Of the $100,000 goal, it has been
able to raise only $45,000 so far.
It was just over two weeks ago
that the Communist party in the
US announced that its membership
had dropped down to 10,000, a loss
of some 7,000 members in the past
year alone. As for circulation, the
paper, which had boasted of a read
ing public of 100,000 in the '30s, now
moans of "slightly under" 10,000
daily, and "slightly over" 13,000 on
the weekends. • ^
September 4 Through September 17
port Dock DOCK Ens. Eng. Stow. Stow. Tetol Total Total port
A B A B A B A B Rag.
Boston • oaoooaea**** . 7 2 4 3 4 2 15 7 22
New York • •••••••••••• . 78 18 36 13 92 10 166 41 207
Philadelphia ••••••••aoooo . 26 3 16 11 8 6 50 22 72
Baltimore . 53 17 46 17 33 13 132 47 179
Norfolk 5 9 3 10 6 36 14 50
Savannah 1 8 2 ' 4 0 22 3 25
Tampa .6 2 3 3 3 10 12 22
Mobile 5 15 10 24 1 65 16 81
New Orleans .... 17 58 25 •e-. 67 28 199 70 269
Lake Charles .... 7 10 6 2 5 25 18 43
Houston 19 29 12 17 10 78 41 119
Wilmington 9 7 10 17 2 44 21 65
San Francisco .... 14 28 22 27 14 85 50 135
Seattle • •••••••••••• . 16 14 19 19 20 4 55 37 92
Dock DocB Bnfl. Eng. Stow. Stow. Total Total Total
A B A B A B A 8 Rog.
Total 139 287 156 288 104 982 399 1381
Shipped
Port Stcfc Dock 1 Dock Ina. Ens. Eng. Stow Stow. Stow. Tetol Total Total Total
A' • C A B C A B C A B C Ship.
Boston 1 0 1 2 0 1 1 0 4 4 0 8
New York 6 6 44 S 5 37 9 4 125 20 15 160
Philadelphia .... 4 0 10 6 1 7 3 0 30 13 1 44
Baltimore 8 2 27 6 1 25 2 0 87 16 3 106
Norfolk 5 1 5 8 5 5 4 0 20 17 6 43
Savannah 2 0 4 3 0 5 2 0 19 7 0 26
T.nnpa 1 0 2 1 1, 0 1 0 7 3 1 11
Mobile 7 0 27 11 1 33 3 0 90 21 1 112
New Oi'leans 5 0 43 16 2 35 12 0 129 33 2 164
Lake Charles .... 8 1 10 5 0 4 5 2 24 18 3 45
Houston 16 0 14 13 0 15 12 0 60 41 0 101
Wilmington 8 1 3 8 1 5 8 1 15 24 3 42
San Francisco .... 17 0 28 20 0 29 10 0 92 47 0 139
Seattle 18 3 0 16 8 1 11 4 0 45 15 1 61
Dock Deck 1 Dock Enfl, Eng. Eng. Stow. Stow. stow. Total Total Total Total
A a C A B e , A B c A B C Ship.
Total 91 11 234 112 18 ^12 76 7 747 279 36 1062
SIU shipping hurdled the 1,000-job mark once again during the last two weeks despite
the idling of the bulk of the Bull Line fleet. The total number of jobs > dispatched was
1,062. Registration totalled 1,381, showing a slight rise over the previous period.
Seven ports listed shipping I
gains and three others held to
the status quo. Improved job
activity was marked in Baltimore,
Norfolk, Savannah, Mobile, Hous
ton, Wilmington and San Fran
cisco. "Steady" was the word for
New Orleans, Lake Charles and
Seattle. The West Coast ports
seem to have snapped back after
a brief lull and the Gulf, except
for Tampa, remains busy. New
York, Boston, Philadelphia and
Tampa were the only areas show
ing a decline.
The greatest activity was still in
the deck department, with the wid
est spread between registration
and shipping. Black gang registra
tion generally kept pace with the
jobs available, while the steward
department was the least active.
Jobs for class A men rose to 70
percent of the total shipped, as
class B dropped to 26 percent.-'
Four ports shipped no class C men
at all. Class C shipping dropped
to four percent of the total.
The following is the forecast
port by port:
Boston: Fair . . . New York:
Steady . . . Philadelphia: Fair . . .
Baltimore: Fair . . . Norfolk: Slow
. . . Savannah: Slow . . . Tampa:
Quiet . . . Mobile: Good . . . New
Orleans: Good . . . Lake Charles:
Steady . . . Houston: Good . . .
Wilmington: Fair . . . San Fran
cisco: Good . . . Seattle: Good.
Notify Union
About Sick Men
Ship's delegates are urged to
notify the Union immediately
when a shipmate is taken off
the vessel in any port because
of illness or injury. Delegates
should not wait until they send
in the ship's minutes but should
handle the matter in a separate
communication, so that the Un
ion can determine in what man
ner it can aid the brother.
It would also be helpful if
the full name, rating and book
number was sent in. - Address
these notifications to Welfare
Services at beadq^ters.
Seafarers' A-1 Job
On Beefs Applauded
NEW YORK—Shipping has remained fairly steady in
this port during the past two weeks, reports Bill Hall, as
sistant secretary-treasurer. With the exception of a few key
ratings, class A men should • men
be able to ship out without
much difficulty since many of
the berths are still being filled
by Class "B" and "C" men.
Headquarters, Hall said, would
like to extend its thanks to all of
the brothers who are doing more
than their share in the beefs and
organizing drives now going on in
the various ports. There has been
no trouble getting men to take
turns on the picketlines down at
the Bull Line pier, and around a
few of the hold-out companies
being organized by the MAWD.
He praised the men working on
the Robin Line fleet ships under
adverse conditions. They are con
tinually being swamped with propa
ganda from the NMU, he said, but
are doing their jobs in true SIU
style.
There were 33 ships in port dur
ing the pa.st period. The Alcoa
Ranger, Alcoa Runner, Alcoa Part
ner (Alcoa); Ideal X, CoaMnga
Hills, Almena (Fan-Atlantic); Hur
ricane, Madaket (Waterman); Steel
Rover, Steel Executive (Isthmian);
Robin Mowbray (Robin Line); Can-
tigny (Cities Service^ Seatrain
Georgia ((Seatrain); Pan
Oceanic Transporter (Penn. Nav.),
and Mankato Victory (Victory Car
riers) all paid off. The Barbara
Frietchie (Liberty Nav.), Robin
Mowbray (Robin); and Steel Ad
vocate (Isthmian) signed on.
Among the vessels in port to be
serviced were the Young America
(Waterman); Val Chem (Heron);
Seatrain's Georgia, New York,
Texas, Louisiana and Savannah;
Yorkmar, Massmar, Calmar (Cal-
mar); Alcoa Rynner and Partner
(Alcoa), Steel Maker (Isthmian;
Robin Sherwood (Robin) and Cities
Seiwice Baltimore (CUies Service).
Shipping for the "next period
should be good. The Josefina (Lib.
Nav) was in port after an ll-month
tramping trip in the Far East.
Needless to say most of the men
were anxious to stretch their legs
on the beach for awhile before
shipping out again.
New Financing
Sought By TMT
New financing is being sought by
the SlU-contracted TMT Trailer
Ferry Inc. to overcome a financial
loss suffered during 1956. Eric
Rath, president of the company,
has informed creditors that he was
seeking funds to pay outstanding
debts and continue the company's
program of establishing trailcrship
services between the US mainland,
Puerto Rico and the We.st Indies.
Rath attributed the company's
1956 losses to delays in converting
the Carib Queen and Florida
Queen for trailership service, as
well as operating difficulties on
the Carib Queen, including a
boiler explosion.
The Carib Queen had made two
trial voyages to Europe on MSTS
charter before going into service
on the islands run.
In addition to the Carib Queen,
TMT had been operating a num
ber of smaller vessels as well as
some unmanned LSTs which were
hauled by tugs on charter from the
US government.
The Carib Queen is the first
ti-ue "roll-oh, roll-off" ship in com
mercial service carrying trailer
trucks and private cars on three
deck levels. It was originally *.
Landing Ship Dock that had been
converted for roU-on service;
September 27. 1957 SEAFARERS LOG Pare Five
Navy May Discard
'Effective Controi',
Magnuson Reports
The "effective control" theory used to justify the Govern
ment's ship transfer policy may finally be on the way out.
Sen, Warren G. Magnuson said last week he expected the
Navy to reverse itself and-*" reverse
torpedo the whole idea.
Since the start of the trans
fer program, US approval for the
runaway registry of American ships
has been based on the belief that,
in an emergency, the Government
could find them "available" even
Padgett
The increasing number of "no
beefs to report" appearing in the
ship's minute
points out the
fine Job being
done by the vari
ous shipboard
delegates to keep
their vessels run
ning in true SIU
style. Special
mention went to
the delegates of
the Steel Maker.
The crew \\'ants to go on record as
•saying they appreciate the time
and energy put in by W. A. Padgett
as ship's delegate, Fred Umholtz
of the deck department, Lawrence
Mitchell of the stewards and Leon
ard Pardeu who represents the
black gang. To summarize their
report: "No beefs, everybody
happy."
Also brought into the spotlight
were the delegates of the Del Sud,
Thomas Liles, Nick Fuukeii, H,
Green and Paul Huseby. Ship's
delegates Thomas Hill of the
Oceanstar and John Jellette of the
Grain Shipper were also cited by
their shipmates for doing "a fine
job."
As reported in the September
13th edition of the SEAFARERS
LOG, brothers on
the SS Seamar
got roused up
over a year-old
misdated report
which was sent
in and printed
under a current
date, "Not only
do we have one
of the best stew
ards afloat, writes
ship's delegate B, Hunter, but we
want to straighten out the record
and let you know that this ship is
in very good shape with good cooks
and messmen and a top-notch
deck department. "And, he added,
"don't forget our fine engine de
partment. They are doing a great
job considering the ups and downs
they have on these Libertys."
Hunter
Quitting Ship?
Notify Union
A reminder from SIU head
quarters cautions all Seafarers
leaving their ships to contact
the hall in ample time to allow
the Union to dispatch a replace
ment. Failure to give notice be
fore paying off may cause a de
layed sailing, force the ship to
sail short of the manning re
quirements and needlessly make
the work tougher for your ship-
•^lates.
though they were under the
Panamanian or Liberian flagi
Thus, though scores of transfers
had reduced the US tramp fleet
to dangerous levels by 1956, de
fense needs were still said to be
safeguarded.
Now, says the chairman of the
Senate Foreign Commerce Com
mittee, top Government defense
planners appear to be taking an
other long, hard look at the whole
shipping picture. The White House
announced some time ago that the
future status of the privately-op
erated merchant fleet was being
studied by the National Security
Council, the nation's top policy
board, in connection with overall
defense planning.
Conflicting views voiced by Gov
ernment officials at Congressional
hearings earlier this year finally
drew assurances from the Pentagon
that the merchant marine still was
considered "vital" and was not be
ing abandoned. However, no major
effort was put forth at tha last
session to salvage the shipbuilding
budget, and it emerged finally as a
meager $3 million item.
A reversal of Jthe "effective con
trol" principle would mean greater
chances of success for a sizable
shipbuilding appropriation next
year. Sen. Magnuson said he was
optimistic this would come about.
He sharply criticized the Depart
ment of Commerce for the failure
of the last budget and for "putting
the American merchant marine un
der wraps." Magnuson said "if we
don't do something next session,
our ship construction program will
drop to nothing."
Now standing by while ship is in lay-up, these three SIU oldtimers are shown aboard the Cleveland
Abbe (I to r) J, Davis, wiper; John Olsen AB; Aldifonso Galindez, bosun. At right, Felix Villiran,
steward utility on the Harry Glucksman, is shown at work in the galley.
New Coal Fleet Lay~Ups
Cloud Company's Outlook
NORFOLK—Plagued by a declining coal market, the American Coal Shipping Company
has placed two vessels in indefinite lay-up in the past two weeks. A third ship, the com
pany-owned Coal Miner, has been in lay-up for the past four weeks but is scheduled to
take on a crew sometime to-> —
day or over the weekend.
The ships in lay-up are the
Martha Berry and the Cleveland
Abbe. There is some question as
to whether or not the ships will be
decommissioned .as there is no car
go in sight for them. Coal rates on
the European run have been fluc
tuating at or under $4 a ton, which
is far below the break-even figure
for UjS-flag Libertys.
Lay-up Helps NMU
The effect of the lay-up. by co
incidence or not, was to throw the
lead in the fleet to the NMU. Two
of the three ships now inactive, the
Abbe and the Coal Miner, had SIU
majorities on board. The Beri-j' was
split- down the middle, 14-14.
Meanwhile, other ships have
come and gone since the Abbe was
Hearings End On Robin
Line Vote, Await Decision
A week of hearings on the SIU's petition for collective
bargaining voting on Robin Line ships has come to a close in
New York. The National Labor Relations Board regional
office is passing the testimony
on to Washington headquar-
laid up. It had 18 SIU men in the
crew.
As a result, the count on the four
ships still active at the'moment
stands at NMU 60, SIU 52. In ad
dition, the company has been fol
lowing the NMU's tack on chal
lenges to the discharges of SIU
oldtimers. The company has been
refusing to rehire SIU men whose
discharges have been questioned
by the NMU and the Coast Guard.
This, of course, has helped NMU
in its efforts to grab the lead.
Fleet-Wide Majority
Even with this latest NMU tac
tic, the SIU would still be holding
a 99-96 lead if ships in lay-
up were all running with their ori
ginal crews. It was noted that the
company had laid up the Abbe, a
ship with a heavy SIU majority,
and then, a few days later, found
cargo for the Walter Hines Page,
a ship on which NMU leads by a
good margin.
Originallj\ just one year ago,
American Coal Shipping had re
quested 30 ships from the Govern
ment. Six were broken out, and
then breakouts were halted because
of labor disputes involving AFL-
CIO maritime unions, including the
SIU, Masters Mates and Pilots and
Marine Engineers Beneficial Asso
ciation. Of the six, there are just
four left in operation today.
The bottom has dropped out of
the coal export market, with some
moves in Europe to rent Liberty
ships as dead storage for huge coal
stocks that cannot be moved off
the docks over there.
ters for final decision.
Both Moore-McCormack, the
current owners of the Robin Line,
and the National Maritime Union
intervened in the case to oppose
giving Seafarers on Robin Line
ships the right to vote for the un
ion of their choice by secret ballot.
Meanwhile, the NMU has un
leashed a propaganda barrage on
the ships in efforts to win alle
giance from the crewmembers.
Filed August 9
The SIU filed its election peti
tion on August 9 in order to pro
tect the job rights of Seafarers on
the Robin vessels after Moore-
McCormack attempted to turn the
crews and the ships over to the
NMU. Seafarers on the ships have
been forced to work under NMU
contract conditions without the op
portunity of deciding which union
shall represent them.
The SIU has represented the
fleet since 1940 when it won an
election by a count of 199 to one.
It was one of a . series of SIU
election victories in many of its
contracted fl^ts following NMU
Frisco Boasts
Lots Of Action
SAN FRANCISCO—Seafarers in
this port have continued to enjoy
another period of good shipping
and from the number of vessels ex
pected in, future shipping also
looks good in contrast to what
other ports have been reporting
lately.
There were four vessels paying
off, five signing on and eight in-
transits during the past two weeks.
The John C (Atlantic Carriers),
Rebecca (Intercontinental), Iber
ville (Waterman) and Alcoa Pointer
(Alcoa) paid off while the Maiden
Creek, Iberville, Wild Ranger (Wa
terman); Alcoa Pointer (Alcoa) and
Natalie (Intercontinental) signed
on.
In-transits were the LaSalle,
Chickasaw (Waterman); Pacific
Cloud (Compass); Lawrence Victoi-y
(Mississippi); Arthur M. Huddell
(Bull); Steel Worker (Isthmian);
Ocean Evelyn (Ocean Carriers) and
challenges to SIU representation. | the Texmar (Calmar).
^ ^ A P A HER, S
^ AiOW IN SOTH
iBootUVN SAOUAoee'
Ai^ue Over
NY 'Subsidy'
Aid To Dutch
The spectre of a New York City
subsidy for a foreign-flag shipping
company is being created by tha
conflicting cost estimates on a
new municipal pier for the Hol
land-America Line.
At odds are the city's Depart
ment of Marine and Aviation and
the Port of New York authority, a
bi-state body created by the New
York and New Jersey state legis
latures. The Port Authority claims
the city agency underestimated the
costs of the proposed West Side
terminal for Holland-America by
$7 million.
The difference, it contends, will
mean a loss of almost a half mil
lion dollars in annual rentals to
the city under its lease agreement
with the foreign line. The De
partment of Marine and Aviation
has countered with a charge that
the PA's figure was a "guessti
mate," since its engineers had no
way of checking the actual plans.
The city's figure is $18 million-
plus; the Authority's, $25 million-
plus.
Previous municipal waterfront
projects have not always been
self-supporting. One completed in
1953 under a different city admin
istration is still operating at a
loss. Howevei', the city agency
said Its present $187 million water
front program would be self-sus-
sustaining and that terms for tha
Hol^p^-^j^X^ca based
on ^t principle.
'4?.
, -t •
-iS
• M
Fagre Six S£^F^Jl£llS LOG September 27, 195T
Seafarer A Citizen
After W-Yr. Fight
A ten-year fight to block deportation and win American
citizenship wound up in success for Seafarer Felix Dayrit,
He was sworn in as an American citizen after President Eisen
hower signed a series of priv--*
ate bills passed at the last ses
sion of Congress giving him
and several other aliens permis-
Bion to reside in the United
States.
Dayrit, who sails as wiper, has
been bucking for citizenship ever
since he came to the United States
on a US vessel, the Staghound, in
September, 1946. At the age of
29, Dayrit had
enlisted in the
US Army in Aus
tralia back in
1943 and served
for three years.
His wartime serv
ice qualified him
for citizenship
but because he
was sailing on
merchant vessels
he missed out on an Immigration
hearing in 1946,
Then, he said, his wartime eligi
bility expired and Immigration
Etarted putting pressure on him
to be deported to the Philippines.
Following the passage of the Mc-
Carran Act, he ran into serious
difficulties.
"The Union was very helpful to
me then," he said, "very often giv
ing me letters to Immigration as
suring that I could ship out so
that they would give me the neces
sary shore leave."
After previous attempts had
failed, Dayrit succeeded in getting
legislative relief through Congress.
He took his oath of citizenship
on September 10th.
Dayrit came to the United States
originally on an NMU-contracted
ship but being dissatisfied with
conditions aboard there, switched
to the Isthmian fleet. He partici
pated in the organizing drive and
the subsequent Isthmian strike of
1947 and came into the. Union ac
cordingly.
Now that his long fight for citi
zenship has been won, Dayrit will
be able to take time out to study
for a rating in the engine depart
ment.
Storm Skips
Lk. Charles
LAKE CHARLES-
Lake Charles and
-Residents of
neighboring
towns are breathing a lot easier,
reports Leroy Clarke, port agent,
since Hurricane Esther decided not
to stop and pay a visit. The port
got hit with some of her tail winds
but there was no damage reported.
Meanwhile union leaders from here
and New Orleans are in a huddle
working out plans for their next
move in the building bee in Cam
eron Parish.
Shipping held its own during the
past two weeks, with a few Class
"C" men scuring berths. Calling
into this area were the Govern
ment Camp, CS Baltimore, Council
Grove, Cantigny, -Chiwawa and the
Bents Fort (Cities Service);
Maxton, Ideal X, Warrior (Pan-At
lantic); Pan Oceanic Transporter
(Penn. Nav.); Del Campo, Del
Rio, Del Santos, (Delta); Lucille
Bloomfield (Bloomfield); Petro-
Chem (Valentine); Val Chem (Her
on). All were reported in good
Shape with no major beefs.
Be Sure To Get
Dues Receipts
Headquarters again wishes to
remind all Seafarers that pay
ments of funds, for whatever
Union purpose, be made only
to authorized A&G representa
tives and that an official Union
receipt be gotten at that time.
If no receipt is offered, be sure
to protect yourself by immedi
ately bringing the matter to the
attention of the secretary-treas
urer's office. • • ' •
ROU, ARA
Sign Mutual
Help Pact
The Radio Officers Union and
the American Radio Association
have jointly announced the sign
ing of a no-raiding pact calling for
a program of mutual assistance on
common problems.
A series of joint meetings led
to the pact-signing September 12.
It will be implemented by a three-
man committee representing each
union.
The ROU-ARA agreement fol
lows a similar pact announced last
fall between the SlU-affiliated
Brotherhood of Marine Engineers
and the Marine Engineers Bene
ficial Association.
Agreement among the engin
eers' unions followed shortly after
the MEBA announced the sever
ing of its ties with the National
Maritime Union and the "AFL-CIO
Maritime Committee" composed of
former CIO organizations. The
MEBA-NMU break after a 20-year
alliance erupted over the refusal
of the NMU to support the en
gineers in the American Coal Ship
ping beef.
The alliance among the radio
officers' unions calls for coopera
tion on the economic, public re
lations and technical fronts "to op
pose any efforts to water down
the radio safety provisions of the
law ..." The unions also agreed
to draw up a joint code of pro
fessional ethics for the seagoing
radio officer.
General chairman Andrew Mac-
Donald and secretary-treasurer
Joseph P. Glynn signed the pact
for the ROU, and president W. R.
Steinberg and secretary-treasurer
Bernard L. Smith for the ARA.
West Coast ROU representative
Lester Parnell and ARA vice-
president Philip O'Rourke will
round out the three-man commit
tee for each union on the joint
council.
Both unions are outgrowths of
earlier organizations, from which
the ROU seceded about 1940 due
to alleged Communist control and
then received an AFL charter
through its parent Commercial
Telegraphers Union. The ARA
group broke off later, in 1947, and
was part of the CIO. Both are
members of the AFL-CIO today.
Tampa Hopes
For Pick-Up
TAMl A—Although it was a poor
period for shipping in this area
with only two in-transit vessels
constituting all of the business, it
is expected to pick up somewhat
during the next two weeks.
The Warrior (Waterman) and
Alcoa Pilgrim (Alcoa) called into
port to be serviced. Both vessels
were Jn , goodshapo with no, rq^
ported beefs.. r (
Courtesy Helps
An invisible but very important factor in shipboard
safety is the state of mind of the crew. A ship that is
relatively free of irritations and arguments, where con
sideration for one's shipmates is uppermost, has a bet
ter chance of being accident-free. It's been well estab
lished by the experts that men who are peeved and
upset are more vulnerable to accidents.
That's how courtesy toward one's shipmates can
help. It means showing those little considerations of
daily shipboard life like keeping quiet in the passage
ways so others can sleep. A sleepy seaman finds it
tough to be alert on the job. It means reducing per
sonal beefs and arguments to a minimum ar^d making
allowances for other's likes and dislikes.
What it all adds up to is that a happy ship is a safer
ship. Safety and shipboard courtesy go hand in hand.
'I
I Ah SlU Ship IS a Safe Shif. \
- : • ' -* I
H 'mmm'M
September tl, IMT SEAFARERS LOG Page Seven
YOUR DOLLAR'S WORTH
Seafarer's Guide To Better Buying
By Sidney Margoliua
Bald? Toupee Is'Only Answer
People have a lot of trouble with hair. Men often feel they don't
have enough. Women worry about superfluous growth.
All this concern has made the public a target for television, radio and
newspaper ads from hair "consultants" and sellers of tonics, and dan
druff removers, shampoos and other products.
Bald-headed men are specials game. Scalp "specialists" sell them
everything from expensive "treatments" to bottled lotions and sham
poos for home use.
In one case, Frommes Scalp Specialists ran an ad (in the "Buffalo-
Courier Express") showing before-and-after photos of customers who
apparently had grown new hair. The ad claimed the photos were not
retouched. But one man whose photo was shown told the Buffalo Bet
ter Business Bureau the picture was "highly exaggerated, misleading
and untrue." He stated he had paid $130 for a series of treatments with
a verbal (not written) guarantee of results, but still was bald, as the
BBB officials could plainly see. The Frommes representative retorted
that the customer had lost the growth shown in the photograph beeause
he had stopped the treatment.
A whole string of hair-treatment firms, some with offices in a num
ber of cities, recently have been charged by the Federal Trade Com
mission with exaggerated claims. Among them are Keele Hair and
Scalp Specialists: Rogers Hair Experts; Bishop Hair Experts; Merrill
Hair and Scalp Consultants; Kelvex Inc.; Collins Hair and Scalp Ex
perts; Winston, Ltd.; and Loesch Hair Experts.
Bishop, which has offices in several cities, had advertised that "Bald
ness can be prevented in almost every case . , . "in almost every
case, baldness starts with some lo
cal scalp disorder . . . can be cor
rected quickly by Bishop Hair Ex
perts." Bishop has denied the FTC
charges and insists its treatments
are "beneficial." Similarly, Mer
rill, Kelvex, Collins, Carey and
Winston have denied they misrep
resented the benefits of their hair
and scalp preparations. But, the
FTC says, the companies' prepara
tions would have no value in treat
ment of the most common type of
baldness, known as "male pattern
baldness."
Keele and Rogers send out sales
men to all parts of the United
States and Canada to sell their
preparations. The FTC reports
that the salesmen are advertised
as "famous trichologists." They
set up temporary offiees usually
in hotels, and advertise for people
to come in for diagnosis and ad
vice. The complaint charges that the salesmen do not have competent
training in dermatology or any/other branch of medicine dealing with
the diagnosis or treatment of scalp disorders affecting hair.
Another widely-advertised hair and scalp preparation is Persulan,
sold by Drake Laboratories, Inc. You may have seen or heard news
papers, magazines or radio ads for Persulan. A typical claim: "I have
treated four men with thin temples and bald spots and they can truly
say that Persulan really stopped that hair from falling and grew hair
on the thin bald spots . . ."
Persulan just won't do these things, the FTC experts say.
Loesch Hair Experts advertised products for home treatment with
such claims as "Results from home treatment are quickly noticeable
.. . usually it takes just a few weeks to cleanse the hair of dandruff...
kill the bacteria swarming underneath the scalp, correct local dis
orders and stop excess hair fall." But an FTC examiner found that
none of Loesch's products will prevent or overcome any type of bald
ness or hair loss. Nor will they cure bacteria "swarming beneath the
scalp" because bacteria don't exist there.
Peach Ftaa Doesn't Last
It is true that some preparations as Loesch's may cause a fuzi to
grow on a bald scalp. This fuzz is known as "lanugo" or "puppy hair.'
But it is not hair and never grows to real hair. Also, such fuzz sub
sequently often drops off and is not replaced, the American Medical
Association reports.
Most cases of baldness derive from three factors: heredity, hormonal
balance and simply getting older. These types are what are called
"male pattern baldness." There is really no known product or treat
ment that will prevent this common type of baldness, or grow hair.
There are a number of products useful for removing dandruff scales,
although some merely contain alcohol which dissolves surface dandruff.
But the relief afforded by lotions and shampoos is only temporary.
For example, the FTC has issued a complaint against the Helena
Curtis "Enden Shampoo." These ads showed a man scratching his head
as a voice asked him: . . . "don't you know there's a new proven way
to end your dandruff problems once and for all?" The FTC complains
this commercial is misleading because, it says, Enden will not cure
dandruff or have any other lasting effect. The condition will return if
the regular use of the products is discontinued.
Claims that a hair lotion or "tonic" will "nourish" the hair also
should be viewed skeptically, the BBB's warn. The fact is hair gets,
its nourishment from tlie blood stream and you can't feed the roots
from outside like fertilizing grass.
What is beneficial is the massage you give your scalp when you
apply a hair tonic.. This may stimulate a flow of blood to the scalp
with possible benefit. You can massage without buying a tonic,, of
course. Many tonics do contain a counter-irritant which further helps
stimulate a flow of blood. . .
Gateway City AH Set For Debut
First of the C-2s to be con
verted into a contoinership,
the SlU-monned Gateway
City shows off her radically-
different superstructure as she
undergoes sea trials off Mo
bile. Ship is scheduled to
open formal coastwise con-
tainership service on Octo
ber 4. At right are a few of
the hundreds of trailer bodies
and cabs stacked in Water
man-Pan Atlantic's Port New
ark terminal in anticipation of
the start of the contoinership
run.
AFL-CIO Orders Teamster Clean-Up
The AFL-CIO Executive Council has ordered the sus--t
pension of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters for
being "dominated or substantially influenced by corrupt in
fluences." The action paves the>
way for expulsion of the giant
union from the 15-million-
member merged labor federation,
if It does not make changes in its
official family.
This week's move against the
Teamsters had its forerunner in
1953 when the AFL ousted the old
ILA on similar grounds and char
tered the International Brother
hood of Longshoremen in its place.
Z Others Face Axe
The Council's clean-up drive was
also directed at the Bakery and
Confectionery Workers and the
Uited Textile Workers, which
likewise face expulsion by the end
of October. A fourth AFL-CIO or
ganization, the Laundry Workers
International Union, has been
under suspension since May.
Fast-breaking developments shap
ing up in Washington and Miami
will likely produce further action
in the AFL-CIO clean-up campaign.
The Senate's McClellan Committee
resumed its hearings in the capi
tal as IBT delegates continued con
verging on the Florida resort city
for their regular union convention
opening Monday.
Voting by the AFL-CIO's top
governing body followed the Issu-
Make Checks
To 'SiU-A&G'
Seafarers mailing in checks
or money orders to the Union
to cover dues payments are
urged to be sure to make all of
them payable to the SIU-A&G
District.
Some Seafarers have sent in
checks and money orders in the
names of individual headquar^
ters officials. This makes for a
problem in bookkeeping which
can be avoided if checks are
made out to the Union directly.
ance of sharply critical reports
against all three suspect unions
by the Federation's Ethical Prac
tices Committee. AFL-CIO Presi
dent George Meany and other Fed
eration spokesmen have made it
plain that "corrupt" unions deserve
no refuge in the AFL-CIO and can
only bring harm to the labor move
ment as a whole.
A number of Congressmen tried
to push through new restrictive
legislation against trade unions at
the last session and are ready to
try again when Congress meets in
January. Any failure to act by the
Federation would be regarded as
an Invitation for even stricter
measures in Congress.
The Executive Council's suspen
sion edicts emphasized that its find
ings did not represent an "indict
ment" of members of the unions
involved who "want, and are eor
titled to have, a clean union." It
said its case was basically against
officials who refused to explain or
answer substantial derogatory
charges against them. These dealt
with the use of union funds and
union position for personal pur
poses, improper handling of wel
fare funds, failure to act against
corrupt union officials or those
charged with corruption and sim
ilar grounds.
The Teamsters convention will
elect a new union president one
week from today, succeeding re
tiring president Dave Beck.
He was suspended as an AFL-
CIO vice-president and member of
the Executive Council last Spring
for refusing to explain charges con
cerning his handling of union
funds. These charges formed part
of the basis for the suspension of
the IBT itself this week.
fading contenders to succeed
Beck Include Thomas J. Haggerty
of Chicago; Thomas Hickey of New
York, James R. Hoffa of Detroit,
and Rep. John F. Shelley, foimer
head of the California State AFL.
Hoffa, like Beck, has been a prime
target of the McClellan Commit
tee and the AFL-CIO Elliical Prac
tices Committee. Hickey is familiar
to Seafarers as the secretary-treas
urer of Local 807, composed largely
of waterfront teamsters in the NY
area.
Operators Seek
Interim Boost
in PR Rates
WASHINGTON—With their bid
for a rate boost frozen by the Fed
eral Maritime Board, two SIU-
contracted operators in Jhe Puerto
Rican trade have asked for an
emergency rate increase of eight
percent until the Board sets final
rates. Attornies representing Al
coa and Bull, in asking for the
emergency rate, promised to re
imburse shippers if the FMB
should find against them in rate
hearings scheduled for January.
The petition said that the eight
percent emergency increase is "the
absolute minimum required by the
carriers ... to tide them over the
next four months." The argument,
was challenged by the Puerto
Rican government wliich declared
that the figures used underslated
company profits.
The opei'ators' action was
prompted by a decision of the
board to put off a general rata
boost that had been scheduled for
September 18.
Governor Luis Munoz Marin has
threatened to charter sliips for the
trade under government) auspkei
if the rates are boosted.... _
.J
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Pasre Eight SEAFARERS LOG 8eilt«mber 27< 1957
Selection of headlines from Seafarers LOG shows some of highlights of year-long American Coal
Shipping beef.
States Still Ux In'57
On Base Pay, Child Labor
A majority of the states have been ri6gligent during the
past 20 years in providing up-to-date standards covering
minimum wages and child labor, -
Statistics from a recent sur->
vey published by "Labor's
Economic Review" revealed
that 22' states have-. no minimum
wage provisions at all while all but
six fail to provide legislative pro
tection for children doitig agricul
tural work outside of school hours.
In 1956, it was pointed out, 70
percent of the women studied in
the retail trades field in Pennsyl
vania earned $1 an hour or less,
while in Arkansas a similiar study
uncovered wages as low as $7 per
week in some counties.
While about 24 million workers
are covered by the Federal mini-
imum wage law, the article contend
ed, another 20 million must depend
on their state laws for any pro
tection. This situation, it continu
ed, is due to the "delays and in-
Coal Beet Xelebrates' Birthday
It was just a year ago this coming Thursday that the Fed
eral Maritime Board gave its official blessing to American
Coal Shipping Inc. by agreeing to charter to it 30 Liberty
ships for the coal trade. That-*
date, October 3, simultaneous
ly marked the start of an in
vasion of the maritime union field
by John L. Lewis with the active
aid and support of the National
Maritime Union.
At the time of its formation,
American Coal had advertised it
self as a $50 million combine which
was going to establish a new Amer
ican-flag operation and develop the
coal-carrying trade, as well as jobs
for the United Mine Workers
members. What was mot advertised
v/as its other objective, that of
finding a new outlet for the activi
ties of the Mine Workers District
50, an affiliate of UMW that had
been created expressly for the pur
pose of raiding and harassing mem
ber unions of the AFL and CIO.
Since the United Mine Workers
is part owner of American Coal
along with several coal producers
and coal-carrying railroads and
Lewis, as a member of its board of
directors is in a position to push
through his own objectives, the for
mation of the company was just
what the doctor ordered for him.
Or so he thought.
It is generally agreed that Lewis
himself was the moving foixe be
hind the formation of the company
since he broached the idea orig
inally back in 1952.
Previous M'time Raids
District 50's venture into mari
time was not new. It had estab
lished footholds in American Ex
port back in 1946 when it signed a
back door agreement for ships' of
ficers in that fleet and broke a
strike by the Marine Engineers
Beneficial Association. It also had
contracts with assorted tug, barge
and other harbor operations in a
number of East Coast ports, al
though was recently cleaned out
of Baltimore by the SIU's Harbor
and Inland Waterways Division.
And Lewis had established a close
relationship with, the International
Longshoremen's Association after
it was ousted from the AFL by
loaning it some $400,000.
With the establishment of Ameri-
ican Coal, Lewis saw the oppor
tunity for a new breakthrough for
District 50.. What's more he found
himself an ally in the ranks of the
AFL-CIO In the person of NMU
President Joseph Curran.. Since
then, the Lewis-Curran axis has
been struggling vainly to clear the
decks for the American Coal op
eration and pave the way for fur
ther District 50 raiding in mari
time.
Paper Local Established
As soon as the company had its
charters okayed, it created a paper
ships' officers union out of thin air
and "signed" a dummy agreement
with the "union," a previously non
existent Norfolk local of District
50. The non-existent union was
given jurisdiction over all officers,
deck and engine, to be employed
on America Coal ships.
In that same week, ACS huddled
with the National Maritime Union
and signed a back door agreement
which was later invalidated for all
practical purposes by the National
Labor Relations Board. The NLRB
pointed out that the agreement was
signed before the company had
a single ship or a single unlicensed
crewmember for the NMU to
represent. It wasn't until December
13, 1956, two months later, that
American Coal got a ship. This was
the Chian Trader, the only ship
the company owns which was pur
chased from Arc Steamship Com
pany, renamed the Coal Miner and
crewed by the NMU with the ship's
officers hired off the street.
One of the unanswered questions
about American Coal is how it
managed to get charters from the
US Government when it did not
own or operate any ships of its own.
Sharp Reaction
The reaction to District 50's in
vasion was sharp. The Masters,
Mates and Pilots and Marine En
gineers Beneficial Association (who
as licensed officers, do not come
under NLRB jurisdiction) had been
meeting with the company seeking
contracts when District 50's paper
Norfolk local was sprung on them.
The officers unions started picket
ing the company's offices and later
it ships, when ACS started break
ing them out of the boneyard. (All
the ships' officers on llie Chian
Trader, who were MM&P-MEBA
members, were fired when ACS
took possession of the ship).
The MEBA, which had a close
relationship with NMU for 20
years, approached that union .seek
ing its support. NMU had not
placed any crewmembers on board
any ACS ship at the time, but
Curran informed the MEBA he
would order his membership to
cross the picketlines and berated
the officers for striking against the
company union set-up. He had de
cided, for his convenience, that
District 50 was a "recognized" mari
time union.
MEBA Breaks Away
MEBA's response was to break
its tie with the AFL-CIO Maritime
Committee (the old CIO Maritime
Committee). It went on record to
"condemn the policy of the Na
tional Maritime Union ... as be
ing completely inconsistent with
the time-honored obligations of a
sister maritime union . . ."
Meanwhile, the SIU had gotten
into a beef with the company on
its own hook. When the SIU
learned of the company's success
in bidding for Government char
ters, Seafarers started approaching
the company, to apply for jobs with
a view toward organizing the ships.
Approximately 300 men applied
and all of them were rejected, with
many being refused a job applica
tion even though the company was
scheduled to fill some 900 jobs on
30 ships. It was then that the SIU
filed charges against the company
at the NLRB and started to picket
American Coal ships.
Late in January, 1957, Maritime
Administrator Clarence Morse
halted further breakouts to ACS
because of the labor disputes in
volved. A few days later, the
NLRB, on the basis that the com
pany had discriminated against
Seafarers, went into Federal Court
and got out a temporary restrain
ing order forbidding the company
from refusing employment to Sea
farers."
It was at this time that AFL-CIO
President George Meany inter
vened and invited all AFL-CIO
unions involved to meet with him
on February 21. At the meeting,
Meany put forth a package pro
posal calling on the SIU to with
draw from the fleet, in return for
which the MU was to support the
officers' unions.
SIU Agrees To Settle
The SIU agreed to do so in the
interests of AFL-CIO harmony al
though it felt it had a soiid beef
against the company. Nevertheless
the NMU refused to withdraw even
with a guarantee of a tree hand
in the fleet.. That convinced the
SIU and the officers unions that
NMU was an" ally of District 50 in
its efforts to raid AFL-CIO unions.
Curran's defiance of AFL-CIO
on behalf of District 50 evidently
was based on his belief that he
could oust the SIU from the fleet
with the company's help. When
the Federal Court spelled out hir
ing rules for the coal fleet, specify
ing that seniority would prevail,
Curran exulted that NMU would
"whip the SIU."
Much to his chagrin, oldtimers
from the SIU and Pacific District
unions turned out in sufficient
numbers to give the SIU the lead
in the fleet shortly after crewing
of the ships began in April. That
lead has held on a fleet-wide basis
for the past six months, despite
NMU's initial edge of six jobs on
the Coal Miner granted to it by
the court.
Seafarers Fired
When SIU refused to be
"whipped" Curran again turned to
District 50 for help. Mates and
engineers got to work firing SIU
men in large numbers on a variety
of trumped-up charges. NMU men,
for some reason, were immune to
such firings. One chief engineer
who made the mistake of firing
several NMU members was given
his walking papers and the NMU
members were reinstated.
Not even this tactic, which has
been the subject of additional SIU
Labor Board charges, proved suf
ficient to give the NMU the edge
it so desperately sought and is
still seeking through a variety of
questionable moves.
As for the company, it has paid
heavily for becoming a pawn of
Lewis' labor ambitions. The terms
of its charter specified that the 30
Liberty ships it was to get were
to be a stop-gap until modern coal-
carriers came off the drawing
boards. The Federal Maritime
Board had specified that it would
review the situation within six
months to assure that the company
was carrying out its construction
plans.
In the last few months there has
not been a whisper out of the com
pany on its long range commit
ments. . A sharp decline in the coal
market has made for additional
difficulties. It remains to be seen
how long American Goal will per
sist in trying to undermine AFL-
CIO maritime unions and how long
NMU will assist the company in
its objectives.
consistencies" in the procedure of
setting wage on an industry-wide
basis through wage boards.
Instead of adopting the wage
board type of protection, more
and more states are adopting the
basic minimum wage for all types
of work. This procedure, they said,
is much easier to administer than
a number of separate regulations.
As for child labor laws, the ar
ticle reflected, they were written
when farming was considered ^
"family business' and thus exempt
ed from these provisions. But the
states have failed to take into con
sideration today's modern farm
factories and are leaving children
of all ages open to vicious exploi
tation.
Today 22 states exempt agricul
ture completely from child labor
laws while 20 other states and the
Federal government exempt such
work When done outside school
hours. But in many areas from
Maine to California, farmers are
relying on so-called "crop-yacar
tions" to cut up the school term so
as to completely nullify even these
bare minimum standards.
The effect of these reduced and
cut-up school terms was reflected
in a 1956 survey by the Department
of Labor on the scholastic achieve
ments of working farm children.
Over 57 percent of the 4,000 chil
dren studied were in grades below
normal for their age.
Bait. Union
Drive Gains
BALTIMORE — Although shipi
ping has picked up somewhat dur
ing the last two weeks over the
prior period. It is still considered
slow for this port. But the next
period offers promise of increased
job activity as three vessels, the
SS Mermaid (Metro Petroleum),
Oceanstar (Ocean Clippers) and
the Winter Hill (Cities Service) are
expected to take on full crews very
soon after a short lay-up. The reg
ular calls for Ore line vessels
should add to the pick-up.
Organizing in this area has con
tinued to meet with success. Three
more, companies have been can
vassed and pledge cards are being
signed in rapid order. An election
bid is expected in the near future.
There were 11 ships paying off
during the last period. They were
the Feltore, Oremar, Cubore
(Ore); Mae, Jean, Edith, Emilia
(Bull); Young America (Water
man); Oceanstar (Ocean Clippers);
Winter Hill (Cities Service); and
the Steel Apprentice (Isthmian).
Signing on were the Feltore, Ore-
mar, Cubore (Ore); Kenmar and
the Bethcoaster (Calmar).
Fourteen vessels called into"
port to be serviced. They included
the Cubore, Alcoa Planter, Alcoa
Runner, Flomar, Santore, Steel
Rover, Venore, Steel Executive,
Baltore, Venore, Alcoa Partner,
Alcoa Pegasus, Alcoa Roamer,
Marore and the Robin Goodfellow.
IV'V September tl, IMI SEAFARERS IPG
; i^i- .;-r.;^. .-vj-i
Pate Nine
Another PHS Service:
Dental Care
for Seamen
One of the unpublicized aspects of the Public Health Serv
ice is the complete dental care program offered to American
seamen. Seamen who are eligible for PHS treatment are
equally eligible for dental repairs. Where necessary the den
tal department will provide a new set of choppers to those
seamen who need them. Like other PHS services, dental
treatment is provided cost-free to qualified men.
The PHS dental set-up is geared to the seaman's schedule,
since unlike a shoreside resident, a seaman can't stretch out
his dental visits over a period of months.
The Public Health facilities are such that in the New York
area seamen can get all their dental needs taken care of inside
of a month, and that would include the two and a half to three
weeks needed to make a new set of dentures when they are
called for. , . ,
A few figures will serve to illustrate the scope of the dental
services. In New York between the PHS outpatient clinic in
Manhattan and the Staten Island hospital there are 24 dentists
available. Thirteen dental chairs assure little or no waiting
for service. Dr. Robert Moore, the chief of dentistry in this
area, reports that in 1956 alone the New York facilities
handled 36,433 dental visits, making untold thousands of fiill-
ings. His department extracted over 11,000 decayed teeth
and manufactured approximately 2,500 new dentures. The
department also serves as a training center, offering intern
ships to dental school graduates. PHS facilities in other cities,
while not quite as elaborate, are ample to take care of sea
man's needs. . , ,
A popular misconception among seamen is that there is a
charge for dentures. Some charges used to exist but were
abolished six years ago. The PHS will not replace single
teeth but will provide dentures where a man's chewing is
seriously affected or where the absence of teeth would inter
fere with his job, such as in the steward departments of
passenger vessels.
Any Seafarer who enters the hospital or the outpatient
clinic for treatment of another ailment is entitled to a dental
checkup if he so desires. Or he can
get his dentistry taken care of while
waiting for a good run to show up
on the board. Unfortunately, sea
men, like other mortals, tend to post
pone the inevitable visit to the den
tist until they really start hurting.
While the PHS can, and does, a good
job of repair and replacement, the
best set of dentures doesn't adequ
ately substitute for nature's own.
The regular dental check-ups of
fered to Seafarers free of charge are
the ideal way to prevent dental
troubles and keep teeth in good con
dition to tackle those shipboard
steaks and chops. Technician finishes off set
of dentures in the hospital
lab.
One of the 24 dentists on the Public Health staff in the
New York area. Dr. Charles P. White, chats with Seafarer
Lowell Harris. An in-patient, Harris took the occasion to
get his teeth treated.
Dr. Robert Moore, chief of dentistry in the port, checks
Harris' record. Overhead light (top) puts out about 900
candlepower, makes for excellent viewing.
Dr. Alfred Popper checks teeth of Seafarer Rufus Free
man while Mrs. A. Cahill, hospital nurse, stands by with
chart.
Seaman coming into hospital intake office can request dental check-up along with other
treatment. Outpatients at Hudson Street clinic as well as men in other ports can get
same services. _
JIIIIBiiR
Harris demonstrates device which reduces pain of drill
ing. By pressing button, water spray is ejected from drill
tip, keeps drilling heat down.
I
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Pafc Tea SEAFARERS LOG -September 27, 1957
r h
INOUIRING SEAFARER
QUESTION: Have you cut down on your smoking because of all the
reports about smoking and cancer?
Adrain C. Torres, AB: No sir,
and I don't think I could even if
wanted to. I've
been smoking too
long now and
rcelly enjoy
good cigarette
with my coffee,
am a very light
smoker, less than
a pack a day, but
as I've said,
just enjoy that
smoke. As for.its causing cancer,
that's something else. I never felt
better, and I'm in good health.
4* t t
Robert Hutchins, cook: I'm not
an excessive smoker as it is, so the
reports have not
caused me to cut
down any. But if
the reports were
proved to be
100% correct I
think I would cut
down, or cut it
out entirely. But
from what I've
read, it does not
affect the light smoker, and that's
my class.
t 5. r 4^
Bill Williams, AB: I am smoking
just as much as always for I don't
believe that
smoking causes
lung cancer as
(he reports say. I
.iust can't see
why some of
Ihese people who
worry so much
about it use fil
ters and the like.
If I had the
or not smoking. choice of filters
I'd give up smoking entirely.
Jim Staebler, FOW; I have cut
down on my smoking, but not be
cause of tliese
reports. It is sel
dom that I smoke
while on a ship
for I am more re
laxed there, but I
do smoke while
on the beach.
Guess it's the
tension. Smoking
» probably is a
cause of cancer, but I think there
are other factors involved too, and
it is not cigarettes alone.
4. 5. 4>
Aniello Verdemare, OS. I don't
have much faith in those reports.
am a heavy
smoker and have
been for quite
some time. I
doubt I could
quit even if I did
believe the re
ports. In fact, I
should not be
smoking right
now, but what
can I do? As a concession I use
filter-tip cigarettes. They are easier
on the throat.
4* 4' 4'
Ifick Geiling, baker: No, I have
not cut down any on my smoking
because of the
reports. I think
there must be
something to
them, but I don't
let it worry me.
Just as long as
I'm not sick. I
don't worry. The
people who are
always worrying
specially padded
Sail Ship
Sinks; 80
Men Lost
The loss of 80 West German sea
men on th bark Pamir in mid
Atlantic Sunday may finally spell
the end of Germany's fleet of
merchantmen under sail.
Only six men from the sailing
ship are reported safe, despite con-
flieting reports earlier as the Pamir
was battered by hurricane winds
about 600 miles off the Azores. The
vessel carried a crew of 86, includ
ing 51 maritime cadets. The Is-
bandtsen ship Saxon and a Coast
Guard cutter picked up all sur
vivors during an international air-
sea search.
The 3,000-ton Pamir, a four-
masted ship, was built in 1905
and was part of a fleet of cargo-
carriers under sail that was
broken up six years ago. She and
her sister ship were bought by a
West German shipowner while
bound for the scrap heap and put
to sea again as combination freight-
sh'ps and training vessels. They
were recunditioned under govern
ment subsidy contracts.
Unprofitable since then, the ship
has been tramping all over the
world. Four of the dozen sailing
vessels under the German flag in
the last 30 years have been lost at
sea. The latest loss may finally idle
the rest for good.
end up
room.
in
iiii
that
'Can-Shakers'
Have No OK
The membership is again cau
tioned to beware of persons
soliciting funds on ships in be
half of memorials or any other
so-called "worthy causes." No
"can-shakers" or solicitors have
been authorized by the SIU.
Canada SIU Backs Copper Strike
QUEBEC—Over 100 Seafarers of the SIU Canadian District, joined a motorcade in
a "March on Quebec" demonstration protesting the Canadian government's inactivity in
the face of violence against striking members of the United Steelworkers Union at
Gaspe Copper mines in Mur--*""—"— — —
dochville, Quebec.
The strike has resulted in
the death of two USWA members.
Injuries to scores more, and exten
sive damage to strikers, and union
properly. With one exception, the
strike has won the complete sup
port of a unified labor front
throughout Canada. The exception
is the United Mine Workers Dis
trict 50 which has manned two
cargo ships and is carrying "hot"
copper ore from the struck mines.
The Steelworkcjs called the
strike on March 11 after the presi
dent of the union's local was fired
by Gaspe, apparently because of
his position in the union. This was
the climax of a long series of anti
union measures employed by the
company in an effort to break the
union. Tlie Steelworkers Union,
which represents 95 percent of the
employees involved, has been try
ing for the past 12 months to
secure certification from the Que
bec Labour Relations Board.
After firing trie local president.
the company announced that it
would not deal with the steelwork
ers "because the union hadn't been
certified," and started importing
strikebreakers from all over Can
ada and Europe. The company built
bunkhouses on the top of a hill on
company property to house the
strikebreakers, Vhile some 200
armed Provincial police mounted
guard around the plant and bunk-
houses.
Squads Attack Pickets
Company strong-arm squads have
attacked pickets and overturned
cars while the police stood by. In
one instance hundreds of union
demonstrators, including Claude
Jodoin of the Canadian Labor Con
gress and members of the Cana
dian and Catholic Confederation of
Labor, were stoned while picketing
the company plant.
Scabs, safe behind their bunk-
house walls and police guards
showered the pickets with rocks
the size of baseballs. Many cars
were thrown out of control and
damaged, and six visiting unionists
required hospital treatment. Armed
police fired tear gas at the pickets
in warning against an attempt to
storm the hill.
After the demonstrators left the
lines, company squads broke into
the USWA office and wrecked
office furniture and equipment.
They slashed upholstery, over
turned seven cars, and broke win
dows. The provincial police wailed
until they were finished before
.telling them to return to their
bunkhouses.
Dynamite Kills Striker
Earlier in the strike one steel-
worker was killed and three In
jured in a dynamite blast.
The "March on Quebec" demon
stration was called by the Quebec
labor movement to present provin
cial Premier Duplessis with a brief
asking for positive action against
the company's tactics.
Scores of automobiles driven by
Seafarers joined the procession to
Quebec. At one time the line of
cars stretched "for over 45 miles.
In the provincial city tens of thou
sands of unionists assembled before
the legislature building while
Roger Provost, president of the
Quebec Federation of Labour,
Louis Laberge, president of the
Montreal Trades and Labor Coun
cil, and many other labor leaders
assailed the company's anti-labor
tactics and the government's hands-
off policy.
Assail District 50
In speaking of the action of
UMW District 50, the "Canadian
Sailor" said "... we feel that by
their contemptuous and shabby
tactics to nullify the success of a
beef which is supported, and is of
vital importance to the entire
Legitimate Trade Union movement
of Canada, UMW District 50 has
lost all color of right to be regis
tered by union bretaren anywhere,
of any affiliation, as a bona fide
labour union...
ALCOA eiNNANT (Alcoa), Awf. IS—
Chairman, A. Abramt; Sacratary H.
RIdgaway. Vota taken on present
method of job caUs. AU voted in
favor. New delegate elected. Water
too hot for baths. Find oat Why no
water was obtained in Trinidad.'Pan
try to be kept clean at night. Salt"
and pepper shakers to be returned
to messhaU.
repaired in Texas City. Ship's fund,
$60.44. Soma disputed OT. Showers
to be painted next trip. Discussion
altout feeding longshoremen. Request
different assortment of crackers. Need
clarification on firing men not aboard
one hour before sailing time.
ALCOA RANISER (Alcaa), Aug. 34
—Chairman, P. Whithaus; Secretary,
A. Carpenter. One man faUed to
join ship and asked to be paid oif.
Repairs not completed. New delegate
elected. Keep bathrooms clean. Need
new percolator cord, new screens and
wind scoops.
ALCOA CAVALIER (Alcoa), Aug. 31
—Chairman, C. Wandel; Secretary, L.
Culllot. Company to give polio shots.
Request better service from ship's
doctor and larger water cooler. See
what can be done about air condi
tioning.
CITRUS PACKER (Waterm-,n), Sept.
3—Chairman, A. DeLanay; Secretary,
W. Harper. Method of Job calls to
remain the samo. -Trash and chains
to be removed from deck. Ship needs
fumigating. Electrician to be noti
fied when drains are stopped up in
wash room.
MICHAEL (Carras), Aug. 35—Chair
man, J. Parks; Secretary, O. McLean.
Pay off in NJ. See delegate If you
need mattress. Patrolman to make
rounds. Ship needs fumigating. Wash
ing machine to be kept clean. Drain
lines to be- blown out and cleaned.
See patrolman about fans.
JEAN LAFITTE (Waterman), Aug.
39—Chairman, L. Meyers; Secretary,
MARORE (Ore), Aug. 33—Chairman
D. Stone; Secretary, I. Class. Galley
repairs to be done in shipyard. Ship's
fund $3.02. Some disputed OT. Re
quests cold drinks and butter for
night lunches. Knock on doors be
fore enterting.
STEEL RECORDER (Isthmian), Aug.
18—Chairman T. James; Secretary,
R. Barrett. Crew warned against
performing. Offenders wiU be pun
ished. New sec'y-reporter elected.
Ship's fund $6.40. Each member to
donate 50c for sports equipment.
Keep messroom clean. Discussion on
rusty water. Vote of thanks to stew
ard dept.
STEEL VENDOR (Isthmian), Aug.
31—Chairman, V. Orencio; Secretary,
N. Power. AU detaUs taken care of
before sailing. Ship's fund^ $27.91.
New delegate and reporter elected.
Discussion on getting crew's quarters
sougeed and painted, keeping pantry
and messroom clean at night and care
of washing machine. No spare parts
available. Keep aU outside screen
doora locked in port except one
near gangway to keep natives out.
ALMENA (Pan-Atlantic), Aug. 35—
Chairman, A. James; Secretary, M.
Eschsnko. Vote of thanks to stew
ard dept. Fan to be placed in pan
try. Portholes to be checked and
repaired.
BALTORE (Ore), Aug. 1—Chair-
man, D. Buck; Secretary, W. Turpln.
No beefs. Ship's fund $19.25.
FORT HOSKINS (Cltlss Service),
Aug. 18—Chairman, E. Bryant; Sec
retary, Coumas. Some disputed" OT.
.Anyone with information regarding
P. Iverson'a accident see patrol
man. Clean quarters before getting
into port. Repair list to be submitted. _
LOSMAR (Calmer) Aug. 18—Chair
man, P. Alcain; Secretary, P. Olson.
New delegate elected. Need more
silver and cups at night. Suggestion
to start ship'a fund.
NEVA WEST (Bleomflald), Aug. 3$
—Chairman, J. Riley; Secretary, W.
Rinehart. New delegate elected.
Need parts for washing machine.
Repair list to be submitted. Check
sea chest in New Orleans.
STEEL FABRICATOR (Isthmian),
Aug. 11—Chairman, B. Browning; Sec
retary, P. Myatt. Ship's fund, $28.50.
Library to be kept clean. Request new
mattress if needed. Laundry schedule
to be made up. Daymen to fumlgata
ship for roaches. Order new library.
SEATRAIN LOUISIANA (Seatrain),
Aug. 13—Chairman, $. Oarelai Secre
tary, C. Kralss. Ship's fund, $56.99.
New delegate elected. Coke machine
to be repaired out of ship's fund.
Aug.-3t—Chairman, $. Oarcla; Secra^
tary, C. Krelss. Coke machine to be
COUNCIL GROVE (Cities Service),
Aug. 4—Chairman, T. Clough; Secre
tary, Vy. Lane. One man missed ship
. in Baltimore.'S.afel.v rules disregarded
when ship is loaded. I'his is to be
taken up with patrolman. Vote of
thanks to Steward dept. Lengthy dis
cussion on repairs.
BALTIMORE (Cities Service), Aug.
35—Chairman, R. Yeretze; Secretary,
B. Shultz. New York sub.sistence last
trip to be discu.s.sed with patrolman.
Ship's fund. $10. Vote of thanks to
men organizing American Coal. Repair
list to be made up. Vote of thanks
to steward dept.
W. Calefato. Some mixup on replace
ments. Only delegates can obtain
draws from office: no individual draws
between draws. Beefs to be brought
up at meetings, not discussed in
passageways. Ship's fund $22.90.
Electric steam iron purchased to be
crew's property. New delegate elected.
Pantryman to assist messman. Dis
cussion on service in messhall. Beefs
to be made through proper channels.
Laundry not to be hung in recreation
room. Use fidley for all laundry.
DEL ORO (Miss.), Aug. 11—Chair
man, D. Ramsey; Secretary, V. Fitz
gerald. Disputed OT and penalty cargo
time straightened out and p.aid last
trip. All beefs to be handled by dent,
delegate.s. Members warned about de
layed sailing. Ship's fund. $:!.3.09. Mag
azines pureha.sed. New dclegale and
treasurer elected. Hooks to be in
stalled for cups in messball. Crew
instructed on proper use of washing
machine. Need more di.shcs in pantry,
more variety of jams and jellies.
KENMAR (Calmar), Jun* 33—Chair
man, J. Blake; Secretary, J. Marshall.
Some disputed OT. Suggestion that
company and ship safety committees
take action concerning gangway con
ditions at Spat-rows Point. Gangway
facilities unsafe and hazardous.
Aug. 18—Chairman, O. Hildreth;
Secretary, M. Ward. One man left
ship due to Rlness. Some disputed
OT. Rearrange steward dept. foc'sles:
steward should he on mates' deck
consistent with other Llbertys. He-
pair lists made up. Vote of thanks to
steward dept. for job well done.
STEEL APPRENTICE (Islhmian),
May 32—Chairman, W. Velasquez; Sec
retary, F. Perez. No beefs. Coniinunl-
cations posted.
Aug. »—Chairman, L. Russi; Secre
tary, J, McMahon. New stores lo be
taken on in Bombay. Bosun li.-id argu
ment regarding fire hose. Man got
sick; doctor recommended Riving up
the sea. Delegate recommended chock-
up at clinic. Water situation checked
into. Tanks cleaned 6 moiiflis ago .md
should be examined before signing
new articles. Water has been salty
during hot weather at Daminan and
Has Tanura and tanks are rusly. Beefs
to be handled through dcpl. delegates
first. Repair list: to be prepared. .New
man picked up at Khoramshar.
STEEL ROVER (Isthmian), Aug. 35
—Chairman, V. MIynek; Secretary, J.
Fulmers. Crew's quarlers lo be
painted. Beefs to be discussed before
signing on. Air ducts to be cleaned
and filters to be replaced. Discussion
on washing machine repair lis(. Shin
to be fumigated for roaches and
weevils, nequest scats instead of
chairs for messhali. Wash down and
sougee ship luure ufit-n and take
better care of cups and glasses. See
patrolman about pilot ladder. Present
one is too heavy.
ROBIN HOOD (Robin), Aug. 8 —
Chairman, L. Movall; Secretary, E.
Dawkins. Telegrain from T. Flynn
reads re Brother Waters' death. Letter
of condolence to Mrs. Waters read.
Wiper left ship without advance
notice; Union notified. One man hos-
pitaiized. Vote of thanks to It. Miller
for job well done as delegate. Dis
cussion on collection of funds in
memory of D. Waters tabled. Photos
and story of burial at sea to be sent
to widow. Vole of thanks to steward
dept.
OMAR E. CHAPMAN (Boston Ship),
Aug. 4—Chairman, C. Hugart; Secre
tary, N. Lighten. Port disch.-ir.ges to
be given at pay off. Hot water
checked. See captain about diaw. See
captain about coca cola and other
items if men i-equest same. Ship's
fund $9.20. One man injured in
Pusan. Discussion re • transportation
for B and C men.
ALCOA RUNNER (Alcoa), Aug. 1—
Chairman; Secretary, S. Bernstein.
Ship's fund $5. One man quitting in
Phila. Two men left ship, no re
placements. Outside bathroom to be
opened for longshoremen. Vole of
thanks to steward dept. for job well
done. Also to member who handled
two jobs.
CITY OF ALMA (Waterman), July.
38—Chairman, R. Meyvantsson; Stcre-
tary, J. Holsenbeck. Men to get ration
of cigarettes when slop chest open.
Specify amount of money -on draw list.
Messman changed to pantryman for
best interest of ail concerned. Ship's
fund $33.41. Pew hours disputed OT
concerning late breakfast. Deck to be
painted in recreation room. Vote of
thanks to steward dept. for good ser
vice. Bathrooms to be kept clean.
Cots to be returned afier use. Keep
laundry locked in purl.
IBERVILLE (Pan-Atlantic), July It
—Chairman, J. McCill; Secretary, C.
Ridge. Ship's fund $18.00. New dele
gate elected. $222.55 spent for films
and lamps. Discussion on projector
payments, bathroom repairs.
TOPA TOFA (Waterman), Aug. 13—
Chairman. B. B'oster; Secretary, D.
Ravosa. One man missed ship. Ship's
fund $20. Vote of thanks to resigning
delegate for job well done. Bathrooms
and showers back aft to be kept
cle'ag. Keturn cups and glasses to •
paniry. . ,
September tl, 1957 S EA EA RERS LOG T»ge Eleven
'Gef In There And Operate!'
Vic LitardI
Dies At 54
Seafarer Vic Litardi, an active
Union member of many years
standing, passed away last July
27th at the Kingsbridge Veterans
Hospital, Bronx, New York. He had
been ill for several years and had
been hospitalized in various vet
erans' hospitals for approximately
two years prior to his death. He
•was 54 years old.
Widely-known to many Seafarers,
The late Victor Litardi while
at Sunmount, NY, VA hospital
last summer.
Litardi had taken active part in
many of the SIU's major beefs, par
ticularly the longshore beef in 1953
and 1954 in the Port of New York.
Subsequently he served as an or
ganizer for the International Trans-
portworkers Federation in its ef
forts to sign up runaway-flag ships
here.
Buriel took place in Pinelawn
Cemetery.' He • is survived by a'
brother,..Angela^
Once again the chopping block is being readied for a hatchet
job on the United States Public Health Service. The immedi
ate victims are to be the Chicago, Detroit, Memphis and Sa
vannah hospitals, but once the "economy" move takes hold
there is no telling how it will end.
The actual surgical plan has been devised by the Bureau
of the Budget, a longtime enemy of PHS, which has called
for a "survey" of private medical facilities in the areas named
to see if the Government installations can be shut down.
Since statisticians can invariably come up with a set of figures
to support any conclusion, there is no doubt they can pro
duce a report to justify the closings.
But this is by no means the whole story. Since the country
is already confronted with a shortage of hospital facilities,
the PHS shutdowns would only worsen the situation. In ad
dition, the substitution of private facilities for the PHS hospi
tals, can only mean a reduction in medical services for seamen
and Federal employees entitled to Government medical care,
and this emerges as the real reason for the "survey" move.
The medical profession is already notorious for its opposi
tion to Government medicine in any form, although it, as
well as the public, has benefitted greatly from the use of
the PHS hospitals as a proving ground for new techniques
and research plus the training of skilled specialists. Previous
hospital closings have only served to retard further essential
research and to make hospital facilities less accessible to sea
men and others who need them.
It is hard to imagine a more costly "economy" move than
this one.
J.
Perils Of The Sea
Certainly no one in this business has to be reminded about
the accident and injury potential aboard ship. Safety at sea is
always complicated by the unknown and unexpected, which
is what makes going to sea one of the most dangerous pro
fessions of them all.
Whatever the cause, the loss of two SIU men on a Tampa
tug; of 94 persons, mostly children and old folks, in a ship
collision hear Buenos Aires and of a half dozen crewmen
on a brand-new Liberian tanker—all of these are grim re
minders that the sea is constantly exacting its toll, regardless
of precautions taken against it.
Ship safety, as envisioned in the SIU's industry-wide safety
•program, is a never-ending job for this reason. No one should
itiightiv^ r.'
An Old Familiar Tune-
Living Costs Set Record
WASHINGTON—the cost-of-living index rose to a new high
for the 12th consecutive month with increased food and
housing costs the main cause of the increase.
According to the Bureau of '
Labor Statistics, the index for
the month of August rose two-
tenths of one percent from the July
level, bringing the August total 3.6
percent above August of last year.
The level is now 21 percent above
the average 1947-49 level.
The rise brought the spendable
earnings of the average factory
woi'ker below the level for the same
month last year. This was the
fourth month this year that a
worker's take-home pay bought
less than it had for the correspond
ing month last year. The other high
months were March, April and
May.
Food prices increased four-
tenths of one percent while gas
and electricity costs jumped nine-
tenths of one percent, the highest
increase in any mpnth since Octo
ber, 1948. Also showing marked in-
creases^ were rents, FHA mortage
rates and medical expenses. The
cost of borrowing other money has
also been on the upgrade.
The continued rise in the cost
index will result in "escalator
clause" wage hikes for some 157,-
000 employees.
The AFL-CIO Executive Council
has voted to appropriate $50,000
for the training of African workers
in the basic concepts of free trade
unionism. The program calls for
the selection of 10 to 12 promis
ing young Africans each year for
study in US trade schools and in
American union procedures. The
trainees, on completion of their
courses, will be furnished with sub
sidies when they go home in order
to apply what they learned in train
ing their countrymen. The move
was designed to unite the free
world with the new independent
Africian nations.
t i 4.
"Rock- and Roll" has hit the
picket line. Striking members of
Steel workers Local 5501 doing
round-the-clock picket duty at
Johnson's Spring Co., in Jefferson
City, Tenn. have composed a song
entitled "Walk Around the Clock."
The song, composed of some 20
verses, is sung to the tune of
"Rock Around the Clock." One
of the verses goes like this:
"We're gonna walk around the
clock tonight.
We're gonna walk, walk, walk till
broad daylight.
We're gonna walk around the
clock tonight.
We'll walk out there till we're
soaked to the skin.
We'll walk out there till John
son gives in."
4 4.
The average worker in Arizona
is losing some 25 to 30 cents an
hour in wages because of the
state's "right to work" law, charges
Eddie Eagle, secretary and busi
ness representative of Local 109,
Meat Cutters Union. Local 109 has
been in Tucson for 20 years and
the first contract with employers
in 1937 was the same as in Los
Angeles. However, he said, "today,
they are $18 to $21 per week
higher in wages, receive health and
welfare benefits, a pension plan
and many other fringe benefits
that we do not have here." Arizona
was one of the first states to~enact
a "right to work" law.
4 4 4
An escalator clause in pension
plans or some means of applying
bargaining gains to retired em-
Shorthanded?
If a crewmember quits while
a ship is in port, delegates
are asked to contact the hall
immediately for a replace
ment. Fast action on their part
will keep all jobs aboard ship
filled at all times and elimi
nate the chance of the' ship
sailing shorthaiided.
•• :c".' t • V
ployees is being sought'by many
unions as a means of providing
against inflation for those who will
have to live on fixed incomes,
announced A1 Whitehouse, director
of the AFL-CIO Industrial Union
Department. The theory was first
adopted about eight years ago
when more than a half a million
members of United Steelworkers
struck to force the industry to take
more responsibility for the welfare
of retired employees. A month
long strike brought Bethlehem
Steel to accept this principle.
Since then other steel operators
and automobile companies have
adopted similar plans.
4 4 4
The theme, "The union wants
your dues," or "What do you get
out of it?" as a means of hindering
union organization proved unsuc
cessful among White Hall, Md. mill
employees of the Federal Paper
Board Company when the United
Papermakers and Paperworkers
organized the plant. Soon after
the union won an NLRB represen
tation election the company an
swered its own question. The first
contract negotiated by the UPP
Local 715 gave the mill board em
ployees an average 22 cents an
hour increase in wages and bene
fits, or approximately $440 a year
more for the first year of UPP
representation, considerably more
than the employees' dues will
come to.
4 4 4
Postal and civil service unions
have bitterly denounced President
Eisenhower's veto of the federal
pay raise bill. Labeling the veto
as a "crushing blow of devastating
proportions," William Doherty,
president of the Letter Carriers,
said that postal workers have every
right to be bitterly disappointed.
Proponents of the bill pointed out
that more than 50 percent of the
postal employees have already
been forced to take outside jobs in
addition to a full day's work in the
post office to stay abreast of the
rising cost of living. A stronger
bill, Doherty announced, will be
proposed next session and will
have a retroactive clause to make
up, at least partially, for this year's
setback.
4 4 4
Wage boosts have been provided
for engineers on 65 railroads after
an hour-long bargaining session
between the carriers and the Loco
motive Firemen and Enginemen.
The increases are 49 cents a day
for yard engineers on a five day
week, 31 cents for those on a six
or seven day week, 38 cents per
100 miles for through freight ser
vice engineers and six cents per "
100 mRes. for -passenger engineers.
Paffe Twelve SEAFARERS LOG September 27, 1957
Grandpop Shows 'Em How
Seafarer John Zohil gives a few pointers on the ongler^s art to
grandchildren Kathy, Debbie and Sandy in Philadelphia, after
his last trip. He caught the brainfood during the intercoastal
run on the Texmar.
Dunaif Or Boogabilla
—What's In A Name?
After months of pleasant (??) association, it's a little dis
concerting to wake up one morning and find your ship dubbed
the "Swedish motor ship Boogabilla" in the local press.
The fact that the news'*
photograph of the bogus Boo
gabilla clearly shows the name
"Charles Dunaif" lettered on the
stern and the US flag at the fantail
is not too troublesome. It's that
"Boogabilla" bit. If they were
gonna goof, they might at least
have tagged you the Queen Mary,
or the Graf Spee, for that matter.
None the less, all things are
possible in Eureka, Calif., in the
words of ship's reporter Truman
W. Lane. "We found Eureka in
depressed times," he stated, "and
proceeded to remedy this in the
approved manner.
"The first night ashore we were
greeted with sour looks and re
quests for identification in the local
bars, as there are quite a few of
us on here under 30. But the next
night things moved along in style
after our singing troubadour, Her
man Whisnant, gave out with one
of his famous arias to the accom
paniment of the band... I think
all of us enjoyed our stay there."
Sign Name On
LOG Letters
For obvious reasons the LOG
cannot print any letter or
other communications sent in
by Seafarers unless the author
signs his name. Unsigned
anonymous letters will only
wind up in the waste-basket.
If circumstances justify, the
LOG will withhold a signature
on request.
The Eureka episode has since
become history and the Dunaif wa.s
recently due back in Texas from
the Far East "after four and a half
Ship's delegate Herman Whis
nant, AB, and a friend in
Yokahama. He must have
done some singing there too.
months, 18 ports and all kind of
yen, hwan and Yankee dollars.
Things are running smooth since
we picked up some US stores in
Hawaii, replacing the Japanese
stores we had on board, all of
which tasted like fish."
No one knows exactly what hap
pened to the Boogabilla, which
apparently was loading for Austra
lia at the same time the Dunaif
was also in Eureka, but the gang
is hoping their "namesake" had as
good a trip as they did.
SIU HAIL
DIRECTORY
SIU, A&G District
B.4LTIMORE 1216 E. Baltimore St.
Earl Sheppard, Agent EAstern 7-4900
BOSTON 276 State St.
James Sheehan. Agent Richmond 2-0140
HOUSTON. 4202 Canal St.
Robert Matthews, Agent
Capital 3-4089: 3-4080
LAKE CHARLES, La...
Leroy Clarke. Agent
. 1419 R.van St.
HEmlock C-5744
MOBILE 1 South Lawrence St.
Cal Tanner. Agent HEmlock 2-1754
MORGAN CITV 912 Front St.
Tom Gould, Agent Phone 2156
.MEW ORLEANS 523 Bienville St.
Lindse.v WUliams. Agent Tulane 8026
NEW. YORK 673 4th Ave.. Brooklyn
HYacinth 9-6600
NORFOLK 127-129 Bank St.
Ben Rees. Agent MAdison 2-9834
PHILADELPHIA 337 Market St.
S. CarduUo. Agent Market 7-1633
PUERTA de TIERRA PR 101 Pelayo
Sal Colls. Agent Phone 2-5996
SAN FRANCISCO 450 Harrison St.
Marty Breithoff, Agent Douglas 2-3475
SAVANNAH 2 Abercorn St.
E. B. McAuley, Agent Adams 3-1728
SEATTLE
Jeff GiUette. Agent
.2505 1st Ave.
Elliott 4334
TAMPA 1809-1811 N. Franklin St.
Tom Banning. Agent Plione 2-1323
WILMINGTON, CaUf 503 Marine Ave.
Reed Humphries. Agent Terminal 4-2874
HEADQUARTERS . .675 4th Ave.. Bklyn.
SECRETARY-TREASURER
Paul HaU
ASST. SECRETARY-TREASURERS
J. Alglna, Deck C. Simmons. Joint
J. Volplan, Eng. W. HaU, Joint
E. Mooney, Std. R. Matthews. Joint
SUP
HO.NOLULU 16 Merchant St.
Phone 5-8777
PORTLAND 211 SW Clay St.
CApital 3-4336
RICHMOND. Calif 510 Macdonald Ave.
BEacon 2-0925
SAN FRANCISCO 450 Harrison St.
Douglas 2-8363
SEATTLE 2505 1st Ave.
Main 0290
WILMINGTON 505 Marine Ave.
Terminal 4-3131
NEW YORK 673 4th Ave.. Biookl.vn
HYacinth 9-0165
Canadian District
HALIFAX, N.S 1281!! Hollis St.
Phone 3-8911
MO.NTREAL 634 St. James St. West
PLateau 8161
FORT WILLIAM 408 Simpson St.
Ontario Phone: 3-3221
PORT COLBORNE 103 Durham St.
Ontario Phone: 5591
TORONTO. Ontario 272 King St. E.
EMpire 4-5719
VICTORIA, BC 617Vi Cormorant St.
EMpire 4531
VANCOUVER, BC 298 Main St.
Pacific 3468
SYDNEY, NS 304 Charlotte St.
Phone: 6346
BAGOTVILLE, Queheo 20 Elgin St.
Phone; 545
THOROLD, Ontario 52 St. Davids St.
CAna! 7-3202
QUEBEC 44 Sault-au-Matelot
Quebec Phone: 3-1569
SAINT JOHN 177 Prince William St.
NB OX 2-5431 /
Great Lakes District
ALPENA 1215 N. Second Ave.
Phone: 713-J
BUFFALO, NV 180 Main St.
Phone: Cleveland 7391
CLEVELAND 734 Lakeside Ave.. NE
Phone: Main 1-0147
DETROIT 1038 3rd St.
Phone: Woodward 1-6857
DULUTH - 621 W. Superior St.
Phone: Randolph 2-4110
SOUTH CHICAGO 3261 E. 02nd St.
Phone: Essex 5-2410
Urges Revised
Pension Set-Up
To the Editor:
I am writing In regard to the
question in the "Inquiring Sea
farer" (LOG, Aug. 2, 1957) on
"what would you like to see a*
the next forward step of the
Seafarers Welfare Plan?"
We as a Union and all unions
have wanted our Government to
lower the age for Social Secu
rity eligibility from 63 to an age
letters To
The Editor
All letters to the editor for
publication in the SEAFAR
ERS LOG must be signed
by the writer. Names will
be withheld upon request.
where a man can still enjoy a
little life. We would be setting
an example if we set a seatime
limit of say 20 years, with no re
quirement of disability.
Let's take a look at our Army
and Navy. Those men get pen
sioned after 20 years whether
they are 40, 50, or 60. All they
need is the 20 years' time. As
you know, we have a lot of re
tired men who came out of the
Navy, make a trip or two each
year and are at ,an age where
they can still enjoy life.
Therefore this is what I'd like
to see in the SIU:
(DA pension at any age after
20 years' seatime, with no re
quirement of disability.
(2) A disability pension at any
age after ten years' seatime.
(3) A reduction of the $50-
deductible provision in the hos
pital-surgical plan for SIU fam
ilies to $25.
What do you think brothers?
James Eichenberg
4- S* 4<
Ex-GI Starts
Sailing Again
To the Editor:
1 had been receiving the LOG
while overseas with the Army,
but now that 1 am home and
sailing again 1 would appreciate
having it sent to my home in
stead.
My parents always enjoyed
reading the LOG before and I'll
be able to keep up with current
Union events while at home be
tween trips.
B. E. S. Clontz
4 4" 4"
Lauds Kindness
Of Wild Ranger
To the Editor:
It is wonderful to have the
help of your people who have
been very generous to our or
ganization here in Pusan, Ko
rea.
It was on Aug. 17 while the
SS Wild Ranger was lying at
anchor here that I visited this
•hip and told tht captain and
steward of our poor circum
stances. They responded vtrjr
kindly by donating quantities of
milk,, cookies, jelly, molasses,
Worchestershire sauce and pud
ding which we appreciate deep
ly.
We will never forget these
contributions for our orphanage
and would like to send our re
gards to the Wild Ranger and
its captain and steward. The
best of luck to your Union for
ever.
M. Chung
Catholic Heart Orphanage
4" 4. 4
Offer Thanks
To Cavalier
To the Editor:
The family of Franklin Cain
wishes to thank the entire crew
of the Alcoa Cavalier for their
beautiful wreath, the warm ex
pressions of sympathy, the gen
erous donations and for other
kindnesses shown on the occa
sion of the death of our mother.
May God reward you. ^
Franklin Cain & Family
4 4 4
Hails Kindness
Of Phiia. SIU
To the Editor:
1 am the wife of William
Healy about whom an articlt
appeared in the "Final Dis
patch" column of the LOG on
August 2, 1957. The article said
Bill was sailing only two years,
although he had been sailing for
many more years than that.
Bill was a v/onderful husband
and father. AVe had five children
and nine grandchildren of whom
he was very proud. His brother
was the late Lawrence "Red"
Healy, who was well-known and
well-liked in Philadelphia.
Words cannot describe the
kindness and thoughtfulness of
the Seafarers of Philadelphia.
When Bill was dying in the hos
pital, "MOon" Mullins was In
there at the same time and was
always around Jurying to comfort
us. He was wonderful and we
will never forget him.
At the funeral they all tried
to help in some way and some
came a good ways to be there.
Steve Cai'dullo, the SIU agent
in Philadelphia, also went out
of his way to help and saw to it
that 1 received the limit in wel
fare benefits. With that help I
own my own home and have a
fund set aside to send my daugh
ter through college. Bill had
intended to try for a scholarship
for our youngest daughter,
Mary, wlio is 17.
Bill is greatly missed by all
of us. but 1 want to thank all
the SIU men for their kindness.
1 hope you will also continue
sending nje the LOG.
Mrs. Edna Healy
(Ed. note: Union records
show that Brother Healy began
sailing SIU ships in 1950. Sorry
for the error. The LOG will, of
course, continue to be sent to
you.)
Burly By Bernard Seaman
September 27, 1957 SEAFARERS LOG Pace Thirteea
ALCOA PiLORIM (Alcoa), May H—
Chairman, P. Shandl; Saeratary, W.
«cott. Dlacuaalon on launch aervlce
In Maracaibo and Cabimas; matter
referred to patrolman. Some disputed
or. Vote of thanks to steward dept.
for fine Job. Need new wasliing
machine.
Aug. I—Chairman, P. Murray; Sec
retary, I. Moency. Repair list to be
submitted. Some disputed OT. Soiled
Unen to be returned on day of linen
issue. Return all cups and glasses to
scullery.
MANKATO VICTORY (Victory),
July 14—Chairman, H. Lanier; Secre
tary, W. Barth. EnElneer took two
new chairs for his office that were
purchased for messroom. Ship's fund
$35.40. Some disputed OT. New dele
gate elected to act as treasurer.
Suggestion to permit longshoremen to
use recreation room but not mess-
room. Salads not to be placed on
tables too soon.
Aug. 5—Chairman, H. Lanier; Sec
retary W. Barth. Ship's fund $30.40.
Suggestions to keep ice cream in ice
box while serving meal, place milk
on table at last minute and clean all
condiment containers.
Aug. 14—Chairman, Vy. Harrcll;
Secretary, J. Allstatt. Few hours dis
puted OT; settled. Men who missed
ship in Norfolk reported to patrolman.
Reports accepted.
ALCOA PURITAN (Alcoa), July t
—Chairman, C. Douglas; Secretary, R.
Pools. Few hours disputed OT. Rooms
need sougceing and decks painted.
Engine room door to be closed. Gang
way watch should stand at all times.
Need more variety of fresh fruit. .Ship
to be fumigated. Beef to be discussed
with steward, delegates and company
officials at first port.
Aug. 7—Chairman, R. Joy; Secre
tary, E. Kllllgrcw. Gangway watchmen
more dignilicd as requested by mate.
Need fans for bathrooms. Mops not
to be washed in laundry sink. Com
mittee to write letters to Union
concerning possibility of gaining sub
sistence during discharge of bauxite
on Alcoa ships in Mobile. Objection
on safety meetings. Men feel meetings
should be held on company time.
Deck crew wishes pad-eyes welded to
deck -port and starboard so pilot
ladder may be secured properly. Boat
deck for crew to be kept clean by
washdown two or three times weekly
to eliminate disease-carrying flics and
insects. Deck dept. sanitary man
reprimanded for not shining brass
door jams. Question whether this is
his job. -Request change of dr.iw
time from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or 12
noon. Men broken out to dock ship.
Put to work one hour before told to
go fore and aft. Mate mistaken in so
doing on arrival at Guanta. Consult
patrolman about washing down vessel
during loading of bauxite and secur
ing for,sea. Order to wash down deck
carried out against crew's wishes who
felt order would create hazardous
working conditions.
AMES VICTORY (Victory Carriers),
Aug. 4—Chairman, C. Starling; Secre
tary, R. Giellng. Repairs not made.
One man lost in Miss. River. Wiper
died in N.O. Call hall on articles,
signing on. money beefs and delayed
sailings in MY. New delegate elected.
Take collecton for ship's fund, $1
per man. See captain about payoff,
discharges and vouchers. Shorts not
to be worn in messroom and pantry.
One man ho.spitalized in Panama
Canal.
MAE (Bull), Aug. 1«—Chairman, J.
Emmerick; Secretary, F. Hipp. Report
on new ladder. Ship's fund $27.97.
New repair list to be submitted. Air
condition all SIU ships especially
those running to the tropics. Check
OT at payoff: each delegate to check
his dept. Dogs on storm doors to be
overhauled. Request mosquito bulbs
for passageways and "612" mosquito
repellent. Steward to be on hand at
meal times. Menus have been im
proved. Thanks to old timers for fine
job in American Coal beef.
WILD RANGER (Waterman), July
2S—Chairman, D. Ruddy; Secretary,
W, Tregambo. Ship's fund $24.69
New delegate elected.
STEEL VOYAGER (Isthmian), Aug.
17—Chairman, J. Farrand; Secretary,
K. Jucchter. One man overcome with
heat exhaustion. Members cautioned
to take it easy during hot weather
and not make so much noise. Ship's
fund, $10.26. Endeavor to get ship or
messhalls air-conditioned. New re
porter elected. Messhalls to be kept
clean. Men requested to refrain from
bringing natives or anyone from for
eign ships on board.
PACIFIC OCEAN (World Tramping),
Aug, M—Chairman, B. High; Boere- -
tary, B, Amtbsry. Union notified about
repatriated member. Request galley
range, messhall tabletops, different
brand of soap powder. .Repair list
turned in. Strip bunks and clean
fpc'sles . at •: -pgjroff; return library
books. More coop^ation urged with
aptah delegates. See captain and patrolman
about hospital supplies, more careful
check of ship's stores. Vote of thanks
to steward department, especially
men in galley.
STEEL KING (Isthmian), July 30—
Chairman, N. Flowers; Secretary, C.
Prasnall. Fireman fii'ed in Mobile to
be reported to delegate. Ship's fund,
$14.70. New reporter elected. Repair
list to be submitted. Need larger
cooler as present one is inadequate.
Ship needs fumigating. Delegate urged
members to partake in union busi
ness, such as accepting official posi
tions on board ship.
PLYMOUTH VICTORY (Isthmian),
July 30—Chairman, R. Spencer; Secre
tary, J. Gleason. Repair lists discussed
with patrolman. Items to be taken
care of next trip. Members to donate
any amount to ship's fund. Put away
butter at . night after use. Vote of
thanks to steward dept. Garbage to be
kept away from deck house. Request
latches on passageway screen door;
keep doors closed in port. Proper
attii'e to be worn in messhall and
pantrj'. Rotation system for cleaning
laundry and recreation room.
STEEL ADVOCATE (Isthmian), Aug.
10—Chairman, L Clamboll; Secretary,
A. Shrlmpton. Two members missed
ship; hall notified. Two men injured
in Kobe, repatriated as workaways.
Ship's fund, $1.01. Vote of thanks to
steward dept. for good chow tiirough-
out voyage. One workaway shipped
from Honol)ilu. Discussion on room
allowance while painting ship in
Pusan. No illness reports given to
crew for men reported sick during
voyage in violation of union instruc
tions. Every man reporting sick
should obtain evidence of such before
paying off. Rcque.st awning aft. Try
to adjust cold showers continually
running hot. Paint all deck dept.
foc'sles bathrooms and showers next
trip.
MONARCH OF THE SEA (Water
man), Aug. 11—Chairman, E. Odom;
Secretary, F. Mitchell, Jr. Incidents
between officers and crew members
to be taken up with patrolman. Some
disputed OT. Motion to hold meet
ings once a month. Try to replace
toaster. Check with patrolman on
time of payoff.
CHILORE (Ore), Aug. 3—Chairman,
S. Mills; Secretary, C. Bortz. Ship's
fund, $21.75. Odd pennies received at
payoff to be contributed to ship's
treasury. Recommended spare coffee
pots be secured. Procure cots, new
refrigerator. Proper variety and qual
ity of food not being put aboard. See
agent while vessel is in diydock.
EDITH (Bull), Aug. 15—Chairman,
M. Jones; Secretary, S. Arales. No
cots on board. Ice box needs repair
ing. Have washing machine repaired
or secure new one. Need some wind
scoops. Vote of thanks to steward
dept. for good food and service.
LAWRENCE VICTORY (Miss.), Aug.
4—Chairman, J. King; Secretary, A.
Schlavone. All major repairs made.
$5 in ship's fund. Magazines purchased.
Discussion on galley stoye. Meats not
properly cooked. Ovens do not have
reguhation heat. New half-moon plates
to be ordered at first American port.
NEW JERSEY (Seatrain), Aug. 17—
Chairman, E. LaSoya; Secretary, A.
O'Krugly. Man fired. Special meeting
held; beef squared away. Check stores
put aboard; getting sour green apples.
Return cups to messhall.
JOSEFINA (Liberty), Aug.
Chairman, H. Jaynes; Secretary, B.
Elverum. Two men hospitalized in
Japan. Few beefs. One man picked up
in Philippines. Partiality to saloon
mess provisions. Complaints that stew
ard neglected duties in not^'lnspecting
messhall at meal hours. Washing ma
chine to be kept clean.
OCEAN DEBORAH (Maritime Over-
teas), Aug. 11—Chairman, J. McElroy;
Secratary, P. St. Marie. Various small
repairs to be brought to engineer's
attention. Some items omitted will be
ordered next trip. Discussion on gar
bage disposals. Do not smear newly
painted areas.
REBECCA (Maritime Overseas), Aug.
4—Chairman, G. Flowers; Secretary,
M. Culp. New delegate elected. $5 to
be donated to purchase converter for
projector. More cooperation urged on
fire and boat drill. Laundry to be
kept clean.
SANTORE (Ore Nav), July 13—
Chairman, S. Wet|on; Secretary W.
Franklin. Ship's fund $fl.lO. Two
men missed ship in Baltimore. Minor
beef settled about OS making coffee
for watch in morning. New delegate
elected. Clothes to be removed from
dryer when dry. Keep laundry and
night pantry clean. Quiet to be ob
served in passageways so men can
sleep.
SEATRAIN SAVANNAH (Seatrain),
Aug. 2S—Chairman, R. May; Secre
tary, C. Yaw. New delegate elected.
Ship's fund $44.22. Beef about night
lunch: feeding outsiders topside be
fore feeding crew. Insufficient milk
on sailing day.
Aug, 17—Chairman, •. Oretsky,
Secretary, T. Bentlcy. Payoff in
Baltimore. Disputed overtime restric
tion to ship, and money due for
launch service to be taken up with
patrolman. Ship's fund $9.00. Show
ers and rooms to be sougeed. Each
watch la to do its own. Use of-burn
ing torch by chief engineer to be'
taken up with patrolman. Captain to
hold sanitary Inspection .to decide
whether rooms need aougeeing or
painting.
Night Alarm At Dock Ends Okay
NeecJless to say, the crew of the Steel Voyager was "shook up a little" by a midnight
"abandon ship" alarm alongside a dock in the Persian Gulf, especially with no sign of smoke,
fire or an explosion. But all turned out well after the ship's boat had retrieved an AB who
• fell over the side.
Fortunately for the AB,
who was being taken out to
sea by the current, "the saloon
messman made a good throw with
a life-ring. This saved his life,"
reported Scotty Weems. After he
had given the alarm, "the crew
along with the officers did a good
job of getting the lifeboat in the
water and picked the man up about
a half-mile from the ship." He was
apparently in good shape so the
whole incident came out okay.
Earlier, in Bandarshapur, one of
the wipers passed out from heat
exhaustion and it took a doctor
several hours to bring him around.
Korea-Bound Passenger
Was President's Kin
Most of the crew didn't know it at the time, but the Jean
Lafitte was carrying something beside cargo to Korea last
trip. The ship was also bringing home the grandnephew of
Korean President Syngman "*•
Rhee after four years' study
in the US.
Seamen generally regard most
passengers as just some more car
go—keeping aloof, always gaping
at the erew and making one
wonder why they travel on freight
ers instead of passenger ships. But
Kisu Rhee was one of the excep
tions to the rule, says Seafarer
William Calefato, and enjoyed "the
run of the ship" instead of staying
. - ^ ^ A** •
Passenger Kisu Rhee, grand-
nephew of the Korean presi
dent (top), poses for SIU crew-
member during trip back
home on Jean Lafitte. Above,
saloon messman Raymond
.Ventura (left) is kept busy in
open air tonsorial parlor all
the way to Yokohama. Crew
Cantryman Lacks is en tap
ere tor his turn in the barber
chair, riietot by Wllliom
Calefot*. C r.
topside. He took a camera everj-
where and made friends all over.
What's more, Calefato reports,
the Korean president's grand-
nephew displayed a great deal of
interest in the ship's operations
and especially in the way the crew
lived and worked. Calefato says
he is sure that Rhee learned a
great deal about the SIU and car
ried off a fine impression of the
Union.
The result was a more than
usually pleasant trip all around,
with many suspecting Rhee's
family connection but none quite
sure of it.
Calefato eventually confirmed it
but agreed to keep the confidence
until the trip was over. Rhee, he
noted, was returning from studies
here to help at the Taegu School
for the Blind and Deaf, the first
Christian school of its kind in
Korea, which his father founded
in 1946.
The younger Rhee was awarded
a government scholarship after he
invented a standard Braille type
writer keyboard that everyone, in
cluding the blind, can use. The
original Braille machines had only
a few keys.
Only one thing marred his trip
home and that happened right in
his homeland after a smooth voj'-
age across the Pacific. Customs
regulations call for a tax on text
books brought into the country and
every bit of his 400 pounds of
luggage had to.he inspected.
It took him two days to get
cleared in Pusan although his
family had come all the way from
Taegu to meet him. For the record,
Calefato added, this shows you
can't beat the "Customs" no matter
where you are—or who you are.
Weems said the crew stood watches
with him one night, relieving each
other at two-hour intervals.
"This is a good run to save
money on," he also pointed out,
"as there is no shore leave in most
ports. But considering the heat
which has averaged about 120° in
foc'sle for the past three weeks
and the ports with no shore leave,
everyonO has done a good job and
everything is running very
smooth,"
He added a word of warning for
crews coming to Basrah—where
you can go ashore — about the
"clipjoints" there. "The girls
press you to buy them drinks
which cost one dinar ($2.80) a shot
for tea. They'll string you along
plenty...But as $100 is usually
only good for two or three hours
of drinking, very few have any
money left at closing time so the
ladies leave you flat anyway . . .Just
because the Persian Gulf is lousy
with oil, people there think even
the seamen are like Texas million
aires."
LOG-A'RHYTHM:
The Rainbow
By Harry Wolowitz
I've often v:on-There are times
dered
While sailing across the sea,
Where is the end of the rainbow.
That pot of gold for me?
I'm sailing the seas
With that rainbow in mind.
Hoping and praying
For the day when I'll find.
That elusive rainbow
With its pot of gold;
Like the end of a story
That's never been told.
SS Del Mar
Editor,
SEAFARERS LOG.
675 Fourth Ave.,
Brooklyn 32, NY
I would like to receive the SEAFARERS LOG—
please put my name on your mailing list.
(Print Information)
NAK^E • • • • • a
STREET ADDRESS • •••••
CITY ZONE. STATE
TO AVOID DUPLICATION: Ifyeu ars an old tubieribar and hava a changa'
of oddrait, ploato giv# your formar addrasi balow;
ADDRESS
• CITY .;,;.W.ZONE...u„ STATE ![
I've often been told
There're pots of gold,
Just waiting for someone to find;
I've searched high and low,
Whereever I go.
Expecting the gods to be kind.
\\ I
Some think their rainbows mean
drinking.
And drown their sorrows in gin;
While others like betting the races.
On horses that never come in.
Some find their rainbow
At cards all night long.
Others shoot dice for their thrill;
Some chase the girls in port
ofter port.
All sizes and shapes fill the bill.
J.'
'3
i;:.:
A
•K.
!
KifS
Faff* Fourtees SEAFARERS LOG September 27. 1957
Seafarers'
Scrapbook
Delegate Beau Jamet and Nick West-
fall on Steel Recorder (right) keep
an eye on jar holding ship's fund.
They expect It'll fill up before long.
Hot weather keeps deckhands strip
ped down while the Steel Artisan's in
the Persian Gulf. Photo by Marvin
White. Tony Montemarono solves his
own heat problem (above, right). At
siesta time on Seatrain Louisiana, he
sacks down in mid-air.
The Mermaid lives up to her name as tank-tops take a
pounding and deck gets a free washdown. In calmer
weather (above) at Puerta La Cruz, two ordinaries try
their luck at fishing for some of the big ones. John
Wunderlich, who took the photos, didn't say whether
any of them got away.
SEAFARERS IN THE HOSPITALS
USPHS HOSPITAL
SEATTLE, WASH.
Wayne T. Center Earnest W. Horn*
, Ah Sheu Chen George L. Lecher
Michael Delano
USPHS HOSPITAL
SAVANNAH, OA.
Herbert Clifton Jimmie Littleton
I Thurston Dingier Bacilio Llanez
John H. Ferguson
USPHS HOSPITAL
GALVESTON, TEXAS
Manuel B. Garza David E. Jones
M. N. Gendron Norman Longtin*
USPHS HOSPITAL
FORT WORTH, TEXAS
Siegfried Gnittke W. E. OrzechowskI
James R. Hodges John C. Palmer
USPHS HOSPITAL
MEMPHIS, TENN.
Charles Burton
VA HOSPITAL
HOUSTON, TEXAS
John P. Williamson
VA HOSPITAL
BROOKLYN, NY
Robert McCutcheon
EASTERN SHORE STATE HOSPITAL
CAMBRIDGE, MD.
Thomas R. Lehuy
SAILORS SNUG HARBOR
STATEN ISLAND. NY
Victor B. Cooper
VA HOSPITAL
401 1ST AVE, NEW YORK, NY
Edward' T. Cunningham
USPHS HOSPITAL
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.
Joseph H. Berger C. E. Owens
Vincent D'Amato Benjamin Pritlken
Sidney S. Irby A. O. VaUego
A. W. Madsen Sung C. Wang
Donald F, Measa C. L. Warrington
MONTEBELLO CHRONIC DISEASE HOSP
BALTIMORE, MD.
Francisco Bueno
USPHS HOSPITAL
MANHATTAN BEACH, BLYN, NY
Eladio Aris A. McGuigan
Fortunato Bacomo H. C. Mclssaa
Joseph J. Bass A. MartinelU
Juan Denopra Vic Milazzo
John J. DriscoU Joaquin Minis
Fabin Furmanek W. P. O'Dea
John L. Grimes C. Osinski
William Guenther George G. Phifer
Bart E. Guranick G. A. Puissegur
Wade B. Harrell Winston E. Renny
Percy Harrelson Samuel B. Saunders
Taib Hassen G. E. Shumaker
BiUy R. HUl Kevin E. Skelly
Antonio Infanta Henry E. Smith
Ira H. Kingore Michael Toth
L. Kristiansen Harry S. Tuttle
Frederick Landry Virgil E. Wilmoth
Leonard Leldig Pon Wing
Patrick McCann Dexter Worrell
USPHS HOSPITAL
BOSTON, MASS.
J. Enwright George D. Rourk*
C. D'Amico Jr. Z. Williams
Edward J. Farrell H. Murray
Daniel E. Murphy
SEASIDE HOSPITAL
LONG BEACH, CALIF,
Julius B. Smith
USPHS HOSPITAL
BALTIMORE, MD.
Isaak Bouzin Lars Johansen
George Brady Norman Kirk
Edward Broadus Avis Meadows
Thomas Dailey George Melko
Leo Dwyer WiUiam Kevamees
Jose Garcia Roy Rayfield
James Girolami Joseph Roll
Gorman Glaze Raphael Stevens
Isaac Hancock Albert Willis
Burl Hair* D, D. Walker
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
BALTIMORE, MD.
F. Bueno
USPHS
STATEN
John H. Price
H. Herkinhein*
Joseph Burns
Adriaan Vader
J. Silberg
M. Rendon
Alfred Kaju
F. Paylor
R, Parker
S. Hayes
John J. Devln*
James Balmy
O. Adams
Fred Travis
Perry Klauber
Warren Tcbo
Joseph Stanton
HOSPITAL
ISLAND, NY
Thomas Buckley
George Gibbons
D. Eldemire
S. Sweinckoskl
A. Rodrigues
P. Seidenberg
W. Vaughn
B. Smoljan
L. Moriarty
F. Enfante
R. Freeman
F. Stephen
P. DeJesus
Addie Morris
David Furman
W. Serrano
USPHS HOSPITAL
NORFOLK, VA.
Antonio DeJesus H. F. Holmes
C. M. Sturgls K. Poster
Earl Congleton
USPHS HOSPITAL
NEW ORLEANS, LA.
WiUiam Bargon* Clifton McLellan
•John Bigwood Joseph McPhee
Claude Blanks Charles P. Moor*
T. Bonner, Jr. Simon Morris
John Butler Michael Muzio
Roscoe Dearmon Wlnford Powell
William DriscoU R. Ratcliff
Hugh O'Donnell B. Richardson
Nathan Eldridg* James RusseU
Ernest Evans Toxie Samford
AdeUn Fruga Erskln Sims
John Gersey T. Smlgielskl
Leon Gordon Wert Spencer
James Hudson Gerald Thaxton
Edwjm^ l^app • H. Thomas, Jr.
Leo Lang ' James-Ward
C. McCuUoch Clifford Wuertg
Wife Applauds
Union Assist
To the Editor:
Once again I'd like to praise
the SIU in general, and espe
cially officials Charlie Kimball
in Houston and Harold Fischer
in Mobile, They provided splen
did cooperation after the recent
death of an SIU member who
was drowned while out on an
outing with us on July 29, 1957.
The brother member who
drowned was Edward H. Burns
of Mobile, who. left a wife and
letters To
The Editor
All letters to the editor for
publication in the SEAFAR
ERS LOG must be signed
by the writer. Name? toill
be withheld upon request.
four children. I called Mr. Kim
ball soon after the accident and
asked his advice on notifying
Burns' wife and family since he
had left no emergency num
ber where someone could be
reached. Following his instruc
tions, I then called Harold
Fischer at his home, in the wee
hours of the morning, request
ing him to contact either the
wife of the deceased or his
brother-in-law, "Whitey" -Coker.
Mr. Fischer was most helpful
despite the early hour and as
sured me he would have the
widow call me immediately.
This she did, and then asked
me to call Mr. Kimball and
have funeral arrangements com
pleted for the shipment of the
body back to Mobile.
Upon the completion of these
arrangements, we went to the
Howard Funeral Home to view
the body. Then at 9:05 AM,
July 31, we saw it delivered to
the Union Station on Its way
home. This, besides the floral
offering we seQt, was the last
tribute we could offer a true
friend of many years as well as
a brother of the SIU.
Again we take this opportun
ity of thanking God for a Union
as strong as the SIU and for all
the personnel connected with it.
Thanks to these officials for
their kindness in helping me
convey such a tragic message to
Eddie Burns' family.
Mrs. Travis Bell
ill if
Sees Delegates
Becoming Lax
To the Editor:
Brothe;:s who know me know
that I hardly ever talk but, from
what I have heard and seen the
past year, I feel forced to sound
off.
Ail the talk I have heard the
past few months concerns the
situations in Bull Line and
Robin. Now I am no connois
seur on negotiations, but I will
say that we have no official
whom I would not vote for
again, I will also say that the
discussion about the above-men
tioned companies gave me food
for thought, as I had a glimmer
of what seems to be a move by
some companies to get out of
line-
Ship number one is the SS
Pacific Ocean on a trip from
Houston to Haifa, then back to
Boston. I was deck engineer
and paid off in Boston on Au
gust 28. There was no repair
list turned in and no minutes of
any meeting left on the ship.
I made fan brushes out of the
cores of flashlight batteries, but
. the agent in Boston will tell you
that we paid off clean.
•The second ship was Water
man's SS Warrior. I caught
this ship in Houston and stood
watch Friday, Aug. 30 as oiler.
They (the company) seemed
determined to be the contract
breakers. The 1st assistant
claimed to have ordered a fire
man from the Houston hall but
when I called there from Gal
veston none had been ordered,
and on my word a fireman was
promptly dispatched. But I
overlooked one wiper, so we
sailed shorthanded to Beau
mont. The 1st claimed that he
had ordered one but we could
not furnish him.
We sailed three hours late, so
two hours delayed sailing for
everyone was lost. Then one
oiler and one fireman gave due
notice (24 hours) to quit in
Beaumont, but the 1st passed
the word that he could not get
replacements so the oiler and
fireman had to stay on.
1 said it was a damn lie and
would get the men, so 1 called
Leroy Clarke in Lake Charles
and explained the deal. 1
know personally he had a man
to drive to the ship with re
placements. My conversation
with Clarke over the phone
caused the captain and agent to
get wise.
If this act had not been
caught on the Warrior, they
would have beat SIU seamen
out of delayed sailing in about
three Gulf ports. To me, this
Is an opening wedge for any
company to say we cannot ful
fill our contract.
1 propose therefore that at
the last meetings before any
ship's delegate leaves a ship
that he appoint a- temporary
delegate and introduce him to
the captain as such so he can
conduct Union business until a
new delegate is duly elected.
We are lax and negligent in
our duties when we are dis
patched to a ship by officials who
gave up their sea life to carry
our torch on the beach if we
leave our ships in this condi
tion.
Dick Massey
if if if
Finds The LOG
'Great' Reading
To the Editor:
1 am a seaman and while on
my last ship I was in the United
States and read some articles of
great interest in your SEAFAR
ERS LOG. 1 am in a union in
Georgetown, British Guiana.
We are not as advanced as the
SIU, but 1 am very much in
terested in the Union and its
newspaper. Could you please
supply me with a copy of
your great SEAFARERS LOG
so that 1 can keep up with de
velopments in your organiza
tion?
Bertie McDonald
(Ed. note: Your name has
been added to our mailing list so
that you can receive all future
issues of the LOG.)
i. if i,
Thank You For
Miller Crew
To the Editor:
1 would like to take this op
portunity to thank the crew of
the Samuel F. Miller, especi
ally chief steward Higginbottom
and fireman "Flash" Fannin for
their kindness and attention
while 1 was In sick bay.
I'd also like to let them know
that 1 am getting along fine.
Hello also to all my buddies at
thS New Orleans hall and the
Spot-Lite. Good sailing to all
of them. 1 hope to be throwing
my card in for a ship soon..
September 27, 1957 SEAFARERS LOG Pare Fifteen
Hub Seafarer
Dies On Coast
BOSTOrl—Seafarers in this port
wish to extend their condolences
to Mrs. D. Moynihan on the death
of her husband, Seafarer Jerome
Moynihan, while on the West Coast.
Brother Moynihan had collapsed
while working with two other Sea
farers on the Arthur M. Huddel
and died in the marine hospital in
San Francisco on September 10th.
Brother, Moynihan had joined the
SIU in Boston on December 21,
1943, and was well known to Sea
farers in the Boston hall.
Shipping Fair
It has been a fair two weeks for
Seafarers in this port. There were
two vessels paying off and signing
on, the Council Grove and Bents
Fort (Cities Service). The Robin
Goodfellow and Robin Hood
(Robin Line). Steel Execu
tive (Isthmian) and Government
Camp (Cities Service) were in-
transit.
All ships are reported in good
shape with no major beefs.
HAHIA FrAiti Thft Ponce
Seafarer A. Touiilla, 3rd cook on the MV Ponce, reloxes oshore
with his fomily in Florido. Ponce is on Florido-Poerto Rico run.
TO SHIPS IN ATLANTIC • SOUTH AMERICAN • EUROPEAN WATERS
THE fIRST DIRECT VOICE
BROADCAST TO SHIPS' CREWS
EVIRY SUII0AY • l«30 CMf
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Fe/ce of the MT9
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thipi In Caribbean,
tail Caail al Sauth
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and Eact Caait #1
UnHtd Statu.
Wn49.1SIMKCl
Ship* to OuH of Max-
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Continue...
Bud Tobias
Thomas A. Home would like you
to get in touch with him. He can
be reached at 30 Saxton St., Box
Hill, Melbourne, Australia.
George F. Martin
Please contact your mother,
Mrs. Mary Martin, as she is very
anxious to hear iCrom you. Ad
dress: Lake Helen, Florida.
S. Zygarowski
It is important that you contact
Edward A. Fettig, Hotel Roosevelt,
1005 SW Park Avenue, Portland 5,
Oregon.
George O. Eshom
Ex-Robin Mowbray
•The Boston port agent is holding
a receipt you left in the Boston
Hall. Contact him so he can for
ward it.
Martin Hagerty
Please contact J. F. Coogan,
postal inspector, post office depart
ment, Baltimore 3, Md. It con
cerns the possible loss of allotment
checks mailed to you.
Jack D. Seratt
Contact your brother, Joe A.
Seratt, 3842 Geary Blvd., San
Francisco 18, Calif. It is impor
tant.
Joseph Zehl
Call Stevens at MUrdock 8-2717,
Elizabeth, New Jersey.
Hill, oiler; M. Arthur, oiler; Ka-
mienski, wiper; Floyd, oiler; Nils
Beck, carpenter; J. Lee and T. Nor-
ris.
The baggage room in New York
reports that they have been hold
ing laundry and dry cleaning for
you for more than six months. If
they do not hear from you within
the next 30 days, they will have to
dispose of the unclaimed clothes.
All o/ the following SIU families
have received a $200 maternity
benefit plus a $25 boJid from the
Union in the baby's name:
Darlene Dorothy Williams, born
August 8, 1957, to Seafarer and
Mrs. Arthur H. Williams, East
Meadow, Long Island.
Windell Wade Strickland, born
August 24, 1957, to Seafarer and
Mrs, Franklin Strickland, Mobile,
Ala.
Ruth Darlene Turk, born August
21, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs. John
Turk Jr., Mobile, Ala.
Lanny and Danny Worley, born
July 13, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs.
Richard S. Worley, Pensacola, Fla.
Gilbert Camacho, born Septem
ber 3, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs.
Fructuoso Camacho, Brooklyn, NY.
Francine Teresa Hills, born
August 22, 1957, to Seafarer and
Mrs. Frank Hills, San Francisco,
Calif.
Steve Joel Maldonado, born
April 25,1957, to Seafarer and Mrs.
Estaven Maldonado, Alvin, Texas.
David Emmet Cox, born Febru
ary 24, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs.
James W. Cox, Baltimore, Md.
Mary Ann Gonzales, born July
24, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs.
Gilbert M. Gonzales, Eagle Lake,
Texas.
Grayiand Andre Mitchell, born
July 29, 1957, to Seafarer and Mis.
Lawrence A. Mitchell, Algiers, La.
Mary Kathryn Koski, born June
25, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs.
Frank M. Koski, Philadelphia, Pa.
Edwin Earle Lewis, born August
17, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs. Odus
Clayton Lewis. Jr., Galveston,
Texas.
George Elliott King
It is very important that you
contact your Aunt "Dee" at 2826
Burgundy Street, Lake Charles.
Your wife is in the ho.spital.
Seafarer Dick Massey wishes to
announce that he is operating as
a consulting architect at 103 Park
Ave., Lake Charles, La., phone
Hemlock 9-8658. He will give free
house or remodeling plans to any
Seafarer who wants them. Just
contact him.
Clyde Calvin Smith
Your wife wants you to contact
her immediately at 35 Main St.,
Yonkers, N.Y. It is urgent.
Dave Albright
Dick left some money for you
in the Lake Charles hall.
Victor B. Cooper is now checked
in at Sailors Snug Harbor, in case
anyone would like to get in touch
with him.
Edward M. Cronin
Contact Bernard Rolnick, 320
Broadway, NYC.
Phillip Giordano
Very urgent that you get in
touch with your wife immediately
at Route 2 Pelzer, South Carolina.
Anybody knowing above brother's
whereabouts urged to contact him
concerning this message.
Errin .^obnson
Please contact your brother Clar
ence at 115-58 22Dth Street, Cam
bria Heights 11, NY.
The deaths of the following Sea
farers have been reported to the
Seafarers Welfare Plan and the
SIU death benefit is being paid to
their beneficiaries.
Lionel Peat, 63; On July 2, 1957,
Brother Peat died in the USPHS
Hospital in Balti-
; more, Md. Death
was due to a
i malignancy. He
became a full
member of the
J Union on May 23,
® 1955, and sailed
in the steward
is de partm ent.
Brother Peat is
survived by his
wife, Bessie Peat of Baltimore.
Burial took place in Hopkins
Chapel Cemeterj', Hopkins County,
Md.
t 4
Arza Smith Jr., 35: Brother
Smith died July 27, 1957, aboard
the SS Santa Monica after being
transferred from the SS Jean.
Death was caused by a head
injury received while working
aboard the latter ship. He became
a full member of the Union on
October 18, 1946, and sailed in the
deck department. Place of burial
is unknown.
4" t t
Curtis F. Aycock, 53: On May 31,
1957, Brother Aycock died from a
heart condition
in Cumberland
County, NO. He
became a full
member of the
Union on August
6, 1948, and was
sailing in the
steward depart
ment. Brother
Aycock is sur
vived by his wife,
Ruth Aycock of Fayetteville, NC,
Burial took place in Cross Creek
Cemetery, Fayetteville, NO.
•S
• -i
J
-I-
' i
SEAFARERS ̂ LOG
• OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UN ION • ATLANTIC AND GULF DISTRICT •AFL-CIO •
'50-50' On Oil
Imports Urged
As Tanker Aid
A new "50-50" proposal designed to strengthen the US-
flag tanker fleet and safeguard America's vital fuel supplies
has been put forth in industry circles. Unlike the current
"50-50" rule which applies to<
US Government-financed ex
port cargoes, the tanker "50-
50" plan would require that 50
percent of all oil imports into the
US be carried in American bottoms.
The proposal is seen by its
backers as the answer to the alarm
ing decline in the American-flag
tanker trade, and the growing de
pendence of the United States on
foreign oil supplies. They argue
that since the offshore oil trade is
growing at the expense of the do
mestic trade and since offshore runs
are dominated by foreign-flags,
the US is dependent to a growing
degree on foreign ships and foreign
oil to keep American industry go
ing. At last report, in fact, the US
tanker fleet was 24 vessels less than
the previous year, thanks to trans
fers. '
The growing dependence of the
United States on foreign oil
prompted President Eisenhower to
impose voluntary import quotas in
July. The quotas have been largely
ineffective and the long run trend
is toward foreign oil because of
the greater cost and difficulty of
finding oil in the continental US.
Import 20% Of Oil
At present, domestic production
of oil is 6,800,000 barrels a day
with imports runnina about 1,800,-
000 barrels. That means that about
20 percent of all the oil now in use
is coming here from offshore
sources, principally Venezuela and
the Persian Gulf. At its peak, US
oil output got up to 7,800,000 bar
rels after the Suez Canal was
closed. Practically all of the mil-
lion-barrel-a-day decline since then
took place in Texas, Oklahoma and
Louisiana and that is what is hitting
the coastwise tanker trade so hard.
At the same time, foreign tankers
that were carrying oil around Af
rica to Europe are now back on the
US run. The result is very little
activity for US-flag tankers, with
the chance that there will be ad
ditional transfers_to foreign flags.
During the Suez crisis, the Mari
time Administration made much of
proposals to build American flag
supertankers and arrangements
were made for "twofers"—^transfers
of two T-2s for building one larger
ship. But the new tonnage is not
the answer, because if it is going
List Details In
Cables To Union
When notifying headquarters
by cable or wireless that a Sea
farer has paid off in a foreign
port because of injury or illness,
ships' delegates should include
the following information:
The man's full name, his SIU
book number, name of the ship,
the port of payoff and the hos
pital where he is being treated.
The response of ships' crews
to the Union's request for these
notifications has been very good.
Sometimes though, not all of
the above information has been
included. Be sure to list all of
this data so that the SIU can
act as promptly as po$sible.
to compete with equally-new for
eign tonnage, then the operators
claim they will have to transfer
their new ships as well.
On the other hand, a "50-50" re
quirement would reverse the trans
fer process. Industry sources
claim it takes 15 to 16 T-2 tank
er payloads every day, to handle
all the oil coming from overseas.
Even if the imports were cut back
to the level requested by the Pres
ident, the import load would be
about a dozen T-2s daily. Yet at
current estimates, if every Amer
ican ship was in the trade, it is
estimated the US-flag tanker fleet
would be unable to supply enough
ships to carry even 40 percent of
that reduced figure. The long term
trend, of course, is for the import
figure to rise, year by year.
A "50-50" rule would then mean
the following:
• Some ships that transferred
foreign would transfer back to the
US flag.
• New ship construction would
be needed to make up part of the
gap—construction which would be
accomplished without foreign trans
fers or cost to the Government
• Ships running under the US-
flag would assure tighter US con
trol of its fuel lifelines, tax rev
enues to the US Government now
being lost on runaway ships and
additional employment for US sea
men.
In taking steps to cut oil imports,
the President had acted to pro
mote the domestic oil exploration
industry. The import curb has not
worked effectively for several rea
sons. For one thing, it was im
posed against crude oil only so
that foreign ships have been bring
ing in increasing loads of refined
oil and heating oils, a trend which
could hurt jobs and operations in
East Coast refineries. Then it only
applied to the Atlantic and Gulf
Coast because the West Coast is
unable to supply its own needs.
That boosted imports to the West
Coast.
Even if some kind of restriction,
was written into law, oil imports
are bound to rise because of the
rise in oil consumption which do
mestic producers would be hard
pressed to meet without draining
US known reserves and boosting
the cost of all oil products. For
eign oil is cheaper, more plentiful
and easier to find.
If national defense is a prime
consideration, then the proposal
for a "50-50" division on oil im
ports a' least offers the safeguard
of employment of American vessels
in this trade.
The basis of the Merchant Mar
ine Act of 1936 and of the "50-50"
law was to help maintain a sizable
merchant marine as vital to the
country's security. Acting on that
same logic, independent operators
see the tanker "pipeline" to over
seas oil supplies as equally vital
and" equally deserving of a boost.
At no cost to the Government they
argue, a "50-50" rule would be a
shot in the arm to the tanker in
dustry and place US oil imports
under truly "effective control."
For*Ign-flag supertankers like the World Glory (above) of Niarchot fleet now control most of US oil
imports. Proposal for "50-50" import split, in view of Dockers, would result in transfer back to US
flag of many such ships now under runoway registries.
SUP Families Cef Med, Benefits
SAN FRANCISCO—^A broad program of medical and hospital benefits for the wives and
dependent children of SUP members will be launched November 1 by the Sailors Union
of the Pacific. The family benefits will round out the SUP's welfare program, which now
includes numerous benefits
for unmarried members and
unique coverage for oldtimers.
Like the existing benefits, the new
program will be financed in full by
contributions from SUP-contracted
operators.
The family program embraces a
wide range of medical, surgical and
hospital care and services in and
out of the hospitals. It includes
payments covering the cost of hos
pital room and board, hospital serv
ices directly related to the de
pendent's injury or sickness, ad
ministering anesthetics and ambu
lance transportation, surgical fees
and doctors' fees In the hospital, at
the office or at the patient's home.
It also includes payments for
laboratory and x-ray examinations
for diagnosis of accidents or sick
ness, medical and special nursing
fees, hospital room, board and serv-
ces, and doctor's fees relating to
childbirth.
Payments for individual benefits
under the program are at a high
level. In addition, the benefits can
be integrated so that SUP families
can be relieved of most or all of
the cost of major medical care. A
dependent who is injured and re
quires surgery and extensive hos
pitalization wd nursing care for
example could receive benefits ex
ceeding $2,000.
The program provides two meth
ods of payment: a service plan and
a direct payment plan. SUP fami
lies living in Los Angeles, San
Francisco, Portland and Seattle
can obtain coverage by either
method. Families in other areas
will receive direct payments from
the Fund.
If it chooses the service plan, the
family will receive medical care at
YOUR
SEAFARERS WELFARE PLAN
!
S • • • Training
School
Seafarers who are inter
ested In getting lifeboat
tickets or in upgrading
themselves are entitled to
the use of the Andrew
Furuseth training school
facilities at - no cost to
them. The training
school offers two-week
upgrading courses which
enable Seafarers to im
prove their earning pow
ers and increase their job
opportunities. The usual
requirements — 90 days
in the preceding calendar
year and one day in the
last 90—apply to candi
dates for training.
SEAFARER'S
INT'L UNION,
A&G DISTRICT
little or no cost from one of two
medical clinics. Hospital care will
be provided in a hospital that the
clinic is affiliated with, and
charged to the clinic, which will
bill the dependent for items not
covered by the Fund. Under tha
clinic set-up, members can not
choose their doctors or surgeons.
Families using the direct pay
ment plan will be able to choose
their own doctors. They will pay
their medical and hospital bills in
advance and be reimbursed by the
Welfare Fund.
The family benefits program is
an outgrowth of recent SUP sur
veys showing that large numbers of
SUP members are now married
men. Work on the new program
was first proposed last year, and
dropped because of legal problems.
It was authorized again at the
August meeting and completed last
month.
Gt. Lakes SIU
Elects Farnen
DETROIT—Members of the SIO
of the NA, Great Lakes pistrict,
cast ballots throughout the month
of August to fill the posts of sec
retary-treasurer and port agents in
seven Great Lakes ports. Incum
bent Fred J. Farnen was reelected
to the office of secretary-treasurer.
All of the incumbent port agents
were also reelected. In the racs
for secretary-treasurer, Famen's
opponent, Wladyslaw Bieniecki, re
ceived 260 votes as against Far-
nen's 568.
In the elections for port agents,
Matt Anttila of Duluth, Glen Beau-
cock of Elberta, Stanley Thomp
son of Detroit, Stanley Wares of
Cleveland and Gerald Westphal of
Chicago, faced little, if any, opposi
tion for the positions.
In Alpena, Kenneth Shorkey had
fairly strong opposition in Palmer
Johnson and Robert Oliver. John
son received 198 votes while Oliver
tallied 236. But the split oppo
sition vote was not enough to beat
Shorkey who gathered 326 votes.
In Buffaio David Walker re
ceived . a ,total of 420 votes, out
stripping tlirde opponents. /
A.
SEAFARERS LOG
•OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THl SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UN ION * ATLANTIC AND GULF DISTRICT • AFL-CIO »
PHS THREATENED
BY ECONOMY MOVE
-Story on Page 3
Spirit remains high, among SIUNA
oldtimers in the American Coal
beef, as Carey J. Beck, SIU engine
utility (top), gives victory high-
sign on Harry L. Glucksman. ABs
Robert Dunkelberger, SUP; Joe
Savoca, SIU, and SIU bosuns T.
Cepriano and E. Anderson gather
in messhall. Cepriano replaced
Anderson on the ship. (Story on
page 5. Feature on page 8.)
r'
-4
•"^1
I
. u.!
"I •
-•I
Pkfe Two SEAFARERS LOG September 27, 1957
Mr; 'Efhits' Plays 'Position' No Break In Bull Strike;
Court Sessions Continue
On Co, Injunction Move
The SIU's strike against Bull Line was in its sixth week today with picketing contin
uing on three fronts despite company moves for an injunction. Seafarers now have picket-
lines up in Baltimore and San Juan, as well as New York.
A second company try for^'
- AIMU PILOT-sepr i2, les;
an injunction is still under
study following a hearing
Wednesday before a court-appoint
ed referee. A similar hearing is
scheduled for Monday on a Bull
Line petition to bar picketing by
the Masters, Mates and Pilots and
the Marine Engineers Beneficial
Association.
The licensed officers went out
on strike in separate wage dis
putes with the company two days
after the SIU strike was called on
August 19th. All three unions have
had their own picketlines up since
that time.
All but a handful of the com
pany's ships are still in operation
and are expected to be tied up on
arrival. The Ines heads the list
of ships due back from offshore
voyages and should be in New
York this weekend. The others
Curran Now Admits Blacklist
After vehemently denying that he or the National Maritime Union had anything to
do with the American Merchant Marine Institute's industry-wide blacklist, NMU Pres
ident Joseph Curran now blandly admits its existence in the latest issue of the "Pilot."
What's more, Curran concedes'*'
that individual companies
have been blacklisting NMU
members for many years now.
NMU's action in such instances,: wrote that the matter was taken
Curran says, consists of taking a "P ^^'th the NMU, which entered
"trade union position"—whatever
in this position in the face of
AMMI President Ralph Casey's
written statement to the steamship
companies to the contrary. Casey
says,
union
he means by that.
Curran's latest on the subject
in the September 12 "Pilot" fol
lowed weeks of indignant denials
that he had anything to do with
the blacklist machinery set up by
the AMMI and the Marine Index
Bureau. The latter is an investi
gations agency used by company
agents in dealing with seamen's in
jury claims. Curran had persisted
Ask Curran Boot
From Ethics Body
Objections are increasing
within AFL-CIO Maritime ranks
to NMU President Joseph Cur
ran's membership on the AFL-
CIO Ethical Practices Commit
tee. Additional unions are
raising questions following the
stand taken by the SIU, the
IBL and others that Curran is
unfit to serve on the committee.
The objectors point to several
lections by Curran which reflect
unfavorably on him and could
be used to embarrass the com
mittee and undermine its au
thority. They cite as examples
Curran's open support of the
AFL-ousted International Long
shoremen's Association against
the AFL-CIO, his cooperation
with steamship management in
the blacklisting of seamen, his
intimate relationship with the
president of United States
Lines, as reflected in his mem
bership on the so-called mari
time "labcr-managemcnt com
mittee," his endorsement of
sweetheart contracts and paper
locals as in the District 50-
American Coal Shipping set-up.
Under those circumstances,
they point out, an accused indi
vidual brought before the com
mittee could raise embarrassing
questions about the, fitness of
one of the judges.
y
/
into negotiations and amended its
employment clause to pave the
way for the blacklist as "a corrol-
lary to this revised employment
clause ..."
Denounced Casey
Curran even carried his pretense
to the point of writing Casey a
letter "denouncing" him for setting
up the blacklist—all this after
NMU had agreed to it in negoti
ations.
Now, Curran openly admits, not
only is there a blacklist but, as the
LOG had pointed out many times,
it existed for years on the basis of
individual company action. The
companies, Curran says, "simply
kept files on the man and when he
came down to the ship for employ
ment, they rejected him ... the
shipowners were in the habit of
maintaining a lifelong penalty
against men guilty of only one in
fraction of their rules."
Of course, the industry-wide
blacklist means the companies
have refined the whole operation
by setting up a central bureau for
that purpose. The Idea was sim
plicity itself. In the SIU and af
filiated unions there were pioneer
ing moves in past years in the area
of industry-wide vacation and wel
fare plans as the most efficient
system for the benefit of the mem
bership. The NMU, by making
use of the industry-wide formula
for the shipowners' purpose has
earned itself the dubious distinc
tion of being first (and only) with
an industry-wide blacklist.
Curran Kids Membership
In attempting to excuse this
procedure to his membership, Cur
ran declared that "when we receive
such letters [notices of biacklist-
ing—ed.] from the companies, the
union attempts to determine the
facts and takes a trade union posi
tion on them."
What Curran doesn't teii his
membership is that no other union
in maritime would permit any
company to operate' any kind of
blacklist. They realize that sea
men, being hired out of the union
hall several times a year in the
normal course of events, are par
ticularly vulnerable to loss of live
lihood if a company could arbitrar
ily reject them. A true trade un
ion position is "no blacklist al
lowed."
Instead, responsible union pro
cedure is to set up union machin
ery for dealing with performers
and foul-ups. Such machinery,
under the control of rank-and-file
membership committees, assures
protection against personal grudges
of ships' officers or company ad
ministrators.
Whatever Curran means by a
"trade union position" (and judg
ing from his "trade union posi
tions" on the ILA and District 50,
that's a pretty elastic term in his
book) it is obvious that NMU men
have been blacklisted in the past
and are being blacklisted today,
with the consent and approval of
the NMU.
Curran's Excuse
As would be expected, Curran
excuses the whole system by claim
ing- that it is aimed at the "per
formers" of whom he says, "We
want to see them elfminated from
the industry."
It doesn't take much figuring
for any seaman to realize that all
a shipowner has to do to get rid
of militant union men is to label
them "performer" and make them
walk the plank. Curran found the
blacklist mighty handy in the past
to deal with some of his opposition
on the ships. It is a powerful
club to have around whenever any
crewmember talks back on a beef
or speaks critically of the NMU's
policy.
Who is
Herman E. Cooper?
what is his role in the trade
union movement?'
These questions wfil be de
veloped in future issues of
the SEAFARERS LOG.
are the Arlyn, Hilton and Suzanne.
The remainder of the Bull Line
fleet is idled either in Norfolk or
in one of the struck ports. In ad
dition, the Dorothy is laid up in
a Chester, Pa., shipyard, and the
cablelayer Arthur M. Huddell is
Inactive at Port Angeles, Wash.
Unable to get the SIU's peaceful
picketing barred by an injunction
in its first attempt in Brooklyn
Supreme Court, Bull Line is trying
again with, a petition. Following
preliminary hearings. Justice James
S. Brown named former Justice
John MacCrate of the Appellate
Division as a referee to hold fur
ther hearings on the amended Bull
Line petition. One hearing has
already been held this week.
The strike began following a
breakdown of negotiations that be
gan last June between an SIU
committee and the company. The
talks got underway after the SIU
moved to reopen its agreement on
wages and other monetary matters
under the • standard reopening
clause in SIU contracts. Negotia
tions reached an impasse over
Union demands for parity with the
West Coast on overtime and pen
alty rates plus a 20 percent across-
the-board wage increase, all re
troactive to July 1, 1957.
Picketlines went up two days
after the 60-day strike notice re
quired under the Taft-Hartley Law
expired on Saturday, August 17.
The membership had previously au
thorized strike action in the event
the wage talks broke down.
Separate negotiations by the
MM&P and MEBA bogged down
on the officers' demands for a six
percent general wage increase plus
additional compensation for the
mates and engineers under a June
15, 1957 wage review.
First ship affected by the strike
was the Frances, which was tied up
on arrival the day the strike began,
and then the Kathryn, Beatrice and
Elizabeth. The Carolyn and Jean
were struck in San Juan two weeks
ago. Ships' radio officers and purs
ers, as well as longshoremen and
teamsters, have all respected
various union picketlines.
the
Second US
Gas Turbine
Vessel Sails
A converted Liberty ship
powered by the world's largest free
piston gas turbine sailed from New
York last month for operating tests.
The gas turbine ship William
Patterson, which is propelled by a
6,000-hp engine, will carry military
cargo to Northern Europe during
the experiment. It is the fourth
Liberty in the Government's $12
million experimental conversion
and engine replacement program,
and the second powered by a gas
turbine.
Power for the Patterson is sup
plied by six free piston gas gen
erators, or "gasifiers" on a common
piping, and a turbine. The gas gen
erator produces hot gases for the
turbine, which supplies shaft horse»'
power.
The gasifiers can use Bunker C
and other low grade fuels, and have
high thermal efficiency. General
Motors, which developed it, be
lieves that the plant \Wll be approx
imately 20 percent more efficient
than equal size steam or centrifu
gal gas turbine installations.-
The Maritime Administration be
lieves that the free piston plan of
fers "exceptional possibilities" for
future applications.'
Turn Back
45 Vessels
To Reserve
WASHINGTON —One-third of
the 134 Government-owned ships
bareboated by private operators
last year are already back in lay-up
or heading back to the boneyard.
The current cargo slump will
re-idle 45 ships operated by ten
companies under the charter pro
gram. None of them are operators
under contract with the SIU.
An additional seven ships now
being used by the Military Sea
Transportation Service will be re
delivered in the near future, leav
ing a total of 87 still under charter.
About half of them are carrying
Government - sponsored cargoes.
The rest are split between the coal
trades and berth operators.
The companies, covering all
coasts, and the number of ships in
volved, are as follows: American
Export, 6; Arrow, 2; A. L. Burbank,
2; Greece, 1;. Isbrandtsen, 10;
Luckenbach, 4; Lykes, 6; Marine
Transport LJne, 4; Pacific Atlantic,
1; Pope & Talbot, 5; T. J. Steven
son, 1, and Stockard, 3.
Strike Ends
At Union Oil
SAN FRANCISCO—Members of
the Sailors Union of the Pacific
have started manning vessels of
Union Oil's Pacific Coast Trans
port fleet after the company signed
a contract with the Radio Officers
Union settling their 11-week strike.
The ROU struck the company in
June. The union sought wages in
the Union Oil fleet on a scale with
those paid in other fleets. The
contract grants immediate wage
and benefit increases, with parity
being achieved by a second wage
increase on January 1.
SEAFARERS LOG
Sept. 27, 1957 Vol. XIX No. 20
PAUt IlAlL. Secretary-Treamrer
HEBBERT BRAND, Editor. BERNARD SEA
MAN. Art Editor. HERMAN ARTHUR, IRWUC
SPIVACK, AL MASXIN, JOHN BRAZIL, Staff
Writers. BILL HOODY. Gulf Area Repre
sentative.
Publishad blwaalcly at tha haadquartara
of tha Seafarars Intarnatlonal Union, At
lantic A Gulf District, AFL-CIO, 675 Fourth
Avanua, Brooklyn 32, NY. Tel. HYaclnth
9-6600. Entered as second class matter
at the Post Office In Brooklyn, NY, under
ha Act of Aug. 24, 1912.
September 27, 1957 SEAFARERS LOG Pace Thre*
Back Door Attack Hits PHS
1 •
Savannah, 3 Other Hospitals
Threatened In Economy Move
How To Help The Hospitals
The latest threat to the Public Health Service hospitals
can best be answered if Seafarers, members of their fam
ilies and friends let Congress and the Administration know
where they stand. The SIU is convinced that closing of
the Savannah hospital, should it take place, would be fol
lowed by further cutbacks in the Public Health Service.
Write now to the officials an€ Congressmen listed below
as well as to your own Senator and Representative.
Marion B. Folsom, Secretary, Department of Health,
Education and Welfare, Washington, DC.
Dr. Leroy Burney, Surgeon General, US Public Health
Service, Washington, DC.
Sen. Lister Hill, chahman, Senate Committee on Labor
and Public Welfare; Senate Office Building, Washington,
DC.
Sen. Warren G. Magnuson, chairman. Senate Interstate
and Foreign Commerce Committee, Senate Office Build
ing, Washington, DC.
Rep. Herbert C. Bonner, chairman, House Committee on
Merchant Marine and Fisheries; House Office Building,
Washington, DC.
Rep. John E. Fogarty, chairman. House Subcommittee
on Labor, Health, Education- and Welfare; House Office
Building, Washington, DC.
Wage, Pension
Benefits Gained
in Pacific Pact
SAN FRANCISCO-Joint negotiations by the three unions
of SIU Pacific District with West Coast shipowners has again
paid off for the membership, this time in increased wages,
payments, logging * f)ension
imits and'pre-shipping medi
cal examination facilities.
The new pension which will ap
ply to the members of the Sailors
Union of the Pacific, the Marine
Firemen, and the Marine Cooks
and Stewards have been ratified
by the respective memiberships.
Under the new agreements
wages .were increased $20 to $37 a
month with cargo and freight han
dling penalty rates going up ac-
Seattle Slows,
Ratings Ample
SEATTLE—A proposal was made
at the last membership meeting,
reports Jeff Gillette, port agent,
concerning the possibility of haying
a patrolman stationed in Portland,
Oregon, to service vessels docking
In that area. As it now stands the
patrolmen have to work out of the
Seattle hall and spend most of their
time traveling anywhere from the
Canadian border to Coos Bay.
It has been a slow period on the
shipping front. Although registra
tion has dropped off slightly, the
port has plenty of rated deck and
steward department men.
The SS Wild Ranger, Fairport,
Yaka (Waterman) and Ocean Joyce
(Ocean. Trans.) paid off during the
past two weeks. The Wild Ranger,
Fairport and Ocean Joyce signed
on again while the Yaka went into
temporary lay-up. She is expected
cut again in approxiniately two
v/eeks.
The Texmar, Seamar (Calmiar)
and Rebecca (Intercontinental) put
into port to be serviced.
cordlngly. Overtime rates for en
try ratings was increased to $2.25
an hour while they jumped to
$2.98 cents and hour for rated
men.
Under the new scales, a bosun
on a passenger ship will make $707
a month while a bosun on a small
freighter wil draw $574 a month.
AB watch-stander rates are now
$478 per month.
Payments under the three-union
combined pension plan were in
creased by 25 percent, bringing the
maximum payment up to $125 a
month. Also accepted was the
abolition of two-for-one loggings as
of the first of October.
In addition to wage and pension
increases, the operators agreed to
pay five cents a day per man to
build medical clinics. The clinics,
which will be named the Harry
Lundeberg Memorial Clinics, will
furnish pre-hiring medical exam
inations to all union members re
turned to jobs. Examinations by
the clinics will be accepted by all
of the contracting companies.
It was also announced that a
joint approach would be held with
the Internal Revenue Department
to work out a more equitable sys
tem of taxing seamen's wages. The
Department now considers wages
as earned when paid. But in some
fields, especially the maritime in
dustry, this results in a seaman
being taxed in one year for money
earned during an earlier period,
often pushing.up the tax-rate ac
cordingly.
Some recommendations to rem
edy this situation, outside of a
Government ruling, . would be to
have the company pay a seaman
his. earned income before the end
of the tax calendar year, or to
adopt a pro-rata payment system.
WASHINGTON — A renewed attack on Public Health Service hospitals for
seamen has been launched by the Bureau of the Budget. After allowing this
yearns appropriation for the hospitals to go through without a murmer of oppo
sition, the Bureau is nowt
sharpening^ the ax for next
year.
The first step in the cam
paign is a move to shut
down Public Health hos
pitals in Savannah and three
other cities. The move is in
the form of a "survey" which
will "determine the most effective
and economical means of providing
medical care for its beneficiaries
now receiving care through Serv
ice hospitals located in Chicago,
Detroit, Memphis and Savan
nah . . ."
The announcement adds "The
new studies will be made as a re
sult of a suggestion by the Bureau
of the Budget that perhaps other
medical, care facilities in these
areas could provide satisfactory
medical care more economically."
PHS Now Target
While the Service announcement
tried to soften the blow by stating
that "no immediate changes are
contemplated in the existing pro
gram," SIU headquarters is con
vinced that the PHS hospitals are
now the target for Administration
forces who are out to shut them
down.
The point of the proposed sur
vey is to determine whether sea
men and others eligible for PHS
care could be treated more cheaply
by entering into contracts with
private doctors and private facili
ties. If the survey were to come
up with figures "proving" a saving,
it is expected that tremendous
pressure would be brought to bear
to bring about abolition of the
present PHS program.
Union reaction to the latest at
tack on the hospitals was swift.
"The SIU serves notice," Secretary-
Treasurer Paul Hall declared,
that it will oppose very strongly
any renewed efforts to whittle
away the PHS medical care pro
gram for seamen. Destroying Pub-
Under fire once before, Savonnoh PHS hospital is one of four
such facilities which could be closed if survey ordered by Bureau
of Budget finds that private treatment is "cheaper." i
SCHEDULE OF
SIIT MEETINGS
SIU membership meet
ings are held regularly
every two weeks on Wed
nesday nights at 7 PM in
all SIU ports. All Sea
farers are expected to
attend; those who wish to
be excused should request
permission by telegram
(be sure to include reg
istration number). The
next SIU meetings will be:
October 2
October 16
October 30
November 13
lie Health Service facilities for the
sake of paper savings is the falsest
kind of economy which will only
result in added costs to the Gov
ernment and the shipowner in the
long run."
Cut Rate Medical Care
Experts on medical care and
hospital administration agree that
it would be practically impossible
to provide services the hospitals
now offer under the proposed con
tract system. What it would mean
is that existing medical services
to seamen would be sharply cut
back because an adequate private
program would cost far more than
the present cost of the hospitals.
The real target of the survey then,
is reducing or doing away with
medical services for seamen.
The high cost of private medical
services for seamen has been con
firmed by the experience of PHS
in cases where seamen have been
hospitalized elsewhere because of
an emergency. (See story adjoin
ing).
Once before, in May, 1953, the
Savannah hospital was the target
of the economy ax when Mrs. Oveta
Gulp Hobby, then Secretary of the
Department of Health, Education
and Welfare, proposed closing the
Savannah, Fort Stanton and Cleve
land hospitals. The last two were
shut down, but a vigorous SIU
campaign saved the Savannah hos
pital.
It was admitted at the time by a
Department spokesman that clos
ing of the Savannah hospital would
be a serious reduction of medical
services to US seamen since it is
the only such facility existing be
tween Norfolk and New Orleans.
Lundeberg Intervened
After the Savannah closings were
rescinded, Mrs. Hobby came up
later in the year with a proposal to
shut down all medical treatment
facilities for seamen. That proposal
blew up a storm of protest in mari
time quarters. The Hobby plan was
dropped in 1954 after the late
Harry Lundeberg, SIU of NA presi
dent, had a conference on the sub
ject with President Eisenhower at
the White House.
Now the Budget Bureau seems
bent on resuming a piecemeal at
tack on the hospitals in the hopo
that such a move would stir up less
opposition than the whoiesala
shutdown.
Aside from providing medical
care to seamen. Coast Guardsmen
and to several groups of Federal
employees, the PHS hospitals have
served as training centers for MDs,
specialists and technicians, many
of whom later go out and serve tha
community in private practice.
Closing of the hospitals wou'd add
to the serious shortage of such
training facilities. The hospitals
have also made notable progress in
many medical research areas.
Emergency?
Notify PHS,
Crews Told
Seamen who are hospitalized in
emergency cases in facilities other
than those of the Public Health
Service are urged to contact the
PHS as soon as possible so that a
transfer can be arranged.
The rules of the Service permit
the hospital to take financial re
sponsibility for seamen's care at
other facilities in genuine emer
gencies. However, the Service is
anxious to reduce such situations
to a minimum. In many instances,
the cost of such emergency treat
ment at private facilities haa
proven to be excessive.
Consequently, ship's officers,
crewmembers and others are urged
to contact the nearest PHS facility
immediately in an emergency to
prevent hospitalization of seamen
at other facilities or to secure
transfers as soon as possible. The
PHS maintains ambulance services
for such cases.
In New York, the hospital tele
phone Is Glbrall^r 7-3010.
ri
rzge rour SEAFARERS LOG September 27, 1957
St. Louis MTD Council Chartered
Charter for newest MTD port council is presented in St, Loujs^ by
Harry O'Reilly, executive secretary of the AFL-CIO Maritime
Trades Department (right), to council president John Nabor,
secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Local 688. Looking on (I. to r.)
are council secretary Edward Adams of the Masters, Mates I
Pilots and Edward Weber of Firemen A Oilers Local 6, council
vice-president.
Pocket-Size 'Bug'
Is Business Must
Minature tape recorders that can be carried in a pocket
are becoming a popular itepi among business and labor
spies the "Wall Street Journal" reports. The "Journal" calls
tape-recorder eavesdropping a-*^
"rapidly growing develop
ment" in the business world
and cites tiguics showing that one
manufacturer of a midget recorder
tripled liis sales in two years.
The midget recorders, the paper
«ays, "arc finding much use in
give-and-take labor negotiations."
It quotes a New York ".security
consultant" (ex-lie detector special
ist for the Armed Forces) as re
porting that they sometimes are
planted in rooms "where labor
negotiators are planning sti-ategy."
In addition, recorders find a
multitude of uses in the business
tr.
arena whether it is spying out in
formation about a competitor's
plans or making sure the prices
quoted by salesmen are on the
level. The recorders are so effi
cient that the chairman of a New
York State legislative committee
said that "wire tapping is small
potatoes."
A typical unit, one of the small
est available, is less than seven
Inches long, four inches wide and
IVi inches deep. It can pick up
sound from 20 feet away and re
cord 20 minutes' conversation.
Other, larger-sized ones can easily
be carried in a briefcase and cover
a 60-foot range. A tie-clasp usually
serves as a convenient place to
hide the mike.
It seems _the only way to make
sure conversations are not being
"bugged" is to hold meetings in
bathing suits in a rowboat 40
yards from shore. But somebody
had better cheek that rowboat
first.
'Worker' Down
To Four Pages
The New York "Daily Worker,"
voice of the Communist party in
America has become a victim of
capitalism and is forced to make
"drastic changes" in its fight for
suiwival. The newspaper is now go
ing to publish only a four-page
edition, four days a week.
In a front page editorial, tlie
Worker announced that "constantly
falling circulation and a virtual
ban on advertising" with "mount
ing publication costs," were major
causes behind the cutback.
The paper, which had been the
official organ of the US Communist
party since 1924, has "reached bot
tom" financially. Instead of its
usual eight-page, five-day-a-week
publication, the paper will now
come out with a four-page edition,
Monday through Thursday, and its
12-page weekend edition on Frid-
days.
According to figures quoted in
the editorial, the paper's deficit is
approaching the quarter million
mark while its income for the past
year is running $50,000 below last
year's. A major setback was the
failure of the paper's spring fund
raising drive to meet expectations.
Of the $100,000 goal, it has been
able to raise only $45,000 so far.
It was just over two weeks ago
that the Communist party in the
US announced that its membership
had dropped down to 10,000, a loss
of some 7,000 members in the past
year alone. As for circulation, the
paper, which had boasted of a read
ing public of 100,000 in the '30s, now
moans of "slightly under" 10,000
daily, and "slightly over" 13,000 on
the weekends. • ^
September 4 Through September 17
port Dock DOCK Ens. Eng. Stow. Stow. Tetol Total Total port
A B A B A B A B Rag.
Boston • oaoooaea**** . 7 2 4 3 4 2 15 7 22
New York • •••••••••••• . 78 18 36 13 92 10 166 41 207
Philadelphia ••••••••aoooo . 26 3 16 11 8 6 50 22 72
Baltimore . 53 17 46 17 33 13 132 47 179
Norfolk 5 9 3 10 6 36 14 50
Savannah 1 8 2 ' 4 0 22 3 25
Tampa .6 2 3 3 3 10 12 22
Mobile 5 15 10 24 1 65 16 81
New Orleans .... 17 58 25 •e-. 67 28 199 70 269
Lake Charles .... 7 10 6 2 5 25 18 43
Houston 19 29 12 17 10 78 41 119
Wilmington 9 7 10 17 2 44 21 65
San Francisco .... 14 28 22 27 14 85 50 135
Seattle • •••••••••••• . 16 14 19 19 20 4 55 37 92
Dock DocB Bnfl. Eng. Stow. Stow. Total Total Total
A B A B A B A 8 Rog.
Total 139 287 156 288 104 982 399 1381
Shipped
Port Stcfc Dock 1 Dock Ina. Ens. Eng. Stow Stow. Stow. Tetol Total Total Total
A' • C A B C A B C A B C Ship.
Boston 1 0 1 2 0 1 1 0 4 4 0 8
New York 6 6 44 S 5 37 9 4 125 20 15 160
Philadelphia .... 4 0 10 6 1 7 3 0 30 13 1 44
Baltimore 8 2 27 6 1 25 2 0 87 16 3 106
Norfolk 5 1 5 8 5 5 4 0 20 17 6 43
Savannah 2 0 4 3 0 5 2 0 19 7 0 26
T.nnpa 1 0 2 1 1, 0 1 0 7 3 1 11
Mobile 7 0 27 11 1 33 3 0 90 21 1 112
New Oi'leans 5 0 43 16 2 35 12 0 129 33 2 164
Lake Charles .... 8 1 10 5 0 4 5 2 24 18 3 45
Houston 16 0 14 13 0 15 12 0 60 41 0 101
Wilmington 8 1 3 8 1 5 8 1 15 24 3 42
San Francisco .... 17 0 28 20 0 29 10 0 92 47 0 139
Seattle 18 3 0 16 8 1 11 4 0 45 15 1 61
Dock Deck 1 Dock Enfl, Eng. Eng. Stow. Stow. stow. Total Total Total Total
A a C A B e , A B c A B C Ship.
Total 91 11 234 112 18 ^12 76 7 747 279 36 1062
SIU shipping hurdled the 1,000-job mark once again during the last two weeks despite
the idling of the bulk of the Bull Line fleet. The total number of jobs > dispatched was
1,062. Registration totalled 1,381, showing a slight rise over the previous period.
Seven ports listed shipping I
gains and three others held to
the status quo. Improved job
activity was marked in Baltimore,
Norfolk, Savannah, Mobile, Hous
ton, Wilmington and San Fran
cisco. "Steady" was the word for
New Orleans, Lake Charles and
Seattle. The West Coast ports
seem to have snapped back after
a brief lull and the Gulf, except
for Tampa, remains busy. New
York, Boston, Philadelphia and
Tampa were the only areas show
ing a decline.
The greatest activity was still in
the deck department, with the wid
est spread between registration
and shipping. Black gang registra
tion generally kept pace with the
jobs available, while the steward
department was the least active.
Jobs for class A men rose to 70
percent of the total shipped, as
class B dropped to 26 percent.-'
Four ports shipped no class C men
at all. Class C shipping dropped
to four percent of the total.
The following is the forecast
port by port:
Boston: Fair . . . New York:
Steady . . . Philadelphia: Fair . . .
Baltimore: Fair . . . Norfolk: Slow
. . . Savannah: Slow . . . Tampa:
Quiet . . . Mobile: Good . . . New
Orleans: Good . . . Lake Charles:
Steady . . . Houston: Good . . .
Wilmington: Fair . . . San Fran
cisco: Good . . . Seattle: Good.
Notify Union
About Sick Men
Ship's delegates are urged to
notify the Union immediately
when a shipmate is taken off
the vessel in any port because
of illness or injury. Delegates
should not wait until they send
in the ship's minutes but should
handle the matter in a separate
communication, so that the Un
ion can determine in what man
ner it can aid the brother.
It would also be helpful if
the full name, rating and book
number was sent in. - Address
these notifications to Welfare
Services at beadq^ters.
Seafarers' A-1 Job
On Beefs Applauded
NEW YORK—Shipping has remained fairly steady in
this port during the past two weeks, reports Bill Hall, as
sistant secretary-treasurer. With the exception of a few key
ratings, class A men should • men
be able to ship out without
much difficulty since many of
the berths are still being filled
by Class "B" and "C" men.
Headquarters, Hall said, would
like to extend its thanks to all of
the brothers who are doing more
than their share in the beefs and
organizing drives now going on in
the various ports. There has been
no trouble getting men to take
turns on the picketlines down at
the Bull Line pier, and around a
few of the hold-out companies
being organized by the MAWD.
He praised the men working on
the Robin Line fleet ships under
adverse conditions. They are con
tinually being swamped with propa
ganda from the NMU, he said, but
are doing their jobs in true SIU
style.
There were 33 ships in port dur
ing the pa.st period. The Alcoa
Ranger, Alcoa Runner, Alcoa Part
ner (Alcoa); Ideal X, CoaMnga
Hills, Almena (Fan-Atlantic); Hur
ricane, Madaket (Waterman); Steel
Rover, Steel Executive (Isthmian);
Robin Mowbray (Robin Line); Can-
tigny (Cities Service^ Seatrain
Georgia ((Seatrain); Pan
Oceanic Transporter (Penn. Nav.),
and Mankato Victory (Victory Car
riers) all paid off. The Barbara
Frietchie (Liberty Nav.), Robin
Mowbray (Robin); and Steel Ad
vocate (Isthmian) signed on.
Among the vessels in port to be
serviced were the Young America
(Waterman); Val Chem (Heron);
Seatrain's Georgia, New York,
Texas, Louisiana and Savannah;
Yorkmar, Massmar, Calmar (Cal-
mar); Alcoa Rynner and Partner
(Alcoa), Steel Maker (Isthmian;
Robin Sherwood (Robin) and Cities
Seiwice Baltimore (CUies Service).
Shipping for the "next period
should be good. The Josefina (Lib.
Nav) was in port after an ll-month
tramping trip in the Far East.
Needless to say most of the men
were anxious to stretch their legs
on the beach for awhile before
shipping out again.
New Financing
Sought By TMT
New financing is being sought by
the SlU-contracted TMT Trailer
Ferry Inc. to overcome a financial
loss suffered during 1956. Eric
Rath, president of the company,
has informed creditors that he was
seeking funds to pay outstanding
debts and continue the company's
program of establishing trailcrship
services between the US mainland,
Puerto Rico and the We.st Indies.
Rath attributed the company's
1956 losses to delays in converting
the Carib Queen and Florida
Queen for trailership service, as
well as operating difficulties on
the Carib Queen, including a
boiler explosion.
The Carib Queen had made two
trial voyages to Europe on MSTS
charter before going into service
on the islands run.
In addition to the Carib Queen,
TMT had been operating a num
ber of smaller vessels as well as
some unmanned LSTs which were
hauled by tugs on charter from the
US government.
The Carib Queen is the first
ti-ue "roll-oh, roll-off" ship in com
mercial service carrying trailer
trucks and private cars on three
deck levels. It was originally *.
Landing Ship Dock that had been
converted for roU-on service;
September 27. 1957 SEAFARERS LOG Pare Five
Navy May Discard
'Effective Controi',
Magnuson Reports
The "effective control" theory used to justify the Govern
ment's ship transfer policy may finally be on the way out.
Sen, Warren G. Magnuson said last week he expected the
Navy to reverse itself and-*" reverse
torpedo the whole idea.
Since the start of the trans
fer program, US approval for the
runaway registry of American ships
has been based on the belief that,
in an emergency, the Government
could find them "available" even
Padgett
The increasing number of "no
beefs to report" appearing in the
ship's minute
points out the
fine Job being
done by the vari
ous shipboard
delegates to keep
their vessels run
ning in true SIU
style. Special
mention went to
the delegates of
the Steel Maker.
The crew \\'ants to go on record as
•saying they appreciate the time
and energy put in by W. A. Padgett
as ship's delegate, Fred Umholtz
of the deck department, Lawrence
Mitchell of the stewards and Leon
ard Pardeu who represents the
black gang. To summarize their
report: "No beefs, everybody
happy."
Also brought into the spotlight
were the delegates of the Del Sud,
Thomas Liles, Nick Fuukeii, H,
Green and Paul Huseby. Ship's
delegates Thomas Hill of the
Oceanstar and John Jellette of the
Grain Shipper were also cited by
their shipmates for doing "a fine
job."
As reported in the September
13th edition of the SEAFARERS
LOG, brothers on
the SS Seamar
got roused up
over a year-old
misdated report
which was sent
in and printed
under a current
date, "Not only
do we have one
of the best stew
ards afloat, writes
ship's delegate B, Hunter, but we
want to straighten out the record
and let you know that this ship is
in very good shape with good cooks
and messmen and a top-notch
deck department. "And, he added,
"don't forget our fine engine de
partment. They are doing a great
job considering the ups and downs
they have on these Libertys."
Hunter
Quitting Ship?
Notify Union
A reminder from SIU head
quarters cautions all Seafarers
leaving their ships to contact
the hall in ample time to allow
the Union to dispatch a replace
ment. Failure to give notice be
fore paying off may cause a de
layed sailing, force the ship to
sail short of the manning re
quirements and needlessly make
the work tougher for your ship-
•^lates.
though they were under the
Panamanian or Liberian flagi
Thus, though scores of transfers
had reduced the US tramp fleet
to dangerous levels by 1956, de
fense needs were still said to be
safeguarded.
Now, says the chairman of the
Senate Foreign Commerce Com
mittee, top Government defense
planners appear to be taking an
other long, hard look at the whole
shipping picture. The White House
announced some time ago that the
future status of the privately-op
erated merchant fleet was being
studied by the National Security
Council, the nation's top policy
board, in connection with overall
defense planning.
Conflicting views voiced by Gov
ernment officials at Congressional
hearings earlier this year finally
drew assurances from the Pentagon
that the merchant marine still was
considered "vital" and was not be
ing abandoned. However, no major
effort was put forth at tha last
session to salvage the shipbuilding
budget, and it emerged finally as a
meager $3 million item.
A reversal of Jthe "effective con
trol" principle would mean greater
chances of success for a sizable
shipbuilding appropriation next
year. Sen. Magnuson said he was
optimistic this would come about.
He sharply criticized the Depart
ment of Commerce for the failure
of the last budget and for "putting
the American merchant marine un
der wraps." Magnuson said "if we
don't do something next session,
our ship construction program will
drop to nothing."
Now standing by while ship is in lay-up, these three SIU oldtimers are shown aboard the Cleveland
Abbe (I to r) J, Davis, wiper; John Olsen AB; Aldifonso Galindez, bosun. At right, Felix Villiran,
steward utility on the Harry Glucksman, is shown at work in the galley.
New Coal Fleet Lay~Ups
Cloud Company's Outlook
NORFOLK—Plagued by a declining coal market, the American Coal Shipping Company
has placed two vessels in indefinite lay-up in the past two weeks. A third ship, the com
pany-owned Coal Miner, has been in lay-up for the past four weeks but is scheduled to
take on a crew sometime to-> —
day or over the weekend.
The ships in lay-up are the
Martha Berry and the Cleveland
Abbe. There is some question as
to whether or not the ships will be
decommissioned .as there is no car
go in sight for them. Coal rates on
the European run have been fluc
tuating at or under $4 a ton, which
is far below the break-even figure
for UjS-flag Libertys.
Lay-up Helps NMU
The effect of the lay-up. by co
incidence or not, was to throw the
lead in the fleet to the NMU. Two
of the three ships now inactive, the
Abbe and the Coal Miner, had SIU
majorities on board. The Beri-j' was
split- down the middle, 14-14.
Meanwhile, other ships have
come and gone since the Abbe was
Hearings End On Robin
Line Vote, Await Decision
A week of hearings on the SIU's petition for collective
bargaining voting on Robin Line ships has come to a close in
New York. The National Labor Relations Board regional
office is passing the testimony
on to Washington headquar-
laid up. It had 18 SIU men in the
crew.
As a result, the count on the four
ships still active at the'moment
stands at NMU 60, SIU 52. In ad
dition, the company has been fol
lowing the NMU's tack on chal
lenges to the discharges of SIU
oldtimers. The company has been
refusing to rehire SIU men whose
discharges have been questioned
by the NMU and the Coast Guard.
This, of course, has helped NMU
in its efforts to grab the lead.
Fleet-Wide Majority
Even with this latest NMU tac
tic, the SIU would still be holding
a 99-96 lead if ships in lay-
up were all running with their ori
ginal crews. It was noted that the
company had laid up the Abbe, a
ship with a heavy SIU majority,
and then, a few days later, found
cargo for the Walter Hines Page,
a ship on which NMU leads by a
good margin.
Originallj\ just one year ago,
American Coal Shipping had re
quested 30 ships from the Govern
ment. Six were broken out, and
then breakouts were halted because
of labor disputes involving AFL-
CIO maritime unions, including the
SIU, Masters Mates and Pilots and
Marine Engineers Beneficial Asso
ciation. Of the six, there are just
four left in operation today.
The bottom has dropped out of
the coal export market, with some
moves in Europe to rent Liberty
ships as dead storage for huge coal
stocks that cannot be moved off
the docks over there.
ters for final decision.
Both Moore-McCormack, the
current owners of the Robin Line,
and the National Maritime Union
intervened in the case to oppose
giving Seafarers on Robin Line
ships the right to vote for the un
ion of their choice by secret ballot.
Meanwhile, the NMU has un
leashed a propaganda barrage on
the ships in efforts to win alle
giance from the crewmembers.
Filed August 9
The SIU filed its election peti
tion on August 9 in order to pro
tect the job rights of Seafarers on
the Robin vessels after Moore-
McCormack attempted to turn the
crews and the ships over to the
NMU. Seafarers on the ships have
been forced to work under NMU
contract conditions without the op
portunity of deciding which union
shall represent them.
The SIU has represented the
fleet since 1940 when it won an
election by a count of 199 to one.
It was one of a . series of SIU
election victories in many of its
contracted fl^ts following NMU
Frisco Boasts
Lots Of Action
SAN FRANCISCO—Seafarers in
this port have continued to enjoy
another period of good shipping
and from the number of vessels ex
pected in, future shipping also
looks good in contrast to what
other ports have been reporting
lately.
There were four vessels paying
off, five signing on and eight in-
transits during the past two weeks.
The John C (Atlantic Carriers),
Rebecca (Intercontinental), Iber
ville (Waterman) and Alcoa Pointer
(Alcoa) paid off while the Maiden
Creek, Iberville, Wild Ranger (Wa
terman); Alcoa Pointer (Alcoa) and
Natalie (Intercontinental) signed
on.
In-transits were the LaSalle,
Chickasaw (Waterman); Pacific
Cloud (Compass); Lawrence Victoi-y
(Mississippi); Arthur M. Huddell
(Bull); Steel Worker (Isthmian);
Ocean Evelyn (Ocean Carriers) and
challenges to SIU representation. | the Texmar (Calmar).
^ ^ A P A HER, S
^ AiOW IN SOTH
iBootUVN SAOUAoee'
Ai^ue Over
NY 'Subsidy'
Aid To Dutch
The spectre of a New York City
subsidy for a foreign-flag shipping
company is being created by tha
conflicting cost estimates on a
new municipal pier for the Hol
land-America Line.
At odds are the city's Depart
ment of Marine and Aviation and
the Port of New York authority, a
bi-state body created by the New
York and New Jersey state legis
latures. The Port Authority claims
the city agency underestimated the
costs of the proposed West Side
terminal for Holland-America by
$7 million.
The difference, it contends, will
mean a loss of almost a half mil
lion dollars in annual rentals to
the city under its lease agreement
with the foreign line. The De
partment of Marine and Aviation
has countered with a charge that
the PA's figure was a "guessti
mate," since its engineers had no
way of checking the actual plans.
The city's figure is $18 million-
plus; the Authority's, $25 million-
plus.
Previous municipal waterfront
projects have not always been
self-supporting. One completed in
1953 under a different city admin
istration is still operating at a
loss. Howevei', the city agency
said Its present $187 million water
front program would be self-sus-
sustaining and that terms for tha
Hol^p^-^j^X^ca based
on ^t principle.
'4?.
, -t •
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Fagre Six S£^F^Jl£llS LOG September 27, 195T
Seafarer A Citizen
After W-Yr. Fight
A ten-year fight to block deportation and win American
citizenship wound up in success for Seafarer Felix Dayrit,
He was sworn in as an American citizen after President Eisen
hower signed a series of priv--*
ate bills passed at the last ses
sion of Congress giving him
and several other aliens permis-
Bion to reside in the United
States.
Dayrit, who sails as wiper, has
been bucking for citizenship ever
since he came to the United States
on a US vessel, the Staghound, in
September, 1946. At the age of
29, Dayrit had
enlisted in the
US Army in Aus
tralia back in
1943 and served
for three years.
His wartime serv
ice qualified him
for citizenship
but because he
was sailing on
merchant vessels
he missed out on an Immigration
hearing in 1946,
Then, he said, his wartime eligi
bility expired and Immigration
Etarted putting pressure on him
to be deported to the Philippines.
Following the passage of the Mc-
Carran Act, he ran into serious
difficulties.
"The Union was very helpful to
me then," he said, "very often giv
ing me letters to Immigration as
suring that I could ship out so
that they would give me the neces
sary shore leave."
After previous attempts had
failed, Dayrit succeeded in getting
legislative relief through Congress.
He took his oath of citizenship
on September 10th.
Dayrit came to the United States
originally on an NMU-contracted
ship but being dissatisfied with
conditions aboard there, switched
to the Isthmian fleet. He partici
pated in the organizing drive and
the subsequent Isthmian strike of
1947 and came into the. Union ac
cordingly.
Now that his long fight for citi
zenship has been won, Dayrit will
be able to take time out to study
for a rating in the engine depart
ment.
Storm Skips
Lk. Charles
LAKE CHARLES-
Lake Charles and
-Residents of
neighboring
towns are breathing a lot easier,
reports Leroy Clarke, port agent,
since Hurricane Esther decided not
to stop and pay a visit. The port
got hit with some of her tail winds
but there was no damage reported.
Meanwhile union leaders from here
and New Orleans are in a huddle
working out plans for their next
move in the building bee in Cam
eron Parish.
Shipping held its own during the
past two weeks, with a few Class
"C" men scuring berths. Calling
into this area were the Govern
ment Camp, CS Baltimore, Council
Grove, Cantigny, -Chiwawa and the
Bents Fort (Cities Service);
Maxton, Ideal X, Warrior (Pan-At
lantic); Pan Oceanic Transporter
(Penn. Nav.); Del Campo, Del
Rio, Del Santos, (Delta); Lucille
Bloomfield (Bloomfield); Petro-
Chem (Valentine); Val Chem (Her
on). All were reported in good
Shape with no major beefs.
Be Sure To Get
Dues Receipts
Headquarters again wishes to
remind all Seafarers that pay
ments of funds, for whatever
Union purpose, be made only
to authorized A&G representa
tives and that an official Union
receipt be gotten at that time.
If no receipt is offered, be sure
to protect yourself by immedi
ately bringing the matter to the
attention of the secretary-treas
urer's office. • • ' •
ROU, ARA
Sign Mutual
Help Pact
The Radio Officers Union and
the American Radio Association
have jointly announced the sign
ing of a no-raiding pact calling for
a program of mutual assistance on
common problems.
A series of joint meetings led
to the pact-signing September 12.
It will be implemented by a three-
man committee representing each
union.
The ROU-ARA agreement fol
lows a similar pact announced last
fall between the SlU-affiliated
Brotherhood of Marine Engineers
and the Marine Engineers Bene
ficial Association.
Agreement among the engin
eers' unions followed shortly after
the MEBA announced the sever
ing of its ties with the National
Maritime Union and the "AFL-CIO
Maritime Committee" composed of
former CIO organizations. The
MEBA-NMU break after a 20-year
alliance erupted over the refusal
of the NMU to support the en
gineers in the American Coal Ship
ping beef.
The alliance among the radio
officers' unions calls for coopera
tion on the economic, public re
lations and technical fronts "to op
pose any efforts to water down
the radio safety provisions of the
law ..." The unions also agreed
to draw up a joint code of pro
fessional ethics for the seagoing
radio officer.
General chairman Andrew Mac-
Donald and secretary-treasurer
Joseph P. Glynn signed the pact
for the ROU, and president W. R.
Steinberg and secretary-treasurer
Bernard L. Smith for the ARA.
West Coast ROU representative
Lester Parnell and ARA vice-
president Philip O'Rourke will
round out the three-man commit
tee for each union on the joint
council.
Both unions are outgrowths of
earlier organizations, from which
the ROU seceded about 1940 due
to alleged Communist control and
then received an AFL charter
through its parent Commercial
Telegraphers Union. The ARA
group broke off later, in 1947, and
was part of the CIO. Both are
members of the AFL-CIO today.
Tampa Hopes
For Pick-Up
TAMl A—Although it was a poor
period for shipping in this area
with only two in-transit vessels
constituting all of the business, it
is expected to pick up somewhat
during the next two weeks.
The Warrior (Waterman) and
Alcoa Pilgrim (Alcoa) called into
port to be serviced. Both vessels
were Jn , goodshapo with no, rq^
ported beefs.. r (
Courtesy Helps
An invisible but very important factor in shipboard
safety is the state of mind of the crew. A ship that is
relatively free of irritations and arguments, where con
sideration for one's shipmates is uppermost, has a bet
ter chance of being accident-free. It's been well estab
lished by the experts that men who are peeved and
upset are more vulnerable to accidents.
That's how courtesy toward one's shipmates can
help. It means showing those little considerations of
daily shipboard life like keeping quiet in the passage
ways so others can sleep. A sleepy seaman finds it
tough to be alert on the job. It means reducing per
sonal beefs and arguments to a minimum ar^d making
allowances for other's likes and dislikes.
What it all adds up to is that a happy ship is a safer
ship. Safety and shipboard courtesy go hand in hand.
'I
I Ah SlU Ship IS a Safe Shif. \
- : • ' -* I
H 'mmm'M
September tl, IMT SEAFARERS LOG Page Seven
YOUR DOLLAR'S WORTH
Seafarer's Guide To Better Buying
By Sidney Margoliua
Bald? Toupee Is'Only Answer
People have a lot of trouble with hair. Men often feel they don't
have enough. Women worry about superfluous growth.
All this concern has made the public a target for television, radio and
newspaper ads from hair "consultants" and sellers of tonics, and dan
druff removers, shampoos and other products.
Bald-headed men are specials game. Scalp "specialists" sell them
everything from expensive "treatments" to bottled lotions and sham
poos for home use.
In one case, Frommes Scalp Specialists ran an ad (in the "Buffalo-
Courier Express") showing before-and-after photos of customers who
apparently had grown new hair. The ad claimed the photos were not
retouched. But one man whose photo was shown told the Buffalo Bet
ter Business Bureau the picture was "highly exaggerated, misleading
and untrue." He stated he had paid $130 for a series of treatments with
a verbal (not written) guarantee of results, but still was bald, as the
BBB officials could plainly see. The Frommes representative retorted
that the customer had lost the growth shown in the photograph beeause
he had stopped the treatment.
A whole string of hair-treatment firms, some with offices in a num
ber of cities, recently have been charged by the Federal Trade Com
mission with exaggerated claims. Among them are Keele Hair and
Scalp Specialists: Rogers Hair Experts; Bishop Hair Experts; Merrill
Hair and Scalp Consultants; Kelvex Inc.; Collins Hair and Scalp Ex
perts; Winston, Ltd.; and Loesch Hair Experts.
Bishop, which has offices in several cities, had advertised that "Bald
ness can be prevented in almost every case . , . "in almost every
case, baldness starts with some lo
cal scalp disorder . . . can be cor
rected quickly by Bishop Hair Ex
perts." Bishop has denied the FTC
charges and insists its treatments
are "beneficial." Similarly, Mer
rill, Kelvex, Collins, Carey and
Winston have denied they misrep
resented the benefits of their hair
and scalp preparations. But, the
FTC says, the companies' prepara
tions would have no value in treat
ment of the most common type of
baldness, known as "male pattern
baldness."
Keele and Rogers send out sales
men to all parts of the United
States and Canada to sell their
preparations. The FTC reports
that the salesmen are advertised
as "famous trichologists." They
set up temporary offiees usually
in hotels, and advertise for people
to come in for diagnosis and ad
vice. The complaint charges that the salesmen do not have competent
training in dermatology or any/other branch of medicine dealing with
the diagnosis or treatment of scalp disorders affecting hair.
Another widely-advertised hair and scalp preparation is Persulan,
sold by Drake Laboratories, Inc. You may have seen or heard news
papers, magazines or radio ads for Persulan. A typical claim: "I have
treated four men with thin temples and bald spots and they can truly
say that Persulan really stopped that hair from falling and grew hair
on the thin bald spots . . ."
Persulan just won't do these things, the FTC experts say.
Loesch Hair Experts advertised products for home treatment with
such claims as "Results from home treatment are quickly noticeable
.. . usually it takes just a few weeks to cleanse the hair of dandruff...
kill the bacteria swarming underneath the scalp, correct local dis
orders and stop excess hair fall." But an FTC examiner found that
none of Loesch's products will prevent or overcome any type of bald
ness or hair loss. Nor will they cure bacteria "swarming beneath the
scalp" because bacteria don't exist there.
Peach Ftaa Doesn't Last
It is true that some preparations as Loesch's may cause a fuzi to
grow on a bald scalp. This fuzz is known as "lanugo" or "puppy hair.'
But it is not hair and never grows to real hair. Also, such fuzz sub
sequently often drops off and is not replaced, the American Medical
Association reports.
Most cases of baldness derive from three factors: heredity, hormonal
balance and simply getting older. These types are what are called
"male pattern baldness." There is really no known product or treat
ment that will prevent this common type of baldness, or grow hair.
There are a number of products useful for removing dandruff scales,
although some merely contain alcohol which dissolves surface dandruff.
But the relief afforded by lotions and shampoos is only temporary.
For example, the FTC has issued a complaint against the Helena
Curtis "Enden Shampoo." These ads showed a man scratching his head
as a voice asked him: . . . "don't you know there's a new proven way
to end your dandruff problems once and for all?" The FTC complains
this commercial is misleading because, it says, Enden will not cure
dandruff or have any other lasting effect. The condition will return if
the regular use of the products is discontinued.
Claims that a hair lotion or "tonic" will "nourish" the hair also
should be viewed skeptically, the BBB's warn. The fact is hair gets,
its nourishment from tlie blood stream and you can't feed the roots
from outside like fertilizing grass.
What is beneficial is the massage you give your scalp when you
apply a hair tonic.. This may stimulate a flow of blood to the scalp
with possible benefit. You can massage without buying a tonic,, of
course. Many tonics do contain a counter-irritant which further helps
stimulate a flow of blood. . .
Gateway City AH Set For Debut
First of the C-2s to be con
verted into a contoinership,
the SlU-monned Gateway
City shows off her radically-
different superstructure as she
undergoes sea trials off Mo
bile. Ship is scheduled to
open formal coastwise con-
tainership service on Octo
ber 4. At right are a few of
the hundreds of trailer bodies
and cabs stacked in Water
man-Pan Atlantic's Port New
ark terminal in anticipation of
the start of the contoinership
run.
AFL-CIO Orders Teamster Clean-Up
The AFL-CIO Executive Council has ordered the sus--t
pension of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters for
being "dominated or substantially influenced by corrupt in
fluences." The action paves the>
way for expulsion of the giant
union from the 15-million-
member merged labor federation,
if It does not make changes in its
official family.
This week's move against the
Teamsters had its forerunner in
1953 when the AFL ousted the old
ILA on similar grounds and char
tered the International Brother
hood of Longshoremen in its place.
Z Others Face Axe
The Council's clean-up drive was
also directed at the Bakery and
Confectionery Workers and the
Uited Textile Workers, which
likewise face expulsion by the end
of October. A fourth AFL-CIO or
ganization, the Laundry Workers
International Union, has been
under suspension since May.
Fast-breaking developments shap
ing up in Washington and Miami
will likely produce further action
in the AFL-CIO clean-up campaign.
The Senate's McClellan Committee
resumed its hearings in the capi
tal as IBT delegates continued con
verging on the Florida resort city
for their regular union convention
opening Monday.
Voting by the AFL-CIO's top
governing body followed the Issu-
Make Checks
To 'SiU-A&G'
Seafarers mailing in checks
or money orders to the Union
to cover dues payments are
urged to be sure to make all of
them payable to the SIU-A&G
District.
Some Seafarers have sent in
checks and money orders in the
names of individual headquar^
ters officials. This makes for a
problem in bookkeeping which
can be avoided if checks are
made out to the Union directly.
ance of sharply critical reports
against all three suspect unions
by the Federation's Ethical Prac
tices Committee. AFL-CIO Presi
dent George Meany and other Fed
eration spokesmen have made it
plain that "corrupt" unions deserve
no refuge in the AFL-CIO and can
only bring harm to the labor move
ment as a whole.
A number of Congressmen tried
to push through new restrictive
legislation against trade unions at
the last session and are ready to
try again when Congress meets in
January. Any failure to act by the
Federation would be regarded as
an Invitation for even stricter
measures in Congress.
The Executive Council's suspen
sion edicts emphasized that its find
ings did not represent an "indict
ment" of members of the unions
involved who "want, and are eor
titled to have, a clean union." It
said its case was basically against
officials who refused to explain or
answer substantial derogatory
charges against them. These dealt
with the use of union funds and
union position for personal pur
poses, improper handling of wel
fare funds, failure to act against
corrupt union officials or those
charged with corruption and sim
ilar grounds.
The Teamsters convention will
elect a new union president one
week from today, succeeding re
tiring president Dave Beck.
He was suspended as an AFL-
CIO vice-president and member of
the Executive Council last Spring
for refusing to explain charges con
cerning his handling of union
funds. These charges formed part
of the basis for the suspension of
the IBT itself this week.
fading contenders to succeed
Beck Include Thomas J. Haggerty
of Chicago; Thomas Hickey of New
York, James R. Hoffa of Detroit,
and Rep. John F. Shelley, foimer
head of the California State AFL.
Hoffa, like Beck, has been a prime
target of the McClellan Commit
tee and the AFL-CIO Elliical Prac
tices Committee. Hickey is familiar
to Seafarers as the secretary-treas
urer of Local 807, composed largely
of waterfront teamsters in the NY
area.
Operators Seek
Interim Boost
in PR Rates
WASHINGTON—With their bid
for a rate boost frozen by the Fed
eral Maritime Board, two SIU-
contracted operators in Jhe Puerto
Rican trade have asked for an
emergency rate increase of eight
percent until the Board sets final
rates. Attornies representing Al
coa and Bull, in asking for the
emergency rate, promised to re
imburse shippers if the FMB
should find against them in rate
hearings scheduled for January.
The petition said that the eight
percent emergency increase is "the
absolute minimum required by the
carriers ... to tide them over the
next four months." The argument,
was challenged by the Puerto
Rican government wliich declared
that the figures used underslated
company profits.
The opei'ators' action was
prompted by a decision of the
board to put off a general rata
boost that had been scheduled for
September 18.
Governor Luis Munoz Marin has
threatened to charter sliips for the
trade under government) auspkei
if the rates are boosted.... _
.J
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Pasre Eight SEAFARERS LOG 8eilt«mber 27< 1957
Selection of headlines from Seafarers LOG shows some of highlights of year-long American Coal
Shipping beef.
States Still Ux In'57
On Base Pay, Child Labor
A majority of the states have been ri6gligent during the
past 20 years in providing up-to-date standards covering
minimum wages and child labor, -
Statistics from a recent sur->
vey published by "Labor's
Economic Review" revealed
that 22' states have-. no minimum
wage provisions at all while all but
six fail to provide legislative pro
tection for children doitig agricul
tural work outside of school hours.
In 1956, it was pointed out, 70
percent of the women studied in
the retail trades field in Pennsyl
vania earned $1 an hour or less,
while in Arkansas a similiar study
uncovered wages as low as $7 per
week in some counties.
While about 24 million workers
are covered by the Federal mini-
imum wage law, the article contend
ed, another 20 million must depend
on their state laws for any pro
tection. This situation, it continu
ed, is due to the "delays and in-
Coal Beet Xelebrates' Birthday
It was just a year ago this coming Thursday that the Fed
eral Maritime Board gave its official blessing to American
Coal Shipping Inc. by agreeing to charter to it 30 Liberty
ships for the coal trade. That-*
date, October 3, simultaneous
ly marked the start of an in
vasion of the maritime union field
by John L. Lewis with the active
aid and support of the National
Maritime Union.
At the time of its formation,
American Coal had advertised it
self as a $50 million combine which
was going to establish a new Amer
ican-flag operation and develop the
coal-carrying trade, as well as jobs
for the United Mine Workers
members. What was mot advertised
v/as its other objective, that of
finding a new outlet for the activi
ties of the Mine Workers District
50, an affiliate of UMW that had
been created expressly for the pur
pose of raiding and harassing mem
ber unions of the AFL and CIO.
Since the United Mine Workers
is part owner of American Coal
along with several coal producers
and coal-carrying railroads and
Lewis, as a member of its board of
directors is in a position to push
through his own objectives, the for
mation of the company was just
what the doctor ordered for him.
Or so he thought.
It is generally agreed that Lewis
himself was the moving foixe be
hind the formation of the company
since he broached the idea orig
inally back in 1952.
Previous M'time Raids
District 50's venture into mari
time was not new. It had estab
lished footholds in American Ex
port back in 1946 when it signed a
back door agreement for ships' of
ficers in that fleet and broke a
strike by the Marine Engineers
Beneficial Association. It also had
contracts with assorted tug, barge
and other harbor operations in a
number of East Coast ports, al
though was recently cleaned out
of Baltimore by the SIU's Harbor
and Inland Waterways Division.
And Lewis had established a close
relationship with, the International
Longshoremen's Association after
it was ousted from the AFL by
loaning it some $400,000.
With the establishment of Ameri-
ican Coal, Lewis saw the oppor
tunity for a new breakthrough for
District 50.. What's more he found
himself an ally in the ranks of the
AFL-CIO In the person of NMU
President Joseph Curran.. Since
then, the Lewis-Curran axis has
been struggling vainly to clear the
decks for the American Coal op
eration and pave the way for fur
ther District 50 raiding in mari
time.
Paper Local Established
As soon as the company had its
charters okayed, it created a paper
ships' officers union out of thin air
and "signed" a dummy agreement
with the "union," a previously non
existent Norfolk local of District
50. The non-existent union was
given jurisdiction over all officers,
deck and engine, to be employed
on America Coal ships.
In that same week, ACS huddled
with the National Maritime Union
and signed a back door agreement
which was later invalidated for all
practical purposes by the National
Labor Relations Board. The NLRB
pointed out that the agreement was
signed before the company had
a single ship or a single unlicensed
crewmember for the NMU to
represent. It wasn't until December
13, 1956, two months later, that
American Coal got a ship. This was
the Chian Trader, the only ship
the company owns which was pur
chased from Arc Steamship Com
pany, renamed the Coal Miner and
crewed by the NMU with the ship's
officers hired off the street.
One of the unanswered questions
about American Coal is how it
managed to get charters from the
US Government when it did not
own or operate any ships of its own.
Sharp Reaction
The reaction to District 50's in
vasion was sharp. The Masters,
Mates and Pilots and Marine En
gineers Beneficial Association (who
as licensed officers, do not come
under NLRB jurisdiction) had been
meeting with the company seeking
contracts when District 50's paper
Norfolk local was sprung on them.
The officers unions started picket
ing the company's offices and later
it ships, when ACS started break
ing them out of the boneyard. (All
the ships' officers on llie Chian
Trader, who were MM&P-MEBA
members, were fired when ACS
took possession of the ship).
The MEBA, which had a close
relationship with NMU for 20
years, approached that union .seek
ing its support. NMU had not
placed any crewmembers on board
any ACS ship at the time, but
Curran informed the MEBA he
would order his membership to
cross the picketlines and berated
the officers for striking against the
company union set-up. He had de
cided, for his convenience, that
District 50 was a "recognized" mari
time union.
MEBA Breaks Away
MEBA's response was to break
its tie with the AFL-CIO Maritime
Committee (the old CIO Maritime
Committee). It went on record to
"condemn the policy of the Na
tional Maritime Union ... as be
ing completely inconsistent with
the time-honored obligations of a
sister maritime union . . ."
Meanwhile, the SIU had gotten
into a beef with the company on
its own hook. When the SIU
learned of the company's success
in bidding for Government char
ters, Seafarers started approaching
the company, to apply for jobs with
a view toward organizing the ships.
Approximately 300 men applied
and all of them were rejected, with
many being refused a job applica
tion even though the company was
scheduled to fill some 900 jobs on
30 ships. It was then that the SIU
filed charges against the company
at the NLRB and started to picket
American Coal ships.
Late in January, 1957, Maritime
Administrator Clarence Morse
halted further breakouts to ACS
because of the labor disputes in
volved. A few days later, the
NLRB, on the basis that the com
pany had discriminated against
Seafarers, went into Federal Court
and got out a temporary restrain
ing order forbidding the company
from refusing employment to Sea
farers."
It was at this time that AFL-CIO
President George Meany inter
vened and invited all AFL-CIO
unions involved to meet with him
on February 21. At the meeting,
Meany put forth a package pro
posal calling on the SIU to with
draw from the fleet, in return for
which the MU was to support the
officers' unions.
SIU Agrees To Settle
The SIU agreed to do so in the
interests of AFL-CIO harmony al
though it felt it had a soiid beef
against the company. Nevertheless
the NMU refused to withdraw even
with a guarantee of a tree hand
in the fleet.. That convinced the
SIU and the officers unions that
NMU was an" ally of District 50 in
its efforts to raid AFL-CIO unions.
Curran's defiance of AFL-CIO
on behalf of District 50 evidently
was based on his belief that he
could oust the SIU from the fleet
with the company's help. When
the Federal Court spelled out hir
ing rules for the coal fleet, specify
ing that seniority would prevail,
Curran exulted that NMU would
"whip the SIU."
Much to his chagrin, oldtimers
from the SIU and Pacific District
unions turned out in sufficient
numbers to give the SIU the lead
in the fleet shortly after crewing
of the ships began in April. That
lead has held on a fleet-wide basis
for the past six months, despite
NMU's initial edge of six jobs on
the Coal Miner granted to it by
the court.
Seafarers Fired
When SIU refused to be
"whipped" Curran again turned to
District 50 for help. Mates and
engineers got to work firing SIU
men in large numbers on a variety
of trumped-up charges. NMU men,
for some reason, were immune to
such firings. One chief engineer
who made the mistake of firing
several NMU members was given
his walking papers and the NMU
members were reinstated.
Not even this tactic, which has
been the subject of additional SIU
Labor Board charges, proved suf
ficient to give the NMU the edge
it so desperately sought and is
still seeking through a variety of
questionable moves.
As for the company, it has paid
heavily for becoming a pawn of
Lewis' labor ambitions. The terms
of its charter specified that the 30
Liberty ships it was to get were
to be a stop-gap until modern coal-
carriers came off the drawing
boards. The Federal Maritime
Board had specified that it would
review the situation within six
months to assure that the company
was carrying out its construction
plans.
In the last few months there has
not been a whisper out of the com
pany on its long range commit
ments. . A sharp decline in the coal
market has made for additional
difficulties. It remains to be seen
how long American Goal will per
sist in trying to undermine AFL-
CIO maritime unions and how long
NMU will assist the company in
its objectives.
consistencies" in the procedure of
setting wage on an industry-wide
basis through wage boards.
Instead of adopting the wage
board type of protection, more
and more states are adopting the
basic minimum wage for all types
of work. This procedure, they said,
is much easier to administer than
a number of separate regulations.
As for child labor laws, the ar
ticle reflected, they were written
when farming was considered ^
"family business' and thus exempt
ed from these provisions. But the
states have failed to take into con
sideration today's modern farm
factories and are leaving children
of all ages open to vicious exploi
tation.
Today 22 states exempt agricul
ture completely from child labor
laws while 20 other states and the
Federal government exempt such
work When done outside school
hours. But in many areas from
Maine to California, farmers are
relying on so-called "crop-yacar
tions" to cut up the school term so
as to completely nullify even these
bare minimum standards.
The effect of these reduced and
cut-up school terms was reflected
in a 1956 survey by the Department
of Labor on the scholastic achieve
ments of working farm children.
Over 57 percent of the 4,000 chil
dren studied were in grades below
normal for their age.
Bait. Union
Drive Gains
BALTIMORE — Although shipi
ping has picked up somewhat dur
ing the last two weeks over the
prior period. It is still considered
slow for this port. But the next
period offers promise of increased
job activity as three vessels, the
SS Mermaid (Metro Petroleum),
Oceanstar (Ocean Clippers) and
the Winter Hill (Cities Service) are
expected to take on full crews very
soon after a short lay-up. The reg
ular calls for Ore line vessels
should add to the pick-up.
Organizing in this area has con
tinued to meet with success. Three
more, companies have been can
vassed and pledge cards are being
signed in rapid order. An election
bid is expected in the near future.
There were 11 ships paying off
during the last period. They were
the Feltore, Oremar, Cubore
(Ore); Mae, Jean, Edith, Emilia
(Bull); Young America (Water
man); Oceanstar (Ocean Clippers);
Winter Hill (Cities Service); and
the Steel Apprentice (Isthmian).
Signing on were the Feltore, Ore-
mar, Cubore (Ore); Kenmar and
the Bethcoaster (Calmar).
Fourteen vessels called into"
port to be serviced. They included
the Cubore, Alcoa Planter, Alcoa
Runner, Flomar, Santore, Steel
Rover, Venore, Steel Executive,
Baltore, Venore, Alcoa Partner,
Alcoa Pegasus, Alcoa Roamer,
Marore and the Robin Goodfellow.
IV'V September tl, IMI SEAFARERS IPG
; i^i- .;-r.;^. .-vj-i
Pate Nine
Another PHS Service:
Dental Care
for Seamen
One of the unpublicized aspects of the Public Health Serv
ice is the complete dental care program offered to American
seamen. Seamen who are eligible for PHS treatment are
equally eligible for dental repairs. Where necessary the den
tal department will provide a new set of choppers to those
seamen who need them. Like other PHS services, dental
treatment is provided cost-free to qualified men.
The PHS dental set-up is geared to the seaman's schedule,
since unlike a shoreside resident, a seaman can't stretch out
his dental visits over a period of months.
The Public Health facilities are such that in the New York
area seamen can get all their dental needs taken care of inside
of a month, and that would include the two and a half to three
weeks needed to make a new set of dentures when they are
called for. , . ,
A few figures will serve to illustrate the scope of the dental
services. In New York between the PHS outpatient clinic in
Manhattan and the Staten Island hospital there are 24 dentists
available. Thirteen dental chairs assure little or no waiting
for service. Dr. Robert Moore, the chief of dentistry in this
area, reports that in 1956 alone the New York facilities
handled 36,433 dental visits, making untold thousands of fiill-
ings. His department extracted over 11,000 decayed teeth
and manufactured approximately 2,500 new dentures. The
department also serves as a training center, offering intern
ships to dental school graduates. PHS facilities in other cities,
while not quite as elaborate, are ample to take care of sea
man's needs. . , ,
A popular misconception among seamen is that there is a
charge for dentures. Some charges used to exist but were
abolished six years ago. The PHS will not replace single
teeth but will provide dentures where a man's chewing is
seriously affected or where the absence of teeth would inter
fere with his job, such as in the steward departments of
passenger vessels.
Any Seafarer who enters the hospital or the outpatient
clinic for treatment of another ailment is entitled to a dental
checkup if he so desires. Or he can
get his dentistry taken care of while
waiting for a good run to show up
on the board. Unfortunately, sea
men, like other mortals, tend to post
pone the inevitable visit to the den
tist until they really start hurting.
While the PHS can, and does, a good
job of repair and replacement, the
best set of dentures doesn't adequ
ately substitute for nature's own.
The regular dental check-ups of
fered to Seafarers free of charge are
the ideal way to prevent dental
troubles and keep teeth in good con
dition to tackle those shipboard
steaks and chops. Technician finishes off set
of dentures in the hospital
lab.
One of the 24 dentists on the Public Health staff in the
New York area. Dr. Charles P. White, chats with Seafarer
Lowell Harris. An in-patient, Harris took the occasion to
get his teeth treated.
Dr. Robert Moore, chief of dentistry in the port, checks
Harris' record. Overhead light (top) puts out about 900
candlepower, makes for excellent viewing.
Dr. Alfred Popper checks teeth of Seafarer Rufus Free
man while Mrs. A. Cahill, hospital nurse, stands by with
chart.
Seaman coming into hospital intake office can request dental check-up along with other
treatment. Outpatients at Hudson Street clinic as well as men in other ports can get
same services. _
JIIIIBiiR
Harris demonstrates device which reduces pain of drill
ing. By pressing button, water spray is ejected from drill
tip, keeps drilling heat down.
I
•4\
• ^
•
.. ••
j - ̂ \
I
"Sll
Pafc Tea SEAFARERS LOG -September 27, 1957
r h
INOUIRING SEAFARER
QUESTION: Have you cut down on your smoking because of all the
reports about smoking and cancer?
Adrain C. Torres, AB: No sir,
and I don't think I could even if
wanted to. I've
been smoking too
long now and
rcelly enjoy
good cigarette
with my coffee,
am a very light
smoker, less than
a pack a day, but
as I've said,
just enjoy that
smoke. As for.its causing cancer,
that's something else. I never felt
better, and I'm in good health.
4* t t
Robert Hutchins, cook: I'm not
an excessive smoker as it is, so the
reports have not
caused me to cut
down any. But if
the reports were
proved to be
100% correct I
think I would cut
down, or cut it
out entirely. But
from what I've
read, it does not
affect the light smoker, and that's
my class.
t 5. r 4^
Bill Williams, AB: I am smoking
just as much as always for I don't
believe that
smoking causes
lung cancer as
(he reports say. I
.iust can't see
why some of
Ihese people who
worry so much
about it use fil
ters and the like.
If I had the
or not smoking. choice of filters
I'd give up smoking entirely.
Jim Staebler, FOW; I have cut
down on my smoking, but not be
cause of tliese
reports. It is sel
dom that I smoke
while on a ship
for I am more re
laxed there, but I
do smoke while
on the beach.
Guess it's the
tension. Smoking
» probably is a
cause of cancer, but I think there
are other factors involved too, and
it is not cigarettes alone.
4. 5. 4>
Aniello Verdemare, OS. I don't
have much faith in those reports.
am a heavy
smoker and have
been for quite
some time. I
doubt I could
quit even if I did
believe the re
ports. In fact, I
should not be
smoking right
now, but what
can I do? As a concession I use
filter-tip cigarettes. They are easier
on the throat.
4* 4' 4'
Ifick Geiling, baker: No, I have
not cut down any on my smoking
because of the
reports. I think
there must be
something to
them, but I don't
let it worry me.
Just as long as
I'm not sick. I
don't worry. The
people who are
always worrying
specially padded
Sail Ship
Sinks; 80
Men Lost
The loss of 80 West German sea
men on th bark Pamir in mid
Atlantic Sunday may finally spell
the end of Germany's fleet of
merchantmen under sail.
Only six men from the sailing
ship are reported safe, despite con-
flieting reports earlier as the Pamir
was battered by hurricane winds
about 600 miles off the Azores. The
vessel carried a crew of 86, includ
ing 51 maritime cadets. The Is-
bandtsen ship Saxon and a Coast
Guard cutter picked up all sur
vivors during an international air-
sea search.
The 3,000-ton Pamir, a four-
masted ship, was built in 1905
and was part of a fleet of cargo-
carriers under sail that was
broken up six years ago. She and
her sister ship were bought by a
West German shipowner while
bound for the scrap heap and put
to sea again as combination freight-
sh'ps and training vessels. They
were recunditioned under govern
ment subsidy contracts.
Unprofitable since then, the ship
has been tramping all over the
world. Four of the dozen sailing
vessels under the German flag in
the last 30 years have been lost at
sea. The latest loss may finally idle
the rest for good.
end up
room.
in
iiii
that
'Can-Shakers'
Have No OK
The membership is again cau
tioned to beware of persons
soliciting funds on ships in be
half of memorials or any other
so-called "worthy causes." No
"can-shakers" or solicitors have
been authorized by the SIU.
Canada SIU Backs Copper Strike
QUEBEC—Over 100 Seafarers of the SIU Canadian District, joined a motorcade in
a "March on Quebec" demonstration protesting the Canadian government's inactivity in
the face of violence against striking members of the United Steelworkers Union at
Gaspe Copper mines in Mur--*""—"— — —
dochville, Quebec.
The strike has resulted in
the death of two USWA members.
Injuries to scores more, and exten
sive damage to strikers, and union
properly. With one exception, the
strike has won the complete sup
port of a unified labor front
throughout Canada. The exception
is the United Mine Workers Dis
trict 50 which has manned two
cargo ships and is carrying "hot"
copper ore from the struck mines.
The Steelworkcjs called the
strike on March 11 after the presi
dent of the union's local was fired
by Gaspe, apparently because of
his position in the union. This was
the climax of a long series of anti
union measures employed by the
company in an effort to break the
union. Tlie Steelworkers Union,
which represents 95 percent of the
employees involved, has been try
ing for the past 12 months to
secure certification from the Que
bec Labour Relations Board.
After firing trie local president.
the company announced that it
would not deal with the steelwork
ers "because the union hadn't been
certified," and started importing
strikebreakers from all over Can
ada and Europe. The company built
bunkhouses on the top of a hill on
company property to house the
strikebreakers, Vhile some 200
armed Provincial police mounted
guard around the plant and bunk-
houses.
Squads Attack Pickets
Company strong-arm squads have
attacked pickets and overturned
cars while the police stood by. In
one instance hundreds of union
demonstrators, including Claude
Jodoin of the Canadian Labor Con
gress and members of the Cana
dian and Catholic Confederation of
Labor, were stoned while picketing
the company plant.
Scabs, safe behind their bunk-
house walls and police guards
showered the pickets with rocks
the size of baseballs. Many cars
were thrown out of control and
damaged, and six visiting unionists
required hospital treatment. Armed
police fired tear gas at the pickets
in warning against an attempt to
storm the hill.
After the demonstrators left the
lines, company squads broke into
the USWA office and wrecked
office furniture and equipment.
They slashed upholstery, over
turned seven cars, and broke win
dows. The provincial police wailed
until they were finished before
.telling them to return to their
bunkhouses.
Dynamite Kills Striker
Earlier in the strike one steel-
worker was killed and three In
jured in a dynamite blast.
The "March on Quebec" demon
stration was called by the Quebec
labor movement to present provin
cial Premier Duplessis with a brief
asking for positive action against
the company's tactics.
Scores of automobiles driven by
Seafarers joined the procession to
Quebec. At one time the line of
cars stretched "for over 45 miles.
In the provincial city tens of thou
sands of unionists assembled before
the legislature building while
Roger Provost, president of the
Quebec Federation of Labour,
Louis Laberge, president of the
Montreal Trades and Labor Coun
cil, and many other labor leaders
assailed the company's anti-labor
tactics and the government's hands-
off policy.
Assail District 50
In speaking of the action of
UMW District 50, the "Canadian
Sailor" said "... we feel that by
their contemptuous and shabby
tactics to nullify the success of a
beef which is supported, and is of
vital importance to the entire
Legitimate Trade Union movement
of Canada, UMW District 50 has
lost all color of right to be regis
tered by union bretaren anywhere,
of any affiliation, as a bona fide
labour union...
ALCOA eiNNANT (Alcoa), Awf. IS—
Chairman, A. Abramt; Sacratary H.
RIdgaway. Vota taken on present
method of job caUs. AU voted in
favor. New delegate elected. Water
too hot for baths. Find oat Why no
water was obtained in Trinidad.'Pan
try to be kept clean at night. Salt"
and pepper shakers to be returned
to messhaU.
repaired in Texas City. Ship's fund,
$60.44. Soma disputed OT. Showers
to be painted next trip. Discussion
altout feeding longshoremen. Request
different assortment of crackers. Need
clarification on firing men not aboard
one hour before sailing time.
ALCOA RANISER (Alcaa), Aug. 34
—Chairman, P. Whithaus; Secretary,
A. Carpenter. One man faUed to
join ship and asked to be paid oif.
Repairs not completed. New delegate
elected. Keep bathrooms clean. Need
new percolator cord, new screens and
wind scoops.
ALCOA CAVALIER (Alcoa), Aug. 31
—Chairman, C. Wandel; Secretary, L.
Culllot. Company to give polio shots.
Request better service from ship's
doctor and larger water cooler. See
what can be done about air condi
tioning.
CITRUS PACKER (Waterm-,n), Sept.
3—Chairman, A. DeLanay; Secretary,
W. Harper. Method of Job calls to
remain the samo. -Trash and chains
to be removed from deck. Ship needs
fumigating. Electrician to be noti
fied when drains are stopped up in
wash room.
MICHAEL (Carras), Aug. 35—Chair
man, J. Parks; Secretary, O. McLean.
Pay off in NJ. See delegate If you
need mattress. Patrolman to make
rounds. Ship needs fumigating. Wash
ing machine to be kept clean. Drain
lines to be- blown out and cleaned.
See patrolman about fans.
JEAN LAFITTE (Waterman), Aug.
39—Chairman, L. Meyers; Secretary,
MARORE (Ore), Aug. 33—Chairman
D. Stone; Secretary, I. Class. Galley
repairs to be done in shipyard. Ship's
fund $3.02. Some disputed OT. Re
quests cold drinks and butter for
night lunches. Knock on doors be
fore enterting.
STEEL RECORDER (Isthmian), Aug.
18—Chairman T. James; Secretary,
R. Barrett. Crew warned against
performing. Offenders wiU be pun
ished. New sec'y-reporter elected.
Ship's fund $6.40. Each member to
donate 50c for sports equipment.
Keep messroom clean. Discussion on
rusty water. Vote of thanks to stew
ard dept.
STEEL VENDOR (Isthmian), Aug.
31—Chairman, V. Orencio; Secretary,
N. Power. AU detaUs taken care of
before sailing. Ship's fund^ $27.91.
New delegate and reporter elected.
Discussion on getting crew's quarters
sougeed and painted, keeping pantry
and messroom clean at night and care
of washing machine. No spare parts
available. Keep aU outside screen
doora locked in port except one
near gangway to keep natives out.
ALMENA (Pan-Atlantic), Aug. 35—
Chairman, A. James; Secretary, M.
Eschsnko. Vote of thanks to stew
ard dept. Fan to be placed in pan
try. Portholes to be checked and
repaired.
BALTORE (Ore), Aug. 1—Chair-
man, D. Buck; Secretary, W. Turpln.
No beefs. Ship's fund $19.25.
FORT HOSKINS (Cltlss Service),
Aug. 18—Chairman, E. Bryant; Sec
retary, Coumas. Some disputed" OT.
.Anyone with information regarding
P. Iverson'a accident see patrol
man. Clean quarters before getting
into port. Repair list to be submitted. _
LOSMAR (Calmer) Aug. 18—Chair
man, P. Alcain; Secretary, P. Olson.
New delegate elected. Need more
silver and cups at night. Suggestion
to start ship'a fund.
NEVA WEST (Bleomflald), Aug. 3$
—Chairman, J. Riley; Secretary, W.
Rinehart. New delegate elected.
Need parts for washing machine.
Repair list to be submitted. Check
sea chest in New Orleans.
STEEL FABRICATOR (Isthmian),
Aug. 11—Chairman, B. Browning; Sec
retary, P. Myatt. Ship's fund, $28.50.
Library to be kept clean. Request new
mattress if needed. Laundry schedule
to be made up. Daymen to fumlgata
ship for roaches. Order new library.
SEATRAIN LOUISIANA (Seatrain),
Aug. 13—Chairman, $. Oarelai Secre
tary, C. Kralss. Ship's fund, $56.99.
New delegate elected. Coke machine
to be repaired out of ship's fund.
Aug.-3t—Chairman, $. Oarcla; Secra^
tary, C. Krelss. Coke machine to be
COUNCIL GROVE (Cities Service),
Aug. 4—Chairman, T. Clough; Secre
tary, Vy. Lane. One man missed ship
. in Baltimore.'S.afel.v rules disregarded
when ship is loaded. I'his is to be
taken up with patrolman. Vote of
thanks to Steward dept. Lengthy dis
cussion on repairs.
BALTIMORE (Cities Service), Aug.
35—Chairman, R. Yeretze; Secretary,
B. Shultz. New York sub.sistence last
trip to be discu.s.sed with patrolman.
Ship's fund. $10. Vote of thanks to
men organizing American Coal. Repair
list to be made up. Vote of thanks
to steward dept.
W. Calefato. Some mixup on replace
ments. Only delegates can obtain
draws from office: no individual draws
between draws. Beefs to be brought
up at meetings, not discussed in
passageways. Ship's fund $22.90.
Electric steam iron purchased to be
crew's property. New delegate elected.
Pantryman to assist messman. Dis
cussion on service in messhall. Beefs
to be made through proper channels.
Laundry not to be hung in recreation
room. Use fidley for all laundry.
DEL ORO (Miss.), Aug. 11—Chair
man, D. Ramsey; Secretary, V. Fitz
gerald. Disputed OT and penalty cargo
time straightened out and p.aid last
trip. All beefs to be handled by dent,
delegate.s. Members warned about de
layed sailing. Ship's fund. $:!.3.09. Mag
azines pureha.sed. New dclegale and
treasurer elected. Hooks to be in
stalled for cups in messball. Crew
instructed on proper use of washing
machine. Need more di.shcs in pantry,
more variety of jams and jellies.
KENMAR (Calmar), Jun* 33—Chair
man, J. Blake; Secretary, J. Marshall.
Some disputed OT. Suggestion that
company and ship safety committees
take action concerning gangway con
ditions at Spat-rows Point. Gangway
facilities unsafe and hazardous.
Aug. 18—Chairman, O. Hildreth;
Secretary, M. Ward. One man left
ship due to Rlness. Some disputed
OT. Rearrange steward dept. foc'sles:
steward should he on mates' deck
consistent with other Llbertys. He-
pair lists made up. Vote of thanks to
steward dept. for job well done.
STEEL APPRENTICE (Islhmian),
May 32—Chairman, W. Velasquez; Sec
retary, F. Perez. No beefs. Coniinunl-
cations posted.
Aug. »—Chairman, L. Russi; Secre
tary, J, McMahon. New stores lo be
taken on in Bombay. Bosun li.-id argu
ment regarding fire hose. Man got
sick; doctor recommended Riving up
the sea. Delegate recommended chock-
up at clinic. Water situation checked
into. Tanks cleaned 6 moiiflis ago .md
should be examined before signing
new articles. Water has been salty
during hot weather at Daminan and
Has Tanura and tanks are rusly. Beefs
to be handled through dcpl. delegates
first. Repair list: to be prepared. .New
man picked up at Khoramshar.
STEEL ROVER (Isthmian), Aug. 35
—Chairman, V. MIynek; Secretary, J.
Fulmers. Crew's quarlers lo be
painted. Beefs to be discussed before
signing on. Air ducts to be cleaned
and filters to be replaced. Discussion
on washing machine repair lis(. Shin
to be fumigated for roaches and
weevils, nequest scats instead of
chairs for messhali. Wash down and
sougee ship luure ufit-n and take
better care of cups and glasses. See
patrolman about pilot ladder. Present
one is too heavy.
ROBIN HOOD (Robin), Aug. 8 —
Chairman, L. Movall; Secretary, E.
Dawkins. Telegrain from T. Flynn
reads re Brother Waters' death. Letter
of condolence to Mrs. Waters read.
Wiper left ship without advance
notice; Union notified. One man hos-
pitaiized. Vote of thanks to It. Miller
for job well done as delegate. Dis
cussion on collection of funds in
memory of D. Waters tabled. Photos
and story of burial at sea to be sent
to widow. Vole of thanks to steward
dept.
OMAR E. CHAPMAN (Boston Ship),
Aug. 4—Chairman, C. Hugart; Secre
tary, N. Lighten. Port disch.-ir.ges to
be given at pay off. Hot water
checked. See captain about diaw. See
captain about coca cola and other
items if men i-equest same. Ship's
fund $9.20. One man injured in
Pusan. Discussion re • transportation
for B and C men.
ALCOA RUNNER (Alcoa), Aug. 1—
Chairman; Secretary, S. Bernstein.
Ship's fund $5. One man quitting in
Phila. Two men left ship, no re
placements. Outside bathroom to be
opened for longshoremen. Vole of
thanks to steward dept. for job well
done. Also to member who handled
two jobs.
CITY OF ALMA (Waterman), July.
38—Chairman, R. Meyvantsson; Stcre-
tary, J. Holsenbeck. Men to get ration
of cigarettes when slop chest open.
Specify amount of money -on draw list.
Messman changed to pantryman for
best interest of ail concerned. Ship's
fund $33.41. Pew hours disputed OT
concerning late breakfast. Deck to be
painted in recreation room. Vote of
thanks to steward dept. for good ser
vice. Bathrooms to be kept clean.
Cots to be returned afier use. Keep
laundry locked in purl.
IBERVILLE (Pan-Atlantic), July It
—Chairman, J. McCill; Secretary, C.
Ridge. Ship's fund $18.00. New dele
gate elected. $222.55 spent for films
and lamps. Discussion on projector
payments, bathroom repairs.
TOPA TOFA (Waterman), Aug. 13—
Chairman. B. B'oster; Secretary, D.
Ravosa. One man missed ship. Ship's
fund $20. Vote of thanks to resigning
delegate for job well done. Bathrooms
and showers back aft to be kept
cle'ag. Keturn cups and glasses to •
paniry. . ,
September tl, 1957 S EA EA RERS LOG T»ge Eleven
'Gef In There And Operate!'
Vic LitardI
Dies At 54
Seafarer Vic Litardi, an active
Union member of many years
standing, passed away last July
27th at the Kingsbridge Veterans
Hospital, Bronx, New York. He had
been ill for several years and had
been hospitalized in various vet
erans' hospitals for approximately
two years prior to his death. He
•was 54 years old.
Widely-known to many Seafarers,
The late Victor Litardi while
at Sunmount, NY, VA hospital
last summer.
Litardi had taken active part in
many of the SIU's major beefs, par
ticularly the longshore beef in 1953
and 1954 in the Port of New York.
Subsequently he served as an or
ganizer for the International Trans-
portworkers Federation in its ef
forts to sign up runaway-flag ships
here.
Buriel took place in Pinelawn
Cemetery.' He • is survived by a'
brother,..Angela^
Once again the chopping block is being readied for a hatchet
job on the United States Public Health Service. The immedi
ate victims are to be the Chicago, Detroit, Memphis and Sa
vannah hospitals, but once the "economy" move takes hold
there is no telling how it will end.
The actual surgical plan has been devised by the Bureau
of the Budget, a longtime enemy of PHS, which has called
for a "survey" of private medical facilities in the areas named
to see if the Government installations can be shut down.
Since statisticians can invariably come up with a set of figures
to support any conclusion, there is no doubt they can pro
duce a report to justify the closings.
But this is by no means the whole story. Since the country
is already confronted with a shortage of hospital facilities,
the PHS shutdowns would only worsen the situation. In ad
dition, the substitution of private facilities for the PHS hospi
tals, can only mean a reduction in medical services for seamen
and Federal employees entitled to Government medical care,
and this emerges as the real reason for the "survey" move.
The medical profession is already notorious for its opposi
tion to Government medicine in any form, although it, as
well as the public, has benefitted greatly from the use of
the PHS hospitals as a proving ground for new techniques
and research plus the training of skilled specialists. Previous
hospital closings have only served to retard further essential
research and to make hospital facilities less accessible to sea
men and others who need them.
It is hard to imagine a more costly "economy" move than
this one.
J.
Perils Of The Sea
Certainly no one in this business has to be reminded about
the accident and injury potential aboard ship. Safety at sea is
always complicated by the unknown and unexpected, which
is what makes going to sea one of the most dangerous pro
fessions of them all.
Whatever the cause, the loss of two SIU men on a Tampa
tug; of 94 persons, mostly children and old folks, in a ship
collision hear Buenos Aires and of a half dozen crewmen
on a brand-new Liberian tanker—all of these are grim re
minders that the sea is constantly exacting its toll, regardless
of precautions taken against it.
Ship safety, as envisioned in the SIU's industry-wide safety
•program, is a never-ending job for this reason. No one should
itiightiv^ r.'
An Old Familiar Tune-
Living Costs Set Record
WASHINGTON—the cost-of-living index rose to a new high
for the 12th consecutive month with increased food and
housing costs the main cause of the increase.
According to the Bureau of '
Labor Statistics, the index for
the month of August rose two-
tenths of one percent from the July
level, bringing the August total 3.6
percent above August of last year.
The level is now 21 percent above
the average 1947-49 level.
The rise brought the spendable
earnings of the average factory
woi'ker below the level for the same
month last year. This was the
fourth month this year that a
worker's take-home pay bought
less than it had for the correspond
ing month last year. The other high
months were March, April and
May.
Food prices increased four-
tenths of one percent while gas
and electricity costs jumped nine-
tenths of one percent, the highest
increase in any mpnth since Octo
ber, 1948. Also showing marked in-
creases^ were rents, FHA mortage
rates and medical expenses. The
cost of borrowing other money has
also been on the upgrade.
The continued rise in the cost
index will result in "escalator
clause" wage hikes for some 157,-
000 employees.
The AFL-CIO Executive Council
has voted to appropriate $50,000
for the training of African workers
in the basic concepts of free trade
unionism. The program calls for
the selection of 10 to 12 promis
ing young Africans each year for
study in US trade schools and in
American union procedures. The
trainees, on completion of their
courses, will be furnished with sub
sidies when they go home in order
to apply what they learned in train
ing their countrymen. The move
was designed to unite the free
world with the new independent
Africian nations.
t i 4.
"Rock- and Roll" has hit the
picket line. Striking members of
Steel workers Local 5501 doing
round-the-clock picket duty at
Johnson's Spring Co., in Jefferson
City, Tenn. have composed a song
entitled "Walk Around the Clock."
The song, composed of some 20
verses, is sung to the tune of
"Rock Around the Clock." One
of the verses goes like this:
"We're gonna walk around the
clock tonight.
We're gonna walk, walk, walk till
broad daylight.
We're gonna walk around the
clock tonight.
We'll walk out there till we're
soaked to the skin.
We'll walk out there till John
son gives in."
4 4.
The average worker in Arizona
is losing some 25 to 30 cents an
hour in wages because of the
state's "right to work" law, charges
Eddie Eagle, secretary and busi
ness representative of Local 109,
Meat Cutters Union. Local 109 has
been in Tucson for 20 years and
the first contract with employers
in 1937 was the same as in Los
Angeles. However, he said, "today,
they are $18 to $21 per week
higher in wages, receive health and
welfare benefits, a pension plan
and many other fringe benefits
that we do not have here." Arizona
was one of the first states to~enact
a "right to work" law.
4 4 4
An escalator clause in pension
plans or some means of applying
bargaining gains to retired em-
Shorthanded?
If a crewmember quits while
a ship is in port, delegates
are asked to contact the hall
immediately for a replace
ment. Fast action on their part
will keep all jobs aboard ship
filled at all times and elimi
nate the chance of the' ship
sailing shorthaiided.
•• :c".' t • V
ployees is being sought'by many
unions as a means of providing
against inflation for those who will
have to live on fixed incomes,
announced A1 Whitehouse, director
of the AFL-CIO Industrial Union
Department. The theory was first
adopted about eight years ago
when more than a half a million
members of United Steelworkers
struck to force the industry to take
more responsibility for the welfare
of retired employees. A month
long strike brought Bethlehem
Steel to accept this principle.
Since then other steel operators
and automobile companies have
adopted similar plans.
4 4 4
The theme, "The union wants
your dues," or "What do you get
out of it?" as a means of hindering
union organization proved unsuc
cessful among White Hall, Md. mill
employees of the Federal Paper
Board Company when the United
Papermakers and Paperworkers
organized the plant. Soon after
the union won an NLRB represen
tation election the company an
swered its own question. The first
contract negotiated by the UPP
Local 715 gave the mill board em
ployees an average 22 cents an
hour increase in wages and bene
fits, or approximately $440 a year
more for the first year of UPP
representation, considerably more
than the employees' dues will
come to.
4 4 4
Postal and civil service unions
have bitterly denounced President
Eisenhower's veto of the federal
pay raise bill. Labeling the veto
as a "crushing blow of devastating
proportions," William Doherty,
president of the Letter Carriers,
said that postal workers have every
right to be bitterly disappointed.
Proponents of the bill pointed out
that more than 50 percent of the
postal employees have already
been forced to take outside jobs in
addition to a full day's work in the
post office to stay abreast of the
rising cost of living. A stronger
bill, Doherty announced, will be
proposed next session and will
have a retroactive clause to make
up, at least partially, for this year's
setback.
4 4 4
Wage boosts have been provided
for engineers on 65 railroads after
an hour-long bargaining session
between the carriers and the Loco
motive Firemen and Enginemen.
The increases are 49 cents a day
for yard engineers on a five day
week, 31 cents for those on a six
or seven day week, 38 cents per
100 miles for through freight ser
vice engineers and six cents per "
100 mRes. for -passenger engineers.
Paffe Twelve SEAFARERS LOG September 27, 1957
Grandpop Shows 'Em How
Seafarer John Zohil gives a few pointers on the ongler^s art to
grandchildren Kathy, Debbie and Sandy in Philadelphia, after
his last trip. He caught the brainfood during the intercoastal
run on the Texmar.
Dunaif Or Boogabilla
—What's In A Name?
After months of pleasant (??) association, it's a little dis
concerting to wake up one morning and find your ship dubbed
the "Swedish motor ship Boogabilla" in the local press.
The fact that the news'*
photograph of the bogus Boo
gabilla clearly shows the name
"Charles Dunaif" lettered on the
stern and the US flag at the fantail
is not too troublesome. It's that
"Boogabilla" bit. If they were
gonna goof, they might at least
have tagged you the Queen Mary,
or the Graf Spee, for that matter.
None the less, all things are
possible in Eureka, Calif., in the
words of ship's reporter Truman
W. Lane. "We found Eureka in
depressed times," he stated, "and
proceeded to remedy this in the
approved manner.
"The first night ashore we were
greeted with sour looks and re
quests for identification in the local
bars, as there are quite a few of
us on here under 30. But the next
night things moved along in style
after our singing troubadour, Her
man Whisnant, gave out with one
of his famous arias to the accom
paniment of the band... I think
all of us enjoyed our stay there."
Sign Name On
LOG Letters
For obvious reasons the LOG
cannot print any letter or
other communications sent in
by Seafarers unless the author
signs his name. Unsigned
anonymous letters will only
wind up in the waste-basket.
If circumstances justify, the
LOG will withhold a signature
on request.
The Eureka episode has since
become history and the Dunaif wa.s
recently due back in Texas from
the Far East "after four and a half
Ship's delegate Herman Whis
nant, AB, and a friend in
Yokahama. He must have
done some singing there too.
months, 18 ports and all kind of
yen, hwan and Yankee dollars.
Things are running smooth since
we picked up some US stores in
Hawaii, replacing the Japanese
stores we had on board, all of
which tasted like fish."
No one knows exactly what hap
pened to the Boogabilla, which
apparently was loading for Austra
lia at the same time the Dunaif
was also in Eureka, but the gang
is hoping their "namesake" had as
good a trip as they did.
SIU HAIL
DIRECTORY
SIU, A&G District
B.4LTIMORE 1216 E. Baltimore St.
Earl Sheppard, Agent EAstern 7-4900
BOSTON 276 State St.
James Sheehan. Agent Richmond 2-0140
HOUSTON. 4202 Canal St.
Robert Matthews, Agent
Capital 3-4089: 3-4080
LAKE CHARLES, La...
Leroy Clarke. Agent
. 1419 R.van St.
HEmlock C-5744
MOBILE 1 South Lawrence St.
Cal Tanner. Agent HEmlock 2-1754
MORGAN CITV 912 Front St.
Tom Gould, Agent Phone 2156
.MEW ORLEANS 523 Bienville St.
Lindse.v WUliams. Agent Tulane 8026
NEW. YORK 673 4th Ave.. Brooklyn
HYacinth 9-6600
NORFOLK 127-129 Bank St.
Ben Rees. Agent MAdison 2-9834
PHILADELPHIA 337 Market St.
S. CarduUo. Agent Market 7-1633
PUERTA de TIERRA PR 101 Pelayo
Sal Colls. Agent Phone 2-5996
SAN FRANCISCO 450 Harrison St.
Marty Breithoff, Agent Douglas 2-3475
SAVANNAH 2 Abercorn St.
E. B. McAuley, Agent Adams 3-1728
SEATTLE
Jeff GiUette. Agent
.2505 1st Ave.
Elliott 4334
TAMPA 1809-1811 N. Franklin St.
Tom Banning. Agent Plione 2-1323
WILMINGTON, CaUf 503 Marine Ave.
Reed Humphries. Agent Terminal 4-2874
HEADQUARTERS . .675 4th Ave.. Bklyn.
SECRETARY-TREASURER
Paul HaU
ASST. SECRETARY-TREASURERS
J. Alglna, Deck C. Simmons. Joint
J. Volplan, Eng. W. HaU, Joint
E. Mooney, Std. R. Matthews. Joint
SUP
HO.NOLULU 16 Merchant St.
Phone 5-8777
PORTLAND 211 SW Clay St.
CApital 3-4336
RICHMOND. Calif 510 Macdonald Ave.
BEacon 2-0925
SAN FRANCISCO 450 Harrison St.
Douglas 2-8363
SEATTLE 2505 1st Ave.
Main 0290
WILMINGTON 505 Marine Ave.
Terminal 4-3131
NEW YORK 673 4th Ave.. Biookl.vn
HYacinth 9-0165
Canadian District
HALIFAX, N.S 1281!! Hollis St.
Phone 3-8911
MO.NTREAL 634 St. James St. West
PLateau 8161
FORT WILLIAM 408 Simpson St.
Ontario Phone: 3-3221
PORT COLBORNE 103 Durham St.
Ontario Phone: 5591
TORONTO. Ontario 272 King St. E.
EMpire 4-5719
VICTORIA, BC 617Vi Cormorant St.
EMpire 4531
VANCOUVER, BC 298 Main St.
Pacific 3468
SYDNEY, NS 304 Charlotte St.
Phone: 6346
BAGOTVILLE, Queheo 20 Elgin St.
Phone; 545
THOROLD, Ontario 52 St. Davids St.
CAna! 7-3202
QUEBEC 44 Sault-au-Matelot
Quebec Phone: 3-1569
SAINT JOHN 177 Prince William St.
NB OX 2-5431 /
Great Lakes District
ALPENA 1215 N. Second Ave.
Phone: 713-J
BUFFALO, NV 180 Main St.
Phone: Cleveland 7391
CLEVELAND 734 Lakeside Ave.. NE
Phone: Main 1-0147
DETROIT 1038 3rd St.
Phone: Woodward 1-6857
DULUTH - 621 W. Superior St.
Phone: Randolph 2-4110
SOUTH CHICAGO 3261 E. 02nd St.
Phone: Essex 5-2410
Urges Revised
Pension Set-Up
To the Editor:
I am writing In regard to the
question in the "Inquiring Sea
farer" (LOG, Aug. 2, 1957) on
"what would you like to see a*
the next forward step of the
Seafarers Welfare Plan?"
We as a Union and all unions
have wanted our Government to
lower the age for Social Secu
rity eligibility from 63 to an age
letters To
The Editor
All letters to the editor for
publication in the SEAFAR
ERS LOG must be signed
by the writer. Names will
be withheld upon request.
where a man can still enjoy a
little life. We would be setting
an example if we set a seatime
limit of say 20 years, with no re
quirement of disability.
Let's take a look at our Army
and Navy. Those men get pen
sioned after 20 years whether
they are 40, 50, or 60. All they
need is the 20 years' time. As
you know, we have a lot of re
tired men who came out of the
Navy, make a trip or two each
year and are at ,an age where
they can still enjoy life.
Therefore this is what I'd like
to see in the SIU:
(DA pension at any age after
20 years' seatime, with no re
quirement of disability.
(2) A disability pension at any
age after ten years' seatime.
(3) A reduction of the $50-
deductible provision in the hos
pital-surgical plan for SIU fam
ilies to $25.
What do you think brothers?
James Eichenberg
4- S* 4<
Ex-GI Starts
Sailing Again
To the Editor:
1 had been receiving the LOG
while overseas with the Army,
but now that 1 am home and
sailing again 1 would appreciate
having it sent to my home in
stead.
My parents always enjoyed
reading the LOG before and I'll
be able to keep up with current
Union events while at home be
tween trips.
B. E. S. Clontz
4 4" 4"
Lauds Kindness
Of Wild Ranger
To the Editor:
It is wonderful to have the
help of your people who have
been very generous to our or
ganization here in Pusan, Ko
rea.
It was on Aug. 17 while the
SS Wild Ranger was lying at
anchor here that I visited this
•hip and told tht captain and
steward of our poor circum
stances. They responded vtrjr
kindly by donating quantities of
milk,, cookies, jelly, molasses,
Worchestershire sauce and pud
ding which we appreciate deep
ly.
We will never forget these
contributions for our orphanage
and would like to send our re
gards to the Wild Ranger and
its captain and steward. The
best of luck to your Union for
ever.
M. Chung
Catholic Heart Orphanage
4" 4. 4
Offer Thanks
To Cavalier
To the Editor:
The family of Franklin Cain
wishes to thank the entire crew
of the Alcoa Cavalier for their
beautiful wreath, the warm ex
pressions of sympathy, the gen
erous donations and for other
kindnesses shown on the occa
sion of the death of our mother.
May God reward you. ^
Franklin Cain & Family
4 4 4
Hails Kindness
Of Phiia. SIU
To the Editor:
1 am the wife of William
Healy about whom an articlt
appeared in the "Final Dis
patch" column of the LOG on
August 2, 1957. The article said
Bill was sailing only two years,
although he had been sailing for
many more years than that.
Bill was a v/onderful husband
and father. AVe had five children
and nine grandchildren of whom
he was very proud. His brother
was the late Lawrence "Red"
Healy, who was well-known and
well-liked in Philadelphia.
Words cannot describe the
kindness and thoughtfulness of
the Seafarers of Philadelphia.
When Bill was dying in the hos
pital, "MOon" Mullins was In
there at the same time and was
always around Jurying to comfort
us. He was wonderful and we
will never forget him.
At the funeral they all tried
to help in some way and some
came a good ways to be there.
Steve Cai'dullo, the SIU agent
in Philadelphia, also went out
of his way to help and saw to it
that 1 received the limit in wel
fare benefits. With that help I
own my own home and have a
fund set aside to send my daugh
ter through college. Bill had
intended to try for a scholarship
for our youngest daughter,
Mary, wlio is 17.
Bill is greatly missed by all
of us. but 1 want to thank all
the SIU men for their kindness.
1 hope you will also continue
sending nje the LOG.
Mrs. Edna Healy
(Ed. note: Union records
show that Brother Healy began
sailing SIU ships in 1950. Sorry
for the error. The LOG will, of
course, continue to be sent to
you.)
Burly By Bernard Seaman
September 27, 1957 SEAFARERS LOG Pace Thirteea
ALCOA PiLORIM (Alcoa), May H—
Chairman, P. Shandl; Saeratary, W.
«cott. Dlacuaalon on launch aervlce
In Maracaibo and Cabimas; matter
referred to patrolman. Some disputed
or. Vote of thanks to steward dept.
for fine Job. Need new wasliing
machine.
Aug. I—Chairman, P. Murray; Sec
retary, I. Moency. Repair list to be
submitted. Some disputed OT. Soiled
Unen to be returned on day of linen
issue. Return all cups and glasses to
scullery.
MANKATO VICTORY (Victory),
July 14—Chairman, H. Lanier; Secre
tary, W. Barth. EnElneer took two
new chairs for his office that were
purchased for messroom. Ship's fund
$35.40. Some disputed OT. New dele
gate elected to act as treasurer.
Suggestion to permit longshoremen to
use recreation room but not mess-
room. Salads not to be placed on
tables too soon.
Aug. 5—Chairman, H. Lanier; Sec
retary W. Barth. Ship's fund $30.40.
Suggestions to keep ice cream in ice
box while serving meal, place milk
on table at last minute and clean all
condiment containers.
Aug. 14—Chairman, Vy. Harrcll;
Secretary, J. Allstatt. Few hours dis
puted OT; settled. Men who missed
ship in Norfolk reported to patrolman.
Reports accepted.
ALCOA PURITAN (Alcoa), July t
—Chairman, C. Douglas; Secretary, R.
Pools. Few hours disputed OT. Rooms
need sougceing and decks painted.
Engine room door to be closed. Gang
way watch should stand at all times.
Need more variety of fresh fruit. .Ship
to be fumigated. Beef to be discussed
with steward, delegates and company
officials at first port.
Aug. 7—Chairman, R. Joy; Secre
tary, E. Kllllgrcw. Gangway watchmen
more dignilicd as requested by mate.
Need fans for bathrooms. Mops not
to be washed in laundry sink. Com
mittee to write letters to Union
concerning possibility of gaining sub
sistence during discharge of bauxite
on Alcoa ships in Mobile. Objection
on safety meetings. Men feel meetings
should be held on company time.
Deck crew wishes pad-eyes welded to
deck -port and starboard so pilot
ladder may be secured properly. Boat
deck for crew to be kept clean by
washdown two or three times weekly
to eliminate disease-carrying flics and
insects. Deck dept. sanitary man
reprimanded for not shining brass
door jams. Question whether this is
his job. -Request change of dr.iw
time from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. or 12
noon. Men broken out to dock ship.
Put to work one hour before told to
go fore and aft. Mate mistaken in so
doing on arrival at Guanta. Consult
patrolman about washing down vessel
during loading of bauxite and secur
ing for,sea. Order to wash down deck
carried out against crew's wishes who
felt order would create hazardous
working conditions.
AMES VICTORY (Victory Carriers),
Aug. 4—Chairman, C. Starling; Secre
tary, R. Giellng. Repairs not made.
One man lost in Miss. River. Wiper
died in N.O. Call hall on articles,
signing on. money beefs and delayed
sailings in MY. New delegate elected.
Take collecton for ship's fund, $1
per man. See captain about payoff,
discharges and vouchers. Shorts not
to be worn in messroom and pantry.
One man ho.spitalized in Panama
Canal.
MAE (Bull), Aug. 1«—Chairman, J.
Emmerick; Secretary, F. Hipp. Report
on new ladder. Ship's fund $27.97.
New repair list to be submitted. Air
condition all SIU ships especially
those running to the tropics. Check
OT at payoff: each delegate to check
his dept. Dogs on storm doors to be
overhauled. Request mosquito bulbs
for passageways and "612" mosquito
repellent. Steward to be on hand at
meal times. Menus have been im
proved. Thanks to old timers for fine
job in American Coal beef.
WILD RANGER (Waterman), July
2S—Chairman, D. Ruddy; Secretary,
W, Tregambo. Ship's fund $24.69
New delegate elected.
STEEL VOYAGER (Isthmian), Aug.
17—Chairman, J. Farrand; Secretary,
K. Jucchter. One man overcome with
heat exhaustion. Members cautioned
to take it easy during hot weather
and not make so much noise. Ship's
fund, $10.26. Endeavor to get ship or
messhalls air-conditioned. New re
porter elected. Messhalls to be kept
clean. Men requested to refrain from
bringing natives or anyone from for
eign ships on board.
PACIFIC OCEAN (World Tramping),
Aug, M—Chairman, B. High; Boere- -
tary, B, Amtbsry. Union notified about
repatriated member. Request galley
range, messhall tabletops, different
brand of soap powder. .Repair list
turned in. Strip bunks and clean
fpc'sles . at •: -pgjroff; return library
books. More coop^ation urged with
aptah delegates. See captain and patrolman
about hospital supplies, more careful
check of ship's stores. Vote of thanks
to steward department, especially
men in galley.
STEEL KING (Isthmian), July 30—
Chairman, N. Flowers; Secretary, C.
Prasnall. Fireman fii'ed in Mobile to
be reported to delegate. Ship's fund,
$14.70. New reporter elected. Repair
list to be submitted. Need larger
cooler as present one is inadequate.
Ship needs fumigating. Delegate urged
members to partake in union busi
ness, such as accepting official posi
tions on board ship.
PLYMOUTH VICTORY (Isthmian),
July 30—Chairman, R. Spencer; Secre
tary, J. Gleason. Repair lists discussed
with patrolman. Items to be taken
care of next trip. Members to donate
any amount to ship's fund. Put away
butter at . night after use. Vote of
thanks to steward dept. Garbage to be
kept away from deck house. Request
latches on passageway screen door;
keep doors closed in port. Proper
attii'e to be worn in messhall and
pantrj'. Rotation system for cleaning
laundry and recreation room.
STEEL ADVOCATE (Isthmian), Aug.
10—Chairman, L Clamboll; Secretary,
A. Shrlmpton. Two members missed
ship; hall notified. Two men injured
in Kobe, repatriated as workaways.
Ship's fund, $1.01. Vote of thanks to
steward dept. for good chow tiirough-
out voyage. One workaway shipped
from Honol)ilu. Discussion on room
allowance while painting ship in
Pusan. No illness reports given to
crew for men reported sick during
voyage in violation of union instruc
tions. Every man reporting sick
should obtain evidence of such before
paying off. Rcque.st awning aft. Try
to adjust cold showers continually
running hot. Paint all deck dept.
foc'sles bathrooms and showers next
trip.
MONARCH OF THE SEA (Water
man), Aug. 11—Chairman, E. Odom;
Secretary, F. Mitchell, Jr. Incidents
between officers and crew members
to be taken up with patrolman. Some
disputed OT. Motion to hold meet
ings once a month. Try to replace
toaster. Check with patrolman on
time of payoff.
CHILORE (Ore), Aug. 3—Chairman,
S. Mills; Secretary, C. Bortz. Ship's
fund, $21.75. Odd pennies received at
payoff to be contributed to ship's
treasury. Recommended spare coffee
pots be secured. Procure cots, new
refrigerator. Proper variety and qual
ity of food not being put aboard. See
agent while vessel is in diydock.
EDITH (Bull), Aug. 15—Chairman,
M. Jones; Secretary, S. Arales. No
cots on board. Ice box needs repair
ing. Have washing machine repaired
or secure new one. Need some wind
scoops. Vote of thanks to steward
dept. for good food and service.
LAWRENCE VICTORY (Miss.), Aug.
4—Chairman, J. King; Secretary, A.
Schlavone. All major repairs made.
$5 in ship's fund. Magazines purchased.
Discussion on galley stoye. Meats not
properly cooked. Ovens do not have
reguhation heat. New half-moon plates
to be ordered at first American port.
NEW JERSEY (Seatrain), Aug. 17—
Chairman, E. LaSoya; Secretary, A.
O'Krugly. Man fired. Special meeting
held; beef squared away. Check stores
put aboard; getting sour green apples.
Return cups to messhall.
JOSEFINA (Liberty), Aug.
Chairman, H. Jaynes; Secretary, B.
Elverum. Two men hospitalized in
Japan. Few beefs. One man picked up
in Philippines. Partiality to saloon
mess provisions. Complaints that stew
ard neglected duties in not^'lnspecting
messhall at meal hours. Washing ma
chine to be kept clean.
OCEAN DEBORAH (Maritime Over-
teas), Aug. 11—Chairman, J. McElroy;
Secratary, P. St. Marie. Various small
repairs to be brought to engineer's
attention. Some items omitted will be
ordered next trip. Discussion on gar
bage disposals. Do not smear newly
painted areas.
REBECCA (Maritime Overseas), Aug.
4—Chairman, G. Flowers; Secretary,
M. Culp. New delegate elected. $5 to
be donated to purchase converter for
projector. More cooperation urged on
fire and boat drill. Laundry to be
kept clean.
SANTORE (Ore Nav), July 13—
Chairman, S. Wet|on; Secretary W.
Franklin. Ship's fund $fl.lO. Two
men missed ship in Baltimore. Minor
beef settled about OS making coffee
for watch in morning. New delegate
elected. Clothes to be removed from
dryer when dry. Keep laundry and
night pantry clean. Quiet to be ob
served in passageways so men can
sleep.
SEATRAIN SAVANNAH (Seatrain),
Aug. 2S—Chairman, R. May; Secre
tary, C. Yaw. New delegate elected.
Ship's fund $44.22. Beef about night
lunch: feeding outsiders topside be
fore feeding crew. Insufficient milk
on sailing day.
Aug, 17—Chairman, •. Oretsky,
Secretary, T. Bentlcy. Payoff in
Baltimore. Disputed overtime restric
tion to ship, and money due for
launch service to be taken up with
patrolman. Ship's fund $9.00. Show
ers and rooms to be sougeed. Each
watch la to do its own. Use of-burn
ing torch by chief engineer to be'
taken up with patrolman. Captain to
hold sanitary Inspection .to decide
whether rooms need aougeeing or
painting.
Night Alarm At Dock Ends Okay
NeecJless to say, the crew of the Steel Voyager was "shook up a little" by a midnight
"abandon ship" alarm alongside a dock in the Persian Gulf, especially with no sign of smoke,
fire or an explosion. But all turned out well after the ship's boat had retrieved an AB who
• fell over the side.
Fortunately for the AB,
who was being taken out to
sea by the current, "the saloon
messman made a good throw with
a life-ring. This saved his life,"
reported Scotty Weems. After he
had given the alarm, "the crew
along with the officers did a good
job of getting the lifeboat in the
water and picked the man up about
a half-mile from the ship." He was
apparently in good shape so the
whole incident came out okay.
Earlier, in Bandarshapur, one of
the wipers passed out from heat
exhaustion and it took a doctor
several hours to bring him around.
Korea-Bound Passenger
Was President's Kin
Most of the crew didn't know it at the time, but the Jean
Lafitte was carrying something beside cargo to Korea last
trip. The ship was also bringing home the grandnephew of
Korean President Syngman "*•
Rhee after four years' study
in the US.
Seamen generally regard most
passengers as just some more car
go—keeping aloof, always gaping
at the erew and making one
wonder why they travel on freight
ers instead of passenger ships. But
Kisu Rhee was one of the excep
tions to the rule, says Seafarer
William Calefato, and enjoyed "the
run of the ship" instead of staying
. - ^ ^ A** •
Passenger Kisu Rhee, grand-
nephew of the Korean presi
dent (top), poses for SIU crew-
member during trip back
home on Jean Lafitte. Above,
saloon messman Raymond
.Ventura (left) is kept busy in
open air tonsorial parlor all
the way to Yokohama. Crew
Cantryman Lacks is en tap
ere tor his turn in the barber
chair, riietot by Wllliom
Calefot*. C r.
topside. He took a camera everj-
where and made friends all over.
What's more, Calefato reports,
the Korean president's grand-
nephew displayed a great deal of
interest in the ship's operations
and especially in the way the crew
lived and worked. Calefato says
he is sure that Rhee learned a
great deal about the SIU and car
ried off a fine impression of the
Union.
The result was a more than
usually pleasant trip all around,
with many suspecting Rhee's
family connection but none quite
sure of it.
Calefato eventually confirmed it
but agreed to keep the confidence
until the trip was over. Rhee, he
noted, was returning from studies
here to help at the Taegu School
for the Blind and Deaf, the first
Christian school of its kind in
Korea, which his father founded
in 1946.
The younger Rhee was awarded
a government scholarship after he
invented a standard Braille type
writer keyboard that everyone, in
cluding the blind, can use. The
original Braille machines had only
a few keys.
Only one thing marred his trip
home and that happened right in
his homeland after a smooth voj'-
age across the Pacific. Customs
regulations call for a tax on text
books brought into the country and
every bit of his 400 pounds of
luggage had to.he inspected.
It took him two days to get
cleared in Pusan although his
family had come all the way from
Taegu to meet him. For the record,
Calefato added, this shows you
can't beat the "Customs" no matter
where you are—or who you are.
Weems said the crew stood watches
with him one night, relieving each
other at two-hour intervals.
"This is a good run to save
money on," he also pointed out,
"as there is no shore leave in most
ports. But considering the heat
which has averaged about 120° in
foc'sle for the past three weeks
and the ports with no shore leave,
everyonO has done a good job and
everything is running very
smooth,"
He added a word of warning for
crews coming to Basrah—where
you can go ashore — about the
"clipjoints" there. "The girls
press you to buy them drinks
which cost one dinar ($2.80) a shot
for tea. They'll string you along
plenty...But as $100 is usually
only good for two or three hours
of drinking, very few have any
money left at closing time so the
ladies leave you flat anyway . . .Just
because the Persian Gulf is lousy
with oil, people there think even
the seamen are like Texas million
aires."
LOG-A'RHYTHM:
The Rainbow
By Harry Wolowitz
I've often v:on-There are times
dered
While sailing across the sea,
Where is the end of the rainbow.
That pot of gold for me?
I'm sailing the seas
With that rainbow in mind.
Hoping and praying
For the day when I'll find.
That elusive rainbow
With its pot of gold;
Like the end of a story
That's never been told.
SS Del Mar
Editor,
SEAFARERS LOG.
675 Fourth Ave.,
Brooklyn 32, NY
I would like to receive the SEAFARERS LOG—
please put my name on your mailing list.
(Print Information)
NAK^E • • • • • a
STREET ADDRESS • •••••
CITY ZONE. STATE
TO AVOID DUPLICATION: Ifyeu ars an old tubieribar and hava a changa'
of oddrait, ploato giv# your formar addrasi balow;
ADDRESS
• CITY .;,;.W.ZONE...u„ STATE ![
I've often been told
There're pots of gold,
Just waiting for someone to find;
I've searched high and low,
Whereever I go.
Expecting the gods to be kind.
\\ I
Some think their rainbows mean
drinking.
And drown their sorrows in gin;
While others like betting the races.
On horses that never come in.
Some find their rainbow
At cards all night long.
Others shoot dice for their thrill;
Some chase the girls in port
ofter port.
All sizes and shapes fill the bill.
J.'
'3
i;:.:
A
•K.
!
KifS
Faff* Fourtees SEAFARERS LOG September 27. 1957
Seafarers'
Scrapbook
Delegate Beau Jamet and Nick West-
fall on Steel Recorder (right) keep
an eye on jar holding ship's fund.
They expect It'll fill up before long.
Hot weather keeps deckhands strip
ped down while the Steel Artisan's in
the Persian Gulf. Photo by Marvin
White. Tony Montemarono solves his
own heat problem (above, right). At
siesta time on Seatrain Louisiana, he
sacks down in mid-air.
The Mermaid lives up to her name as tank-tops take a
pounding and deck gets a free washdown. In calmer
weather (above) at Puerta La Cruz, two ordinaries try
their luck at fishing for some of the big ones. John
Wunderlich, who took the photos, didn't say whether
any of them got away.
SEAFARERS IN THE HOSPITALS
USPHS HOSPITAL
SEATTLE, WASH.
Wayne T. Center Earnest W. Horn*
, Ah Sheu Chen George L. Lecher
Michael Delano
USPHS HOSPITAL
SAVANNAH, OA.
Herbert Clifton Jimmie Littleton
I Thurston Dingier Bacilio Llanez
John H. Ferguson
USPHS HOSPITAL
GALVESTON, TEXAS
Manuel B. Garza David E. Jones
M. N. Gendron Norman Longtin*
USPHS HOSPITAL
FORT WORTH, TEXAS
Siegfried Gnittke W. E. OrzechowskI
James R. Hodges John C. Palmer
USPHS HOSPITAL
MEMPHIS, TENN.
Charles Burton
VA HOSPITAL
HOUSTON, TEXAS
John P. Williamson
VA HOSPITAL
BROOKLYN, NY
Robert McCutcheon
EASTERN SHORE STATE HOSPITAL
CAMBRIDGE, MD.
Thomas R. Lehuy
SAILORS SNUG HARBOR
STATEN ISLAND. NY
Victor B. Cooper
VA HOSPITAL
401 1ST AVE, NEW YORK, NY
Edward' T. Cunningham
USPHS HOSPITAL
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIF.
Joseph H. Berger C. E. Owens
Vincent D'Amato Benjamin Pritlken
Sidney S. Irby A. O. VaUego
A. W. Madsen Sung C. Wang
Donald F, Measa C. L. Warrington
MONTEBELLO CHRONIC DISEASE HOSP
BALTIMORE, MD.
Francisco Bueno
USPHS HOSPITAL
MANHATTAN BEACH, BLYN, NY
Eladio Aris A. McGuigan
Fortunato Bacomo H. C. Mclssaa
Joseph J. Bass A. MartinelU
Juan Denopra Vic Milazzo
John J. DriscoU Joaquin Minis
Fabin Furmanek W. P. O'Dea
John L. Grimes C. Osinski
William Guenther George G. Phifer
Bart E. Guranick G. A. Puissegur
Wade B. Harrell Winston E. Renny
Percy Harrelson Samuel B. Saunders
Taib Hassen G. E. Shumaker
BiUy R. HUl Kevin E. Skelly
Antonio Infanta Henry E. Smith
Ira H. Kingore Michael Toth
L. Kristiansen Harry S. Tuttle
Frederick Landry Virgil E. Wilmoth
Leonard Leldig Pon Wing
Patrick McCann Dexter Worrell
USPHS HOSPITAL
BOSTON, MASS.
J. Enwright George D. Rourk*
C. D'Amico Jr. Z. Williams
Edward J. Farrell H. Murray
Daniel E. Murphy
SEASIDE HOSPITAL
LONG BEACH, CALIF,
Julius B. Smith
USPHS HOSPITAL
BALTIMORE, MD.
Isaak Bouzin Lars Johansen
George Brady Norman Kirk
Edward Broadus Avis Meadows
Thomas Dailey George Melko
Leo Dwyer WiUiam Kevamees
Jose Garcia Roy Rayfield
James Girolami Joseph Roll
Gorman Glaze Raphael Stevens
Isaac Hancock Albert Willis
Burl Hair* D, D. Walker
UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
BALTIMORE, MD.
F. Bueno
USPHS
STATEN
John H. Price
H. Herkinhein*
Joseph Burns
Adriaan Vader
J. Silberg
M. Rendon
Alfred Kaju
F. Paylor
R, Parker
S. Hayes
John J. Devln*
James Balmy
O. Adams
Fred Travis
Perry Klauber
Warren Tcbo
Joseph Stanton
HOSPITAL
ISLAND, NY
Thomas Buckley
George Gibbons
D. Eldemire
S. Sweinckoskl
A. Rodrigues
P. Seidenberg
W. Vaughn
B. Smoljan
L. Moriarty
F. Enfante
R. Freeman
F. Stephen
P. DeJesus
Addie Morris
David Furman
W. Serrano
USPHS HOSPITAL
NORFOLK, VA.
Antonio DeJesus H. F. Holmes
C. M. Sturgls K. Poster
Earl Congleton
USPHS HOSPITAL
NEW ORLEANS, LA.
WiUiam Bargon* Clifton McLellan
•John Bigwood Joseph McPhee
Claude Blanks Charles P. Moor*
T. Bonner, Jr. Simon Morris
John Butler Michael Muzio
Roscoe Dearmon Wlnford Powell
William DriscoU R. Ratcliff
Hugh O'Donnell B. Richardson
Nathan Eldridg* James RusseU
Ernest Evans Toxie Samford
AdeUn Fruga Erskln Sims
John Gersey T. Smlgielskl
Leon Gordon Wert Spencer
James Hudson Gerald Thaxton
Edwjm^ l^app • H. Thomas, Jr.
Leo Lang ' James-Ward
C. McCuUoch Clifford Wuertg
Wife Applauds
Union Assist
To the Editor:
Once again I'd like to praise
the SIU in general, and espe
cially officials Charlie Kimball
in Houston and Harold Fischer
in Mobile, They provided splen
did cooperation after the recent
death of an SIU member who
was drowned while out on an
outing with us on July 29, 1957.
The brother member who
drowned was Edward H. Burns
of Mobile, who. left a wife and
letters To
The Editor
All letters to the editor for
publication in the SEAFAR
ERS LOG must be signed
by the writer. Name? toill
be withheld upon request.
four children. I called Mr. Kim
ball soon after the accident and
asked his advice on notifying
Burns' wife and family since he
had left no emergency num
ber where someone could be
reached. Following his instruc
tions, I then called Harold
Fischer at his home, in the wee
hours of the morning, request
ing him to contact either the
wife of the deceased or his
brother-in-law, "Whitey" -Coker.
Mr. Fischer was most helpful
despite the early hour and as
sured me he would have the
widow call me immediately.
This she did, and then asked
me to call Mr. Kimball and
have funeral arrangements com
pleted for the shipment of the
body back to Mobile.
Upon the completion of these
arrangements, we went to the
Howard Funeral Home to view
the body. Then at 9:05 AM,
July 31, we saw it delivered to
the Union Station on Its way
home. This, besides the floral
offering we seQt, was the last
tribute we could offer a true
friend of many years as well as
a brother of the SIU.
Again we take this opportun
ity of thanking God for a Union
as strong as the SIU and for all
the personnel connected with it.
Thanks to these officials for
their kindness in helping me
convey such a tragic message to
Eddie Burns' family.
Mrs. Travis Bell
ill if
Sees Delegates
Becoming Lax
To the Editor:
Brothe;:s who know me know
that I hardly ever talk but, from
what I have heard and seen the
past year, I feel forced to sound
off.
Ail the talk I have heard the
past few months concerns the
situations in Bull Line and
Robin. Now I am no connois
seur on negotiations, but I will
say that we have no official
whom I would not vote for
again, I will also say that the
discussion about the above-men
tioned companies gave me food
for thought, as I had a glimmer
of what seems to be a move by
some companies to get out of
line-
Ship number one is the SS
Pacific Ocean on a trip from
Houston to Haifa, then back to
Boston. I was deck engineer
and paid off in Boston on Au
gust 28. There was no repair
list turned in and no minutes of
any meeting left on the ship.
I made fan brushes out of the
cores of flashlight batteries, but
. the agent in Boston will tell you
that we paid off clean.
•The second ship was Water
man's SS Warrior. I caught
this ship in Houston and stood
watch Friday, Aug. 30 as oiler.
They (the company) seemed
determined to be the contract
breakers. The 1st assistant
claimed to have ordered a fire
man from the Houston hall but
when I called there from Gal
veston none had been ordered,
and on my word a fireman was
promptly dispatched. But I
overlooked one wiper, so we
sailed shorthanded to Beau
mont. The 1st claimed that he
had ordered one but we could
not furnish him.
We sailed three hours late, so
two hours delayed sailing for
everyone was lost. Then one
oiler and one fireman gave due
notice (24 hours) to quit in
Beaumont, but the 1st passed
the word that he could not get
replacements so the oiler and
fireman had to stay on.
1 said it was a damn lie and
would get the men, so 1 called
Leroy Clarke in Lake Charles
and explained the deal. 1
know personally he had a man
to drive to the ship with re
placements. My conversation
with Clarke over the phone
caused the captain and agent to
get wise.
If this act had not been
caught on the Warrior, they
would have beat SIU seamen
out of delayed sailing in about
three Gulf ports. To me, this
Is an opening wedge for any
company to say we cannot ful
fill our contract.
1 propose therefore that at
the last meetings before any
ship's delegate leaves a ship
that he appoint a- temporary
delegate and introduce him to
the captain as such so he can
conduct Union business until a
new delegate is duly elected.
We are lax and negligent in
our duties when we are dis
patched to a ship by officials who
gave up their sea life to carry
our torch on the beach if we
leave our ships in this condi
tion.
Dick Massey
if if if
Finds The LOG
'Great' Reading
To the Editor:
1 am a seaman and while on
my last ship I was in the United
States and read some articles of
great interest in your SEAFAR
ERS LOG. 1 am in a union in
Georgetown, British Guiana.
We are not as advanced as the
SIU, but 1 am very much in
terested in the Union and its
newspaper. Could you please
supply me with a copy of
your great SEAFARERS LOG
so that 1 can keep up with de
velopments in your organiza
tion?
Bertie McDonald
(Ed. note: Your name has
been added to our mailing list so
that you can receive all future
issues of the LOG.)
i. if i,
Thank You For
Miller Crew
To the Editor:
1 would like to take this op
portunity to thank the crew of
the Samuel F. Miller, especi
ally chief steward Higginbottom
and fireman "Flash" Fannin for
their kindness and attention
while 1 was In sick bay.
I'd also like to let them know
that 1 am getting along fine.
Hello also to all my buddies at
thS New Orleans hall and the
Spot-Lite. Good sailing to all
of them. 1 hope to be throwing
my card in for a ship soon..
September 27, 1957 SEAFARERS LOG Pare Fifteen
Hub Seafarer
Dies On Coast
BOSTOrl—Seafarers in this port
wish to extend their condolences
to Mrs. D. Moynihan on the death
of her husband, Seafarer Jerome
Moynihan, while on the West Coast.
Brother Moynihan had collapsed
while working with two other Sea
farers on the Arthur M. Huddel
and died in the marine hospital in
San Francisco on September 10th.
Brother, Moynihan had joined the
SIU in Boston on December 21,
1943, and was well known to Sea
farers in the Boston hall.
Shipping Fair
It has been a fair two weeks for
Seafarers in this port. There were
two vessels paying off and signing
on, the Council Grove and Bents
Fort (Cities Service). The Robin
Goodfellow and Robin Hood
(Robin Line). Steel Execu
tive (Isthmian) and Government
Camp (Cities Service) were in-
transit.
All ships are reported in good
shape with no major beefs.
HAHIA FrAiti Thft Ponce
Seafarer A. Touiilla, 3rd cook on the MV Ponce, reloxes oshore
with his fomily in Florido. Ponce is on Florido-Poerto Rico run.
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Bud Tobias
Thomas A. Home would like you
to get in touch with him. He can
be reached at 30 Saxton St., Box
Hill, Melbourne, Australia.
George F. Martin
Please contact your mother,
Mrs. Mary Martin, as she is very
anxious to hear iCrom you. Ad
dress: Lake Helen, Florida.
S. Zygarowski
It is important that you contact
Edward A. Fettig, Hotel Roosevelt,
1005 SW Park Avenue, Portland 5,
Oregon.
George O. Eshom
Ex-Robin Mowbray
•The Boston port agent is holding
a receipt you left in the Boston
Hall. Contact him so he can for
ward it.
Martin Hagerty
Please contact J. F. Coogan,
postal inspector, post office depart
ment, Baltimore 3, Md. It con
cerns the possible loss of allotment
checks mailed to you.
Jack D. Seratt
Contact your brother, Joe A.
Seratt, 3842 Geary Blvd., San
Francisco 18, Calif. It is impor
tant.
Joseph Zehl
Call Stevens at MUrdock 8-2717,
Elizabeth, New Jersey.
Hill, oiler; M. Arthur, oiler; Ka-
mienski, wiper; Floyd, oiler; Nils
Beck, carpenter; J. Lee and T. Nor-
ris.
The baggage room in New York
reports that they have been hold
ing laundry and dry cleaning for
you for more than six months. If
they do not hear from you within
the next 30 days, they will have to
dispose of the unclaimed clothes.
All o/ the following SIU families
have received a $200 maternity
benefit plus a $25 boJid from the
Union in the baby's name:
Darlene Dorothy Williams, born
August 8, 1957, to Seafarer and
Mrs. Arthur H. Williams, East
Meadow, Long Island.
Windell Wade Strickland, born
August 24, 1957, to Seafarer and
Mrs, Franklin Strickland, Mobile,
Ala.
Ruth Darlene Turk, born August
21, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs. John
Turk Jr., Mobile, Ala.
Lanny and Danny Worley, born
July 13, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs.
Richard S. Worley, Pensacola, Fla.
Gilbert Camacho, born Septem
ber 3, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs.
Fructuoso Camacho, Brooklyn, NY.
Francine Teresa Hills, born
August 22, 1957, to Seafarer and
Mrs. Frank Hills, San Francisco,
Calif.
Steve Joel Maldonado, born
April 25,1957, to Seafarer and Mrs.
Estaven Maldonado, Alvin, Texas.
David Emmet Cox, born Febru
ary 24, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs.
James W. Cox, Baltimore, Md.
Mary Ann Gonzales, born July
24, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs.
Gilbert M. Gonzales, Eagle Lake,
Texas.
Grayiand Andre Mitchell, born
July 29, 1957, to Seafarer and Mis.
Lawrence A. Mitchell, Algiers, La.
Mary Kathryn Koski, born June
25, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs.
Frank M. Koski, Philadelphia, Pa.
Edwin Earle Lewis, born August
17, 1957, to Seafarer and Mrs. Odus
Clayton Lewis. Jr., Galveston,
Texas.
George Elliott King
It is very important that you
contact your Aunt "Dee" at 2826
Burgundy Street, Lake Charles.
Your wife is in the ho.spital.
Seafarer Dick Massey wishes to
announce that he is operating as
a consulting architect at 103 Park
Ave., Lake Charles, La., phone
Hemlock 9-8658. He will give free
house or remodeling plans to any
Seafarer who wants them. Just
contact him.
Clyde Calvin Smith
Your wife wants you to contact
her immediately at 35 Main St.,
Yonkers, N.Y. It is urgent.
Dave Albright
Dick left some money for you
in the Lake Charles hall.
Victor B. Cooper is now checked
in at Sailors Snug Harbor, in case
anyone would like to get in touch
with him.
Edward M. Cronin
Contact Bernard Rolnick, 320
Broadway, NYC.
Phillip Giordano
Very urgent that you get in
touch with your wife immediately
at Route 2 Pelzer, South Carolina.
Anybody knowing above brother's
whereabouts urged to contact him
concerning this message.
Errin .^obnson
Please contact your brother Clar
ence at 115-58 22Dth Street, Cam
bria Heights 11, NY.
The deaths of the following Sea
farers have been reported to the
Seafarers Welfare Plan and the
SIU death benefit is being paid to
their beneficiaries.
Lionel Peat, 63; On July 2, 1957,
Brother Peat died in the USPHS
Hospital in Balti-
; more, Md. Death
was due to a
i malignancy. He
became a full
member of the
J Union on May 23,
® 1955, and sailed
in the steward
is de partm ent.
Brother Peat is
survived by his
wife, Bessie Peat of Baltimore.
Burial took place in Hopkins
Chapel Cemeterj', Hopkins County,
Md.
t 4
Arza Smith Jr., 35: Brother
Smith died July 27, 1957, aboard
the SS Santa Monica after being
transferred from the SS Jean.
Death was caused by a head
injury received while working
aboard the latter ship. He became
a full member of the Union on
October 18, 1946, and sailed in the
deck department. Place of burial
is unknown.
4" t t
Curtis F. Aycock, 53: On May 31,
1957, Brother Aycock died from a
heart condition
in Cumberland
County, NO. He
became a full
member of the
Union on August
6, 1948, and was
sailing in the
steward depart
ment. Brother
Aycock is sur
vived by his wife,
Ruth Aycock of Fayetteville, NC,
Burial took place in Cross Creek
Cemetery, Fayetteville, NO.
•S
• -i
J
-I-
' i
SEAFARERS ̂ LOG
• OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UN ION • ATLANTIC AND GULF DISTRICT •AFL-CIO •
'50-50' On Oil
Imports Urged
As Tanker Aid
A new "50-50" proposal designed to strengthen the US-
flag tanker fleet and safeguard America's vital fuel supplies
has been put forth in industry circles. Unlike the current
"50-50" rule which applies to<
US Government-financed ex
port cargoes, the tanker "50-
50" plan would require that 50
percent of all oil imports into the
US be carried in American bottoms.
The proposal is seen by its
backers as the answer to the alarm
ing decline in the American-flag
tanker trade, and the growing de
pendence of the United States on
foreign oil supplies. They argue
that since the offshore oil trade is
growing at the expense of the do
mestic trade and since offshore runs
are dominated by foreign-flags,
the US is dependent to a growing
degree on foreign ships and foreign
oil to keep American industry go
ing. At last report, in fact, the US
tanker fleet was 24 vessels less than
the previous year, thanks to trans
fers. '
The growing dependence of the
United States on foreign oil
prompted President Eisenhower to
impose voluntary import quotas in
July. The quotas have been largely
ineffective and the long run trend
is toward foreign oil because of
the greater cost and difficulty of
finding oil in the continental US.
Import 20% Of Oil
At present, domestic production
of oil is 6,800,000 barrels a day
with imports runnina about 1,800,-
000 barrels. That means that about
20 percent of all the oil now in use
is coming here from offshore
sources, principally Venezuela and
the Persian Gulf. At its peak, US
oil output got up to 7,800,000 bar
rels after the Suez Canal was
closed. Practically all of the mil-
lion-barrel-a-day decline since then
took place in Texas, Oklahoma and
Louisiana and that is what is hitting
the coastwise tanker trade so hard.
At the same time, foreign tankers
that were carrying oil around Af
rica to Europe are now back on the
US run. The result is very little
activity for US-flag tankers, with
the chance that there will be ad
ditional transfers_to foreign flags.
During the Suez crisis, the Mari
time Administration made much of
proposals to build American flag
supertankers and arrangements
were made for "twofers"—^transfers
of two T-2s for building one larger
ship. But the new tonnage is not
the answer, because if it is going
List Details In
Cables To Union
When notifying headquarters
by cable or wireless that a Sea
farer has paid off in a foreign
port because of injury or illness,
ships' delegates should include
the following information:
The man's full name, his SIU
book number, name of the ship,
the port of payoff and the hos
pital where he is being treated.
The response of ships' crews
to the Union's request for these
notifications has been very good.
Sometimes though, not all of
the above information has been
included. Be sure to list all of
this data so that the SIU can
act as promptly as po$sible.
to compete with equally-new for
eign tonnage, then the operators
claim they will have to transfer
their new ships as well.
On the other hand, a "50-50" re
quirement would reverse the trans
fer process. Industry sources
claim it takes 15 to 16 T-2 tank
er payloads every day, to handle
all the oil coming from overseas.
Even if the imports were cut back
to the level requested by the Pres
ident, the import load would be
about a dozen T-2s daily. Yet at
current estimates, if every Amer
ican ship was in the trade, it is
estimated the US-flag tanker fleet
would be unable to supply enough
ships to carry even 40 percent of
that reduced figure. The long term
trend, of course, is for the import
figure to rise, year by year.
A "50-50" rule would then mean
the following:
• Some ships that transferred
foreign would transfer back to the
US flag.
• New ship construction would
be needed to make up part of the
gap—construction which would be
accomplished without foreign trans
fers or cost to the Government
• Ships running under the US-
flag would assure tighter US con
trol of its fuel lifelines, tax rev
enues to the US Government now
being lost on runaway ships and
additional employment for US sea
men.
In taking steps to cut oil imports,
the President had acted to pro
mote the domestic oil exploration
industry. The import curb has not
worked effectively for several rea
sons. For one thing, it was im
posed against crude oil only so
that foreign ships have been bring
ing in increasing loads of refined
oil and heating oils, a trend which
could hurt jobs and operations in
East Coast refineries. Then it only
applied to the Atlantic and Gulf
Coast because the West Coast is
unable to supply its own needs.
That boosted imports to the West
Coast.
Even if some kind of restriction,
was written into law, oil imports
are bound to rise because of the
rise in oil consumption which do
mestic producers would be hard
pressed to meet without draining
US known reserves and boosting
the cost of all oil products. For
eign oil is cheaper, more plentiful
and easier to find.
If national defense is a prime
consideration, then the proposal
for a "50-50" division on oil im
ports a' least offers the safeguard
of employment of American vessels
in this trade.
The basis of the Merchant Mar
ine Act of 1936 and of the "50-50"
law was to help maintain a sizable
merchant marine as vital to the
country's security. Acting on that
same logic, independent operators
see the tanker "pipeline" to over
seas oil supplies as equally vital
and" equally deserving of a boost.
At no cost to the Government they
argue, a "50-50" rule would be a
shot in the arm to the tanker in
dustry and place US oil imports
under truly "effective control."
For*Ign-flag supertankers like the World Glory (above) of Niarchot fleet now control most of US oil
imports. Proposal for "50-50" import split, in view of Dockers, would result in transfer back to US
flag of many such ships now under runoway registries.
SUP Families Cef Med, Benefits
SAN FRANCISCO—^A broad program of medical and hospital benefits for the wives and
dependent children of SUP members will be launched November 1 by the Sailors Union
of the Pacific. The family benefits will round out the SUP's welfare program, which now
includes numerous benefits
for unmarried members and
unique coverage for oldtimers.
Like the existing benefits, the new
program will be financed in full by
contributions from SUP-contracted
operators.
The family program embraces a
wide range of medical, surgical and
hospital care and services in and
out of the hospitals. It includes
payments covering the cost of hos
pital room and board, hospital serv
ices directly related to the de
pendent's injury or sickness, ad
ministering anesthetics and ambu
lance transportation, surgical fees
and doctors' fees In the hospital, at
the office or at the patient's home.
It also includes payments for
laboratory and x-ray examinations
for diagnosis of accidents or sick
ness, medical and special nursing
fees, hospital room, board and serv-
ces, and doctor's fees relating to
childbirth.
Payments for individual benefits
under the program are at a high
level. In addition, the benefits can
be integrated so that SUP families
can be relieved of most or all of
the cost of major medical care. A
dependent who is injured and re
quires surgery and extensive hos
pitalization wd nursing care for
example could receive benefits ex
ceeding $2,000.
The program provides two meth
ods of payment: a service plan and
a direct payment plan. SUP fami
lies living in Los Angeles, San
Francisco, Portland and Seattle
can obtain coverage by either
method. Families in other areas
will receive direct payments from
the Fund.
If it chooses the service plan, the
family will receive medical care at
YOUR
SEAFARERS WELFARE PLAN
!
S • • • Training
School
Seafarers who are inter
ested In getting lifeboat
tickets or in upgrading
themselves are entitled to
the use of the Andrew
Furuseth training school
facilities at - no cost to
them. The training
school offers two-week
upgrading courses which
enable Seafarers to im
prove their earning pow
ers and increase their job
opportunities. The usual
requirements — 90 days
in the preceding calendar
year and one day in the
last 90—apply to candi
dates for training.
SEAFARER'S
INT'L UNION,
A&G DISTRICT
little or no cost from one of two
medical clinics. Hospital care will
be provided in a hospital that the
clinic is affiliated with, and
charged to the clinic, which will
bill the dependent for items not
covered by the Fund. Under tha
clinic set-up, members can not
choose their doctors or surgeons.
Families using the direct pay
ment plan will be able to choose
their own doctors. They will pay
their medical and hospital bills in
advance and be reimbursed by the
Welfare Fund.
The family benefits program is
an outgrowth of recent SUP sur
veys showing that large numbers of
SUP members are now married
men. Work on the new program
was first proposed last year, and
dropped because of legal problems.
It was authorized again at the
August meeting and completed last
month.
Gt. Lakes SIU
Elects Farnen
DETROIT—Members of the SIO
of the NA, Great Lakes pistrict,
cast ballots throughout the month
of August to fill the posts of sec
retary-treasurer and port agents in
seven Great Lakes ports. Incum
bent Fred J. Farnen was reelected
to the office of secretary-treasurer.
All of the incumbent port agents
were also reelected. In the racs
for secretary-treasurer, Famen's
opponent, Wladyslaw Bieniecki, re
ceived 260 votes as against Far-
nen's 568.
In the elections for port agents,
Matt Anttila of Duluth, Glen Beau-
cock of Elberta, Stanley Thomp
son of Detroit, Stanley Wares of
Cleveland and Gerald Westphal of
Chicago, faced little, if any, opposi
tion for the positions.
In Alpena, Kenneth Shorkey had
fairly strong opposition in Palmer
Johnson and Robert Oliver. John
son received 198 votes while Oliver
tallied 236. But the split oppo
sition vote was not enough to beat
Shorkey who gathered 326 votes.
In Buffaio David Walker re
ceived . a ,total of 420 votes, out
stripping tlirde opponents. /
A.