Issue Date
1951-01-12
Volume
13
Issue Number
1
Plaintext
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Official Organ of the Atlantic and Gulf District, Seafarers International Union of North America
VOL. XIII NEW YORK, N. Y„ FRIDAY, JANUARY 12. 1951 No. 1
Sea Unions Drnit War Role
w
I
Seafarers Help Beat Marcantonio
«JA.MES G. DONOVAJ^
ATTOXUTBY A^I> COI7I7SEI.OR A.T ZJCW
870 BRQADWAT, NEW TC2UC 7, N.Y.
TELEPHONE RECTOR 2^767
November 22nd, 1950
Mr» Paul Hall, SecretaryTreasurer,
Seafarers International Union,
51 Beaver Street,
New York, N.Y.
Uear Mr. Hall:
. Thanks very much for the aid and help^
given by members of the Seafarers International Union in
my campaign in the 18th Congressional District.
^ Tell the men, all of them, that I»m
proud of their work and the stand they took with union
men throughout the district against the menace of
Bolshevism in America.
* A program outlining the minimum require
ments essential to full mobilization of the maritime
industry in the event of war has been presented to
Admiral E. Cochrane, Maritime Administrator, by.
representatives of the nation's seafaring unions.
The unions, including the Seafarers Interna
tional Union, urged the Maritime Administrator to
take immediate action on their program, formu
lated at meetings held in Washington last week, so
that no time would be lost in effecting the machin
ery necessary for the nation's defense.
The meetings grew out of a request by Admiral
Cochrane for the viewpoint oft '
the seafaring trade unions in
readying the American merchant
mai'ine for emergency activity.
Sincerely,
JGD/rd
Glad io have been of help, Congressmanl Seafarers, who have been fighting the
communists wherever they find them, found it a pleasure to help defeat Vito Mar
cantonio, one of the commie's major spokesmen. Incidentally, the commies, sensing
that the tide was turning against them, used their wellknown goon tactics, in a futile
attempt Jo scare their opposition. One of the sound trucks used by the volunteer Sea
farers had its tires slashed by Marc's goons, and some of the men were roughed up
—^but the Seafarers weren't deterred, and their man won.
Tally Committee Anneunoes 1951 Officials
Participating in formulation
of the program in behalf of the
SIU were Harry Lundeberg, Fred
Farnen, Paul Hall and Morris
Weisberger. Earl Sheppard, new
lyelected Assistant Secretary
Treasurer of the A&G District,
was unable to attend the ses
sions due to the press of Head
quarters' duties.
The Marine, Cooks and Stew
ards union, recently kicked out
of the CIO for being commie
dominated, was represented at
the first meeting at which Ad
miral Cochrane asked for the
labor program. When the unions
went into conference, however,
the MCS representatives were
barred by the noncommunist
groups. Thus, the program does
not represent the views of the
MCS.
The war role program drafted
fContinued on Poge 4)
The 29 elected officials who
will serve the SIU's Atlantic and
Gulf District in the current
year were announced this week
by the Headquarters Tallying
Committee, in its report on re
sults of the annual balloting
which' ended on December 31,
The complete vote tabulation
is. revealed in the Committee's
report, which will be submitted
to the membership at the regu
lar meetings in all A&G District
ports on January 17.
Voting began on November 1,
with the ballot listing 38 can
didates for office. Elected were
a SecretaryTreasurer, an As
sistant SecretaryTreasurer, three
Headquarters representatives,
nine Port Agents and 15 Port
Patrolmen.
In accordance with the reso
lution adopted by the member
ship last October, the post of
New York. Agent did not ap
pear on the ballot. The duties of
that office will be handled by
one of the Headquarters Repre
sentatives.
The Tallying Committee, elect
ed at the regular Headquarters
membership meeting of Janu
ary 3, was compssed of six men,
two representing each depart
ment—Deck, Engine and Stew
ards.
The complete list of suc
cessful candidates, the of
ficial vote tabulation and
the Tally Committee's report
appear on pages 3 and 4.
Committee members and the
d^artments, they represented
were Roderick Smith and Frank
Douglas, Deck; John Hanson and
Dominick Chirichella, Engine; E.
Mooney, Alonzo Milefski and
George Steinberg (alternate).
Stewards.
Preparation for the election of
officers for 1951 got under way
last fall, with the adoption of
the customary resolution calling
for Unionwide nominations and
designating the positions to be
filled in the balloting.
Of the 38 nominated before
the deadline date, four were dis
qualified by the Credentials Com
mittee for failure to meet re
quirements for Union office es
tablished by the Union consti
tution.
The resolution setting up the
election procedure also provided
for the opening and staffing of
additional branches by the Sec
retaryTreasurer . should they
be needed to efficiently conduct
the ITiiion business and give
proper representation to the
membership.
The positions listed on the bal
lot embraced only those Union
installations in the Atlanic and
Gulf Coast areas. The West
Coast offices in San Francisco,
Wilmington, Calif., and Seattle
are operating on a temporary
basis and consequently are not
regular elective jobs.
SIU Wins
Change in
CO Papers
As a result of representations
made by the Washington repre
sentative of the Seafarers Inter
national Union in behalf of its
affiliated unions, the Coast Guard
security ruling has been altered
to permit seamen to retain their
present papers when applying
for the newtype emergency doc
ument.
Under the original ruling, the
Coast Guard made it mandatory
that a seaman seeking issuance
of the "specially validated mer
chant mariner's document" had
to give up the papers he carried
at the time.
The SIU and SUP found this
provision objectionable and so in
formed their Washington repre
sentative, Matthew Dushane. Fol
lowing several conferences be
tween Dushane and Coast Guard
officers, the agency, on Decem
ber 29, announced the revision
which will enable seamen to
keep their present seaman's pa
pers.
In regard to the appeals
boards, which are to fimction in
cases of seamen screened out
by the Coast Guard and who
(Continued on Page 4)
Denial Of Time Ashore
During these days of national emergency, some crews in
war areas may feel that they are being deprived of some of
their traditional rights—for example, that of going ashore. If
this beef—or others of that nature—should occur, crewmembers
are urged not to take off on their own, or to make a big ship
board beef over it. Have the ship's delegates discuss it with the
Skipper in the usual manner. If no satisfaction is received, then
document the case in its entirety and send it in at once to
Headquarters. If any overtime is involved, according to the
terms of our contract, it will be collected in the routine man
ner—at the payoff. If the crew attempts to take action on its
own, contrary to the Skipper's orders—even though the crew
believes and knows that the Skipper is wrong—they will only
jeopardise their seamen's papers and make things tougher for
the rest of the membership.
Page Two THE SEAFARERS 14) G Fpday, Jaauai^r 12, 1951
SEAFARERS LOG
Published Every Other Week by the
SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL U^ION
OF NORm AMERICA
Atlantic and Gulf District
Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor.
At 51 Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y.
HAnover 22784
Reentered as second class matter August 2, 1949, at the Post
Office in New York, N.Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912.
267
Proceed With Caution
After years of collaboration, indecision and inaction,
some of our bureaucrats in Washington are joining the
swelling mob of excommie labor officials in the mo5t
• stupendous case of commie horrors in the nation's history.
They are sallying forth in all directions, virtually busting
a gut, making wild speeches and trying to convince every
one that their previous actions of playing ball with the
commies never happened.
As one of the earliest—^and one of the most efficient
—foes of the communist party, the SIU" applauds these
"honorable" gentlemen, bureaucrat and excommie labor
official alike, for their earnest if tardy activity. All that
we ask is that these gentlemen do not let their zeal carry
them off the deep end, and "inistake" (honestly or other
wise) those militant trade unionists, who are carrying on^
the fight for improved conditions in their fields, for
communists.
We make this point seriously, for some bureaucrats
suffer from exceedingly narrow vifion and, once f(blow
ing a prescribed line or idea^ look neither to right or left.
We remember the disheartening days during the war,i
when the SIU was practically alone in fighting the com
mies with no aid—indeed, with plenty of discouragement
—from government agencies, some of whom were carry
ing on violent love affairs with the cwnmunist party.
As a matter of fact, many of these fellowtravellings
agencies were practically controlled by the commies. Who
can forget the days when the RMOWSA was practically
;an annex of thecommunist party? When officials andi
employees of the RMO went to pains to slander the SIU?
That such things were done by communist party
members was to be expected. That it was done by noii
Communists—and by people who were really anticom
munist at heart—can only be explained by the peculiarity
of the bureaucratic mind: Russia was "our gallant ally,
^d so deserving of every help. Therefore it followed that
the commies in this country, who wanted Russia to win
so desperately, were equally deserving of aid and comfort
—so put them in positions of authority. The country has
heard of commies in only a few government agencies—
the State Department and the WSAf for example—^but
m truth they were in many government agencies, and
many of them in positions of authority.
And now these birds have gone and got them religion.
As a matter of fact, some of these bureaucrats remind
us no little of some of the current marine industry "labor
leaders" who, after having slept in the sanie bed with
the communist party, and accepting—no, seeking—their
support, saw the handwriting on the wall and dumped
the poor, old red bag, and now go around posing as
'experts" on the comrades.
.These were the same guys who purged their unions
of every one who dared criticize the commies and their
unions' support of communist organizations. These were
the guys who supported the commie line of "bring our
boys back" from Europe and the Far East, so that these
countries could fall like ripe plums right into Stalin's lap
—which is the one reason why we are up to our necks
in Korea today. These are the guys who are still busy
expelling anyone who opens his mouth in honest criticism
of policy. I
These reformed bureaucrats also bring to mind those
peculiar people, the business tycoon, whose b3.ttlecry is
["free enterprise," who fight trade unions (when they
F can) up and down the street, yet who, through some u i
' fathomable thought process, give fikmeial moral aid
to^ the conuaaiesj both here and abr<^^ mean those
FORT STANTON
SILVESTER WALKER
WILLIAM J. MEEHAN
A. McGUIGAN
HARRY THURMAN
GIDLOW WOODS
DONALD P. MCDONALD
^ %
NEW ORLEANS
JOHN BARRON
CHARLES A. ̂ ROWN
B. P. BURKE
WILSON O. CARA
ROGELIO CRUZ
GLEN M. CURL
G. W. DUNCAN
GEORGE HARDING
RALPH HERALD
L. A. HOLMES
E. P. JANOSKO
D. D: KELLY
G. KRETZER
HUGH F. LAGAN
LEO H. LANG
ESTEL O. MASSEY
M. L. MCCARTY JR.
JAMES T. POWERS
K. RAANA
CLAUDE A. RAY
EDWIN E. RITCHIE
CHARLES SANDERSON
ROBERT W. THOMPSON
LONNIE. TICKLE
' t » »
BOSTON
j<MiN F. MCLAUGHLIN
E. w. HASKINS
A. REMOS
R. LUFLIN
A. D. LEVA
% % %
STATEN ISLAND
P. MANGUAL
P. PRON
FRANK KUBEK
R. GUZMAN
GEORGE RIDECK
EUGENE E. MILANESI
LEO KODURAND
FRED OESTMAN
L. HOGAN
EARL R. DIXON
FRANK B. STRELITZ
S. C. CUNNINGTON
"enlightened indijstrialists" who trade with Russia and
the satellite countries, giving them much needed dollars.
We mean men like the West Coast shipowners who have
supported JEiarry Bridges—and still work handinglove
with him;—who have supported him in dl of Bridges'
attempts to raid the SUP. (By the way, gentlemen,
shouldn't these men be investigated, too?)
However, we'd like to point out to these crusaders
respectfully, of course—that, while the communists must
be purged frcmi every post and every industry where they
can menace the security of this country, there are hun
dreds of thousands of honest, patriotic and militant trade
unionists, who will yield their hardwon ciyil and trade
union rights to no one.
We wishr you luck in your job—for the job must be
dpne—but spraying the landscape with buckshbt to get
your skunk is no way to do it. Get out your .30.30, aim
well and hit your i^rget, and leave' the proverbial inno
cent bystandier unharmed. .
J. SLAMAN
E. McLIN
K. C. CROWE
A. MONTEMARANO
t t t
MANHATTAN BEACH
FRED W. GRIMES :
JOSE DE JESUS
E. LOPEZ
H. TUTTLE
J. H. ASHURST
E. FERRER
JCWIN T. EDWARDS
JOHN DRISCOLL
VIC MILAZZO
MATTHEW DRUNO
PETER VORKE
R. A. BLAKE
JOHN PADZIK
A. LOMAS
% 4. %
BALTIMORE
CHESTER B. WILSON
EDWIN ROUPE
MAHLEN D. WATT
VIRGIL L. COASH
HAROLD W. SHEDWIN
JAWAL MATAN
B. D. ELLIOT
WILLIAM J. WOLFE
JOSEPH PILUTIS
4
ST. PAUL'S HOME
BALTIMORE
MICHAEL J. LUCAS
$ 4 4
MEMPHIS
JOHN B. HEGARTY
JOHN W. KEENAN
C. D. SHIVELY
R. A. RATCLIFF
4 4 4
MOBILE
ALBERT W. SAXON
MAURICE F. ELLIS
4 4 4
SEATTLE
T. W. HmSON
WALTER SIBLEY
FORT. WORTH
E. J. NAVARRE
4 4 4
AHTESEA. CALIF.
HARRY TALBOT
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Friday, January 12, 1951 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Three
S?' '• •
Complete Tabulation Of The Votes
Cast For A&G Officials For 1951
Bos. NY PhL Bat. Nor. Sav. Tarn. Mob. NO Galv. SF Wilm. Sea. Totalt
SecretaryTreasurer
P. Hall, 190 162 1536 232 704 63 70 176
No Votes—Voids—Writeins 11 57 4 6 0 16 1
SubTotal 173 1593 236 710 63 86 177
Assistant SecretaryTreasurer
E. Sheppard, 203 140 1459 223 621 63 70 166
No Votes—^Voids—^Writeins 33 134 13 89 0 16 11
SubTotal 173 1593 236 710 63 86 177
12 32
177 448 1100
Headquarters Representatives (3)
J. Algina, 1320 140 1302
R. Matthews, 154 114 1146
J. Volpian, 56 98 1154
No Votes—Voids—Writeins 167 1177
SubTtoal 519 4779
Boston Agent
63
63
63
0
708 2130 189
208 627
186 560
179 546
135 397
B. Lawson, 894 165 1281 213 627 63 68
No Votes—Voids—Writeins 8 312 23 83 0 18
SubTtoal 173 1503 236 710 63 86
69 131
55 146
57 131
77 123
145
.32
177
345 693
256 1067
378 807
70 293
154 540
22 37
59
1
2
0
3
61
0
472 1420 126
32
24
29
73
52
68
162 537
49 113
109 246 6
150 484 60
161 548 60
52 142 0
472 1420 126
New York Deck Patrolman (2)
L. Coffin, 4526 • 129 1215
G. Ruf, 23724 127 1231
No Votes—^Voids—Writeins 90. 740
SubTotal 346 3186
New York Engine Patrolman (2)
T. Babkowski, 7391 129 871
V. D'India, 20875 11 215
E. Eriksen, 50495 12 238
P. Salvo, 24342 6 160
C. Scofield, 21536 27 262
C. Simmons, 368 132 916
No Votes—Voids—Writeins 29 524
SubTotal 346 3186
New York Stewards Patrolman (2)
F. E. Gardner, 21057 43 534
H. Guinier, 478 129 967
F. Stewart, 4935 143 1012
No Votes—Voids—Writeins 31 673
SubTotal 346 3186
Philadelphia Agent
A. Cardullo, 24599
No Votes—Voids—Writeins
SubTotal
Baltimore Agent ^
W. Rentz, 26445 143 1337 222 700
No Votes—^Voids—^Writeins 30 256 14 10
SubTotal 173 1593 236 710
Baltimore Deck Patrolman
L. Johnson, 108 142 1305 214 682
No Votes—Voids—Writeins 31 28ff 22 28
SubTotal 173 1593 236 710
Baltimore Engine Patrolman
A. Stansbury, 4683
No Votes—Voids—Writeins
SubTotal
Baltimore Stewards Patrolman
J. Hoggie, 23434
No Votes—^Voids—^Writeins
SubTotal
Norfolk Agent
B. Rees, 95 155 971 167 617
W. Beyeler, 25919 9 312 52 65
No Votes—Voids—Writeins 9 310 17 28
SubTotal 173 1593 236 710
189 588 63 66
210 563 63 60
73 269 0 46
472 1420 126 172
32
5
16
7
17
59
36
140
132
82
147
2
4
7
11
168
15
193 698
384 726
10 50
23
15
29
419
16
134
63
118
837
272
172 354 896 2200
132 1300 222 630
41 203 14 80
173 1593 236 710
63
0
63
63
0
63
63
0
63
.42 34
38 137
50 148
42 35
172 354
70 148
16 29
86 177
71 165
1*5 12
86 177
08 373
375 744
401 800
22 283
896 2200
374 814
74 286
70 273
71
15
86
161
16
177
79 287
134 1288 211 683 62 69 146
39 305 25 27 1 17 31
173 1593 236 710 63 86 177
84 323
135 1279 206 676 62 68 149
38 314 30 34 1 18 28
173 1593 236 710 63 86 177
62
1
0
63
40 168
34 7
12 2
86 177
359 765
89 335
448 1100
419 830
23 165
6 105
448 1100
0 0
103 135
3
61
4
68
Savannah Agent
A. W. Gowder, 36884
E. Tilley, 75
J. L. Tucker, 2209 ^
No Votes—Voids—^Writeins
SubTotal
70 176 445 1095 102 133 60 65 4843*
1 2 1 3 110
103 135 61 68 4953
102 132 59 62 4601*
1 3 2 6 352
103 135 61 68 4953
10"^ 133 53 58 4057*
102 129 57 48 3718*
100 129 54 45 3594*
5 14 19 53 3490
300 405 183 204 14859
103 133 . 58 60 4101*
0 2 3 8 852
103 135 61 68 4953
102 131 55 55 3812*
100 130 53 52 3847*
4 9 14 29 2247
206 270 122 136 9906
99 105 42 23 3311*
1 6 5 7 372
0 16 10 12 572
2 4 6 9 355
0 19 11 11 605
98 115 42 50 3596*
6 5 6 24 1095
206 270 122 136 9906
TO 57 26 36 1614
95 100 44 30 3353*
95 110 43 43 3614*
6 3 9 27 1325
206 270 122 136 9906
103 133 57 63 4109*
0 2 4 5 844
103 135 61 68 4953
103 133 57 62 4261*
0 2 4 6 692
103 135 61 68 4953
103 130 56 62 4171*
0 5 5 6 782
103 135 61 68 4953
103 132 58 64 4091*
0 3 3 4 862
103 135 61 68 4953
103 129 57 58 4046*
0 6 4 10 907
103 135 61 68 4953
90 107 51 40 3726*
4 28 7 24 731
496
4953
4 202 17 59 0 . 0 3 16 85 1 8 3 5 403
157 854 182 563 61 74 162 393 756 94 112 53 51 3512*
4 224 22 39 1 4 7 36 195 4 13 5 10 564
8 313 15 49 1 .8 5 3 64 4 2 0 2 474
173 1593 236 710 63 86 177 448 1100 103 135 61 S8 4953
(Continued on Page 4)
HQ Committee
Submits Report
To Membership
Printed below is the report
of the Headquarters Tally Com
mittee, which will be read for
membership action at the next
regular business meeting of the
A&G District, Not given below,
but to be read at the meeting,
is the breakdown of the used
and imused ballots in each i>ort.
We, the undersigned Tally
Committee, duly elected at the
regular business meeting of Jan
uary 3rd, 1951, at Headquarters,
submit the following report and
recommendations:
All used ballots from all ports
were counted and the correct
tally is submitted herein. An as
terisk is placed besides the names
of the candidates that were elect
ed to office. The ballots used
and unpsed in each port were
checked and the correct check
is submitted herein.
It is to be pointed out to the
membership that this Commit
tee, upon checking various ports'
tally sheets, foimd that all re
ports submitted by all outports
committees were correct, and in
nearly every case checked ex
actly with tiie New York Head
quarters Committee's final tal
lies. In a few isolated instances
where the findings of the var
ious committees differ, the dif
ferences were slight and made
no change whatsover in the fina*
results of election for any office.
It is to be further pointed out
that the Port of Philadelphia
Tallying Committee reported one
ballol^ as missing. Upon checking
this port's ballots, it was found
that actually there were four
(4) ballots missing. Inasmuch as
the lost ballots would not change
the results of the election in that
port, and they may have been
lost in mailing, we therefore
have listed the actual,votes cast
in Philadelphia as 236 votes cast.
In addition to Philadelphia,
Galveston and New Orleans re
ported lost ballots. Galveston
only lost one ballot, and it would
not have affected the results of
the election in that port. In New
Orleans, where the one ballot
was stolen or lost, it was noted
on that particular day's voting
envelope. Inasmuch as this one
ballot would not have changed
the results of the election, the
eight (8) ballots that were cast
that day in New Orleans have
been counted in that port's tally.
The Committee would further
like to report that, the Port of
New York had two (2) ballots
that were reported as lost, al
thought these ballots were never
received from the printer, as his
numbering machine had missed
two numbers..
Full copies of the reports con
tained in this document with
the original signatures are on
file in Headquarters Office of
this Union.
E. Mooney, 46671
Dominick Chirichella, 38237
Roderick Smith, 26893
Frank Douglas, 10841
John Hanson, 23220
Alonzo Milefski, 49345
f':"V'" t iiiuy
Page Four THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, January 12, 1951
Tabulation Of The Votes
(Continued from Page 3)
Tampa Agent
K. White, 57
No Votes—Voids—Writeins
SubTotal
Mobile Agent
C. Tanner, 44
No Votes—Voids—Writeins
SubTotal
Mobile Joint Patrolman (2)
R. Jordan, 71
W. Morris, 264
No Votes—Voids—Writeins
SubTotal
New Orleans Agent
L. J. Williams, 21550
No Votes—Voids—Writeins
SubTotal
New Orleans Deck Patrolman
L. Clarke, 23062
F, Sullivan, 2
No Votes—Voids—^Writeins
Bos. NY
145 1324
28 269
173 1593
134 1403
39 190
173 1593
122 1140
107 1104
117 942
346 3186
215
21
236
619
91
710
213 607
23 103
236 710
187 542
195 533
90 345
472 1420
63
0
63
63
0
63
63
63
0
146
27
173
128
34
11
173 SubTotal
New Orleans Engine Patrolman
C. J. Stephens, 76 142
No Votes—^Voids—Writeins 31
SubTotal . 173
New Orleans Stewards Patrolman
B. Gonzales, 125
No Votes—^Voids—Writeins
SubTotal ~
137
36
173
1421
172
1593
808
545
240
1503
1304
289
1593
1276
317
1593
223
13
236
610
100
710
Writeins
Galveston Agent
K. Alsop, 7311
I:;.No Vote&Voids
SubTotal
Galveston Joint Patrolman
C. M. Tannehill, 25922
No Votes—Voids—^Writeins
SubTotal
143 1269
30 324
173 1593
131 1273
42 320
173 1593
119 493
108 175
9 42
236 710
212 601
24 109
236 710
210 592
26 118
236 710
213 606
23 104
236 710
214 599
22 111
236 710
63
0
63
57
5
1
63
63
0
63
63
0
63
63
0
63
63
0
63
Maritime Unions Draft
Program For War Role
(Continued from "Page 1)
by the unions covers almost
every aspect of. shipping. SIU
representatives said: "Obviously,
if we are to effect successful mo
bilization the seafaring unions
must participate on all levels."
Points in the program drawn
«p by the unions include a rec
ommendation that labor be given
equal representation on the pro
posed policymaking National
Shipping Authority.
The unions also asked for full
; : protection of the Union Hiring
p Nail, protection of union coUec
rive bargaining agreements, im
f; mediate formulation of a policy
of defenhent for active seamen
to prevent further loss of skilled
manpower, and cutting back of
operations of the Military Sea
^Transport Service.
TWO FROM EACH
In regard to the NSA, the
unions are seeking appointment
by the director of two deputies
from labor and two from man
agement. The labor deputies
would "be active administrators
in charge of all matters govern
ed by the NSA which afifect
maritime personnel in aU rat
ings."
In the securing of trained man
power in the event of an "all
out war," the union program
states that "the Union Hiring
Halls must not be hindered by
any regulations in their efforts
to secure men for an expanding
industry, as they were hindered
in World War H by the discrim
inatory regulations issued by the
RMO (Recruiting and Manning
Office) ..."
The program caUed attention
to the need for maintaining the
reserve of skilled seamen now
on hand in the Union Hiring
Halls.
Expressing concern over re
cent moves. to curtail facilities
of the Marine Hospitals, the un
ions called for expansion of these
institutions to meet normal
needs of seamen and to ieady
the Pubhc Health Service for
cases which might grow out of
a war situation. .
Organizations which partici
pated in drafting of the program
include the Seafarers Interna
tional Union, Sailors Union of
the Pacific, Masters, Mates and
Pilots, National Maritime Union,
Marine Engineers Beneficial As
sociation, Radio Operators Union,
American Radio Association and
Marine Firemen's Union.
The union conferees also took
cognizance of the fact that many
vessels are presently iUequipped
to handle emergency medical
needs of crews in time of con
flict.
They recommended, therefore,
that men withr pharmacist mate's
ratings be carried on each ship,
and that ;the "US Public Health
Service be authorized to train
capable men for this rating."
The full text of the program
appears on page 5.
75
11
86
73
13
86
65
70
37
170
7
380
68
823
277
177 448 1100 103
167 441 1055 103
10 7 45 0
177 448 1100 103
126 ,172
72
14
86
22
50
14
86
71.
15
86
149
141
64
354
163
14
177
409
402
85 801
896 2200
735 103
664 102
439 1067
9 33
448 1100
136 355 748
29 86 329,
12 ' . 7 23
177 448 1100
0
103
100
1
2
103
150
27 77 38
177 448 1100
70 ^166 368 829
16 11 80 *271
86 177 448 1100
72 155 377' 827
0
103
0
103
14
86
22 71 273
16 17 79 280
SF Wilm. $ea. Total
133 59 63 4171*
2 ' 2 5 782
135 61 68 4953
133 59 62 4513*
2 2 6 440
135 61 68 4953
129 58 51 3753*
128 58 51 3618'^
13 6 34 2535
270 122 136 • 9906
132 58 63 4560*
3 3 5 393
135 61 68
J
4953
95 43 17 3121*
35 14 45 1456
5 4 6 376
135 €1 68 4953
130 59 61 4329*.
5 2 7 624
135 61 68 4953
135 57 59 4065*
0 4 • 9 888
135 61 68 4953
129 58 62 4077*
6 3 6 876
135 61 68 4953
129 58 62 4051*
6 3 6 902
135 61 68 4953
SIU Wins
Change in
CC Papers ^
(Continued from Page I)
wish to protest such action, the
SIU and SUP have submitted
the names of their appointees tq
Secretary of Labor Maurice J.
Tobin.
The appointees, who were
named for each of the ports in
which the two SIU affiliates
maintain Branches, are cmrently
being screened by government,
agencies and, as soon as this'
process has been, completed, th©
boards wUl begin functioning. '
FREE OF COMMIES
Although the SIU and SUP
feel there is little likelihood that
any appreciable number of their
members; wiU be found harmful
to the nation's security, they are"
determined to get the boards on
a working basis as soon as poS'r
sible, tb protect the membership,
against the possibility of any un
just or illegal treatment by the
screening agencies.
In fact, it was at the SIUSUP
representatives' insistence that
the machinery for making api
peals was incorporated into the
waterfront security program, for
mulated two months ago at d
joint conference of government
and seafaring union officials.
At that time the SIU pointed
out unless seamen had an oppor
tunity to appeal unjust rulings;
of the Coast Guard, they could
be denied the right to make a
living in the jobs for which they;
had been trained.
Sitting Down For The Full Count
Results of the annual SIU A&G District election were
announced this week by the Tally Committee, five of whose
members are ahcwn in photo above. From left to right around
the table are John Hanson, Book No. 23220 (Engine); Frank
Douglas, Book No. 10841 (Deck); Eddie Mooney, Book No.
46671 (Stewards); Dominick Chirichella, Book No. 38237
(Engine), and Roderick Smith, Book No. 26893 (Deck). The
sixth member of the committee, Alonzo Milefski, Book No.
49345 (Stewards), who was not present when group shot waa
taken, appears in photo at right.
The Tally Committee was elected to the job of vote
tabulation at theregular Headquarters membership meeting
of January 3, and turped to on the task the following morning.
Officers who were chosen to serve the Union during the
coming year were elected in balloting which began on No
vember 1 and continued through. December 31 in aill ports. :
' TiASafi JomiMrr 12. ItSl THE SEAPARERS LOG Page Fhre T
Statement Of Policy By Maritime Unions
I'
i V
• i; • ;;
VJ:,:
fg::
At the request of Vice Admiral Edward L.
Cochrane, Maritime A<hninistrator, the Ameri
can Trade Unions representing the AFL, CIO,
and Independent Unions in the Maritime Indus
try, have met in Washington, D.C., to make
known our views on the problems now affecting
the Maritime Industry, resulting from the pres
' ent crisis, and the problems which will confront
• the Industry in the event of a full scale, war.
Admiral Cochrane requested the assistance of
' the Maritime Unions in mobilizing the Industry
' for any eventuality. In making this request, Ad
• miral Cochrane specifically asked that Maritime
' Labor draft a program for the present crisis or
any future expansion thereof. Further, that the
' Maritinie Unions furnish top personnel to assist
' in the formulation of policy and program, and
' its administration by the National Shipping
Authority. In making this request. Admiral
Cochrane recognized that such full scale cooper
• ation was essential to the efficient utilization of
' the Merchant Marine in our defnse. The com
plete endorsement of Admiral Cochrane's request
by Secretary of Commerce Charles Sawyer is
additioifal encouragement for us.
The minimum program which we believe nec
essary to the successful defense of our Nation,
and in which we deem it our duty to participate
is as follows:
NATIONAL SHIPPING AUTHORITY
. The Director of the NSA' shall appoint as
Deputies, two persons from Labor and two from
Management. The two Deputies appointed from
Labor shall:
(a) Be nominated for such appointments by
William Green, President of the AFL, and Philip
Murray, President of the CIO.
(b) Assist the Director of the NSA in determ
ining all policies and programs to govern all
functions of the NSA.
(c) Be active administrators in charge of all
• matters governed by the NSA, which affect mar
itime personnel in all ratings, as well as other
line functions in keeping with their ability. While
serving as Deputies they shall, at all times be
responsible to the Director of the NSA.
: CX)LLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS
The Collective Bargaining Agreements, and all
functions and rights growing therefrom shall re
main in full force and effect. The NSA shall not
interfere with the provisions or operation of the
bona fide Agreements in any manner whatsoever.
ALLOCATIONS
Allocation of Merchant vessels under the Na
tional Shipping Authority shall be made to pri
vate US Flag Companies.
Such allocation of vessels shall be on a fair and
impartial basis.
CIVILIAN STATUS
The operation of merchant vessels shall be car
ried out in a manner which will preserve the
mvilian status of Merchant seamen and all their
rights intact.
DRAFT
Competent seamen are continually being draft
ed off ships. Local Draft Boards have no uniform
policy for this depletion of manpower in the
Maritime Industry. Conferences to discuss train
ing, recruitment and other manpower problems
are being* suggested. It is absurd to attempt to
solve the Industry's manpower problems sd long
^ competent seamen are being drafted.
The role of the Merchant fleet in our National
Defense efforts is daily assuming greater propor
tions. A considerable numT)er of ships have rer
cently been taken out of the mothball fleet. In
dications are ' that more of these reserve ships
will be reactivated almost daily.
It is vitally important that the reserve, of
iskilled sesunen now on hand in the Hiring Halls
of the ^lia fide Unions be maintained at all
timea to man our merchahf ships^ which, in ad
Hi
dition to carrying supplies to our fighting forces
and bases, are continuing to deliver arms, car
goes and other material to our allied nations.
Skilled seamen must be available to man these
vessels immediately.
In view of the foregoing we strongly urge
that the experience and skill required of mari
time personnel be utilized, and because of the
essential nature of jobs in our National Security
Program, that a policy of deferment for skilled,
merchant seamen be set up immediately.
Such a policy would insure an adequate num
ber of skilled men being available for the fleet
nee^s, and would be in the best interests of our
National Defense effort.
MANPOWER AND TRAINING
In the current crisis and in the event the em
ergency develops into allout war, the facilities
and trained manpower available in the various
Union Hiring Halls shall be utilized to the full
est possible extent.
The Union Hiring Halls must not be hindered
by any regulations in their efforts to secure men
for an expanding Industry as they were hindered
in World War II by the discriminatory • regula
tions issued by the RMO of the WSA, which
prohibited the Union Hiring Halls from securing
men in the entry ratings except through RMO.
During World Wsr II, thousands of new Mer
chant Seamen were brought into the industry.
The majority of these men in entry ratings were
subject to draft. Extensive as well as expensive
training was giving these entry rating men in
the Maritime Training Service, Such recruitment
and training of these entry ratings was a waste
of Armed Services personnel, and the taxpayers'
money, and actually delayed proper onthejob
training of competent seamen in the entry
ratings.
In the event there is a greatly increased need
for martime personnel which may call for more •
men than the Union Hiring Halls can furnish,
the Unions, Management and Government should
immediately devise a program for this purpose
and they should be guided by the following
basic points:
(A) The Union Hiring Halls to recruit all
entry ratings needed from personnel not
eligible for the draft.
(B) An upgrading and training program
actually carried out through increased man
ning scales which will insure a supply of
competent men for key ratings as they are
needed.
MILITARY SEA TRANSPORTATION SERVICE
Labor and Management have serious griev
ances against the MSTS in its declared policy of
bypassing the bona fide American Merchant
Marine. Since the inception of the MSTS in Aug
ust 1949, thisorganization has endeavored to,
and has succeeded to a large degree in encroach •
ment upon private shipping companies and dis
placing skilled civilian merchant seamen.
During the past few months the MSTS has
taken over a large number of American ships.
Ships formerly operated by private operators
with civilian crews are now being operated by
the MSTS with temporary Civil Service crews.
These crew members used by the MSTS are not
bona fide seamen. They are picked up in any
old place, with total disregard for their com
petency and loyalty. With thousands of loyal,
bona fide American seamen on the beach un
employed in some areas, this policy is deplor
able. This is a terrible waste of manpower so
sorely needed by our country.
A policy statement on MSTSi dated October 3,
1950, was sent to Congressman John Shelley of
California by the Assistant Secretary of the
Navy,, John T. Koehler. This statement bears out
our contention that the MSTS has adopted a
longrange prograrn to set itself up as the largest
shipowner in the .country. It further shows it is
totally disregarding private industry and trained
available seamen manpower. All this, in addi
tion to disregarding private industry and leglti ;l
mate loyal American seamen. The MSTS is also |
in violation of the Federal Classification Act of
1949. This Act provides that the wages of crews |
of Government vessels be fixed and adjusted as.
nearly as consistent with the public interest, artd
in accordance with the prevailing rate and prac
tice in the Maritime Industry. This violation of
the Federal Classification Act was established
by an official indictment against the MSTS hand
ed down in a decision by Mr. Donald Gilson,
Referee for the Department of Employment for
the State of California. This indictment held that
the MSTS is violating the laws of the country
and is paying its seamen wages and imposing
conditions below the standards in the Industry.
In view of these facts we call upon the Chair
man of the Federal Maritime Administration,
Vice Admiral, Edward L. Cochrane, and upon
Secretary of Commerce, Charles Sawyer, and
other Government Bureaus interested in effici
ency and in a proper utilization of manpower, to
take immediate steps to correct this deplorable
situation.
It is therefore necessary that,
(1) The MSTS be limited by law to only ,
operate troopships in the event there are no
privately operated ships available.
(2) All supplies, war materials and liquid
cargoes for the Armed Forces, be carried by
privately operated ships manned by regular
bona fide civilian seamen.
(3) The MSTS be required to live up to the
laws of the land and deal with bona fide
loyal American Trade Unions, by negotiating
'and signing Collective Bargaining Agree
ments.
It is the unanimous contention of the Sea
men's Unions representing 98 percent of the
American Seeimen, that this deplorable condition
inaugurated by the MSTS must be stopped, and
stopped promptly in order to:
(A) Avoid waste of manpower;
(B) Effect more efficient and economical
operation: [
(C) Utilize the skilled knowhow of the ;
American Shipping Industry.
MARINE HOSPITALS
Vie look with concern on moves to curtail
Marine Hospital facilities. Our contention is that
present facilities should be retained and expand
ed.
During World War II, outpatient and recuper
ation facilities were provided by private organi
zations. These facilities did not meet the need.
Seamen whose nerves were shattered by enemy
attack whose mental and physical health reached
the breaking point from exertion and exposuref,
require special care. The present curtailment of
these facilities is dangerous. We need a twoway
expansion of Marine Hospitals now to:
(1) Meet the normal health and hospital
needs of merchant seamen; i
(2) Ready the Service for cases which grow . 5
out of the war situation. •
PURSERSPHARMACIST MATES
That a staff officer—Pharmacist's Mate be car
ried on each vessel, and the US Public Health
Service be authorized to train capable men for
this rating.
We feel that while all eyes are centered on
the problems of coping with our communist en
emies overseas, the question of communists at i
home should not be overlooked. y i
We urge in this regard that immediate stepa !]
be taken to clean out all commimists from th6
American waterfront.
This program is imperative to the successful
mobilization of the maritime industry in thd
defense of our nation.
^ I I I
Page Six THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, Janulury 12, 1951
Bookmen Have No Trouble
Shipping From New York
It By JOE ALGINA
NEW YORK—The end of the
year wound up pretty good for
us in New York with shipping
moving at a pretty fair clip. It
was nothing like the dear, gone
days of awhile back, but book
men weren't having any trouble
in shipping out right away, as
long as they weren't too fussy
about the run or ship.
The New York waterfront is
a pretty big place, but this week
we outdid ourselves. We shipped
a crew out to a ship 4,000 miles
away in Palermo, Italy. The
men were sent to replace the
crew of the SS McKettrick Hills,
whose articles had expired. The
old crew flew back aboard the
same plane. We made arrange
ments with the company and
both crews were covered by
$10,000 insurance,
r The SS Tini, Carras, went
aground several weeks ago in
Cherbourg. She's in a LeHarve
drydock now and her crew was
flown back; they, also, were
covered by $10,000 in insurance.
We bid so long to about sixty
of otm members this week.
They're headed to the Persian
Everything Is
h Good Shape
In Now tkloans
By LINDSEY WILLIAMS
NEW ORLEANS—Business af
fairs of this port are in good
shape, with all beefs arising on
the five payoffs and five signons
since the last meeting being set
tled aboard the vessels involved.
In the coming two weeks, we
have five payoffs scheduled so
far, one of which is a passenger
ship and another an Isthmian
vessel coming in off a long trip.
The arrival of these ships should
ease shipping, a little.
The Christmas dinner given at
the Hall here was a great suc
cess, and our thanks go to all
who helped make it possible
to those who gave their time
to preparing and serving the
dinner, and to those who do
nated food and refreshments.
(Pictures of New Orleans din
ner appear on page 13.)
A special vote of thanks should
go to Herman Troxclair and his
galley crew for a bangup job.
One of our former members
now in the Army visited us dur
ing the past week. He is Bro
ther Terry Aghoff and he re
ported that, out of the 60 men
who went into the service with
him from this area, 40 were mer
chant seamen.
From all indications, the Army
will beat the Coast Guard out
of controlling the seamen, as
.they are taking the men in at
a very fast clip. One Brother
says he was told at the induc
tion center that they liked to
induct seamen because they are
good fighters and make good
soldiers.
All kinds of rumors concern
ing the reactivation of laidup
ships are floating around. One
of these has it that 300 ships
are going back into service, and
that 25 of these wUl ,com,e from
IVIobile. How the rumor, started
no one knows, as we don't have
anything official as to ships com
ing out of layup. If anything
official does come through, we'll
let the membership know as
soon as possible.
Gulf area for a bit of shuttling
— about 18 months' worth —
aboard the Camas Meadows and
the Sweetwater, two tankers.
On ships coming in, the . mem
bers are now required to pay
the 1951 assessments which are
due and payable. Those who
fail to pay up will find them
selves in bad standing.
READ THE OATH
Incidentally, while the mem
bers are out on these trips—long
or short—it wouldn't hurt to
read the Union Oath of Obliga
tion at the shipboard meetings
now and then.
Maybe it would help to
straighten up some of the guys
who forget the guys working
with them are their Union Bro
thers and get out of line now
and then. This Union is still a
brotherhood of the sea and it
wouldn't do any harm to reread
the Oath all bookmembers took
when they became members,
I hope all members have read
the article in the SEAFARERS
LOG of December 29th written
by Frenchy Michelet. Frenchy
did a god job of outlining the
duties of the men in the Stew
ards Department and how they
can operate their department
efficiently and economically. The
article, I understand, has been
well received by all who have
read it. I haven't heard from
J. P. Shuler yet.
One point more before signing
off. Men sailing tankers should
go after their Pumpman's en
dorsement as soon as they have
the necessary requirements. On
these ships the Pumpman is the
key man, and there always is a
need for good men .in this rat
ing. Right now the Union is
getting more and more tankers
under contract, and capable men
are needed for these jobs.
\\nien and if those fifty new cargo ships
approved by Congress ever come out, you'll
be seeing helicopters, torpedo tubes and
permanent guns, with the necessary per
sonnel to handle same—shades of the Armed
Guard!—They'll make twentytwo knots,
which is almost as fast as a Liberty can go.
. Congress has been urged by fifteen sea
faring Unions to defer active seamen from
military service—^but remember that no
action has been taken as yet. Be sure to
notify your local board every time you
change your address, quit a ship or board
another one. There have been a few cases
where men were sent notices of temporary
deferment, but were no longer using that
address, and as a result the deferment was
revoked. You can use the Union Hall as an
address only until you ship, then you must
notify the board of this change.
Even Einstein will have trouble with this
Dit of wisdom offered by Gov. Sherman
Adams of New Hampshire: "I believe if we
all would decide this year to give a half a
dollar more work for the dollar we receive
we would all come pretty near getting back
he half a dollar we are losing because our
dollars are only worth half as much.". . .
The House Merchant Marine Com|nittee,
investigafing the South Amboy blast which
killed thirtyfour workers, blamed everyone
including the Coast Gunrd for the disaster.
The report mentions companies, corpora
tions, and other inanimate bodies, but does
not mention living things.
If you are an alien and have not as yet
registered under the new alien registration
law, get the lead out of your britches and
do so. January tenth was supposedly the
deadline. Head for the nearest post office. . .
Two MC&S crews have asked the NMU to
take over their Union, according to Joe
Curran. Remember when the CMU, of which
the MC&S was a stalwart, was going to take
over the NMU, Joe? — That incidentally
should be a lesson to us. Watch your Union,
or one of these days you could have the
same thing happen to you.
Crew of the Catahoula wishes the rest
of the membership to realize that while you
are under quarantine, even if fired, you are
stili a member of the crew and shall per
form your duties as usual. . . . One of our
esteemed members was sitting at an oval
bar, across from a sweet looking gal, when
his wife walked in and batted him flush in
the head. When Charlie picked himself up
and asked what was the whack for, she said,
for sitting across the table from that woman,
you cheat—what an imagination! . . . Who
is the member frpm Boston that married a
Texas gal and is now wearing cowboy boots?
Is that what they meant all along,by "Bos
ton Cowboys."
This may be getting monotonous to some
of you, but it nevertheless is good durn ad
vice. Go up for higher endorsements if you
qualify. This is important to your future
welfare, both as an individual or Union
member. Bearin mind that there are certain
groups in this country who are opposed to
our way of life and thinking, who would
like an excuse to open training schools
where they could indoctrinate people with
their crummy ideas. The best excuse they
could have for such schools is a shortage of
rated men. You can prevent this shortage,
help fulfill our contractual obligations, in
crease your earning capacity, protect your
Union, which provides your wages and liv
ing conditions, and kill any idea that the
bureaucrats may have about opening train
ing schools, by going out for those higher
endorsements.
Aliens Must Register Under Security Act
All aliens residing in the Uni
ted States are now required to
report their current addresses to
the Immigration Commissioner
within 10 days after the first
of each year, in accordance with
the provisions of the Internal
Security Act of 1950.
The Act says that "every alien
who is required to register un
der the Alien Registration Act
of 1940 and who is residing in
the United States on January
1, 1951, and January 1 of any
succeeding, year, shall report his
current address to the Commis
sioner of Immigration and Na
turalization within 10 days of
such dates."
Forms for submitting the ad
dress report may be obtained at
any post office in the United
States.
Seamen aboard US ships on
January 1, are regarded as re
siding in the United States.
Alien members of the SIU
who were at sea during, the 10
day period for . reporting, are
urged to report to the nearest
post office as soon as they get
off their ships. After filling out
the forrtl, the seamen should
haiid it to a po^al clerk who
wiU'forward it' to the Immigra^
tion Commissioner.
Failure to file a report of cur
rent address can result in a fine
or imprisonment.
^e text of the notice as issued
by Immigration and Naturaliza
tion Service follows:
REQUIREMENTS
The Internal Security Act of
1950 provides that every alien
who is required to register under
the Alien Registration Act of
1940 and who is residing in the
United States on January 1, 1951,
and on January 1 of any suc
ceeding year, shall report his
qurrent address to the Commis
sioner of Immigration and Nat
uralization within. 10 days of
such dates. (See below, "How to
Report.")
In the case of any alien under
the age of 14 years, whose reg
istration under the Alien Regis
tration Act was applied for by a
parent or legal guardian, it will
be the responsibility of the par
ent or legal guardian to submit
the address report to the Com
missioner of Immigration and
Naturalization.
Failure to comply with the re
quirements of the Internal Se
curity Act relating to address
notification will, upon convic
tion, result in a fine or impris
onment or both.
WHO, MUST IMPORT
All ''aliens, Presiding, in the
United States on January 1, 1951,
except (1) aliens temporarily ad
mitted to the United States who
have not overstayed their auth
orized period of admission; (2)
sion has not yet expired and
who have not violated any of
the conditions of their admis
sion.
If your naturalization proceed
ings have not been completed
and you do net yet hold a Cer
tificate of Naturalization you are"
required to report.
IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBT
CONCERNING YOUR STATUS
AS AN ALIEN, SUBMIT AN
ADDRESS REPORT.
HOW TO REPORT
The Immigration and Natural
ization Service has prepared a
form for submitting the address
report. The Address Report Card
(Form 153) may be obtained at
any post office in the United
States. The Form 153 must be
filled out carefully and correctly.
Be sure to read the instructions
at the topof Form 153.
Be sure to indicate your alien
registration number. Your num
ber appears on your official reg
istration receipt card. If you
are a permanent resident, it is
prefixed by the letter "A." If
you are a visitor, use the num
ber on your Form 257a or Form
194, prefixed by, the letter "V'f
or, the letter "T," . , , , ,
Print, (in ink, prj dark or lip
delible pencil) the information
requested on the card, then sign
it. Be sure that the entries are
correct. Take the completed card
to any post office and hand it
it that the card is forwarded to
the Commissioner of Immigra
tion and Naturalization. DO NOT
MAIL THE ADDRESS REPORT
CARD.
It is very important that the
address report card is treated
with care. DO NOT BEND,
FOLD, CREASE, TEAR, OR IN
ANY WAY MUTILATE THE
CARD.
WHEN TO REPORT
Within 10 days after January
1, 1951, and during the same
period each year thereafter.
students whose period of admisjto a postal clerk who will see to
6et A Receipt
Every member making a
donation to the Union for
any purpose should receive
an official receipt bearing
the amount of the contribu
tion and the purpose for
which it was made.
If a Union official to whom
contribution is given does
not make out a receipt for
the money, the matter should
immediately be referred to ^
Paid Hall. SecretaryTreas
urer, SIU, 51 Beaver StreeL
I
In ,advising,t)iie Spcretaryt <
Treasurer of such transac .
tions, members should^ state
the name of the official and
the port where the money ^
was tenilered. ,
Fiidaj. J«Bu«]qr 12' 1251 THE SEAFARERS LOG
• • " .V'> . ' •
''Miffed'
.''f
QUESTION: In the previous issue of the SEAFARERS LOG, Frenchy Michelet
advanced some suggestions for improving Stewards Department efficiency. What do you
think of Brother Michelet's suggestions?
a DONOVAN. Steward:
I think the article contained
many excellent suggestions, in
zhaz it stressed cooperation with
in the department, and particu
larly between the Steward and
the Chief Cook. If these two
would get together and draw up
suitable menus based on the
meats and other foods actually*
oh hoard ship, it will do much
to promote shipborurd harmony
and cooperation. Of course, once
the menus have been drawn up.
it is up to the Chief Cook to
follow them, since the Steward
is the head of the department
and carries the responsibility.
JOSE VELASQUEZ. Steward: A. J. SINCLAIR. Steward: FRANK SORIANO. Steward: DeFOREST FRY. Steward:
Michelet's article in the pre
vious LOG on how Stewards can
make their job easier and more
efficient had many worthwhile
suggestions. It is my opinion
that as long as Stewards De
partment men work together,
nothing can go wrong. When
ever there is sincere cooperation
there is real brotherhood. I
'think that a Steward must know
each type of ship and the prob
lems arising on each of them,
so that he can lay out his work
properly. Conditions existing on
one vessel may not exist on an
other. It is the Steward's respon
sibility to see that the work is
laid out and followed.
I agree with the statement
made in the article referred to.
that the Steward and the Chief
Cook should work together in
setting up the menus in advance,
so that there can be a minimiim
of waste. The Steward, of course,
has the final say. but coopera
tion can produce good results.
Advance workingout of the
menus can utilize leftovers,
which, despite the sound of the
word, can be made into very
tasty meals. It's all in knowing
how. like seasoning, preparation
and so on. Efficiency is the thing
Stewards should work for. and
the article offers some good tips
on how to do it.
The Steward must get the full
cooperation of the Chief Cook
in order to get the most out of
the meats available. Menus are
not made from a book, but from
the stuff in the icebox. The
Steward, of course, is the head
of the department, and running
it is his job and responsibility,
but he should consult with the
Chief Cook on the menus and
other things that come up—^who
knows, he may get some new
ideEus or a fresh sleuit. And again,
working with the rest of the
department is one sure way of
making the whole department
run smoothly.
If Michelet's article increases
shipboard harmony—as I think
it will—U is a very worlhwhUe
effort.. If the article is read care
fully. and the suggestions fol
lowed. there will be more un
derstanding and more efficiency
in the Stewards Department and
in the other departments. Miche
let gave good advice on handling
of waste. Wasting or spoiling
foods is certainly not something
that can ultimately result in
more takehome pay. which is
cur constant objective. So we
should see that wastage on
SIU ships is put at an absolute
minimum. The Steward and
Chief Cook can work this out.
JOE MILLER. Ch. Steward: T. E. MAYNES. Stewaltl: GEORGE KITCHEN, Steward: W. GIRADEAU. Steward:
'V,
I have been going to sea for
35 years, during which time I
have sailed in every capacity in
the Stewards Department, and
Michelet's article contains the
best suggestions for Chief Stew
ards to follow thai I have seen
yet. If more material could be
added to this article, it would
serve as a wonderful guide for
the Stewards Depi^n^pL Since
food 'is rhe bitoest' mpt^ebuild
er aboard ship, I thixik \t sbduld
receive ' tdmditt'' atflehiion.
When I go aboard a ship X
bring the department together
to explain their duties to them
and wrsie* them to the best of
my ability. It pays off in smooth
running.
It is a gOod article for the
reason that crews that don't
know what the Steward is up
against are given the score com
pletely. Some crewmen think
that any little thing they don't
like should be tossed over the
side. This cannot be. To keep
the benefits of our present con
tracts and to improve them, we
must operate the galley as effi
ciently ' as ;^'ssible. .'By lettihb^
crews know wbai the ' vari<Jus'
fodds are ' ahd^ thd ^probleniS Of
psoviding good meals, the Stew
ard will be able to get greater
cooperation. If everyone on the
ships will understand the Stew
ard's problems. they will be bet
ter ships.
Michelet's article had swell
ideas — the thing is to follow
them. If the Steward will sit
down with the Chief Cook and
work out menus for several
days, so that the meat can be
properly butchered, it will make
the work easier for the Cook,
insure the men of wellplanned
meals and cut down on wastage.
Such a meeting needn't take*
more j^hc^fan^a^half.
The Steward, ma^ehtally. should
go into thC mealbox' ̂ ith the
Cook to see just what meats are
there and in what quantity, so
his menus will n^^t call for meats
that are not available. Saving fat
for lard is a good idea«<you get
better sauces and graeies.
The suggestions made in the
Michelet article in the last LOG
were logical and practical. If
they were carried out to the
letter, a good deal of confusion
would be eliminated and. natur
ally, the shipboard efficiency of
the Stewards Department would
be increased. Because of the na
tnifej p{ iif fl^^ Stew
ard% Department gehs praclicpjly
every kind ^ kidcthai is made.
The functions of a Steward are
numerous and he has plenty of
opportunity to improve opera
tions. To do this he must work
at it. MicheM's article might
help him to do this.
PETE KING. Steward:
I think Michelet's article is
timely. I think that, the more
attention that is devoted to the
problems of the Steward and
his department, the smoother the „
whole ship will run. Actually,
the problems of the Steward
finally affect everyone aboard the
vessel. Michelet has put every
thing down in simple, straight
forward' comdiohsense language
(aid it would'pay every' SteW^d^
• ^ik ~fact. every' Wl^Vmanilfo
read his suggestions carefully.
If his suggestions are followed,
1 think a lot of problems in
feeding will be eliminated and
Stewards Department efficiency
will be increased.
Page Eight THE SEAF AREmS LOG Friday, January 12, 1951
Grill, Lounge, Showers Top
Miorana's New Hall Ideas
Indicative of the interest being shown by the mem
bership throughout the District in the New Headquarters
building is the letter received from a New Orleans Sea
farer this week. telephone booths so a
member can place a call without
rimning all over town."
For the reading room he sug
gests a complete display of mag
azines and newspapers, and in
the reading room, stocked with
abundant stationery would be
an instrument to give out with
that most elusive of all — the
postage stamp.
' Those are the Brother's sug
gestions, and it looks like he's
readying himself for some com
fortable hours on the beach if
he hits New York.
What are your ideas?
Ponce Seafarers At Shipmates' Funeral Rites
Brother Vic Miorana, writ
ing from New Orleans, offers his
suggestions for facilities in the
new building that would be
"beneficial to the Union as an
organization and the membership
as individuals." Typical of the
close attention being given the
new setup by the members,
Miorana outlines his ideas for
mMftlng the new Headquarters
offices a complete apparatus.
Several of the suggestions em
bodied in his letter have already
been offered by members and in
corporated in the plans, such as
a restaurant and bar for hungry
and thirsty men of the sea.
Speaking of the bar, Moriana
notes: "Seamen look for the
nearest tavern to meet old
friends and to down a few cold
Crewmembers of the MV Ponce flank the coffin of the lale Ernesto Gonzalez, who was
killed by a hitandrun driver while ashore in Port Everglades, Fla. From left to right: P.
Miranda, F. Larrauri, G. Meirtinez, F. Singleton, Captain Owens, S. Crespo, R. Goxizalez, R.
Vargas, E. Tonto, P. Torres, R. Rivera, L. Carbone, J. Ayeda, G. Gonzalez, E. Erazo, L. Medina,
M. Cortez, E. Aharey, D. Solis, J. Collados and J. Vega.
Sepulveda Quits
Bachelordom; Wed
To Sao Paulo Miss Ernesto Gonzalez Killed By Hit-Runner
In Florida Port; Was Veteran Seafarer
Ernesto Gonzalez, who was killed by a hitandrun driver on the Federal High
way in Port Everglades, Fla., on November 6, has been laid to rest in a Salines, Puerto
Rico cemetery, according to a letter received'from his shipmates aboard the MV Ponce.
ones, so we should install a
neat bar and cocktail lounge
where a member can bring his
better half or girl friend." Right,
Brother, and so ordered.
Continuing, Miorana feels that
the building could do well in
incorporating additional services
to the membership under one
roof. For instance, he suggests:
"Rent out a certain section of
the building, or if insurance
regulations prohibit this, operate
on" a profitsharing basis such
installations as a barber shop,
oneday laundry service, a sec
tion of coin lockers, and a sec
SS Abiqua Crew
Votes Donation
To Hank's Fund
The fund set up to benefit the
infant daughter and elderly par
Ifcents of "Cut and Rxm" Hank,
^ weUknown Seafarer who died
last fall was swelled by $25 this
week through a donation made
by the crew of the SS Abiqua.
The crew of the Abiqua, as
i; reported in the shipboard min
I utes of December 26, voted 100
• percent to donate the money
^ from the ship's fund. The min
utes reported the occurence and
I stated, "the membership, of the
S i^iqua takes pleasure in donat
ing to this fine cause."
"Cut and Run" Hank, whose
real name was Henry Pieketow
J ski, for several years prior to
his death wrote a column of
humor and Seafarer chitchat
K for the SEAFARERS LOG.
The ranks of the bachelors
aboard ships sailing out of the
Gulf for South American ports
continues to thin out.
Latest of the Seafarers to sign
matrimonial articles is Brother
Edmundo G. Sepulveda, who was
married to Miss Terezinha Bruno
in Sao Paulo, Brazil, recently.
Among those present at the
wedding ceremony were mem
bers of the crew of the SS Del
Sud, on which Sepulveda sails
as Printer.
Following the ceremony, a re
ception was held at the bride's
home. Later, the guests attended
an informal dance, given in hon
or of the occasion.
A veteran Seafarer, Gonzalez*
had been a member of the SIU
since July 3, 1940. He joined the
Seafarers in the Port of New
Orleans, where he received Book
No. 184. He sailed in the Deck
Department and was Deck Main
tenance on the Ponce.
Gonzalez, who was 41 years
old, also served in the US Armed
Forces and saw action in the
last war, the Ponce crewmen
said.
General Praises SIU Crew
For Snappy Troop Loading:
High praise for its job in support to American forces
currently fighting in Korea was given the SIU crew of
the SS Robin Goodfellow recently by the commanding
general of the 7th Infantry Division.
The Goodfellow, currently ufi*
der charter to the Military Sea
Transport Service, was assigned
to c^ry xmits of the 7th Divi
sion to the port of Wonsan, far
north on the eastern coast of
Korea. In carrying out the ope
ration, the Commanding Gen
eral praised the crew for doing
its job with a "maximum of ef
ficiency" and being of "material
assistance in the accomplishment
of the mission."
The praise was delivered to
the crew in a letter from Major
General David Barr, command
ing officer of the 7th Division,
whose letter is as follows:
"I should like to express my
appreciation to you, yom* offi
cerSj .and .l^e members of your
crew for your outstanding as
sistance and close cooperation
during the embarkation of the
7th Infantry Division on the Ro
bin Goodfellow during the first
week of September, 1950.
"The successful embarkation
of the 7th Infantry Division on
your vessel was largely due to
the assistance rendered our em
barkation officers in promptly
loading yom: ship within the re
quired time and with a maxi
mum of efficiency. This assist
ance involved continuing long
hours of "hard work until the
ship was ready to sail. The ef
forts of you and your ship!a com
pany were of material assistance
in the accomplishment of the
mission of the 7th Infantry Di
vision.
"David G. Barr
"Maj. Gen., USA
"Commanding"
The GoodfeUow has since re
turned to the. West Coast and
is once more in the Pacific area.
Delegates aboard the ship dur
ing the Wonsan action were: B.
Llanez, Ship's Delegate; G. Her
man, Deck Delegate; Ed Barron,
Engine Delegate, and Joe Gam
blich. Stewards Delegate.
All hands were present at the
funeral services, which were
held in Port Everglades, from
where the body was shipped to
Puerto Rico for bmrial.
The Ponce crew's letter said
that the men wished "to ex
press appreciation to Captain
Joseph Owens, Master of the
Ponce, for his understanding as
sistance in arranging the fun
eral service for Brother Gon
zalez . . . and for his attempt
to bring a measure of security
to his widow."
Brother Gonzalez, the Ponce
crew said, is survived by his
wife and three children of Sa
lines.
News of Gonzalez' untimely
death, which apparently came as
he attempted to cross the high
way at about 11:45 AM, cast
gloom over the ship.
Crewmembers took up a col
lection which was turned over
to his family. "May we, through
the LOG, extend to the surviving
members of his family our deep
est sympathy."
Voice Of Oke Sea
By "SALTY DICK'
Greetings from New Orleans!
Del Dean has quit a ship to
remain at home with the Mrs.
and his newlyarrived heir . . .
Congratulations to Bill Champlin
on the new edition of his Mar
Log, shipfloard newspaper—^He's
one man who can't be idle either.
Steve Silvestrin worked on a
Delta passenger ship for two
years and then he boarded her
as a passenger to go home to
Brazil . . . Stanley Hawkins on
the Del Sud but Uncle Sam may
give another job soon . . . Vin
cent Chavez, Baker, will send
anyone his hot cake recipe if
you send him a selfaddressed
envelope.
Pretty soon the, wedding bells
will ring for bid bachelor Al
fredo Duarte, down in Santos,
Brazil . . . Many took chanced
on the Argentine lottery but
none like Nicky Bastes. Some
day he'll hit the jack pot and
then settle down in Buenos Aires
. . Who was the Third Cook
who went ashore in BA wearing
a straw hat and a heavy over
coat?
Tage Nilssen walking around
minus his big stomach. He claims
he lost it by working in the
engine room . . . Whenever you
see a fire cracker go off you
can bet your last dollar Candella
is around . . . Moses Milano wor
ried sick over his falling hair.
He tries everything that is sug
gested to him. Last time I saw
him he was eyeing the toupe on
a store window dummy. ,
I hear it's easier to get a call
through from Buenos Aires to
New Orleans, than it is from
BA to a spot in the Argentine
interior.
By the time you read this,
Charlie Bradley sliould be on
the Del Sud heading for BA.
Charlie has bought more shoes
in Argentina than anyone I
know . . . Max Fabricant telling
me where to go for a good fried
oyster dinner. • ,
w
V''#• • • • • •
Friday, January 12, 1951 TttE SEAFARERS LOG Page Nine
r
Digested Minutes Of SiU Ship Meetings
DEL NORTE, Nov. 26—Chair^
man. Bill Higgs; Secrelar^
Lewis. Delegates reported on
situations in their departments.
Ship's Treasurer reported $208.36
in fund. Athletic Director report
ed that crew should buy cheap
balls for use on deck, and save
the good ones for the baseball
games in BA. Suggestion made
that football pool be organized,
with a share of the proceedings
going to defray the expenses of
, the ship's newspaper. Sugges
tion made that members donate
something toward Christmas din
ner for the Brothers on the
beach.
X % i
SEAMAR, Dee. i — Chairman,
Larry Savior; Secretary, John
Fish. Delegates reported all in
order, except Engine Department
which has 2 hours of disputed
overtime for delayed sailing. Mo-
tion carried to turn in all repair
lists before the ship reaches
Panama. Vote of thanks given
Stewards Department for splen-
did quality of food and service.
z. i. S.
PAOLI, Dec. 2—Chairman, C.
Peters; Secretary, R. Lapointe.
Motion carried to reimburse
Ship's Delegate for cab fare to
Quebec and purchase of records.
Ship's Delegate to see if water
tanks will be cleaned out.
t X *
CLAIBORNE, Nov. 1—Chair
man, Grimes; Secretary, J. Fer
reira. Delegates reported no
beefs. Ship's fund stands at
$57.50. Motion carried for Dele
gates to check stores. Steward
asked to order new mattresses.
Suggestion made that crew back
Steward in getting stores; Dele
gates to be notified if there is a
shortage in stores.
i X X
AZALEA CITY, Dec. 19 —
Chairman, George Leideman;
Secretary, D. Clark. Ship's Dele-
gate spoke about late sailing
overtime dispute. Bosun warned
crew against throwing cigarette
butts out of messhall porthole
and putting feet on chairs.
XXX
ABIGUA, Nov. 5 — Chairman,
Julius Moore; Secretary, K.
Steinberg. Delegates reported
number of books and permits in
their departments. Each depart
ment asked to take turns in
cleaning passageways. Ship's
Delegate reported crew happy
over pay increase, and asked
crew to fill out Seafarers Wel
fare Plan beneficiary cards in
Lake Charles.
MS:
iVH YOU Sie/MFP YOU/?
BENEFICIARY CARD
/er ? ASK FOR THEM
AT SiGNO/^S ,4N1>
FAYOFPS, OR AT
THE A/EAREST
OH\ON HALL.. IT IS
IMRPRMNT THAT^v^Rf
NAN F/aoA/Eoi;r,i£>
\tevrTossieLF
martHa
lAiMS ;N THE'
D
i kFOTi/AE"
the poor service by Messmen.
Steward promised to personally
supervise mealserving. Electri
cian agreed to overhaul motor
on washing machine, and give
a report on its condition at the
next meeting.
XXX
KATHRYN, Dec. 17 —Chair
man, A. Ogindo: Secretary, A.
MacDonald. Delegates reported
no beefs. Motion carried to have
emergency panels replaced, as
during the war. MacDonald re
minded the crew that the men
should vote during the ship's
stay in New York, as the next
time will be too late. Steward
asked men to take only fair
share of fruit. Crew asked to
cooperate in keeping laundry
room cleaner.
XXX
OLYMPIC GAMES, Dec. 3 —
Chairman, Stanley Stigen; Sec
retary, A1 DeForest. Delegate re
ported a Cook had paid off and
a new one was being fiown down
from New York. Engine Dele
gate reported dispute concerning
unequal division of overtime on
breaking of sea watches in port.
The Galley Utility was thanked
for his fine work during the nine
days the ship was in port.
X X x' '
STEEL DESIGNER, Nov. 25—
Chairman, S. Beames; Secretary,
Hector Conrad. Delegates report
ed number of books and per
mits in their departments. Dele
gates elected for all departments.
Complaints registered concerning
XXX
GOVERNMENT CAMP, Dec.
14—Chairman, H. A. Luhrs; Sec
retary, H. Goodiried. Delegates
reports accepted. Treasurer re
ported $50.22 in ship's fund after
magazine subscriptions had been
purchased. Motion carried that
Ship's Delegate see Captain about
making up payroll to the day
the ship docks, in the future.
XXX
BALTORE, Nov. 13 — Chair
man, C. Kemp; Secretary, M.
Bunker. Motion carried that food
stores on Ore ships be improved.
Motion carried to send a letter
to delegates of all ships asking
their cooperation on working for
better food. Steward promised
that the night lunch would be
improved in the future.
XXX
ROBIN MOWBRAY, Dec. 3—
Chairman, J. Buzelewski; Sec
retary, A. Baum. Delegates re
ported some disputed overtime
in each department. New library
to be put aboard before next
trip, Poor quality of night lunch
'to be "taken Up with Port Stew
I ... 1 "
ard.
XXX
ANNISTON CITY, Nov. 29 —
Chtdrman, Lanier; Secretary,
Jolws Fisher. Delegates' reports
accepted. Steward thanked for
the fine meals his department
has put out during trip. Discus
sion on Captain's hostile attitude,
which is in sharp contrast to
the attitude of the rest of the
officers. A warning given to gas
hounds to straighten up.
XXX
BENTS FORT, Nov. 12—Chair
man, Manuel Joao; Secretary,
Thomas Caffrey. Delegates re
ported on books and permits in
their departments. Delegates dis
cussed the privileges of white
card men. Delegate asked to
speak to the Patrolman about
getting more than the 120 quarts
of milk now issued.
XXX
DEL VALLE, Nov. 12—Chair
man, Fred Shaia; Secretary, Leo
nard Munna. Delegate reported
the failure of the Chief Engin
eer to install the fans that were
promised. Discussion on manner
to be used for distributing books
and playing cards. Suggestion to
donate money to the boys at
Fort Stanton tabled until next
meeting.
XXX
COUNCIL GROVE, Nov. 27 —
Chairman, E. Callahan; Secre
ttiry, G, Abundo. Delegates re
ported repairs not yet taken care
of. Crew voted to continue pools,
sale of cokes and fines in order
to increase ship's fund. Discus
sion, on reimbursing Brother for
the use of his films and film
equipment. Crew was asked to
keep phonograph covered when
not in use, so as to prevent dust
and moisture from ruining it.
Port Steward and Steward get
together.
XXX
SEATRAIN HAVANA, Dec. 16
—Chairman, Seay; Secretary, W.
Cahill. Delegates reported no
beefs. Steward asked to find out
if he can get buttermilk as weU
as sweet milk. Crew letter writ
ten to ask company to dock
ship in Texas City on Christmas
Day, if possible.
» » »
GATEWAY CITY, Dec. 16 —
Chairman, L. Collins; Secretary,
B. Rosaw. Delegates reported on
number of books and permits in
their departments. Motion car
ried that the three delegates get
together and check stores com
ing aboard. Steward promised to
correct food situation, otherwise
crew will ask for a new Stew
ard.
XXX
JULESBERG, Dec. 19—Chair
man, Joe Bums; Secretary, John
Caporale. Delegates reported all
smooth. Steward reported that
Captain would not let him order
fruit juices. Fireman reported
1st Assistant hit him when he
complained about the lack of
pressure in the boilers. Captain
said he is calling in the Coast
Guard when the ship hits port.
XXX
ALCOA CORSAIR, Dec. 17 —
Chairman, M. Costello; Secretary,
J. Roberts. Delegates reports ac
cepted. Motion carried to com
mend Cooks for good work. Re
pair list made up and approved.
XXX
BRADFORD ISLAND, Dec. 13
—Chairman, H. Benson; Secre
tary, H. Swann. Motion carried
to take repair list to Chief En
gineer and see what can be done
now. Motion made to repair
messhall chairs.
reported everything running
smoothly. Each man urged to
present a repair list to the dele
gate of his department to insure
a complete repair list being turn
ed in at end of trip.
XXX
ALCOA PENNANT. Dec. 12—
Cheurman, Edward Fields; Secre
tary, J. Stringfellow. Delegates
reports accepted. Motion carried
to buy a new washing machine
in Canada. Warning giyen to
crewmembers who might foul up
when ship hits port.
XXX
FORT HOSKINS, Dec. 22 —
Chairman, Frank Throp; Secre
tary, Alfred Gregory. Delegates
reported ship running smoothly.
Motion carried to send in ap
plications for Coast Guard pass
and to notify Union of crew's
action.
XXX
YAIU^, Dec. 19—Chairman, C.
Magnan; Secretary, A. Gonzales.
Delegates reported all running
smoothly. Motion carried to hold
meeting on day of payoff with
Patrolman in attendance.
X XX
LAKE GEORGE, Dec. 2 —
Chairman, John Parsons; Secre
tary, George Fargo. Delegates re
ported no beefs; reported on
number of books and permits in
their departments. Disr ̂ i.^lcn on
what can be done to improve
food. Suggested that Patrolman,
XXX
SALEM MARITIME, Dec. 22—
Chairman, Ray Arnold; Secre
tary, George Smith. Delegates re
ported number of books and per
mits in their departments. De
partments reported total of 11
hours of overtime. Suggestion
made to buy an iron and board
from the ship's fund. Members
asked to discuss their problems
with the delegates and not the
department heads.
XXX
OREMAR, Dec. 24—Chairman,
C. Gibbs; Secreteiry. L. Reeves.
Delegates reported no disputed
overtime. Motion carried to see
Patrolman in regards to Deck
Department standby overtime.
Discussion on keeping quarters
clean and on importance of mak
ing up a repair list. Cooks given
a vo*te of thanks for improve
ment in food over last trip.
XXX
ARCHERS HOPE. Dec. 17 —
Chairman, S. Emerson; Secretary,
Sidney Lipschilz. Motion carried
that all delegates get together
and see Steward about taking on
supplies in England. Motion car
ried to set up fines for men who
miss meetings.
XXX
TRINITY, Nov. 15—Chairman,
M. Lorenzo; Secreleury, Pete Pia
scik. Delegates reported number
of books and permits in their de
partments. Steward suggested
donations be made to build up
ship's fund.
XXX
WILLIAM CABRUTH, Dec. 12
—Chairman. Frank Goaxin; Sec
retary, John Stefanik. Delegates
XXX
SEA WIND. Dec. 20—Chairman.
J. Reisbeck; Secretary, E. Boyd.
Steward reported thaat ship is
running short of supplies because
trip has been longer than ex
pected. Motion carried that Un
ion be advised of poor mail serv
ice to Korea.
AFOUNDRIA,^Di. 13—Chair,
man, J. Harners; Secretary, J.
Higham. Delegates reported no
beefs. Motion carried to give
Steward's Department a vote of
thanks for fine work and coope
ration given the crew. Motion
carried to keep the white table
cloths clean.
BINGHAMTON VICTORY,
Dec. 2 — Chairman, Ray White;
Secretary. P. Fernandez. Dele
gates reported a few hours of
overtime in each department.
Delegates instructed to draw up
a list of needed repairs in their
departments.
COE VICTORY,^ Nov. 26 —
Chairman, Pat Fox; Secretary,
W. Flaherty. Delegates' reports
accepted. Motion carried that
the Patrolman give a couple of
topsiders a hearttoheart talk.
Ship's Delegate suggested that
the new crew purchase a wash
ing machine, as the present one
is worn out. Crew reminded to
take care of equipment. Ship's
Delegate informed men that
whatever ship they get on in the
future headed for the war zone,
they should see that there are
sufficient stores aboard.
CITY OF^ALMA (Date not
given) — Chairman, C. Wilson;
Secretary, Walter Wise. Dele
gates reported on the number of
books and permits in their de
partments. Motion carried to
present the Skipper with a wrist
watch. Steward to collect money
from each man and buy watch
in Japan; the balance of the
money to be donated to the
LOG.
' X X X
PAOLI, Dec. 16 Chairman,
John E. Mitchell; Secretary,
Charles Peters. Delegates report
ed no beefs. Ship's Delegate re
ported that all crewmembers
should hold onto their seamen's
(Continued on Page 12)
Winter Hill Breezes Along
In True Seafarers
En Route To liidia
Style
m-
To the Editor:
This is my first ietter to the
LOG and I know that you will
agree that it is for a very good
purpose. I want to thank the
organizers and patrolmen ashore
wjho have beep . making the
Cities Service ships religiously
for the past year.
.I'm on the SS Winter Hill,
running between Philly and
Lake Charles, and there isn't a
trip that goes by that we have
not had the Patrolman to come
down and meet us. On Christ
mas Day we had Steve Cardullo
on the ship to square our beefs
and get us a fast payoff, when
he could have been with his
wife and kids on this Holiday.
Then, there is Keith Terpe on
the Lake Charles end of the
line who makes the ship at all
hours of the night giving com
petition to Steve Cardullo and
Don Hall in Philly.
REAL SIU
As to the setup on the SS
Winter Hill at present I can say
that she now has the. earmarks
of being a real SIU ship. At
present we have as Skipper the
former Chief Mate, E. Monoghan,
who is a bangup Mate and a
good joe. This trip to Philly
we wUl pick up our regular
Captain, A. B. Schermer, who
is rejoining the ship after a
weU deserved vacation.
The Chief Engineer and the
black gang are okay, too. The
only guy on here who has been
trying to give us a bad time is
the relief Chief Mate who is as
phony as one of those Japanese
cuckoo clocks that they try to
heist on you in Yokohama. But
our troubles wUl be over when
k
Readers Ask
MarLog Writer
To Continue Yarn
TQ the Ediloz:
Please mail the LOG to my
home address so that I'll have
several to read on my trips there.
I very seldom get to read one
aboard ship until it's weeks old
and it has been passed aU over
the ship.
If you have a LOG of Novem
ber 10, please mail me that is
sue also.
Pm trying to write a story for
. cur LOG each trip, or rather I
should say our shipboard news
paper, the MarLog, published
by the crew of the SS Del Mar.
The articles are called "A Stew
ardess Goes Shopping."
So many have liked it that
they have asked me to continue
them, which I hope to do. The
articles, of course, wiU concern
the ports at which we stop,
j I wish to thank the LOG edi
t\)k Ui ?l|kmg; Story enough
to, publish it in the JToveniber
10 issud. ilbping ^ir&iy' Mother
and Sister members will enjoy
the efforts I so humbly make
toward adding good fellowship
and goodwiil wherever the SEA
FARERS LOG is read.
RoMlie
he piles off this trip in Philly.
In the Steward's Department
we have Mike Michalik, Chief
Cook, who is knocking out the
chow in true SIU style. The
Steward, M. Marcus, who is a
good joe, is trying his best to
get decent stores aboard and
make this tub the best feeder
in the Cities Service Fleet.
Outside of the Bosun and the
Steward we have 100 percent
SIU men in the unlicensed per
sonnel aboard.
Closing this letter I wish to
again thank all those who help
ed bring the Cities Service ships
under the SIU banher and to
wish them all a Happy and
Prosperous New Year for they
stire deserve it. I remain
Joel Anderson
Among the Seafarers aboard the Alcoa Puritan when she
left New York on December 29 were the gaUey men shown
above. Left to right: Sam Howard, Nathan Dixon, Gladstone
Ford, William Smothers, Leroy Williaims, Rufus Carrington and
James Armstrong.
*
The Puritan's photographer, Juan Colpe, caught this trio
of Deck Department men as they were turning to on some
prevoyage tasks. The lads are, left to right, Clemente Flores,
Bosun; Emilio Sierra, OS, and Luther Myrex, DM.
Brother Dishes
To Competent
Out Praise
Galley Men
To the Editor:
Here is a little item I would
appreciate having run in the
LOG as food for thought. It is
in regard to the efficient job
being done by the best maritime
union in the world, namely our
own Union, the SIU.
Thanks to our shoreside ̂
ficials, we are enjoying the best
conditions of any Union ashore
or afloat as a result of their
competency in negotiations of
contracts.
But to be efficient in keeping
up the good reputation of our
Union, one must have a well
nourished body and that's where
a good Stewards Department
comes in. A wellfed crew is a
happy crew.
BEST ANYWHERE
We have in the SIU the best
Cooks and Bakers to be found
anywhere, and yet one can al
ways find a few that will con
tinue to beef about the food; and
|;he 'Way it Is haridlfed.'
'flon't forget the niembers' oi
the Stewards Department are
also Union members and our
Brothers. Give them praise when
it is due, for then they are happy
and they will keep us all happy
by taking more interest in the
feeding and when the SIU is
happy the commies are un
happy—and all is well.
John (Scotiy) Clark
SS Del Sud
Goldman Gets
Big SendOff
From Shipmates
To the Editor:
I regret at this time to inform
the crewmembers of the SS
Puerto Rico that this trip we
are losing a very fine member
of the Black Gang, Kenneth P.
Goldman.
He has been on this ship for
13 months and has earned for
himself the righest respect of
all, including the Engineers. Per
sonaUy, I sailed with him in the
fireroom for four trips, and he
impressed me so much that
deem it a privilege to sit down
and append a few words of
praise for him. ^
Kenny was an ideal worker
and it's impossible to find a
better shipmate. For a yoimg
man of only 23 years, he was
very mature and not the least
bit conceited. I am sure that he
will be missed greatly by the
men in the Engine Department.
Joseph (Paddy) Farrell
Capable Cantlgny Crewmen
'' The dities Seihiic4 ' tUttkbi bWas<s' ;a fii'sltafef
SIU 'cc^W^ Itdz^ itV ibme'of'ike idcte't^ponsible' ihe'^bip'
shape condition of the vesseL Kneeling, left to right: J. Ara
basz, MM; E. Celkos, AB; T. Daly, AB; M. Muniz, Wiper.
Standing: J. Kovachic, QS; V. Williamson, Oiler; J. Trudeau,
AB; J, Nortisi J, gterlsnci Al; J. Anido; FWTj Sd MosakdwgkL
DM. Standing behind lift ring is ̂ Kxug. Photo by
salves, .BR. .
Draft Article !
Hit Bull's Eye, .
SIU Dad Declares
To the Editor:
I want to congratulate you on."
your stand in the article, "End
Draft Confusion, SIU Tells Dr^t
Board," as this article will be an
eye opener to many an exsea
man—and . there are many—who
read this article.
It was right to the point, and
the thing to do is give it to'
them straight from the shoulder, ^
otherwise our seamen are not
going to get any recognition at
aU from the new draft act,.
which is now being written in
Washington.
Frankly, 1 think that Public
Law 87, as of the 78th Congress,
should be reinstated, setting up
a discharge procedure for every
seaman, and thus in black and
white, when a man serves his
time in foreign sailing he should
be exempt.
Now I know that the American
Legion and the VFW are fighting
any recognition for seamen and
thus our organization of the SIU
should get busy on this matter.
If the proper sources of the
SIU will contact the Hon. Lyn,
don B. Johnson of Armed Ser.
vices Committee, along with thflj
Hon. William M. Colmer, Hon. '
Tom Connally and otheVs, I;
think we wUl get action on this [
in the January session of Con
gress. The seamen's organiza '
tions must not faU on this deal
for the present draft act, accord ̂
ing to information I have re
ceived, is to be conceived for a
10year basis and surely our.
seamen deserve a setup the same '
as Public Law 87.
Those holding Certificates of
Continuous Service as signed by '
President Truman from 1946 to
1948; inclusive, should have ex ,
emption and a definite program
as imder the above law worked
out to protect our seamen who •
carry, supplies to our armed
forces. '
Why am I interested? I have
a son who is a member of the '
SIU and proud of it, and so the '
above recommendation for what
ever it is worth in the effort to .
help our'seamen.
T. J. McGill
Vernon, T^xu
New Seafarers Thank
ILA Men For Strike Aid
To the Editor:
In view of our appreciation o#
the recent action qf the Jong
shoremen of Chester, Pa., we,
the crew of the recentlyorgan
ized vessel SS Southern Cities,
would like you to "print in the
SEAFARERS LOG a vote of
thanks to these men for their
aid in our very successful strike
held in Chester, Pa., on Mon
day, Nov. 20. ., y ^
don't know the number of "t^e .
We regret the fact. that!
ifA Local there, biii I kmi'if 'it
is necessary, our PhUadelphia
Agent, Steve Cardullo, will be
more than glad to give yoir any
further details. .
Bob Brown
• i' 88 Southern CiHes;
• • ii.#;
• 4;.
Friday. JTanuaxy 12> 1951 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Eleven
1
m>: •
mr
Just Befpre The Trip Started Nothing Wrong With The Steel Fabricator
Except Ports Of Call, Sprano Observes
J. E. Bell, ship's treasurer aboard the Archer's Hope,
turned to with his camera as the CS tanker prepared for the
run to the Persian Gulf. Here he shows (left to right) Joe
Selby, AB; Tony Tosado, DM; C. Wiggins, OS; Red Bowe, DM,
and Red O'Roiuke. Wiggins and Bowe paid off before ship
started out, "but we all miss them," says Bell.
BEEF SETTLEMENT
ON DEL MUNDO
SCORES BIG HIT
To the Editor:
We, the crew of the SS Del
Mundo, thank and praise Paul
Warren and Buck Stephens for
the efficient way they handled
a beef on this ship.
From the time the beef was
mailed into 'the New Orleans
Hall, to the time it was settled
in the commissioner's office, i
was a remarkable job. It took
poise and experierice, which
were certainly not lacking in
Paul and Buck.
As long as we have men of the
caliber pf Paul and Buck there
heed not be any worry or any
obstacles to stand in the way of
a greater SIU.
Signed by 14 crewmembers
SS Del Mundo
Tony Tosado was on the
job when Brother Bell's cam
era came his way again.
Send 'Em In
Don't hold your pictures
and stories of shipboard acti
vities. Mail them to the Sea
farers Log, 51 Beaver St.,
New York 4, N. Y. If you
haven't the time or don't feel
in the mood, just forward de
tails. We'll do the rest. Pic
tures will be returned if you
wish.
Yalentis Spread Cheer
In New Orleans Hospital
To the Editor:
Would you please put a no
tice in the LOG regarding the
cindness shown to SIU mem
bers in the New Orleans Marine
lospital by Mr. and Mrs. Pete
Valenti at Christmas time.
The Valentis distributed gifts
and goodwishes, which I am
sure were deeply appreciated by
all who were recipients of their
generosity.
George Harding
To the Editor:
I never had the time to write
to the LOG about a trip before
but since I had to get off my
ship, the Steel Fabricator, to
take my physical for the Army,
I have plenty of time as they
found out I'm 4F.
Well enough of that. My trip
to India aboard the Isthmian
scow was more exciting. The
ship itself was a very clean one.
The Steward was a sixfoot
five stump jiunper who came
from New Orleans. Higgenbot
tom is his name. And he has a
heart as big as he is himself.
Any guy who would give a crew
seedless grapes and chocolate
milk every chance he had is
okay. His grub was darn close
to that of the Waldorf.
The Chief Mate is another
king, but his nam'e is R. K. Wing.
If you ever sail under him treat
him square, as he is one of those
chiefs who appreciate a gO'Od
crew.
We left the States in August
and hit Beirut first, where the
boys got some liquid sea stores.
Then off to Alexandria, where
we gave the guides a hard time,
so hard they didn't take any
money out of us. So one of them
tries to pick my pocket. I guess
they are still trying to straighten
his neck.
Then we headed east through
the Ditch, but not until Joe Mur
phy got a few skins out of the
boys. Jedda and Jibuti are places
"Tex" (left) Fireman, and C. Greenwood, Chief Electrician,
lean on the Steel Fabricator's rail and turn on smiles for the
camera of Brother Sprano.
to talk about but not to go to,
especially if you're Jewish, in
which case they might try to
j part your toupe from your shoul
ders. Jibuti is where they get
their longshoremen from the
woods. They're still wearing the
bones in their noses, and they
have that soup pot look in their
eyes.
After we caught a few sharks
we picked up the hook and
headed further east. Karachi was
good. We stayed there three
hours. Bombay is as dry as a
camel after eight days. If that
isn't dry enough then get the
back of an unlicked postage
stamp.
Colombo and Madras must be
places where the Captain sends
back a post card to the company
to let them know that the ship
is still afloat. At last we hit Cal
cutta. Ah! It was a sad day
when we left, as the buzzards
lost a good meal. We arrived
back in the States in November
all safe and sound—an act of
God was performed.
Cornelius (Conn) Sprano
Brother Sprano holds one of the Fabricator's monkey
passengers, while his fellowtravellers peer out from their
accommodations in the rear.
Report On Israeli Ships 'Distorted,' Says Unionist;
Conditions Due To Poor Representation, SIU Man Finds
Dons Khaki, Seeks
Mail From Shipmate
To the Editor:
I entered the Army, on No
vember 20 and so will not be
going to sea for awhile. Will you
please send the LOG to me while
I'm in the Army. I joined the
Union in March 1945 and hav€|
Book No. 40856.
I'd appreciate it if some of my
old shipmates would drop me
a line. I hope to get out jn 21
months so that I can go back
to sea.
Thanks a lot, I'll drop over to
see the new New York Hall
when I get a chance.
Ret. Lewis P. Talarvini
Co. I, 39th Inf. Reg'i
Fort Dix, N. J. ^
Aids Science
To the Editor:
Kindly put us on your mail
ing list. In return we Will gladly
mail you our periodical, which
might give you an idea of what's
going on in our union.
In your newspaper (SEAFAR
ERS LOG) of September 1, 1550,
there appeared a letter written
by Walter Blazer, describing con
ditions on an Israeli ship. A se
quel was promised, but unfor
tunately that was the only num
ber of your newspaper that fell
into my hands, so I can only
dwell on the first ^art of tjie
letter. : \
' It is not iaiij', jn my opiniph.J
to describe conditions on a par
ticular ship which had just been
taken over by the Israeli crew.
(Blazer described a voyage to
Haifa of a vessel thai was taken
over by an Israeli crew in Can
ada. Blazer, a retired Seafarer,
was aboard the ship—^Ed.)
By doing so a distorted picture
is given to your readers who
might justly think that this is
our standard on Israeli ships.
Our conditions in general com
pare favorably with those in any
progressive maritime country,
taking even under consideration
the fact that our shipping in
dustr;^ is the youngest in the
world.
Not knowing exactly the rou
tine of Israeli ships, it is strange
to compare them with the SIU
ships and to point up our ap
parent inequities.
; Blazer should have written his
iettqr. after learning thoroughly
ithe , conditiohs of, ppfk existing
on Israeli flag ships. His im
pressions then would have been,
more exact.
Dan Giland
Israeli Seamen's Union
Haifa, Israel
To the Editor:
The sequel mentioned in the
I letter above never reached the
LOG office because it was lost
in the mails qnroute from Is
rael. In answer to the letter,
however, I would like to inform
the writer and the LOG's readers
that I boarded more than one
Israeli ship and spoke with the
crew members. I also worked
aboard another ship when I left
Israel and the conditions in gen
eral were very much the same.
If conditions are so good on
Israeli 'ships why was an inde
pendent efficiency expert, who
was a swell guy but knew noth
ing about ships, hired by the
union, to x^ort on working con
^^tiqns, aboard the ships? , The
answer is that too many'of the
men were griping and this fel
low was called in to investigate.
When the Labor Federation
and the company are one or
ganization behind the scenes, I
am quite sure that the Union
men will not be the ones to re
ceive the most benefits from any
contractual agreements entered
into. I have heard a union rep
resentative tell an engineer that
if he'worked for another com
pany he would never return to
the company he, was working
for at the present. I have seen
men with ratings on the beach
for months because they had dis
putes with the man in charge of
shipping and I have seen men
shipped because they had a let
ter from the company.
I am well familiar with the
routine of the Israeli Merchant
Marine and I am sujre that the
seamen would benefit . much
more if they were to have better
representation. I grant the writer
that not aU ships are in as
chaotic a condition as was the
SS Akko but many of them
come pretty close.
Walter Blazer
Pete Salvo, who recently left
Baltimore Marine Hospital af
ter participating in a 10day
medical project to develop a
plasma substitute, is gradually
getting back is natural color
and says he feels fine.
Page Twelve T H E S E A F. A E, E R S L O G lUdty, Jmifxy 1% 1951
I
I i , Calradars Issued
By Circl® Bar
Were Union Made
To the Editor:
I received a letter today from
our Agent in Savannah remind
ing me that my 1950 calendars
did not have the union bug on
them. I would appreciate it fi
you would print my answer in
the LOG, as follows:
The Circle Grill and Club at
2327 Avenue F, Galveston, Texas,
through a very serious over
sight, mailed calendars to var
ious SIU Halls that did not have
the union bug printed on them.
This was no fault of mine.
The local agent that I ordered
my calendars from promised to
reimburse me with the same
number of calendars that I or
iginally ordered.
They will have the union bug
on them.
WaUer Brightwell
Part Of The Happy Family'
G. D. Dowlas, sutoutied this photo to shew some of the
lads who make up the "happy family" aboard the SS Portmar.
Front row (left to right): BedelL MM: Harris. Deck Eng.;
Wright. Oiler. Second row: Tingley, AB; Layko, Wiper. Rear:
Johnson, OS; Orlando, Wiper.
Digested Minutes Of SIU Ship Meetings
{Continuei from Page 9)
papers and not turn them over
to the Coast Guard. Ship's fund
reported as standing at $59.95.
Punching bag to be made by
Dayman; Messman to buy box
ing gloves.
3. 3^
PONCE DE LEON, Dec. 12 —
Chairman, Frank McGuire; Sec
retary. O. Jones. Ship's Delegate
reported on logs against men in
Deck Department. Motion car
ried to have Steward noti^
three delegates and check stores
of food coming aboard the ship.
Motion carried to have the com
pany install stainless, steel sinks
in the pantry and galley. Stew
ard volunteered to get new rec
ords and library.
4' i i
DEL VALLE. Dec. 24—Chair
• .«nan, Leonard Munna; Secretary.
Fred Shaia. Delegates reported
disputed overtime in all three
departments. Motion carried that
an arrival pool be made up.
Ship's Delegate to find out from
Agent if a man can be fined for
not arriving aboard ship an hour
before sailing. Second Electrician
thanked the crew for sending
him cigarettes while he was in
the Hospital.
4 4 4
FELTORE, Oct. 17—Chairman,
J. Arnold; Secretary, E. Abies.
Delegates reported no beefs. Mo
tion carried that crew is in fa
vor of an immediate boycott of
Panamanian shipping. Vote of
thanks given Stewards Depart
ment for excellent preparation
of food.
4 4 4
CATAHOULA, Dec. 10—Chair
man, Rocky Milton; Secretary.
L. Stephenson. Ship's Delegate
to ask for Patrolman to meet
with port steward and ship's
Steward concerning shortage of
meats in ship's stores. Motion
carried to write company re
questing innerspring mattresses
Massmar Men Hold Draft
Sweeps Skilled Off Ships
To the Editor:
We, the crew of the SS Mass
mar, feel it is time to bring the
issue of the draft law before the
tnembership for the good of our
tJnion.
Under the ̂ present law, we
understand, no merchant seaman
is exempt from military training
no matter what his rating is.
We feel that this is detrimental
to our Union in this respect:
Under the newly declared
emergency we all realize in due
time that our merchant marine
Will be expanded. We will need
competent personnel to man the
Ships..
With the drafting of merchant
seamen today, their places must
be filled by newcomers to our
Union. As a great number of
Our Brothers are in the draft
age, they stand to be called for
military ; training ; at any time.
We all know the WSA, RMO,
and Maritime Commission in the
last v/ar attempted to fill these
tmcancies with men illtrained
in their duties and well trained
in antiunioism.
There is nothing to prevent
the same from occurri|ig today.
How can a minority of good
Union men aducate a majority
of antiunion men. From past
experience we know as Union
men we stand on dangerous
ground. Therefore, we feel our
Union should get behind the
representatives of our states in
Congress and make an amend
ment to the law which would
at least partially exempt mer
chant seamen.
We ask the membership not to
confuse this statement with an
attempt to prevent us from be
ing drafted, but to consider it
in the light of being for the
best interest of the Union.
signed by 25 crewmembers
(Ed. note: The Union has
been in contact with selective
service directors in all 48 states
and has been told that mer
chant seamen with certain
specialities and men on ships
in certain operations are bping
exempted, but no blanket de
ferment could be given sea
men yet.)
for all hands. Crew asked to co
operate in keeping laundry clean.
Steward complained that his re
quisitions are being cut and is
always running short. "
4 4 4
STEEL AGE, Dec. 24—Chair
man, H. Fowler; Secretary, W.
Steurk. Fines determined for five
men who fouled up during trip.
Motion carried to give the Union
a vote of thanks for the raise in
pay. Also asked that an eifort
be made for a imiform draft
regulatimi concerning seamen.
4 4 4
CANTIGNY, Dec. 10 —Ch^r
man, C. Aschon; Secretary( not
given). Delegates reported on
books and permits in their de
partments. Motion carried that
anyone missing watch be fined
$10, the money to be given to
the person who stands the watch.
Short talk given on the import
ance of the shipboard meetings
and the necessity to be on time.
• 4 4
DE. W VICTORY. Nov. 1—
Cbairmn*. L. Vanlofton; Secre
tary, Gmorge A. Allen. Delegates
reorted everything okay. Motion
carried to»send a letter to New
Orleans regarding the mail sit
nation.
Big Brass' Small Talk Irks
Advocate Of Strong Flc^
To ihe Editor:
Herewith I send you an ar
ticle from the New Orleans
TimesPicayune of December 13,
from which I quote a tincan
Admiral, who said:
"The Merchant Marine is not
composed of the type of men
necessary for both peace and
war, especially for war." And
"we do not have the Merchant
Marine the public thinks we do."
And from Captain E. C. Hol
den, Jr., USNR and Master Mar
iner, we hear, "The accident rec
ord aboard ships is aggravated
by many unseaworthy men ..."
I think that is a heck of a
way for an Admiral or anyone
else to talk, especially since they
are sujiposed to know the job
these same men did in the last
World War. All I can say is we
carried the GIs and the sup
plies over, there and back and
we'U do the same in World War
HI, that is if the trained per
sonnel of the Merchant Marine
is not put into the Army.
As for not having the Mer
chant Marine the public thinks
we do, wjio is responsible? It
certainly isn't the public or the
seamen but guys like the ones
quoted above v/ho are looking
for saboteurs and letting the
ships rust in the boneyard.
As for the Master Mariner,
USNR, who, incidentally is man
ager of a P and I Agency and
actually . represents insurance
companies, I don't think he has
sailed Jately. If he has he ought
to get out his statistics and look
them over, because the Merchant
Marine has one of the lowest
records in accidents for hazard
ous industries in'the US, regard
less of the fact that each Man
in the Merchant Marine does
what is considered a threeman
job in the Navy. If by his remark
that some of the unseaworthy
men are suffering from psyehon
eurosis he means that some, of
us are nuts, I agree with him.
There's nothing we can do but
get nuts when we see American
ships all over the world under
foreign flags, and government
officials who want to give, our
ships away, 2,000 ships in layup,
merchant seamen trained for
their jobs being put into the
Army, etc.
Yes, Captain USNR, some of
us are nuts, but we're not the
only ones, not by a damned
sight. I sure wish somebody
would stop the small brass from
talking so much and put them
to work on something to stop
those Russian schnorkel subma
rines, when they come.
By Gad if these guys With the'
gold in their caps will do their
jobs, we'll do ours. And if thby
don't, we psychoneurotic mer
chant seamen still will do our
jobs when they start yelimg for
men, oil and guns. We'll be out
there, with or without Navy pro
tection, too.
' William J. Blanco
AdequatelyEquipped Ships
Seen As Vital To Defense
RECRUIT LONSKI
HAS RUSTBUCKETS
IN HIS HEART
To Ihe Editor:
I am stationed here in a heavy
automotive maintenance com
pany. I ran into quite a few
exseamen, one 'in particular be
ing Norwpod (Duke) Barbour,
who entered the Army last No
vember 15 in North Carolina.
They drafted me in Chicago
on November 13. We were both
on the Bull Lines' SS Arlyn and
would appreciate it if you would
give the gang our regards
through the LOG.
If it's possible I'd like to have
the LOG sent to me so we could
keep in touch with the Union.
They tell us we'll be here . a
long time, but we "hope to be
back in August 1952 to help
keep those rustbuckets sailing in
SIU style.
Ret. G. L. (lionnie) Lonski,
55044861
9941h Ord. H. A. M. Co.
Camp Rucker, Ala.
To the Editor:
On September 6 I wrote a
letter and mailed it to you when
the showdown with Asiatic Bol
shevism was not as apparent as
it is now. The letter at the time
was ahead of time and, conse
quently, you did not print it.
Today, however, you might give
it youjp consideration when, in
view of the crisis, the seamen
should have also their say. And
here is the letter.
Starting with Taft, who is No.
1 enemy of labor, most Sena
tors who claim to be super pa
triots, generally take care of
their own interests first, last,''and
always. This explains why the
Senators, who sounded off as if
surprised, shocked, and astound
ed at the tone of President Tru
man's reply in his letter to Con
gressnTan McDonough requesting
representation for the Marine
Corps, seemed not to see and
savvy that Truman's tone was
of a man righteously angry.
, NO MEN, NO SHIPS
Having spent $50,000,000,000 on
armaments and having, conse
quently, ordered police action in
Korea, our President has neither
the trained reserves of men nor
the merchant ships ready to
transport them to Korea in order
to do the ojb there, as beconi.es
officers of the law and perform
in a manner compatible with the
honor and dignity of the United
States. Far from it.
Our "policeman" has failed to
arrest the Korean'culprit. Worse
atill. For tiwo months, the ScraW'^
ney coolie has been driving back
the "policeman" in a manner to
make our faces red. Already we
have lost face in Asia. We are
losing face in Europe and fast,
too. And just because President
Truman has been sold by "ex
perts" the false bill of goods,
"the push button."
We are in for bad weathei:.
Not today, but tomorrow. What
will happen tomoirow when we
shall have to meet on the battle
fields of Europe some 500 divi
sions? — let Senator endenberg
answer the question. "We don't
need an American Merchant Ma
rine," said he, the "expert" on
Foreign Policy.
FAR. FAR AWAY
The illustrious Senator will aiot
have to fight the war. He will
be out of the reach of Vbombs
fired at us from a schnorkel
and quite safe also from the
atom bomb dropped upon tis,
New Yorkers, from an. enemy
plane. Those who went aboAt
the country, peddling the "push
button" did that in the interests
of their own, and will keep out
of harm's way, quite safe at
home.
Only those who will have to
do the fighting and those who
will have to deliver the goodB
and keep the ships sailing, will
have to leave home and go out
in "convoy, and face the schnor
kelinfested Atlantic. It is, there
fore, that the least our Senatois
could do for those who will have
to cross the Atlantic, is to equip
the old ships with new life boats.
The tin tubs of the last war
were unseaworthy. Some 2,000
seamen drpwhed in the last war
becatise the tin life boats were
unseaworthy. The clinker" buHt
wWodefa'life boat, built on the
lines of a whale boat, will ride
out the gale on rough seas.^^ It
is time to build the new liie
boats now.
There is not much time left
R. J. Peleraoitt '
. f7r V,yL,y?..
Friday, January 12, 1951 y "BE SEA F ARERS LO G Pag* Tluxx*«a
Report Of Seafarers' Activities
1%:
Chzislmas was a gala occasion for men
on the beach in Ihe Port of New Orleans.
More than 400 dinners, topped by the
customary roast turkey and baked ham,
were served to members of the SlU and
SUP, as well as members of the Marine
Fhemen's Union and khiOciclad GIs. In
photo above holiday diners are drinking
a beer toast to good sailing for seamen.
Christmas guests at the New Orleans
SIU Hall included crewmembers of the
SS Sunrell, a vessel contracted to the
SIU's Canadian District. Shown with the
Canadian Brothers is New Orleans Agent
Lindsey Williams, fourth from left, stand
ing, who welcomed the visitors. All
hands proclaimed the holiday affair a
huge success.
ABOVE—Guests at the New
Orleans Hall's holiday dinner
put away the sumptuous meal
in relatively short order, but
the planning and preparation
took days of hard work. Here
are some of the people who
pitched in on the job that was
executed so perfectly;
LEFT—Seafarers aboard the
SS Coimcil Grove lower stores
to small boat from the SS Four
Lakes, which hailed the Cities
Service tanker in midAtlantic
to borrow needed engine parts.
The lads were also without
cigarettes until the Seafarers
came on the scene.
RIGHT—^Following the good
will job, two members of the
Council Grove paused for the
cameraman. Weeiring smiles of
satisfaction are Tommy Train
or (left) and Manfred Oschit
xky.
1
1^. >•
L
Page Fourteen THE SEAFARERS LOG
V :• • • 'i j
• :#l
Friday, January 12, 1951
The ITF And The 'Battle Of The Ports'
In the last two years, two im
portant international events have
relieved the grim economic and
political tension of postwar West
ern Europe.
The first was the laimching of
the Marshall Plan, which has
given Europe stability, employ
ment, industrial progress and the
hope of paying its own way
again.
• The second was the Atlantic
: Treaty, conceived by the leaders
;! of the democracies as a defensive
alliance of the people of West
ern Europe and North America,
and designed solely to prevent
or repel possible aggression.
The Treaty has given demo
cratic covmtries new confidence
that they will not be left de
fenseless, to fall one by one to
communist direct or undercover
invasion.
DEEP INTERESTED
The International Transport
workers Federation has been
closely concerned with both these
important events of the postwar
years.
The ITF was the first trade
union international to welcome
the Marshall Plan, and has stead
ily supported its aims during its
two years of operation. And
transport workers have been
more involved in the success of
the Atlantic Pact than any other
group of workers.
A major provision of the
. Treaty promised American arms
to European democracies. By en
suring that these arms have
safely reached their destination,
transport workers have made a
big contribution to the cause of
peace and the defense of the
West.
The need for the quick and
safe delivery of anns placed the
European ports in the front line
of the fight to forestall commun
ist aggression.
The battle was not easy. The
Oominform saw that the success
of the Atlantic Defense Pact'
would end its chances of a
"walkover" in a defenseless
West.
WRECKING ORDERS
It ordered the communist par
ties and communist controlled
unions within the democracies to
launch a vicious campaign of dis
ruption and deception, directed
especially to dock and port work
ers.
,. ._The communists chose to con
centrate. their propaganda bar
rage on the dockers for very
good reasons:
1. They believed that their
greatest chance of success lay in
making trouble at the first point
of entry of American, arms.
2. They knew that by foment
ing strikes and disturbances in
the docks—ostensibly to prevent
the unloading of arms — they
Companies Under SlU Welfare Plan
The Seafarers Welfare Plan, which went into operation last fall, is functioning with
maximum efficiency. All claims for weekly hospital benefits and death payments are
being made promptly. Signatories of the Welfare Plan agreement number 61 contracted
outfits, whose Seafareremployees are thus eligible for the benfits. The companies are:
Actium Steamship Company
Alcoa Steamship Company
American Eastern Company
American Tramp Shipping Company
Baltimore Insular Line
A. H. Bull Steamship Company
Cabin Tanker Industries
Calmar Steamship Corporation
Cities Service Oil Company
J. 1^. Carras, Inc.
Oro Navigation Company
Standard Steamship Company
Construction Aggregates Corporation
Coral Steamship Company
National Cargo Carriers'
Cuba Distilling Company
Dianex
Dolphin Steamship Company
Dolphin Steamship Corporation
Dry Trans Corporation
Trans Fuel Corporation
Eagle Ocean Transportation Company
Eastern Steamship Company
Epiphany Tankers, Inc. •
Federal Motorship Corporation
Isthmian Steamship Company
Intercontinental Steamship Company
Maine Steamship Company
Mar Ancha Corporation
Metro Petroleum Corporation
Tini Steamship Corporation
Mississippi Shipping Company
Ore Steamship Company —
Palmer Shipping Company
Pan Atlantic Steamship Corporation
Petrol Tanker Industries
Philadelphia Marine Corporation
Ponce Cement Corporation
Peninsular and Occidental Steamship Corporation
Seas Shipping Company
Seatraders, Inc.
Seatrain Lines, Inc.
Shipenter Lines, Inc.
South Atlantic Steamship Company
State Fuel Corporation
St. LaWrence Navigation Company ^
Strathmore Shipping Company
Tanker Sag Harbor Corporation
Terminal Tanker Industries
U. S. Petroleum Carriers, Inc.
U. S. Waterways Corporation
Victory Carriers, Inc.
Waterman Steamship Corporation '
Waterman Airlines, Inc.
White Range Steamship Company
Pacific Tankers, Inc.
Waterman Shore Gang
Colonial Steamship Corporation
Southern Trading Company
Trafalgar Steamship Corporation
American Merchant Marine Steamship Corp.
would also upset economic prog
ress especially in the seafaring
countries of Norway, Nether
lands, and the United Kingdom,
t?; 3. By playing on the^Westem
fr peoples' genuine hatred of war,
the commimists attempted to link
up their opposition to the entry
of defense material with their
worldwide "Peace Campaign."
4. In port areas where com
munist political strength is weak,
the Stalinists thought that by
exploiting the dissatisfaction
over wages, and working condi
tions that from time to time
flares up in European ports, they
would be able to disguise their
political aims by posing as cham
pions of better industrial condi
tions.
5. The militant history of dock
ers' unions throughout Europe
gave the communists some hope
that, of all industrial groups,
dock workers would be most
easily persuaded to strike action.
But in all this the commun
ists reckoned without the dock
workers' profound faith in dem
ocracy and hatred of dictatorship
of any brand.
They underestimated, too, the
vigorous leadership which the
International Transportworkers'
t Federation would be able to
give its affiliates through the
trying six months of the "bsttle
of the ports."
The ITF had welcomed the
Atlantic Pact and declared its
resolve to help carry out the
provisions of the Treaty. This
support for the Treaty was
unanimously endorsed at its 1950
Congress.
In a resolution on the trans
port of arms, the ITF Congress
voiced "its confidence in the de
clarations of the democratic gov
ernments and endorses the At
lantic Pact.
was so badly organized that even
those willing to take part were
confused about its purpose and
its time schedule.
64 volunteer dockers—members
of the free trade unions — un
loaded the ship without incident.
The whole communist action fiz
zled out miserably.
The first round was lost to
the disrupters, and they never
recovered the initiative. They
subsequently attempted several
local strikes, but it was clear
that the commimist unions did
not have sufficient support in
Central Southern Italy to cause
any stoppage that cotdd be call
ed "general."
The first arms cargo ship for
France arrived in Cherbourg on
April 12. During the previous
two months, the French com
mimist unions had been bitterly
attacking the wage negotiation
policy of the democratic Force
Ouvriere in the Cherbourg docks.
The communists were prepar
ed to play into the employers'
hands by linking the wage issue
with their campaign against the
Atlantic Pact in a proposed
dockers' strike.
Such action would probably
On the arrival of the first ves
sel /carrying American arms,
communist women invaded the
docks to distribute tracts calling
for a workers* barricade against
American arms shipments.
These were ignored by the
Cherbourg dockers and, despite
a "mass demonstration," called
the same day by the communist*
controlled General Confederation
of Labour (COT), over 100 dock
ers proceeded to unload the ship.
• When the next arms shipment
arrived, communist demonstra
tors were driven away by mem
bers of the free dockers' unions.
Strikes and goslow campaigns,
which were organized persist
ently at La Rochelle and several
smaller Fiench ports, called forth
sharp denunciations by Force
Ouvriere.
EXPOSED COMMIES
Its Ports and Docks Federation
(affiliated to the ITF) exposed
the communist motive—which, it
declared, was not love of peace,
but a desire to dislocate France's
economy and keep its army im
derequipped.
The only result of the com
munist action. Force Ouviere
pointed out, was the diversion
of ships to other ports, and un
employment for the dock work
ers who had to bear the whole
brunt of the communist fiasco.
In the Netherlands the com
munists had some preliminary
success. At Zaandam, commim
ists induced dockers to pass a
resolution against the unloading
of armaments. This was used by
the communists for extensive
propaganda in other Dutch ports.
The Dutch Transport 'Workers'
Union pointed out that Zaandam,
a small inland port, was not
one where transAtlantic vessels
bringing arms aid would caU. It
organized another ballot and the
resolution was rescinded.
This led to personal violence
by the communists against some
free trade union leaders and the
loyal dockers. But the commun
ist aims were exposed, and at have brought the government in
to the fray on the employers' the, big ports of Rotterdam and
side, and forfeited all chances of Amsterdam ships were unloaded
a pay increase. I (CofttiHued on Page 15)
Signing On For Long Trip
OKAYS ARMS GARGOES
"It approves the action which
is being carried on by the ITF
to ensure the transport of arms
sent by the United States' of
America to Western Europe;
"Approves further the action
of the Vigilance Committees set
up by the ITF who frustrate the
communist endeavors to sabotage
the fulfillment of the Pact;
'Calls upon the members of
the ITF to continue the carrying
and handling of all arms and
ammunition, the purpose of
which is to prevent or xepel an
attack against free peoples."
The 'battle of the ports" open
ed in earnest when the first Am
erican vessel to arrive in Italy
with a cargo of arms tied up in
Naples on the evening of AprU
11, 1950.
The following day the com
munistdominated Naples Cham
ber of Labor called an eight
hour general protest strike. This
As Shipping Conunissioner Thomas J. Kiernan checks off name of prospective crewmem
ber. Seafarers await their turn to sign articles for an 18month stint aboeurd the McKetlrick
Hills, US Petroleum Carriers tanker. The signon took place in the New York Hedl on January
2, and the men were flown to the vessel in Palermo by a TWA Constellation plane the next
day.
The new crew replaces one thai signed off in the Sicilian port after serving 12 months on
a shuttle run. Also flown to the McKettrick Hills was a complete slopchest to make sure the
men have suitable stores available.
• 'll
Friday, Jaauary 12, 1951 THE SEAFARERS LOG
• 'm ,,
Page Fifleen
i;
C
Minutes Brief
r' •
PHILADELPHIA — Chairman.
A. S. Cardullo, 24599; Recording
Seerefary, D. C. HalL 43372;
'Ifoading Clerk, Eichenberg.
Minutes of meetings held in
Other Branches read and accept
ed. Balloting Committee elected.
SecretaryTreasurer's financial
report and Headquarters report
^ the membership read and ac
cepted. Requests for excuses
' Were referred to the Dispatcher.
'Meeting adjourned at 7:45 with
']© members present.
^ 4. t
MOBILE—Chairman, L. Neira,
'S8393; Recording Secretary, J.
Carroll, 14; Reading Clerk. R«
Jordan, 71.
Minutes of other Branches
^read and accepted. Secretary
Treasurer's report accepted.
Headquarters report accepted.
Agent Tanner reported that eight
ships were due 'in for payoffs,
signons or intransit. Tanner re
ported that various members had
a§ked questions concerning vali
dated papers, and they are urg
ed not to take out validated
papers until Headquarters gives
the word. Tanner also reported
that he had been named to rep
resent the Union in the port of
Mobile in the security program.
He concluded his report by stat
ing that three Libertys were
scheduled to come out of the
layup fleet; one is to go to Car
ras and the other two will prob
ably also go to SlUcontracted
companies. Tallying Committee
elected, with two men from each
department serving. Balloting
committee reported 448 ballots
cast in Mobile during the elec
tion period. Meeting adjourned
at 7:45 with 225 m«nbers
present.
t i. ft
TAMPA—Mb regtdar meeting
held, because of a lack of a
quorum.
Special meeting held to elect
^''allying Committee. The fol
lowing members were elected to
serve: M. Patterson, J. Polaski,
E. Frost,, A. Martinez, A. Ortega,
P. Brinson.
ft ft ft
NEW ORLEANS — Chairman,
Johnny Johnston,. 52; Recording
Secretary, Herman Troxclair,
6743; Reading Clerk, Buck Ste
phens, 76.
Minutes of meetings h^d in
other Branches read and accept
ed. Patrolman Buck Stephens,
acting in behalf of Agent Will
iams, reported that the affairs of
the port were in good shape.
He reported the Christmas din
ner as being a big success and
the coming two weeks looked
fairly good for shipping. .Ml
hands were reminded that ap
plications were available for the
new Coast Guard document and
they can be filled out at any
time. A letter was read from the
Teamsters Union concerning its
strike gainst the Crescent City
Funeral Directors Association.
Motion carried to pledge full
support. Trial Committee .elected
to hear charges against five mem
bers. Motion carried to discon
tinue the practice of allowing
extensions on shipping cards.
Motion carried to elect Tallying
Committee. Two men from each
department were elected to
serve.
ft ft ft
GALVESTON —Chairman,
Keith Alsop, 7311; Recording
Secretary. R. Wilbum, 37739;
Reading Clerk, C. TannehiU,
25922.
Minutes of other Branches
read and accepted. Tallying Com
mittee elected. The following
men elected to serve: F. Pedraza,
R. Williams, L. McDonnell, W.
Reagan, E. Wallace, R. Foreman,
ft ft ft
NORFOLK—^Because a quorum
was lacking, no regular meeting
was held. A specdal meeting was
held for the purpose of checking
shipping cards.
ft ft ft
SAVANNAH — Chairman, E.
Tilley, 75; Recording Secretary,
E. Stankovich, 25472; Reading
Clerk, J. Whitt, 27824.
Balloting Committee elected:
E. Stankovich, J. Whitt, J. Mor
ris, F. Garcia, J. Moore, J.
Hughes. Minutes of meetings
held in other Branches read and
accepted. Agent Bryant reported
that shipping had been slow, and
that the future looked dark. He
reported on the progress of the
Retail Clerks' strike against the
Bargain Comer, and brought the
membership up to date on the
Yellow Cab strike. Motion car
ried that the man with the most
pickettime in. the clerks' strike
have preference in shipping. Mo
tion carried to elect a committee
to handle the strike work. Three
men excused from picket duty
because of medical reasons.
Meeting adjourned at 8:10 with
29 members present.
ft ft ft
NEW YORK—Chairman, L. J.
Williams, 21550; Recording Sec
retary, Freddie Stewart, 4935;
Reading Clerk, A1 Keir, 29314.
Motion carried to accept Sec
retaryTreasurer's financial re
port as read. Headquarters re
port to the membership read and
motion carried to concur. Port
Agent, said that shipping had
been fair, with bookmen choos
ing their own jobs if they're not
fussy about getting out. He said
tHat two ships, the Camas Mea
dows and the Sweetwater, had
gone out on an 18month trips
He recommended the reading of
the Oath of Obligation at ship
board meetings at least once
trip. Minutes of all Branches
read and approved. Motion car
ried to accept Headquarters Bal
loting Committee's and Rein
statement Committee's reports
Motion carried to accept and con
cur in communication from Bos
ton Agent clarifying New Busi
ness of November 29 meeting.
Charges read and motion carried
to refer them to an elected trial
committee. Oath of Obligation
taken by four members. Motion
(by J. Algina) carried that all
members familiarize themselves
with Oath of Obligation to pro
mote spirit of brotherhood. Tal
lying Committee elected: Deck—
Roderick Smith, Frank Douglas;
Engine—John Hanson, Dominick
Chirichella; Stewards—^E. Moon
ey,Alonzo Milefski and G. Steift
berg. Alternate. Meeting adjourn
ed at 8:25 PM, with 927 mem
bers present.
ft ft ft
BALTIMORE—Chairman, Wil
liam Rents, 26445; Recording
Secretary, G. Masterson, 20297;
Reading Clerk, A. S|ansbury,
4683.
Minutes of'^riieetings held in
other Branches read and accept
ed^ Headquarters report to the
membership and Secretary
Treasurer's financial report read
and accepted. Motion carried to
elect Tallying Committee. The
following men were elected to
serve: Steward: J. C. Howard,
D. M. Dovosa; Engine: R. Dru
ary, C. M. Bowdre; Deck: R.
Gibbs, L. Koza.
ft ft ft
SAN FRANCISCO—Chairman,
H. Fischer. 59; Recording Secre
tary, W. Norris. 51018; Reading
Clerk, J. Brandon, 23997. ,
Tallying Committee was elect
ed to total the San Francisco
votes. The following men were
elected: Ray Queen, Carl Law
son, Joseph AUard, Charles Ritz,
John Graves and James Bran
don. Minutes of meetings held in
other Branches read and accept
ed. Agent reported on the im
portance of all draftable men to
keep in touch with their draft
boards. He also notified the mem
bers of the coming conference
n Washington, wlierein the SHJ
will be represented by Paul Hall
and Harry Lundeberg. Under
Good and Welfare there was
considerable discussion on the
new Coast Guard document.
Free Unions Winning
'Battle Of The Ports'
{Continued From Page 14)
in normal fashion with only
small, ineffective opposition
demonstrations.
In Belgium, the commimists
attempted to camouflage their
determination to prevent the un
loading of arms by engineering
a strike (employing terror meth
ods) at Antwerp, over an unset
tled wage issue. .
The strike lasted five days and
ended, as it was bound to do,
with the unconditioned retiun to
work of the strikers.
The motives of the strike lead
ers were denounced by the two
Belgian trade union federations.
Many of their men were brutal
ly attacked by communist thugs
during the episode.
A month later, another appeal
by communist spokesmen to the
dockers of Antwerp to stay
away from the docks was com
pletely ignored, and work pro
ceeded in normal fashion.
In Norway and in Great Brit
ain—though the commimists. are
persistently striving to foment
dock strikes by playing up in
dustrial issues — they have not
been able to arouse any body of
support for their appeals to re
fuse to unload arms shipments.
In these two coimtries, with
their deep democratic traditions,
there are no illusions among the
workers about the traitorous in
tentions of the communist
troublemakers.
In fact, when in London some
dockers did strike a few months
ago, against the advice of the
leaders of the Transport and
General Workers Union, they
quickly returned to work when
they realized the communists
were trying to make a political
ssue out of their industrial dis
pute.
By the middle of the summer
of 1950, the ITF was able to
report that the only result of
six months' communist campaign
against the Atlantic Treaty was
the affiliation of two more dock
workers' unions to the ITF.
They were the Italian Dockers'
Federation and the American In
ternational Longshoremen's As
sociation, which together have
brought another 60,000 members
A&G From Dot, 26 To Jan. 3
t%
ryi'l
it't*
' REG.
PORT DECK
Boston.......... ......v. 17
New^ York 105
Philadelphia .%. 31
Baltimore ...,r........ :.. 99
Norfolk . 3
Savannah :.....
Tampa — 11.
Mobile..... ..... 36
Nei^ Orleans 58
Galveston......!:. 38
West Coast 51
GRAND TbTAL...l.L..:„., 449
REG. REG.
ENG. STWDS.
20 14
87 92
26 20
"69 47
5 3
TOTAL
REG.
51
284
77
215
11
(No.Figures Received)
9
31
46
21
46
36Q,
6
38
77
17
39
353
26
105
181
76
136
1,162
SHIPPED SHIPPED SHIPPED TOTAL.
DECK ENG. STWDS. SHIPPED
18 16 2 36
69 68 73 210
25 16 20 61
71 42 29 142
13 12 4'" 29
(No Figures Received) 17
12 IL 11 :
9 11 14 34
5v 51 70 175
23 18 18 59
49 36 33 118
• .343 281 274 915
WILLIAM F. BAKLEY
Get in touch with Federal Na
tional Mortgage Ass'n, 44 Pine
Street, New York, N. Y.
ft ft ft
GEORGE JEROSIMICH
Get in touch with .your Draft
Board.
ft ft ft
EDWARD FETSKO
Get in touch with your Draft
Board.
ft ft ft
RICHARD C. BROWN
Get in touch with David Lip
pert, Box 30, Lockport, New
York.
JOroi JOSEPH*^ McHALE
Get in touch with your Draft
Board.
ft ft ft
EUGENE T. L,YTTLE
Contact either Benjamin B.
Sterling, 42 Broadway, New York
4, New York, or Robert F. Rey
nolds, 1303 Hobart Building, San
STancisco.
LEO J. COOPER
Contact Robert F. Reynolds^
1303 Hobart Building, San Fran
cisco.
ft ft ft
I GORDON A. DITTMAN
Your parents are worried'.
Write them at New Richmond,
RRI, Wisconsin.
ft ft ft
JAMES A. HAMMOND
Write to Lonnie C. Hanson,
Escatawpa,. Miss.
BILL^MTTCHELL
Your sister and brotherifilavr
would like to hear from you;
Please write them: Mr. & lyfrs.
Robert S. Aldrich, Box 326, Wal
pole. New Hampshire.
ARNOLD (Aussfe) ̂ HRIMPTON
John Wunderlich Jr. is anxious
to get in touch with you. For
ward your address to him at
Apartment C. 811 East Church?
St., Jacksonville, Fla.
into the powerful, democratic in
ternational union of transport
workers.
During the "battle of the
ports," ITF headquarters was the
"command post" of the democra
tic unions.
It received and Retransmitted
news from the trouble centers.
All affiliated dockers' unions
were kept posted on the enemy's
tactics.
Assistance in the organization
of Vigilance Committees was fur
nished to localities that needed
it, and ITF leaders were avail
able for whatever was asked of
them.
The ITF proved conclusively
in a few hectic months in 1950
that international trade union
ism is one of democracy's strong
est bulwarks.
That the good work will go
on was made clear in Septem
ber, 1950.
Meeting in Naples under ITP"
auspices, representatives of sea
men and dockers of eight nations
created a Mediterranean commit
tee of action to fight any further
communist attempts to close the
ports.of Europe to Atlantic De
fence Pact or Marshall Plan
shipments.
Representatives of trade im
ions in France, Italy, Greece,
Great Britain, Belgium, Holland,
Malta, and the United States,
participated.
Pierre FerriPisani, Secretary
of the maritime unions of the
French Force Ouvriere, was
chosen Chairman of the Medi
terranean committee. He said at
the time:
"The creation of this commit
tee results from the recognized
necessity of establishing in those
countries where the communist
influence is still strong, a COOTL
dination of all the democratib
forces which aim to liberate the
working classes from the coia>
munist yoke. *
"The seamen's organization ol
the Mediterranean will not con
fine itself merely to defense. We
are passing to the offensive. We
accept all the responsibility and
obligations which may come up^
on us in the struggle of freedom
against totalitarianism."
Page Sixteen THE SEAFARERS lOa Friday, January 12, 1951
Heller Asks Probe Of Waterfront Commies
: A resolution authorizing Con
gressional investigation of com
. munist activities on the water
front and in transportation in
dustries has been introduced in
the lower House by Represen
tative Louis B. Heller, Democrat,
. of Brooklyn.
HeUer's proposal, which has
been referred to the Committee
on Rules, would set up a seven
man committee to probe:
1. Communist goon squad ac
tivities among merchant seamen
and their unions, designed to
hinder the flow of supplies to
our armed forces and their allies
abroad.
2. The degree to which com
mies and fellow travellers have
infiltrated transportation indus
tries to the detriment of the na
tional defense effort.
Terming US ports and the
transportation industry as "key
factors in our defense^" Heller
introduced his resolution follow
ing an article in the New York
Mirror, in which columnist Vic
tor Reisel cited several instances
of communist activity which he
said arise "as we strive to meet
a crisis that threatens our na
tional existence."
Among the commie maneuvers
referred to was the imsuccessful
attempt to storm the SUP Wil
mington Hall by 500 followers of
Harry Bridges last month. Four
teen SUP members held the
Hall in an allnight battle. The
arrival of additional SUP men
in the morning ended the seige.
In addition to his resolution.
Congressman Heller, in a letter
to J. Edgar Hoover, Director of
the Federal Bureau of Investi
gation, called Hoover's attention
to the article by Reisel, and
mged upon him "the necessity
of taking immediate action to
apprehend those persons respon
sible for endangering the nation
al security."
Heller likened the communist
goon squads to the actions of
Hitler's Brown Shirts, in the
Nazi seizure of power, and said
if they were not checked they
would pose a threat to our na
tional life.
The text of Heller's letter to
Hoover, and of Reisel's column,
which were reproduced in the
"Congressional Record," follows:
Extension of Remarks of
HON. LOUIS B. HELLER
Of New York
Dear Mr. Hoover: Your atten
tion is invited to the attached
photostatic copy of a clipping
taken from the New York Daily
Mirror entitled "Inside Labor,"
by Victor Riesel. It would ap
pear that Communist goon squads
are operating in our city streets
in a manner reminiscent of Hit
ler's seizure of power in Ger
many. If permitted to continue,
this movement would sabotage a
vital part of our labor force,
fasten a stranglehold upon the
means of logistical support of
our troops and allies abroad, and
pose a threat to our national life.
I caimot urge too strongly up
on you the necessity of taking
immediate action to apprehend
those persons responsible for en
dangering the national security. I
am introducing a resolution in
the House of Representatives for
the creation of an investigating
committee. It is intended that
the committee study the situa
tion and recommend to the
House such measures, in addi
tion to those now on the statute
books, as are' necessary to safe
guard the national interest and
&i the same time preserve our
heritage of freedom for the in
dividual.
The transportation system and
the ports are key factors in our
defense. They must not be con
trolled by Communists and fel
low travelers.
Sincerely,
Louis B. Heller
Member of Congress
INSIDE LABOR
By Victor Reisel
(From the New York Daily
Mirror of December 18, 1950)
I can produce for the Federal
intelligence agencies a band of
merchant seamen who had to
arm themselves recently with
shotguns and stand off a night
long siege of Communist action
squads, 500 strong, operating
European style right in these
United States.
And I know other good water
front union Joes whom we'll
have to visit in the hospital if
we want to talk to them. They
got their ribs smashed by a 25
man Red goon 'squad.
There's a method in all this
mauling. If it continues we may
yet see hundreds of ships tied up
between our west coast and
London, when we need every
cargohold to carry arms to the
world.
There is also a group of rail
way workers who say they can
prove one of their regional chiefs
signed the Cominform's inter
national Stockholm peace peti
tion. They'd like to know why
he's still in a spot from which
he can paralyze the hauling of
steel, destined for emergency
items.
My labor friends can point out
some southwestern Communist
leaders who used their union
headquarters as a secret com
munication link with Mexico,
Cuba, Los Angeles, etc.
In that night siege by 500,
they were Harry Bridges' hus
kies. The sailors they hemmed
in a wild night of window
smashing, car slashing, and brick
bat slinging belonged to the
AFL's tough, but clean. Sailors
Union of the Pacific. They were
caught in their union hall, 440
Avalc!! Boulevard, Wilmington,
Calif.
Through a night the 14 men
and their leader stood guard
with shotguns at windows, while
Red squads smashed the front
of the building, rushed to the
adjacent parking lot and cut up
tires, and gave up breaking into
the hall when the sailors shouted
they would shoot to kill.
. The attackers were recruited
on the waterfront by Bridges'
specialists in rioting. The feud
started when Bridges, for rea
sons known to the convicted per
jurer himself, suddenly decided
to challenge the 65yearold right
of sailors on certain coastwise
vessels to unload lumber from
decks to the docks.
Whatever else he is. Bridges is
not stupid. He knew that at
tempting to seize jurisdiction of
that bit of work could come off
• only through bloody violence. He
knew his roving action commit
tees, with from 25 to 300 sMg
gers assigned each detachment,
would breed counterviolence as
he sent them chasing sailors as
far up as Oregon.
He knew a war between the
AFL seamen and his proSoviet
longshoremen could freeze many
key ports.
But our loyal AFL sailors'
chiefs, lanky Harry Lundeberg
and husky P§ul Hall, refrained
from flying in their own special
protective squads. They did not
want waterfront civil war dis
jointing activity at ports which
face the Orient.
Comrade Bridges understood
the international implications of
his maneuver, knew sailors'
union officials the world over,
especially in London and West
em Europe, would rush to the
defense of the American AFL
waterfront workers; that the
European dock wallopers would
boycott ships of United States
owners who yielded , to Bridges.
He know foreign seamen would
refuse to sail vessels into thos^
western United States porti
where Bridges might win. Such
pledges have been cabled in
from London. ;
Bridges knew what he wa9
starting. That lefty railroad
union leader who signed one oil
Moscow's peace petitions is in
the Pittsburgh area. Those south
western comrades lead a section
of Bridges' new proRussian la
bor federation. Arizona phone
records will prove they used
their union headquarters as h
communications Jink in a
international network.
Ail this as we strive to meet
a crisis that threatens our na
tional existence.
A Letter That Speaks For Itself
J. C. HAIRB
FRKSIOCNT
P. A. OUNTKR
tST VieCPRStlDCNT
C. H. RADPORO
INO VieSFimiDKNT
JULIA 9, HALL
ano viespRKaiDKNT
WM. 8. WILSON
• KCIirrAIIV.TRCAaURKfl
TRADES AND LABOR ASSEMBLY OF SAVANNAH
AFFILl.TtO WITH THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR AND GEORGIA FEDERATION OF LABOR
MEETS FIRST ANO THIRD MONDAY NIGHTS IN
EACH MONTH. LABOR TEMPLE. 34 DRAYTON ST.
POST OFFICE BOX 372
SAVANNAH. GEORGIA
December 29,1950
BOARD OF TRUSTEKS
H. H. aiMMONt
• . A. ROOKS
WARRCN OUPPy
Men In Hospitals
Seafarers who want to be
eligible for the Welfare
Plan's weekly hospital bene
fits should make sure they
have their Union books, sea
man's papers and copies of
their last discharges with
them upon entering the hos
pital.
Union Patrolmen will pay
the sevendollar benefits to
eligible members for each
full week of hospitalization
during their weekly visits.
Failure of a hospitalized Sea
farer to have the above
mentioned papers with him
will prevent the Patrolman
from making the benefit
payments.
Hospitalized members who
have not yet filled out bene
ficiary cards for the Wel
fare Plan can obtain them
frpm the Hospital Patrolmen.
Mr.Paul H&llySec.Treas*
51 Baaver Street * ?'•
New York,N.r. ^ )
• '• '
Dear Sir and Brother;
It 07 pleasure along with other delegates and
officials of the Trades and Labor Assembly of Savannah
on Decefflber 21^1950 to be the guest of the Savannah Branch
of the S.I.T7*on the occasion of the annual Christmas party
held for the men on the beach®Because of the hig^ily efficient
meumer in idiich the affair was handled and the wellrounded
program of interest in connection with the party,I take this,
opportunity to extend congratulations to yoii and officials
of the Savannah Branch for a job well doneBit was indeed an
affair of mhich .the S.lBUBcan truly be proud®
Two movies were shown nafflely,"This Is The S.I.U.^fand
"The Wall Street Strike"®The subject matter of the two film
strips was cause for pride in the hearts of every member suid
their family present as well as those of us who are members
of other organizations of the American Federation of Labor®
I have often said that if all members of organized labor
were as ready and willing at ail times to accept their resp
onsibilities and to aid sister organizations as are the
."Men Who. Go Dovn To Sea In Shipsythen many of our trials
and hardships in relation to labor's aims and ideals would
be eliminated and our objectives obtained surprisingly easy®
Ihe films ^own at the Christmas party in Savannah Were, proof
conclusive of the accuracy of my belief®
f • '
The food was most excellent as were the liquid refresh)
ments®nie entire evening was dedicated to ecSucation of those
present and the promotion of brotherly love and frienddiip
among the members of the SvI.U.,their families,and friends
of other A.F.of L. organizations®To say that the affair was
successful is truly an understatement®
•
',^1
i
• j
I consider it a distinct honor to have been present®I
feel that the films and spirit demonstrated by your members
was an inspiration to me and the other members of the A.F.
of L® present®
Again extending congratulations and best wishes to
you and the S.I.U.during the year 1951,1 remain.
d^Fratemally Yours
.ayton Haire,President
IH \, .
n-
tif
I'' '
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Official Organ of the Atlantic and Gulf District, Seafarers International Union of North America
VOL. XIII NEW YORK, N. Y„ FRIDAY, JANUARY 12. 1951 No. 1
Sea Unions Drnit War Role
w
I
Seafarers Help Beat Marcantonio
«JA.MES G. DONOVAJ^
ATTOXUTBY A^I> COI7I7SEI.OR A.T ZJCW
870 BRQADWAT, NEW TC2UC 7, N.Y.
TELEPHONE RECTOR 2^767
November 22nd, 1950
Mr» Paul Hall, SecretaryTreasurer,
Seafarers International Union,
51 Beaver Street,
New York, N.Y.
Uear Mr. Hall:
. Thanks very much for the aid and help^
given by members of the Seafarers International Union in
my campaign in the 18th Congressional District.
^ Tell the men, all of them, that I»m
proud of their work and the stand they took with union
men throughout the district against the menace of
Bolshevism in America.
* A program outlining the minimum require
ments essential to full mobilization of the maritime
industry in the event of war has been presented to
Admiral E. Cochrane, Maritime Administrator, by.
representatives of the nation's seafaring unions.
The unions, including the Seafarers Interna
tional Union, urged the Maritime Administrator to
take immediate action on their program, formu
lated at meetings held in Washington last week, so
that no time would be lost in effecting the machin
ery necessary for the nation's defense.
The meetings grew out of a request by Admiral
Cochrane for the viewpoint oft '
the seafaring trade unions in
readying the American merchant
mai'ine for emergency activity.
Sincerely,
JGD/rd
Glad io have been of help, Congressmanl Seafarers, who have been fighting the
communists wherever they find them, found it a pleasure to help defeat Vito Mar
cantonio, one of the commie's major spokesmen. Incidentally, the commies, sensing
that the tide was turning against them, used their wellknown goon tactics, in a futile
attempt Jo scare their opposition. One of the sound trucks used by the volunteer Sea
farers had its tires slashed by Marc's goons, and some of the men were roughed up
—^but the Seafarers weren't deterred, and their man won.
Tally Committee Anneunoes 1951 Officials
Participating in formulation
of the program in behalf of the
SIU were Harry Lundeberg, Fred
Farnen, Paul Hall and Morris
Weisberger. Earl Sheppard, new
lyelected Assistant Secretary
Treasurer of the A&G District,
was unable to attend the ses
sions due to the press of Head
quarters' duties.
The Marine, Cooks and Stew
ards union, recently kicked out
of the CIO for being commie
dominated, was represented at
the first meeting at which Ad
miral Cochrane asked for the
labor program. When the unions
went into conference, however,
the MCS representatives were
barred by the noncommunist
groups. Thus, the program does
not represent the views of the
MCS.
The war role program drafted
fContinued on Poge 4)
The 29 elected officials who
will serve the SIU's Atlantic and
Gulf District in the current
year were announced this week
by the Headquarters Tallying
Committee, in its report on re
sults of the annual balloting
which' ended on December 31,
The complete vote tabulation
is. revealed in the Committee's
report, which will be submitted
to the membership at the regu
lar meetings in all A&G District
ports on January 17.
Voting began on November 1,
with the ballot listing 38 can
didates for office. Elected were
a SecretaryTreasurer, an As
sistant SecretaryTreasurer, three
Headquarters representatives,
nine Port Agents and 15 Port
Patrolmen.
In accordance with the reso
lution adopted by the member
ship last October, the post of
New York. Agent did not ap
pear on the ballot. The duties of
that office will be handled by
one of the Headquarters Repre
sentatives.
The Tallying Committee, elect
ed at the regular Headquarters
membership meeting of Janu
ary 3, was compssed of six men,
two representing each depart
ment—Deck, Engine and Stew
ards.
The complete list of suc
cessful candidates, the of
ficial vote tabulation and
the Tally Committee's report
appear on pages 3 and 4.
Committee members and the
d^artments, they represented
were Roderick Smith and Frank
Douglas, Deck; John Hanson and
Dominick Chirichella, Engine; E.
Mooney, Alonzo Milefski and
George Steinberg (alternate).
Stewards.
Preparation for the election of
officers for 1951 got under way
last fall, with the adoption of
the customary resolution calling
for Unionwide nominations and
designating the positions to be
filled in the balloting.
Of the 38 nominated before
the deadline date, four were dis
qualified by the Credentials Com
mittee for failure to meet re
quirements for Union office es
tablished by the Union consti
tution.
The resolution setting up the
election procedure also provided
for the opening and staffing of
additional branches by the Sec
retaryTreasurer . should they
be needed to efficiently conduct
the ITiiion business and give
proper representation to the
membership.
The positions listed on the bal
lot embraced only those Union
installations in the Atlanic and
Gulf Coast areas. The West
Coast offices in San Francisco,
Wilmington, Calif., and Seattle
are operating on a temporary
basis and consequently are not
regular elective jobs.
SIU Wins
Change in
CO Papers
As a result of representations
made by the Washington repre
sentative of the Seafarers Inter
national Union in behalf of its
affiliated unions, the Coast Guard
security ruling has been altered
to permit seamen to retain their
present papers when applying
for the newtype emergency doc
ument.
Under the original ruling, the
Coast Guard made it mandatory
that a seaman seeking issuance
of the "specially validated mer
chant mariner's document" had
to give up the papers he carried
at the time.
The SIU and SUP found this
provision objectionable and so in
formed their Washington repre
sentative, Matthew Dushane. Fol
lowing several conferences be
tween Dushane and Coast Guard
officers, the agency, on Decem
ber 29, announced the revision
which will enable seamen to
keep their present seaman's pa
pers.
In regard to the appeals
boards, which are to fimction in
cases of seamen screened out
by the Coast Guard and who
(Continued on Page 4)
Denial Of Time Ashore
During these days of national emergency, some crews in
war areas may feel that they are being deprived of some of
their traditional rights—for example, that of going ashore. If
this beef—or others of that nature—should occur, crewmembers
are urged not to take off on their own, or to make a big ship
board beef over it. Have the ship's delegates discuss it with the
Skipper in the usual manner. If no satisfaction is received, then
document the case in its entirety and send it in at once to
Headquarters. If any overtime is involved, according to the
terms of our contract, it will be collected in the routine man
ner—at the payoff. If the crew attempts to take action on its
own, contrary to the Skipper's orders—even though the crew
believes and knows that the Skipper is wrong—they will only
jeopardise their seamen's papers and make things tougher for
the rest of the membership.
Page Two THE SEAFARERS 14) G Fpday, Jaauai^r 12, 1951
SEAFARERS LOG
Published Every Other Week by the
SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL U^ION
OF NORm AMERICA
Atlantic and Gulf District
Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor.
At 51 Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y.
HAnover 22784
Reentered as second class matter August 2, 1949, at the Post
Office in New York, N.Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912.
267
Proceed With Caution
After years of collaboration, indecision and inaction,
some of our bureaucrats in Washington are joining the
swelling mob of excommie labor officials in the mo5t
• stupendous case of commie horrors in the nation's history.
They are sallying forth in all directions, virtually busting
a gut, making wild speeches and trying to convince every
one that their previous actions of playing ball with the
commies never happened.
As one of the earliest—^and one of the most efficient
—foes of the communist party, the SIU" applauds these
"honorable" gentlemen, bureaucrat and excommie labor
official alike, for their earnest if tardy activity. All that
we ask is that these gentlemen do not let their zeal carry
them off the deep end, and "inistake" (honestly or other
wise) those militant trade unionists, who are carrying on^
the fight for improved conditions in their fields, for
communists.
We make this point seriously, for some bureaucrats
suffer from exceedingly narrow vifion and, once f(blow
ing a prescribed line or idea^ look neither to right or left.
We remember the disheartening days during the war,i
when the SIU was practically alone in fighting the com
mies with no aid—indeed, with plenty of discouragement
—from government agencies, some of whom were carry
ing on violent love affairs with the cwnmunist party.
As a matter of fact, many of these fellowtravellings
agencies were practically controlled by the commies. Who
can forget the days when the RMOWSA was practically
;an annex of thecommunist party? When officials andi
employees of the RMO went to pains to slander the SIU?
That such things were done by communist party
members was to be expected. That it was done by noii
Communists—and by people who were really anticom
munist at heart—can only be explained by the peculiarity
of the bureaucratic mind: Russia was "our gallant ally,
^d so deserving of every help. Therefore it followed that
the commies in this country, who wanted Russia to win
so desperately, were equally deserving of aid and comfort
—so put them in positions of authority. The country has
heard of commies in only a few government agencies—
the State Department and the WSAf for example—^but
m truth they were in many government agencies, and
many of them in positions of authority.
And now these birds have gone and got them religion.
As a matter of fact, some of these bureaucrats remind
us no little of some of the current marine industry "labor
leaders" who, after having slept in the sanie bed with
the communist party, and accepting—no, seeking—their
support, saw the handwriting on the wall and dumped
the poor, old red bag, and now go around posing as
'experts" on the comrades.
.These were the same guys who purged their unions
of every one who dared criticize the commies and their
unions' support of communist organizations. These were
the guys who supported the commie line of "bring our
boys back" from Europe and the Far East, so that these
countries could fall like ripe plums right into Stalin's lap
—which is the one reason why we are up to our necks
in Korea today. These are the guys who are still busy
expelling anyone who opens his mouth in honest criticism
of policy. I
These reformed bureaucrats also bring to mind those
peculiar people, the business tycoon, whose b3.ttlecry is
["free enterprise," who fight trade unions (when they
F can) up and down the street, yet who, through some u i
' fathomable thought process, give fikmeial moral aid
to^ the conuaaiesj both here and abr<^^ mean those
FORT STANTON
SILVESTER WALKER
WILLIAM J. MEEHAN
A. McGUIGAN
HARRY THURMAN
GIDLOW WOODS
DONALD P. MCDONALD
^ %
NEW ORLEANS
JOHN BARRON
CHARLES A. ̂ ROWN
B. P. BURKE
WILSON O. CARA
ROGELIO CRUZ
GLEN M. CURL
G. W. DUNCAN
GEORGE HARDING
RALPH HERALD
L. A. HOLMES
E. P. JANOSKO
D. D: KELLY
G. KRETZER
HUGH F. LAGAN
LEO H. LANG
ESTEL O. MASSEY
M. L. MCCARTY JR.
JAMES T. POWERS
K. RAANA
CLAUDE A. RAY
EDWIN E. RITCHIE
CHARLES SANDERSON
ROBERT W. THOMPSON
LONNIE. TICKLE
' t » »
BOSTON
j<MiN F. MCLAUGHLIN
E. w. HASKINS
A. REMOS
R. LUFLIN
A. D. LEVA
% % %
STATEN ISLAND
P. MANGUAL
P. PRON
FRANK KUBEK
R. GUZMAN
GEORGE RIDECK
EUGENE E. MILANESI
LEO KODURAND
FRED OESTMAN
L. HOGAN
EARL R. DIXON
FRANK B. STRELITZ
S. C. CUNNINGTON
"enlightened indijstrialists" who trade with Russia and
the satellite countries, giving them much needed dollars.
We mean men like the West Coast shipowners who have
supported JEiarry Bridges—and still work handinglove
with him;—who have supported him in dl of Bridges'
attempts to raid the SUP. (By the way, gentlemen,
shouldn't these men be investigated, too?)
However, we'd like to point out to these crusaders
respectfully, of course—that, while the communists must
be purged frcmi every post and every industry where they
can menace the security of this country, there are hun
dreds of thousands of honest, patriotic and militant trade
unionists, who will yield their hardwon ciyil and trade
union rights to no one.
We wishr you luck in your job—for the job must be
dpne—but spraying the landscape with buckshbt to get
your skunk is no way to do it. Get out your .30.30, aim
well and hit your i^rget, and leave' the proverbial inno
cent bystandier unharmed. .
J. SLAMAN
E. McLIN
K. C. CROWE
A. MONTEMARANO
t t t
MANHATTAN BEACH
FRED W. GRIMES :
JOSE DE JESUS
E. LOPEZ
H. TUTTLE
J. H. ASHURST
E. FERRER
JCWIN T. EDWARDS
JOHN DRISCOLL
VIC MILAZZO
MATTHEW DRUNO
PETER VORKE
R. A. BLAKE
JOHN PADZIK
A. LOMAS
% 4. %
BALTIMORE
CHESTER B. WILSON
EDWIN ROUPE
MAHLEN D. WATT
VIRGIL L. COASH
HAROLD W. SHEDWIN
JAWAL MATAN
B. D. ELLIOT
WILLIAM J. WOLFE
JOSEPH PILUTIS
4
ST. PAUL'S HOME
BALTIMORE
MICHAEL J. LUCAS
$ 4 4
MEMPHIS
JOHN B. HEGARTY
JOHN W. KEENAN
C. D. SHIVELY
R. A. RATCLIFF
4 4 4
MOBILE
ALBERT W. SAXON
MAURICE F. ELLIS
4 4 4
SEATTLE
T. W. HmSON
WALTER SIBLEY
FORT. WORTH
E. J. NAVARRE
4 4 4
AHTESEA. CALIF.
HARRY TALBOT
! !; 'm..:
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'14' #4 iij
Friday, January 12, 1951 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Three
S?' '• •
Complete Tabulation Of The Votes
Cast For A&G Officials For 1951
Bos. NY PhL Bat. Nor. Sav. Tarn. Mob. NO Galv. SF Wilm. Sea. Totalt
SecretaryTreasurer
P. Hall, 190 162 1536 232 704 63 70 176
No Votes—Voids—Writeins 11 57 4 6 0 16 1
SubTotal 173 1593 236 710 63 86 177
Assistant SecretaryTreasurer
E. Sheppard, 203 140 1459 223 621 63 70 166
No Votes—^Voids—^Writeins 33 134 13 89 0 16 11
SubTotal 173 1593 236 710 63 86 177
12 32
177 448 1100
Headquarters Representatives (3)
J. Algina, 1320 140 1302
R. Matthews, 154 114 1146
J. Volpian, 56 98 1154
No Votes—Voids—Writeins 167 1177
SubTtoal 519 4779
Boston Agent
63
63
63
0
708 2130 189
208 627
186 560
179 546
135 397
B. Lawson, 894 165 1281 213 627 63 68
No Votes—Voids—Writeins 8 312 23 83 0 18
SubTtoal 173 1503 236 710 63 86
69 131
55 146
57 131
77 123
145
.32
177
345 693
256 1067
378 807
70 293
154 540
22 37
59
1
2
0
3
61
0
472 1420 126
32
24
29
73
52
68
162 537
49 113
109 246 6
150 484 60
161 548 60
52 142 0
472 1420 126
New York Deck Patrolman (2)
L. Coffin, 4526 • 129 1215
G. Ruf, 23724 127 1231
No Votes—^Voids—Writeins 90. 740
SubTotal 346 3186
New York Engine Patrolman (2)
T. Babkowski, 7391 129 871
V. D'India, 20875 11 215
E. Eriksen, 50495 12 238
P. Salvo, 24342 6 160
C. Scofield, 21536 27 262
C. Simmons, 368 132 916
No Votes—Voids—Writeins 29 524
SubTotal 346 3186
New York Stewards Patrolman (2)
F. E. Gardner, 21057 43 534
H. Guinier, 478 129 967
F. Stewart, 4935 143 1012
No Votes—Voids—Writeins 31 673
SubTotal 346 3186
Philadelphia Agent
A. Cardullo, 24599
No Votes—Voids—Writeins
SubTotal
Baltimore Agent ^
W. Rentz, 26445 143 1337 222 700
No Votes—^Voids—^Writeins 30 256 14 10
SubTotal 173 1593 236 710
Baltimore Deck Patrolman
L. Johnson, 108 142 1305 214 682
No Votes—Voids—Writeins 31 28ff 22 28
SubTotal 173 1593 236 710
Baltimore Engine Patrolman
A. Stansbury, 4683
No Votes—Voids—Writeins
SubTotal
Baltimore Stewards Patrolman
J. Hoggie, 23434
No Votes—^Voids—^Writeins
SubTotal
Norfolk Agent
B. Rees, 95 155 971 167 617
W. Beyeler, 25919 9 312 52 65
No Votes—Voids—Writeins 9 310 17 28
SubTotal 173 1593 236 710
189 588 63 66
210 563 63 60
73 269 0 46
472 1420 126 172
32
5
16
7
17
59
36
140
132
82
147
2
4
7
11
168
15
193 698
384 726
10 50
23
15
29
419
16
134
63
118
837
272
172 354 896 2200
132 1300 222 630
41 203 14 80
173 1593 236 710
63
0
63
63
0
63
63
0
63
.42 34
38 137
50 148
42 35
172 354
70 148
16 29
86 177
71 165
1*5 12
86 177
08 373
375 744
401 800
22 283
896 2200
374 814
74 286
70 273
71
15
86
161
16
177
79 287
134 1288 211 683 62 69 146
39 305 25 27 1 17 31
173 1593 236 710 63 86 177
84 323
135 1279 206 676 62 68 149
38 314 30 34 1 18 28
173 1593 236 710 63 86 177
62
1
0
63
40 168
34 7
12 2
86 177
359 765
89 335
448 1100
419 830
23 165
6 105
448 1100
0 0
103 135
3
61
4
68
Savannah Agent
A. W. Gowder, 36884
E. Tilley, 75
J. L. Tucker, 2209 ^
No Votes—Voids—^Writeins
SubTotal
70 176 445 1095 102 133 60 65 4843*
1 2 1 3 110
103 135 61 68 4953
102 132 59 62 4601*
1 3 2 6 352
103 135 61 68 4953
10"^ 133 53 58 4057*
102 129 57 48 3718*
100 129 54 45 3594*
5 14 19 53 3490
300 405 183 204 14859
103 133 . 58 60 4101*
0 2 3 8 852
103 135 61 68 4953
102 131 55 55 3812*
100 130 53 52 3847*
4 9 14 29 2247
206 270 122 136 9906
99 105 42 23 3311*
1 6 5 7 372
0 16 10 12 572
2 4 6 9 355
0 19 11 11 605
98 115 42 50 3596*
6 5 6 24 1095
206 270 122 136 9906
TO 57 26 36 1614
95 100 44 30 3353*
95 110 43 43 3614*
6 3 9 27 1325
206 270 122 136 9906
103 133 57 63 4109*
0 2 4 5 844
103 135 61 68 4953
103 133 57 62 4261*
0 2 4 6 692
103 135 61 68 4953
103 130 56 62 4171*
0 5 5 6 782
103 135 61 68 4953
103 132 58 64 4091*
0 3 3 4 862
103 135 61 68 4953
103 129 57 58 4046*
0 6 4 10 907
103 135 61 68 4953
90 107 51 40 3726*
4 28 7 24 731
496
4953
4 202 17 59 0 . 0 3 16 85 1 8 3 5 403
157 854 182 563 61 74 162 393 756 94 112 53 51 3512*
4 224 22 39 1 4 7 36 195 4 13 5 10 564
8 313 15 49 1 .8 5 3 64 4 2 0 2 474
173 1593 236 710 63 86 177 448 1100 103 135 61 S8 4953
(Continued on Page 4)
HQ Committee
Submits Report
To Membership
Printed below is the report
of the Headquarters Tally Com
mittee, which will be read for
membership action at the next
regular business meeting of the
A&G District, Not given below,
but to be read at the meeting,
is the breakdown of the used
and imused ballots in each i>ort.
We, the undersigned Tally
Committee, duly elected at the
regular business meeting of Jan
uary 3rd, 1951, at Headquarters,
submit the following report and
recommendations:
All used ballots from all ports
were counted and the correct
tally is submitted herein. An as
terisk is placed besides the names
of the candidates that were elect
ed to office. The ballots used
and unpsed in each port were
checked and the correct check
is submitted herein.
It is to be pointed out to the
membership that this Commit
tee, upon checking various ports'
tally sheets, foimd that all re
ports submitted by all outports
committees were correct, and in
nearly every case checked ex
actly with tiie New York Head
quarters Committee's final tal
lies. In a few isolated instances
where the findings of the var
ious committees differ, the dif
ferences were slight and made
no change whatsover in the fina*
results of election for any office.
It is to be further pointed out
that the Port of Philadelphia
Tallying Committee reported one
ballol^ as missing. Upon checking
this port's ballots, it was found
that actually there were four
(4) ballots missing. Inasmuch as
the lost ballots would not change
the results of the election in that
port, and they may have been
lost in mailing, we therefore
have listed the actual,votes cast
in Philadelphia as 236 votes cast.
In addition to Philadelphia,
Galveston and New Orleans re
ported lost ballots. Galveston
only lost one ballot, and it would
not have affected the results of
the election in that port. In New
Orleans, where the one ballot
was stolen or lost, it was noted
on that particular day's voting
envelope. Inasmuch as this one
ballot would not have changed
the results of the election, the
eight (8) ballots that were cast
that day in New Orleans have
been counted in that port's tally.
The Committee would further
like to report that, the Port of
New York had two (2) ballots
that were reported as lost, al
thought these ballots were never
received from the printer, as his
numbering machine had missed
two numbers..
Full copies of the reports con
tained in this document with
the original signatures are on
file in Headquarters Office of
this Union.
E. Mooney, 46671
Dominick Chirichella, 38237
Roderick Smith, 26893
Frank Douglas, 10841
John Hanson, 23220
Alonzo Milefski, 49345
f':"V'" t iiiuy
Page Four THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, January 12, 1951
Tabulation Of The Votes
(Continued from Page 3)
Tampa Agent
K. White, 57
No Votes—Voids—Writeins
SubTotal
Mobile Agent
C. Tanner, 44
No Votes—Voids—Writeins
SubTotal
Mobile Joint Patrolman (2)
R. Jordan, 71
W. Morris, 264
No Votes—Voids—Writeins
SubTotal
New Orleans Agent
L. J. Williams, 21550
No Votes—Voids—Writeins
SubTotal
New Orleans Deck Patrolman
L. Clarke, 23062
F, Sullivan, 2
No Votes—Voids—^Writeins
Bos. NY
145 1324
28 269
173 1593
134 1403
39 190
173 1593
122 1140
107 1104
117 942
346 3186
215
21
236
619
91
710
213 607
23 103
236 710
187 542
195 533
90 345
472 1420
63
0
63
63
0
63
63
63
0
146
27
173
128
34
11
173 SubTotal
New Orleans Engine Patrolman
C. J. Stephens, 76 142
No Votes—^Voids—Writeins 31
SubTotal . 173
New Orleans Stewards Patrolman
B. Gonzales, 125
No Votes—^Voids—Writeins
SubTotal ~
137
36
173
1421
172
1593
808
545
240
1503
1304
289
1593
1276
317
1593
223
13
236
610
100
710
Writeins
Galveston Agent
K. Alsop, 7311
I:;.No Vote&Voids
SubTotal
Galveston Joint Patrolman
C. M. Tannehill, 25922
No Votes—Voids—^Writeins
SubTotal
143 1269
30 324
173 1593
131 1273
42 320
173 1593
119 493
108 175
9 42
236 710
212 601
24 109
236 710
210 592
26 118
236 710
213 606
23 104
236 710
214 599
22 111
236 710
63
0
63
57
5
1
63
63
0
63
63
0
63
63
0
63
63
0
63
Maritime Unions Draft
Program For War Role
(Continued from "Page 1)
by the unions covers almost
every aspect of. shipping. SIU
representatives said: "Obviously,
if we are to effect successful mo
bilization the seafaring unions
must participate on all levels."
Points in the program drawn
«p by the unions include a rec
ommendation that labor be given
equal representation on the pro
posed policymaking National
Shipping Authority.
The unions also asked for full
; : protection of the Union Hiring
p Nail, protection of union coUec
rive bargaining agreements, im
f; mediate formulation of a policy
of defenhent for active seamen
to prevent further loss of skilled
manpower, and cutting back of
operations of the Military Sea
^Transport Service.
TWO FROM EACH
In regard to the NSA, the
unions are seeking appointment
by the director of two deputies
from labor and two from man
agement. The labor deputies
would "be active administrators
in charge of all matters govern
ed by the NSA which afifect
maritime personnel in aU rat
ings."
In the securing of trained man
power in the event of an "all
out war," the union program
states that "the Union Hiring
Halls must not be hindered by
any regulations in their efforts
to secure men for an expanding
industry, as they were hindered
in World War H by the discrim
inatory regulations issued by the
RMO (Recruiting and Manning
Office) ..."
The program caUed attention
to the need for maintaining the
reserve of skilled seamen now
on hand in the Union Hiring
Halls.
Expressing concern over re
cent moves. to curtail facilities
of the Marine Hospitals, the un
ions called for expansion of these
institutions to meet normal
needs of seamen and to ieady
the Pubhc Health Service for
cases which might grow out of
a war situation. .
Organizations which partici
pated in drafting of the program
include the Seafarers Interna
tional Union, Sailors Union of
the Pacific, Masters, Mates and
Pilots, National Maritime Union,
Marine Engineers Beneficial As
sociation, Radio Operators Union,
American Radio Association and
Marine Firemen's Union.
The union conferees also took
cognizance of the fact that many
vessels are presently iUequipped
to handle emergency medical
needs of crews in time of con
flict.
They recommended, therefore,
that men withr pharmacist mate's
ratings be carried on each ship,
and that ;the "US Public Health
Service be authorized to train
capable men for this rating."
The full text of the program
appears on page 5.
75
11
86
73
13
86
65
70
37
170
7
380
68
823
277
177 448 1100 103
167 441 1055 103
10 7 45 0
177 448 1100 103
126 ,172
72
14
86
22
50
14
86
71.
15
86
149
141
64
354
163
14
177
409
402
85 801
896 2200
735 103
664 102
439 1067
9 33
448 1100
136 355 748
29 86 329,
12 ' . 7 23
177 448 1100
0
103
100
1
2
103
150
27 77 38
177 448 1100
70 ^166 368 829
16 11 80 *271
86 177 448 1100
72 155 377' 827
0
103
0
103
14
86
22 71 273
16 17 79 280
SF Wilm. $ea. Total
133 59 63 4171*
2 ' 2 5 782
135 61 68 4953
133 59 62 4513*
2 2 6 440
135 61 68 4953
129 58 51 3753*
128 58 51 3618'^
13 6 34 2535
270 122 136 • 9906
132 58 63 4560*
3 3 5 393
135 61 68
J
4953
95 43 17 3121*
35 14 45 1456
5 4 6 376
135 €1 68 4953
130 59 61 4329*.
5 2 7 624
135 61 68 4953
135 57 59 4065*
0 4 • 9 888
135 61 68 4953
129 58 62 4077*
6 3 6 876
135 61 68 4953
129 58 62 4051*
6 3 6 902
135 61 68 4953
SIU Wins
Change in
CC Papers ^
(Continued from Page I)
wish to protest such action, the
SIU and SUP have submitted
the names of their appointees tq
Secretary of Labor Maurice J.
Tobin.
The appointees, who were
named for each of the ports in
which the two SIU affiliates
maintain Branches, are cmrently
being screened by government,
agencies and, as soon as this'
process has been, completed, th©
boards wUl begin functioning. '
FREE OF COMMIES
Although the SIU and SUP
feel there is little likelihood that
any appreciable number of their
members; wiU be found harmful
to the nation's security, they are"
determined to get the boards on
a working basis as soon as poS'r
sible, tb protect the membership,
against the possibility of any un
just or illegal treatment by the
screening agencies.
In fact, it was at the SIUSUP
representatives' insistence that
the machinery for making api
peals was incorporated into the
waterfront security program, for
mulated two months ago at d
joint conference of government
and seafaring union officials.
At that time the SIU pointed
out unless seamen had an oppor
tunity to appeal unjust rulings;
of the Coast Guard, they could
be denied the right to make a
living in the jobs for which they;
had been trained.
Sitting Down For The Full Count
Results of the annual SIU A&G District election were
announced this week by the Tally Committee, five of whose
members are ahcwn in photo above. From left to right around
the table are John Hanson, Book No. 23220 (Engine); Frank
Douglas, Book No. 10841 (Deck); Eddie Mooney, Book No.
46671 (Stewards); Dominick Chirichella, Book No. 38237
(Engine), and Roderick Smith, Book No. 26893 (Deck). The
sixth member of the committee, Alonzo Milefski, Book No.
49345 (Stewards), who was not present when group shot waa
taken, appears in photo at right.
The Tally Committee was elected to the job of vote
tabulation at theregular Headquarters membership meeting
of January 3, and turped to on the task the following morning.
Officers who were chosen to serve the Union during the
coming year were elected in balloting which began on No
vember 1 and continued through. December 31 in aill ports. :
' TiASafi JomiMrr 12. ItSl THE SEAPARERS LOG Page Fhre T
Statement Of Policy By Maritime Unions
I'
i V
• i; • ;;
VJ:,:
fg::
At the request of Vice Admiral Edward L.
Cochrane, Maritime A<hninistrator, the Ameri
can Trade Unions representing the AFL, CIO,
and Independent Unions in the Maritime Indus
try, have met in Washington, D.C., to make
known our views on the problems now affecting
the Maritime Industry, resulting from the pres
' ent crisis, and the problems which will confront
• the Industry in the event of a full scale, war.
Admiral Cochrane requested the assistance of
' the Maritime Unions in mobilizing the Industry
' for any eventuality. In making this request, Ad
• miral Cochrane specifically asked that Maritime
' Labor draft a program for the present crisis or
any future expansion thereof. Further, that the
' Maritinie Unions furnish top personnel to assist
' in the formulation of policy and program, and
' its administration by the National Shipping
Authority. In making this request. Admiral
Cochrane recognized that such full scale cooper
• ation was essential to the efficient utilization of
' the Merchant Marine in our defnse. The com
plete endorsement of Admiral Cochrane's request
by Secretary of Commerce Charles Sawyer is
additioifal encouragement for us.
The minimum program which we believe nec
essary to the successful defense of our Nation,
and in which we deem it our duty to participate
is as follows:
NATIONAL SHIPPING AUTHORITY
. The Director of the NSA' shall appoint as
Deputies, two persons from Labor and two from
Management. The two Deputies appointed from
Labor shall:
(a) Be nominated for such appointments by
William Green, President of the AFL, and Philip
Murray, President of the CIO.
(b) Assist the Director of the NSA in determ
ining all policies and programs to govern all
functions of the NSA.
(c) Be active administrators in charge of all
• matters governed by the NSA, which affect mar
itime personnel in all ratings, as well as other
line functions in keeping with their ability. While
serving as Deputies they shall, at all times be
responsible to the Director of the NSA.
: CX)LLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENTS
The Collective Bargaining Agreements, and all
functions and rights growing therefrom shall re
main in full force and effect. The NSA shall not
interfere with the provisions or operation of the
bona fide Agreements in any manner whatsoever.
ALLOCATIONS
Allocation of Merchant vessels under the Na
tional Shipping Authority shall be made to pri
vate US Flag Companies.
Such allocation of vessels shall be on a fair and
impartial basis.
CIVILIAN STATUS
The operation of merchant vessels shall be car
ried out in a manner which will preserve the
mvilian status of Merchant seamen and all their
rights intact.
DRAFT
Competent seamen are continually being draft
ed off ships. Local Draft Boards have no uniform
policy for this depletion of manpower in the
Maritime Industry. Conferences to discuss train
ing, recruitment and other manpower problems
are being* suggested. It is absurd to attempt to
solve the Industry's manpower problems sd long
^ competent seamen are being drafted.
The role of the Merchant fleet in our National
Defense efforts is daily assuming greater propor
tions. A considerable numT)er of ships have rer
cently been taken out of the mothball fleet. In
dications are ' that more of these reserve ships
will be reactivated almost daily.
It is vitally important that the reserve, of
iskilled sesunen now on hand in the Hiring Halls
of the ^lia fide Unions be maintained at all
timea to man our merchahf ships^ which, in ad
Hi
dition to carrying supplies to our fighting forces
and bases, are continuing to deliver arms, car
goes and other material to our allied nations.
Skilled seamen must be available to man these
vessels immediately.
In view of the foregoing we strongly urge
that the experience and skill required of mari
time personnel be utilized, and because of the
essential nature of jobs in our National Security
Program, that a policy of deferment for skilled,
merchant seamen be set up immediately.
Such a policy would insure an adequate num
ber of skilled men being available for the fleet
nee^s, and would be in the best interests of our
National Defense effort.
MANPOWER AND TRAINING
In the current crisis and in the event the em
ergency develops into allout war, the facilities
and trained manpower available in the various
Union Hiring Halls shall be utilized to the full
est possible extent.
The Union Hiring Halls must not be hindered
by any regulations in their efforts to secure men
for an expanding Industry as they were hindered
in World War II by the discriminatory • regula
tions issued by the RMO of the WSA, which
prohibited the Union Hiring Halls from securing
men in the entry ratings except through RMO.
During World Wsr II, thousands of new Mer
chant Seamen were brought into the industry.
The majority of these men in entry ratings were
subject to draft. Extensive as well as expensive
training was giving these entry rating men in
the Maritime Training Service, Such recruitment
and training of these entry ratings was a waste
of Armed Services personnel, and the taxpayers'
money, and actually delayed proper onthejob
training of competent seamen in the entry
ratings.
In the event there is a greatly increased need
for martime personnel which may call for more •
men than the Union Hiring Halls can furnish,
the Unions, Management and Government should
immediately devise a program for this purpose
and they should be guided by the following
basic points:
(A) The Union Hiring Halls to recruit all
entry ratings needed from personnel not
eligible for the draft.
(B) An upgrading and training program
actually carried out through increased man
ning scales which will insure a supply of
competent men for key ratings as they are
needed.
MILITARY SEA TRANSPORTATION SERVICE
Labor and Management have serious griev
ances against the MSTS in its declared policy of
bypassing the bona fide American Merchant
Marine. Since the inception of the MSTS in Aug
ust 1949, thisorganization has endeavored to,
and has succeeded to a large degree in encroach •
ment upon private shipping companies and dis
placing skilled civilian merchant seamen.
During the past few months the MSTS has
taken over a large number of American ships.
Ships formerly operated by private operators
with civilian crews are now being operated by
the MSTS with temporary Civil Service crews.
These crew members used by the MSTS are not
bona fide seamen. They are picked up in any
old place, with total disregard for their com
petency and loyalty. With thousands of loyal,
bona fide American seamen on the beach un
employed in some areas, this policy is deplor
able. This is a terrible waste of manpower so
sorely needed by our country.
A policy statement on MSTSi dated October 3,
1950, was sent to Congressman John Shelley of
California by the Assistant Secretary of the
Navy,, John T. Koehler. This statement bears out
our contention that the MSTS has adopted a
longrange prograrn to set itself up as the largest
shipowner in the .country. It further shows it is
totally disregarding private industry and trained
available seamen manpower. All this, in addi
tion to disregarding private industry and leglti ;l
mate loyal American seamen. The MSTS is also |
in violation of the Federal Classification Act of
1949. This Act provides that the wages of crews |
of Government vessels be fixed and adjusted as.
nearly as consistent with the public interest, artd
in accordance with the prevailing rate and prac
tice in the Maritime Industry. This violation of
the Federal Classification Act was established
by an official indictment against the MSTS hand
ed down in a decision by Mr. Donald Gilson,
Referee for the Department of Employment for
the State of California. This indictment held that
the MSTS is violating the laws of the country
and is paying its seamen wages and imposing
conditions below the standards in the Industry.
In view of these facts we call upon the Chair
man of the Federal Maritime Administration,
Vice Admiral, Edward L. Cochrane, and upon
Secretary of Commerce, Charles Sawyer, and
other Government Bureaus interested in effici
ency and in a proper utilization of manpower, to
take immediate steps to correct this deplorable
situation.
It is therefore necessary that,
(1) The MSTS be limited by law to only ,
operate troopships in the event there are no
privately operated ships available.
(2) All supplies, war materials and liquid
cargoes for the Armed Forces, be carried by
privately operated ships manned by regular
bona fide civilian seamen.
(3) The MSTS be required to live up to the
laws of the land and deal with bona fide
loyal American Trade Unions, by negotiating
'and signing Collective Bargaining Agree
ments.
It is the unanimous contention of the Sea
men's Unions representing 98 percent of the
American Seeimen, that this deplorable condition
inaugurated by the MSTS must be stopped, and
stopped promptly in order to:
(A) Avoid waste of manpower;
(B) Effect more efficient and economical
operation: [
(C) Utilize the skilled knowhow of the ;
American Shipping Industry.
MARINE HOSPITALS
Vie look with concern on moves to curtail
Marine Hospital facilities. Our contention is that
present facilities should be retained and expand
ed.
During World War II, outpatient and recuper
ation facilities were provided by private organi
zations. These facilities did not meet the need.
Seamen whose nerves were shattered by enemy
attack whose mental and physical health reached
the breaking point from exertion and exposuref,
require special care. The present curtailment of
these facilities is dangerous. We need a twoway
expansion of Marine Hospitals now to:
(1) Meet the normal health and hospital
needs of merchant seamen; i
(2) Ready the Service for cases which grow . 5
out of the war situation. •
PURSERSPHARMACIST MATES
That a staff officer—Pharmacist's Mate be car
ried on each vessel, and the US Public Health
Service be authorized to train capable men for
this rating.
We feel that while all eyes are centered on
the problems of coping with our communist en
emies overseas, the question of communists at i
home should not be overlooked. y i
We urge in this regard that immediate stepa !]
be taken to clean out all commimists from th6
American waterfront.
This program is imperative to the successful
mobilization of the maritime industry in thd
defense of our nation.
^ I I I
Page Six THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, Janulury 12, 1951
Bookmen Have No Trouble
Shipping From New York
It By JOE ALGINA
NEW YORK—The end of the
year wound up pretty good for
us in New York with shipping
moving at a pretty fair clip. It
was nothing like the dear, gone
days of awhile back, but book
men weren't having any trouble
in shipping out right away, as
long as they weren't too fussy
about the run or ship.
The New York waterfront is
a pretty big place, but this week
we outdid ourselves. We shipped
a crew out to a ship 4,000 miles
away in Palermo, Italy. The
men were sent to replace the
crew of the SS McKettrick Hills,
whose articles had expired. The
old crew flew back aboard the
same plane. We made arrange
ments with the company and
both crews were covered by
$10,000 insurance,
r The SS Tini, Carras, went
aground several weeks ago in
Cherbourg. She's in a LeHarve
drydock now and her crew was
flown back; they, also, were
covered by $10,000 in insurance.
We bid so long to about sixty
of otm members this week.
They're headed to the Persian
Everything Is
h Good Shape
In Now tkloans
By LINDSEY WILLIAMS
NEW ORLEANS—Business af
fairs of this port are in good
shape, with all beefs arising on
the five payoffs and five signons
since the last meeting being set
tled aboard the vessels involved.
In the coming two weeks, we
have five payoffs scheduled so
far, one of which is a passenger
ship and another an Isthmian
vessel coming in off a long trip.
The arrival of these ships should
ease shipping, a little.
The Christmas dinner given at
the Hall here was a great suc
cess, and our thanks go to all
who helped make it possible
to those who gave their time
to preparing and serving the
dinner, and to those who do
nated food and refreshments.
(Pictures of New Orleans din
ner appear on page 13.)
A special vote of thanks should
go to Herman Troxclair and his
galley crew for a bangup job.
One of our former members
now in the Army visited us dur
ing the past week. He is Bro
ther Terry Aghoff and he re
ported that, out of the 60 men
who went into the service with
him from this area, 40 were mer
chant seamen.
From all indications, the Army
will beat the Coast Guard out
of controlling the seamen, as
.they are taking the men in at
a very fast clip. One Brother
says he was told at the induc
tion center that they liked to
induct seamen because they are
good fighters and make good
soldiers.
All kinds of rumors concern
ing the reactivation of laidup
ships are floating around. One
of these has it that 300 ships
are going back into service, and
that 25 of these wUl ,com,e from
IVIobile. How the rumor, started
no one knows, as we don't have
anything official as to ships com
ing out of layup. If anything
official does come through, we'll
let the membership know as
soon as possible.
Gulf area for a bit of shuttling
— about 18 months' worth —
aboard the Camas Meadows and
the Sweetwater, two tankers.
On ships coming in, the . mem
bers are now required to pay
the 1951 assessments which are
due and payable. Those who
fail to pay up will find them
selves in bad standing.
READ THE OATH
Incidentally, while the mem
bers are out on these trips—long
or short—it wouldn't hurt to
read the Union Oath of Obliga
tion at the shipboard meetings
now and then.
Maybe it would help to
straighten up some of the guys
who forget the guys working
with them are their Union Bro
thers and get out of line now
and then. This Union is still a
brotherhood of the sea and it
wouldn't do any harm to reread
the Oath all bookmembers took
when they became members,
I hope all members have read
the article in the SEAFARERS
LOG of December 29th written
by Frenchy Michelet. Frenchy
did a god job of outlining the
duties of the men in the Stew
ards Department and how they
can operate their department
efficiently and economically. The
article, I understand, has been
well received by all who have
read it. I haven't heard from
J. P. Shuler yet.
One point more before signing
off. Men sailing tankers should
go after their Pumpman's en
dorsement as soon as they have
the necessary requirements. On
these ships the Pumpman is the
key man, and there always is a
need for good men .in this rat
ing. Right now the Union is
getting more and more tankers
under contract, and capable men
are needed for these jobs.
\\nien and if those fifty new cargo ships
approved by Congress ever come out, you'll
be seeing helicopters, torpedo tubes and
permanent guns, with the necessary per
sonnel to handle same—shades of the Armed
Guard!—They'll make twentytwo knots,
which is almost as fast as a Liberty can go.
. Congress has been urged by fifteen sea
faring Unions to defer active seamen from
military service—^but remember that no
action has been taken as yet. Be sure to
notify your local board every time you
change your address, quit a ship or board
another one. There have been a few cases
where men were sent notices of temporary
deferment, but were no longer using that
address, and as a result the deferment was
revoked. You can use the Union Hall as an
address only until you ship, then you must
notify the board of this change.
Even Einstein will have trouble with this
Dit of wisdom offered by Gov. Sherman
Adams of New Hampshire: "I believe if we
all would decide this year to give a half a
dollar more work for the dollar we receive
we would all come pretty near getting back
he half a dollar we are losing because our
dollars are only worth half as much.". . .
The House Merchant Marine Com|nittee,
investigafing the South Amboy blast which
killed thirtyfour workers, blamed everyone
including the Coast Gunrd for the disaster.
The report mentions companies, corpora
tions, and other inanimate bodies, but does
not mention living things.
If you are an alien and have not as yet
registered under the new alien registration
law, get the lead out of your britches and
do so. January tenth was supposedly the
deadline. Head for the nearest post office. . .
Two MC&S crews have asked the NMU to
take over their Union, according to Joe
Curran. Remember when the CMU, of which
the MC&S was a stalwart, was going to take
over the NMU, Joe? — That incidentally
should be a lesson to us. Watch your Union,
or one of these days you could have the
same thing happen to you.
Crew of the Catahoula wishes the rest
of the membership to realize that while you
are under quarantine, even if fired, you are
stili a member of the crew and shall per
form your duties as usual. . . . One of our
esteemed members was sitting at an oval
bar, across from a sweet looking gal, when
his wife walked in and batted him flush in
the head. When Charlie picked himself up
and asked what was the whack for, she said,
for sitting across the table from that woman,
you cheat—what an imagination! . . . Who
is the member frpm Boston that married a
Texas gal and is now wearing cowboy boots?
Is that what they meant all along,by "Bos
ton Cowboys."
This may be getting monotonous to some
of you, but it nevertheless is good durn ad
vice. Go up for higher endorsements if you
qualify. This is important to your future
welfare, both as an individual or Union
member. Bearin mind that there are certain
groups in this country who are opposed to
our way of life and thinking, who would
like an excuse to open training schools
where they could indoctrinate people with
their crummy ideas. The best excuse they
could have for such schools is a shortage of
rated men. You can prevent this shortage,
help fulfill our contractual obligations, in
crease your earning capacity, protect your
Union, which provides your wages and liv
ing conditions, and kill any idea that the
bureaucrats may have about opening train
ing schools, by going out for those higher
endorsements.
Aliens Must Register Under Security Act
All aliens residing in the Uni
ted States are now required to
report their current addresses to
the Immigration Commissioner
within 10 days after the first
of each year, in accordance with
the provisions of the Internal
Security Act of 1950.
The Act says that "every alien
who is required to register un
der the Alien Registration Act
of 1940 and who is residing in
the United States on January
1, 1951, and January 1 of any
succeeding, year, shall report his
current address to the Commis
sioner of Immigration and Na
turalization within 10 days of
such dates."
Forms for submitting the ad
dress report may be obtained at
any post office in the United
States.
Seamen aboard US ships on
January 1, are regarded as re
siding in the United States.
Alien members of the SIU
who were at sea during, the 10
day period for . reporting, are
urged to report to the nearest
post office as soon as they get
off their ships. After filling out
the forrtl, the seamen should
haiid it to a po^al clerk who
wiU'forward it' to the Immigra^
tion Commissioner.
Failure to file a report of cur
rent address can result in a fine
or imprisonment.
^e text of the notice as issued
by Immigration and Naturaliza
tion Service follows:
REQUIREMENTS
The Internal Security Act of
1950 provides that every alien
who is required to register under
the Alien Registration Act of
1940 and who is residing in the
United States on January 1, 1951,
and on January 1 of any suc
ceeding year, shall report his
qurrent address to the Commis
sioner of Immigration and Nat
uralization within. 10 days of
such dates. (See below, "How to
Report.")
In the case of any alien under
the age of 14 years, whose reg
istration under the Alien Regis
tration Act was applied for by a
parent or legal guardian, it will
be the responsibility of the par
ent or legal guardian to submit
the address report to the Com
missioner of Immigration and
Naturalization.
Failure to comply with the re
quirements of the Internal Se
curity Act relating to address
notification will, upon convic
tion, result in a fine or impris
onment or both.
WHO, MUST IMPORT
All ''aliens, Presiding, in the
United States on January 1, 1951,
except (1) aliens temporarily ad
mitted to the United States who
have not overstayed their auth
orized period of admission; (2)
sion has not yet expired and
who have not violated any of
the conditions of their admis
sion.
If your naturalization proceed
ings have not been completed
and you do net yet hold a Cer
tificate of Naturalization you are"
required to report.
IF YOU HAVE ANY DOUBT
CONCERNING YOUR STATUS
AS AN ALIEN, SUBMIT AN
ADDRESS REPORT.
HOW TO REPORT
The Immigration and Natural
ization Service has prepared a
form for submitting the address
report. The Address Report Card
(Form 153) may be obtained at
any post office in the United
States. The Form 153 must be
filled out carefully and correctly.
Be sure to read the instructions
at the topof Form 153.
Be sure to indicate your alien
registration number. Your num
ber appears on your official reg
istration receipt card. If you
are a permanent resident, it is
prefixed by the letter "A." If
you are a visitor, use the num
ber on your Form 257a or Form
194, prefixed by, the letter "V'f
or, the letter "T," . , , , ,
Print, (in ink, prj dark or lip
delible pencil) the information
requested on the card, then sign
it. Be sure that the entries are
correct. Take the completed card
to any post office and hand it
it that the card is forwarded to
the Commissioner of Immigra
tion and Naturalization. DO NOT
MAIL THE ADDRESS REPORT
CARD.
It is very important that the
address report card is treated
with care. DO NOT BEND,
FOLD, CREASE, TEAR, OR IN
ANY WAY MUTILATE THE
CARD.
WHEN TO REPORT
Within 10 days after January
1, 1951, and during the same
period each year thereafter.
students whose period of admisjto a postal clerk who will see to
6et A Receipt
Every member making a
donation to the Union for
any purpose should receive
an official receipt bearing
the amount of the contribu
tion and the purpose for
which it was made.
If a Union official to whom
contribution is given does
not make out a receipt for
the money, the matter should
immediately be referred to ^
Paid Hall. SecretaryTreas
urer, SIU, 51 Beaver StreeL
I
In ,advising,t)iie Spcretaryt <
Treasurer of such transac .
tions, members should^ state
the name of the official and
the port where the money ^
was tenilered. ,
Fiidaj. J«Bu«]qr 12' 1251 THE SEAFARERS LOG
• • " .V'> . ' •
''Miffed'
.''f
QUESTION: In the previous issue of the SEAFARERS LOG, Frenchy Michelet
advanced some suggestions for improving Stewards Department efficiency. What do you
think of Brother Michelet's suggestions?
a DONOVAN. Steward:
I think the article contained
many excellent suggestions, in
zhaz it stressed cooperation with
in the department, and particu
larly between the Steward and
the Chief Cook. If these two
would get together and draw up
suitable menus based on the
meats and other foods actually*
oh hoard ship, it will do much
to promote shipborurd harmony
and cooperation. Of course, once
the menus have been drawn up.
it is up to the Chief Cook to
follow them, since the Steward
is the head of the department
and carries the responsibility.
JOSE VELASQUEZ. Steward: A. J. SINCLAIR. Steward: FRANK SORIANO. Steward: DeFOREST FRY. Steward:
Michelet's article in the pre
vious LOG on how Stewards can
make their job easier and more
efficient had many worthwhile
suggestions. It is my opinion
that as long as Stewards De
partment men work together,
nothing can go wrong. When
ever there is sincere cooperation
there is real brotherhood. I
'think that a Steward must know
each type of ship and the prob
lems arising on each of them,
so that he can lay out his work
properly. Conditions existing on
one vessel may not exist on an
other. It is the Steward's respon
sibility to see that the work is
laid out and followed.
I agree with the statement
made in the article referred to.
that the Steward and the Chief
Cook should work together in
setting up the menus in advance,
so that there can be a minimiim
of waste. The Steward, of course,
has the final say. but coopera
tion can produce good results.
Advance workingout of the
menus can utilize leftovers,
which, despite the sound of the
word, can be made into very
tasty meals. It's all in knowing
how. like seasoning, preparation
and so on. Efficiency is the thing
Stewards should work for. and
the article offers some good tips
on how to do it.
The Steward must get the full
cooperation of the Chief Cook
in order to get the most out of
the meats available. Menus are
not made from a book, but from
the stuff in the icebox. The
Steward, of course, is the head
of the department, and running
it is his job and responsibility,
but he should consult with the
Chief Cook on the menus and
other things that come up—^who
knows, he may get some new
ideEus or a fresh sleuit. And again,
working with the rest of the
department is one sure way of
making the whole department
run smoothly.
If Michelet's article increases
shipboard harmony—as I think
it will—U is a very worlhwhUe
effort.. If the article is read care
fully. and the suggestions fol
lowed. there will be more un
derstanding and more efficiency
in the Stewards Department and
in the other departments. Miche
let gave good advice on handling
of waste. Wasting or spoiling
foods is certainly not something
that can ultimately result in
more takehome pay. which is
cur constant objective. So we
should see that wastage on
SIU ships is put at an absolute
minimum. The Steward and
Chief Cook can work this out.
JOE MILLER. Ch. Steward: T. E. MAYNES. Stewaltl: GEORGE KITCHEN, Steward: W. GIRADEAU. Steward:
'V,
I have been going to sea for
35 years, during which time I
have sailed in every capacity in
the Stewards Department, and
Michelet's article contains the
best suggestions for Chief Stew
ards to follow thai I have seen
yet. If more material could be
added to this article, it would
serve as a wonderful guide for
the Stewards Depi^n^pL Since
food 'is rhe bitoest' mpt^ebuild
er aboard ship, I thixik \t sbduld
receive ' tdmditt'' atflehiion.
When I go aboard a ship X
bring the department together
to explain their duties to them
and wrsie* them to the best of
my ability. It pays off in smooth
running.
It is a gOod article for the
reason that crews that don't
know what the Steward is up
against are given the score com
pletely. Some crewmen think
that any little thing they don't
like should be tossed over the
side. This cannot be. To keep
the benefits of our present con
tracts and to improve them, we
must operate the galley as effi
ciently ' as ;^'ssible. .'By lettihb^
crews know wbai the ' vari<Jus'
fodds are ' ahd^ thd ^probleniS Of
psoviding good meals, the Stew
ard will be able to get greater
cooperation. If everyone on the
ships will understand the Stew
ard's problems. they will be bet
ter ships.
Michelet's article had swell
ideas — the thing is to follow
them. If the Steward will sit
down with the Chief Cook and
work out menus for several
days, so that the meat can be
properly butchered, it will make
the work easier for the Cook,
insure the men of wellplanned
meals and cut down on wastage.
Such a meeting needn't take*
more j^hc^fan^a^half.
The Steward, ma^ehtally. should
go into thC mealbox' ̂ ith the
Cook to see just what meats are
there and in what quantity, so
his menus will n^^t call for meats
that are not available. Saving fat
for lard is a good idea«<you get
better sauces and graeies.
The suggestions made in the
Michelet article in the last LOG
were logical and practical. If
they were carried out to the
letter, a good deal of confusion
would be eliminated and. natur
ally, the shipboard efficiency of
the Stewards Department would
be increased. Because of the na
tnifej p{ iif fl^^ Stew
ard% Department gehs praclicpjly
every kind ^ kidcthai is made.
The functions of a Steward are
numerous and he has plenty of
opportunity to improve opera
tions. To do this he must work
at it. MicheM's article might
help him to do this.
PETE KING. Steward:
I think Michelet's article is
timely. I think that, the more
attention that is devoted to the
problems of the Steward and
his department, the smoother the „
whole ship will run. Actually,
the problems of the Steward
finally affect everyone aboard the
vessel. Michelet has put every
thing down in simple, straight
forward' comdiohsense language
(aid it would'pay every' SteW^d^
• ^ik ~fact. every' Wl^Vmanilfo
read his suggestions carefully.
If his suggestions are followed,
1 think a lot of problems in
feeding will be eliminated and
Stewards Department efficiency
will be increased.
Page Eight THE SEAF AREmS LOG Friday, January 12, 1951
Grill, Lounge, Showers Top
Miorana's New Hall Ideas
Indicative of the interest being shown by the mem
bership throughout the District in the New Headquarters
building is the letter received from a New Orleans Sea
farer this week. telephone booths so a
member can place a call without
rimning all over town."
For the reading room he sug
gests a complete display of mag
azines and newspapers, and in
the reading room, stocked with
abundant stationery would be
an instrument to give out with
that most elusive of all — the
postage stamp.
' Those are the Brother's sug
gestions, and it looks like he's
readying himself for some com
fortable hours on the beach if
he hits New York.
What are your ideas?
Ponce Seafarers At Shipmates' Funeral Rites
Brother Vic Miorana, writ
ing from New Orleans, offers his
suggestions for facilities in the
new building that would be
"beneficial to the Union as an
organization and the membership
as individuals." Typical of the
close attention being given the
new setup by the members,
Miorana outlines his ideas for
mMftlng the new Headquarters
offices a complete apparatus.
Several of the suggestions em
bodied in his letter have already
been offered by members and in
corporated in the plans, such as
a restaurant and bar for hungry
and thirsty men of the sea.
Speaking of the bar, Moriana
notes: "Seamen look for the
nearest tavern to meet old
friends and to down a few cold
Crewmembers of the MV Ponce flank the coffin of the lale Ernesto Gonzalez, who was
killed by a hitandrun driver while ashore in Port Everglades, Fla. From left to right: P.
Miranda, F. Larrauri, G. Meirtinez, F. Singleton, Captain Owens, S. Crespo, R. Goxizalez, R.
Vargas, E. Tonto, P. Torres, R. Rivera, L. Carbone, J. Ayeda, G. Gonzalez, E. Erazo, L. Medina,
M. Cortez, E. Aharey, D. Solis, J. Collados and J. Vega.
Sepulveda Quits
Bachelordom; Wed
To Sao Paulo Miss Ernesto Gonzalez Killed By Hit-Runner
In Florida Port; Was Veteran Seafarer
Ernesto Gonzalez, who was killed by a hitandrun driver on the Federal High
way in Port Everglades, Fla., on November 6, has been laid to rest in a Salines, Puerto
Rico cemetery, according to a letter received'from his shipmates aboard the MV Ponce.
ones, so we should install a
neat bar and cocktail lounge
where a member can bring his
better half or girl friend." Right,
Brother, and so ordered.
Continuing, Miorana feels that
the building could do well in
incorporating additional services
to the membership under one
roof. For instance, he suggests:
"Rent out a certain section of
the building, or if insurance
regulations prohibit this, operate
on" a profitsharing basis such
installations as a barber shop,
oneday laundry service, a sec
tion of coin lockers, and a sec
SS Abiqua Crew
Votes Donation
To Hank's Fund
The fund set up to benefit the
infant daughter and elderly par
Ifcents of "Cut and Rxm" Hank,
^ weUknown Seafarer who died
last fall was swelled by $25 this
week through a donation made
by the crew of the SS Abiqua.
The crew of the Abiqua, as
i; reported in the shipboard min
I utes of December 26, voted 100
• percent to donate the money
^ from the ship's fund. The min
utes reported the occurence and
I stated, "the membership, of the
S i^iqua takes pleasure in donat
ing to this fine cause."
"Cut and Run" Hank, whose
real name was Henry Pieketow
J ski, for several years prior to
his death wrote a column of
humor and Seafarer chitchat
K for the SEAFARERS LOG.
The ranks of the bachelors
aboard ships sailing out of the
Gulf for South American ports
continues to thin out.
Latest of the Seafarers to sign
matrimonial articles is Brother
Edmundo G. Sepulveda, who was
married to Miss Terezinha Bruno
in Sao Paulo, Brazil, recently.
Among those present at the
wedding ceremony were mem
bers of the crew of the SS Del
Sud, on which Sepulveda sails
as Printer.
Following the ceremony, a re
ception was held at the bride's
home. Later, the guests attended
an informal dance, given in hon
or of the occasion.
A veteran Seafarer, Gonzalez*
had been a member of the SIU
since July 3, 1940. He joined the
Seafarers in the Port of New
Orleans, where he received Book
No. 184. He sailed in the Deck
Department and was Deck Main
tenance on the Ponce.
Gonzalez, who was 41 years
old, also served in the US Armed
Forces and saw action in the
last war, the Ponce crewmen
said.
General Praises SIU Crew
For Snappy Troop Loading:
High praise for its job in support to American forces
currently fighting in Korea was given the SIU crew of
the SS Robin Goodfellow recently by the commanding
general of the 7th Infantry Division.
The Goodfellow, currently ufi*
der charter to the Military Sea
Transport Service, was assigned
to c^ry xmits of the 7th Divi
sion to the port of Wonsan, far
north on the eastern coast of
Korea. In carrying out the ope
ration, the Commanding Gen
eral praised the crew for doing
its job with a "maximum of ef
ficiency" and being of "material
assistance in the accomplishment
of the mission."
The praise was delivered to
the crew in a letter from Major
General David Barr, command
ing officer of the 7th Division,
whose letter is as follows:
"I should like to express my
appreciation to you, yom* offi
cerSj .and .l^e members of your
crew for your outstanding as
sistance and close cooperation
during the embarkation of the
7th Infantry Division on the Ro
bin Goodfellow during the first
week of September, 1950.
"The successful embarkation
of the 7th Infantry Division on
your vessel was largely due to
the assistance rendered our em
barkation officers in promptly
loading yom: ship within the re
quired time and with a maxi
mum of efficiency. This assist
ance involved continuing long
hours of "hard work until the
ship was ready to sail. The ef
forts of you and your ship!a com
pany were of material assistance
in the accomplishment of the
mission of the 7th Infantry Di
vision.
"David G. Barr
"Maj. Gen., USA
"Commanding"
The GoodfeUow has since re
turned to the. West Coast and
is once more in the Pacific area.
Delegates aboard the ship dur
ing the Wonsan action were: B.
Llanez, Ship's Delegate; G. Her
man, Deck Delegate; Ed Barron,
Engine Delegate, and Joe Gam
blich. Stewards Delegate.
All hands were present at the
funeral services, which were
held in Port Everglades, from
where the body was shipped to
Puerto Rico for bmrial.
The Ponce crew's letter said
that the men wished "to ex
press appreciation to Captain
Joseph Owens, Master of the
Ponce, for his understanding as
sistance in arranging the fun
eral service for Brother Gon
zalez . . . and for his attempt
to bring a measure of security
to his widow."
Brother Gonzalez, the Ponce
crew said, is survived by his
wife and three children of Sa
lines.
News of Gonzalez' untimely
death, which apparently came as
he attempted to cross the high
way at about 11:45 AM, cast
gloom over the ship.
Crewmembers took up a col
lection which was turned over
to his family. "May we, through
the LOG, extend to the surviving
members of his family our deep
est sympathy."
Voice Of Oke Sea
By "SALTY DICK'
Greetings from New Orleans!
Del Dean has quit a ship to
remain at home with the Mrs.
and his newlyarrived heir . . .
Congratulations to Bill Champlin
on the new edition of his Mar
Log, shipfloard newspaper—^He's
one man who can't be idle either.
Steve Silvestrin worked on a
Delta passenger ship for two
years and then he boarded her
as a passenger to go home to
Brazil . . . Stanley Hawkins on
the Del Sud but Uncle Sam may
give another job soon . . . Vin
cent Chavez, Baker, will send
anyone his hot cake recipe if
you send him a selfaddressed
envelope.
Pretty soon the, wedding bells
will ring for bid bachelor Al
fredo Duarte, down in Santos,
Brazil . . . Many took chanced
on the Argentine lottery but
none like Nicky Bastes. Some
day he'll hit the jack pot and
then settle down in Buenos Aires
. . Who was the Third Cook
who went ashore in BA wearing
a straw hat and a heavy over
coat?
Tage Nilssen walking around
minus his big stomach. He claims
he lost it by working in the
engine room . . . Whenever you
see a fire cracker go off you
can bet your last dollar Candella
is around . . . Moses Milano wor
ried sick over his falling hair.
He tries everything that is sug
gested to him. Last time I saw
him he was eyeing the toupe on
a store window dummy. ,
I hear it's easier to get a call
through from Buenos Aires to
New Orleans, than it is from
BA to a spot in the Argentine
interior.
By the time you read this,
Charlie Bradley sliould be on
the Del Sud heading for BA.
Charlie has bought more shoes
in Argentina than anyone I
know . . . Max Fabricant telling
me where to go for a good fried
oyster dinner. • ,
w
V''#• • • • • •
Friday, January 12, 1951 TttE SEAFARERS LOG Page Nine
r
Digested Minutes Of SiU Ship Meetings
DEL NORTE, Nov. 26—Chair^
man. Bill Higgs; Secrelar^
Lewis. Delegates reported on
situations in their departments.
Ship's Treasurer reported $208.36
in fund. Athletic Director report
ed that crew should buy cheap
balls for use on deck, and save
the good ones for the baseball
games in BA. Suggestion made
that football pool be organized,
with a share of the proceedings
going to defray the expenses of
, the ship's newspaper. Sugges
tion made that members donate
something toward Christmas din
ner for the Brothers on the
beach.
X % i
SEAMAR, Dee. i — Chairman,
Larry Savior; Secretary, John
Fish. Delegates reported all in
order, except Engine Department
which has 2 hours of disputed
overtime for delayed sailing. Mo-
tion carried to turn in all repair
lists before the ship reaches
Panama. Vote of thanks given
Stewards Department for splen-
did quality of food and service.
z. i. S.
PAOLI, Dec. 2—Chairman, C.
Peters; Secretary, R. Lapointe.
Motion carried to reimburse
Ship's Delegate for cab fare to
Quebec and purchase of records.
Ship's Delegate to see if water
tanks will be cleaned out.
t X *
CLAIBORNE, Nov. 1—Chair
man, Grimes; Secretary, J. Fer
reira. Delegates reported no
beefs. Ship's fund stands at
$57.50. Motion carried for Dele
gates to check stores. Steward
asked to order new mattresses.
Suggestion made that crew back
Steward in getting stores; Dele
gates to be notified if there is a
shortage in stores.
i X X
AZALEA CITY, Dec. 19 —
Chairman, George Leideman;
Secretary, D. Clark. Ship's Dele-
gate spoke about late sailing
overtime dispute. Bosun warned
crew against throwing cigarette
butts out of messhall porthole
and putting feet on chairs.
XXX
ABIGUA, Nov. 5 — Chairman,
Julius Moore; Secretary, K.
Steinberg. Delegates reported
number of books and permits in
their departments. Each depart
ment asked to take turns in
cleaning passageways. Ship's
Delegate reported crew happy
over pay increase, and asked
crew to fill out Seafarers Wel
fare Plan beneficiary cards in
Lake Charles.
MS:
iVH YOU Sie/MFP YOU/?
BENEFICIARY CARD
/er ? ASK FOR THEM
AT SiGNO/^S ,4N1>
FAYOFPS, OR AT
THE A/EAREST
OH\ON HALL.. IT IS
IMRPRMNT THAT^v^Rf
NAN F/aoA/Eoi;r,i£>
\tevrTossieLF
martHa
lAiMS ;N THE'
D
i kFOTi/AE"
the poor service by Messmen.
Steward promised to personally
supervise mealserving. Electri
cian agreed to overhaul motor
on washing machine, and give
a report on its condition at the
next meeting.
XXX
KATHRYN, Dec. 17 —Chair
man, A. Ogindo: Secretary, A.
MacDonald. Delegates reported
no beefs. Motion carried to have
emergency panels replaced, as
during the war. MacDonald re
minded the crew that the men
should vote during the ship's
stay in New York, as the next
time will be too late. Steward
asked men to take only fair
share of fruit. Crew asked to
cooperate in keeping laundry
room cleaner.
XXX
OLYMPIC GAMES, Dec. 3 —
Chairman, Stanley Stigen; Sec
retary, A1 DeForest. Delegate re
ported a Cook had paid off and
a new one was being fiown down
from New York. Engine Dele
gate reported dispute concerning
unequal division of overtime on
breaking of sea watches in port.
The Galley Utility was thanked
for his fine work during the nine
days the ship was in port.
X X x' '
STEEL DESIGNER, Nov. 25—
Chairman, S. Beames; Secretary,
Hector Conrad. Delegates report
ed number of books and per
mits in their departments. Dele
gates elected for all departments.
Complaints registered concerning
XXX
GOVERNMENT CAMP, Dec.
14—Chairman, H. A. Luhrs; Sec
retary, H. Goodiried. Delegates
reports accepted. Treasurer re
ported $50.22 in ship's fund after
magazine subscriptions had been
purchased. Motion carried that
Ship's Delegate see Captain about
making up payroll to the day
the ship docks, in the future.
XXX
BALTORE, Nov. 13 — Chair
man, C. Kemp; Secretary, M.
Bunker. Motion carried that food
stores on Ore ships be improved.
Motion carried to send a letter
to delegates of all ships asking
their cooperation on working for
better food. Steward promised
that the night lunch would be
improved in the future.
XXX
ROBIN MOWBRAY, Dec. 3—
Chairman, J. Buzelewski; Sec
retary, A. Baum. Delegates re
ported some disputed overtime
in each department. New library
to be put aboard before next
trip, Poor quality of night lunch
'to be "taken Up with Port Stew
I ... 1 "
ard.
XXX
ANNISTON CITY, Nov. 29 —
Chtdrman, Lanier; Secretary,
Jolws Fisher. Delegates' reports
accepted. Steward thanked for
the fine meals his department
has put out during trip. Discus
sion on Captain's hostile attitude,
which is in sharp contrast to
the attitude of the rest of the
officers. A warning given to gas
hounds to straighten up.
XXX
BENTS FORT, Nov. 12—Chair
man, Manuel Joao; Secretary,
Thomas Caffrey. Delegates re
ported on books and permits in
their departments. Delegates dis
cussed the privileges of white
card men. Delegate asked to
speak to the Patrolman about
getting more than the 120 quarts
of milk now issued.
XXX
DEL VALLE, Nov. 12—Chair
man, Fred Shaia; Secretary, Leo
nard Munna. Delegate reported
the failure of the Chief Engin
eer to install the fans that were
promised. Discussion on manner
to be used for distributing books
and playing cards. Suggestion to
donate money to the boys at
Fort Stanton tabled until next
meeting.
XXX
COUNCIL GROVE, Nov. 27 —
Chairman, E. Callahan; Secre
ttiry, G, Abundo. Delegates re
ported repairs not yet taken care
of. Crew voted to continue pools,
sale of cokes and fines in order
to increase ship's fund. Discus
sion, on reimbursing Brother for
the use of his films and film
equipment. Crew was asked to
keep phonograph covered when
not in use, so as to prevent dust
and moisture from ruining it.
Port Steward and Steward get
together.
XXX
SEATRAIN HAVANA, Dec. 16
—Chairman, Seay; Secretary, W.
Cahill. Delegates reported no
beefs. Steward asked to find out
if he can get buttermilk as weU
as sweet milk. Crew letter writ
ten to ask company to dock
ship in Texas City on Christmas
Day, if possible.
» » »
GATEWAY CITY, Dec. 16 —
Chairman, L. Collins; Secretary,
B. Rosaw. Delegates reported on
number of books and permits in
their departments. Motion car
ried that the three delegates get
together and check stores com
ing aboard. Steward promised to
correct food situation, otherwise
crew will ask for a new Stew
ard.
XXX
JULESBERG, Dec. 19—Chair
man, Joe Bums; Secretary, John
Caporale. Delegates reported all
smooth. Steward reported that
Captain would not let him order
fruit juices. Fireman reported
1st Assistant hit him when he
complained about the lack of
pressure in the boilers. Captain
said he is calling in the Coast
Guard when the ship hits port.
XXX
ALCOA CORSAIR, Dec. 17 —
Chairman, M. Costello; Secretary,
J. Roberts. Delegates reports ac
cepted. Motion carried to com
mend Cooks for good work. Re
pair list made up and approved.
XXX
BRADFORD ISLAND, Dec. 13
—Chairman, H. Benson; Secre
tary, H. Swann. Motion carried
to take repair list to Chief En
gineer and see what can be done
now. Motion made to repair
messhall chairs.
reported everything running
smoothly. Each man urged to
present a repair list to the dele
gate of his department to insure
a complete repair list being turn
ed in at end of trip.
XXX
ALCOA PENNANT. Dec. 12—
Cheurman, Edward Fields; Secre
tary, J. Stringfellow. Delegates
reports accepted. Motion carried
to buy a new washing machine
in Canada. Warning giyen to
crewmembers who might foul up
when ship hits port.
XXX
FORT HOSKINS, Dec. 22 —
Chairman, Frank Throp; Secre
tary, Alfred Gregory. Delegates
reported ship running smoothly.
Motion carried to send in ap
plications for Coast Guard pass
and to notify Union of crew's
action.
XXX
YAIU^, Dec. 19—Chairman, C.
Magnan; Secretary, A. Gonzales.
Delegates reported all running
smoothly. Motion carried to hold
meeting on day of payoff with
Patrolman in attendance.
X XX
LAKE GEORGE, Dec. 2 —
Chairman, John Parsons; Secre
tary, George Fargo. Delegates re
ported no beefs; reported on
number of books and permits in
their departments. Disr ̂ i.^lcn on
what can be done to improve
food. Suggested that Patrolman,
XXX
SALEM MARITIME, Dec. 22—
Chairman, Ray Arnold; Secre
tary, George Smith. Delegates re
ported number of books and per
mits in their departments. De
partments reported total of 11
hours of overtime. Suggestion
made to buy an iron and board
from the ship's fund. Members
asked to discuss their problems
with the delegates and not the
department heads.
XXX
OREMAR, Dec. 24—Chairman,
C. Gibbs; Secreteiry. L. Reeves.
Delegates reported no disputed
overtime. Motion carried to see
Patrolman in regards to Deck
Department standby overtime.
Discussion on keeping quarters
clean and on importance of mak
ing up a repair list. Cooks given
a vo*te of thanks for improve
ment in food over last trip.
XXX
ARCHERS HOPE. Dec. 17 —
Chairman, S. Emerson; Secretary,
Sidney Lipschilz. Motion carried
that all delegates get together
and see Steward about taking on
supplies in England. Motion car
ried to set up fines for men who
miss meetings.
XXX
TRINITY, Nov. 15—Chairman,
M. Lorenzo; Secreleury, Pete Pia
scik. Delegates reported number
of books and permits in their de
partments. Steward suggested
donations be made to build up
ship's fund.
XXX
WILLIAM CABRUTH, Dec. 12
—Chairman. Frank Goaxin; Sec
retary, John Stefanik. Delegates
XXX
SEA WIND. Dec. 20—Chairman.
J. Reisbeck; Secretary, E. Boyd.
Steward reported thaat ship is
running short of supplies because
trip has been longer than ex
pected. Motion carried that Un
ion be advised of poor mail serv
ice to Korea.
AFOUNDRIA,^Di. 13—Chair,
man, J. Harners; Secretary, J.
Higham. Delegates reported no
beefs. Motion carried to give
Steward's Department a vote of
thanks for fine work and coope
ration given the crew. Motion
carried to keep the white table
cloths clean.
BINGHAMTON VICTORY,
Dec. 2 — Chairman, Ray White;
Secretary. P. Fernandez. Dele
gates reported a few hours of
overtime in each department.
Delegates instructed to draw up
a list of needed repairs in their
departments.
COE VICTORY,^ Nov. 26 —
Chairman, Pat Fox; Secretary,
W. Flaherty. Delegates' reports
accepted. Motion carried that
the Patrolman give a couple of
topsiders a hearttoheart talk.
Ship's Delegate suggested that
the new crew purchase a wash
ing machine, as the present one
is worn out. Crew reminded to
take care of equipment. Ship's
Delegate informed men that
whatever ship they get on in the
future headed for the war zone,
they should see that there are
sufficient stores aboard.
CITY OF^ALMA (Date not
given) — Chairman, C. Wilson;
Secretary, Walter Wise. Dele
gates reported on the number of
books and permits in their de
partments. Motion carried to
present the Skipper with a wrist
watch. Steward to collect money
from each man and buy watch
in Japan; the balance of the
money to be donated to the
LOG.
' X X X
PAOLI, Dec. 16 Chairman,
John E. Mitchell; Secretary,
Charles Peters. Delegates report
ed no beefs. Ship's Delegate re
ported that all crewmembers
should hold onto their seamen's
(Continued on Page 12)
Winter Hill Breezes Along
In True Seafarers
En Route To liidia
Style
m-
To the Editor:
This is my first ietter to the
LOG and I know that you will
agree that it is for a very good
purpose. I want to thank the
organizers and patrolmen ashore
wjho have beep . making the
Cities Service ships religiously
for the past year.
.I'm on the SS Winter Hill,
running between Philly and
Lake Charles, and there isn't a
trip that goes by that we have
not had the Patrolman to come
down and meet us. On Christ
mas Day we had Steve Cardullo
on the ship to square our beefs
and get us a fast payoff, when
he could have been with his
wife and kids on this Holiday.
Then, there is Keith Terpe on
the Lake Charles end of the
line who makes the ship at all
hours of the night giving com
petition to Steve Cardullo and
Don Hall in Philly.
REAL SIU
As to the setup on the SS
Winter Hill at present I can say
that she now has the. earmarks
of being a real SIU ship. At
present we have as Skipper the
former Chief Mate, E. Monoghan,
who is a bangup Mate and a
good joe. This trip to Philly
we wUl pick up our regular
Captain, A. B. Schermer, who
is rejoining the ship after a
weU deserved vacation.
The Chief Engineer and the
black gang are okay, too. The
only guy on here who has been
trying to give us a bad time is
the relief Chief Mate who is as
phony as one of those Japanese
cuckoo clocks that they try to
heist on you in Yokohama. But
our troubles wUl be over when
k
Readers Ask
MarLog Writer
To Continue Yarn
TQ the Ediloz:
Please mail the LOG to my
home address so that I'll have
several to read on my trips there.
I very seldom get to read one
aboard ship until it's weeks old
and it has been passed aU over
the ship.
If you have a LOG of Novem
ber 10, please mail me that is
sue also.
Pm trying to write a story for
. cur LOG each trip, or rather I
should say our shipboard news
paper, the MarLog, published
by the crew of the SS Del Mar.
The articles are called "A Stew
ardess Goes Shopping."
So many have liked it that
they have asked me to continue
them, which I hope to do. The
articles, of course, wiU concern
the ports at which we stop,
j I wish to thank the LOG edi
t\)k Ui ?l|kmg; Story enough
to, publish it in the JToveniber
10 issud. ilbping ^ir&iy' Mother
and Sister members will enjoy
the efforts I so humbly make
toward adding good fellowship
and goodwiil wherever the SEA
FARERS LOG is read.
RoMlie
he piles off this trip in Philly.
In the Steward's Department
we have Mike Michalik, Chief
Cook, who is knocking out the
chow in true SIU style. The
Steward, M. Marcus, who is a
good joe, is trying his best to
get decent stores aboard and
make this tub the best feeder
in the Cities Service Fleet.
Outside of the Bosun and the
Steward we have 100 percent
SIU men in the unlicensed per
sonnel aboard.
Closing this letter I wish to
again thank all those who help
ed bring the Cities Service ships
under the SIU banher and to
wish them all a Happy and
Prosperous New Year for they
stire deserve it. I remain
Joel Anderson
Among the Seafarers aboard the Alcoa Puritan when she
left New York on December 29 were the gaUey men shown
above. Left to right: Sam Howard, Nathan Dixon, Gladstone
Ford, William Smothers, Leroy Williaims, Rufus Carrington and
James Armstrong.
*
The Puritan's photographer, Juan Colpe, caught this trio
of Deck Department men as they were turning to on some
prevoyage tasks. The lads are, left to right, Clemente Flores,
Bosun; Emilio Sierra, OS, and Luther Myrex, DM.
Brother Dishes
To Competent
Out Praise
Galley Men
To the Editor:
Here is a little item I would
appreciate having run in the
LOG as food for thought. It is
in regard to the efficient job
being done by the best maritime
union in the world, namely our
own Union, the SIU.
Thanks to our shoreside ̂
ficials, we are enjoying the best
conditions of any Union ashore
or afloat as a result of their
competency in negotiations of
contracts.
But to be efficient in keeping
up the good reputation of our
Union, one must have a well
nourished body and that's where
a good Stewards Department
comes in. A wellfed crew is a
happy crew.
BEST ANYWHERE
We have in the SIU the best
Cooks and Bakers to be found
anywhere, and yet one can al
ways find a few that will con
tinue to beef about the food; and
|;he 'Way it Is haridlfed.'
'flon't forget the niembers' oi
the Stewards Department are
also Union members and our
Brothers. Give them praise when
it is due, for then they are happy
and they will keep us all happy
by taking more interest in the
feeding and when the SIU is
happy the commies are un
happy—and all is well.
John (Scotiy) Clark
SS Del Sud
Goldman Gets
Big SendOff
From Shipmates
To the Editor:
I regret at this time to inform
the crewmembers of the SS
Puerto Rico that this trip we
are losing a very fine member
of the Black Gang, Kenneth P.
Goldman.
He has been on this ship for
13 months and has earned for
himself the righest respect of
all, including the Engineers. Per
sonaUy, I sailed with him in the
fireroom for four trips, and he
impressed me so much that
deem it a privilege to sit down
and append a few words of
praise for him. ^
Kenny was an ideal worker
and it's impossible to find a
better shipmate. For a yoimg
man of only 23 years, he was
very mature and not the least
bit conceited. I am sure that he
will be missed greatly by the
men in the Engine Department.
Joseph (Paddy) Farrell
Capable Cantlgny Crewmen
'' The dities Seihiic4 ' tUttkbi bWas<s' ;a fii'sltafef
SIU 'cc^W^ Itdz^ itV ibme'of'ike idcte't^ponsible' ihe'^bip'
shape condition of the vesseL Kneeling, left to right: J. Ara
basz, MM; E. Celkos, AB; T. Daly, AB; M. Muniz, Wiper.
Standing: J. Kovachic, QS; V. Williamson, Oiler; J. Trudeau,
AB; J, Nortisi J, gterlsnci Al; J. Anido; FWTj Sd MosakdwgkL
DM. Standing behind lift ring is ̂ Kxug. Photo by
salves, .BR. .
Draft Article !
Hit Bull's Eye, .
SIU Dad Declares
To the Editor:
I want to congratulate you on."
your stand in the article, "End
Draft Confusion, SIU Tells Dr^t
Board," as this article will be an
eye opener to many an exsea
man—and . there are many—who
read this article.
It was right to the point, and
the thing to do is give it to'
them straight from the shoulder, ^
otherwise our seamen are not
going to get any recognition at
aU from the new draft act,.
which is now being written in
Washington.
Frankly, 1 think that Public
Law 87, as of the 78th Congress,
should be reinstated, setting up
a discharge procedure for every
seaman, and thus in black and
white, when a man serves his
time in foreign sailing he should
be exempt.
Now I know that the American
Legion and the VFW are fighting
any recognition for seamen and
thus our organization of the SIU
should get busy on this matter.
If the proper sources of the
SIU will contact the Hon. Lyn,
don B. Johnson of Armed Ser.
vices Committee, along with thflj
Hon. William M. Colmer, Hon. '
Tom Connally and otheVs, I;
think we wUl get action on this [
in the January session of Con
gress. The seamen's organiza '
tions must not faU on this deal
for the present draft act, accord ̂
ing to information I have re
ceived, is to be conceived for a
10year basis and surely our.
seamen deserve a setup the same '
as Public Law 87.
Those holding Certificates of
Continuous Service as signed by '
President Truman from 1946 to
1948; inclusive, should have ex ,
emption and a definite program
as imder the above law worked
out to protect our seamen who •
carry, supplies to our armed
forces. '
Why am I interested? I have
a son who is a member of the '
SIU and proud of it, and so the '
above recommendation for what
ever it is worth in the effort to .
help our'seamen.
T. J. McGill
Vernon, T^xu
New Seafarers Thank
ILA Men For Strike Aid
To the Editor:
In view of our appreciation o#
the recent action qf the Jong
shoremen of Chester, Pa., we,
the crew of the recentlyorgan
ized vessel SS Southern Cities,
would like you to "print in the
SEAFARERS LOG a vote of
thanks to these men for their
aid in our very successful strike
held in Chester, Pa., on Mon
day, Nov. 20. ., y ^
don't know the number of "t^e .
We regret the fact. that!
ifA Local there, biii I kmi'if 'it
is necessary, our PhUadelphia
Agent, Steve Cardullo, will be
more than glad to give yoir any
further details. .
Bob Brown
• i' 88 Southern CiHes;
• • ii.#;
• 4;.
Friday. JTanuaxy 12> 1951 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Eleven
1
m>: •
mr
Just Befpre The Trip Started Nothing Wrong With The Steel Fabricator
Except Ports Of Call, Sprano Observes
J. E. Bell, ship's treasurer aboard the Archer's Hope,
turned to with his camera as the CS tanker prepared for the
run to the Persian Gulf. Here he shows (left to right) Joe
Selby, AB; Tony Tosado, DM; C. Wiggins, OS; Red Bowe, DM,
and Red O'Roiuke. Wiggins and Bowe paid off before ship
started out, "but we all miss them," says Bell.
BEEF SETTLEMENT
ON DEL MUNDO
SCORES BIG HIT
To the Editor:
We, the crew of the SS Del
Mundo, thank and praise Paul
Warren and Buck Stephens for
the efficient way they handled
a beef on this ship.
From the time the beef was
mailed into 'the New Orleans
Hall, to the time it was settled
in the commissioner's office, i
was a remarkable job. It took
poise and experierice, which
were certainly not lacking in
Paul and Buck.
As long as we have men of the
caliber pf Paul and Buck there
heed not be any worry or any
obstacles to stand in the way of
a greater SIU.
Signed by 14 crewmembers
SS Del Mundo
Tony Tosado was on the
job when Brother Bell's cam
era came his way again.
Send 'Em In
Don't hold your pictures
and stories of shipboard acti
vities. Mail them to the Sea
farers Log, 51 Beaver St.,
New York 4, N. Y. If you
haven't the time or don't feel
in the mood, just forward de
tails. We'll do the rest. Pic
tures will be returned if you
wish.
Yalentis Spread Cheer
In New Orleans Hospital
To the Editor:
Would you please put a no
tice in the LOG regarding the
cindness shown to SIU mem
bers in the New Orleans Marine
lospital by Mr. and Mrs. Pete
Valenti at Christmas time.
The Valentis distributed gifts
and goodwishes, which I am
sure were deeply appreciated by
all who were recipients of their
generosity.
George Harding
To the Editor:
I never had the time to write
to the LOG about a trip before
but since I had to get off my
ship, the Steel Fabricator, to
take my physical for the Army,
I have plenty of time as they
found out I'm 4F.
Well enough of that. My trip
to India aboard the Isthmian
scow was more exciting. The
ship itself was a very clean one.
The Steward was a sixfoot
five stump jiunper who came
from New Orleans. Higgenbot
tom is his name. And he has a
heart as big as he is himself.
Any guy who would give a crew
seedless grapes and chocolate
milk every chance he had is
okay. His grub was darn close
to that of the Waldorf.
The Chief Mate is another
king, but his nam'e is R. K. Wing.
If you ever sail under him treat
him square, as he is one of those
chiefs who appreciate a gO'Od
crew.
We left the States in August
and hit Beirut first, where the
boys got some liquid sea stores.
Then off to Alexandria, where
we gave the guides a hard time,
so hard they didn't take any
money out of us. So one of them
tries to pick my pocket. I guess
they are still trying to straighten
his neck.
Then we headed east through
the Ditch, but not until Joe Mur
phy got a few skins out of the
boys. Jedda and Jibuti are places
"Tex" (left) Fireman, and C. Greenwood, Chief Electrician,
lean on the Steel Fabricator's rail and turn on smiles for the
camera of Brother Sprano.
to talk about but not to go to,
especially if you're Jewish, in
which case they might try to
j part your toupe from your shoul
ders. Jibuti is where they get
their longshoremen from the
woods. They're still wearing the
bones in their noses, and they
have that soup pot look in their
eyes.
After we caught a few sharks
we picked up the hook and
headed further east. Karachi was
good. We stayed there three
hours. Bombay is as dry as a
camel after eight days. If that
isn't dry enough then get the
back of an unlicked postage
stamp.
Colombo and Madras must be
places where the Captain sends
back a post card to the company
to let them know that the ship
is still afloat. At last we hit Cal
cutta. Ah! It was a sad day
when we left, as the buzzards
lost a good meal. We arrived
back in the States in November
all safe and sound—an act of
God was performed.
Cornelius (Conn) Sprano
Brother Sprano holds one of the Fabricator's monkey
passengers, while his fellowtravellers peer out from their
accommodations in the rear.
Report On Israeli Ships 'Distorted,' Says Unionist;
Conditions Due To Poor Representation, SIU Man Finds
Dons Khaki, Seeks
Mail From Shipmate
To the Editor:
I entered the Army, on No
vember 20 and so will not be
going to sea for awhile. Will you
please send the LOG to me while
I'm in the Army. I joined the
Union in March 1945 and hav€|
Book No. 40856.
I'd appreciate it if some of my
old shipmates would drop me
a line. I hope to get out jn 21
months so that I can go back
to sea.
Thanks a lot, I'll drop over to
see the new New York Hall
when I get a chance.
Ret. Lewis P. Talarvini
Co. I, 39th Inf. Reg'i
Fort Dix, N. J. ^
Aids Science
To the Editor:
Kindly put us on your mail
ing list. In return we Will gladly
mail you our periodical, which
might give you an idea of what's
going on in our union.
In your newspaper (SEAFAR
ERS LOG) of September 1, 1550,
there appeared a letter written
by Walter Blazer, describing con
ditions on an Israeli ship. A se
quel was promised, but unfor
tunately that was the only num
ber of your newspaper that fell
into my hands, so I can only
dwell on the first ^art of tjie
letter. : \
' It is not iaiij', jn my opiniph.J
to describe conditions on a par
ticular ship which had just been
taken over by the Israeli crew.
(Blazer described a voyage to
Haifa of a vessel thai was taken
over by an Israeli crew in Can
ada. Blazer, a retired Seafarer,
was aboard the ship—^Ed.)
By doing so a distorted picture
is given to your readers who
might justly think that this is
our standard on Israeli ships.
Our conditions in general com
pare favorably with those in any
progressive maritime country,
taking even under consideration
the fact that our shipping in
dustr;^ is the youngest in the
world.
Not knowing exactly the rou
tine of Israeli ships, it is strange
to compare them with the SIU
ships and to point up our ap
parent inequities.
; Blazer should have written his
iettqr. after learning thoroughly
ithe , conditiohs of, ppfk existing
on Israeli flag ships. His im
pressions then would have been,
more exact.
Dan Giland
Israeli Seamen's Union
Haifa, Israel
To the Editor:
The sequel mentioned in the
I letter above never reached the
LOG office because it was lost
in the mails qnroute from Is
rael. In answer to the letter,
however, I would like to inform
the writer and the LOG's readers
that I boarded more than one
Israeli ship and spoke with the
crew members. I also worked
aboard another ship when I left
Israel and the conditions in gen
eral were very much the same.
If conditions are so good on
Israeli 'ships why was an inde
pendent efficiency expert, who
was a swell guy but knew noth
ing about ships, hired by the
union, to x^ort on working con
^^tiqns, aboard the ships? , The
answer is that too many'of the
men were griping and this fel
low was called in to investigate.
When the Labor Federation
and the company are one or
ganization behind the scenes, I
am quite sure that the Union
men will not be the ones to re
ceive the most benefits from any
contractual agreements entered
into. I have heard a union rep
resentative tell an engineer that
if he'worked for another com
pany he would never return to
the company he, was working
for at the present. I have seen
men with ratings on the beach
for months because they had dis
putes with the man in charge of
shipping and I have seen men
shipped because they had a let
ter from the company.
I am well familiar with the
routine of the Israeli Merchant
Marine and I am sujre that the
seamen would benefit . much
more if they were to have better
representation. I grant the writer
that not aU ships are in as
chaotic a condition as was the
SS Akko but many of them
come pretty close.
Walter Blazer
Pete Salvo, who recently left
Baltimore Marine Hospital af
ter participating in a 10day
medical project to develop a
plasma substitute, is gradually
getting back is natural color
and says he feels fine.
Page Twelve T H E S E A F. A E, E R S L O G lUdty, Jmifxy 1% 1951
I
I i , Calradars Issued
By Circl® Bar
Were Union Made
To the Editor:
I received a letter today from
our Agent in Savannah remind
ing me that my 1950 calendars
did not have the union bug on
them. I would appreciate it fi
you would print my answer in
the LOG, as follows:
The Circle Grill and Club at
2327 Avenue F, Galveston, Texas,
through a very serious over
sight, mailed calendars to var
ious SIU Halls that did not have
the union bug printed on them.
This was no fault of mine.
The local agent that I ordered
my calendars from promised to
reimburse me with the same
number of calendars that I or
iginally ordered.
They will have the union bug
on them.
WaUer Brightwell
Part Of The Happy Family'
G. D. Dowlas, sutoutied this photo to shew some of the
lads who make up the "happy family" aboard the SS Portmar.
Front row (left to right): BedelL MM: Harris. Deck Eng.;
Wright. Oiler. Second row: Tingley, AB; Layko, Wiper. Rear:
Johnson, OS; Orlando, Wiper.
Digested Minutes Of SIU Ship Meetings
{Continuei from Page 9)
papers and not turn them over
to the Coast Guard. Ship's fund
reported as standing at $59.95.
Punching bag to be made by
Dayman; Messman to buy box
ing gloves.
3. 3^
PONCE DE LEON, Dec. 12 —
Chairman, Frank McGuire; Sec
retary. O. Jones. Ship's Delegate
reported on logs against men in
Deck Department. Motion car
ried to have Steward noti^
three delegates and check stores
of food coming aboard the ship.
Motion carried to have the com
pany install stainless, steel sinks
in the pantry and galley. Stew
ard volunteered to get new rec
ords and library.
4' i i
DEL VALLE. Dec. 24—Chair
• .«nan, Leonard Munna; Secretary.
Fred Shaia. Delegates reported
disputed overtime in all three
departments. Motion carried that
an arrival pool be made up.
Ship's Delegate to find out from
Agent if a man can be fined for
not arriving aboard ship an hour
before sailing. Second Electrician
thanked the crew for sending
him cigarettes while he was in
the Hospital.
4 4 4
FELTORE, Oct. 17—Chairman,
J. Arnold; Secretary, E. Abies.
Delegates reported no beefs. Mo
tion carried that crew is in fa
vor of an immediate boycott of
Panamanian shipping. Vote of
thanks given Stewards Depart
ment for excellent preparation
of food.
4 4 4
CATAHOULA, Dec. 10—Chair
man, Rocky Milton; Secretary.
L. Stephenson. Ship's Delegate
to ask for Patrolman to meet
with port steward and ship's
Steward concerning shortage of
meats in ship's stores. Motion
carried to write company re
questing innerspring mattresses
Massmar Men Hold Draft
Sweeps Skilled Off Ships
To the Editor:
We, the crew of the SS Mass
mar, feel it is time to bring the
issue of the draft law before the
tnembership for the good of our
tJnion.
Under the ̂ present law, we
understand, no merchant seaman
is exempt from military training
no matter what his rating is.
We feel that this is detrimental
to our Union in this respect:
Under the newly declared
emergency we all realize in due
time that our merchant marine
Will be expanded. We will need
competent personnel to man the
Ships..
With the drafting of merchant
seamen today, their places must
be filled by newcomers to our
Union. As a great number of
Our Brothers are in the draft
age, they stand to be called for
military ; training ; at any time.
We all know the WSA, RMO,
and Maritime Commission in the
last v/ar attempted to fill these
tmcancies with men illtrained
in their duties and well trained
in antiunioism.
There is nothing to prevent
the same from occurri|ig today.
How can a minority of good
Union men aducate a majority
of antiunion men. From past
experience we know as Union
men we stand on dangerous
ground. Therefore, we feel our
Union should get behind the
representatives of our states in
Congress and make an amend
ment to the law which would
at least partially exempt mer
chant seamen.
We ask the membership not to
confuse this statement with an
attempt to prevent us from be
ing drafted, but to consider it
in the light of being for the
best interest of the Union.
signed by 25 crewmembers
(Ed. note: The Union has
been in contact with selective
service directors in all 48 states
and has been told that mer
chant seamen with certain
specialities and men on ships
in certain operations are bping
exempted, but no blanket de
ferment could be given sea
men yet.)
for all hands. Crew asked to co
operate in keeping laundry clean.
Steward complained that his re
quisitions are being cut and is
always running short. "
4 4 4
STEEL AGE, Dec. 24—Chair
man, H. Fowler; Secretary, W.
Steurk. Fines determined for five
men who fouled up during trip.
Motion carried to give the Union
a vote of thanks for the raise in
pay. Also asked that an eifort
be made for a imiform draft
regulatimi concerning seamen.
4 4 4
CANTIGNY, Dec. 10 —Ch^r
man, C. Aschon; Secretary( not
given). Delegates reported on
books and permits in their de
partments. Motion carried that
anyone missing watch be fined
$10, the money to be given to
the person who stands the watch.
Short talk given on the import
ance of the shipboard meetings
and the necessity to be on time.
• 4 4
DE. W VICTORY. Nov. 1—
Cbairmn*. L. Vanlofton; Secre
tary, Gmorge A. Allen. Delegates
reorted everything okay. Motion
carried to»send a letter to New
Orleans regarding the mail sit
nation.
Big Brass' Small Talk Irks
Advocate Of Strong Flc^
To ihe Editor:
Herewith I send you an ar
ticle from the New Orleans
TimesPicayune of December 13,
from which I quote a tincan
Admiral, who said:
"The Merchant Marine is not
composed of the type of men
necessary for both peace and
war, especially for war." And
"we do not have the Merchant
Marine the public thinks we do."
And from Captain E. C. Hol
den, Jr., USNR and Master Mar
iner, we hear, "The accident rec
ord aboard ships is aggravated
by many unseaworthy men ..."
I think that is a heck of a
way for an Admiral or anyone
else to talk, especially since they
are sujiposed to know the job
these same men did in the last
World War. All I can say is we
carried the GIs and the sup
plies over, there and back and
we'U do the same in World War
HI, that is if the trained per
sonnel of the Merchant Marine
is not put into the Army.
As for not having the Mer
chant Marine the public thinks
we do, wjio is responsible? It
certainly isn't the public or the
seamen but guys like the ones
quoted above v/ho are looking
for saboteurs and letting the
ships rust in the boneyard.
As for the Master Mariner,
USNR, who, incidentally is man
ager of a P and I Agency and
actually . represents insurance
companies, I don't think he has
sailed Jately. If he has he ought
to get out his statistics and look
them over, because the Merchant
Marine has one of the lowest
records in accidents for hazard
ous industries in'the US, regard
less of the fact that each Man
in the Merchant Marine does
what is considered a threeman
job in the Navy. If by his remark
that some of the unseaworthy
men are suffering from psyehon
eurosis he means that some, of
us are nuts, I agree with him.
There's nothing we can do but
get nuts when we see American
ships all over the world under
foreign flags, and government
officials who want to give, our
ships away, 2,000 ships in layup,
merchant seamen trained for
their jobs being put into the
Army, etc.
Yes, Captain USNR, some of
us are nuts, but we're not the
only ones, not by a damned
sight. I sure wish somebody
would stop the small brass from
talking so much and put them
to work on something to stop
those Russian schnorkel subma
rines, when they come.
By Gad if these guys With the'
gold in their caps will do their
jobs, we'll do ours. And if thby
don't, we psychoneurotic mer
chant seamen still will do our
jobs when they start yelimg for
men, oil and guns. We'll be out
there, with or without Navy pro
tection, too.
' William J. Blanco
AdequatelyEquipped Ships
Seen As Vital To Defense
RECRUIT LONSKI
HAS RUSTBUCKETS
IN HIS HEART
To Ihe Editor:
I am stationed here in a heavy
automotive maintenance com
pany. I ran into quite a few
exseamen, one 'in particular be
ing Norwpod (Duke) Barbour,
who entered the Army last No
vember 15 in North Carolina.
They drafted me in Chicago
on November 13. We were both
on the Bull Lines' SS Arlyn and
would appreciate it if you would
give the gang our regards
through the LOG.
If it's possible I'd like to have
the LOG sent to me so we could
keep in touch with the Union.
They tell us we'll be here . a
long time, but we "hope to be
back in August 1952 to help
keep those rustbuckets sailing in
SIU style.
Ret. G. L. (lionnie) Lonski,
55044861
9941h Ord. H. A. M. Co.
Camp Rucker, Ala.
To the Editor:
On September 6 I wrote a
letter and mailed it to you when
the showdown with Asiatic Bol
shevism was not as apparent as
it is now. The letter at the time
was ahead of time and, conse
quently, you did not print it.
Today, however, you might give
it youjp consideration when, in
view of the crisis, the seamen
should have also their say. And
here is the letter.
Starting with Taft, who is No.
1 enemy of labor, most Sena
tors who claim to be super pa
triots, generally take care of
their own interests first, last,''and
always. This explains why the
Senators, who sounded off as if
surprised, shocked, and astound
ed at the tone of President Tru
man's reply in his letter to Con
gressnTan McDonough requesting
representation for the Marine
Corps, seemed not to see and
savvy that Truman's tone was
of a man righteously angry.
, NO MEN, NO SHIPS
Having spent $50,000,000,000 on
armaments and having, conse
quently, ordered police action in
Korea, our President has neither
the trained reserves of men nor
the merchant ships ready to
transport them to Korea in order
to do the ojb there, as beconi.es
officers of the law and perform
in a manner compatible with the
honor and dignity of the United
States. Far from it.
Our "policeman" has failed to
arrest the Korean'culprit. Worse
atill. For tiwo months, the ScraW'^
ney coolie has been driving back
the "policeman" in a manner to
make our faces red. Already we
have lost face in Asia. We are
losing face in Europe and fast,
too. And just because President
Truman has been sold by "ex
perts" the false bill of goods,
"the push button."
We are in for bad weathei:.
Not today, but tomorrow. What
will happen tomoirow when we
shall have to meet on the battle
fields of Europe some 500 divi
sions? — let Senator endenberg
answer the question. "We don't
need an American Merchant Ma
rine," said he, the "expert" on
Foreign Policy.
FAR. FAR AWAY
The illustrious Senator will aiot
have to fight the war. He will
be out of the reach of Vbombs
fired at us from a schnorkel
and quite safe also from the
atom bomb dropped upon tis,
New Yorkers, from an. enemy
plane. Those who went aboAt
the country, peddling the "push
button" did that in the interests
of their own, and will keep out
of harm's way, quite safe at
home.
Only those who will have to
do the fighting and those who
will have to deliver the goodB
and keep the ships sailing, will
have to leave home and go out
in "convoy, and face the schnor
kelinfested Atlantic. It is, there
fore, that the least our Senatois
could do for those who will have
to cross the Atlantic, is to equip
the old ships with new life boats.
The tin tubs of the last war
were unseaworthy. Some 2,000
seamen drpwhed in the last war
becatise the tin life boats were
unseaworthy. The clinker" buHt
wWodefa'life boat, built on the
lines of a whale boat, will ride
out the gale on rough seas.^^ It
is time to build the new liie
boats now.
There is not much time left
R. J. Peleraoitt '
. f7r V,yL,y?..
Friday, January 12, 1951 y "BE SEA F ARERS LO G Pag* Tluxx*«a
Report Of Seafarers' Activities
1%:
Chzislmas was a gala occasion for men
on the beach in Ihe Port of New Orleans.
More than 400 dinners, topped by the
customary roast turkey and baked ham,
were served to members of the SlU and
SUP, as well as members of the Marine
Fhemen's Union and khiOciclad GIs. In
photo above holiday diners are drinking
a beer toast to good sailing for seamen.
Christmas guests at the New Orleans
SIU Hall included crewmembers of the
SS Sunrell, a vessel contracted to the
SIU's Canadian District. Shown with the
Canadian Brothers is New Orleans Agent
Lindsey Williams, fourth from left, stand
ing, who welcomed the visitors. All
hands proclaimed the holiday affair a
huge success.
ABOVE—Guests at the New
Orleans Hall's holiday dinner
put away the sumptuous meal
in relatively short order, but
the planning and preparation
took days of hard work. Here
are some of the people who
pitched in on the job that was
executed so perfectly;
LEFT—Seafarers aboard the
SS Coimcil Grove lower stores
to small boat from the SS Four
Lakes, which hailed the Cities
Service tanker in midAtlantic
to borrow needed engine parts.
The lads were also without
cigarettes until the Seafarers
came on the scene.
RIGHT—^Following the good
will job, two members of the
Council Grove paused for the
cameraman. Weeiring smiles of
satisfaction are Tommy Train
or (left) and Manfred Oschit
xky.
1
1^. >•
L
Page Fourteen THE SEAFARERS LOG
V :• • • 'i j
• :#l
Friday, January 12, 1951
The ITF And The 'Battle Of The Ports'
In the last two years, two im
portant international events have
relieved the grim economic and
political tension of postwar West
ern Europe.
The first was the laimching of
the Marshall Plan, which has
given Europe stability, employ
ment, industrial progress and the
hope of paying its own way
again.
• The second was the Atlantic
: Treaty, conceived by the leaders
;! of the democracies as a defensive
alliance of the people of West
ern Europe and North America,
and designed solely to prevent
or repel possible aggression.
The Treaty has given demo
cratic covmtries new confidence
that they will not be left de
fenseless, to fall one by one to
communist direct or undercover
invasion.
DEEP INTERESTED
The International Transport
workers Federation has been
closely concerned with both these
important events of the postwar
years.
The ITF was the first trade
union international to welcome
the Marshall Plan, and has stead
ily supported its aims during its
two years of operation. And
transport workers have been
more involved in the success of
the Atlantic Pact than any other
group of workers.
A major provision of the
. Treaty promised American arms
to European democracies. By en
suring that these arms have
safely reached their destination,
transport workers have made a
big contribution to the cause of
peace and the defense of the
West.
The need for the quick and
safe delivery of anns placed the
European ports in the front line
of the fight to forestall commun
ist aggression.
The battle was not easy. The
Oominform saw that the success
of the Atlantic Defense Pact'
would end its chances of a
"walkover" in a defenseless
West.
WRECKING ORDERS
It ordered the communist par
ties and communist controlled
unions within the democracies to
launch a vicious campaign of dis
ruption and deception, directed
especially to dock and port work
ers.
,. ._The communists chose to con
centrate. their propaganda bar
rage on the dockers for very
good reasons:
1. They believed that their
greatest chance of success lay in
making trouble at the first point
of entry of American, arms.
2. They knew that by foment
ing strikes and disturbances in
the docks—ostensibly to prevent
the unloading of arms — they
Companies Under SlU Welfare Plan
The Seafarers Welfare Plan, which went into operation last fall, is functioning with
maximum efficiency. All claims for weekly hospital benefits and death payments are
being made promptly. Signatories of the Welfare Plan agreement number 61 contracted
outfits, whose Seafareremployees are thus eligible for the benfits. The companies are:
Actium Steamship Company
Alcoa Steamship Company
American Eastern Company
American Tramp Shipping Company
Baltimore Insular Line
A. H. Bull Steamship Company
Cabin Tanker Industries
Calmar Steamship Corporation
Cities Service Oil Company
J. 1^. Carras, Inc.
Oro Navigation Company
Standard Steamship Company
Construction Aggregates Corporation
Coral Steamship Company
National Cargo Carriers'
Cuba Distilling Company
Dianex
Dolphin Steamship Company
Dolphin Steamship Corporation
Dry Trans Corporation
Trans Fuel Corporation
Eagle Ocean Transportation Company
Eastern Steamship Company
Epiphany Tankers, Inc. •
Federal Motorship Corporation
Isthmian Steamship Company
Intercontinental Steamship Company
Maine Steamship Company
Mar Ancha Corporation
Metro Petroleum Corporation
Tini Steamship Corporation
Mississippi Shipping Company
Ore Steamship Company —
Palmer Shipping Company
Pan Atlantic Steamship Corporation
Petrol Tanker Industries
Philadelphia Marine Corporation
Ponce Cement Corporation
Peninsular and Occidental Steamship Corporation
Seas Shipping Company
Seatraders, Inc.
Seatrain Lines, Inc.
Shipenter Lines, Inc.
South Atlantic Steamship Company
State Fuel Corporation
St. LaWrence Navigation Company ^
Strathmore Shipping Company
Tanker Sag Harbor Corporation
Terminal Tanker Industries
U. S. Petroleum Carriers, Inc.
U. S. Waterways Corporation
Victory Carriers, Inc.
Waterman Steamship Corporation '
Waterman Airlines, Inc.
White Range Steamship Company
Pacific Tankers, Inc.
Waterman Shore Gang
Colonial Steamship Corporation
Southern Trading Company
Trafalgar Steamship Corporation
American Merchant Marine Steamship Corp.
would also upset economic prog
ress especially in the seafaring
countries of Norway, Nether
lands, and the United Kingdom,
t?; 3. By playing on the^Westem
fr peoples' genuine hatred of war,
the commimists attempted to link
up their opposition to the entry
of defense material with their
worldwide "Peace Campaign."
4. In port areas where com
munist political strength is weak,
the Stalinists thought that by
exploiting the dissatisfaction
over wages, and working condi
tions that from time to time
flares up in European ports, they
would be able to disguise their
political aims by posing as cham
pions of better industrial condi
tions.
5. The militant history of dock
ers' unions throughout Europe
gave the communists some hope
that, of all industrial groups,
dock workers would be most
easily persuaded to strike action.
But in all this the commun
ists reckoned without the dock
workers' profound faith in dem
ocracy and hatred of dictatorship
of any brand.
They underestimated, too, the
vigorous leadership which the
International Transportworkers'
t Federation would be able to
give its affiliates through the
trying six months of the "bsttle
of the ports."
The ITF had welcomed the
Atlantic Pact and declared its
resolve to help carry out the
provisions of the Treaty. This
support for the Treaty was
unanimously endorsed at its 1950
Congress.
In a resolution on the trans
port of arms, the ITF Congress
voiced "its confidence in the de
clarations of the democratic gov
ernments and endorses the At
lantic Pact.
was so badly organized that even
those willing to take part were
confused about its purpose and
its time schedule.
64 volunteer dockers—members
of the free trade unions — un
loaded the ship without incident.
The whole communist action fiz
zled out miserably.
The first round was lost to
the disrupters, and they never
recovered the initiative. They
subsequently attempted several
local strikes, but it was clear
that the commimist unions did
not have sufficient support in
Central Southern Italy to cause
any stoppage that cotdd be call
ed "general."
The first arms cargo ship for
France arrived in Cherbourg on
April 12. During the previous
two months, the French com
mimist unions had been bitterly
attacking the wage negotiation
policy of the democratic Force
Ouvriere in the Cherbourg docks.
The communists were prepar
ed to play into the employers'
hands by linking the wage issue
with their campaign against the
Atlantic Pact in a proposed
dockers' strike.
Such action would probably
On the arrival of the first ves
sel /carrying American arms,
communist women invaded the
docks to distribute tracts calling
for a workers* barricade against
American arms shipments.
These were ignored by the
Cherbourg dockers and, despite
a "mass demonstration," called
the same day by the communist*
controlled General Confederation
of Labour (COT), over 100 dock
ers proceeded to unload the ship.
• When the next arms shipment
arrived, communist demonstra
tors were driven away by mem
bers of the free dockers' unions.
Strikes and goslow campaigns,
which were organized persist
ently at La Rochelle and several
smaller Fiench ports, called forth
sharp denunciations by Force
Ouvriere.
EXPOSED COMMIES
Its Ports and Docks Federation
(affiliated to the ITF) exposed
the communist motive—which, it
declared, was not love of peace,
but a desire to dislocate France's
economy and keep its army im
derequipped.
The only result of the com
munist action. Force Ouviere
pointed out, was the diversion
of ships to other ports, and un
employment for the dock work
ers who had to bear the whole
brunt of the communist fiasco.
In the Netherlands the com
munists had some preliminary
success. At Zaandam, commim
ists induced dockers to pass a
resolution against the unloading
of armaments. This was used by
the communists for extensive
propaganda in other Dutch ports.
The Dutch Transport 'Workers'
Union pointed out that Zaandam,
a small inland port, was not
one where transAtlantic vessels
bringing arms aid would caU. It
organized another ballot and the
resolution was rescinded.
This led to personal violence
by the communists against some
free trade union leaders and the
loyal dockers. But the commun
ist aims were exposed, and at have brought the government in
to the fray on the employers' the, big ports of Rotterdam and
side, and forfeited all chances of Amsterdam ships were unloaded
a pay increase. I (CofttiHued on Page 15)
Signing On For Long Trip
OKAYS ARMS GARGOES
"It approves the action which
is being carried on by the ITF
to ensure the transport of arms
sent by the United States' of
America to Western Europe;
"Approves further the action
of the Vigilance Committees set
up by the ITF who frustrate the
communist endeavors to sabotage
the fulfillment of the Pact;
'Calls upon the members of
the ITF to continue the carrying
and handling of all arms and
ammunition, the purpose of
which is to prevent or xepel an
attack against free peoples."
The 'battle of the ports" open
ed in earnest when the first Am
erican vessel to arrive in Italy
with a cargo of arms tied up in
Naples on the evening of AprU
11, 1950.
The following day the com
munistdominated Naples Cham
ber of Labor called an eight
hour general protest strike. This
As Shipping Conunissioner Thomas J. Kiernan checks off name of prospective crewmem
ber. Seafarers await their turn to sign articles for an 18month stint aboeurd the McKetlrick
Hills, US Petroleum Carriers tanker. The signon took place in the New York Hedl on January
2, and the men were flown to the vessel in Palermo by a TWA Constellation plane the next
day.
The new crew replaces one thai signed off in the Sicilian port after serving 12 months on
a shuttle run. Also flown to the McKettrick Hills was a complete slopchest to make sure the
men have suitable stores available.
• 'll
Friday, Jaauary 12, 1951 THE SEAFARERS LOG
• 'm ,,
Page Fifleen
i;
C
Minutes Brief
r' •
PHILADELPHIA — Chairman.
A. S. Cardullo, 24599; Recording
Seerefary, D. C. HalL 43372;
'Ifoading Clerk, Eichenberg.
Minutes of meetings held in
Other Branches read and accept
ed. Balloting Committee elected.
SecretaryTreasurer's financial
report and Headquarters report
^ the membership read and ac
cepted. Requests for excuses
' Were referred to the Dispatcher.
'Meeting adjourned at 7:45 with
']© members present.
^ 4. t
MOBILE—Chairman, L. Neira,
'S8393; Recording Secretary, J.
Carroll, 14; Reading Clerk. R«
Jordan, 71.
Minutes of other Branches
^read and accepted. Secretary
Treasurer's report accepted.
Headquarters report accepted.
Agent Tanner reported that eight
ships were due 'in for payoffs,
signons or intransit. Tanner re
ported that various members had
a§ked questions concerning vali
dated papers, and they are urg
ed not to take out validated
papers until Headquarters gives
the word. Tanner also reported
that he had been named to rep
resent the Union in the port of
Mobile in the security program.
He concluded his report by stat
ing that three Libertys were
scheduled to come out of the
layup fleet; one is to go to Car
ras and the other two will prob
ably also go to SlUcontracted
companies. Tallying Committee
elected, with two men from each
department serving. Balloting
committee reported 448 ballots
cast in Mobile during the elec
tion period. Meeting adjourned
at 7:45 with 225 m«nbers
present.
t i. ft
TAMPA—Mb regtdar meeting
held, because of a lack of a
quorum.
Special meeting held to elect
^''allying Committee. The fol
lowing members were elected to
serve: M. Patterson, J. Polaski,
E. Frost,, A. Martinez, A. Ortega,
P. Brinson.
ft ft ft
NEW ORLEANS — Chairman,
Johnny Johnston,. 52; Recording
Secretary, Herman Troxclair,
6743; Reading Clerk, Buck Ste
phens, 76.
Minutes of meetings h^d in
other Branches read and accept
ed. Patrolman Buck Stephens,
acting in behalf of Agent Will
iams, reported that the affairs of
the port were in good shape.
He reported the Christmas din
ner as being a big success and
the coming two weeks looked
fairly good for shipping. .Ml
hands were reminded that ap
plications were available for the
new Coast Guard document and
they can be filled out at any
time. A letter was read from the
Teamsters Union concerning its
strike gainst the Crescent City
Funeral Directors Association.
Motion carried to pledge full
support. Trial Committee .elected
to hear charges against five mem
bers. Motion carried to discon
tinue the practice of allowing
extensions on shipping cards.
Motion carried to elect Tallying
Committee. Two men from each
department were elected to
serve.
ft ft ft
GALVESTON —Chairman,
Keith Alsop, 7311; Recording
Secretary. R. Wilbum, 37739;
Reading Clerk, C. TannehiU,
25922.
Minutes of other Branches
read and accepted. Tallying Com
mittee elected. The following
men elected to serve: F. Pedraza,
R. Williams, L. McDonnell, W.
Reagan, E. Wallace, R. Foreman,
ft ft ft
NORFOLK—^Because a quorum
was lacking, no regular meeting
was held. A specdal meeting was
held for the purpose of checking
shipping cards.
ft ft ft
SAVANNAH — Chairman, E.
Tilley, 75; Recording Secretary,
E. Stankovich, 25472; Reading
Clerk, J. Whitt, 27824.
Balloting Committee elected:
E. Stankovich, J. Whitt, J. Mor
ris, F. Garcia, J. Moore, J.
Hughes. Minutes of meetings
held in other Branches read and
accepted. Agent Bryant reported
that shipping had been slow, and
that the future looked dark. He
reported on the progress of the
Retail Clerks' strike against the
Bargain Comer, and brought the
membership up to date on the
Yellow Cab strike. Motion car
ried that the man with the most
pickettime in. the clerks' strike
have preference in shipping. Mo
tion carried to elect a committee
to handle the strike work. Three
men excused from picket duty
because of medical reasons.
Meeting adjourned at 8:10 with
29 members present.
ft ft ft
NEW YORK—Chairman, L. J.
Williams, 21550; Recording Sec
retary, Freddie Stewart, 4935;
Reading Clerk, A1 Keir, 29314.
Motion carried to accept Sec
retaryTreasurer's financial re
port as read. Headquarters re
port to the membership read and
motion carried to concur. Port
Agent, said that shipping had
been fair, with bookmen choos
ing their own jobs if they're not
fussy about getting out. He said
tHat two ships, the Camas Mea
dows and the Sweetwater, had
gone out on an 18month trips
He recommended the reading of
the Oath of Obligation at ship
board meetings at least once
trip. Minutes of all Branches
read and approved. Motion car
ried to accept Headquarters Bal
loting Committee's and Rein
statement Committee's reports
Motion carried to accept and con
cur in communication from Bos
ton Agent clarifying New Busi
ness of November 29 meeting.
Charges read and motion carried
to refer them to an elected trial
committee. Oath of Obligation
taken by four members. Motion
(by J. Algina) carried that all
members familiarize themselves
with Oath of Obligation to pro
mote spirit of brotherhood. Tal
lying Committee elected: Deck—
Roderick Smith, Frank Douglas;
Engine—John Hanson, Dominick
Chirichella; Stewards—^E. Moon
ey,Alonzo Milefski and G. Steift
berg. Alternate. Meeting adjourn
ed at 8:25 PM, with 927 mem
bers present.
ft ft ft
BALTIMORE—Chairman, Wil
liam Rents, 26445; Recording
Secretary, G. Masterson, 20297;
Reading Clerk, A. S|ansbury,
4683.
Minutes of'^riieetings held in
other Branches read and accept
ed^ Headquarters report to the
membership and Secretary
Treasurer's financial report read
and accepted. Motion carried to
elect Tallying Committee. The
following men were elected to
serve: Steward: J. C. Howard,
D. M. Dovosa; Engine: R. Dru
ary, C. M. Bowdre; Deck: R.
Gibbs, L. Koza.
ft ft ft
SAN FRANCISCO—Chairman,
H. Fischer. 59; Recording Secre
tary, W. Norris. 51018; Reading
Clerk, J. Brandon, 23997. ,
Tallying Committee was elect
ed to total the San Francisco
votes. The following men were
elected: Ray Queen, Carl Law
son, Joseph AUard, Charles Ritz,
John Graves and James Bran
don. Minutes of meetings held in
other Branches read and accept
ed. Agent reported on the im
portance of all draftable men to
keep in touch with their draft
boards. He also notified the mem
bers of the coming conference
n Washington, wlierein the SHJ
will be represented by Paul Hall
and Harry Lundeberg. Under
Good and Welfare there was
considerable discussion on the
new Coast Guard document.
Free Unions Winning
'Battle Of The Ports'
{Continued From Page 14)
in normal fashion with only
small, ineffective opposition
demonstrations.
In Belgium, the commimists
attempted to camouflage their
determination to prevent the un
loading of arms by engineering
a strike (employing terror meth
ods) at Antwerp, over an unset
tled wage issue. .
The strike lasted five days and
ended, as it was bound to do,
with the unconditioned retiun to
work of the strikers.
The motives of the strike lead
ers were denounced by the two
Belgian trade union federations.
Many of their men were brutal
ly attacked by communist thugs
during the episode.
A month later, another appeal
by communist spokesmen to the
dockers of Antwerp to stay
away from the docks was com
pletely ignored, and work pro
ceeded in normal fashion.
In Norway and in Great Brit
ain—though the commimists. are
persistently striving to foment
dock strikes by playing up in
dustrial issues — they have not
been able to arouse any body of
support for their appeals to re
fuse to unload arms shipments.
In these two coimtries, with
their deep democratic traditions,
there are no illusions among the
workers about the traitorous in
tentions of the communist
troublemakers.
In fact, when in London some
dockers did strike a few months
ago, against the advice of the
leaders of the Transport and
General Workers Union, they
quickly returned to work when
they realized the communists
were trying to make a political
ssue out of their industrial dis
pute.
By the middle of the summer
of 1950, the ITF was able to
report that the only result of
six months' communist campaign
against the Atlantic Treaty was
the affiliation of two more dock
workers' unions to the ITF.
They were the Italian Dockers'
Federation and the American In
ternational Longshoremen's As
sociation, which together have
brought another 60,000 members
A&G From Dot, 26 To Jan. 3
t%
ryi'l
it't*
' REG.
PORT DECK
Boston.......... ......v. 17
New^ York 105
Philadelphia .%. 31
Baltimore ...,r........ :.. 99
Norfolk . 3
Savannah :.....
Tampa — 11.
Mobile..... ..... 36
Nei^ Orleans 58
Galveston......!:. 38
West Coast 51
GRAND TbTAL...l.L..:„., 449
REG. REG.
ENG. STWDS.
20 14
87 92
26 20
"69 47
5 3
TOTAL
REG.
51
284
77
215
11
(No.Figures Received)
9
31
46
21
46
36Q,
6
38
77
17
39
353
26
105
181
76
136
1,162
SHIPPED SHIPPED SHIPPED TOTAL.
DECK ENG. STWDS. SHIPPED
18 16 2 36
69 68 73 210
25 16 20 61
71 42 29 142
13 12 4'" 29
(No Figures Received) 17
12 IL 11 :
9 11 14 34
5v 51 70 175
23 18 18 59
49 36 33 118
• .343 281 274 915
WILLIAM F. BAKLEY
Get in touch with Federal Na
tional Mortgage Ass'n, 44 Pine
Street, New York, N. Y.
ft ft ft
GEORGE JEROSIMICH
Get in touch with .your Draft
Board.
ft ft ft
EDWARD FETSKO
Get in touch with your Draft
Board.
ft ft ft
RICHARD C. BROWN
Get in touch with David Lip
pert, Box 30, Lockport, New
York.
JOroi JOSEPH*^ McHALE
Get in touch with your Draft
Board.
ft ft ft
EUGENE T. L,YTTLE
Contact either Benjamin B.
Sterling, 42 Broadway, New York
4, New York, or Robert F. Rey
nolds, 1303 Hobart Building, San
STancisco.
LEO J. COOPER
Contact Robert F. Reynolds^
1303 Hobart Building, San Fran
cisco.
ft ft ft
I GORDON A. DITTMAN
Your parents are worried'.
Write them at New Richmond,
RRI, Wisconsin.
ft ft ft
JAMES A. HAMMOND
Write to Lonnie C. Hanson,
Escatawpa,. Miss.
BILL^MTTCHELL
Your sister and brotherifilavr
would like to hear from you;
Please write them: Mr. & lyfrs.
Robert S. Aldrich, Box 326, Wal
pole. New Hampshire.
ARNOLD (Aussfe) ̂ HRIMPTON
John Wunderlich Jr. is anxious
to get in touch with you. For
ward your address to him at
Apartment C. 811 East Church?
St., Jacksonville, Fla.
into the powerful, democratic in
ternational union of transport
workers.
During the "battle of the
ports," ITF headquarters was the
"command post" of the democra
tic unions.
It received and Retransmitted
news from the trouble centers.
All affiliated dockers' unions
were kept posted on the enemy's
tactics.
Assistance in the organization
of Vigilance Committees was fur
nished to localities that needed
it, and ITF leaders were avail
able for whatever was asked of
them.
The ITF proved conclusively
in a few hectic months in 1950
that international trade union
ism is one of democracy's strong
est bulwarks.
That the good work will go
on was made clear in Septem
ber, 1950.
Meeting in Naples under ITP"
auspices, representatives of sea
men and dockers of eight nations
created a Mediterranean commit
tee of action to fight any further
communist attempts to close the
ports.of Europe to Atlantic De
fence Pact or Marshall Plan
shipments.
Representatives of trade im
ions in France, Italy, Greece,
Great Britain, Belgium, Holland,
Malta, and the United States,
participated.
Pierre FerriPisani, Secretary
of the maritime unions of the
French Force Ouvriere, was
chosen Chairman of the Medi
terranean committee. He said at
the time:
"The creation of this commit
tee results from the recognized
necessity of establishing in those
countries where the communist
influence is still strong, a COOTL
dination of all the democratib
forces which aim to liberate the
working classes from the coia>
munist yoke. *
"The seamen's organization ol
the Mediterranean will not con
fine itself merely to defense. We
are passing to the offensive. We
accept all the responsibility and
obligations which may come up^
on us in the struggle of freedom
against totalitarianism."
Page Sixteen THE SEAFARERS lOa Friday, January 12, 1951
Heller Asks Probe Of Waterfront Commies
: A resolution authorizing Con
gressional investigation of com
. munist activities on the water
front and in transportation in
dustries has been introduced in
the lower House by Represen
tative Louis B. Heller, Democrat,
. of Brooklyn.
HeUer's proposal, which has
been referred to the Committee
on Rules, would set up a seven
man committee to probe:
1. Communist goon squad ac
tivities among merchant seamen
and their unions, designed to
hinder the flow of supplies to
our armed forces and their allies
abroad.
2. The degree to which com
mies and fellow travellers have
infiltrated transportation indus
tries to the detriment of the na
tional defense effort.
Terming US ports and the
transportation industry as "key
factors in our defense^" Heller
introduced his resolution follow
ing an article in the New York
Mirror, in which columnist Vic
tor Reisel cited several instances
of communist activity which he
said arise "as we strive to meet
a crisis that threatens our na
tional existence."
Among the commie maneuvers
referred to was the imsuccessful
attempt to storm the SUP Wil
mington Hall by 500 followers of
Harry Bridges last month. Four
teen SUP members held the
Hall in an allnight battle. The
arrival of additional SUP men
in the morning ended the seige.
In addition to his resolution.
Congressman Heller, in a letter
to J. Edgar Hoover, Director of
the Federal Bureau of Investi
gation, called Hoover's attention
to the article by Reisel, and
mged upon him "the necessity
of taking immediate action to
apprehend those persons respon
sible for endangering the nation
al security."
Heller likened the communist
goon squads to the actions of
Hitler's Brown Shirts, in the
Nazi seizure of power, and said
if they were not checked they
would pose a threat to our na
tional life.
The text of Heller's letter to
Hoover, and of Reisel's column,
which were reproduced in the
"Congressional Record," follows:
Extension of Remarks of
HON. LOUIS B. HELLER
Of New York
Dear Mr. Hoover: Your atten
tion is invited to the attached
photostatic copy of a clipping
taken from the New York Daily
Mirror entitled "Inside Labor,"
by Victor Riesel. It would ap
pear that Communist goon squads
are operating in our city streets
in a manner reminiscent of Hit
ler's seizure of power in Ger
many. If permitted to continue,
this movement would sabotage a
vital part of our labor force,
fasten a stranglehold upon the
means of logistical support of
our troops and allies abroad, and
pose a threat to our national life.
I caimot urge too strongly up
on you the necessity of taking
immediate action to apprehend
those persons responsible for en
dangering the national security. I
am introducing a resolution in
the House of Representatives for
the creation of an investigating
committee. It is intended that
the committee study the situa
tion and recommend to the
House such measures, in addi
tion to those now on the statute
books, as are' necessary to safe
guard the national interest and
&i the same time preserve our
heritage of freedom for the in
dividual.
The transportation system and
the ports are key factors in our
defense. They must not be con
trolled by Communists and fel
low travelers.
Sincerely,
Louis B. Heller
Member of Congress
INSIDE LABOR
By Victor Reisel
(From the New York Daily
Mirror of December 18, 1950)
I can produce for the Federal
intelligence agencies a band of
merchant seamen who had to
arm themselves recently with
shotguns and stand off a night
long siege of Communist action
squads, 500 strong, operating
European style right in these
United States.
And I know other good water
front union Joes whom we'll
have to visit in the hospital if
we want to talk to them. They
got their ribs smashed by a 25
man Red goon 'squad.
There's a method in all this
mauling. If it continues we may
yet see hundreds of ships tied up
between our west coast and
London, when we need every
cargohold to carry arms to the
world.
There is also a group of rail
way workers who say they can
prove one of their regional chiefs
signed the Cominform's inter
national Stockholm peace peti
tion. They'd like to know why
he's still in a spot from which
he can paralyze the hauling of
steel, destined for emergency
items.
My labor friends can point out
some southwestern Communist
leaders who used their union
headquarters as a secret com
munication link with Mexico,
Cuba, Los Angeles, etc.
In that night siege by 500,
they were Harry Bridges' hus
kies. The sailors they hemmed
in a wild night of window
smashing, car slashing, and brick
bat slinging belonged to the
AFL's tough, but clean. Sailors
Union of the Pacific. They were
caught in their union hall, 440
Avalc!! Boulevard, Wilmington,
Calif.
Through a night the 14 men
and their leader stood guard
with shotguns at windows, while
Red squads smashed the front
of the building, rushed to the
adjacent parking lot and cut up
tires, and gave up breaking into
the hall when the sailors shouted
they would shoot to kill.
. The attackers were recruited
on the waterfront by Bridges'
specialists in rioting. The feud
started when Bridges, for rea
sons known to the convicted per
jurer himself, suddenly decided
to challenge the 65yearold right
of sailors on certain coastwise
vessels to unload lumber from
decks to the docks.
Whatever else he is. Bridges is
not stupid. He knew that at
tempting to seize jurisdiction of
that bit of work could come off
• only through bloody violence. He
knew his roving action commit
tees, with from 25 to 300 sMg
gers assigned each detachment,
would breed counterviolence as
he sent them chasing sailors as
far up as Oregon.
He knew a war between the
AFL seamen and his proSoviet
longshoremen could freeze many
key ports.
But our loyal AFL sailors'
chiefs, lanky Harry Lundeberg
and husky P§ul Hall, refrained
from flying in their own special
protective squads. They did not
want waterfront civil war dis
jointing activity at ports which
face the Orient.
Comrade Bridges understood
the international implications of
his maneuver, knew sailors'
union officials the world over,
especially in London and West
em Europe, would rush to the
defense of the American AFL
waterfront workers; that the
European dock wallopers would
boycott ships of United States
owners who yielded , to Bridges.
He know foreign seamen would
refuse to sail vessels into thos^
western United States porti
where Bridges might win. Such
pledges have been cabled in
from London. ;
Bridges knew what he wa9
starting. That lefty railroad
union leader who signed one oil
Moscow's peace petitions is in
the Pittsburgh area. Those south
western comrades lead a section
of Bridges' new proRussian la
bor federation. Arizona phone
records will prove they used
their union headquarters as h
communications Jink in a
international network.
Ail this as we strive to meet
a crisis that threatens our na
tional existence.
A Letter That Speaks For Itself
J. C. HAIRB
FRKSIOCNT
P. A. OUNTKR
tST VieCPRStlDCNT
C. H. RADPORO
INO VieSFimiDKNT
JULIA 9, HALL
ano viespRKaiDKNT
WM. 8. WILSON
• KCIirrAIIV.TRCAaURKfl
TRADES AND LABOR ASSEMBLY OF SAVANNAH
AFFILl.TtO WITH THE AMERICAN FEDERATION OF LABOR AND GEORGIA FEDERATION OF LABOR
MEETS FIRST ANO THIRD MONDAY NIGHTS IN
EACH MONTH. LABOR TEMPLE. 34 DRAYTON ST.
POST OFFICE BOX 372
SAVANNAH. GEORGIA
December 29,1950
BOARD OF TRUSTEKS
H. H. aiMMONt
• . A. ROOKS
WARRCN OUPPy
Men In Hospitals
Seafarers who want to be
eligible for the Welfare
Plan's weekly hospital bene
fits should make sure they
have their Union books, sea
man's papers and copies of
their last discharges with
them upon entering the hos
pital.
Union Patrolmen will pay
the sevendollar benefits to
eligible members for each
full week of hospitalization
during their weekly visits.
Failure of a hospitalized Sea
farer to have the above
mentioned papers with him
will prevent the Patrolman
from making the benefit
payments.
Hospitalized members who
have not yet filled out bene
ficiary cards for the Wel
fare Plan can obtain them
frpm the Hospital Patrolmen.
Mr.Paul H&llySec.Treas*
51 Baaver Street * ?'•
New York,N.r. ^ )
• '• '
Dear Sir and Brother;
It 07 pleasure along with other delegates and
officials of the Trades and Labor Assembly of Savannah
on Decefflber 21^1950 to be the guest of the Savannah Branch
of the S.I.T7*on the occasion of the annual Christmas party
held for the men on the beach®Because of the hig^ily efficient
meumer in idiich the affair was handled and the wellrounded
program of interest in connection with the party,I take this,
opportunity to extend congratulations to yoii and officials
of the Savannah Branch for a job well doneBit was indeed an
affair of mhich .the S.lBUBcan truly be proud®
Two movies were shown nafflely,"This Is The S.I.U.^fand
"The Wall Street Strike"®The subject matter of the two film
strips was cause for pride in the hearts of every member suid
their family present as well as those of us who are members
of other organizations of the American Federation of Labor®
I have often said that if all members of organized labor
were as ready and willing at ail times to accept their resp
onsibilities and to aid sister organizations as are the
."Men Who. Go Dovn To Sea In Shipsythen many of our trials
and hardships in relation to labor's aims and ideals would
be eliminated and our objectives obtained surprisingly easy®
Ihe films ^own at the Christmas party in Savannah Were, proof
conclusive of the accuracy of my belief®
f • '
The food was most excellent as were the liquid refresh)
ments®nie entire evening was dedicated to ecSucation of those
present and the promotion of brotherly love and frienddiip
among the members of the SvI.U.,their families,and friends
of other A.F.of L. organizations®To say that the affair was
successful is truly an understatement®
•
',^1
i
• j
I consider it a distinct honor to have been present®I
feel that the films and spirit demonstrated by your members
was an inspiration to me and the other members of the A.F.
of L® present®
Again extending congratulations and best wishes to
you and the S.I.U.during the year 1951,1 remain.
d^Fratemally Yours
.ayton Haire,President