http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/555061c7f263b72b4775cc7200352207.PDF cc465d3ad01432fc1cd7418f6a8f58b5 PDF Text Text • • 'V tl,'' w, ','• - Official Organ of the Seafarers VOL. IX. emotional Union of North America NEW YORK. N. Y., FRIDAY. NOVEMBER 21. 1947 Democracy vs. (Communism '•ll No. 47 Cities Service Eiection Extended So Two More Crews Can Cast Votes The dangers of allowing the communists to gain con­ trol of labor unions, so aften pointed out in the pages of the LOG, are pictured very clearly in what is going on now in France and Italy. In France, the CP, a minority group which in the last election lost ground to other political parties, *is trying to start a revolution by using the strike weapon. The leaders of the communist-dominated unions have created false issues, and without giving the union mem­ NEW YORK=—^With six ships of the Cities Service tanker fleet already bers a chance to vote, have called them out en strike. votjed, casting an unofficial majority of 75 percent for the SIU, balloting Italy faces the same tragic situation. The commu­ which was supposed to end on November 19 has been extended for sixty days nists there have been losing ground steadily, and as a so as to give the remaining two crews a chance to be polled. The crews in­ consequence have threatened that if the next elections go volved are on the SS French Creek and the SS Lone Jack. Both ships are on against them, they will take power by violent methods. the shuttle run between the Persian Gulf and the coast of France. The There is no doubt that the workers of France and first named is expected to reach a port in the continental United States Italy need higher wages to keep pace with rising costs. at which it can be voted, sometime late in December, while the Lone Jack is not expected in until the lat-fThere is a shortage of food and consumer goods in both ter part of January or the first ed companies. This one was sometime in the future, but in countries, and the harvest this year was poor due to the week in February. " John A. Carras, Incorporated, spite of company stalling. this (Continued on Page 2) Hearing To Determine Tidewater Vete Set^Up NEV/ YORK — Although the nel are to be included in the Tidewater Associated Oil Com­ election for which the Seafarers pany and its stooge, the Tide­ petitioned. water Tankermen'.s Association, The company insists that Chief are doing all in their power to Stewards be excluded from the stymie the SIU, events are mov­ unit on the grounds that they ing fast and a formal hearing ^are supervisory employes. The will bo called by the Regional Union is contesting this stand, Labor Relations Board within and cites contracts in the mari­ the next week to determine time field in which Chief Stew­ which of the unlicensed person- ards are covered. As soon as the hearing is con­ cluded, and the collective bar­ gaining unit established, it is ex­ pected that the NLRB election will commence. • COMPANY SCARED The company is frankly wor­ ried, and has resorted to what Plans for an "Inter-American would have been unfair labor Federation of Labor" have been practices before the passage of drawn up by the AFL and 40 the Taft-Hartley law. nOn-communist labor organiza­ Members of the Tidewater" tions in 18 Latin-American na­ Tankermen's Association have tions, Serafino Romualdi, AFL been putting the finger on SIU international representative an­ volunteer organizers, or even on employes seep reading Union lit­ nounced last week. An organizing conference is erature such as the LOG and scheduled to begin Jan. 10 in other educational material. Lima, Peru, and invitations have When this happens, the com­ already been issued by the Chil­ pany uses some far-fetched ex­ ean Confederation of Labor act­ cuse to fire the suspected man. ing in consultation with unions But even in the face of such in Peru, Uruguay, Puerto Rico, tactics, pledge cards ai-e being signed by Tidewater men, and Panama and Mexico. Initiative for the move came the company union has lost what from the Latin American coun­ little prestige it had. The success which the Union tries. The AFL in the U.S. and is enjoying in the Cities Service Canada will participate. The organization is intended election is no small factor in to serve as a bulwark against this development, and the "best Communist encroachment on the in the industry" contracts which labor movement in the western the SIU has with other tanker hemisphere and will rival the outfits also are factors in per­ communist-dominated Confedera­ suading Tidewater men that only tion of Latin American Workers, through Seafarers representation headed by Lombardo Toledano, will they be able to attain decent wages and good conditions. of , Mexico. Anti-CP Unions h America Form New Croup The extension period ends on which joins Tankers Sag Har­ situation is rapidly drawing to January 19, and SIU officials do bor, and Tanker Industries In­ a head and it is only a matter not believe that the Lone Jack corporated under the Seafarers of time before a bargaining elec­ tion will be scheduled in the will arive in time to vote. There­ banner. The Tidewater election is still Tidewater fleet. fore the Union has asked for a hearing, as soon as possible, be­ fore the Regional Labor Rela­ tions Board to request that the French Creek be polled on arri­ val in the U. S., and • that the Lone Jack be voted by mail. On the basis of reports from NEW YORK Nov. 20—The signing of agreements the Union observers who have been present at the voting, each with the Seatrade Corporation and John A. ship polled so far has cast at Carras, Incorporated, which was announced by least 75 percent of the votes definitely for the Seafarers, with General Organizer Lindsey Williams last 'week, some doubtful and the company brought to six the total of new companies signed garnering the small remainder. by the Seafarers International Union, Atlantic and This completely blasts the com­ Gulf District, within the last three months. Those pany's contention, made before companies are Tankers Industries Incorporated; the balloting started, that City Service men didn't want or need Tankers Sag Harbor; Wilkerson Steamship Com­ pany; Pratt Steamship Company; and Seatrade Union representation. and Carras. *overtime for all work in port Adding impetus to SIU's drive The contract with Seatrade is to organize the tanker industry performed after 5 P.M. and be­ is the fact that last week the a standard SIU agreement, pro­ fore 8 A.M. Union added another tanker out­ viding for vacations with pay, It also includes the same high fit to its-growing list of contract­ nine paid holidays a year, and wages and the exclusive SIU provision that the wage issue can be reopened at any time, theret^ protecting the mem­ bership against the spiraling »cost-of-living. The new agreement was en­ It has come to the attention of the SIU that tered into on November 13 and the operators are attempting to use certain will expire one year from that provisions of the Taft-Hartley law to hard time date. It contains the clause that maritime unions, particularly the ILA, MM&P it is automatically renewable and MEBA. from year to year, unless one of This is to notify you that the Seafarers the parties desires to amend or stand ready to support you, in any manner terminate same. Handling the negotiations necessary, against the shipowners' attempts to which resulted in this new con­ take away any of the wages, conditions or tract were Lindsey Williams, rights which you have won. Nothing that you, Robert Matthews, Headquarters or we, have today was given to us; we had to representative, and AI Kerr, or­ ganizer. fight and get them the hard way. The drive to organize the un­ We in the SIU believe that an injury to one organized seamen is now in full is an injury to all, and if the shipowners try swing, and it is expected that to use the Taft-Hartley law as a weapon against more companies will be brought under the SIU banner within you, we will not sit idly by doing nothing. the next few months. Seamen Call on us at any time, in any port, for our along the waterfront know the assistance, and as always, you will find us pre­ advantages of a Seafarers con­ pared to support you down the line. tract and are flocking to the Union in great numbers. SIU Organizing Drive Gains Six Oatfits In Three Months To Other Maritime Unions .1- •i �"r.:- "• - --• •i,.- % Page Two THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, November 21, 1947 SEAFARERS LOG Published Weekly by the SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Gulf District Affiliated with Ihe American Federation of Labor / At 51 Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y. ' HAtiover 2-2784 J. P. SHULER _ _ - - Secretary-Treasurer Editorial Board ^ J. p. SHULER PAUL HALL JOE ALGINA •jssmt Entered as second class matter June 15, 1945, at the Post Office in New York, N. Y., under the Act of Augu:.t 24, 1912. George K. Novick, Editor 267 ' '..•'5 V ,, Democracy vs. Communism L-' •, (Continued from Page 1) r' V-:-•/..'.•W*.;-• •'•'T-' r. V' Lick of farm equipment. But the strikes are not being called for these purely economic reasons. If the leaders of the unions are trul>- worried about the fate of the workers, they would not damn the Mar­ shall Plan with one breath, and then call the men into the streets with the other. In France, as in Italy, the governments elected by popular vote are trying to find a way out of the diffi­ culties caused by the ravages of war, the poor harvest, and the destruction of manufacturing facilities—that is to say all in "both governments except the communists. They are disrupting, using their power in trade unions to foment strikes and riots, and refusing to cooperate with other legislators, to stabilize the economy. These situations are not just the product, of chaotic conditions. True, the situation is rough, and millions will starve this winter if help is not forthcoming from the United States, but it is the communists who are trying to bar this much needed assistance. They feel that if hunger and exposure rage unchecked, the people will turn to them for salvation. * Workers of the luorld ...!* That is why the Cominform, or Communist Infor­ mation Bureau, which is actually the old Communist In­ ternational masquerading under a new name, was estab­ lished recently. This organization's main objective, stated in black and white, is to sabotage carrying out the Mar­ shall Plan. And if communists come to power in France and Italy, the two countries needing help the most urgent­ These are the Union Brothers currently in the marine hospitals, ly, the plan to feed Europe will undoubtedly fail. as reported by the Port Agents. These Brothers find time hanging But democratic forces have not given up the stfiaggle heavily on their hands. Do what you can to cheer them up by writing to them. against communist propaganda which misrepresents the R. S. LUFLIN Marshall Plan and seeks to destroy it. The AFL last week STATEN ISLAND HOSPITAL JULIUS SUPINSKI initiated a program designed to create a new international M. PARASCHIEV M. D. PENRY labor organization to combat the Cominform, and to W. E. STORVIS &• 3^ » C. O. UNDERWOOD expose it as a reactionary, anti-labor institution. SAN FRANCISCO HOSPITAL G. ROGERS Men Now In The Marine Hospitals Called the Deminform, meaning Democratic Infor­ mation Bureau, by the AFL International Labor Relations Board, this body plans to call a confei'ence of labor rep­ resentatives' of sixteen nations of western Europe to con.sider how labor can promote the economic resabilitation of Europe under the Marshall Plan. "The AFL believes," declared the committee,' "that its contribution to world peace and security . . . can best be fulfilled by the revival of free trade unions as bul­ warks of democracy in European countries. Through democratic labor movements we can . . . make the work­ ers of Europe understand that Soviet Russia's purpose is to starve Europe into revolution and thus extend the in­ ternational domain of communism." J. McNEELY G. BISCHOFF J. V. KELLY T. MUSCOVAGE R. WOODWARD F. WALLACE F. BECKER H. McDILDA E. T. BROWN G. CARLSON F. NERING W. VAUGHN E. B. HAYES W. B. CHANDLER N, HUFF R. EGAN G. J. MILLER G. RODRIQUEZ W. BARRETT E. CARAVONA . The unions in the United States and South America which are under the thumb of the communists are try­ s, ing to sabotage the Marshall Plan, even though top lead­ FORT STANTON HOSPITAL ership in the CIO has endorsed it. It is up to the AFL to P. WILLIAMSON take the lead to make sure that the workers of Europe JOHN R. B. WRIGHT have a chance to rebuild their ruined countries and their CLIFFORD MIDDLETON shattered lives. ARCHIE McGUIGAN J. KRESSEN J. HODO P. J. MILLER DANIEL SEQAL J. SPURON S- t SNEW ORLEANS HOSPITAL 0. S. SHAHAN W. K. WUNG J. J. O'NEILL G. CURL A. S. CONTI C. T. WHITE R. L. McGREW F. R. DE VASHER 1. E. MATHERNE M. LIUZZA G. A. WILLIAMS G. HARDEMAN L. A. HOLMES W. C. COLLEY J. E. SILKOWSKI R. E. TRULY L. CLARKE C. C. RAYFUSE J. E. PENCON A. J. LE JEUNE MARJORY "LINDA" EVANS J. B. GEISSLER E. E. DAVIS E. M. LOOPER E. G. WALKER J. DENNIS L. GROVER C. MASON J. E. MAGUIRE . A. A. SAMPSON R. BUNCH i, t, a, MOBILE HOSPITAL W. J. SULLIVAN E. L. MYERS W. C. JEFFERIES J. C. RAMBO W. C. CARDANA M. W. BUSBY R. V. GRANT W. D. JOHNS C. W. BARNE S, S, $ BRIGHTON MARINE HOSP. A BONTE R. LORD G. MEANEY M. DEAN S. MURPHY (SUP) J. BARRON H. SCHWARZ J. O'BYRNE J. McKEAN (SUP) E. HUDSON E. DELLAMANO, J. LEWIS T. BOGUS J. SILKOWSKI (SUP) % % S. GALVESTON HOSPITAL WM. BARGONE DAN GRAVES A. MCALPIN ; W.-CARVANN r" W. VORRELL r P. A. WHITE F. W. GRANT W. E. ROWAN HARRIS j �Friday. November 21, 1947 THE SEAFARERS South Star Crew Demands Safe Lashing Of Deck Cargo LOG Tankerman By JACK GROENER ABOARD SS SOUTH STAR At Sea — Crewmembers of this vessel unmilmously adopted a resolution calling for gi-eater shipboard safety measures in se­ curing deck cargo, and urged the SIU membership in all ports to ratify the proposal. The resolution which was act­ ed upon at the Oct. 14 shipboard meeting, recommended "that all deck cargo coming out of the East and Gulf ports consigned for ports in the North Atlantic be secured by heavy wire and turnbuckles after October 15 un­ til April 1, and that this action be brought before the member­ ship in all ports for their rati­ fication." FAULTY LASHING. The crew's action stemmed from a situation in which the deck cargo aboard this ship was secured by some new moneysaving lashing called "^ignode. It consists Of spring steel about two inches wide and about oneeighth of an inch thick and is secured by another piece, which is pinched in to fasten it. A sample of this lashing has been kept aboard for inspection by the Baltimore Port Agent when the vessel arrives in that port. We left New York Oct. 5 after the Mate was almost fired be­ cause he protested and raised so much hell about this method of securing cargo. The Port Captain told him the only reasoh he was keeping him on was because it was too late to find a replacement on a Sun­ day morning. I raised hell in general with the dock foreman, who replied he could only put on what he was ordered to. UNDER CHARTER To clear a point, we are not working for the South Atlantic Steamship Company, which I have always found to be a very good outfit. The South Star is chartered to the Jsbrandtsen Company, Inc. They are always in a hell of a hurry and by the time the last draft of cargo is being lowered you are casting off lines. Their motto seems to be "To hell with everything—^full speed ahead." The Mate's judgement and my own, were confirmed when, en­ countering the first heavy swells a few days later, the deck cargo of oil drums broke loose. The ship took some 15 to 20 degree rolls. At no tirne did we take any seas to amount to any­ thing, but the drums broke loose nevertheless. A five-ton box was on the starboard side, just forward of the housing and I shudder to think what the result would have been if we had encountered any North Atlantic weather. With rough weather this in­ cident could have had disastrous consequences, but we do not wish to wait until that happens. The Skipper of this ship, John Tryg, and Chief Mate Harvey McBi-ide get along fine with the men. We couldn't ask for better. Tidewater Men Want SIU, Says Organizer Things are looking "very rosy" for the SIU on Tidewater tank­ ers if the crew of the SS Edward L. Shea is a fair example, ac­ cording to Frank B. Rowell who shipped as a volunteer • organizer on the Shea for a trip to Baytown, Tex., and back. It took the whole gang work­ ing 13. hours to secure this loose cargo. A couple of men just miss­ ed serious injury in the course of the operation. With rough weather it would have been a different story. We have a darned good crew on this ship all of whom support this beef to the hilt. Page Three So impressed were the crewmembers by the advantages of SIU membership that more than two-thirds of them signed up with the Union. Frank B. Rowell, SIU or­ ganizer on Tidewater's SS Edward L. ^hea. says Tide­ water men need. and want the Seafarers. SIU Crew Halts Strikebreakers In Helsinki Loiyshore Strike By C. E. LEE (Deck Delegate. SS Francisco M. Quinones) What impressed them most was the dispatch with which the SIU settled beefs without jeop­ ardizing anybody's job. on schedule but sort of forgot the third one. As a result, the Shea hit Bayonne with the crew's linen four days overdue for a change. May­ be the Steward saved the com­ pany three bucks. If he did he would have saved even more if he had "forgotten" to change the officers' linen, too. Then there was the Chief Mete. On a previous trip he staged a big performance aboard ship, so dramatic a one, Rowell declares, that the Captain fired him. At that time he was only a Second Mate. The company's answer to the Captain's action was to rehire this gashound—as Chief Mate. •If I •-51 This viewpoint was reinforced by story after story in the cop­ ies of the LOG which Rowell NO OVERTIME brought aboard and which he says they read avidly. They took Overtime was practically un­ to the Union like ducks to water. known aboard the Shea, Rowell Rowell says that conditions reports. The first Sunday out, the on the Shea were not so bad as Chief Engineer took it upon him­ they might have been, but that self to transfer bunkers, a job there were a lot .of things an which Rowell himself, as Pump­ SIU Crew would have been man, should have done and foi which he should have received quick to correct. overtime. TRIPE! TRIPE! TRIPE! He tried to do something about his beef when the ship paid off. For instance the chow. There was nothing particularly wrong He approached Bushnell, the with the chow, except that all representative of the Tidewater the Crew ever got to eat was Tankermen's Association, who what the Captain particularly meets all the Tidewater ships in liked. And all the old man liked Bayonne. was tripe. He got exactly nowhere. Natch! Tidewater never misses So for several days running a chance to save overtime. there was nothing to eat but There was one beef Rowell tripe—boiled tripe, stewed tripe and whatever other kinds there did square. At the beginning of are. And, of course, tripe is the trip, the Steward was serv­ something most guys get tired of ing cold food to the men on the 8-to-12 watch. Rowell straight­ —fast. I ened him out on that. Then there was the bed linen. Of course, Rowell won't be The Steward, who spent most of his time toadying to the Old making the trip again. He was Man and therefore didn't pay fingered and fired. The Captain tnuch attention to the crew, refused to say it was union ac­ made the first two linen changes tivity. Strik-ng longshoremen in the held a meeting a week later and port of Helsinki, Finland, wit­ ! voted to unload this ship only. nessed a sound exhibition of , But the strike continued in force SIU labor solidarity recently, on all other fronts. when the 100 percent Union men The Quinones was completely on the SS Francisco M. Quin­ unloaded on Oct. 10 and we ones, South Atlantic, squelched sailed the following day for a move by strikebreakers to un­ Dingwall, Nova Scotia. load the vessel's cargo of sugar. I would like to commend Cap­ The ship left Santa Cruz, Cuba, tain E. W. Braithwaite and Chief Aug. 27, with 9,000 tons of su­ Engineer E. L. McHugh for the gar destined for Helsinki, where grand support they gave us in it arrived and anchored in the helping to keep the strikebreak­ stream Sept. 18. ers off the ship. The following morning the They both stood pat on the vessel went into dock and long­ provision that only authorized shoremen worked on the cargo longshoremen could come aboard for a day and a half when a and use ship's gear and unload strike was called after their de­ cargo. mands for a wage increase had Both are Union men themsel­ been refused. ves and the crew has a great We ware in complete sympathy and felt their demands were jus­ deal of respect for them. tified. Three days after the work stoppage began, strikebreakers got 200 housewives to volunteer to go through the picketlines. board the ship and unload the By JOSEPH VOLPIAN can muster to get him back on cargo. his feet. Also, 60 members of the Finn­ Special Services Representative The call for help is coming ish Parliament and 1,200 stu­ One of the first laws of the from the Marine Hospitals where dents volunteered to work. sea is to help those in distress. the blood banks are almost From time immemorial seamen broke. Because of the increased COME IN MOB The women came down to the have adhered to this law with­ use of blood transfusions due to docks in a mob, demanding that out reservation. The pages of the great successes in all phases they be permitted to come maritime history are packed with of medical treatment, the supply aboard and unload the sugar, tales of heroism and sacrifices has run dangerously low. which they claimed to have made by seafaring men in bring­ If the lives of seamen are to ing aid to their fellows in dis­ be saved, if seamen are to con­ needed badly. tinue to be the beneficiaries of Being 100 percent Union men tress. Mankind has long been con­ their own foresight, these blood and opposed to strikebreaking in whatever form it arises, we took scious of this tradition and sea­ banks must be greatly increased. a firm stand in refusing to per­ men today are generally recog­ Because their use has reduced nized as being generous, kind the risk of fatality by amazing mit them to come aboard. We declared that the women and ever ready to lend a hand percentages, blood transfusions were not authorized longshore­ to those in need of a lift. play an important part in sur­ The .spirit and traditions which gery. Weakness and shock which men, were inexperienced in this type of work and, therefoi'e, fundamentally bind all seamen follow operations are successful­ were a hazard to themselves as grows stronger with the passage ly counteracted by blood trans­ of time. well as to the ship. fusion. At this very moment, there is Furthermore, we pointed out We have learned that every that there was a company rule urgent need for prompt response operation requires the use of at prohibiting women aboard ship. to a call for help being made in least one pint of blood. Three The gangway watchman was, behalf of our seagoing brothers pints are generally used in sui'then given orders not to let any­ who have been struck down by gical treatment of TB and can­ one on board without an author­ illness and those who, in the cer cases; bleeding ulcers also future, will become victims of ized longshoreman's pass. require an ample supply of blood various types of sicknesses, which After two days of hanging to be transfused. around, the women went back strike without warning and with­ And these are three of the to their homes. The members of out discrimination. many types of cases involving the Parliament and the students BLOOD BANKS LOW seamen, hospital authorities re­ likewise were turned away. Every seamen runs the risk port. But blood transfusions are RELEASED SUGAR of one d^v becoming ill and find­ given to seamen suffering from Since the sugar was badly ing himself in need of all the many other illnesses. If the blood is not available needed ashore. longshoremen skill and resource medical science Seafarers Urged To Donate To Blood Bank .i jAi-. when needed, the condition of the patient can be extremely critical. We must make sure that no seaman's life is endangered simply because the blood supply is inadequate. The fact that our own lives may be involved should spur us to heed this distress caU. But seamen do not ask who are bene­ ficiaries when they respond to a signal for help. Men who wish to donate their blood, which might save the life of a brother seaman—or possibily their own lives—can go to any Marine Hospital. In the Staten Island hospital donors will be received between 9 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. When you go ther-e, make it known that you are there to give blood, and you will be given priority. If you don't get action you can ask to see the Clinical Director. The whole procedure takes about two hours, since every man is given a physical examin­ ation and blood tests to make certain he is able to .give. No pain is felt; it's a simple pro­ cedure. This way of aiding sick Broth­ ers on the beach is no different from answering a call for help at sea. By heeding this distress sig­ nal you may save a Brother's life—or your own! L.f �THE SEAFARERS LOG 1Pa96 Four Friday. KoTomber 21, 1947 " "I- H'H i I MaHOverseas Xmas Panels Early, Says PO ' '"d WHAT ttwiiK Seafarers who want to send Christmas packages to friends and relatives in foreign coun­ QUESTION: What do you think is the greatest threat to seamen^j movements? tries had better get on the ball CHARI.ES SCHOFIELD, CE: RICHARD GONZALES. MM: and send them off as soon as The operators and the govern­ possible. As far as I am concerned, Ihe ment are our greatest threat. According to a circular re­ communists are the greatest The operators by laying ships up leased by the New York Post threat because they are out to in the boneyard, and the gov­ Office, foreign post offices are control or wreck unions. The ernment by transferring so many expected to be jammed, a fact way they are acting now in the ships to foreign registry. What that will occasion extensive de­ National Maritime Union proves they are both aiming for is to lays in deliveries. that when the rank-and-tile tries force mass unemployment on the T.he circular gives a lot of to force them out .of positions waterfront so that seamen will advice, and seamen would be of control, the commies ' go to have to scramble for the few wise to inquire about proced­ any lengths to disrupt the mem­ jobs that are left. When that ures before wrapping anything bership and wreck the union. happens, the shipowners and the up, or even before buying it. Other unions are having the government hope that the unions For instance, some merchan­ same trouble. The best way to will bust up. We've got to be dise can be sent at straight let­ treat the communists is not to on the lookout for what those ter rate to a large number of give them any power from the counti'ies provided the weight people try to pull, and we have beginning, and then you don't to fight against selling our ships. does not exceed four pounds six have to battle them later. ounces. Each package must be accompanied by a customs dec­ laration, however. A number of countries will N. VRYDENBERGER, CE: accept small parcels wrapped MICHAEL IWASKO, Wiper: The Taft-Hartley law is the I think the government is the and labelled as "small' packets" worst threat — or maybe I which can be sent quickly and real menace. The operators and should say Congress. Last session quite cheaply. But a "small pac­ the communists may give us they passed the Taft-Hartley ket" must not weigh more than trouble, but the new anti-labor Law, and maybe next time two pounds and three ounces, law is the greatest threat since they've got a stiffer one up their and there is a size limit in addi­ it can destroy unions complete- | ly and take away all the gains| sleeves. The shipowners will use tion. the Taft-Hartley law against us Parcel post service has been that workers have fought for as they will against all other resumed to all countries except over a long period of time. So far, even though the law says unions, and if anything tougher the tiny European republic of is passed, they'll use that, too. Andorra, but you'd do well to no "closed shop," we've gained We should get together to elect get some information from the contracts guaranteeing that pro­ congressmen who are for the nearest post office about how to tection, but now Mr. Hartley workingmen, and then we package and address whatever says his law is too weak and wouldn't have to worry about you want to send. And if you he wants to strengthen it, and the Taft-Hartley law or other want to send anything airmail if that happens we may have to hit the bricks again. anti-labor la.ws. you'd better ask first too. Witnesses To Accident Needed in Guiana Continuing its efforts to get the best possible defense for Ralph Youtzy and Robert Boutivell, the two Seafarers facing a bum murder rap in Georgetown, British Guiana. SIU headquar­ ters in New York has written to the three Crewmembers of the T. J. Jackson, Alcoa, who witnessed the fight in which the Captain of a Georgetown harbor launch was drowned, urging them to ship for Guiana in time for the trial. The letters, which were sent out by Joseph Volpian, Special Services Representative, were •mailed to James Carter, Jr., Chief Cook on the Jackson, and to Frank Knight and Charles Robertson, both AB's. The Union acted in response to a request received from the attorney conducting the defense, •who said that the presence of the three witnesses would be necessary. The trial is scheduled to commence January 13. INQUIRY HELD At the preliminary inquiry held early this month, Youtzy, was committed on a charge of murder, but the charge against Boutwell was reduced to man­ slaughter. Boutwell was allowed $2,000 bail. The launch Captain was drowned* when he was accident­ ally shoved overboard early in the morning, October 2, in a fight he started with Boutwell and Youtzy after refusing to take them out to the Jackson which was moored in the Demerara River ready to sail on the tide. The Jackson Crew raised $553 for the defense, since neither Youtzy nor Boutwell has any money of his own. 'Meanwhile, the Union has kept in touch with all developments to insure a fair and adequate trial. In the letters to the three witnesses, Volpian said: "It is imperative that you ship out on an Alcoa ship for George­ town to assure the best defense possible for these men. "I would suggest that you con­ tact the SIU agent in any port from which you expect to ship out in an effort to secure his c ooperation , in getting a ship. If you have any difficulty in getling paid off at the other end, you may contact the United States Consul to speak to the Captain on your behalf. "Speaking for myself, and on behalf of the entire member­ ship, please accept our sincere thanks for your past coopera­ tion and your future help in this matter." Enclosed with the letters were copies of the letter received at Headquarters from the George­ town barrister, Lionel A. Luckhoo, who 'is in charge of the defense. "I have seen the statements made to our local police by Car­ ter, Knight and Robertson, whom you mention in your letter," he declared. "The evidence of the first two named is of vital im­ portance, and even the evidence of Robertson is useful. "I have shown Mr. Damron, the U.S. Consul, your letter and after discussion we settled that I should write and ask you for your assistance in getting these men to British Guiana by the 13th January, 1948, on which date the trial commences. BEFORE JUDGE AND JURY "The Consul tells me tfiat if Commenting on the prelimin­ they are placed on a ship to ary inquiry, Luckhoo emphasized get them here by early Janu­ the necessity for Carter, Robert­ ary, then he will help at this son and Knight's appearance. , end in having them return by some other ship after their evi­ dence has been given. "Their presence is necessary. Affidavits or statements are no good. They must give their tes­ timony on oath before a judge and jury." The eyes of the entire SIU membership are centered on Georgetown, since all Seafarers realize that Youtzy and Bout­ well are the victims of a set of circumstances in which seamen anywhere might be caught through no fault of their own. This wide interest is symbo­ lized by the Crew of the William Cullen Bryant, Alcoa, who add­ ed a contribution of $24.30 to $553 chipped in by the Jackson Crew. t" I •• i'ri.icr H (•-. IN fAVMf NT 0»- f MK t Olf.UWINi • ;' • VrcOl/N' DATE, F NliOfiSif rfl- N T \ • PAVI f * ., • j,. yjVV V V W ; SKAFAIUCirs ;[\TICK\..\TI()^ 1 ... I xiox A'MOMNT * .kT,i.A.\'i-i<; A.vi) (jri.t: m.srwKr - ':''b X i-:\v Xo;-/ I'l'i !<• * > H i >1 1) <) i.I ,.M S KA I A l{ KKS- I Vl KifA \ | l() VA I, I \1,( )\ ( »|r .\< MM II -A \1 KUK ',\ A'i'i. vVTir \\u i.ri,K iiisTKicr • ;- A.:"r' 1 •. I {«).\i i S I IM ;I.;: I i'-30 A'd'JiV ' This $332 check, which Ihe T. J. Jackson crew sent to British Guiana for the defense of their shipmates, Ralph Youtzy and Robert Boutwell, brought their total contribution to $553. �Friday, NoTember 21. 1947 Tampa Shipping Siows, But Sun DrawsLakesMen THE SEAFARERS The Patrolman Says Swell Union Ship Page FIT* Neglect By Company, Healtli Authorities Led To Death Of Seafarer, Crew Charges Manila Watch By JOSEPH W. LABROSSE (Ships Delegate, SS Tonto) By SONNY SIMMONS TAMPA—Shipping has been a little slow around this port, but we don't have many men on the beach. . We made the SS Grange Vic­ tory, Waterman, going north and the SS Colombia Victory com­ ing south. The boys who have been homesteading those four Waterman ships running coast­ wise are about to lose their hap­ py homes, since they all are be­ ing taken off the run as they get back into Mobile. However, they will be replaced by six Liberties. We made the SS Ponce de Leon, Waterman C-2, en route to Antwerp fresh from the West Coast with a crew nearly 100 per cent SUP and must say we found her in excellent shape. In fact she was one of the cleanest ships from bow to stern we have had in Mobile for a long time. GIVES CREDIT Much of the credit for this condition goes to the Master, Captain C. W. Butts, .as well as to the Stewai'd, Jimmie "Mo­ bile" Higham and the Chief Cook, R. G. Barr. She topped off a lot of fresh fruit here. Because the Lakes are begin­ ning to freeze over for the win­ ter, we are getting quite a few Lakes seamen who are down looking for some nice Florida sun.shine and to gainer some coconuts. It's so hot down here right now that a couple of the boys are out trying to pick up some change peddling electric fans to the local populace. LOG Above is a picture of Ludovico S. AgulLo, who meets all SIU and SUP ships which dock in Manila. He brings with him latest copies of the LOG, and also distributes the paper to seamen's favorite hangouts. This picture was in­ scribed and sent to Eddie Bender, SIU Brother, under whom Agulto served in the Philippines as a guerilla fight­ er against the Japs. Look for Ludovico when next in Manila. MARCUS HOOK—The death of Dale Johnson, Fireman on the SS Tonto, Pacific Tankers, in San Juan, was the result of a chain of events which reflected incompetence, neglect and out­ right cold-bloodedness on the part of the ship's officers, the U.S. Public Health Service, and company officials, the Tonto's Crew firmly believes. On October 29, the Tonto, which was headed north for Marcus Hook to discharge a car­ go of fuel oil, changed its course for San Juan. The change was ordered because of a shortage of water for the boilers and it was necessary to make San Juan as soon as possible. The shortage it­ self was due to the incompet­ ency of the Engineers since the ship was only nine days out of New York and should have had a 20-day supply. RAN HIGH FEVER At 4:30 P.M. on the 29th, Dale Johnson, after standing his 12to-4 watch reported sick to the Purser who put hini in.the ship's hospital. The Purser found him dangerously ill with a fever of 105 degrees. As a matter fact, Johnson was delirious at this point, so serious was his condition. He was a dying man, but perhaps some­ thing could have been done for him had proper action been tak­ en. 'W'hile the Purser was looking Johnson over, the ship was only 100 miles out of San Juan, yet neither then nor later did the Captain radio for medical in­ formation, advice, or instruction, despite the fact that the sick man was suffering from severe dysentery and was obviously sinking rapidly. This la.st com­ ment is justified by what hap­ pened later. The Tonto arrived at San Juan at 6:30 the following morning, October 30. The representatives of the U.S. Public Health Ser­ vice came aboard for a routine check and were notified—repeat­ edly notified—of Johnson's con­ dition. The crew naturally expected that he would be rushed to the By J. P. SHULER, Secretary-Treasurer Records in Headquarters Offices Since the last regular meeting, there have been some changes made in Headquarters Records Dept. There is now a system in effect which enables each man's record to be checked as- he pays his dues in the Port of New York. This system will enable the Headquarters Office to keep a pei-petual check on the standing of all members. Thus the number of active members can always be ascertained. Three full bookmembcrs working as officials of the Union have been assigned to these duties on the 6th floor, and it is recommended that in the future they also assume the duties of the "Headquarters Reinstatement Committee." In the future all applications should be sent directly to this committee. NEW ORLEANS—The SS Ly­ man Stewart, Alcoa, made New Orleans after a two-month trip to Europe and the Islands for Jaauxite, and came in in fine SIU shape. The beefs were practically settled before the ship arrived. There were more first-trippers and permitmen than full book­ men aboard, but these newcom­ Negotiations ers were taught the SIU way of doing things by such boys as Negotiations with the Isthmian Steamship Co. Don Hall, Johnny Morris, D. have been practically completed and the Nego­ Murrell and others. tiating Committee should be able to render a The Stewart Crew took up one complete i-eport and possibly a complete agree­ of the finest LOG hospital do­ ment before the regular membership meeting in nations of any ship hitting this the Port-of New York. This repoi't will carry all port for a long time. There was the details of the negotiations and the agreement. $160 split between the LOG and Membership the boys in the Marine hospital. Numbers of ships are being turned over to The contributors were as fol­ foreign Governments and put in the boneyard. lows: J. H. Morris, $5.00; A. Thomp­ This is causing a decrease in jobs. The SIU has son, $5.00; L. Stone, $5.00; not been hit so hard as yet, but the next few Slaughter, $10.00; Cagle, $10.00; months will be a crucial period for the Union Cain, $5.00; Suaelen, $5.00; Wil- and our membership should be adjusted now so lisen (2nd Mate), $10.00; Strach- as to insui-e available jobs for all the member­ er, $5.00; Pritchett, $10.00; Sykes, ship. Due to the shortage of jobs, shipping in all $10.00; Murrell, $4.00; Searilo (3rd Mate), $5.00; Gibson, $10.00; ports has fallen off so tha'c most of the jobs are filled by bookmembers. Therefore, to insure Faircloth, $10.00. "Melvin, $2.00; Radcliff, $5.00; stable shipping, the following recommendations Dixon, $5.00; Martin, $7.00; Mur­ are made: 1. No dues to be collected from anyone over phy, $4.00; Hastings, $5.00; Kear­ ny, $1.00; Maples, $5.00; Otto, 12 months in arrears in dues and assessments $5.00; Biles (1st Asst.), $5.00; until such men have applied for 'reinstatement directly to the Headquarters Reinstatement Com­ Don Hall, $5.00. . Of course, the above totals mittee with a letter giving details of their cases. only $158 when you add it up. This committee shall then submit to each meet­ However, there was $160 in the ing reports giving full details and their recomon each individual ap­ kitty when we counted the con­ mendaiions and findings plying for reinstatement. tents. If we missed a Brother 2. Immediately stop taking any applications who put in the other $2.00, we for new membership until further notice. No are very sorry. Johnny Johnslon port is to accept applications for membership Marine Hospital, but nothing li^e that happened. At least, it didn't happen until five houis later. WAS ONLY 23 Of course, the Public Health Service repi-esentatives did men­ tion that the ship's hospital stank like a pig-sty, but apparently the point did not seem to be important enough to war­ rant investigation. When they finally got around to removing Johnson after five hours the death rattle was in his throat. The poor lad died 24 minutes after he was ati.mitted to the hospital. He was 23 years old. It wasn't only the Captain and the U.S. Public Health Service who wei-e dilatory. The Pur­ ser found the time to take a Pumpman with a very minor ail­ ment ashore. But he never got around to pressing a demand that the Health Service take care, of Dale Johnson. Afterwards, the Master, the Purser and the Health Service refused to toll the crew what really brought about Johnson's death, and at this writing -.ve still have been unable to leain the exact cause of his sudden seizure. There were rats aboard, but Captan Ashwerth refused to delouse or fumigate the vessel. That is, he refused until the Tonto tied up at Marcus Hook where Port Agent Blackie Cardullo did a swell job of straight­ ening him out. As a result the ship was fumigated alr.rost at once. from any man unless notified otherwise in the STRAIGHTENED OUT future. Blackie also straightened him 3. No book is to come out of retirement until out a bit in reference to his such time as the man in retirement has been general neglect in not contact­ thoroughly investigated and his union record ing shoreside medical authori­ while in retirement is proven clear. i ties in San Juan. 4 No man in another district of the SIU is to In fact, the crew was grateful have his book transferred to the Atlantic and to both Blackie and to Ralph Gulf District. Ortiz, acting Agent at San. Juan, 5. All issuance of the emergency white cards who did his level best to get the that are issued in lieu of permits shall be dis­ Tonto disinfected before she lefft continued immediately and only men shipped for Marcus Hook. in emergencies shall be issued permits. In this, Ortiz was thwarted 6. Any books issued by Organizers in support at every turn by the Pacific of our organizing work to be kept at an abso­ Tankers' San Juan agent, wkno lute minimum and complete reports made on certainly acted in cold-blooded same. fashion. TOPHEAVY DEPARTMENTS He bent his efforts to get the The shortage of jobs can be attributed greatly Health Service to give the Ton­ to the indiscriminate issuance of seamen's papers to a clean bill of health, even and endorsements. There are numbers of 4imes though no honest effort was that a man will get a Messman's endorsement, n:ade to clean away the signs ship on a permitcard, make one trip to sea, will of disease on the ship. getian endorsement in another department where The linen in which Johnson no men are needed, thereby making an over- had lain was still aboard three supply of men in that department and causing days after his death when the a shortage in the department from which he Captain and his fellow officers transferred, which means that another permit finally disposed of it. And I will have to be issued. Quite a few permit men, need hardly add that the crew after making one trip, get a higher endorsement was bitter about the entire af­ to a rating that is already top heavy, which fair. will make too many men in that rating and All the facts we could ascer­ create a shortage in the lower rating. Therefore, tain were sent to Johnson's sis­ the following recommendations are made on ter in Long Beach, Calif. The seamen's papers and endoi'sements: cre\v certainly hopes that she 1. No member of the Stewards Department takes prompt action of some with Messman or Utility endorsements shall be kind. We would hate to see any­ given a letter to the Coast Guard for Cook's thing like this happen to an­ endorsement until he actually has H months other seafnan. sea time as Messman or Utility. 2. No member sailing in one department shall be given a letter for endorsement in another department until he has 12 months sea time in that department. Then he must go before a committee in the department to which he wishes to transfer and obtain approval by the mem­ bership. 3. No man shall be given a letter for original seamen's papers by the Union. 4. Any man going to any steamship company to obtain a letter for endorsement for a rating other than what he carries shall be considerec and handled the same as a man going to the company office for a job. S •'11 �THE SEAFARERS Page Six LOG Friday, November 21, 1947 Marcus Hook Agent Thanks Crews For Making Payoffs A Pleasure By BLACKIE CARDULLO MARCUS HOOK — Ever since I'd better try to give the conthe new Hall was opened it I census of what the boys are say­ seems all the boys have been ing. First, due to the fact of slow down to visit us. And, to top things off, a lot of ships have shipping right now there would been in port here, several in be a greater turnover of men on transit and a couple to payoff, the beach if the practice wei-e Then there were the seven Pa­ stopped. For instance, if a man cific Tankers which were paid wanted to ship as Deck Engineer, Silence this week from the he probably would have to work off here and sold. Branch Agents of the follow­ One that both paid off and his way up from Fireman or Oil­ ing ports: signed on was the 88 Tonto. er, the way things are now. The Boys, it was a pleasure to go same goes for Bosun. That means BALTIMORE aboard her and find that our own we won't be shipping as many BUFFALO famous "Captain Bligh," good old rated men as we ought to. Another point: Promotions "Rowboat" Wilson, had depart­ CLEVELAND aboard ship tend to bring back a ed. SAN JUAN However, there were quite a situation in which favoritism is prevalent. few beefs to straighten out on JACKSONVILLE Another factor in this is that a the Tonto. Even worse, we lost a good Seafarer, Dale Johnson, lot of men today are rated. 8ince GALVESTON who died on the way into San they register at the Hall in their The deadline for port re­ ratings there is a scarcity of Juan. ports, monies due, etc.. is rated jobs at all times. ON THE BALL the Monday proceeding pub­ It certainly seems to be the However, the payoffs on both lication. While every effort the Tonto and the 88 Warrior feeling around here that the will be made to use in the were pleasurable. Both crews practice should be halted. current issue material re­ We are hearing a lot of crying were sober, and they were on ceived after that date, space the ball so far as unionism was about the huge wages seamen commitments generally do are making. People say the pay­ concerned. not permit us to do so. rolls are just a waste of the tax­ In fact, one thing to be no­ payers' money. Now, how about ticed is that since the Union cracked down on the gashounds the ships that are being sold to and performers there has not those Panamanian outfits for one been a single case of drunken- quarter of what they cost in taxpayers' money? What about those 100-odd tankers to be prac­ tically given away? SHIP AMERICAN We see by the papers that the Marshall Plan is going to cost MIAMI — Shipping is picking :nore than- half a billion dollars up a bit in this resort city by —just for a starter in Europe the sea. When the Florida calls alone. for her crew and clears port this Yet only five percent of what week, we probably won't have ve send is going to be carried in enough men left on the beach American ships. Who worked this to crowd a telephone booth. one out, we ought to be asking? 8he is due to pull out of here There are quite a few boys Wednesday for her first trip ess around here. I think this around here^ itching to get their since going into drydock. The goes to show what the members names in the LOG. They are all sixty-five men who were laid of our Union can do when they good looking lads, by the way, off when she pulled in will re­ and want that fact mentioned. really are out to do a job. join her and resume homesteadThere has been quite a bit of Here are some of them: J. Laing. These fellov/s sure go for comment in this port about the Brosse; A1 Plumsteele; Paul Arthat, wagon in a big way. articles in the LOG about pro­ mauld; Joe Barron; Tommy Ry­ I have been glancing through motions aboard ship, and I think an; and Brother O'Hanlon. the For Rent column of the local rag and found the twc following eye catchers: A two bedroom apartment, first class, $60 a month. If you want this place you have to cough up a 1947 Buick or Oldsmobile as a bonus. Just for By HERBERT JANSEN the hell of it, I called up the CHICAGO — 8hipping in the Recently, letters have been guy. He definitely would not ac­ Windy City is slowing up con- sent to fourteen of our contract- cept a 1947 Mercury. siderably, and during the past ed operators asking for re-openNO MILK HORSES week we've had only the Tanker ing of the contracts on wages The other place rents for $85. Westcoat, the 88 E. N. 8aunders and various other points. This The bonus on this one is a race Jr. and the usual Chicago-run month letters will be sent to horse. That was enough for me. ships in port. | the remainder, where the con- Next thing these guys will want Rumor had it that the 88 tracts expire this Winter. the British Crown Jewels. Not A.merican was to go to New, Nov/ is the time to send in all having a Buick, Oldsmobile or York this Fall. Checking up on of the proposed contract changes a race horse I had to abandon the story,, we found that the'as these should be submitted at the idea of renting. Company is bidding on some the first meeting with the comI had the opportunity to get work on the East Coast. If they^panies. Later, after contract ne- together with a few of the oldmanage to secure the bid, she gotiations begin, it is too late to timers this week when the Co­ will leave for New York shortly.' send in changes. lumbia Victory hit port. Tony During the big blow on Lake ,, . , ., , , 8osa, Buddy Baker, Ralph 8eckMichigan last week, when the ^elp considerably if inger and "Scabby" Ellsworth NMU "Ghost 8hip" Jupiter al-members would bring came in for a couple of hours most ended her career in a wa-'^^P ^Jieir beefs and proposed con- of jawing while their ship layed tery grave, the 88 Milwaukee ^f^^^^^^anges at ^tl^^^ shoreside meetings before lay- over. Clipper had all of her furniture They didnH have time to look up, and before contract nego­ and walls • washed free. over the vacationland, but I On her way over from Muske-i tiations with the various Great don't think that bothered them gon to Milwaukee, the Clipper | operators are opened. much. ran into a head sea smashing all Then these recommendations Right now we are having the of the for'd windows in the will come up in the course of hottest weather in months. I negotiations, and it will be pos- haven't seen anyone wearing a Lounge. A merry time was had that sible to secure many changes for coat yet. Plenty of swimming night by all of the crewmem- lthe better in our 8IU contracts, and fishing to keep a guy happy hers, especially the Wheelsmen.' Our 8IU contracts on the Great •so just to keep myself happy, One Wheelsman found a ten spot Lakes are the best, and we want I am going to get my tackle to­ on deck, and claimed it was to be sure to keep them the gether and head for Everglades washed aboard the Clipper. I best! City come Sunday. ... MIUMO) Few Gashounds Wreck Good Week NO NEWS?? Of Payoffs In San Francisco Florida Growing Empties Hall In Port Miami By W. H. SIMMONS 8AN FRANCI8CO — That old debbil John Barleycorn stuck his face into the picture out here and spoiled what would have been a perfect week for handling beefs and payoffs. That stuff will ruin the best of payoffs and it did just that on the Raphael 8emmes, Water­ man. It's too bad that this sort of stuff has to be constantly brought before the membership, but we all must know the score as to what is going on. The trouble aboard the 8emmes, as usual, did not involve the whole crew, but these few gashounds made the entire crew suffer by their thoughtlessness and uncalled-for behavior. Four or five men gassed-up at a payoff can make mincemeat of the best intentions of the crew and the Patrolmen. I only hope the men respon­ sible for what took place aboard the 8emmes have learned their lesson; that's the only good that can possibly come of the inci­ dent. BALANCED UP The ledger was balanced by the appearance of the 8tephens Beasley, an American Pacific ship, which paid off here with- Lakes Contract Reopening Due; Send In Suggested Changes Now out a bit of trouble. I take my hat off to the crew—they were tops in my book. Here's hoping for more and more crews of the Beasley caliber. We finally sent the 88 Cav­ alier, Wilkerson, on her maiden voyage to South America. She will run steady in the banana run from Miami and Norfolk to the Islands. When she put out of here she was crewed by a fine bunch of On Performers The membership has gone on record to prefer charges against all gashounds and performers as well as the men who willfully destroy or steal ships gear. The SIU has no place for men who ruin the good conditions the Union wins for them. Take action in shipboard meetings against men guilty of these things. men. Brother Red Whidden went out as AB; Brother 8chmolke, an ex-8UP official, riding as Bosun and Brother McKeen aboard as Chief 8teward. The Captain, too, is a good egg and has shown himself to be very cooperative with the 8IU. SQUARED BEEFS We had beefs on two Isthmian ships tied up in this vicinity. The Twin Falls Victory had a beef over a lack of needed equipment. This was settled and she put out with all hands happy. The other, the William Tilghman, had a gassed-up Steward aboard, but his happy days were cut short when we sent another Steward from the Hall to take his place. That just about winds up the local picture for the week, but, as always, I just can't resist put­ ting in that old plug: The weath­ er out here is wonderful. Philly Works Toward Getting More Payoffs By BILL HIGGS PHILADELPHIA — The other day I was introduced to the membership as' the new Port Agent for Philadelphia. Eddie Higdon, in case you haven't heard, found it necessary to retire because of his health and I have relieved him. Naturally I don't know every­ thing there is to know about the Philadelphia problem yet since I've only been here a week—but I do know that things have been slow for the past two months, and I believe we are going to have to work out a program to improve this situation. Perhaps the answer to the problem will be an arrangement, whereby a few of the Waterman ships that hit Philadelphia on the inter-coastal run have their pay­ offs here. In fact, at present we are working on just such a change in procedure and we will do everything in our power to ob­ tain Waterman's agreement and to do anything else we can to get more activity going on here. We did have one payoff this week, the 88 Jean, a Bull Line ship. The Delegates had every­ thing in fine shape for Patrolman Ernest Tilly. There were a few beefs on the Jean. The Company agreed to do some of the very necessary repair work when the ship hits New York. In addition, the ship will be fumigated. As soon as we take care of that little matter of stepping up shipping here, we invite all hands to drop in on the City of Brotherly Love and pay us a' visit. �Friday, November 21, 1947 Bernstein Ship Turnsabout In Record Time THE SEAFARERS LOG PUERTO RICAN PROBLEM EASY TIME We had seven payoffs during the past week and all of them came off in smooth order. The Belgian Victory, Waterman; James Island, Pacific Tankers; and James Duncan, Waterman, all paid off with no beefs, no logs and no disputed overtime. The Algonquin Victoi-y of the St. Lawrence Navigation Com­ pany, had a small beef which was soon squared away. The Night Cook and Baker was fixed up in his overtime claim for working daytime at sea. We also cleared the docket of a long-hanging dispute. Captain Goodman of the Moi-an tug Point Vincente has been promising the Patrolmen for some time that he would make necessary repairs on his ship. This week we straightened this out and the repairs are now be­ ing made. Two Ships Expected To Provide Activity In Port Savannah By CHARLES STARLING SAVANNAH—Things are still very slow in this port. In fact, about all we have had in the past week has been a riding crew to take a ship to the boneyard. Of course, that gave a few of the Brothers a good chance to pick up a hand­ ful of bucks for beer money. But that was all. However, the SS Archer was due in November 13 and sched­ uled to payoff two days later. This was bound to provide some activity. Even better was the fact that the SS Davey, which has been laid up for several weeks, was coming in to pick up a crew. The Davey was expected tcrtake practically all the rated men off the Savannah beach. Voting has been slow here because of the general "slackness of the shipping situation but all bookmen who come in are vot­ ing. We are getting a little touch of winter here. But it's Savan­ nah style and not anything like winter ^weather further up the coast. Shipowners Pressure Congress To Exempt Seamen From Hour-Law By JOE ALGINA By BEN LAWSON NORFOLK—For the first time in many a moon the board here in the Norfolk Hall is completely bare. So bare, in fact, that we are giving it a coat of muchneeded paint. Maybe the ships have suddenly taken a dislike to this port be­ cause, in addition to a sudden lack of ships, one ship, the Thomas B. Reed, Arnold Bern­ stein Steamship Co., came in and was out again in 29 hours—a record for paying off, signing on, taking supplies, loading and clearing port. Maybe this port needs Air-wick; who knows? Unless the fever is catching, we expect to play host to sever­ al ships during the next ten days. The Robert Forbes, AmericanHawaiian; DePaw Victory and Robert Lowery, Pope & Talbot; George Chaffee, Waterman; Ly­ man Hall, Olympic; Grover C. Hutchinson, Overlakes; and the Mayo Brothers are due in soon. Page Seven Salavador Colls, SIU San Juan Port Agent, and repre­ sentatives of the International Longshoremen's Association in Puerto Rico shortly after meeting in which they discussed plans for easing serious unemployment problem faced by ILA's Watchmen's Local. From left to right, A. Martos, Sec­ retary. ILA District Council; Colls; E. G. Moreno. President. ILA District Council, and Jose Gabon, ILA San Juan Delegate. Crew Cooperation With Patrolmen Is Necessary For Good Payoffs By JOHN MOGAN BOSTON—Business and ship­ ping continued to be poor for the past week—only the tankers kept things moving. As a matter of fact, it has been over three weeks since a cargo ship paid off here. Plenty of the boys are still sweating it out, though, on th.e assumption that shipping can't get worse' and must get better. It's a pretty good assumption, too. At this writing, the SS Fort George (Pacific Tankers) is get­ ting ready for a payoff at East Braintree. The SS Hood River (also a P-T) paid off in Portland on Armistice Day. This was a clean payoff, with a good crew—half SUP and half SIU. The Deck Department donated $25.00 to the patients at Fort Stanton, and the Stewards Dept., $13.00. It was agreed that the $38.00 total should be divided equally between the SUP and the SIU. XMAS IS COMING This was a nice gesture on the part of the boys, for Christmas is just around the corner, and the members in the hospitals will know they are not forgotten by their Union brothers. The crew of the Hood River was also cooperative with the Patrolman. When the Patrolman decides that a particular beef is no good, his decision is chiefly based on previous experience. Regardless of how strongly the crew believes in the merit of the beef, it is still the Patrol­ man's decision as to whether to fight the beef out on the line. The beef can always be ap­ pealed to SUP Hdqrs., of course, and possibly it might be proved that the Patrolman erred in his judgment; but the chances are 99 to 1 that his judgment will be affirmed. Therefore, only a "super su­ per-militant" will continue growling after one of his shoreside representatives decides a beef is NG. The crew of the SS Hood Riv­ er, which had plenty of disputes, tossed them at the Patrolman and, in effect, said to him, "There you pre, look these over; you tell us what is good and what is no good, and your decision is okay with the crew." The Patrolman appreciates this attitude; he makes his decisions, fights for what he feels is right —and keeps a careful record of the other stuff, just in case it may be ruled good at some time or other, and paid retroactively. GOOD OLD HELEN The old SS Helen (Bull) is due to payoff here on Monday, Nov. 17. This is her first trip up this way in a helluva while. She used to be rather difficult to crew up in the old days, so it will be interesting to see what kind of a rush develops for the jobs on her—IF there are any jobs called in. A couple of Watermans on the Antwerp-Rotterdam run ai'e due in here next week, also. These used to payoff and crew up in Boston regularly; but these have been lost to the port re­ cently and therefore we don't expect they will payoff here next week. NEW YORK—Taking up the hue and cry of the big business boys, the shipping industry sent its number-one hatchet man down to Washington to do or die for the shipowners. Down he went, and on bend­ ed knee Frank Taylor, president of the American Merchant Mar­ ine Institute, told the House La­ bor Committee that merchant seamen should remain exempt under the Wage-Hour Act. No forty-hour week for the .seamen, if this guy has his way. A fifty-six hour week, he .says, is essential to the industry. What else he told the com­ mittee wasn't printed as the item itself was buried in a re­ mote section of a New York newspaper. I guess the shipowners thought there might be a chance of in­ cluding the seamen under the Wage-Hour law and thus set­ ting a forty-hour limit on their hours at sea. Anyway, they sent their boy to Washington to halt any such terrible thing. geles Tankers, paid off in fine style; but the Kyskia, Waterman, was another matter. The Mate and Skipper insist ed on getting their hands dirty by doing a few turns around the deck with the Deck gang They were good workers and really made the paint fly, but doing seamen's work is taboo for officers. HOLIER THAN ALL At the payoff, the company representative tried to prove that the Skipper was excluded from the agreement and it was not necessary to pay overtime for work done by him. The beef was soon settled in favor of the crew. The deck de­ partment will collect their money due on this beef, and when Wa­ terman is prepared to pay, we'll put a notice in the LOG. We had a few Isthmian ships in port for payoffs and although the agreement hasn't been signed CONTRACT GUARD Our contracts now call for a forty-eight hour week at sea and a forty-hour week in port. Any work done in excess of these hours is overtime. We aren't protected by Fed­ eral law—we have -only our con­ tracts to guarantee this—so with­ out a contract a shipowner can work his crews fifty-six hours a' week without paying one min­ ute of overtime. Right now we have practical­ ly achieved a forty-hour week at this moment, the boys on in the industry and I don't see: these ships were sure happy to any shipowners jumping into the see the Patrolmen hit the deck East River. and handle their beefs in true • They're still calling for arm­ tmion style. ored cars to cart their profits to It gives these fellows a charge the bank, but they are always to know that they now have looking for an angle to put the something to say about how they skids under seamen—this one is will live and work. no different. Another beef which we put A subject closer to my heart in the mothballs hinged around than following the latest maneu­ a water beef on the Niantic Vic­ ver of the shipowners in Wash­ tory. For a few days we batted ington is the .shipping activity in this beef around, but finally set­ the Big City. We had two ships come in tled it in favor of the crew. Instrumental in winding it up from long runs and both crews were happy to hit U.S. soil af­ was Cal Tanner, Mobile Port ter spending several months in Agent. The money will be ready soon and will be paid at the Far Eastern waters. The Grande Rande, Los An­ Waterman offices. M Members Should Get To Meetings On Time And Save Themselves Trip Before Committee By PAUL GONSORCHIK NEW YORK—For a long time the Union has maintained a* rule requiring attendance at the regular bi-weekly membership meetings. Here in New York the meetings begin at 7 p.m. and members are allowed to enter as late as 7:30; but after that, late arrivals must turn in their registration cards to the masterat-arms at the dooiv When this takes place, these men must report the following day to the third floor of the New York Hall: There they face a committee and give their ex­ cuses for being late. This is a new arrangement, as the old method of reporting to the Dispatcher caused a lot of work to an all ready overworked department. Most Dispatchers don't have New York. "While it is a wmnderful thing to be a proud fath­ er, don't use it as an excuse. It's sort of worn out. Stick to the truth and you'll be better off. On another subject, that of pOTmitmen, I would like to poini out that permitmen, who have paid up all assessments and dues, GIVE THE FACTS are to attend the regular mem­ If you have a legitimate ex­ bership meetings. cuse, you will not have any dif­ All permitmen are welcome to ficulty in regaining your card; attend, but those who haven't phony excuses usually make paid up in full are not required things worse. to do so. One of the most of the used Come around anyway, whether excuses is, "My wife is giving you have to or not. These meet­ birth." In the last year the mem­ ings are the backbone of the bers of the SIU must have con­ Union and are very educational* tributed greatly to the number Here is your chance to hit thai of births in New York City. deck if you have a squawk, and According to the excuses, at your chance to find out what is least 800 babies were born to being done for and by the mem­ the wives of Seafarers living in bership throughout the District. the time to listen to excuses, and so the committee was set up to handle this matter. If, by any chance, you happen to arrive late at the meeting and are told to report to the com­ mittee, cooperate with your fel­ low Seafarers serving on the committee. ." v. J '•'A m ' 41 - ^ ' i| �THE SEAFARERS Page Eighi LOG Friday, November 21, 1947 Great Lakes Seafarers Must Hold Ship Meetings Before Lay-ups By FRED FARNEN New Orleans Awaiting Last Minute Spurt DETROIT — With the lay-up operators plenty of time to buy season on the Great Lakes about necessary equipment. By EARL (BULL) SHEPPARD to occur within the next few LAY-UP SHEETS A Seafarer since the SIU was NEW ORLEANS — Checking weeks, it's now more important Another important matter that born in 1938, Andrew A. Smith over the shipping statistics, than ever to make certain that ^e taken care of at these shipboard meetings be held shipboard meetings is that of just sailed as Ship's Delegate which isn't too hard with busi­ aboard all SIU contract ships the lay-up crews. Crew lay-up aboard the SS Sea Trader, of ness in this port pretty slow, just as often as possible, but sheets are available at all SIU tiie newly contracted Sea Trade the week's • ue shows four not less than twice before layLakes halls. Corporation, bound for German payoffs and i, sign-ons. up. Be sure to get them for your Discussions on repair lists p^.^p_ ports with dry cargo. As Dele­ Not too good a showing, but the various ships should be held.'^j,iy ^^e delegates gate his responsibility is to up­ we may be able to report hap­ After a thorough discussion, a ^^e different departments, hold the traditions of SIU in pier doings next week when two repair list for your vessel should Lakes contracts every way so that a sound be­ Mississippi passenger ships are be filled out so that these matsecurity and job ginning will be made in relations ters can be taken care of either' on the vessel you laid due in for payoffs. These ships, at the lay-up or at the Spring , g^ -^3 ^p y^u to see that between the Union and the new plus an Alcoa passenger ship fit-out. • ! g proper and accurate list is Company. and the regular freighters, If there s anything wrong ^gpt of all crewmembers aboard Judged by his Union past, should relieve the tight situation. aboard your ship as far as quar-jy^^^ g^ ^Le time of the 'Cruiser" Smith—don't call him ters, messrooms, galley and gear ^gjj igy-up Looking far into the future, Andy—is just the man for the are concerned, now's the time we expect to handle about four­ Lay-up crew lists, when propto bring it up. job. And he is one of a swell teen payoffs during the remain­ erly filled out, show the name, Don't wait until your vessel 1 ^ook number and ciew on the Trader, so ^here is ing days of November, but that is under way next year to ^^,^3 ^g^^ crewmember no doubt that the Union's good figure is always subject to re­ squawk. Fill out those repair who laid up the vessel. vision upward or down. nam.e will be maintained. lists now to make sure things They should be filled out im­ In this racket it doesn't pay are fixed up before the resump­ mediately after the vessel ties Before he went to sea 12 years to state absolutely that the SS tion of regular sailing next up after the final voyage of the ago, "Cruiser", was a .shrimo Bumboat will be in on such and Spring. season. ^ fishevman in the Gulf, but ho such a date, as it always hap­ NO. 1 ITEM All lay-up lists shall be mailed found the work too confining pens that this scow will hang That's the Number One item to SIU Headquarters at Detroit By EINAR NORDAAS itself on a reef or decide to pay­ arid took off for blue water in­ on the agenda at all shipboard immediately after they are comoff in Portland, Maine. DULUTH — Due to recent meetings: Ship Repair Lists. pleted. That way the Union can stead. As a result, he doesn't get OLD RELIABLE In addition, if -there's any have an accurate check on those to see his hometown, Biloxi, storms and bad weather, more than fifty freighters have been equipment needed or any short- entitled to return to their res- Miss., as often as he did when Anyway, we can always rely age of necessary gear, that too pective ships in the Spring, and he was bringing in the succulent delayed in the Duluth-Superior on the tried and true coastwsie harbor area. should be added to your repair the Company can't eliminate any little shellfish. ships. They hit port with the Some of the ships ai-e tied up lists. crewmembers to take care of Holder of 'an exceptional rec­ at the docks, and others are an­ regularity of a bill collector, and Fill out three copies of all'any of the officers' friends or ord in all SIU organizing drives chored at various ~Tpots in the they are always in need of a lists, and make sure that the relatives. and strikes, "Cruiser" sailed harbor. If the same kind of replacement or two. Skipper of your ship gets one. Another important fact to re­ through the war without ever weather keeps up, we're likely Voting in the election for 1948 Keep one copy for the ship's member is that all members being torpedoed. However, one to have plenty of them with us officers in the Atlantic and Gulf crew to check with at the spring should be in good standing at ship he was on struck a mine. for the season's balance. District is humming along at a fit-out, and see that the third the time the vessel lays up in That wasn't much fun, he'll tes­ copy is sent in to SIU Head- order to be eligible to return Several of these ships are from brisk pace here. The Brothers tify anytime, not much more quarters at 1038 Third Street, next season. The SIU Great the Hanna, Wilson and Kinsman are taking a keen interest in this fun than being torpedoed. Detroit 26, Michigan. Lakes District will use its disfleets, and the crewmembers election and it looks like we are By taking care of these ship cretion in placing those not in were really pleased to find out due for a banner year. CAN'T TAKE IT WITH HIM repair lists and gear shortages good standing. that their ships will be voted I've heard a lot about the "Cruiser" likes all sports, but this fall. now, a lot of headaches will be rainy seasons in the South Seas Many SIU Great Lakes mem­ saved next year. bers pay up their dues in ad­ it's no secret that his favorite is The vast majority of the crew­ and the downpours of the Afri­ Whenever SIU contracted op­ vance at the lay-up of their ves­ motorcycling. No spectator ath­ members from these vessels say can • continent, but nothing can erators are given sufficient no­ sel, and don't have to worry lete, he means riding his own they are going to vote for the beat what we are experiencing tice about what's needed on their about remaining in good stand­ bike when he says motorcycling, SIU because they want SIU con­ down here at the moment. ships, they can't alibi that it ing before being recalled in the and he's seen a lot of country tracts and conditions. I've forgotten what a sunny between trips sitting astride one can't be bought. Spring. day looks like and am beginning Our Maritime Trades Port of those roaring monsters. This advance notice gives the Payment in advance is not re­ Council for the Duluth, Super­ to feel that a raincoat is as much In fact, when he paid off the ior and Ashland area is now a part of my apparel as shoes. quired, but it makes things a loL easier to pay up your dues and' Charles McNary recently he functioning in shipshape man- What weather! assessments while you have had a great idea for a shoreside nei-, and our next meeting is TAKE IT AWAY plenty of cabbage in your sock. vacation; a motorcycle trip scheduled for November 18 at Check the slop chest be­ Remember it's your Union, thiough the Pennsylvania moun- the Duluth Grain Trimmers Hall. The stuff keeps pouring down fore your boat sails. Make Brothers! And, it's up to you to sure that the slop chest con­ We'll have something to re- from the heavens and the sewers ^^^^ng in the next keep taking it away, but there keep it strong by holding meet­ said it was just the right tonic tains an adequate supply of xo take before boarding the Sea ^^e LOG. ings, filling out repair lists and is always more. all the things you are liable Trader for her first Union ti'ip. crew lay-up lists, and keeping to need. If it doesn't, call the According to the talks we've Some of the fellows down here your dues and assessments paid Union Hall immediately. Perhaps he should have taken had with men from the Hanna have suggested that we buy a /up. his motorcycle with him. and Wilson fleets who've dropped ship and move the Hall aboard, into the Hall and the men we've as sooner or later the rain is contacted aboard their ships, it going to wash this whole town looks as though both Hanna and right into the Gulf of Mexico. Wilson will roll up a big vote Well, if it hasn't happened by for the SIU Great Lakes District. next week, we'll hit the pages we'll let everybody knov/ about ported in last week's LOG, ac­ By GAL TANNER Kinsman and Shenango crew­ of the LOG with the latest ship­ it, you may be sure. tually accomplished something. MOBILE — Shipping here just members have also expressed ping lowdown from the Crescent A letter was received at the Meanwhile, we have a big sur­ about stopped altogether last plus of-permit OS, Wipers and Hall hefe from Marion D. Pem-y, themselves as favoring the SIU. City. week. Messmen. I would not advise Delegate at the U.S. Marine anyone with these ratings to Hospital at Fort Stanton, N.M., One trouble is that most of the come down here if they want to thanking the crew of the SS Ar­ ships touching Mobile these days thur M. Hulbert for its donation ship right away. are in transit from some other of .$55. The money was divided If you want the true facts, we port and only take one or two We ell know that the Seafarers is tops in the maritime evenly among the seven SIU have over a hundred in each of field, and has the best contracts and conditions. We got to be replacements. members out there, Penry said. that way the hard way—and let's keep it the way it is. There have been several pay­ these ratings on the permit list. In addition to Penry himself, the Here are some of the things you can do; offs from foreign runs in the past COPS LAY OFF recipients included: John P. Wil­ 1 Hold regular shipboard meetings week, but the companies laid Balloting is coming along at a liamson; R. B. Wright; Clifford 2. Attend the shoreside meetings, and take an active part up the ships instead of sending pretty fair rate. Every bookman Middleton; Archie McGuigan; R. in them. Bring up your beefs before the membership, them back out. Consequently, the on the beach has voted, and we S. Luflin, and Julius Supinski. not in a ginmill. number of men on the beach is are catching the rest of them as The Hall here is going to be a 3. Keep those gashounds and performers under control. getting larger with every payoff. they, get off the ships. mighty pleasant spot this wintei*. They are among the Union's worst enemies. One important thing to report The gas company finally But maybe things are due to got 4. Do your job to the best of your ability. from here is the fact that we are around to our heatei-s and in the get better. We have been talking 5. Don't take time off unless you are authorized by the to the companies and they prom­ having a lot less trouble with the near future we should have them department head. ise that they will be sending out city police than we were. It operating. The place will be good 6. Study your contracts and shipping rules, and know your quite a few ships toward the looks as if our little meeting with and warm for the cold mornings Union's constitution and by-laws. end of this month. If they do,|the Mobile Commissioners, re­ to come. Andrew A. Smith Lakes Seamen Waiting For Chance To Vote For SIU Clieck It - But Good Mobile Expects Ships Before Month Ends Keep Her Steady As She Goes �Friday, NoTember 21; 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Nine SHIPS' MINUTES AND NEWS Seafarer's Hobby Nets Cash Niantic Vic Crew Cites Rough Trip In Pressing For Classification Of AmmoniumNitrateAsPenaltyLoad Seafarers manning ships carrying the highl)- explosive ammonium nitrate sh..,ulv-J rate payment for penalty cargo as a measure of compensation for the ertreme risk to life and limb and the multitude of inconveniences involved in the job. This is the nub of a petition urging classification of ammonium nitrate as pen­ alty cargo presented to the Waterman Steamship Corpora­ tion by the crew of the .SS Ni­ antic Victory, following delivery of a full cargo of the fertilizer to Bremerhaven, Germany, last month. Ship's Delegate William Click told the LOG that the entire crew's stay aboard the Niantic Victory was a series of jittery and harrowing experiences, from the moment the first ounce of cargo was loaded until the last ounce was discharged in Ger­ many. HANDS OFF! I,OG photographer caught J. C. Hansell hard at work at his hobby of net-weaving in the recreation room of the New York Branch. The strict "hands off' attitude displayed in all ports the Ni­ antic touched was a source of continual hardship for the crew. Fireboafs stand by as baxges receive cargo of nitrate fro.m The year 1943 has dual sig­ who were willing to pay cash Click stated. As an example, he Niantic Victory in midstream off Bremerhaven. Germany. cited the necessity of waternificance for Seafarer J. C. Han­ for his handiwork. Fishing being a steady pastime rationing, because the ship was sell. That's the year he joined "and that compen.<aling wage ad"6. Due to fresh water short­ in Dania, there's a ready cash refused entry to St. John's, Nfld., the SIU; it also marked the be­ justments should be made." age, the SS Niantic Victory atto refill her tanks. market for Hansen's nets. Dania temped to refill its tanks at St. ginning of his hobby of weav­ pleasure fishermen CITE REASONS buy the netj The multitude o f obstacles John's, Nfld., but the ship wa3 ing fish nets. mainly for mullet fishing. And which made shipboard living Substantiating their argument, denied entry to this port, , whert He chose his hobby principal­ so far he's had no complaints pretty miserable, Glick said, were Niantic crewmen, cited the the nature of her ca'o-'n wis ly as a means of passing spare or requests for refunds. all incidental to the ever-pres.m thf-h- 1 ! hex ca.^o was , # u • . u-i 1 I lOJJov mg leaso-s, basec. on tnen learned. Therefore, the crew suftime aboard .ship and ashore Only catch in the whole rig­ hLh T J?.""® experiences in transporting their fered water-rationing problems, while waiting to ship, but it ging is that although Brother high. Texas City and Brest,; risk-Iadden ship to the port of "7. At Bremerhaven, Germany, wasn't long before he discovered Hansell is a past master at weav­ where catastrophe followed ex-: discharge: the ship was forced to unload ia thei-e were many folks right in ing the nets, he blushingly con­ plosions of ammonium nitrate "1. Stevedores loading this car- .j^idstream due to the explosive his home town of Dania, Florida, fesses that he can't throw one. fertilizer, were something the crew couldn't dismiss easily he f paid wages equivalent to ^ ciew, couian I aismiss easily, ne loading high explosives, namejy precautions were maintained at declared. $3 30 up per hour. all times. Shore leave was * In the petition, wJiich was "2. While loading, the ship was difficult undertaking .end the packed with eight potent rea­ under strict supervision of the Army regulations were partiieusons for the penalty payment. Aimy and no smoking was al­ larly o'Dnoxious. lowed on anjvpart of the vessel. "8. Last, but certainly not Fire hydrants were open 24 When he had to purchase stores in Sweden for the least to be considered, were the hours a day and the ship was SS Fisher Ames, American Eastern, although the ship disastrous explosions of Texas constantly guarded by fireboats supposedly had been stored for*' City and Brest, where this typo and a large force of pier fire­ Fish stores were short, and 75 days before leaving Baltimore, of fertilizer was l•espon^ible for men. A mem'oer of the ships Chief Steward A. C. Simpson Simpson declared that it was the appalling loss of );fe atat deck department was stationed lime in his life that took the trouble to write a the first property damage." at each hold to aid in fire con­ lengthy memorandum to the he had seen a ship of the size trol. Skipper, Captain G. B. Simon- of the Ames on which a half "3. The residents of Leonardo, .son, explaining in considerable case of salmon, a half case of N. J. protested against loading detail just how inadequately the clams and no sardines at all was the ship at the Navy ammo pier ship's food requirements had called a 75-day storage of can­ in that town, and as a conse­ been foreseen by the Company's ned fish. In addition, the coffee quence no more cargo of this Port Steward. He also made supply was nearly 100 pounds The lads aboard the SS I'airtype is to be loaded at that some suggestions the Company short. port were howling "Timber" at pier, or near this town. How­ The canned vegetables might might well take to heart. every turn during the last voy­ ever, the Navjcontinues to use "With the possible exception have been adequate had there age, according to the minutes of this pier to load explosives. of a few items, by no stretch of been any variety and had the the Oct. 12 meeting. "4. No crewmember was al­ Signs like these throughoui the imagination cpuld the ship cans themselves been the No. lowed to carry matches or other Up to meeting time no less have fed for that period of time 2V2 size. There was just too ship are grim reminders for lighting devices under penally than 12 men had been iogge<I much spinach and sauerkraut. Nisntic crewmen. on the stores received at Bal­ of substantial fine, imprisonment by the Chief Engineer and Chief timore and maintained any de­ In closing his memorandum, or both. Crewmembers were re­ guys must be "lumberjacks from cent standard of feeding," Simp­ Simpson recommended that the Niantic crew requested "a stricted to definite hours for Mate and the minutes say these son pointed out. fresh vegetables be stored only truly honest decision in this mat­ transportation to and from the the way they threw the logs In Baltimore, the ship received in amounts that could be used, ter—not only for ourselves, but ship and gate 9, a distance of around." only 70 pounds of cheese for and that frozen vegetables in for the seamen who will take three miles. 75 days, although normally about which there is virtually no similar risks in the future." Loggings weren't the only sore SUFFERED SHORTAGES two pounds and a half were waste be carried in greater spot on the Waterman log^haulBesides the extreme dangers called for each day. amounts in Iwo-and-a-half pound inherent in a cargo of ammonium "5. No delivery trucks were er, however. The minutes reveal packages. The lack of spoilage nitrate, the Seafarers pointed HEAVY SPOILAGE allowed on the pier unless the the crew put thumbs down on Of -the 1,185 pounds of fresh might more than counterbalance out to the company the presence driver would sign a waiver ex- pure lard called for "shortening vegetable taken on, a substan­ the extra original cost, he said. of "other obstacles to the well-1 empting that naval station from to be put aboard for all baking." tial part, notably string beans Making clear to Captain Si- being and peace of mind of the legal and damage suits, resulting Fumigation is badly needed,, all and beets, was lost to spoilage. monsen that he regarded him as crews. from explosions, etc. It was, hands agreed. "We feel that this type of car­ therefore, very difficult to get although Simpson served beans a first-class Master, Simpson Delegates weye on the ball, more often than he wanted to in said that under the conditions go should be declared a penalty supplies and the crew suffered though. They got a vote of cargo," the petition continued, as a consequence. an effort to avoid .va.ste. |he would have to get off. thanks for doing a swell job. Food Shortage, Poor Buying Scored By SS Ames Steward Fairport Carries 2 'Lumberjacks �Page Ten fHE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, November 21. 194V SlU Ships' Minutes In Brief ^TEWAY CITY. Sepi. 2 — Chairman Hannus Randoza; (Sec­ retary not given). Delegates re­ ported on number of books and permits in their departments New Business: motion carried not tb sign on until all repairs are completed. Motion for delegates to take launch tickets to master for payment on same. Good %nd Welfare: Motion carried to elect a crewmember to stay aboard the vessel to check repairs and be sure they are completed before sailing. Carl Miller elected to job. Motion carried to connect sink on STEEL KING, Sepi. 28—Chair­ shelter deck and use it for thaw­ man Luke Collins; Secretary ing meat. John Rintello. Delegates reported t i t no beefs. Education: An inten­ STEEL ARTISAN, Sept. 1 — sive educational campaign is in Chairman Victor Sherman; Sec­ progress. The current issue of retary Robert Nielsen. New Bus­ Look" magazine, which carried iness: Motion carried that Stew­ . phony survey of opinion on ard show Cooks how to prepare food in a more palatable manner the Taft-Hartley Act, was ex­ arid put out more night lunch. posed. The true editorial policies Crew advised by chairman that of certain publications was made breeching of cargo is a serious clear to the members present. offense and offenders are liable Good and Welfare: Messman to do time for it in addition to warned to improve his work or he will suffer consequences when giving SIU a bad name. ship hits port. 4> 4 4' MALDAN VICTORY, Oct. 11— Chairman Edwards; Secretary D. B. Patterson. Delegates reported on number of books in their de­ partments. New Business: Elec­ trician raised grievance over the disallowance of his assistant to stand watches. Motion carried that everyone clean up laundry after washing clothing and each department take turns in keep­ ing. the laundry in good shape. Motion carried that a fresh sup­ ply of cigarettes be put aboard at San Pedro. SEATRAIN TEXAS, Oct. 20— Chairman William E. Pepper; Secretary J. Migill. Jr. New Busi­ ness: Siaguing moved that the engine department doors be painted. Good and Welfare: Ru­ mor has it that a new skipper is due in New Orleans. Sugges­ tion that when Bosun calls for standby coming into New York or New Orleans that all mem­ bers of crew be called for at the same time. Steward said he would call for his men as soon as docking was started. One min­ ute of silence for Brethers lost at sea. 4 4 4 ASA GRAY, Aug. 24—Chair­ man Bill Eilcher; Secretary Wil­ liam Kwitchoff. Delegates report­ ed no beefs. Old Business: list of repairs to be made by each de­ partment. New Busines: Recom­ mendation that Diaz and Ericksen be made pro-book members. Recommendation that Schulling be given permit. One minute of silence for Brothers lost at sea. [HE BROTHERS WHO ARE CHOSEN IN THE PRESENT ELECTION WILL REPRESENT THE A. AND G. -DISTRICT flOR THE YEAR, OIF 1948. A GOOD UMiON MAN ALWAYS E;<£RciSES WIS DEMOCRATIC RIGHTS, HAVE Mora VOTED YET •-S** CUT and RUN 4 4 4 JOSEPH N. TEAL. Sept. 14Chairman G. W. Ford; Secretary J. Jilka. Delegates had nothing to report. New Business: W. E. Wade elected ship's delegate. Motion carried that additional fans be requested and installed in messhall. Motion carried that a penalty be set for leaving dirty dishes out, putting feet on chairs or sitting on mess tables. Good and Welfare: Agreement that soiled linen would be turned in only on their regular linen change day. Possibility of iced drinks for dinner discussed with agi-eement that they would be served whenever possible. 4 4 4 STEPHEN W. GAMBRILL. Oct. 5—Chairman George Gleason; Al­ fred Bernard. Delegates had no beefs to report. New Business: Chief Mate reported giving Deck Delegate difficult time. Agree­ ment to see patrolman about cig­ arettes and Steward's requisi­ tions. 4" it 3" JOHN JAY, Sept. 28—Chair­ man Kirk; Secretary John Stefapik. Engine Delegate asked that ventilators to the engine room be repaired. Deck Delegate re­ ported overtime on Labor Day unsettled. Steward Delegate not­ ed that exhaust fan in galley is still not working properly. Re­ pair list made up and approved by crew. Good and Welfare: Deck Delegate notified crew that recreation room was in a filthy condition. Motion carried that recreation room be cleaned be­ fore payoff. S> 3^ iSTEPHEN LEACOCK. Aug. 31 —Chairman Bruno; Secretary Merwin. Delegates reported all okay in their departments. New, Business: Oppel elected as ship's! delegate. List of offenses and I their fines made up and approved 4 4 4 by crew. Good and Welfare: Dis-{ MASSMAR Sept. 14—Chairman cussion on getting tablecloths for tables. One minute of silence for John Harris; Secretary Ira B. Turner. New Business: Discussion Brothers lost at sea. on refrigerator in messhall. De­ cision to use spare box if present unit goes out of order. Motion by Reiers that a delegate contact the Mate regarding procurement 4 4 4 of windscoops on the West Coast. SEATRAIN TEXAS. Sept. 15— 4 4 4 HIBBING VICTORY, Sept. 7— Steward John Harris reported Chairman Mclntyre; Secretary Chairman John Novak; Secretary that he had placed an order for Fernandiz. New Business: Repair L. Arbec. New Business: Crew- new pillows which should be put list made up and approved. Mo­ messman asked for cooperation aboard in next port. Bosun Nys- tion carried to have New Or­ of all to help keep messhall son suggested that a new library leans Agent contact company so clean. Motion by Reilly to im­ be brought aboard in San Pedro. as to have port watchmen stand pose $5 fine for disregarding the One minute of silence in remem­ gangway watches. Good and Wel­ fare: Steward requested that lin­ request—motion lost. Good and brance of departed Brothers. en be returned to forecastle and Welfare: Motion by Smith that 4 4 4 EZRA MEEKER, Sept. 26 — not left on deck to soak up oil while in port all shoremen should be kept out of passageways, lav­ Chairman W. W. Brown; Secre­ and dirt. Bosun gave talk on atories and pantry. One minutes tary A. J. Ward. Special Meet­ keeping shoes off cots. One min­ of silence for Brothers who per­ ing: It was pointed out that the ute of silence for Brothers lost at ILA is taking job actions for a se.n. ished during the war. 100 percent increase for loading 4 4 4 4 4 4 CHARLES GOODYEAR. Aug. ROBIN WENTLEY. Aug. 4— Ammonium Nitrate due to its Chairman C. Seelig; Secretary A. explosive qualities. If it is con­ 25 — Chairman Houston Wood; Adomaits. New Business: Brother sidered dangerous to load, it Secretary Gordon Hansen. Re­ Motticks elected as ship's dele­ must be dangerous to carry. The pair list made up in duplicate gate. Motion carried to have crew of the Ezra Meeker puts and approved by crew. Decision valves on flushing system check­ itself on record as follows: In to have ship fumigated. Padeyes ed by engineer. Good and Wel­ the event the Longshoremen get to be taken off after-deck as a fare: Suggestion to have menu a raise, the seamen should get safety measure. Fine list to be straightened out so as to elim­ a proportionate raise or what- scratched as no fines were col­ inate disputes. Motion carried e V e r a negotiating committee lected. Action to be taken to find that a few men stay after movies can make, and that this raise be out why Captain would not give to clean up. One minute of si­ retroactive to the date of the Pat Darrough. Wiper, a draw in Longshoremen's settlement. ' Panama. lence for Brothers lost at sea. By HANK Shipping is still in slow-motion here in New York and al­ though it will gradually pick up, all book men should take a more serious atitude toward the jobs coming up on the board—here in New York as well as in the other ports where shipping may be slow or real good. By taking a job no matter what ship and run its for a bookman not only helps himself from staying ashore longer than he expected but it also relieves the slow-shipping situation from getting tougher as more men come in from their visits home or time spent trying to ship out of other nearby ports... Seafarer Sam says: All good bookmen and fully paid-up permits attend the meetings regardless of whether they have reg­ istered for shipping or not. They know every meeting is important and although some bookmen are aboard ships during the weeK of the meeting they still come ashore that night with their books and attend the meeting to have their good old say-so as ,well as knowing what's new, etc 4 4 4 On Friday of every week, your union newspaper, the LOG, is published and from Ihe first page to the last there's plenty of information you should know. If you miss one issue or two that's so much news, etc. you aren't going to see printed again and you lose out. This is why it's important to read every page of each issue of the LOG while you're in port and taking some back copies before you sail. Further­ more, your best bet, brothers, is to have the LOG mailed free to your homes while you're on those trips. Your families will enjoy and understand the Union more clearly in this way and you'll have those back issvfes to read, too. To Brother Albert Golditz: You'll be getting the LOG every week from now on and there's some back issues coming your too... Brother George Meaney just sent word that he's now in the surgical ward (the butcher shop as he calls it) up there in the Marine hospital in Brighton Mass. Brother*Meaney says that he hopes some of the boys drop him a cheerful letter or two. Furthermore, he .says that he'll send word of what oldtimers are up there in the hospital, too. Good luck, George and swift sailing out of the hospital, George ... Brother Raymbnd Duhrkopp just come in from an eight month trip, shuttling from France and Italy to the Persian Gulf and then South America and finally home... Say, won't that be a fine thing indeed if the high cost of living is frozen and then wages are frozen, too. That won't settle anything since, prices are way above our wages— no matter what the millionaires say!... Brother Vic Milazzo is in town right now with a sideline of a beef. Rhode Island doesn't want to pay him his $200 bonus as a Merchant Marine veteran because they wanted him to tell them his life's history, where he paid taxes and when, how or when he voted, etc. Who says there's nothing new under the sun? Once again the merchant seamen get the runaround—especially when it comes to money... NEWS ITEM: What has been called the largest single contract ever signed by a steamship company, calling for Isthmian Steamship Company to move the American-Arabian Oil Company's pipeline from U.S. ports to terminals in the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf, was announced recently by the company president. It will take approximately 30 months to complete the job and the fleet to carry all this equipment plus foodstuffs, etc.. will include the huge Isthmian line and a few others. �Friday, November 21, 1947 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Eleven THE MEMBERSHIP SPEAKS SUP Member Retiring, Says SIU Men Treated Him Tops To the Editor: ABOVE: The vessel takes on a load of salt in Aden, Arabia, during a recent run. RIGHT: An unidentified AB is snapped while in the Japanese port of Yokosuka. I. H. Pepper sub­ mitted photos. Honolulu-Locked Seafarer Pines For Some SIU Ships To the Editor: the eligibility of the voter and stamps his book v/hen he casts his vote thus pro­ tecting the membership from illegal balloting.) After seeing a bit of the coun­ try, I am back in Honolulu tak­ ing things easy for a spell. Now that the elections are under way I'd like to have a ballot sent to me so I can vote and return it Former Jax Crewman to the New York office before Asks Shipmates to Write the end of the voting period. To the Editor: Out here there are not many SIU ships hitting port which, I am writing to let you know naturally, makes me feel a little that I still receive the LOG, and lonesome. I'd sure like to see sure enjoy reading it. I have been some of the oldtimers drop an­ reading quite a bit about the An­ chor in this port; I'd sure show drew Jackson on her i-ound-thethem the lay of the land. world cruise. I sure would like Well, give my regards to Cal to be on her now. Tanner and all the boys in Mo­ I made my last trip on her as bile, Alabama. I may get the iDeck Engineer, and also engine urge and find myself scanning I delegate. The experience I pick­ the board down in that hall one ed up while, with the Seafarers of these days, so keep the door sure is helping me now. open. I was wondering if in some Blackie Abbey future issue of the LOG would you put in a small article asking (Ed. nolo: The Consiilusome of my old shipmates to lion of Ihe SIU, Ailanlic and write to me. I sure would enjoy Gulf Dislrict, requires that hearing from them. Thanking all voting be conducted in you in this matter. SIU Halls under the super­ Sfeve Messaros vision of an elections com­ 43 Hiram Street mittee. New Brunswick, N.J. This committee checks on Get Your Story In The LOG Some mighty interesting stories of shipboard meet­ ings, sea. rescues and just plain every day goings-on have been coming in from SIU members out at sea. But the LOG would like to hear from more of the fellows, because there's more going on that's just as interesting and beneficial to the mem­ bership that we don't hear about. All it takes is for one or more of the crew to put it down on paper and send it to the Seafarers Log. 51 Bea­ ver St., New York 4. N. Y. We don't care if it isn't fancy, just jot down the facts and we'll set them up in your story. If you have any pictures, so much the better — send them along. How about doing this right now, on this trip? There are thousands and thousands of Union members and their' families who'll read your story about your ship and shipmates. Log-A-Rhythms The Devil Disposes By JAMES (POP) MARTIN There I am on the articles. Secure as a man could be, A voyage ahead to the Cocoanut Isles That dot the Carribean Sea. I go down on the beach, all lonely. The beach in Baltimore town. And enter the grog-shop brightly lit; That lonely feeling to drown. The bartender acts so friendly. The shipmates they pop in; I dig my Travelers Checks out To pay for the grog and gin. And it's there we stay till daylight. With cheer and liquor and song; It's the only place on the beach Where a sailor can belong. It happened down in Rio. In Antwerp and Buenos Aires. In Melbourne, too, I entered in To drown my woes and cares. Then back to the ship, all cheerful And noisy with ribald jest; I'm sailing by, and full before. With a sea of liquor blest. Then "comes the dawn," too early. With the work on deck to be done; A bull-voiced Serang to rouse you And a Maie who thinks you're a bum. Then up I go to the Purser, Sign off and drag my pay— "You have a head this morning, my son, "For all last night you were gay." Then up to the Hall, quite humble; The board is as bare as my hand; With every nerve in my body Jumping to beat the band. Well, next trip will be different— For of this I am well warned— The sailor proposes, but the Devil disposes When you battle John Barleycorn. the fellows I was on the beach and was SUP. I'm writing this letter more I could write until I run out as a farewell note to all the of ink telling how good I ate, fine shipmates I have sailed with. the work clothes, shaving gear, I started sailing in 1943, after etc.. that was given to me. Not my discharge from the service even one skipper refused to take and shipped up to Nov. 12 of rne back. When I was able to this year. After knocking around leave the SS M. Crawford, a all my life I've taken on a wife V/aterman ship came in, and we and I feel now that I'll be con­ l-.eaded back to Texas. tent with a little fishing busi­ Brothers, I'll take my hat off ness I've bought down in Jer­ to that crew. Everyone treated sey. me aces from the Captain right In my shipping time, I've made on down. I was pretty sick a lot of friends and not one when I went aboard—and am enemy in the foc'sle. I'm proud not too well now—but they sure to have sailed with the SIU and took some of the kinks out. of SUP. me, thanks to the Bosun and a I should like to mention an lot of understanding among all incident in support of this. hands for a shipmate with the Throug.h no fault of my own, odds against him. I missed a ship in Hamburg, j I went over on the Alfred Germany, last July, as a result i Moore and if the Steward or of an accident. All my clothes the 12-to-4 Ordinary ;-ead this, and papers were on board the they can drop me a line and let ship. me know what I owe them. JINXED I want to thank the Deck As I was on the beach for Delegate for taking good care five weeks, the best way to eat of all my gear and taking it to was for me to board other ships the Hall in Philly. I received that came into port. Well. I think everything, so thanks again. If someone must have jinxed me any of the gang care to hear because almost every one that what happened, I'd be glad to came in was NMU. The only answer their letters. credit I'll give them is that a Well, this is about all. I 'navefew of their men—very few- n't turned in my book yet as I gave me a helping hand. sort of hate to part with it. I was in bad shape as I would­ So fellows, again I say it has n't play the black market and been nice sailing with you ail. had nothing of my own. This If any of you ever get dow.n to paper is too small to name all Beach Haven, just look at the the ships on which I was re­ sign on the docks, "Justice, Row fused a meal or a cake of soap Boats." That's me still on the or some cigarettes. I made a water. mistake of not keeping notes on H. T, Justice. SUP the bum times men and officers Beach Haven, N. J, of NMU ships gave me. Many StetX-ards refused to even give me a cup of coffee. But I could go on for a long time telling of No. SIU Crew is to pay off my hardships over there with any ship until the crew's the NMU. quarters and equipment are But before I cross them off as clean as any Seafarer likes entirely, I say thanks to the to find a ship when he firsi few deck hands for the help goes aboard. Patrolmen have they gave me. It's a shame good been instructed that the fellows like that must sail with crew's quarters must be ab­ such a finky outfit. solutely clean before a pay­ SIU ARRIVES off will be allowed. Please Now here's the brighter side cooperate with your officials of the picture. At last some SIU in carrying out this member­ ships pulled into port. By this ship order. time I had lost 29 pounds. I told I '41 Notice To Crews TOKYO STREET SCENE Three Seafarers off the SS William Barry, Waterman, turn in their rickshaws to face cameraman bringing up the rear in the course of their tour of Japan's major city. From left to right, Charles Weiss. OS; Lee Shaw. AB, and Bob. a pantryman. Vessel carried phosphate from Tampa. Weiss, an SUP man sent pix to the LOG. i �P-ugv Twelre THE S E AF ARE RS L&G Friday, NoTember 21. 19t7 TAKING IN THE GATEWAY CITY Sweet Talk Takes Brothers In New Twist Of Army Game has a beautiful younger sister who likes Americans. Would you What happened to two of my care to have me take you to shipmates should be entitled their home to call on them? If "Sailor Beware or It Shouldn't so I would be only too glad." Happen To A Dog." Anyway, Naturally, the boys almost fell this is the experience these two all over the guy accepting the innocent souls had recently; invitation and off they went. Bob Flarrady, AB, and Joe While walking along, the guy Peterson, Oiler, were taking it suggests that they stop off and easy strolling along near the get a bottle of whiskey to liven waterfront in Trinidad one sun­ up the visit. ny afternoon, with their souls It's Saturday afternoon and all full of hope and their pockets stores are closed, so this guy full of cash. takes the boys to his club. It's Suddenly to their eyes came for members only, so he agrees a sight to delight the heart of to go in and buy the liquor. any honest sailor a long way HOLD ON, BOYS from home. A beautiful girl with Out come the wallets and the golden hair and a figure that guys come across with $10 each. would be the envy of any Pow­ With a wave of the hand and ers model slowly passed before "I'll be right back" the guy en­ their eyes. ters his club. As she walked slowly past, all After 30 minutes the boys got they .could do was stand and tired of waiting so they banged stare with bulging eyes. on the door. "Where's the guy," At the same time a man ap­ proached the girl and engaged they shouted. "Oh, him. He went out the back door ten min­ utes ago," they were told. Our two heroes are still look­ ing for the guy—and the girl. Moral of the story: Keep your blonde eye open when in Trin­ idad. Dutchy Moore Demand Best, Brother Tells Beached Men To the Editor: To the Editor:: The crew of the SS Capitol Reef, a tanker belonging to the Pacific Tanker Company, after delivering the ship to England ran into several situations in Glasgow, Scotland. And I should like to pass along some infor­ mation on what happened with a view to helping any of our brothers who may find them­ selves in similar situations in the future. From the moment we set foot on the beach, I am sorry to say we allowed a phony agent of P. T. to pull the wool over our eyes, while we were acting in good faith. Although he had ade­ quate time to secure proper fii-stclass accommodations to which we were entitled, we got only $1.25 flop and board. A German pilot boat, above, comes .out to greet the Gate­ way City as she enters the Weiser River on her way to Bremerhaven. FALSE DOPE Keep It Clean! s' Dutchy Moore, the story­ teller, with three of his pals from the Steel Scientist look pretty while taking in New Orleans before their ship clear­ ed for the Persian Gulf. In the rear, Dutchy and Tony Thomas, Deck Delegate. Front—Frank Templin, Steward and Tom Smith, Engine Dele­ gate. her in conversation. After a few words she turned and looked at bur heroes giving them a big smilfe and a half nod, then she turned and continued walking. It is the proud boast of the Seafarers International Un­ ion that an SIU ship is a clean ship Let's keep it that way. Although most of the crews leave a ship in excellent con­ dition, it has come to the at­ tention of the membership that a few crews have vio­ lated this rule. So they have gone on record to have all quarters inspected by the Patrolman before the payoff, and if the conditions are un­ satisfactory, he has the right to hold up the payoff until everything is spic and span. Remember that the Patrol­ man can only have repairs made if he knows what has to be done. Cooperate by making up a repair list be­ fore the ship docks. Give one copy to the Skipper, and one to the Patrolman. Then you'll see some action. Above right—George Miltner, Wiper, poses on the ship's railing as the seme pilot boat comes into view in the back­ ground. Above—This time on the Elbe River, the Gateway City takes aboard the pilot who will direct the ship into Hamburg. The Waterman ship left in this German city a cargo of buses, automobiles and flour. Photographs of the river activity were submitted to the LOG by Karl Arntzen, Wiper aboard the Gateway City during her last voyage. Swan's Feathers Smoothed In a letter to the Editor, the Swan Bar in Beira, East Africa, was taken to task by a Sea­ farer who felt the establishment was giving misleading adver­ tising. A few weeks later, the SEAFARERS LOG, as is its pol­ icy, printed a letter from a Sea­ farer-patron defending the bar. We have^ now received a lengthy letter from the bar's •owner, but due to its length and th'o fact that we have already aired both sides of the contro­ versy, we feel it is unnecessai-y to carry the matter any further. In printing letters by Seafar­ ers, sometimes, as it is impossible to check back, a legitimate con­ cern is slighted. In these cases, as with the Swan Bar, we give space for a rebuttal. PORTHOLE VIEW OF ST. VINCENT ISLAND SAUNTERED OVER Her companion in conversa­ tion then approached the drool­ ing boys and gave out with this story: "Excuse me, gentlemen. The young lady who just passed is a friend of mine. She told me she is- very desirous of making your acquaintance. "She is a very liice girl whose parents are Americans. She also An Earned Plugr For SIU's 'Hello' Gal To the Editor: t'V.- There is one thing I'd like to say about the lady at your switch­ board. She is about the nicest, friendliest person .there i£(. I called up four times, and feeling ill, I'm sure I wasn't sweet, but never a cross word ou of the lady. It would be great if all switchboard operators would be like yours. Mrs. Frank Gardner Editor's Note: It sure would be great. The time came for this phony to secure transportation on the train from Glasgow to London(a 12-hour all-night ride), and although sleepers were avail­ able unbeknown to us, he tic-, keted us for coaches. This velvet-tongued deceiver acting in a very un-Amei'ican way, pro­ cured 13 first-class chair car seats for the officers and 26 third-class seats for the remain­ der of the crew, and he con­ vinced us this was the best he could do. Upon arriving in London, where we were to board a plane; for home, we found that these, bums were still operating in true, form. They had secured for us: a freight plane. When we balk­ ed it this they assumed an in­ different attitude and told us to either accept the plane or re-' main in London for approxi­ mately 30 days, until first class accommodations were available. MEET CAPTAIN The entire crew met with the captain to discuss the situation and secured a promise from him for the difference in the cost of transportation and then decided to accept the second-rate accom­ modations in preference to spend­ ing that length of time in Lon­ don, where conditions were poor and our clothing was inadequate. It is difficult, in a limited space, to explain why we were sucked in time and again. The point is that we since have learned that all of this could have been avoided if we had taken a firm, unyielding stand from the very beginning and. demanded what we entitled to> and nothing less. If we had done this, we would have had our first-class accommodations from start to finish, with no delays. • If in the future, the Brothers will take the stand that we. should have, they will find that the phony mentioned will puf forth the necessary effort to ob­ tain the accommodations and' treatment •'o which we are right­ fully entitled. Fred L. Jordan ...Jiiilisiii' A' ' ; The talented pencil ox Seafarer Norman Maffie brings to life the bleak, barren coastline of St. Vincent Island in the Antilles. The sketch was made from the messhall port aboard the Jane O, Gulf Canal Lines vessel, while the ship was proceeding from San Juan to New Orleans. �THE SMAVARERS LOG Friday, Kov«mber 21,1947 Page Thixleea -fr Skipper's Snafu Maneuvers Aitkens Men Ride High On Pampas Make The Strong Men Weak (Editor's note: The fol­ lowing letter was submitted by a member's wife to tell his SIU Brothers how he finds things on the South American coast. The LOG likes to receive this kind of material. So write in to let us know how things are go­ ing. And if you don't get around to doing it yourself, perhaps you persuade the Little Woman to do it for you.) To Ihe Editor: To the Editor: This letter comes in response -to your, request of members to "Send, in letters of your voy­ ages." My husband, Jack ("Bananas") Ziereis, Bosun on the SS Samuel R. Aitkens, an Arnold Bernstein SS Corporation ship, writes that Life can be beautiful—even if only for a short spell— they have been in Argentina for say the men of the SS Samuel T. Aitkens, an Arnold Bern­ almost a month on account of a stein vessel. During delay in Argentine ports they were guests longshoremen's strike in Buenos of wealthy ranchero. Photo above shows some of crew con­ Aires, which has now been set­ tinuing their good living at sidewalk cafe in Rio de Janeiro. tled, but the harbor is crowded Besides the bottles of cerveja only one identified was Bosun with ships waiting to load. From John (Bananas) Ziereis, who is at extreme right. B.A., he h-.s been informed, the Aitkens will sail for Northern that "this country is not what Happy Birthday Johnny! Europe with grain. it used to be" and that "prices with CUSHY LASH-UP are sky high." (Editor's note: Lettuce & Tomato Salad French Dressing The ship has been stationed Wait "till he gets back to New Grilled Sirloin Steak during the delay at Rosario and York.) Standing by can become monotonous and, of Chicken a la King San Martin. The latter is a town pretty French Fried Onions of 2,000 where members of the course, now the men cannot hope French Fried Potatoes •crew have been guests of a gau- to be home for Christmas. From Rio De Janeiro, Brazil, Cauliflower au Gratin cho who has about 5,000 head Buttered Carrots & Peas -of cattle and 250 horses on a on October 5, he sent this pho­ Special Layer Cake •nearby ranch. The sailors on tograph of himself and four Peach Ice Cream •horseback have been seeing the members of the crew. The gang celebrated his birth­ Iced Coffee with Cream •country and enjoyed two bar­ day at sea on October 1 with a Iced Tea with Lemon becues at the ranch. Assorted Fresh Fruit They also made a trip to Santa special dinner, refreshments and The ship sailed from Norfolk Fe where they visted the Santa a four-layer cake that read Barbara Mission and took some "Happy Birthday Johnny, Our on September 12. Regards to all interesting snapshots, one of Bosun." Here is a copy of the Seafarers. Mrs. John A. Ziereis which I am enclosing. He writes menu—which looks good to me! •> Painting Job Squabbles Held Profit-less To the Editor: Lately a lot of questions have been asked about who has preferance when it comes to paint­ ing of the alleyways, galleys, messrooms and all of the inside housing on SIU ships in gen.eral. I have noticed that while clar­ ifications of this matter have been going on, with a lot of hard feelings added, that no one has been able to paint these places and that as a result all, in general, were done out of overtime, Vvith no one profiting but the company. When deck alleyways, mfissrooms and cabin decks are not painted by anyone during the trip, the Mate usually turns in for the work and accordingly collects on it, with no one being the wiser. NO ARGUMENT HERE The latest implications show that the Union favors the deck to do inside painting. Of that we have no doubt or argument —what we are interested in that someone collects the over­ time which the work calls for. PAUSE IN PUERTO RICO I still believe that when one de­ partment has to keep a certain section clean that any overtime involved for work in that de­ partment should go to them. I am sure we have no argument about that either. It is also my firm belief that the crew's messroom and alley­ ways should come under the jurisdiction of the Deck Depart­ ment and that the galley and quarters should be painted by individuals involved, except those of the Engirte department, which falls to the Wiper. On these points we have no argu­ ment. But the question in' my mind is: Why fight or have jur­ isdictional arguments about who should do what, with the result that when the trip is over- no one has done anything? COMPANIES PROFIT Refreshing themselves amidst cool foliage in Mayaguez recently were these crewmembers of the SS Kathryn, Bull line vessel. Left to right, standing: Angelo, passengers' Utility and Ramon galley utility; kneeling: Benigno Cortez, Deck Maintenance: Frank Morciglio, AB, and Roberto Zaragoza, Bosun. Man in foreground is unidentified. All companies know that we favor having the Deck to do the inside painting and to save over­ time they instruct the Mate to keep the Deckmen so busy that nothing along that line can be accomplished. However, when­ ever the Stewards or other de­ partments start to do this work, it is usually stopped by the Mate. The result is that nobody gets any of the overtime. In cases such as these, I do not think that a hard and fast rule should be applied and that overtime should fall to whoever can do the work. The overtime should be divided equally so that all can enjoy more cabbage in their jeans at the payoff and so that all do not suffer from an unclean ship. Paul Parsons A word about this rust buck­ et, the SS Caleb Strong, Water­ man. We have a Captain I would like to forewarn the member­ ship about. To start with he dated the articles back on the promise of a draw equivalent to what we had coming with subsistence and overtime. After he got us all signed on, he held us to half of what we had coming in wages alone. He refuses to let the Stewards Department do any painting whatsoever. Worse, he refuses to recognize the Ships Delegate HE SPITS He's filthy too. The BR reports he spits hookers of phlegm all over his foc'sle deck, bulkheads and passageways. He gives officers more tobacco ration than he gives the Crew. We had an Oiler hurt during a storm. The Oiler was almost washed over the side going to the steering engine. The Cap­ tain refused to give his tobacco Brother Thanks Coastal Crews For Cooperation To the Editor: I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to the SIU Brothers and Skipper of the Coastal Mariner for their cooperation while I was hospi­ talized in the Dominican Repub­ lic. My thanks also go out to the crew of the Coastal Stevedore for sending me copies of the LOG and magazines during my hospitalization. I am now in the Marine Hos­ pital in Baltimore and getting along very well. My appreciation and aloha go to the good crews of these two ships. Joseph Nuuhiwa Did His Part ration to his watch partner. Wh'en asked why by the Dele­ gate, the Captain stated that if the Oiler wanted his tobacco bad enough he'd come up for it. The Oiler was flat on his back in his bunk and couldn't walk. I could go on for hours telling of the capers he's cut, but will save them until we get in. He doesn't care how miserable he makes a Crew just so he is with­ in the law. We are all staying sober and on the ball over here. The last Crew came in overridden with •m J ' "i logs, and we don't want him throwing any performers' beefs at us when we try to straighten out own own beefs at the pay­ off. SLOPCHEST SCABBY Another beef on here is the slopchest. I checked it the other day. I could have packed off the whole shebang in a shoe box. What little junk he has in there is either made in prison or byscab labor. I noted not a single union label on any thing. He has no heavy gear'to speak of, no shave lotion, tooth pow­ der, tooth paste or any of the other little commodities we need. In fact, we brush our teeth with a mixture of salt, soda and Babo. The Babo does the trick. It says right on the can that it's good for cutting grease and pol­ ishing enamel. We had no previous ships min­ utes on here or we would have had an idea what we were let­ ting ourselves iu for when we signed on. We sure hope to straighten this lub out before another crew taKes her. I wish we could impress on the membership the need of ships minutes and the need of turning same over to new crews so they will know what each ship needs before making a run. A. E. (Tommy) Thompson SS Caleb Strong Member's Wife Is Loyal Supporter Of Union, LOG To the Editor: I enjoy reading the LOG very much and I would like to re­ ceive it as often as it is pub­ lished. My husband is an SIU man Walter Grant, Deck Main­ and right now he is Bosun on tenance, was one of many the Seatrain New Orleans. He is Seafarers who stayed on the a true member of the Union. In job aboard Isthmian ships fact, that is the only thing I am right through the important jealous of, as he spends as much period follov^ing the SIU's time with the boys on Chartres victory in the collective bar­ Street as he does with me. gaining election. Response of But I am glad he is a member men like Brother Grant has of such a grand union. given impetus to the Union's Will vou kindly send me the large-scale organizing offen­ LOG? sive. Mrs. Jack Procell Grant put in over a year New Orleans, La. sailing on the SS Cape Junc­ (Ed. Note: The LOG is tion and reported the SIU happy to have a good Union crew on Ihaf ship functioned wife like Mrs. Procell on its smoothly and efficiently. subscribers list.) -25-i �THE SEAFARERS Page Fourteen ''i • H ..p. LOG Friday, November 21, 1947 Nightmare In Novertime Land By FELIX J. CURLS quacious crimp was speaking: "Now men, line up there and look alive! We've got to crew up our newest vessel for her maiden voyage and I want topnotch sail­ ors. When I call out, step up and give your qualification. You, there! What job are you applying for? Come now. Speak up. I won't bite you!" A brand new ship belonging to the Novertime Steamship Com­ pany lay in wet dock as the ship­ yard workers prepared to put the finishing touches to her. Meanwhile, in the company of­ fices. Capt. I. M. Logger was ' busy interviewing prospective crewmen. Assisting him were A cringing sketeton of a man several noisy clerks and one gar­ slouched forward, doffed his cap rulous shipping master. The lo­ and began chewing the visor. "Sir", he said, "I am qualified to sail in any deck department capacity. I have twelve years discharges as master, four as mate and twenty-four years as bosun." "Well!" replied the cynical shepherd of poverty, "that's in­ teresting. From the looks of you one would think you were starv­ ing. Are you? How long have THE WEEK'S MEWS you been on the beach?" "Three years, sir." "Three years! My, what a long time between trips. Have you been drinking?" . "No sir. Had I the price of drink I would buy food." "Now look here! There's no call for you to get sassy with me. Remember, I'm giving out the jobs here. Tell me, why did you quit your last ship?" "I didn't quit. I was fired for union activities. That was after The Boss took office and des- as will stand agin me. Ah bin twenty yais as a road gang boss. Many's the man ah've laid low for stopping work afore vittle time. Oncet, while ah was in the stir ah . . . ." "Never mind your education. Have you any sea experience?" "Shore. Ah was a cap'n one time." "Captain! Really! What a car* eer you've had. What tonnage was your ship?" "Oh, twern't no ship—a barge on the Missip." "I see. Sign here. You're the. Bosun.. .can't what? Well, mark your mark on that line." ANOTHER ONE Another bruitish fellow replac­ ed the yokel. His head was swathed in bandages. "Why, what ails you?" inquir­ ed the interviewer, regaining his conposure in the absence of the serang. "Jist had an operation, sir. The doctor took out half my brain." "Do tell. That accounts for your wanting to go back to sea, I suppose. Does the absence of your intellect affect you any? I mean, do you retain your reason­ ing powers? Do you know what the word overtime means, or time off?" "Never heard of them. Are they important?" "Important! I should say not—. trifles. Merely old-fashioned preTaft cliches. But down to busi­ ness. I need no further evidence of your ability. Under the cir­ cumstances I am positive that you would make an ideal Chief Mate. Sign here. Next ..." Sports . BOXING: Jake LaMotta, who has never, been liinocked off his feet in a professional fight, still can carry that record with him—but he has lost the distinction of never having been knocked out. Bill Fox TKOed LaMotta in the 4th round of their scheduled ten rounder in the Madison Square Garden for his 50th KG in 51 profesBional fights. The fight itself seemed to have a faint odor to it; in fact, enough of an odor that Boxing Com.missioner Eagan has held up the purses of both fighters and ordered a grand jury investigation of the bout. BASEBALL: The Brooklyn Dodgers were in the news again this week, when they sold Stan Rojeck and Ed Stevens to the Pittsburgh Pirates for an undisclosed sum of cash. Stevens had been playing first for the Dodgers previous to the coming up of Jackie Robinson, and Rojek filled in for a couple of weeks at short this past season while PeeWee Reese w^as out. HOCKEY: The National Hockey League stand­ ings shifted this week, when Toronto took over 1st place with 7 wins and 4 losses with Boston and Detroit following closely behind. BASKETBALL: The game broke into the sports columns this week when the professionals got under way. In the National Basketball League, Fort Wayne defeated Flint 64 to 54 and TriCity defeated Syracuse 69-56. In the American Basketball League, Brooklyn defeated Philly 76-74. As each passing week goes by, basketball will be taking over the sports field more and more from football. FOOTBALL: Speaking of football, the old equalizer, "MUD," along with a few inspired teams, combined to give some upsets in Saturday's games. Chief among these was the Current Events . . . hffe. Whatever one thought of President Truman's possibly belated and perhaps inadequate pro­ posals to lick inflation through a bit of ra­ tioning, price control—and wage control here and there, the plan did highlight one salient fact: the inter-relation between high prices at home and the European Recovery Program, once known as the Marshall Plan. The President's scheme was embodied in ten points, only four of which had much bearing on the price of eggs, beefsteak and a new pair of pants: He asked for government supervision on sales of livestock and poultry so that grain can be used efficiently and that more can go to Europe. He also requested control over allocation and inventory of scarce industrial commodities and consumer rationing and price ceilings for hard-toget, things affecting the cost of living. Another view of the same basic world prob­ lem was given by Secretary of State Marshall the day after the President went before Con­ gress. Speaking in Chicago on the eve of his departure for London to attend the Conference of Foreign Ministers, Marshall attacked both the Soviet Union and the Communist Party for the "campaign of vilification and distortion"' waged against the Marshall Plan in particular and American motives in general. Meanwhile, prices have risen higher and high­ er, or, as one financial paper put it, "advanced briskly." Though there were a jfew wage gains defeating of previously undefeated Georgia Tech by Alabama 14-7. Harry Gilmer was the star of this win, by completing eleven passes out of thirteen attempts. Another that is classed in the field of upsets was the win by Princeton over Yale of 17-0. In addition to these we have the troyed labor. Sometimes I wish defeat of Brown by Harvard by 13 to 6. It was Jefferson were still President. only in the final minute of play that Harvard 'Oh, it's politics now, is it? was able to win its fourth game out of eight And just why do you think Jef­ played. Army battled supposedly hotshot Penn ferson could have done a better to a 7-7 tie while the Navy was again being job of reorganizing? It might be beaten by a ground attack by Penn State 20-7. amusing to hear you answer." Notre Dame continued to win, but was pushed "I didn't say he could have to do so by Northwestern, with the final score done better. In any case, he being 26-19. While Notre Dame was having such could not have made a bigger a tough time with Northwestern, Michigan, who mess of things." was to have had such a difficult time in winning "Oh foolish man. Foolish man! from the Wisconsin Badgers, won handily 40 to I can understand now why you're 6. The win over Wisconsin should make Michigan among the unemployed. Don't the official representative of the Big Nine Con­ you know that fellow didn't do ference in the Rose Bowl this year. anything." PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL: Those NY FOOD FOR THOUGHT Giants took it on the chin again, this time from ONE MISSING "So much the better. He stay­ the Pittsburgh Steelers to the tune of 24 to 7 ed out of trouble that way." And so on it went until the The Giants lost this one in the last period when "Enough! I've heard enough! entire crew was selected—with the Steelers scored three touchdowns in less Now, looking over your discharg­ one exception. An AB was lack­ than two minutes. This makes a total of 7 losses es, I have no doubt you could ing. Suddenly that demon of a for the Giants. Meanwhile the Brooklyn Dodgers handle any job in which you were pulling the impossible by defeating the were placed. We'll overlook your Baltimore Colts, 21 to 14. The Chicago Cardinals recent anti-Boss outburst—pro­ kept their lead in the western division of the vided of course it doesn't recur. National Football League by defeating Green "As I was saying, there's no Bay 21-20. It was necessary for Paul Chnistman, reason why you shouldn't be an old Missouri Tiger alumnus, to pull this one shipped. And to prove the bene­ out of the fire. The Chicago Bears were able to volence of the Novertime Navi­ beat the Los Angeles Rams with- the aid of Sid gation Company, we are going Luckman's passes, 41-21, during which game five to consider your physical con­ players were ejected. dition more than your record. What you need is food. Do you agree?" "Yes indeed, sir." "Fine, so we'll put you where recorded along the labor front, notably by the the food is. You will sign as gal­ CIO Amalgamated Clothing Workers, nowhere did wages come close to keeping pace with ley boy. Step back please. Next!" bosun fastened his eyes on me. prices—or with profits. NEXT! "Thar's the man we need. Grab Distillers Corporation-Seagrams Ltd., which A giant of a man confronted the sonuvabitch! Hawgtie 'im!" means 5-Crown, 7-Crown and "Y-O at the ginmill, him with a face hideously scarr­ In blind terror I fled fi'om the announced net earnings of $43,112,502. This ed, leaving his mouth twisted in room only to find myself in the meant $4.88 a share on the common stock after a perpetual leer. His hands wei-e toilet. They were closing in. Fac­ the holders of preferred stock had taken their the size of the head of the tor­ ed with two horrors—the ship slice. If you think this is something, get a load mentor, who involuntarily re­ with its motley crew, or an 18of what a Seagram subsidiary, Seagram & treated, mutering: story leap to the street below— Sons, earned for its 2,250 shares: $16,600 a share. "What do you sail as? How I chose the least horrible alter­ See what the boys in the back room will have. many years dis. . . .?" native and jumped out of the However, it wasn't just the distillers who were "Hold on thar! Ah'll speak mah window. loading up with money. Everybody was, evci^y- piece t' yez an' yuh kin ask When I awoke, I found myself body but the workingman who couldn't quite questions afterwards. Ah'll guar­ flat on my back on the deck in make the weekly grocery bill despite the last antee to outrun, outfight, out- my foc'sle. The Mate stood grin­ raise. The International Paper Co. reported a drink an' outwork any critter ning over me. net profit of $43,124,402 for the first nine months"Have a nightmare, Blackie?" of 1947, a big jump over last year. "No, a presentiment. Who's The profits of International and other paper president now?" companies reflected the outrageous price of news­ "What a question," chuckled print, the kind of paper on which the LOG, the the chief. "Harry Truman is, but N. Y. Times and other newspapers is printed. why?" There's a joker here, however. The big fellows "Never mind. Help me to my take care of themselves; they get rebates and bunk and make out a hospital quantity discounts which are not allowed to slip. I want to see a psychiatrist." labor unions getting out papers. This is why the 4 it 4. LOG has had to cut down, but not cut out, Brothers, I started off with a bundle orders. Last June, newsprint jumped six moral but I seem to have lost it dollars, reaching a price of $90 a ton. Next som.e where in the blurb and blab. month the price will go to about $100. On the Look for it. It might still be "gray" market, it's already $250. •there, and if you find it—Use it! Asooi man �De Abrew, John 4.66 Cunningham, C. W 5.13 Deacon, Henry 58.35 Cunningham, Earl W. ' 33.30 Dean, Delbert 17.69 Cunningham, Edward A. .. 13.61 Dean, Kirby 8.35 Cunningham, Franklin i... 2.62 Dean, Robert 12.99 Cunningham, Harold D 1.07 Dean, T. 0 37 Cunningham, Leo J 20.74 Deai-man, James H 11.20 Cunningham, N 11.40 Dease, Francis J 2.44 Cunningham, Otto •. 23.34 Deaton, Jay Douglas 5.94 Cunningham, S. G 33 501 HIBERNIA BLDG., NEW ORLEANS, LA. Debiddle, Harry 11.72 Curcio, Louis 3.43 De Bose, James J. 3.35 Curd, William David 18.55 The following is a list of unclaimed wages and Federal Old Age Debritto, Antenor Pinto .... 29.02 Curl, Glen M ' 1.48 26.93 Benefit over-deductions now being paid by the Mississippi Steamship Com­ Decareaux, Ignace Curl, Harry 1.16 De Castro, L. A 7.94 pany covering the period up to December 31, 1946. Curran, Bernard Joseph .. .46 De Cellos, Ernest Jr 7.34 "Curran, Frank C 45.65 Men due money should call or write the company office, 501 Hiber- Deckelman, Louis 17.44 Curran, Wm. H 45.24 Decker, Joe 10.74 nia Bldg., New Orleans, La. All claims should be addressed to Mr. EllerCurrie, Jackie E 33.12 12.14 busch and include full name. Social Security number, Z number, rating, Decker, John Currie, James A 20.06 Dedeo, Walter .46 Currington, Clyde 3.91 date and place of birth and the address to which the money is to be sent. Dedik, Steve J 5.14 Curry, George 84 .46 .07 De Dominicis, Francisco 1.34 Davis, Arthur E Curry, Robert C 30.59 Daily, Philip J., Jr 1 D'Arcy, Patrick Deegan, J. P .45 .69 Curry, Robert F., Jr 6.06 Dake, C. M ... 9.08 Davis, Bennie E Dare, E. J Deer, Ledge L 7.49 9.20 Curtin, George J 7.56 Dalesandro, Anthony .45 Davis, C. P : Darman, Andrew T 1 5.60 5.46 De Fazi, Peter Chas. S Ciirtin, William J 16.98 D.ale.s.sio, John C Davis, 2.55 Darnell, Paul M 4.21 De Foe, Michalios 7.11 1.32 Curtis, A1 William, 3.20 Daley, James G. , 5.23 Davis, E. R 10.74 Darouse, James 4.46 2.97 De Ford, Daniel C Curtis, Malcolm R 39.59 Dalman, Gordon E 5.40 Davis, Edgar O 5.60 Darr, Wm. F Defort, V. D 30.26 4.81 Curtis, Roy W i. 26.74 D'Altory, D. D 1.31 Davis, George ! Darrel, Joseph O 7.98 .79 De Franca. Pedro L Cuthbert, Richard G 06 Daly, James R 10.74 Davis, G. F 3.89 Darsey, John A De Fusco, William 59 .10 Cutts, James H ,... 18.62 Dam, Espur H 12.83 Davis, Grover Ingersol 2.97 Darwin, D De Gange, John J 1.40 3.26 Czakowski, W 6.19 Damarc, Eugene 34.90 Davis, Harold N 49.84 Dasha, Charles L Degel, Conrod M 8.90 12.49 James C Davis, Czarnecki, John 5.76 Damguard, Delmer E 26.60 16.63 Dasilva, J. P Dehaas, William R. Jr 31.72 2.23 Czarnecki, Sigmund J 6.85 Damos, F 3.03 Davis, Jas 1.65 Daupheny, William A Dehmer, Louis John 5.94 Davis, James E 1.20 Czainicki, Frank S 4.20 Damson, Chris 28.96 1.00 Davenport, I. S., Jr De Jesus, Pedro 2.77 60.83 1.93 Davis, James F Czech, Boleshav ®-^^,Dana. Ira 37.85 Davey, Sidney John De JAus. Prudencio 13.99 1.41 Czyzowicz, Edward 45 Daniel, William H. 12.60 Davis, John Thomas 5.94 Davidson, Archie 6.89 Davis, Lagene 5.601 De Julio, C 7.00 Davidson, C 14.47 Daniel, Winfred S De Laequeseaua, Robert .... 10.74 1.00 11.39 Davis, Lester .94 ' Davidson, Robert Dackin, George W 8.80 ' Daniels, Joseph F 2.88 Davis, L 2.23 De Lancy, William 3.96 j Danier, J .74 Dafonis, Abtstedes 11.88 ' Daniels, Lonnis C Delaney, Edward F 2.34 47.75 .07 Davis, Nathan P 38.06 Davies, Rich. David Dahl, Oswald 3.87 I Daniels, Louis H Delaney, James Francis .. . 3.12 27.81 80.39 Davis, Oscar Thomas 1.40 Daniels, Norman 10.28 1 Davila, Manuel J., Jr. Dahl, Walter N Delaney, Joseph 10.89 is. Paul H 2.58 3.96 .25 , Daniels, Raymond D 32.66 Davilla, D Dahlen, F.dw. J De La Reguera, J. is, Richard A 3.73 8.29 Daniels, Thomas W 3.96 Dahlenborg, T Fernandez '4.95 is, Ross 0 1.44 Dahler, F 4.28 , Daniels, William H 10 Deller, August W ' 3.47 is, Rudolph 13.06 Dahlquist, R. V 23.94 Daniels, William J. B 1.48 DeUinger, James M 1.98 1 is. Warren 01 Danielson, A. E 17 BALTIMORE 14 North Gay St. Delmonico, E. H 4.22 24.78 Calvert 4539 Davis, Wm Danielson, Bjarne 46.21 Deloacl>, William R , 7.82 2.16 276 State St. Davis, William P D'Anjou, Harry J 2.06 BOSTON Del Rosso, Louis • 2.82 Bowdoin 4455 Davison, Alfred C 34.43 Danko, John J 4.00 Del Valle, T 8.91 BUFFALO 10 Exchange St. D'Avonlin, Douglas J 7.34 6.12 Earl Mayo, Toxie Samford, D. Danzey, Clotis A De Marino, Joe 6.35 Cleveland 7391 Dawden, L. W 75 7.13 CHICAGO Thornhill: Your gear is being Danzey, Morris J., Jr 24 W. Superior Ave. Dowe, Roddy 20.38 Superior 5175 1.06 held for you at the offices of Darby, Roger N 2.13 1014 E. St. Clair Ave. Dawson, Carl G 02 CLEVELAND Seatrain Lines,- 30 Broadway,' D'Archowlean, F Main 0147 Dawson, Joseph E 11.91 Darcy, Donald D 10.74 DETROIT New York 6, N. Y. 1038 Third St. Day, Billie B 41.95 ANGELO CAMARATA Cadillac 6857 Day, Sidney C 33 Get in touch with A^^coa DULUTH 531 W. Michigan St. 15.14 Steamship Company, Pier ' 45, Melrose 4110 Day, Theo. Carl GALVESTON 308Vi—23rd St. Day, Howard Elbert 3.23 North River, New York. You Phone 2-8448 Dayse, Harold 13.46 are due a division of wages from JOE BRENNAN JOSEPH J. JOHNSON HONOLULU 16 Merchant St. Dayton, Raymond E 4.82 the Cavalier. Your brothers request you to Get in touch with your attor­ Phone 58777 920 Main St. neys, Freedman, L a n d y and contact them at 3059 N. 16th JACKSONVILLE Phone 5-5919 Lerry, 900 Jefferson Building, Street, Philadelphia, Pa. There MARCUS HOOK 811 Market St. 1015 Chestnut St., Philadelphia has been a death in your family. Chester 5-3110 7, Pa., as soon aS you can. This & 1 & MOBILE 1 South Lawrence St. The SEAFARERS LOG as the official publication of the Sea­ JOHN MACKISON is about your claim against the Phone 2-1754 farers .International Union is available to all members who wish 1440 Bleury St. You are requested to get in MONTREAL SS Cobble Hill. to have it sent to their home free of charge for the enjoyment nf 10 NW 11th St. touch with Miss Edna Reynolds, MIAMI i ^ % NEW ORLEANS 339 Chartres St. their families and themselves when ashore. If you desire to have JOHN F. TATE General Delivery, Detroit, Mich. Magnolia 6112-6113 the LOG sent to you each week address cards are on hand at every Contact Freeman, Landy and a, % % NEW YORK 51 Beaver St. SIU branch for this purpose. HAnover 2-2784 Lerry, attorneys, 900 Jefferson CHARLES E. LEHNERT However, for those who are at sea or at a distance from a SIU 127-129 Bank St. Building, 1015 Chestnut St., Phil­ Get in touch with Harry NORFOLK Phone 4-1083 hall, the LOG reproduces below the form used to request the LOG, adelphia 7, Pa. This is about your Brooks, Bldg. E., Apt. 6, Veter­ PHILADELPHIA 9 South 7th St. which you can fill out, detach and send to: SEAFARERS LOG, 51 claim against the SS Grenville ans Housing Project, Lido Beach, Lombard 3-7651 Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y. M. Dodge. Long Island, N.Y. PORTLAND Ill W. Burnside St. Beacon 4336 t i t 4. t PLEASE PRINT INFORMATION RICHMOND, Calif 257 5th St. NORMAN WEST JOHN WILLIAM RYDER Phone 2599 To the Editor: Contact Michael Iwassko, P-3You are requested to get in SAN FRANCISCO 105 Market St. 1219, at the Boston Hall. This is touch with Mrs. Shirley Wessel, Douglas 25475 I would like the SEAFARERS LOG mailed to the about your gear which you left Supervisor, Missing Seamen Bu­ SAN JUAN, P.R. ...252 Ponce de Leon San Juan 2-5996 address below: aboard the SS James M. Gillis, reau, Seamen's Church Institute, SAVANNAH 220 "East Bay St. Smith and Johnson, when you 25 South Street, New York 4, Phone 8-1728 were Engine Delegate. N. Y. Name SEATTLE 86 Seneca St. Main 0290 its. 4. S. t TAMPA 1809-1811 N. Franklin St. JOHN CANNON JOSEPH CORMIER street Address Phone M-1323 "U Write to Wm. J. Smith imme­ Contact Miss E. F. Fuller, 60 TOLEDO 615 Summit St. diately at 25 South St., New Wyeth Street, Maiden 48, Mass. Garheld 2112 City State York, N.Y. . .440 Avalon Blvd. WILMINGTON % X \ Terminal 4-3131 WALTER JOSEPH BAKER 4^ » Signed . .602 Boughton St. WATSON EDWARD CAHR Get in touch with your moth­ VICTORIA, B.C. Garden 8331 Your wife requests that you er, Mrs. M. L. Roberts, Monroe 205 Abbott St. VANCOUVER Book No. write her at the new .address, 33 Hotel, Portsmouth, Virginia, at Pacific 7824 Madison Ave., Jersey City, N.J. once. It is very important. nclaimed Wages Mississippi Steamship Company SIU HALLS NOTICE! MONEY DUE PERSONALS Notice To All SlU Members % �Page Sixteen THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, November'21. 1947 Seafarers Points Way To Real Labor Unity dO Shipyard Pledges Aid 'Anytime, Anyplace' SIU Canadian Distriit Aids Men Thank William Rentz Nov. 5, 1947 Baltimore Port Agent Seafarers Int. Union Seafarers AFL Hat Union May I, on behalf of our National officers and membership thank you The. S e a f a rers International Union's " exceptional coopei'ation' during the 136-day strike waged %y the Industrial Union of Mar•ine- and Shipbuilding Workers CIO; brought a stirring message «f tribute and a reciprocal pledge cf "support at any time and any iplace" f- om Thomas J. Gallagher, National Organizational Direct­ or ^or the shipyard workers. "Your cooperation in our strike fias made our members feel that your union is their own and that an injury to you would be an injury t> themselves," Gallagher said'. The SIU can "count on us for support at any time and any |»;ace," l.e added. JOIN LINES G.aiiagher's message, contained in-a letter sent to the SIU on Nov; 5. was in acknowledgement ef the Seafarers support through­ out the long strike that tied up eight Atlantic Coast shipyards of tiae Beti.lehem Steel Corporation. Militant Seafarers spiritedly refeiforeed th.e CIO picketlines in •nost-of the affected areas, with grea :est concentration in the .of .Baltimore and. New York, wnerein Bethlehem's large.st yards are located. In his letter, which was ad­ dressed to William "Curly" Rentz. Baltimore Port Agent, and Raul Hall, SIU vice-president, -tlie Shipyard Workers' organiza­ tional jirec.u" pointed out that ftis'uniozi 'Vouid only have held out as long as it did. and fought as haro as it did because 0fe-;was-given the support by lal»of organizations .such as your«elve.s." MONTREAL — The Seafarer's for the kind and exceptional cooperation you have granted this union dur­ fast-growing reputation as solid ing the present strike. supporters of fellow trade-union­ Because of employer arrogance we were forced to take on two of the ists in need of help, spread out largest corporations in America—U. S. Steel and Bethlehem. These corpo­ across the border last week as workers got their first rations decided to smash our union in preparation for an offensive against Canadian glimpse of SIU solidarity. ail c'^-'-ganized labor in an effort to increase profits and deteriorate wages, In a response to a request for seniority and good grievance machinery. aid from Local 49, United Hat­ We alleged that the employers were supported in this strike by the ters, Cap and Millinery Workers NAM (National Association of Manufacturers). And our union could only International Union, AFL, a con­ tingent of SIU members was have held out as long as it did, because it was given the support by labor dispatched from the Montreal organizations such as yourselves. Hall to protect a group of mil­ It is needless for me to say that you may count on us for support at linery workers from intimida­ tion by communist goons of the any time and any place. rival Fur and Leather Workers Your cooperation in our strike has made our members feel that your Union, CIO. union is their own and an injury to you would be an injury to themselves. FIRST TIME WTien the rest of labor learns the meaning of solidarity, as your mem­ It was the first time whitebers must have learned it through your leadership, then the American la­ capped Seafarers were seen in bor movement will have nothing to fear from its would-be destroyers and action on the Montreal Labor exploiters. Thos. J. Gallagher front and according to Mike 'Never Such Union Cooperation' Seafarers International Union of N.A. 51 Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y. 1 w ish to take this opportunity to express my thanks and gratitude for the help your local representative, Mike Quirke, has so generously given us in our recent organization campaign in the handbag industry. Through the able leadership and the marvelous discipline of your members, we were fortunate to bring about a successful conclusion in the handbag industry and thereby obtained a 10 percent increase in wages, reduction of work week to 40 hours, union shop, checkoff, etc. In my many years in the labor movement, never have 1 seen such splendid inter-union cooperation and discipline. It certainly reflects very favorably upon the organization which you represent. For your information, two years ago the communist-controlled Fur and Leather Workers Union, CIO, solicited members during a strike con­ ducted by the AFL Handbag Union and helped smash the strike at that time. The workers having learned that it never pays to belong to a comniurist-controlled union decided to return to the AFL organization. These PICKETLINE PICTURES 1 work^ rs are back in the fold of the AFL and your organization in Montreal Considerable space in the Nov.! ccntributed greatly towards that end. I would like you to know that we ap­ i'? issue of "The Shipyard Wor.kpreciate those efforts very deeply. Maurice Silcoff er," otficial publication of the CIO union, was devoted to the 1 A.FL Seafarers' active role in the, strike Photographs of SIU-SUP men ipicketin.g in fo.-ce on lUMSWA piclcetlines in th-."' port of Balti­ more, along with grateful acfenowledgetnents for the SIU's "unstinted a.kl." were prominentBy JOHNNIE ARABASZ lb' displayed. Galla,gher'3 letter was printed This is the time when seamen entirety. must be on guard. There's a pretty confusing vstate of affairs LICKED SCABS in the maritime industry with a The CIO paper stated that re- lot of the oldtime bed-partners iftiforcement of the picketlines now pulling each other's hair "toy SiU-SUP men in Baltimore out. A'' usual the commies are "had steadily cut down the num­ in the center of the picture. ber of .-oabo." Practically every working stiff knows by now that the SIU has Although the excellent rela­ ahvvays been against the commies. tions 'oetween the two unions We la'oeled them for what they bave -fu.nctioned smoothly for a I<)ng time, the Seafarers' all-out are in the labor movement hnd backing of the CIO union and we stuck to it right along. We the reciprocal pledge of support never made any deals with them from the Shipyard Workers' na­ and we always said no honest tional office are regarded- as rare trade unionist could work with them. As we see it, they have in AFL-CIO history. always been a menance to the With the settlement of the 1 V-N working man and they still are. fitrike at Bethlehem, the ship­ SIU SAW DEAL yard wor'xers won a 12-cent-anhbUr wage increase, in addition The SIU was pointing out the to new provisions covering work­ commies as dangerous traitors, ing-conditions and clarification especially on the waterfront, of seniority clauses. when the bureaucrats—who are / Situation in iMaritime industry Caiis For A Ciear-Cnt Program now doing all the red-baiting— were playing buddies with the Moscow fronters. Of all the spots the commies have appeared as traitors, the watei'front is the place where they have been the most traitor­ ous. But now that the reds are be­ ing shown up and tossed out of labor unions, the .shipowners find it very convenient to brand anyone they don't like or show signs of giving them a fight as "reds." And that's what we must be on guard for. It looks like we'll be in for a lot of attacks in the coming year. PROGRAM We must be prepared for these attacks with a program. This program for the future should be along these lines: 1. Fight the communist party. They are, after all, i-esponsible for much of the present confu­ sion because of their palsy-walsy pro-shipowner program during the war, which is new being pushed so successfully by the so-called Curran grqup (alias the U.S. Lines group). 2. Prepare our strike appara­ tus for action. 3. Maintain our traditional pol­ icy of respecting all bonafide picketlines. 4. Draft a program for the el­ imination of sub-standard condi­ tions on competitive foreign ships, preferably backed by strike action. 5. Call on all unions to respect each other's legitimate beefs at all times. 6. Start a drive to increase the manning scales. As the maritime picture be­ comes more confused and com­ plicated, now more than ever is the time for the Seafarers to adopt a clear-cut program to en­ sure steady sailing in the future. Quirke, SIU Patrolman, they cre­ ated a very favorable impression and inspired great confidence in the millinery workers. High praise for the Seafarers display of militant trade-union­ ism came from Maurice Silcoff, manager of Local 49 in a letter to SIU headquarters, in which he declared: "In my many years in the la­ bor movement, never have I seen such splendid inter-union cooperation and discipline. It cer­ tainly reflects very favorably up­ on your organization." The situation which resulted in the Seafarers action grew out of attempts on the part of the communist-controlled CIO Fur and Leather Workers Union to intimidate workers in Montreal's handbag industry who sought improvement of their status through the AFL millinery work­ ers union. RETURN TO AFL The handbag workers were re­ turning to the AFL after two years in the CIO union, which had solicited them during an AFL strike. The commie-led unlon'.s finky organizing drive at the height of the walkout re­ sulted in smashing of the strike. Their return to the AFL last week climaxed their increasing disgust with the communist-con- - • trolled policies of the CIO group. ' Indignant commies then opened up with threats of violence andintimidation to the workers as they went to their jobs. Cooperation between-unions in Montreal has not been particu­ larly notable, Quirke pointed out, but he has hopes now "that the example set by the Seafarex's will inject a new spirit of frat­ ernity into the Montreal labor movement." He gave special mention to the crew of the SS Alcoa Pe­ gasus for enabling the Hall "to send out some real good SIU men." He also praised the Pe­ gasus' Chief Mate for his coop­ eration. Pegasus crewmembers aiding the millinery workers were: G, Coker, L. Kyscr, F. Drozak, J, Hogue and C. Vaught. The following SIU men from the Montreal Hall also partici­ pated in the beef: C. Moats, O. Henry, D. Brown, R. Murrin, J. Ronaldson and N. Quinlcn. � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Seafarers Log Issues 1939-1949 Description An account of the resource Volumes I-XI of the Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America Document A resource containing textual data. Note that facsimiles or images of texts are still of the genre text. Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource November 21, 1947 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. IX, No. 47 Description An account of the resource Headlines CITIES SERVICE ELECTION EXTENDED SO TWO MOIR CREW CAN CAST VOTES HEARING TO DETERMINE TIDEWATER VOTE SET-UP SIU ORGANIZING DRIVE GAINS SIX OUTFITS IN THREE MONTHS ANTI-CP UNIONS IN AMERCIA FORM NEW GROUP SOUTH STAR CREW DEMANDSSAFE LASHING OD DECK CARGO TIDEWATER MEN WANT SIU,SAY ORGANIZER SEADFARERS URGED TO DONATE TO THE BLOOD BANK MAILLOVERSEAS XMAS PARCELS EARLY,SAYS PO WITNESSES TO ACCIDENT NEED IN GUIANA TAMPA SHIPPING SLOWS,BUY SUN DRAWS LAKES MEN NEGLECT BY COMPANY,HEALTH AUTHORITIES LED TO DEATH OF SEAFARERS,CREW CHARGESMARCUS HOOK AGENTS THANKS CREW FOR MAKING PAYOFFS A PLEASURE FEW GASSHOUDS WRECK GOOD WEEK OF PAYOFFS IN SAN-FRANCISCO FLORIDA CREWING EMPTIES HALL IN PORT MIAMI PHILLY WORKS TOWARD GETTING MORE PAYOFFS LAKED CONTRACT REOPENING DUE; SEND IN SUGGEST CHANGES NOW BERNSTEIN SHIP TURNS ABOUT IN RECORD TIME SHIPOWNERS PRESSURE CONGRESS TO EXEMPT SEAMEN FROM HOUR -LAW CREW COOPERATION WITH PATROLMEN IS NECESSARY FOR GOOD PAYOFFS MEMBERS SHOULD GET TO MEETINGS ON TIME AND SAVE THEMSELVES TRIP BEFORE COMMITTEE GREAT LAKES SEAFARESE MUST HOLD SHIP MEETINGS BEFORE LAY-UPS NEW ORLEANS AWAITING LAST MINUTE SPURT LAKES SEAMEN WAITING FOR CHANCE TO VOTE FOR SIU MOBILE EXPECTS SHIPS BEFORE MONTH ENDS NIANTIC VIC CREW CITES ROUGH TRIP IN ORESSING FIOR CLASSIFACTIONOF AMMONIUM NITRATE AS PENALTY LOAD FOOD SHORTAGE ,POOR BUYING SCORED BY SS AMES STEWARD NIGHTMARE IN NOVERTIME LAND SPORT CURRENT EVENTS Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 11/21/1947 Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1947 Periodicals Seafarers Log