http://www.seafarerslog.org/archives_old/files/original/9351d1fd20cf64738fe49b41f4304fb2.PDF 6704bc2d0b7f55050394981220f78b80 PDF Text Text } I SEAFARERS INTENSIFIES FIGHT ON CG CONTROL OVER SEAMEN The SIU Atlantic and Gulf District has fired i the opening gun in an intensified campaign to oust the Coast Guard from control over merchant sea­ men. Charging that the present military set-up { deprives seafaring civilians of access to due process of law, the Union is demanding that jurisdiction over seamen be returned to the Department of Commerce. Official Organ, Atlantic & Gulf District, Seafarers International Union of NA The Union's position, and plans for the all-out fight on the Coast Guard, were set forth in a No. 28 NEW YOHK. N. Y.. FRIDAY. OCTOBER 7. 1949 VOL. XI 50% Of Anns Aid To Go On USShips *resolution adopted unani­ mously at the Headquarter* meeting on Sept. 28. In stepping up its drive to have the Bureau of Marine In­ spection and Navigation trans­ ferred from the Coast Guard to the Department of Commerce, the Union is seeking to enlist the support of the American Federation of Labor and its af­ filiated unions. The bid for AFII aid will be made at its conven­ tion in St. Paul, Minn,, this week. The A&G District resolution underscores the fact that the US merchant marine is a "civi­ lian institution" and has been manned by civilians throughout its history. The A&G District's opposition to the arbitrary police powers held by the Coast Guard under the present set-up is based on a long string of abuses and in­ justices' piled on civilian seamen by the military body. Motivated by a traditional bias against civilians, the Coast Guard has deprived many seamen of their right to continue to make their living at sea in procedures which the Union has termed "railroading." Long ago, the SIU branded the Coast Guard's hearing units as •kangaroo courts." With the {Continued on Page 5) For the second time this year the SIU Atlantic and Gulf Dis­ trict has successfully campaigned to protect the employment of American seamen and ships in transporting foreign aid cargoes. Last week Congress passed the arms aid bill, including the amendment pushed by the SIU which guarantees that 50 percent of the military supplies shipped to non-communist nations will go on American vessels, njanned by American seamen. Earlier this year, the battle waged by the SIU and other maritime organizations resulted in the passage of a law requir­ ing EGA Administrator Paul Hoffman to send at least 50 "per­ cent of Marshall Plan goods on American flag ships. CONGRESS TOLD The A&G District touched off its fight in favor of the use of In photo above, taken recently in the House Office Building in Washington, SIU Interna­ American ships when Secretarytional Representative Albert Bernstein (left) discusses Union's stand on legislative matters af­ Treasurer Paul Hall informed fecting seamen with Congressmen from New York. With Bernstein, from left to right are. Con­ members of Congress that the "critical condition of the United gressmen Abraham^ Multer, Walter A. Lynch, John J. Rooney, and Joseph M. Pomarlen, execu­ States merchant marine" made tive secretary. Trade Union Council of the Uberal Party. the guarantee imperative. Unless such a provision were incorporated into the bill, the US merchant fleet would continue to dwindle, Hall warned. The A&G District Headquar­ ters then dispatched Internation­ al Representative Albert Bern­ A suit brought against the cern itself with the motives of were members of the defendant stein to Washington to apprise Atlantic and Gulf District of the the union or the propriety of Seafarers International Union of the lawmakers of the dire em­ Seafarers International Union by the action taken, and will not North America, Atlantic and ployment situation faced by 29 former permitmen was dis­ interfere in the internal affairs Gulf District, A.F.ofL., and that American seamen, and of the missed last week by Supreme of the union on behalf of per­ they were illegally expelled dangers created by neglect of Court referee Isidor Wasservogel. sons who admittedly never held therefrom. They seek an injunc­ the domestic shipping industry. The 29 men claimed that they membership books in the or­ tion to restrain defendant from Bernstein succeeded in invok­ had been illegally expelled from ganization. interfering with their rights and ing the aid of a number of Con­ the Union, and sought damages "Nothing in the record war­ privileges as members, from gressmen, all of whom expressed and an injunction.; rants the conclusion that the communicating the fact of their grave concern over the decline The SIU countered with the union's officers or members act­ expulsion and ineligibility to of the US fleet and the conse­ assertion that these men were ed with fraudulent intent or in employment as members of the quent loss of employment oppor­ "never bookmembers but merely bad faith in withdrawing permit unu,n, and to compel a restora­ tunities for American seamen. permit holders" and thus were cards from plaintiffs. Under these tion of their evidences of mem­ not entitled to full rights. SEAMEN'S RIGHTS circumstances, their claim for bership, as well as $250,000 dam­ damages may not be sustained." ages. Defendant contends that EVIDENCE CLEAR The Union's International Rep­ plaintiffs were never book mem­ resentative also elaborated on Mr. Wasservogel's decision The Union was represented by bers of the union, but merely attorneys Benjamin Sterling and the A&G District's demand that said in part; "permit-holders," and, as such, seamen's rights be protected in "The evidence clearly indicates Cy Miller. are not entitled to the rights and the proposed revision of the Fed­ that plaintiffs were merely per­ The full text of the decision privileges granted to book mem­ eral Employes Compensation Act Congressman Louis Heller of mit holders in the union and as follows: bers. (HR-3191). such were granted the privilege Brooklyn looks over bound SUPREME COURT — SPECIAL PRIMARY ISSUE As a result of the Union's of working on union-affiliated TERM, PART X. copies of the SEAFARERS stand, amendments have been ships only in the event that no The primary issue raised by By made in the proposed law which LOG to gel the seamen's point book members were available the pleadings concerns the status HON. ISIDOR WASSERVOGEL, will preserve all the rights now of view. Photo was taken last for employment. In accepting the of the'plaintiffs in the defend­ Official Referee enjoyed by seamen . under ad­ week, when Congressman Hel­ permits, plaintiffs voluntarily ac­ ant union. miralty law and other statutes. ler visited A&G District Head­ cepted their qualified employ­ Neri et al, v. Hall, as treas­ The evidence clearly indicates ment of temporary union sanc­ urer of the Seafarers Interna­ that plaintiffs were merely per­ As originally offered, the re­ quarters as part of his effort tional Union of North America, tion. vised federal compensation law mit-holders in the defendant "In the absence of any allega­ Atlantic and Gulf District—This would permit seamen working to obtain a complete under­ union, and, as such, were granton govemment-owned ships to be standing of problems con­ tions and proof of malice or con­ is an action brought by twentyspiracy, the court may not con­ nine plaintiffs, who allege they (Contmuei on Page 5) fronting maxitime labor. (Conthttud OH Psge } ) Court Throws Out $250,000 Damage Suit Of 29 Former Permitmen Against Union �THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday. October 7. 1949 SEAFARERS LOG Published Every Other Week by the SEAFARERS INTERNATIONAL UNION OF NORTH AMERICA Atlantic and Gulf District Affiliated with the American Federation of Labor At 51 Beaver Street, New York 4, N. Y. HAnover 2-2784 Reentered as second class matter August 2, 1949, at the Post Office in New York, N.Y., under the Act of August 24, 1912. 267 'Wall Street Unionism' The communist propaganda producing organs are showing signs of sterility. With their influence in the trade union movement dwindling day by day, these unionwreckers have had to dig into the mothballs for smear labels. And the best they have 'been able to come up with is that broken down, monotonous cry of "Wall Street." Only this time it is not the capitalists they are calling "Wall Street." Nope, this time it's the "Wall Street unions." "Wall Street unions," by the way, are the organiza­ tions that don't like commies and who do something about it. Genuine trade-unionists call these organizations noncommie, or anti-commie, unions. Oddly enough, the only trade unions that are obtain­ ing greater security and economic protection for their members are the non-commie unions, or the so-called "Wall Street unions," to use the commie lingo. Take the United Mine Workers, where commies are regarded as more obnoxious than coal gas. The miners were the first large union to win a broad pension and Welfare set-up — paid for by the employers. And they won it the hard way. The Steel Workers union which has declared war on the commies and is expected to try to. boot Harry Bridges out of the CIO very ^oon, has just called a strike against Big Steel to win employer-financed pensions. The Hospital Patients Steel Workers, according to the commies, are a "Wall When entering the hospital Street union." notify the delegates by post­ The giant United Auto Workers Union, which re­ card, giving your name and cently cleaned its house of commies, has just forced the the number of your ward. [powerful Ford Motor Company into granting companyMimeographed Postcards can be obtained free at the paid pensions to its workers. Not bad, for a "Wall Street Social Service desk. lunion" that, until the house-cleaning, was almost bankupted and destroyed by communists. L. G. LARONDE And the International Ladies Garment Workers Union D. H. BRUNIE bas pioneered in establishing welfare benefits for its halfE. G. SENFF [nillion members. And the commies call the ILGWU a M. P. LAMELA These are She Union Brothers currently in the marine hospitals, J. KOVISH 'Wall Street union" from 'way back. The story is the same in maritime, where the commies as reported by the Port Agents. These Brothers find time hanging G. A. CARROLL heavily on their hands. Do what you can to cheer them up by A. L. MASTERS ave kept up an unsuccessful campaign to pin the "Wall writing them. F. J. DUKSMEYER treet" label on the AFL waterfront unions whose wage STATEN ISLAND HOSPITAL R. SMITH W. C. HALL itandards and working conditions are tops. M. LUKSO STEFAN TRZCINSKI W. CURRIER ' D. lATE R. C. REED One of the principal targets of the commie smear J. F. GAMBLICH H. ALI j. LOCKLER rtists has been the SIU, which has continually led the MICHAEL J. LUCAS H. G. PEEK, Jr. H. E. BONEWALD VAj in winning top wages and conditions, and whose SAVANNAH^ HOSPITAL M.BRYANT LARRY MOORE ttainments were especially pronounced during the period WM. PIETERS J. C. POWELL J. O'MALLEY ' pv^hen the commies were in complete control of the NMU, JOE HERNANDEZ O. F. MARTIN A. Mc,\RTHUR W. L. SMITH P. VANDEREIK ind could only get wage increases by yelling "me-too," W. J. REIDY W. W. ALLRED T. M. SAUVE WILLIAM ROACH fter the SIU had led the way. T. BEAMS X % % This is the same SIU which fought for ithe war R. GRALICKI BOSTON HOSPITAL L. COLBURN W. E. COUTANT )onus — and hit the bricks to do so — while the commies ANDREW AHLSTROM FRANK ALASAVICH R. L. McCOMBS vere busy making "no strike" pledges to the shipowners. FRED VYKRUTA VIC MILAZZO A. SYLVERA BOB FISHER J. E. TASSIN Hiis is the same SIU which was the first union to rush M. N. PETERSON W. SULLIVAN J. A. ROTHERMEL, bll-out to support the Wall Street white collar workers M. KENNEDY •R. BOLDUC M. LOPEZ ROYAL HARGRAVES •when they pulled the pin in the world's financial capital, G. MIHALOPOULOUS land whose anti-commie members tangled with police and J. c. MCCARTHY SAN FRANCISCO HOSP. V; LAWRENCE M. ARMANDO 1brokers alike. DUSTY MEEKS F. JACOBSON H. MORTON T. ISAKSEN O. HOWELL The commies are hollering "Wall Street unions," bet i J. KEENAN A. BANKSTON Icause the workers have called their bluff and pyt them NEW ORLEANS HOSPITAL H. FASAKERLEY % ^ % Ion the run. The present line smacks of self-consciousness. J. DENNIS R. GUTHRIE BALTIMORE HOSPITAL I The commies never won anything for the workers be- L. LANG R. AHEARN LONNIE TICKEL F. LANDRY Icause they never fought for economic gains. Commie- C. ELLARD SAM DRURY A. TANSKI W. L. MELLON XXX jled beefs have always been political, designed to create L. WILIS MOBILE HOSPITAL R. W. BELL C. FOWLER chaos and insecurity among workers for the benefit of J. CURTIS J. CISECKI C. LOWE the international communist movement. MIKE LEOUSIS W. L. AKINS J. B. ALLRED I The "Wall Street" tag is especially funny coming H. L. HOWARD W. V. CONNORS R. PITT from the Kremlin stooges. We'll bet even Stalin doesn't P. ROBERTS T. GALVIN E. LYNCY R. LONG P. G. DAUGHERTY believe it. R. L. TOLER Men Now b The Mnrbie Hes/utak �J'riday, Ocldbdr 7. Id49 THE SEAFARERS LOG A36 Resolution On Coast Guard WHEREAS: The United States merchant marine is a civilian institution which has, ever since the inception of the American merchant marine, been operated and manned by civilian merchant seamen, and WHEREAS: The United States Congress on June 26, 1884, established a law which created the United States Shipping Commissioner, whose duties were to protect the American seamen when signing ship's Articles with the employers, and whose other duties were to interpret the shipping articles in the event of a dispute between the Master and the seamen, and to protect the American seamen against any abuse from the ship­ owners; and further to protect the seamen against the- crimping and shanghaiing which were prevalent in the industry at that time; and further to penalize the sea­ men in the event they broke any maritime laws, and WHEREAS: When Congress established the United States Shipping Commissioner, it p^ced that bureau under the control of the Department of Commerce, and WHEREAS: The American merchant seamen ever since then have beery under the juris­ diction of the Department of Commerce up to and including February 28, 1942, when President Roosevelt issued ^n executive order transferring the functions of the Bur­ eau of Marine Inspection and Navigation and all other functions of the Secretary of Commerce pertaining to shipping, including the United States Shipping Commissioner, his office and functions, from the Department of Commerce to the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard, to be exercised by him under the direction and sup­ ervision of the Secretary of the Navy, and WHEREAS: This was done by the President only as a wartime measure, and on Decem­ ber 29, 1945 he issued another executive order directing the return of the Coast Guard to the Treasury Department in accordance with the policy of returning the nation to peacetime status, and WHEREAS: This should also have immediately transferred the Bureau of Marine Inspec­ tion and Navigation, together with the functions of the Secretary of Commerce per­ taining to shipping, and the United States Shipping Commissioner and his office and functions, from the Coast Guard back to the Department of Commerce where it be­ longed and has belonged throughout the history of the American merchant marine, and WHEREAS: On May 16, 1946, President Truman under the power of the Reorganization Act of 1945 recommended, under Plan No. 3, Section No, 1, that all functions and duties of the United States Shipping Commissioner be transferred permanently un­ der the control of the United States Coast Guard, over the vigorous objections of all American merchant seamen who at that time were not given an opportunity to ap­ pear before Congress to state their views against this move of placing civilian sailors under the control of a semi-military organization such as the United States Coast Guard, and 29 Former Permitmen Lose Suit Against SlU (Continued from Page 1) ed the privilege of working on union-affiliated ships only in the event that no book members were available for employment. The official shipping rules of the defendant union, (section 35, subdivisions B and C) make this distinction between permit-hold­ ers and book members evident. The payments which plaintiffs were required to make to obtain and keep the permits issued to them by the defendant do not entitle them to the benefits en­ joyed by book members. It is unreasonable to assume that plaintiffs, many of whom have worked in affiliation with the defendant union as permit-hold­ ers for several years, were not aware of the rights and privil­ eges granted to book members, as opposed to their own rights and privileges as permit-holders. The court does not doubt that plaintiffs have been hurt by the defendant's withdrawal of their permit cards. In the absence of any allegations and proof of malice or conspiracy, the court may not concern itself with the motives of the defendant or-the propriety of the action taken and will not interfere in the internal affairs of the union on behalf of persons who admitted­ ly never held membership books in the organization (Murphy et al., V. Higgins et al., 12 N. Y. S., 2d, 913, affirmed 23 N.Y.S., 2nd, 552). CAN'T SUSTAIN ARGUMENT Plaintiffs contend that, as the union's constitution and by-laws provide only for probationary and book membership, their af­ filiation with the union must necessarily fall within one of these categories. This argument cannot be sustained. The present WHEREAS: Since the control of the United States Shipping Commissioner's Office, its system was necessitated by the functions and duties under the law dealing with the American Seamen were trans­ recent world conflict and the growing need of manpower in ferred to the United States Coast Guard, the American seamen have found them­ selves up against an impossible situation, wherein they are forced to deal with a bureau which is biased against civilians to begin with, and which has through its action shown total disregard for the welfare and rights of the American seamen, and WHEREAS: Many bona fide seamen have lost their right to go to sea through the dis­ criminatory practices of the United States Coast Guard of railroading American sea­ men with practically no regard for the law whatsoever, and WHEREAS: It is obvious that a civilian sailor can have no protection under this setup where a semi-military bureau functions as investigators, prosecutors and judges of merchant seamen, and even functions as an appeal court in cases of appeal, and WHEREAS: Nowhere under the American jurisdictional system are any other citizens subject to this type of legal procedure, or illegal procedure, and WHEREAS: The American merchant seamen are the only civilian workers in the United States who are judged and prosecuted by a semi-military setup, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That we, the members of the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic and Gulf District, and in all component Districts of the Seafarers International Union of North America, hereby officially go on record to institute a campaign in Congress to introduce laws that will take the functions of the Shipping Commissioner and the dealings with the American merchant seamen out of the hands of the United States Coast Guard and replace them where they right. fully belong and where they have been since 1884, namely, in the hands of the United States Department of Commerce, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That this resolution and the wishes of the American seamen be introduced in the forthcoming American Federation of Labor Convention at St. Paul, Minnesota, and a request be made by the American Federation of Labor ' that the wishes of the American seamen on this subject be included in their platform ' and be put before President Truman and legislators favorable to the American Fed­ eration of Labor, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That this resolution be forwarded to all Congressmen and Senators at the proper time and also that all Labor Councils and friendly organiza­ tions throughout the country be requested to aid the American seamen in this just fight. Page Three A&G Nominations Members wishing to run for Union office in Ihe forthcoming A&G election have until Oc­ tober 15 to file their nom­ inations and credentials with the Secretary-Treas­ urer. Any nomination re­ ceived after that date will be automatically dis­ qualified. See page 11 of this is­ sue for the list of offices to be filled and the con­ stitutional requirements that must be met. - And remember to in­ clude a recent passport photo and a summary of your Union record and activities, not to exceed 100 words—which will be published in the LOG prior to start of voting— so that the membership will have some know­ ledge of all candidates. the Merchant Marine. It is well established, particularly in the maritime industry, that a labor union may grant an applicant temporary membership rather than unlimited membership. Public policy does not prohibit the issuance of a temporary card or permit. The reasons for not granting probationary or per­ manent membership to all ap­ plicants are immaterial and are not within the jurisdiction of the court (Murphy et al. v. Hig­ gins et al., supra). When the ap­ plicant receives a permit which is given expressly with certain conditions and reservations as to his rights and privileges, he may not complain that he has been deprived of rights enjoyed by members. In accepting the per­ mits, plaintiffs voluntarily ac­ cepted their qualified enjoyment of temporary union sanction. The court may not extend or enlarge that temporary status by judicial decree (Schein, v. Rose, 12 N. Y.S., 2d, 87). I hold, therefore, that plaintiffs were merely nonmember permit-holders from whom defendants could disaffili­ ate themselves at will. NO PROOF OFFERED The law is well settled that damages cannot be recovered in an action against a labor union unless it is both alleged and proven that the members of the union fraudulently and in bad faith approved of the wrongful acts committed (Schouten v. Al­ pine, 215 N.Y., 225, Glauber v. Patof, 294 N.Y., 583; Browne v. Hibbets, 290 N.Y., 459; Haveiifi V. King, 250 N.Y., 617). Nothing in the record war­ rants the conclusion that defen­ dant's officers or members acted with fraudulent intent or in bad faith in withdrawing permit cards from plaintiffs. Under these circumstances plaintiffs' claim for damages may not be sus­ tained. Judgment is rendered for the defendant dismissing the complaint on its merits. Submit decree within ten days on three days' notice. The foregoing are the facts found by me and constitute the decision of the court as requir­ ed by section 440 of the Civil Practice Act. US Ships To Cot 50 Percent Of Arms Aid Cm-go (Continued from Page 1) defined as government employ­ ees and, therefore, entitled only to workmen's compensation. Seamen, the Union pointed out, would thei'eby be denied their present access to the courts to obtain maintenance and cure, along with indemnities for per­ sonal injuries sustained in the course of their employment. The amendments, based on the Union recommendation that sea­ men speficially be excluded from the provisions of HR-3191, were drawn up by Senators Paul Douglas (D.. 111.) and Wayne Morse (R., Oi-e.) Prospects that they will be adopted with the final bill on the floor of the Sen­ ate are bright. �THE SEAFARERS Page Foiir Friday. October 7. 1949 LOG MOBILE HALL GETS THE WORKS Savannah Wins Overtime Beef For Deck Men On The SS Jean By JIM DRAWDY SAVANNAH — How is ship­ ping? It's slow at the moment, despite the fact that we had sev­ eral payoffs and sign-ons during the past two weeks. On the payoff side, we had the SS Cape Race, South Atlantic; SS Jean, Bull, and the SS South­ land, South Atlantic. The Jean came in with a 45-hour overtime beef as a result of work perform­ ed by the Skipper and Mate that should have been given to the Deck Gang^. The beef was settled and the overtime collected, after we got in touch with the Bull Lines' Port Captain in New York. We explained to him the na­ ture of the beef in detail and as­ sured him that it was a legiti­ mate beef. That he was convinced of the legitimacy of this beef is proven by the fact that the over­ time was paid. JEAN SIGNS ON The Jean signed on again here, as did the Southland and the Cape Race. Along with these, we had a few ships in-transit: the Iberville and Fairland, Water­ man, and the Steel Trader, Isth­ mian. The South Atlantic Steamship Company has taken to entertain­ ing and dining various officials aboard their ships in European ports. The Stewards Department men have been fully paid for their extra services in this connection and have also been highly prais­ ed for their courteous and effici­ ent service. ment store will get another chance to indicate their prefer­ ence for a union. Since the first election wais held at the store, the National Labor Relations Board has in­ formed management that it must not directly or indirectly coerce or intimidate the employees. Cer­ tainly if these clerks are anxious to improve their conditions, they will vote for the union. At a special meeting called on Sept. 21 to act on the resolution sounding the opening of the an­ nual A&G District elections, the membership here unanimously concurred in and adopted the resolution. Four of our Brothers are pres­ ently in the Marine Hospital but, we're happy to add, none of them is seriously ill. These men are J. C. Powell, O. F. Martin, W. L. Smith and W. W. Allred. The weather is a little on the cool side, and that is okay with all hands down here. Oh yes, a reminder—it is im­ portant that the crews on ships touching Jacksonville send their laundry and cleaning to a Union laundry. Try to be as near 100 percent Union as you possibly can. This is one way that you can be. Port Bdtunore Has Inough Men To Handle All Shipping Needs By WILLIAM (Curly) RENTZ BALTIMORE — There were more than enough men on the There are a number of old- beach here to take care of our timers in Savannah right now shipping needs during the past waiting to catch ships. To name a two weeks, as a result of the drop few, there's D. Medlock, L. Kris- in the number of payoffs and tiensen, M. R. Wickham and R. sign-ons. Reddick. Payoffs here were the Arlyn, Mae, Evelyn, and Rosario, Bull; We are strongly in favor of Steel Scientist, Steel Admiral, regular Union education meet­ Steel Architect, Isthmian; Balings, and submit the recommen­ dation that such meetings be held tore, Cubore, Marore and Venat least twice weekly in all of ore. Ore. Among those in-transit were our Union Halls. the Iberville, Loyola Victory, St. And during these meetings all Augustine Victory, Seamar, members of voting age should be Christine and the W. E. Downing. urged to register and vote in the FEW BEEFS elections in their home towns, so There were a few beefs on that pro-labor candidates can get these ships, but all were settled proper support. satisfactorily. Crew members LOCAL LABOR aboard the Loyola Victory were That's one way we can fight especially happy over getting the to get rid of the Taft-Hartley fans they had waited for. Signing on were the Baltore, Law and other measures that are Marore, Cubore, Arlyn, Rosario, harmful to the working man. Evelyn, Mae, Loyoja Victory, On the local labor front, the Fairland, Carrabulle, and Steel retail clerks at Adler's Depart- Scientist. If the steel strike continues for any length of time, this port will feel the effects because the Calmar and Ore ships will be affected. The AFL longshoremen who SYDNEY, Australia — Another are now in negotiations for a free trade union group withdrew • new contract are determined to from the Soviet-dominated World i win their demands, especially the Federation of Trade Unions to one for pensions. They have a further weaken its influence in good beef because all workers world labor affairs. who put in a lifetime for a comThe Australian Council of protection Trade Unions voted 231 to 134'°^ ® income when they to cancel its affiliation with the WFTU, charging that it had con­ The companies keep piling up profits and they make provisions formed to Communist policy. for the care and replacement of The council controls major un­ their machinery. But they don't ions in Australia, with the ex­ seem to be as interested in the ception of the Australian Work­ human beings without whom ers Union, a strongly anti-Com- they couldn't do a thing. When munist group with authority a man gets old on the job and over most rural unions. the company no longer has use Aussie Union Groups Withdraw From WFTU The Mobile Hall, if you can see through the network of supports, is getting 'a, thorough going over, inside and out. When the job is finished, says Agent Gal Tanner, it will be the finest looking Union Hall in the South, and ready for heavy shipping which, he hopes, is just axound the corner. At any rate, when alterations are completed, all Brothers are invited to pay a visit to Mobile and see for themselves. When these splints are removed, says Brother Tanner, the outside of the Building will show a pebbled granite exterior. And here's a cheering note for those who find beer is not enough in the summer — the Hall will be air-cooled throughout. for him, they toss him on the heap. The ILA men in this port voted to extend the contract discus­ sions, to allow the government conciliators time to work out a plan on which agreement can be reached. More power to the crew of the SS Puerto RicO and the editors of their shipboard paper, the Advocate. They're doing a swell job and I hope they keep it up. Hovy about sending the Advocate to all ports, so all can see the fine job they're doing? (The crew is mailing copies of the Ad­ vocate to all ports—Ed.) Well, we'll see you all next week. Meanwhile we're hoping for a pick-up in shipping for the men on the beach here and everywhere. This is an inside view of whed is being done to the Mobile Hall. The repairs and alterations have been on the agenda for quite a while, but the high prices of materials made the job prohibitive. Now that the work has been started, it won't be long before the Mobile Hall will be as up to date as any other SIU Hall. Pictures of the refurbished building will be printed in the LOG. as soon as received, for all to see. Seattle Gets Two Weeks Of Good Shipping By WILLIAM McKAY SEATTLE — Shipping in the Port of Seattle was good dur­ ing the past two weeks. We ship­ ped a total of 46 men to vessels of the Calmar Line and Water­ man Steamship Company, and to the Dolphin Steamship Com­ pany's SS Demostar. At the.mo­ ment, however, things have slowed up a bit. We paid off the SS Afoundria, manned by a very good crew, most of. whom came up from Frisco. TURMOIL CONTINUES The Demostar paid off with no beefs. It should be mentioned that this crew has shown very strong support of the SEAFAR­ ERS LOG and a word of thanks is due the boys. The waterfront situation on the West Coast remains in the usual state of turmoil, created, of course, by Harry Bridges and the regular bunch of commie stooges, aided by various other trouble makers. To those who are continually getting fouled up aboard ship, I'd like to point out that the SIU and the SUP have been putting up a hard and cdstly fight to get rid of the Coast Guard. And we are going to continue fighting until the job is done. The Unit.n is doing a better job of policing on its contracted ships than ; ly bunch of bureau­ crats can d "*. I think that it has proven that the Coast Guard is not needed to act as a police outfit in th? maritime industry. Insofar n the foul-ups are concerned, the point is that the Union is nc . going to go all-out against the Coast Guard's con- tinued jurisdiction and then let a bunch of irresponsibles carry on as they please, without any regard for the vast majority of serious-minded, sound-working members. Foul-ups should not expect to receive any special con­ sideration from the Union. Assessment Due With the iriembenbip con­ curring in the Tallying Com­ mittee's report on the assess­ ment referendum at all Branch meetings Wednesday. Sept. 14. the ten-dollar Gen­ eral Fund assessment is now payable. Seafarers are urged to make their payments im­ mediately so that their books and permits can ba marked paid up to data. �Xrida", Oclober ,?. IMS Friday. October 7. 1949 .TMf-cr A V THE A .n F n c SEAFARERS tOG Page Seven Page Five Pro-SIU Crews Have Cities Service Rocky As the handwriting on the wall looms larger and larger, Cities Service hatchetmen are running wild on all company ships, lopping off scores of crewmembers with complete disregard of their previous service and com­ petence. Having used up all available legal tricks to block certification of the SIU as collective bargaining represen­ tative for its unlicensed men, embittered company officials are firing CS employes in wholesale fashion. It doesn't matter that a crewmember has served the company long and well. If he looks, acts or talks like a man interested in the Union — or shows the* slightest sign of interest - he's "unsatisfactory." The finished, junked as soon as Assistant gave them 24 hours notice on the night of vessel ties up. Sept. 21. In the past few weeks, more than a score of pro-Union Cit­ The Abiqua men said that ies Servicemen have been made fear dominates every man seekvictims of the company's hys­ ing a Cities Service job and terical purge, which has even that it is almost impossible for touched men who were only a man to keep his self-respect while working for the company. They were unanimous in de­ claring that, when the Union is certified by the NLRB, a Cities Service crewmember could then These four victinis of Cities Services' continuing purge of pro-Union men were fired from be "a man among men." The the SS Abiqua on 24-hour notice, despite their established competence and satisfactory ship­ big issue — even bigger than the better wages and working board service. Left to right, Paul Aubain, Red Leonard, Bill Condra and Mike Carlin. conditions that would come with Union' representation — is the Union sympathies under cover, this ship cooperated for the meetings the crewmembers dis­ job security, the four Abiqua "because one slip and you're ex- common good. We could speak cussed our problems. We got to our' minds without fear of spies. know the score and were able victims said. As Red Leonard Cities Service." Chester Reiss, who was fired The wages and overtime were to take action, if it was neces­ put it: "GiVe Cities Service men the from the Royal Oak in May, better, and working conditions sary. "In other words, we have a security that comes with SIU because he refused to sign a were tops. membership and they'll be free, "Cities Service men," Reiss self-respecting men." continued, "would be fools if Two crewmembers from the they didn't hold onto their con­ SS Chiwawa, A1 Sirhpson, Ma­ viction that the SIU was the chinist, and A1 Litwins, DM, got only way out of their present IBl the short end of the stick when mess." they were paid off in Linden, After working on the SS Bents N. J. on Sept. 25. AL LITWINS Fort under three different Cooks Litwins, who had been aboard and three Stewards, all of whom for two months, was ^sked by found him competent, Dominic slightly suspected of having the Chief Mate if he were go­ Pasqua, Utility, suddenly got the sympathy with the SHJ. ing to make another trip. When axe for "unsatisfactory service" Practically all of these victims on June 6. The Second Cook of the Cities Service firings who he said "yes," the Chief Mate and a Messman went with him. are pro-SiU have since shipped put it this way: Someone had spotted them read­ out on vessels contracted to the "From what I've seen of your actions and conversation with ing a SEAFARERS LOG. Union. Several have already reported the men about the Union, I don't But Pasqua didn't feel badly that the transfer from the spy- think you should." for long. He shipped out on the rigged, open-your-mouth-once- That ended Litwins' service SlU-cbntracted SS Couer de and-you're-finished atmosphere with Cities Service. Alene, of "Victory Carriers Corp. aboard CS ships to the security, Simpson's two and a half And with a contract to protect DOMINIC PASQUA AL SIMPSON better wages and working condi­ years of working on Cities Serv­ him and to specify what his job tions and protection of a SIU- ice ships came to the same ab­ was, he enjoyed good overtime, contracted ship is like stepping rupt end. The Mate discovered company-union CTMA pledge the top wages in the industry, strong organization of seamen into another world — and they he was pro-SIU, and told him card handed to him' by the Stew­ better food and quarters than he like ourselves behind us. And ard, has one trip aboard the that makes all the difference said they wanted their former not to sign on again. had on CS ships and most of all in the world, as any Cities Serv­ Both Simpson and Litwins SlU-contracted Mankato "Victory CS shipmates to know it. —freedom and job secuiity. ice crewmember can tell you," From the stories told by the said that CS men haven't the under his belt. "After a trip on a ship under "I could talk without being Pasqua said. CS victims, it is clear that the afraid to lose my job. If I had Union contract, all I can say "I sure hope the SIU is cer­ company's present tactic is to is that I'm sorry for the guys a beef I went to my Department tified soon,"' he concluded. "It'll send its hand-picked stooges on on the Cities Service ships," i Delegate, • who saw that it was mean a new day for those guys roving assignments in the fleet. Reiss said. "All hands aboard , straightened out. At shipboard on CS ships." These company robots finger the guys whose hair isn't parted right and then the axe falls, with the stooges moving on to the next ship to repeat the per­ formance. The pattern is the same on every CS ship — the SS Abiqua, SS Royal Oak, SS Bents Fort, In 1884, the resolution points 1945 President Truman issued a (Continued from Page 1) SS French Creek, SS Chiwawa, Coast Guard functioning as in­ out. Congress enacted a law cre­ directive returning the Coast SS Salem Maritime and the rest. vestigator, prosecutor, judge and ating the office of the United Guard to the Treasury Depart­ Take" the Abiqua, for instance. jury, a civilian seaman finds States Shipping Commissioner, ment "in accordance with the "When she paid off on Sept. 22, himself the victim of a virtual whose function it was to pro­ policj' of putting the nation back four of her Black Gang got the military courts-martial proced­ tect seamen in the signing of on peacetime basis as soon as ; boot. They were fired shortly ure. ship's articles and to rule on possible." ! after David Fiirman, front man This flagrant discrimination disputes between the Master and The. merchant marine's return for the company-controlled Cities against the American seamen crewmen. The Commissioner was to civilian status ended at that , Service Tanker Men's Associa­ CHESTER REISS denies him the right to a fair also empowered by the law to point, however. For on May 16, tion (CTMA), came aboard. trial, which is the constitutional discipline seamen found guilty 1946, President Truman, under . Paul Aubain, Wiper, has been the powers granted him by the aboard for 32 days; Mike Carlin, slightest protection against the guarantee of all under the con­ of violating maritime laws. Reorganization Act, recommend­ Wiper, for three months and 12 company's abuses, and that the stitution of the United States. WAR MEASURE, ONLY No other US civilian worker ed that all functions and duties days; Bill Condra, two and a only hope for liberation from half months, and Red Leonard, insecurity, poor wages, bell-to- has been subjected to this type Although President Roosevelt of the US Shipping Commission­ three months and 12 days. Be­ bell work and the rest, was of juridical procedure and the transferred in 1942 the shipping er be placed under control of the sides, Condra has been in the through representation by the SIU's intensified campaign functions of the Department of Coast Guard. At that time the SIU Atlantic against the Coast Guard is in­ Commerce, including the office CS fleet for about a year and SIU." of the Shipping Commissioner and Gulf District vigorously op- , tended to wipe out this inequal­ The two Chiwawa men are a half, and Leonard had been to the Coast Guard, this was posed the transfer, which went i ity, and give seamen the same certain that the vast majority of serving on the company's ships only a wartime measure, the through a Senate committee by ; rights under the law as civilian CS men are pro-SIU. Simpson for about a year. resolution recalls. On Sept. 29, the narrow margin of one vote. | Suddenly, though, their serv­ said everyone tries to keep his shoreside workers. Seafarers Intensifies Campaign Against CC Control Over Seamen l'' r • [f �T M Typhoon Drives Packer Aground In Tokyo Bay; 3-Week Ordeal Elated OLDTIMERS' REUNION IN NEW ORLEANS Still stuck fast in five feet of sand after being driven aground on Aug. 31 by a typhoon in Tokyo Bay, the SS Citrus Packer, Waterman, is a sCene of rugged existence, according to a dramatic ac-* ohama to assist us, but she sail­ count of the ship's difficul­ ed back and forth for several ties reaching the LOG this hours, then went away. The plant went out and we were week from crewmember Al­ eating cold sandwiches and bath­ ing out of buckets. bert E. Hellmuth. "Sept. 2—Still laying here on Brother Hellmuth kept a daily log of life aboard the Packer the beach and wondering when from typhoon time on. The log we'i-e going to get some atten­ tion. The plant is still out so runs like this: we're cooking stews on deck "Aug. 31—We let go at 6 AM with wood fires. and sailed for Seattle. Hit heavy "Sept. 6—Broke sea watches seas and high winds as soon as today and started working the we made the open sea. It rain­ ed all day. We secured hatches Deck Gang—bell-to-bell... We're and booms until noon. About 11 still washing out of buckets and AM the Captain found the ty­ eating the best the cooks can The simultaneous deckings of the Alcoa Corsair and the Del Norte gave some of the crewphoon too rough and he headed make on the wood fires... mostly members a chance to celebrzite their meeting. Among those taking advantage of the event in back to Yokohama. Visibility stews. Sgt. Hand's place in the Crescent City are (standing, left to right): Leroy Clarke, Sgt. Hand, was poor, so we dropped the NO WATER Brailmont and Bob Creel: seated: Shakle Short, Blackie Bankston, and Sloppy Creel, Bob's hook in the mouth of Tokyo brother. Photo by Mel Hiltz. Bay. By 2 PM she was turning "Sept. 7—Conditions are going over 80 revs and both hooks, from bad to worse. Everything with eight shackles of chain seems to be dirty. There isn't water enough to keep things each, were out. clean. Even if there were, it wouldn't drain off. We're laying DRIFTING Messages from SlU-contracted ships throughout the world jcontinue to pour "She still drifted toward the at a ten-degree list and our scuppers don't drain. Sent three into Union Headquarters praising the Seafarers Bulletin as an up-to-date source of in­ western shore, but a little later the wind hit us abeam, driving delegates to the consul in Yok­ formation for Seafarers on the high seas. The Bulletin, a bi-weekly digest of the major us rapidly onto the eastern ohama to see what can be done. Z I ! T"; "Sept. 8—As soon as the Cap­ news items appearing in th'e^T shore. First our bow ran aground, en A c A T> f T> c T' 1^"® scores of comments received have to listen to rumors that are then the high winds swung our tain heard about the Delegates bLALAKEKb LOG, is wing- go f^om SIU crews at sea: spread from ship to ship in forstem around and we lay on the going to Yokohama, the plant ed via airmail to every ves­ SS Southport — The Seafarers ports. We think the Bullesand, starboard side to, while was started... might be a coinci­ sel under the SIU banner. Bulletin is without a doubt a tin is a good thing and hope dence. .. the heavy seas pounded and In virtually every communica­ that it will continue." "Sept. 18—Four tugs tried to tion the SIU crews emphasized most useful and novel way of pushed us further up on the keeping the membership fully in­ St. Augustine Victory — "The refloat the ship today, but she the need for the new, direct beach... formed regarding Union activi­ crew was very much pleased "Sept. 1—The wind subsided wouldn't even groan. She's stuck method of supplying news of ties. We hope it will meet with with the Bulletin and thinks it fast in four or five feet of sand. Union and general maritime ac­ the unanimous approval, of- the is a good idea to have Union at daybreak; we were high on tivity and hailed the Seafarers membership and continue to news sent to them at sea. In this the beach. The shore was only Looks like a dredging job... "Sept. 20—The Captain is get­ Bulletin as a splendid innova­ serve as the useful and success­ 20 feet away and we were a half way we won't have too much mile from deep water... a tug ting more antagonistic all the tion. ful organ it has proven itself trouble trying to catch up on Here are some samples from to be." had been dispatched from Yok­ CContinued on Page 7) back issues of the LOG, when SS Calmar—"The crew thinks we return to the States." the Bulletins are a good thing, SS Robin Locksley—"Everyone so keep them coming as good on board is looking forward to reading matter for crewmem- the next issue. We think it is a bers." great little paper and a neat By "SALTY DICK' ,SS Steel King—"We have re­ way to keep the members in­ ceived two copies so far and it formed." A farmer in Iowa will settle icnger ships and Union Halls. world ... Of all the lovers I've sure is good to get some news SS Russell Alger—"The crew many beefs for us in the near The crew is out to show how met, I think George Perez takes from the best damn Union in appreciates the Bulletins very future. He's breeding chickens well they can function . . . Sug- the cake. He claims he can go maritime history, after spending much. We have been at sea about: . ... Igestion: When you're in Trujillo out with any girl in any port, a few months away from the 40 days and we were very glad without wmgs. This shotUd ~me d„„.t p.y one doUar without money. Yet he was seen States. All of us aboard the to have something like it to as w^me news to the wys ,he Jaraga Hotel by recently in San Juan with a Steel King think it is a good read." who beef at chow time about ,^,,1 senorita after asking a few of idea. Keep up the good work." SS Allegheny Victory—"Hope Jways getting wings...One of his shipmates for a five-dollar SS Robin Wentley — "We are that we shall continue to receive the best galley boys who ever loan. He needed the money for receiving the condensed versions more Bulletins as they come off ° this hotel and you can al- carfare, said George. of the LOG and the crew is en­ the press, for they are well ap­ , "Big Sinn." He was from Vir-j ^ J One of the PR's waiters form­ joying them very much. The preciated and will be kept post­ ginia and he always t^ked^^ deck chair, taking a sun hath, erly worked in New York's Wal­ whole crew wants to express its ed for everyone to read." about^ulah and how much he| Frank Bose dorf-Astoria. For several weeks thanks for the Bulletins and urge The Bulletin, the first issue of missed her and the plow. Beulah there he served an old lady who| that the good work be kept up." which was published July 22, is was the old mule. recently presented always left him a one-cent tip. SS William H. Allen — "We made up and ready to take off In the New York Hall they|with juniors ... A sof^ball One day he blew his top and have received the second copy via air within a couple of hours now have coffee time at 10 team has been organized aboard told her off. The following day'of the Bulletin and think it will after the LOG is "put to bed." A AM and 3 PM. Donuts come|the Bull Lines passenger ship... he received $100 (that's one- prove to ,be one of the best things complete itinerary of all SIU with the coffee and you can j believe the ship's fund is one hundred bucks) as a tip. that ever came out to keep all ships is maintained at Headquar­ watch television whUe you dunk of the largest on any SIU ship The crew of the Puerto Rico Union Brothers informed about ters so that the Bulletin can be ...Things are pretty slow. And The crew is cooperating is lucky enough to see one movie! their Union." delivered directly. it's times like these when the fully in donations to the ship's going south and another on the' SS John B. Waterman — "We In order to give all hands an benefits of a compulsory vaca­ fund and the LOG. return north. The other day the wish to express our gratitude for opportunity to see each issue of tion rule would be felt. Seafarer Jerry DeMeo goes spectacle was "Mighty Joe the information on the latest the Bulletin, delegates are urged The Editors of the SS Puerto ashore with a golf bag but not Young." We didn't like it, but Union events, sent direct from to post them on the ship's bulle­ Rico's paper, the Advocate, are to caddy. He claims he has play­ we couldn't get our money back, the Union Headquarters. By re- tin board, in the crew's mess, or sending copies to all SIU pass- ed on golf courses all over the Why? 'cause it was free. Iceiving the Bulletin, we do not in similarly convenient spots. Crews, Acclaim SIU Overseas News Bulletin 'Voice Of The Sea' /• ( ./ I • �Friday, October 7, 1949 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Seven Digested Minutes Of SlU Ship Meetings BESSEMER VICTORY. July 28 —A. E. Sullivan, Chairman; L. R. Waller, Secretary. Everything re­ ported okay in all departments. Kivitchoff elected Ship's Dele­ gate. Captain has ordered that all linen will be issued piece by piece. Suggested that Steward try to get better grade of coffee when ship arrives in New York. Department Delegates are to pre­ pare repair lists; Steward to or­ der new pillows and matresses. Members reminded that cots are to be put away when not in use. t, X i ALCOA PLANTER, July 9 — L. E. Kilgore, Chairman; J. P. Shaughnessy, Recording Secre­ tary. Ship's Delegate reported that all repairs had been taken care of so that ship is starting out clean. No beefs in any of the departments. Motion carried to have Ship's Delegate check slopchest. It was suggcisted that at least two coffee times each week be devoted to discussions on Union matters. All hands ap­ proved. Delegate is to get in touch with the Merchant Marine Library Association to see about getting new b^oks. XXX EVISTAR, July 4 — Doyle, Chairman; W. Thornton, Secre­ tary. No beefs reported by any of the delegates. Motions carried: to wire in for new library; that a letter be written to Congress­ men expressing crew's objections to the proposed Merchant Marine Reserve Bill. Brother Doyle was elected Ship's Delegate. After one minute of silence in mem­ ory of departed Brothers, meet­ ing was adjourned. XXX JEFF DAVIS, July 10 — T. Boland, Chairman; C. W. Ladwig, Secretary. Disputed over­ time was reported by the Deck Delegate, none by the other de­ partment representatives. Brother McGuire suggested that the card players keep the recreation room clean by cleaning up at end of sessions. Motion carried unani­ mously concurring in Mobile re­ solution that men taking vaca­ tion pay get off their ship. Night Cook and Baker and the BR are entitled to eat supper in the messhall. Table is to be kept open for the watch. One minute of silence in memory of departed Brothers. Meeting adjourned at 1:30 PM. XXX EDITH, July 16 — Thomas G. Hickey, Chairman; Louis Rizzo, Secretary. Delegates reports: Deck — some disputed overtime; Engine — all disputed overtime straightened nut; Stewards —no beefs. Gerald Smith elected Ship's Delegate. Discussion on collection for shipmate who was fatally injured. Delegates to ac­ cept contributions, with proceeds to be sent to deceased's family with letter of condolence. Bro­ thers urged, to keep laundry clean. Each delegate to draw up repair list. Deck Delegate A. P. Mazur asked deck crew to co­ operate with man on sanitary duty. His proper duties are to be explained to him fully. SUZANNE. July 10 — M. Richelson, Chairman; William Gannon, Secretary. Motion car­ ried to elect delegates at end of each voyage. Ship's Delegate reported that one crewmember has missed ship in San Juan. A few minor beefs in Deck Depart­ ment; none in the others. Elec­ tion of delegate held. William Gannon elected Ship's Delegate; Teddy Ostaszeski, Deck; John Decker, Engine, and Jesus Ayala, Stewards. Suggested that messmen make coffee in the morn­ ing, because Wipers claim they they have too much to do to make it. Matter is to be brought to attention of Patrolman in New York for decision. XXX WILLIAM H. DAVIE, July 19 — H. Gregorski, Chairman; Os­ car Payne, Secretary. No beefs in any of the departments. Mo­ tions carried: to draw up a re­ pair list; to post repair list on bulletin board. Billy Curry, Ste­ ward, asked that all linen be turned in so that it may be put on inventory. All hands reminded to be sober for payoff. Men leaving ship are to leave foc'sles ship-shape for replacements. Vote of thanks given to Stewards De­ partment for their efficiency. Crew thanked the watch for having messhall in good condi­ tion in the morning. XXX TWIN FALLS VICTORY, July 25 — Robert G. Varnon, Chair­ man; Lee de Parlier, Secretary. Motion carried that Ship's Dele­ gate notify Headquarters about Wiper who missed ship ir Frisco. Under Good and Welfare there was much discussion on mem­ bers staying aboard ship for over a period of one year. A hand vote on this question show­ ed 18 men in favor of having crews get off after one year; 8 against. XXX KATHRYN, July 16 — John Clamp, Chairman; W. Blanton, Secretary. No beefs. Engine Dele­ gate reported that it had been settled that engineer has right to break and set sea watches at same hour Some disputed overtime in Black Gang. Motion to hold shipboard meetings once a month was overruled as con­ trary to Union procedure. Motion carried to allow only food hand­ lers to enter galley and pantry during meal hours to, serve them­ selves and that crew members leave messhall after meals and not return until messmen have cleaned the room. Under Good and Welfare, there was a variety of discussion on night lunch be­ longing to men on watch, loud talking and noises in the passage­ way while men are sleeping. XXX RAPHAEL SEMMES. July 17 — Leonard Eisele, Chairman; D. Stone, Secretary. One hour dis­ puted overtime in Deck Depart­ ment, 20 hours in Engine, six hours in Stewards Department. Motions carried: That all dele­ gates and Patrolmen check re­ pairs before signing on and to hold special meeting if necessary; that slopchest be checked and new slopchest be put on ship, with sufficient variety and sizes. Washing machine i'tmd reported at $20.70. Men using washing ma­ chine are to clean it when finish­ ed. CUT and RUN wmm. XXX DEL NORTE, Sept. 4 — Tom Banning, Chairman; Thurston Lewis, Secretary. No beefs re­ ported. Frank Domjnicus, chair­ man of recreation committee, an­ nounced that immediately after meeting, there would be a get together of men wishing to play Softball or baseball. Brother Bradley reported that after pur­ chase of educational film there is a balance of $49.59 in ship's fund. J. King was elected Ship's Delegate by acclamation. Motion by Landry carried calling for a posting of ship's rules and list of offenders and fines imposed in all lounges. A suggestion to change the meeting schedule was ruled impracticable because sug­ gested time would be inconveni­ ent for majority of men. Since ship could not supply everyone with writing paper in quantities desired. Brother Findley sug­ gested that stationery for crew be purchased out of ship's fund. Union films to be shown tonight following regular movie. Meeting adjourned at 3:45 PM. XXX TRINITY, July 24 — J. Lane, Chairman; A. W. Gowder, Sec­ retary. Port screens will be pro­ cured when we get in from this trip. Ship's Delegate reported that other than transportation and screens everything is okay. No beefs in any of the depart­ ments. A lot of discussion about Brother painting his foc'sle deck without authorization or the pay­ ment of overtime. This Brother was reprimanded by Ship's Dele­ gate Marple. It was agreed to turn the beef over to the Pa­ trolman upon getting in port. Packer Aground In Japan (Continued from Page 6) time. A member of the Navy salvage crew made some trouble up in town last night, so the Captain sent in a charge of de­ sertion of a ship in distress, al­ though they were sober and had - performed their regular duties yesterday. "When the guilt of the Navy JMIMATIONIS FOR A6JS OFFICES CLOSE ON OCTOBER 10TM. So IF VoU vVANJ TO As/0>tAIKJATE SOMEONE - OR YOURSELF fOR THAT/MATTER- MAKE SURE THAT THE THE CREPE MTIALS REACH HALL. SBC'Y.-Tt^AS.. S/BBAVBf? Sr. A/EtV BY THAT PATE . QUAUFlCATIOAJS FOROFFTCC ARE GIVEN OAJ ANOTHER PAGE OF THIS ISSUE » man had been established the CID let our men go and told them they could come ashore again as far as the Army was concerned. They also said what they thought of the Captain. Al­ though we've been here three weeks, he refuses to give us either shore passes or a draw. We're sending another delegate to the consul tomorrow." By HANK One of the happies guys we've seen sail into the hall last v/eek was William Zarkas. He's working on the SS Puerto Rico— and the jobs on her rate tops in the SlU . . . "Tex" Suit gave us two newsy items. He said that the baseball-minded department of deck apes aboard the SS Colabee are going to donate their softball playing gear to the kids of the community center in the small Canadian port of Bale Comeau, in Quebec. The other item is full of praisethe baking products Brother Harold Peeler put out—Danish pastry, etc.—and especially something caUed a chiffon pie which has to be stowed in the ice box so it won't spoil. Well, Brothers, send in the names of those you seriously consider the best bakers in the SlU. We'll mention them all and the names of the ships they're on, if you know . . . Speaking of the best bakers we'll ask who are best Bosuns in the SlU? To start it off we'll name Brother Eddie Parr who is now serang of the SS Puerto Rico. What are your nominations? Looking good after mucho Gulf shipping. Brother Charlie Tannehill sailed into this town. He's sure happy to have finally seen those two excellent SlU sound films called "Battle of Wall Street" and "This is the SlU." Through all the months Charlie was shipping down South he never had the luck to see these films. Now he's carrying a bigger smile than he' ever did, no kidding. XXX Charlie Walson, the Electrician who was strike-bound a.board the Steel Flyer which finally was the first to sail loaded out of paralyzed Hawaii is now waiting for a "Bull run." His shipmate. Electrician Frank Mandler (Who. by the way, was recently married—so congratulations and smooth sailing) is also waiting for a "Bull run." Bull—eeze, fellas, that's a lot of Bull—competition, you know! After a long absence from New York Peter Gvozdich is back again—and was asking for his shipmate. Bosun Christianson! Those Seatrain New Jersey homsteaders sailed into town again. John Jellette s^ill has his mustache and confessed last week that he's been ooard for six months to the day of his birthday, September 29. Happy birthday, John. Bosun Bill Champlin is also aboard with his mustache and shipshape, true-SlU style of sailing ships . . . Brother M. F. Morrison of Illinois, writes he's just returned home from a six month trip and requests to have the LOG sailing to his home. Okay, Brother Morrison, you're Logged! XXX Returning to college soon is Brother Edward Grady of Louisi­ ana. Good luck, Ed . . . Donald Smith of Pennsylvania is an­ chored in New York now after a recent voyage, we presume . . The SEAFARER LOG will be sailing free of cost to the homes of the following- brothers—Ruben Humphrey of Arkansas, Alexander Martin of Louisiarta, James Murphy of Pennsylvania, Early Punch of Louisiana, James McConathy of Tennessee, George Key of Ala­ bama, Ben Talbert of Texas, Charles Johnston of Maryland, Harold Gillen of Massachusetts, Richard Adell of Massachusetts, Clayton Jb'ield of New Jersey . . . "Aussie" Smith is anchored in town right now ... So is big. George Whale, the Steward . . . Brother John Goldsborough is now drydocked in the Wadsworth General hospi­ tal in Los Angeles, California. His shipmates no doubt will cheer him up a little by dropping him a letter. XXX We're still wondering what's wrong with the way farmers walk? Recently one Brother told -another Brother, who was dressed in a half-way decent suit and flashy tie-shirt combina­ tion—"You look like an executive." The over-praised Brother blushed slightly and mumbled "Aw, ?-top the kidding" and heard the guy answer, "Yeah, but you walk like a farmer." The humor of the matter is^—what's wrong with the way farmers walk? . . . �THE Page Eight SEAFARERS Friday, October 7. 1949 LOG tm MEMBERSHIP SPEAKS SUP Man Calls Loyola Vic Tony Seafarers 'Real Brothers' Swears By Hospital Of Ras Tanura To the Editor: Here is a tip for the Brothers who make a trip down the Per­ sian Gulf way: If you need hos­ Kindly publish this letter in pitalization in that area, try to the SEAFARERS LOG. get to Ras Tanura — where they I am an SUP bookmember. I have the best hospital in the signed on the Waterman interEast. In fact, it compares favor­ coastal scow Loyola Victory in ably with many in the States. Frisco, as a member of the Deck The doctors and nurses are of Gang. This ship is SlU-contractthe best. Dr. Bentzen is known ed and has a g'ood SIU crew in by the Aramco men in Ras Tan­ all three departments. ura as the best surgeon in the The Ship's and Deck Delegates Far East. I think he is, too, on are real Union Brothers, as are the basis of personal experience. the rest of the crewmembers. It is a real pleasure to ride with Dr. Bentzen removed a stone these men who have treated me To the Editor: from one of my kidneys after and other SUP men as their 26 days, but he saved me from Just a few lines to let the fel­ an operation by so taking his Brothers. I am in favor of taking steps lows know how this scow has time. against men who agitate against been doing. During my hospitalization, I've our two unions by knocking the We recently loaded for another been enjoying a lot of special organizations and their officials run on the rum and coke trail, privileges — going to the beach, This bevy of perl "women in while" makes il easy lo without any foundations for their and only God and Alcoa know theater, recreation hall. It's all undersland why Tony Zalewski raves aboul Ras Tanura's remarks. These agitators also how many more runs. But we are free, except for the drinks and hospilal. From lefl lo righl Ihe girls axe Emilie Pural, Ann knock the rules and regulations all set for anything, with a they are cheap. Fuhrken, Lou Wenlzel, Carol Carson and Jean Fedesna. laid down by the majority of first-class crew and officers and a clean ship. (Yes sir, not even I am enclosing a picture of a long time before getting this shortcake and most any kind of the memberships. old Mr. Bauxite can get this ship some of the swell nurses on the shore job. He, too, makes it a soft drinks. WARNING hospital staff. The others were pleasure to be here, for the way I think anyone who has read dirty.) off at the time the photo was Ships crews should be warned I read in the LOG about the taken or they'd have been in it. he puts out' a meal — and all this letter will agree with me to keep on the lookout for these you can eat. that the Ras Tanura hospital Brotherhood of Marine Engineers They're a swell gang. agitators. There are trouble-ma­ The Cook's name is John Constaff can do a lot to make a affiliating with .he iSlU, and I kers (as a rule, gashounds who think they made a very smart And here is one for the books. erly and here's a sample of some guy's stay there pleasant and perform aboard ship and con­ move. After all, we are the top The hospital's Chief Cook is a of the choice morsels he served: one to be long remembered. I'll tinue when they hit the beach) Union on the waterfront and I seaman. He's been here for six steak with mushrooms, lobster never forget my time there. who do nothing but blast every­ years, but had been sailing for salad, ice cream, strawberry Tony Zalewski guess they realize it. thing about the unions. Their MAKE IT A RULE purpose is to disrupt and keep the organizations from going I like very much the sugges­ ahead with their programs of tion made by Joe Algina about fighting for the welfare of the putting our pictures in our Un­ US seamen. ion books with the Union seal And the only people who are over them. I think this should To the Editor: (Ed. Note: The LOG at­ cause they are illegible. When served and helped by these be made into a Union rule. tempts to publish as many of a particular set of minutes is phonies are the commies and Also, I am in favor of the Mo­ I am enclosing a copy of the the shipowners. I hope that our bile resolution for compulsory Del Norte's shipboard minutes the ships' minutes as space especially interesting it is pub­ two unions wiU get together vacations. I recognize Brother because some of the Brothers will permit. Occasionally, pro­ lished in the news columns, as and warn all characters who dis­ Joe Buckley's point of view and have been checking back in the ceedings will not be published were the Del Norte minutes rupt, or who continue to make I admit that he made some very LOGs and do not find any rec­ because they do not contain which were the subject of a the name of the ship, or the false accusations in order to keep good points in his letter to the ord of the proceedings. dale of the meeting, or be­ story in the LOG of Aug. 5.) the bona fide memberships di­ LOG and they are true. vided that these tactics are com­ But I wish to remind my We have had some good writemie-inspired and beneficial only Brothers that job security is for ups in the paper, but the men think that the delegates have to the shipowners and the com­ all and not for a few. not been sending in the minutes mies themselves. William J. Blanco promptly. Of course, I realize SS Alcoa Puritan that there is not enough room Meanwhile, I want to thank To the Editor: you very much for sending the LOG regularly to my Frisco ad­ dress. My wife like the paper very much and I read all copies when I come back from a trip. Carl A. Dahl SUP. Book No. 2245 Member's Photo Belongs In Book, Blanco Agrees H 5 I I' r ' Del Norte Men 'Impressed' By SIU Movie; Say It Aids Ship's Education .Program Log-A-Rhythms: Carter Takes Trips Across Ballroom Floor—As Teacher To Ihe Editor: I'd like to use the SEAFAR­ ERS LOG to send a few lines to all my friends, wherever they may be. I've been in retirement since last May and as I was hospitalized for a few months since my last trip, I'd. like you all to know that I'm in ship­ shape condition again. Everything was squared up with the Isthmian Steamship Company from my trip on the SS Steel Maker. The good news I would like to tell you all is that I am now an Arthur Murray Dance Instruc­ tor. Any of my old friends who are in Baltimore and who wish to see our studio are welcome. I'd sure like to see some of the fellows whether they're in­ terested in dancing or not. Come on up and see what goes with ballroom dancing—it's fun. Wiley Carter WILEY CARTER in the LOG, nor is it essential, to publish all ship's minutes. By the way, the crew of the Del Norte wants me to say that we are all heartily in favor of the Ship's Bulletins which have been sent to us. All that we have received have been posted and read by all hands. Last night, we saw the film, "This Is The SIU," for the first time and we were all impressed. These educational films tend to increase our Union patriotism and are a great help in our edu­ cational program aboard ship. In connection with this pro­ gram we would like to receive some of the Union's latest pam­ phlets, particularly some copies of "Food for Thought." I would like to add that the film, "This Is The SIU," has pointed out to us "the great strides we have made in the last few years and the Brothers aboard this ship ask me to ex­ tend a vote of confidence and thanks for the excellent leader­ ship we are enjoying. Thurston J. Lewis SS Del Norte A SAILOR'S NIGHTMARE By LIGE At the ripe old age of twenty-three. I decided to take a, wife. But "woe is me" as you will see. It's not a Sailor's life. Ah joy and bliss, that first sweet year. Wag one for all the books. But the second year, it brought a tear. For she began to lose her looks. You can't do this and you can't do that. Her song was getting rusty. "You stayed out late, you're on the mat. "But your alibi — It's dusty." Then you sailed away across the sea. On some foreign shore, you'll land. Her letters state — "Come home to me. "With your paycheck in your hand." You head back home with a joyous heart. You've been granted a pay increase. But it doesn't do you uiy good. For her gimmies never cease. The beach, it calls — you stay a week. You live on cokes and drinks. You wonder why you were so meek. To get caught by the marriage jinx. So smile my boy. just laugh and grin. And see the world and mingle> Take it right on the chin, ' For there's more of us married than single, .f �Friday. October 7, 1949 THE SEAFARERS BUSY HANDS ON THE FRANCES Sees Vacations As Job Spur To the Editor: In regard to a recent letter in the LOG from a Brother who says that the Brothers should accept vacation pay and get off the ship after one year of steady employment, I want to say it is a very good idea. We had this discussed and voted on back in '39 and it worked swell for the member­ ship. Just recently I put in 12 months on a key job. And I think like everyone else — I thought I owned the damn scow! Boy, was I glad to take my va­ cation pay and get off. I'm married and I have two kids but I certainly didn't mind tak­ ing my chances on the shipping list again. Sure enough, within 60 days I Seafarer Offers Quality Photo Work At Low Cost To the Editor: I'd like to let my Union Bro­ thers know that if any of them have a need for any kind of photographic work, my partner and I can give them the finest quality jobs at low rates. We're doing business as Bill Reilly and James Duff here in New York. If you want pictures pf a social gathering, wedding party, or if you want portraits taken at home—anything, let us know. Just phone MO 9-3229, ask for Bill or Jim. < James McDuff was out again—on the same key job. Every man gets the same breaks in the SIU. So how about the men on the ships for a year or more giving the fellows on the beach a break. Why not vote on making va­ cations after one year compul­ sory! Book No. 307 In the past four months about 15 percent of the ships arriving in the Northwest have headed for the lay-up fleet. The Ghost Fleet of the USA far exceeds that of all other maritime na­ tions combined. As a consequence the beach lists of the various unions con­ tinue to grow larger. Some of these men who have followed the sea for a livelihood most of their lives are beginning to re­ mind me of what happened in the depression, or Hoover era. Lack of work saps their minds, weakens their strength. They are continually trying to find ways and means to exist. When a man's physical and mental faculties get into this weakened condition, he becomes easy prey for the commits and other finks. It seems sad, but it's true enough. FALLING INTO TRAP The powers that be in Wash­ ington are playing into the hands of the commies by depriving the American seamen of their right Meo Favors Rotary Shipping —For The Homesteaders, Too To the Editor: I read some of the letters in the LOG favoring compulsory vacations, and I wish to go on record in support of the proposal. I believe in rotary shipping and believe that anyone who has been on a vessel one year should take his vacation and give somebne else a chance to make some money. I believe, also, that many of the homesteaders are selfish and do not show sufficient interest in their Union's activities an i life has been emblazoned to the public, while his normal life and needs have been but neg­ atively stressed. As regards these inferences that the seaman sees little of the world in all his wanderings and he remains a negative factor in society, let me, if possible, scale this phenomenon to its unexaggerated dimensions. "The seaman is for one thing a working man and ' since the nature of his work is a fixed routine of four hours on and eight off for the duration of the passage till he reaches port, all his other activities rotate around those hours. The seafarer reg­ ulates his off hours into time for sleep, eating and recreation. He must conform to a measure of discipline that takes in the above forms, adjust himself to the individualties and idiosyn­ crasies of his shipmates, and be adaptable to the exigencies of his work, which sometime de­ mand the maximum of skill, stamina and courage. Finally he must be content with these conditions while the ship plows through the sea, breasting fair or rough weather to deposit the seaman in the contingent future on land. The seaman, then, when he reaches port, takes his pleasure for the most part as I'obustly as the elements he has to contend with at sea. It is like a statement once ex- pressed to me by an old timer Bosim: I have noted in sundry books "Wlien a man completes a about the sea the inference that three liionth trip and has only though the seaman travels tens a few days ashore before the of thousands of miles yearly to ship sails out again he wants tc the far corners of the earth he cram as much as he can into does, in actual fact, see very those few days." little of the world. That his The body and mind call for a status in society, because of his respite in which to assuage the long absence at sea and the pent-up feelings accumulated by continual migration up and down the trip. The seaman, therefore, the coast, to and from the Great does not as a rule, like the tour­ Lakes, for a favorable port have ist take to visiting castles and resulted in the seaman playing museums or other serious sight­ but a negative role in society. seeing, but hies himself while in Novels like Conrad's,. "Nigger a foreign port to places where of the Narcissus," London's, "Sea there is entertainment, such as Wolf," etc., and, closer to our pubs, dancehalls, red-light dis­ time, Eugene O'Neill's one act tricts, movies, etc. plays, "The Long Voyage Home, It must be remembei-ed that Bound East for Cardiff," etc., the professional seaman has be­ have depicted the seaman in come so inured to travel that glowing prose. Uncouth, tender, the novelty of a foreign port savage, drunken, courageous, he doesn't present to him the same is a composite of the best and freshness that it does to a tour­ worse in human nature. Impor­ ist. The seaman will be thrilled tantly though in real life, as at reaching a foreign port, but well as in fiction, these qualities for different reasons than the stand out sharply. tourist has. The seaman knows no privacy MAY RAISE EYEBROWS aboard ship. Ashore he is swal­ lowed up in the teeming water­ The seaman's mode of enjoy­ front which from time immem­ ment ashore in a foreign port orial has presented a picturesque may seem reproachable from a if somewhat sordid aspect to the sophisticate's point of view, but public. The seaman lives extroI truly believe that the man who vertly, yet for all the sharp de­ enjoys himself with moderate piction of him as a romantic drinking, a girl, a dance or a figure and adventurer, he remains movie, is healthier mentally and something of an enigma to the better able to endure long trips public. The fact is that all the and get along with his ship­ heroic and sordid aspects of his mates than the fellow who reads • books in port, or goes chasingthe arts. This is not to imply censure of the crewmember, for after to earn a livelihood. A well-fed better things. We should make all, every one has his own tastes. politician, ignorant of the needs full use of them by fighting Although it is a fine thing for a of the working man, can be Just along the political front, as well man to have cultural tastes, such as much of a detriment to these as on the economic front. We a man in my rough measure us­ United States as any commie. cannot afford to let our econ­ ually fits happier in more sedate Both practice the identical policy omic gains be jeopardized by the fields than seafaring. of rule or ruin. political activities of others. We It is a popular belief that sea­ Right now, there is a move on must be prepared to meet them men haunt the waterfront dives to transfer some of the vital in­ on their own ground. and only by accident make for dustries from Pacific coast ports WilUam McKay the center of a city during a to the Middle West. Stupid poli­ stay in port. I believe this as­ tics .are behind this move. This sumption is a carry-over from would throw thousands of work­ sea stories that still like to keep ers out of employment — more the seaman in the muck. The grist for the commie mill. We All applications for unem­ fact is that the present genera­ are ignored because we don't ployment insurance in New tion of American seamen are raise our voices or vote in oppo­ York City must be made clean-cut, idealstic and with a sition to the various groups who through the offices at 165 good education behind them. It Joralemon St„ Brooklyn is not uncommon to hear in a seek to take away our hard won gains and conditions. (Third Floor), instead of the messroom bull session the as­ District offices, as formerly. pirations of men professing the We have in our Union the brains and ability to lead us to higher things of life, such as a business, home and marriage. BUT WHAT DOES POP SAY? Conditions have changed fav­ orably for the seamen and no longer need the writer seek in the stereotype of the seaman of the past for his sea story char­ acters. There is di'ama enough from the events of these recent years upon which to draw. The war years and the struggle of the Unions to better conditions for the seaman—surely these are worthy.- backurops against which to set the drama of men. Certainly the SIU has rais­ ed the conditions and status of its members to a livable plane, where the future is relatively secure; and in so doing has in­ fluenced the raising of wages and living standards of other union and non-union ships. In the end, however, it is up to the individual seaman when he goes to sea, to find all those things that can enrich his life, be it experience, companions, Seafarer John Chaker (left) poses with Emil Ager, a long­ work or study. They will exact shoreman whom he met in Le Havre, while John's ship, the from him his best and mold him SS Lilica. was unloading coal. Chaker says the French docker at lea.st a better man. John J. Flynn bears a striking resemblance to his father-in-law. Tell Politicos Where We Stand, He Says To the Editor: problems. In order for us to grow, we must all work togeth­ er. Above all, I cannot see cliques on our ships, because they encourage apple polishing and stooges. It is very likely that a good many homesteaders have been away from Union Halls so long they have forgotten what the Halls look like—or how to go about shipping out. I'd like to see other members join in this discussion because it's very important to us all. Frank Meo Page Nine Seafaring Is Still Rugged But Public Knows Nothing Of Modern Seaman: Flynn To the Editor: A shipboard cameraman was on hand when the Deck Gang of the Bull Lines ship were topping booms over the No. 5 hatch.. From left to right: Soto, DM; an identified AB; Ramos, AB; Napoleonis, OS; M. Gonzalez, OS, and Dominick, Carpenter. LOG Attention Members! �Page Ten THE S E AF A RE RS LOG TxtdAy. October 7, 1949 Minutes Of A&G Branch Meetings In Brief NORFOLK — Chairman. Ben Bees, 95; Recording Secretary. J. A. Bullock. 4747: Reading Clerk (chairman acted as read­ ing clerk). * Motion carried to accept rec­ ommendations made by Build­ ing Repair Committee. Motion carried to concur in Headquar­ ters' resolution on the forthcom­ ing elections for officials to serve in 1950. Motion carried to post minutes of various Branch meet­ ings on the bulletin board. Head- quarters report to the member­ ship and Agent's verbal report accepted. Motion carried to in­ struct Port Agent to petition Secretary-Treasurer to appropri­ ate $1,950 from the Building Fund for repairs to wall and building caused by removal of building next door (125 Bank Street). One minute of silence in memory of departed Brothers. Meeting adjou 'td at 7:45 PM, with 55 meimbers present. % % BOSTON—Chairman. T. Flem­ ing. 30821; Recording Secretary. B. Lawson. 894; Reading Clerk. R. Murphy. 39427. Minutes of previous meetings 1^ I* A&G Shipping From Sept 14 To Sept 28 PORT REG. DECK REG. ENG. REG. STWDS. Boston New York Philadelphia Baltimore. Norfolk Savannah. Tampa. Mobile New Orleans Galveston West Coast 36 114 29 115 25 12 18 53 77 11 21 27 100 24 • 85 20 5 24 52 75 16 23 53 124 30 81 10 9 18 38 107 11 25 GRAND TOTAL 511 451 506 in all ports read and approved. Agent spoke ori the shipping sit­ uation for the Port of Boston. Dispatcher announced the ship­ ping figures for the past twoweek period. Headquarters'" re­ port to the membership read arid approved, as well as the Secre­ tary-Treasurer's regular financial report. Motion carried to excuse two Brothers from the meeting. After one minute of silence in memory of departed Brothers, motion carried to adjourn. 146 members were present. 4. 4. 4. SAVANNAH — Chairman. Jim Drawdy, 28523; Recording Sec­ retary, Martin McCranie, 45052; Reading Clerk, S. J. Colcock, 38407. TOTAL REG. lie" 338 83 281 55 26 60 143 259 38 69 SHIPPED DECK 12 76 16 79 31 9 11 58 59 72 97 3 13 8 (No Breakdown Available) 1,468 354 326 330 228 24 79 1,089 Committee's report read and ac­ cepted. One minute of silence in fnemory of departed Brothers. Under Good and Welfare, there was lengthy discussion on var­ ious subjects pertaining to good of the Union. Meeting adjourned at 7:40 PM, with 365 members present. 4 4 4 NEW ORLEANS — Chairman, James Tucker, 2209: Recording Secretary, Johnny Johnston, 53; Reading Clerk, Buck Stephens, 76. ting around. It was pbirited out that every beef coming irito this port could be traced to this mat­ ter. Most of the speakers felt that if a riian Wanted a day off, he should call the Hall for a re­ lief for the day. The SS Aritinous, which is in port, has a beef aboard revolving around the question of time off. Meeting adjourned with 57 members in attendance. 4 4 4 GALVESTON — Chairman, Keith Alsop, 7311; Recording The following were read and Secretary, R. Wilbum, 37739; accepted: Previous meetings' Reading Clerk, J. Bird, 34683. minutes of all Branches, Secre­ tary-Treasurer's financial report. Galveston minutes and those Headquarters' report to the mem­ of other ports read and approved. bership. Charges read against Agent discussed local shipping member, and committee's deci­ situation and was followed by sion. Port Agent said that every­ Patrolman-Dispatcher who re­ thing. was going okay. There ported on two-week activities. were nine payoffs and five sign- Motion carried to extend ship­ ons during the past two weeks, ping cards 30 days for book­ he said, with about 25 ships in men. One minute of silence in air coming into port. The in- memory of departed Brothers. trarisits did not take many re­ Meeting adjourned at 7:20 PM. placements, so shipping was riot 4 4 4 given much of a boost. Pros­ NEW YORK—Chairman, L. J. pects are that shipping will re­ Williams, 21550; Recording Sec­ turn to normal in the coming retary, Freddie Stewart, 4935; weeks. The Union represented* a Readinjg Clerk, Robert A. Mat­ Brother involved in a Coast thews, l54. Guard beef here and succeeded in winning his acquittal, the Ag­ Minutes of previous meeting ent reported. Excuses referred read and approved. Port Agent to Dispatcher. Letter read from discussed shipping, which has the Alcoa Steamship Company been fair during the past two requesting men getting re^ef weeks. Secretary-Treasurer re­ jobs to check with the heads of ported that the alterations on their departments. A comrriittee the Mobile Hall are nearing recommended that Brother -Wal­ completion. He added that when ter G. Smith, Book No. 48069, the Hall is ready it will be one be allowed to become active of the most comfortable and again. Motion carried to "Concur in committee's recommendation. Following Brothers took th,e Un­ ion Oath of Obligation: P. W. Reading of Savannah and other Branch minutes of previous meetings. They were accepted along with Headquarters' report to the membership. Port Agent reported on shipping in the port and said that a beef on the SS By RAY WHITE Jean concerning overtime be­ TAMPA—Everything is mov­ cause of unlicensed men's work ing along smoothly here, with performed by the officers had more ships coming into port than ever before. The only draw­ back is that they are mostly intransit callers and require few replacements. At this writing, on the sec­ ond day of the week, we have been settled. He said 45 hours already had four ships in port, overtime was involved. The and several more are due. Yes­ prospects for the next two-week terday we had the Iberville, Wa­ period are not too good, the terman. Today, we have the De- Agent said. He reported that Soto and Canton Victory, both Brother Jeff Gillette was down Waterman, and the Alcoa Pa­ in Jacksonville to cover a few ships, and also to attend a meet­ triot. The Iberville called for one ing of the AFL Central Trades man — a Wiper. However, we and Labor body, upon which he managed to ship a few ABs will report when he returns. arid FOWs on most ships touch­ Brothers Boland Hoffman, Book ing this port. The Florida still No. 47621, and J. B. Davis, Book caUs for several Engine and No. 50453, took the Union Oath of Obligation. Brother P. W. beck Department men. Reynolds was permitted to re­ EATERIES OUT The Spanish Restaurant Em- register as Wiper. Meeting ad­ ployees are out on strike here. journed at 8:10 PM, with 110 All waiters, cooks, bartenders, members present. Dalton, M. Pierprinski,' "B. C. 4 4 4 dishwashers have walked out. BALTIMORE — Chairman, Collins, S. L. Grice, :H.;rW. GirIn fact, the only ones remain­ William Reniz, 26445; Recording ard and C. Cervantes, ^eeting ing are the bosses, and the res­ Secretary, Maurice Burnstine, adjourned at 8:2(5'with 270 taurants look like ghost shops. 2257; Reading Clerk, G. A. Masmembers present. The largest of the struck shops, terson, 2257. 4 the Columbia, one of the most •publicized eateries in the coun­ Charges and trial committee's TAMPA — Chairman, Ray try, has been especially hard rulings read and accepted. Min-. While, 57; Rechrdiiig Secretary, hit. Needless to say, the SIU utes of previous nieetings read R. H. Hall, 26CD6(1; Reading Clerk, as usual has offered any assist­ and approved. Several members N. EUu, 16. ance needed in this beef. were excused from the riieeting Previotis meeting's minutes of The State of Florida just gave after presenting acceptable rea­ Tampa arid other Biranches read birth to a three percent sales sons. Headquarters report to the and accepted. Branch Agent tax. This is one thing that the membership approved as read. made his report on shipping. Governor assured Florida citi­ Letter read from the Baltimore Communication frdin Headquar­ zens would never happen. It Federation of Labor asking for ters' bookkeeper was read, inseems he has forgotten all cam­ donation for the AFL Grain and forniing Branch to remit General paign promises. Since the aver­ Mill Workers Local 74. Motion Fund assessment. Secretary-Trea­ age wage here is less than 30 carried to contribute $25. Port surer's financial report read and bucks a week, this tax is going Agent stated that shipping dur­ approved. Under Good and Wel­ to work a hardship on a lot of ing the past two weeks had fare, the subject of time off people. taken a sharp drop. Hospital came in for a good bit of bat­ Tampa Kept Busy Visiting Ships modern on the coast. The Mo­ bile Hall, he said, was in need of repairs for some time, but that they had been put off be­ cause of the high cost of ma­ SHIPPED SHIPkED TOTAL terials. Now that prices have ENG. InWbs. SHIPPED eased off, the job is being done at considerable savings to the 9 6 27 Union. Headquarters' resolution, 70 73 219 calling for return of the Bui-eau 12 5 53 of Navigation from the Coast 68 62 209 Gruai-d to the Commerce Depart­ 19 29 79 ment, was read. The resolution 7 15 31 recommended that a campaign 11 8 30 be instituted by all Districts of 45 37 130 the SIU to remove the Coast Guard from authority over sea­ men and that the support of the American Federation - of Labor be enlisted at its current con­ vention. The resolution was pass­ ed unanimously. Secretary-Trea­ surer Hall introduced Morris Weisberger, East Coast repre­ sentative of the Sailors Union of the Pacific, and a vice-presi­ dent of the SIU. Weisberger spoke briefly, praising the closeworking relationship of the A&G District and the SUP. He re­ ceived a roaring ovation from the membership. 4 4 4 PHILADELPHIA— Chairman, D. Hall, 43372; Recording Sec­ retary, G. H. Seeburger, 6392; Reading Clerk, A. Fusco, 42860. All minutes of previous Branch meetings accepted as read. Agerit reported on the status of ship­ ping in this port. Motion car­ ried to put lock on televisioft set. Secretary-Treasurer's finan­ cial report and Headquarters' report to the membership read and accepted. Warren Neilson took the Union Oath of Obliga­ tion. Motion carried to refer ex­ cuses to the Dispatcher. One minute of silence in memory of departed Brothers. Meeting ad­ journed at 8:10 PM, with 300 members present. In-Transit Ships Help Frisco But Beach Stiil Has Its Quota By JEFF MORRISON SAN FRANCISCO — In-tran­ sit ships are taking a few men, but not enough to enable us to report that shipping is good out here. It takes payoffs and signons to do that. The past two weeks saw these ships calling here: SS Gateway City, SS Maiden Victory, SS Jeff Davis, Waterman; SS Mar­ quette Victory, SS Steel Seafarer, Kenyon Victory, Isthmian, and the SS Marymar, Calmar. All of these vessels came in clean. With nothing to handle other thari routine affairs. The questions put to us by the men aboard them were mostly on matters of overtime. Bob Schreffius, the ladies' man of the Gulf, shipped on the Mai­ den Victory, an intercoastal job, and Bill Lamb, another oldtimer, shipped on the SS Twin Falls Victory. Bill made the previous voyage on the Twin Falls and liked it well enough to re-ship on her after she made the loop. He talks like he has found a home for awhile. Seafarers on the shoreside this week include J. Faraquohoe, V. T. J. Malone, F. Keely, Sam Drury, B. Boxley, W. Silverthorn, J. D. Otto and G. Gabbler. At a special meeting held ih this port to act on the resolu­ tion setting forth the Union posi­ tions to appear on the ballot in the approaching A&G electiOris, the membership voted unani­ mously to concur in the recorrtmendations. Our men in the Marine Hospi­ tal this week are Dusty Meeks, T. Isaksen, J. (Blackie) Keenari, H. Fasakerley, R. Guthrie, R. Ahearn, and Sam Drury. �Friday, October 7, 1949 ; 1 THE SEAFARERS LOG Page Eleven Posts And Qualifications In A&G Elections 'Subway Series' Takes The Play Below are listed the A&G District posts that are to be filled in the forthcoming election, and the constitutional requirements that all candidates must meet. Read these carefully before sending in nominations and creden­ tials, which must reach the Secretary-Treasurer by October 15. NORFOLK: 1 Agent SAVANNAH: 1 Agent TAMPA: 1 Agent MOBILE: 1 Agent 2 Joint Patrolmen NEW ORLEANS: 1 Agent 1 Deck Department Patrolman 1 Engine Department Patrolman 1 Stewards Department Patrolman GALVESTON 1 Agent 1 Joint Patrolman HEADQUARTERS: 1 Secretary-Treasurer 3 Assistant Secretary-Treasurers BOSTON: 1 Agent NEW YORK: 1 Agent 2 Deck Department Patrolmen 2 Engine Department Patrolmen 2 Stewards Department Patrolmen PHILADELPHIA: 1 Agent BALTIMORE: 1 Agent 1 Deck Department Patrolman 1 Engine Department Patrolman 1 Stewards Department Patrolman Qualifications for office in the Seafarers International Union, Atlantic and Gulf Dis­ trict, as provided for by the Constitution and By-laws are as follows: (a) That he be a citizen of the United States. (b) That he be a full member of the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic and Gulf District, in con­ tinuous good standing for a period of two (2) years immediately prior to date of nom­ ination. (c) Any candidate for Agent or Joint Patrolman must have three years of sea service in any one of three departments. Any candidates for departmental Patrolman must have three years sea service in their respective department. Sea service as spec­ ified in this article, shall mean on merchant vessels in unlicensed capacity. (d) That he has not misconducted him­ self previously while employed as an officer of the Union. (e) That he be an active and full book member and show four months discharges for the current year in an unlicensed rat­ ing, prior to date of nomination. This pro­ vision shall not apply to officials and other office holders working for the Union during current year for period of four months or longer. Any member who can qualify may nominate himself for office by submitting, in writing, his intention to run for office, naming the particular office and submitting the necessary proof of qualification as listed above. The notice of intention addressed to the Secretary-Treasurer must be in his office not later than October 15, 1949, when nom­ inations will be closed. In addition, each candidate shall sub­ mit a regulation passport photo, taken re­ cently, a statement of not more than 100 words, giving a brief summary of his Union record and activities—both of which will be run in the SEAFARERS LOG prior to the voting period. Away From New York Shipping By JOE ALGINA NEW YORK —This port set­ tled down to a two-week period of fair shipping. Practically all activity was on the routine side. What excitement there was came from the news that this town will be the scene of all the World Series baseball games, with the Brooklyn Dodgers and the New York Yankees coming to grips for the championship. With ducats for the games sold out and scalpers asking as high as a hundred bucks for their pasteboards, we guess most Sea­ farers will watch and listen to the games via television and ra­ dio. But to get back to shipping, here's the line-up of vessels that paid off here during the past two weeks: Robin Wentley, Robin Goodfellow, Steel Rover, Steel King, Steel Vendor, Suzanne, Marina, Bessemer Victory, Chick­ asaw, Raphael Semmes, Seatrain Havana, Seatrain New Jersey, Bull Run, J. W. Cullen, Puerto Rico and J. B. Waterman. Sign-ons were the Cecil Bean, a Dry Transportation Corpora­ tion vessel; the Suzanne, Marina, Puerto Rico, Steel King, Steel Vendor, Jefferson City and all the others on the intercoastal runs. We're glad to see that the steel workers have come out fighting for their demands, and are not leaving the issue to be handled by any government bureaucrats. The principal cause of the cur­ rent strike in steel is the com­ panies' insistence that any pen­ sion plan should also be support­ ed by the workers The men have a good beef in demanding that the employers pay for the pensions, because some of the smaller outfits have signed up with the union, show­ ing that they can afford it. And if the little guy (if you can call any steel manufacturer a little guy) can manage to put some­ thing away for his employes' old age, certainly the big operators can do the same. Alas, Shipping In Port Boston, Like Red Sox, Is An Also-Ran By BEN LAWSON BOSTON — Practically every­ port of payoff for settlement. thing that happened in this town The payoff aboard the SS during the past two weeks has Trinity was a beaut, thanks to a been overshadowed by the conk­ pre-payoff education meeting. ing out of the Boston Red Sox Everything was in perfect order in the last hours of the Ameri­ as a result of this session and can League pennant race. But the payoff came off smoothly. the Boston team might be con­ Pretty nice going, I'd say. soled by the fact that we haven't Big Alec Olsen just registered. been pounding out any great He's as brown as brown could shipping figures. be. Not from a trip, but from a Three ships came in for pay­ full, hot summer spent on his offs, two of which signed on sloop. During his slooping. Alec's again, the SS Cabins and the entire wardrobe consisted of a SS Trinity. Eastern's SS Yar­ pair of bathing trunks and he mouth paid off, then tied-up. certainly looks it. In-transit visitors for the peri­ Also in this week is old Jim od were the SS Steel Vendor, Hanso, who is looking for a Isthmian; SS Yorkmar, Calmar; Plumber-Machinist's job. SS Canton Victory and SS Gree­ By the way. I wouldn't advise ley Victory, Waterman. Things the Brothers to head this way, for the past 2V2 months, and were fairly smooth aboard these if they are looking for a ship. would appreciate visits from his ships, except for some disputed The tying-up of the SS Yar­ fi'iends. overtime carried on the York- mouth has given us a big ship­ mar. This will be taken to the ping list. 4 4 4 FRANK RAKAS James C. Latham, Rights of Way Examiner, Rights of Way Dept., Maryland State Roads Commission, 302 S. Aurora St., Easton, Md., asks you to get in touch with him. BALTIMORE 14 North Gajr St. HONOLULU 16 Merchant St. William Rentz, Agent Mulberry 4540 4 4 4 Phone 5-8777 BOSTON 276 State St. PORTLAND MITCHELL T. REED Ill W. Bumslde St. Beacon 4335 Contact Benjamin B. Sterling, Ben Lawson, Agent Richmond 2-0140 Dispatcher Richmond 2-0141 RICHMOND, CaUf 257 Sth St. 42 Broadway, New York, im­ GALVESTON .308%—23rd St. Phone 2599 mediately. Phone DIgby 4-7830. Keith Alsop, Agent Phone 2-8448 ville Street, New Orleans, La., JAMES P. SMALL or to 813 Baronne Street, New Contact Mrs. Shirley Wessel at Orleans. Seamen's Church Institute, 25 4 4 4 South Street, New York. WM. G. PURDY 4. 4 4. Your mother asks that you JOHN W. WARD write her at 27 W. Genesee Get in touch with your mother at 100 N. Arboles Ct., San Pedi'o, Street, Hornell, New York. Calif. ° JOHN WALTON 4. 4 4 Get in touch with your daugh­ ALLEN D. EWING ter, Aileen Walton at 36 .Sid­ Local Board No. 1, Rose Gil­ ney Place, Brooklyn N.Y. bert, Clerk, 80 Lafayette Street, New York 13, N.Y., asks you to CREW, SS^ NOONDAY call. Shipmates of Bob Lambert 4 4 4 ai-e asked to get in touch with CARMELO ^GIUGA (GUIGA) ROY R. WHITE him at the marine hospital, StatYour»mother is very ill. Get Get in touch with your par­ en Island, New York City. in touch with Accurso Bonti, ents, at Box 9, Reelsville, In­ 4 4 4 c/o Giuga, 123 Elizabeth Street, diana. EMERY DEWEY CROWELL New York 1^ N.Y. 4 4 4 Get in touch with your wife 4 4 4 LEROY FRAZIER at 161 West 94 Street, Apt. 7, C. MARTIN Your sister, Inez Frazier, 119 New York City, The number in your book, Shamrock St., East Alton, 111., 4 4 4 51513, is incorrect. Bring or mail RED HUNNEYCUTT wants you to get in touch with your book to Headquarters, 51 her. This Brother is in the New Beaver St., so that the correct Orleans Marine Hospital, Ward number, 51313, can be put in. 4 4 4 WARD LEWIS HOWIESON D-5, and wants all former ship­ 4 4 4 Contact the Missing Seamen mates to write or visit him. WILLIAM O'CONNOR Bureau, 25 South Street, New 4 4 4 Write to Richard J. Brown, BOYD DAVIS York 4, N.Y. care of the SIU Baltimore Hall. 4 4 4 Helen, in Canada, asks that It is very important. ROBERT A. CARTER you write to her. 4 4 4 HARVEY HILL Anyone finding the papers, Your sister-in-law, Mrs. J. W. RICHARD GRALECKI discharges, etc., of this Brother, This Brother, off the Seatrain Hill, Slusser Avenue, New Hart­ Z number 93162, is asked to mail them to him care of the New Jersey, has been in the ford, N.Y., asks you to get in fiew Orleans Hall, 823 Bien­ Staten Island Marine. Hospital touch with her. I Directory Of SIU Halls SIU, A&G District MOBILE 1 South Lawrence St. Cat Tanner, Agent Phone 2-1754 NEW ORLEANS 523 Bienville St. E. Sheppard, Agent Magnolia 6112-6113 NEW YORK 51 Beaver St. Joe Algina, Agent HAnover 2-2784 NORFOLK 127-129 Bank St. Ben Rees, Agent Phone 4-1083 PHILADELPHIA 337 Market St. J. Sheehan, Agent Market 7-1635 SAN FRANCISCO 85 Third St. Jeff Morrison, Agent Douglas 2-5475 SAVANNAH 2 Abercom St. Jim Drawdy, Agent Phone 3-1728 SEATTLE 86 Seneca St. Wm. McKay, Agent Seneca 4570 TAMPA 18^9-1811 N. Franklin St. Ray White, Agent Phone M-1323 WILMINGTON, CaUf., 227% Avalon Blvd. E. B. Tilley, Agent Terminal 4-2874 HEADQUARTERS. . 51 Beaver St., N.V.C. SECRETARY-TREASURER Paul Hall DIRECTOR OF ORGANIZATION Undsey Williams ASST. SECRETARY-TREASURERS Robert Matthews J. P. Shuler Joseph Volplan SUP SAN FRANCISCO SEATTLE WILMINGTON 59 Clay St. Douglas 2-8363 86 Seneca St. Main 0290 440 Avalon Blvd. Terminal 4-313^ * Canadian District MONTREAL 404 Le Moyne Sh Marquette 5909 FORT WILLIAM..118% Syndicate Ave. Ontario Phone 3-3221 HALIFAX 128% HoUis St. Phone 3-8911 PORT COLBORNE 103 Durham St. Phone 5591 TORONTO Ill A Jarvis St. Elgin 5719 VICTORIA, BA: 602 Boughton Sk Empire 4531 VANCOUVER 565 Hamilton SV Pacific 7814 HEADQUARTERS. Montreal 12 McGlU Sib Plateau 670 �Page Twelve THE SEAFARERS LOG Friday, October'?, li949 Statements On Policy By A&G District In the less than six months since it received its charter from the Seafarers International Un­ ion, the Brotherhood of Marine Engineers has firmly established itself as a going trade union organization on the American waterfront. The fledgling organization has signed contracts with six steamship companies and is currently in ne­ gotiations with several other major operators, which, when signed up, will make the BME the collective bargaining agent for Engineers aboard hundreds of American flag ships. WELCOMED BY SIU AFFILIATES When the BME was granted its charter by the SIU last May, the membership of the Atlan­ tic & Gulf District, as well as the other com­ ponents of the International, went on record to give complete support to the new affiliate. The SIU policy of giving unstinted aid and support to the BME has aided this organization materi­ ally in getting on its feet. The facilities of all SIU Branches were thrown open to the BME, and every possible effort was made to speed the BME along in its drive to bring the Engineers of America's merchant marine real trade union representation. With the backing of the SIU, the BME im­ mediately plunged into an organizational cam­ paign. The response of Engineers to the drive has now reached almost landslide proportions, with pledge cards and letters seeking member­ ship numbering in the dozens arriving at BME headquarters daily. Aboard many ships BME representatives are finding the Engineers eager to abandon the sinking MEBA, in favor of trade union protection which will guarantee them a democratic set-up and a hand in shaping their contracts, free from communist influence. Though the Engineers on the ships are root­ ing for the success of the BME, there are other The signing of a contract with Isthmian in 1947, after a bitterly fought organizational drive, was considered by the SIU to signal the end of the Isthmian campaign, but events in .recent months have demonstrated that the SIU is fight­ ing a second Isthmian campaign—this time to preserve its hard won gains from the crippling tactics of Harry Bridges and his communist sup­ porters. BRIDGES SPINS WEB OF DESTRUCTION Fortunately, the SIU in this campaign has •utmaneuvered Bridges, and will emerge from the battle unharmed. The same, however, can­ not be said for other unions that became en­ meshed in the Bridges web, spun on the shores of beautiful Hawaii. The SIU policy in the current Hawaiian strike was set two months ago, when the mem­ bership at a special meeting voted to honor its contractual obligation with Isthmian. The crew of the SS Steel Flyer was told to sail their ves­ sel, tied up then in Honolulu. The SIU took its stand in light of the fact that to jeopardize its contract with Isthmian might mean the loss of almost three years of effort spent in organizing the fleet, during which time over a quarter of a million dollars was spent. CIO ENGINEERS IGNORED BEEF Also figuring in the SIU's decision was the fact that the CIO Engineers had not recognized the strike. On the Steel Flyer the Engineers re­ mained aboard and kept up steam. To add to the foul-up, CIO dock clerks and checkers, affiliated with Bridges' union, continued to work during the beef. Bridges' actions prior to the Hawaii beef ,2how an unending campaign directed against the The BME Campaign forces at work anxious to see the BME die in infancy. A case in point is that of the SS Sir John Franklin, a ship owned by the Isbrandtsen Company. When the Franklin arrived in New York last month, the Marine Engineers Benefi­ cial Association, CIO, arbitrarily obdered the ship's Engineers to shut the plant down and go ashore—an order which completely ignored pos­ sible jeopardy of the Engineers' licenses. Four days later, Isbrandtsen was presented with de­ mands for a new contract, demands which far exceeded those okayed by the MEBA in agree­ ments signed recently by 40 other Atlantic and Gulf operators. MEBA DISCREDITED With Isbrandtsen no longer contracted to the MEBA, and NMU and CIO radio operators aboard ready to sail the vessel, the BME de­ clared the vessel unorganized and sent members to the company for employment aboard the ship. The move by the BME was in line with its gen­ eral policy that the entire MEBA is a discredit­ ed organization, riddle 1 by dissension, dominated by the communists and no longer representative of the wishes of ship Engineers. When the ship sailed five days later, BME Engineers were aboard in the engineroom. An NMU crew and CIO radio operators were aboard, too, their unions having demonstrated their dis­ favor with the MEBA tactics by dispatching crewmembers with orders to pass the picketline —a phony left wing MEBA demonstration—and go aboard the ship. Thus ended the Franklin in­ cident. The BME subsequently signed a contract with Isbrandtsen. the Hawaiian Beef SIU, both in the Union's regular activities and its organizing drive in Isthmian. During the years the SIU fought to win the Isthmian fleet. Bridges did everything possible to hamstring the SIU on the West Coast. The NMU, striving for the same prize, was treated royally at ILWU piers, though the efforts came to naught when the votes were tallied. Bridges took a crack at the SIU when he tried to have the SUP crew of the BS Mello Franco replaced by an NMU crew in Coos Bay, Oregon. New Orleans saw a Bridges drive to take over the longshoremen there nipped in the bud through SIU aid. Again and again Bridges' drives to weaken the SIU have been repelled. There is no need to reiterate the many times Bridges has sought to smash the SIU; the mem­ bership is well aware of his past drives. BRIDGES' AIMING HIGH The fact that the BME proved itself capable of coping with the MEBA in a waterfront action immediately brought forth screams of anguish from the MEBA. They immediately launched an attack on the BME, claiming the ship was scab­ bed out. Strangely enough, they had nothing to say about the NMU or CIO radio officers unions, both of which crossed their picketline. They cooed sweet nothings at their, fellow CIO unions while levelling both barrels at the AFL Engineers and its parent, the SIU. ROAD WILL BE ROUGH With the BME now a recognized factor on the waterfront, the road is going to get rougher *for our affiliate. Despite the fact that the BME already represents several hundred marine En­ gineers, and has majority representation in sev­ eral companies, the MEBA will attempt to smear the new outfit and eliminate it entirely from the waterfront scene. When and if the showdown comes, the SIU stands fully behind the BME. The SIU is joined in this support by the Maritime Trades Depart­ ment, whose power has been sufficient to repel left-wingers' attacks against AFL unions before. BME HAS STRONG BACKING The backing of the AFL waterfront organi­ zations will guarantee the BME complete vic­ tory in its fight to bring genuine trade unionism to the marine Engineers. The SIU is pledged to support the BME men to the finish, and wher­ ever the SIU has pledged its strength in the past the battle has always been won. SIU members should stand alert for MEBA and communist propaganda aimed at causing dis­ sension within the SIU's ranks. The bell has sounded, and the SIU is in the BME's corner until the end. On the West Coast, unions which have fol­ lowed blindly behind Bridges' pied-piping now find themselves on the verge of extinction. The beginning of this year saw the end of a 100-day longshore strike; a strike that sapped great strength from the West Coast labor organiza­ tions. (A strike, incidentally, that was supported by the SIU.) Now Bridges is involved in a strike entering its sixth month in Hawaii that is prov­ ing to be disastrous for the small West Coast unions, particularly the MFOWW. SIU AVOIDS RED TRAP All of the small unions on the West Coast ifind themselves at the mercy of Bridges, and can do nothing except wait for him to release the noose—if that day will ever come for them. The SIU, however, refuses to let itself be dictated to by an outfit whose aim is to take over and dom­ inate American maritime workers. The SIU refuses to throw away the work and money that went into the organizing of Isthmian. The SIU refuses to live or die by the dictates of Bridges and his communist followers. THUMBS DOWN ON POWER GRABS In his current drive he is being a bit more A beef which is legitimate will always get subtle. By forcing the SIU to break its contract the support of the SIU, but where the sole ob­ with the Isthmian Steamship Company, Bridges hopes to deal a body blow to the SIU's strength. ject is to gain power, whether it be over the The loss of Isthmian — a SO-ship company — SIU or over the economic life of an isolated would seriously dent the SIU's contracted fleet, island in the middle of the Pacific, the SIU re­ and throw the company into the unorganized fuses to lie down and die. The membership of ring again. The prospects of having to tackle the SIU demonstrated that fully, when it voted Isthmian all over again, Bridges undoubtedly unanimously to honor the Isthmian contract in presumes, would be too much for the SIU. Even Hawaiian ports. The policy of the SIU in the if no other union would be capable of organiz­ Hawaiian beef has been set by the membership ing the company, his objective would have been of the Union. The second battle for the Isthmian gained. The rule or ruin tactic of the commies fleet will be won by the SIU. is history in dozens of America's unions, the The SIU's policy is to honor its contracts in Hawaii. NMU being a good example. � 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 October 7, 1949 Identifier An unambiguous reference to the resource within a given context Vol. XI, No. 28 Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Paul Hall Maritime Library Microfilm 1939-1993 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Seafarers Log Format The file format, physical medium, or dimensions of the resource Newsprint Type The nature or genre of the resource Text Description An account of the resource Headlines: SEAFARERS INTENSIFIES FIGHT ON CG CONTROL OVER SEAMEN 50% OF ARMS AID TO GO ON US SHIPS COURT THROWS OUT $250,000 DAMAGE SUIT OF 29 FORMER PERMITMEN AGAINST UNION WALL STREET UNIONISM A&G RESOLUTION ON COAST GUARD SAVANNAH WINS OVERITME BEEF FOR DECK MEN ON THE SS JEAN PORT BALTIMORE HAS ENOUGH MEN TO HANDLE ALL SHIPPING NEEDS SEATTLE GETS TWO WEEKS OF GOOD SHIPPING PRO-SIU CREWS HAVE CITIES SERVICE ROCKY TYPHOON DRIVES PACKER AGROUND IN TOKYO BAY; 3 WEEK ORDEAL RELATED CREWS ACCLAIM SIU OVERSEAS NEWS BULLETIN TAMPA KEPT BUSY VISITING SHIPS IN-TRANSIT SHIPS HELP FRISCO BUT BEACH STILL HAS ITS QUOTA POSTS AND QUALIFICATIONS 'SUBWAY SERIES' TAKES THE PLAY AWAY FROM NEW YORK SHIPPING ALAS, SHIPPING IN PORT BOSTON, LIKE RED SOX, IS AN ALSO-RAN STATEMENTS ON POLICY BY A&G DISTRICT THE HAWAIIAN BEEF Publisher An entity responsible for making the resource available Seafarers International Union of North America 1949 Periodicals Seafarers Log