The sun., 1903-10-18
possible, to make quick passages and bavs

possible, to make quick passages and hava
everything run smoothly.
Much Of this improvement In the condi-
tion OF the sailors has been brought about
by the sailors union. This union is well
organized, and has branches in every porn
In the United States. The headquarters
are in Boston.
This union has been instrumental in
having many laws passed that have i'm.
proved the conditions Of the sailor, Some.
times it goes little too far, in the opinion
OF the owners, and the two interests clash.
Largely through the efforts of this union
q law was passed, a few years, ago which
described what food should be served to
the men at sea. Some owners think that
the men arc fed too well and that the law
should be modified. The law says that the
men are to have a certain amount of fresh
meat, so much salt meat, certain vegetables
e kinds), fresh bread pickles. fruits, tea 4
coffee, proper condiments, sugar, molasses
and cereals.
After the men go of watch during the
night the cook serves them with coffee,
Breakfast is served between $50 and I
o'clock, during the dog watch. This is o
good, substantial meal.
Dinner comes at noon. 1t usually con-
sists OF soup, meat, vegetables, and pie or
pudding. Sometimes fish is served, often
two kinds of meat, two or three vegetables,
salads, if possible, and coffee or tea.
Supper is ready at o'clock, am for this
meal the men have hash or stews, cold
meat, bread, butter, cake and fruit. OF
course, the way the food is served will
depend largely on the ability ofIthe cook.
but usually the cook knows his business,
He is paid 500 a month; and on a Large vessel,
where there are many men in the crew, he
has an assistant. The sailors gel the same
fare as the master, and they live well.
A RI
need to have any expert knowledge. All
that is wanted Of him is to be arong and
do the work required.
Longshoremen and laborers could do
his work in these times, and a long Ghoreman
can only earn about dollar and half
day. on shore He has to put n long
days work, too, and has also ID provide
his own food. When it is considered that
the laborer on shore has to care for hir.-
self, 1t Is seen that the modern sailor is
much better OF than the lands1rhn.
There is no music foT the landanan when
he has finished his days work. DO library
from which he can get a book to read Il
he is, so disposed. Many vej sells have
libraries for the sailors.
The sailor is separated from his family
for long periods, but when he gets back
to port he has long shore leayb until his
vessel Is ready to sail again, andthen when
he signs for the next voyage b is paid q
months wages IN advance
The laws regulating the engaging Of crews
are very strict, and are much b favor Of
the sailor. II on reaching tlf port for
which the vessel is bound the mister wishes
to discharge sailor, he must pay him
months wages; but if the sd lor wishes
for any reason to leave the ship he can pack
his bag and walk ashore, and the ie is nothing
to stop him.
The owner suffers in this case because
he may have some difficulty in getting
another man to take the place of the one
who leaves, and the vessel is forced to re-
main in port until another hana or full
crew can be obtained