The San Francisco call., 1907-02-03
EDITED BY o. M. BOYLE

Walter Macarthur, editor of the
Coast Seamen's Journal and a promi-
nent member OF the Sailors Union of
the Pacific, furnishes the following e
brief sketch Of that organization, one
of the stanchest unions on the Pacific
Coast:
The sailors Union Of the Pacific was organized
on March g. 1885. About 200 men gathered
around s lumber pile on Folsom street dock in
ksn Francisco and Joined hands for the purpose
- improving conditions Of the seamen in the
Hc9astVise trade The organization thus formed
known The Coast Seamen's Union. and
VAS composed exclusively of sailors employed
on sailing vessels and steam schooners- In 1885
the men employed on the passenger steamers in
The coasrwise trade organized under the name
~ Steamship Sailors Protective Union In 1891
these two bodies amalgamsted and adopted the
present title OF Sailors Union Of the Pacific,
the membership OF which now numbers 5000.
In 1892 the Interna tionsl Seamen's Union Of
America was formed The latter body com
prises the local unions OF seamen in all branches
bay and river stesmboatmen, ete--in the re-
spectfve maritime sections OF the country, Paci-
ne, Atiantic' Gulf ano the Great Lakes. Ihus
the Sailors Union Of the Pacific became an in
tegral part of the movement which united the
seamen Of all classes throughout the United
states for the common benefit of all
BY way OF carrying out the idea OF unity
among the seafaring craft. the Sailors Union
Of the Pacific many years ago adopted system
Of exchange with the Seamens Union OF Aus
rralasia under which members OF either organiza-
ton may join the other without payment Of
other crafts is also recognized by tAe Sailors
Union In irs sfflistion with the State Fedora
tion Of Labor and local labor councils wherever
II maintains agencies.
The Sailors Union took prominent part in
the establishment OF the San Francisco Labor
Council in lSS5 and has retained membership
in that body continuously.
In 1857 the Sailors Union established it's off
ciai paper, The Coast Seamen's Journal. a six
teen page weekly which now occupies a prom
lnent place among the labor press OF the world.
The Journal speaks for the seamen Of the United
States and is the only publication in existence
owned and edited exclusively by practical sea
The iutistion fee in the Sailors Union is S.
and the dues I5 cents per month. The benefit
features consist OF death benefit OF SIS Ito de-
tray the cost OF BURIAL. shipwreck benefit Of
$50 lto replace the effects lost in accidents at
sea-. the strike benefit Of IS q week aud free
copy OF The Journal every week. Sickness is
provided against by the navigation laws Of the
4niteo States under which seamen incspacfta ted
IN the service OF a vessel are entitled Ia
- ln1enr IN the Marine Hospital. The union is
nov discussing a proposal 10 establish a per
manent disability fund. which. If adopted viii
AFFORD substantial assistance 10 members dis.
aoleo through following the calling Of seamen.
The Sailors Union maintains Headquarters in
san Francisco, including q large meeting hall
reaolne room and other conTeniences and agen.
cles az Tacoma. Seattle. Port Townsend Port.
la1a Eureka, san Pedro and Honolulu Tins