The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-03-29
UNIONS ON
WATERFRONT Are
TO AID COUNTRY
Labor Guild Members Rush
ing-Imbued With Spir-
it of Patriotism.

New York, March 29-Among the
labor unions along the docks and
afloat in the harbor of New York there
has, spread a spirit of patriotism and
a sense Of loyalty to the United States
Government that promises a wonder
full boost to the new coast defense ma
val reserve now in process of crea-
ton. Not as individuals but as or
ganized bodies, many of these unions
that man the merchant marine and
harbor craft, are lining up to join in
defense of the metropolis and the At
lantic seaboard.
It is a good union doctrine now to
be a good patriot. Officials of orga-
nizations such as marine engineers,
firemen, oilers, stewards, pilots and
even longshoremen, are lending their
assistance to furnish the men Of prac-
teal experience that will be needed in
this auxiliary naval service.
When the times comes for the men
to sign up for Uncle Sam, the union
leaders will march their men up to
the recruiting offices in squads to
have them examined and sworn into
Government service. They have or
ders now to hold back until the call
comes and the ships anad small craft
are ready for them.
This loyal relationship between Gov
eminent and shipping workers has
been brought about chiefly through
efforts of the Naval Training Associa-
ton, organized by former navy offic-
ers and rich yachtsmen. They found
in leaders of the union strong, ener-
getic men ready to lend their best CO.
operation in promoting the naval re-
serve force.
Capital and labor, employer and
employee, owner and worker, joined
hands as men and good citizens. I'm
ion leaders were appointed members
Of organization committees along with
millionaires from Wall street, and
they went to work together.
To the labor leaders, the Govern
ment's needs were explained and de-
tailed information given them of the
kind of service to be performed, the
opportunity for promotion and the pay
allotted. In turn, all this was ex-
pounded at meetings Of local unions
and the word passed around that this
Government service was good union
job that every man ought to take.
According to reports made to naval
reserve recruiting headquarters, the
IluIlpSI I'll Il0H lIO1u dIOAS lIl0 OOChS
ready to volunteer in case Of national
emergency is limited only by the re-
strictions of regulations.
No man is being taken into the re-
serve who is not an American citizen.
Even applicants who have only first
naturalization papers are rejected. Full
fledged citizens only are accepted.
This has barred out some desirable
foreign-bo officers and men of the
merchant marine who have tried to
enlist to defend America.
A chance to chase German subma-
rines and the prospect of thrilling
scouting tours afloat has excited the
waterfront. The more adventurous
spirits looking for big game are en-
listing in the regular navy for service
on dreadnoughts, destroyers and sub
marines. Men with regular jobs or
home ties are lined UP for the coast
defense reserve.
Announcement has been made by
the Navy Department that men en-
listing for this latter class will do dirty
only in their home district and will
not be called upon for service with
the regular fleet