The daily worker. [volume] (Chicago, Ill.) 1924-1958, 1933-09-25

cl6O0 lllllls
The sweat broke out on the Fill
pino's forehead "Kameradoes" he
blurted, what kamerado Fritz say,
that's the truth. I been treated bad,
awful bad, on many, many ships.
Same with all my compagneros. This
ship, not so bad. But hours awful
long" The Filipino stopped short,
but seeing everybody interested, he
continued: 'I got not only be mess
man, but go clean all the officers
cabins-fix beds, bring fresh water,
yes-mate says, me got to shine his
shoes tool"
What" called several voices. Even
the second assistant cussed when he
heard this.
Eyes, kamerades!" The Filipino
was beginning to get excited. HE
make me shine his shoesl 1 no want
to do that!"
Bobby jumped up. "Why the hell
don't you throw them overboardP I'd
shine something else for that rati'
AGAIN everything was excitement.
n The Filipino got more worked up,
and Slim considered it wise to let
him alone for while. He asked if
anyone else wanted the floor.
Bobby jumped up. Slim reminded
I'm sticking to the point! I make
him to stick to the point.
a motion we send the ships commit
tee up to the mate right now and tell
him if he don't treat this guy better
we'll beat the living jesus out of him!"
Again commotion. Bobby could
make a snail get excited. Slim raped
for order.
For Bobbys information, the
ships committee is not yet elected.
When it is, they will handle the com
plant"
But that amt no way to handle
it," protested Barney.
THE ships committee will decide
Any further discussion on the ques-
ton of having colonial worker on
the committee?"
Fritz took the deck again. II worked
on many Dutch and English ships
where they used Chinese and Hindus,
passing coal, and in the stewards de-
partment. These workers get the
dirtiest jobs, the lowest pay, and the
worst quarters. We're always told
that these races aren't clean, aren't
honest, aren't educated, and all that.
But whose fault is that? These men
are kept like slaves in the boarding
houses in Rotterdam and Liverpool.
The number one man takes part of
their wages, too, and is a stool
pigeon!"
The second assistant laughed at
Fritz's excitement
What the devil do you want us to
do about it?"
"a whole lot! We can support the
program of the I. S. H. for colonial
seamenl We can put this comrade
on the committee!"
Were doing all that" called
Shorty. Lets proceed, Chairman
"All right" called Slim. mo OBJ
jections to the Filipino. Whom else
have you nominated"
Fritz was nominated unanimously.
Slim announced the full committee
to be as follows:
For deck department = Slim and
Eddie.
For black gang-Bobby and Shorty.
For stewards department - Fritz
and the Filipino.
Pitts took the floor Comrades, l
propose that we nominate Bill Has
kell the second assistant here, as
representative from the officers"
THE, second assistant, surprised,
L wanted to say something, but
Pitts continued: 81 have watched him
all through the trip and I know he's
with us, and that he's a straight
shooter. I know by right the officers
should elect their own men, but most
of them don't understand like Bill
does. 1t will be up to Bill to help
win them over, and we'll give him a
hand, won't we, men?"
Eyes, yes shouted the men, es-
pecially Bobby and Barney.
The second assistant wanted to get
out of it somehow, but the hearty
welcome from the crowd left him
without any excuses. He grabbed
Pitts around the neck: You're
clever old fox!"
Slim banged for order. Com
rades, you heard the motion. Any
objections?"
"No objections at ALL" shouted
Bobbie.
Discussion on the motion?1
I'll say it's damn good mo-
toni" insisted Bobbie.
"You second the motion?" asked
the chairman.
do I? I'd like to see anybody
stop mel"
Bill Haskell was unanimously ac-
cepted. Slim welcomed him in the
name of the crew and called for a
vote on the whole committee, which
now numbered seven. There was
unanimous acceptance.
"The ships committee stands
elected"
Gunnar slapped the chairman on
the back. Now you're happy, hey
comrade?"
Sims face didn't deny it. "Hsppv
as an old maid getting her first kiss
But one doesn't get babies from kiss
ing alonei"
Lets get to work then" called
Bobby, making jump for Slim.
Everything was excitement again.
Wait minutel" called Slim. 81
make motion that we call this
meeting to close now. and give the
ships committee time to elect a Sec
'etary and work out a program. To-
morrow night at ten, we all meet
lere again for the final decisions Of
he Committee. Aqreedpn