Jasper County Democrat, Volume 12, Number 13, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 19 May 1909 — FOREIGN SAILORS HIRED FOR LAKES [ARTICLE]

FOREIGN SAILORS HIRED FOR LAKES

Secretary Says Contract La* bor Law Is Violated. FIVE HUNDRED ARE SIGNED

Vessel Owners Accused In Charges Filed With the Immigration Authorities—Attempt Will Be Made to Pre vent the Landing of the Imported Hands—One Detachment Reported as Having Embarked Already—Arbitration Board to Meet In Detroit. Detroit, May 18.—Victor C. Olander, general secretary of the International Lake Seamen’s union, says that he has received a report that 500 Norwegian sailors are under contract to come to this country and take the places of striking seamen on the great lakes. One detachment of the sailors has already embarked for the United States, according to the report, and others are to follow soon. Officials of the union have taken the matter up with the immigration authorities and will make an attempt to prevent the sailors from landing. Secretary Olander says the hiring of the Norwegians is a direct violation of the contract labor In company with J. M. Secord, president of the Marine Cooks’ union, Olander is here to attend a meeting of the arbitration board.