The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1871-04-29
Platform Of the National Labor Union.

WHKRKAs, Il IS NOT deemed advisable to
change or modify the existing declaration Of
principles, but 10 reafirn the same aud, for
practical use, enunciate the substance thereof
10 q more con venient and concise form, with
some additional resolutions and,
WnRkAs, "All political power is inherent
in the people, and free governmrut founded on
their authority and established for their bene-
ct !" that all freemen are equal in political
rights, and entitled 70 the largest political and
religious liberty compatible with the good order
Of society, ~ also the use and the enjoyment Of
the fruits of their labor and tAlects; and "no
man OF set Of mn are entitled 70 exclusive, sep-
arate emolumcnts, privileges or immubi,ies
from the government, but in consideration of
public services" and any laws destructive Of
these fundamental principles are without moral
binding force, and should be repealed. To do
80, however, 10 q dificult work when such laws
or usages are interviewer with pride, prejudice
and sel6shness. Besides, experience shows that
laboring people are more than others disposed
to suffer while evils are siderable" than or
ganixe for their abolition and
WHTRKAs, We are admonished BY the imper-
lied rights Of labor throughout the United
States 70 organise and agitate in our behalf,
with the decree, 'In the sweat Of the face shalt
thou eat bread" and the. adage that THE price
of liberty 10 eternal vigilance" enthroned in
our hearts and emblszoned as notices on our
banners, assured of success over corrupt polti-
cal schemers, and the spectators and bankers
who are preying like harpies upon the fruits Of
honest LABOR, aud thus restore to our political
and social system that equilibrium Of rights aud
Justice so necessary 70 good governments and
domestic tranquility, be it
Re olEed That the la5orers 10 all department Q
usetl ul industry are suffering iron Q system
of none tary laws which were enacted curing
the late war as measures, it was assumed "nec
esssry to the life of the nation" whichis now
sought to be perpetuated Ia the interest Of
boudhoders and bankers as q means TO subxert
the government Of our fataers, aud establish on
its ruins an empire in which all political power
shall be centralized TO restrain and Cypress the
rights Of labor, and subordinate its votaries to
the merclless demands Of aggregated capital.
Resolved, That the rate OF interest on money
10 the governing power 10 the distribatlon Of
the products of industry and enterprise between
capital and labor, and that the present rates are
in excess and disproporGionats 10 the increase
Of the national wealth, and oppressive 70 the
producing classes.
Resolved. That the national banking system
being inimic.l 70 the ppirit Of liberty and sub
versive fthe principles ofjustice, without war
rant in the constitution OF the United States,
and wrongfully increasing the burdens Of the
wealth producing classes millions Of dollars an
nually, justice demands its repeal.
Resolved, That to provide n true national
currency adapted 70 the genius Of our institu-
lions and the wants Of the business Of the coun-
try, the circulating notes Of the national banke
and the present greenbacks which are not full
legal tender, should be sithdrawn from circula
ton and their place supplied with paper cur
reacy based On me wealth Of the nation made
. lssal tender in the payment Of all debts, pub
lie end privste declared the lawful money or
the Unised States and convertible at the plea.
sure Of the holder int government bonds bear
ing per cent. Interest per AMMAN, sub iect to
future legislation by congress. The bonds like
wise convertible into lawful money, at the OBJ
tiou Of the holder.
Resolved, That the claim of the boudholdsrs
for payment In gold Of that class Of indebted
ness known 90 800 bonds, the principal of
which b legally and squitabiy payable il lawful
MONEYS dishonest and extortiohate, and
hence We entsr Ger solemn protest against aay
deps rturs from the original contract, by fund
ing the debt 10 long bonds, or in any way in
ereasing the gold bearing and nntsxed obliga-
lions OF the governments w#
Resolved, That justice demands that the bur
dens Of the government should be 90 adjusted
a. to bear equally on nh classes and iLtsres
md that the exemption from taxation Of gov
srnwent bonds, bearing ertortionate rata OF
interest, 10 violation OF ali just principles Of
'vvssas lava UI NthN rift
Resolved, That congress should modify the
.arif 90 az to admit free the necesssries of life
md sush articles Of common 80 a Ne can mel.
her produce nor grow; alec 90 lap dAles for
revenue muinly upon articles Of iuxnry~ md .np-
,a such articles Of manufacture as-we having
Ae nv material In abaadsnce-wiIl develop
.ke resources Of the country, increase The mum
,erpf fsctsrisA give ss,plsynest 10 more Ia
,orsss msiptain good so@peusakiou. csuse the
Immigration Of skilled labor. the lessening Of
priced 70 consumers, the creating Of perma-
lent home market for agricultural products,
lestroy the necessity for the odous and expen-
i've system Of ibtsinal taxaii0n. asd vin supn
nshas q 70 sneeesflIly conpets via ths San
Ihctuers Of EUROPE In he markets. ef'sh
posld. ta.
Resolved. That the National Labor Congress-
earnestly recommend the adoption Of such I
among al classes OF vorkmen, in all
rctions Of the country, % will secure the sdop
lon of the eight hour system, and call upon Die
especsive state legislatures to follow the ex-
mple Of the National Congress in recos nizing |
light hours as legal days work