The workingman's advocate., 1874-06-06
PLATFORM
oFTIIE
National Industrial Congress,
Adopted April Is. 1874

DECLARATION or PRINCIPLES
WHEREAS, The Mechanics and Working
men of the United States, through their duly
authorized and accredited representatives in
National Convention assembled. after full anil
careful consideration presented the following
Declaration of Principles, as the embndimcnt
Of their sentiments, believing that their
adoption would secure a more general ditfu-
slon of wealth, and the observation-disclosures of
labor, and
WHEREAS, Such platform reflects our views
At length, and we herewith present them for
the endorsement Of this meeting. They are
a. follows
WHEREAS. The recent alarming develop
ment and aggression Of aggregated wealth.
which, unless checked, viii inevitably lead 70
the pauperlzatien and hopeless degradation of
the tollIng masses, renders it imperative, if we
desire to enjoy the blessings of the govern
ment bequeathed us by the founders Of the
Republic, that check should be placed npon
its power and unjust accumulation, and a
system adopted which will secure to the la
borer the fruits of his toll and
WHEREAS, This much desired object can
only be accomplished by the thorough unifca-
ton OF labor, and the united efforts Of those
who obey the Divine injunction that 'In the
sweat OF thy face thou shalt eat thy bread 2
and,
WHEREAS, The great disderatum Of the
hour is the organization and direction. by CO.
operative efforts, Of the power Of the produc-
ing masses Tor their substantial elevation, vet
we recognize IN the ballot-box the great agency
through which our wrongs can be redressed
and
WHEREAS, While we fully recognize the
power and efficiency Of Trade and labor
Unions, local and international, as now or
ganlzed, IN regulating purely trade matters.
yet upon all questions appertaining to their
welfare OF the masses a whole the influence
Of these organizations, without closer union
must prove comparatively futile; Therefore
Resolved, That we submit to the people of
the United States the objects sought to be ac
compllshed by the Industrial Congress:
First-To bring within the folds Of the or.
ganization every department of productive III
dustry, making knowledge a standpoint for
action, and industrial merit and social worth
not wealth-the true STANDARD of individ-
ual and national greatness.
Second-Jo secure to the toiIer an equal
share of the wealth which he helps to create:
more Of the leisure that righCly belongs to
HIM more societary advantages; more Of the
benefits, privileges and emoluments Of the
world; in word, all those rights and priyi-
leges necessary to make him capable Of en-
'IoyIng appreciating, defending and perpetu-
atlng the blessings Of Republican institutions.
1hIrd-To arrive at the true condition of
the producing masses in their educational
moral and financial condition. we demand
from the several States and from the Nation
al Governments the establishment Of Bureaus
Of Labor Statistics.
rourth-The establishment Of cooper ative
Institutions, productive and distributive.
rifth-Ine reservirg Of the public lands.
the heritage of the people, for the actual set.
lers, and not another acre for railroads or snac.
ulators.
Sixth-The abrogation of all laws that do
not bear equally upon capital and labor. and
the adoption OF measures providing for the
health and safety of those engaged in mining
manufacturing and building pursuits.
Seventh-The enactment OF law To com
pei chartered corporations to pay their en-
ployes at least once in every month in full
Tor labor performed during the preceding
month, IN the lawful money of the country,
Eigntn-The enactment of q law giving |
mechanics and labOrers first lien on their |
works.
NInth-The abolishment of the contract |
system ON the national, State and munici,,al
work.
Tenth-To inaugurate a system az publ;c
markets to facilitate the exchange of the nro-
ductions Of farmers and mechanics. tending
to do away with middlemen and speculators
EieEenth-To naagurate a aystem Of cheap
transpcrtation, TO facilitate the exchange of
Twelfth The sabstitation Of arbitration
for strikes, whensxer and wherever employer
and s9plcyes arp .'lliG emsst ON equitable
.. 81 LIS k7fS 4sf-T