The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1875-02-20
PLATFORM.
OF THE
National Industrial Congress,
Adopted April u, IS14
DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES.

w nhhEAbs ne AcCHAniCS Auu w VI Aluk-
men of the United States, through their duly
authorized and accredited representatives in
National Convention assembled, after full and
csrsIul consideration, presented the follow
ing Declaration OF Principles, as the elnbodi-
meut of their sentiments, believing that their
adoption would secure a more general diffu-
sion Of wealth, and the disenthrallment Of
labor, and
WHEREAS, such platform reflects our views
at length, and we herewith present them for
the endorsement Of this meeting They are
az follows
WHEREAS. The recent alarming develop
ment and aggression Of aggregated wealth,
which, unless checked, will Inevitably lead to
the pauperizatlon aud hopeless degradation Of
the toiling masses. renders it imperative, II
we desire TO enjoy the blessings of the gov
erment bequesthed us by the founders Of the
Republic, that check should he placed upon
lts power and unjust accumulation, and sys-
TEN adopted which wifi secure to the laborer
the fruits Of his toll and
WHEREAS, This much desired object can
only be accomplished by the thorough unfit
cation Of labor, and the united efforts OF those
who obey the Divine Injunction on that "In
the sweat of thy face thou shalt eat thy
bread :" and
WHEREAS, The great desideratum of the
III.
operative efforts, Of the power Of the produc-
ing masses for their substantial elevation.
yet we recognize in the ballot box the great
agency through which our wrongs can be re.
| dressed and
WHEREAS, While we fully recognize the
power and efficiency of Trade and Labor
Unions, local and international, as now or
ganized, in regulating purely trade matters,
yet upon all questions appertaining to their
welfare of the masses as a whole, the infu-
ence of these organizations, without closer
union, must prove comp aratively futile /;
/ Therefore
Resolved, That we submit to the people Of
the United States the objects sought to be ac-
complished by the Industrial Congress
First-To briug within the folds of the or
ganization every departmental productive in
dustry, making knowledge q standpoint for
action, aud industrial merit and social worth
no wealth the true standard of individ-
ual and national greatness
Second--To secure to the toiler al equal
share of the wealth which he helps to create
more OF the leasure that rightly belongs to
him more societary advantage more Of the
| benefits, privileges and eInOluments Of the
world in a word all those rights and privi-
leges necessary to make him capable Of en-
joying, approaching, defending and perpet-
uating the blessings Of republican institutions
Third-To arrive 1t the true condition 81
the producing masses in their educational,
moral and financial condition. we demand
from the several States and from the National
Government the establishment Of Bureaus Of
| Labor Statistics.
Fourth-The establishment of cooperative
institutions, productive and distributive.
FIfth-The reserving of the public lands,
the heritage Of the people, for the actual act
lers, and not another acre for railroads or
spectators.
Sfxth-The abrogation Of all laws that 10
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 tn com
pei chartered corporations to pay their en-
ployes at least once in every month, in full,
for labor performed during the preceding
month, in the lawful money Of the country.
| Eighth-The enactment OF q Law giving
mechanics and laborers first lien ON their
works.
| Ninth-The adjustment Of the contract
system on the national, state and municipal
work
Tenth, Iaugurate system OF public
markets to facilitate the exchange Of pro
ducts of farmers and mechanics, tending to
do away with mindlemen and spectators.
Eleventh--To insugurate q system of cheap
transportation, to facilitate the exchange Of
1 commodities.
Twelfth-The substitution Of arbitration
for strikes, whenever and wherever employ
ers and employees are willing to meet on equi-
table grounds.
Thirteenth prohibition Of the impor-
tation of all servile races, the discontinuance
| of all subsidies granted to national vessels
bringing them to our shores, and the abroga-
ton, or ut least, the modification Of the Bur
lngame Treaty.
Fourteenth-To advance the standard of
American mechanics, BY the enactment and
enforcement of equitable apprentice laws
Fifteenth-To abolish the system Of con
tracing the labor Of convicts in our prisons
and reformatory institutions
Sixteenth.-The reduction Of the hours of
labor TO eight per day, 30 that the laborers
may have more time for social enjo, ment and
intellectual improvement, and be enabled to
reap the advantages conferred by labor saving
machinery, which their brains have created.
Seventeenth That Il Ia, tho dirty If the
Uovernhlent TO establish just standard Of
distribution to capital and labor by providing
purely national circulating medium, based
ON the faith and resources Of the nason, is
sued directly TO the people, without the in
PREVENTION Of any system Of banking corpo-
rations, which money shall be . legal tender
in the payment of al debts, public and pri-
vate, and interchangeable at the option of the
holder for Government bonds, bearing q rate
Of interest not to exceed $500 per cent,
subject to future legislation by Congress.