The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1876-03-11
PLATFORM
OF THE
National Industrial Congress,
Adopted April 10. 1873.

WHEREAS. The recent alarming develop
ment and aggression of aggregated wealth,
which, unless checked. will inevitably lead to
the pauperization aud hopeless degradation Of
the toilIng masses, renders it imperative, if
we desire to enjoy the blessings Of the gov
erment bequeathed us by the founders of the
Republic, that check should be placed upon
its power and unjust accumulation. anda sys-
tenn adopted which will 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 that In
the sweat of thy face thou shalt eat thy
bread !" and
WHEREAS, The great desideratum Of the
hour is the organization and direction, by CO.
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, as now organized, in regulating purely
trade matters, yet upon all questions apper-
tanning to the welfare of the masses as
whole, the influence Of these organizations,
without closer union, must prove compare
lively futile therefore
Resolved, That we submit to the people of
the United States the objects sought TO be &C.
complished by the Industrial Congress
First-To bring within the folds of the or
ganization every department Of productive in.
dustry, making knowledge standpoint for
action, and industrial, moral and social worth
not wealth the true standard of individ-
ual and national greatness
Second-To secure to the toilers a Just
share of the wealth they create more of
the leisure that rightly belong to them !;
more SECRETARY advantage; more of the
benefits, privileges and emoluments Of the
world ; in . word, all those rights and privi-
leges necessary to make them capable of en-
joying, approaching, defending and perpet-
mating the blessings of our republican govern
ment
Third-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 National
Government the establishment of Bureaus Of
Labor Statistics
Fourth-The establishment of cooperative
instit Itions, productive and distributive
Fifth-The reserying Of the public lands,
the heritage of the people, for the actual set
Ter ; not another acre for railroads or spec
ulators
Sixth-The abrogatIon of all laws that do
not bear equally upon capital and labor, the
removal Of unjust technicalities, delays and
determinations in the administration Of JUS
tice and the adoption of measures provid-
ing for the health and safety of those en-
gagged in mining, manufacturing and building
pursuits.
Seventh-The enactment Of law to com.
l.rfaa
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 law giving
mechanics and labOrers first lien on their
work and also preventing STAYS OF execution
in case of labor lien judgments.
Ninth-The adjustment of the contract
system on the national, state and municipal
work.
Tenth To inaugurate 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 inaugurate system of cheap
to facilitate the exchange Of
Twelfth-The substitution Of arbitration
for strikes, whenever and wherever emplo,
srs and employees are willing to meet on equi-
table grounds.
Thirteenth-The prohibition Of the impor-
.atiOn of all servile races, and the diseontin- |
lance of all subsidies granted to national
vessels bringing them to our shores
Fourteenth-To advance the standard of |
American mechanics, By the enactment and |
enforcement Of equitable apprentice laws.
Fifteenth-To abolish the system of letting |
~ contract the labor of convicts in our pris
ms and reformatory institutions
Sixteenth-TO secure for both sexes equsl |
BAY for equal work
Seventeenth. The reduction Of the hours Of |
abor to eight per day, SO that the laborer,
nay have more time for social enjo, ment and |
Intellectual Improvement, and be enabled 10 |
cap the advantages conferred by labor saving /
which their brains have created
Eighteenth-To secure legislation provid.
ng for the assessment and collection q mon.
es required to prosecute wars from the
wealth OF the natioR,-on the principle that
I the government possesses the right to draft