The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1876-01-29
PLATFORM
OF THE
National Industrial Congress
Adopted April ls. ISsS.

WHEREAS. The recent alarming develop
ment and aggression Of aggregated wealth,
which, unless checked will Inevitably lead to
the paupeIization 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 he placed upon
its power and unjust accumulation, and sys-
tenn adopted which will secure to the laborer
the fruits Of hp toll and
WHEREAS, This much desired object can
only be accomplished BY tins thorough unfit
cation of labor, and the united eforts 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 cf 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
power and efficiency of Trade and Labor
Unions, 81 now organized. in regulating purely
trade matters, yet UPON all questions apper-
tanning to the welfare Of the masses as q
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 ac-
coEnplished by the Industrial Congress
First-To bring within the folds Of the or.
ganization every departmental productive in.
dustry, making knowledge q standpoint for
action, and industrial, moral and social worth
not wealth the true standard Of individ-
usl and national greatness.
Second-To secure to the toilers Just
share of the wealth they create more Of
the leisure that rightly bel ne to them. /;
more socfstsry 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-
ioying. approaching, defending and perpet-
uating 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 N ational
Government the establishment Of Bureaus of
Labor Statistics.
Fourth-Ths establishment Of cooperative
instit Itions, productive and distributive.
Fifth-The reserving CT the public lands,
the heritage Of the people, for the actual set
ler not another acre for railroads or spec.
ulators.
Sixth-The abrogatlon Of all laws that do
not bear equally upon capital and labor, the
removal Of unjust .technicAlities, delays and
Discrimination i'm the administrator or las
tice, and the adoption Of measures provid-
ing for the health and safety Of those en-
gagged in mining. manufacturing and bailding
pursuits.
Seveuth-Tbe ensstmeus u n INV 70 com-
pei chartered corporations 70 pay their en-
ployes ct 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 laboren first lien on their
work /; and also preventing stays OF execution
in case Of labor lien Judgments.
Ninth-The abolishment of the contract
system ON the national, state and municipal
work.
Tsnsh-Toin@aearste system Of public
markets TO facilitate the exchange Of pro-
ducts q fArmers snd mpchAnim, tepding to
do away with miAdlmeh ID spectators.
Eleyenth--ro inaugurats system Of cheap
transpoststicns p hIdlltase tha exchange Of
comukoditiea. - .MfL - NJ
Tor strikes, whenever and wherever smplo,
%. and employees are willing to meet on squi-
table grounds.
Thirtsenth-Ths prohibition Of The impor-
tstion OF all servile races, and the discontin-
uanoe ef ~ subsidies granted to national
Vessels bringing them to our shores.
FouItesnth-To advance the standard Of
American mechanics, b the enactment and
endorsement OF equitable apprentice laws.
ffteeuth-Te abolish the system dfibttink
by contract the labor Of convieta in ear pris-