Morning journal and courier., 1882-03-21
Tuesday Morning, March 21. 1882.
TnEKNIGHTs OFLABOR.

The organization known as the Knights of Labor is credited with having successfully carried out number of strikes and with be- ing connected with the strikes now going on in the coal regions. Mir. PhiliT Patten, who has been secretary of the executive con- mittee of the Knights, has given an account of tho character and aims of the organiza- ton, and what he says is well worth the at- tention of those interested in social prob lems
 According to Mir. Patten, the order was started about twelve years ago in Philadel- phia by the shoemakers. Prior to that time it was found that the unions of the different trades, although possessed of great strength, could not or would not work together for any one object. The iron moulders saw req son why they should help the cigar makers on strike, for example. It was believed that an organization could be formed which would embrace all trades and, with this object in view, the Knights of Labor was started. At first it grew slowly, but as time went on it gradually spread, until it now embraces al- most all trades and has assemblies in every city of any size. In many tradesit has taken the place of the unions entirely. Among these are the glass workers, the shoemakers and the coal miners. In others, such as the iron moulders and the timers, it exists alongside of, although distinct from, the regular union.
 The ultimate object of the organization is ito create new state of society,"" The i'm mediate object is to look after the interests of the workingmen. The shortening of the hours of labor is one of the principal things aimed at. The organization originates, takes charge of and manages strikes only under certain conditions. Any local assembly having, as it supposes, grounds for striking may submit it's case to the executive commit tee of the order. In that case the first thing done is disappointment of a..sub- committee to examine into the question It is an article of the constitution that no strike can be au- thorized until after Q conference has been held with the employers. Should such con ference result in showing by the employers that rise in wages or a shortening of hours is impossible, the executive committee refuses to authorize the strike and does it's best to prevent it. The local assembly is then at liberty to strike, but in such case it receives no help from the organization. But should the executive committee decide that the strike is just, then the whole organization supports the strikers.
 The organization does not take an active part in politics, though it encourages it's members to do so. It is not socialistic ex- cept so far breaking down the barriers which have existed betw cen the trades unions. It aims, however, at ''making the working men independent of capitalists by making them their own capitalists" This is to be accomplished by economy and combination. It is also hoped to do away with middle men. The Knights have their own courts in which they try all cases between members of the organization. They are bound to support member through everything as long as he has not broken the law of the land. The general convention, which meets once a year, is the final authority. Between its meetings the executive committee controls everything.
 The Knights are said to be increasing in number every day. With their numbers and their well planned organization they may yet exercise a very important influence upon affairs in this country It is not improbable, however, that they may quarrel among them selves so as to defeat their own plans and purposes,