The Labor enquirer., 1883-11-10
KNIGHT OF LABOR.
The Preamble and Declaration Of
Principles Of this Great
Order.

The alarming development and aggression
of aggregated wealth, which, unless checked
will inevitably lead to the pauperization and
| hopeless degradation of the toiling masses,
renders it imperative, il we desire to enjoy
| the blessings of life, that check should be
placed upon its power and upon unjust accu,
mutation, and system adopted which will
secure to the laborer the fruits of his toll !;
and as this much desired object can only be
accomplished by the thorough uni6cation of
those who labor, and the united efforts of
those who earn their bread by the sweat OF
their brow, we have formed the order of the
Knights of Labor, with a view of securing
the organization and direction, by co.opera.
tive effort, of the power of the industrial
classes and we submit to the world the
objects sought to be accomplished by our
organization, calling upon all who believe in
securing ''the g eatest good to the greatest
number" to aid and assist us.
l. To bring within the fold of organization
every department of productive industry,
making knowledge a stand point for action,
and industrial moral worth, not wealth, the
true standard of individual and national
greatness.
2. To secure to the toilsrs proper share
of the wealth that lbey create; more of the
leisure that rightfu]ly belongs to them more
ociety advantages; more of the benefits,
privileges and emoluments of the world in
wordi all those rightsand privileges neces>
ary 10 make them capable of enjoying, sp.
preciating. defending and perpetuating the
| blessings of good government
3. To arrive at the true condition of the
producing masses in their educational, moral
and financial condition, by demanding from
the various governments the establishment
oil bureaus of labor statistics.
4. The establishment of cooperative in
stitutit ms. productive and distributive.
5. The reserving of the public lands-the
h sri!age of the people-for the actual settler
Not another acre for railroads or corporations.
s. The abroga,ion of all laws that do not bear
equally, dTun capital aud labor; The removal
Of unjust techuicali,ies, delays and discrimi.
nations in the ADMINISTRATION of justice; and
the adopting Of measures providing for the
| hes.h aud safety OF those engaged in mining
manufacturing aud building pursuits.
7. rhe enactment of Jaws to compel
cha ter, d co ~po- tions to pay their employ es
weekly. ia full, for labor performed the
presiding week. in the lawful money OF the
country.
8. Tn e.sc!mebt of laws giving mechanics
and laborers the first lien on their work for
their full wages.
! 9 The sholishln mt of The contrac. system
on national, s ate and municipal work
! 10, The substitution OF arbitration for
strikes, whenever and wherever employers
ard employe are willing 10 meet on equitable
| grounds. =.....
IL. The prohibition of the employment of
children in workshops, mines and fsctories,
before attaining their fourteenth year.
IL. To abolish the system of letting out by
contract the labor of convic;s in our prisons
and reformatory institutions
ID. To secure for both sexes equal pay
| for equal work. -
| IA. The reduction of the hours of labor to
eight per day, SO thatthe laborers may have
more time for social enjoyment and intel
lectusl improvement, and be enabled to reap
the advantages conferred by the labor.sayinp
machinery which their brains have created.
Is. To prevail upon governments to essab
lish a-purely national circulating medium.
issued directly to the people, without the,
Intervention OF any system OF banking cor
porations, which money shall be legal
tender in payment of all debts, public and
private.