The Labor enquirer., 1883-08-18
KNIGHTS OF LABOR.
The Preamble and Declaration 9
Principles Of this Great
Order.

The alarming development and aggression
Of aggregated wealth, which, unless checked
will Inevitably lead to the pauperizatlon AND
hopeless degradation of the toilinF masses,
renders it imperative, il we desire to enjoy
the blessings of life, that q 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 ;
aud as this much desired object can only be
accom- pllshed by the thorough unifcation OF
those who labor. and the united efforts OF
those who earn their bread by the sweat oil
their brow, we have formed the order of the
Knights of Labor, with view of securing
the organization and directieH, by coopera.
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 greatest good to the greatest
number" to aid and assist us. 5#
1. To bring within the fold of organization
every department. Of productive industry,
making knowledge stand point for action,
and industrial, moral worth, not wealth, the
true standard Of individual and national
greatness. f. l..
2. To secure to the toilsrsA proper share
of the wealth that they create; more of the
leisure that rightfu]ly belongsto them more
ociety advantages; more of the benefits,
privileges and emoluments of the wprld in
a word all those rights and privileges neces-
ary to make them capable of enjoying, ap.
preciating. defending and perpetuating the
blessings of good government. III t ~ u
g.. 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
of bureaus of labor statistics. "
4. The establishment of cooperative in
stitutions. productive and distributive.
5. The reserving of the public lands-the
heritage of the people-for the actual settler
Not smother acrefor railroads or corporations
g. The abrogation of all laws that do not beal
equally upon capital and labor !; the removal
of uni Just technicalities, delays and discrimi
nations in the administration of justice; and
the adopting of measures providing for the
health and safety OF those engaged in mining
manufacturing and building pursuits @@
7. The enactment of laws to compel
chartered corpor tions to pay their employees
weekly, in full, for labor performed the
preceding week. in the lawful money OF the
country. 5T
g. The enactment of laws giving mechanics
and lsborers the first lien on their work for
their full wages.
g. The abolishment of the contract system
on national state and municipal work.
10. The substitution of arbitration fol
strikes, whenever and wherever employer
and employe are willing to meet on equits BILE
grounds.
II. The prohibition of the employment oi
children in workshops, mines and tac ctories
before attaining their fourteenth year.
II. To abolish the system of lettingiout by
contract the labor of convicts in OUR prisons
and ref0rmatory institutions.
13. To secure for both sexes equal pay
for equal work.
IA. The reduction of the hours of labor tc
eight per day, so that the laborers may have
more time for social enjoyment and intel
lectual improvement, and be enabled to rear
the advantages conferred by the labor.savins
machinery which their brains have created
15 To prevail upon governments to estab
lish purely national circulating medium
issued directly to the people, without thu
Intervention OF any system of banking cor
porations, which money shall be lega
tender in payment of all debts, public ant
private.