The Labor enquirer., 1883-11-05
KNIGHT OF LABOR.
The Preamble and Declaration Of
Principles Of this Great
Order.

The alarming development and aggression
Of aggrsgaied wealth. which, unless checked, !,
will inevitably lead to the pauperizslion aud
hopeless degradation Of the toiling masses,
renders 1t imperative, il we desire to enjoy
the blessings Of life, that a check should be
placed upon its power aud upon unjust acch,
mutation. and a system adopted which will
secure to the laborer the fruits of his toll
and as this mnch desired object can only be
accomplished by the thorough unifeation 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 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 greatest good to the greatest
number" to aid and assist us.
/. TO bring within the fold of organization
every department of productive industry,
making knowledge stand point for action,
and industrial, moral worth, net wealth, the
true standard of individual aud natiopai
greatness
2 To secure to the teilsrs a proper share
of the wealth hat hey create; more of the.
leisure that rightiully belongs to them more
ociety advantages !. more Of the benefits,
privileges and emoiuments Of the world in
word, all those rights and privileges neces-
airy 10 make them capable of enjoying, sp..
preciating. defending and perpstuating the
blessings of good government Z.
8. 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 lsnds-the
heritage of the people for the actual settler.
Not another acrefor railroads or corporations.
6. The abrogarion of all laws that do not bear
equally upon capital and labor; The removal
VI upJu JuSt tcChutSalltlcss uciAyS ahu uisGriIulsl
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 10 compel
chartered corpo, tions to pay their employees
weekly. ia full, for labor performed the
preceding week. in the lawful money Of the
country.
8. The enactment of 1sws giving mechanics
and lsborers the first lien on their work for
their fall wages.
9. The abolishment of the contract system
on national, rate and municipal work.
10. The substitution of arbitration for
strikes, whenever and wherever employers
and employe are willing 10 meet on equitable
grounds. 49,. ze5s5 t#
II. The prohibition of the employment OF
children in workshops, mines and factories,
before attaining their fourteenth year.
IL. To abolish the system of letting ont by
contract the labor of conyicls In our prisons
and ref1rmatory institutions
13. To secure for both sexes equal psy
for equal work.
IA. The reduction of the hours Of labor to
eight per day, so that the laborers may have
more time for social enjoyment and intel.
ieetusl improvement, and be enabled to reap
the advantages conferred by the labor-saving
machinsry which their brains have created.
Is. To prevail upon governments to estab.
lish purely nstiAnal circulating medium,
issued directly to The people, without the
Intervention d any system Of banking cor.
porations, which money shall be legal
tender in payment Of all debts, public and
n. r