The Labor enquirer., 1883-01-27
KNIGHTS 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 aud
hopeless degradation of the toiling masses,
renders it Imperative, il we desire to enjoy
the blessings OF life, that a check should be
placed upon its power and upon unjust acca.
mutation, and a system adopted which will
secure to the lahorer the fruits of his toll
aud as this much desired object can only be
acc ,mpl shed by the thorough anfcaEon 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 ali who believe in
occurring ''the g, eatest good to the greatest
number,p to aid and assist US. ii,
|, To bring within the fold Of organization
every department of productive industry,
making knowledge stand point for action,
and industrial, moral worth, NIT wealth, the
true standard of individual and nalional
greatness.
2 To secure to the tCiers a proper share
of the wealth that hey create; more of the
leisure that righttully belongs to them more
society advantages; more of the benefits,
privileges and emoIuments of the world; in
word, all those rights and privileges neces~
airy to make them capable of enjoying, ap.
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
OF bureaus of labor statistics.
4. The establishment of CO opel ati7e in
stitutions. productive and dstributiVe
5. The reserVing of the public landslide
heritage of the people--for the actual settler.
Not another acre Tor railroads or corporations
6. The abrogation of all laws that . not bear
equally upon capital ard labor The removal
of uDj ust techDicalities, delays and diserimi.
nations in the administration of justice and
the adopting Of measures providing for the
health and safety OF those engaged in mining,
manufacturing aud building pur :uits.
I. The enactment of laws to compel
chartered corpo tions to pay their employees
weekly, in full, for labor performed the
preceding week. in the lawful money of the
country.
s. The enactment of laws giving mechanics
and lhtorers the first lien on their work for
their full wages.
g. The aboishment of the contract system
on national state and municipal work
10. The substitution of arbitration for
strikes, whenever and wherever employers
and employe aye willing to meet on equitable
grounds.
IL. The prohibition of the employment of
children in worksh ps, miues aud factories,
before attaining their fvur;eepth year.
II. To abolish the system of letting out by
contract the labor Of convic in our prisons
and reformatory institutions.
13. To secure for both sexes equal pay
for equal work. -
ID. The reduction of the hours of labor to
eight per day, so that the laborers may have
more time for social enjoyment and intel.
lectual Improvement, and be enabled to reap
the advantages conferred by the labor.saving
machinery which their brains have created.
Is TO prevail upon governments to Ees:ab.
lish purely national circulating medium,
issued directly to the people, without the
Intervention OF any system of banking cor.
porations, which money shall be a legal
tender in payment OF all debts, public and
private. .}.-4#..l - 4
Il