The Labor enquirer., 1884-01-26
KNIGHT OF LABOR.
The Preambled Declaration Of the
Principles Of this Great
Order. f.

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, ii, we desire to enjoy
the blessings of life, that check should bt
placed upon its power and upon unjust acca
mutation. and system adopted which viii
secure to the laborer the fruits of his toll
and as this much desired object can only b,
accomplished by the thorough unifcation o.
those who labor, and the united efforts ol
those who earn their bread by the sweat o
their brow, we have formed the order of the
Knights of Labor, with view of securing
the organization and direction, by co.opers.
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, not wealth, the
true standard of individual and national
greatness.
2. To secure to the toilsrs proper share
of the wealth that they create; more of the
leisure that rightfully belongs to them more
ociety advantages; more Of the benefits,
privileges and emoluments of the world in
a word, all those rights and privileges neces-
ary to make them capable Of enjoying, sp.
preciating, defending and perpetuating the
blessings of good government. II,
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
4. The establishment of cooperative in.
stitutions. productive and distributive.
5. The reserving of the public lands-ths
heritage of the people-for the actual settler.
Not another acreior railroads or corporations.
6. The abrogstion of all laws that do not bear
equally upon capital and labor; the removal
Of unjust technicalities, delays and discrimi.
nations in the administration of justice; and
he adopting of measures providing for the
health and safety Of those engaged in mining,
and building pursuits.
Z. The enactment of laws to compel
corpor tions to pay their employees
weekly. in full, for labor performed the
preceding week. in the lawful money OF the
8. The euactment of laws giving mechanics
md lsborers the first lien on their work for
heir full wages.
81 The sbolishment of the contract system
N national, state and municipal work.
10. The substitution Of arbitration for
trikes, whenever and wherever employers !
md employe are willing TO meet on equitable
rounds,
IL, The prohibition Of the employment OF |
hildren in workshops, mines and factories. |
,efors attaining their fourteenth year.
IL. To abolish the system Of letting out by |
ontract the labor of convicts in our prisons
nd reformatory institutions.
13. To secure for both sexes equal pay
Or equal work. |
IA. The reduction Of the hours of labor 10
light per day, 80 thatthe laborers may have
,ore time for social enjoyment and intai.
sctual improvement, and be enabled 70 resp
be sdyantaRes conferred BY the labor-sayiDg
,acbinsry which their brains have created.
Is. To prevail upon governments to sstab-
sh 9 purely maternal circulating medium,
sued directly to the people, without the
d any systsm Of banking cor.
ofstions, which money skall Be . LEGAL
'.d9 N payment Of sll debts, publis and
Iiyats.