The Labor enquirer., 1884-10-18
KNIGHTS OF LABOR.
The Preambled Declaration Of the
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 toiliug masses,
renders it imperative, it we desirs to enjoy
the blessings of life. that check should be
placed upon its power and upon unjust acca
mutation. and "a system adopted which will
secure to the lsborer the fruits of his toll /;
and as this mnch desired object can only be
accomplished blythe thorough uni6catiou Of
those who labor and the united efforts OF
those who earn their bread by the sweat OF
heir brow, @e have formed the order Of the
Knights of Labor with q 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 1.-THE q estest gopd to the greatest
number" to aid and assist US.
1. To bring within the fold of organization
every department of productive industry,
making knowledge sstand point for action,
and industrial, moral worth, not wealth, the
true standard of individual and national
greatness. IT
2. To secure to the toilsrs 4 proper share
Of the wealth hat 4bey create; more of the
leisure that rightfully belongs to them: more
ociety advantages; more of<the benefits,
privileges and embuments Of the world in
aword, all those rights and privileges ueces-
airy to make tnem capable of enja5in 4 ap.
preciating, defending and perpetuating the
blessings of good government. f"-
!. 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 establish mt Mt
Of bureaus of lab lr statistics. 1EtJ
Z 4. The establishment of CO. operative in J
sstituticns. productive aud distributive
s.. The reservng of the public lands the
heritage of the people-for the actual settler.
Not another acre tor railroads or corporations.
6. The abrogarion 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
the adopting Of measures providing for the
health and safety oi those engaged in mining,
manufacturing aud building pur ui,s. II
z. The enactment of Laws to com per
chartered corporations to Iay their employees
weekly. in full, for labor performed the
preceding week. in the lawful money OF the
country. HIP. X
s. The eusc. .ment of laws giving mechanic,
and lstorers the-frst lien 90 their work fot
their full wages. t,s3-.1 g~".|
80. The abolishment of the coutract system
on national, state and municipal work.
10. The substitution Of arbitration for
strikes, whenever and wherever employers
aud employe are willing 10 meet on equitable
grounds. / ..';I. r. - ]
II. The prohibition of, the employment OF
children in workshops, mines and factorie>,
before attaining their fourteenth year.
IL. Tosbofish the system OF letting out by
contract the labor Of onvic in our prisons
and reformatory institutions. r Fl - x
: 13. To secure for both sexes equal pay;
for equal work. -, >s, I
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
lestual improvement, and be enabled to reap
the advantages conferred by the labor.saving
machinery which their brains have created.
7 Is. To prevail upon governments to essab.
lish purely nshopal circulating medium,
issued directly 10 the people, without the
Intervention Of any system Of barking cor
porations, which money shall be q. legal
tender in payment Of all debts, public and
private.