The Labor enquirer., 1884-07-12
KNIGHT OF LABOR.
The preambled Declaration Of the
prinsiplss of this Great
Order.

The alarming development and aggression
faggregated wealth. which, unless checlisd
will inevitably lead to the pauperization ant
hopeless degradation of the toiling masses
renders il imperative, il we desire to eIioy
the blessings Of life, that : check should b,
placed upon il powe,. and upon unjust a,,ca
mutation. and system adopted which vii
secure to the lAborer the fruits of his toll
and q this much desired object can only b,
accomplished by the thorough unihcation q
those who labor. and the united efforts o.
those who earn their bread by the sweat o
their brow, w have formed the order Of thu
Knights Of Labor, with svlew OF securing
the organization and directisa, BY coopers
tive effort, of tie power Of the indusiria
Glasses; and we submit to the world the
objects sought to be accomplished BY oul
organization, calling upon all who believe in
securing "the greatest good to the greatest
number" to aid and assist na.
I. To bring within the fold of organization
every department Of productive industry,
making knowledge asland 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 hat 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. ap.
preciating, defending and perpetuating the
blessings Of good government. 80
4 8. To arrive at the true condition of ths
producing masses in their educational, moral
and financial condition, by demanding from
the various governments the establishment
of bureaus of labor statistics. .r-,. :, d. E
4. The establishment of cooperative in.
situations. productive and distributive. L
5. The reserying Of the public lands--th
heritage Of the people for the actual settler.
Not another acrefor railroads or corporations.
s.. The sbrogation 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 ths
health and safety Of those engaged in mining,
manufacturing and building pursuits. 7 |
2. The enactment of laws to. compel
chartered corporations to pay their. employees
weekly, in full, for labor performed the
preceding week. in the lawful money of the
country. r. ..| ~.
8. The enactment of laws giving mechanics
and laborers the first lien on their work for
their full wages. '"%
9. The sbolishment of the contract syutem
on national, state and municipal work.
TO- The substitution of arbitration for
strikes. whenever and wherever employers
and employs are willing to meat on equitable
grounds. p, 8.--.. .. .-.nsl.. etts ..-.r l /
II. The prohibition of the employment OF
children in workshops, mines and factories,
before attaining their fourteenth year. T..
IL. To abolish the system of letting out by
contract the labor OF convlcts In our prlBonR
and reformatory institutions
13. To secure for both sexes equal pay
for equal work.
IA. The reduction of the hours Of labor to
eight per dsy, so that the laborers may have
more time for social enjoyment and intel.
lie ,tual improvement, aud be enabled to reap
the advantages conferred by the labor-saving
machinery which their brains have created.
Is. To prevail upon governments to estab-
ltsh purely national circulating medium,
issued directly to the people, without the
Intervention Of any system OF banking cor.
porations, which money shall be legal
tender in payment Of all debts, public and
private