The Labor enquirer., 1884-01-05
KNIGHT 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 paupsrization and
hopeless degradation Of the toiling masses,
renders it imperative, it we desire to enjoy
the blessings of life, that check should be
placed upon its power and upon unjust accu:
mutation. and system ad pied which will
secure to the laborer the fruits of his toll !;
and rs this much desired object can only be
accomplished by the thorough unifcation 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.
| l. To bring within rhe fold of organization
every department of productive industry,
making knowledge stand point for action,
and industrial, moral worth, not wealth, the
true standard of individu and national
| greatness
| 9 To secure to the toilers g proper share
the wealth hat they create; more Of the
leisure that righttully belongs TO them more
,.ciety advantages; more OF the benefits,
privileges and EN-" uuents OF the world; 10
wordSsll those rights and privileges neces-
ary 10 make tneH capab & o. enjoying, 81
rrer,strng. defending and ptrpetustipg th,
r'-s-ings "t good governmrnt.
TO arrive Al the true condition Of the
producing masses in their educational, mora
md financial condition, by demanding from
he various governments Ihs establishment
o bureaus of labor statistics.
A. The establishment OF co.opelative in
itutf ms. productIys ard dtstributive.
s. The reservlug ui the public lands tn
b ritage of thu people-for the actual settler,
Not another acre for railroads or corporations.
6. The sbrogarion Of all laws that do not bear
equally upon capital and labor; the removal
II unjust technicalities, delays and discrimi.
nations In the administration of justice and
the adopting of measures providing for the
r,ealth and safery NJ those engaged in mining,
manufacturing aud building pur.uits
T. The enactment of laws to compel
chartered corpor lions TO ray their employees
weekly, in full, for labor performed the
preceding week. in the lawful money OF the
country.
g. The enactment of laws giving mechanics
and lsborers the first lien on their work for
their full wages.
9, The sbolisbment of the contract system
on national, state and municipal work
10 The substitution OF arbitration for
strikes, whenever and wherever employers
and employs are willing TO meet on equitable
grounds.
II. The prohibition of the employment OF
children in workshops, miues and factorie-,
before attaining their fourteenth year.
IL. To abolish the system of letting ont by
contract the LABOR of consic's in our prison-
and reformstory institutions t
13. To secure for both sexes equal pay
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
leotusl improvement, aod be enabled to reap
the advantages conferred by the lsbor.saving
machinery which their brains hsve created.
Is. To prevail upon governments to esssb
lisn . purely Dationsl circulating medium,
issued directly to the people, without the
Intervention d any system Of banking cor
porations, which money shall Be . legal
tsadsr In payment ef III debh, public and
Hivate.