The Labor enquirer., 1884-07-19
KNIGHT OF LABOR.
The Preambled Declaration Of the
Principles Of this Great
Order.

The alarming development and aggression
of'aggregated wealth, which, unless checked,
viii inevitably lead to the pauperization and
hopeless degradation of the toiling masses,
renders it imperative, il we desire to enjoy
the blessings of life, thate 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 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 hsVe formed the order of the
Knights of Labor, with a view OF securing
the organization and directien, 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 onr
organization, calling upon all who believe in
securing "the greatest good to the greatest
number" to aid and assist us. E8@
s 1. To bring within the fold of organization
every department of productive industry,
making knowledge. q sland point for action,
and industrial, moral worth, not wealth, the
true standard of individual and national
greatness.
2. To secure to the toiIsrs a proper share
of the wealth hat sbey create more Of the
leisure that rightfully belongs to them mors
ociety advantages; more of the benefits.
privileges and emoluments of the world !; in
"a word, all those rights and privileges. neoes-
ary to make them capable Of enjoying, ap-
preciating, defending and perpesuating the
blessings Of good government.
3. To arrive at the true condition of the
producing masses in their educational, moral
aad financial coudition, BY demanding from
the various governments the establishment
of bureaus of labor statistics. :
4. The establishment of cooperative in.
stitations. productive and distribative.
5. The reserying Of the public lands-ths
heritage Of the people-for she actual settler.
Not another acrefor railroads or corporations
6. The ebrogation of all laws that do not bear
equally upon capital and labor; the removal
of unjust teehnicalities, delays and sdiscrimi.
nations in the administration of Justice; and
the adopting Of measures providing for the
health and safety of those engaged in mining,
manufacturing and building pursuits.
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. s.'F
8. The enactment of laws giving mechanics
and iaborers the first lien on their work for
their full wages.
g. The sbolishment of the contract system
on national, state and municipal work.
10. The substitution of arbitration for
strikes, wherever and wherever employers
aud employe are willing to meet on equitable
grounds, b.: =, ...--s
II. The prohibition of the employment OF
children in workshops, mines and factories,
befcte attaining their fourteenth year.
IL. To abolish the system of letting out by
contract the labor of convicts in our prisons
and reformstory institutions. g.. d..
49,. To secure for both sexes equal pay
for equal work. - - n a.. -
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.
leetusl improvement, and be enabled to reap
the advantages conferred by the lsbor.ssving
machinery which their brains have created.
15. To prevail upon governments to estsb.
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.