The Labor enquirer., 1884-11-15
KNIGHTS OF LABOR.
The Preambled Declaration Of the
Principles Of this Great
Order.

of aggregated wealth, which, unless checked,
hopeless degradation of the toiliug masses,
renders it imperative, if we desire to enjoy
the blessings of life, that check should be
placed upon its power and upon unjust acca
mutation, and q system adopted which will
secure to the laborer the fruits of his toll ;
aDd as this much desired object can only be
ccomplrshed by the thorough unfcation OF
those who labor. and the united efforts Of
those who earn their bread by tbs sweat Of
heir brow, ge have formed the order "f the
Knights OF Labor, with 4 view OF securing
1 be organization and direction, by CT opera
tive effort, Of the power of the industrial
classes; and We submit to the world tn
objects sought 10 be accomplished b7 our
! organization, cslliug upon all who believe in
securing "the gl estest god TO the creates
number to aid and ASSET us.
1. To bring within the fold of organzstio,
every department of productive industry
making knowledge stand point for action,
and industrial, moral worth, not wealth, the
true standard OF individual and nationa.
| greatness.
?. To secure to the tCilerG proper shsr'
| of the wealth hat lbey create more of the
leisure that rightfully belongs TO them more
ociety advantages; more OF The benehs
privileges and emoluuents of the world; il
a word, all those rights and privileges neces-
ary to make them capable OF eujnyin 4 AZ.
preciating, defending and perpetuatlug tn
blessings Of good government,
3. To arrive at the true coalition Of thO
producing masses in their educational, moral
and financial condition, by demanding from
the various governments the establs hman'
OF bureaus Of labor statistics.
4. The establishment of CO operative 10
stitutinns. productive snd disributive.
5. The ressrglne Of the, public ]ands-thr
heritage of the people-far the actual settler.
| Not another acrefor railroads or corporations.
6. The abrogation of ell laws hat do not bear
equally upon capital aud labor; the removal
of unjust technicalities, delays and dscrimi'
nations in the administration of Justice; and
the adopting OF measures providing for the
health and safety OF those engaged in mining
! Misunderstanding and bulldog pursuits.
7. The eosctment Of laws to cowpei
cha. ter. Il CO porPlions to pay their 'employe
weekly. in tull, tor lsoor performed the
| i,, ha u, ful n
country.
8. The enactment of laws giving mechanics
and lsJorors the first lien on their work for
their full wages.
9. The abolisbment of the contract system
on nationsl, state ard municipal work.
10. Tue substitution of arbitration fol
strikes, whenever sni wherever employers
and emplrye are wiling TO rae It on equits ble
! grounds.
II. The prohibition of the employment o.
! ohildreR in workshops, mines aud tactorie,
before attaining their fourteenth year.
l2. To abolish the system of letting out by
contract the LABOR of convicts in our prlson'
and refprmstory Institutions.
13. To secure tor both sexes equal pay
! for equal work.
IA. The reduction of the hours Of labor to
eigh. per day, 80 that the laborers may have
more time for social enjoyment and intel
! le:tual improvement, and be enabled to REAP
the sdvantsges conferred by the labor saving
machinery which their brsins have created
IS. To prevail urcu governments to es.ah,
lish purely national circulating medium
issued directly to the people, without the
Intervention OF any system of barking cor
porsliops, which money shall be legal
tender in payment Of all debts, public and