The Labor enquirer., 1885-04-11
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 toiling masses,
renders it imperative, il we desire to enjoy
the blessings Of life, that a check should be
placed upon its power and upon unjust accu
mutation, and system adopted which will
secure to the laborer the fruits of his toll;
and as this much desired object can only be
accomplished by the thorough uni6cation OF
those who labor. and the united efforts OF
those who earn their bread by the sweat o
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 tbs creates
number" to aid and assist us. as;.rn-
1. To bring within the fold of organization
every department of productive industry,
making knowledge stand point for action
and industrial, moral worth, not wealth, the
true standard of individual and national
greatness,
2. To secure to the toilers a proper share
of the wealth that 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
word, all those rights and privileges neees,
ary to make them capable of enjoyin & sp
preciating, defending and perpetuatlng the
blessings of good government.
8. To arrive at the true condition of the
producing masses in their educational, mora
and financial condition, by demanding from
the various governments the establishment
of bureaus of labor statistics.
4. The establishment of cooperative in
stitutions. productive and distributive.
5. The reserv1ng of the public lands-the
heritage of the people-for the actual settler
Not another acrefor railroads or corporations
6. The abrogation of all laws that do not bea
equally upon capital and labor; the remova
of unjust technicalities, delays and discrimi
nations in the administration of justice snC
the adopting Of measures providing for thu
health and safety OF those engaged in mining
manufacturing and building pursuits.
7. The enactment of laws to compe
chartered corporations to pay their employs
weekly, in full, for labor performed thu
preceding week. in the lawful money of thu
country.
8, The enactment of laws giving mechanic
and lsborers the first lien on their work fo
their full wages.
9. The abolishment of the contract system
on national, state and municipal work.
10. The substitution of arbitration fo
strikes, whenever and wherever employer
and employe are willing 10 meet on equita bl
grounds.
II. The prohibition of the employment o
children in workshops, mines and tactorie,
before attaining their fourteenth year.
IL. To abolish the system of letting out b!
and reformatory institutions.
13. To secure for both sexes equal pa.
for equal work.
IA. The reduction of the hours Of labor II
eight per day, so that the laborers may hav
more time for social enjoyment and intel
lectual improvement, and be enabled to real
the advantages conferred by the labor.savinl
machinery. which their brains have created
Is. To prevail upon governments to estah
lish a purely national circulating medium
issued directly to the people, without tn
Intervention Of any system of banking cor
porations, which money shall be lega
tender in payment of all debts, public an
private.