St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1885-11-22

with their bosses; it gives them the power
to punish the mean ones and to encourage
the more generous and just employers of
labor, and, in general, the power will be
used carefully and justly. JUsTITIA.
KNIGHTS OF LABOR.
Platform and Declaration of the
Principles of the Order.
The growing strength of the Knights of
Labor and the prominence recently given to
their organization OF late by the battles in
behalf of the cause Of labor, occasion con-
siderable inquiry as to ''what are the
Knights of Labor?" what are they trying
to do?" etc. To the uninitiated the follow
ing platform and declaration of principles
of the order will doubtless prove interesting
reading:
The alarming development and aggressive
ness of great capitalists and corporations, I'M
less checked, will inevitably lead to the pau
perization and hopeless degradation of the
toiling masses.
full blessings of life. that check be placed
upon unjust accumulation, and the power for
evil of aggregated wealth.
This much-desired object can be- accom-
plished only by the united efforts of those
who obey the divine injunction, ''in the sweat
Therefore, we have formed the Order of
Knights of Labor for the purpose of organ
iZing and directing the power of the industrial
masses, not as political party, for it is more
in it are crystalized sentiments and meas
ures for the benefit of the whole people, but
it should be borne in mind, when exercising
the right of suffrage, that most of the objects
herein set forth can only be obtained through
legislation, and that it is the duty of all to as
sist in nominating and supporting with their
votes only such candidates as will pledge
their support to those measures, regardless
of party. But no one shall, however, be
compelled to vote with the majority, and call
ing upon all who believe in securing 1.-The
greatest good to the greatest NUMBER" to
join and assist us, we declare to the world
that our aims are:
To make industrial and moral worth, not
wealth, the true standard of individual and
national greatness.
To secure to the workers the full enjoy
ment of the wealth they create, sufficient
leisure in which to develop their intellec tual,
moral and social faculties; all of the benefits,
recreation and pleasures of association; in a
word, to enable them to share in the gains
and houors Of advancing civilization.
In order to secure these results, we demand
at the hands OF the state;
The establishment of bureaus of labor sta
tistics, that we may arrive at a correct knowl-
edge af the educational, moral and financial
condition of the laboring masses.
That the public lands, the heritage of the
people, be reserved for actual settlers; not
another acre for railroads or SPECTATORS, and
that all lands now held for speculative pur-
poses be taxed to their full value.
THE ABRoGATIoN OF ALL LAWS
that do not bear equally on capital and labor,
and the removal of unjust technicalities, de-
lays and determinations in the administration
of justice.
The adoption of measures providing for the
health and safety of those engaged in mining
manufacturing and building industries, and
for decentralization to those engaged therein
for injuries received through lack of neces-
sary safeguards. "
The recognition, by incorporation, of trades
unions orders and such other associations as.
may be organized by the working masses to,
improve their condition and protect their
rights.
The enactment of laws to compel corpor-
ations to pay their employees weekly, in lawful
money, for the labor of the preceding week,
and giving mechanics and laborers first lien
upon the product OF their labor to the extent
of their full wages.
The abolition OF the contract system on ma
tional, state and municipal works.
The enactment of laws providing for arbi-
traitors between employers and employed,
and to enforce the decisions of the arbitra-
tors.
The prohibition by law of the employment
Ol culluT6u uuQSI yCtsIS VI dSC Ill WOIA
shops, mines and factories.
To prohibit the hiring out Of convict la
Dor.
That graduated income tax be levied.
And we demand at the hands of congress:
The establishment of national monetary
system in width circulating medium in nee
essary quantity shall issue direct to the peo-
pie without the Intervention of banks; that
all the national issue shall be full legal ten
der in payment of all debts, public and pri-
vate; and that the government shall not
guarantee or recognize any private banks, or
cre0+N any banking corporations.
That interest-bearing bonds, bills OF credit
Or noes shall never be issued by the govern
ment, but that when need arises, the emer-
gency shall be met py issue Of legal tender
and Notwithstanding money.
That the Importation of foreign labor under
contract be prohibited.
That in connection with the postoffce the
government shall organize financial ex-
changes, safe deposits and facilities for the
deposit OF the savings of the people in small
sums.
That the government shall obtain posses
sion, Dy purchase, under the right of eminent
domain. of all telegraphs, telephones and rail-
roads,and that hereafter no charter or license
be issued TO any corporation for construction
or operation of any means of transporting in
telligence, passengers or freight.
And while making the foregoing demands
upon the state and national government, we
will endeayor to associate our own labors:
To establish cooperative institutions such
as will tend to supersede the wage system. by
the Introduction of cooperative industrial
system.
To secure for both sexes equal pay for
equal work.
To shorten the hours Of labor by general
refusal to work for more than eight hours.
To persuade employers to agree to arbitrate
all differences which may arise between them
and their employees, in order that the bonds