Northwest enterprise. [volume] (Anacortes, Wash. Ter.) 1882-1887, 1886-02-20
PLATFORM OF TIE KNIGHTS OF
LABOR.

view, pupHSusu at washington, ~. -.
The wonderful eraw,h Of this orzaniza>
tIon is based on the doctrines set forth in
this platform, AMI will be the princi-
pies of the next prcsideutlll admins
tratio1 elected to power in this country:
"The alarming development and ag-
gressiven Of great capitalists and COR
porstions, unless checked, will inevitably
lead tc the pauperizatior and hopeless
degradation of the toiling masses.
II is imperative, if we desire to enjoy
the 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- accem~
pished only by the united efforts of those
who obey the devine injunction, "1n the
sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread
Therefore wa have formed the Order of
Knights of Labor. for the purpose OF or,
ganizing and directing tile peyer of the
industrial masses, not as political party,
for it is more IN it are crysta'lized sentl-
mcnts and measures for the benefit OF the
wbele people, but it should be borne IN
mind, when exercising the right OF sui
trace that most of the objects herein set
forth can only be obtained through legls-
lat,on, aud that it is the duty of all to AS
sist in nominating and supporting with
their votes only snch candidates rs VIII
pledge their upport to those measures,
regardless OF party. But no one shell.
however, Iva compelled to vote with the
m .ioriiy, and calling upon all wh" believe
in securing "the greatest god to the
greatest numb r." to jpin AMI assist US,
we declare to the world that our aims
ar:
l. To make in usfrial and moral worth
not we etlth, the true standard OF indivld-
ual and national greatness.
IL. To secure to the workers the 'uli
enjoyment of the wn,lth th"y croaie, sat-
ficirnt leisure IN which 70 .lrycl - ,heIr
intellectual, moral and social faculties; ~!
of the benefits, recreation aul rlesicros
of association; in u word, to enal le them
10 share in the gains and honors Of adj
vancin. civilization.
In order to secure thcsc results, we dc
mand at the hsn,ls OF the State:
III. The establishment of Bu' enus OF
Labor Statistics, that we may arrivo ut
CORRECT knowledge Of the educstionsl, i,
moral and financial condition of the la
Doring masses.
". That the public lands, the heritage
OF the people, be reserved for actual SET
tiers; not another acre for railroads or
spectators, and that al lands now held
for speculative purposes be tsxed to their
full value.
V. The ahYogatinu Of all laws that do
not boar equally upon capital and Nhor'
and the removal of unjust ttchnc"lit'es,
delays and determinations in tue admins
istrA,ion of justice.
vi. The adoption Of measures provid-
ing tor the health and safety of those en-
u,god in mining, manufacturing md
building industries, and for indemniica>
zion to those engaged therein FOR Injuries
received through lack OF necessary sale
gu,rds.
VII. The recognition, by incorporation, ,
of trades unions. orders, and such other
associ atoms as may DO organized 10y the
working masses to improve their condl-
tion and protect their rights.
VIII The enactment Of laws to compel
corporations to pay their employees week
", in lawful money, for the labor OF the
preceding weok, aud giving mechanics
and labo,ers first lien upon the product
of their labor TO tue extent OF their full
wages.
TX. The abolition of the contract sys'
TEN on national, state and municipal
works
X The enactment Of Jaws providing
for arbitration between employers and
smnioved. and to enforce the decision of
the arbitrators.
! XII. The prohibition by law OF the en-
! ploy nsnt OF chill lron under hltcen years