San Marcos free press. [volume] (San Marcos, Tex.) 1877-1892, 1886-03-25
Principles and Objects Of the Order Of
the knights OF Labor.

L
q in regard to the movements of thu
0 above Order induces us to copy the
s following.-ED. FREE Press.
, The alarming development and ag
D gressiveness Of great capitalists ant
corporations, unless checked, will in
evitably lead to the pauperization ant
hopeless degradation of the toiline
masses.
1t is imperative, if we desire to en-
JOY tho full blessings of. life, that q
check be placed upon unjust accumu-
lation, and the power for evil of az,
gregated wealth,
This much desired object can be
accomplished only by the united Of
forts of those who obey the divine in
junction, ain the sweat of thy brow
shalt thou eat bread y.
Therefore we have formed the Or
der of Knights of Labor, for the pur-
pose of organizing and directing the
power of the industrial masses, not as
n political party, for it is more; in it
are crystalized sentiments and meas
ures for the benefit of the whole peo-
pie; but it should be borne in mind,
when exercising tho 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 assist in nominating and sup
porting with their votes only such
candidates as will pledge their sup
port to those measures, regardless of
party. But no one shall, however, be
compelled to vote with the majority;
and calling upon oil who believe in
securing the greatest good to the
greatest number to join and assist
us, we declare to the world that our
aims are:
1. To make industrial and moral
worth, not wealth, the true standard
of individual and national greatness.
2. To secure to the workers the
full enjoyment Of the wealGh they
create, sufficient leisure in which to
develop their intellectual, moral and
social faculties; all of the benefits,
recreation and pleasures of associa-
tion; in word, to enable them to
share in the gains and honors of ad-
vancing civilization.
In order to secure these results, we
demand at the hand of the Stale:
3. The establishment of Bureaus
of Labor Statistics, that we may Or
rive at correct knowledge of the ed
ucational, moral and financial condi-
ton of the laboring masses.
4. That the public lands, the her
itage 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.
g. The abrogation of all laws that
do not bear equally on capital and
labor, and the removal of unjust tech
nicalities, delays and Determinations
in the administration of justice.
6. The adoption of measures pro
viding for the health and safety of
those engaged in mining, manufac-
turing and building industries, and
for indemnification to those engaged
therein for injuries received through
lack of necessary safeguards.
7. The recognition, by incorpora-
tion, of trades unions, orders, and
such other associations as may be or
ganized by the working masses to i'm
prove their condition and protect
their rights.
s. The enactment of laws to com
pei corporations to pay their en-
ployes 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.
8. The abolition of the contract
system on national, state and munich
pal works.
10. The enactment of laws provid-
ing for arbitration between employ
ers and employed, aud to enforce the
decision of the arbitrators.
IL. The prohibition by law of the
employment of children under fifteen
years of age in workshops, mines and
factories.
IL. To prohibit the hiring out Of
convict labor.
13. That graduated income tax
be levied.
And we demand at the hands Of
Congress:
ii. The establishment OF a national
monetary system, in which circulat-
ing medium in necessary quantity
shall issue direct to the people, with
out the Intervention Of banks; that
all the national issue shall be full le-
gal tender in payment of all debts,
public and private; and that the gov
ernment shall not guarantee orrecog-
nize any private banks, or create any
banking corporations.
Is. That Understanding bonds,
bills OF credit or notes shall never be
issued by the government, but that
when need arises, the emergency shall
be met by the issue Of legal tender,
misunderstanding money.
1G That the importation offoreign
labor under contract be prohibited
IL. That in connection with tbe
postoffice, the government shall or
ganize financial exchanges, safe-de- !
posits. and facilities for deposit Of the
savings Of the people in small sums
Is That the government shall Oh
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