Eureka daily sentinel. [volume] (Eureka, Nev.) 1871-1887, 1886-04-17
THE KNIGHTS OF LABOR.
Preamble and Declaration of Prin.
cIples of this Great and Growing
Order of WOrkingmen.

cIples of this Great and Growing
Order of WOrkingmen.
The alarming development and aggress-
iyeness of great capitalists and corpora
tions, unless checked, will inevitably lead
to the pauperization and hopeless degrade
tion Of the toiling masses.
1t 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 accom-
plished only by the united efforts of those
who obey the divine injunction. In the
sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread"
Therefore we have formed the Order OF
Knights of Labor, for the purpose of or
ganizing and directing the power of the in
dustrial masses, not AZ political party,
for it is more-in it are crystalized senti-
ments and measures for the benefit of the
whole people, but il should be borne in
mind, when exercising the right Of suf-
frage, that most of the objects herein set
forth can only be obtained through legisla-
tion, and that IL is this duty Of 81 to as
sist in nominating and supporting with
their votes only s1ch candidates "a will
pledge their support TO those measures, re.
gardless Of party. But no one shall, how
ever, be compelled to vote with the major
ity, and calling upon all who believe in Sc
curing 1.-THE greatest good to the greatest
number" to Join and assist us, we declare
to the world that our aims are:
I. To make industrial and moral worth, not
wealth, the true standard OF individual and
national greatness.
II. TO secure to the workers the full enjoy.
ment Of the wealth they create, suficient
leisure in which to develop their intellectual,
moral and social faculties; all OF the benefits,
recreation and pleasures of association: IN u
word, to enable them to share In the gains and
honors OF advancing civilization.
In order to secure these results, We demand
at the hands Of the State:
III. 1he establishment of Bureaus of La
Dor Statistics, that we may arrive at q correct
knowledge OF the educational, moral, and
financial condition of the laborin2 masses.
". That the public lands, the heritage OF
the people, be reserved for actual settlers; not
another acre for railroads or speculstors, and
that all lands now held for speculative pur-
poses be taxed to their full value.
V. The abrogatiOn OF al laws that do not
bear equally upon capital and labor, and the
removal of unjust technical lities, delays and
determinations in the administration of JUS
tice.
VI The adoption OF measures providing for
the health and safety of those engaged in min
ing, manufacturing and building industries,
and for indemnificstion to those engaged
therein Tor injuries received through lack of
necessary safeguards.
VII The recognition by incor poration of
trades unions, orders, and such other Associs-
tions may be organized by the working
masses to improve their condition and protect
their rights.
VIII. The enactment of laws to compel
corporations TO pay their employees weekly In
lawful money, for the labor OF the preceding
week, aud giving N. chanics and laborers
first lien upon the products OF their labor to
the extent of their full wages,
TX. The abolition of the contract system
on National, State and Municipal works.
X. The enactment of laws providing for
arbitration between employers and employed.
and to force the decision of the arDitrators.
NJ. The prohibition by law OF the employ
ment of children under Is years Of age in
workshops, mines and factories.
XII TO prohibit the hiring out OF convict
labor.
XIII. That graduated income tax be
levied.
And we demand at the hands of Congress:
50 XIV. The establishment Of national none
tary system, in which circulating medium
in necessary quantity shall issue direct to the
people, without the Intervention Of banks;
that all the national issue shall be full legal
tender in payment of all debts. public and
private; and that the Government shall not
guarantee or recognize any private banks, or
create any banking corporations.
XIV. That interest bearing bonds, bills of
credit or notes shall never be Issued by the
Government, but that, when Heed arises. the
emergency shall be met by issue OF legal
tender, non-interest bearing money.
XVI. The importation of foreign labor un-
der contract be prob bited.
XVII That in connection with the Post.
office, the Government shall organize financial
exchanges. safe deposits and facilities for de-
posit of the savings of the people IN small
sums.
XVIII That the Government shall obtain
possession, by purchase. under the rights of
eminent domain, of all telegrsphs, telephones
and railroads, and that hereafter no charter or
license be issued to any corporation for con-
struction or operation of any means Of trans
porting Intelligence. passeng or freight
And while making the foregoing demands
upon thu State and National Government. we
will endeavor to associate our own lsbors.
XIX. To establish cooperative Institutions
such as will tend to supersede the wage sys-
tenn by the introduction of cooperative in
dustrial system.
Xxx To secure for both sexes equal pay for
equal work.
XIX. To shorten the hours of labor by
general refusal to work for moro than eight
hours.
XXI. To persuade employers TO sgree to
arbitrste sll differences which may arise be-
tween them and their employees. in order that
the bonds Of sympathy between them may be
strengthened and that strikes may be rendered
unnecessary.