The new dominion. [volume] (Morgantown, W. Va.) 1876-1904, 1886-04-17
KNIGHTS OF LABOR.
Full Text of the Constitution Of
the Great Organizations of
the Wage Workers.
To the Public:

To the Public.
The alarming development and
aggressiveness of great capitalist;
and corporations, unless checked
will inevitably lead to the pauperi
cation and hopeless degradation Of
the toiling masses. 1t is imperative
if we desire to enjoy the full bless
ings of life, that a check be placed
upon unjust accumulation, and the
power for evil of aggregated wealth
This much desired object can be ac.
complishcd only by the united eff
forts of those who obey the divine
injunction, In the sweat of thy face
shalt thou eat bread"
Therefore we have formed the or
der, the Knights of Labor, for the pur-
pose of organizing and directing the
power of the industrial masses, not
as a political party, for it is more-in
it are crystalized sentiments and
measures for the benefit of the whole
people, but it 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 legislation; and that it is
the duty of all to assist in nominal
ing and supporting with their votes
only such candidates as will pledge
their support to those measures, re-
CARELESS of party. But no one shall,
however, be compelled to vote with
the majority, and calling upon all
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:
l. 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 wealth they
create, sufficient leisure in which to
develop the intellectual, moral and
social faculties; all of the benefits,
recreation and pleasures Of associa-
ton; in 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:
3. The establishment of bureaus
of labor statistics, that we may ar
rive at a correct knowledge of the
educational, moral and and financial
condition of the laboring class.
A. That the public lands, the
heritage of the people, be reserved
for actual settlers, not another acre
for railroads or spectators, and all
lands now held for speculative pur
poses be taxed to their full value.
5. The abrogation of all laws that
do not bear equally upon capital and
labor, and the removal of unjust
technicalities, delays and discrimi
nation 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 naturalization for those engag-
ed therein for injuries received
through lack of necessary safe
guards.
7. The recognition, by incorpora-
ton, of trades unions, orders and
such other associations as may be
organized by the working masses to
improve 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
give mechanics and laborers first
lien upon the products of their
labor to the extent of their full
wages.
9. The abolition of the contract
system on national, State and munic
ipal work.
10. The enactment of laws provid-
ing for arbitration between employ
ers and employees, and to force the
decision of the arbitrator.
II. The prohibition by law of the
employment of children under 10
years of age in workshops, mines and
factories.
IL. To prohibit the hiring out of
convict labor.
ID. That graduated income tax
be levied.
And we demand at the hands of
Congress:
IA. The establishment of ma
tional monetary 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 pay ment
of all debts, public and private; and
that the government shall not guar
antee or recognize any private banks,
or create any bank corporations.
Is. That interest bearing bonds,
bills of credit or notes shall never be
issued by the government, but that,
when need arises, the emergency
shall be met by issues of legal ten
der, r1on-interest bearing money.
16. That the importation of for
eign labor under contract be prohib-
tied.
II. That. in connection with the
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 OBJ
tain possession, by purchase, under
the right of eminent domain, of all
telegraph, telephones, and railroads,
and that hereafter no charter or Ii
cense be issued to any corporation
for construction or operation of any
transporting intelligence, passengers
or freight.
And while making the foregoing
demands unon the State and Nation