The Abilene reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1883-1888, 1886-09-09
No Home Here.

the OouOCTdLlC GlChcG- 4HCJ ma AN
place or part in the republican ranks
LeGuenlOOTth Times.
Workingmen, farmers and mechanics:
What do you say to the above? Coming
from the source that it dOes-from the
acknowledged leading republican paper
of Kansas-it has more significance
than one would imagine at first glance
1t says to you your vote is not wanted
by the republican party; we only expect
and ask the votes of monOpolists, cor
porations and those opposed to the labor
element of the country. We know that
some persons have found their way into
the knights of Labor who have no buSI-
ness there. But is this not true OF
every organization under the sun
Show us single organization in which
there are no unworthy persons. Gointo
the churches and there you find hyp0-
critics. Go into the Masonic lodge, and
there you will find traitors, and so it Is
through the whole list. And now, why
is it that the Knights of Labor alone
should be selected for the torrents OF
abuse from the republican press? Why
should the thousands of honest, hard
working men who belong to the knights
of Labor be abused, villified and driven
around like dumb cattle, simply because
few persons have crept into the order
that are law breakers
When the Times attacks the knights
of Labor, it attacks the bone and sineW
of the country. Here are the principles
upon which this order is founded, and
paper opposing or Directing thereto is
opposed to our system of free govern
ment:
To make industrial and moral worth,
not wealth, the true standard OF lndl-
vidual and national greatness.
To secure to the workers the full en-
jOyment of the wealth they create, sutfi- |
cient leisure in which to develop their |
intellectual, moral and social faculties; |
all of the benefits, recreation and pleas
ure of association-in word, to enable |
them to share in the gains and hOnOrs
of advancing civilization.
In order to secure the results, we de-
mand at the hands of the state:
The establishment of a bureau of
labor statistics, that we may arrive at a
moral and financial condition of the
laboring classes.
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 proposes be taxed
to their full value.
The abrogation of all laws that do
not bear equally on capital and labor.
and the removal of all unjust technical
tiles, delays and determinations in the
administration of justice.
The adoption of measures providing
for the health and safety Of those en-
gagged in mining and manufacturing.
building industries, and for indemniti-
cation to those engaged therein for in
juries received through lack of necessary
safeguards.
The recognition by incorporation. of
trades unions, and such other aSSocia-
tiatiOns as may be organized by the
working masses to improve their con-
dition and protect their rights.
The enactment of laws to compel
corporations 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 national, state and municipal works.
The enactment of laws providing for
arbitration between employers and en-
ployed, and to enforce the decision of
the arbitrator.
The prohibition, by law, of the en-
pl0yment of children under fifteen
years in work shops, mines and factor
les.
To prohibit the hiring out of convict
labor.
That graduated income tax be
levied.
That the Importation of foreign labor
under contract be prohibited.
To secure for both sexes equal paw
For equal work.
To persuade employers to agree to
arbitrate all differences which may
arise between them and their EMPLOYEES.
N order that the bonds of sympathy
nay be strengthened and that strikes
nay be rendered unnecessary.
Is there single objection of the true
American citizen to the above? Is not
his declaration of principles based
lpon the constitution of the United
states.
Now, we will just say to the laboring
IAN, if the republican party will not
i've a home to an organization founded
n the principles set forth above, come
ITO the democratic fold. Here you
i'll find home and friends. Here you
ill find party friendly to your cause.
he honest toiler-the true Knight of
abor-can always find resting place
TIE democratic party. And the soon
tee old hulk of a republican 5arty j. c
It 20 its idols-the corporations anti 4
OIL polies-the better for the farmer,
tisan and mechanic. Trust it no
Dger.