The Labor enquirer., 1886-12-18
THE KNIGHTS OF LABOR.
Preamble and Declaration OF Principles
Of This Great and Growing
Order OF Workingmen.

The alarming development and aggressive
ness of great capitalists and corporations, un-
less checked will inevitably lead to the
pauperization and hopeless degradation 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 organ1z-
ing and directing the power of the industrial
masses, not as political party, for it Is more
in 1t are crystalized sentiments and meas
ures for the benefit of the whole people, but
it should be borne in mind, when exercising
the right OF suffrage, that most of the objects
herein set forth can only be obtained through
legislation. and that 1t is the duty of all to as
sst in nominating and supporting with their
votes only such candidates as will pledge
tn cir support to those measures, regardless OF
party. But no one shall, however, be COM
PEELED to vote with the majority, and calling
upon all who believe in securing 1.-The greatest
good to the greatest number" to join and as
sist u.s. 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.
II. To secure to the workers the full enjoy
ment of the wealth they create, sufficient
leisure in which to develop their intellectual,
moral and social faculties; all Of the benefits,
recreation and pleasures Of association; In
word, to enable them to share in the gains
and honors of advancing civilization.
In order to secure these results, we demand
of the STATE:
III. The establishment of Bureaus Of Labor
Statistics, that we may arrive at correct
knowledge of the educational, moral and Il
nancial condition of the laboring masses.
w. 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 pur-
poses be taxed TO their full value.
V. The abrogation OF all laws that do not
bear equally upon capital and labor, and the
removal of unjust technicalities. delays and
determinations in the administration OF
justice.
VI. The adoption OF measures providing
for the health and safety of those engaged In
mining, manufacturing and building indus
tries and for indemniication 10 those engaged
therein for Injuries received through lack OF
necessary safeguards.
VII The recognition by' incorporation, oi
| ptb
tons as may be organized by the working
masses to improve their condition and pro
tect their rights
VIII, The enactment OF laws to compe
corporations to pay their employees weekly
in lawful money, for the labor Of the preced
ing week, and giving mechanics and laborer'
| first lien upon the product OF their labor u
! the extent OF their full wages.
| TX. The abolition of the contract system or
National, State and Municipal works
X. The enactment OF laws providing for ar
! bitration between employers and employed
and to enforce the decision of the arbitrators
XI. The prohibition by law of the employ
ment of children under Is years of age il
workshops, mines and factories.
XII. To prohibit the hiring out OF convic
labor.
XIII. That graduated income tax b.
Levied.
And we demand at the hands OF CoNGREss
XIV The establishment of National mon
etary system, in which circulating medium
in necessary quantity shall issue direct to tn
people, without the Intervention Of banks
that all the National issue shall be full lega
tender in payment Of all debts, public an
private: and that the Government shall no
guarantee or recognize any private banks, o
create any banking corporations.
XIV. That interest bearing bonds, bills c
credit or notes shall never be issued by tn
Government, but that, when need arises, tn
emergency shall be met by issue OF legal te
der. non-interest-b bearing money.
XVI. That the Importation OF foreign labo
under contract be prohibited.
XVII. That, in connection with the pos
office, the Government shall organize fnar
cial exchanges, safe deposits and facilities fc
deposit Of the savings of the people in sma
sums.
] XVIII. That the Government shall obtai