The Labor enquirer., 1886-09-18
THE KNIGHTS OF LABOR.
Preamble and Declaration of Principles
of This Great and Growing
Order OF TWOrkingmen.

Inc alarming development and aggressive
ness of great capitalists and corporations, un-
| less checked, will inevitably lead to the
pauperization and hopeless degradation OF
| the tOiing 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, ain the
sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread"
Therefore we have formed the Order Of
knights of Labor, for the purpose of organiz-
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 it Is the duty of all to as
sist In nominating and supporting with their
votes only such candidates as will pledge
their 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 US, we declare to the world that our aims
are:
/. 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 a correct
knowledge Of the educational, moral and fl
nanciaI condition of the laboring masses.
~ 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 10 their full value.
V. The abrOgatiOn or 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 indemnification TO those engaged
therein for injuries received through lack Of
necessary safeguards.
VII The recognition by Incorporation, Of
trades unions, orders, and such other associa-
tions as may be organized by the working
masses to improve their condition and pro-
tect their rights.
VIII. The enactment Of laws to compel
corporations to pay their employees weekly,
in lawful money, for the labor of the preced-
ing week, and giving mechanics and laborers
first lien upon the product 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 ar
bitIation 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 in
workshops, mines and factories.
XII. To prohibit the hiring out Of convict
| labor.
KILL That graduated income tax be
| levie0
And we demand at the hands Of CONGRESS
XIV. The establishment of a National mou-
etary system, in which a circulating medium
| in necessary quantity shall issue direct to the
| people, without the Intervention OF banks
| that ali 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
| % q CORPORATIONS.
XIV. 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 issue of legal ten
der, nOn-interest- bearing money.
XVI. That the Importation Of foreign labor
under contract be prohibited.
| XVII. That, in connection with the post
| office, the Government shall organize imam
| cial exchanges, safe deposits and facilities for
deposit Of the savings of the people IN small
| sums. .-
XVIII. That the Government shall obtain
| possession, by purchase, under the rlgntS Oh
eminent domain, of all telegraphs, telephones
and railroads, and that hereafter no charter
or license be issued to any corporation for
construction or operation of any means OF
| Transporting intelligence, passengers or
And while making the foregoing demands
upon the State and National Government, we
will endeavor to associate our own laeors;
| XIX. To establish cooperative institutions
such as will tend to supercede the wage sys
tenn, by the introduction of a cooperative In
dustrial system.
1X. TO secure for both sexes equal pay fol
XXI. To shorten the hours of labor by, 6
general refusal to work for more than elgh
hours. ., ,,-r,o ~
XXI. To pursuade employers to agree 10 70
arbitrate all differences which may arise pc
tween them and their employees, In ordel
that the bonds of sympathy between then
may be strengthened and that strikes may ot