The Labor enquirer., 1886-02-06
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, 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 a political party, for it is more
in it 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 "the greatest
good to the greatest number" to join and as
sist us, 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 q
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
nancial 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 speculators, 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 orindemnificationt To those engaged
therein for injuries received through lack of
necessary safeguards. I
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,
n lawful money, for the labor of the preced-
ing week, and giving mechanics and laborers
a 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.
K. The enactment of laws providing for ar
bitration between employers and, employed,
and to enforce the decision of the arbitrators.
XII. The prohibition by law of the employ
ment of children under l5 years of age in
workshops, mines and factories.
XII. To prohibit the hiring out of convict
labor.
XIII. That graduated income tax be
levieo.
And we demand at the hands Of CONGRESS;
XIV. The establishments of aNational mon
etary system, in which circulating medium
In necessary quantity shall issue direct to the
people, without the Intervention Of banks: I
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
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-interestb bearing money.
XVI. That the Importation OF foreign labor
under contract be prohibited.
XVII. That, In connection with the posi-
Office, the Government shall organize finan. :
cial exchanges, safe deposits and facilities for