Eureka daily sentinel. [volume] (Eureka, Nev.) 1871-1887, 1886-04-23
THE KNIGHTS OF LABOR.
Preamble and Declaration of Prin.
ciples of this Great and Growing
Order Of Workingmen.

ciples of this Great and Growing
Order Of Workingmem.
The alarming development and aggress-
iveness OF great capitalists and corpora
tions, unless checked. will inevitably lead
to tho pauperization and hopeless degrade
tion OF the toiling masses.
1t is imperative, II wo desire to enjoy the
full blessings Of life, that a 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 Or
ganizing and directing the power OF the in-
dustrial masses. not al political party,
for IL IL more-in 1t are crystalized senti-
ments and measures for the benefit OF the
whole people, but il should be borne In
mind, when exercising the right OF suf-
frage, that most of the objects herein set
for tn can only bo obtained through legisla-
tion, and that it is the duty Of all 10 AS
sist in nominating and supporting with
their votes only such candidates. ~ will
pledge their support 70 those measures. re-
gardless OF party. But no one shall, how
ever, be compelled to vote with the major
ity, and calling upon all who believe in se-
curing "the greatest good to the greatest
number" to Join and assist 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 creste,s sufficient
leisure in which to develop their intellectual,
moral and social faculties; all Of the dement's,
recreation and pleasures OF association; III n
word, to enable them TO share In the gains and
honors of advancing civilization.
In order to secure these results, We demand
ut the hands of the state;
Ill. 1he establishment of Bureaus Of La.
Dor statistics, that we may arrive at \ correct
knowledge OF the educational, moral, aud
financial condition Of the laboring masses.
Nv. That the public lands, the heritage Of
tie people. be reserved for actusl settlers; not
another acre for railroads or speculgtors, and
that all lands now held for speculative pur.
poses be taxed t. their full value.
" The abrogation of all laws that do not
bear equally upon capital and labor. and ths
removal of unjust technic Alities. delays aud
determinations in the administration of jus.
tice.
VI The adoption Of measures providing for
the health and safety of those engaged In min
ing. manufacturing and building industries.
and for Naturalization TO those engaged
therein for injuries received through lack OF
necessary safeguards.
VII. The recognition by incor poratlon of
trades unions. orders, and such other associa-
tions rs msy be organized by the working
masses to improve their condition and protect
their rights.
VIII. The enactment Of laws to compel
corporations 10 pay their employees weekly IN
lawful money, for the labor OF the preceding
week. and giving III. chanics and lsborers =
first lien upon the products 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
arbitration between employers and employed.
and to force the decision of the arbftrators.
XII. The prohibition by law OF ths employ
ment of CHILDREN under IL years of age in
workshops. mines and factories. 8
Kill To prohibit the hiring out OF convict
labor.
XIII. That 9 graduated income tax be
levied.
And we demand at the hands of Congress:
XIV. The establishment of q national none
tsry system, in which q circulating medium
| in necessary quantity shall issue direct to the
| people, without the intervention OF banks !;
tn at all the national issue shsll 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 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
| tender, non-interest bearing money.
XVI. The importation Of foreign labor un-
| der contract be prohibited.
| XVII That in connection with the Post
| office, the Government shall organize financial
| exchanges, safe deposits and facilities for de-
| posit of the savings of the people In small
sums.
| XVIII That the Government shall obtain
possession, by purchase. under the rights OF
| eminent domain, Of all telegrsphs, telephones
| and railroads, aud that hereafter no charter or
| license be issued to any corporation for con-
| struction or operation of any means Of trans
| porting Intelligence. passengers or freight.
And while making the foregoing demands
| upon thu State and Nstionul Government, we
| will endeavor to associate our own lAbora.
XIX. To establish cooperative institutions
| such AS will tend to supersede the wage sys.
| tenn, by the Introduction Of . cooperative in.
| dustrisl system.
| Xxx. To secure for both sexes equal pay for
| equal work.
| Xxx. To shorten the hours of labor by q
general refusal TO work for more than eigh,
| hours.
| xxi. To persuade employers to sgree tC
| srbitrkte all differences which mxy arise be-
| tween them and their employees, In order that
| the bonds of sympathy between them may bs
| strengthened and that strikes may be rendered
| unnecessary.