Eureka daily sentinel. [volume] (Eureka, Nev.) 1871-1887, 1886-05-25
THE KNIGHTS OF LABOR.

Preamble and Declaration of Prfn.
ctples of this Great and Growing
Order of Workingmen.
The alarming development and aggress-
iveness of great capitalists and corpora
tions, unless checked, will inevitably lead
to the pauperization and hopeless degrade.
tion OF the toiling masses.
1t is imperative, IL we desire 10 enjoy the
full blessings Of life, that q 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 q thy face shalt thou eat bread"
Therefore W. have formed the Order Of
Knights OF Labor, for the purpose Of or
ganizing and directing the power Of the in
dustrial masses, not as political party,
for. it is more-in it are crystalized senti-
ments and measures for the benefit of the
whole people, but 10 should be borne in
mind, when exercising the right OF suf-
frage, that most of the objects herein set
forth can only be obtained through legisla.
tion, and that IL is the duty of all to as
sist in nominating and supporting with
their votes only such candidates ss will
pledge their support to 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 Sc
curing "the greatest good to the greatest
number," to Join and assist us, we declare
to the world that our aims are:
I. 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, sufhcient
leisure in which to develop their intelleotu !,
moral and social faculties; all OF the dement's,
recreation and pleasures of association; In 9
word, to enable them to share In the gains and
honoIs of advancing civilization.
In order TO secure these results, We deman
at the hsnda OF the state:
III. The establishment of bureaus of La.
Dor Statistics, that we may arrive at . correct
knowledge OF the educational, moral, and
financial condition Of the lsboring 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 t. their full value.
v. The abrogation Of ell laws that do not
bear equally upon capital and labor, and the
removal of unjust technicAltties. delays and
Determinations in the administration Of jus .
tice. .s~
vi. The adoption of measures providing 70 r
the health and safety of those engaged in min.
ing, manufacturing and building industries,
and for decentralization to those engaged
therein for injuries received through lack U I
necessary safeguards.
VII. The recognition by incor poration of
trades unions, orders, and such other sssocta-
tions may be organized by the working
ID asses to improve their condition and protec
their rights.
VIII The enactment of laws to compel
corporations TO pay their employees weekly IN
lawful money, for the labor OF the preceding
raxxfx, ah apfH ~ lab
first lien upon the products of their labor to
the extent of their fun wages.
TX. The abolition OF the contract system
on National, State and Municipal works.
Y. The enactment of laws providing for
arbitration between employers and employed.
snd to force the dseision Of the srh4tsat0rs.
XI. The prohibition by law OF the employ
ment of CHILDREN uncer IL years OF age in
workshops, mines and factories.
XII To prohibit tho hiring out OF convict
XIII. That q graduated income tax be
levied.
And we demand ct the hands Of Congress:
XIV. The establishment Of national mone-
tary system, in which circulating medium
in ns cessary quantity shall issue dilect to the
people, without the Intervention OF banks;
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.
Nv. ThAt interest," DeArluB DOuQb, Dlllb 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 impor tstion of foreign labor un-
der contract be prob bited.
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 telegraphs, telephones
and railro ads, and 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 ths State and National Government. We
will endeavor to associate our own lsbors.
XIX. To establish co cooperative Institutions
such IS will tend to supersede the wage sys-
tenn, by the introduction Of q 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 eight 4
hours.
XIII. To persuade employers to sgree TO
arbitrate all differences which may arise be-
tween them and their employees, In order that
the bonds of sympathy between them may be
strengthened aud that strikes may be rendered