Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1889-08-14


being familiar with the principles Of the
K of l., order. No doubt there is quite
number Of patrons cf your publication
Just as uninformed in regard to the oh
iectS Of the ovUtr as yourselves ana since
our principles or preamble are not
-,-t --t.l. ". copy Tor puUll
cation:
PREAMBLE.
The alarming development and aggres.
siveness Of the power OF great capitalists
and CORPORATIONS under the present in
dustrial system will inevitably lead to
the paupcrization and hopeless degrad
alton OF the toilug masses. 1t is impera.
tive, it we desire to enjoy the full bless
inys Of life, that unjusl accumulation and
this power for evil Of aggregated wealth
shall be prevented. This much desired
object can be accomplished only by the
united efforts Of those who obey the
divine Injunction: ''Iu the sweat of thy
face shalt thou eat bread" Therefore we
have formed the Order Of the Knights of
Labor tor the purpose of organizing,
educating and directing the power Of the
industrial masses.
1t is not a political party, it is more
for in it are crystalllZed sentiments and
measures 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, regardless of
party, of all to assist in nominating and
supporting with their votes such candi-
dates as will support these measures
No one shall, however, be compelled to
vote with the majority.
PRINCIPLES.
Calling upon all who believe in secur-
ing 1.-The greatest good to the greatest
number" to join and assist us, we de-
clare to the world that our aims are:-
l. To make industrial and moral worth,
not wealth, the true standard of individ-
ual and national greatness.
II To secure to the workers the full en-
joYment Of the wealth they create; suffl
Gent leisure IN which to develop their
intellectual, moral and social faculties;
ali OF the benefits. recreatiOns and pleas
ures of association; in a word. to enable
them to share IN the gains and honors of
advancing civilization.
DEMANDS
In order to secure these results, we
demand at the hands Of the law making
power Of state and nation:-
Ill. The establishment Of Bureaus of
Labor Statistics, that we may arrive at a
correct knowledge Of the educational
moral and financial condition of the lab
orng masses.
". That the public lands.
the heritage of the people, be reserved
for actual settlers-not another acre for
railroad or other spectators, or alien
landlords; and that all lands now held
for speculative purposes be taxed to their
full value.
V. The abrogation of all laws that do
not bear equally upon capitalists and
laborers. and the removal of unjust
technicali+ies, delays and determinations
in the administration of justice.
vi. The adoption of measures provid-
ing tor the health and safety of those en-
gagged IN mining, manufacturing and
building industries, and for lndemnifi-
cation to those engaged therein for in
juries received through lack of necessary
safeguards.
VII. The recognition, by incorpor.
alton. of orders and other associations
organized by the workers to improve
their condition and protect their rights.
VIII. The enactment of laws to COM
Weedly, in lawful money, for the labor
of the preceding week, and giving me-
chanics and labOrers a first lien upon the
product of their labor to the extent OF
their full wages.
TX. The abolition of the contract sys-
tenn on national, state and municipal
works.
x The enactment of laws providing
for arbitration between employers and
employed, and to enforce the decision of
the arbtrators.
XII The prohibition. by law, of the
employment of children under fifteen
years Of age.
XII. To prohibit the hiring out of
convict labor.
XIII. That graduated income tax be
levied.
XIV. The establishment of a national
monetary system, in which circulating
medium in necessary quantity shall issue
directly to the people, without the inter
ventiOn Of banks; that all the national
issue shall he 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 OIL legal 'louucI, uOu1uteIeSt DedIluS
money.
XVI. That the importation Of foreign
labor under contract be prohibited.
XVII. That, in connection with the
post-office, the government shall organize
financial exchanges, safe deposits and
facilities for deposits of savings of the
people in small sums.
XVIII. That the government shall OBJ
tain possession, by purchase, under the
right Of eminent domain, of all telegraphs
telephones and railroads; and that here
after no charter @: license be issued tC
any corporation for construction or OPP
Grafton Of any means of transporting
intelligence. passengers or freight.
OUR OWN LABORs.
And while making the foregoing de-
mands upon the state and national gov
eminent, we will endeavor to associate
our own labors;-
. XIX. To esta blishss cooperative IN
stitutions such as will tend to supersede
the wage system, by the introduction OF
q co operative industrial system.
Xxx To secure for both sexes equal pay
. for equal work