Mower County transcript. [volume] (Lansing, Minn.) 1868-1915, 1889-08-14
MORE FROM THE KNIGHTS OF
- T.AEOR.
To the Editors OF theSrIsASsCRlPT;

Z
much of the lecture of Mr. Lucas from not
being familiar with the principles of the
K, of l.. order. No doubt there is quite
a number of patrons of your publication
Just as uninformed in regard to the Oh
jects of the order as yourselves and since
our principles or preamble are not
secret we send you here q copy for publi-
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 toillng masses. 1t is impera
tive, If we desire to enjoy the full bless
ings OF life, that unju 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 inlunction: In 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 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; suf1l
Gent leisure IN which to develop their
intellectual, moral and social faculties;
ali of the benefits recreations and pleas
ures of association; in word. to enable
them to share IN the gains and honors of
advancing civilization.
DEMANDS
In order to secure these results, we
utHlauN dt tuC HaIUS OIL the Ia W making
power of state and nation:-
III. 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
Orjng 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
technicalities, delays and determinations
in the administration of justice.
VI. The adoption of measures provid.
ing for the health and safety of those en-
gagged IN mining, manufacturing and
building industries, and for lndemnif.
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.
pei corporations to pay their employees
weedly, in lawful money, for the labor
of the preceding week, and giving me
chanics and labOrers first lien upon the
product of their labor to the extent Of
their full wages.
TX. The abolition Of the contract sys
TEN on national, state and municipal
works
<. The enactment of laws PROVIDING
for arbitration between employers an(
employed and to enforce the decision O.
the arbitrators.
XI. The prohibition, by law, of tn,
employment of children under fiftee1
years of age.
XII. To prohibit the hiring out Of
convict labor
XIII. That graduated income tax bs
levied.
XIV. The establishment of nstiona
monetary SYSTEM in which circulating
medium in necessary quantity shall issue
directly to the people, without the inter
vention OF banks; that all the nationa
issue shall be full legal tender in paymen
Of all debts. public and private; and tina
= the government shall not guarantee q
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 neeC
arises, the emergency shall be met DJ
issue Of legal tender, nonlnterest bearing
money.
XVI That the importation of foreign
labor under contract be prohibited.
XVII. That, in connection with thu
post-ofice, the government shall organic
financial exchanges, safe deposits, an(
facilities for deposits of savings Of tn
people in small sums.
XVIII. That the government shall oh
tain possession, by purchase, under tn
right of eminent domain, of all telegraph
telephones and railroads; and that here
after no charter or license be issued t.
any corporation for construction or op
Grafton Of any means Of transport1n
intelligence, passengers or freight
OUR OWN LABoRs. ..s
And while making the foregoing dc
mands upon the state and national gov
eminent, we will endeavor to associat
our own labOrs;- --..- r.:
XIX. To esta blishss CO. operative IN
stitutions, such as will tend to suppressed
the wage system, by the introduction 0
a co operative industrial system.
Xxx. To secure for both sexes equal pa
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