The advocate., 1890-01-16
knights Of Labor Department,
PnATFORlI Oh PRINCTPLEs.


AAAAAFOAbNA Dh FAbANNAA AAto'
PREAMBLE.
The alarming development and 0ggres-
slyoDcea OF tho power OF great capitalists
and corporations under the present indus
trinl system will inevitably lead 10 the pau
perizaton and hopeless degradation Of the
tOiling masses. IL is imperative, five desire
tO enjoy the full blessiugg OF life, that unjust
accumulation and this power for evil OF ag-
ggegaiod wealth shall be prevented. This
much desired object can DO accomplished
ouly 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 the knights OF
Labor for the purpose OF organizing, educat-
Ing and directing the power Of the industrial
masses.
10 ID not political party, IL is moro-foF
init ore crystallized sentiments and measures
fOr the benefit Of the whole peoples but 10
should be borne In mind, when exercising
Che right OF suffrage, that most Of the objects
herein Bot fourth can only DO obtained
through Legislation, and that II is the duty,
regardless Of party, OF all 70 assist In nomi-
Mating and supporting with their votes such
candidates as viii support these measures.
No one shall however, be compelled TO vote
with the majority.
PRINCIPLES.
Calling upon all who believe In securing
Ftho greatest good 10 the greatest number
10 join and assist us we declare to the world
thnt our aims arei
/. 10 make industrial and moral worth,
not wealth, the true standard OF individual
and national greatness.
H. To secure to tho workers the full en-
ioyment Of the wealth they create; sufficient
A..
moral and social facultieB all OF the benefits,
In q word, TO enable them TO share in tho
gains aud honora Of advancing civilization.
DEMANDS.
Ia order to secure these results, we demand
at Tho hands OF tho law-madng power of
State and Nations
III The establishment Of Bureaus Of Labor
Statistics, chat we may arrive ut a correct
knowledge OF the educational, moral and
Mn6ncial condition of the laboring masses
* Nv, That tho land, including all natural
aotirc0s Of wealth, is the heritage Of all the
Re0plo, and should not be subject 10 specula-
live iraiiic. Occupancy and use should be
t1o only title TO the possession of land. Taxes
upon land should DO levied upon itB full value
for uBe, exclusive OF improvements, and
should be sufficient TO take FOR Che commu-
nity all the unearned increment.
W The abrOgatiOn OF oil lawsthat do not
bear equally upon capitalists and laborers,
aud the removal Of unjust tBchnicalities de-
lQys and determinations IN tho administra-
zion Of Justice.
VI, The adoption Of measures providing
for Che health and safety of those engaged
IA mining, manufacturing and building in
dustries, and for indemnihcation 10 those
engaged therein for injuries received through
lack az nccoegnrv gnfev1inrda
VII The reorganization, by incorporation,
Of orders and other associations organized
by the workers TO improve their condition
and protect their rights.
VIII. The enactment of laws TO compel
corporations TO pay their employees weekly,
IN lawful money, for the labor of the preced-
ing week. and giving mechanics and labor
ega q hrst lien upon the product Of their la
DUI 10 the extent OF their full wages.
kA. The abolition of the contract system
cn National, State and municipal work.
n. The enactment of laws providing for
ArnitHahon between employers and employ
ga, sad to enforce the decision Of the arbi-
traitors.
KY. The prohibition, by law, OF the en-
ployment Of children under fifteen years OF
aQ6,
XII. To prohibit the hiring out Of convict
labor
Kill That q graduated income tax be
levied.
XIV. The establishment OF national
monetary system, in which a circulating
medium In necessary quantity shall Issue
directly TO tho people, without tho interven-
ZION % banks; that oil the national issue
shall be full legal tender in payment of all
debts, public and private; and chat the
government shall not guarantee or recognize
any private banks or create any banking
corporation.
XIV, That interest-bearing bonds, bills of
credit or notes shall never be issued by the
government; but chat, when need arises, the
emergency shall be met by issue Of legal !
tender misunderstanding money.
XVI. That the importation OF foreign la- |