Barbour County index. [volume] (Medicine Lodge, Kan.) 1880-current, 1892-06-29
THE ST. LOUIS PLATFORM.

This, the first great labor conference of the
United States and of the eworld-representing
all divisions of urban and rural organized in
duStry assembled in national congress, invok-
ing upon its action the blessing and proteo ton
of Almighty God. puts forth, to and for the
producers OF this nation, this declaration OF
union and independence:
The conditions which surround us best Jus tify
our cooperation. We meet in the midst of a
nation brought to the verge of moral, political
and material ruin Corruption dominates the
ballot box, the legislatures, the congre S. and
touches even the ermine of the bench. The
people are demoralized. Many of the states
have been compelled to isolate the voters at
the polling places in order to prevent
universal intimidation or bribery The
newspapers are subsidized or muzzled:
public opinion silenced; business pros
trated; our homes covered with mort
cages; labor impoverished, and the land concen-
trated in the hands of ca pitalists. The urban
workmen are denied the right of organization
for self protection; imported pauperized labor
beats down their wages hireling standing
army, unrecognized by our laws, is established
to shoot them down, and they are rapidly de-
generating to European conditions. The fruits
of the toll of the millions are boldly stolen to
build up colossal fortunes, unprecedented in the
history of the world, while the possessors de-
spise the republic and endanger liberty From
the same prolific womb of governmental Unjust
ice we breed the two great tclasses-paupers and
money is appropriated to enrich bondholders:
silver which has been accepted as coin since
the dawn of history, has been demonetized to
add TO the purchasing power of gold by decreas-
ing the value of all forms of property, as well
as human labor: and the supply of currency is
rupt enterprise and enslave industry. A vast
conspiracy against mankind has been Or
ganized on two continents and is taking pos
session of the world. If not met and over
"a
vulsions, the destruction Of civilization or the
establishment of absolute despotism. In
this crisis of human affairs the intelligent
working people and producers Of the United
States have come together, in the name of
peace, order and society, to defend liberty
prosperity and justice.
We declare our union and independence We
assert our purpose to vote with that political
organization which represents our principles
We charge that the controlling Influences
dominating the old political parties have al
lowed the existing dreadful conditions to de-
velop without serious effort to restrain or pre-
vent them. Neither do they now intend
to accomplish reform. They have agreed to-
gether to ignore in the coming cam
paign every issue but one. They pro-
pose to drown the outeries OF plundered peo-
pie with the uproar of a sham battle over the
tariff, that corporations, national banks,
rings, trusts ''watered stocks, !" the demoneti-
zItion of silver, and the expressions of usurers
may all De lOSL S1gnL Iney propose to Sacri-
fee our homes and children upon the altar of
mammon-to destroy the hopes of the multitude
in order to secure corruption funds from the
greatlo of plunder. We assert that a political
organization, representing the political princi.
pies herein stated, is necessary TO redress the
grievances of which we com plain.
Assembled on the anniversary Of the birth of
the ilustrious man who led the first great
volt on this continent against oppression, filed
with the sentiments which actuated that grand
generation, seek to restore the government
of the republic TO the hands of the plain peo-
pie with whom ii originated. Our doors stand
open 10 all points of the compass. We ask all
honest men to join with and help US In order
to restrain the extortions of aggregated capital,
TO drive the money changers out of the temple,
Ito form more perfect union, establish justice,
insure domestic tranquility, provide for the
common defense promote the general welfare
and secure the blessings of liberty for ourselves
and our posterity. . we do ordain and establish
the following platform Of principles:
F1rSt-We declare the union of the labor
forces of the United States this day accom-
plished. permanent and perpetual May its
spirit enter into all hearts for the salvation of
the republic and the uplifting of mankind
Seeond-W ealth belongs to him who creates
II Every dollar taken from industry without
an equivalent is robbery. IF any will not work
neither shall he eat" The interests of rural
ana urban labor are the same. their enemies are
identical
Third-We demand a national currency,
safe, sound and flexible. issued by the
general government only, a full legal
tender for all debts public and private
and that without the use of banking cor
porations, a just equitable means or cir
culatlon al a tax not TO exceed per cent as set
forth In the sub treasury plan of the Farmers
Alliance or some better system Also by pay
ments in discharge of its obligations for public
improvements
Fourth-We demand that postal savings
banks be established by the government for
the safe deposit OF the earnings OF the people
and 10 facilitate exchange.
knth--We demand that the am punt Of ciFcll-
lating medium be speedily increased TO not less
! than 80 per capita
Sixth-We demand the free and unlimited
coinage Of silver.
Seventh-We believe that the money of the
country should be kens as nuah e. possible in