The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1892-08-30
SECOND DECLARATION OF
AMERICAN INDIE
PENDENCE.
Platform Adopted by the COnfederated In
dustrial Organizations at St.
Louis, Mo-, Feb.
1924, 1892.

This, the first great labor conference of the
United States and of the world, representing all
assembled in national congress, invoking upon
its action the blessings and protection of AL
mighty God, puts forth to and for the producers
of the nation this declaration of union and in
dependence. The conditions which surround
the midst of a nation brought to the verge of
moral. political, and material ruin. Corruption
dominates the ballot-bOx, the legislature: the
Congress, and touches even the ermine of the
bench. The people are demOralized. Many of
Il e States have been compelled to isolate the
universal intimidation or bribery. The news
papers are subsidized or muzzled, public opinion
silenced business FRUSTRATED, our homes covered
with mortgages, labor impoverished, and the
land concentrating in the hands of capitalists.
The urban workmen are denied the right of
organization for self-prOtectiOn; imported pau
peFiZed labor beats down their wages; a hire
is established tOshoot them down and they are
rapidly degenerating to European conditions.
The fruits of the toll of millions are boldly
stolen to build up colossal fortunes, Unprece-
dented in the history of the world, while their
possessors despise the republic and endanger
liberty. From the same prolific womb of gov
ernmental injustice breed the two great classes
-paUpers and millionaires. The national power
folders; silver, which has beesI accepted as coin
since the dawn of history, has been demonetized
ereasing the value of aIf forms of property, as
well as human labor, and the supply or currency
rupt enterprise, and enslave industry. A vast
conspiracy against mankind has been organized
on two continents, and Is taxing possession OF
tie world. II not met and oVerthroWn at once,
it forbOdes terrible social commissions the de-
structiOn of civilization, or the establishment of
In this crisis of human affairs the intelligent
working people and producers of the United
States ave 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 support the political Or
ganization wi icl represents our principles.
We charge that the controlling influence dom
mating the old DOltlcal PARTIES have allowed the
existing dreadful conditions to develop without
serious effort to restrain or prevent them. TIev
have agreed together to ignore, in the coming
campaign, every issue but one. They propose
to drown the Outcries of a plundered people with
the uprOar of a sham battle over the tariff; so
that corporations, national banks, rings, trusts,
"watered Stock the demOnetiZatiOn of silver,
sight of. They propose to sacrifice our homes
and children upon the altar of mammOn to de-
strOy the hopes of the multitude in order to
secure corruption funds from the great lords of
plumber.
We assert IL at a political organization, repre-
senting the political principles herein stated, is
necessary to redress the grievances of which we
Assembled on the anniversary of the birth of
the illustriOns man who led the first revolution
on this continent against oppression, filed with
the sentiment which aCtuated that grand gen.
Grafton, we seek to, restore the government of
Il hands OF the plain people" with whom it
the compass. We ask all honest men to join
with and help US.
In order to restrain the extOrtiOns of aggregate
capital, to drive the money changers out of the
temple, toform a perfect union, establish Justice,
insure domestic tranquility, provide for the
common defense, promote the general welfare,
and secure the blessings of iberty-for ourselves
and our pOsterity we dc Ordain and establish the
following platform of principles:
First-Wed declare the union of the labor forces
of the United States this day accomplished per-
manent and perpetual. May its spirit enter into
all hearts of the republic and the uplifting Of
mankind.
Second-Wealth belongs to him who created
1t. Every dollar taken from industry without
an equivalent is robbery. If anyone will not
ru0pI nathan shall no cot Tho inTnrac%S Of
rural and urban labor are the same, their enc
mics are identical.