The leader., 1905-02-04
CONSTITUTION.
ARTICLE NAME.
ARTICLE 2.-nRIEcTs.

ARTICLE 1.-NAME.
ARTICLE 2.-oBTEcTs.
Ffrst-To insure, so far as possible,
permanent condition of peace, pros
perity and steady employment to the
people of Battle Creek.
Second-To energetically assist in
maintaining law and order at all times
and under all conditions.
Third-To protect its members in
their rights to manage their property
and to dispose of their labor in le-
gal, lawful manner without restraint
or interference.
Fourth-To insure and permanently
maintain fair, just treatment, one with
another in all the relations of life.
Fifth-To preserve the existing right
of any capable person to obtain en-
ployment and sell his labor, without
being obliged to join any particular
church, secret society, labor union or
any other organization, and to support
all such persons in their efforts to re-
sist compulsory methods on the part
of any organized body whatsoever.
Sixth-To promote among employers
spirit of fairness, friendship and de-
sire for the best interests of their en-
ployes, and to promote among work
men the spirit of industry. thrift, faith
fulness to their employers and good
citizenship.
Seyenth-To SO amalgamate the pub
lie sentiment of all of the best citizens
of Battle Creek that a guarantee can
be given to the world of a continuance
of peaceful conditions, and that under
such guarantee and protection manu-
facturers and capitalists can be induced
to locate their business enterprises in
Battle Creek.
Then follows articles relating to
membership, officers, duties. etc. ETC.,
etc
This constitution has been signed by
the great majority of representative
citizens. including our workpeople.
A number of manufacturers from
other cities, where they have been suf-
fering all sorts of iIdignities, incon-
venience and losses from the general
hell of labor union strikes, picketing
assaults and other interference, pro-
posed to move, providing they could be
guaranteed protection.
The subject grew in importance un.
til it has reached place where abso-
lutte protection can be guaranteed by
the citizens of Battle Greek on the fol
lowing broad and evenly balanced
terms which guarantees to the work
man and to the manufacturer fairness
justice, steady work and regularity oi
output.
The new-coming manufacturer agrees
to maintain the standard rate Of wage
paid elsewhere for like service, under
similar conditions, the rate to be de
termined from time to time from vel
authenticated reports from competing
cities. The tabulated wage reports is
sued by the Government Department
of Commerce and Labor can also bt
used to show the standard rate, and il
is expected later on that this govern
ment bureau will furnish weekly re-
ports of the labor market from differ.
ent centers, SO that the workman wheI
he Is ready to sell his labor and the
employer when he is ready to buy, may
each have reliable information as tc
the market or ruling price.
The neW-comihg manufacturer also
agrees to maintain the sanitary an6
hygienic laws and to refrain from any
lockouts to reduce wages below ths
standard; reserving to himself the
right to discharge any employee fol
cause.
The Citizens Association on its pari
agrees to furnish, in such numbers aI
1t Is possible to obtain. frst-class
workmen who will contract to sell
their labor at the standard price fol
such period as may be fixed upon
agreeing not to strike, picket, ASSAULT
other workmen, destroy property, OF
do any Of the criminal acts common
to labor unionism Each workman re
serving to himself the right to Quit
work for cause, and the Citizens Asso-
citation further pledges its members tC
use its associated power to enforce the
contracts between employer and EN-
ployee and to act enmasse to uphold
| the Law at all times.
The new industries locating In Bat
tie Creek will not start under any sorl
Of labor union domination whatsoever
but will make individual contracts with
each employee. those contracts being
fair and equitable and guaranteed oE
both sides.
Thus from the abuses of labor unions
and their insane efforts to ruin every
one who does not obey has evolved
| this plan which replaces the old con
| dIti0ns Of injustice, lockOuts. strikes
| violence, loss Of money and property
| and general industrial warfare; ami
inaugurates an era of perfect baIane.
and fairness between employer ans
employee, steady continuance Of III
1 dustry and consequent prosperity. Ths
entire community pledged BY public
sentiment and private act to restore K
| each man his ancient right to peace
freedom and the pursuit OF happiness.
ether cities vii bs driven 10 pFotec
| their work people, merchants and clN