Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-01-17
CONSTITUTION.
ARTICLE 1.-NAME.
ARTICLE 2.-QRIECTS

ARTICLE 2-oBJECTS.
First-To insure, so far as possible, perma
lent condition of peace. prosperity and steady en-
ployment to the people Of Battle Creek.
Second-To theoretically assist in maintaining
law and order at all times and under all eondi-
lions.
Thfrd-To protect its members in their rights to
manage their property and to dispose of their
labor in a legal, lawful manner without restraint
or interference.
Fourth-To insure and permanently maintain fair,
just treatment one with another, in all the reia-
lions Of life
Fifth-To preserve the existing right of any
capable person to obtain employment and sell his
labor without being Obliged to join any particular
church. secret society, labor union any other
organization. and to support all such persons 'n
their efforts to resist compulsory methods on the
part OF any organized body whatsoever.
Sixth-To promote among employers a spirit of
fairness. friendship and desire for the best inter
ests Of their employees. and to promote among
workmen the spirit Of industry, thrift fathfulness
to their employers and good citizenship.
Seventh-To so amalgamate the public sentiment
Of all Of the best citizens Of Battle Creek that a
guarantee can be given to the world of contin-
usncc of peaceful conditions, and that under such
itslsts 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
maj ority of representative citizens including our
workpeople.
A number OF manufacturers from other cities,
where they have been suffering all sorts of In
dignities. Inconvenience and losses from the gen.
era; hell of labor union strikes, picketing. as
saults and other interference. proposed to move,
providing they could be guaranteed protection.
The subject grew in Importance until 1t has
reached a place where absolute protection can be
guaranteed by the citizens of Battle Creek on
the following broad and evenly balanced terms
which guarantees to the workman and to the man.
1arity Of output
The new-eoming manufacturer agrees to main
tain the standard rate Of wage paid elsewhere
for like service under similar conditions the rate
to be determined from time to time from well
authenticated reports from competing cities. The
tabulated wage reports issued by the Government
Department Of Commerce and Labor also be
used to show the standard rate. and it is
pected later on that this government bureau will
furnish weekly reports of the labor market from
different centers. so that the workman when he
Is ready to sell his labor and the employer when
h, is ready to buy may each have reliable IN
formation as to the market or ruling priee
The new-coming manufacturer also agrees to
maintain the sanitary and hygienic conditions pro-
sfded for by the state laws and to refrain from
any lockouts to reduce wages below the standard
reservng to himself the right to discharge any
employee for cause.
The Citizens Association on its part agrees to
furnish. in such numbers as 1t is possible to OBJ
TAIN frst-class workmen who will contract to
sell their labor at the standard price for such
strike, picket. assault other workmen destroy
property or do any Of the criminal acts common
to labor unionism. Each workman reserving to
himself the right to quit work for cause and the
Citizens Association further pledges its mem
beers to use its associated power to enforce the
contracts between employer and employee and to
act en- masse to uphold the law at all times
The new industries locating in Battle Creek viii
not start under any sort labor union domination
whatsoever, but will make Individual contracts
with each employee. those contracts being fair and
equitable and guaranteed on both sides.
Thus from the abuses Of labor unions and their
insane Efforts to ruin every one who does not
s.obsy' has evolved this plan, which replaces The