New-York tribune., 1905-01-20
CONSTITUTION.
ARTICLE NAME.
ARTICLE 2.-OBJECTS.


First-To insure. so far as possible. perma-
nent condition of peace, prosperity and STEADY
empIOyment to the people Of Battle Greek
SecOnd-To energeticaly assist in maintaining
law and order at all times and under all condi-
tions
Third-To protect its members in their rights
to manage their property and TO dispose of their
labor in a legal. lawful manner without re-
straint or interference.
Fourth-To insure and permanently MAINTAIN
fair just treatment, one with anOther III an Tue
relations of life.
Fifth-To preserve the existing right of any
capable person to obtain employment ana sell
his labor without being obliged 10 join any par
ticular church. secret society laDor union & or
any other organization, and to support all such
persons in their efforts to resist compulsory
methods on the part of any organized DOdy
whatsoever.
Sixth-TO promote among employers a spirit
of fairness friendship and desire for the pest
interests of their employees, and to promote
among workmen the spirit of industry, thrift
faithfulness TO their employers and good clti-
zenship. ,
Seventb-To so amalgamate the public senti-
ment of all of the best citizens of Battle Greek:
that a guarantee can be given to the world OF
a continuance OF peaceful conditions, and that
under such guarantee and prOtecuOn manthact-
their business enterprises in Battle Greek.
Then follows articles relating 10 helhoeIslHp'
officers, duties, etc, etc, etc
This constitution has been signed Dy the great
majority 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
general hell of labor union strikes, picketlng as
saults and other interference, proposed TO move,
providing they could be guaranteed protection
The subject grew in Importance until II mas
reached place where absolute prOtecton can
be guaranteed by the citizens OF Battle creek
oV,6 raT1lC
terms which guarantees to the workman and TO
the manufacturer fairness, Justice, steady work
and regularity OF output
The new-coming 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 10 time from
well authenticated reports from competing
cities The tabulated wage reports issued by
the Government Department Of Commerce and
Labor can also be used to show the standard
rate and ii is expected later on that this gov
ernment bureau will furnish weekly reports OF
the labor market from different centres, so that
the workman when he is ready to sell his labor
and the employer when he is ready to buy,
may each have reliable information 10 the
market or ruling price.
he new-cOming manufacturer also agrees to
maintain the sanitary and hygenic conditions
provided for by the State laws and to refrain
from any lOckOuts to reduce wages below the
standard; reserving to himself the right to dis
charge any employe for cause.
The Citizens Association on its part agrees 10
furnish, in such numbers as it is possible to
obtain first class wOrkmen who will contract to
sell their labor at the standard price for such
period as may be fixed upon, agreeing not to
strike picket. assault other wOrkmen. destroy
property, or do any of the criminal acts common
to labor unionsm. Each workman reServing to
himself the right to quit work for cause, and
the Citizens Association further pledges its
members to use its associated power 10 enforce
the contracts between employer and emplOye
and to act en- masse to uphold the law at all
times.
The new industries locating in Battle Creek
will not start under any sort Of labor union
domination whatsoever, but will make indi-
vidua contracts with each employe, those con-
tracts 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 "obey' has evolved this plan which re-
places the old conditions of injustice lOekOuts.
strikes violence. loss OF money and property,
and general industrial warfare; and inaugurates
an era of perfect balance and fairness between
employer and employe, a steady continuance Of
industry and consequent prosperity. The entire
community pledged by public sentiment aud pri-
vate act 10 restore 10 each man his ancient
right To peace. freedom and the pursuit Of hap
plness."
| Other cities will be driven to protect their