The Washington times., 1905-01-17

Citizens Association
CONSTITUTION
Article 1.-Name.
Article 2-Objeets.
First-To insure, so far as possible.
permanent condition OF peace. prosper
ity, and steady employment to the peo-
pie 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 10
dispose of heir labor in a legal, law
ful manner, without restraint or inter
ference
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 employ
ment and sell his labor. without being
obliged TO join any particular church.
secret society, labor union or any other
orga nization. and 10 support all such
persons in their efforts TO resist COM
pnlsory methods on the part of any or
sanized body whatsoever
Sixth-To promote among employers u
spirit OF fairness. friendship, and desire
for the best interests OF their employees.
and TO promote among workmen the
spirit OF Industry. thrift, faithfuiness 10
their employers. and good citizenship
Scientific SO amaigamate the public
sentiment OF all of the best citizens of
Battle Creek, that a guarantee can be
given 70 the world of a continuance of
peaceful conditions, and that under s-lcn
guarantee and protection manufacturers
tld capitalists can be induced TO locate
heir business enterprises in Battle
reeh
Then follows articles relating 70 mem
De Tship, officers, duties, etc. etc, etc.
This constitution has been signed by
tn great majority of representative eiti-
zel-rs. including our workpeople
"A number Of manufacturers from other
citi IS. where they have been suffering
all sorts of indignities. inconvenience
and losses from the general hell of labor
unio n strikes. pieketing, assaults, and
othei, interference. proposed to move,
prov Iding they could be guaranteed pro-
tecIi,on
The subject grew in Importance until
il has, reached a place where absolute
protec tion can be guaranteed by the citi-
zens CG Battle Creek on the following
broad and evenly balanced terms which
guarante to the workman and to the
manufs Icturer fairness. justice. steady
work nd regularity of output.
The nsw-coming manufacturer agrees
to maintain the standard rate Of wages
paid els ewhere for like service. under
similar conditions. the rate TO be deter
mined fr :m time 10 time from well au-
thenticat. I'D reports from competing
cities. The tabulated wage reports issued
by the Go yernment Department OF Com
merce AMI Labor can also be used 10
show the standard rate. and it is expect
ed later oIt that this government bureau
will furnis weekly reports OF the labor
market frt I'm different centers, so that
the woram an when he is ready TO sell
his labor a 2d the employer when he is
ready TO by, may each have reliable
information as TO the market or ruling
price "a
The new conzng manufacturer also
agrees to m. lintain the sanitary and by
gienic condi tionS provided for by the
State laws and TO refrain from any lock-
cuts TO reduce wages below the standard; /;
reserving TO himself the right TO dis
charge any eI npIoyee fog cause.
The Citizens Association on its part
agrees to furni sh. in such numbers as il
IS possible TO o. lJain. frst-class worknen
who VIII conIr. Yet TO sell their labor at
the standard I fice for such period as
may be fixed upon. agreeing not to
strike, picket, assault other workmen.
destroy property or do any of the Grim
inaI acts comm on TO labor Gniontsna-
Each workman .eserying 10 himself the
right TO Iuit wotk for cause. and the
Citizens Associate further pledges its
members to use it's associated power 70
enforce the contra cts between employer
and employee and 10 act enInasse TO up
hold the law at ala, times.
The new industri locating IN Battle
Creek Will not stat under any sort of
labor union dornina lion whatsoever. but
will make Individual contracts With each
employee, those con. seets being fair and
equitable ana guara Cteed on hoJh sides.
Thus from the abl gses OF labor unions
and their insane effoi IT'S to ruin everyone
who does not obey has evolved this
plan which replaces Il e old conditions OF
injustice, lockouts, str t<es. violence. loss
of money and propert \. and general III
dustrial warfare, and paugurates an era