The Ellensburg dawn. [volume] (Ellensburg, Wash.) 1898-1914, 1908-07-10

preston of widespread popular diScon-
tent with the present system OF exploit
alton and graft. They are not based
on an intelligent understanding OF the
historical development of civilization
and of the economic and political needs
of our time. They are bound to perish
as the numerous middle class reform
movements of the past have persisted.
AS measures calculated to strengthen
the power of the working class in its
fights for the realization OF this ulti-
mate aim, and to increase its power of
resistance against capitalist oppression,
we advocate and pledge ourselves and
our elected officers TO the following
program:
for UNEMPLOYED workers by building roads and
canals. by restoration OF the forests, by reclaim
alton OF arid lands and by extending all other
useful public works All laborers on such
work shall be employed directly by the govern
ment under an eight-hour work day and ut the
prevailing rate OF union wages. The govern.
ment shall also lend money to states and
municipalities without interest for the purpose
OF carrying on work. and it shall contribute
funds to labor organizations for the purpose OF
assisting their unemployed members and shall
take such other measures within its power as
will lessen the widespread misery OF the work
ers caused by the misrule OF the capitalist sys-
We demand:
/. The collective ownership OF railroads,
telegraphs, telephones, steamships and all
other means OF transportation and communica-
ton. and all lands
,. The collective ownership OF all industries
which are organized on a national scale and in
which competition has virtually ceased 10 exist.
3. The extension OF the public domain to in
clude mines uarries, oil wells, forests ana
water power.
1. The scientific reforestation OF timber
lands and the reclamation OF swamp lands, The
land so reclaimed shall be permanently retain
ed rs part of public domain
;. The absolute freedom OF press. speech
and assemblage, AS guaranteed by the consti-
tuition.
s. That religion be treated as private mat
ter-a question of indiv ldual conscience.
:. The improvement of the industrial condi-
tionS OF the workers:
(a) BY shortening the work day in keeping
with the increased productveness OF machin'
10 BY securing to every worker rest peri.
Cd of not less than day and half in each
week.
(c) By securing more effective inspection
OF workshops and factories.
Id BY forbiddng the employment OF chill
dren under 10 years of age
(e) BY forbidding the interstate transporta-
ton of the products OF child labor OF convict
labor and of all uninspected factories.
% BY abolishing official charity and substi-
against unemployment. illness, accidents, in
yalidism. old age and death.
:. The extension OF inheritance taxes. gradu-
ated in proportion 10 the amount OF the be
quests and TO the nearness OF kin
9. A graduated income tax.
10. Unrestricted and equal suffrage for men
and women. the initiative and referendum. pl o.
portional representation and the right of re
call
II. The abolition OF the senate
Il. The abolition OF the veto power By the
president.
10 That the constitution BE- made amendable
by majority vote
where no candidate receives "a majority the re.
suit should be determined by a second ballot.
Is. The enactment OF further measures for
general education and for the conservation OF
health The elevation OF the present bureau
Of education into a department, and the crea-
ton of a department Of public health.
10. The separation of the present bureau Of
labor. and its elevation to the rank OF depart
ment.
II. That all judges be elected by the people
for short terms. and that the power to issue in.
functions should be curbed by immediate legis-
ation.
Is The free administration OF justice
10. That the right OF suffrage in any state be
extended to all citizens OF legal age of the Unit
ed States upon qualification OF ninety days
residence in that state next preceding the day
Of election. and the registration be closed not
earlier than five days next preceding the day OF
election.
Such measures OF relief as we may be able to
force from capitalism are but preparation OF
the workers to seize the power OF government
in order that they may thereby lay hold OF the
whole system Of industry, and thus come into
their rIghtful inheritance.