The Knights Of Labor

Th! ulurmiutf development and agIfressiveiiess of the power of great capitalista and corporatioas, nnder the present industrial system, will inevitably lead to the pauperización and hopelesa degradation of the toilinjj maeses. It is imperativo, if we desire to enjoy the full blessings of life, that uojust aoüuninlution and thia power for evil of aggregated wealth Bhall be prevented. This i much-deeired object can be accomplished only by the united efforts of those who obey the divine injunction, "By the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread." Therefore, we have formed the order of the Knights of Labor, for the purpose of organizing, educating and directing the power of the industrial masses. It is nqt a politioal party, it is more, for in it are crystalizéd sentiment and measures for the benefit of the whole people, but it should be borne in mind, when exercisiog the right of suffrage, and most of the objects herein set forth can only be obtained through legislation, and that it is the duty regardless of party, of all to assist in nominating and supporting with their votes such candidates as will support these measures. No one Bhall, however, be compellec to vote with the majority. Calling upon all who believe in Beouring "the greatest good to the greatest number," to join and assist ub, we de clure to the world that our aims are: To make industrial and moral worth not wealth, the trae standard of individ unl aDd national greatness. To secure to the workers the full en joyment of the wealth they créate mifficient leisure in which to develop their intellectual, moral and socia facnUies; all of the benefit, recreationn and pleasures of association ; in a word to enable them to share in the gains anc donors of advancmg civilization. In order to secure these resulta, we demand at the hands of the law-making power of state and nation. The establishment of bureaus of labo statistics, that we may arrive at a cor reet knowledge of the eduoatiooal moral and ünanuial condition of the laboring masses. That the public landg, the heritage o the people, be resorved for actual aet tlers; not another acre for niilroad o other speculators or alien landlords and that all lands now held for speen lative purposes be taxed to their ful valué. The abrogation of all laws that do no bear equally upon capitalista an laborers, and the removal of uiijus technicahties, delays and discrimination in (he administration of justice. The adoption of measures providmg for the health and safety of those en gaged in mining, manufactunng and mildiüg industries, and toe indemnioation of those engaged therein for njuries received through lack of neessary safeguards. The recognition, by incorporation, of rders and other associations organizad y the workers to improve their conlition and protect their nghts. The enactment of laws to compel corporations to pay their employés weekly, in lawful money, for the labor of the preceding week, and giving mehanics and laborera a íirst lien upon he product of their labor to the extent f their fiill wages. The abolition of the contract system n national, state and municipal works. The enactment of laws providing for rbitration between employers and em)loyed, and to euforce the deoision of lie arbitrators. The prohibition by law of the employment of childrenunder 15 years of age. To prohibit the hiring out of convict abor. That a gradual income tax be levied. The establishment of a national moetary system, in which a circulating medium in necessay quantities sliall ssue directly to tbe people, without tie intervention of banks; that all the ational issue shall be f uil legal tender n payment of all debts, public and rivate; and that the goyernment shall jot guarantee or recotrnize any private anks, or créate any banking corporaions. That interest-bearing bonds, bilis of redit or notes shall never be issued by lie government, but that, when need irises, the emergency shall be met by lio issue of legal tender, nonintereatjearing money. That the importation of foreign labor under contract be prohibited. That, in conneetion with the post ffice, the government shall organizo inancial exchanges, safe deposita, and acilities for deposit of the savings of tie people in small sums. That the government shall obtain lossession by purchase, under the right f eminent domain, of all telegraphs, lephones and railroads, and that ïereafter no charter or license shall be ssued to any corporation for construc;ion or operation of any means of ;ransporting intelligence, passengere or reigbt. And, while making the foregoing demands upon the state and national :overnment, we will endeavor to associate our own labore: To establish co-operate institutions uch as will tend to supersede tho wage ystem, by the industrial system. To secure for both sexes equal pay or equal work. To gain some of the benefits of laboraving machinery by a gradual reducion of the hours of labor to eight per day. To persuade employers to agree to arbítrate all differences which may arise between them and their employés, in order that the bonds of sympathy between them may be strenthened and that strikes may be rendered unnecessary.