Preamble and declaration of principles of the Knights of Labor of America.
Extract from the Journal of United Labor, the official organ of the order of the Knights of Labor.
Knights of Labor.
1 broadside (double-sided): 11 x 8 in.
Philadelphia; Knights of Labor, ca.1885.
(CHS ICHi 06230)
PREAMBLE
AND
DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES
OF THE
KNIGHTS OF LABOR
OF AMERICA.
The alarming development and aggressiveness of great capitalists and corporations, unless checked, will inevitably lead to the pauperization and hopeless degradation of the toiling masses.
It is imperative, if we desire to enjoy the full blessings of life, that a check be placed upon unjust accumulation, and the power for evil of aggregated wealth.
This much-desired object can be accomplished only by the united efforts of those who obey the divine injunction, "In the sweat of they face shalt thou eat bread."
Therefore we have formed the Order of Knights of Labor, for the purpose of organizing and directing the power of the industrial masses, not as a political party, for it is more - in it are crystallized sentiments and measures for the benefit of the whole people, but it should be borne in mind, when exercising the right of suffrage, that most of the objects herein set forth can only be obtained through legislation, and that it is the duty of all to assist in nominating and supporting with their votes only such candidates as will pledge their support to those measures, regardless of party. But no one shall, however, be compelled to vote with the majority, and calling upon all who believe in securing "the greatest good to the greatest number," to join and assist us, we declare to the world that are our aims are:
In order to secure these results, we demand at the hands of the State:
And we demand at the hands of Congress:
And while making the foregoing demands upon the State and National Government, we will endeavor to associate our own labors.
If you believe in organization, you are earnestly invited to join with us in securing these objects. All information on the subject of organization should be sent to the General Secretary-Treasurer of the Order, who will have an Organizer visit you and assist in furthering the good work.
EXTRACT FROM THE
JOURNAL OF UNITED LABOR,
THE OFFICIAL ORGAN OF THE ORDER
OF THE
KNIGHTS OF LABOR.
We are now daily in receipt of letters from all points of the compass, asking how they can be organized and brought into the Order. From the tenor of a large proportion of the inquiries, the impression has gone abroad that the Knights of Labor is a political organization, to last through a campaign, or something of that sort. If any one joins the Order under this impression he is mistaken.
As an Order we have a higher mission to serve than the forming of a mere political party. Any one reading our Declaration of Principles will see that, while we are seeking reforms that must in some instances come through the ballot box, yet by far the highest motive that concerns us is the education of the masses to that point where they will fully see and know not only their own wrongs and degradation, but see a full and final solution of the Labor problem, and when this is attained, each will see clearly for himself in his own way, the only path that leads to liberty and equality. When this advanced point is once attained, then will the party that is to carry the desired measures to success be evolved. It will be evolved slowly and imperceptibly almost. But that such will be the final outcome of organization and education, is the silver lining of the cloud that now lowers so threateningly above us. When such a party does come, its name will not be the laboring man's party, or the bond-holder's party, but the party of the people, for the people and by the people.
A party refusing to receive special privileges, or grant them.
A party that will not sit idly by, and do nothing, or worse than nothing, when thousands and hundreds of thousands of honest men are tramping our street, wanting work, willing to work, and none to be had at any price - without employment at home and a "Tramp Act" threatening them if they dare to seek it at distance.
A party that will not permit a set of politicians to so manipulate the finances of the country that ten thousand four hundred and seventy-eight business men in one year are thrown upon the streets penniless and without a home, at a loss to the country of $284,888,132, involving 693,420 traders, or, in other words, catching one business man out of every sixty-four.
A party that will declare in tones of thunder just what kind of metal or paper shall constitute the money of this country, and thereby prevent a lot shylocks and sharpers of all descriptions from declaring that one kind of money is worth $2.60, and another almost worthless, yet all the money of the people.
A party that will demand and establish Labor Bureaus.
A party that will declare and enforce a law declaring that not another foot of public lands shall be GIVEN to railroads and corporations.
A party that will insist upon exact equality before the laws .
A party that will be humane enough to believe that pure air should and must be found in our mines and factories, if scientific research can devise ways and means for providing it, and that all buildings where men are employed are well supplied with fire escapes and other means of safety.
A party that will abolish the contract system on all work done for the people for the use of the public.
A party that believes if we are to have a free country, that it can only exist by reason of the intelligence of its citizens, and if intelligence is to be the base of our continued existence, the child must be educated and fitted for the position he is to occupy in the future. This can only be done by prohibiting children from going into our workshops and mills before attaining their fourteenth year.
A party that will not confine a man in prison because he is unfit to associate with his fellow-man, and then tax the community to board and lodge the criminal free, and sell his labor so as to enter into competition with the same labor of the honest law-abiding citizens.
A party that will make it fashionable to be honest, and pay an equal price for equal labor, regardless of color, creed, country or sex .
Frederick Turner
General Secretary-Treasurer,
Lock Box 834, Philadelphia, Pa.
T. V. Powderly
General Master Workman.