INTRODUCTION.
The object of this pamphlet is to direct the thoughts of the laboring people toward a consideration of the fundamental laws upon which Society is based, and which determine the prosperity or degradation of the people, according to their observance or violation. In the month of July, 1877, the employes of the principal Railroads between Pennsylvania, Maryland, and the Western States, ceased to work—opposing in a most desperate manner a proposed reduction of their wages by the corporations operating those Railroads. Immediately many of the workingmen of the principal cities in the United States also ceased work, partly from sympathy but especially because they recognized some hidden truth which, although not defined clearly in their minds, nevertheless forced them to demand of Society an inteference in behalf of oppressed Labor, and against the corporate monopolies which are sucking the life-blood from the people. We will endeavor to show in this short work the true principles governing the relations of Labor and Capital, and briefly offer the means of raising up our class through legal and peaceable means, to the dignity of independent and enlightened citizenship, with equality of opportunities and true freedom of the individual. In the earnest hope that all readers of these pages will reflect carefully upon the arguments presented, we are,
Yours in the cause of Labor,
The Executive Committee
Chicago, Oct. 1877.
