“The recent аlаrming develоpment аnd aggressiоn оf aggregated wealth, which, unless checked, will inevitably lead to the pauperization and hopeless degradation of the toiling masses, render it imperative, if we desire to enjoy the blessings of life, that a check should be placed upon its power . . . and a system adopted which will secure to the laborer the fruits of his toil. . . .”—Preamble to the Knights' Constitution, 1878 This text was taken from the constitution of an organization led by ...