International Working Men's Association

“ That the economical subjection of the man of labour to the monopolizer of the means of labour, that is the sources of life, lies at the bottom of servitude in all its forms, of all social misery, mental degradation, and political dependence;
That the economical emancipation of the working classes is therefore the great end to which every political movement ought to be subordinate as a means ”

“ The General Council shall form an international agency between the different national and local groups of the Association, so that the working men in one country be constantly informed of the movements of their class in every other country; that an inquiry into the social state of the different countries of Europe be made simultaneously, and under a common direction; that the questions of general interest mooted in one society be ventilated by all ”

“ All delegates appointed by the General Council to distinct missions shall have the right to attend, and be heard at, all meetings of Federal Councils or Committees, district and local Committees, and local branches, without, however, being entitled to vote thereat. ”

“ That all societies and individuals adhering to it will acknowledge truth, justice, and morality, as the basis of their conduct towards each other and towards all men, without regard to colour, creed, or nationality ”

“ The General Congress.
1. Every member of the International Working Men's Association has the right to vote at elections for, and is eligible as, a delegate to the General Congress.
2. Every branch, whatever the number of its members, may send a delegate to the Congress.
3. Each delegate has but one vote in the Congress.
4. The expenses of the delegates are to be defrayed by the branches and groups which appoint them.
5. If a branch be unable to send a delegate, it may unite with other neighbouring branches for the appointment of one. ”

“ It is self-understood, however, that the appliance of this rule will depend upon the peculiar laws of each country , and that, apart from legal obstacles, no independent local society shall be precluded from directly corresponding with the General Council.
8. Every section has the right to appoint its own secretary corresponding with the General Council.
9. Everybody who acknowledges and defends the principles of the International Working Men's Association is eligible to become a member. Every branch is responsible for the integrity of the members it admits. ”

“ All local branches, groups, and their committees are henceforth to designate and constitute themselves simply and exclusively as branches, groups, and committees of the International Working Men's Association, with the names of their respective localities attached. ”

“ This text was faulty in many respects.
1. The Paris edition of the London Provisional Rules had been accepted as a true translation; but the Paris Committee to which this translation is due, had not only introduced most important alterations in the preamble of the Rules which, on the interpellation of the General Council, were represented as changes unavoidable under the existing political state of France. ”

“ V. Local Societies, Branches, and Groups.
Art. 1.—Art. 14, Congrès de Genève 3; Art. 12, Rules, &c., 1867.
Arts. 2 to 4.—London Conference, II., 2 to 4.
Art. 5.—Art. I., Basel Administrative Resolutions.
Art. 6.—London Conference, V.
Art. 7.—Art. II., Basel Administrative Resolutions.
Art. 8.—Art. III., ditto.
VI. General Statistics of Labour.
Arts. 1 to 4.—London Conference, VI., 1 to 4.
Art. 5.—Resolution of Geneva Congress (London edition of Geneva and Brussels Congress Resolutions, p . 4) .
By order, and in the name of the London Conference, 1871,
The General Council. ”