Proclamation of the Mud and Wood Workers of Changsha*
(October 25, 1922)

We, driven by the hardship of making a living, have no choice but to demand that our wages be increased to three jiao and four fen, and we do not recognize the proclamation issued by the Changsha County Magistrate on the fourteenth day of the eighth lunar month. Regarding the case of our strike and struggle, based on the results of our last petition, it has been acknowledged through Chief of Government Affairs Wu, representing Governor Zhao, that the matter of increasing wages is a matter of free contractual relations between laborers and employers, to be determined by the two parties themselves; in the absence of coercive actions, the government need not interfere. We consider the handling of this matter by the Governor and the Chief of Government Affairs to be extremely reasonable, and naturally thank them. Given the current cost of living, our wages must of course be three jiao and four fen. If any household does not pay three jiao and four fen, we will not go to work at their house. This right to freedom of trade was already stipulated in the Provincial Constitution long ago, only it lacked protection before, and now it can be considered protected. Starting tomorrow, everyone shall resume work as usual. This is hereby announced.
Proclamation of the Petition Assembly of the Mud and Wood Trades
October 25