No. 4.
 

Reply to Griticisms of Reports   of the

Department of Docks and Ferries Re^

lating to Manhattan Terminals at

the Port of New York
 

Department of Docks and Ferries,
Pier A, North River.

New York, December 16, 1910.
Hon. William J. Gaynor,      '        -

Mayor of the City of Neztu York.
Sir—The within report discusses criticisms which have been
directed to my prior reports, and which appeared for the most
part in the Journal of Commerce oi this City. Drawings and
models of these proposed improvements are now being pre¬
pared and I expect will soon be ready for submission, together
with a statement of the difficulties and opportunities which are
likely either to retard or progress the undertaking.

General Introduction.               .

It was necessary in my original report to present the Man¬
hattan dock problem as a whole in order that its ultimate scope
and purpose might be understood. I realized then, as I do now,
that such a terminal must be a growth rather than a creation ;
that as it develops it must be made to serve existing needs as
well as to anticipate those of the future, that established uses may
not be suddenly terminated; and, finally, that costs shall neither
be burdensome upon the City nor upon the companies. Changes
will be made slowly, and the conversion of the present inadequate