DIGEST.

I.  Introduction.

1.  The pamphlet relates to the administration of the Borough of Maru

hattan 1904-1905.

2.  The pamphlet presents facts relative to the administration of the

borough and offers suggestions for improvement along specific
lines.

II.  History of the Office of Borough President.

1.   Established by  charter,  1897.    Borough president   member   of

board of public improvements with vote limited to matters af¬
fecting his borough.

2.  Powers extended by charter of 1900 and abolition of board of pub¬

lic improvements; made member of the Board of Estimate and
Apportionment and given control of public works in his
borough.

III.  Biographies.

1.  John F. Ahearn, President of the Borough of Manhattan, 1904—

a.  District  leader  in  Tammany  Hall;   holder  of  public  office  the

greater part of his life; politician of local power.

b.   Selects   as   his   aides   associates   in   practical   politics;   makes

allegiance to his political organization the test for promotion
among his subordinates.

c.  Member  of  the  Assembly  and   Senate  for  many  years;   advo¬

cate in the Legislature of measures in behalf of the teachers
and firemen of New York City; sponsor in the Legislature
for .many objectionable measures.

2.  William Dalton, Commissioner of Public Works.

a.  District leader in Tammany Hall; holder of many public offices;

carpenter and butcher by trade; sponsor as commissioner of
Water Supply for Ramapo scheme.

b.  Technically incompetent to administer bureaus charged with pub¬

lic works.

3.  Bernard Downing, Secretary of the Borough of Manhattan.
a. Popular young man on the East Side.

4.  John V. Coggey, Superintendent of Sewers.

a. District leader in Tammany  Hall;  dry goods  clerk;  machine
politician; alderman.

5.   George F. Scannell, Superintendent of Highways.

a. District leader in Tammany Hall; practical politician and office
holder.

6.  William H. Walker, Superintendent of Public Buildings and Offices,
a. Contractor;  politician.

7.   Edward S. Murphy, Superintendent of Buildings.
a. Member of Tammany Hall; contractor.

IV.  r'inances of the Borough President.
I. Budget appropriation  for:

1902-1903       $3,447,999-53
1904-1905         3,994,094.01