1902 -1905
HISTORY
Erastus Cole Knight was born in Buffalo
, New York
on March 1, 1857. He was one of five children, the son of a
local manufacturer. He was born in a home on Clinton Street,
near Jefferson Avenue.
The Knight family moved to Allen Street, near Main
Street, and from here Erastus attended Public School 16,
and afterwards Public School 14. Later he attended Bryant
& Stratton
Business College, preferring to learn theory and practical knowledge.
In 1877 he served with the 74th Regiment of the New
York National Guard
After graduating, he accepted a position at the Bell
Brothers wholesale produce house. He later went on the road
as a salesman for the company.
The produce business interested Knight and he founded
Knight, Lennox & Co. with William C. Lennox in 1880.
He continued this arrangement until 1887.
After dissolving the previous business in 1887, Knight
established a real estate and insurance business.
He was an active Republican party
worker, and was elected to the Board of Supervisors
, representing the 11th Ward in 1889. After the charter
change effective in 1892, he was elected to the newly created
24th Ward. He was re-elected in 1893, serving as chairman
of the board for the year 1894.
In 1892 he formed a partnership with Oliver A. Jenkins.
The firm Jenkins & Knight gained prominence in the area
as builders.
Knight was also a partner in the firm Sloan, Cowles
& Co., proprietors of excursion steamers and summer
resorts.
In the fall of 1894 he was elected comptroller of
Buffalo
He was reelected in 1898 on the Democratic ticket of Mayor
Conrad Diehl
In the fall of 1900, William J. Morgan, comptroller
of New York State, died the day after being re-nominated
for election. Knight was unanimously chosen to fill the
vacancy. Upon the November election, Knight defeated his
Democratic candidate by 124,635 votes.
Just several weeks after the death of President McKinley
, on October 2, 1901, both political parties held their
somber City Conventions. The Democrats met at Schwabl's
Hall
, their usual choice. Maurice C. Spratt nominated Herbert
P. Bissell for mayor. William F. Mackey nominated Abram
J. Elias, 'a Democrat on a Democratic platform.' This was
seconded. Then another spoke in favor of Bissell. Mayor
Diehl
's name was withdrawn as he chose not to run.
After the first vote it was apparent that Bissell
was the choice and it was made unanimous.
The Republicans held their convention in Miller's
Hall at 264 Genesee Street. Anselm J. Smith, a one-armed
city auditor, gave a rising speech nominating Erastus Cole
Knight. Near the end of his speech, the crowd began a loud
round of applause for the candidate. Frank T. Coppins seconded
the motion, saying, 'He is an honest man, above reproach,
popular and a great vote getter and what's more we'll elect
him in November.'
George Baltz nominated Rowland B. Mahaney. Mr. Mahaney,
seeing no chance of winning, took the stage and addressed
the crowd. 'Realizing that the delegates are for another
man, I take pleasure in withdrawing my name from the consideration
of the convention.' He left the building as Knight was unanimously
named their candidate.
Knight was in Albany at the time, not knowing he
was chosen as the mayoral candidate in Buffalo
Messr's. Smith and Baltz were appointed to inform Knight
of his nomination.
One of Knight's campaign slogans was "Experience
in commercial life is what we need in the administration
of nearly all public offices. Business offices require business
men."
LIFE AS A MAYOR
Election day in 1901 was on November 5. That morning
a Republican newspaper had some statements for the voters
to throw at the Democrats. "Today if any Democrat asks
your reason for the faith that is in you tell him that 'Knight
always paid his taxes
'
"He never helped to bankrupt any corporation.
"He is not the candidate of the City contractors.
"Knight's majorities have increased every time
he has run for office, and he never has had to be counted
in.
"Knight has given the people good service in
every office.
"Vote! Vote right! Vote for Knight!"
Obviously some of the remarks were meant against
his Democratic rival, Herbert Bissell. And the people heard
them all. Knight defeated Bissell 32,191 to 26,883. Knight
became the city's second native son to become mayor. His
salary would be $5,000 per year.
Nearly every other office was filled by Republicans
in the county, and the entire city ticket
was elected.
One lone Democrat, J. N. Adam, wo the nod for Alderman of
the 24th Ward.
Knight spent election night listening to the election
returns with a group of friends, and his two sons in the
office of his personal advisor and close friend, District
Attorney Thomas Penny. When Penny arrived with word that
Knight was unmistakably chosen mayor, he said, "I am
more proud of this than any other victory that I have ever
won. I shall do all I can to give economic and businesslike
administration to the affairs of the City and trust that
at the end of my term the people, who have shown their confidence
in me, will not be disappointed."
On November 16 Knight appointed his friend, Frank
W. Hinkley, as his private secretary.
On January 2, 1902 Mayor-elect Knight arrived at
City Hall
at 9 o'clock to take the oath of office. At 9:35 he quietly
took the oath while others in attendance were oblivious
to the fact.
Around 10 o'clock Mayor Diehl
arrived, and after shaking hands with some of the attendees,
he stepped forward and welcomed Knight.
"Mayor Knight
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to this office
to take care of the good, generous citizens of Buffalo
"It may not be out of place to refer to the
part that Buffalo
took in the Cuban War. The city at that time appropriated $10,000;
a regiment was raised, but the citizens supported the soldiers
themselves and the money was returned to the City Treasury.
"Following came the Exposition, to which came
forward all classes of citizens, rich and poor alike. The
Exposition was not a financial success, but in consequence
of it, I think I am safe in saying, that during your term
Buffalo
will have 1,000 more population and $1,000,000 more in property."
Here the doctor hesitated noticing the astonished look on
the faces of those listening. He then said, "no, $100,000,000
more in property. He failed to hear the whispered correction
of a friend that he also meant 100,000 people, not 1,000.
"Your term will probably see the completion
of a new Union Station, of the Hamburg Canal, that is, the
Hamburg Canal sewerage and of many great warehouses and
storehouses. I can wish only good health and Happiness.
Good-bye."
Mayor Knight
responded. "I know well the truth of what you say. I hope
that all will prove satisfactory. You have made no reference
to the Police Department standing here; but I want to say
that the Buffalo
Police have made a reputation all over the country and I hope
that they will keep it up to the high standard which they
have now attained. To use your words I wish you good health
and pleasure for the future."
At the onset of Knight's term, the investigation
of former City Treasurer Philip Gerst
was still in progress. The entire finances of the treasurer's
department was being investigated to determine the extent
of the misappropriation.
Mayor Knight
's Inaugural Address
to the Common Council
was on January 6, 1902.
"In accordance with the well-established and
most commendable custom, I have the honor to submit herewith
the annual message of the Chief Executive of the City of
Buffalo
It is my purpose upon this occasion, however, in complying
with that custom, to deviate from the path of my predecessors
to the extent that I will refrain from reviewing the work
of the several departments of the city government during
the past year. To me it seems more fitting that I should,
at this time, upon my induction into the office of Mayor,
call the attention of Your Honorable Body to certain features
of the administration of the government which deserves careful
and serious consideration, to the end that needed reforms
may be quickly instituted.
"Without seeking to criticize the administration
of any branches of the city government, I am impelled to
refer to the recent demand of the citizens of Buffalo
for a change in management, in order that their interests might
be better conserved. The only possible construction which
can be placed upon that demand is that the taxpayers insist
that sound and economical business principles be applied
in the administration of the government; that extravagance
with the City's funds be prohibited, even as to the smallest
items, and that rigid economy be exercised, so that municipal
expenditures will be reduced to the lowest possible amount
consistent with the city's progress and development.
"However, before passing to purely municipal
matters, I wish to publicly and officially record the City's
sorrow over the national calamity which made memorable the
year of 1901.
"The death of President William McKinley
in our city
on September 14, 1901, deprived the Nation of a ruler who
had endeared himself more closely to the hearts of American
people than any President since Abraham Lincoln
Like President Lincoln
, he, too, had but just received an expression of the country's
confidence in being chosen for a second term, when he was
stricken by an assassin's bullet. President McKinley
had served
his country faithfully and well, on the battlefields, as
well as in citizenship and statesmanship.
"It was in our city that the President unfolded
to the world the course mapped out for the four years to
come, and, as the plaudits of the nation, evoked by the
wisdom of the policy, were echoing from the North and South
and the East and West, a bastard Anarchist struck the blow
which ended a career at the very height of its glory.
"...The grief was more poignant, because the
President was Buffalo
's guest, doing honor to its Exposition. From the inception
of the Exposition movement, President McKinley
had been its
friend, as was proven by many acts, not the least of which
was his acceptance of the City's invitation to view the
beauties of the Rainbow City, and his arrival gave promise
of making that period one of the most successful and memorable
in the history of the entire event. Of the terrible crime,
let the President's own words answer:
"'God's will, not ours, be done.'
"Beyond question of doubt, the first year of
the new century marked by the Pan-American Exposition
..has inaugurated an epoch which is destined to be one of
the most important in the city's history, if the opportunities
are not needlessly dissipated. While the Exposition was
not a financial success, and undoubtedly was harmful to
many citizens, it is generally conceded that it will eventually
redound to the benefit of the entire city.
"Should it be deemed not advisable to give the
Mayor equal power with Your Honorable Body as to the insertion
of new items or the replacing of items stricken out, he
should, at least, have the power to eliminate from, or reduce
in amount, any items in the estimates which he believes
it would be unwise for the City to appropriate.
"One of the municipal expenditures upon which
much adverse criticism has been passed of late, is that
for extra clerical service in the various city departments.
I believe that some system should be devised by Your Honorable
Body whereby a regular staff of so-called extra clerks could
be employed under the supervision of some city official,
presumably the Comptroller, so that all necessary extra
clerical work could be performed by that staff. "In my opinion, there should be
an examiner, or auditor of all City departments, whose duty
it would be to make periodical examinations of all books
and accounts of the various branches of the City government.
"Recent disclosures of the methods of conducting
the business of the City Treasurer's office, indicate plainly
the necessity of certain amendments to the Charter so that
the abuses may be corrected.
"For some time it has been the custom for the
Common Council
to begin consideration of the contracts for the deposits of
the City's funds in local banks, during the last two or
three weeks of the fiscal year, just before the existing
contracts expire. This practice, I believe, prevents the
City from obtaining as good results as might otherwise be
secured.
"With the mighty Niagara flowing by our doors,
the City of Buffalo
is in a position, and it ought, to supply water to its citizens
and commercial and manufacturing industries in quantities
ample for their needs. We are today supplying water to manufacturers
at a lower price, I believe, than almost every other city
in the country, and while there should be no stinting of
citizens in the use of water, at the same time, I believe
that great care should be taken to make rates in better
proportion to the cost of production.
"The subject of pavements, particularly asphalt
pavement, is one which I deem to be worthy of a thorough
investigation. Frequent complaints are heard that old asphalt
is used again by the contracting companies, for repairing,
and assertions have been made that this is one of the primary
causes of the extremely bad condition of the pavements on
many streets.
"Many citizens have raised the question as to
whether or not it is advisable for the City of Buffalo
to enter into another long-time contract for electric lighting,
in view of the rapid strides now being made in the electrical
science, and also, because of the increase in the quantity
of power being transmitted from Niagara Falls, which in
itself, will tend to greatly cheapen the cost of electricity
each succeeding year.
"The present electric lighting contract expires
on March 1st of this year, and I am firmly convinced...that
it would be unwise, at this time, to ask for proposals for
a contract for electric lighting for a period longer than
one year.
"There can be no good reason why the Buffalo
General Electric Company should give a much lower figure on
a five-year than a one-year contract, as that corporation
now has its plant, its lamps, its conduits, and, in fact,
its entire equipment, presumably up-to-date and in keeping
with the latest inventions.
"...The Superintendent [of Education] had this
to say in his last annual report:
"I have for many years had a strong conviction
that the business of providing school buildings and repairs
is extravagantly
managed in this city. I believe that a large saving could
be effected in this direction without injury to any public
interest. It does not seem to me that we have enough to
show for the enormous sums of money that have been expended
in buildings and repairs, and ventilating and heating systems,
during the past twelve years.
"For several years past there have been a great
many complaints that the system in vogue of assessing real
estate in Buffalo
is an important one. It is alleged that the largest property
owners are not obligated to, or do not, pay their just proportion
of the taxes
necessary to maintain the City government, because improper
valuations are placed upon their property holdings, whereby
smaller property owners are made to suffer by bearing an
unjust proportion of the taxes.
"Closely allied with the assessment of real
estate is the matter of tax on personal property, and I
have no hesitancy in expressing my belief that the present
law on the subject is sadly defective. I appreciate that
it is a difficult matter to reach personal property for
the purpose of levying taxes
thereon; but I have no doubt that there is a large amount in
Buffalo
which unnecessarily escapes taxation.
"As the population of this city is over three
times as great as Syracuse or Albany, and over twice as
great as Rochester, it does not seem reasonable that the
total amount of our personal property should be less than
any one of those cities.
"I deem it proper to also call your attention
to the expenditures of the City for the care and treatment
of the
poor in private
hospitals. It is a well-known fact that many patients or
their relatives, who are not able to pay for hospital treatment,
prefer a private, rather than a public institution, but
where the expense is contributed, and the sick are treated,
by the public, and the patients or their friends ought to
be willing to be treated at a public hospital.
"I am of the opinion that the expenditures of
the Park Department should be treated in the same manner
as any other department of the City government. I appreciate
that parks must, of necessity, be properly maintained in
order to retain their beauty and provide the pleasure to
the people for which they are intended, still I believe
that a more economical administration of this department
should be insisted upon.
"It is an undisputed fact that leases of stalls
for which the City receives rentals running from $75 to
$175 a year, are often sold at a bonus of as high as $1,500,
while some, noticeably on the Washington Market, are held
for a bonus of $2,000. It has been generally supposed that
the rentals of these stalls were placed at an exceedingly
low figure so that citizens of humble circumstances could
procure market products at much less cost than in ordinary
marts of trade.
"One of the questions of great importance to
Buffalo
..is that of the improvement of our inner harbor, owing
to the potential influence which the lake commerce exerts
upon the City's welfare
"Our outer harbor, which is under the jurisdiction
and control of the United States Government...will accommodate
vessels drawing twenty feet of water...while the inner harbor...will
accommodate vessels drawing only seventeen feet. This is
a matter of grave concern to the citizens of Buffalo
, because the unfavorable conditions of our outer harbor
result in the diversion to other lake ports of a large amount
of shipping that would otherwise come to this port.
"It is a source of great satisfaction to the
citizens of Buffalo
that the Hamburg Canal nuisance...has practically been abated.
Over two thirds of the canal, which is a mile in length,
has been cleaned out and an enormous trunk sewer constructed
in the mid-channel.
"One of the most encouraging evidences of Buffalo
's prospects for further commercial and industrial advancement,
is the building of the Stony Point Steel Plant. This industry
in itself is one of the greatest additions to the manufacturing
interests of the city, and its effect is far reaching because
of the many other industries closely allied to the steel
trade which will naturally be attracted to Buffalo
Buffalo
needs more manufactories, and not only should nothing be done
to hinder their selection of Buffalo
, but on the contrary, vigorous steps should be taken to
secure the establishment in this city of as many new industries
as possible, as upon them depends, to a large extent, the
growth and development of the city.
"The establishment of the Stony Point Steel
Plant has resulted in the building of hundreds of homes,
thereby creating activity in the real estate market.
"Without intending any discourtesy to Your Honorable
Body, or to any of its predecessors, I would respectfully
request that the customary resolution that the message be
'received and filed' be dispensed with in this case. Experience
has shown that many recommendations of Chief Executives
have been entirely lost sight of through the practice of
filing away annual messages to the Common Council
"Therefore, I would respectfully request that
the entire message be referred to a special committee for
sub-division and recommendation as to reference to the various
standing committees, which should properly consider the
matters in question. I trust that this request will be granted
and that the suggestions which I have made will be given
the consideration which their importance deserves at a early
day, so as to preclude the necessity of again calling the
attention of Your Honorable Body thereto."
Mayor Knight
left the City for several weeks after his term began, and Councilman
Thomas Staddart performed the duties of Mayor.
Upon his return, an article appeared in the Buffalo
Times. On January 21, 1902, the article stated how Knight, as
city comptroller, appointed his brother George, collector
of back taxes
, a position that was paid a percentage of the amount collected.
In five years the Knight family made $57,000.
The following day Knight filed a $50,000 libel suit
against the paper. The paper still felt it was justified
in its accusations and on January 23, 1902 made additional
claims. The Times now stated that in addition to the aforementioned
claim, Knight knowingly underestimated the funds that would
be needed by the back tax collector. Over a five year period
he asked for $18,500 needed to run the department, but overdrew
$103,183.45 from the treasury.
Knight subsequently filed a second suit against the
paper.
A full investigation into the comptroller's department
was now added to the one being conducted against the treasurer's
department.
Mayor Knight
's second address to the Common Council
was made on January 4, 1903. It was longer than President Roosevelt's
last address and delved on a variety of subjects, yet it
did not touch on some of the departments that were normally
mentioned in previous addresses. In addition, many former
mayors generally attached or included many statistical figures
to accompany their addresses. Mayor Knight
chose not to, knowing that the length of his message was enough
to be read at one time.
"The first and, to my mind, the greatest cause
for congratulation is the substantial reduction in the tax
rate, which has been brought about by the exercise of careful
and economical management of the city's funds...whereby
our work has been carried on without the slightest impairment
of efficiency and yet with the expenditure of considerably
less funds.
"One of the greatest reforms accomplished as
a result of my recommendations of a year ago has been in
the management of the Bureau of Water. The large deficiency
in the funds has been completely wiped out, and the department
is now not only self-sustaining in fact as well as in name,
but in addition, it has produced a surplus revenue.
"Another beneficial result of my recommendations
is the increased receipts to the city in interest upon funds
deposited in the various banks.
"Within the past fortnight our citizens have
appropriately celebrated the completion of the great breakwater
to Stony Point, which the United States Government has constructed
for the betterment of our outer harbor. Buffalo
prides herself upon being the most advantageous distributing
station in the country, but she will be unable to maintain
this proud title unless due weight is given to the constant
needs of our harbor.
"Another of the large improvements in which
a great many of our citizens are interested is that of the
abatement of the South Buffalo
floods, which subject has been up for discussion for a long
time past.
"...Until last spring...we had been compelled
to pay an exorbitant price for electric lights. That price
has been reduced 25 per cent and we are now paying at a
ratio in better keeping with the proud title of 'Electric
City.' On the other hand, the price of gas is still maintained
at a high figure, and the gas monopoly independently refuses
to compromise, but on the contrary smiles and asks: 'What
are you going to do about it?' I believe that the time has
come when the legislative authorities of this municipality
should answer that question courageously and in a manner
which will settle the question definitely.
"In the event of the refusal of the gas monopoly
to meet such terms as may be imposed by Your Honorable Body,
I believe that it would then be the time to carefully consider
the question of substituting electric lights for gas throughout
the entire City. This may seem a radical move but it is
claimed on the part of those who have closely studied the
question that the substitution of electricity for gas will
result in not only much more effective illumination, but
also in a saving in cost to the taxpayers.
"No municipal improvement in this city in recent
years has attracted greater attention or been more widely
discussed by our citizens than that of the abolition of
dangerous grade crossings. This work has proven one of the
most costly of any undertaken.
"Since my former remarks relative to the Park
Department, the system of management has undergone a great
change. ...The unwieldy board of fifteen members has been
abolished, and the actual management of the department is
in the hands of a board of five commissioners.
"Buffalo
is heralded throughout the country as one of the most beautiful
cities in the United States, and I believe that the municipal
authorities should co-operate with our citizens in endeavoring
to maintain this distinction. One of the nuisances which
has sprung up within the past few years, and the abatement
of which will not, in my opinion, have any effect whatever,
upon the commercial or industrial growth of the city, is
the erection upon many of our handsome residence streets
of unsightly billboards, to which I called the attention
of Your Honorable Body...last summer.
"I regret that I am unable to report satisfactory
conditions relating to the expense for hospital aid or treatment.
"In relation to the matter of the Treasurer's
office...the evils referred to have all been remedied, and
it is gratifying to know that the business of this department
is being conducted now in a manner above criticism.
"In closing my former message...I suggested
that the entire communication be referred to a special committee
for subdivision and recommendation as to reference to the
various standing committees. This recommendation was adopted
and I would most respectfully urge that similar action be
taken with this communication."
On March 23, 1903, the law Mayor Knight
had been working for, was finally passed. The Mayor now had
the authority to eliminate or reduce any item in the annual
budget, to insert items or appropriations or increase the
amount of any item. This was a powerful feature that would
be used for years to come.
Mayor Knight
's message of 1904 was delivered on January 4. He finally
discussed some of the departments he had failed to recognize
in his previous two messages, namely the fire, police
, and schools.
"Gentlemen - another year of municipal history
has been written and Buffalo
may well rejoice that the word 'Progress' has been recorded
opposite her name. The past year has seen many more reforms
instituted, and, while much still remains to be done, Buffalo
is entitled to a position in the forefront of all the cities
of the Nation.
"We deplore the fact that within recent months
the municipal government of many cities have been shaken
to the very foundation by exposures of corruption
, yet we cannot refrain from pointing with pride to Buffalo
's freedom from such baneful ills.
"Buffalo
's remarkably low tax rate was maintained last year, and
it was made possible, not only by the exercise of economy
on the part of the heads of the departments, but also by
means of a new law which gave the Mayor power of revision
over the annual estimates.
"I believe that the new law acted as a deterrent
factor, causing the elimination of many items which would
otherwise have been inserted were it not for the knowledge
that the Mayor would not permit them to stand.
"The beneficial results can be briefly stated
by citing the tax rate for the present fiscal year, which
is $17.36 per $1,000 of assessed valuation. That is 87 cents
less than the rate for the fiscal year of 1901, and is lower
than any year since 1897.
"In my inaugural message two years ago, I urged
upon the Common Council
the vital importance to the city of the question of improvement
of the Erie Canal
, officially recording the city in favor of the improvement.
One year ago, I again dwelt upon this subject, favoring
the 1,000-ton barge canal and urged official action of the
Common Council to aid in securing desired legislation. It
is a source of great pleasure to the Mayor to know that
these recommendations were adopted.
"One of the ever-recurring topics for the discussion
of municipal authorities is the lighting problem, and in
Buffalo
the controversy over a contract for lighting with gas has been
waged for nearly two years. ...My action compelling the
Buffalo
Gas Company to obey the State law enacted to protect the public
by forcing it to grant lower prices to private consumers,
which the gas company had refused to do, is too fresh in
the minds of the members of the common council to need further
recital. ...This controversy should awaken the members of
the Common Council
and citizens generally to a serious consideration of the question
of a municipal lighting plant.
"A study of the legislation regarding municipal
lighting for Buffalo
shows that as far back as 1866 an effort was made to secure
a municipal gas plant. However, in the age of electricity,
it seems ridiculous to talk of a municipal gas plant. If
the citizens of Buffalo
desire for the present generation a municipal electric lighting
plant, the opportunity now at hand should be seized. On
the other hand, if the Council and the citizens have no
desire to take advantage of the existing opportunity, the
subject may as well be dropped, in which event, there will
be no recourse in the spring of 1907 but to execute new
contracts at the prices which the electric and gas monopolies
may see fit to make.
"Three times since my inauguration as Mayor,
I have addressed the Common Council
at length upon the supreme importance of the water front question.
"As a city depends upon its commercial and industrial
enterprises so do such enterprises depend upon facilities
for transportation, both by water and rail. As the great
breakwater improvements have been completed, the proper
development of our water front will furnish means by which
any and all enterprises seeking location here can have unparalleled
water and rail transportation facilities.
"One of the phases of this question relates
to the old seawall strip.
"...An act...was passed by the Legislature,
permitting the city of Buffalo
to use and occupy the seawall strip.
"The law...also empowers the city to provide
for the extension of the Hamburg Turnpike.
"In September last, the great work of cutting
a channel through the Erie Basin was completed by the State...extending
from the deep waters on the north side of Buffalo
River to the north end of the Erie Basin, which is just north
of Georgia Street. ...A ship canal connecting the deep waters
of the lake with the deep waters of the Niagara River will
give to the Niagara Frontier about forty miles of waterfront
property available for dockage and wharfage facilities.
"Buffalo
has been blessed with an abundance of prosperity during the
past year, and has maintained the steady and healthy growth
which is destined to make our city one of the greatest on
the continent.
"One of the best indications of the welfare
of a city is the poor department. The figures for the...fiscal
years show that during the last one, two hundred less families
were assisted by the Overseer of the Poor than were assisted
the year previous.
"Probably the best illustrations of the growth
of the city are found in the expansion of its schools and
in the history of building operations of all classes. The
average daily attendance...shows an increase of nearly 1,000
pupils.
"Great progress has also been made in the matter
of school accommodations. Buffalo
's third high school has been opened and several additions
to grammar schools have been erected, thereby allowing the
abandonment of many rented annexes which were most ill fitted
for school purposes.
"The other evidence of growth and prosperity
is offered by the statistics of building operations, which
show the erection of many new homes, stores, factories,
schools and churches. More building was done in Buffalo
last year than in any year in the history of the Bureau of Building,
saving only the years 1895 and 1896, which have been termed
the 'office-building years.'
"Among Buffalo
's many claims for fame is the beauty of the shade trees
lining many of our thoroughfares, but I agree with many
of our citizens that this distinction will be short-lived
if some definite steps are not soon taken to...[stop] the
present neglect.
"I believe that these efforts should be extended
and not only seek to preserve the trees we now have, but
also to provide a sensible and systematic policy for increasing
the number of trees. Buffalo
enjoys the reputation of being one of the best paved streets
in the world, having spent millions of dollars for pavement
within the past few years. It seems to me that this fact
should be remembered when considering the statement of expert
foresters that the beauty of our streets can be greatly
enhanced by the judicious expenditure of a few thousand
dollars.
"Many matters treated by me in former messages
have been held in abeyance during the past year and necessary
reforms have not been accomplished for one reason or another.
However, a further study has convinced me that I was right
in the recommendation of these changes heretofore, and,
in order to fulfill my pledge for an honest and economical
administration, I have decided upon a new course in order
to accomplish these reforms.
"I am aware that no responsibility for the foregoing
conditions attaches to the new members of the incoming Council,
but I trust that all will endeavor to familiarize themselves
with the facts in these cases in the near future, and unite
to secure some definite action which will result in the
betterment of the city's government and conditions generally.
"Two years ago the Council inaugurated the excellent
practice of referring the various recommendations contained
in the Mayor's message to appropriate committees, and followed
that custom last year. I believe it to be a most beneficial
course of procedure, and trust that it will be adhered to
in the future."
Mayor Knight
delivered his final address to the Common Council
on January 2, 1905.
"Generally speaking, excellent conditions prevail
throughout the city, and we have received our share of prosperity,
by means of which the city has maintained its steady and
healthy growth.
"At the outset, this administration promised
a lower tax rate and, I am pleased to state, that promise
has been fulfilled. The tax rate for each of the past three
years has been lower than the rate which existed at the
beginning of my administration.
"...By means of the new law giving the Mayor
veto power over the estimates, I was enabled to effect a
great saving. ...Had the estimates remained as fixed by
the Common Council
, the tax rate would have been $20.79 per $1,000 of assessed
valuation instead of $18.79 as computed upon the estimates
as they were finally fixed and determined by the Mayor.
...I have not as yet learned that any department has been
hampered by the reductions in the appropriations.
"It is a source of gratification to be able
to report that, after many years of agitation, prospects
are now exceedingly bright for a Union Station commensurate
with the city's greatness.
"The presentation of plans for the proposed
new Union Station reopens necessarily consideration of another
local improvement, namely, the so-called Elmwood
Avenue extension.
"Among the many historic places in and about
Buffalo
, one which is most interesting and which is attracting
considerable attention at this time is the old Indian Church
Cemetery on Buffam Street in South Buffalo
This land was formerly owned by the Seneca Nation of Indians,
and many of our citizens believe that because of its historic
interest the City should purchase the land for an addition
to its park system.
"It affords me great pleasure to report the
successful results of the work of the so-called 'Back Tax
Commission,' which has for a year and a half past been endeavoring
to compromise old taxes
, which were unenforceable because of the defective laws
of years ago, but which have, nevertheless, remained clouds
upon the property affected.
"Statements are frequently made by the public
and the press that nothing has been or is being done towards
granting relief to the property owners in South Buffalo
, who are afflicted by the annual spring floods caused by
the Buffalo
River and Cazenovia Creek
overflowing their banks during the spring freshets.
"It seems almost beyond belief that the controversy
over the contract for lighting the city with gas is still
being waged, but it has served one purpose at any rate,
namely, the awakening of citizens generally to the subject
of a municipal lighting plant, which in this age of electricity
means a municipal electric lighting plant.
"Notwithstanding the fact that the city is being
constantly called upon to make large expenditures for public
improvements, to keep up with the progress of other American
cities, Buffalo
's finances are in good condition.
"Excellent conditions prevail throughout two
of the great departments of the city government, namely,
the Fire and Police Departments.
"The extension of building operations in the
city during the past year has naturally caused a corresponding
increase in the work of the Fire Department
, and the increase over the preceding year in the number
of fire alarms was 162, the total number, 1,301.
"The total membership of the fire department
at present is 581. The Fire Commissioners have pointed out
to the Mayor the necessity of having three more truck companies
to improve the service in the eastern, western and southern
sections of the city, as the truck companies now covering
these sections have to travel a great distance, which not
only exhausts the horses, but frequently hinders the department
in its work.
"The efficiency of the Police Department has
been maintained during the past year. There has been no
increase in the membership of the department during the
past year, but there is no question that more patrolmen
will soon be needed in order to afford proper protection
to our citizens.
"The Department was compelled last summer to
dispense with the harbor patrol service because of the failure
of the Common Council
to provide a new police
patrol boat.
"Upon my induction into office as Chief Executive,
I emphasized the urgent need of systematic and periodical
examinations of the various branches of the municipal government.
I was of the opinion that the best and most effective results
could be obtained by the steady employment of a city examiner
under the direction and control of the auditor, but the
Common Council
deemed it best to have such an employee work under the direction
of the Mayor, and additional funds have been provided for
such work.
"Since that time, in accordance with my theory,
I have had regular expert examinations made of the various
departments where money is handled.
"I trust that during the closing year of the
present administration of the Common Council
, the various problems at hand will be solved in a manner
which will win for the members of Your Honorable Body sincere
encomiums from all good citizens."
Mayor Knight
took credit for the lowering tax rate through his administration.
What he did not mention though, was that this was done by
increasing the bonded debt of the city, and by a big increase
in the tax valuations. As was stated by the Buffalo
Evening News, "In this way he seeks to conceal extravagant
expenditures behind a fictitious tax rate."
Knight chose not to run for re-election and turned
to his private business interests.
PERSONAL LIFE
Erastus C. Knight
was married to Mary Elizabeth Cowles on May 14, 1881. They had
six children. Their last known residence was 573 West Ferry
Street.
After Knight left office he continued as president
of the coal company that was begun with his brother George
in 1903, E. C. and G. L. Knight Company.
In 1905 he went to the Isle of Pines and organized
a large fruit exporting business, the Isle of Pines Company,
serving as president of this company.
Knight was a prominent member of many clubs in the
city. He was a Mason
in the 33rd degree, served as past Master of Hiram Lodge 105,
F. and A. M.; Past High Priest Buffalo
Chapter, 71, R. A. M.; Past Commander of the Lake Erie
Commandery, and Past Grand Commander of the Grand Commandery
of the State of New York.
In addition, in the Shrine he was recorder, assistant
rabban, chief rabban, and illustrious potentate.
When World War I
began, Knight was appointed to the home defense league in the
spring of 1917. He organized Company A and was elected captain.
He completed the organization of the 1st battalion and was
elected major. He then assisted in completing the organization
of the regiment and was elected lieutenant colonel. When
General Edgar B. Jewett
, former mayor, resigned as chairman of the military committee,
Knight was selected to fill the vacancy.
At the beginning of the war, Knight was in charge
of the Masonic
War Relief Work. He went to France, after some time, to assist
in the effort there. After the armistice was signed in 1919,
Knight spent four months in Paris at the Masonic
Headquarters.
In 1920 he moved to New York City to take charge
of the general charities and benevolence of the Masons.
Knight frequently made trips to Buffalo
, the last being for the opening of the Hotel Statler
In mid August 1923 Knight fell and broke his hip.
He never fully recovered from it, and although surgery was
tried, it was unsuccessful. On September 3, 1923 Knight
died at his home in the Hotel Pennsylvania in New York City.
He is buried in Forest Lawn Cemetery
