Page:American Historical Review vol. 6.djvu/712

 702 A. E. McKinley be appointed by the governor, and that a treasurer be appointed by the corporation officers. ^ Dongan, through fear or favor, granted most of these demands, and in October 1684 the first election under the new plan was held ; the six wards each electing one alderman and one common council- man and the governor selecting the mayor from a list of seven names which had been submitted to him.' But these privileges were not formally granted in a charter, and hence the riiayor, in writing, in 1685, to King James in congratulation upon his accession and giving wishes for a prosperous reign, closes his letter with the hope that the Jerseys will be re-united with New York, and that the King will " Grant to this his Citty such privileges and Immunitys as may again make it flourish and encrease his Ma'^" revenue." ^ At last, by the charter of April 27, 1686, the desire of the city was granted.^ The form of government already instituted by Don- gan was changed but little. The elective officers vere the alder- men, assistants and petty constables. The mayor and sheriff were appointed annually by the governor ; the recorder, town clerk and clerk of the market were appointed during the will of the governor ; the high constable was appointed by the mayor, and the chamber- lain was chosen yearly by the mayor, aldermen and assistants. The elective officers were to be " chosen by Majority of Voices of the Inhabitants of each Ward ;" a most vague provision which later needed legislative interpretation.'' The charter also confirmed to the city some of the old trade privileges, and the titles to certain lands, docks and ferries. Dongan's charter was more democratic in appearance than in practice. Through his appointing power the governor had control of the more important city officials, and the ordinance power of the corporation was limited by the fact that its ordinances were to remain in force only for three months, unless confirmed by the gov- ernor and council. Thus the city officers, in writing to King James, in 1687, could well say, "The Governm' of the whole Citty is alto- gether lodged in Yo' Ma'^ and Gov", The Mayor, Recorder, Sherif, Town Clerk appointed by Yo' Ma'^ or Governor, the rest are only iBrodhead, II. 408. 2yV. ]'. Co/. Doc, III. 361. 'iV. K Col. Laws, I. 181-195. <The act of May I, 1702 (Col. Laws, I. 490), defined more precisely the qualifica- tions of the suffrage, but it was disapproved by the Queen. The Montgomery charter cleared up the ambiguity [Col. Laws, II. S75-639). But other dilficulties arose and ad- ditional legislation was passed in 1771 [Col. Laws, V. 22S), and 1774 [Laws of N. y-, 1774-177S- P- 45).