The Chanute times. [volume] (Chanute, Kan.) 1897-1913, 1912-04-12
Commission Began
Work Auspiciously
Will Make Brief Inspection
Trip.-Geo. Amyx Was
Appointed Clerk.

lOT TlSlnS vote Oh COunCllInCn anu
citizens many of whom had gathered
in the council room to witness the
incoming of the new administration
and who thereby promised to help
the new government, Mayor Beach
administered the oath of Office to !.
W. Lapham, w. F. Sans and |. N.
Johnson. The presentation of the
new officials was greeted with vigor-
Gus applause from their friends in
the room.
In his public salutatory May or
Lapham said in part: 81 take plea
sure in having bestowed upon me
the honor of being the first mayor
of Chanute under the commission
government and l promise to fulfil
its duties to the best of my ability.
Though the campaign was strenuous
it was free from mud singing and l
believe the defeated candidates have
no personal animosities but will
support the commissioners elected
in every way
81 have the highest esteem for our
retiring mayor and l rejoice that
Mr.. Beach was elected to this Office
in his old age by a community in
which he was pioneer and in which
he has a spotless reputation. Every
councilman has endeavored to do
his full duty and each has been
worthy of the appreciation of the
citizens for the many hours of ser.
vice he has given to the city.
"The commissioners have vast
problem and responsibility before
them. The most tremendous is the
efficient management of the city's
valuable public utilities. They are
in better condition than a year ago
but will require much work upon
our part"
The commission being declared
in session by Mayor Lapham, w.
F. Sans nominated for the appoint
ment as city clerk the name of Geo.
T. Amyx. Johnson seconded the
nomination and the roll being called
Mayor Lapham declared Mr.. Amyx
as appointed clerk for the unexpired
term of w. F. Sans and until such
time as his successor shall be ap-
pointed and qualified. Mr.. Amyx
came forward amid the applause of
his friends and Immediately took up
the duties of the city clerk, the
$4,000 surety bonds of the commits
sioners approved by judge Finley
being handed to him for filing.
The official selection of the two
year term of Office for Johnson and
the three year term for Sans was
then carried out. The motion was
made by Johnson who explained
that such action was appropriate in
view of the large vote received by
Mr.. Sans, and that he Johnson had
favored such arrangement.
Mayor Lapham made public an
nouncement that no change would
be made in the present city officers
until their terms expire May IS.
He requested that all applications
for appointive positions be made in
writing and filed with the commits
sion next week. He explained that
the board was considering a COM
petitive non-partisan civil service
examination for the expert employees
to be appointed, and that in any
event government of efficiency and
not of patronage would be the aim.
The question of a division of
duties among the three commits
sioners and the setting of regular
office hours when. each might be ap
preached by the citizenship of
Chanute is to be determined next
week. Johnson emphasized the
wish that the public would feel very
free to consult with the city's official
board.