Arizona republican., 1914-04-08
George U. Young Becomes First Commission Mayor ! and Takes Oath of Office Before Crowd Filling Council Chamber
FOUR COMMISSIONERS ALSO SWORN IN
w. A. Parish Is Named At First Night Session As City Manager and c. M. Cooper Becomes Auditor Mcbride Is Magistrate

The first commission of the city of Phoenix is in office. The first manager has been named and has exercised his appointive powers. A new era has dawned in the progress of the capital of Arizona
 George U. Young, miner, railroader and man of the people at F o'clock yesterday noon, standing upon the dias in the old common council chamber in the city hall, raised his right hand and swore to perform the duties of mayor of the city of Phoenix to the best of his knowledge and ability Commissioners elect Joseph Cope, Peter Corpstein, M. J. Foley and Frank Woods, each swore that to the best of his knowledge and ability he would perform the duties of commissioner. And when the words T will'' had fallen from the lips of the four men, responding to the oath ad- ministered by City Attorney Tom Pres colt, the new government was In of flee and the old had passed into history.
 Though simplicity marked the in duction into office of the new mayor and commissioners there was a pro- found appreciation, not only upon the part of those intimately concerned, but upon that of those assembled as mere spectators of history making event, of the real solemnity of the occasion. +, | oil act more genuine goodwill and good-fel- lowship than has ever marked the turn ing over Of the affairs of one city ad- ministration to another. There were no wounds that threatened not to heal; no apprehension that the men taking over the reins of the city government were not capable and honest; no fear would not find ready defenders in the mayor and commissioners.
 It had not been intended that the noon-day ceremonies should consist of more than the mere admin isterng of the paths of office. But Lloyd B. Christy, the retiring mayor, could not allow to pass the opportunity to extend his felicitations to the new mayor and the commissioners and to give voice to his appreciation of the hearty support and cooperation of his colleagues.
 T wish to thank my colleagues for the efficient, kind and courteous treat ment they have accorded me during the five years I have as mayor presided over their deliberations" said MT. Christy. T wish also to thank the heads of the various departments and every individual employe for their faithful and efficient work. I want the citizens to know that they have rend- cred far greater service than could ever be paid for by their salaries. say this from my heart. We are glad in laying down the mantles of our of fees that they are to fall on worthy shoulders"
 Before the applause had ceased. fol- lowing the words of the retiring mayor, only a portion of which are repeated here, Councilman McElroy took oc- casion on behalf of his colleagues to express the appreciation of the coun- cilmen of the uniform and unfailing courtesy and fairness of Mayor Christy in presiding over their deliberations and finally put his words into motion that was carried by a rising vote.
 From the distance came the tolling of the bell in the court house tower. It was the hour of noon. hush fell over the crowded council chambers. MT Young faced City Attorney Pres colt and raising his right hand re- peated:
 q do solemn1y swear that I will sup port he constitution of the United states and the constitution of the state of Arizona and that will perform the duties of mayor of the city of Phoenix to the best of my knowledge and abil- ity. so help me God"
 And then a burst of applause came that did not subside for fully five min utes or until Mayor Young had called for order repeatedly. He told in few words of his full appreciation of the honor that had been paid him and his colleagues upon the new commission. He admitted that just as the old form of government had proven faulty there would be times when the new would be equally as faulty. But he said he felt sure that it was a step forward for by the mistakes of the past those making for the progress of the future profit. He assured those present that 'If, when the time comes as come it will for us to lay down the burden which we now pick up, We can say that we have ac- quilted ourselves as well as has the retiring administration we will have said that we have done our full duty, that we have done our best and that that best has been appreciated"
 Immediate adjournment was taken announcement being made that the new commission would meet at 7:30 o'clock in the court room. Mayor Young asked that all present officers and employees