130 years ago today - Jul 8, 1896

The First Presidency, at their office today, considered the application of President Jesse N. Smith of Snowflake [Arizona] Stake, who had been nominated for the Arizona Legislature. He stated that in case of his election, his counselors could attend temporarily to the duties of the Stake Presidency. It was decided that there would be no objection to his candidacy.

Elder Brigham Young [Jr.] of the Twelve had an interview with the First Presidency in reference to the case of Brother Geo[rge]. W. Thatcher, one of the High Council of the Cache [Utah] Stake.

He stated that Brother George W. had explained that he had given a promise to stand by his brother Moses [Thatcher] in his political course, but that he had expressed to Moses his opinion that he was taking the wrong course, whereupon Moses had called him a coward, and gave him such a tongue-lashing as he had never experienced before. He desired to have time as to the disposition of his, George W's case. This was assented to by the First Presidency.

Elders Heber J. Grant and F[ranklin]. S. Richards explained to the First Presidency the condition of the Parson's Ranch business. $20,000 in notes had been endorsed by the Trustee in Trust, with capital stock in the Company as security. Payment of his was doubtful, and the security was rendered less valuable because of the power of the Company to contract indebtedness. The Brethren advised the Presidency that with $35,000 further a clear title could be obtained to the property. Brothers Grant and Richards were instructed to see Brother Francis Armstrong and get him to organize a syndicate to secure the property, which with $5,000 of personal property would be very cheap at $50,000.

Brother Evan Stephens, leader of the Tabernacle Choir, called upon the First Presidency, in reference to taking a chorus of 150 voices to the Denver [Colorado] Eisteddfod. The Denver people promised $1,000 towards expenses. Brother Stephens was instructed to see the railroad people in regard to rates, and no objection was offered by the Presidency.

The Presidency of the Salt Lake Stake of Zion met with the First Presidency, by request, to take into consideration the celebration of the anniversary of the arrival of the Pioneers into Utah. A committee of 13 was decided upon with Heber J. Grant as chairman, to arrange for a program, with the understanding that all the Pioneers who were living should be invited to attend and expenses paid at Saltair on the 24th. ...

[Journal History, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1910-1951, Privately Published, Salt Lake City, Utah 2010]