The Salt Lake herald. [volume] (Salt Lake City [Utah]) 1870-1909, 1899-05-28
Question That Agitates the People of
Cache.
PRESIDENT OF THE STAKE
POSSIBLY A NONRESIDENT
WILL BE SENT.
But It Is More Likely That NJ. W..
Merrill Will Be Selected-Lively
Scramble For the Postoffice-Jo-
seph Squires Popular Candidate
Joseph Odell Urged.

The sudden departure of President
and Postmaster Orson Smith for the
Klondike left the good people of Cache
Valley speculating-not in wheat-but
upon the succession to the numerous
offices he held.
They are particularly anxious to
know who will succeed him in the
presidency of the stake. 1t is barely
possible that nonresident will be
sent to Cache for that purpose, on the
assumption that a stranger Will be
able to command greater influence, not
being identified with any faction. But
there are reasons to believe that sucn
an appointment would create even
greater dissatisfaction than would the
selection of any one of a score of cap
able and eligible Cache county men
who might be named.
There seems to be a general impress
sion that NJ. w. Merrill, jr., will be
called to that position, owing to the
prominence of his family, the infiu-
ence of his father and his familiarity
with the business of the high council.
of which he has for many years been
a member.
Another possibility is Joseph Nor
rell a popular business man of Logan,
who has few enemies and many friends.
He is being discussed with favor, 1t is
understood, as is Bishop Lewis of Lew
iston, one of the most prosperous farm
ers in the entire valley and local Off
cial whose administrative ability is
seen in the excellent condition of his
ward.
George Barber is possessed of many
of the qualities which the presidents
of stakes that flourish seem to possess.
He is fine speaker, hard worker,
a very intelligent man end his business
I~.Us Il h,ffI cfa 20 N
short order.
Neither of the late presidents coun-
sellers are popularity considered in the
race. Counsellor Isaac Smith, while a
jealous churchman, is not as popular
as he might be, unfortunately; while
Simpson NJ. Molen, one of the honestest
men in the valley, is regarded as lack
ing the executive ability and agrees
sivenesS essential to successful ad-
ministration of stake affairs. There is
plenty of good material in Cache, how
ever and it will not be necessary to go
outside for a successor to President Or
son Smith.
Successor In Postoffice.
The politicians, on the other hand,
are centering their thoughts and eff
forts on the vacant postoffice. Joseph
Squires, the present incumbent, is a
very popular and deserving young man,
who adds to the local recommendations
he has for the place thorough knowl-
edge of the office and the business in
all it's details. He has been the post
master in fact ever since Mr.. Smith
took charge and the splendid condition
of its affairs when everything else
seemed to be going to pieces, is due to
the young man continued in the office
at the request of the bondsmen.
Joseph Odell was regarded as the
leader in the race before, when OrsOn
Smith carried off the prize, and his
friends are urging his name again. L.
It. Hyde of the Nation is also promi-
nently mentioned by the Tribune cor
respondent in this connection.
Among the other candidates are Rob-
ert Murdoch, the unfortunate man who
lost his leg few years ago in a rail-
road accident, and Joseph Knowles,
chairman of the Republican county
committee.
1t promises to be a warmer contest
than it was before, and while its i'm
portance is small compared with the
selection of a stake president for life
or good behavior, there is a great deal
more enthusiasm among the several
postoffice possibilities than among those
discussed for the ecclesiastical posi-
ton.