The Salt Lake herald-Republican. [volume] (Salt Lake City, Utah) 1909-1918, 1910-02-26
FOURTH APPOINTMENT
AS THE POSTMASTER
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the choice of the entire Utah delega-
ton in Congress.
Not only has he been honored by
Presidential patronage, but Postmas-
ter Thomas has won encomiums of
praise from the pOstOffice department
and he has been complimented for the
splendid record made by the Salt Lake
pOstOffice.
Despite the good record he has made,
Postmaster Thomas has borne the
brunt of a political fight waged
against him by the American party
both in Utah and at Washington. His
political enemies attempted to forestall
his confirmation in the Senate four
years ago, and while no effort of SINH
lar nature is reported UP to date, the
fight at home has been waged relent-
lessly. Rising above all opposition,
however, Postmaster Thomas has to
thank a faultless career for the in
dOrsement Of his work at the national
capital.
Long in the Harness.
Postmaster Thomas has been long in
the public service, having been identi-
fled almost continually since 1879 with
federal or state institutions. discharg-
ing the responsibilities Of all positions
with a fidelity that has won him the
confidence of the community. In 1873
he was appointed territorial secretary
by President HAYES. later being reap
pointed by President Garfield. He
served in this position until 1887.
During all of that time he often
acted as governor, his position as sec
rotary making him acting governor
when the executive was out Of the
state. He handled all executive mat
ters with judiciousness and fairness
gaining many friends because of his
work in public office. At that time
the affairs of the territory were any
thing but placid, and il required q man
Of more than ordinary ability TO handle
the duties Of the important office to
the general satisfaction of the people
In December, 1887, Mr. Thomas was
appointed on the Utah commission,
operating under the Edmunds law, to
take charge of the registrations and
elections in Utah. then a territory. The
appointment was made by President
Cleveland. Mr. Thomas taking the
place Of A. 5. Patrick of Nebra ska
who was elected to the United States
Senate from his state.
Appointed Governor.
Serving with the Utah commission
for two years Mr.. Thomas was an
pointed territorial governor by Presi-
dent Harrison, and served in that ca
pacity until 1893. For five years he
held no public office. although he was
identified in many ways with institu-
tious that made for the uplift Of the
commonwealth,
In 1880 Mr.. Thomas was supervisor
of the census, and in 1884 was ap-
pointed on the commission to revise
the statutes Of Utah. In 1881 he acted
as special agent for the government in
the gathering of religious and school
stats tics.
In 1892 while territorial governor
of Utah, Governor Thomas issued the
call for the first national irrigation
congress, the result of which was the
laying of the foundation for much OF
the irrigation and conservation Iegisla-
ton that was later enacted.
Member of Commission.
Among the services rendered for the
state, Governor Thomas was a mem
Der of the commission that built the
first wing of the Agricultural college
at Logan. He was chairman of the
commission appointed to suDerintend
the building of the state industrial
school at ogden. He also served on the
commission that supervised the placing
of the first steel in the state peniten-
tiary.
Before coming to Utah, Mr. Thomas
was a clerk In the national House of
Representatives, serving there for ten
years. While holding the position of
secretary of the territory, he was act
ing governor for considerable length
or time and became familiar with q
work that enabled him to procure the
appointment of governor later.
HOnOred by every President of the
United states from Hay IS to Taft, Mr.
Thomas has become one of the leading
figures in Utah's political life In his
career as territorial secretary and
governor, he gained experience that
comes to few men in public life He
drafted an important amendment to
the charter of Salt Lake which gave
the city the right to regulate the
liquor traffic
Is Man of Action.
One Of the most spectacular episodes
IN his career was his connection with
the Hopt murder case in 1883. Hopt
mad been convicted Of murder and SEN
fenced to death, and an appeal was
made TO the supreme court Pending
this appeal arrangements for his death
were prepared. and Mr.. Thomas. then
acting governor. would not grant a
stay of execution because he felt that
it was judicial question which he
should not decide. However. he later
took the reins in his own hands. and.
with public sentiment back of him.
granted the respite until the appeal
Was heard BY the supreme court
In the twelve years that he has Deen
at the head of the Salt Lake pOstoffice
department, Mr.. Thomas has seen that
institution grow to tremendous pro-
portions, and he directed the work of
expanding the organization to meet
growing demands. showing an aptitude
for the work that won him commen-
dation and approval both in Utah and
at Washington.
Growth of Postoffice.
When Mr.. Thomas was first appoint
ed postmaster in salt Lake, the post
office was in the DOOly block, at West
Temple and Second South streets The
business of the office was not too
great for those quarters, but when
Salt Lake first began to come into its
own, the growth of the city was re
Elected in the volume of business at
the pOstoffice, and it was seen that
larger and more commodious quarters
would be necessary.
As result, the Walker estate do
mated to the government the piece of
ground at the corner of Main street
and PoStoffice Mace than Mail. .