June 20th/91 The High Council convened at the call of Pres. Murdock preparatory to the quarterly conference which convenes here tomorrow, Apostles Lyman, Cannon and Lund being present.

It having been rumored for some time that Pres. Murdock had tendered his resignation, it was here announced and confirmed and the council took under advisement the election of a new President.

Bro. Lyman suggested that we vote by ballot for the person, we desire for president. This was done by placing the names of three persons upon each ballot. The ballots were held in reserve by the Apostles with announcement that the selection would be made according to results the following morning.

On re-convening the High Council, Apostle Lyman stated that the choice had fallen to Bishop C.D. White and his nomination was confirmed by the Council. Bro. White selected N. L. Shepherd as his first, and myself as his second counselor.

Conference convened at 10 a.m. with many visitors from the lower settlements. Also the Apostles heretofore named and Morgan Richards, Pres. Crosby and Steele from Panguitch and others from Millard and elsewhere, were present.

Many valuable instructions were given by the Apostles and other speakers during the two days' conference, who treated upon divers subjects. Apostles Lyman referred very feelingly to the good work done by Pres. Murdock during his long incumbency as Pres. and said his resignation was voluntary. The new presidency were set apart and ordained to their offices under the hands of the Apostles. During the conference a special meeting was called to convene in the Council Chambers, at which were representatives from surrounding Stakes.

Apostly Lyman was surprised to see such a political craze as had apparently struck us. Asked Bro. Shepherd how it was that so many of the people were Democrats. Said the authorities desired us to divide about equally on National Party lines in order that we could receive favors from whichever party was in power. Said that those who had not already declared themselves Democrats and could conscientiously do so, should ally themselves with the Republicans. These remarks did not seem to suit Apostle Cannon for he tried to restrain the speaker by saying, "Bro. Lyman, don't go too far."