[William H. Smart]
Bro[ther]. Geo[rge]. Reynolds informed me at 3 P.M. that the vacancy existing in the Twelve Apostles was to be filled by the appointing of Hyrum M. Smith son of Pres[ident] Joseph F Smith. It is said that Pres[ident]. Smith knew nothing about it as the Twelve nominated him, but as in many other cases, the Pres[ident]. of the church did not fail to accept the suggestion. It was no doubt done to favor Bro[ther]. Joseph, as his son Hyrum has done nothing to bring him so prominently to the front. I call to mind the fact that Pres[ident] Brigham Young looked to it, and required my father to ordain his sons apostles. Pres[ident]. John Taylor and [Wilford] Woodruff had sons placed in the Quorum of the Twelve and from what I have heard Pres[ident]. [Lorenzo] Snow intended to do the same. Pres[ident]. Jos[eph] F Smith has not been a president but a few days when we are informed that the Twelve nominated his son without his knowledge. I know these men hold the Apostleship and have divine authority, but I question their appointments sometimes. God permits men to do many things but does not give revelation and say, 'Thus saith the Lord.' Why is the silent on these most important matters? Why this long continuous Silence? Is the Lord far distant? I confess I am tried over this appointment. Learned since that Pres[ident]. Smith nominated his son etc. etc.
[Source: William H. Smart, Diary, as quoted in Minutes of the Apostles of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1835-1951, Electronic Edition, 2015]
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