... President Grant then asked that each one of the brethren present to set forth his feelings in regard to the question of whether Eldred Smith, the oldest son of the Patriarch Hyrum G. Smith, should succeed his father as the Presiding Patriarch, or if it would be preferable to select one of the sons of President Joseph F. Smith. All of those present, with the exception of three, felt that the revelation on the subject, as contained in the Doctrine and Covenants, Section 107, does not intend to limit the 'literal descendant of the chosen seed' from whom the Patriarch should be selected, to the descendants of the Patriarch John Smith, grandfather of Hyrum G. Smith; they felt that he might be selected from any of the branches of the lineage of Hyrum Smith, and preferred the family of President Joseph F. Smith. They were of the opinion that the one chosen for this position should be eminently qualified and fitted for the duties and responsibilities of that high office. President Clawson and Elders George Albert Smith and Joseph Fielding Smith were firm in their belief that Eldred Smith is entitled to the position by reason of his lineage, being the oldest son of Patriarch Hyrum G. Smith, who is a descendant of the oldest son of Hyrum Smith; that he has not forfeited that right because of unworthiness; that while he is young and inexperienced, if ordained to that office the Lord would magnify him and qualify him for the work. They felt that he should be given an opportunity to serve in this capacity, even if necessary to postpone filling the vacancy for a few years, in order that he might better qualify himself for the work. President Grant said he was not clear in his mind on the matter, which is the reason he appointed a committee to give the question consideration. ...
[Source: Minutes, 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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