The Washington times., 1903-05-12
GROVER CLEVELAND
WOULD NOT REFUSE
Does Not Want the NOmi-
nation" However.
WILL NOT DENY AMBITION
Tells interviewer That the Time Is
Not Ripe for Discussion of
His Candidacy.

MIDDLEBASS. Ohio, May 12.-Grover
Cleveland, twice President O; the United
States. may be said to be receptive
candidate for the Democratic nomina-
tion for President in 1904. These ques-
tions were put TO Mr.. Cleveland yester-
day by the Cleveland Press" corre-
spondent:
viii you be a candidate for the NOM
inat;cn?"
Il cannot answer that question"
Would Invite Censure
'Tf the nomination were offered you.
would you accept it?''
Il cannot answer that question at this
time I should only be inviting the CEN
sure of the people"
Charles Foster, ex-g governor of Ohio
and ex-Secretary of the United States
Treasury under President Harrison. is
here with the Cleveland party. Though
a Republican, Foster is in the confidence
of Mr.. Cleveland. Asked if the latter
was a candidate for the nomination, he
said:
Regards It as Duty"
Mr.. Cleveland does not want the
nomination. but he would take 1t as
duty TO his party. He possesses the con
fidenee of the people and he deserves
the nomination"
The Cleveland party came TO MiddIebass
Island Sunday. Foster arrived today.
There are in the party. besides Foster.
Capt 3. P Lamberton. U. s. N; John
Mitchell. Toledo; Judson Harmon. ex-
Attorney General. Cincinnati; lie Roy
Brooks, Cincinnati, and C. C. Dwight,
Chicago These are the guests of MIR.
Brooks.
Mr.. Cleveland said that he had come
to the island only upon the assurance
that ne would not be annoyed. AT first
he declined enphaticafly TO see the press
correspondent. At dinner Foster persuad-
ed him to the contrary. The ex-PresIdent
waited in the lobby of the club white
the correspondent interviewed him
Other Friends Silent.
All members of the party are close
friends OF Mr.. Cleveland. None of them.
with the exception of Ex-Governor Fos-
none Will say that Mr.. Cleveland would
decline the Democratic nomination IL
1904
There is indignation here at the report
that Mr. Cleveland is not in the best Of
health.
Why. he was never better" his
friends say. las proof OF this Mr. Cleve-.
land 1shed all day long near Pelee Island
yesterday"
The party caught ninety-nine bass. and
OF these Mr.. Cleveland caught his share
There is silence as to his exact eaten
The ex- President came 10 the clubhouse
from the cottage where he is staying
at $50 O'Clock. He walked with the
brisk step OF young man. There was
color in his face from his days outing
and he was IN the best OF humor. Mr.
Foster, who had arrived on the late
afternoon boat. and who had not get
seen the ex-President, awaited him on
the clubhouse steps.
Life of the Party.
Mr. Cleveland seized Mr. Fosters hand
with grip that college athlete might
have envied. At dinner Mr.. Cleveland
ate heartily and told stories TO the MEM
bers of the party who were gathered st
the table.
Continuing his discussion Of Mr.
Cleveland as a possible nominee. cx-
Governor Foster said:
Il believe Bryan represents the big
gast end of the party, but think Cleye-
| land possesses the confidence OF the peo-
pie. Cleveland has had eight years of
| the Presidency more would not add 10
| his fame