The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-06-21
MR.. CL.EyELAND'S DENIAL.

Mr.. Grover Cleveland Ia out In a state
ment denying the accuracy Of an Inter-
Wow recently reported by Mr.. Bailey, or
the Galveston News. He says that he
was astonislled to see such an outcome
from visit made to him by one who
only gained friendly access to him by
reason OF his being a representative OF
a paper formerly conducted and owned
by Mr.. Cleveland's deceased friend. Col
onel Belo, and now conducted by the
younger Belo. Ho further declares that
he had no idea that Mr.. Bailey was In
tervlcwing him for publication. and that
IL he had dreamed that the reporter
would attempt to construct an interview
dealing with the important subjects out
OF what was said on the occasion of the
visit, he would certainly have required
the reporter to reduce 1t to writing ami
let him inspect 1t before being published,
In reply, Mr.. Bailey says that he met
Mr.. Cleveland by appointment and can
not understand how Mr.. Cleveland should
have misunderstood tho object OF his
visit. That he went to see him In the
interest OF his piper, and, Of course
expected to print the interview. The
statement which he attributes to Mr.
Cleveland follows:
1T is perfectly absurd to suppose for
an instant that had any desire to re-
enter public life, nor have even re-
motely entertained the thought since !
left Washington over six years ago. Tho
matter is as far from my thoughts as
II was In 1896. when all must admit II
was not within my hearing or sight.
/ have no higher aspiration than to pass
my days in peace, with my family around
me, and to take no part in politics which
any private citizen cannot take with the
utmost proprlety.
IT have never spoken to anybody on the
subject OF fourth candidacy; have never
written to q single political friend one way
or another, nor have been written 10
or spoken to by them. There Is not n
political leader of any prominence en-
deavorinE to advance any movement to-
nominate me in any State, so far as
have been advised nor do I anticipate
that any such effort will be made by any
leader, prominent or obscure. In any To-
cality in the country.
I'm this respect the situation Is moro
than pleasing. In earnestly desiring the
Democratic party to become strong and
united as of old, committed to the sim
pie traditions and sound principles which
made It aggressive and victorious no
thought Of personal interest has dlA-
turbed me. I have on several occasions
within a year undertaken to perform
the labor which usually falls to the pr
waite in the ranks but there has not
lurked within me the hope Of any reward
save the consciousness of having made
an effort to assist In bringing about
salutary conditions in the party"
1T was Mr.. Bailcy's business to hear
and to report accurately what Mr.. Cleve-
land said. and generally speaking, a
trained and conscientious reporter can
BIO counted upon to make exact state
ments in matter of this character.
Mr.. Bailey doubtless took keen note of
everything that Mr.. Cleveland said, and
we warrant that the substance Of Mr..
Cleveland's statement to him is contained
in the above. We are surprised that Mr..
Cleveland should object to the state
ment, unless lie is indeed disposed to re-
enter public life. 1t is manly state
ment, which any person in his situation
might feel proud to make,