New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1904-02-05
GRAY FAVORS WILLIAMS
FOR THE PRESIDENCY.
Talks Mighty Nicely Of the Missis-
sippian-Other Candidates.
fay rrrxeaArH TO THE rnIsusx.l

Wilmington Del Feb. Any life ambition
doe. not lead In the direction Of the White
House" said Judge George Gray to-day, when
asked what he had TO say in regard TO the talk
OF him for the Democratic nomination for Pres
ident
rs this to be accepted as a positive refusal.
he was asked
There has been no occasion for q declina-
ton" he replied. "and do not anticipate that
the occasion will arise The Democratic party
has any number Of men from whom TO select
an excellent candidate: why should IL come 20
little Delaware? do not desire TO pose as one
who burnptuously refuses something that could
never be offered Neither viii eliminate my
self by talking at length on public questions
such as Panama and Cuba
Turning to others talked OF for the nonina-
ton. Judge Gray said Of Senator German that
# was too early yet say what. II any effect
Isidor Rayner's election to the Senate would
have on Senator Germans hopes
What OF that other candidate OF the South.
Representative John Sharp Williams" he was
asked.
Mr.. Williams" he replied" has shown quail
ties OF leadership which would make strong
candidate. There Is 10 reason that Justly may
be urged against his nomination True. he
comes from what is known the Solid South
Time was when that was bar TO the Presi-
dency. This applied to men who fought against
the Union. This reason does not apply in the
case Of Mr. Williams and OF other brilliant
men who were too young TO have taken part
In the war. II Is time that the old lines should
be obliterated and that we should be, first OF
all. Americans. That title fits John Sharp Will
Jams. He is honest, progressive, aggressive and
a Democrat"
what Of Richard Olney?'
He is strong able. safe. and, ! presume, Is
acceptable TO those who insist that the nominee
shall be one who favored Mr.. Bryan unques-
roningly in his two campaigns"
MI Cleveland. what OF him2'
Mr.. Cleveland spoke strongly for himself
when he said he could not imagine any COM
binatlOn OF conditions that would induce him 20
/ become q candidate.
'What 81 Mayor Mcclellan?
He Is young. His time may come later"
What OF Judge Parker"
"New-york VIII settle that question for her
self"
Won't you say something OK your opinion
about Mr.. Hearst's candidacy"
L have reached the end of my verbal tether."
"Or Of Mr.. Bryan
THAT teInpts ne. but / must refrain"
What effect will President RooseVelt's ac-
ton in compelling arbitration of the anthracite
! strike have upon his candidacy
That cannot be predicted l know what
I effect it should have. The President in that
| instance acted with wisdom and patriotism.
| He prevented fuel riots in the great cities and
| earned the gratitude az all classes the wealthy
! as well as miners His prompt and vigorous
action really preserved property rights that
/ were seriously endangered. The question. How
/ individuals or corporations for private gain?
| was before the people and the people were
/ approaching its solution in ugly mood
| And now OF yourself. what shall be said of
I your candidacy?"
Il am not candidate in any sense Of the
I word"