The daily morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven, Conn.) 1894-1907, 1906-07-04
v. ]. BRYAN IN LONDON;
SPEAKS OF presidency
DOES NOT CONSIDER ACTION OF
RECENT CONVENTIONS
BINDING.

Will Not Prosecute for Breach of Prom
Use if Affections Are Transferred to
AnOther-Other Prominent Men of the
Party Have Claims Among Them
Hearst, Bailey and FolE--NOt just to
Put Him in Position OF Being Cam
didatc.
London, July 3.-Willlam j. Bryan
and Mrs. Bryan arrived from Norway
late this afternoon. They landed at
Newcastle yesterday and remained
there over the day, Mr.. Bryan desiring
a chance to quietly complete some wri-
ting. Arriving here Mr.. Bryan went to
the Hotel Cecil, where he soon was be-
sieged by callers. John Burns, William
T. Stead and Mrs. Stead came early in
the evening and paid an extended visit,
Messrs. Bryan, Burns and Stead en-
gagged in an animated discussion of eco
Monies and Of the social and labor
questions. Mr.. Bryan received a mass
of American mail. When he had fin
ished reading his letter. he received a
deputation of newspaper correspon-
dents and dictated the following state
ment:
THE first suggestion of a reception
for MO Ayotr- VAYIr oo,,,a t1pioYs ~ tho
action of any of the state conventions
and before there was any discussion of
the next campaign. 1t came from the
Commercial Travellers League, of
which Mr. Hoge is president. assured
him l should be pleased to meet the
members Of the league, suggesting that
the reception by characterized by SIM
plicity. Now that the actions Of some
Of the state conventions have raised a
question as to the political significance
of the reception. ! am glad to say that
it must not be regarded in the light of
an endorsement for the presidential
nomination. While / appreciate the
compliment paid by the various state
conventions, ! do not regard their eX-
pressions as binding upon them or upon
the party Of their state. l shall not
prosecute them for breach of promise
If they transfer their affections to an
other. I will not even publish their let
ters. To allow the reception to be re-
garded as an endorsement would in the
first place be unjust to others who may
be candidates,
II have seen the names Of several
mentioned as possible candidates,
among them Congressman Hearst, Sem
ator Bailey and Governor Folk, who
have all rendered conspicuous service
to the party and the country, and their
claims should be considered. The par
ty is entitled to its most available man
and the question of availability cannot
be determined so far in advance. Cir
cumstances and issues may strengthen
the claims of some one Of the gentle
men mentioned, and the list should be
an open one until the time comes to
choose.
I may add that 1t would not be just
to me to be put In the attitude of an
nouncing my candidacy or admitting
the certainty Of my being a candidate.
1t is two years before the convention
meets, and am not willing to sit on
stool and look pretty that long. pre-
fer to be in a position to say what
think ought to be said, write what
think ought to be written and do what
think ought to be done. / am ad-
vancing in years and cannot spare two
years out of my life just at this time.
Il shall be glad to return to America,
although every day of my trip has been
enjoyable. shall be glad to meet my
friends in America, and after l have
met them ahey will be just as free as
before to do what they think best on is
sues and candidates"
When told that Mayor George b. Nc
Clellan was in London Mr.. Bryan said
he had not heard he was here. He ex-
pressed his qualification that NJ r.Mc-
pressed his qualification that Mr.. Nc
railroad wreck, and said he hoped to
meet him.
Mr.. Bryan will speak at the American
society dinner tomorrow night. Mr..
and Mrs, Bryan will spend the week.
end with Ambassador and Mrs Reid at
Wrest Park and then will go to the
Rhine and Italy, returning here July
%, when Mr. Bryan will attend the in
parliamentary conference. Mr.. and
Mrs. Bryan will then make a tour of
Scotland, going from thence to France