Los Angeles herald., 1906-07-04
BRYAN TALKS OF
COMING ELECTION
SAYS IT is TOO SOON TO
CHOOSE CANDIDATES
In Interview at London, Nebraskan
Declares That Democrats Should
GO Slow in Making
Selection
Rv Associated Press.

BY Associated Press.
LONDON, July S.--William ]. Bryan
and Mrs. Bryan arrived from Norway
late this afternoon. They landed al
New Castle yesterday and remained
there over one day, Mr.. Bryan desiring
chance to complete some writing Ar
riving here, Mr.. Bryan went to the
Hotel Cecil where he soon was be-
sieged with callers.
John Burns, William T. Stead and
Mrs. Stead came early In the evening
and paid an extended visit. Messrs
Bryan, Burns and stead engaged in
an animated discussion of economics
and of the social and labor questions
Mr.. Bryan received great mass OF
American mail. When he had fin
ished reading his letters he received a
deputation of newspaper correspondents
and dictated the following statement:
"The first suggestion of a reception
for me at New York came prior to the
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.
II assured him I should be pleased
to meet the members of the league,
suggesting that the reception be char
acterized by simplicity Now that the
actions of some of the state conven-
tions have raised a question as to the
political significance Of the reception,
am glad to say that 1t must not be
regarded in the light of an Endorsement
for the presidential nomination.
Appreciates Compliment
while 1 appreciate the compliment
paid by the various state conventions,
1 do not regard their expressions as
binding upon them or upon the party
of their state.
IT shall not prosecute them for
breach of promise if they transfer their
affections to another; will never pub
lish their letters. To allow the recep-
ton to be regarded as an Endorsement
would in the first place be unjust to
others who may be candidates.
81 have seen the names of several
mentioned as possible candidates.
Among them men who have rendered
conspicuous service to the party and
the country, and their claims should be
considered. The party is entitled to it's
most available man, and the, question
of availability cannot be determined
so far in advance Circumstances and
issues may strengthen the claims of
some one other than myself and the
list should be an open one until the
time comes to choose.
Convention Two Years Away
'I may add that it would not be just
to me to be put in the attitude of an
bouncing my candidacy or admitting
the certainty of my being a candidate.
1t is two years before the convention
meets, and 1 am not willing to sit on
a stool and look pretty that long. 1
prefer to be in position to say what
think ought to be said, write what 1
think ought to be written and do what
I think ought to be done. 1 am ad-
vancing in years and cannot spare two
years out of my life as this time.
Il shall be glad to return to America,
although every day of my trip has been
enjoyable. 1 shall be glad to meet
my friends in America, and after l
have met them they can do what they
think best on the issues and candi-
dates"
When told that Mayor George B.
Mcclellan was in London, Mr.. Bryan
said he had not heard he was here.
He expressed his qualification that Mr..
Mcclellan had escaped from the Sails
bury railroad wreck and said he hoped
to meet him.
Mr.. Bryan will speak at the Ameri-
can society dinner tomorrow night. Mr..
and Mrs. Bryan will spend the week.