Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1906-07-04
VIM. J.BRYAN IN LONDON
GOTHAM RECEPTION NOT TO BE
REGARDED POLITICAL

William J. Bryan and Mrs. Bryan arrived
at London from Norway yesterday after
noon. They landed at Newcastle yesterday
and remained there over the day, Mr..
Bryan desiring a chance 10 quietly COM
plete some writing. Arriving in London Mr.
Bryan went to the Hotel Cecil where no
soon was besieged by callers John Burns
and William T. Stead and Mrs. Stead came
early in the evening and paid an extended
visit. Messrs Bryan, Burns and Stead en-
gagged in a discussion Of economics and OF
the social and labor questions.
Mr. Bryan received great mass OF
American mail. When he had finished
reading his letters he received a deputatlon
of correspondents and dictated the follow
ing statement:
The first suggestion OF a reception for
me az New York came prior to the action
of any OF the state conventions and before
there was any discussion OF the next cam
paign. II came from the Commercial TrRv-
elers' League. of which Mr.. Hoge Is presl-
cent assured him l should be pleased
10 meet the members OF the league sug-
costing that the reception b., aracterized
by simplicity.
Declines an Endorsement
Now that the actions of some OF the
state conventions have raised a question "a
to the political significance OF the reception,
L am glad to say that 1t must not be re-
garded in the light of an Endorsement for
the presidential nomination. While l appre-
clate the compliment paid blythe various
state conventions. | do not regard their
expressions as binding upon them or upon
the party OF their state. | shall not uros-
ecute them for breach of promise II they
transfer their affections to another: I Will
not even publish their letters. To allow the
reception to be regarded as an tudorse-
ment would, in the first place. be unjust to
others who may be candidates
nave seen the names OF several men
mentioned as possible candidates. among
them Representative Hearst Senator Rail
lay and Governor Folk who have ali rem
dered conspicuous service to the party and
the country. and their claims should ba
considered The party is entitled to its
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 OF the
gentlemen mentioned. and the list should be
an open one until the time comes to choose
Prefers Independence for Two Years.
Il may add that It would not be Just TO
me TO be put In the attitude OF announcing
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. I prefer to be in a position to
say what l think ought to be said write
what think ought to be written and do
what l think ought to be done. I am ad-
Vancing III years and cannot spare two
years out of my life just at this time
I shall be glad to return to America
although every day of my trip has been
enjoyable. l shall be glad to meet nv
friends In America. and after I have met
them they will be just as free as before 10
do what they think best on issues and
candidates"
Mr.. Bryan will speak at the American
Society dinner there tonight Mr. and Mrs.
spend p NTH ba
American ambassador and Mrs Reid ar
West Park and then will go TO the Rhine
and Italy. returning to London July ~
when Mr.. Bryan will attend the interpar-
Hamentary conference Mr. and Mrs
Bryan will then make a tour of Scotland
going thence to France and Spain.