The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1906-07-04
NOT YET. SAYS BRYAN.
TOO Early to Admit Candidacy for The
Presidency.

London. July William Jennings
BRYAN. in an official statement here To-
dav. declined TO admit that he is a can
didate for the Democratic nomination
for president of the United states, or
that there was any certainty that he
viii be- absOlved the various states
which have declared for him from
their allegiance. and said the proposed
reception in New York on his return
in August must not be considered in
the light of a political Endorsement
from those who participate in It.
Mr. and Mrs. Bryan arrived from
Norway late yesterday afternoon. They \
landed at Newcastle and remained
there over the day, Mr.. Bryan desiring
a chance to complete some writing
Arriving here Mr.. Bryan went to the
Hotel Cecil where he soon was be-
liam T. Stead and Mrs. Stead came
early in the evening and paid an ex-
tended visit Messrs. Bryan. Burns
and Stead engaged In an animated
discussion of economics and Of the So
cial and labor questions. Mr.. Bryan
received a great mass OF American
mail. When he had finished reading
his letters he received q deputation Of
newspaper correspondents and dictated
the following statement
Reception Is Not to Be Political.
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. I assured him
should be pleased to meet the members
Of the league, suggesting that the recep-
ton be characterized by simplicity. Now
that the actions Of some of the state
conventions have raised question as
tc the political significance Of the recep-
= terf- rarsA
be regarded in the light Of an indorse-
ment for the presidential nomination.
While 1 appreciate the compliment paid
by the various state conventions, do
not regard their expressions as binding
upon them or upon the party Of their
state.
II shall not prosecute them for breach
Of promise if they transfer their affec-
tons to another; I will not even publish
their letters. To allow the reception TO
be regarded as an Endorsement would in
the first place be unjust to others who
may be candidates.
Can't Spare Two Years.
Il have seen the names of several
mentioned as possible candida ties, among
them Congressman Hearst, Senator
Bailey and Governor Folk, who have all
rendered conspicuous service to the
party and the country and their claims
should be considered. The party is en-
titled to its most available man, and
the question Of availability can not be
determined so far in advance. Circum-
stances 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.
Il may add that 1t would not be
just to me to be put in the attitude OF
announcing my candidacy, or admit
ting the certainty of my being can
didate. It is two years before the con-
vention meets, and am not willing
to sit on stool and look pretty that
long. I prefer to be in a position to
say what [ think ought to be said,
write what I think ought to be writ
ten and do what 7 think ought to be
done am advancing in years, and
cannot spare two years outaof my life
at this time.
Ambassador Reld's Guest.
ST shall be glad to return to Amer
has been enjoyable. I shall be glad
to meet my friends in America. and
after I have met them they will be
just Al free as before to do what they
think best on issues and candidates"
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 ne
hoped to meet him. Mr.. Bryan will
speak at the American society dinner
tonight
Mr.. and Mrs. Bryan will spend the
week end with Ambassador Reid and
Mrs. Reid at Wrest park, and then will
go to Italy, returning here July 3D.
when Mr.. Bryan viii attend the In
parliamentary conference. Mr.. and
Mrs Bryan will then make a tour of
Scotland, going thence to France and
Spain.