The Birmingham age-herald., 1906-07-04
Much Gan Happen in Two Years Wants Democracy to
 Be UnhampeTed
HOPES SIMPLICITY WILL
 CHARACTERIZE RECEPTION
Democratic Party Is Entitled to the Most Available Man, and Question of Availability Cannot Be
 Determined Now.

London July 3.-William J. Bryan ana Mrs Rrvan arrived from Norway late this afternoon They landed at Newcastle and remained there over the day, MT. Bryan desiring chance to quietly con- plete some writing. Arriving here MT Bryan went to the Hotel Cecil, where he soon was beseiged 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 engaged in an animated discussion of economies and of the social and labor questions. MT. Bryan read a great mass of American mail When he had finished reading his letters he received delega- ton of newspaper correspondents, and dictated the following statement:
 Not Regarded as Endorsement.
 'rrhe first suggestion of a reception for me at New York came prior to the action of any of the state conventions, and be- fore there was any discussion or the next campaign It came from the Com- mercial Travellers league, of which MT. Hoge is president. l assured him should be pleased to meet the members of the 
 characterized by simplicity. Now that the actions of some of the state conven- tions have raised question as to the political significance of the reception am glad to say that 1t must not be re- garded in the light of an indorsement for the presidential nomination. While I appreciate the compliment paid by the various state conventions, l do not regard their expressions as binding upon them or upon the party of their state snail 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 indorsement would, in the first place, be unjust to others who may be candidates.
 Other Candidates Mentioned.
 'I have seen the names of several men, tioned as possible candidates, among them Congressman Hearst, Senator Bailey and Governor Folk, who have all render ed 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 or availability cannot be determined so Tar 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
 "I may add that it would not be just to me to be put in the attitude Of an nouncing by candidacy or admitting the certainty of my being a candidate. It IS two years before the convention meets, and I am not willing to sit on a stool and look pretty that long. l prefer to be in position to say what I think ought to be said write what think ought to be writ ten. and do what think ought to be done. am advancing in years and cannot spare two years out of my life just at this time.
 q shall be glad to return to America, although every day of my trip has been enjoyable. I shall be glad to meet my friends in America and after I have met them they will be just as free as before to do what they think best on issues and candidates"
 Glad of McCIellan's Escape.
 When told that Mayor George B. Me Clellan was in London, Mir Bryan said he had not heard he was here. He ex pressed his qualification that MT. Nc. Clellan had escaped from the Salisbury railroad wreck, and said he hoped to meet him.
 Mir. Bryan will speak at the American society dinner tomorrow night.
 Mir and Mrs. Bryan will spend the week end with Ambassador and Mrs. Reid at wrest park and then go to Italy, return ing here July B, when MT. Bryan will attend the interparliamentary conference. Mr. and Mrs. Bryan will then make a. tour of Scotland, going thence to France and Spain.