Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1906-07-11
BRYAN SAYS FIELD
MUST Be OPEN
CLAIMS OF ALL CANDIDATES
MUST BE CONSIDERED.
TOO EARLYTO CHOOSE NOW
Nebraskan Not Willing to Be a Can
didate for Two Years, and Would
Throw Off Political Significance
From Coming New York Reeep-
ton.

London. July William J. Bryan
and Mrs. Bryan arrived from Norway
yesterday afternoon. They landed at
Newcastle Monday and renamed there
over the day, Mr.. Bryan desiring a
chance 70 quietly complete some writ
ing. Arriving here, he went to the
hotel Cecil where he soon was be
seiged by callers. He received q
great mass % American mail. When
he had finished reading his letters he
received a deputatiOn of newspaper
correspondents and dictated the fol
LONG statement:
The first suggestion of a reception
for me at New York came prior to
the action of any of the state conven-
tons and before there was any dis
cussion of the next campaign. It
came from the Commercial Travellers
league, of which Mr.. Hodge is presi-
dent l assured him that l should be
pleased to meet the members of the
league, suggesting that The reception
he characterized by simplicity. Now
that the actions of some state conven-
lions have raised a question as to the
political significance of the reception,
| am glad to say that 1t must not be
regardede in the light OF an endorse
ment for the presidential nomina-
ton, While | appreciate the compli-
ment paid by various stare conven-
lions, | do not regard their express
sions 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
another; l 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.
Il have seen the names of several
mentioned as possible candidates,
among them Congressman Hearst,
Senator Bailey and Governor Folk,
who have all rendered conspicuous
service TO the party and to the coun-
try, and their claims should be con-
sidered. 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 men
toned, and The list should be an open
one until the time comes to choose.
4 may add that it 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. II is two years before the
convention meets and | am not will
ing to sit on a stool and look pretty
that long prefer TO be in a position
10 say what ] think ought 70 be said.
write what I think ought to be written
and do what think ought to be done
z am advancing in years and cannot
spare two years ont Of my life just at
this time.
Il shall be glad to return to Amer
lea. although every day of my trip has
been enjoyable. l shall be glad to
meet any friends in America, and
after I have met them they will be
just as free as before to do what they
think best on the issues and candi-
dates"
Mr.. Bryan spoke at the American
society dinner last night. Mr.. and
Mis-. Bryan viii spend the week end
with Ambassador and Mrs Reid at
Wrest park and will go to Italy, re-
turning here July %. when Mr.. Bryan
will attend the interparliamentary
conference. Mi and Mrs Bryan
will then make tour of Scotland,
going thence to France and Spain.