LIFE AND WORK OF DR. A. A. MURPHREE


 "Miami, Fla., Jan. 13.-William Jennings Bryan an-
nounced the name of Dr. A. A. Murphree of Gainesville as the
Florida candidate he would support for the Democratic nomi-
nation for president.
 "'If elected a delegate to the national convention, I shall
present the name of Dr. A. A. Murphree, president of the Uni-
versity of Florida, as a candidate for the Democratic nomina-
tion for the office of president. There are a number of Flori-
dians whose names have been mentioned and who are deserv-
ing of consideration in this connection, such as Senator
Fletcher, Governor Hardee and Judge Nathan Bryan. I would
be glad to support any of them, but I believe that just at this
time Dr. Murphree possesses more points of advantage and
less points of attack than any other of the persons whose names
have been mentioned.
 "'He is a rare combination of intellect and heart; he is a
splendid executive, as shown by the success of the university
under his management; and he is a Democrat, both in senti-
ment and in manner. He is dry and progressive and sound on
economic questions. His popularity will grow as he becomes
known.
 'I shall discuss his merits more fully at some future time;
all I mean to do now is to suggest his name for consideration.
It will not hurt the state University to have the light turned on
the merits of its distinguished president'."
 (Signed) WILLIAM JENNINGS BRYAN.
 Naturally, this announcement turned the spotlight of pub-
licity directly upon President Murphree. Inquiries poured in
from every source as to what manner of man he was. His
picture was sought by hundreds of newspapers, press associa-
tions and news feature services. Any information concern-
ing Florida's distinguished son was greedily accepted by the
press.
 Dr. Murphree took it all smilingly, but practically with-
 out comment for the moment. To the press he issued this
 brief statement:
 "Colonel Bryan alone is responsible for the suggestion. I
 am grateful to this great American for his confidence and for