The New York herald., 1876-10-30
BASE BALL.

Owing to two reasons-Grst, that our ball players
have obtained therein high degree OF perfection,
and second, that people, Of all classes OF society,
so heartily enjoy holy contested game, 1t is justly
called the American game. Each season, for number
OF years past national associations have been formed
by leading clubs throughout the whole country, for
the purpose OF playing with each other for the cham
pionsnip. This centennial year has not been excep
ton A national league formed for It, but its
rules restricted membership a single club from any
one city. This system Of excusivcness not one
which could we'll popularize the organization. its
movements critically watched Whenever, there
FORE anything out OF the usual course was In
league game the arose that members thereof were
throwing away or trying to lose the game. Whether
tho charge was not well founded Is not
matter TO be herein considered. Tho league com
mitted several errors Of judgment. which
will be noticcd-but outsiders express opihiou
thereon without charging upon tho players that they
have been desgncdly corrupt Il was mistake 10
exclude from the league any good club which might
desire to join. That there good clubs among
those rejected Is proven by the fact that Of
the league clubs at period ether during last
summer autumn, was beaten by n non-csgue club.
II was an charge half dollar for admission
10 each visitor who wished 10 witness game, the
meagrc financial results attcsibecause, for nothing.
about as interesting games could be seon nearly every
fields every other city and large village IN which
good clubs be found. Tho folly Of charging more
than twenty five cents To became apparent
to the general comprehension before the season
closed. As. however. only experience teaches those
who will not listen TO wholesome advice, there Is
Likelihood OF the league, If It survivor, club OF
winch II was formed, again charging my cents
the gate fee.
MOVEMENT
Latterly number OF 1rs class base ball clubs which
ruled out OF the league last season, havo con-
cluded 10 organize National Association. with well
matured and complete rules for the season OF 1917
This Is not to be close corporation Any club OF good
PLAYERS viii be allowed 70 join upon tho same terms
with each other club From this new movement
good results may be. expected. Having seen
tho errors Of the leagnc. these mon guard
against thor repetition II 10 enterprise
which will bc patronizcd by the people everywhere
who expressed 50 much dissatisfaction with the league
during the season OF 1875 as TO refuse TO encourage
thcm by witnessing their contcstg II the now organ
10 presume that II will he unt II ever, tho contrary
appcars-and shall justly escape charges OF crooked
playing, their advent into the arcGa Will be gladly wei
coined. IT, however they shall become indifferent 10
criticism and adopt the don't care manner or
playing defyng popular opinion by arouslng the ndg
nation Of the admirers OF square game then 1877 VIII
witness the funeral OF tho popularity of the game Of
rcputaons and for the credit OF the game they pro-
fcss TO love tho men who nrc about engaging In the
new movement should firmly determine and reidiy
prevent everything unfair from entering into any OF
their games. Believing their motives 10 be good,
their promises and their desire to obtain and
enforce good rules be genuine, they aro and VIII
continue 10 be, encouraged to perseverc BY good men
things, upright conduct upon the ball field and an
honest game.