The Washington critic., 1888-10-12
Z CAPITOL BASEBALL.
yemberS Of the House to Play for the
Southern Relief Fund.
ARRANGEMENTS IN PROGRESS.
Congressional Mines Selected for This
Memorable Occasion.

Delegate Marcus Aurelius Smith OF
Arizona, sometimes spoken of as the
cowboy Congressman" said to The
Critic reporter yesterday that in view of
the fact that IL was against the Con-
stitutlon TO appropriate money for the
individual relief of the ycllow-fever suf-
fcrers he would suggest by way of n
benefit for them as legislation for this
session is practically over. that the mcm-
bers of Congress now in the city form
, Congressional nine and play game of
ball with that end in view.
The reporter talked with n number
Of other members and they all agreed
that il was u capital idea and that such
game would realize handsome
amount
Delegate Smith is very enthusiastic.
lie said If such q game could be arranged
there was no doubt that the railroads
would run excursion trains, and the peo-
pie would certainly take in the sight by
thousanus.
The players, he said, would live in
history long after the bills they had in
troduced had been forgotten.
In accordance with the above sug-
gestion Tho Critic reporter. after eX-
poriencing much trouble and difficulty
caused by jealousy, has, with the as
sistance of several well-lSnown experts,
selected enough members to compose two
of the best baseball mines that ever
dallied with the sheepslIin or handled
the ash.
As some of the members may at the
last moment kick on the positions as
signed them it has been deemed wise
to have number of substitutes on hand
80 that the public will not be disap-
pointed when the game is called.
One can readily imagine the many
obstacles that had to be overcome in
fI,n VN1px napI. hon
like Bottom in Midsummer Nights
Dream" wanted 60 play the part as
signed his colleague.
To get q good view of the members
the reporter, with his assistants, took n
seat in the Press Gallery, and after
noting their peculiar fitness began mall-
ing selections. The only thing remain
ing is for the appointees to sign.
The first member selected was Judge
Barnes, of Georgia. He is the heaviest
man in the House and will make u
splendid catcher His friends say he
will surprise Mike Kelly. Owing to the
Judges rotundity there would be no dan
ger of bah passing either side of him.
And he is n good sprinter also. His
running record can't be beat.
Col James N. Burnes, of Missouri, will
make an ideal short stop He would
let no ball pass him. He's too flip. The
Colonel is very quick as good many
Charlie Baker of New York, is an
other heavyweight. Some years ago he
made record as football player, and
while he knows the difference between
football and baseball, yet, there's no
danger of his being barred on that
ground. He will present very stril1-
ing picture as first baseman. in that
position he can save his wind for the
Olllahama bill.
Thomas r. Stockdale, of Mississippi,
like Cassius is tall and has lean and
hungry look. He is a good one for
stealing march on fellow as General
Hooker has knowledge. AS right fielder
he will crown himself with glory. His
legs will enable him to get the sphere
everytime il is driven in his direction.
James d. Richardson, of tennessee,
who wants the District 60 have a new
city postotfice, and who introduced pm
for that purpose, is tall and slender.
but will do the best he can as left fielder.
There is some doubt about his signing.
However, If he doesn't play, John Henry
Rogers, of Arkansas, VINO is one OF the
substitutes, viii fill the position. Mr..
Rogers is a great sticlller for the consti-
tuition and will take exceptions from any
close decision the umpire may render.
John M. Allen, of Mississippi, one of
the few remaining privates of the Con,
federate Army, used to be d No ! ball
thority on the game. lie tried to shield
himself behind one of his stories when
informed that hr had passed the re-
quircd examination for position on the
nine Ele will make graceful center
fielder.
A. j. Hopkins, of Illinois, has the
build for ball player. He takes
lively interest in everything, and at sec
ond base the umpire may hear him shout
shows that?" without any difficulty
whatever
Knute Nelson, OF Minnesota, has noti-
fled John B. Clark, the Clerk of the
House, that he will contest the position
of Mr.. Hopkins, who he says is a pro-
fessional ball player. Mr.. Nelson has
retained John j. O'Neill as counsel.
Mr.. O'Neill is an expert in matters re-
lating to ball
Archie Bliss, of New York, is q great
lover of sports. He has not played ball
since he was eighteen years old, when
he was considered the ablest third base
man in the Empire State. He is chair
man of the Pension Committee, and
could fix up the report of any member
applying for pension for injuries received
at the National game. Mr.. Bliss will
attend to Sd base.
The most difficult position ON the nine
has been given to Col. G. b. Kilgore,
of Texas who has achieved National
reputation this session, He will occupy
the points, unless he can secure sub
stitute in tine person of j. b. Cheadle,
of Indiana. Col. Kilgore said to the re-
porter that he knew nothing about the
game, and the only kind of ball he had
ever played was town ball
But" said he, the object for which
the game is to be played is most worthy,
and | would suggest that where mem
ber fails to accept the position assigned
him he be fined the price of twenty
tickets, which, of course, will swell the
fund"
Several members say that Col. Kilgore
would make an ideal pitcher, and that
he would strike out every man at the
bat with the same ease that characterizes
him when he knocks out private bills by
the words object" or Regular order,
Mr.. Speaker"
The above gentlemen will contest with
the following nine Pitcher, Benton Me
Millin, of Tennessee; catcher, Bob"
Vance, of Connecticut, who has a record
of being the champion of the Nutmeg
State; first base, Amos Cummings, Of
New York; second base, Deacon White,
of New York, who will sell pools ON the
game third base, |. S. Struble, of Iowa !;
left field, W. p. Iaulbee, of Kentucky;
center field, Frank Lawler of Illinois ;
right field, i. G. Barry, of Mississippi; (;
short stop, William G.. Stahlnecller, of