The Washington critic., 1889-04-08
SPORTING SMALLTALK.


Tho Boston Hcraid says OF the release Of
OF Morrill, to Washington:
IL Is undoubtedly the work OF Fast Day
that eliminated In the sudden release OF
these two players. The directors talked
over the matter In whispers In their little
Office on The grounds before the game,
but could not come to a complete and salts
factory understanding upon the matter.
The cheering OF Morrill, and the way that
Kelly was treated precipltated matters, and
the result OF meeting yesterday morning
was to accept the proposition or the WASH
ington club for the services OF Morrill, and
Wise. President Soden was genial and
non-committal when Herald man
sought an interview yesterday. He said
1--WE have decided to release these two
players to promote harmony In the nine.
We have looked the matter over very caro-
fully, and have come to the conclusion that
this was the most satisfactory way to settle
the whole business. II had to be settled
some way, and after the contest OF Fast
Day II was very evident that Kelly aud
Morrill, could not play In the same team In
this city, so we allowed that man to go we
felt could be the best sparod.n When
asked the price Mr.. Soden said that the
transaction was of private nature, and he
did not care to make any disclosures. Mr..
Soden further said that Morrill, was re-
leased, not only to restore harmony in the
tcHHl, 0ul 10 aNOlu CONFUSION NlllOnB uUc
spectators during game.
Both Morrill, and Kelly have many friends
In this city, and II both men played on the
same team, the friends OF each would forci-
bly, and unpleasantly take cognizance Of
the mistakes OF the other. "It will be
much more pleasant under the circum-
Stances" said Mr.. Soden, 'for Morrill, to
go elsewhere and Washington is certainly
In need Of good material. Since Washing
ton lost Ward, base ball matters had been
In a very critical condition, and something
had to be done by President Hewett to
make good Wards loss. We sold Morrill,
and Wise at n moderate price"
II little inside history could be re-
vcaled to the public II would show that
Morrill, on Fast Day did very indiscreet
act, and which was the very step which de-
cidod his fate In this city. On Fast Day,
before the games, Morrill, saw President
Soden and Director Conant and mildly,
yet firmly, Informed them that he refused
to captain tho picked team that had been
selected to pit against the Bostons on that
day. Clarkson was thereupon selected as
captain OF tho picked nine. BY this act
Morrill, stood In his own light, and the di-
rectors were blocked In a plan which they
had maturcd, which would have been
satisfactory all around. Hence their ac-
ceptancc of Washington's offer yesterday
forenoon
There is hitch In completing the Nor
rillWise deal. President Hewctt reached
Boston Saturday night to consult with his
recent purchases. He offered Morrill, the
dual Office of captain and manager, but the
salary which he tackled on the same was so
far below what Morrill, had expected that
that player refused to give anv definite an
swer. He gave Mr.. Hewett his figures,
and the decision was postponed until to-
day. There is n po sibility that the Boston
directors will have q little taste of the
same trouble that the Giants had In get
ting rid of o gilt-edgcd player. Unless
Mr.. Hewett raises his figures Morrill, will
not 90 to the Capital neither will Sam Wise.
Tho sale has been made, and IL may be
difficult for the Boston directors to deliver
the goods.
The Boston directors completed their
deals for this season on Saturday night by
securing as manager of the Boston baseball
team james A. Hart, who has been business
manager for AL Spaldiug on his trip around
the world. So far as they are concerned
the trouble is over, and they look forward
to q season of victory. Mr.. Hart wired the
directors that he would report for duty to-
morrow. He Is Just the man to handle the
Boston Club, and If anybody can keeo the
star players from kicking over the traces
he is the man to do It. The complexion of
the old Red Stocking nine has been entirely
changed, and the season of 1889 opens with
new blood on the field. Kelly has secured
the coveted position of captain, and he
solemnly swears that he viii keep away
from liquor.