Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-11-27
A SENSATION COMING.
Ward and the Association OmciaIs Making
a Dicker.


a Dicker.
COLUMBUS, O., November 2.-There was the
most innocent appearing baseball meeting
held in this city to-day that anyone could i'm
agine Chris Won der Abe of st. Louis: King
Whitaker. of Philadelphia, and Zack Phelps,
the newly elected President of the American
Association, quietly slipped into town unan-
nounced for the alleged purpose of comforting
with Mr.. Lazarus as to the best method Of FILL
ing the existing vacancies in the American
Association. Their movements were very mys-
teriOus; their coming was nnheralded. Acting
President Wikof, upon being iDterrogated
knew nothing of the meeting. The gentlemen
failed to register at any of the hotels, but were
corraled at prominent restaurant while tax
ing their supper, and acknowledged that
they were simply having meet
ing of the Finance Committee of the Associa-
tion, OF which Won der Ahe,. Whitaker and
Lazarus are members. to approve President
Phelps bond and also TO consider a few appli-
cations to fill the vacancies in the Association.
They refused to give the names of the cities
which had applied for membership or those
which they favored. This looked very plausi-
hle on its face, but the fact that a mysterious
stranger, whom no one seemed to know, had
been seen in their company gave color to the
suspicion that the whole story had not been
told. It was ascertained that the mysterious
stranger was none other than John Montgom-
the leading organizer of the Players National
League, who had come here for consultation
with the Association magnates. Mr., Ward was
as secretive as the Others. and failed to regis
ter at the hotel where be took his meals. The
gentlemen all kept out of sight and it
was almost impossible to even get sight Of
them. Your correspondent followed up the
clew be got but was only able to catch
sight of Ward and Whitaker as they
boarded a train for the East Phelps and
Won der Abe cannot be found tonight
although they are still in the city and cannot
leave for home before A N. 1t is not known
that Ward was in consultation with Brother
hood leaders by telegraph all day, and that it
was finally arranged to hold the special Players
League meeting here on the 9th day of Decem-
Der, at the same time the Association meeting
is 20 be held. Ward had no authority to make
any deal but the fact that the two Organiza-
tions will meet here on the same date, and the
self-satisfed look on the faces of the Columbus
directors, LEAD to the conclusion that favor
able result was reached. 1t can only be sur
mized what the coalition will mean, and that is
the admission of the Columbus, st. Louis
and Athletic clubs. and the dropping of
Louisville and Baltimore, the Athletics
70 take the place of the Philadelphia
Players League team; the joint organization
70 gobble the best players of the Baltimore and
Louisville clubs and appOrtion the present Phil
adelphia Players League players among the
other clubs, thus filling up the gaps caused by
the detection in the ranks of the Brotherhood
of the players who have or will sign League
contracts. Smooth Mr.. Phelps don't propose
to be left in this deal, for he to be President
of the Players League and a right good one
he will make. Tney have been at a great loss
for man of ability and experience for this po-
6ition. and here is their opportunity.
Phelps SAYS he will not assume the Office of
President of tie Association until the Decem-
Der meeting. In the meantime the Finance
COMMITTEE VIII have Mlkofts accounts aud
tied. when he will turn over the whole outfit to
MIR Phelps