Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-11-17

impulsive people. feel as confident as of the
fact of my existence that had all the players
been plainly informed regarding the matter
that there would have been common sense
enough among them to say: I'VE had better act
as men and hear what the League says before
we revolt" But it may be that some of the
leaders thought that meeting OF con-
ference would heal up all the differences,
and they would have none of it, because
with the differences healed, then the leaders
hopes would have been entirely blighted.
will always contend that the example set by
the players repreSen Gauives in ignoring the
League stands as a precedent to warn capital
lists against the impulsiveness of the players or
those who we are given to understand repre-
sent them. 1t seems clear enough to me that
had the PLAYERS met the magnates all the
grievances of the former would have been
granted. venture to say that the concessions
would not have been one whit less than
they are now. In the early part of the season
l argued that there was every indication that
there would be a reformation in the classifca-
tion rule and the sales system. Why. MeSsrs.
Day and Spalding almost stated definitely that
there would.
A Good Case.
The report of A. G. Spalding regarding the
complaint of the Brotherhood is well worth
reading. have examined it very closely and
it undoubtedly is strong case for the League.
This is said in all honesty of purpose and sim
cerity The report shows conclusiyely that the
contract signed last year was the Brotherhood
contract and that amid all the wrangling and
clamor the players only cited one instance of
its being violated by the classification rule.
This was Sutcliffe's case. The sales system
was also complained of. These two
leading features were complained of
by John M. Ward in letter to President
Young on May 81. Mr.. Ward subsequently
asked that meeting be held to remedy the
evils Now, ask if. according to the players
own statement of the case there was sufficient
reason for a special meetingf The classifca-
tion rule was complained of, but only one case
against it was cited and that only involved
$3.50 Would it have been business or wise
policy to have met during the playing season
and abolished or changed the system of buying
selling players? contend not, and it is safe
to say that no business is conducted in any
such way as the demands of Mr. Ward and
others would establish. Mr. Spalding very en-
phatically assured Mr. Ward. as there was
really only $50 at issue, that 1t could
be dealt with at the end of the season, and 1t
would then be the proper time to discuss the
rules or constitution. In view of these facts l
am not surprised that the League magnates
have made the changes in their rules and
granted Sutciffe's claim. Altogether do not
see that the players have in the least anything
like an excuse for refusing TO meet the League;
except it be that they resolved to ignore the
gentlemen of the League and their vast capital
entirely. But this augurs badly for the ma
tional game, and tends to show that persons
with capital invested in baseball need expect
its being wrecked at any moment just as fit
of impulsivenesS or ambition seizeS certain
players.