Pittsburg dispatch. [volume] (Pittsburg [Pa.]) 1880-1923, 1889-10-27
Important IL True.


A few days ago l learned through a friend
that at a Brotherhood meeting of the local play
ers it was definitely decided to have a new
club here next year entirely distinct from that
Of the National League. Now, before going
into the details of the information received, let
me frankly state that l withhold the name of
my informer, and refuse to say whether he is
player or anything else. However he is in a
position to know exactly all about the matter
from beginning to end. Well, he assured me
that the players had determined to leave the
League club and join another in this city next
season. He further stated that two of the
players had been deputized to confer with one
of the most important officials in Pittsburg
City Hall on the question and solicit financial
aid. few days ago 1 went to this official and
asked him what he knew about the Brother
hood The question undoubtedly startled him.
and although usually very atfable he showed
his temper at once, and very curtly replied: II
know nothing about it, Now this was Mayor
McCallin. Subsequently met my informant
and told him of the Mayors de .ial of being
connected with or knowing anything about
the Brotherhood. My informant stuck to his
original statement and as 1 have already
stated, if ever mortal should know whereof he
speaks my informant ought to be that man.
in question had promised plenty of support to
new club. However, the story lost consider
able OF its charm and sensation when the whole
thing was denied by Mayor McCallin l don't
want anybody to infer from what say that the
Mayor is IN any way connected with the BROTH
erhood intentions. OF course when he saws he
Is not, that would seemingly end it. but the
Tact that an authority that would seem to leave
nor even the smallest vestige of a doubt saws
different. What and who are we to believe? |
mention the case because it is like SO MANY
others that have taken place in other cities,
AT the early stages oftte Brotherhood romance
the names Of prominent business men in vari-
Gus cities were connected with the alleged new
organization. One by one these gentlemen
emphatcally denied all connections with the
scheme. However l do believe this: That in
all the League cities players have been at work
canYass1ng to find out what solid and
club should new organization be determined
on. That this has been the case in this CITY is
quite true, and that tolerably good support has
been promised is also true. But this is as far
as matters have gone. At the Brotherhood
meeting, which is to be held on November 4
each representative will present a statement as
to the prospects of launching and sustaining
club in this city. 1t altogether depends on the
solidity OF the support promised as to whether
or not the idea of any new organization will be
favored. Manager HanlOn said to me the
other day: IF we start an organization it will
be success, plainly intimating that the above
plti VI dCliDn Is Lle cOrrecI one AT present
one player of one city knows little or nothing
about the prospects of support at another city,
and 1t is only by meeting and proceeding as
above indicated that correct and comprehen-
slYe idea can be obtained about the condition
of affairs. This then ought to settle all the
t2lry stories until after the meeting referred to-
So
The Reserve Rule.
One of the most interesting features of the
baseball controversy during the week has been
the Leagues threat to enforce the reserve rule
against all the players who signed a contract
for 1889 When this intention of the League
magnates was first made known it was gener-
ally considered a very weak attempt to make a
very big bluff" However. the more it is dis
eussed by legal authorities its Importance and
power become very much clearer. During the
last few days, it Is fact that many PLAYERS
have begun to think that there is something in
it after all. i don't profess to know Law, but
am free to admit that to me the contract Of
1889, that which was signed by the players last
winter and spring, is very easy to understand.
Of course there may be legal features buried in
it that only legal men can find. but do argue
that the contract on the face Of il means that
each player who signed it to play in 1889 agreed
also 10 play for the same club in 1890 The
players think they have found rock of
safety in the definition of the word
reserve" They claim that it means nothing
more nor less than that each player who signs
it must play with no other League club or club
governed by the national agreement than the
club which signs him by the contract named
afraid that it will be like q drowning man
RraspInp at a straw The contract and mar.