The Seattle post-intelligencer. [volume] (Seattle, Wash. Terr. [Wash.]) 1888-1914, 1891-02-16
WILL COME.
Spokane Cannot Hold Eeattle's
Player-Manager.
IN SALARY is STILL DUE HIM.


Considerable speculation 10 a6oat in local
baseball circles concerning the outcome Of
Abner Powell's efforts to secure his release
from Spokane Falls in order to accept the
management Of the Seattle team. On Sat
urday Powell's case was brought before
the board Of control, now in session in
Chicago, and exactly opposite reports of
the result of the investigation Of his case
were telegraphed TO this city. Ono was to
the effect that he had been granted = re-
lease; the other that it had been refused
him. The affirmative view of the question
seems to be the most reasonable one, con-
sidering the circumstances of the case.
Powell's claims are TO this effect: At the
end Of the season the Spokane players
were paid of with time checks, payable on
November 1. Most Of the men stayed at
Spokane Falls until that date, and their
checks were cashed when presentedsAt the
bank where the club had its deposit.
Powell went East a. soon as the season.
was ended. but sent back the check, which
was for $3.50, for collection, as soon rs it
was payable. 1t was returned with the
information that there were no funds on
deposit to meet it. Powell asserts that in
accordance with the terms of the old ma
tional agreement, the failure to pay him
resulted in freeing him from reservation.
As result Of the recent changes in base
ball affairs, the decision of all disputes,
such a. Powell's case has brought about,
r. left to the board of control. If they de-
eide that Abner must stay with Spokane it
will be doing him great injustice. Under
the salary limit, which is to be enforced,
he is too valuable man TO be compelled
to submit to its restrictions, unless
in the dual capacity of player and
manager. It is hardly probable that, TAX
ing an equitable view of the case, they will
intiict such hardship upon him, although
they deem him legally bound Even
should they do so, it is safe to venture that
the Spokane player will come to Seattle.
Manager Barnes has had enough expert
cnce in baseball to know that winning
team is not made up of dissatisfied men.
This being the case Powell should be able
TO procure his release upon some reason.
able basis.
In view of this state of affairs the Sc
attic club made conditional contract for
his services, and the preliminary work of
organizing next seasons team has been
left to him. He has been hard at work all
winter and has an abundance of good ma
terial at his disposal.
When approached in regard to the mat
ter by q PosT-INTELLTGENcER reporter in
regard TO the matter President Washburn,
of the local club, said: 81 have had no
authentic report of the action of the board
of control, although am expecting tel
egram from Powell. am of the opinion
that he has been given his release, and If
he has not that he will secure ii himself,
II necessary, for a money consideration.
It ID safe to say that Powell will be here in
charge ofthe clubs affairs by the middle
Of March. At present he can work better
where he is. Although the season does
not begin until April Is, he will have his
men here about the first Of that month.
Their pay will begin April and run until
October 5, the contracts being for six
months. We have signed nobody yet,
although contract has been mailed to
Irwin, the young Chicago player, and will
soon be returned with his signature.