New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1891-01-25
D.. A. G.. MILLS WILL NOT ACT.
DECLINING THE BASEBALL GUARDIANSHIP
PRIVATE BUSINESS PRESSES TOO HARD UPON
HIM-OTHER CANDIDATES.

PRIVATE BUSINESS PRESSES TOO HARD UPON
HIM-oTHER CANDIDATES
A. G.. Mills has formally declined to accept the
craftsmanship Of the National Board which will control
the deatnics OF baseball IN this country for several
years at least \. G.. spaldng and c. II. Byrne are
candidates for the place. but the honor will probably
fall upon the shoulders Of Chcago's baseball sage.
Mr. Mills's notice of his election to the head Of tie
Board was follows:
wiard's Hotel, Washington ID. c.. Jan. 10. 1891.
A. g. Mills, Esq, New.York y. Y,
Dear Sir: The National Bord OF Professional Baseball
Associations with hearty unanmity has elected a.
chairman OF that body In doing effect is given to the
united wish every member Of the three Associations
parties the National Agreement and the general desire
Of all connected with interested in the game.
IL the members Of the board genuine pleasure
TO tender you the position and they trust that you VIII
signify your acceptance OF it, with high respect yours
very truly, JOHN l. ROGEKS,
ALLEN w. THURMAN.
L. c. KRAUTHOFF.
National Board
Mr.. Mills's letter declining the place Is full OF
interesting facts pertaining TO baseball and the docn
ment fills several pages Of foolscap paper Mr. Mis-
in declining to accept the offer, pays the highest
tribute the National game, but says that pressure
of private business interests compels him to Keep OUT
of the active part of baseball
The letter in part is as follows:
This dccinstion Is not due to any diminuton OF my
interest in the National game nor to any lack OF sympa
thy with approval OF the plan recently adopted for l'
conduct and may not be inappropriate to add
that guaranteed offer made me as an inducement To
not only liberal but materially In excess oil
the Board ought to allow for the service OF It's
chairman.
Ny wish for successful working Of the new Board.
nv sense OF the importance the Office Of its chairman
the earnest desire know feel to I'LL such ONCE
in the acceptable mpe me to offer for your
consideration the following stion':
Your Board thus far made up. consists Of three
men conspicuous In baseball aairsall Of whom are we'll
known lawyers in active practice. These. without any
addition. would constitute ideal Board for the trial oil
causes and for the discharge Of all function, OF judicial
character within the jurisdiction Of the National
agreement; but there are many important fune-
lions Of IN executive character devoNed upon
the Board by the compact which were not deVoiN'u
upon "Bolrd Of Arbitration" Indeed these functions
and important that the Board itst Is
no longer designated Board Of Arlitation and IN tle
ord r conduct OF business, these executive functions
largely dcyove upon Its chairman. This hlhs -,
| will frankly say-without any dslaragemeht OF HE'
training, whIch values more highly than do-U''
the Board requires 70 make II an dta one Ior III
objects o, It's creation addition OF representative
ba bali ayman man Of known and approved eAcc'N
capacity: a Of practical experience III anu co'Is~
contact with the affairs Of BASEBALL eoAversiht WIN '
legislation It's rules it, manlgcmn Mt ana ldehu'u "N
10, history and who's successful management u l
own bu.ne int rests would constitute the highest guar
,ntce OF his advance the business INTERESTS
.:hcrs Such man. giving his daily attention 70 VI
manifold duties OF the position (Which DehNe 1.N''
OF Won could in justice 10 your pIoi sSoh'i oo7
do, wouu in my judgment be an ideal chairman Of your
Boa I'd and such a man. in full m'aSurc Is u g. op'u-
After paying many compliments 10 ~ IT, Hp''u''7
Mr. Mills ends his letter a. follows:
V'pon the composition and conduct OF the va 'o",i n
,A ,, Of the National game very largely depends Inc
, x,,lon, agreement designed and Is calculated ~
placc the game a solid basis ana 70 accomplish az nv
important objects which It's preamble se'' 'o.U. - -
codented restraints upon associations ana ciuD' Ie@
,,r.lr and Wholesome and much OF pre-eAsthg re-
tran., upon players II retains consider h'ceSs'i'
In limos like these-as when the first Natlohdi 'sreo
mon, vo instted-the condition OF things requires fauoa
MEASURE, and the surrender BY all OF some ue-rcc vi p
.onaI interest and Of personal independence io' W
good . -, 49,. o,o,,or,s Of
ro,..opal baseball u unbrided scramble "olu DC I"
irys. certain disaster and ruin Inc wise anu business
I, cours. in nv Judgment, Is 70 concentrate as Tic
,ru.rs Of the new National agreement nave uohe' III
compact. representative body all powers ., =.
dr,y rohabtate business structure ana con'io ~
o., tho nov, ,rarturc shall been firmly estaoisheu
and not until thcn-the true policy MINK sho'u W.
,.t.ad ~ adding new restraints. as men cioth"c WIN
,r A., sometimes tempted to do, 70 liceraze me'hols
and management as rapidly improved conditions WIZ
warrant until they shall approximate oiui""'S o"
conditions a, nearly a practicaDe'
mat the steps already taken insure inc toI'c'o
oron Of popular interest in the pioi ''onal eNno'u"
-, m. came confidently believe and that the wise ana
ms, COMMUNICATION Of the powers committed I" your
uo,td will have the effect Of greitiy extending anu ILL.,
cr.o sing that interest do not doubt
tv rprocating the kindly expressions Of your letter
and earnestly wishing you success In your aO'r' 'o' Tic
good Of the National game, am yours very truly,
90Ou u wv A. g. MILLS.