The Indianapolis journal., 1896-03-04
WESTERN LEAGUE MEETING.
Several Changes in Rules Adopted at
the Closing SeSsfOn.


ST. PAUL, Mimi, March s-The Western
League magnates finished their business
late this afternoon and took the evening
trains for their homes, we'll satisfied with
their work. The schedule presented by
Manager Manning, of Kansas City, was
one of the most satisfactory ever present
ed, and there were no serious protests. The
work to-day was in the way Of revision Of
the constitution. although some other
routine matters were taken up and disposed
of. The railroad committee having report
ed that, while some contracts had been
signed, others yet remained to be signed,
that COMMITTEES was continued and will re-
port to the league later. The president was
delegated to select the league ball. Messrs
Manning, Watkins and Vanderbeck were
appointed committee to draw up the rules
under which the two leading clubs will play
for the Detroit Free Press cup. The i'm
portant changes in the constitution were,
as appears in the following new provisions:
mo club member of this league shall
have the right to sell and deliver player
to any club not a, member of this league
during the playing season unless by the
unanimous consentfof all members.
Amy player joining a Western League
club and coming from the National League
or any other baseball organization must
deliver to the secretary of the Western
League his bona fide release before partici-
pating in championship game. For every
player who thereafter is drafted or sold to
National League club. being the property
of the Western League. 5000 must be de-
posted into the treasury of the league.
mo pass shall be given in city by WIS.,
iting manager without the consent of the
local president" .fr~
In regard to the Toledo players the presi-
dent has been instructed, in conjunction
with Manager Ellis, to procure the Toledo
players under contract fd, Ior % 1879 ana neld @ ny
Roach, Gilks, Connors. Carney, Outcalt
Gallagher and inland, and the above
named players were formally transferred
to the Grand Rapids club.
President Johnson was directed to pre-
pare something In the way Of a league
pass. good for all games in all towns. Of
which the president should have fifty and
each manager fifteen.
The 10 per cent. rule, which had been re-
vised last November, was taken up, and,
after-a very thorough discussion, the new
rule was revoked and the rule in existence
and effect all last season was readopted.
This will give the league 10 per cent. of all
receipts, and at the end of the season the
residue of such funds will be divided be-
tween the clubs.
Case Of Pitcher Breitenstein.
ST. LOUIS, March 3.-St. Louis Is now in
line with case similar in measure to tha,
which for year kept John Montgomery
Ward, former captain and manager of the
New York club, prominently before the base
ball public. Theodore Breitenstein, the crack
'south paw" and John Often, catcher, who
played with the st. Louis Browns last sea-
son. assert that they are no longer under
reservation by the club. Breitenstein bases
his claim on Article 10 of the national agree
ment, which holds that unless a player is
formally offered a contract before March ]
the board of arbitration may declare him un-
exempted from liability to retention under
the contrary, says that the contract has been
in President Won der Ahes desk for three
weeks awaiting the signature OF the "south
paw" The Browns manager says he made
Breitenstein a verbal offer, but that the
pitcher did not give him an opportunity tC
presen. a contract, but told hin, he would
have to conduct his dealings with the Chester
Qll) people, as he (Breitenstein) had signet
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