Evening star., 1897-03-12
.BROOKLYN'S OFFER
Willing to Give 100000 for the
Cleveland Club.
SURPRISE IN BASE BALL CIRCLES
Mr.. Robson Has Not Come to a
Decision.
CURRENT SPORTING NOTES

The New York Sun today says: "The
| Brooklyn Base Ball Club, through Presi-
dent C. H. Byrne and F. A. Abel. made
cash offer of 100000 to Frank De H. Rob-
ison yesterday for the franchise and play
ers of the Cleveland, club The offer was
SO unexpected that the Cleveland magnate
| declined to say anything except that he
| would consider it, and would probably re-
fuse it. TIE Brooklyn officials. elated over
the leagues sanction to play 25-cent bali,
and more confident than ever before of
curing new grounds within a few days, are
anxious to give the best article of ball to
their Erooklyn patrons that money can
orovide.
-'Messrs. Byrne and Abel, together with
several moneyed Brooklynites have been
considering the plan of putting up big
money for star players, and have been ne
gotiating with Robson of Cleveland for
some time past for the release of Jack
OConnor Accordingly when Robson ar
rived here on Wednesday night he received
a telegram to meet Byrne at II o'clock yes
terday morning. For six hours they were
together, and they talked nothing but base
ball. The Cleveland president did not
fuse to listen to a deal for OConnor but
when President Byrne sprung the $lOO.OO0
offer he was completely taken by surprise.
TO Sun reporter Byrne said last night:
" Realizing that there is some opposition
to Sunday ball playing in Cleveland, and
having heard that Robson might transfer
his splendid ball team to some other city
unless he could play games on the Sabbath
the Brooklyn club has decided to get In the
first bid for one of the best base ball plants
of the league. In behalf of Mr. Abel and
some friends, 1 have today informed Mr..
Robson that we will give $1OOOOO in cash
for the Cleveland club lock- stock and bar
rel. We make this offer for the very good
reason that we feel confident of realizing
at least 30 per cent on our investment in
fnof fhat
play 2o-cent ball in Brooklyn has received
widespread commendaton from our pa
irons. and, with new grounds and strong
team We nope to give general satisfaction
MI Robson has only to say the word, and
we will have Tebeau and his men playing
here to bigger crowds than ever before in
the history of the game
"Presi cent Robi son, who was present VIII le
Eyine was talking, said that he did not
care to discuss the offer beyond the state
hent that 1t was most unexpected and
very liberal L will think it over said
he, but / do not believe now that it will
be acceptable. Byrne and Robson were
together last night, and will meet again to-
day.
In the event of Robisons acceptance of
Brooklyn's Offer Cleveland would probably
remain in the league circuit with a team
made up of many of the present Brooklyn
team and some extra players who are with
Iebeau now. The franchise would be own
ed by the Brooklyn people, who would be
compelled to run club in the forest city
until the unanimous consent of the league
could be secured to transfer the franchise
to some other city.
wv. II. Conant, treasurer of the Boston
League Club, arrived in town Wednesday
night from a visit to Old Point Comfort
1t was reported in the Fifth Avenue Hotel
that he had held a long talk with Robson.
who did not leave him until an early hour
In the morning. But the willy CIevelander
only laughed when questioned about the
matter and said that even If he did see
Conant. they didn't talk base ball
president Byrne has closed a deal with
cincinnati whereby Shortstop Ritchey will
play under Ewings management