The Saint Paul globe. (St. Paul, Minn.) 1896-1905, 1897-09-22
IN THE WESTERN LEAGUE.
Attempt VIII BE Made to Suppre SIS
ROWsfyism Next Year,

CHICAGO. Sept. 21-Several of the Western
league magnates, assembling in Chicago yes
terday, began to take counsel for the season
of 1898. Wires are to be strung for several
important projectS-changeS in the circuit and
in the national agreement-and an all-day ses-
SION was spent yesterday at the Great North
ern before matters were in shape for the
annual meeting Nov. 10. Then with an
avalanche of franchise applicants the fight
will be renewed. and promises to be hot
one. Those present at the preliminary meet
R. H. Leadley, Of Grand Rapids; C. A. Com
iskey, OF st. Paul; NJ. r. Kil:lea, of Milwau-
kee; W. F. C. Colt of indianapolis, and Mar
Gus Hayne. of Minneapolis.
Along with discussion of changes in the cir
cult, exchanges OF opinions as to relief from
the drafting system. which now drains the
The losses of this fall by draft cannot be
avoided, but there is general anxiety to modi-
fly the national agreement next year.
In accordance with the sentiment expressed
at the meeting yesterday the matter will be
prepared for presentation this fall. The West
ern league, acting with other minor leagues,
will endeavor to secure modified draft by
which the minor leagues will be privileged to
reserve their players absolutely for limited
number of years. This. it will be urged to
the National league magnates. will insure the
seasoning of young players before their entry
into fast company Every year it is argued
players like Denzer obtain premature positions
with National league clubs and prove failures.
when d little longer apprenticeship would
have made them fit.
Questions of circuit changes not so
easily settled. Grand Rapids, it was generally
long as desirable. Aside from the Mich
igan city no change in the circuit is likely
although there is some talk of ousting Co
lumbus. To fill the vacancy Toledo is most
favoraby regarded. on account of its loca-
ton and it's rivalry with Detroit and Column
bus Buffalo is being much talked. No formal
application has been received but several Of
the leagues big men anxious to secure
the Eastern town and point out that its rail-
road facilities would Offset its distance from
other cities of the circuit. Des Moines and
Omaha are mentioned for the place, but the
Eastern cities will fight their admission.
Western league club in Chicago has been
mentioned as possibility, but little support
is given the proposition.
Disciplinng of rowdy players was considered
for some time and the adoption of rigorous
measures for their suppression was decided on.
According to this plan next year players viii
be suspended for offenses against good order
on the field This action will be taken by
President Johnson on report of the umpire.
Wholesale drafts from the best teams are
expected this fall. Indianapolis as champion
will suffer most, but expects its connection
with Cincinnati will save it from the fate Of
Minneapolis. which last year lost almost all
its champion team. The league has taken to
drafting managers, and here Indianapolis will
lose Watkins, the old Detroit manager, has
signed TO manage National league club-not
Cincinnati-next year. Watkins, since he be-
came connected with the Western league four
seasons ago, has won the pennant fer Sioux
finished second in 1896. He is regarded as
one of the best controllers of ball players in
the business.
indianapolis will lose many of its players.
Goar. Phillips, Mccarthy and Mcfarland are
practically certain to go to Cincinnati, al
though Chicago wants Mccarthy. Gray has
ALREADY been secured by Pittsburg and Stew
art, the old Chicagoan, by Louisville. st.
Louis is after Motz.
President Killilea, of the Milwaukee club,
was criticised by several of his associates for
securing jim Corbett as an attraction at the
game between Milwaukee and Minneapolis in
Milwaukee yesterday. cit cheapens the game, ="
declared President Johnson, ''to put on any
outside attraction of this sort. Base ball is
popular enough to live on its own legs. Then
base ball who do not approve of prize fight
ing and do not care to see Corbett."