Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1897-11-11

by utilizing him at first base, may, per-
haps, strengthen one of the Phiilies' many
weak points. On the other hand, Taylor
and Clements. not more than two years
back, were considered about the best men
in the two positions in the big league,
Rusie, of course excepted. Lave Cross
season before last played third base in
such an exceptional style that he led the
league in that position with an average
very close to the 1000 per cent mark.
Tommy Dowd goes back to st. Louis,
where he has host of friends and where
his work was considered above the ordi-
nary. When Dowd arrived in Philadelphia
he found class of players and people that
proved his undoing Back in the mound
city Tommy will no doubt get back in first
class form end play the ball that the Wash
ington people know he is capable Of
Wagners' Offer Rejected.
The proposition of the Wagner brothers
to the Philadelphia magnates looking to
the sale of the entire senatorial outfit for
$4,000 was the chief subject of discussion
among the base ball people around the
hotel. and it was the general opinion that
Messrs. Reach and Rogers made a monu-
mental mistake when they refused the
Washington magndte's offer. 1t was ar
gued that MERGERS release was worth at
least $500; McJames, Is, 600; DeMontre-
vile, $780, and MCGUIRE Wrigley and Sell
bach should communication more. OF
course these figures may be little high
on the basis of what base ball players are
worth in cash today, but their value to the
Philadelphia club would be thousands
above these figures. The offer was held
under advisement by the Philadelphia mag
a aa.,s,, for a three or four hours but they
can be looked upon, as q. lucky one for the
Washington base ball people. 1t was a
rather strange coincidence that Reach and
they would take in the event of their ac-
ceptance OF the Wagners proposition that
agreed to man withC the list that the
Washington magnates had made up
good many Washington base ball en-
thusiasts have been hoping, in fact, have
been expecting, to read denial from him
OF the reported proposition to sell out
Washington for $4,000. They didn't be-
Heve that he would do it. They thought
that he was in a fair way to become
second Hanlon. He has the nucleus of
first division team, and the home folks ex-
pected him to strengthen it instead OF
running 1t. There are two things about the
proposition that Washington people can
Lot understand. One Is how Earle Wagner
could make the offer and the other is how
the Philadelphia magnates could refuse it.
Good Deal for Cincinnati.
Another deal that has all the ear marks
of being one-sided was that agreed upon
between the Cincinnati and Pittsburg clubs.
President Brush and Manager Ewing of
former club give the Pittsburg club Pitcher
AsAAACo, SdlCucf 6CuElVeE, baSeman
Grey and Outfielder Mccarthy. In return
observation-disclosures Watkins of the smoky
city team gives up Pitcher Hawley and
Left Fielder Elmer Smith; This deal will
strengthen the Cincinnati club very mate
rally, while it is all a case of future de-
felopment looking at 1t from a Pittsburg
point of view. Rhines is about Hawley's
equal IN a pitching sense, but is harder
'.Pink's" senior Elmer Smith is natural
$50 hitter, and had he been in the Reds
leIt garden last season they would no
coupt have finished In first or second
place Schrtver will strengthen Pittsburg's
weakest point. behind the bat, while the
work OF Mccarthy and Grey can only be
guessed at.
Possibilities.
There is a possibility that Mike Grady,
the pugnacious catcher and first baseman
or the st. Louis club, will go to New York
II Mr.. Won Der Abe is not too extravagapt
In his demands. President Freedman of the
New Yorks yesterday morning offered Do
heny and Holmes and cash consideration
for Grady and Taylor. This looked too
rich for the St Louis magnate. and he
maze counter-prop0sition of Grady and
Hartman for $4,000. This was too much
1or MI. Freedman, but there is more than
fair possibility that good-sized wad of
money Will land Mr.. Grady in the" New
York camp.
1t was reported that Manager Hanlon of
the Baltimores also had eye on Haw-
ley, Smith and Donovan of the Pittsbures.
but refused to say what players he would
give In exchange.
A scene that was not down on the sched-
ule came off little before o'clock in the
corridor of the Walton Hotel between Pres
lcent freedman of the New Yorks and ex-
Umpire George Burnham. The latter, a
little the worse for too much liquid re-
freshments. tried To strike up familiar
speaking acquaintance with the New York
man, which the former resented in positive
terms. wordy warfare followed. in which
George Davis, the New York shortstop
and President Hart Iof Chicago became en-
Droiled, but the Interference of friends Of
both parties prevented anythfng worse than
words being passedhbetween the parties in
terested.
Tried to Set rSelbach.
Another deal thato fell through was the
o1er Of Cincinnati tp exchange Shortstop
Ritchey and Left Fielder Holiday to Wash
ington for Outfielder Seihach. Mr.. Wagner
Ell ough infelders. ana. besides, failed to see
eLed.
Guests Of the Fhiladelphia Club.
Last night the Visiting maenates and
newspaper men were the guests Of the
Philadelphia club at dinner at the Belle
View Hotel Col Rogers Of the Philadel-
phia club presided. Speeches were mada
by Editor Richter OF the Sporting Life,
Judge BETTER. and other prominent people
q Phiiadelphia. Some nifty guests wege at
the inherent tables Among the names
BANQUET It Is noticed that the Nessra wag-
nef. President Young and Tom Brown were
not present. Why the Washington people
s we're not among the guests can only be
was generally commented upon. Uncle
NICK gave as his excuse that he has never