The Saint Paul globe., 1897-10-07
5 WESTERN MAGNATES.
1t Is Likely They Will Protest
Aeaingt the Draft Rule.

l. CHICAGO, Oct. 6.-The magnates of the
Western league will hold meeting at the
Great Northern hotel tomorrow for the pur-
pose of Strengthening out the tangle exist
ing among the stockholders of the Minneap-
oils club. There will probably be change
in the circuit next season, and that matter
will be discussed. Rumors that cub Will
be placed in this city if satisfactory arrange
ments can be made with the local league
club, are given credence With all the man
ayers present, there is likely to be trades
or other deals.
The necessity of replacing Grand Rapids
with a stronger club will be bone OF con-
Jention. 1t Is an open secret that chicago
wants a Western league club, and that Hart
has been pulling the wires to that end. Brush,
however is strongly opposed to the idea,
although it is thought inducements may be
offered to win him over. Toledo would get
the franchise in a jiffy but for the national
agreement, under which the Westerners can
not trespass upon the territory of the inter
state, while Omaha Is no better than Grand
Rapinds, and would disarrange the leag'e's
territory. Hence the managers are IN guam
dairy. 1t seems about settled that the board
Of the National league will be petitioned to
amend the draft rule so that players may stay
two years with the minor league clubs In
stead of being liable to be drafted out at
the end of the season into the big concern.
Under the present rules the major league
can draft from the Western and Eastern
leagues by merely paying the draft price OF
$780, The Western magnates propose now
to have The law amended so that the big
league cannot draft during the first season
the Player is with the minor league club.
That is, the major organization must per
nit the minor to reserve all men at least
one season.
The action of the Western league magnates
will probably be put in the form Of resolu-
tion and the National board will be asked to
act upon it. The movement may find favor
in the ranks of the magnates in the big cir
cult, as it Will put the young aspirant to a
two years test in the little league and by
that time the risk of his failure in the big
circuit will be materially lessened. His worth
will be proved by longer test.
Manager w. H. Watkins, of the Indian
apols Base Ball club was in town yester-
day, and registered at the fremont house.
He stayed in the hotel most all the day, and
appeared to be anxious to but one man,
and that one Anson. The Chicago veteran
took dinner with the indianapolis manager
by appointment, and thereafter the two were
closeted together in Watkins room good
part of the afternoon. 1t was not hera.ded
on the street Immediately after what it was
of guessing done among followers of the
game Rumors in the air Of mysterious
trades OF men, but no one will in seriousness
say what are the players which one club
would sacrifice to the other. There was an
added Importance to the meeting of the two
from the fact that Tom LOTUS, of the Col
umbus club turned up and talked with Wat
kins and Anson in the corridors.
Gus SchmelZ late of the Washington, was
also registered from Columbus and shook
pear, however, that the two last named were
included among those whom Watkins and
Anson were most anxious to see. and it Is
safe to say they are on different missions. 1t
is said that Schmelz is to have something
to say before the meeting Of the Western
leaguers. The conference of the magnates
will probably be called together informally
today, and will last until tomorrow night