The evening times., 1897-02-26

Baltimore, Feb. 26. The baseball presi-
dents, managers and captains were late in
! putting in an appearance at the Hotel
Renncrt this morning. The first meeting Of
the day was scheduled for IL O'Clock,
but it was considerably past that hour
when the gavel fell. Meantime, however,
several conferences had been held, but
| there seemed to be nothing of much i'm
| portance in the atmosphere.
II was whispered ABOUT the corridors
that the consideration of the report OF the
committee on umpires today would cause
| quite a stir Among other things, the re-
port, it is said, recommends the appoint
ment of Mr. John b. Day as inspector or
chief Of umpircs, at a salary of $4,000.
To this there will be a good deal Of OBJ
| lection. It's argued that President Young
has always looked after the umpires and
has done it wei, and that If an inspector
! Were appointed there might arise some
| misunderstanding as 70 how far his duties
would encroach upon those of Mr.. Young,
and perhaps the umpires might not be
looked after as well as formerly.
Mr.. Day is attending the meeting. He
is very highly thought OF by the club
owners, but some consider the office a
useless one, and that part OF the com
mittee's report will be opposed, if not en-
tirely rejected. II is pretty certain that
no such salary will be paid.
1t now transpires that the principal
subject under discussion yesterday was the
report of the committee OH telegraphic mar
ters Freedman and Robson, who COM
pose this committee, recommended the abro-
CATION of the present contract with the
Western Union after the one now in
force had expired on December 81, 1897,
At present each CLUB, in consideration or
certain privileges accorded the company,
is permitted to use the wires to an amount
not exceeding $500 worth OF telegTaphic
matter Complaint is made that the re-
turn is insufficient: besides, the receipts
of the clubs are decreased materially by
sending scores over the tickers and having
them posted in saloons and other places
while the club is playing at home.
Many persons, it is contended, who W ould
otherwise attend the game, remain away,
contentto see the scores as they are posted.
Every club is instructed to enforce the
contract outlined by the committee, but
whichis as yet kept under cover. This was
about the only matter of Importance dis
posed of, and as the maGnates were a unit
on this point, there was no friction
The air is full of deals. but up to this
time nothing in the way OF an exchange of
PLAYERS has been accomplished. Byrne,
of BROOKLYN, has some irons in the fire, hut
thinks it wise not TO discuss his plans until
they bear fruit.
There is no likelihood OF a meeting of the
board OF directors. The only case before
them is the Mct1uunigle dispute. But as
the directors have no jurisdiction, the mat
ter was referred to Soden and Stucky, who
are instructed to arbitrate. McGunnigie
swears il lie is not fairly treated he will
take the matter TO the courts.
No action vii! be taken by the League on
either the Sunday ball matter or the propO-
sition OF the Brooklyn club to reduce its
price OF admission. 1t is claimed that the
constitution covers these. If brooklyn
wants to pla Y Sunday ball, the League can't
prevent it neither can it interfere with the
Brooklyn club IL it chooses To play for 20
cents 1t Is also stated that the PROPOSE
ton to increase the representation on the
national board will not be pushed. All the
magnates now agree that there Will be no
friction.
The Moguls expect to finish up their
Iabors today, and adjourn sine die after
the adoption Of the schedule this evening