The times., 1898-12-19
THE EIGHT 7-CLUB LEAGUE
Promoters of the Scheme Hope
for Speedy Success.
ATTITUDE OF THE OWNERS
Another Conference of Magnates In New
York Is Expected Washington Assur-
ed of Protection-The st. Louis Fran
,chisc Becomes Perplexing Problem
Robson May Buy the Browns.

New York. Dec ia few of the league
baseball men remained in town today.
The majority left on Saturday night for
their homes Brush. of Cincinnati; Rob-
ison. of Cleveland and Hart. of Chicago,
were together most of the day. until
Hart was suddenly called to Chicago by
the deaht of his brother Won der Horst,
OF Baltimore, and Abell, OF Brooklyn,
were also in town, but they did not see
each other, and each failed TO meet the
three westerners, who appear to nave
the destiny of the league in their hands.
When interviewed not one of these at
tempted to deny the stories to the eject
that there is a movement on foot to re-
duce the present circuit. On the con-
trary. the men who are working the
hardest to bring about change are
more than satisfied with the way things
have gone thus far.
1t can be stated that the Washington
club owner has received positive assur-
ances that he win be protected. The men
who are working for an eight-club league
have reasoned 1t out that Washington is
too good ball town to lose. and that If
the team under Wagner is strengthened
it win prove a money-maker.
So far as Louisville is concerned, il was
said today that the owners Of that fran
chise have been told just what to do.
When the Brooklyn and Baltimore clubs
have been consolidated the whole situa-
ton will hinge on the disposition of the
St. Louis franchise. If by any chance
Robson does not get il, he is expected
to make another move OF a sensational
character.
The plan now thought advisable is to get
hold Of the ST. Louis franchise by buying
in the club at the coming receivers sale
To do this will require considerable mon-
ey but there appears to be plenty of funds
in sight. II outside parties attempt to
outbid Robson it is beiilsed that there
Will be such an ENHANCEMENT over the
ownership of the franchise that the sale
will be temporarily blocked in order to
satisfy the holders of first and second
mortgages.
At least S5oOO0 must be secured. which
means that Won der Abe has little or no
chance of redeeming his property in the
courts. In order to make 1t plain sailing
for the league, however. 1t is probable thai
those who want to bid against Robson
will. at the last moment, be made to
realize the exact situation.
In giving an insight TO the situation
the schemers have taken care to say that
nobody will be treated unfairly or
thrown down" They have declared that
unless the proposition meets with unani-
nous approval nothing will be done, yet
they have succeeded so well that they
are confident of success.
From remarks dropped here and there
1t will not be a surprise IL all the mag
mates are called back here inside of four
or five weeks. 1t depends on what pro-
gress the leaders make.
So far as the Baltimore Brooklyn deal
is concerned. Abel today asked TO be put
on record.
You can say for me- said he. that
] stand ready To make the deal without
further delay. / shall see Won der Horst
tomorrow and attempt to settle the mat
ter"
From Abell's remarks il can be inferred
that he Is still the owner OF the Brooklyn
club. President Ebbetts. IT is expected.
will have charge of the finances of the
Brooklyn club next season.