The times., 1898-10-17
THE WESTERN LEAGUE.
MaSnntes Meet, But Cannot Decide
on Next Years NIake-UD.

on Next Years Make-Up.
Chicago, Oct 16.-Western League mag
mates We're unable to settle the question
OF membership yesterday They adjourn
ed subject TO the call of the president and
will convene again In about two weeks
to renew the discussion on the make-up
of the league for next year Representa-
tives of Buffalo. Toronto. Rockford. ST.
Joseph and Grand Rapids went home
without answers to their propositions. A
committee consisting of Managers
Charles Comiskey. Thomas Lotus and
NJ killelea will visit the towns and report
on the advisability Of granting franchises.
The proposition from Buffalo was the
one given the most consideration by the
magnates. Manager James Franklin was
in conference with the leaders. and in the
end left the city with the announcement
that he had withdrawn his application
and would remain in the Eastern League
He was plainly dissatisfied with the pros
poets of becoming member of the bigger
organization.
Manager Franklin asked that the fran
chise of the St Joseph club and the play
ers be turned over to him without charge
The league demanded $500 for the release
of the players. When Mr.. Franklin left
the difference in the two propositions re-
mained as 1t was at the beginning of ne
gotiations.
Managers Comiskey. Manning KilIelea
and President Johnson assumed the obli-
cations of the St. Joseph club when it
was transferred from Omaha, and the
league desired TO reimburse them in
making sale of the franchise. It is still
believed by the magnates that some ar
rangements will yet be made with Buff
falo. but this Manager Franklin denies.
Hugh Nicol for Rockford presented a
novel proposition. He offered on behalf
of his town to accept a league franchise
and furnish the stipulated guarantees to
visiting clubs. He offered to make good
any deficiencies by popular subscriptions.
While Rockford is not strongly consid-
cred for league honors, the proposition is
so strong that it will be fully examined
by the committee.
Former Manager Frick of the old Des
Moines team is up again with n new bid
for a franchise, but there is not much
hope that the town will be again taken
into the big league. Grand Rapids is also
on the shelf St Joseph, after making
on the scene and asked for a new fran
chise. Manager Van Brunt left early
yesterday without having received much
satisfaction.
The league went into session at 2
O'clock The afternoon was spent in n
discussion of the franchise question, but
the only definite announcement that
came from the magnates was the ap-
pointment of the circuit committee. 1t
srnN-.a frgs
recommend, and must make its report
within two weeks, At the end of that
time President Johnson will call a special
meeting of the league.
There was disposition on the part of
some of the magnates to fine the Indian
apolis club for an alleged infraction of
the agreement with the official railroad
by sacrificing the rate and patronizinS
an opposing line. The matter was, how
ever, finally adjusted, and the statement
of Manager Allen that the club was
forced into the action was taken as an
explanation.
The settlement did not appoase In
dianapolis for the mistreatment alleged
against the other members of the league
President Colt insisted that he had been
repeatedly overlooked when information
was sent out on league matters, and at
tributed it to the feeling that John I.
Brush was DeHeNeQ TO ID part p"hei
of the club. Mr.. Colt denies that Brush
holds any stock in the club. He also
denies the rumor that indianapolis will
withdraw from the league.
Rumors of deals were thick, but none
was confirmed. 1t is said that Thomas
Lotus will be cared for by the league.
and will go to one of the new towns with
his Columbus team. 1t is possible that
Chauncey Fisher, of the St. Joseph team
may be transferred to the National
League in order to secure enough funds
to cancel the Indebtedness on the st. Jo-
seph franchise. II is desired however, to
keep Fisher in the league, and he may
yet be given a good berth.
Harry -Pulliam, of Louisville, was in
conference with various managers during
the day, and completed deal whereby
he trades E. ]. Newton, a reserve pitch
err for Charles Rice, the Minneapolis
shortstop. Player Wardell, who was
bought by Pulliam some time ago. and
who is claimed by both Columbus and
Detroit, has been fully guaranteed to
Louisville, and the dispute will he sat
tied in the minor league Pulliam has
paid the National League for the player.
A schedule committee of the league will
meet at Milwaukee the last Thursday in
February to make the first draft. Nearly
all the magnates, with the exception of
the circuit committee members, will leave
Chicago today.
WORLDS THROWING RECORD.