The times., 1899-07-03
THE FACTS IN THE CASE.
Mr.. Wagner Did Not Practice an I'm
position on HanlOn.


During the Senators stay in Cincinnati
the two days were spent in idleness and
time hung heavily upon the pens OF the
sporting writers of Porkopolis. But one
of them was not to be cheated out of his
daily sport His admiring constituency
expected their daily allowance, and get
it they must. News was scarce, but this
self-same sporting writer had Teen
brought up in newspaper office where
the reporters were instructed TO manu-
facture news If there was none to be found
in legitimate manner. Accordingly, he
set about 10 invent something new and
sensational, and from the article which
appeared next morning the following is
clipped:
When Jennings sore arm showed no signs of
improving Hanlon set about to find third base
man, that he could play Dahlen at short. lie
made Wagner offer for Casey, which re-
fused. After some dekering Wagner consented
10 let HanlOn have Casey on months trial,
and in the event that he should prove satisfactory
certain sum was 10 be paid for him. The
amount is withheld for obvious reasons, but il
is neat figure. Hanlon consented. As soon as
the deal was closed Wagner jumped to New
York and paid a few of his newspaper friends 4
visit. He told them of the deal, and with the
aid of the salve, sundry cigars, and few cold
bottles, Wagner arranged to have Casey doomed
in the papers as soon as he joined the team.
name appeared in large type in the headlines
The result was that he was soon the favorite
Of the crowds at the Brooklyn Park Il can't
understand it, said Hanlon TO Wagner one day,
but the people seem to think Casey is the whole
team. They applaud every time he shows him
self on the field" Wagner explained that it was
because he was so little, while he ciuckled with
in, knowing that his scheme was success.
This is the most versatile exhibition OF
uDwarranted conclusions and inconsistent
statements that has appeared for some
time" said gentleman close to Mr.. Wag-
ner last night Earl Wagner is placed in
| the attitude of a 'bunco' sharp and to sue
| cessfully carry out his cunning scheme
with an outlay of dollar or Two invested
| in soft drinks and cigars is enabled to
subsidize the New York press.
This wonderful story in its inception
and PRONUNCIATION is startling evidence of
what a mind rich in vague and ineompre-
| hensible incongruities can accomplish. The
| New York press, in consideration of few
drinks and cigars, is charged with being
| accessory to a scheme to .defraud the
| Brooklyn club out of a few thousand dol
| lars, and Earl Wagner is placed in an at
| titude TO Intentionally swindle and deceive
an associate in business. Those who know
Earl Wagner will not accuse him of being
| either fool or dishonest man.
| "Hanlon, who is proyerbially known as
a shrewd business man and an artistic ma
nipulator in a trade, is made to appear as
| the veriest 'Rube,' man that would be
an easy victim to a green goods dissem-
| inator, who remained supinely quiet while
| the New York press and Earl Wagner
| were practicing a bald-headed and bare
faced swindle upon him.
THE facts are known, and can be easily
stated. Casey was member of the Wash
ington club. and was known as one of the
1 gv -la
Hanlon, who is always in close touch with
these matters, and whose knowledge of a
ball players abilities is unerring, recog-
niZing Caseys value and knowing that he
would greatly strengthen one of his weak
places, made Messrs. Wagner and Irwin
an overture for his release. These gen
tlemen at first refused to make PROPOSE
tion looking TO his release. Finally, after
much importuning, they set a price upon
him, which might have been considered
prohibitiye by some, yet was accepted by
the Brooklyn management.
SO Indifferent was Mr.. Wagner about
completing the sale that he allowed Han
lon to take the man on a months trial
At the expiration OF that time Mr.. Ebbits
did endeavor TO induce Mr.. Wagner to sell
the man at a smaller price than thai
agreed upon, but was Informed by both
Wagner and Irwin that the return of the
man would be as acceptable as the money
and that nothing less than the price agreed
upon would be considered. Whereupon
check for the amount was given. This Is
statement of absolute facts, and there
was no deception or fraud practiced by
Mr. Wagner Nor has Hanlon been gold
| bricked. He is perfectly satisfied with thu
trade. and realizes that he owes as muct
to Casey's splendid work for his present
position in the race as he does to the in.
dividual work of any other man on hi.
team"