Evening star., 1899-04-11
LADIES T MUST PAY
Free Days at National Park Abol-
70. ished.
TEE PRIVILEGE Was OFTEN ABUSED
Senators Return Tomorrow and
Play Georgetown.
CURRENT SPORTING NEWS

There will be no free days for the ladies
nouncement will doubtless be received by
thousands of ladies in Washington with
astonishment and disappointment but Mr..
Wagner told a reporter of The Star this
! morning that much he disliked to take
this step he was compelled to do so In
seasons gone by the ladies have bright
ened UP many afternoons that were gloomy
at National Park. but the abuse of the
favors extended and the visiting clubs
protests whenever they ran against
ladies day were positive factors in
bringing Mr.. Wagner to take this radical
stand.
The abolition Of ladies day" seems to
be general among the National League
clubs this year, although Mr.. Wagner de-
nies that any sort of agreement to abolish
this free day was reached at the recent
league meeting of the magnates. Last
cult that had ladies days" but this year
there will be none.
The chieI argument in favor of the free
admission of ladies on certain days was
that they brought to the grounds more
men than would otherwise attend. Against
this claim the magnates opposed to the
free privilege say that in every case the
favors have been abused that the players
fall into the habit of neglecting their work
and that the club extending the favor is a
loser in the long run.
1t is conceded that Mr.. Wagner has been
generous to the ladies of WASHINGTON and
although some will cenSure him for refuS-
ing to work on the same lines this year,
many undoubtedly will recognize the JUS
tice of his act.
McGuire.s Opinion of the Team.
Catcher MCGUIRE was in uniform and on
the diamond at National Park this morn
ing and kept big group of boys busy
fielding the balls he would knock to the
outtield. Mac is in first-class shape. and
especially his good right arm has resumed
it's usual dexterity early this season. When
asked about the Senators, whom he left at
Hampton, Mcclure says the team is un-
doubtedly stronger than 1t was last season.
This is quite radical statement, coming
from player with Jfm's conservative
ideas. He says that Gettman has improved
wonderfully in batting and that the infield
is working together in excellent form,
Hulen at short and Davis at first being all
that is required. Casey. he says. is play,
ing with more confidence around the third
corner and Dick Padden has evidently
rounded into his best form.
Speaking of the Bostons. whom the Sen
ators ran against last week with such dis
astrous results, MCGUIRE says they are in
extraordinary shape for veteran payers,
and he expects them TO start off at a whrl-
wind gait, something the Beaneaters have
not oOhe ioF SeSeFdl years MAC dlSO spedhS
well of the Richmond club and says that
the Blue Birds will come near landing the
Atlantic League pennant again this year.
Ready for TOniorrow's Game.
The carpenters at National Park have
about put things to rights in the stands
and everything viii be in fine shape for to-
morrow's game between the Washington
team and the Georgetown University nine.
The college boys will flock to the grounds,
as they have great faith in their represent
atves. and many of the local enthusiasts
will turn out to get a line on the new Sen
ators. The diamondyis in exceptionally fine
condition, .Groundkeeper Miller and his
corps of assistants having been at work on
the field for the past two weeks.
The Washington club will arrive home
tomorrow morning early and viii take
their first practice at National Park from
10 to u and then rest for the afternoon
game. The students have been pracicing
hard for this game and will play with the
vim only possessed by college boys. Bach
and Mercer will probably be opposed to
he