Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1899-12-13
REDUCING THE CIRCUIT.
Talk of the Base RnlI MaEnates in
New York.

The first days session of the National
League, in New York yesterday, lasted only
about five minutes most of the time being
taken up with conferences relating to fu-
ture action.
The only actual business transacted was
done by the board of arbitration. which
went into session at 1870 pm. and did not
break up until after o'clock Their main
work was to dispose of the Wrigley case,
although two or three other minor league
affairs were settled. President Powers of
the Eastern League brought up the Wrig
ley matter. and after a three hours hot de-
bate won his case The Brooklyn club
played Wrigley in several games at the end
of last season. and Powers demanded that
the games should be thrown out claiming
that Wrigley, having signed a Syracuse, n.
Y, contract last season, was under con-
tract to that club for one year. thereby
rendering him ineligible to play for Ma
tional League club.
Hanlon of Brooklyn fought this PROPOSE
ton. but was fioored by Col Rogers, who
reminded the Brooklyn smagnate of the
Brandt case. The latter was purchased by
the Philadelphia club from Portsmouth,
Va, and the Philies wanted to play him
during the last two or three weeks of the
National League season, but Hanlon. who
was then with the Baltimores, objected and
prevented him from playing.
mis- eItCludily settled the case, ana the
board of arbitration therefore decided that.
inasmuch as Wrigley under contract
to Syracuse. he had no right to play for
Brooklyn. This ruling will be reported to
the beard of directors, and the latter body
will throw out all games in which Wrigley
played. This will not affect Brooklyns
championship, however. as the team lost
more games than it won while Wrigley was
playing.
While all the owners say they have not
even thought of the proposed reduction of
the league from twelve clubs TO either eight
or ten, there is no doubt that several mag
mates have been doing urgent missionary
work to that end If nothing else be
done. change may be made by dropping
Cleveland and giving Louisville small sum
of money to fall out, thus giving a ten-club
circuit.
Earl Wagner of Washington says that
proposition has been made to him which,
while not coming officially from the league.
is thrown odt as feeler by that body. The
suggestion is that the two above-named
clubs are to be disposed of. and New York
to buy Brooklyn's players and club and
Washington to purchase Baltimore's play
ers and franchise, thus cutting the league
down to the desired eight clubs.
Wagner says he is willing to purchase
Baltimore. provided a respectable figure is
asked. but that he will not pay a fancy
price for the outfit.
Minor League Claims.
President Salspaugh and Manager Walter
Wimot of Minneapolis appeared before the
board and claimed two players, Joe Schrall
and Pitcher Mccain. These two players
were with the Hamilton, Ont. team. At
the conclusion of the season both Detroit
and Minneapolis negotiated for them De-
troit got them, but it is claimed that the
Detroit management never made good q
stipulated purchase price to the Hamilton
club. whereas the Minneapolis did. In view
of this the Minneapolis management claims
the services of the two players in question.
President Powers Is at the meeting also
for the purpose of trying to get better legts-
lation for the small leagues relative to the
reserve rule. He wants the purchase price
which the major league shall pay for play
ers Of class A. minor league teams, raised
from $500 to 81 900. 1t Is said that the big
league will grant his concession
The only deal for players was effected by
Chicago and Pittsburg. the former purchas-
ing the release of Outfielder Mccarthy to
take the place of Lange, who intends to re-
tire from base ball.