The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1900-01-15

NEW YORK, Jan. 15.-In spite Of the 81
lence of the League men who are trying
TO reduce the circuit to eight clubs. it is
learned that the matter Is not progressing
any more smoothly than was the case a
week or so ago. Because Of a conference
held the other day at Indianapolis by John
T. Brush Chairman of the League Cir
cult Committee; p. T. Powers. President
OF the Eastern League, and Ban Johnson.
President OF the American CWestern)
League. the impression prevailed that the
way is being paved for the reorganization
three leagues, in accordance with the
present scheme OF James 4. Hart, Presi-
dent Of the Chicago Club. II is reasoned
out that Brush would not call confer
ence OF this kind except for two urgent
causes-frst, that the circuit committee
feels sure Of making satisfactory terms
with the owners OF the Baltimore. Wash
ington. Cleveland. and Louisville Clubs:
second, that something must be done to
kill off the new American Association
movement.
The situation has narrowed down to a
fight for existence on the part Of the
American Association; determination on
the part OF the National League 10 estab-
lish a more complete monopoly OF the
game than ever before. while the minor
leagues are waiting to see what viii re-
suit from the general scheming.
Whether the Baltimore Club has agreed
to sell its franchise and dispose OF its
players as part OF the scheme to reduce
the circuit or not is a matter OF coniec-
ture.
Won der Horst has had several confer
ences with Abel and his financial partner,
but what they have talked about cannot be
learned. Abel declared Yesterday that he
had not heard a word from the circuit
committee. aud did not know when 10 ex-
pect a notice to talk business. Consider
able blame is attached TO the committee
for its dilatory tactics The public de-
mands a reduction Of the circuit. and it
has been often asserted by several OF the
magnstes that the whole business can be
transacted in forty eight hotu-s IL sham
ming Is laid aside for legitimate and lib
erai methods.
The action Of the new American Asso-
citation promoters in leasing Charles River
Park in Boston was a big surprise, and
possibly served as a block for the time
being. But the League men believe that
il they can build up a national circuit 10
comprise twenty-four clubs divided into
three sections. the most powerful OF which
will comprise Boston, Brooklyn. New
York, Philadelphia. Chicago. - Cincinnati.
Pittsburg, and St. Louis, there viii be no
territory left for the association. In other
words. the League does notrcsre to let
outsiders into the game which they have
controlled for so long BY turning over
Washington, Baltimore. and the right TO
have another club IN PHILADELPHIA to the
Eastern League, while the American
League can take IN Louisville and Cleve-
laLl In the West, the circuit schemers
feel sure that opposition from any quar-
ter Will not mount TO much.
President Harry D. Quinn. OF the Ameri-
can Association, makes a positive state
ment that the organization Will have es-
tablished clubs IN seven citles-namely.
Chicago, St Louis, Milwaukee. Detroit.
Boston, Philadelphia. and New York.
70 Is said that Baltimore Is wanted to
complete the circuit. and that the pro-
motors OF the new American Association
viii try 10 induce McGraw Robinson. and
the other payers to desert the owners Of
the Baltimore Club. They also declare
that Arson will visit Baltimore this week
and have a talk with McGraw. Talk Of es-
tablishing another club in this city TO play
in the Amer. can Association has been
laughed at by freedman. whose New York
Club holds both the Polo Grounds and
Manhattan Field.
But in spite OF this information comes
the news that a former League manager,
well known for his hustling ability has
been working here secretly for two or
three months past in an effort to raise the
ma he - rfrer-
ball rolling. IL is also said that this man
has secured an option on grounds located
within a few minutes walk OF che Of the
Third Avenue Elevated Railroad stations.
meeting Of the association win be call
ed in a few DAYS. IL is said. in this city,
when all details will be made public.