The evening times., 1900-01-15

NEW YORK, Jan. 15.-In spite of the si
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
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 (Western)
League, the impression prevailed that the
way is being paved for the reorganization
three leagues, in accordance with the
present scheme of James a. 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
uBnt IOT eAlSItUC6 tHb part vi lHt
American Association determination on
the part of the National League TO estab-
lish a more complete monopoly of the
game than ever before, while the minor
leagues are waiting TO see what will re-
suit from the general scheming.
Whether the Baltimore Club has agreed
to sell its franchise and dispose of its
~.
the circuit or not is a matter of conjee-
ture.
Won der Horst has had several confer
ences with Abell and his financial partner,
but what they have talked about cannot be
learned. Abell declared yesterday that he |
committee, and did not know when 10 ex-
pect a notice to talk business. Consider |
able blame is attached TO heycommittee |
for its dilatory tactics. The public de- |
mands a reduction of the circuit, and it |
has been often asserted by several of the |
magnates that the whole business can be |
transacted in forty eight hours If sham |
ming Is laid aside for legitimate and lib |!
eral methods. .tF
The action of the new American Asso
citation promoters in leasing Charles River /
HdEh IN boston was Dig surprise, anu |
possibly served as a block for the time
being. But the League men believe that |
If they can build up national circuit TO
comprise twenty-four clubs divided into
three sections, the most powerful. of which |
will comprise Boston, Brooklyn, New
York, Philadelphia. Chicago. y Cincinnati
Pittsburg, and St. Louis, there Will be no
territory left for the association. In other
words, the League does notlcare 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- /
land 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-
tabIished clubs in seven cities-namely,
Chicago ST. Louis, Milwaukee. Detroit,
Boston, Philadelphia, and New York,
It is said that Baltimore is wanted to
complete the circuit and that the pro-
moters of the new American Association
will try TO 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 talk with McGraw. Talk of es-
tablishing another club in this city TO play
in the American 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, !
we'll known for his hustling ability, has
been working here secretly for two or
hree months past in an effort to raise the
necessary funds TO start the association
ball rolling. 1t is also said that this man
ias secured an option grounds located |
within a few minutes walk of one of the
Third Avenue Elevated Railroad stations.
A meeting of the association will be call
I'd in a few days, it is said. in this city,
when all details will be made public