Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-12-18
A LULL I'M BASE BALL
Manager Manning Inspecting Sites
for Washington Club.
AMERICAN LEAGUE WORKING QUIETLY
important Statement Issued for the
Players by President thinner.
GENERAL SPORTING NEWS

At the present time there is lulI in base
ball affairs as far as the Indications go,
but certain sensational moves may be look
ed for at any period within the next six
weeks.
There is nothing new in the local situa-
ton. Mr.. Michael Scanlon remains stead
fast in his belief that Washington people
should run a local club. preferably one at
filiated with the National League. MIR.
Scanlon has many friends among the Ma
tlonal League magnates. all Of whom want
him In base ball in this city. 1t would De
utterly Impossible for him to get local
club into the major body next season. but
he believes that at the end of the ten years
agreement Washington will be Natfonai
League ball town.
MIR, Manning Inspects Grounds'
Mr.. Manning, the owner Of the Washing
ton club in the American League can
vassed the city yesterday and Is f"iiS
acquainted with all available sites for base
h.u grounds. When President Ban john
son of the American League arrives inns
evening these details will be laid peiore
him by Mr.. Manning and tonorr t sns .mss
tion Definite action as to seiectloh VI
grounds will probably be postponed unui
after the first of the year. as Messrs.
Johnson and Manning Will return 10 .he az
homes in the west about Thursday SO as
to welcome Santa Claus at their own nre-
Sides on Christmas
AZ the base ball situation stands today
Mr.. Manning has tie most suostaIt a.
nroposition Of the three in sight he is
backed by sound organization ana pos
lively states he Will run a club IN WASH
ing,on next season. while the other two,
Messrs. Scanlon and Bryan, are eFlueh''3
awaiting further developments before us
closing their plans in detail to the pubic.
situation in philadelphia.
1t was expected that something sensa-
tional in a base ball way would develop III
Philadelphia yesterday, as several Aneri-
can League magnates were hobnobblng IN
that city, but nothing came to light. Inc
Philadelphia Press today says that )"og-
ing from the actions of Messrs. Johnson,
Somers and Mack. these gentlemen lhteha
to keep their secrets under cover as lohs
as possible and tifas prevent the NATIONAL
League from making counter moves TO up
set their plans. ,s
Both Mr. Johnson and Mr.. Somers said
that they have things In good shape ana
that Philadelphia will positively be repre-
sented in the American League next year.
The one question at present is said to be
about the grounds The ordinance giving
the American League PERMISSION 10 use
pected to come uH in councils next Thurs
day but other avfilable locations are sa'u
to be under consideration.
Thesfffayer..
The action Of the players committee in
sending out stataInentodeclaring that their
position is against a base ball war and
urging members es-the association not To
sign with rival organizations can be looked
at in two ways The first threefitems OF
their statement breathe peace in every let
ter but the fourth ftad last IS rather not"
of defiance This is: pursuant to our by
laws. none of the members OF our associa-
ton shall sign contract for the coming
season which has not been approved by our
association
Rarring George Davis and Fred Clarke.
every National League player Is reported to
have signed this agreement. AS the Nation
al League turned down the requests ma'ic
by the players committee there is nuw lit
tie or no chance for any changes being
made in the contracts which Will be offered
the players for next season The players
have agreed not to sign such contracts
and it is therefore up to them to stand by
their agreement Should they do the
National League clubs are likely to have
"a serious time in trying to get their men
into line.
Statement by thinner.
President thinner of the Players Protec
tive Association, who was in Philadelphia
yesterday to see President Johnson. said:
1.-The Protective Association IS still WILL
ing to treat with the National League. We
have expressed desire to waive every
condition named by except those set
forth by Harry TAYLOR at the league meet
ing last week. We do not want base ball
war and to show that we have no secret
agreement with the American League We
have ordered all the National League play
to keep from negotiating with Johnson
fnr he Lea va n Ui q
the National League people plenty of time
to ti..nk over our demands, so that when
the real trouble comes we will not be to
blame. In case of q break all players who
have already signed contracts will be forced
by US to live up to them, no matter with
what league they have affiliated them
selves. But SO far as the option clause is
concerned, or the reserve rule, we have no
scruples. Both are Illegal and have been so
pronounced by competent legal authorities
after due elaboration.
IF the players Of America decide to
fight for their rights the move will not be
made hastily. So far the Protective Assoc
citation has refrained from declaring war,
because we do not want to hurt the game
We have notified every American League
player not to sfgn with the National
League. and every National League PLAYER
not to accept offer from the American
League The players thus protect one an
other In that the former American League
men VIII not be forced out of work by those
League furthermore. no member Of the
Protective Association will be allowed to
Sign with National League club until our
demands have been enforced. II necessary.
the players to man will hold out through
all OF next season. All OF us have pledged
ourselves to live up to this order. and we
Will not break the faith, either"
RUHLIN BEsTED MAHER.
Akron Giant Qptcl~..ed the Irish
Champion In Last Nights Bout.