Wheeling register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1878-1935, 1900-06-21

President C. B. Power, of the Inter-
state base ball league, had troubles of
his own yesterday. When he reached
his sanctum sanctorium in the morn
ing, and picked up a few papers he
received his first intimation of the base
ball tangle here, although it was not
unexpected, as he had made several
unsuccessful efforts to compel the
Wheeling management to put up the
remainder of the $500 guarantee, and
to pay the regular dues.
Mr.. Power took the morning train
for Wheeling, arriving here before
noon. He first held a consultation with
President Healy, which resulted rather
unsatisfactory. Mr.. Healy could not
meet the obligations of the club, and
Mr.. Powers first official act was to de-
clare the franchise forfeited. Mr.. Healy
then stood on the same footing with
other applicants for the franchise, but
was informed that if he could secure
the necessary funds, he could retain
the club.
The entire day was spent in confer
ences with applicants for the Wheel
ing franchise, and there was no small
amount of ~wrangling over the matter.
Once during the afternoon, It was
thought that a deal vas consummated,
| md fhA nortioc hod coma So fnr m 10
place their money in the hands of Mr..
Power, when there was an unexpected
hitch and negotiations were declared
off.
1t is understood that the Wheeling
Railway Company claims to have an
agreement with the management of the
Wheeling club, requiring all league
games to be played at the Island park,
and naming other conditions which, if
legally binding, might embarrass the
league in disposing of the franchise.
President Power states, however, that
the league cannot take cognizance Of
any such private arrangements, and
that no such agreement is binding I'M
less ratified by the Board Of Managers.
1t is understood that the railway com
pany does not care for the franchise,
and is only interested in having the
park located on the line of its tracks.
Current rumor connected the names
of a number of prominent lovers of the
game with efforts to secure the fran
chise. Gentlemen who are interested
in the Metropolitan Athletic Club were
considering the matter. but took no &C
ton. Messrs. J. T. MCGEE and Gala
Mitchell were in conference with Mr..
Power during the afternoon, and it is
alleged that a gentleman interested in
other amusement enterprises, a well
known candidate for public Office and
a prominent brewer were among those
who were more or less concerned in the
conferences.
The nearest approach to a tangible
deal took place last night, when sew
eral gentlemen agreed to form a stock
company with a capital sufficient to
pay off the Indebtedness to the play
ers and place the club upon a firm fin
ancial footing. There was consider
able wrangling over terms and condi-
tons, and it was TWO o'clock this
morning when the conference finally
adjourned. An attorney who was pres
ent secured a gentleman with the re-
Quisite amount of cash in hand who
stood ready to enter into a combina-
ton with the others or to take the
franchise himself.
When the final conference adjourned
it was with the understanding that an
other meeting will be held this morn
ing. There is a strong probability that
a deal will be closed and that the ball
park in the future will be located east
of Fulton on the line of the w. G. r. g.
railroad. This is a probability, not a
certainty. If the deal is consummated
the team will depart at ten O'Clock this
morning for Columbus.
One of the players stated that it was
his understanding that the team will
be transferred to Lima, 0. This is
hardly likely, however.
President Power stated in the meet
ing at the Hotel Brunswick that Grand
Rapids and Saginaw, Mich, are knock
ing for admission to the League. He
stated also that a Columbus gentleman
wants to buy the franchise and trans
fer it to Grand Rapids, where Sunday
games can be played.
President Power stated hat the play
ers can be held to their contracts for
ten days after salaries are due and I'M
paid, and that none of the players are
at liberty to sign elsewhere for the
present.
Another phase of the troubles OF the
old management developed in Justice
M. J. Fitzpatrick's court. A suit was
brought against the club by Jason c.
Stamp, for money due on uniforms and
equipment, and the equipment of the
team was attached by a constable,
and carried down to Squire Fitzpat-
rick's Office.
When the players learned what had
taken place, they ven down to the
Office of the Justice, and took posses
sion, each claiming the uniform, bats,
ETC., which he took was personal prop
erty.