The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-03-10
ATTITUDE OF PLAYERS
STATEMENT by PRESIDENT ZIMMER
AND ATTORNEY TAYLOR.
Agreement with the National League
Merely Provided for temporary
suspensiOn-Local Ball Gossip.

CLEVELAND, o., March AT the con-
clusion Of a conference here to-day. be-
tween II. L. Taylor, attorney for the Play
ers' Protective Association, and Charles
thinner, president Of that organization.
the following jointly signed statement con-
corning the pending baseball controversy
was given out:
There being some difference of opin-
ion as 10 the scope and effect of the agree
ment recently made by Mr.. thinner with
the National League owners. at New York,
II is deemed wise by the undersigned to
give out the following statement, with the
hope that it may make the situation entire
ly clear:
The Protective Association was formed
primarily and mainly 10 destroy the dis
posing Of the services of professional base
ball players without their consent. Its first
recognition came from the American
League. which TWO months ago granted
practically all the players demands. and
the players. 10 a man, appreciate the value
this action has been TO them. The National
League. having minor leagues subordinate
10 IL under a national agreement, and hav-
ing a system of is known as farm
ing players in vogue. was harder to deal
with. It's representatives ignored the play
es at a conference In December. They
were attended again Feb. % last by Mr..
thinner as the representative Of the play
es who had full authority 10 act.
The question of the players of the Asso-
citation ratifying or standin by Mr.. Zim-
mers agreement is not involved at all, for
he has agreed only 10 temporarily suspend.
II is for the association to pass finally
on all such cases as a body, and all in
terested parties may be sure that it will
90 so-with all the calmness and fairness
OF which II is capable, with proper regard
Tor all its obligations, and mindful, as~it
always has been, that the very object of
It's existence is the welfare of all its MEM
bers. And when such action is taken, not
only the president. but every member of
the association. we believe. Will stand by
acts
In an interview this afternoon Mr.. Taylor
said; thinner has received much unjust
criticism as a result Of his action at the
c"onScienuOusly In the interest OF the play
ers. and / feel confident hat his course
Will prove q benefit 10 the players gener-
aIy. Mr.. Taylor timated that, while
thinner had succeeded In gaining valuable
Concessions from the National League mag
mates, neither the players organization nor
me men Individually We're bound to abide
ty the agreement signed by thinner. Asked
a. 10 when a meeting of the players assO-
citation would be called President thinner
SAID he did not know, but it would not be
until after the season opened.
commenting on the statement issued b.
Messrs. TAYLOR and thinner, Vice President
league. said: IN my Judgment Zimmer's
statement amounts to nothing. The play
es now. believe. understand the situation
perfectly. II a meeting of their association
should be called to-day l doubt if one vote
!. would be cast in favor of the expulsion of
8 member for signing with the American
association. We are signing practically al,
ne men we want and will be in splendid
shape when the season opens. Ii should be
understood. however. that we will not con-
tract With any player who has signed n
BONA nde agreement to play with any other
.tediHzati0n for 1901. his, OF course, does
NVt apply 70 players who are merely held
on the reservation rule"
mat II IS not our purpose to encourage
Nsuonal League players who have signed
WIN mat league TO break their contracts
Is proved in the case of Dolan. an out
nelder' who is claimed by Mr.. Hart, of the
Chcago National League team" said
|harleS W SomerS. OF the American
League, tonight. 1T has been proved 10
ny satisfaction" continued Mr.. Somers.
that Dolan had signed with Mr.. Hart. AMI
We therefore have declined TO have further
Gealings with him until the National
League releases him from his present con-
tract"