Daily Kennebec journal., 1901-04-08

INHSuNc tdNC Always oSNh N"'S
impressed that everything permitted
to them by the big league was an cx-
crcisc OF magnanimity-thc various
minor leagues were permitted to sx-
crcisc the right of draft upon the
leagues in the classes below them.
In other words after the National
League lion had eaten his fill, they were
generously given a chance at the
bones and any remnants of flesh that
might still adhere to them.
The minor leagues always came to
the Cars of the great national or
ganizat:on. in much the humble ana
suppliant attitude that would be as
sumed by Chinese criminal in APP
proaching a mandarin. The large
heartedness that permitted them
to receive the draft pittance for their
players. instead of having them
gobbled up by the major organiZa-
ton without any remuneration what
ever, was touted in season and out by
the officials of the big league as a
bright and shining example of that
organizations unselfish and inspiring
devotion to the best interests of the
game" 1t must not be supposed how
ever that this self-abnegation on the
part Of the great National League was
pure benevolence. Not at ALL Nothing
gratuitous has ever yet emanated from
that charmed circle. This forced CON
troll of appetite; this unnatural for
tearance. was known as protection"
and in order to secure it the minor
leagues were obliged to pay into the
president and treasurer of the Ma
tional Lcague-Mr. N. E. Young Of
Washington. D. ca sum of money
determined by the legislators Of that
organization without any pretence of
consultation. to be in reasonable pro-
portion to their ability to pay.
The first year Augusta had a tenn
in the New England League this pro
lection cost it $50. and carried
draft price" of $500. The second sea-
son our league was given lower
classification (class d if we remember
correctly and the price of protection
was reduced from $50 to $25 for each
club. At the same time our draft price
was scaled down from $500 to $3.50.
The New England League was never
consulted concerning these changes,
and had no voice whatever in them.
So much for the attitude of the Ma
tional League toward other baseball
organizations. Let us consider mo-
ment it's attitude toward the players.
The so-called contract" which has
been evolved in years past by the
league magnates for ornamentation
with players signatures is truly
remarkable document. 1t is built on
heads win, tails you lose" basis, and
practically eliminates the player. 1t
inaugurates a form of voluntary. put
perpetual servitudc. 1t is nominally
for a period Of service covering two or
renewal. AS the player is called upon
to sign new contract every season
it will be seen that his servitude is
practically perpetual. On this contract
he is reserved from one year to
another, being forced to play with the
club whose collar he wears or get out
of the business. The power of the mag
nate who owns him is practically unlim-
tied He may release him on a few days
notice. may fine him for infractions of
discipline or 4 depreciation in his
playing qualities. He may be sold to
any other club the magnate may make
! deal with, may be .farmed out to
, strengthen any club his owner may
elect to help, and otherwise treated as
chattel and a bondsman.
| The players have long chafed under
this CALLING scrvitude. and the present
year through the formation of a
brotherhood, and the appearance of
formidable competitors on the former
National League stamping grounds
were able to secure some minor con-
cessions The handle Of the jug how
ever is still firmly in the hands of the
magnates.
The attitude of the National League
towards the American League-fOr-
merly known as the Western League
has been supercilious to a degree
This was a large and powerful or
ganization representing the great
cities of Chicago. Buffalo. Cleveland,
indianapolis. Minneapolis. Milwaukee,
Detroit and Kansas city.
1t would certainly seem as if an or
ganization Of this character, differed
by men generally recognized by the
public. as gentlemen of ability and
broad guage, might have been accord
ed at least decent usage by the Ma
tional League. But no. that naughty
and self-sufficient organization in
sisted upon trampling upon its rights
with the same hob nailed shoes that
We're used on the other minor