The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-02-12
JOHNSON is WEAKENING
AMERICAN LEAGUE PRESIDENT
WANTS TO SETTLE TROUBLE.
1t Is Reported He Told Hart He Was
willing to Go Before National
League-He Is Too Late.

President John T. Brush, of the Cincin-
natl Club, called upon President Watkins,
OF the Indianapolis Club. yesterday after
noon, and after Mr.. Brush left President
Watkins was asked about the story sent
out from Baltimore Saturday night to the
effect that there would be a settlement be-
tween the National and American leagues
which would result in the American Asso-
oiaticn dying prematurely. Mr.. Watkins
said the story was a fake, pure and simple,
and evidently emanated from the American
League headquarters. There is not the
slightest possibility of an amicable set
Element between the National and Amer
lean leagues, says President Watkins. The
American League magnates and President
Ban Johnson, Of that organization. have
declared war against the National League,
and the latter will make il a fight to the
death. 1t is not a hard matter to guess
which league will be the first to ask for
n burial permit. as an organization that
breaks away from organized baseball has
very little chance to live.
President Watkins sent kilograms to all
The magnates in the American Association
stating that the Baltimore story was alb
solutely without foundation and that there
~ no chance of q settlement between the
National and American leagues which will
result in the circuits being redistricted
to the death of the American Association.
A story of interest just at this time comes
from Chicago and is based upon reliable
information. 1t shows the attitude of
President Johnson and his weakened
| statements TO the public. That Johnson
would like to settle the differences now
existing in the baseball world there is little
doubt, but he Is responsible for them, AMI
instead OF being able TO settle them he will
fore many months. TIL story Is to the
effect that johnson met President Hart, Of
the Chicago Club, in the barroom of the
Fisher building in Chicago shortly after
| the meeting of the American League N
that city. Johnson engaged Hart in con-
yersation during which. the story says,
the following took place:
How is it that Watkins ana his crowd
got so many concessions from the Ma
lonal League n We were turned down.
Because they came and raped at the
front door, told us In a straightforward,
sportsmanlike manner what they wanted.
onc we granted their requests"
wen. that is funny that we should be
treated worse than they were," said john
son.
II don't know that it is under the cir
cumstances,' coolly remarked Hart.
But l was willing TO go before the Ma
tlonal League ana make the same requests
and l ar willing to do so yet If the Ma
ticnal League will grant Them" This was
made in a beseeching sort of tone.
Il am sorry to say that you are a few
Gays too late In your protestatlons of what
you are willing TO do. Good day." said
Hart.
This talk between these two baseball
men, which is said to have occurred as
given, shows that Johnson realizes JUST
what he is up against and is only too will
ing TO SO before the National League and
settle differences, but THAI opportunity will
never b. granted to him. President Wat.
kins was asked If he had heard of the
&C nversation as detailed between johnson
and Hart, and he said he had not.