Evening star., 1901-12-26
SALE OF A RACE TRACK

Mr.. A. G. Spaldins left here last evening
for South Carolina, but before leaving gave
out statement in answer to the communf-
cation given out by MI. Andrew Freed
mans attorney regarding Mr. Spaldings s
announcement that he would not act
further as president-secretary-t ry- treasurer
of the National Base Ball League. Mr..
Spalding says in part:
Mr.. Freedman's attorney is at perfect
liberty to make any deduction from that
letter he pleases, but 1t speaks for itself.
The quotation that this New York attorney
makes from my letter is as misleading as
everything else that Mr.. Freedman has
done since this base ball controversy COM
menced. If he had preceded his quotation
that must refuse to act further as presi-
dent-secretary- treasurer Of the National
League with the words pending the de-
cision of the court he would have shown
stronger disposition to quote my letter
correctly
'.Ear1y December IA 1 was informed by
committee Of the National League that
had been unanimously elected president
OF that organization on that date. Col.
John I. Rogers has assured me that that
election was regular and legal. A similar
opinion has been expressed by my person.
al attorney, Mr.. Alfred W. Kiddle Of New
York. I believe T am the legally elected
president Of the National League and as I
consider the opinions as quoted above as
good as the opinion of Mr.. Freedman's at
torney, I shall continue to believe myself
the legally elected president Of the Nat on-
jurisdiction shall decide otherwise. Pend
ing this final decision and in accordance
with the order Of the supreme court Of
New York, I am temporarily restrained
from acting as the president-secretary-
treasurer of the National League, and
must bow to the majesty of the law and
comply with the courts order.
Il have instructed my attorney to do
hat IN, ~ It'd
necessary to make proper answer at the
proper time to any and all charges that
may be preferred by Mr.. Freedman and
those who for personal reasons seem to
deem it necessary to continue their asso-
citation with him in these legal proceedings.
Il have instructed my attorney to insist
that the case be brought to trial, and not
permit 1t to be dismissed until final de-
cision has been reached. Mr.. Freedman's
attorneys insinuation that the issuance Of
a temporary injunction upon the hearing
only Of Mr.. Freedman's side Of the case
settles the case in Mr.. Freedman's favor
Is too ridiculous to treat seriously and was
given out probably for the purpose Of
throwing dust in the eyes OF the base ball
public and try to befog the real issue; also
to stampede the four clubs that are respon-
sible for my election" Id
The statement closes with sharp at
tack on Mr.. Freedman and his methods as
a base ball magnate.
Ban johnson, who is in Chicago. refuses
to discuss the suggested amalgamation of
the American League and the Spalding fac
ton of the National League He says the
plans of the American have been formu-
lated and decided uponsSandl that there will
be no change. He had talked the base ball
situation over with A9E G. 'SSpaId1ng, and
might discuss it again In the near future.
Whether his plans included a tweIve-club
league or not he would not say.
Il Will admit, however" he continued,
that one feature of such q plan commends
itself to me. 1t would remove Freedman,
Brush and Robson from the game This Is
a consumniation devoutly to be wished for
At the same time it, would do away with
two major leagues, which would be serf-
GUS objection. Whether the gain Is worth
the sacrifice in view of the critical condf-
tion of affairs with the anti-SpaIding men
is the question. What think of this do
not care to say. In a few weeks the pub
lie will know all about our plans. tnfiI
then can say nothing"