The Washington times., 1902-03-28
TOM LOTUS ARRIVES:
LOCAL FANS HAPPY

der contract, and TO take them without n
formal release is against the principles
OF the American organization. This trou-
BILE in the National League has made the
players a little nervous, and they are anx-
ioUs to sign in a league that is on firm
foundation
The new Washington manager believes
that the present difficulties in the base
ball world will work themselves out in
the near future. He thinks that the two
big leagues would be the best possible
thing for the success of the national
game, provided. of course, that they are
on friendly relations. This latter contin-
gency, Manager Lotus thinks, will be
worked out in the next year or SO.
Likes the Senators.
The present senators are greatly to the
liking of Manager Lotus. He thinks that
he has a fast bunch of the genus ball
lesser, and that they will manage to win
quite a few before the season is over.
He is not the man to make wild predic-
tions regarding the position in which the
local club will finish until he has had
opportunities to watch the men work un-
der varied conditions but it could be gath
cred from his conversation that he ex-
poets to see the Senators snugly ensconced
in fourth place or better when the sea-
son closes next fall.
Manager Lotus will at once establish
headquarters at Barton's, on Fifteenth
Street and will as rapidly as possible
gather up the loose ends of government.
He will visit the league park this morn
ing and the work of grading will be COM
menced either in the afternoon or to-
morrow. There is not much TO be done in
this respect. but Manager Lotus wants
the grounds in perfect condition to begin
the seasons training promptly on April l.
Mr.. Lotus was not, as expected, ac-
companied by Secretary Potter. They
intended TO meet in Chicago. but as LOT
tus, after receiving the telegram from
President Johnson. made a sudden change
in his plans. he telegraphed Mr.. Potter to
come direct to Washington from Detroit.
He is expected to arrive this morning.
Ryan, who will cover portion of the
outfield for the Senators, was also to
have come on with Manager Lotus but
failed TO make connection in Chicago. He
is also expected in day or so. Mana
ger Lotus is not looking for the players
until either Sunday or Monday. He did
not order them to report until April l,
and SO is not worried regarding their nom
appearance.
Plenty of Time to Train.
In reply to a question regarding the
ability of the men to get in shape in the
short space of time that will remain from
when they report to the opening game
April 23-Manager Lotus said that he had
no doubt but what the Senators would be
perfectly fit by that time. He said that
ii does not require seasoned ball player
over two weeks to get in condition, and
provided the weather is propitious Loft
tus is willing TO wager that he will have
the men feeling like two-year- olds a week
before the first league game.
Lotus had charge of the Chicago Ma
tionals last year and he said last night
that there was a rule then in that lea que
which prevented any team from assem-
bling its men before April l.
But by April 10, the date of the first
game, the teams in the National League
were in as good condition \; when we
used to leave for the South early N
March and spend thirty-fv or forty days
in training" he asserted.
Personally. the new arbiter of the SEN
atorial team is a man who will at once |
win the confidence of all with whom he !
comes in contact. He has a hearty, gen. |