The Montgomery advertiser., 1902-12-02
FRANK, WHISTLER AND
 GILKS IN MONTGOMERY
They Came to View the Situation and Announce
 That They are Going to Win Out

ton last night Frank said in talking about lis league that besides General Carnes he had forty-two responsible business men of Memphis either with him directly or in sympathy with his plans. His league, he said, was in the same position that the American Association was before 1t joined the National Association. The American Association had won it's fight, he said. and he firmly believed that his league would win the fight in the South. St. Vrain about whom all the unpleasant ness originated, has signed contract for next season with Indianapolis, National Association club, his salary being $50 a month higher. Frank said that he paid St. Vrain $250 a month and that his con tract with Indianapolis calls for $400 a month.
 Now. just what will be the end of all this would require the services of man built on the plan of several Solomons to figure out. The old Southern League has the advantage of being a member of an organization that virtually controls the minor league baseball situation of the United States, protection for their players naturally being given them. Then again the Newmans who control the street car lines in New Orleans. Atlanta, Birming- ham and Nashville are back of the old league and J. c. White and Company are back of it in Montgomery. On the other hand. General Carnes of Memphis has an- nounced that he will see the new league through or go broke and he is said to hNc AHdHCldl dSSOCldIeS all tHe way through to New Orleans.
 It will undoubtedly be one of the most bitter baseball fights that this country has seen since the fight between the Ma which was fight for the major league supremacy of the United States.
 This baseball fight fin the South Is ex- tremely unfortunate. It will undoubtedly be the survival of the Attest and the re- suit may be the death blow of profess sional baseball in this section. Some ter rible blows, almost vital in their effects, have been dealt the national game in Montgomery and this section of the South in the last few years and the sport is just now getting back on a respectable basis. To say the least of 1t, 1t is un- fortunate that this state of affairs has been created, but 1t looks like the fight will only end when the last drop of life blood ooZes from-whom?
 Squire Brown.
 Birmingham, Dec. 1.-(Special)-W. C. Pi2kens, who has the Birmingham fran League, this morning stated that he had let the contract for the erection of a big grand stand, Dleachers and other neces- sary work about the ball park which will be used by the new cub. He states that the grand stand will be large and com fortable and that the patrons will find every accommodation. The park is to be located on Eighth Avenue, almost in the utdEl Ol lHe CIty, ana MT. f1CKenS says he is assured of all the street railway facilities that can be needed He asserts that the regular service by the park Is almost sufficient and that the street rail- way company would hardly cut off it's own nose to spoil its face. The work on the park, including fence grand stand bleachers, etc, will begin at once The formation of local company is now be- ing considered by MT. Pickens who ap- pears to have good financial backing He declares cmphatically that he means busi- ness, and that the new league is a sure go. talks of compromise to the contrary notwithstanding.
 Mobile, Dec. 1.-(Special) )-Abner Pow ell. the Southern League magnate. ar rived here yesterday from Montgomery and was seen by your correspondent. He was feeling jubilant as to the outlook for the ceming season. He had nothing to say as to Franks league.
 The local management of Mobiles club of the Southern League stated that he was somewhat surprised as the action of Gilks who had been taken in as a part owner of the club. His going over to the opposition, if the news be correct will not affect the team here. Gilks had all ready signed number of players for Mobile. which will be claimed It is mooted about that Honest Johh'' Kelly will be asked to take hold of the man. agement If he does not accept he will at least, be interested in the welfare of the club.