The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-12-08
JOHNSON WORRIED
ABOUT WASHINGTON
President Will Straighten
Up Affairs Here.
TALK OF CONSOLIDATION
Rival Leagues May Eventually Consoh-
date-Ned HanlOn Mentioned for
the Local Club.

When the baseball magnates Of the
National League convene at the Vic
toria Hotel in New York today for their
annual meeting, they viii be surprised
to learn no doubt that their great rival.
the American League, has a coup on
hand Of big proportions In Washington.
1t is the aim of the American League
men to bolster up its affairs in this city
prior 10 the believed inevitable COM
binatiOn with the National League look
ing to the formation Of twelve club
circuit.
Hanlon as Manager.
How would Edward Hanlon, former
manager Of the champion Baltimores
and at present m ager of the Brook
lyns, at in as tn owner and manager
of the Washington American League
Cluo? This is not an idle question. but
il may be said-that the plan has been
discussed by several of the biggest men
in the American League, with the re-
suit that a definite proposition of some
sort may be made to Hanlon at any mo-
ment
Those of the American League who
want HanlOn say il would be a paying
venture 10 give him the Washington
club. lock. stock, and barrel, gratis
Washington has never had a winner,
and with HanloE in control here the
argument is set forth. the American
League would strengthen its weakest
point. Hanlon he's been receiving a sal
airy Of S12.5o0 a year from the Brooklyn
club. IN which he holds 10 per cent Of
the stock, but he is not under a written
contract
He has often cast longing eyes at
this city. Hanlon is a farseeing base,
ball politician. and it is safe to say that
he realizes that a general combine Of
baseball interests will come just sc
sure as the sun rises and sets.
Consolidation Likely.
There is tangible evidence. for tha,
matter that there is an open desire ia
some quarters for a twelve-club circuit.
Both sides have declared against II. But
magnates are fond Of making denials
The Robisons Of St. Louis, for in.
stance. are heart and soul in favor OF
a consolidation. In a recent interview
Stanley Robson said. with emphasis.
a twelve-club circuit has got t.
come. We are ready TO do business or
that scale in St Louis. The two clubs
in Chicago and Philadelphia understand
each ether. In Boston SOden & Co
have lest S1O0, 900 and have no chance
10 recoup unless they sell out. IN New,
York the coming club is Frank Farrell :
Americans he has made many warm
friends among National League men,
and viii be taken care of. Look out for
some doings before another year,
One Of the prominent baseball men
said that Garry Herman of Cincin,
1ati had a perfect understanding with
To of hrs I r-srs.
on the consolidation question. and that
the only recalcitrant was Dreyfuss Of
Pittsburg. This man said that at the
needing IN New York today while
everything would be smooth on the sur
face, there would be more or less con-
solidation talk.
Incidentally. the National Leaguers
are beginning 10 wonder why the at
temps TO cut streets through the New
York American League grounds were
not successful. They are gradually
forming the opinion that the New York
Americans are now more firmly in
trenched than they had been led to
believe. and that with the operation Of
the subway next year and a schedule
which viii permit the Americans to
open the season at home for long
stretch OF games will serve 10 change
ing has been increased from 100000 TO
500, 900.
There can be no question OF doubt that
Brush is in the minority in the councils
OF the National League. Several mag
mates. notably Hart and Robson, do
not speak TO him. His action il the
Davis and Elberfeld cases has not been
forgotten, and instead Of a dictator, as
IN the days gone by. he Is now com
PEELED 10 bend the knee 70 the VIII OF
the majority. even though his club made
nearly $4,000 last season. Brush, how
ever. ridioules the consolidation plan
and believes his position IS unassail-
able. He has a winning ball club and
grounds and is confident that nobody
can deprive him Of these valuable as
sets.
National Season Profitable.
With the gathering Of the magnates
comes the announcement that perfect
harmony reigns within the ranks, and
that the comparatively small debt of
s. 900 remains 70 be paid on. The mag
mates began 10 arrive in New York yes
terday At this meeting the routine
hcers, including a new board Of di-
rectors, the appointment Of commit
tee on rules, and a schedule committee
Harry Pulliam Will probably be re-
elected president.
Much talk has beer ---c ABORT
plan 70 abolish the fCl. rike rule, but
Il is probable that the Nationals vii.
make no change.