The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-01-10
HARMONY DOMINATES
MEETING OF RIVALS
Baseball Magnates in Cincin-
natl Make Good Start.
PEACE is ALMOST CERTAIN
Indications Point to an Agreement -
Prevent Contract Jumping-Play-
ers Must Be Good in Future.

CINCINNATI. Jan. 10--Indications are
hat before the peace conference ad-
!ourns harmony Will prevail between the
National and American Leagues No
news 10 this effect was given out, but it
Is TO be inferred from the remarks Of
members of the conference that q good
start has been made
The committee consists Of four mem
bers each. That from the National
League is composed Of Messrs. Hermann,
Robson, Hart and PulIiam. and the
American League IS represented by
Messrs. Johnson, .KIHlea, Comiskey. and
SomeTs. President Dreyfuss. of the Pitts
burg Club, is here, but is spending his
time in the lobby of the S.. Nicholas
Hotel, where the conference is being
held.
Contract Jumpers.
It is evident, however, that what shall
be done with the players who have
Jumped from one league to the other viii
not form the barrier TO peace that was
expected. On that point there seems to
te an understanding already.
It is likely that the conference VIII
IgTee to close the books up TO the time
hat the peace conference was suggested.
any club which signed players before
that time viii keep them, and those who
have signed since may be asked TO return
to the clubs from which they jumped
The circuit question has not been invesd-
gated TO any extent, and it is the opinion
Of the magnates that this matter may re-
quire a great deal of diplomatic hand
ling. It is not believed that it viii
cause a hitch in the negotiations.
The best of feeling seems to exist
between the two committees - said Pres
ldent Hermann, ''snd that certainly is
worth something We are all on good
terms and both sides are expressing
candid opinions. In this way we expect
to get at the right way 10 settle this
var. It may be that we viii be in session
here for several days. for there are many
things 20 be considered"
Ban Johnson Optimistic.
President Ban Johnson. OF the Ameri-
can League, took a similar view OF the
situation
We are doing nothing but sitting
said he. I'VE want 70 get at the ques-
tioUs which need our attention most /
don't care to say what the outcome win
be, for we have not gone into the matter
deep enough as yet. But on the surface
Everything looks well to me-"
Whether or not there viii be changes
IL the circuit made is not apparent. Il
S more likely that during the present
season the two leagues viii go through
heir campaigns as they did last, only
there will be an agreement which win
stop the jumping of players. One thing
is certain. there viii be two leagues.
It is generally conceded by all that
the conference ---ouId complete lis work
tonight, and this was generally inter
preted TO indicate that the conferees
were really getting together on the
principal terms that would enter into a
peace agreement Il is even stated that
drafts OF such an agreement have been
drawn up and presented.
Chairman Hermann left the St Mich
olas soon after the meeting yesterday 20
meet George B. Cox and the FIeischmana
brothers. who are associated with him
in the ownership of the Cincinnati cIuD.
Dreyfuss Joined PulIiam. Robson, Hart,
and other National League men in a
conference at the St. Nicholas, while
Hedges went with johnson, KUIiIea.
somers, and Comiskey back to the Grand
Hotel. where other American League
men awaited them.