The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-10-27
NATIONAL COMMISSION
BIG LEAGUES RIGHTS MADE
 ABSOLUTE. n
Drafting Process Makes Minor Leagues Cut Very Small Figure. Wrigley and Montgomery Both
 Go to Chicago American

Cincinnati Oct. 26.-The National Base bah Commission, with Chairman. August Hermann, Secretary J. E. Bruce, Harry c. Pulliam, President of the National League, and Ban Johnson. President of the American League present, was in session here all day, and adjourned to- night without taking action on the cases of Ambrose Putname, John Hickey, E. S. Quick, Arthur Devlin, Charles Jones, Gus Dundon, O. J. Ferry. Mcintyre, John J: Dillon. P. J. Donovan. McPherson and Perry and MT, Laudenslager.
 Among those who appeared before the Commission during the day were Presl- dent P. T. Powers and Secretary J. H. Farrell, of the new Association of Minor Leagues; H. W. Lucas, President of the Pacific League; T. H. Murname, Presi- dent sof the New England League, and M. P. Sexton, President of the Western League. The most important work of the day was the decision establishing the ab- solute right of the major leagues to draft players from the minor leagues, and wAen this matter was settled 1t carried with it results affecting most of the twenty one contestants presented for players. The claims for August Dorner drafted by Cleveland from Columbus, and claimed by Decatur, were withdrawn.
 Regarding the contention of the com mtttee representing the National Associa- tton relative to sales agreements, pur- ehases and contracts for and with play CTS for 1904, made prior to September IS, 1903. the following announcement was made:
 Tt is contended by Messrs. Powers, that represented the National Association when the national agreement was adopted that all sales, agreements, purchases and contracts for and with players for 1904 by club members of said Association made prior to September H. 1903, the day of the adoption of the new agreement are binding and cannot be disturbed; and that Article 6, Section $, of the nltional agree ment providing for the drafting of play CTS. does not apply in these cases.
 The members of the Commission are of the unanimous opinion that the conten- ton of the committee. of National Asso- ciation with respect to this matter is not Justified by any provision \of the new agreement, nor by any action of the rep resentatives of either party to 1t. during its discussion at Buffalo and. Cincinnati, previous to it's. final adoption
 Section 6-The right of a minor league club to Its players shall be absolute, ex- cept that from September 1st to October 18th "f each year, major league clubs shall have the privilege of selecting play CTS from the new Associate clubs for the following year. etc.
 From this section it will be seen that from September to October 15 each year. the title of every minor league club to its players is qualified and that any major league club has a positive right to draft any minor league player, providing the conditions of the above section are ad- hered to. "
 Our finding is that the drafting of play CTS during the prescribed term must take precedence over everything and that in all instances where players have been drafted during the drafting period and all of the conditions of Section G. Article G. complied with. the players belong to the clubs by whom drafted.
 We find therefore that the following players In addition to those about whom there is no dispute have been regularly sfEn z lad 1nt 4. AN-. ment. and all conditions complied with and belong to the clubs by whom drafted
 Champ Osteen, awarded to Washington Club. American Eeague.
 Ed. A. Walsh. awarded to Chicago American League.
 Thomas Jones. awarded to St. Louis American League. '
 James Dclahenty. awarded to Boston National Lea que. Albert Jacobson. awarded to Washing. ton Americen League Fred c. RaYmer, awarded to Bostor National League.
 George Wrigley. awarded to Chlca gC American League.
 - Fisher. awarded to Boston Ma tiona. League
 Roy Montgomery awarded to Chicago American League.
 Tom Dougherty awarded to Chicago American leagVe.
 Joseph Bean, awarded to Pittsburg Ma tional League.
 And all other players which have beer drafted under the terms or the new agree rent in compliance with the conditions of Article 6, Section 6. are hereby award ed to their respective clubs so drafting them. We also recommend that a copy of thi: | finding hn sent to the President of tho American League. the Pr ei1nNt of trt National League and to J. H. Farrell Secretary of the N7tional. Aes0c'a ton. | Harry Pulliam. | B. B. Johnson. Aug. Hermann, Commissioners.