The Washington times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1902-1939, 1903-12-15

ago seems incredulOuS. IN view OF the
fact that last fall he personally told the
sporting editor Of The Times. Manning
don't know how 20 manage his books.
His finances should Lave been much
better than they were. He ran the team
regardless Of expense" It had been
reported before that Ban ousted Man
ming out OF washington, but this is not
so.
Johnson's Diplomacy.
Ban is a diplomat These were war
times when he made this statement
against Manning. Salaries scared and
few teams made any money. Capitalists
were wary about investing their money
in baseball II was the first season Of
the American League. under the regime
of an Eastern League president Sue
cess for. the league meant success for
johnson. Chances for its success at
first were not bright. II Ban could have
gotten a man willing to risk his money
he would have done so. he did. He
got Postal. Postal is an influential man
in Detroit. his home. and has a good
deal Of money. He was anxious 10 break
into baseball. and had been tempered
with by the National League, but Ban
got busy and secured him before the
National people could succeed in doing
so. Therefore when Postal and Manning
had a disagreement IL would not do for
Ban 10 side with the latter for fear OF
losing the hen thatslaid the golden egg.
Manning was engaged only TO look
after the playing department and the
erection Of new stands. A man named
30 Neeham a conservative financier OF
Detroit. was engaged 10 look after the
financial end Of the club. Shortly be-
fore the season began 30 Neeham con-
tracted Bright's disease and after few
games Of the schedule had been played.
died at the Garfield Hospital His sue
cessor was never appointed, and Jimmy
Manning took up his work This made
the new managers task too heavy. he
had to look after the players. the
financial end OF the club. had TO enact
the role Of treasurer. keep an eye on
his own men for fear the National
League would grab some of them. and
watch his opportunity to steal players
from the rival organization. In addi-
tion 70 his many troubles he was To-
Gated in a town which had not had
ball teams in two years.
Manning's Good Work.
In spite Of this. he was the first Amer
ranl-s Of the National League and Sc
cure players. and good ones. too They
were Delehanty. the premier batsman Of
the country; Wolvertcn. one Of the best
third basemen; Orth. rated as one Of
the most reliable twirlers. and Town
send. who led the National League
pitchers. In those days players came
high. but the price paid for them BY
Manning was not 6xorbitauf
After paying out advance money to
these men, Manning was a tride shy
and when Postal came on 10 look after
the affairs Of the club. he was not at all
pleased because he had not made money
On the day Manning disposed OF his
stock ne and the sporting editor Of The
Times were together all morning. and in
speaking over the outlook for next sea-
son Manning expressed himself as much
pleased saying: II think l will have the
distinction OF managing the first Wash
irgton club TO land in first division"
Trouble With Postal.
The same night, when Postal and Man
ming were closeted together. Postal ex-
pressed himself as dissatisfied with the
financial standing OF the club Manning.
who IS sensitive. replied that II Postal
was willing to let him be manager. sec
rotary bootblack, and 50 forth. without
any help whatever, and then kick when
= he had invested what little profit the
team made in good players-or something
10 that effect-ended by declaring. Il
won't manage your. team" He imme-
diately sold his holdings to Postal, de-
parted for his home in Kansas City,
and has not been back to Washington
since.
Anent Lave Cross, the deal for him is
still pending. II he can be obtained, It
is probable that he viii be made cap
tain. and Manning manager, II the latter
can be Induced to take charge once