The Washington times., 1903-12-12
1t Is Reported That Cincin-
natl and Pittsburg Will
Jump National and Join
American League.
Detroit Also to Be Forced
Out = Johnson's Queer
Actions While Here Make
Story Seem Plausible.

NEW YORK. Dec. 12.-President John
son, OF the American League. was in
town all OF yesterday. closeted with
Frank J. Farrell. Of the New York
club. a greater part Of the time John
son had very little to say for publica-
ton. and expressed surprise that
the National League men had decided
to lengthen their playing season with
a view TO ending the games with the
American League He leaves here to-
day for Chicago. where the Americans
Will hold their annual fail meeting next
Thursday
Several National League men remain
ed in town, and were busy discussing a
story that leaked out late on Thursday
night 1t involves a reported secret
agreement reached a few weeks ago. TO
which. it is said. Garry Hermann. of
Cincinnati. Barney Dreyfuss, OF Pitts
burg, and Ban johnson were parties.
looking to the transfer of the Cincinnati
and Pittsburg clubs from the NATIONAL
10 the American League.
National League in Peril.
1t appears that at one of the meetings
Of the National baseball commission in
the West. Hermann Informed Johnson
that the National League outlook was
dubious. and that he wanted to have
his investments. Herman went so far
as TO tell Johnson, so the yarn GOES
that he had put $4,000 in the Philadel-
phia Club. and had advanced 81 600 To
the St. Louis Club I'm return for stock
which he pronounced not worth 30 cents
a share Hermann decared that In his
opinion unless the St. Louis Club got
$4,000 more to tide over the winter ex-
penses. It would probably go into the
hands of receiver.
Hermann declared to johnson. it Is
stated, that he did not care to nut mn
announcer dollar, and had little hope OF
setting back what he invested when
Rogers and Reach were bought ont
Furthermore, Hermann is reported To
have said that the New York, Boston.
brooklyn, and Chicago clubs had re-
fused TO contribute a dollar to the SUD-
port OF Philadelphia and st Louis. and
tnat Tor that matter COnant of Boston
Is already AT odds with his partners
Scoen and Billings. as to the advisable
ity of selling out before they lose more
money
Hermann and Johnson have been fast
friends for years, and the latter, after
listening 70 the tale, so rumor has il
informed Hermann that the American
--0tAeLC NA0 iol Wish 70 violate the
peace agreement. but that personaIlv
he was anxious to help Garry out Of
his dilemma. il possible. As a result.
Hermann iRtimated that the Cincinnati
club would like to have a place in the
American League, and also declared
that there was nothing 20 prevent him
from leaving the National League ranks.
hermann also stated that his friend.
Dreyfuss OF Pittsburg. was tired of put
ting up money to help out losers, and
also saw more revenue in PLAYING
against the stronger American League
teams.
Washington to Be Dropped.
Hermann. IL Is said. guaranteed TO
get Dreyfuss in line. in spite of the lat
ter's differences with Johnson. and the
wires began TO work The story goes
on 10 say that Johnson was ready to do
business by dropping both Detroit and
Washington. letting Cincinnati into the
Western end of the American League
and Pittsburg into the Eastern. Things
were going along nicely when somebody
let out few hints which reached the
meeting Of the National League at the
Victoria Hotel. There II was that Herr
mann was asked TO show his hand. and
as the sky was not clear he was openly
rebuked when the majority of delegates
refused 70 elect him 90 any Of the
leagues Offices
Yesterday morning the statement was
made that Hermann and Dreyfuss have
decided to remain together and thar
they will be the means Of breaking up
the National League circuit. Herr
mann's baseball partners in Gin
cinnau are Mayor julius Fleisch-
mann and George B. Cox. Mayor
Fleischmann was formerly the racing
partner Of Frank Farrell. owner of the
New York Americans, and they are still
warm friends A well-known National
League man had a long talk with Far
reH the other night advocating consol-
1caton- When asked about his alleged
understanding with Hermann and
Dreyfnss yesterday. Ban Johnson re-
FUSED 70 discuss the matter in any way.
This story sounds plausible. when the
queer actions Of Ban johnson, while
here. are taken into consideration. He
refused 10 give out any information in
regard 10 the club, other than he had
signed several new players for next sea
son. and that either Lave Cross or
Jimmy Manning would probably manage
the team.
The Washington team has lost money
80 N4AS PaSN NHO SedbonS- II mas been
heavy burden on Johnson's shoulders.
so has Detroit. The two cities are al
present the only teams In the circuit
giving him trouble Why should ne
not drop them in favor of Pittsburg
and Cincinnati?
Il is true that Washington is a good
oall town, with a fair team, but IL
VIII require a lot OF money to build
Up a good aggregation OF ball play
ers, and no one seems ready to come
70 the front with a fiattering offer for
the franchise.
II Washington continues 10 remain IN
the background, the American League
something like $1,000. and spend money
Tor new players