Omaha daily bee., 1903-01-25

several sections Of the agreement except
those In which they were personally in
terested. Two days we're spent in this
sort OF foolishness, and then both sides
prepared reports. when the final vote
came the majority report was adopted, the
Injunction suit az Philadelphia was dis
missed, and peace was established so far
as the big leagues are concerned. And
after he had voted against the peace to
the last, John 7. Brush came out Of the
room and smilingly said he was glad. But
he had done all in his power to prevent It.
why? Because be wanted to gain some
advantage over his associates, some con-
cession to offset what they vere all power
less to prevent, the invasion Of New York
by the American.
The American league invaded Chicago,
Boston, Philadelphia. st. Louis. without
asking consent Of the National; why should
that permission be needed for entry to
New York; The American league signed
star after star Of the National league list
Of players during the time Of war, and
had signed Keeler and Donovan; why
should 1T rescind its action in regard to
these two players and give them back to
Brooklyn? Every disputed player was
taken up individually at the peace con-
ference, and the merits Of each case we're
thoroughly gone into. In each instance
the award was made according TO the evi-
dence Of contracts. But Mr.. Ebbetts in
sinuates that his club had secret negotia-
tions under way with Kecler and Donovan.
and hoped to induce them to Jump back.
II permitted to carry these to conclu>
sion, he was willing to adopt the rule
to respect the reserve rule and players
contracts So also Mr. Brush II he
could have the American excluded from
New York he would agree TO the territorial
division. Patience at last was worn out.
and these self-seeking magnates were
plainly informed that other interests as
besides theirs were involved, and that they
could take it or leave it. and they took it.
1t is unnecessary to again 20 over the
numerous advantages that will accrue to
base Dall through this mutual understand
ing between the two big leagues. Nearly
il not quite all the evils that have been
endured by the game will be cured by It.
One OF the greatest is that It will again
give managers control of players. For al
least two years the good player has had the
manager at his mercy, and not a few have
taken advantage OF this condition Here
in the Western last summer we saw many
examples OF this. All summer long the
players of several Of the teams defied the
managers, and did pretty much as they
liked, merely because they could go to the
Hickey league or to the coast as they
elected. In the Hickey league 1t was the
same way. This time is now gone for the
player, and he will have to deliver the
goods II he gets the salary. In this the
public will be the chief gamer. People
will no longer pay their money to see
game Of ball turned into a farce by some
bumptious player who has concluded thai
he would rather loaf than play that day
Exhibitions of rowdyism, such as we hat
from Denver and Milwaukee, will not bt
given, fer the players now know that tn,
penalty for such work will not be a sof
berth with another team. In a word, dis
cipline in base ball has been re-established
That Cincinnati conference was certaini,
glorious thing for the game, no matter
from what angle 1t is viewed.
Down at Kansas City the Western helt
meeting that was more of a love feas
than anything else. Such harmony wal
never before exhibited in Western circles
as prevailed there. While no unexpected
action was taken, the proceedings Civ,
promise of busy season for the magnatei
and their men, Affairs of the league havl
been left in hands competent to guide an,
control and the prospect is for prosperit,
all along the line. Some of us had hope,
that steps toward peace with the Hickey
ties might be taken. but no move in thi
direction was made ofieially. George Te
beau was there with some private talks
but he was not before the meeting an,
made no proposition. 1t would have beel
good thing IL the teams at Kansas Cit,
and Milwaukee could have been ccnsoIi
dated, for IT is asking too much OF eithe
town to support two teams. Kansas Cit,
is far better qualified TO do this than 1
Milwaukee, but both leagues will gail
when they agree on a division Of territory
Under natural conditions Kansas City be
longs to the Western and Milwaukee to tn
American, and that is the way 1t ought L
be. Sioux City is willing and anxious I
come into the Western and the American
is eager to plant third team in Chicago
and the division OF territory suggested h
Papa Bill Rourke would easily solve thi
situation.
George Tebeau has been showing tn
Denver people his bogey man again. He /
threatening to bring suit against Packar
for possession Of the Denver franchise Il
the Western league, basing his claim o.
the proposition that in the first place h
did not sell to Packard. and that the Beal
deal was not in good faith. George has ap
parently forgotten the proceedings at tn
st. Joseph meeting Of the Western league
where he resigned as owner OF the Kansa
City franchise and was expelled from tn
league as owner OF the Denver franchise
His deal with Beall. Rhereby the Hickey
ties obtained control OF the Minneapoll
plant, Mr.. A. B. Beall banding the West