Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-08-01
Of National League Clubs.

President Ban Johnson of the American
League gave out the following signed state
ment in Chicago last night:
1t may seem unreasonable to enter into
discussion at this time of a series of games
next fall between the champions OF the
American and National Leagues. The at
titude and declarations made by certain
club owners of the National League rela-
tive to the games makes it imperative that
the American League should clearly denne
it's position in the matter. In our enorts
to bring about such series Of games we
are not furthering any personal interests
but are striving solely to comply with
public demand
The series for the worlds championship
last fall awakened interest from the Allan
tic to the Pacific, and was productive OF
more good In It's advancement of the ma
tional game than anything that has happen
ed in years From surface indications it Is
apparent that the two clubs which are
factors in the National League pennant
race propose to dodge the issue. In their
laundering work they weigh lightly the fair
ness and intelligence of the patrons of our
great national sport. 1t was that disregard
of the public that brought the National
League and base ball in general to such a
low ebb in popular favor some five years
ago.
Unfriendly Actions.
Personalities should be thrown aside in a
controversy of this nature. but for the good
of base ball and in fairness to the American
League certain facts should be recited. Nc
Graw's accusation against the American
League and myself. president, are the
latest Of series Of vicious and unfriendly
actions toward our organization by John 7.
Brush.
No thoughtful patron of base ball can
weigh seriously the wild vapOrings of this
discredited player, who was canned out
Of the American League by its board Of
directors on the first of July. 1902. The true
caliber of the national club owner is dis
closed when he attempts to take refuge be-
hind such an irresponsible character as Nc
Graw. 1t is indeed loathesome bird that
befOwfs its own nest The Incidents of the
last fortnight prove, beyond fear of contra
diction. that there are two or three OF that
species in the National League.
1t is well to analyze McGraw's record in
the American League. In the midsummer
Of 1901. our first session as an expanded
organization. A. G. Spalding reported to us
that we had traitor in the camp who was
prepared to sell US out to the enemy. Brush
conhded the Information to Mr. Spalding
and asked for his sanction and support.
John McGraw, part owner Of thesBaltmore
club. was the traitor. The early disclosure
prevented for that season the attempted
disruption OF our league. The following
year McGraw sold out, boots and baggage,
to the opposition. and under cover of the
night skulked away to New York in COM
pany with John 7. Brush-the gentleman
who had acted as go-between in the dis
creditable transaction
In all my experience in base ball l can
safely say there never was such crowd of
foul-mouthed thugs as disgraced the Balti-
more club of 1901 and 1902 Umpire Can
tillon. in one of his reports said:
For his vile language and conduct in to-
days game McGraw should be banished
from professional base ball for all time"
1t was blessing to the American Lea que
when that crowd of incurables slipped oy er
the breastworks and fled to the camp Of
the enemy.