The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1905-06-06
PULIIAM'S STATEMENT
Says Brush Is Father of Law Upon
Which He Acted.

New York Sun Special Service
Boston. June 6.--The following is my state
ment regarding Judge Sheldons rulings In the
cases of McGraw and the New York club against
the president. of the National league:
81 am satisfied with the decision OF Judge
Sheldon in the case of John McGraw and the
New York ball club against the president Of the
National league and the National league umpires,
and propose to carry out Judge Sheldon's con-
struction of the Fleishmann resolution for the
preservation Of good order on the ballfeld and
the amendment to the said resolution adopted
by the National league on the motion of John T.
Brush, president Of the New York club, making
it mandatory Oh the part of the president OF the
league to fine any ball player removed from the
game by the umpire or suspended by the presl-
dent Of the league, the sum Of $40 for. every day
of such removal or suspension.
'The only reason I fined Mr.. McGraw $loO was
because of the existence of the Brush amendment
to the Fleischmann resolution. Had l acted
under the Fleischmann resolution, as 1T was IN
effect last year, I would not have fined Mr. Nc
Graw 81, but would have suspended him 1or
fifteen days. .-.. ..:- r
1.-THE operation of the Fleischmann resolution
was so successful turnout the seasons OF l9Oa
and 1904 that in December, 1904 1t was further
strengthened by an amendment urged by Mr..
Brush, adding to the presidents summary ana
mandatory powers with reference to the filming
and suspen sion Of players and mana gers.
II deeply regret that Mr.. Brush has seen ut to
repudiate his own legislation and seek relief In
the courts against the operation of his own law
Judge Sheldon distinctly stated that If Nc
Graw was guilty of the conduct charged, as de-
scribed by my counsel and as supported by W.
| C. Temple of Pittsburg, Pa, 1t would be dim
cult to see too severe a punishment could be
! imposed upon McGraw. He further declared tha'
he desired to do nothing that would aid McGra"
| in escaping from the consequences OF his con
Duct The Judge ruled that If McGraw was
guilty of the conduct described he ought to ht
| severely punished, but that under the law, hi
4 was entitled to rearing upon due and forma
notice before could pronounce him guilty.
| 'My action in this case was In strict accord
ance with the procedure have followed for tn
last three years. and up to this time 1T has neve
been questioned by player or club. FRAMING
| and interpreting the resolution and the amend
| 1nent. the league distinctly intended that thu
president should have the power to 1nfict sWlf
| and sure punishment for gross violence OF goot
order and decency on the baseball field. l con
sidered that formal hearing would involve con
siderable delay, owing to the wide territory GOV
cred by the league and the fact that the attend
ance of travelling players and distant witnesses
would be difficult to secure, and that this delay
would materially detract from the effect of thu
punishment. I have expelled playe
without giving him trial. but in cases where
the punishment was less severe, have never con
sidered formal trial necessary.
| "As president, I have never inflicted punish
ment upon any player without making a thor
| ard systematic Investigation Of the facts, as
did in this case. IS
What further action will be taken on my be
half in these cases depends entirely upon th
/, advice Of my counsel, Messrs. Charles NJ sher
man and James F. Bacon, in whose hands hav
placed my interests.
-. Ia, Harry G. Pulliam,
| E-.-t president National League