Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-06-06
PULLIAM'S STATEMENT.
Brush Criticised for Throwing Down
His Own Rule.

The following is President Pulliam's state
ment regarding Judge Sheldon's ruling in
the cases Of McGraw and the New York
club against the president Of the National
League, issued in Boston last evening:
II am satisfied with the decision Of Judge
Sheldon in the case Of John McGraw and
the New York Base Ball Club against the
president Of the National League and the
National League umpires, and propose to
carry out Judge Sheldons construction Of
the Fleischmann resolution for the preser-
walton Of good order on the ball field and
the amendment to the said resolution
adopted by the National League on the mo-
ton of John T. Brush, president Of the New
York club, making 1t mandatory on the
part Of the president of the league to fine
any ball player removed from the game by
the umpire or suspended by the president
of the league the sum Of $40 for every day
Of such removal or suspension.
The only reason fined Mr.. McGraw $50
was because Of the existence Of the Brush
amendment to the Fleischmann resolution
Had acted under the Fleischmann resolu-
ton alone as 1t was in effect last year
would not have fined Mr.. McGraw one dol
lar but would have suspended him fifteen
days
THE operation of the Fleischmann reso-
luton was SO successful throughout the
seasons Of 1903 and 1904 that in December
4oVf, IL WAS luTtn6E StTenS1neleQ Dy an
amendment urged by Mr.. Brush adding to
the presidents summary and mandatory
powers with reference to the filming and sus-
pension or players and managers. deeply
regret that Mr.. Brush has seen fit to repu-
date his own legislation and seek relief in
the courts against the operation of his own
law. Judge Sheldon distinctly stated that
IL McGraw was guilty Of the conduct
charged, as described by my counsel and as
supported by w. c. Temple OF Pittsburg it
would be difficult to see how too severe
punishment could be imposed upon McGraw.
He further declared that he desired to
do nothing that would aid McGraw In
escaping from the consequences Of his con-
duct. The Judge ruled that II McGraw was
guilty of the conduct described he ought to
be severely punished. but that under the
law he was entitled to hearing upon due
and formal notice. before could pronounce
him guilty.
My action in this case was in strict &C
cordance with the procedure have fol-
lowed for the last three years, and up to
this time 1t has never been questioned by
player or club. In framing and interpreting
the resolution and the amendment the
league distinctly intended that the presi-
dent should have the power to inflict swift
and sure punishment for gross violence of
good order and decency on the base ball
field. considered that formal hearing
would Involve considerable delay owing to
the wide territory covered by the league and
the fact that the attendance OF travelling
piayeis anu INSTANT witnesses would De
dinicult to secure, and that this delay would
materially detract from the effect of the
punishment. / have never expelled a player
without giving him q trial, but In cases
where the punishment was less severe /
have never considered formal trial neces-
sary. As president l have never inflicted
punishment upon any player without maxi
ing thorough and systematic investiga-
ton of the facts, as l did in this case.
What further action will be taken on my
behalf In these cases depends entirely upon
the advice of my counsel Charles NJ Sher-
man and James F. Bacon of the fremont
building, In whose hands have placed my
interests"