The Washington herald., 1907-03-02


play first base next season seems to be
as uncertain as it was some time ago.
when The Herald exclusively announced
that Stahl would retire from the game
rather than return 20 this city.
The above telegram. received last
night, shows that the former leader has
not changed in the least from the stand
which he took when he was deposed as
manager.
At the Chicago meeting OF the Ameri-
can League Stahl said that he had re-
eeived a large salary last season, and
as there was likely to be big slice be
fore another contract was offered to him,
he would prefer TO be traded rather than
play in Washington.
Every effort was made TO put through
a deal at the New York c0nfab last week.
but as the other clubs realized that
Stahl would not play here another sea
son they felt that Washington would
be willing to sacrifice the player. and
nothing attractive was received in the
way of an offer to trade Boston was
willing 10 swap Grimshaw for Stahl, but
Canrnon refused TO entertain such a
proposition.
In the meantime Cantillon sent Stahl
a contract calling for 5000 which is one
Of the largest salaries paid in baseball.
Jake took the matter under Amusement,
and the above Telegram is probably his
final decision in the matter.
Realizing that Washington would make
every effort TO compel him to play. Stahi
is placing himself in an independent posi-
ton. as he has entered the offices Of a
typewriter manufacturing company and,
according TO reports from the Windy
City. has been a decided success IN his
latest venture.
There is little doubt that Stahl's deter
mination TO retire rather than play in
Washington is the result Of the senseless
personal criticism which was hcaped on
the player last year After he had failed
10 make an especially favorable impress
sion in Boston. Stahl came to Washington
and was the sensation OF the season. He
Ves q particular favorite of Ban Johnson.
and. despite the fact that be had hardly
made good In the professional ranks, had
little experience except at college. ami
was one Of the youngest members Of th@
club. he was made manager.
Thanks 20 the splendid condition Of the
pitching staff during April two years ago,
the Nationals gallopcd into the lead At
the beginning Of the season. As soon as
the other clubs commenced 70 strike their
proper stride they soon overlook Wash
iugton. and the club settled back into the
second division. Last season the team
was never a real factor in the American
League race and soon got into seventh
place, a position IL was able 10 hold Ire
cause Of the remarkable reversal Of form
OF Boston.
While the combination Of circumstances
kept Washington in the ruck, Stahl was
iiayed FOR the failure OF the club. his own
PLAYING was affected. and finally his
health got bad and he was in no shape
70 do either himself or the team justice.
To those who know him well. Jake
Stahl Is one OF the cleanest-cut ath-
Ietes that ever wore a spiked shoe. and
< was expected that next season, with
the great responsibility off his shoulders.
he would be a highly valuable player;
but now that he has come out flat-fOOted
and stated positively that he is done with
the local club. Cantllon will have TO hus-
tie for a first baseman.
Cantillon complaining about the figures
IN his new contract and asking for a
raise OF several hundred dollars. As
there wue nothing sensational about his
work last season, Kitson's request will
probably be refused and he viii be or
lered 10 report at Chicago and show.
by his work in the exhibition series and
in the early championship games, that
he should be retained on the Washing
ton payroll.
Now that Cleveland has obtained
| O'Brien as general utility man. there is
little probability that George Nil will
be traded to the Maps. CantllIon has
/ practically decided to retain Harry
Schaf1y as handy man for the Nationals
so Nil viii be transferred TO some other
club. although no such deal is likely to
be put through until the squad returns
from its training trip
Cantinon had another long talk with
Tom Hughes the other day on the sub
| jet of being good next summer. No
temperance clause has been inserted in
the elongated twirler's contract, but he
/ has given his new chief his solemn
promise that he will tread the straight
and narrow throughout the champion
/ ship campaign.
! "A representative Of The Herald leaves
! for Galveston to-day. and he Will remain
with the team during the training trip
sending each day TO local fandOm all the
news about Joe Cantillon and his banG
/ Of reorganized Nationals
Hunter Hin. who was dropped by Wash
! ingtOn to make way for Lave Cross, has
been released by Buffalo to Montreal The
Texans lame hip. which troubled him while
he was with the Nationals. Handicapped
him so much last season that the Buffalo
owners decided not to take chance thi!
year. and they have made arrangement
to get COrcOran. who was drafted by De
troit. to cover third base.
A squad of Boston American players. il
charge of Manager Chick Stahl. stoppet
off in Washington yesterday Afternoon
for a few minutes. The players are OF
their way to Little Rock. Accompanying
/ the team were Jake Morse, of the Boston
Herald. and Tim Murnane, OF the Boston
Globe. The party will arrive in Littl'
Rock tomorrow and viii spend three
weeks in practice before starting series
of exhibition games.
Fancy Skating Exhibitions.
/ Prof. A. p. Demers. champion fame!
and trick roller skater of the world, vii
be at the Convention Hall rink Monday
| Tuesday. and Wednesday nights to NEE
/ al competitors for his title. Since hi
/ first exhibition, in 1873. Prof Demers ina.
! figured in 5.0O0 exhibitions and competi