The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1907-07-09

Probably the most lengthy. as well as
the warmest, finding ever handed down
by the national commission has Just been
made public.
Chairman Hermann and Member Pull
liam, from the National League, IN
majority report refused to reopen the case
Of Jake Stahl against his sale from the
Washington club to the Chicago club. and
President Johnson. from the American
League. not only handed in a minority
report, but filed it with ridicule OF the
commission. and used about as strong
language in il as would stand in print.
The whole case was based upon one
sentence in which the commission said
that it desired" first. that the case be
settled between the Washington club and
Mr.. Stahl IN a satisfactory manner to
both parties. In the second clause It
says that IL this cannot be accomplished,
then the Washington club shall have tho
power TO sell Stahl
IN the evidence It was shown that the
first clause is not mandatory. but that
the Washington club did correspond with
the player. but was unable to effect any
agreement with him and took the second
part OF the statement and sold him to Chi
cago.
In a previous finding the commission
had stated that Stahls rights must be
considered. as well as the Washington
clubs, but the commission decided that
the Washington club was perfectly right
in its stand taken and in selling the
player after he had been consulted.
johnson Says Things.
Then Mr.. Johnson stepped into the
limelight and said few things that are
tinged wi5A facts, sarcasm. and ridicule.
In his statement he says that the COM
mission makes a statement that Nr. stahl
had no right to judge as to what the
commission meant when it used the word
desire" in regard 10 the amlcable settle
ment. Here Mr.. Johnson makes his first
onslaught by saying that it is hardly pos
sible for Mr.. Stahl 70 do anything advan-
tage0us % himself when the commission
deliberately gives him certain rights in
one finding and IN the next decides that
he had no reason whatever to coustrue
them as rights
The Washington club made no effort
20 satisfy the players wishes. as was
specifically stated Il was the desire OF
the commission, and Mr.. Johnson con-
tinues: 1T deliberately disregarded the
opinion Of the commission II laughed
at the commission. Tt made sport Of the
decision. II it were the
intention OF the commission in It's former
opinion. 10 juggle with words 20 perform
sleight Of hand with the rights OF the
player TO face both ways at the same
time, TO decide IN favor Of both parties
on the same decision. then the majority
Of the commission has properly carried
out this idea in its present decision.
But, il il We're the intention of the
in the former decision 10
hold that the Washington club had con-
ceded 10 the player, Stahl, certain rights.
which they cannot recall without his con
sent then in my opinion. the present
decision Of the majority Of the commits
sion is mere farce.
Long TIrade.
Il believe in holding up the rights Of
the clubs. I believe also in holding up
the rights Of the players. It cannot
VIC tAAtNltu tilal cream sport Will pre-
vail in ball circles, If clubs. aided by
the national commission. are permitted
to violate rights which they have con-
oeded, and override decisions Of the com
mission which have been announced. The
decision of a majority Of the commission
Is notice that ball players have no rights
which viii be actually secured by the
national commission.
True, the national commission will
issue opinions that the players have
rights but they VIII not secure those
rights to the players. but will back wa
ter in subsequent decisions. The best
interests Of baseball circles viii be OBJ
tanned by enforcing the rights Of both
the players and the clubs If the PLAYERS
are mado 10 feel that the commission.
in its decisions. is controlled mainly By
the interests OF the club owners. this will
have bad influence upon ball players.
In my opinion, the Washington club.
having made no effort TO adjust with
player Stahl the matter in dispute. and
having made no effort to arrange for
Stahrs release or exchange with another
club which would be satisfactory TO him,
the player, Stahl, is entitled TO have the
place a price on his uncon-