The Washington herald., 1908-02-24
OUTLAW TEAM HERE
Union League Will Put Ball
Club in Washington.
INTENDS TO BUILD GROUNDS
President Lawson Has Obtained
Three sites for Ball Park, and Deal
Is Likely ia BE Closed Within a
Week-TO Arrange Dates Not 10
Conflict with National Games.

Washington win be invaded this year
by an outlaw baseball league
Defying the national commission. the
most powerful tribunal IN baseball. the
Union League win place a club in this
city and compete with the American
League for the patronage Of local fans.
Two months ago a scout visited here 10
look over the general situation He con-
suited several baseball men. tut when
he left without making any announce
ment Of the probable plans. il WIS gen.
orally believed that the league had de-
eided 70 give Up the idea OF coming here.
About ten days ago President Alfred
W. Lawson. OF the Union League. drop
ped into town. and while he admitted
that he had not given up hope Of getting
team here, he was tod BY parties he
saw that It was practically out Of the
question 10 get a site for BAH park.
Options ON Grounds.
It developed yesterday. however. that
President Lawson spent the greater part
Of last saturday with certain real estate
men with whom he had been in COM
munication for more than week. The
most difficult feature Of the whole project
has been the selection OF a suitable tract
OF land; but, while all OF the realty deal
ers with whom President Lawson talked
refuse to say anything about Saturday s
conference. 1t is known that the Union
League official obtained prices and op-
tons on at least three sites.
As large degree OF the success Of the
whole enterprise depends upon the locs-
tion of the grounds. this factor Of the
invasion is uppermost in the mind OF
President Lawson. although deal for
one Of the three places VIII likely be
closed within week Size OF the grounds,
locations for grand stand and bleaehers.
and accessibility to residential and busi-
ness centers are matters of utmost i'm
portance in the selection of site.
AsI1x for Long Lease.
1t is known that President Lawson re-
fused TO entertain any proposition that
did not include a provision of a five-year
contract with the privilege of purchasing
the property AZ the expiration of the
lease. This would Indicate that when
the Union League gets a foothoId it viii
be with the intention of remaining here
permanentlr.
That the Union League, believes that a
winning team in Washington would prove
a successful financial venture was shown
at the first meeting in Philadelphia IN
December. when Washington was included
in the tentative circuit but was later
dropped after E. C. Landgrath had failed
to exercise his option for a franchise for
this city. SO far as known. Landgrath has
not been here since the first meeting OF
the league. but Fred Paige spent a day
here in December He has not been back
since. as he was unable to locate any
vacant ground large enough for a ball
park
When the other promoters dropped the
matter President Lawson took charge.
and he has been so energetic that he is
prepared to place a team here for the
coming season. providing grounds can be
completed by the first of May. which has
been decided upon as the opening day of
the championship season in the outlaw
league.
As President Lawson has personally
directed the campaign to invade this city,
it is supposed that all details have been
completed in regard 20 a franchise, al
though nothing has been learned about
the probable personnel Of the team which
IS 70 represent Washington
Itis said that local capital win he a big
factor in financing the new club. as Pres
Continued on Page 5, Column G..