Evening journal., 1908-09-14
CARPENTER TALKS
OF SEASONS PLAY
Defends Work Of UmpireS and
Urges Association Control
in Circuit Cities
LOWER SALARIES NEXT YEAR

ALTOONA, Sept. 14.-In a state
ment issued at the close Of the Tri-
state season, President Charles F.
Carpenter urges the formation of ath-
letic associations to control baseball in
the various cities Of the circuit de-
tends his umpires from the bitter al
tacks made on them throughout the
season, and predicts a promising sea-
son for next year. President Carpen-
ter's statement is as follows;
"The close OF the 1908 season IS
gladly welcomed, as the Industrial de-
preston throughout the country has
left its impression upon more than one
hacker of Tri-State ball clubs. This
league has fallen off in the neirhbor-
hood Of 100000 paid admissions. com
pared with 1907, Notwithstanding that
the weather has been more desirable
for the pastime, and the race decidedly
more interesting.
"A decrease in salaries and general
expenses is positively assured. and
with the return of normal Industrial
conditions, there is no doubt i'm nv
mind but that each town will again be
represented upon more inviting busi-
ness basis.
"On account Of the trouble that any
club may fall heir to, owing to the con-
dltions that have marked the present
season. or from occupying an undesir-
able position in the race, with the con-
sequent falling off in patronage. it Is
my belief that the perpetuity of the
league would be more promising il
each city in which the ball ground is
leased would form a stock company.
limited partnership. capitalized at $1O,-
OOO-two hundred shares at $50 each.
THE burden would not then fall
upon few gentlemen, as has been the
unfortunate condition in the past,
which has driven from the ranks quite
number Of good sportsmen, whom
the game can i'll afford to lose.
During the outlaw days big def
cits We're certainties. but the league
operating under the national agree
ment. now has it in its power to be
conducted along sane business meth
DDS. and it is a matter for the dele
gates of each club to say whether OF
not, it shall be.
THE outlook for succeeding seasons
was never so bright as at present. and
it might be well for those empowered
to formulate the leagues policy, tc
take advantage Of certain conditions tc
reduce them to a minimum, thus in
spring a permanence Of the amuse-
ment that has gained such a strone
foothold with the many friends in the
various cities.
"The 1908 race has been most inter.
esting at all stages. High class ex'
hibitions predominated and there hal
been a singular freedom from ant
scarcity of unpleasant incidents
Whether the umpire star has beei
more efficient than formerly l am no
exactly prepared to say as there wa
a disposition in some quarters to con
vince me that I had in my employ
galaxy of burglars. To the credit O
the clubs, however, and in gratitud
and appreciation, it is with muc
pleasure that / can commend them 70
their department
There were few complaints fror
the club owners, who alone have tn
right to expect cognizance of them, an
/ viii apologize for the scant attentio
paid to them. as they know that thi
office was at high pressure and bus
with other matters. which, l will b
charitable enough to say, may hay
been OF less Importance.
"As to the caustic comment OF III
boys on the press directed toward n
arbitrators. IL was from this l gleane
the information, that there were
number of second story men not
captivity, and masquerading as un
pires in the TriState.
However. they have escaped III
harmed. and, as It is possible tn
three -fourths of their salary is pa
, them TO stand the withering criticisi
they join me in thanking the sportii
: editors for their yeoman service
1 stoutly supporting the league at
: times. and Instrumental In keeping
in the pre- eminent position 1t enjo
to-day. one of the gamest organic
= tions I'm the United States.
. &C. f. Carpenter. President"