The Washington times., 1909-12-14
American League President
Takes Firm Stand on I'M
portant Issue.
THREATENS BREAK
BETWEEN LEAGUES
Will Place Davis and Bribing
Cases Before the
Meeting.

NEW YORK. Dec 1T am firm in
my attitude of opposition 90 the election
of John A. Ward 60 the National League
presidency. have forwarded my rea-
sons FOR this stand TO the various club
owners OF both leagues. The American
League Will never countenance the
presence Of John NJ. Ward on the Ma
tional Commission. II Ward is elected
10 the presidency Of the National
League nothing can avert a rupture In
the peaceful relations between the two
major leagues"
Thus spoke President Ban Y. Johnson.
Of the American League today. He said
- an with n punch that 1eft no doubt
OF seriousness. Further, he gave out
copy OF the letter I'm which ne set
forth 10 August Hermann, chairman
Of the National Commission. ms objec-
tions 10 Ward as a member of the
commission. In brief he charged Ward
Csta blished peace agreement IN 1908.
Admires Heydler.
Ward. 81 Is alleged. acted for George
Davis. OF the Chicago White Sox. when
the latter broke a long-term contract TO
jump from Chicago TO the New York
Giants. Johnson accuses Ward Of en-
cheering the deal and or subsequently
supporting. as counsel. Davis case when
Chicago took the mater 20 court. The
litigation robbed Charles Comiskey's
team OF Davis services for one year
and cost the Chicago club some 5000.
II am interested in the National
League election only so far rs Il con-
Germs Mr.. Ward continued Johnson
Naturally. I could desire nothing bet
ter than the reelection Of John A.
Heydler to the office. Mr. PuIIiam's
successor has convinced me that he is
q fearless, honest. conscientious and
able man. Baseball needs more OF his
kind II Il IS 10 he maintained at its
present high standard
Warning For Murphy.
'As FOR Charles w Murphy. let him
beware. His record with the National
Commission has been anything but de-
sirable Murphy is a troubIe-maICer.
and II he is allowed to usurp power II
viii be a mighty bad thing for baseball.
lie was lucky 10 get or so easily on
that ticket scalping I'm the 1908 world IS
series between the Cubs and Tigers -
Johnson stated that the bribery scan
cal connected with the play-Om Of the
tie between the Cubs and Giants al the
close OF the season Of 1908 would be re-
opened tomorrow morning at a meet
ing Of the National Commission
The National League. chiefly inter
ested I'm the charges. threw up its hands
IN the matter and asked the commits
SION 10 investigate Late last summer
came across new and startling evil
dence which will doubtless clear up the
mystery OF the man behind DR.. Cream
or II we can bring these parties to
Justice. you may rest assured the com
mission Will perform its duty. Sus-
poets viii be called on the carpet to-
morrow"
Smiles At Threat.
Johnson smiled when informed that
Murphy threatened an EXPOSE" in the
alleged signal tipping Of the New York
Americans in case the bribery case
were reopened.
THAT Is a matter FOR our own
league" he said, Just as the bribery
matter was the sole affair Of the Ma
uonal League till f. shifted the burden
mission
The National League situation has re-
NAMED about the same. Both factions
are confident OF success. Stanley Robi-
son, president Of the st. Louis Cardi-
nals, tailed 70 commit himself either
way and both parties are counting on
hts ballot. The stand OF Ban Johnson
nas raised high the hopes OF Barney
DTeyfuss and August Hermann that
John A. Heydler viii be returned TO
office. A caucus. at which Hermann.
Dreyfuss, Ebbets, Murphy Dewey.
and Robson were present. was held L.
the waldorf yesterday. It was stated
the meeting had 20 do with the Chad
Taft Owns PhilIies
Tho most interesting news brought
out by the preliminary confab was
that Charles p. Taft put ND all the
money for the purchase Of the PhIia-
delphia team and that his interests In
the Chicago team have been disposed Of
20 Murphy TO avoid the charge Of syn
dicate ball. The latter part Of 'hls is
taken with a barrel Of salt. as the Chi
cago club Is a huge money maker and
u IL not believed that Taft. even though
worth millions. would part with such
bonanza. The fans believe that il
any transfer or the Chicago stock has
been made. 70 is no more than tenn
porary arran Eement.
JABS AND JOLTS.