The Birmingham age-herald., 1909-12-09
SHOULD OFFER AID ID CHATTAONOOGA Mique Finn Must Not Hold Up
 The League POLICY OF THE BRUSHERS Mobile Was an Example of How Pro- motions Are Treated But to Force Finn on Chattanooga Is
 Too Much.
POLICY OF THE BRUSHERS
By BILL AK.

Every possible impediment it seems, is being placed in the way of Chattanooga attempting to emerge from the darkness of the South Atlantic into the pure light of the Southern league.
 When, sometime ago, the idea obtained that Chattanooga was going to make no effort of it's own accord to enter the Southern league, The Age-Herald urged the present members of this league to do nothing in behalf Of the member which was in the process of being born. Now, however since Chattanooga Is earnestly endeavoring to become member of the Southern league, it is the belief of this department of The Age-Herald that the present members of the league should not only keenly resent interference. but should give whatever other aid it Is with in their power to give.
 In the first place the South Atlantic league, by a system of taxation that is obnoxious planned to hold up Chatta- nooga and doubtless succeeded. AS is remembered, Mobile, in leaving the Cot ton States, suffered from the same causes. 1t is proper that these little leagues re- ceive reeompense for what the loss of perhaps their best cities will directly bring about, but on the other hand it is ridiculous that they should plan sys- tenn of holding up," which on account of the pressure of the fans. is practically impossible 10 resist
 Little Rock has shown itself unwilling to get out of the Southern league. While the agreement will be carried out by Little Rock unless Chattanooga makes some violation of it's stipulated contracts. and the violation might not be other than merely technical, it will be done with Is as Little Rocks selfish operations were confined to the limits of fair play. this department felt a hestaney in getting in the fight. But Syhan 1t has been said that along with the franchise Chatta- nooga must take Mique Finn, and must take him, as if he were a beauteous bride. for life. then it is time for honest men to jump into the breach. If 1t is nee essary for Chattanooga to take Miaue. Finn for life as a "hgure-head" manager, and at salary which. no doubt. has al- ready been agreed upon without the con- sent of Chattanooga, no fair-minded man in the country will harshly critcise Chat tanooga were it to throw overheard the entire agreement Mique Finn is not a manager. He Is a joke" and everybody familiar with the Southern league realizes that fact. And Mique Finn should not be permitted to interfere with a deal which means much for the prosperity of the Southern league.
 Little Rock must remember that its long life in the Southern league has not been due to any consideration which the league as whole has given Little Rock, but to a confederation which the direc- tors have given President Kavanaugh, who, 1t was formerly believed, would re- tire from the presidency were the fran chise of Little Rock to be revoked or transferred. But since 1t Is now a fact that Judge Kavanaugh will continue in harness irrespective of Little Rock 8 fate. it is past belief that Little Rock has an idea that 1t will be longer tolerated.
 Baseball depends for existence on senti- ment on the exterior, and money on the interior. Little Rock is an unnecessary burden, the bearing of which has cost thousands and thousands of dollars Chat tanooga. while in the first few wears it's team might prove disappointing. will be the means eventually of saving the league much money. And Chattanooga is showing a keen desire to enter the league. Ii is not waiting for the other members to hold out a helping hand. But when little men and little cities throw handicaps, needless handi- caps, in the way. it is time for Bir- mingham. Memphis, New Orleans. At lanta and other strong cities of the South ern association to hold out, at least, a welcoming hand and time for them to raise their voices in protest against that which under their very eyes, is oc- curing
 And while we are on the subject we desire to remind again the Birmingham association to build a new grandstand and put 1t in a new park This is a neces- sity, gentlemen, if you desire to interest further the fans of Birmingham And if you determine to build. do not wait until April. That might be spectacular, but 1t will be very poor business policy.
 If you are going to make baseball business conduct it business-lke. Do not harbor the idea that the sport will make you money unless you pay the sport some thoughtful attention.
 The poorest nag in the world deserves an occasional currying, and for 1t will render all the better service.