Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-11-28
OPINIONS DIFFER
ON JOHN HEYDLER

Two entirely different opinions are held
regarding the National League presidency
by the editors of base balls two big
Notwithstanding News and Sporting
Life. Francis C. Richter of Sporting
Life takes a peculiar stand. when he de-
clares that the newspapers are wasting
a lot of space in specializing as to wheth-
er Heydler will be reelected. Richter
declares he cannot see what business 1t is
of the scribes to desire Heydler's re-elec-
ton and to work for that end. Accord
ing to Richter, those sporting writer's
who are making a so-called fight for
Heydler are merely self constituted cham
their ina ginatons. Richter says that the
National League, like all other volun-
tarv or incorporated bodies. has the right
to select whomSoever it pleaSeS as It's
salaried executive officer. and outside
meddling, to the point Of attempted
dictation. i'll such a matter is sheer i'm
puGence."
1t is fact that the newspaper men
| the sporting writer's of the country. and
| especially of the cities on the National
League circuit-have been working as
| SiduouSly for the reelection of Mr.. Heyd-
| Ter. They have really been fighting his
| battle for him, for he is TOO modest
man to electioneer in his own behalf.
they believe to a man in his ability and
his absolute honesty, and because they
think that to GUST him would be a back
ward step by the National League. and a
temporary triumph for that faction in the
organizat ton which has always been DOM
mated by mean and selfish motives. If
that is .'impudence," then the sporting
writer's will plead guilty, and glory in the
accusation.
J. NJ. Cummings, the new editor Of
ti,.,y hos wiz 1ir~ao f1-y
posite to those expressed by the sage
of Philadelphia. Cummings thinks right
" that the important Office of president
of the National League is more or less
like governorship or a mayoralty, and
that it is perfectly proper for the
scribes and others interested in seeing
base ball kept on its present high level
to have hand in keeping Heydler in
office. OF Heydler Sporting News says:
John Heydler has not disappointed.
He has continued to fill the Office as a
strong, honest. fearless. experienced
man should fill 1t, and the National
League is but inviting dissatisfaction and
rlistrust if it seriously considers naming
another man president and RELOCATING Mr..
Heydler again to the secretaryship. This
is no case of taking care of trusty
ilenchn1en. There is not whit of SEN
timent in any of the numerous argu-
ments advanced for Mr.. Heydler's re-
election. 1t is simply a case of an office
man in whom the public has found as
nearly it's ideal as can be expected in
this world and to whom this same public
looks with complacency for the continued
wise and honest administration of base
ball affairs. AS estimable as the gen
tlemen whose names have been mention
ed as possible successors of Mr.. Heydler
are. there must always be some rea son for
making a change of this sort-and no
good one has yet been given.
I'm fact, the only reason so far no.
ticed is that Mr.. Heydler has failed of
the personal popularity usually acquired
either by bending the knee or the elbow
This may be considered grave fault
by some Of the eight gentlemen whose
ballots make or break, but in the minds
of the base ball public 1t will be a fail
ing that serves to instill more confidence
and greater respect. The present gen
era ton remembers three presidents of
the National League-Mr. Young Mr.
Pulliam and Heydler-and the greatest
of these is the incumbent. In char
acter he measures fully up to the
high standard set by his predecessors
In temperament and health he has the
decided advantage. The National League
should hesitate long before it decides
to disturb the pleasant equilibrium that
exists between it and the people it
serves SO we'll through Mr.. Heydler.'