Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-11-13
VIRGINIA LEAGUERS
Row Over Election of President
to Be Settled by Courts.
NORFOLK'S VOTE THE CAUSE
Sent Proxy to Meeting, Which Was
Turned Down, and Legal
Battle Is On.

LYNCHBCRG, Va, November 13-As a
result of split in the Virginia League
at the adjourned meeting held in Peters
burg, the indications are that the courts
of the state will be called upon to settle
the question on its legal status, for II
appears that President Williams whose
term does not expire until January 1, will
make a fight to retain the Office, while F.
W. Whitaker of this city, who was de-
clared elected by the vote of 3 to g will
| it is certain, make a fight to take over
the affairs of the league for adminstra-
ton.
According to reports from Petersburg,
Richmond, Danville and Lynchburg voted
for Whitaker and Petersburg and Roam
oke for Williams. the representative of
the Roanoke team casting the vote of
Norfolk by proxy for Williams. The OPP
position to Williams Gains the Norfolk
director is without authority to delegate
it's voting power to another without for
NAL resolution either by the board Of
directors or the stockholders in formal
meeting. This, therefore, will be the
question for the courts to settle.
When President Williams called for the
elections of officials he vacated the chair.
cal ed Vice President Bra dley Of Rich
mond to the chair and vac4tad the room.
The vote was 3 to 2, the chair ruling that
the proxy of the Norfolk team could not
be voted. Then the Petersburg and Ro-
anoke represen tatives left the meeting,
, after which it was decided by the rep e.
sentatives of the three teams remaining
| to meet again in Danvilie shortly after
January /, at which time steps would be
taken in an effort to compel President
Williams to turn over the records, ETC..
to Whitaker.
While no action has been taken as yet,
| 1t is regarded as certain that Pres dent
Williams will refuse to turn over the Of
flee to Whitaker at the close of his pres
ent term. In this case q petition will be
filed with the supreme court of appeals
| of Virginia, which cout has concurren,
| Jurisdiction In such matters with the cir.
cult and corporation courts of the state
| in this manner the right of a proxy &c
| be voted could be tested and settled as
far as the future of the league is con.
cerned.
| 1t Is understood that Mr.. Williams has
stated that he will fight the condition t
the bitterest end, and that he has beer
assured by some of the directors of the
| league that they will support him in the
administration of the league next season
| II he wins out in the court. The matter
appears to be question as to who vii
be president, and can hardly affect thu
future of the circuit
| 1t was announced at the meeting, how
ever. that the Petersburg franchise wa
| for sale at a reasonable price, the Peters
burg owners being very much chagfinet
over the apparent defeat of Mr.. Williams
The matter now ends until after thi
close of the present term, and II Presiden
/ Williams does not quit the opposition
will then seek TO GUST him by a man
damus.
| Now that the Virginia League has di
| vided itself into two distinct factions
the one holding to President Williams o
(, the old regime and the other to Presi
i dent-elect Whitaker of the impending
/! regime. the thing for the magnates t.
do. and to do quickly. is to effect set
+! tlernent of their differences. bury tn
Ratchet and . get together, TO, give TN,
fars good base ball next season.
4 There Is no need for immediate actor
/, Il a court decision Is TO he necessary (,
Il settle the matter. hut it looks as though
/ the whole mess can be Strengthened gu
| without court If the magnates want I,
| get together. IL Norfolk had a right Z
cast its vote by proxy in Mondays meet
ing. then President Williams holds owe
until his successor IL duly elected. !