Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1911-04-09

Is that his impolitic action has neutraI-
lied. to degree. the kindly, and in many
cases really affectlonate sentiment Of the
patrons OF the game in Washington
am convtnced-indeed l am assured-that
there is an undercurrent of resentment OF
what all honest and fair minded "fans'
regard as the ingratitude OF Johnson.
which Is having a tendency to dim the
glory Of his halo
Johnson's Stand Disapproved.
/ am aware that will be convicted OF
rank heresy by many of Mr.. Johnsons
more ardent admirers. for this frank but
just expression. but i similarly know that
am by no means alone in the expression
OF disapproval of his obduracy and in
difference to any but his own individual
interests. 1t would be a sad commentary
on the worthiness OF base ball as the
great American SPORT if there should
exist an utter absence OF community OF
interest as between the employer and
the employed. No business can be a per-
feet success under such conditions. No
one can be censured for insistence upon a
reasonable demand for what he con-
ceiveS to be the worth of his services
but base ball. like any other organize
ton. will suffer IL unreasonable self-in-
terest is to absorb, dominate and direct
the action of either party to business
contract. In this instance the Washing
ton club officials have extended them
selves to the limit Of what any Just per-
SON should regard as proper and reason
able in the matter of Johnson's compen-
sation and are to be highly commended
for the exercise OF their best efforts to
properly cater to the sport-lovng people
OF washington. as well as for their re-
eistance OF an imposition upon their
generosity.
THE king is dead; long live the king"
II Mr.. johnson returns we will endeavor
to readjust his halo. Should he remain
in Kansas. we have no doubt the govern
ment at washington will still live.
COMMENTATOR.
Fans Stand by Club.
Sporting Editor Star:
In re the report that Walter johnson
has been told to leave the Washington
base ball club owing to his refusal to ac-
cept the clubs offer Of Sc, 500 per an
mum assuming this is the amount Of
fered, I take the liberty Of writing a few
lines which may I'm a way relieve the
club owners minds. coming as It does
from yard-wide and all-wool. as well as
yarn-dyed double and twist fan.
Walter johnson is a great pitcher!
Uhis is not offered as information. but a.
verifying a fact). but at the same time
all pitchers in time get broken. and we
mere IN washington have seen the mighty
Walter get hist" I refer to once, at
least. that / saw him take up his glove
and with red face stroll back to the
clubhouse.
Aside from this. Johnson's record not
withstanding he is with a tail-end and
losing club. though not with a poor ball
team by the way. as many a hot con
test with our opponents trailed in the dust
testffes. should make him "a tribe mod
est In his demands. for many a time at
critical moment and in a close game
something has happened that gave the
other fellows chance. and Johnson's
fault at that. and the game was gone
/ am little away from the gist of NV
story, however same being conceived
with the idea of stating TO the owners Of
the club that the people OF Washington
are, 1 believe. with them i'm their refusal
to submit to this outrageous hold-up.
True. every man is worthy of his price.
IL he can get IL, but there must be some
limit to the price and circumstances and
conditions have r>,ht to be considered
along with other things.
Three or four years ago Johnson was
getting $I5 month. and aside from the
ball question he might have been lucky
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