Newark evening star and Newark advertiser. [volume] (Newark, N.J.) 1909-1916, 1912-03-12
CONGRESS- TO
PROBE BALL
TRUST
Congressman Gallagher Intro.
duces Resolution to That Eff
fect-Mogul Laughs at 1t.

WASHINGTON, March 1~2.-Charging
that baseball is dominated by a combi-
7, nation in restraint of trade, Congress
man Gallagher. of Illinois, a Demo-
GRAFT, introduced a resolution in the
House yesterday creating a commits
sion of seven members to investigate
the sport from grand stand to bleach
ers.
The Gallagher resolution recites that
baseball players are e~nslaved, that CEN
trail bodies apportion territory, AK
!, prices and otherwise conduct the sport
for ~''pecuniary gain" Mr.. Gallagher
wants to be informed whether the de-
partment of justice has investigated
the baseball trust" and If not, why
not.
The Gallagher resolution contem-
plates an inquiry into the activities of
the National Commission and the
various leagues that operate under the
national agreement. The resolution
begins by reciting that Congress is de-
sirous of Investigating to obtain in
formation to dissolve trusts or Illegal
combinations in restraint of trade and
the liberties of the American people.
The baseball trust is characterized
d6 LIo ltlO0t db0hClOo5 al y
combination of them all. The resolu-
ton adds: Its officers announce daily
through the press the dictates of a gov
erning commission, o. competition u
stiied, how territory and games are
apportioned, how the prices are fixed
which millions must pay to witness
the sport, how men r enslayed and
forced to accept salaries and terms or
H. Lz-.ol f1roxro. fr4x,1 IL vi Rn axA IF
other acts incident to traf1cking in a
national pastime for pecuniary gain"
A year ago Representative Rodden-
burg, of Illinois, a Republican, intro
duced a resolution authorizing a probe
of the baseball trust" He presented
it in a spirit of frivolity. Mr.. Gala
CHER is in earnest. He has offered his
resolution in the hope that it will be
reported and passed.
Hermann Says 1t Is a Joke.
CINCINNATI, O., March 12.-Con-
gresham Gallagher's resolution for an
investigation of the so-called baseball
trust was characterized as a joke yes
terday by August Hermann. president
OF the National Baseball Commission
81 don't know what he MEANS" said
Hermann, unless it is a joke. There
is no baseball trust, and from the ma
ture of the game there never an be.
The commission doesn't fix prices. Diff
ferent prices are charged in different
cities. There can be an investigation
at any time without any objection
from the National Commission"
BANS "Comeback."
CHICAGO, March 12.-When informed
of the Gallagher resolution, President
b. B. johnson, of the American League.
said: 1--WE would be glad to have an
investigation. There is no baseball
trust and competition is not stifled.
Anyone who desires is welcome to get
in the game. So far as men being en-
shaved is concerned, a large number OF
the players are drawing salaries in ex-
cess Of what is paid to congressman.
That Toes not look much like enslave-
ment."
Lynch Welcomes 1t.
NEW YORK, March 12.-"So far as
the National League Of baseball clubs
is concerned, we invite an investiga-
tion." said Thomas J. Lynch, president
Of the league, when told that Represen-
tative Gallagher had introduced a reso-
luton for an investigation of the base
ball trust"