Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1912-02-28
ROCK ISLAND OFF
BASEBALL MAP
FOR Time BEING
Southern End of League Sue
ceeds in Getting This City
Out of Circuit.
FRANCHISE TO DECATUR
Dick KinseIla, Though Presumably
Out of Three-Eye Politics, Plays
Big Part Nevertheless.

Rock Island, pioneer member Of the
Three-Eye league circuit, long suffer
ing and most faithful of the lot,
passed on the baseball map last even
ing at $3.50 in the Palmer house, Chi
cago, after lingering on the edge Of dis
solution. The end was FASTENED by
Dare-Devil-Dick. a malignant malady
that has infested the league since the
day that Springfield was admitted.
Other complications were the double
cross by Decatur, and the majority
vote Of the league magnates on the
question offered for final decision in
the matter, though the malady devel-
oped in its incipient stages from stab
wounds inflicted by Davenport and Du-
buque at the annual meeting OF the
league last fall.
Rock Island was born into the
league in the year 1901, and of the
eight clubs. was the only one that
weathered continuously the storms Of
the ensuing years, to date. Last fall,
its condition tottered because of the
ingratitude OF Hayes and the treach-
cry Of Rowland. Yesterday these
two magnates tried to efface
their past work by plugging
for Rock Island to live, but they fail
ed. They were moved yesterday, not
80 much by love for Rock Island, as
consideration of their own best inter
ests.
FAITHFUL TO THE LAST.
Throughout the II years Of its con-
nection with the league, Rock Island
which success hinged. Now, 1t is all
over. The towns steadfast support
ors to the end were Charles J. Smith,
Henry l.. Wheelan, John r. Rose, Dan
Flynn and W. J. Klinck, directors Of
the association that attempted 10 stave
off the end and continue baseball.
Others who joined with them in their
efforts were the 10 other stockholders,
thousands OF baseball fans and fan
nettes, thousands of dollars that are
aching TO be spent for baseball here,
and others too numerous TO mention.
Before the obsequies. it is thought that
the FIVE cities that voted the death pen
atty yesterday will be among the chief
mourners.
II was a sorry blow that was dealt
20 Rock Island yesterday at the mid
winter league meeting in Chicago,
sorry blow to men who have
pushed for baseball and TO men who
have seen how a baseball team is sup
ported here. Early in the meeting, the
magnates of the seven cities with fran
chises in the Three-Eye league, went
in to executive session. Rock Island
was called upon to present its plea
Tor membership. c. ]. Smith and H. l.
Wheelan were spokesman. They told
of advances which have been made
thus far, and OF prospects for the fu
p ture. j. T. Hayes of Davenport helped
the argument along by presenting
some figures of last seasons gate re
ceipts here. lie showed why Daven
port was for Rock lsland-because OF
the attendance that IL pulls in Rock
Island and in Davenport. When Rocl
Island had finished, Decatur was called
upon. The seven delegates from the
Commodore city filed into the meeting
made their little speeches. frankly ad
mitted that they had no money. bu
knew where they might get some, ant
then joined the Islanders on the out
side.
DEMAND $1,000.
Then came the mighty battle inside
The question OF making cities knock
ing for admittance pay $1,000 for {
franchise was brought before the at
tention of the president and enforce
ment of the league rule called for.
resolution to that effect carried six u
one, Kinsella voting in the negative
Rock Island and Decatur were Gale,
again and instructed TO prepare writ
ten offers, including the $1,000 in thei
statements. A schedule OF player
that go with the franchise was givel
them. They were instructed TO T,
port within a half hour.
OBJECT To PRICE.
Neither city cared 10 pay $1,000. i
fact, Rock Islands club was alread
overloaded with cumbersome debt.
and Decatur had no money. The dele
gates got together. framed up a
agreement not to pay more than $50
because of the lateness OF the season
and delivered that ultimatum to tn
league.
Naturally, the magnates received
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