New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-12-11
GOV. TENER TAKES
A BASEBALL OATH
Duly Installed in Office as
President of the Ma
tional League.
OUTLINES NO POLICY
IN OPENING ADDRESS
SAYS He Will Try to Safeguard
and Foster Baseball's Chief
ASSet-HoneSty.

John *. Tener, Governor OF Pennsyl-
,ania, was officially inaugurated presi-
dent Of the National League at an open
meeting i'm the sun parlor of the Waldorf
Astoria yesterday afternoon.
In brief speech to some two hundred
owners. players and newspaper writer's
the new executive made it clear that he
appreciated the honor which had been
conferred upon him.
He outlined no policies. and except to
say that ne expected the club owners 10
speak for themselves while he spoke for
the league, gave no indication af assum-
inc an independent and dictatorial atti-
tude in the conduct Of his office.
The whole affair was over In less than
twenty minutes, and after a photograph
had been taken the National League ad-
iourned for the day. Sessions will be re-
sumed at 10 o'clock this morning.
When the Governor arrived i'm the city
and reached the hotel he was in a state
Of uncertainty. Barney Dreyfuss and
William F. Baker, who had been APP
pointed to inform him of his election. had
been remiss in their duties SO Mr.. Tener
wandered into the Waldorf as unassum-
ingjy as is possible for one OF his stature.
lie was not one to become oyerconident
ana too sanguine after reading press re-
ports. He refused to make any state
ment. as he had not been officially mott
fed OF his election.
They broke the good news to him as
gently as possible and led him tenderly
10 the roof of the Waldorf. Here the
generals. soldiers and camp followers OF
the game to the number Of full two hun
dred were gathered.
William F. Baker, of Philadelphia, who
is known in baseball circles as the orig
inal Tener man, introduced the Governor
10 the assemblage.
This is the most pleasant duty that
has ever come into my life." he said, Ito
introduce the man who is to lead US. The
National League never entered before on
an era so bright or promising. 1t is
great pleasure to introduce 10 you the
Hon. John X. Tener. the Governor of the
state Of Pennsylvania and the new presi-
dent Of the league"
Hearty applause greeted Governor Tener
when he arose to speak. lie said;
1T is difficult for me at this moment
and on this occasion to express feelingly
as would like 10 express my feelings
concerning this honor which has come TO
me
II have been interested in baseball both
as a player and as a layman from my
carly youth. have associated as player
with both managers, club owners and the
players themselves. I have found the club
owners and managers fair and the ball
players ] have found 10 possess as high a
sense Of honor as any other class of men.
II do not feel II necessary at this time
to announce my policies upon entering the
league again. But I shall leave them TO
time and the Development of the duties Of
the Office.
"As ball player ! started in the New
England League. but did not stay there
Ions. soon Joined the Chicago Club OF
which 4: G. Spalding was president and
he famous Arson captain. l am glad that
/ have been a player. for upon entering
upon my duties | feel that | can be i'm
partial 10 all. hope my relations will be
pleasant and that the sportsmanlike
spirit will prevail in the business of the
game as we'll as in the actual sport.
Il shall endeavor to safeguard, conserve
and foster basebalrs greatest asset-hon-
esty. hope 10 be able TO lift the game TO
an even higher plane tnan 1t enjoys to-
day
And / hope. because the press depends
so much on the game OF baseball for
news and because baseball depends so
much upon the press for it's success. that
there will be a spirit Of harmony between
myself, the managers and the press.
shall expect the club owners 10 let mo
speak for the league, while they may
speak for the teams.
u ask your cooperation and indulgence
In any errors which, may make"
Before Charles II. Ebbets made his mo-
ton to adjourn until 10 o'clock to-day a
proposition was advanced 10 pay tribute
to Pop Anson' who. with "Rube" Mar
guard and Charlie Doom, is helping 10
make baseball week at Broadway
vaudeville house.
Il was stated that since Arson quit
baseball he lad received no recognition
Tor the valiant work he did for the game
u the early stages Of its history. IL was
the sense Of the meeting that all baseball
men in the city attend the performance
last night.
Governor Tcner will be thrust into the
very thick Of the annual middle when
The sessions are resumed. The perpleMlnG
question Of the Players Fraternity VIII
brought up, among other things