New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1913-11-20
Governor Tener Agrees to Take
Oper Reins of National League
Will Serve One Year OF a
Four-Year Term Only
in Honorary Way.
NO SALARY WHILE IN
OFFICE AS GOVERNOR
Says Business Proposition Was
Offered Which He Could Not
AffV'd to Decline.

W
Philadelphia. Nov Ex-Governor Tener.
upon his arrival here tonight from Har-
risburg, stated that he had agreed to ac-
cept the presidency OF the National
League of Baseball Clubs for a term Of
four years.
support Of theMght club presidents, four
Of whom consulted with him at the State
Capitol to-day. while the others were in
formed Of To- progress of the negotia-
tons by long distance telephone.
Although he has agreed TO accept an
election at the next meeting Of the Ma
tional League in New York on December
Q, Governor Tener declared that he will
not assume any duties that will interfere
with his responsibilities as Chief Execu-
tive of Pennsylvania
Until his term as Governor expires, in
January, 1915. he will not accept any sal
airy from the National League and will
head that organization merely in an hon
orary capacity.
He declined TO say what his salary will
be when he has completed his term as
Governor and assumes all the duties Of
the presidency OF the league. He said,
however, that he had been made a bust
ness proposition which he did not feel he
could afford to decline. and that if the
amount Of his salary was 10 be made pub
lie it should come from the league owners.
Governor Tener declined also 10 discuss
any new policies he might inaugurate
when he assumes leadership Of the league,
saying that probably he would have a
statement TO make after his election.
Harrisburg. Penn. Nov. Ex-Governor
Tener Of Pennsylvania looked with favor
here to-day on an offer made to MIN oy
four club owners of the presidency OF the
National League.
Assurances were given by Harry n.
Hampstead. chief owner OF the New Nork
Giants: Harry Ackerland, representing
Chicago; Charles H. Ebbets, of Brook
lyn. and W. f. Baker, Of the Philhes'
that his election would be unanimous.
Barney Dreyfuss Of Pittsburgh; 5. B.
Britton. Of ST. Louis; August Hermann
of Cincinnati, and ]. E. Gaffney. of Bos-
ton. were unable TO be here. but II was
stated that they were in hearty accord
The committee members Of the National
League were guests Of the Governor at
luncheon and spent the whole afternoon
closeted with him at the executive man
sion. They left at $50 o'clock for Phila
delphia. where the Governor is TO attend
q meeting tonight
on the way to the train Mr.. Ebbets
said. we regard the matter as all
settled"
The Governor said: In case I accept
the presidency Of the National League 1
will not resign as Governor. Neither will
! give my undivided time TO the affairs
OF the league for the balance Of my term
as Chief Executive Of Pennsylvania
It was said that Governor Tener would
be elected for a term of four years at a
salary Of $4,000 a year
John Kinley Tener was born in Tyrone,
ireland, in 1863. He came TO this country
when a boy, and settled in Pittsburgh,
where he was educated in the public
schools His first employment was as a
clerk His health soon broke down, and
upon the advice of physicians he sought
outdoor employment. While working as
q clerk he had earned So a game pitching
for local teams on Saturday afternoons
and had gained considerable fame as a
player
In 1885 Tener secured his first profess
sional engagement as first baseman Of
the Pittsburgh club. At that time he
stooG feet inches and weighed zoo
pounds He was released before the sea
son was half over and Joined the Balti-
more club. At his own request he was re
leased TO the Haverhil Mass, club, where
he played until the close Of the season.
He again secured a position with a bust
ness house in Pittsburgh, but continued TO
play baseball at every opportunity.
Finally Captain Arson offered Governor
Tener position as pitcher on the Chi
cago White Stockings, after having
CHANGED to stroll into small park where
he was twirlnG. After playing on the
Chicago team for about three years he
went with Anson's teams on the tour
around the word In 1sSS-'S9. He then
gave UP baseball 70 go into business at
Chsreroi, Penn.
From the time he quit baseball, nearly
a quarter Of century ago, until last win
ter the Governor dropped out Of the ma
tional game and devoted his attention to
business and politics. His re-entry was
made when he helped the late William
II. Locke purchase the Philadelphia club
in the National League from Charles p.
Taft, of Cincinnati.