The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-12-06
MOMENTOUS WEEK AHEAD
FOR ORGANIZED BASEBALL
Federal League Will Be Leading Topic at Meetings
Of National and international Nlagnates
Here Ban Johnson to Attend.

Federal promoters may result from tho
Il pparent influence that were brought
to bear to tempt the loyalty of such play
ers as Lee Magee and Walter Johnson.
Two rather interesting scraps are en-
ptCted to devotion in the Nationa! League
conference. one concerns the board OF
directors and involves the dispute be-
tween Hermann and l;bbets over $lO.-
coo difference OF opinion In the celebrated
Tinker deal Each side has submitted Its
briefs. OF course the boards decision "a
not necessarily final There IL the right
o; appeal to tho National Commission.
Charles Webb Murphy's connection with
the Cubs Is the topic of the other un-
pleasantness. Everybody wound Ike TO
see him suppressed. As his arch enemy,
Ban Johnson, will be within paging dis
lance some feasible plan may be- found.
Indeed it would not be surprising it
Charles T. TAFT were TO dispose OF his
Interest In the National League. the club
IL on thu. market but SO far Mr.. Tdfts
estimation of the stock has been con-
sidered cNorbitant by prospective pur-
chasers.
There are several other odds and ends
10 be disposed OF by the National League,
not the least a proposed rigid roster limit.
The American League is anxious that
the club paylolls be confined TO twenty
two men each during tho greater part OF
the season. II is believed the majority
opinion. though New York. the financial
giant OF the circuit will oppose the meas
urc. schuyler Rritton. who believes in
bonus contracts. il TO be reproved II COM
mon gossip IN correct. Bonuses. like en-
cess baggage. figure "a the height Of
folly In tho minds OF those economically
inclined. outside OF these many and
varied matters FOR consideration the Ma
tiouJl League has only to award n PEN
nant to Boston. listen to some thousands
OF pages OF minutes reports and on
elect half y dozen committees and adj
jourr.
The international League mas a Few
problems Of its own to unravel. First Of
all. the hus;lng president. Ed Barrow.
intends TO whip his colleagues into line
.or 4 less pretentious schedule. 1ic is .!
the opinion that 40 games are quite
/ enough that the season can start on May
! with good results.
The International League embraces a
rrcd; many cities in northern cl!mes
4 which for years have suffered from late
springs. outside OF Baltimore and the
. two Jersey strongholds the weather IS
! generally bad for the first couple OF weeks.
In the minor leagues salaries ar. paid on
: a monthly rating. so tina. a shortening 81
the season would mean corresponding
saving in running expenses.
This shortening ~ the season can DE
J effected without loss oe prestige n the
! eyes OF the league supporters. The Fed
! oral League has decided upon schedule
! OF l5i games and therefore must begin
! about the time the major leagues open.
/ Blu. always. because OF its more compact
circuit the International League has
opened from 4 week % ten lays later
! than the majors. \ further postpone
mcut would call for 10 criticism.
/ Moreover. I present plans nlater.alze.
! I; * likely Tat the International League
/ will have Federal League opposition only
in Buffalo tbs year. Il is planned 70 move
! the Baltimore team 10 BROOKLYN and the
! Jersey CITY team Ia Syracuse II that city
! vii! buy out the state League tranchise
/ The team operating in Brooklyn Will be
! relieved OF conflict II Charles II. Ebbets
only will provide Robert b Ward early
with q draft of In. Dodgers home dates
/ Mr.. Ward Who Is che! q! the Federal
schedule committee. stated yesterday that
he would he pleased % arrange all his
home conflicts against F.bhets's ma5o,
club provided minor league bail is pityec
a, Ebbe;s Field.
I'm willing and anxious to let the puo-
lie decide between the Dodgers and Tip
Tops" says Mr.. Ward.
"Thc public already has decided,
answers the Flatbush Squire.
The vanguard % the magnAtes arrived
yesterday. II Included Garry Hermann
and Frank j. Naviu, \ dozen or NOR
are expected to-day.
Hermann was exceedingly suctu!'
: over the Ndrquard matter The Waite
Johnson affair he considers purely Amer
, can League trouble.
Another matter On which Hermann re
fused to talk was the chance OF =. Web
: Murphy attending the meetings on
Q Interested in tho Chicago Cubs