Evening star., 1914-12-29
BALL. DEAL DRAGS
Ban Johnson Says Yankees
Must Be Sold Today.
ONLY A MATTER OF PRICE
Prospective Purchasers Want to Be
Sure of Their
Ground.
ONLY A MATTER OF PRICE

NEW YORK, December 29.-An all
day conference among Col. Rupert,
Capt. Huston, Frank J. Farrell Ban
Johnson and Joseph J. Lannin at the
Belmont Hotel yesterday failed to
solve the problem upon whose doorstep
the New York Americans would roost
in 1915. Capt. Huston volunteered the
opinion that matters were progressing
favorably. Ban Johnson, however, was
a tri1e more explicit.
1.-The deal will be closed by sundown
tonight or not at all,'' said the Big
Car. "At least by that time I shall
wash my hands of it. Naturally a
transaction embracing so much money
calls for time and consideration. But
I believe the interested parties have
had ample time for reflection. The
matter is beginning to drag-it has
dragged too long, in fact.
1.-TWO weeks ago 1 was sure the club
would be sold to Messrs. Rupert and
Huston. l am still hopeful that shall
not be disa ppointed. Today will de-
eide absolutely, but still, for the life
of me. 1 dare not hazard a prediction
which way the negotiations will end
Il have done all in my power to
bring the principals together. So have
the rest of my associates in the Ameri-
can League. I believed when we met
in Chicago that every obstacle had
been removed
Nothing in the Way.
Mr.. Johnson declared that no insur-
mountable obstacles existed, and that
the various meetings here and else
where had smoothed out certain points
of minor consideration. But he ap-
peared emphatic also that the main
hitch at present was the price to he
paid
'There is no doubt in my mind that
the sale would have been made long
ago-during the National League meet
ing in this city-save for premature
publicity" said johnson. AT the out
set there was considerable difference
of opinion between Frank Farrell and
the contracting parties as to the value
of the property. The American League
was prepared to bridge most of that
difference.
81 have worked hard on the matter
and l would hate now to see a slip-up
where | was so sure of success short
time ago But time flies and whoever
is to be in charge of the team next
year must have proper opportunities to
prepare for the campaign. The Ameri-
can League club owners rave done
their part
President Johnson insists that seven
are united in the belief that it would
be to common advantage to stretch
point if need be in assisting the local
cause. He says that good players have
been assured Messrs. Rupert and Hus-
ton in case they join hands with the
young major league. Also, Mr.. Johnson
declares, the prospective or near PROS
pective owners will have free rein to
establish their ideas as to the new
manager. Ban would not say who this
might be. From his remarks it an
peared that a new agerial angle
had arisen.
THE public seems to have a miscon-
ception of the case" continued Ban.
NO effort is being made or has been
made to force out the present owners
When l was approached by Mr.. Rup-
pere l agreed to see Mr. Farrell. I was
successful in arranging for his nam
ing the price. Afterward in Chicago
acted as Mr. Farrelfs representative.
1t is q question of those who are bid
ding for the franchise meeting the
terms. All other angles have been
slnoothed out
May Be New Bidder.
johnson was asked if his determina-
ton to have the present negotiations
terminated by nightfall did not imply
| the knowledge of other parties who
might enter the field.
1 L.