Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1914-02-24
By J. ED eR11Lo.

While there is perhaps no ground for
the suspicion, the rumor will not down
that the American League has some sort
OF an understanding with the Federal
circuit promoters. The statement made
by Ban Johnson the other day that the
men behind the Federal League we're
good lot and that he would welcome them
into ORGANIZED base ball did much to stinl-
ulate the impression that some sort OIL
an understanding exists with the new
league men. though this may not be the
case. But there is no denying the tact
that it is q. bit strange that Johnson
should be so willing to praise those VINO
are supposedly giving his league serious
opposition. 1t may be that johnson is re-
sorting to diplomatic strategy in these
statements. knowing that Weeshman
and his associates arc decidedly popular
in Chicago. Jofnscn is anxious TO keep
his League n good standing. which he
might be unable to do should he show an
aversion toward .he now league.
Stories that the Federal League has
agreed not to modest the American League
clubs have not been substantiated by
facts. Several OF the American League
clubs have been hurt by the new league
raids. and the only reason that the Ma
tional has suffered most is that the old
younger rival
The National League seems to have
been considerably strengthened by the ac-
QUESTION OF President Baker of the Phila-
delphia club. Baker not only Is respons-
ible for the election of Gov. Tener as
president. but he has been Of great help
to the league by suggesting needed &C
ton on other matters.
Baker came into base ball when Will
Locke, former president of the Phillies,
died He is virtually new man in the
game, yet is proving himself one OF the
most progressive individuals Identified
with the sport.
If C. p Taft sells his holdings in the
Chicago clup to Chicago capitalists the
National League will be better fortified
in that city than ever before Chicago
fans have been sour on alien ownership
ever since Murphy got hold of the team.
and 1t will be sure to stimulate interest
in the club to have it owned and operat-
ed by Chicago men. The fact that the
Federal League has broken into that
territory will not hamper the attendance
at either National or American League
parks, now that Murphy is out of the
game. Chicago is plenty big enough to
support three teams.
The Federal League will open its sea
son, according to the latest announce
ment, just eleven days after the major
circuits get under way 1t was not to
be expected that the new league could
get .sady for an early opening. and it is
questionable. If it will be able to get
started on the day announced. for with
out exception every club in the circuit
has yet to erect a suitable plant. and
that requires lot OF time. The excuse
for having this late opening is that the
big league season opens much too soon
ard that the weather is Indictment early
In Anril. yet that is a lot OF bosh. for
it Ia Just as apt to be raining and cool
late in April as early in the month.
Hank O'pay Is to be retained as man
arer Of the Chicago Cubs. The fact
that there has been a change Of owner
ship IL not to affect his position. c. p.
Taft has given the former umpire this
assurance, probably because he realizes
that 1t is now too late to make any