The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-02-28
MATTY IS FREE TO
GO WHERE he WANTS
Reserve Rule, Not Ruled Upon
Legally, All That Binds
Him to Giants.
CAN ACCEPT BEST OFFER
Moral Side Up to Him-Gilmore
Won't Talk About Last
Years Federals.

So much transformation has been said
and written about Chrlsty Mathcwson's
status in baseball that Il IL deemed
proper to print the facts. They are as
follows:
his services are reserved by the New
York Giants. all requirements having
been met by the management. His con
tract expired last fail. but new contrac,
was rendered him this year calling for a
specific salary, and he acknowledged re-
ceipt lie Is not a free agent in the
organized baseball acceptance OF that
term.
The Federal League maintains that the
baeball reserve rule is not legally bind
ing and never has undergone the test OF
a decision by any court.
Therefore Mathewpos Ia not bound
legally TO the Giants any more than
Russell Ford was bound to the Chance
men. Whatever his moral OBLIGATIONS
may be 20 tho Giants and the Nov
York public is a matter for him 10 decide
when he measures UP the money induce
mepts from both sides and the probable
future of each.
To avoid all friction and set all doubt
aside President Charles H. Ebbets of the
Brooklyn club purchased the release of
the Cuban infelder Tom Romanach from
the Long Branch club yesterday. Roma
mach accepted terms for the coming sea.
son from Capt. Jake Daubert last winter
In Cuba. Later he signed "A contract witt,
Long Branch. The player has been or
dered to report to the Dodgers In
Augusta March 10.
Doc Scanlon has applied to the National
Commission for reinstatement to good
standing In organized ball. Several sea
sons ago the pitcher was traded to the
Phillies for ed Stack. Scanlon refused Ia
report and Ebbets had to make the deal
good by cash payment Now Ebbets
has Endorsed Scarllon's petition and will
release him Internationally II IL ID
granted. The doctor wishes to pitch semi
professional bail for the Oakland team of
Brooklyn. OF which Jake Daubert Is a dl
rector. This team has several exhibition
games scheduled with big league clubs,
which makes the move necessary.
Ed Sweeney's name IL spoken only in
whispers In certain localities The catcher
is not OH the best Of terms with himself.
either. When the Federal League furry
was at its height President Farrell OF the
New York Americans telegraphed Sweeney
offering an increase OF $500 in salary over
the amount named In the contract already
mailed. This was to be a bonus for the
catcher's immediate signature. Sweeney
did not eign. hut used the telegram to try
and boost his own stock with the Fed
erals. who now have cast him out In
the meantime Farrell withdrew his offer
and Sweeney has been told. unofYicially.
that Frank Chance doesn't care whether
he reports or not.
One point OF great interest to players
that has not been cleared up by the
Federals Is where the members OF last
years teams are going to collect arrears
in salary. For instance both Deacon
Phillppi and Baron knetzer claim more
than $1,000 each is due them from the
Pittsburg Feds. Asked about this in
teresting point last week. President Gill
more said:
The present Federal League orgnniza-
ton is entirely new and distinct from the
old
"Wii your league assume liabilities OF
last seasons circuit"
II prefer not to talk about that now.
he replied