Evening times-Republican. [volume] (Marshalltown, Iowa) 1890-1923, 1914-02-20
ROCK ISLAND WITHpRAWS FROM
RACE AFTER HOURS OF HOT
DEBATE.
LOCAL REPRESENTATIVE
FORCE HURRIED DECISION
isfS
Tire Of Parleyins and Demand Vote
Before Adjournment-oppo Fac.
town Carries Fight to an Issue and
Wins-Manassr Richards Here.

of the Central Baseball Association. at
the annual meeting at Burlington
Thursday, the Marshalltown represen-
tatives forced vote on the question
Of admitting this city to membership
succeeding Kewanee ILL.,, after a de-
termined effort had been made to post
pone action. and won the place from
the Illinois city withdrew their appli-
cation before the final vote was taken,
and Marshalltown was admitted by a
unanimous vote.
r The fight followed the admission of
Clinton to succeed Monmouth, and the
Clinton representative was seated and
given a vote. Clinton supported Mar
shalltown thruou.
Fight Grows Bitter.
1t became evident early in the day
that the opposition to Marshalltown's
admittance would bend every effort to
give Rock Island the place. Some of
the club owners, however, did not want
to vote on the question until a definite
decision as to the enforcement of the
tive-mile limit clause in the National
Association agreement could be had.
Under that agreement the law stated
specifically that a town could not have
recognized baseball club if it were
situated within five miles of town
where a club was maintained which
was recognized by the national COM
mission.
The decisions OF Secretary Farrell
were vague and cast doubt on the
question rather than aided the dele
gates IN considering the matter. A
large delegation was present from the
Illinois town, led by L, NJ. Casteel. The
delegates were willing to stand back
of the association in anything they
could do, both by moral support and
: by financial aid. They expressed a
Willingness to forfeit their $500 guar
antee in case there was a contro-
versy.
Delegates Get Mudded.
The doubt as to the strict legality Of
the admission of Rock Island was all
that prevented hasty action. The
Willingness of the islanders to promise
a. forfeit raised, the question as to
whether the fine Of $500 that is speci-
fed in the national agreement for any
league that violates territorial rights
Of another league could be assessed
for each game played there. There was
a. difference of opinion on the question
and this gave rise to a desire to post
pone action until some future date.
Some were Of the opinion that the fine
would be imposed but once, while 9TH
ers held that $500 would be assessed
for every game played AT Rock Island.
Manager Frank Boyle, of Ottumwa,
expressed the opinion that no fine
would be imposed, as the national COM
mission either would or would not rec
ognize Rock Island as a member Of
the association and in the event that
the city was not recognized, some other
town could be substituted.
Marshaltown Forces Issue.
When 1t was suggested that post
ponement be taken for two weeks, the
Marshalltown representatives forced
action by issuing their ultimatum.
They declared that unless they came
into the league at the Burlington meet
ing, Marshalltown would cease to be
an applicant for the place This dec
laration put the matter squarely be-
fore the delegates. and 1t was up to
them either to accept Marshalltown or
take a chance on voting the franchise
to a town which might not be able
to hold it's place in the league.
There was fear OF the final vote, as
It was apparent at that time that the
forces were about evenly divided. In
the event Of a tie the deciding vote
was in the hands OF President Justice
and he had declared himself for Mar
shalltown.
Discussion 10 Heated.
Belden Hill, Of Cedar Rapids. led
the fight for Marshalltown, and was
given the support OF President Justice
~
other members Of the recommendation
committed Clinton also Joined in sup
port of this city.
Leading the opposition were w. A.
Reed. Of Waterloo and Frank Boyle. Of
Ottumwa with the Burlington delega-
ton aiding. The other clubs We're
rather n-committai on the case, and
desired to await developments before
expressing any opinion on the mat
ter.
President F.. NJ Wilbur and Vice
President R. w. Scott. Of the Mar
zhalltown Baseball Association, pre-
scented their case in strong terms and
made it clear that Marshalltown was
ready to do business but would brook
no delay.
Rock Island Withdraws.
With the Marshalltown ultimatum.
sentiment CHdQSeu EdpiOiy anu ~ SUN
became apparent that Rock Island had
little chance Of winning the fight. Be-
fore the issue was forced to vote II
was announced that the islanders
would withdraw their application. This
left the field open and the vote for
Marshalltown was unanimous
Following the election of this city to
membership, enmity was forgotten and
the membership Of the league met and
discussed the playing schedule In per-
feet harmony.
The season will open May s, and the
schedule will call for a season Of 100
games, the season closing Sept. Z, La
Dor day. The schedule will be arranged
at once ard submitted to the clubs for
ratification.
Manager Richards Signed.
Manager Richards. Of the Kewanee
team. was present at the meeting and
following the meeting was signed to
manage the Marshalltown club. He ac
companied the Marshalltown delega-
fion tn this city MANAGER Richards