Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1915-06-06

the stationery again during
IS$ESsEk4H the week, and the outcome
- was a most astonishing letter
to the managers of the clubs of the
league. In his remarkable communica-
lion, the president Of the league told the
managers they we're to lay before the
players and at once secure assent to one
of two propositions: Either the players
are to continue during the season on
percentage basis, or they must accept
an immediate and radical cut In pay.
Failing 70 acquesce in either of these
plans will subject the player to the ut
most possible punishment. as the presi-
dent will suspend the playing season OF
the league and thus throw all the play
ers out OF work. II either Of the plans
is adopted and a player declines to ac-
cept Il. he will be sent to lower classi-
fication. One wonders Just where the
president OF the Western league derives
the power that will enable him to carry
out in full his plans.
The situation in which the Western
league finds itself is just a little bit
peculiar, and maybe prccarious, but 1t
seems & trffle early in the season to
talk of dlsbanding because OF the bad
weather. II IL were possible to forecast
the weather for the entire season, and
know that the rains would continue, then
some reason for giving up might exist.
But three-fifths of the playing season
vet remain, and with reasonable pros
poet that favorable conditions Will attend
the majority OF tho games. It II true
that the owners have already sustained
heavy losses as a direct result OF the
untoward weather conditions, and Rourko
of Omaha is very likely the heaviest
loser, as he was Tained out OF the best
part OF his first home series, at time
when his team was going along well, and
public interest was keen. Mr.. Rourke
estimates his loss at not less than 5000
on this account. and he is probably
under rather than over the mark. adj
hitting this. there is yet time to rscoup
with favorable weather
To begin with, the player IL protected
by a contract which. II base ball con-
tract is worth anything, gives him assur-
ance of mis- pay at a certain rate during
the playing season, or as long as his
services are satisfactory and he Is moi
guilty of such misbehavior as would sub
iect him to dismissal from the service
of the club How can Mr.. O'Neil sci
aside, these contracts? Again, under
what show of right can he assign 9
PLAYER to a lower classification II 9
player be dismissed from the service o.
the Western league, he is at liberty L
sign anywhere he can get employment
and no member or official Of the West
ern league can legally interfere with him
II the league breaks its contract with the
player, he not only becomes free agent
but II would be the height of in1pudenc'
for the president of that league TO sug
gest that he be not employed eisewher'
because OF his having incurred the au
gust dispieasure of the executive.
lust why the players should be re
ouested 20 share the losses of the team
is not apparent. They are never invite
TO participate in any profits OF the ven
ture, and It's poor rule that doesn'
work both ways. The player 10 engage'
at a rate Of pay the owner thinks vii
make his services profitable. II h
doesn't deliver the goods. no is set adrift
n he does deliver. he ought to have tn
rate agreed upon. Western league play
ers. in common with all others undo
the National agreement, suffered re
duetton in pay at the beginning of tn
present season. and no very good reaso
exists why they should be asked 10 agei
submit 70 have their rates siashed
the owners feel It would be unwise
continue through the season at the pres
ent rate. their better course would be
close up shop.
Whatever is done. the situation
hardly hkely to be much improved as
result of the pronunolamento sent on
by the president of the league. This wa
one time whom Tip would have bee
doing his employers a real service b
keeping very quiet until after the meet
ing that has been called at Omaha fo
June II. 1t may result In another NEE
ing being called for an earlier date. bt
a will take come time 70 overcome II
unfavorabie impression caused by III
publicity givon
The Western league is not the onl
one in financial straits az a result {
public indifference. II looks as II "
were due for another readjustmsnt
base ball.
Bert Grover has made one three-bal
'hlt during his base ball career, and
got that Just in time TO beat Omaha
tight game.
Topeka stin clinss 20 the habit Of wa
oping Omaha, which is the only pleaEui
that outfit ever has
into each schedule some rain must IA
some days see empty seats.