Evening journal., 1915-03-10
SIGHT NO Peace
IN BASEBALL WAR
FederalS Will Fight Another
Season MagnateS
Say
WARD LEADING
FACTOR IN FIGHT

Tue otNunu uNAIiuhN " hAAuk AAt
warning factions in baseball together
has failed, and there will be no peace
agreement this year. This was learn
ed the other day. after It became
known that a "third-party" movement
TO bring organized baseball and the
Federal League together has been
checked. and that the Federal League
officials and directors had decided TO
try one more season OF opposition.
Robert B. Ward, owner OF the
Brooklyn Federal League club. now
recognized as the principal hacker Of
the Feds" because he has moro
money invested IN the league than
any Of the others, Is given credit for
blocking the movement 10 restore
peace. Ward has been considerably
''peeved" ever since he was denied
the privilege of buying a franchise in
the American or National League. He
refused 10 consider the offer to accept
him as the owner OF minor league
franchise, and when the New York
Yankees franchise was disposed OF TO
Messrs. Rupert and Huston. Ward de-
clared that he would have nothing
more to do with any peace negotia-
tions.
During the last week or so, how
ever, and, In fact, ever since the hear
ing of the Federal League suit In Chi
cago several weeks ago, there has
been an effort on the part of several
influential men in minor league ranks
to bring the rivals together. It is
said there were several secret confer
ences held in Chicago following the
court hearing, and IL was thought
very likely that the factions would
settle their differences. if not through
accepting two of the Federal League
promoters as club owners in organ
lied baseball. through some working
| agreement which would at least pre-
vent the future raid on the players.
1t is said that the prospects of a
peace agreement went so far that Ban
Johnson, who went TO the Pacific
coast with Charley Comiskey, of the
White Sox, cut short his schedule and
was prepared TO come back to New
York to meet those who had the plans
for a settlement well under way
Everything connected with this new
movement has been kept secret be
cause il was felt that too much pub
licity given the last attempt to max
peace caused the plans 10 miscarry.
Ward Is said 10 have virtually takei
the reins out of President Gilmore
hands and is determined to renew wa
on organized baseball The officials o
the latter organization are said Il
have been notified OF this. which ex
plains the recent activity on the par
Of the National and Americal Leagu
managers in inducing several of tn
players who jumped to the Fedora
League to return. This has simpl
added fuel to the fires in the inde
pendent ranks.
The Federals are making a careful
advance, however, as evidenced in IN
order issued by Robert Ward to lie
Magee. manager Of the Brooklyn Fed
erals. to do no business with Bill
James" The latter pitcher belong
10 the Boston Braves and was thei
star hurler last season. He has
contract for three years with Bosto
at $4,000 a year, which has two year
more to run. and is holding out 70
Sc 900 a year James opened Brooklyn
and the latter Is reported to have OF
fered James $4,000 a year to sign 70
three years and guarantee him pre-
lection.
For the last three weeks. accordin
10 information accepted as authentic
there has been concerted movemer
on the part Of the Federals 10 secur
the consent Of as many players in th
ranks OF organized baseball as poss
BILE to agree to jump when the signi
is given. President Ward declares n
player will be taken who has signe
a legal contract with any club in III
American or National League. an
this seems 10 have been proved by hi
order regarding James; but it is sal
players who are bound to organize
baseball have been dickering with tn
Federal agents. and the latter claii
TO have so players who are ready
desert.
What makes the latter claim appea
doubtful is the fact that several play
ers who deserted since the close {
last season have returned TO organ
lied baseball. II e had not been fo
the Wards being refused a franchis
in either one o. the two leagues Oh
chances are that a peace agTeemer
would have been reached before this
but now there is not the slightes
chance Of the two factions getting C
gether. and the prospects are that IN
war viii be carried on with more biz
terness than ever.