The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1916-12-12
PRESIDENT BARROW
AND CLUB OWNERS
REFUSE TO PAY SUM
Take Firm Stand Against National Commission and Organ
zaon Refuses Comply With Ruling It Means Virtual
Move Into outlawry-Pacifc Coast Backs 1nterna
tional League-Trouble Said To Be Brewing
In Baseball
BY INNS BROWN.

bIings of the annual winter meeting
OF the National League, which begins
here tomorrow. broke loose this af-
ternoon. and indications are that the
old league is going to experience
rtp-roaring session. In fact, ii Is more
than probable that within the week
developments of a highly sensational
character, concerning the National
si1eague gathering here. as well az the
American League conclave in Chicago
will burst forth.
In short. the entire organization Of
baseball as II is now constituted APP
pears to be threatened with a mighty
npheaval Another war is not UNI
likely. This time the trouble is of an
internal nature rather than from out
side sources. as was the case with the
late Federal League outbreak.
prominent men in baseball. both in
major and minor league circles. ar
irving ahead of the National League
Tmeeting expressed themselves on the
quiet along the above lines. From a
very reliable source it was learned
that trouble is brewing actively in GER
tain quarters. part of the trouble
is within major league ranks, while
the more prominent minor circuits are
likewise contributing to the turmoil In
no light way.
Minor Leagues Cause Trouble.
In fact. the three Glass A leagues
!. are conceded to hc the source from
Z which real trouble is likely to pro-
coed For some weeks now IL has
been known that these organizations
are very much in earnest over two
propositions which they are going TO
urge on the present baseball organza
tion. These nre exem ption OF the
present draft arrangement and repre-
fentation on the government body of
the game
The draft position is a simple mat
Ter The Glass IA leagues are ask
ing that their clubs be freed from the
rule which permits the majors TO
select one man from each club at
stipulated price.
The other matter Is more involved
however. what amounts 10 an en-
ttireiy new arrangement from mat
which exists at present is asked In
other words. tho smaller leagues are
asking that new high tribunal he
instituted 10 take the place of the
present National Commission. The
new body according To the plan adj
vanced is to he composed Of two rep
resentatives OF the minors ono from
each Of the majors. and a fifth man
who will serve as chairman, who IS
In no way connected with baseball.
In order tn make such change
-the present national agreement will
3 have to be amended. In order 10
amend this, the unanimous vote Of
the two major leagues. and also the
board of directors of the National
Association, must he obtained. 1t Is
plainly TO be seen. therefore that even
one club OF either big league can
block the plan.
Just here Is where the trouble is
likely 70 arise. according 10 those who
are supposed 70 he on the inside"
= Should such a move he made 10 block
the scheme. it is predicted that at
least one league. and possibly more.
'Whl pun out OF the agreement. It
is claimed that the Pacific Coast
League Is ready and willing to make
the move. returning to State of out
1awry in the sight Of the orranira-
ton.
Oppose National Commission.
In their meeting this afternoon the
interna tional League adopted a meas
IRE declining to comply With the rul-
Ing of the National Commission in
y tho matter nj claim entered by
Charles II Ebbets. of the Brooklyn
club. against the International circuit
, for damage. alleged to have been suf-
fered in withdrawing from the New
ark field.
Ebbets entered a claim against the
league. reciting n loss of $74, coo in
sion awarded him damages tn the ex-
tent of approximately $4,000. Today's
meeting was the first held by the
International League since the ruling
was handed down and their action is
taken as answer TO the ruling of the
comm ssion.
In case this league fatty refuses to
comply with the ruling of the COM
mission 1t will result in a loss of
Z membership in the organization This
means loss of protection and a vir
fual move into outlawry.
In addition to these minor league
differences, the National league is
= also buse-h troubles f+efta- wit hin
Barney Dreyfus. president of the
4 Pittsburg club, Ia making spirited
fight on Gerry Hermann. chairman
of the National Commission, demand
ing that he be removed. II is under
stood that Dreyfus has succeeded in
enlisting the support of some two or
three more club owners in his cir
& cult.
With the organization besieged thus
from different quarters. 1t appears
that strenuous times are to follow
shortly. The minor leaguers are pre-
pared to submit their issues to tho
National League at the meeting be-
ginning tomorrow and will then pro-
reed to Chicago, where showing Is
10 be made before the American
!. League gathering there.
Both the International League and
the American Association are well
represented here now. Six club own
ers from the latter were on hand to-
day, looking the field over and con-
ferring with their brethren OF the In
ternationai League. Also 1t is expect
ed that J. Cal Ewing. representing the
\ Pacific Coast League. will he here in
fine to take hand in the submit
ting Of the above matters to the Ma
Z tional League.