New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-12-23
Defence for 100000 Ac-
ton To Be Framed at
Coming Meeting
By W. J. MACBETH

Ban Johnson, president Ct the Amer
lean League. has suggested TO his two
associates on the National Commission
that the annual meeting be held IN
Cincinnati on Tuesday, January 2, IN
stead OF Monday, January s, as pre-
viously agreed. Johnson wishes to get
the routine Of the Big Three dispensed
with so that all may bend their
energies to more important tasks, in
particular a defence OF the suit for
100000 brought by the Baltimore
Federal League Club hackers, which is
to be tried late in January, before a
jury at Philadelphia.
The constitution of the National
Commission sets the first Monday OF
each January as the date OF the an
nual meeting. The first Monday this
next year happens to be New Years
a legal holiday For that reason II
was decided at the annual major league
meetings to choose the second Monday
instead. Johnson Is anxious TO have
the Commission meeting as early as
possible so that the Joint schedule
committee. Of which the two major
league presidents are members, may
arrange playing dates for the coming
season.
Schedules Vary Little
As 4 rule. schedules follow a pretty
we'll defined groove OF routine. For
instance. the 1916 drafts last year were
almost identical with the schedules OF
1912. SO far as opening dates and the
holiday attractions are concerned, this
holds true necessarily. so as 10 give
the four Eastern clubs of each circuit
an even chance at the rich plums.
Next year. however, there may be a
possible complication. Indeed. II Is
limited that two separate schedules viii
be prepared For there is a posi-
bility that Sunday baseball may be
legalized in the State Of New York
before the next season begins. This
circumstance would handicap the
schedule committee greatly. With only
two parks for the three majors OF
greater New York it would require
clever Juggling to give each team an
even break on the Sunday dates.
At the National Commission meeting
Ban Johnson intends 70 strike even
more vigorously than ever before az
the evil of betting. which has seriously
threatened the health OF the sport for
some years. The two major leagues
last season took every precaution to
suppress gambling Dozens Of profeS-
l. 81 -
of the various parks. with the request
that they should not call again.
But the minor leagues, II is said.
have not been so discriminating as TO
tho class Of patronage. Even now there
Is near scandal in the American As
ISOLATION. A Toledo sporting writer a
day or two ago sssailed the manage
ment Of Kansas City. He declared that
it was the practice Of certain "hxers"
Of that city last season 10 try TO infu-
ence second division clubs 10 arrange
games so as 20 maze the contests dead
certainties for the CLIQUE that backed
the home team.
Management Passive
The writer did not question the in
tegrlty Of tho game or the players:
Nlhlp4g N'plbltu Inv passive ATTITUDE OF
the management toward such known
sharp practice
Ever since the death o. racing around
New York IN 1908 first attracted the
gambling element in large numbers 10
baseball parks. Ban Johnson has been
on the trail Of the bettors. Ele will
put up 10 the commission plan Of
drastic action TO stop this nuisance
The American League boss will pro-
pose sort Of owners liability law
which will hold each club pres dent
responsible for the conduct Of MS pa
irons. This. n is believed. will instill
greater vigilance. Johnson intends 20
have the liability apply as well TO
minor league club presidents.
Only two Of Connie Mack's Athletics
are signed for 1917 Which should fur