Evening public ledger. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1914-1942, 1916-02-17
NEW DRAFT RULE
TO HIT SNAG AT
LEAGUE MEETING
American Circuit Magnates
Express Desire to Turn
Down Ebbets' Suggestion
COMMISH SESSION OFF
Bu a stan Corrcsrordent

NEW YORK. Feb. 17.--Prior to going
into session at 1 o'clock this afternoon
| several American League magnates ex-
| pressed desire to turn down the new
| draft rule suggested by Charley Ebbets
+! of the Brooklyn club, and ratified by the
| National League. President Ban John
| son, of the American League, said he
could see no reason why the rule should
be adopted, but that he would present II
at the meeting.
"The rule reads all right, and probably
Il is, but / don't see why it should be
| adopted" said Johnson" The rule covers
only the drafting, and from experience in
the game l always have found that the
minor leaguers who are most desired are
always purchased.
Some OF our greatest players have
been secured in the draft, but in every
instance but one club put in a draft for
the players. As the main object OF the
rule Is TO allow the second division club
the preference in the drafting and first
division clubs generally purchase instead
of draft, 1 see no value in the rule.
Puts II Up to League
~ have no voice in the matter It is my
duty to place the National Leagues reso-
lutlons before the American League. They
will vote as they see fit, and / will be
perfectly satisfied with anything they
do"
AS 1t is well.known fact that Jolanson's
ideas usually are approved by the other
magnates, there appears to be little chance
for the rule being adopted 1t Is just an
other instance of the National League
acting and Ban Johnson coppering the
| move. In this matter Johnson Is certain
to be upheld by the other magnates.
Joe Lannin, owner of the Boston club,
said he was against tho rule, preferring
to leave well enough alone and for tho
two leagues to go along on the old lines.
Frank Navin, owner of the Tigers, heartily
indorsed Lannins sentiments. while the
other magnates did not even appear TO be
interested in the matter.
Important Matter
This was the most important matter to
| be taken up, as the sale of the Cleveland
club has already been approved, and the
| new owner, c. ]. Dunn, of Chicago, for
mally introduced.
There will be no meeting of the Ma
| tional Commission tomorrow. despite
statements to the contrary Garry Herr
manu. chairman of the commission, wired
that he might possibly arrive tomorrow
| but after comforting with President Tener
of the National League. Ban johnson
wired Hermann not to bother, and that a
| session would be held in Chicago early
| next week. This means that the meeting
| will be concluded in one day. with indica-.
tions pointing to an adjournment early
| tonight,
President Johnson announced that>C. j.
Dunn, the new Cleveland owner, Is not
the former Mayor of Chicago. as had been
| printed in a local paper. Johnson says
Dunn is one of the largest contractors
in the West, and man of the type
who will be a credit to the game. He de-
| plored the fact that Cleveland capital
! could not be secured and added that every
effort was made to have the club con-
trolled by home capital, but no one was
| Interested.
Trade RumOr Spiked
A wild yarn was printed this morning
that trade was under way between the
White Sox and Yankees, whereby Joe
Jackson, the famous slugger. would go to
New York in exchange for Fritz Maisel.
The rumor started in Chicago, and natu-
rally was picked up all over the country.
When MWild Rllln Donovan heard of II