Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1917-01-31
GR|FF GETSS35,0OO
FOR MONTANA LAND
Disposes of 5000 Acres of
Ranch Property at Craig
for Top Price.
OPTIMISTIC AS TO TEAM
BY DENMAN THOMPSON.

Clark Grifths bank balance was in
Creased to the extent of $4,000 yester-
day when he consummated deal for the
disposal of his land holdings in Mon
tana- GriT first entered into negotia-
tons for the sale of his ranch last De-
cember when he went to Montana and
had several conferences with the pros
pective purchasers, but IT was not until
yesterday that the transaction was COM
pleted.
Griffth's holdings were located at
Craig. Mont, and comprised 5000 acres,
about 1000 acres of which lie owned
outright. the remainder being held on
lease from the state As a result of
this deal he has relinquished title to
the land he owned and also turned over
the undecided property TO the new own
ers, who, under the laws of the state
have first call to buy it should it be
placed upon the market. GriG appeared
much gratifed over the deal. and said
the price he obtained was comparatively
high. He now owns no land in Montana,
his sole remaining property there con-
sisting of about seventy head of horses,
which have been turned loose in the hills
for the winter and which he plans to
dispose of next spring.
washington's base ball impresario
was in a particularly optimistic mood
regarding the 1917 outlook for the Ma
tionals today and declared he could as
sure the fans now that he could place
a team on the field opening day.
Seeming a possible change of the man
ayers firm policy of Withholding the
names of players signed, he was asked
whether he meant that full team of
regulars already was available. GrifY
grinned and sidestepped.
didn't say that" he interposed. II
won't say what players I refer to- 1t
wouldn't be fair to those who have
signed. What 1 do say is that ! can
place a complete team in the field, not
makeshift combination, either, but
ball team the Washington fans woald
be proud Of
First Baseman Vic Safer. of the
Chicago Nationals has signed a 1917
contract. although it called for a slight
reduction in salary. according to Presi-
dent Weeghman, who announces that
Pitcher Gene Packard and Outfielder
F-lack also have signed.
Safer contradicts the statement of his
boss. however. denying positively that
word of truth in it," Safer wired today
from Lansing, Mich. where he Is winter
ing. Take your choice
Outielder James Walsh and Short
stop SCOtI nave come 10 terms
with the world champion Boston Amer
leans. President Frazee has announced.
Scott's demand for an increase over
last years figures was found to be
warrented by the players work last
season, Frazee said, and had been
granted. Twelve of the Red Sox now
are signed or under agreement to sign,
according to the club executive.
From st. Louis comes word that
fifteen of the Browns have signed 1917
contracts, Business Manager Hickey
announcing that six pitchers. two
catchers, four infielders and three out
fielders are in the fold.
That Waiter MaIanyue., is on the
tionals is indicted by the. announce
ment of President Haughton that he
had a pleasant conversation" with the
teams shortstop yesterday over the
salary question. and that they had
agreed to meet again within a short
time. Haughton said that at Maran-
ville's request the details Of the con-
ference will not be made public
Another Boston player, member Of
the Red Sox. has sent back unsigned
his 1917 contract with a request for an
player is Carl Mays. The famous pitcher
of the subway balr' received that
much increase last season and asks it
again. He is a member of the frater-
nifty.
Pitcher Bill Doak of the ST. Louis Ma
tionals is another who has sent back
his contract unsigned. Doak makes no
mention of salary differences, but says
he has pledged himself to stand by the
players fraternity and intends to ad-
here TO his promise.