New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1917-02-15
McGraw Helps to Arrange
Peace Agreement-Play-
erS Free to Sign
Nv w. J. MACBETH


Baseball Players Fraternity, agreed 10
call off the threatened strike of the
PLAYERS, conditional upon assurance
that the two major leagues would as
sume no vindictive attitude toward
those Fraternity members who had
pledged themselves to await orders
from headquarters before signing.
The strike withdrawal was outlined
by the following official announcement
from Fultz:
Owing TO the unfair position
in which the major league club
owners have been placed in the
present baseball controversy be-
tween owners and players, the FRA
ternity has submitted to the own
ers the following proposal; 10 re-
lease all players from tneir
pledges not to sign contracts upon
the understanding that the owners
will not discriminate against IRA
ternity PLAYERS nor discipline them
for their loyalty to the FRATERNITY
in observing their pledge
Jobn T. McGraw was further instru-
sental in Matching up this new peace
aoreement John consulted the FRA
terni+v executive several times yester-
dav morning and did valuable service
ae d;spatch bearer between the bel
Iigerent player element and the parent
major. All Fultz wished was assurance
4het there would be no discrimination
against the Fraternity hold-outs: John
X Tener aud his National League
henchmen pointed out that IN view OF
their published statements OF the
morning such statement was rlolcu-
lous.
Strike at an End
Fultz has not as yet called of the
etrike. He will do so when ohcla!l!
the American League announces IT'S
sense of moral obligations to It's hold-
ont brigade. The American League
will meet to-day at the Wolcott hoIeI.
The calling off of the strike is simply
q matter of routine now. The Amerl-
CON League cannot discriminate
against its holdouts any more Vhdn
could the National League. Its pledge
is given in the form OF contract
adopted by the National COMMISSION
and ratified by the NauohaI anu
American leagues A clause IN TINS
contract form states specifically that
10 discrimination can be made between
Fraternity and non-Fraternlty mem
hers The strike. then, is at an end.
The advance guard of the American
League while deploring at least LOT
rublication even the indirect way WIN
which the National League treated with
the revolutionists, seemed nevertheless
relieved that the union surrender hau
come. =.
$50 far as the American League IS
concerned" said Ban Johnson most
emphatically. mo such organization as
+be Fraternity exists. We do not pro-
nose 10 recognize any communications
or advances from this body. but
whether or not a player belongs TO the
so-ealled union will make no dl1erehce
whatever in his relations with one Oh
my club owners.
"American League players must treat
as individuals with their employers, as
they always have in the past. Inc
American League never countenanced
persecution nor does IL intend to re-
sort to such practices in the future.
No Threats Against Henry
Mr.. johnson was careful to point out
that he and his associates had no
grievances against Fraternity members
or officials. The American League
president declared he had never made
any threat to drive catcher John Henry
Of the Washington club, out Of the
game for his labors in the strike prop
uganda.
can interview with which had nothing
10 do was attributed to me-" saId Nj.
johnson. "This said / was determined
TO drive Henry out Of the American
League. That is not So Henry's fut-
IRE is a matter for the Washington
club. and the Washington club only, TO
decide II the Washington club should
feel that this player attempted any
form Of conspiracy | personally should
back II 10 the limit in any disciplinary
action IL might take. That IS the only
stand will take against Henry or any
other player" &C.,,
Aside from the strike situation little
Of moment transpired at the closing
session of the National League schedule
meeting. The schedule itself was not
published. II was referred 20 Presl-
dent Tener for release. 1t is the Amerl-
can Leagues turn 20 announce Its
schedule this year before the National
League dates are made public.
The constitutional clause which
limits the period Of spring training
was amended. Hereafter clubs will be
allowed 70 90 into training on February
Is. instead Of on March /, as formerly.
This change was made 20 accommodate
the Cubs. Chicago will arrive on the
Coast the night Of February "a. The
first SQUAD Of Giants will reach Marlin
about the same time.
A rule was adopted 10 prevent
strengthening Of pennant contenders IN
the flag end OF a pennant race. No
player may hereafter be released from
one National League club 70 another
after August 20 Of each year, except
first he IS passed through the regular
waiver channels
Contracts Are Uniform
II was decided that no change could
be made in the wording Of any phrase
or clause OF the present form Of CON
tract. This is self-evident pledge
that no discrimination can be made be
tween Fraternity and non-Fratemlty
members. II will not be illegal Tor
club owners 20 incorporate in the con-
tract form any side agreements or
bonus arrangements that the owner and
player care 20 make.
Hereafter each club president Of the
National League will be included in the
board Of directors; in other words, the
board will be eight instead Of FIVE.
The National League did not discuss
any proposed military measures. Nor
40 n consider any amendment OF the
existing rules IN ne world series. The
question Of further restricting the
roster limit Of each club was forgotten
90 soon as the strike fzzled.
II Is planned 20 hold meeting Of the
National Commission this morning
The American League will not meet